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#but there's nothing preventing her from pursuing him
starliteonearth · 11 months
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This might piss some people off but it really feels like Sylvie doesn't need or want Loki in her life romantically, or even platonically. She seems perfectly content to be by herself and doesn't seem desire to be in a romantic relationship, with anyone. She's hit that point of it's me time, i'm focusing on me, on my happiness, on my well-being, and dating is not on my mind at all. Look at all their interactions in this season. It's always him going to her, reaching out to her, and she always walks away in the end. Even in the latest episode, at the bar when she's the most serene I've ever seen her, it all seemed like a final goodbye for her, closure, telling him to move forward with his life as she's doing with hers. And then she picks up her stuff and walks away.
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unladielike · 1 year
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"What do you think?" And she revealed a sketch page full of Ryuto, just drawn even more handsome, as pure realism wasn't her forte but stylization. There were even two headshots of a black haired guy, one looking rather embarrassed. While Ryuto remained mostly cold looking in all sketches. One even without shirt. "What you don't know yet, he actually exists... I just have no photos of him yet, but he's so arrogant and smart... and mean and stupid... I wanna kiss him," Fang confessed and buried her head into her sketchbook. "He's also so tall... but... do you think I'm stupid?" She suddenly asked. "Or sound stupid?" Was it that bad?
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                UNPROMPTED ASKS. » always accepting!
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    "You're way too hung up over this guy is what I think," Vivian finally sighs while adjusting her glasses; then again, it wasn't like she couldn't relate. Why, as much as she claimed to prefer 2D men, there were moments where she admittedly lusted after real men and masturbated over them depending on how attractive he was or how nice he was towards her. "But he looks really good in your style and gives off major mean dom vibes," she then reluctantly admits after lowering her hand back down along her side.
    Sure enough, though, Vivian proceeds to shake her head. "No, no, I believe he exists, Fanettie... you don't gotta worry about that!" she assures her, for when it came down to it, she didn't doubt Ryuto was a real, living breathing human, no matter how much Fang had blabbed about how cute he was... and sure enough, she'll continue letting her bespectacled gaze roam over the page.
    "Trust me, I know... and the way I see it, you can't exactly control who you're attracted to, regardless of whether or not it's rational, so in that sense, you aren't stupid for having a type," Vivian stresses. "Some men are just... way out of our league; therefore, it's best you don't chase them, unless you wanna end up becoming disappointed by reality." Despite her words, however, there could be no denying the fact Ryuto Tsukishima did at least sound attractive, to the point where she could understand where Fang was coming from; then again, as someone who had a degradation and humiliation kink, she may simply be a biased masochist.
@badheart
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chuluoyi · 7 months
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𝒔𝒂𝒚 𝒏𝒐 !
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- gojo satoru x reader
valentine's is around the corner and word has it that you're going on a date with geto...? no way! gojo is going to make sure that you're saying no! ever wonder how gojo finally gets you to become his? be prepared for a confession of a lifetime!
genre/warnings. crack, semi-failed love confession (it's gojo, what do you expect?), poor geto, and of course, fluff !!
notes. i genuinely love writing this :') loser gojo has always have a soft spot in my heart *sighs* i'd recommend listening to beautiful & because of you - beast (highlight) for this !!
a part of gojo's love entries and valentine's special !
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Satoru doesn't really pay attention to holidays. To him, it's all the same—he can turn everyday into a holiday if he wanted to.
However, Valentine's Day is an exception. He knows it and is somewhat excited even. Why, you ask? Because this is the moment he has chosen. He's going to make you his on that very day.
He had everything planned out to perfection: skylit rooftop, bouquet of roses, eloquent speech (at least, he thought so). He was going to charm the pants out of you and it'd be a smooth-sailing event, he was sure of it!
At least until he heard that life-shattering gossip—
"I saw Geto-san asking her out for the 14th just now!"
"What?" he snapped his head in Haibara's direction, who was eagerly sharing with him and the others what he had allegedly heard, his eyes practically sparkling with excitement.
"Ehh, not bad," Shoko mused with a hint of amusement, casting a curious look his way. It was obvious she was enjoying this.
Nanami let out a thoughtful hum. "That's quite a surprise. I didn't think they'll go that fast."
"But how?!" Satoru suddenly exploded, grabbing Haibara by the collar. "How did that slimy bangs go from saying nothing to asking her out?!"
"O-oh Gojo-san! Don't squish me, please!"
And from then onwards, his focus was set: preventing you from falling into Suguru's grimy hands. Absolutely no way! He was so close already. He was on the cusp of winning your heart, and he knew it!
Now, you laughed at his jokes, you didn't ignore him as much, and you even asked him if he was okay after his recent mission! That was huge progress, even Satoru knew as much. And no, even if it was Suguru, he refused to hand you over to him.
On the 14th, you were going to be his... even if it cost him everything!
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Gojo Satoru is annoying. You supposed you knew that already, but over these past few days, his ability to get on your nerves somehow had ascended to a wholly new level.
"I'm telling you, you should go with me! I'm going to take you somewhere amazing!" he practically demanded right up in your space, prompting you to let out a long-drawn sigh.
By all means, his attempts to woo you were all lame. He didn't know the first thing about being humble, and logically, you should have been more inclined to push him away.
‘Should’ being the operative word, because, somehow, over the past few weeks, you've started to see his antics as not just bearable but even endearing in a way. No one had ever pursued you with such relentless zeal before him, and it became increasingly difficult to overlook the way your heart fluttered in response to his (occasionally dubious) attempts to win you over.
So, right now, it really wasn't because you were playing hard to get. "Gojo, I've told you already. I can't on that day, I've already got plans," you sighed, exasperated.
He shot you a glance, his expression shifting into a brazenly raised eyebrow. "With Suguru?"
"How do you—"
"Tell him no," Satoru pressed, scowling. "Tell him I asked you first."
"In fact, he asked first—"
“Just say no!”
“No!”
"You're seriously going on a date with him?" he questioned, almost in disbelief. "And what, you're going to confess to him too?"
His tone didn't sit well with you, causing your irritation to rise. You frowned and retorted boldly, "And if I do? It's not like you can do anything about it anyway."
Wait, that actually hurts. Satoru was now irked too. Hadn't he shown enough for you to understand just how much of a big deal it was for him? Didn't you know he actually likes you so much that it made him toss and turn on some nights?
(No, you didn't really know. He just made himself look stupid most of the time. You were not that impressed.)
"As a matter of fact, I can," he began, expression turning into a slight sneer. "I can and I will if you still insist on going with him."
"Wha?"
"I'm going to crash your party so hard, you'll wish you hadn't gone behind my back. The audacity he has, trying to steal my girl!"
"You sound like a creep," you couldn't help blurting out, wide-eyed. "And I'm not your girl—"
"You—are quite heartless." His gaze on you behind that glasses hardened, and you were suddenly taken aback by how upset he looked. "I'm giving you my all—I think about you all day and night I think it's actually making me crazy!"
You stared at him, genuinely dumbfounded this time, realizing that somehow or another now, he was pouring his emotions out.
"Nothing I say will make sense to you, but whatever—" he exhaled sharply in frustration. "It's always you—in my mind. Compared to anyone else now, you're the prettiest. And if you were to ask me to pull a Blue on Ichiji right now, I'd probably do it! You see now—what you have done to me?"
"Ichiji? Gojo—!"
"You might think I did all of this for your attention, and yes, you’re right! That's how much you've messed with my head!"
. . .
Oh, now he had really gone and done it, hadn't he? He had laid it all bare, every last bit of it—the chaotic heap stacking up as his botched confession. And there were no roses, no rooftop, and none of the grandeur he had envisioned. This was so not how he wanted it to go at all.
Satoru grimaced, suddenly regretting this turn of events. He had seen it coming already—you calling him a total weirdo and then leaving him in the dust. Just the thought was enough to make his heart squeeze. Wanting to escape before it became a reality, he abruptly turned on his heel and walked away from you.
He barely made it a few steps away before he felt a firm tug on his arm.
"Wait! Gojo!"
You grabbed his arm tightly, forcing him to turn towards you. Satoru stubbornly refused to meet your gaze, his lips pressed into a massive pout. Yet, beyond that display of defiance, you could discern a hint of heartbreak splashed across his face, and it made your stomach churn.
Always trying to make you look at him. Always trying to get you to smile through his lame jokes. Making himself stupid on purpose. Frustrated when his feelings went unnoticed… All Gojo Satoru did thus far finally added up.
So it's true... he likes me this much...?
In that moment, warmth flooded through you. This idiot. Everyone said he was no good, but your heart couldn't help but leap, and a flurry of butterflies seemed to dance in your stomach.
In this instant, everything seemed to fall into place. Any doubt you might have melted away, leaving only a sense of certainty about your feelings. Everything just feels absolutely right.
"I'm not going on a date with Geto, you know."
"Huh?" Upon hearing that, he swiveled to face you, his gaze intensively searching your face for further explanation.
With a huff, you elaborated, "It's for my Grade One promotion mission. Geto-san asked to join me for it."
"But why? He doesn't need to—"
"He wants to tag along to absorb more cursed spirits, you see..."
"Oh, amassing new little friends, I see," Satoru quipped, face scrunching up distastefully.
His mood seems better now, you noted. You exhaled, your heart suddenly felt like it was pounding louder. "So, you've got the wrong idea. It sucks but my Valentine's day is going to be spent on a mission."
A beat passed by before he finally spoke again, still sheepish and avoiding eye contact. "I'm coming with you too, for that... mission or whatever."
You pressed your lips together, trying to ignore the warmth spreading across your face. "And?"
"And... huh?"
"That's all? Nothing else you want to add?"
And suddenly his eyes sparkled back to life. Beyond those ridiculous round glasses, his bright, yet steadfast eyes met yours with such vibrant shine it made your chest thump so hard and face flush with matching intensity.
Silly, silly boy... liking me so much that he turns stupid.
"Actually, I've got plenty more to say!"
With an indignant snort, you released his arm. "Well, I'm waiting. Because what you just said before has to be the most underwhelming confession I've ever heard."
"Wha? Hey! That wasn't my confession! Just you wait, I'll do it over, and this time, I'll make you swoon so hard you'll forget how Suguru's face looks like!"
And on the night of February 14, he truly surpassed himself once again in making a terrible confession, and yet it still signified the day you truly became his—the beginning of your life together, which along the way, would be filled with more shenanigans, endless laughter and of course, love.
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Epilogue
"Haibara, I really thought you're the most sensible here! I can't believe you!"
Suguru massaged his temples with utter grievance. So this was the cause of his headache and constant death stares Satoru gave him these past few days—the three people gathering in front of him!
"I've told you already, Nanami—Gojo is really going through with it," Shoko cackled with utter satisfaction. "Now, pay up."
"Ieiri-san... sigh— from now on, I'm not participating in your bets anymore."
Haibara, who went with Shoko's suggestion to incite this, sheepishly laughed. "Ehe, Geto-san, all that ends well is well though, no?"
"Satoru was really about to skin me alive! Ugh, and you almost ruined my date too..."
"Eh? Date?" All three sets of eyes suddenly fixed on him in utter astonishment. "Who?"
-> continue to 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 (with geto suguru—soon!)
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varyajc · 2 months
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UNHEALTHY BEHAVIORS(?) THE HASHIRA HAVE
Pillars x GN!Reader
a/n; Friendly reminder that this is how I view them. None of the things below are canon or hating on their character. I’d also like to add; I don’t know what to make the title, so I’m making it unhealthy behaviors. Some may be healthy, some may not, so ignore the title and enjoy these headcanons (?)
warnings; unintentional gaslight / intentional gaslighting, toxic behaviors / habits, angst(ish), toxic relationships(?)
bold words = unhealthy behaviors
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GIYU TOMIOKA
~He has extreme depression episodes to the point he doesn’t want to see you, in order to prevent you from getting hurt.
Tomioka loves you, he really does. However, in order to prevent him from hurting your feelings (or hurting you in general) he distances himself whenever things get slightly bad. He thinks he’s a disease and doesn’t want to affect you in away way, so he does it in the worst way possible; not talking with you.
~He ghosts you unintentionally
This is similar to the first one, however, he does it whenever he’s feeling better, but still feels guilty for not interacting with you. He doesn’t speak with you, avoids you like the plague, sometimes doesn’t attend Hashira meetings in order to avoid you. After a few months, he goes back to you like nothing had happened. This ended up the relationship forming between the two of you to die out.
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SHINOBU KOCHO
~She’s really rude to you for no “apparent” reason.
When the two of you started your relationship, you knew she masks her hostility with a soft smile. She didn’t feel the need to mask her true self around you. However, she can be rude to you for no reason or that something is bothering her. Sure, she’s a mature person, but even mature people can be petty. She doesn’t tell you what’s wrong and even sometimes blames it on you.
~She doesn’t take your concerns seriously.
This applies to her consuming poison. You worry for her health, obviously voicing your concerns. However, she brushes it off like it’s nothing. You guys had numerous arguments because of this subject.
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KYOJURO RENGOKU
~He’s too pushy
Whenever you need comfort, he tends to give advice that would more likely help his situation rather than your own. He doesn’t understand why you won’t take it, he tends to get upset because you don’t ’trust him.’
~Too positive
He always tries to find the bright-side of the situation. For example: whenever somebody you’re close with passes or gets severely injured, he always tries to find positive energy of the situation. Which, understandably, makes you upset. He doesn’t mean it, yet he can’t help it in a way?
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TENGEN UZUI
~He gets upset when things don’t go his way
Now, I’m not saying this man is a child, but I do sometimes see him getting upset over things that aren’t important. Like, choosing where the five of you get to eat, who’s choosing the dress, etc. He just finds it somewhat degrading..in a way. Like, he’s the man, of course he should have the final say in everything. (Sarcasm)
~His mood determines everybody’s moods
Whenever he’s angry, everybody else’s mood is suddenly down. The air is extremely palpable.
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MITSURI KANROJI
~Overthinks, a lot. This sweet angel, known as Mitsuri, tends to overthink a lot. She knows you’ll never cheat on her or betray her in anyway, but she still can’t help that you have eyes for somebody else or wants to pursue someone else. You have reassured her many times that your eyes are on her and her only, but she still has doubts and it just won’t go away. She wants it to go away, but it simply can’t. These doubts in her mind made her somewhat self-conscious.
~Unintentionally guilt-trips you.
Mitsuri tends not to watch her wording or how it’s phrased, so she’ll often say things like, “I’m sorry, I’m such a screw-up, I ruin everything.” However, I don’t think she’ll word it like that, but it’s something along those lines. She doesn’t mean too, but it just slips out, like word vomit.
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OBANAI IGURO
~Is extremely controlling, jealous, and manipulative + it’s all intentional
This man right here, knows you better than anybody else, he KNOWS how to get into your head and make you rethink everything. “You’re crazy, I never said that!” Or something along those lines. He always twists things into thinking you did something wrong instead of him.
~He twists your words often
Despite Obanai’s tough demeanor, he actually takes everything bad you say about him to heart. He often uses it against you or make it sound worse than it already is.
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SANEMI SHINAZUGAWA
~Extremely possessive
Unlike Obanai, this man knows you can’t and won’t find somebody better than him. However, he still likes to claim his territory? I guess you can say. Whenever you’re out and about with friends, he’s calling you like something happened, and when you rush over to his side, he always repeats “Oh, I just wanted to spend some time with you, baby.”
~He can’t open up
Sanemi is NEVER willing to open up to you, no matter how much you try to persuade him. He pushes you away, and, sometimes, yells at you for trying to persuade him. He doesn’t mean it, I think, however, he finds it offensive that he needs to open up.
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a/n; UGH. I didn’t do Muichiro + Gyomei because this an an 18+ reader and I dunno how to write for Gyomei..so. Yh! Anyways, I hope you enjoy.
@varya-jc — DO NOT TRANSLATE, REPOST, OR CLAIM MY CONTENT AS YOUR OWN! YOU WILL GET BLOCKED AND REPORTED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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munsonsmixtapes · 3 months
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Paint Me
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Benedict Bridgerton x fem!inexperienced!American!reader
cw: MDNI (18+) Benedict receives a handjob, suggestive language, reader has a complicated relationship with her family, reader has a nightmare and has a panic attack
word count: 6k
This is part two! Here’s part one!
Tag list: @allyjoe755 @syraxnyra @sublimepenguinpeach-blog @pumkiinpasties @werewolf-witchboy
February 12, 1817
You never thought that living in a bigger house would actually have been worse than your small one. Your mother had gotten meaner and your sister had been named the diamond of the season so she was even more confident than usual because she was the center of attention. Because that was exactly what she needed. More attention. You had attended multiple balls over the past few weeks and Kate had stuck to you like glue, helping you through everything, giving you pointers and even having you meet men to dance with.
You reminded her so much of Edwina that she felt the need to help you realize your full potential. Telling you that even though you were supposed to be seeking a husband that you didn’t have to have one of that was not what you wished. It was frowned upon, but she felt the need to support you in whatever you wanted to do since none of your family seemed to do so.
You entered the ball with your mother, father, and sister and Kate made a beeline for you, curtsying to all of you and you couldn’t help but notice the tension between her and your mother. Unbeknownst to you, they had been butting heads as far as your potential husband had been concerned. Kate had insisted that you didn’t have to marry and your mother wouldn’t have it. She needed you to be married off so she never had to speak to you again.
To keep the peace, you pulled Kate along to get some lemonade. She handed you a cup and you sipped on the drink, eyeing her, wondering what was going on in her head. But she wouldn’t tell you. She already knew that you relationship with your mother had been rocky so she decided to keep what had been said to her behind closed doors a secret to prevent the tension from getting worse.
You looked around the room and spotted Benedict by the wall, scribbling in what looked like a small notebook. You were surprised to see him since he hadn’t been at any of the other balls since the one where you had danced together. You wondered if he would have danced with you again if you had asked. Or maybe he had been avoiding you. That would have made sense. It seemed that everyone always did that.
Benedict continued his sketch, waving off everyone who had tried to speak to him. He was obviously busy. The lighting was perfect where he was standing and he was able to get the details perfect. It was a rough sketch, but once he put it on canvas, it was going to easily be his best work.
“What are you working on, brother?” Benedict shut the book quickly as Anthony approached and he shoved the book in his pocket so it was out of sight. There was no way he was letting his brother see what he had been drawing. That was between him and God.
“Nothing,” the younger brother shrugged. “Just a little something to keep my mind occupied.”
“Right,” Anthony nodded. He knew his brother was private when it came to his unfinished work, but it almost seemed like Benedict didn’t want him to see the sketch at all. Something was very strange but he wasn’t going to press. “Are you going to be a wallflower all night or are you going to dance?”
“We both know the answer to that,” Benedict gave Anthony’s shoulder a pat.
Anthony stepped closer, resting a hand on Benedict’s shoulder as he brought his lips round his ear so no one else could hear.
“You are nothing but an embarrassment to this family,” he said, his words sounding like poison in Benedict’s ear. “This whole “rake” business needs to be put to rest. You are about to be thirty and haven’t even pursued a single woman or done anything with your life besides your artwork. You promised mother you would find a wife this season only to be running around with whores, completely abandoning your duties to this family.”
Benedict gulped as his brother spoke. Fear coursing through him. He was very well aware that Anthony was not opposed to a duel and could have easily put him in a hospital just from one punch. His threats were not empty and he was afraid of getting hit, his prized possession being ruined and he could no longer mess around like he had been.
“Stop with the silliness and find a wife or I swear everyone will know just how disgusting you are and you will be left with nothing. You will die alone and I will make sure that no one will show up to your funeral. Are we understood, brother?” With that, Anthony turned on his heel and went to look for his wife, feeling a weight life off him now that he had told Benedict what he had truly thought about him.
“Lady Danbury, this is y/n l/n,” Kate introduced you to the host of the evening to which you curtseyed gracefully.
“It is lovely to meet you, Miss l/n,” Lady Danbury nodded. “Viscountess Bridgerton has told me nothing but good things. She says you’re quite the artist.”
“Well-” you tried to deny it, but Kate cut you off.
“Oh, she is, Lady Danbury,” Kate told her. “She could easily make a living off of her work.” You didn’t think that was true in the slightest, but you were going to let her brag about you anyway.
“Are any of your pieces in the gallery tomorrow?” You had wanted to, but by the time you had heard about it, submissions were closed, which was really disappointing because you knew the exact one you were going to submit.
“I’m afraid not," you pursed your lips. "By the time I arrived, it was too late to submit.”
“That is too bad," Lady Danbury replied with a shake of her head. "I must host a gallery of my own to see your work.”
“Oh, that isn’t necessary, Lady Danbury," you let out a nervous laugh. "I’m afraid you’d be sorely disappointed.” You thought that to be true. you were always your harshest critic and always thought that compliments aimed towards you or your work were just people being nice, never quite believing the words no matter how true they were."
“I’m sure that’s not true. You must show me some time. I'd love to see it all." You knew you weren't going to win, so you decided to give in to appease the woman. You didn't want to upset the host, after all.
"Of course," you nodded and watched Lady Danbury's face light up as she caught sight over someone who was behind you. You turned around only to be met by a man you hadn't seen before. He had curly blonde hair and the prettiest hazel eyes that you had ever seen. What was a pretty man like him doing approaching you? He was the kind of man that Lilith would have ended up with.
"Nicholas Fitzwilliam," he introduced himself with a bow. "I saw you across the room and felt like I owed the prettiest woman in the room a dance."
"Oh-"
Your mouth went dry as his eyes looked into yours, a warm smile making its way upon his pretty, pink lips. You turned to Kate and Lady Danbury as if to ask for permission and they waved you off, encouraging you to dance with the stranger.
Nicholas offered his hand to you and you wordlessly took it, letting him lead you out onto the floor. The dance started not long after you got into your spots and you immediately recognized as the quadrille which you knew involved moving about the floor and joining hands with people who weren't your original partner.
As soon as Benedict saw you accept that dick's invitation to dance, he knew he had to find a partner and quick. He didn't know what he was doing, but what he did know was that he wasn't going to leave you out on the floor alone. He was just making sure that you were following the steps correctly, that was all.
He approached the first woman he could find and dragged her onto the dance floor as the music started. He watched you move about the room seeing that fucker making you laugh made him feel something he had never felt before when it came to other women: jealousy.
The man whispered something into your ear as the two of you spun around and seeing you throw your head back in a loud laugh was enough to make Benedict see red. He could hear his dance partner say something as the two of them spun around, but he couldn’t hear her. In fact, he didn’t give a single fuck. All of his focus was on you.
You were nervous to dance at first, but as Nicholas guided you through it, you realized just how much fun it was and he was even cracking jokes to make you feel better. If all of the men were guaranteed to be like him, maybe finding a husband wouldn’t have been so bad.
You slowly got to Benedict and the two of you joined hands as you made your spin and he wanted to know what your hands felt like without the gloves. If they were soft or rough. It didn't really matter, though. He just wanted them wrapped around his neck, choking him until he was gasping for air. He still wasn't able to shake his absolutely filthy thoughts about you. And now that you were right in front of him and that he could see the tops of your breasts, all he could think about was how much he wanted them in his mouth, licking and sucking on your nipples until your back arched in pleasure, screaming his name as your reached your orgasm.
"What are you doing here?" You asked, pulling him out of his thoughts and he looked down at you, his signature smirk making it's way upon his pretty pink lips. You had never had a thought like it before, but you found yourself wanting to know what they felt like. If they were as soft as they looked.
"What do you mean?" Benedict knew exactly what you meant, but he wanted to hear you say it. He wanted to hear you tell him that you missed him.
"You haven't been at the last three balls so I was surprised to see you here." He thought it was adorable that you had noticed that he wasn't there and
"Oh, so you noticed I was missing?" He put on a cocky smirk. He had you right where he wanted you.
"It was difficult not to when Anthony was complaining about it every time." You were mumbling your words, but Benedict was still able to hear you. The smirk faded and he didn't like the way his cock twitched at the fact that you didn't seem to notice that he hadn't been around until his brother mentioned it. You didn't seem to give a single fuck about him, but by the end of the season, he was going to make you care.
With that, you separated then joined your original partners and Benedict was still watching you, feeling jealousy rise as the man whispered in your ear again, making you giggle. He didn't know why he cared. He wasn't going to court nor marry you and clearly this man was a better fit for you. And maybe Anthony was right, all Benedict was was a rake and that's all he knew how to be. He wasn't fit to be a husband and he was just going to have to accept that.
He was going to give up all of his fantasies about you just so you could end up with a man who actually cared about you. That was what you deserved. Not someone who was only interested in having his way with you only to never want to see you again. He was perfectly fine with letting you slip through his fingers if it meant you were going end up with the right person.
The dance came to a close and Nicholas led you back over to Kate and Lady Danbury, his hand still holding yours as you stood there making conversation with the three of them. He then turned to you and bowed and for whatever reason, you didn't want to see him go. You had such a nice time with him and almost wanted to ask him to dance again, but you couldn't get yourself to. You didn't have the confidence. Lilith would have, though. She would have and Nicholas certainly would have said yes. But you weren't Lilith. You weren't your sister and you never would be and you just wished that people would realized that you were your own person.
"It was an absolute pleasure, Miss l/n," he said and you smiled in response, feeling your heart swell because someone was dancing with you because they wanted to, not because of your mother forcing them.
"The pleasure was all mine, Mr. Fitzwilliam," you curtsied, a small smile making its way upon your face. He took your hand and pressed lips to the fabric covering it, his eyes never leaving yours as he did so.
"No, really, the pleasure is all mine." He emphasized the last two words and your cheeks heated as he let your hand slipped out of yours before turning on his heel to cross the room.
As soon as he was gone, you turned back to Kate and Lady Danbury in a giggly mess. They both smiled at you, seeing you so lively and animated warming their hearts. In the few weeks Kate had known you and with all of the balls, she'd seen you at, she had never seen you so smitten after a dance and wondered if Nicholas could be the one. Maybe, just maybe there was an engagement in your future.
Nicholas crossed the floor and stood next to your mother, putting his hands behind his back as she leaned towards him to whisper to him. they were trying their best to be discreet, knowing that if you caught them, the whole operation would be over.
"Is it done?" Vivian asked, her eyes not leaving you as she spoke. If you weren’t going to find a husband, she was just going to have to do the job for you. She couldn’t risk you being a spinster and living with her and your father for the rest of her life.
"It is," Nicholas nodded, his eyes on you as well. He didn't feel good for lying to you, but the money was going to make it worth it. He was going to use it to buy a nice art piece that he had been eyeing for a while. It would look so lovely in his study, hanging among the other artwork he had purchased over the years. And he had you to thank for it. You were the perfect, unsuspecting target.
Benedict left as soon as Nicholas left you and had every intention of getting out his anger. Maybe not in the healthiest way, but he was going to be gone as soon as he was done with whatever woman on his list was available.
He knocked on the door and leaned himself against the doorframe, an attempt to make himself attractive, but something was off. His need suddenly went away and he was having flashbacks to the ball. Everything was swirling around his head and he felt an ache coming on.
Stop with the silliness and find a wife or I swear everyone will know just how disgusting you are and you will be left with nothing. You will die alone and I will make sure that no one will show up to your funeral.
Maybe Anthony was right. Maybe he should have stopped literally fucking around and started a family. Maybe he should have gone home. But not tonight. Tonight, he was going to be taken care of and not by his own hands.
The door opened and he was pulled inside, the woman that he couldn’t remember the name of grabbing hold of his coat. The door slammed behind him and she shoved him against it. Her lips went to his neck and she gave it a rough suck while her hands went to unbutton his breeches. She pulled them down only to be met with Benedict’s very limp cock. They both looked down at it and Benedict felt his cheeks blush in embarrassment as this was never something that had happened to him.
“Don’t worry, I can help with that.” The woman-Caroline, maybe?-spit into her hand and grabbed hold of his dick, giving it a few slow pumps. When that didn't work, she moved faster, pumping as hard as she possible could and Benedict was panicking because receiving a handjob always did the trick. And now that it wasn't working, he was worried.
"I don't know what's going on Benedict, but you need to leave now." They couldn't exactly sleep together if he couldn't get it up. And it was all thanks to his oldest brother. Benedict pulled up his breeches and let out a loud sigh before turning to the door. He gave her one last look then opened the door and slammed it shut before heading down the road. He couldn't go home. Not with his brother there. There was somewhere else he'd rather be anyway.
Benedict got to the studio, but not after having a few drinks. His night had gone to shit and if he couldn't remedy it with sex, alcohol was surely going to do the drink. Not only had his brother called him out on his bullshit, but then he watched the woman that he liked dance with someone else who was confirmed to be a terrible person, and now he couldn't even cope with it all the way he wanted to.
He stumbled into the studio where he usually spent his late nights, but no one was there. This was usually when everyone was so lively and now there wasn't a single soul. Something was wrong, but he couldn't figure out what. He approached the room he usually worked in to work on his piece, but when he entered it, the piece was uncovered and there was already someone in the room. He slowly opened the door all the way and the creaking of it made the stranger turn around so Benedict could see his face. No fucking way. Standing there in his studio, holding the sheet that covered his painting was Nicholas fucking Fitzwilliam.
The carriage rolled up to your house and you stepped onto the concrete, feeling lighter than ever. As your family was leaving, Nicholas had told you that he'd see you the next day and you were nothing but elated at that fact. You couldn't believe it. It had only been a few weeks and you already had a suitor. And he was nice and not to mention, very easy on the eyes. According to what he had told you at the ball, he didn't have much, but that was perfectly okay to you. He'd give you a great life and that was all you could ask for.
You went up the steps and for once, your mother's and sister's words couldn't get to you. Because they didn't matter. All your life, you had been second to Lilith and now you finally had something she hadn't and you could tell that she was furious. She stomped up the stairs behind you and you tried to fight back your smile at the sour look that had been in her face since you had told her the good news.
You went to your room and heard her stomp to her own before slamming the door. You got ready for bed with the widest smile on your face and got into your bed dreaming about nothing but rings and weddings and your possible children. The future was very bright and you had somehow beat the diamond of the season to getting a suitor. And maybe if you played your cards right, an engagement would follow soon after.
"What are you doing here?" Benedict asked, making such tight fists by his side that he could feel his nails digging into his skin, but that was the least of his worries. He really needed to get rid of the pest that was taking over his room.
"Oh, are you the artist?" Nicholas asked, reaching for the canvas, but Benedict was quick to stop, him, standing in between his body and the canvas. There was no way he was letting that little worm anywhere near his artwork.
"I am. And I'm going to ask again, what are you doing here?" There was a fire burning inside him and this time, he wasn't going to put out the flames.
"Well, I was going to ask you if I could buy this lovely piece from you." He'd get the painting from Benedict's cold, dead hands. No way he’d ever sell anything to that pig.
Benedict snatched the covering from Nicholas and draped it back over the painting before crossing his arms over his chest so he wouldn't do something he'd regret.
“It’s not finished and not for sale. And even if it was, I most certainly wouldn’t sell it to you.”
“If you don’t mind my asking, why not?” Nicholas had no idea what was going on. He just wanted to get what he had had his eyes on for months when he had passed that very room seeing Benedict work on it.
“Because again, it's not finished and even if it was, I still wouldn't sell it to you." Clearly there was something he was missing and he wasn't sure what it was.
"Why?" Nicholas was starting to get angry and a smug smirk was making its way upon Benedict's face. What did he know and what was he going to do about it? He didn't think he was the type to get into a fight, but he really knew nothing about him so he was to tread lightly.
"I know your secret.” Nicholas felt his blood run cold at the words. He had many secrets but he knew exactly the one to which Benedict was referring and he had half a mind to make a run for it.
“Secret?” He supposed that the best way to get out of it was to feign innocence. He wouldn’t be caught if he didn’t admit to it.
“Your little deal with Vivian. I heard you on the way out of the ball tonight." Oh, this was the big secret. Maybe running was still on the table.
"What do you want?" There was only one thing Benedict wanted and Nicholas had it.
"I want you stay away from y/n." Benedict jabbed his finger into the man’s chest.
"Or what?" Nicholas pushed his hand away but Benedict only stepped closer.
"You don't want to know what." His threat was empty, but maybe it wouldn’t have been if Nicholas tried anything.
"Are you gonna tell her?" No. He thought it would have been even more painful for Nicholas to tell you himself.
"I might if you don't." He wouldn’t, but Nicholas was looking nervous so Benedict had him right where he wanted him.
“I see,” Nicholas let out a laugh. “You’re jealous.”
“I am not.” That was not an emotion that Benedict felt. He was never jealous and especially not because of you. He just felt like you deserved to know the truth, that’s all.
“You are,” Nicholas smirked. “I saw it in your face when you mentioned he. There was a fire there. Well guess what? You can have her. I don’t want her. I was just going to marry her, use her for her body and then leave.” Benedict didn’t need to hear anymore. He was seeing more red than he ever had before.
Without another thought, he punched Nicholas square in the nose, causing him to hunch over in pain but not before he got his own punch in. Benedict threw another punch and while Nicholas was hunched over once again, Benedict pushed him to the floor, loving to see the man’s pretty face look so bloody and broken.
“If you so much as lay a finger on her, I promise that things will be much worse than this.” With that, Benedict wiped the blood from his nose and fled the room, finally heading home to get some much needed rest and maybe some help from a doctor.
February 13, 1817
You woke up the next morning with the brightest smile on your face as your lady’s maid helped you get ready for the day. Nothing could ruin your mood. Not even your mother. Because someone had finally showed romantic interest in you and no one, not even your mother or Lilith could bring you down.
You descended the stairs and headed towards the dining room to have some breakfast when you heard voices coming from the study. You slowly opened the door that was cracked and saw Nicholas inside arguing with your mother. You gasped not only at the fact that he was there but also because of the dried blood coming from his nose.
What was he doing there and why was he arguing with your mother? Clearly there was something that you were missing and you didn’t like all of the possibilities that your mind was coming up with. It was always your own worst enemy.
Maybe it wasn’t what you thought it was. Maybe he was there to see you and was just waiting for you to finish breakfast first. Suitors did that all the time, right? There definitely wasn’t anything suspicious going on between him and your mother.
“What happened?” Your mother asked in a tone that you thought has only been reserved for you.
“I don’t know, Vivian,” Nicholas replied, looking like he was seconds away from pulling his hair out. He looked tired, like he hadn’t gotten much sleep and the blood around his nose made him look even worse. “All I know is that I was trying to buy a piece from him and then he punched me.”
“And that was before he threatened you?”
“Yes! He told me that if I so much as laid a finger on y/n that he’d kill me! I know I agreed to court your daughter, but no amount of money is worth this,” he referred to his nose and headed for the door where you were standing.
You pressed yourself against the opposite wall of where he was exiting and felt tears prick your eyes as your world came crashing down. So all of that the night before was all because of your mother? All for money? You supposed that it made sense as to why someone as beautiful as him would approach you.
As soon as Nicholas was out of sight, you made a beeline for the stairs, heading to your room so you could cry alone. You felt so stupid. Your own mother had betrayed you in a way that you hadn’t even thought she was capable of. And for whatever reason, you felt like your sister was also behind it.
You headed to your room and slammed the door before letting out a loud scream before throwing yourself into your bed to have a good cry. All of the years you had suppressed your emotions were all catching up to you and you began to sob into your pillows.
You really thought that your father would have come to your rescue, but just like always, he’d rather stand by your mother when she was participating in all of the wrongdoing. He seemed so distant from you lately that it was almost as if he wasn’t even there at all. And maybe it would have been better if he wasn’t. At least then, he would just be gone instead of sitting on the sidelines, doing absolutely nothing.
You cried yourself to sleep, trying to fight off your nightmare. There was a red filter over it and the audio was distorted. Your mother, father, sister, and Nicholas were all laughing at you, pointing fingers and telling you just what they thought about you, holding absolutely nothing back as they did so.
It all felt so real that you had to wake up and shake it all off. You sat up in your bed and rubbed the sleep out of your eyes. Just then, your lady’s maid entered the room to get you ready for the gallery. Had you really slept all day? And no one had even thought to come and wake you up? You supposed that showed you just how little your family actually thought about you.
“Esther?” You asked the woman who had laid your dress for the night out onto your bed.
“Yes miss?” She asked, pausing her duty to give you her full attention.
“Would we be able to try something different?” You could see her eyes light up at your suggestion and she immediately pulled you to your vanity, pulling out all of your makeup to get to work.
“I know just the thing,” she smiled as she dipped into some eyeshadow and applied it to your eyes.
You told your mother that you weren’t feeling well enough to go to the gallery and to your surprise, she didn’t put up a fight and left the house without a word. As soon as your family was gone, you threw off the blanket to reveal your dress that was absolutely nothing like you. It was black and dark purple and you had a choker to match that had an amethyst gem in the very center of it.
Esther had done your makeup dark, but tastefully with diffused black eyeshadow and a bright pink blush on your cheeks. When you looked in the mirror, you had looked nothing like yourself just like you had wanted to. You thanked her and fled the house to the carriage that had been left behind.
You entered the gallery by yourself and as soon as eyes were laid on you, whispers were spread around just like you had wanted. You were not dressed appropriately for the occasion and for once, you couldn’t have cared less.
You fiddled with your necklace as what you were doing had set in. You had only put on the dress with the intention to anger your mother and clearly it had worked with the way she was eyeing you. But that wasn’t your focus at the moment. You were just interested in seeing all of the art pieces. Upsetting your mother was just a little bonus.
Benedict let out a gasp as he caught sight of you. You were one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen and now he was beginning to think that his fight with Nicholas was all worth it. He at least hoped that his threat has sent the man running.
After you made your grand entrance, you continued to fiddle with your necklace as the whispers got more intense. You had been so focused on upsetting your mother that you hadn’t thought about the fact that other people would probably be upset as well.
You felt yourself begin to panic as the whispers seemed to get louder and you could feel your heartbeat quickening and breathing was getting harder to you. You had had many panic attacks in your life to know that this was one and needed to get out of there as soon as possible.
Just as you were about to leave, you were approached by Lady Danbury. If it has been anyone else, you would have politely declined, but she had a lot of influence and you felt like you could have used that to your advantage. So, you took a deep breath and put on your fakest smile as she got to you.
“Lady Danbury!” You greeted, smiling brightly and she smiled in return.
“Miss l/n. So lovely to see you again.” Out of all of the people there, why was she talking to you? There were so many others who were of higher status or at least had more to say than you did. And you really weren’t in the mood to be cordial at the moment. You had too much on your mind.
“And you as well, ma’am,” you curtsied. You wanted to impress the woman. She was good friends with The Queen, after all and knowing someone who had an in with her could have opened so many doors for you.
“Have you had a chance to look around the gallery?” You had too much on your mind to put your focus on something like that even though you had been so excited to
“No, not yet.”
“Perfect, you shall join me.” Join her? As in walk around the room with her?
“Lady Danbury-” You tried your best to get out of it, but she cut you off before you could make an excuse.
“That wasn’t a question. Now come along dear. I want to hear your thoughts.” She linked her arm around yours and let you lead her around the room, stopping at every individual piece, wanting to know your honest opinion. If you didn’t know any better, you would have thought that she just wanted to hear you talk badly about someone. To get the quiet girl out of her comfort zone.
But she wasn’t going to win this round. It turned out that every single piece so far was lovely. They were all so detailed and told the most beautiful stories. You were in awe of every single one and still wished you had the time to submit your own, wondering what people had thought about it.
You stopped once you got to the last piece and that one didn’t wow you like the others. Something was wrong, almost as if it had been incomplete. All of the colors melted together in a brown, muddy mess and you were having a hard time keeping your eyes on it.
“Well?” Lady Danbury asked and you were hesitant to tell her the truth, but you were becoming a ticking time bomb, ready to explode any second. Everything with your family and Nicholas was all piling on you and you couldn’t take a single second of it.
“The colors are too muddy,” you mumbled and the woman was having a hard time hearing you.
“I’m sorry, dear, could you repeat that?” She asked and that absolutely broke you. You were about to tear into whoever the artist was and for once, you didn’t have a single care.
“I said the colors are too muddy!” You replied, maybe a little too loud, but you hardly cared. You just needed her to know what you really thought. That was the kind of person you were now. Someone who said exactly how they felt, not caring whether it hurt their feelings or not. You didn’t have it in you to please anymore. What good had it done you, anyway?
“The artist obviously didn’t wait long enough between layers for the paint to dry. Oils are still wet after many hours. Before adding more layers you have to wait for them to fully dry. It’s an amateur mistake for some ‘professional’ artist to make.”
Lady Danbury had to admit that she was enjoying seeing that side of you and hoped you’d bring it out more often. As much as she liked how reserved you were, she believed that you were allowed a moment to break free of it every once in a while. It looked tiring having to behave like that all the time.
“That’s a very interesting, Miss, l/n,” she replied then turned to who you assumed was the artist of the piece you had just ripped to shreds with your words. “Mr Bridgerton why didn’t you wait long enough for each layer?”
Bridgerton? So that meant-no. Just your fucking luck. You turned around and sure enough, there Benedict was, looking as beautiful as ever. You noticed that he has a bruise around his eye and wondered what it was from and how you could have tended to it and made him feel better. It looked like it hurt and you almost wanted to ask if it did and if you could have kissed it better.
“If I’m being honest, Lady Danbury, I was nearly late submitting my piece for the gallery, so I needed to cut some corners. But you are correct, Miss (l/n), it is a very amateur mistake of me.” With that, Benedict turned on his heel and exited the gallery, leaving you with nothing but guilt as you watched him walk away.
Benedict had stared at that painting for hours after he had finished and hadn’t even noticed the imperfections you had pointed out until you had said the words. And he hadn’t even been upset about it either. It had been an amateur mistake to make and now he was wondering why he was even accepted into the gallery in the first place.
And now he was wondering where you got all that knowledge from because clearly you knew your stuff. Were you an artist as well? You must have been since you seemed to know so much.
And that was when it all clicked. The critique, Anthony saying that you were a family friend from the past. Of course! Now he remembered. He could clearly see the two of you drawing each other in the study of the Bridgerton home and him sneaking you into one of the studios he went to one night where the two of you laughed and painted for hours which had eventually turned into a paint fight that the two of you had gotten into a lot of trouble for.
So he wasn’t an ass, he just genuinely hadn’t remembered you. But why? Was his mind trying to protect him from something painful? It must have been considering how quick you had been to forget him after not having seen him for a few weeks. He had hoped that the memory would come to him soon so it would stop bugging him. Maybe he’d ask you why his memory of you was fuzzy. Maybe he’d just talk to you because he wanted to. With Nicholas out of the way, he certainly had the opportunity. And maybe he’d actually listen to his brother and finally find a wife.
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hiraethwrote · 8 days
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sidelines
cw: f!reader, hurt/no comfort, reader gets injured, semi proofread wc: 1.1k
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meeting you was a coincidence. falling in love with you was an accident. distancing from you was a choice.
satoru still remembered the flash of heartbreak that washed over your face when he had served you a lie; i think we’re better off as friends.
it would always be carved into his mind — the sharp breath you took to settle yourself, blinking away the shy tears before you had nodded along weakly. “oh, okay.” it had barely been a whisper, but your tone would forever haunt him.
he knew it was for the best, keeping you at arms length no matter how much he hated it.
some part of him had always suspected he might have to sacrifice the experience of true love, and therefore he had never pursued it. the target on his back was just too big to be worth the risk.
nonetheless, you had come into his life like the season’s first fall of snow — unexpected.
and whatever you had done, he had fallen completely in the matter of mere moments, because when you looked at him you had seen satoru… just satoru.
when he was with you, he didn’t need to be the strongest. he wasn’t the heir to the gojo clan. he wasn’t the first sorcerer in centuries born with the six eyes.
no, when he was with you, he was satoru, the guy who hummed quietly when your fingers brushed through his hair. he was satoru, the guy who caused you frustration when he yet again forgot to bring your favourite drink that you had requested, turning in the door as quickly as he has arrived to go get it. he was satoru, the guy who was finally starting to enjoy the quiet normalcy of everyday life.
how naive you had made him.
because he had slowly started to believe that he could take a moment to breath when it came to his responsibilities, simply wallow in the warmth of your natural compassion and affection. he could lean into the soft touch of your hand and for a second forget what rested on his shoulders.
how wrong he had been, when you had accidentally found yourself witness, and also collateral damage, to one of his encounters with curses.
it happened so quickly, he hadn’t even noticed the action itself until he saw your unmoving body on the ground. never had satoru been as scared as he was the moment his eyes landed on you, certain his own heart stopped at the sight.
he quickly exorcised the troubling curses before rushing over to you, kneeling beside your unconscious body. with utmost care, he had swooped you into his arms, holding his breath as he checked for a pulse, not trusting any of his abilities to tell him, needing to physically feel the faint pumping at the side of your neck.
it felt like an entire lifetime passed before he found the soft signs of life, instantly letting out a shaky breath when he could finally confirm with his own flesh that you were still breathing.
with a bruised and bloody hand, he carefully brushed your hair out of your face to reveal a rather severe gash across your forehead.
he breathed your name, waiting to see the reactive, light raise of your eyebrows that happened subconsciously whenever he spoke the sweet tune. but your face stayed completely still, not even a single twitch in your eyelids to indicate you were waking up.
next thing he knew, he was stood in front of shoko with you in his arms, begging her to help you.
“it’s not severe,” shoko tried to reassure him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder while he sat at your bedside. “you can even take her home.”
he’d only nodded in confirmation, not daring to take his eyes off of you. he wanted to be the first thing you saw when your eyes eventually fluttered open — he was not going to miss that moment for anything.
and while he waited, he was deep in thought. churning and chewing on how best to prevent you from ever getting hurt again.
he had been lucky this time, but there was no guarantee it would end as well as it did next time, and he would stop at nothing to ensure your safety. but every idea he came up with ended with the same heartbreaking conclusion.
because the incident had him realise you were his one and only weakness — that meant you would always be in danger.
it was only a matter of time before you would not be his secret anymore. eventually it was bound to be a common fact in the jujutsu world, that there was one way to have the strongest sorcerer at their mercy.
satoru would not be able to live with himself if that was the case.
the safest thing for you was to break your heart — tell you that it wasn’t working. he had just been caught up in the intensity of the honeymoon phase, swept up in the comfort you had provided. which was all true, the lie was saying those feelings had passed.
but he was the strongest — who better to protect you than him? so the earnest preposition of friendship had been his way of being able to keep an eye on you without directly exposing you to the dangers of his world.
now his future was destined to be nothing but torture.
he would eventually see the sparkle in your eye return when you finally got over him. and when that happened, which he knew it would, he waited in despair for the day you would fall in love again.
you would trail your fingers through the hair of a person that wasn’t him. your eyes would stare hearts at a face that wasn’t his. at night, when you were sound asleep, your breathing would move in unison with someone who was not him — but you would be safe, shied away from the world he was forever trapped to serve.
satoru would torture himself for eternity, be a helpless audience in the theatre of your life, watch you indulge in all the happiness life had to offer, if it meant he wouldn’t put you in danger.
after meeting you, satoru had learned he wasn’t really a person meant to love from a distance. the love he had for you was all over him, supposed to be loaded onto the one person it belonged to; you. his devotion for you was so big and all consuming, filling any void he found himself in.
but if it was from the sidelines he would get to see you live — it was in the sidelines he would stay.
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a/n sorry
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©hiraethwrote 2024 . all rights reserved. reposting, translating and otherwise plagarisim is prohibited
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idkyetxoxo · 1 month
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Aemond Targaryen - Desperation and Yearning
Summary - Confronted by the harsh truth of her loveless marriage to Aegon, she wrestles with deep isolation. A flicker of hope arises through Aemond, who offers understanding and protection. Will she muster the courage to pursue her wants, or remain a prisoner of duty?
Pairing - Aemond Targaryen x reader
Warnings - Violence (Aegon gets slapped but that's it)
Word count - 2231
Masterlist for Aemond • House of the Dragon General Masterlist.
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When the decision was made for my betrothal to Aegon, a profound sadness enveloped me. The realization settled in like a heavy fog, I was being condemned to a lifetime of coldness and isolation.
The grandeur of the royal court, with its opulent halls and imposing walls, seemed like a gilded cage that would trap me in a loveless union.
I had always known that my fate was not entirely my own, but this arranged union felt like the final blow to any hopes I harboured for happiness. The image of Aegon, with his aloof demeanour and distant gaze, did nothing to allay my fears.
I had heard the whispers of his temperament, his disinterest in anything beyond duty and lineage. The prospect of sharing my life with someone who viewed me merely as a vessel for baby-making was disheartening.
Years later, all my apprehensions had materialized into harsh realities. My dear husband, seemed to find more comfort in the company of other women than in mine, barely acknowledging my presence.
"Always with the whining," Aegon muttered dismissively, his words stumbling as I sat quietly on the floor.
Our two children, seated across from me, watched with a mix of concern and confusion, while Aemond and Alicent flanked Aegon at the table, tension radiating from their collective presence.
I exhaled softly, signalling to my handmaiden nearby to discreetly usher the children out. She hastened to comply, anticipating the storm that brewed in the room.
"It is not whining," Alicent countered, her voice sharp with indignation. "You persist in disrespecting her, and yet she remains silent. She is a saint for tolerating your behaviour."
"Saint or not, she's dull," Aegon shot back, the disdain clear in his tone as if I weren't in the room. Alicent pinched the bridge of her nose, visibly exasperated.
"Why must your brother always intervene to save you from your own foolishness and prevent your indiscretions?" she asked, her frustration mounting.
"I never asked him to," Aegon replied defiantly, but his words only served to stoke the fire of Alicent's anger.
Aemond let out a low tut, his expression one of disbelief as he glanced between us, his eyes briefly softening when they met mine.
"She is your wife. You should treat her as such," Alicent insisted, rising from her chair. 
Her expression transformed into one of pity tinged with sorrow as she glanced at me, a look that twisted my stomach and made my heart ache.
"Fine," Aegon snapped, abruptly standing and sending his chair crashing backwards.
"Come, dear wife, let's fulfil our duties and make another set of children. It's what they want!" Aegon declared, his voice booming, the harshness echoing off the walls of the room. 
The words dripped with a mocking tone, leaving an unsettling silence in their wake.
"Don't be shy now," he continued, an insidious smirk playing on his lips. "My dear mother and brother insist upon it. Get up." Each word was laced with derision, a cruel jest.
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks, a mixture of embarrassment and anger churning within me.
Alicent’s face flushed with mounting frustration, her eyes darting between Aegon and me, as if weighing the worth of her next move.
Unexpectedly, her hand shot out, connecting with Aegon's cheek in a resounding slap. The sound reverberated in the charged silence, leaving me momentarily breathless.
Aegon's face twisted with rage, eyes blazing as he turned to me, the hatred unmistakable. Alicent stormed out, her fury trailing behind her like a dark cloud, leaving us in a suffocating silence.
In a fit of rage, Aegon's hand shot out, sending the flagon of wine and glass tumbling off the table. The shattering of glass and the splattering of red liquid against the stone floor jolted me, the chaos amplifying the tension that hung in the air.
I flinched at the suddenness of it, my heart racing as Aegon mumbled to himself, words indistinct but heavy with bitterness.
Lowering my head into my hands, hot tears spilt from my eyes. 
Emotions surged within me, hurt, anger, despair, all swirling together like a tempest. I felt so small, drowning under the weight of their words and actions, suffocated by the turmoil that swirled around us.
Aemond stalled for a heartbeat, his gaze lingering on the scene before him.
"Pathetic," he muttered, his voice dripping with disdain as he directed the word at his brother.
Without waiting for a response, he seized Aegon's arm and dragged him out of the room, dismissing his protests with a wave of indifference.
Once the door closed behind them, I was enveloped in solitude. I allowed the tears to flow freely, the warmth of my sadness mingling with the coolness of the room. The echoes of their harsh words haunted me. 
As I wept, I grappled with the pain of feeling so utterly unseen, yet burdened with the weight of expectations that seemed impossible to meet.
─── ✦⋅♡⋅✦ ───
I sat quietly at dinner, wedged between the cold, unyielding presence of my husband and the gentle warmth of his nephew, who seemed too kind for this world. The contrast between them was stark, a constant reminder of the life I had been thrust into.
"You do not speak much, my lady," came a voice from beside me, pulling me from my thoughts.
It took a moment to realize I was being addressed. I swallowed my wine, the rich flavour a brief distraction, and forced a small smile, shrugging noncommittally.
Beside me, I heard my husband sigh in exasperation, a sound that grated against the delicate atmosphere. Across from me, Aemond watched with his usual piercing intensity, his gaze unwavering and heavy.
Suddenly, Prince Jacaerys stood up. He extended his hand toward me, a genuine smile lighting up his face. His mother, seated nearby, smiled warmly at him, her eyes encouraging.
I hesitated, caught in the web of expectation and scrutiny from those around me, but the sincerity in his eyes beckoned to something deep within, urging me to seize the moment.
With a cautious yet hopeful heart, I accepted his outstretched hand. He led me away from the table and into the open space. He guided me into a dance, his steps light and buoyant. As we swirled together, laughter bubbled up from my lips, unfamiliar yet welcome, like a long-forgotten melody rediscovered.
For the first time in many moons, I felt a glimmer of joy flicker to life within me, illuminating the dark corners of my heart.
My eyes momentarily flickered to my husband, who gripped his chalice with such force that his knuckles turned white. His anger was evident in the tight lines on his face. My smile faltered under the weight of his glare.
As I turned to Aemond, I was met with a look that sent a shiver down my spine. His jaw was set hard, and his eye shot daggers in my direction, an unsettling intensity that made my breath catch.
I sighed, the laughter fading from my lips as I abruptly stopped my movements. 
Jacaerys, caught off guard by the sudden shift, halted as well, confusion etched across his face. Disappointment flickered in his eyes, and I felt a pang of regret.
"I apologize," I stammered, feeling the weight of the moment press down on me. The joy I had felt moments before vanished, replaced by an overwhelming sense of inadequacy.
Dropping Jacaerys's hand, I rushed out of the room, each step quick and deliberate as I sought to escape the suffocating atmosphere and the judgmental eyes that felt like a storm bearing down on me. 
I didn't get far, a firm hand caught my arm, halting my flight.
"I apologize, husband," I called out, turning instinctively, but instead of the presence of Aegon, I was met with the stern visage of Aemond.
He stood there, silent and imposing, his grip firm yet not unkind. The silence stretched between us, heavy with unspoken words and suppressed emotions.
I searched his face for some hint of his intentions, but his expression was unreadable, a mask of stoic determination that both intrigued and unnerved me.
"Why do you run?" he finally asked, his voice low and measured, each word resonating in the dimly lit corridor. 
The flickering candlelight danced across his features, revealing the sharp angles of his face.
"Because I cannot bear it," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper. 
"The constant judgment, the cold indifference. It is suffocating." The admission felt like a release, a breath of air in a long-submerged reality.
Aemond's gaze softened just slightly, enough to reveal a glimmer of understanding.
"You deserve more than this," he said quietly, releasing my arm. His words carried a weight that seemed to sink into my very soul, reverberating through the emptiness I often felt.
"Like what?" I asked, my eyes pleading with him to give me the comfort I so desperately sought.
The vulnerability in my voice was palpable, a contrast to the composed facade I tried to maintain in front of others.
"Much better than my drunken fool of a brother," he admitted, and my pulse began to race. 
There was a raw honesty in his words that sent a shiver down my spine, awakening something deep within me.
"I do not decide my fate," I confessed, feeling the weight of my helplessness press down on me. 
He took a step closer, the proximity intensifying the charged atmosphere between us, the air thick with possibilities.
"You are too pure, too innocent for him," he murmured, gently grasping my face in his hand. 
His touch was surprisingly tender, a contrast to the cold detachment I was used to. It sent a jolt of warmth through me, igniting feelings I had kept buried for far too long.
"He doesn't understand how fortunate he is," Aemond whispered, his breath warm against my skin. I swallowed hard, emotions churning within me, a storm of confusion and longing that threatened to overflow.
For a moment, the world outside ceased to exist. It was just the two of us, standing in the dimly lit corridor, sharing a connection that transcended words. 
His eye bore into mine, conveying a depth of feelings that I had longed for but never found in Aegon. It was a recognition of pain, of desire, of something unnameable.
"I cannot," I began, my voice trembling, "I cannot betray my vows."
"You wouldn't be betraying them," he said softly, his thumb tracing a delicate path along my cheek. "You would be seeking the happiness you deserve." 
The sincerity in his words wrapped around me like a balm, soothing yet stirring.
"But at what cost?" I asked, my resolve wavering. "What would become of us?" The question lingered in the air, heavy with the weight of consequence and uncertainty.
Aemond's expression hardened slightly, determination replacing the gentleness. "We would find a way," he assured me, his eyes fierce with conviction.
The idea of togetherness, of not facing the coldness and indifference alone, was intoxicating but reality crept back in, reminding me of the consequences, the intricacies of court politics, and the chains that bound us both.
Aemond studied my face intently, his gaze filled with an emotion I hadn't seen before, an emotion that both terrified and thrilled me. 
Slowly, he leaned in, closing the distance between us, his movements careful, as though he feared I might retreat. His lips brushed against mine, tentative at first, as if he were giving me the chance to pull away but I didn't. 
I froze, my breath caught in my throat, overwhelmed by the unexpected sweetness of the moment.
This was nothing like the rough, indifferent kisses I had shared with Aegon on the rare occasions when he bothered to seek me out. Aemond's kiss was gentle, sincere, and so achingly tender that it made my heart ache in a way I hadn't known was possible. 
It was as if he was pouring all his unspoken emotions into that one touch, it was a kiss that spoke of everything I had been missing, a connection, a warmth, a love that I had never known.
As the seconds stretched, I found myself melting into the kiss, my lips responding to his with a longing I hadn't known I possessed. For a moment, all my doubts and fears melted away, replaced by the pure, unadulterated joy of being truly seen and cared for.
Yet reality was relentless, and as much as I wanted to lose myself in this moment, I knew I couldn't ignore the consequences of what we were doing. 
Reluctantly, I pulled back, my heart heavy with the conflict raging inside me.
"I need time," I whispered, stepping back reluctantly. "Time to understand what my heart truly wants." The struggle within me was palpable, a tug-of-war between longing and duty.
Aemond nodded, his eye never leaving mine. 
"Take all the time you need," he said, his voice filled with an unexpected gentleness. "But know that I am here for you, always. As I have always been, from a distance."
"I must go now," I said, my voice trembling with the urgency of my predicament. "He will come searching for me," I added, a chill of dread settling over me as I thought of the fate that awaited me tonight.
As I walked away, each step felt heavier with the weight of the choices ahead. I knew the path to happiness was fraught with peril, but for the first time, the possibility of a future beyond the confines of my cage seemed within reach.
A/n - Screw them vows babe x
212 notes · View notes
rainybubbles · 10 months
Text
What are COD men and women missions as your guardian angel ?
Ghost, Price, Soap, Gaz, Laswell, Farah, Valeria, Alejandro, König, Roach, Nikolai
(Sorry in advance for my mistakes, English is not my mother tongue. So sorry if it's badly written or if they're OOC.)
G H O S T :
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-He was sent to prevent you from accepting a job opportunity that would lead to your death. 
-The prospective boss was destined to be tyrannical, pushing you to overwork, neglect your health, sever ties with loved ones, and gradually spiral into a state of despair. 
-Ultimately, exhaustion would compel you to cross a road, only to be struck by a truck. 
-Simon's purpose was to avert this tragic fate.
-Simon exerted considerable effort attempting to erase all traces of the job offers and announcements from your computer, eager to fulfill his mission swiftly. 
-However, you persisted in pursuing your dream job, repeatedly defying his interventions. 
-”Fucking hell” he whispered one night after passing hours on Indeed to delete everything.
-He realized he had to convince you. But it means getting to know you. 
-He sighed and moved in, thanks to his power, the flat next to yours was magically free.
-Despite his strategic move, Simon struggled with social interactions. 
- He tried the “have you any sugar ?” but it was 1AM, so it scared you.
-God, Simon and his social skills.
- One day, you, alarmed by a peculiar noise, knocked on his door, convinced that an intruder had breached your home. 
-Trusting Simon's intimidating presence to scare off anyone, you spent the night at his flat for reassurance. 
-This incident marked the beginning of a gradual acquaintance.
-As Simon got to know you, a mutual exchange of pastries became a regular occurrence. You started it to thank him for that night, and he offered you ones, and it has became a regular thing.
- Friday nights turned into joint activities like watching matches or cooking together. 
-During these moments, you opened up about your dream job, and Simon, in turn, disclosed the harsh realities about the company.
-The realization dawned upon him as he witnessed the trust you placed in him.
- When you decided not to pursue the ominous job, he felt a sense of joy until the weight of the truth settled in—his mission was complete. 
-Simon waited in anticipation for the next assignment.
-He waited.
-Days
-For another name, another mission.
-Nothing came.
-And he saw Laswell.
-He knew what it meant.
-“Simon, they decide you can either continue as an angel or stay with her and become human”Laswell says.
-Being with you.
-Waking up with you, living a life with you…
-It sounded perfect.
-He didn’t deserve that. Not after all what he had done, not…him with you, you deserved better.
-The following morning, you knocked on his door, only to find the flat deserted.
- Frantically searching for Simon Riley on social media, you discovered an unsettling absence—like a ghost, he had vanished, leaving you with a broken heart.
-“He fucking ghost me”, you cried on the floor of your flat, not knowing the truth.
P R I C E :
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-He had not been sent for you, but for a boy named Clark. 
-Clark was on the verge of homelessness, and John's mission was to help him develop an idea to secure some much-needed money.
-As John succeeded in his task, he couldn't help but notice the negative transformation in Clark.
- The influx of money had turned Clark into a selfish person, threatening his friends if they considered leaving him. And that's how he encountered you—a kind soul who had been there for Clark since the beginning.
-You, always supportive, witnessed how toxic Clark had become towards you.
- Slowly, you began to believe you deserved such treatment, unable to find better friends. 
-John, disturbed by this realization, hoped for another mission to rescue Clark's friend from the clutches of his destructive behavior.
-But nothing changed.
-Frustrated, John couldn't stand idly by while people suffered for the sake of his mission. 
-His purpose was to rectify injustice, not allow someone to turn into a despicable person.
-During a party, he found you outside and couldn't help but express his thoughts
- "I'm glad you're in his life. He's so much better now. He was really broke, and I was scared he'd end up alone on the streets. He lived at my house for a long time." you said.
-"He should have end up in the streets," Price asserted without regret.
-Your eyes widened, but a chuckle escaped you. "You shouldn't say that."
-"But you agree.
-”Money got to his head, but he's a good guy."
-"He's not, and you know it, love."
-"I don't want to lose him. I love him." you admitted.
-And then it clicked. You loved Clark before he became the person he was now.
-"You loved him before all of this." he realized.
-"I know. And it hurts because I still hold onto the hope that he'll realize and suddenly become better."
-"I'm sorry." Price said.
-"It's not your fault."
-It was, but you couldn't know.
-"Maybe in another life, I'll be as happy as he seems to be?"
-Price could have read your life with his power and gotten to know your future. But he didn’t.
-"I hope you deserve it." he answered.
-"Hey John, if I'm not happy, could I count on you? You're always here for me."
-"I promise, love."
-You smiled.
-Later, when John received his new mission, he decided to peek into your future to protect you one last time—only to realize there was no future.
-He rushed to your flat.
-The police were there.
-Clark had been arrested.
-And a body was being taken to the morgue.
-Maybe he should have looked at your future earlier.
S O A P
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-He had been dispatched to safeguard your moral values from crumbling into ruin. 
-The situation was straightforward; you were shattered, and a friend of yours suggested a lucrative opportunity to intimidate someone for a hefty sum. 
-In simpler terms, you were on the verge of joining a gang for the sake of money. 
-Broke, homeless, unwilling to burden your family, and unable to afford food, you were desperate enough to consider anything that paid, given the absence of job offers.
-Soap's mission was to avert this downward spiral, to prevent you from evolving into a heartless figure with bloodstained hands, a potential mafia leader. 
-Naturally, he couldn't just hand you money; you wouldn't accept it from a stranger. So, he devised a plan to hire you at his bakery.
-Initially taken aback, because hell you couldn’t even say or bake croissant. 
-Nevertheless, your role was strictly to sell, not to bake. 
-Moreover, your boss, Soap, emanated a comforting presence. 
-He treated you kindly, just as he did with everyone on his missions
-But to him, your smile was more than just a pleasant sight; it stirred something within him.
-Your laughter, dry and infrequent, motivated him to ensure you laughed more often, even if it meant he made a fool of himself with sugar or butter.
-When your friend said you couldn’t stay at their place, Soap went a step further and provided you with one.
- As you began accumulating enough funds to secure a flat, you encountered difficulties in finding one. 
-Leveraging his magical abilities, Soap helped locate a suitable residence for you. 
-Once settled, he taught you the art of baking, gradually helping you to take charge of the bakery.
-A year later, you had become a skilled baker, and Soap realized his mission was accomplished. 
-Independent and content, you were ready to take over the bakery. 
-Craftily, he fabricated a story about relocating to another country and passing the bakery on to you. 
-Initially hesitant, you eventually agreed after lengthy discussions.
-As Soap sensed the emergence of a new name and mission on the paper, he looked at you and sighed, "I'll miss you, love."
-"Me too, Johnny," you replied.
-Little did you know it was the final time you would see him, but Soap was acutely aware.
- So, for the first time, he allowed himself to act on impulse and kissed you. In that fleeting moment, he wished he could relinquish his wings and live with you indefinitely.
G A Z :
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-TW : social anxiety :) !
-He was sent to help you with your health.
-You grappled with social anxiety, a condition so severe that the fact of being in a crowded bus could make you faint
- Asking for a bag at the cashier's counter filled you with fear, and even a simple "hello" caused three weeks of overthinking
- You existed in a state of solitude, ensnared within a relentless cycle of anxiety.
- Your mental health had plummeted, yet the luxury of a therapist was beyond your means.
-Social anxiety, insidiously, severs connections, making it difficult to seek help, leaving you trapped in an endless loop of overthinking. 
-The act of breathing itself became a struggle
-Walking in the streets became a nightmare, convinced that every passerby scrutinized your every move. Life, for you, felt burdensome, your very existence a weight upon others.
-Enter Gaz, sent to prevent you from venturing too close to the precipice. 
-He initiated contact through social media, engaging you in conversation within a fandom you both shared.
- He witnessed the genuine joy in your smiles as you responded to his messages, the relief emanating from having notifications from a real person rather than an automated system.
- Talking to him felt right, providing a respite from the isolation.
-Gradually, your interactions with Gaz progressed beyond the digital realm.
- Attempts to meet in person were met with reluctance or last-minute cancellations, fueled by fears of judgment, rejection, or even the possibility of an elaborate prank. 
-However, perseverance prevailed, and one day, he succeeded in meeting you face-to-face.
-The anxiety lingered, but Gaz's warmth created a sanctuary, a safe space for you.
- Together, you confronted the formidable adversary that was social anxiety.
-Gaz became your anchor during the lows, comforting you when crowds induced panic or tears flowed at the thought of being among people.
-Of course there were downs, where you couldn’t go out, where you would cry just by the idea of being in a crowd. But he was here for you.
-Every Monday, he accompanied you through bustling streets, holding your hand as you breathed through the anxiety. 
-Small victories were celebrated, such as summoning the courage to ask for water from a waiter. 
-To some, these achievements may seem ridiculous, but Gaz understood the immense courage they required.
-He cherished the moments you shared, the progress you made—ordering food by phone, making a call—each step a triumph on the arduous road of overcoming social anxiety.
- In these moments, Gaz recognized that this was more than a mere mission; it was a lifelong commitment. 
-Social anxiety was not a battle with a finite resolution; rather, it was a continuous struggle.
-A knowing chuckle escaped him. 
-Captain Price, knowingly, had bestowed upon Gaz a life mission. 
-In a quiet moment, Gaz whispered his gratitude, acknowledging that if his mission was to love and support you, there was no doubt he would embrace it for eternity.
V A L E R I A :
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-She was sent to save your marriage.
- Angels, renowned for their influence on matters of the heart, and Valeria, in particular, was on a divine mission to salvage the threads that held your union together. 
-However, as of late, doubt began to creep into her convictions as a guardian angel.
-In numerous assignments, she found herself helping individuals of questionable character.
- Then, she met you—a person ensnared in a wretched marriage. 
- Your wife treated you poorly, arguing with you for trivial matters, asserting your worthlessness without her, forgetting your birthday and engaging in infidelity with others.
-Valeria questioned the purpose of preserving such a toxic bond.
- Was she supposed to save this tormented marriage?
- Was the sanctity of matrimony so sacred that it should endure despite the evident misery it caused?
-No, she had enough..
- She reached a breaking point, disenchanted with being the obedient savior in every situation. 
-She wasn't Rudy or Alejandro—she wouldn't blindly adhere to a mission that clashed with her newfound convictions. 
-Instead, she took a daring step and seduced you, believing you deserved better, deserving her.
-You, with your kindness and generosity, deserved someone who would treat you with the respect and love you lacked in your current relationship. 
-Valeria refused to surrender you to the shackles of your miserable marriage.
- She cared not for the rules of her celestial role; she wasn't a guardian angel any longer. 
-That night, driven by an irrepressible desire for change, she made a drastic choice—she cut off her wings. 
-The pain was excruciating, but amidst the agony, she found relief and liberation.
- She knew this act condemned her to damnation, but the prospect of being with you made it inconsequential.
- Morality blurred into shades of gray as she willingly became a fallen angel, abandoning her celestial duties for the ecstasy of earthly love.
- The sensation of your lips against hers eclipsed any impending punishment, and in that moment, she embraced the fall from grace for the happiness she found in your arms.
N I K O L A I :
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-He was the one training guardian angels. 
-Nikolai wasn't a guardian angel, but a fallen one. 
-In the past, he had fallen in love with the one he was supposed to guard.
- As a consequence, they severed one of his wings and stripped him of his celestial status. 
-To prove his devotion, Nik decided to assist in the formation of guardian angels.
- Laswell and Price supported him, and they agreed.
-So, he began training new guardian angels, and you happened to be one of them.
- He admired how you struggled to fly, resembling a fawn. 
-"Солнце (=sun), use your back muscles, not your arms," he teased as you tumbled to the ground once again. 
-"How could you know?" you snapped back, frustrated.
-He stopped, his lone wing retracting. 
-You realized the impact of your words.
- "Shit, Nik, sorry, that's not what I meant."
-"It's okay, but I used to fly in the past, you know. Don't doubt my abilities again."
-"Of course, I... It's just frustrating to see everyone else succeeding."
"-It's okay. Ghost took six months to fly; Soap burned his wing three times," Nikolai said. "So, don't doubt, Солнце."
-"Really?" you laughed.
-"Yes, so don't doubt, Солнце."
-"Isn't it difficult to watch all those angels and not feel free like them?" you asked, a question no one had posed to him before.
-"It is, but I deserved it."
-"You just loved someone. I don't think it was worth the punishment," you whispered.
-"Maybe, but I betrayed my mission."
-"I still think you did it for good reasons. The world isn't black and white. Sometimes we have to be gray. Loving them, it's not a crime."
-He stayed silent. "Maybe."
-"Sorry, I overstepped, but I think it's unfair they treat you like this. Graves is keeping his wings when he had killed people to succeed in his missions, not very guardian angel of him."
-"You're right, but we can't do anything."
-"I will. I'll fight for you. Use my wings to give yours back," you said, determined.
-That day, Nik felt a spark—the same one that had cost him his wings. 
-The one who was back with you. 
-He ignored it. 
-"If you say so, I'll watch you doing it," he chuckled.
-Little did he know, you would succeed and restore his wings. 
-Perhaps, one day, Nikolai would fly again with his wings and not a helicopter.
A L E J A N D R O :
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-He was sent to protect you, to help you to expose the truth.
-You, a journalist delving into a precarious story surrounding the cartel's sway
-. Alejandro understood the gravity of this mission; his entire previous life had been defined by this relentless fight against the cartel.
- With unwavering dedication, he vowed to shield you with all his heart.
-Thus, he concealed himself, surveilling your residence, neutralizing all dangers, confronting cartel members seeking to harm you under the cover of darkness.
- His magic thwarted explosive threats, and he meticulously tarnished the reputations of those aiming to intimidate you after your initial article.
- He stood watch, silently guarding you.
-His cover was blown one day. In your apartment, a cartel member lay unconscious at his feet.
-"So it was you?" you inquired.
-"I can explain," he stammered.
-"You were the one protecting me, weren't you? I've never felt threatened since my colleagues shared their ordeals. Only words, never physical harm or bombs. My family is unharmed. Someone protected me. It's you, isn't it?"
-Your perceptiveness impressed him.
-"Yes," he admitted.
-"You should have said something. I can pay you if needed. Being a bodyguard for someone who challenges cartels must be challenging."
-"Not as challenging as being a colonel fighting the cartel in my previous life," he thought but refrained from saying.
-"It's okay. I don't need a salary."
-"Then live with me. Let me repay you, in a way. This way, you can keep an eye on me 24/7 but still have a place to stay."
-It was tempting, avoiding the need to surveil you from across the street, being able to follow you closely to prevent traps.
-"Okay," he accepted.
-Gradually, he became a fixture in your life. You shared your findings, and he assisted during investigations, often necessitating clandestine break-ins to gather information. 
-He marveled at how you managed to stay alive with your audacious pursuits.
-But with each cartel member arrested due to your articles, he felt satisfaction and pride. You were making a difference.
-Until one day, the absence of the familiar sound of typing alarmed him. 
-Racing to your room, he found you lifeless, a bullet wound in your head. 
-How was this possible? He had used his magic for protective measures, installed cameras.
- Then he noticed it—a black wing on the floor, a fallen angel turned malevolent.
-He knew who was responsible—Valeria. Of course, she would be entangled in the sinister web of cartels. Mierda...
L A S S W E L L :
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--She was sent to ensure peace.
-You, a fledgling diplomat, had just entered the scene.
-In a matter of months, a critical meeting loomed on the horizon. 
-Unfortunately, one of the other ambassadors harbored nefarious plans. 
-Their aim? To ensnare you, hold your country responsible for an attack, derail any alliance, shatter hopes of peace, and plunge nations into war.
-Laswell, tasked with preventing this diplomatic catastrophe, sought to guide you through the treacherous world of international relations.
-Gaining your trust, however, proved to be a formidable challenge.
-You toiled in isolation, reluctant to confide even in an assistant. 
-Acutely aware of the sordid nature of politics, you had no intention of succumbing to manipulation or falling prey to powerful lobby interests.
-To demonstrate her capabilities, Laswell embarked on a mission to help you confront a corrupt mayor. 
-When she successfully ousted him and exposed the truth, despite the mayor's pervasive connections, you were compelled to extend a job offer.
-"Thanks for this. I couldn't have done it without you. He had connections everywhere," you expressed your gratitude.
-"I have connections too, but I guess mine are just better than his," she replied with a hint of confidence.
-A chuckle escaped your lips.
-It was evident that Laswell, fueled by a genuine commitment to peace, would prevail. 
-Witnessing the purity of your heart, she found solace.
- She had observed how the hearts of political figures often tarnished when power came into play, but you remained an exception.
-"You're a remarkable diplomat, never doubt that," she reassured.
-"Maybe, but niceties don't seal alliances or foster peace," you sighed. "Money does, and we don't have it."
-Together, you delved into the intricacies of contracts and gathered information about other nations.
- Nights were spent in your office, surrounded by take-out containers, punctuated by jokes that lightened the mood while maintaining a serious focus on work.
-Gradually, Laswell began to open up to you. 
-Of course, she concealed her past as a CIA agent, weaving a narrative that shielded her secrets. Yet, you felt a sense of security in her presence.
-One evening during a break, you asked,
-"Do you have someone, Kate? You're always here with me, and I wouldn't want your significant other to worry."
-"I had someone," she admitted.
-"Sorry to hear that," you responded.
-"It's okay. It was a long time ago, like a previous life," she joked, though the truth lingered beneath the surface.
-"How were they?" you inquired.
-"She, and she was wonderful. My wife. I could have given everything to her, except I didn't. I didn't give her my time. I was working too hard."
-"Did you divorce?" you asked.
-"No, but I quitted my job for her."
-"Oh."
-"It was the right thing to do. She deserved it," she smiled.
-"And you never met anyone after?"
-"No.”
-Because after that, she died old and happy with her wife, before becoming a guardian angel.
-She never looked for love.
-"No, but maybe someday." Laswell said
-"I don't doubt it," you chuckled.
-"And you?"
-"I'm too busy with my work. They say I'm mostly married to it," you attempted to joke, but Kate sensed the underlying sadness.
-"You'll meet someone. You're a great person."
-"Thanks," you replied, returning to your work. 
-After weeks of collaboration, Kate unearthed a drug affair involving the other diplomat and dealt with it discreetly.
-On the day of the crucial meeting, the peace offer was accepted without hesitation, thanks to the covert threat.
- The treaties were signed, and a sigh of relief echoed through the diplomatic corridors.
-However, when Laswell awaited her next mission, she discovered a surprise.
-Your name resurfaced, but the mission had taken an unexpected turn.
-"Marry them."
-Confused, Laswell pondered the note. Guardian angels can't love humans. Then, she noticed a message on the back.
-"You deserve a retreat, Kate. And they're your type. Enjoy it. - John."
-She chuckled. John, always meddling where he wasn't needed.
- However, she didn’t know if she would marry you or not but this life as a diplomat, reshaping the world for the better, was the love she had found."
F A R A H :
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-She had been sent to infuse you with the strength to confront adversity with courage and resilience.
- Once a firefighter, you had walked away from the profession after a tragic incident where a child lost his life in a fire. 
-Your attempts to alert your boss about the suspicious nature of the recent fires fell on deaf ears, and disillusioned, you resigned. 
-The question lingered: Why be a firefighter if you couldn't save lives?
-Farah had been dispatched to restore your inner fortitude because, deep down, you were right
-Those recent fires were no accidents. 
-Only you had the power to uncover the truth, having been the sole observer of the pattern.
- Fate placed her as your neighbor, but your demeanor was reticent, a mere husk of your former self.
-Observing your silent suffering, Farah chose a bold approach. 
-She ignited a fire in her own apartment using a toaster, triggering your instincts. 
-Without hesitation, you rushed to her aid with a fire extinguisher, quelling the flames.
-"Thanks, I don't know what happened," she lied, keenly observing the adrenaline coursing through your veins and the relief in your eyes.
-"It's okay; toasters can be tricky, many of them catch fire," you reassured her.
-"Do you often see that?" she inquired.
-"I'm a firefighter," you paused, correcting yourself, "was, sorry."
-She smiled, finding solace in your continued identification with the role.
-"You quit? Injuries?" she probed.
-"No, I... it just wasn't for me."
-"It doesn't seem that way," she said, nodding towards the fire extinguisher still in your grasp.
-"It was just a reflex."
-"Hmm, if you say so. You know, just because there are some bad firefighters doesn't mean you have to quit," she remarked.
-"True, but sometimes it's hard to... fight when you're alone."
-She understood. Without the support of people in her past as Karim, Farah would never have succeeded. 
-"But without brave people like you, the bad ones win," she emphasized.
-"Maybe," you conceded, "but... why am I discussing this with you? I don't even know you," you whispered.
-"It's easier to confess to a stranger, especially one with a burnt toaster," she joked.
-You chuckled, finding an unexpected comfort in her presence.
-"Maybe you're right. I just... I felt useless. I knew something was wrong with those fires, that we should have saved those kids, but... no one believed me. Maybe they're right."
-"Or maybe not. Now we'll never know since you quit," she countered.
"-Maybe..." you sighed.
-"I can help you," she offered.
-"How?" you inquired.
-"I'm a journalist," she lied, "if those fires are really peculiar, then I have a great article, and you could regain your job."
-"…But it means investigating my own brigade."
-"Betrayal often comes from those close to us," she said, recalling what did Hadir.
-"You're right, okay," you agreed.
-And so, the investigation began. Farah watched as the embers of your internal fire reignited. You didn't give up. 
-Gathering evidence, taking photographs, you uncovered a shocking revelation: a colleague was a pyromaniac, deliberately setting fires to play the role of a savior, to feel godlike.
-Presenting the proof to journalists, your chief could no longer cover for the rogue colleague. Farah felt a surge of pride for you.
-"You fought well," she commended.
-"I'll continue, thanks, Farah," you said, embracing her, the lingering scent of burnt still on your clothes after your mission.
-"Never give up, even when I'm gone," she whispered.
-"Never," you smiled.
-When her mission changed, she left you a collar. Months later, Farah noticed how you kept it as a talisman.
- She smiled, realizing that although she couldn't stay, your strength and hers would forever be intertwined.
K Ö N I G :
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-He had been sent to rekindle your passion, to bring happiness back into your life. 
-Once a talented dancer, you had abandoned your love for dance in favor of a more practical career, burdened by financial responsibilities. 
-Your parents, disapproving of a dancing career, further added to the weight on your shoulders.
-König, however, was on a mission to reignite your love for your hobby and give your heart what it truly desired.
- So, in your building, he discreetly posted a classified ad seeking a dance teacher for the waltz.
-When you stumbled upon the ad, you thought, "Why not?"
-A little extra income wouldn't hurt, and you missed the joy of dancing. Intrigued, you decided to respond to his ad, accepting his offer.
-Little did König anticipate that it would work. 
-Now, with his towering 2-meter frame, he found himself awkwardly attempting to move like a swan without crushing your feet. The stress was palpable.
-“Breathe and focus on me, not on yourself,” you instructed, guiding his hands to rest on your waist. 
-Slowly, with the accompaniment of a piano, you led him through the graceful movements of the waltz.
-Suddenly, it felt like home. Memories flooded back – the aroma of onions and Zwiebelrostbraten cooking, the cramped kitchen adorned with peculiar pictures, his mother's gentle dance, and him on her feet as she attempted to teach him how to dance. 
-Dancing, he thought, could be so beautiful, and those who tried to prevent such feelings were truly awful.
-You noticed the sparkle in König's eyes, a reflection of the passion you had years ago.
- “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” you remarked.
-“Yes, it’s like we’re floating,” he responded.
-“Waltz is beautiful. I…I wanted to compete when I was younger – waltz, salsa, and more.”
-“What stopped you?”
-“My parents. They said I would never be good enough to make a living from it. And they're right; only a few dancers can sustain themselves.”
-“But you could still live through it in a different way.”
-“How?”
-“Teaching it. Many dancers become teachers.”
-“I don’t have connections, König. Studios prefer people with a reputation.”
-“Then I’ll spread the word. You’re a great teacher. I mean, you made me dance the waltz, and I'm a giant,” he joked.
-You smiled. “Because you’re a great student.”
-“Nein, believe me, I can’t dance without you.”
-And so, König set his plans into motion, praising your classes to everyone. 
-Soon, a married couple sought your expertise, and as their marriage flourished, the word spread. 
-Requests poured in, and slowly you amassed a following.
-König, with his mysterious charm, helped you secure a studio.
- Although you maintained your part-time job, you now knew you could live from dance.
-“I’ll quit,” you whispered, nervous. “I need to quit to have more classes and finally be happy.”
-“Good, you deserve it,” he smiled.
-“Thanks. Without you, I probably would never have been brave enough to do it.”
-“I’m here to support you,” he assured, even though he missed holding you in his arms and waltzing with you.
-He asked for one last dance to celebrate. Unbeknownst to you, he would soon leave.
-As you danced, he felt your heart beating fast, resonating with happiness. 
-When a paper appeared in his pocket with another name and another mission, he looked back at you. 
-Perhaps now, when alone, König would practice the waltz for the day he would meet you again.
R O A C H :
 
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TW : death (not of Roach or you though) + (i kinda create a past for him, I know it's not canon)
-He was sent to help you to protect Orion.
-The problem was, he had no clue who Orion was.
- Despite attempting to tap into his powers, all he could extract were names: Orion and yours. 
-Thus, he met you out and forged a close friendship, yet Orion remained elusive.
- Not in your familial ties, not as a romantic interest or enemies—nowhere. 
-Until one day, after returning from work, you shared an anecdote about Orion.
-Orion.
- A four-year-old boy. 
-Suddenly, it dawned on him; he comprehended his purpose
-. Roach, with his own history in foster care, knew he was selected because he understood the flaws in the system and how one could make a difference by adopting a child.
- However, Orion had loving parents, leaving Roach perplexed.
-"He's a sweet boy," you smiled.
-He reciprocated with a smile, albeit tinged with fear. 
-Did this mean Orion would lose his parents? 
-Or was he expected to kill them? 
-Roach was uncertain, prompting him to shadow Orion's residence, using his expertise in navigating air ducts, he was not called  Roach for nothing, air ducts were his things.
-As he observed, nothing seemed amiss until he spotted it: a crack in the wall. 
- Regrettably, before he could extricate himself from the air duct, the building collapsed. 
-The landlords had ignored warnings about the need for renovations, leading to the tragedy. 
-Roach barely escaped the ruins, coughing and trying to find his way out.
-Then, he heard Orion's voice. 
-Under a table, the little boy clutched his deceased mother's hand. 
-Roach froze; there was no doubt, Orion's parents were gone. 
-Why was he sent to manage this? 
- Why wasn't he tasked with preventing the tragedy or saving them?
- Why did Orion have to endure such a harrowing experience?
-He crawled to Orion, embracing him as the boy cried and screamed. 
-He waited with him at ER, refusing to leave despite your attempts to reach him. He only sent you a text “at ER”
-You joined him and he…he could only express his pain through a silent hug.
-You and Roach became determined to ensure Orion wouldn't be left in the system after such trauma.
- Despite the challenges, you visited every day, dealing with bureaucracy and, with Roach's magical assistance, eventually adopting Orion
-. Roach didn't leave; he remained a steadfast companion in your collective journey.
-It wasn't easy—Orion was confused, lost, and traumatized. 
-Yet, through your unwavering support, he slowly began to open up to both you and Roach.
- A family emerged, something Roach had only discovered in his twenties during his time in the military.
- He was grateful that Orion could experience it now, but he couldn't bring himself to leave.
-Each day brought the fear of a new mission, a new departure. Until one day, Ghost appeared in your flat.
-"What are you doing here?" Roach questioned.
-"Cutting your wings," Ghost responded.
-Roach recoiled. "I never kissed them." he said, yes he loved you, but he never tried…
-"Roach…"
-"You can't take them away from me, please L.T. I don't want to lose everyone like I lost you and the unit."
-"I’ll cut your wings so you can become human, Roach, not to punish you."
-Roach halted. "You—"
-"You deserve it."
-"Thanks, L.T."
-"You're welcome," Ghost whispered, cutting his wings.
-Roach felt pain but also a strange sense of freedom. He smiled at Ghost and let him leave. Finally, he had found a family.
_____
_If you want more : my COD masterlist
_My masterlist
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looking-for-wisdom · 29 days
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the “ex-something” character in disco elysium is so interesting to me because what we finally learn about the true Dora from harry’s dream sequence & conversations with the 41st precinct initially undercuts the first impression you get as a player. We learn things that makes it seem like Harry should be over her leaving. Specifically, the fact that she and Harry were never actually married and that it has been six years since she left.
Everything we’re told about Dora needs to be taken with a grain of salt, since it primarily comes from Harry. He’s an unreliable narrator and, if we had her perspective on things, there would surely be more to the story. But even with that said, I feel reasonably confident that the player’s first impression — that whoever this ex is did some damage even beyond typical breakup heartbreak — isn’t completely wrong.
We know a few things for certain. Harry was a gym teacher before they met, and Dora was the reason he joined the RCM. We can also do the math to figure out that they were together for around 12 years. Married or not, that’s a serious relationship. There are implications that Dora might have been pregnant at some point.
Dora’s family was wealthier than Harry’s, but they struggled financially when they were together. They had to rely on her parents for support.
Harry is a grown ass man who is responsible for his own choices. None of this changes that. But the way he is starts to make more sense when you consider that it wasn’t just their breakup that was traumatic. Their relationship itself seems unhealthy.
Harry clearly likes working with kids. Kim actually points out how he is easily able to connect with Cuno and the other teens in Martinase. With that in mind, I imagine he probably liked being a gym teacher. But we learn that Dora encourages him to join the RCM to do more for the greater good. Again, Harry had to agree to this — she didn’t force him to quit at gunpoint. But it rubs me the wrong way that, shortly after they start dating, she implies that his work isn’t fulfilling or important (probably patently untrue in an area where kids won’t necessarily have stable home lives). And, more than that, she suggests that joining the police is the solution.
Granted, we’re told there’s a lot of crime in Jamrock. Maybe it is as simple as her thinking law enforcement helps prevent that. But given the political tones of the game, which intentionally critique cops and the moralist forces they represent? I think it’s notable.
Speaking of which. The class difference between Dora and Harry has to be thematic. So much of the game discusses the struggle between the working class and the bourgeoisie. There’s an inherent power dynamic there. It’s her parents who are consistently paying their bills and keeping them afloat. She has an out that Harry doesn’t. Money won’t be an issue for her when they split, but Harry will be left without any support. Regardless of whether she intentionally held this over his head, this game shows that even without meaning to, the capitalist system harms the poor. That strain must be felt in their relationship, and could cause a lot of damage over 12 years.
All this to say: their relationship clearly wasn’t some fling. And, if Harry is to be believed, the blame for things falling apart was largely placed on him: working to much, not bringing home enough money, not being enough. But even if Dora wasn’t actively manipulating him and he came up with all of this on his own, I think the facts still point to a dynamic where he was made to be small in the face of a woman who came from more. Their backgrounds create an imbalance where Harry was always going to feel the flaws in their relationship more acutely. He starts with little, and gives up much of what he does have to pursue something better for the both of them. But when that isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, he’s the only one left with nothing. She can leave the country and start over.
It makes sense, to me, that he might not have recovered from that in six years. Especially when that rock bottom feeling seems so permanent that he isn’t trying to get better so much as numb himself enough to exist another day.
That doesn’t mean he isn’t responsible or that he’s exempt from having to get his shit together. The game very clearly illustrates that everyone will turn away from him if he doesn’t. But it does complicate his character a bit more than “got left by extremely bangable woman, proceeds to make the lives of everyone around him worse.”
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WICKED.
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MDNI, 18+ CONTENT
pairing: luke castellan x former camper!reader (godly parent not specified)
summary: even after leaving camp half blood to pursue your dreams of attending university, your loyalty to them has never wavered. that is until you stumbled into luke castellan again, of course.
warnings: mature themes, oral sex (m receiving)
note: a purely self-indulgent fic because i wanted to try my hand at writing smut
Luke Castellan was a wicked man.
An inexplicable thrill ran up her spine as he edged closer. Her mind immediately tried to navigate through the haze of excitement and anticipation before ultimately succumbing. She could not— could never fight against him. Perhaps that was her fatal flaw, her irrefutable and unwavering blindness to who he was.
He caged her against the wall, one of his hands framing her face while the other held his cigarette between nimble fingers. He looked away as he took a long drag. The embers of the lit head glowed a dazzling red— dangerous, mesmerizing, and enticing.
The Luke Castellan that stood in front of her was not the same child who was the golden boy of Camp Half-Blood, not the reliable senior counselor who could do no wrong; ultimately, he was vastly different from the person he was all those years ago. He was a man now— pristine yet still gruff around the edges, jaded, resentful, proud, and haughty.
You closed your eyes to breathe in the smoke as he exhaled. He made it so easy to prevent you from ever reconciling the truth of his identity, to accept that he was still the same boy who betrayed everyone around him in cold blood because he was too clouded by anger at the gods to do otherwise.
“How do you want it?” He whispered against your ear. You averted his gaze to him, and watched from your peripheral as he nuzzled your hair. The tip of his nose dragged along the warmth of the skin of your neck.
“Rough.” You responded without a moment of hesitation. Your hands grasped the open edges of his jacket, the leather material was smooth and malleable against your nearly frozen fingers.
He raised an eyebrow as he looked up at you. You saw the surprise in his stare, the want and desire hidden beneath the unreadable sheen of his eyes. His hand traveled up your skirt to your thigh. He rubbed gentle circles against your skin then stopped short at the curve of your ass. He squeezed at the fat then smirked when you flinched.
“Is that what you got up to when you left camp, hm?” He asked softly. He was taunting you. His fingers pulled at the edge of your panties. “Learned to be a slut. Is that it?”
You said nothing. You clutched him tighter when he traced the slit of your cunt through the fabric of your underwear. He followed up and down motions, the movements too miniscule yet the pressure enough to elicit a reaction out of you.
“Already so wet.” He whistled, impressed and amused by how quickly you responded to his advances. You bristled when the tip of his finger pressed into your hole. It was subtle, not enough to latch onto. “Tell me, is this all for me?”
You felt your muscles clench around nothing. You were all the more desperate to feel Luke against you, inside you, to let him have his way with you. You whimpered when he smacked you across the ass.
“Answer me when I ask you a question.” He tutted as he massaged the skin to ease the ruddiness. “Are you wet for me?”
“Yes.” You nodded your head with a small pathetic whimper. “Only for you.”
“Good girl.” He said. He moved his palm to rest against her inner thigh. His thumb continued to press against you. His other hand moved to your hip. “Take your shirt off.”
You quickly unhooked the buttons of your top. Luke’s eyes followed your movements, enraptured by your compliance. He chuckled when he saw the brassiere you were wearing— the little ribbon in between your breasts made it seem as if you were presenting yourself as a gift for him.
You felt another sharp slap across your bottom. “You’re just begging to be fucked, aren’t you?”
You gasped at the pain. You felt simultaneously pissed yet aroused by his comments, although you were completely aware that the former should’ve consumed you whole. You glared at him. “And you’re just proving you can’t, aren’t you?”
You saw his jaw tick in irritation. Luke stood at his full height, the difference between your statures suddenly all the more obvious. He looked down at you, his eyes narrowed and his mouth twisted. You felt something loom at the pit of your stomach— it wasn’t fear.
“You like it rough? Fine, you’ll take it rough.” His voice was deeper and more aggressive, commanding in a sense. “Get on your fucking knees.”
You didn’t need to be asked twice. You touched the ground to steady yourself then leaned against your haunches to wait for his instructions. You kneeled before him as if you were about to pray to the gods. Sadly, you weren't about to worship any of them for the timebeing.
“Open your mouth.” He said as he undid the buckle of his belt. The metal clung against the wall. You watched with pupils dilated in lust as he pulled his cock out— the tip swollen and glistening. He pushed it into your mouth, and you whimpered at the sudden intrusion. “Suck.”
You circled your tongue over the flesh of his cock. You teased and licked at the precum, relished in the salty and deep taste of him. You opened your mouth wider to accommodate for his size then immediately began to hollow your cheeks.
“That’s it. Take it.” Luke groaned above you. His hand wrapped around your head. He controlled your movements by each pull of your hair. He pushed you against him without restraint. “Fuck. So obedient.”
“Wonder what Chiron would say if he saw his precious golden girl being a complete slut for me.” He taunted further. His palm dug against the corner of your neck.
The complete silence of the quiet night was marred by the sinful sounds the both of you were making, hidden in an abandoned alleyway between a Brooklyn nightclub and an electronics shop.
You gagged as he pushed himself deeper into the back of your throat. Your fingers found their purchase on his thighs, your hands grabbed at him like a lifeline. You gaze at him through lidded eyes. You trilled in delight at the sight of him: head thrown back, his Adam's apple bobbed up and down, and his tongue licked at the corner of his lips.
Luke gasped breathlessly as you began to move up and down. He pried his eyes open to peek down at you. He smirked. His words were chopped as he spoke. “So perfect when you’re like this.”
Fueled by lust, bravery and foolishness, you willingly took more of him into your mouth. Your nose hit the base of his cock. You inhaled the heady scent of him, invigorated by it. You choked as you adjusted to the new angle, but he canted his hips instantly. His breaths were ragged and his movements were desperate.
“Ah, shit.” He mumbled. His hand still grasped the back of your head; he pulled you in closer. “I’m close. Gonna come in your mouth and you’re gonna fucking take it.”
He continued to curse and babble as he rutted into your mouth. You closed your eyes as you took in the sensation, as you felt every vein and the ridges of his flesh flush on the flat of your tongue. You felt your own slick trickle down your thighs; empty, uncomfortable and wretched.
He tensed and stilled underneath you. A slew of warm liquid flowed into your throat. You maintained eye contact with him as you swallowed every last bit.
Luke slid himself out of you, his mouth hung open as he tried to catch his breath. He huffed as you made a show of licking off the remnants of his spend from the corners of your lips.
His thumb caressed your cheek. The gesture almost seemed affectionate were it not for the words that quickly followed it. “I’m gonna take you home then I’m going to fuck you all night long.”
Luke Castellan was a wicked man.
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paimonial-rage · 7 months
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otome isekai snippets - geo boys
synopsis: in which your favorite characters get dropped into a random stereotypical isekai plot of the author's choosing characters: albedo, gorou, itto, zhongli notes: title, synopsis, then snippet
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Albedo - Protecting the Hero With Love
The hero’s journey was met with betrayal from every end, the first of which from his adoptive guardian, Duke Kreideprinz, who experimented on him endlessly as a child in an attempt to use his unique mana to defy the gods. Reborn as the hero’s sibling, there was no way you would be letting your brother go down such a harsh path! First obstacle? You would stop the duke from ever taking notice of your brother! Wait, what do you mean marriage!?
“Goodnight!” You exclaimed as you slammed your bedroom door shut.
You ignored the heat that flooded your cheeks as you fled to the comforting embrace of your bed. Your hands shook as you took your fluffiest pillow, buried your face into it…
And screamed.
Something was wrong. Something was very very wrong. Why in the world was he doing things like… that!? Dining with you every evening, placing his hand upon your waist in public, walking to your room at night and taking your hand to kiss while he looks up at you with those piercing blue–
You screamed into your pillow again. 
What in the world was going on!? He wasn’t supposed to be like this! By saving his sister from her terrible fate, you planned to prevent him from even taking interest in your brother’s mana. He was supposed to thank you with a sum of money and then send you on your way. His offer of a marriage contract as a form of protection for you and your brother came as a surprise, but when he simply stated it would be a benefit to him as well, you agreed. Since it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, he certainly had no reason to take interest in you.
So why in the world was he–
You slammed your fist into the pillow.
You knew the duke! Not only did you know him from the book, but you even heard rumors of him before you even met him in this world! He was supposed to be a loner! He was dismissive of most of his peers! He preferred the company of beakers and potions to actual people! The only person he truly cared about was his sister! So what in the world was that!? Just as his lips brushed against your fingers, he gazed up at you with those seafoam eyes and–
“So you don’t mind if I pursue you seriously then?”
You flopped forward onto your pillow and buried your face into it. Your heart couldn’t take this. Especially not when he looked at you like that. 
--
gorou, itto, and zhongli under the cut!
Gorou - I’m Not the Villainess Anymore!
It was the classic tale told many times past of a beautiful, yet pitiful woman that was saved by a handsome man. Together they overcame jealous villainesses, corrupt politicians, and jealous older siblings to live happily ever after. But that was not your story. You, as the jealous ultimate villainess, were exiled to a lonely monastery at the edge of the kingdom. But you know what? It was about time! Finally, you can live your life unfettered by the chains of the novel! But if that was the case, why does the head knight keep bothering you!? Your job as the villainess is done! It’s about time he left you alone!
You bit your lip as you scrubbed that light spot in the corridor for the fiftieth time. Who would have thought that after months of getting General Gorou to leave, the moment your wish came true you wanted nothing more than to keep him here with you. You knew his strengths and accomplishments. You knew he wouldn’t be taken down easily. But the thought that he’d be going up against the Shogunate…
You gritted your teeth and pressed your scrubber even harder into the spot. 
Who cared? Regardless of what happened, Sangonomiya Kingdom had nothing to do with you. Your job there was done. And once General Gorou left, you’d finally be free. You’d finally be able to live your life the way you wanted to. You would be able to leave the monastery behind, jump on a ship to a land far away, and restart your life there. And–
You froze when you heard the sound of hooves accompanied with a familiar voice. 
“Woah there! Jeez, I know you’re happy to go running again, but this won’t be for fun, boy.”
General Gorou? Was he leaving already?
Your heart caught in your throat as you tossed everything to the side and dashed toward the front doors. Throwing them open, you froze upon seeing the general securing the last of his luggage to his trusted steed. And when his eyes fell upon you, he froze in return. Was he at a loss of what to say just like you? But by the steely expression that soon overtook his face, it seemed he found his words first.
“I’ll return safely to you, I promise.”
You wanted to laugh in response. He’ll return safely? How could he promise such a thing so easily? The Shogun’s army was mighty and the Sangonomiya Kingdom was so small. Sure, he was a mighty warrior. Sure, he proved himself in battle many times over, but that didn’t mean–
He took your hands and squeezed them tightly.
“I’ll come back to you safely. I promise. So…” He then cupped your cheek and smiled that adorable smile of his. “Don’t worry too much, okay? Make sure to eat your vegetables. And don’t get into fights with the priest. Oh! And the children adore you, so I’ll check to see you set a good example for them when I return.”
Disbelief exploded from your chest in the form of a bark of laughter. 
“Don’t scold me right before you march to your death! Don’t worry about me! Just…” You turned away as tears filled your eyes. “Just come back alive.”
--
Itto - My Seventh Round of Life
You lived six lives before this one, each ending in failure. Murder, sickness, betrayal—the list goes on. You did everything right. You fulfilled all the duties of each life, and still each time ended in your early demise. So when you woke up for the seventh time, you decided you had enough. You’ll give life one last chance. This time you’ll make your own decisions! Although… getting caught by a gang of bandits certainly was not one of them!!!
“You can’t just… do this!!! They’re not going to allow it!” You exclaimed as you tried to pull the big burly oni back. 
You had no clue what in the world made him think it was okay to simply set up a stage in the middle of such an illustrious city, but here was this big dope doing so! Didn’t he know what could happen? What if permits were needed? What if everybody was arrested for the fifth time this month!? But much to your dismay, Itto erupted in a big belly laughter at your despair.
“C’mon, First! Why are you getting your obi all tied in a knot? It’s not a big deal. We've done this maaaany times and it always turned out fine. Just trust me! It’s gonna be a riot!”
You wanted to scream. Of course, he wouldn’t see anything wrong with this. Didn’t this guy have any sense of self-preservation? But when you turned to Shinobu for assistance, there she was supervising the setup of the stage. Was literally everyone in this accursed gang insane?
Upon noticing your distressed expression, Itto let out a sigh. Soon you were wincing as a huge hand ruffled your carefully styled hair. 
“Don’t worry, I get it! You’re standing here brought to tears over worrying about your great boss. It’ll be fine!” But when your expression didn’t change, his turned stern. “Look, if you spend all your time racking your brain over hows-its and whats-its, you’ll get all old and pruney before you know it. You only live once. Might as well make it worth it, right?”
You wanted to laugh. If only he knew this was your seventh life. You got killed for less. But… unlike your previous lives, it wasn’t as if the Arataki Gang was involved in anything illegal. Their antics only incurred, not the threat of bows and spears, but the rolling of eyes. You left your old life away too. They didn’t want you anymore. So… perhaps… Perhaps it couldn’t be that bad?
Your shoulders dropped.
“Fine.”
So when he jumped in front of the crowd with fireflies strapped to his horns and the rest of the gang jumping and dancing around him, the audience hooted and hollered with glee. With the music twanging high in the air and the children of the city rushing around you, somewhere along the line you found yourself laughing along too. It felt odd. Weird. Like there was a lightness in your chest you never felt before. 
Was this what it felt like to live?
--
Zhongli - I Didn’t Mean to Sleep With the Celestial Emperor
Every century, the celestial emperor came down to the Kingdom of Liyue to grace his people with the divine knowledge needed to flourish until his return. After enjoying the week-long festival in the harbor to your heart’s content, you were excited for the main event. But as the celestial emperor descended from the heavens, what filled your chest was not awe, but confusion. Wasn’t he the guy you slept with last night?
“It has been said that while the Harbor represents the will of Liyue, Qingce Village represents its heart. It is a joy to see that it has remained just as I remembered.” 
“O-Oh, is that so?” You asked as the corner of your smile twitched slightly.
You didn’t know how it came to this, bringing the celestial emperor around Liyue, that is. When you first saw his face, you nervously assumed you were mistaken. You clearly saw him descend from the heavens, after all. The man you spent a passionate evening with the night before certainly could not be him. But when he locked eyes with you from the parapet, dread filled your stomach. 
You tried. You really did. The moment the procession was over, you upped and headed straight to the inn to pack your belongings to leave and leave to anywhere out of Liyue Harbor. But that would’ve been too easy. No, the moment you rushed downstairs and paid your bill, you turned to run straight into a young adeptus and was therefore whisked over to the man himself. 
Though it would have been weird, you would have been fine if he simply wished to thank you for the evening, but things were never that simple, were they? No, when you were brought before him, he said that you promised to show him the delights of Liyue. You said he could take it as a verbal contract between you both and he wished to cash in on it.
Now, let it be said that you didn’t mean it. After having had a few drinks last night, you were in the mood to flirt and really, could you be held accountable for what came out of your mouth? You didn’t think he’d hold you to it! But at the same time, how could you refuse!? Only a fool would invalidate a contract made with the very being of contracts! 
So here you were bringing the celestial emperor around as if he were some random normal traveler from a foreign land trying to hide from the common folk the divinity that oozed off of him in waves. It certainly did not help that he was handsome to boot and could steal hearts with a simple smile. And when he directed all that at you…?
“To be able to share this view with you…” His amber eyes glowed with warmth. “Your presence makes this trip even more of a delight.”
You couldn’t think straight.
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bunniekittiee · 11 months
Note
Hello ! Hope you're doing well! I really loved your headcanons of Bi-han's S/O relationship with his brothers it was so cute ❤ I'm curious what you think the relationship becomes if you take in account the story mode events ( Bihan's "betrayal ") because I'm sure s/o would stik by her husband and support him so how those three interact afterward? Thanks ~
Hi! I am doing okay, I hope you are doing well too! Y’all are so nice here woo hoo
I will answer this in headcanons. Bi-Han x Fem. Reader by the way! Also kind of a little sad :(
Finding out what Bi-Han had done was like a knife to the heart.
She was so close to his brothers that they were her own, as they too viewed her as a sister.
She was definitely distraught knowing that her family was ripping itself apart.
But, she could not just leave Bi-Han. She had married him, but she also married the Lin Kuei when she said her vows.
Leaving him would only result in more anguish.
She would have to support Bi-Han’s decision either way, even if she had her doubts or believed that he was actually losing his sanity.
Bi-Han never fully discussed all the details, but he would tell her the big important ones such as the development of the Cyber Initiative and how they were close to overpowering the Shirai Ryu.
It pained her greatly, but she would smile and congratulate Bi-Han on his success. That was all she could do unfortunately as arguing with Bi-Han about his betrayal was like speaking to a brick wall.
Bi-Han believes that his brothers have betrayed him rather than the other way around. He is delusional lol.
He is blinded by his own anger and thirst for power.
It is argued whether he truly wants to kill his brothers or just wants them to stand down and let the Lin Kuei thrive.
Sometimes, she is never so sure if he really wants to kill his brothers in cold blood. In his eyes, she can see the glimmer of murderous intent, but then it will form into something else.
Like he had lost something important to him.
It was definitely arguable. She had hoped that Bi-Han would never be that cruel.
She could not bear to see any harm come to Kuai Liang and Tomas.
If she somehow ever came across them, whether it was at an event or some different way, she would feel like crying.
She would hug her boys close.
They would hug her back, joyful to be reunited with her.
They know she is not to be enemies with as their fight is with Bi-Han, not his wife.
Even though Bi-Han has stated that family is not off limits in their war, Kuai Liang cannot bring himself to harm her, nor can Tomas.
They know how much she means to Bi-Han, and he would go to the depths of the Netherrealm to protect her.
When those three reunite, it is usually quick as they cannot stay long. If Sektor or Cyrax were to catch a glimpse of them, they would be in trouble.
The brothers understand that she has to support Bi-Han no matter what, yet sometimes they feel that she is not trying enough to reason with him.
But again, they understand that reasoning with Bi-Han is something that cannot be achievable.
Once he is passionate and confident in something, he will continue to pursue it.
Just like he is passionate about overthrowing the Shirai Ryu and teaching his brothers a lesson.
Bi-Han hardly lets her leave the premises. He does not trust soldiers to go with her, and he does not have his brothers.
So only Sektor or Cyrax are really supposed to go with her, sometimes both of them will go with.
They are nothing like Kuai and Tomas though, which saddens her.
They have different personalities, and they put on the soldier face to prevent others from attempting to mess with them.
It is mainly for intimidation. That was something Kuai and Tomas hardly ever did unless it was truly needed.
Trips with Sektor and Cyrax are quick and usually not that fun. They are disconnected from her as they do not want attachments to the Grandmaster’s wife.
Supporting Bi-Han may be difficult in this because her loyalty also stands with his brothers, but since Bi-Han exiled them from ever being mentioned, her loyalties were forced to change.
She had to fully be loyal to Bi-Han and support his decisions. Just as Sektor and Cyrax supported them.
They were almost like the “replacements” for Kuai Liang and Tomas. That’s what Bi-Han tried to show her by sending them with her when she needed a break from the Arctika.
Replacements that were never going to fulfill the places of the brothers.
She dearly misses them. She does not have much contact with them and she thinks about them often.
She thinks about her old life often, truthfully.
If Bi-Han had a change of heart, they could be reunited and happy like they once were.
Kuai Liang and Tomas give her the offer of staying with the Shirai Ryu, even though they both know Bi-Han would rip the realms apart for her.
If she is too scared of Bi-Han or he is doing worse things, they want to make sure that the door is open for her.
She can be part of their clan and live a happier life. One that is not full of darkness and evil.
But they do not pressure her or try convincing her because deep down, they know that her place is with the Lin Kuei.
She is shackled by them, she will never be able to leave unless in death.
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Its a Deal (Azul x F!Reader)
Summary: Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Second daughter plans to save her sister at all costs.
(Prologue)(Eldest Sister) (Third Sister) (Youngest)
.
.
.
The Sea Witch was nothing if not greedy, always wanting more, so that there would never be a chance that he’d be looked down upon.
He wanted more and more, no matter how minuscule it was.
If the person was talented, he wanted it. If the person wasn’t,  e could always put them into work. That’s simply how things work for him.
Then came the Second Daughter, willing to make a deal with him in exchange for a remedy for her dying sister.
It was a curious request.
Often those he dealt with wanted something for themselves, desperate pathetic fools who thought they could beat him at his own game.
What could she possibly offer him in exchange for such a favor? He is confident in his trade, yet greedy as he is, he’d rather not waste any resources preventing her from fulfilling her part of the would-be-bargain if he won’t get something in return. He could’ve used that time in tricking-ehem-aiding someone much worthier.
However, the Second Daughter seems to have come prepared.
She began to tell a dramatic tale.
The girl’s story sounded that of a hero's journey. Helping those in need, rescuing princes, breaking curses and even getting the favor of another magical being to earn a reward.
It was nonsense and it sounded like a play.
Yet when she presented him with a relic, one that can turn a mermaid into a human, and upon verifying the authenticity of it, he found himself a satisfactory object of value.
Expanding his domain into land sounded good.
Were it not for the curse that kept him in the oceans, he would have made an elixir to come to the surface himself.
He wanted more, therefore he struck up the deal, confident you'll lose your part of the bargain.
Little does he know you’re a trickers yourself.
Once he got to the surface, from mer into human, he lost all his magic.
The contract disintegrates before the shores. How she even got it in the first place, was beyond his comprehension.
.
.
.
“ Did you like my little story? I am quite proud of it. Wrote it myself” She says, carrying around as they ran away from those who pursued them. “Don’t worry, once you heal my sister, I’ll get you back into the ocean. That’s the truth”
Azul would’ve thrown a harder tantrum if he could, yet he was voiceless.
“ Don’t look at me as if I am cruel. I’m only playing your own game.”
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genericpuff · 9 months
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All That Glitters is Not Feminism - An Analysis of LO's Brand of "Feminism" and What Remains of its Fanbase (A Prologue)
So I referenced a certain article in a recent reblog/ask response and I just need to talk about it because what the actual fuck-
This has to have been written by either a bot or a hater who's reached peak god tier level at playing the long con sarcasm game because NOTHING about this feels sincere or even factual. Much of it almost has to be read in a mocking tone for it to make any real sense.
It says "Lore Olympus" (literally in quotations) in just about every single paragraph over and over again and every single talking point revolves EXCLUSIVELY around Persephone, which I suppose comes as no surprise considering that seems to be all the comic - and its fanbase - cares about at this point.
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I really love (/s) how Persephone's "evolution" is being naive and then 'blossoming' into an independent woman who relies entirely on the rich man who groomed her to solve all her problems.
Also all she's done since becoming Queen of the Underworld is abuse lower class people. That's the stuff feminist dreams are made of <3
While we're talking about the main leads, "poster child" is definitely a word for Hades, I think a more appropriate term would be "literal child". And boy howdy, 'god of consent' sure is a title to give the guy who ripped out a lower class satyr's eyeball and beat him half to death.
This man owns slaves, btw. And both he and his "powerful wife" are equally horrible to lower class people, especially women.
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This is hands-down the funniest section of the article and we're only three bullet points in.
Thetis and Persephone have never even so much as spoken one word to each other outside of the courtroom that Thetis technically put her in after plotting against her for an entire season.
Eros is a man. Nothing wrong with that but it comes with the unintentional icky hilarity of implying that because Eros is the gay best friend, that means he's a woman.
They literally don't read this fucking comic-
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Everyone always relies on this weird talking point of Demeter not being able to "let Persephone go"... y'all, she just didn't want Persephone to outright move to Olympus, she wanted her to commute. That was it! That was literally the only problem! She wasn't preventing Persephone from pursuing a higher education or telling her she wasn't allowed to work, she literally fucking encouraged it! And with the added later context of Persephone killing a bunch of mortals - and, ironically, the fact that Persephone was assaulted/put in harm's way by TWO SEPARATE MEN in the first two days of her time in Olympus - yeah, I don't blame Demeter for not wanting her daughter to move cold turkey actually LOL
Also hilarious that they claim Rachel has turned "tradition" into "innovation" when the only thing she's managed to do is set back modern feminism in her young adult readers by 80 years and re-establish misogynist brainwashing in her adult ones. Rachel, your fanbase was literally shipping a victim of abuse with her abuser just a few days ago.
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oh boy this is uh
this is some cult shit ngl
and the "rewriting the script of Greek mythology" part is VERY concerning knowing what we know about Lore Olympus and who it was written by. This is literally cultural appropriation, full stop, and it exists because Lore Olympus - and works like it, made by people like Rachel - exists.
I can't even commit to the original theory that this was written by a bot because it all feels very pointed and intenetional. This is being written by someone who, at the very least, REALLY sucks at media analysis and writing, because the entire article is just "Lore Olympus, buzzword, Lore Olympus, buzzword, buzzword, Lore Olympus", it's like a white knight incantation for guilty virtue signallers who have zero clue what they're talking about. And at worst, yes, it's appropriation from someone who doesn't mind taking a culture's stories and myths and promoting their erasure by people outside of the culture like Rachel.
And that's it, that's literally the article lmao
*EDIT: There was a section here before addressing the writer of the article from a very opinionated POV that, while isn't unusual for what I do here, did feel necessary to remove after I was contacted by the article writer who addressed the flaws in their original article and is now seeking to correct them with revisions/an article rewrite. So I felt it only fair as a compromise to at least remove that section as it really doesn't have a whole lot to do with this post as a whole and can be removed without entirely ruining the flow of this analysis. If/when that article is rewritten, I'll be revisiting this post and my overall analysis !
And honestly, it's all really telling, because this does accurately reflect the state of the LO fanbase.
Not only do many of the people who defend this comic like it's their job not pick up on the blatant misogynist tones that are going on in its narrative (I can't even call them "undertones" anymore, they're no longer that subtle) but whether or not they even read the comic at all is up for debate with how much stuff they tend to get wrong in their own arguments and justifications. And this is something that's VERY regularly seen in the fanbase discussions, readers will constantly be unaware of things that happened because they skimmed through it at lightning speed just to see if Hades and Persephone kiss and so they can get the top comment on Webtoons so they can be "ahead of the fanbase". It's no wonder that Rachel has gotten used to getting away with retconning things because her fanbase didn't even read what she established the first time.
Rachel's fanbase was literally defending the romance ship of an abuser and his victim on the newest FP episode preview. When that FP episode came out two nights ago and Hera said, point blank, that he didn't love her but abused her, I could only think of that portion of the fanbase who was very audibly simping over Kronos in the IG comment section. Are they actually having their moment of shameful clarity now? Or are they just gonna move the goalposts and pretend that didn't happen?
I don't want to say anything bad about Shelby here because she really seems like she's fighting for her life on this site that she's trying to get off the ground, but a lot of her other articles also come across as very one-note while being peppered with buzzwords that make it seem like what she's talking about is "progressive" when it really isn't. Case in point, Lessons in Chemistry has been commonly criticized for not actually appealing to the demographic that its Mary Sue-ish main character is supposed to represent - women in STEM career fields.
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: Lore Olympus is not 'feminism', it's white feminism that is designed to appeal to predominantly heterocis white women who think the solution to misogyny is to willingly submit to it and accept the status quo - that it's "empowering" if the woman is smiling and having all her needs paid for by a man. Sure, I can accept that different women will be looking for different relationship dynamics, some women genuinely are happy being in a relationship where they support their husbands first and foremost. But can that truly be called feminism? Or is the real feminism the choices we make along the way that we should be given the freedom to make?
It says a lot about the folks who tend to regularly prop up LO on a pedestal like this as some "revolution in feminism" despite the contrary after spending more than just 30 seconds skimming the attention-grabbing art, and Shelby is just one of many. She's not the worst of the bunch, though.
That goes to someone else who I want to give proper light to in their own essay. Someone who definitely earned a good stern talking-to this past week and has, thankfully, had consequences dished out to her for her horrible actions towards queer POC writers.
If you know, you know. If you don't, buckle up.
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akutasoda · 7 months
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Noticed ur requested are open so I gonna the idea I had so got inspired by Genshin archon quest and I was in love furina charcter and sm wondering if u can like crossover type request if ok with u
So I was wondering if I may request a Dan heng / IL X fem Reader
Where reader is basically similar to furina maybe Reader
was tasked by hydro archon focalor maintaining the guise of an Archon; as a new "human", she had difficulty taking the role but eventually mastered it. Additionally, a curse was placed upon her, rendering her unable to die so long as Focalors lived, but also preventing her from pursuing her own happiness. Reader is Aware of the prophecy that would doom Fontaine so reader has to play the e role of Hydro Archon for 500 years . maybe the astral express landed like in new universe tevat Fontaine and trying to figure out the new world maybe Dan heng Mets Reader noticed her and like feels connect to her due to him having experience past burdens and he can tell something up with can see right through reader act. Wants to get to know her maybe reader and how to help her and
Maybe reader like has momment alone to herself crying carrying this burden not be able to show it until Dan heng shows up but reader is stubborn to show or to tell her burdens maybe she goes to trial for being fraud and the express and Dan Genf have to help reader if this makes sense
(This idea I had in mine but I hoping romantic fluff comfort fic but also lore wise I hope this makes sense again if this too difficult of request I can change it I just like hope this is ok
Aslo furina supremacy love her
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a preferred outcome for a doomed prophecy
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synopsis - maybe the prophecy wouldn't turn out all that bad
includes - dan heng ft express crew + neuvillette
warnings - fem!reader (no pronouns mentioned howeve), reader is based on furina, fluff, angst with some comfort, maybe ooc?, wc - 1.5k
a/n: ahhh im so sorry this took so long!
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the express had experienced all sorts of worlds within the galaxy, some not even taking form of planets but rather ships and such. each and every one housing a variety of colourful characters and deep history that spurred the current state it resided in. but they all had one thing in common, they all had a page in the expresses data bank.
the memories however, travelled with the trailblazer that experienced them. and after trailblazing for so long nothing seemed out of the ordinary when the express had an unexpected malfunction and needed to dock at the nearest planet - it wouldn't be the first time. however one would only need to take a step outside to realise that something indeed was different.
you were aimlessly wandering around the vast halls behind the court, looking for something to satiate your boredom. recently the lack of trials had bored you half to death and more annoyingly gave you less things to think about so, more often your mind would drift the the prophecy.
but you wanted to shake these horrid thoughts and push them to the back of your mind. and your wish was soon granted when you heard the voice of fontaine's ludex call your name from behind you. your initial reaction was to turn around with the biggest grin and address the man in front of you but he looked more somber, more serious than usual.
he kept his words short and brief and urged you to follow him to help with a situation that he claimed 'shouldn't get out of hand' or 'into public news'. and while you did follow immediately, your mind resurfaced the ideas of the prophecy and assumed the worst - maybe today was the day?
and as much as you tried to force yourself to not assume the worst, you couldn't stop the rapid pit of dread forming in your stomach.
you were your nations archon. and so it seemed only appropriate that you were the first person to greet the newcomers from beyond your world. all your boredom soon dissipated as you became rather eager and intrigued about your nations new visitors - but all questions would have to wait until you got the express members into your proper office.
and you had managed to get them there with minimum stares and whispering from your nations residents. you felt as though this issue was definitely better tackled within the confines of your private office. and based on what the lady named himeko had briefly told you, it seems you made the right call.
you had been introduced to all the members, seeing they would be staying here for quite a bit it'd only be polite - you may have additionally asked alot of questions as it wasn't everyday you met people that travelled through space. you also told them a tad about yourself and offered some background information about your lovely nation.
you welcomed them to look around and told them to not hesitate to ask for any help. in turn, himeko told you about the expresses data bank and gestured toward dan heng who you had been told compiles most of it. you expressed how you would be honoured you nation would be included.
over the next few days the express came to learn that they would not be leaving for a few weeks, but out of all the express members the one you had encountered the most was dan heng. he had gotten himself quite well acquainted with neuvillette and so you saw him often - mostly on his quest to fill out the data bank. and from your very first interaction it seemwd as though you both were doomed to get along.
over the first week, you and dan heng often conversed to the point ehere it seemed as though you had known him your entire life. neither of you could explain it but there was something there, something that made it easy for the two of you to converse - much to the expresses shock.
dan heng was quite surprised himself but he had grown accustomed to your presence in an alarmingingly short period of time, but there must've been a reason for this right?
he had a very strong, natural sense of perception - so much so that he could tell something was bothering you. no amount of happy go lucky attitude could fool him into thinking something didn't plague your mind constantly and because he had barely known you, he didn't say anything. it wasn't his place, he would tell himself.
but he could hardly ignore it when he walked in to your sobbing form. it had only been two weeks and the express was near ready to depart, so dan heng wanted to collect some final information. he had wanted to know more about the residents and who better to ask than you. he found neuvillette and asked where you were, he was told your office. when he arrived at your office he knocked, knocked again and knocked again. but each time was met with silence, normally he would've turned around and assumed he went the wrong way but he had heard sniffling on the other side of the door, so he opened it.
your head immediately whipped around upon hearing your office door creak open and you were left shocked at the sight of dan heng. you immediately swiped your eyes of any lingering tears and asked him in a meek voice that he should 'come back at a better time' and how he should 'seek out the ludex for anything at the moment'. dan heng wanted to protest, sure he wasn't the best at comforting people but it was clear that you needed some support. but he left.
and that wasn't the last time. only a few days later did he re-emerge in your office just to catch you crying as you stared aimlessly at the mirror that, for a brief moment, he swore had another reflection in eerily similar to you. now more than ever did he want to help. he had briefly heard you mumbling about some prophecy and he could immediately gather that this was some sort of burden you carried.
now, he knew a thing or two about carrying burdens, he knew how tormenting and stressful they could be - he did have frequent nightmares afterall. and even though he had know you for a mere few weeks, he wanted to help. afterall, wasn't it the trailblazers mission to help those across the galaxy?
unfortunately himeko and welt helped remind him of a painful reminder. once the express was up and running, they would leave and the likelihood of him ever seeing you would be close to none. and no matter how much he would talk about atleast trying to help now, if you didn't let anyone know what was your burden, no-one could help.
it was the last day in your nation, for the express and for you. the express were set to part and dan heng wanted to bid you farewell but only neuvillette showed to bid them farewell. neuvillette expressed how you had told him to relay your goodbye message. but even so, neuvillette also knew some of the prophecy and he encouraged them to go despite their joint insistence on thanking you - if they didn't leave soon, they too would be washed away in fontaine waters.
but the express crew knew something was up by now. and very reluctantly neuvillette told them of the prophecy after their insistence that they travelled worlds to help people and so if they could do anything they would. neuvillette expressed how nothing could be done. but dan heng wasn't so deterred.
however, it seemed as though the celestia herself had taken a form of pity. the prophecy didn't come true. and despite your trial going ahead and you being found guilty, you weren't to be executed. neuvillette still gained full control of hydro and sovereignty and forgave the sins of the residents of your nation but in turn he found a way to forgive yours aswell.
due to dan heng's insistence of helping you, it spurred the rest of the express to want to try just as much. and so neuvillette was offered with the idea of you joining the express. this way you could be free from the curse and still live out the rest of your days, and neuvillette allowed it. it was still your final decision however but you gladly accepted.
you still felt sorrow of having to leave some people behind, namely neuvillette, but he encouraged you to go - he would've of been in much pain to see you die. and your connection with dan heng seemed to pull through once more. as the instant you saw him you ran to give him the biggest hug anyone could offer in thanks for everything he did and he gladly reciprocated the action.
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angelasscribbles · 4 months
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All That She Wants Chapter 5: Consequences
Series: All That She Wants
Fandom: The Royal Romance
Pairings: Riley x Liam, Riley x Drake, Liam x Olivia
Word Count: 1,094
Rating: M
Warnings for this chapter: none
My other stuff: Master List.
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Riley stared down at the plastic stick in her hands as a myriad of feelings washed over her.
Another negative test.
How? It had been 6 months since she’d first set her sights on Drake. They had been sleeping together regularly ever since.
Frequently even.
Disappointment and disbelief were the first emotions. She had conceived Ellie on her honeymoon with Liam. Xander had taken only two months of trying.
Frustration and relief were an odd combination, revealing her conflicted motives. Her original goal of procreation was being thwarted, and that was frustrating.
But another negative result meant she would have to keep sleeping with Drake. Not just sleeping with him, but basically dating him, per the arrangement she had agreed to.
She hadn’t meant to, but she found herself enjoying the dating part. It felt good to be wanted, to be pursued, wooed, romanced, valued.
Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t hear him until he was right behind her. “What are you doing?”
Her body jolted as awareness of her surroundings rushed back in. “Liam! I thought you had meetings all morning!”
“I did. But the Duke of Rothsford spilled his coffee on me and I came back up to change.” Astonishment crept into his voice. “Is that a pregnancy test?”
“It’s none of your business, is what it is!” She snapped as she moved her hand behind her back.
“Oh, I think it’s most certainly my business if my wife, whom I haven’t had sex with in months, is taking a pregnancy test!”
“Try a year and a half, Liam!” she bit back furiously.
He looked momentarily taken aback. “Has it been that long?”
“Yes!” She hated the tears that gathered in her eyes.
Liam faltered for a moment. He looked at her with compassion, his hand reached out toward her in a comforting gesture but froze halfway there. His voice was icy as he demanded, “Why are you taking a pregnancy test?”
“I wanted to see if I was pregnant, Liam, that’s why!”
“So, you’re having an affair?”
She gaped at him, the anger in his tone confusing her. “You literally told me that if I wanted another baby, to find someone else to be the father!”
“That was hyperbole, Riley!” Liam was shaking with barely restrained fury. “The Queen of Cordonia can’t just have another man’s baby!”
“Oh, but you can sleep with Olivia and ignore your wife, and that’s fine?”
“I—”
“Exactly. You’re a hypocrite, Liam. What if your mistress got pregnant? Then what?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Liv doesn’t even want children! She took the necessary precautions to prevent that years ago!”
“Wow.” Riley shook her head as anger replaced all the despair and sadness she usually felt when confronted with her husband’s infidelity. “You didn’t even try to deny it.”
His shoulders slumped as his fury abated. “I’m sorry, Riley. You deserve better than I’ve given you. I know that.”
“Did you ever love me?”
“I do love you, Riley. Things with Liv and I are…. complicated.”
“No, Liam, you don’t love me. If you loved me, you wouldn’t have shut me out. Something changed somewhere along the way, and you didn’t bother to let me know.”
“I’m not disputing that things changed. Our marriage became…stale.”
She wasn’t sure which emotion was more prevalent as she took in his assessment of their relationship. There was an ample amount of rage tempered by an overabundance of grief.
She had never stopped loving him. Had never stopped trying.
But the unvarnished truth was that he had left their marriage, at least emotionally, long ago, and there was nothing she could do about it.
For the first time since she had said I do, she admitted to herself that this was not the fairytale they had sold to the press. This was not her happily ever after and Liam was not her prince charming. They had been living a lie from the moment he proposed.
“Why didn’t you just marry her in the first place?” she asked bitterly.
“I just told you…. she refused to have children. I needed an heir.”
“So, you married me for my uterus?”
A defensive note crept into his voice. “You knew the terms. You agreed—”
“I agreed to the marriage terms because I loved you, you fucking unbelievable bastard!”
“Riley, you’re upset. I understand. But once you calm down—”
“No.”
“No? No, what?”
“No, to whatever is about to come out of your mouth. I’m done worrying about what’s best for you! It’s my turn, Liam!”
“What does that mean?”
“It means you have three choices. Either give me a baby, let someone else give me a baby, or let’s just get divorced and I’ll do as I damn well please.”
“Riley, we can’t just—”
“Those are your choices. Even the king can’t force someone to stay married to him against her will. Just imagine the scandal that would cause!”
He struggled to maintain his composure when what he wanted to do was throw things, yell, lock her in the room, and forbid her to leave it. Instead, he took a steadying breath and counted silently to ten before he spoke. “We said forever, Riley.”
“You promised to love me, Liam.”
“Who is it?”
“Excuse me?”
His voice was tight as he searched her face for answers. “Who are you sleeping with? Who is stabbing his king in the back?”
For the first time in their entire marriage, Riley had the upper hand. She gave him a self-satisfied smirk as she tossed the plastic stick into the waste bin. She crossed the room to the door, opened it, then turned back to face him. “You have two days to decide which option pleases you most, my king.” Then she was gone.
“Son of a bitch!” Liam picked up the nearest object and hurled it at the door that had just closed.
Glass shattered against the wood, as water and petals exploded outward.
Who the fuck had been sending her flowers?
He had barely noticed the vases of fresh-cut blooms that had changed every few days, assuming housekeeping had been putting them there to brighten the room. Now the certainty that someone was not just fucking his wife but romancing her took hold.
Something had to be done. A decision had to be made, and it had to be made quickly.
He pulled out his phone and quickly punched in Olivia’s number. “We have an urgent matter to discuss. I need you to drop whatever you’re doing and come to the palace immediately.”
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