#but this first cut is like one of the deepest ones i've ever had and it's on my inner forearm like maybe 2 inches from my wrist

[scarletcomet]

sent a few of my professors emails earlier telling them about my depression and asking if i can make up the assignments i haven't turned in. one of my professors responded and said that he can't do anything unless it goes through disability resources. there's no way that's true, right? sounds to me that he won't, not he can't. anyways, i want to kill myself.

[cool-fancier]

Unwritten Desires

Synopsis: Jennie Kim ruled high school—and your heart, though she didn't know it. A new friendship ignites jealousy, unraveling hidden feelings in this slow-burn romance.

Word Count: 4.7K

High school was nothing like you imagined. Instead of the bustling social life others seemed to have, you found solace in the quiet corners of the library, your head often buried in books. Being a nerd didn't bother you much, but it did make you a target. And at the top of that list of tormentors was Jennie Kim, the queen bee of the school. With her perfect looks, sharp wit, and magnetic personality, she ruled the school alongside her close-knit group of friends: Jisoo, Rosé, and Lisa.

Jennie's attention on you began almost as soon as you set foot in Northbridge High. Maybe it was the way you kept to yourself, or the fact that you didn't care about fitting into the social hierarchy that made you an easy target. Whatever it was, Jennie made sure you knew your place. Her friends joined in too, but it was Jennie's taunts that cut the deepest.

"Still hiding behind your books, loser?" Jennie would sneer as she passed by you in the hallways, her friends giggling behind her.

You tried your best to ignore her, to focus on your studies and pretend that her words didn't sting. But it wasn't easy, especially when Jennie seemed to take pleasure in getting under your skin. There were days when you wanted to snap back, to tell her off, but something always held you back.

Despite how much you tried to hate her, there was something about Jennie that fascinated you. It was an inexplicable pull, something you couldn't quite put your finger on. You loathed the way she treated you, but at the same time, you found yourself thinking about her more than you wanted to admit. It was confusing and frustrating, and it only made you more determined to keep your distance.

— — — — —

As the school year dragged on, you began to feel more isolated than ever. But then, halfway through the semester, a new student arrived. Mina was different from anyone you had met before. She was quiet, but not in the shy way you were; there was a quiet confidence about her that drew people in. She didn't care about the school's social hierarchy, and unlike everyone else, she wasn't afraid to approach you.

"Mind if I sit here?" Mina asked one day in the library, her voice soft but steady.

You looked up from your book, surprised to find her standing there. "Uh, sure. Go ahead."

Mina smiled and took the seat across from you, setting her bag down on the table. "I'm Mina," she introduced herself, extending a hand.

"Y/n," you replied, shaking her hand.

"I've seen you around," Mina said, her tone conversational. "You're always reading. What's the book this time?"

You glanced down at the book in your hands. "Pride and Prejudice. It's, um, one of my favorites."

"Classic," Mina said with an approving nod. "I love that one too. Elizabeth Bennet is such a strong character."

You smiled, relaxing a little. It was rare to find someone who shared your love of classic literature, and even rarer to find someone who didn't judge you for it.

As the days went by, you and Mina grew closer. She started sitting with you at lunch, and soon, you found yourself part of a small, tight-knit group that included Mina's friends, Yeri and Chaeyoung. For the first time in a long while, you felt like you belonged somewhere.

But not everyone was happy about your newfound friendship. Jennie's attitude toward you grew colder, her taunts more biting. It was as if she couldn't stand the fact that you were finding happiness, that you were no longer the lonely outcast she had always known you to be.

You tried to ignore Jennie's behavior, but it was becoming increasingly difficult. She seemed to be everywhere, watching you with a gaze that was both curious and hostile. There was a new intensity in her eyes, something you couldn't quite decipher.

— — — — —

One afternoon, you and Mina were sitting together in the cafeteria, discussing your latest assignment for English class. The conversation flowed easily, and for once, you felt at ease in a place that had always made you anxious. But that sense of peace was shattered when Jennie and her friends approached your table.

"Well, well," Jennie drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look who's all chummy with the new girl. Guess the nerd finally found someone who can tolerate them."

Mina frowned, her eyes narrowing as she looked up at Jennie. "What's your problem, Jennie?"

Jennie's gaze shifted to Mina, and for a moment, you thought you saw something like jealousy flicker in her eyes. But then her expression hardened, and she crossed her arms over her chest.

"No problem," Jennie said coolly. "Just surprised that someone like you would waste your time with a loser like Y/n."

Mina's frown deepened, but she didn't back down. "She's not a loser. She's smart and kind, and if you actually took the time to get to know her, you'd see that."

Jennie's friends exchanged uneasy glances, clearly sensing the tension in the air. Jisoo stepped forward, placing a hand on Jennie's arm. "Come on, Jennie. Let's just go."

But Jennie didn't move. She continued to stare at you, her eyes boring into yours with an intensity that made your heart race. You couldn't tell what she was thinking, but there was something in her gaze that made you feel like there was more going on beneath the surface.

Finally, Jennie turned away, her expression unreadable. "Whatever," she muttered, before walking off, her friends trailing behind her.

You let out a breath you didn't realize you had been holding, your hands trembling slightly. Mina reached over and placed a comforting hand on your arm.

"Are you okay?" she asked gently.

"Yeah," you replied, though you weren't entirely sure if that was true. "Thanks for standing up for me."

"Of course," Mina said with a reassuring smile. "No one deserves to be treated like that."

You smiled back, grateful for Mina's support. But even as you tried to focus on your conversation with her, your thoughts kept drifting back to Jennie. There was something about her behavior that didn't add up, something that made you question everything you thought you knew about her.

— — — — —

The days passed in a blur of conflicting emotions. You found yourself thinking about Jennie more than you wanted to admit, trying to make sense of the way she made you feel. On one hand, she was your bully, the person who had made your life miserable for years. But on the other hand, there was something about her that drew you in—something you couldn't quite explain.

Meanwhile, Jennie was struggling with her own feelings. She hated the way she had reacted to seeing you with Mina—hated the jealousy that burned inside her, the way she couldn't stop thinking about you. She tried to bury those feelings, to push them aside and focus on maintaining her queen bee status, but it was getting harder every day.

Her friends noticed the change in her too.

"You've been acting weird lately," Rosé commented one day as they lounged in Jennie's bedroom. "Is everything okay?"

Jennie shook her head, not wanting to admit what was really bothering her. "I'm fine."

But Lisa wasn't convinced. "Is it Y/n?" she asked, her voice gentle. "You've been watching her a lot more than usual."

Jennie stiffened, her heart skipping a beat. "I'm just making sure she knows her place."

Jisoo frowned, leaning in closer. "Jen, maybe it's time to back off a little. You're acting like... I don't know, like you're jealous or something."

"I'm not jealous," Jennie snapped, but the words felt hollow even as she said them.

Her friends exchanged knowing looks, and Rosé sighed. "It's okay if you are, you know. You don't have to pretend around us."

Jennie's defenses wavered, and for a moment, she considered telling them the truth—telling them how she really felt. But the fear of what that would mean, of what might happen if she admitted it out loud, held her back. "I'm not pretending," she insisted, but her voice was softer now, less certain.

"Jen, you know we're here for you," Jisoo said gently. "You don't have to keep everything bottled up. If you like her... if you want something different, that's okay."

Jennie looked down at her hands, feeling the weight of their words. She knew they were right—knew that she couldn't keep running from her feelings forever. But the idea of actually doing something about it, of being vulnerable in front of you, was terrifying.

"I just don't know if I can," Jennie admitted quietly. "I've spent so long being this person... I don't know how to be anything else."

Jisoo reached over and placed a comforting hand on Jennie's arm. "You don't have to figure it all out at once," she said softly. "Just take it one step at a time. And if you need help... we've got your back."

Jennie nodded, though she still felt uncertain. She knew she couldn't keep going the way she had been, but she wasn't sure she was ready to take the leap either.

— — — — —

One afternoon, after a particularly stressful day of classes, you decided to head to your usual spot in the library. It was quiet there, and you needed some time to clear your head. But as you rounded the corner, you were surprised to find Jennie sitting at one of the tables, her head in her hands.

You hesitated, not sure whether to approach her or leave her be. But something in Jennie's posture—something in the way she was sitting so still, her shoulders tense—made you pause.

"Jennie?" you asked softly, breaking the silence.

Jennie looked up, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw you. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the air between you thick with unspoken tension.

"What do you want?" Jennie finally asked, her voice cold.

You swallowed hard, unsure of what to say. "I just... you seemed upset."

Jennie's expression flickered, and for a moment, you thought she might actually open up to you. But then she shook her head and looked away. "It's none of your business."

You nodded, feeling a pang of hurt. "Right. Sorry."

But as you turned to leave, Jennie's voice stopped you in your tracks.

"Wait," she said, her tone softer now. "Can we talk?"

You turned back to face her, your heart pounding in your chest. "About what?"

Jennie hesitated, her eyes searching yours as if trying to find the right words. "About... us. About everything."

The air between you seemed to thicken, and you felt a knot form in your stomach. "Okay," you said quietly, taking a seat across from her.

Jennie took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly as she spoke. "I know I've been awful to you. And I'm sorry for that. But there's something I need to tell you, and I don't know how else to say it."

You frowned, unsure of where this was going. "What is it?"

Jennie looked down at her hands, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think I like you."

The words hung in the air between you, heavy with emotion. You stared at Jennie, unable to process what she had just said. "What?"

Jennie bit her lip, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I've been so scared to admit it, even to myself. But I can't keep pretending anymore."

Your mind was racing, a thousand thoughts swirling in your head. "But you've been so mean to me," you said, your voice trembling. "Why... why would you do that if you liked me?"

Jennie looked up at you, her eyes filled with regret. "Because I didn't know how to deal with it. I was scared, and I took it out on you because... because I didn't want to face how I really felt."

You felt a wave of emotions wash over you—anger, confusion, hurt. But underneath it all, there was something else—something that had been buried deep inside you for so long.

"I don't understand," you said softly. "You made me feel like I was nothing."

"I know," Jennie whispered, a tear finally slipping down her cheek. "And I'm so sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me, but... I had to tell you the truth."

For a moment, the two of you just sat there, the silence between you heavy with unresolved emotions. Then, before you could stop yourself, you reached across the table and wiped the tear from Jennie's cheek.

Jennie looked up at you, her eyes wide with surprise and something else—hope, maybe?

"I don't know what to say," you admitted, your voice soft. "I'm still hurt, but... I can see that you're hurting too."

Jennie swallowed hard, her breath hitching. "I am. And I don't know how to make it right, but... I want to try. If you'll let me."

Your heart pounded in your chest as you considered her words. There was a part of you that wanted to run, to protect yourself from the possibility of getting hurt again. But there was another part of you—a part that you hadn't fully acknowledged until now—that wanted to give her a chance.

"I don't know if I can trust you," you said honestly. "But I'm willing to see where this goes."

Jennie's eyes lit up with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I promise I'll do whatever it takes to make it up to you."

— — — — —

The days that followed were a blur of new experiences and emotions. You and Jennie began to spend more time together, slowly breaking down the walls that had been built between you. It wasn't easy—there were moments when the old hurts resurfaced, when you questioned whether you were making the right decision. But Jennie was patient, and for the first time, she let herself be vulnerable with you.

One evening, after a long day of classes, you found yourselves alone in Jennie's room. Her friends were out, giving the two of you some much-needed privacy. You had been talking for hours, the conversation flowing easily between you as you explored the complexities of your relationship.

"I never thought I'd see this side of you," you admitted as you sat on her bed, your back against the headboard. "You're so different from the person I thought you were."

Jennie sat beside you, her legs tucked under her. "I guess I've always been scared to show this side of myself. It's easier to be the queen bee, to keep everyone at arm's length."

"But it's lonely," you said softly, understanding dawning on you.

Jennie nodded, her gaze dropping to her hands. "Yeah, it is."

You reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You don't have to be lonely anymore. You have me now."

Jennie looked up at you, her eyes shining with emotion. "I don't deserve you."

You shook your head, a small smile playing on your lips. "Maybe not, but that's not for you to decide. I want to be here, Jennie. I want to see where this goes."

Jennie's eyes were locked onto yours, a mix of vulnerability and desire swirling within them. The air between you felt heavy, thick with unspoken feelings and anticipation. Slowly, Jennie's hand slid up your side, her touch sending a shiver down your spine as she explored the curve of your waist, her fingertips brushing lightly over your skin.

"Can I kiss you?" Jennie whispered, her voice soft yet laden with need. Her breath ghosted over your lips, and the intensity in her gaze made your heart race.

"Yes," you replied, barely able to speak as the tension between you grew almost unbearable.

Jennie's lips met yours in a slow, tentative kiss, her movements gentle as if she were savoring the moment. You could feel her hesitance, the way she was holding back, but the longer the kiss lasted, the more it deepened. Your hands found their way to Jennie's shoulders, pulling her closer as you pressed your body against hers, craving more of her touch.

Jennie's hand slid up your back, sending a wave of warmth through you as she kissed you with more urgency. She carefully pushed you down onto the bed, her body following yours until she was hovering above you, her lips never leaving yours. The sensation of her weight on top of you made you gasp, your mind spinning as her presence consumed you.

"Is this okay?" Jennie asked breathlessly, her voice tinged with both desire and uncertainty as she pulled back slightly to look into your eyes.

You nodded, unable to form words as you looked up at her. "Yes... please," you whispered, your voice trembling with anticipation.

Jennie's lips curved into a soft smile, her eyes darkening with desire. She leaned down to kiss you again, her mouth moving against yours with a newfound intensity. Her hand trailed down your side, her fingers lightly grazing your skin as she found the hem of your shirt and slowly began to lift it.

You raised your arms to help her remove your shirt, your breath catching in your throat as Jennie tossed it aside. She paused for a moment, her eyes roaming over your now exposed skin, admiration and desire evident in her gaze.

"You're so beautiful," Jennie murmured, her voice filled with awe as she took in the sight of you.

You blushed under her intense gaze, but before you could respond, Jennie leaned down to press a trail of kisses along your collarbone, her lips warm and soft against your skin. She moved slowly, deliberately, as if she wanted to memorize every inch of you. Her kisses grew more heated as she made her way lower, her hands gently caressing your sides as she explored your body with both her lips and her touch.

When Jennie reached the clasp of your bra, she hesitated, looking up at you for permission. You nodded, your heart racing as she skillfully unhooked it and slid the straps down your arms, her fingers brushing over your skin in a way that made you shiver with anticipation. Once the bra was off, Jennie's gaze lingered on your bare chest for a moment before she leaned down to capture one of your nipples in her mouth.

The sensation of Jennie's warm mouth on your sensitive skin sent a jolt of pleasure straight to your core, and you couldn't hold back the soft moan that escaped your lips. Jennie's tongue flicked over your nipple, her teeth gently grazing it as she sucked, drawing more moans from you as you arched your back, pressing yourself into her touch.

Jennie's hand moved to your other breast, her fingers lightly pinching and rolling your nipple as she continued to lavish attention on your chest. The dual sensations were almost overwhelming, a mixture of pleasure and need building inside you with every touch, every kiss.

"Jennie..." you breathed, your voice trembling as you felt the tension in your body coil tighter and tighter, desperate for release.

Jennie lifted her head, her lips curving into a smile as she looked down at you. "I want to make you feel good," she whispered, her voice thick with desire as she kissed her way down your body, her lips and tongue leaving a trail of fire in their wake.

When she reached the waistband of your jeans, Jennie paused again, her fingers lightly brushing over the fabric as she looked up at you. "Is this okay?" she asked softly, her eyes searching yours for any sign of hesitation.

You nodded quickly, your breath hitching in your throat as you felt your arousal growing more intense by the second. "Yes... please, Jennie," you whispered, your voice laced with need.

Jennie's hands were steady as she unbuttoned your jeans, slowly pulling down the zipper and sliding the fabric down your legs. The cool air against your heated skin made you shiver, but it was nothing compared to the sensation of Jennie's hands on you, her touch light and teasing as she traced the waistband of your panties.

She looked up at you again, her eyes dark with desire as she hooked her fingers into the waistband of your panties and slowly slid them down your legs, leaving you completely exposed to her. The vulnerability of the moment was overwhelming, but Jennie's gaze was filled with nothing but admiration and longing as she took in the sight of you.

"You're perfect," Jennie whispered, her voice filled with reverence as she gently spread your legs, positioning herself between them. She leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your inner thigh, her breath warm against your skin as she made her way closer to your core.

When Jennie's mouth finally met your most sensitive spot, a sharp gasp escaped your lips, your hands instinctively reaching down to tangle in her hair as the pleasure washed over you. Jennie's tongue moved expertly, flicking and swirling over your clit with just the right amount of pressure, driving you wild with need.

Jennie's hands gripped your thighs, holding you in place as she devoured you with her mouth, her tongue and lips working in perfect harmony to bring you closer and closer to the edge. The pleasure was intense, almost too much to bear, and you could feel yourself getting lost in the sensation, your mind spinning as Jennie continued to pleasure you.

"Jennie... oh god, Jennie," you moaned, your voice barely audible as you felt the tension inside you coil tighter and tighter, building toward a release that was just out of reach.

Jennie hummed in response, the vibrations sending a new wave of pleasure through your body as she increased her pace, her tongue moving faster, more insistently against your clit. She was relentless, her mouth and hands working together to push you closer and closer to the brink.

The pleasure built higher and higher, the knot in your core tightening until it was almost unbearable. You were right on the edge, teetering on the brink of release, and all it took was one more flick of Jennie's tongue, one more gentle squeeze of her hands, to send you tumbling over.

Your orgasm crashed over you like a tidal wave, your body trembling as the pleasure overwhelmed you. Jennie didn't stop, her mouth still working against you as she guided you through the waves of your climax, drawing out every last bit of pleasure until you were spent, your body going limp against the bed.

When it was over, Jennie pulled back slightly, her lips and chin glistening as she looked up at you with a satisfied smile. She climbed back up your body, her hands gentle as she pulled you into her arms, holding you close as you both caught your breath.

"You're incredible," Jennie whispered, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead as she gently stroked your hair.

You smiled weakly, still trying to catch your breath as you looked up at her. "That was... amazing," you whispered, your voice filled with awe.

Jennie's smile widened, and she leaned down to capture your lips in a slow, tender kiss. "I'm glad you enjoyed it," she murmured against your lips, her voice filled with affection.

You felt a warmth spread through your chest at her words, and you wrapped your arms around her, pulling her closer as you pressed your forehead against hers. "I think I'm falling for you, Jennie," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper.

Jennie's breath caught in her throat, her eyes wide with surprise as she looked down at you. "You are?" she asked softly, her voice trembling with emotion.

You nodded, your heart pounding in your chest as you looked into her eyes. "Yes. I know it's complicated, and I'm still hurt by what happened in the past... but I want to see where this goes."

Jennie's eyes filled with tears, and she pressed a soft kiss to your lips. "I want that too," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I promise I'll make it up to you, [Your Name]. I'll spend every day making sure you know how much you mean to me."

— — — — —

As the afterglow settled around you both, a warm, comfortable silence filled the room. Jennie gently stroked your hair, her fingers weaving through the strands as she looked down at you with a mix of affection and something playful dancing in her eyes.

"You know," Jennie began, her voice soft but laced with a teasing tone, "I might still have to bully you from time to time."

You blinked up at her, surprised by the comment, but the smile tugging at her lips reassured you that she wasn't serious. "What?" you asked, a small, amused smile creeping onto your face. "Are you saying you haven't gotten it out of your system yet?"

Jennie chuckled, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she leaned down to press a kiss to your forehead. "Maybe not entirely," she teased, her voice playful. "I mean, I can't let you forget who's in charge around here."

You rolled your eyes, but your smile only grew wider as you played along. "Oh, really? And what exactly do you plan on doing to remind me?"

Jennie's grin widened as she dipped her head, her lips brushing against your ear. "Maybe I'll have to keep you on your toes," she whispered, her voice low and teasing. "A little teasing here, a little flirting there... just to make sure you don't get too comfortable."

You shivered at the way her breath tickled your ear, the playful promise in her tone making your heart race. "I'm not sure if I should be excited or worried," you said, your voice tinged with both amusement and a hint of challenge.

Jennie laughed softly, the sound sending a pleasant warmth through your chest. "Maybe a little of both," she teased, pulling back to look into your eyes. "But don't worry... I'll make sure it's the good kind of bullying."

You couldn't help but laugh at her words, your heart swelling with affection for this side of Jennie that you were just beginning to discover. "As long as it comes with some of this," you said, gesturing to the two of you tangled up together in bed, "I think I can handle it."

Jennie's smile softened, and she leaned down to capture your lips in a tender kiss. "Deal," she murmured against your lips, her voice filled with warmth. "But only because I really, really like you."

Your heart fluttered at her words, and you pulled her closer, savoring the moment as you kissed her back. "I really like you too, Jennie," you whispered, your voice filled with sincerity.

Jennie beamed at you, her expression so full of happiness that it took your breath away. "Good," she said, her tone still playful but with an underlying seriousness. "Because I'm not letting you go."

You smiled, your heart swelling with affection as you wrapped your arms around her, holding her close. "I wouldn't want you to," you replied softly, feeling a sense of contentment settle over you.

As the two of you lay there, wrapped up in each other's arms, you couldn't help but think that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected twist of fate had led you to something truly special. And with Jennie by your side—teasing, playful, and full of love—you were ready to embrace whatever the future held.

Jennie shifted slightly, her hand lazily tracing patterns on your skin as she pressed another kiss to your forehead. "You know," she mused, her voice soft, "I think we're going to be okay."

You nodded, feeling the truth of her words settle deep in your heart. "Yeah," you agreed, your voice filled with quiet confidence. "We're going to be just fine."

And as you drifted off to sleep in Jennie's arms, you knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, you'd face them together—with a little teasing, a lot of love, and a future full of possibilities.

[throwaway-yandere]

His Version Of You [Yan!Kaveh & Yan!Veritas Ratio/Reader]

a/n: tis another solid “twas a crack idea but I made it too serious” fic. kavetham rivalry is overrated af, KaTio is the way to go /j. when you finish it, can you answer the poll at the bottom on who you would pick between these two? bless you.

unreliable synopsis: When one grieves, sometimes it is best not to be reminded of who you're grieving for. Especially not by fighting over a recreation of their heart and soul. [based on @2broschlininahotub & @meimeimeirin's request]

content warnings/tags: [light yandere vs yandere]/[implied poly!yandere/reader] fic, geniuses who can't take a W, au shenanigans, the girlies love to bicker it’s their love native language

"What were you thinking, you idiot?! Thank my reflexes that I caught the statue beforehand or else I would have to explain what a monumental mistake that is. Just use your common sense for once, will you?!"

"Please— I don't want to hear that from YOU of all people! This is MY stone. Stop acting like you actually care. You took us away from my world! You're the one who's too obsessed with researching it! It's like a damn test subject and not a companion to you!"

"That's because it is, you fucking oaf!"

"YOU'RE THE ONE GIVING ME FALSE HOPE THAT IT'S A LIVING BEING!!!"

Veritas stood with his arms crossed, eyebrows scrunched and his frown the deepest Kaveh had ever seen. The architect, absolutely baffled at his experiment partner's harsh evaluation, felt his eyes dampening. His bumping of the sculpture was pure accident, but Veritas' sharp tongue cut deep into Kaveh's pride. Even the most understanding of men would find his tone abrasive.

Getting riled up…Over a damn statue.

"Just because it's alive, doesn't mean it's a companion. And just because it is a test subject, doesn't mean you can just near-topple it as you damn please."

The arguments subsided. They exchanged long looks as they tried to figure out how the "little dispute" had come dangerously close to abusive. With his anger gradually fading, Kaveh was the one to take the first initiative. Kaveh steeled himself. The architect's shoulders dropped, and his expression softened. Jaded.

"Veritas... I'm sorry. As much as this statue… means… to me, I shouldn't have yelled at you. I-I was just upset, you're aware that I've been working all afternoon polishing the statue and I took that anger out on you. I'm sorry." Kaveh said.

"Right." Veritas closed his eyes. "Apology accepted. I understand that you're visibly distressed, but I will not tolerate low-quality work."

As Kaveh was about to get defensive, Veritas placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Which is to say, take a rest, Kaveh. Work when you can guarantee peak performance." Veritas sighed. "Rest. Pompom has already prepared your bed for you."

Kaveh cast his gaze down on the floor, wearing a feeble smile. Though their list of grievances from the past days was enough to fill two pages, Veritas is steeped in cunning. He knew exactly how to plaster Kaveh's impulse.

"Right… I'm just tired."

"Precisely. The faster the progress, the greater the chance of errors." Veritas smiled back, although looking less sincere as Kaveh's. "Take a rest, Kaveh."

With a murmur, Kaveh got up and dusted off his pants from the metamorphic rock that had been sandpapered. People aren't made to stay cooped up inside all the time. He took one last look at the project before heading out for the night, noting that while the foundation was in place, work still needed to be done before they could decide on the final look. If he could just make the hands softer-looking…

"Kaveh…" Veritas chimed, warning with his arms crossed.

"Right, right!" Kaveh laughed nervously, still slightly vexed by the reproach. "Maybe I'm getting too brave at night, I don't know why I'm boldly thinking of trying my hand at smoothening the statue again."

"I'd consider you more weak-hearted than stouthearted," Veritas dusted Kaveh's shoulders off. "And do try to keep yourself clean."

"I'm too tired to run a shower…"

Veritas sighed loudly.

The both of them had decided to leave the studio with a degree of finality. Hunched over, the kidnapped architect left to take his well-deserved slumber while the doctor decided that a warm bath would benefit him more. The night "concludes", or so Kaveh thought.

Looking back, these two are the most unlikely friends to exist, are they not? A professor slash doctor of the Intelligentsia Guild and the architect "Light of the Kshahwerar" collaborating over a glorified arts and crafts project. To truly understand this bizarreness, it is wise to look back to its beginning.

In his quest to rid the galaxy of a disease he dubbed "ignorance", Dr. Veritas Ratio sallied forth to practice his preachings. Even joined the Astral Express at some point, but it was only in this instance did he found companionship with an extremely empathetic individual. 

And their first meeting was not a decent starting point.

Veritas set out on his umpteenth assignment handed out by the Express. He was sent to explore the dangerous land formations of Sumeru with the trailblazer. Every extended curve revealed pyramids and sand, and Veritas kept Stelle close by using her straps as a leash. Nevertheless, when they accidentally entered an unstable domain, his disgruntled complaints ceased. Deciding it would be best for only one to investigate further, Veritas volunteered.

There was just one discernible light path inside the mostly collapsing structure. Yet, every step he took was curiously inaudible, and when he reached the Apex, he met the sight of blonde hair. 

Enter: Kaveh.

"You get what I mean right? It feels like my problems just keep piling up and up, like an impossible mountain. There's never anyone who would listen to me complain, but you…" The words that fell from the stranger's lips were sweeter than honey as he waxed poetic. "You're always here to listen. And it makes me feel so much less alone. Thank you…"

The blonde man had his cheek against a large rectangular rock, caressing it appreciatingly. His eyelids were lowered and his cheeks were puffy. Whether he cried beforehand or was merely exhausted cannot be assessed from Veritas' distance from him.

February 5, ████.

Kaveh had recently lost his lover that day. They died due to an unforeseen heart attack, which pains him more since his darling had always been healthy. Since his "delam" has passed away, he has been inconsolable. He refused to part with any possessions they left. No matter how many of their fellow archeologists begged for (Y/n)'s notes, he barked with gritted teeth that his mind would not change.

… How ironic that he used to call his lover "my heart" when the very same organ was the cause of death.

Neither wine nor friends can get a reaction out of him. The best he could do to continue living was to focus on his work and his young mentees. (Y/n) always wanted to be a teacher but couldn't because of their daytime job, so Kaveh fulfilled their dreams instead.

That includes continuing their research on the strange rock they had found in the desert.

Kaveh remained hotly bent on preserving everything they loved. Despite its unconventional and jagged appearance, the rock struck him as the most beautiful thing he had seen in a long while. Its lack of clear patterns didn't matter; it stood tall, capturing his fascination. It had ended his slump and had become an integral part of him. This hyperfixation had not gone unnoticed by Lesser Lord Kusanali, but when she visited him, she… strangely endorsed of his newfound lunacy. She knew something he did not.

Something about the rock… felt so similar to his deceased "delam".

The doctor, lacking any context for the sight before him, raised an eyebrow. His duty may be to educate others, but this was beyond help. A pell-mell of incoherent ramblings filled the room with the hither and thither of blonde hair to match. But this was the first person he encountered in Teyvat. And he was determined to get any info out of him.

"Excuse me."

The blonde man blinked repeatedly, eyes going wide at the sight of Veritas approaching.

"I'm Dr. Veri—"

"T-This isn't what it looks like!!!" The blonde freaked out. "This is– It's just! This rock, it has sentimental value and–"

"…" Veritas drawled. "Riiiight. I'm… Dr. Veritas Ratio. I'm not of this world— I believe my companions and I are what you refer to as Descenders. We wish to collect petrology info for databank purposes. May you offer assistance?"

Kaveh did not know what to say. But by instincts, he knew something was not entirely right with this man. 

He'd be right. Veritas wasn't there specifically for rocks. He's just, crudely put, nosy.

"And I am supposed to blindly believe any stranger who wears such a strange getup?" Kaveh stood up and protectively hid the rock behind him. "Sorry, I kindly refuse. And I am not equipped to help either."

Veritas smirked and cracked some knuckles with his left thumb.

There was a damn good reason why Stelle was left behind. On the entrance of the gate laid an inscription that roughly translates to the words "adepti" and "tribute". His intellect in this linguistics may be rusty, but it is not incorrect.

He had an inkling that the rock this peculiar blonde was obsessing over was imbued with a sliver of ambuscade soul who took arms against the worst opponents imaginable.

A "yaksha", if you were a Liyue local.

Veritas was by no means unmindful of Kaveh's obsession. He held his tongue, assessing that to set a quarrel with an unpredictable variable would prolong his journey. There was no profit to be had in angering an unreadable man. 

"Well then, if I can't take that rock within reason…"

Dr. Ratio opened his book.

…

…

…

"… Long story short, that's why this chick is all wrapped up like a present."

Through brute force, both Stelle and Veritas managed to drop both Kaveh and the rock inside the Express, to the surprise of many. They were initially sent to only survey Teyvat (which meant Veritas positively lied to Kaveh earlier). No one expected an angry Sumeru man to "visit." 

"I-I am not a chick! I am a man! I'm Kaveh— an architect!!!" The self-proclaimed man wriggled around the trailblazer's yellow ropes, looking pale as he stared at the unfamiliar faces and scenery before him. "H-Hey!!! Unhand me at once!!!"

"Oh, you're not a girl? You're pretty, though."

"I should've known you would bring something peculiar on board, Dr. Ratio, I just didn't expect it to be a weird human-sized rock..." Said the red-haired lady. "But anyways, you, Sir Kaveh, have quite a remarkable sense of fashion."

"I haven't seen any guy wear earrings that big before…" The grey-haired girl said with grabby hands.

"Please don't try to yank it off him," the brown-haired man sighed and pulled her back with his cane.

Kaveh was a little taken aback by the diversity of tongues in front of him. It was clear based on their accents that they didn't quite come from the same world, yet they communicate as near-family. 

"Do all Teyvat people have rocks for friends or is it just you?" A strawberry-haired young lady asked as she approached the rock, which set Kaveh in an even more panicked frenzy when she attempted to poke it.

"N-NO!!! DON'T!!!" 

March flinched at his sudden scream and nearly fell had Stelle not caught her.

"Yeah, March, be respectful, you never know if that's the love of his life or something like that," said Stelle.

Kaveh's eyes widened. "You… How did you just understand me better than my friends…?"

The room went quiet. Dan Heng glanced at Veritas, who pretended not to notice him. Mentioning romance near him had always been a dangerous move. Veritas' face crumpled slightly. 

There were scars in his own heart he had yet to patch up, and he needed no reminder that he was procrastinating.

Dan Heng cleared his throat.

"It's bad news to have Stelle be the only one who "gets you" if you consider yourself of sane mind." Dan Heng spoke. "But then again, you remind me of Argenti…"

"Where did you find this man, Doctor?" Welt digressed, concerned as he towered above the tied Kaveh. The older man doesn't have objections to his (kidnapped) presence. He can tell by the look on both Kaveh and Veritas' faces that neither was a man with no substance, and the latter saw to exploit the former.

Veritas only shrugged and jabbed his thumb in Stelle's general direction. "Assistant…"

"On it." Stelle saluted solemnly. "We found him in a pyramid. The doctor thought he would be a worthy individual to study if we wish to understand the culture behind one of the seven nations. Since Mister Yang told us to befriend important people–"

"Since when was kidnapping synonymous with befriending?"

"–this is Ratio's candidate."

"That is correct, and he's not just any other person. I have seen him in the Guild's Persons of Interest. He is Kaveh, the light of the Kshahrewar," Veritas claimed. "A certified scholar of the Akademiya and the face for the Darshan he was an alumnus of."

The Express quietly signaled shock over Ratio's interest in the man. 

Kaveh slunk back, defeated. When there's little progress, a man naturally turns restive. Kaveh no longer had much to fear in his life. The worst had already come to pass, and the world became mere static noise. He had no hope of escaping soon, not when he saw his homeworld's true "sky". Or at least, back then, he thought it was one. The world he knew was a mere tapestry of ████…

…

"Not that there aren't enough rooms in the Express, but why bring him and the rock here?" Himeko paused to take a sip of her piping hot coffee. "Isn't it a bit, I don't know, overkill?"

"It's because that pyramid is no place to cultivate a living species, and there's no better–... lab assistant... than this man before us." Dr. Ratio looked at the man on the floor. 

Dan Heng tried not to comment on how sad his tone was when Veritas referred to Kaveh as a "lab assistant". He knew what had happened to Ratio, but it was not the right time or place. 

"What do you mean by living?" Himeko asked.

"That rock has adeptal power within it that we can awaken. That is, if he'd help us make his little rock come to life."

With his words, he moved the unweariable Kaveh to act complacent.

Kaveh felt as though the floor caved beneath him. An unholy mixture of disbelief, awe, and joy swirled within his already jetlagged mind. The fact of the matter was, despite being incredibly unstable, he was lucid enough to know that a miracle was possible. 

"What…?"

"It's been a month since that whole debacle," Veritas muttered to himself as he flicked the wrist that held his book away from the bathtub's bubbly waters. "I suppose I was harsh to the poor man. But is that treatment not at all deserved?"

Over time, Veritas grew to like Kaveh, especially after knowing he was tutoring young aspiring architects free of charge. Still, Kaveh's strangely compliant behavior does not deviate from his first impression. His empty eyes were enough sign that Kaveh lived through emotionally draining struggles and came out with few real friends. He lost his raison d'etre, that's why he willingly threw his life in Teyvat away.

… In Kaveh's words, he only wished for a "vacation". If his prize was to go elsewhither with a satisfying result, then he's not opposed to (getting kidnapped) a new "collaboration".

The doctor can't say no to it either.

Deep down, prodigy genius Veritas couldn't deny the harsh truth: witnessing that pitiful man finding solace in an inanimate object was a stark reminder that he harbored the same "illness".

Hence, Veritas offered consistent "insults" to the brightest of Kshashrewar, and each time, Kaveh took the opportunity to improve. Veritas considered it a necessary evil. But even after surpassing those challenges, Kaveh was helpless to overcome the deep emptiness that persisted in his soul.

Kaveh never really spoke about who his previous lover was. All everyone knew was that he lovingly called them "delam"– his heart. They didn't want to bring him more pain by even asking a simple question like delam's real name.

A huge mistake later on.

"... Tch," Veritas grunted, his eyebrows furrowing sadly. The thought of his last love affairs had soured his mood.

Veritas stood from his bath, drying himself and wrapping a towel on his lower half.

… He likely won't sleep tonight.

Forgetting his agreement to continue the project tomorrow morning, he unlocked the door to the studio room Himeko lent them. He left trails of his wet footsteps. His wavy hair also remained damp, but he could not care much for it. Veritas will dress himself up later. Just a towel will suffice for now.

"Sculpting…"

Veritas laughed to himself as he took some tools off the table.

"Wasn't this your pastime and not mine—" he closed his eyes, muttering the next words with a teasingly melancholic tilt. "Assistant (L/n)?"

His grip on the chisel tightened, painting his knuckles white.

Professor (Y/n) (L/n).

The person responsible for the Council of Mundanites' existence. Their name rarely escapes his lips, treating their memory like a curse. Just exhaling the thought of them out of his system makes him nauseous. As if the air inside him gets knocked out. His eyes would flutter shut, no different from a dying man who held weakly holds on. Veritas hated this anguish. The doctor hated this vicious seemingly never-ending cycle called "grief".

"(Y/n)…" Ratio muttered. "Your face is still etched in my mind. What more do I need to eradicate these… unnecessary burdens?"

He could practically hear them laugh beside him.

Haha, please. You think about me so much that you consider me burdensome? Oh, you dork! If you loved me so much, you should've written a love letter.

"You absolute ignoramus," Veritas laughed softly. "You cannot discredit my efforts, though, can you?"

"My dearest…" He breathed out in pain once more. "My most wonderful partner. The best teaching assistant I ever had. You…"

… Never loved him back.

Dr. Veritas Ratio was no idiot. He despised any form of delusion. Throughout his life, he had been a tyrannical figure who pursued truth and not stagnant idolatry for every "patient". But when an immovable force meets an unstoppable object, would you consider him a tamed emperor?

Professor (L/n) was the first person he met who brazenly called themselves a "mundanite". A true mediocre. And they were beautiful at their very core.

Not free of sin, but free of hubris.

Molded as a genius since birth, the very foundations of (L/n)'s philosophies dismantled Ratio. (L/n) admired geniuses like Herta, but never romanticized the notion of natural-born wits. They always strived to eradicate their own "ignorance". But even when they are more knowledgeable than they let on, (L/n) never boasts. This behavior provides no benefit in an academically competitive field. Nothing confused the irrefutable prodigy like their longtime academic partner.

Geniuses— Masters— when I achieve great things, I don't want to have silly titles before my name. It's so… rigid, don't you think so, Veritas?

I wouldn't know.

Ha! Of course, you wouldn't. You've lived your entire life as one. But level with me for a second. Wouldn't life be less boring if…

He raised the chisel.

… we never stopped considering ourselves as mere beginners? Isn't there more joy to being a mundane with untapped potential than a stiff jack of all trades? C'mon, Veritas. Doesn't the idea that there's always more to explore make this vast world seem less dull?

Veritas bit his lip. Tears were threatening to spill.

February 5, ████.

It was Dr. Veritas Ratio's fault that they died that day. He thought (L/n) was capable of handling an extremely dangerous laboratory mishap. They were not. Despite his assistant's years of experience, every man is an unsuspecting fledgling in the face of death. It does not discriminate between the mediocre and the brightest.

That's absurd, (L/n). What is the point of learning if not for its mastery?

"Assistant… Let me offer this final tribute so that you can finally s-stop… haunting… me."

But they will never stop. Their last long exchange repeated in his head throughout the night. No matter how many times he hammered, the clanging sound did not drown out the voices in his head. The words mocked him, over and over, and over.

I'm sorry Veritas…

Why are you apologizing?

… I'm afraid I just don't see you that way. I'm just an ordinary person, and I doubt I could ever genuinely return the love of someone as brilliant as you. I'm afraid your affection might be akin to caring for a pet, and I can't find it in myself to figure out how to respond in kind.

… That's not true. You cannot simply decline my confession with a lukewarm excuse—

I'm afraid I'm just an ordinary college professor with no PhDs. I will have to reject your love. I'm so sorry.

But why?!

"(Y/n)… The one person I can never grasp…" Veritas muttered as he looked at the finished piece. "Here you are... Created by my own hands..."

Beautiful. Not a single doubt that it was carved in their likeness. The (Y/n) he knew was a professor who loved their teaching job, but wished they were more of an adventurer. Secretly, (Y/n) wanted to be an archeologist, and perhaps that's one of the reasons why Veritas let the mysterious rock formation inside the Express. Maybe if they continued living, they would've liked this gesture.

Ha… As if.

Veritas—

W-What aspect must I improve on? To dismiss me so impatiently— do I lack the charm? I can always learn to suit your tastes. Don't tell such a bold lie. I highly doubt that it is due to my academic performance. There's another man you've wasted your affections on, is there?!

Veritas, please…

Enough! Enough with these lies and tell me! J-Just… Just tell me, (Y/n)!

He's tired. Veritas just wanted to hold them again. He just wanted to "fix" their hair- tucking his golden hairpin to subconsciously teach their associates and students that Professor (L/n) was his. He missed the way he would hide (L/n)'s lab coat just so he could make them wear his as he left for the day. He missed secretly leaving small love confessions on their class grade spreadsheets, add/drop forms, and even their private online journals so he would read messages about how they must've caught a computer virus. He missed teasing them when they hadn't got a clue that he was unserious. He missed hearing (L/n) whine. He missed the way it made him warm.

He missed the warmth.

"Stop..."

He missed you.

"Stop this..."

And he continues to miss his (Y/n) so much.

"Please..."

It's unbearable.

There is no one else.

Yes, there is! I refuse to believe it! It's your recent lab partner, isn't it!? The man everyone has fallen for— you have taken a liking to him more than me, the person who has been with you all this time!!! You… You ungrateful!—

Veritas is so, so tired and more chipped than the rock he had worked on… Unlike the statue, he cannot tangibly pick up the pieces (L/n) that broke him in. There's only a hollow void of what could've been.

Why... Why did they have to reject him? If they hadn't rejected him, he wouldn't have coldly assigned (Y/n) to deal with the containment breach alone. He would've thought it through. He would've realized he was plagued with ignorance. He would've changed so many things that February 5th.

But that's all there was to it. Just "would have"s, not "have done"s.

Ngh–?! Why… did you... slap me…?

Veritas, maybe you should stop and look down and listen to us common-minded folks for once in your life! The simple fact is that you're just so out of reach. How can you love me, when you don't even understand me, Genius Ratio? How can you confess when you don't know what it's like to work for the knowledge you have? How can you love a "mundanite" like me?

… (Y/n)… T-That's simply untrue, and you are aware of that...

It's morning, an appropriate time to head back to his guest room.

When he was certain that he was alone, Veritas finally allowed himself to cry.

"There's no mistake that we both are- were idiots. We both failed to see that I'm a mundanite, just like you."

In contrast to his former roommate, Kaveh is an early riser. Not exactly a morning person, but a man of discipline nonetheless. Perhaps the concluded argument last night made his rise more motivating. He had no qualms with getting out of bed, heading straight to take a shower before drinking coffee with Himeko.

The morning was wordless but calm.

Whatever happened after he reentered the studio, however, was the exact opposite.

"Delam…?" Kaveh knelt with both knees down on the floor, shocked.

"Is that you…? Delam… Delam!!!"

You tilted your head.

Delam. That was the first word you've heard upon your birth or "rebirth", depending on whose narrative was at play. You first rose from your slumber much like an earth's crust would give way to a volcano. Warmth seeped from your chest and then throughout your body, filling you with life and newfound nerves. But no one was around. You had been observing the fading trail of wet footsteps, yet lacked the courage to leave the room.

Veritas was right. The rock does have life. And you have been awakened.

You looked human. You move human.

But you do not sound human.

"Delam! I-I can't believe this!"

For words fail.

「… Who are you?」

After all, since when can statues speak?

With unsteady legs, he attempted to approach your nearly nude figure. The sheet they used to keep out dust was the only cover you had. He pulled you in when he got close enough, and you wanted to squeak when he rested his nose on your shoulder. His breath tickled hot. However, his warm tears helped you to accept the melancholic reality.

"Delam! D-Delam, my sweetheart, my (Y-(Y/n)… A-Ah… Ah…"

Kaveh pulled back only to kiss your forehead. He was warm. You are not. Despite the fabrics he wore, you can feel his heat against your "skin". His heart was beating. Such an organ does not exist inside of you.

"(Y/n), my (Y/n)…" He gasped out between peppered kisses on your neck. "Mine… My heart has returned to me. Can you hear it too? It's beating again… It beats… I never thought I'd hear my heart again since you've been gone…"

His words made little sense to you, but you knew he liked your form. Kaveh's fingers traced around you, loving each inch, whether it was curved flesh or bone-like sharpness— he didn't care for he knew it was his (Y/n) (L/n).

He's so colorful. Reds, yellows, oranges, and even hints of blues and greens. It made you silently conscious about how you were a boring dull gray.

Warm, like the sun.

「… Baobei?」

"My (Y/n)… D-Delam…" Kaveh pressed his forehead against yours, your lips nearly touching.

You wiped his tears away.

Was that your name? (Y/n)…?

"Kaveh, what the hell are you doing?!"

The blonde man momentarily stopped cradling you out of shock.

This new man was all purples, blue, gold, and small taints of cyan and red. The expression he wore made you believe he might be covetous beyond mankind. There's a level of gluttonous greed in his anger that makes even the earth like yourself phased.

「… Who is he…?」

Both of them feel familiar to you, but you do not know why.

"Veritas!" Kaveh's eyes widened. "A miracle just happened— delam— they're—!"

"Put (Y/n) down this instant!!!"

Kaveh blinked.

"What… What did you say?"

"I said put them down, damn it! Who the hell are you, touching them so carelessly like they're yours?!"

Kaveh's eyebrows furrowed.

"How do you know that name?!" Kaveh yelled. "How did you know who (Y/n) is!?"

The doctor was equally confused.

Why would the ignorance-prone Kaveh know the name of his deceased love too?

Veritas has not talked about his old assistant to any breathing being for a long time. Talking felt like admitting that they were gone for good. But in this case, it produces a contrary result.

"Why the fuck wouldn't I?!"

"I don't know— maybe because you're not from Teyvat?!"

"What are you on, you imbecile?! Can you stop defiling them with your filthy hands?!" Veritas scowled and summoned his book. "Hands. Off."

The warning only made Kaveh even more possessive. He gently pushed you behind his back, glaring at him.

"No."

"Kaveh, you pestilence ridden—!!!"

"No, not until you tell me why the hell you know the name of my fiance!"

Veritas' heart sank.

… Fiance?

No… No, no way.

What's happening? How would that make sense?!

(Y/n) is his. Why should you belong to Kaveh?

"Are… are you insane?!" Veritas screamed. "I should've—"

"What?! Threw me off the Express?! I dare you!!!" Kaveh glared. "You knew you couldn't win against me alone, that's why your best bet was to knock me out— and you know it."

"Ngh."

Neither of them realized the greater reason as to why they knew the "same" person. The doctor may have jumped through various universes, but he had not done enough to notice a key factor.

There they were, claiming to love the image behind their animated statue— when they didn't know what it was they cried for.

"Just answer the question: who is (Y/n) to you?" Kaveh grumbled.

Somehow, he was far more frightening when his voice was calm and low. 

The usually diplomatic architect materialized his weapon out of thin air.

"Go on. Tell me."

The doctor stiffened. There was no way Veritas was losing this argument. 

It's unethical. Wholly unethical to appeal to pathos in this manner. To weave tales for his benefit.

But the end justifies the means.

Veritas flashed you a guilt-ridden expression…

Before he said the biggest lie known only to himself.

"Professor (Y/n) (L/n) is MY dead lover, and I molded the statue based on their appearance last night!" Veritas yanked a fistful of Kaveh's shirt and brought him closer. "So why are you claiming them as YOURS?!"

…

…

The sound of a cane hitting the floor stopped all hell from possibly breaking loose.

Welt Yang had one foot inside the room and one out the door. He wore a knowing and empathetic look. The others were behind him, looking particularly shaken up.

This screaming match was the worst the two ever had.

"Kaveh, Dr. Ratio, enough." He calmly spoke up. "I think I understand the confusion."

"Allow me to explain…"

"I'm surprised you have no comments on their flower-bespangled clothes, yet…" 

"The aesthetic is... tasteful. I like the headdress." 

"Of course, you like the crown of laurel…" 

"However–"

"Oh Lord Kusanali, here we go…"

Upon Welt's intervention, every piece started to fit together. The explanation was a frustratingly simple but difficult truth. (Y/n) (L/n) was not just one entity in the vast universe— there are inevitable variations.

The two eventually calmed down as they heard both sides. Veritas' (Y/n), who Kaveh later refers to as an "expy" as a placeholder name, was a professor— while Kaveh's "delam" was an archeologist. Almost the same, but not a complete copy-paste.

You, however, they are unsure of. No one knows yet if you do carry (Y/n)'s soul or if you're a mere replica. Veritas is working on the hypothesis that you were an adeptal tool who aided in freeing the vigilant yaksha from a malevolent Sumeru God.

But those bits of info doesn't matter in the end. Why?

Because they both love "you" deeply.

And these intelligent men can "learn" how to share.

"Are you not tired? Perhaps it is time I take over. Only a fool would work when completely drained." Dr. Ratio then added. "Does it not fall in my skilled hands to weave such clothing for them now? Even better than mere fabric, I'm willing to handle clay and mold it around their bo—"

"Considering how many fools can also calculate and perhaps wear an asbestos mask as a quirky character trait, it is surprising that the fool in front of me thinks he can show proficiency over a tedious task." Kaveh raised an eyebrow, seething at the thought of Veritas' unfair perverted touch lingering on your body, again.

"I think you are experiencing what is known as the Dunning-Kruger effect, as Mister Yang calls it." He added.

Veritas scoffed.

They may be revered both as geniuses in their fields, but they're reduced to kindergarten-like rivals when it comes to you. Their first order of business after another truce was to provide your clothes. Fortunately, Stelle's fashion sense was more unisex than anticipated so you borrowed hers in the meantime.

While you sat on the sofa with the bubbly March 7th, the two started planning your wardrobe. Kaveh returned later on the same evening with the most… floral clothes much to Veritas' dismay.

He missed seeing his version of (Y/n) who wore classic academic styles, not— whatever this was.

"It is mere confidence; no other variable is at play. The fool in question is the artisan responsible for the expeditious sculpting of the aforementioned statue within a singular nocturnal interval. A fact that eludes your appreciation, my less-than-appreciative and unskilled interlocutor."

Kaveh momentarily had the face of a man unpracticed in speech. People often forget that he majored in STEM, not HUMSS. Though he had some essay-based minors in his first & second years, he lacked preparation for Veritas' otherworldly vocabulary. Kaveh would whet his greatsword if Veritas said something bluntly deprecating.

Still, he can't deny that it was through Veritas' handiwork that made your hands as soft as Kaveh wanted them to be. And that secretly pisses him off.

You tilted your head.

Somehow, your creators are arguing again. 

"Are you threatening to rob me of the joys I have toiled nights for just to sate your shortlived desires, Veritas?" Kaveh rebuked him sternly. "I didn't know you were kind of a brat."

"I am only offering a hand. But it's clear that you are projecting onto me."

「You two–. 」

You tried to cut in, but can't utter a word…

"I'm not projecting! I know that once you prove you can make clothes, you'll kick me out of the Express, that's just the kind of man you are! Manipulative, arrogant—"

"And you're insecure. There is no more loathsome creature than a man who does not acknowledge his own hubris and repeats his mistakes."

「Master Veritas, Master Kaveh—. 」

You loathed to watch them fight for another round of meaningless squabbles. Why weren't you blessed with speech?

"Is that so? Do you seriously subscribe to that belief?"

"Why, of course."

"You should listen to better men than yourself, then."

"Oh c'mon, knock it off!!!" March cut in, giving them both a light smack with Veritas' book. "Can't you get along better? Your little darling looks upset!!!"

The two halted. She was right, you weren't comfortable. Veritas cleared his throat awkwardly while Kaveh looked down, both apologetic.

"See, Kaveh? Your persistence caused this."

"How is it MY fault?"

"I'm merely stating that the lack of options is bound to make them uneasy." Veritas deadpanned and handed you an IPC magazine he had been trying to get you to browse. "Why don't you pick to your liking? Don't worry about expenses. I have it covered."

"What?! Do you want them to wear those un-stylish clothes? Please, you just want to have them wear your brand!"

"Don't project your carnal possessiveness as my own." Veritas scoffed. But Kaveh was right. He missed seeing his (Y/n) wear his lab coat.

"Oh really?! Fine then! Let's ask (Y/n) what they really think!"

March sighed. "Guys, I think you're forgetting that you're fighting over clothes—"

But they didn't hear her. Nothing else mattered to those two except you. And you alone.

Their partner.

Their heart.

Their reason for living.

Hence, they yelled in unison.

"Who do you prefer, assistant? Him or me?!"

"Who do you prefer, delam? Him or me?!"

Taglist: @vennnnn-diagram, @meimeimeirin, @korianne, @prophecy-harmony, @shellofthewell, @sagekun,

[ninii-winchester]

Chosen Affection

Pairing : Dean Winchester X Reader

Word Count : 3.3k

Warnings : slight angst, language, Lucifer being Lucifer, soft smut at the end (nothing explicit) MDNI. Unedited.

Part 2 to Deepest Desire

A/n : This is a Supernatural x Lucifer crossover fic. I’ve only ever watched a few episodes of Lucifer. This is a work of fiction, I don’t own Supernatural or Lucifer. They belong to CW and Netlfix respectively.

I DO NOT GIVE PERMISSION TO COPY MY WORK, TRANSLATE IT OR POST IT TO ANY OTHER PLATFORM. REBLOGS ARE APPRECIATED.

After talking with Sam, Y/n went back inside the bar and Dean followed silently. Chloe could tell Y/n had been crying and the tension was obvious. Lucifer eyed the couple, clearly enjoying the drama, which he created in the first place. Not intentionally but he did.

"I think it's best we get to the Bunker and see what we can do from there." Y/n told the other three, Dean opened his mouth to argue but she cut him off. "Sam agrees."

"The Bunker?" Chloe asked confusion lacing her voice.

"It's our workplace. We live there too." Y/n replied, Dean's heart squeezed the she didn't call it home. He knew it was far from homey but that's the closest thing they've had to a place of their own.

"Sounds fun." Lucifer said standing up from his seat.

The quartet left the bar. Dean watched as Y/n slid into the back seat of the Impala, he sighed before he made his way to the driver's seat. Lucifer slid into the passenger's seat while Chloe joined Y/n in the back. He watched her from the rear view mirror hoping to catch her eye but she never looked his way.

The drive back was awkward and tense. Dean couldn't bear the uncomfortable silence so stepped on the gas, wanting to reach their destination as soon as possible. They soon arrived at the Bunker and Dean opened the huge door allowing them to enter. The quartet descended the stairs and Y/n spotted Sam sitting at one of the tables in the library, his laptop opened in front of him.

Sam noticed the presence of other people, and looked away from the screen. He looked at the man in black suit with weary eyes, not feeling completely at ease in his presence. Chloe noticed his timidness and introduced herself.

"I'm Detective Chloe Decker." She held her hand for Sam to shake. "This is..uh my partner, Lucifer."

"Sam Winchester." He shook her hand and nodded at Lucifer who stood there with his hands in his pant pockets. That was so awkward that even, ever the friendly, Sam had a hard time clearing the air.

"Alright." Y/n broke the silence before she went crazy with all the palpable tension around the room. "We need to send them back home as soon as possible. Sam have you got anything yet?" She questioned walking towards him as he sat back on his chair.

"So I've been searching the internet for a way to open a portal to another universe and so far I've got anything." He explained running a hand through his hair. "Although I've yet to search the the files in the library."

"Yeah the Men of Letters might have key laying around here." Y/n commented with a roll of her eyes.

Sam noticed the lack of participation from his brother, he didn't fail to notice the distance between Dean and Y/n, it seemed as she was avoiding him at all costs.

"Is there anyway we can help?" Chloe asked from where she stood.

"Don't you want to rest a bit? I'm sure you're tired after being thrown into another universe." Y/n said softly.

"I already feel like we're asking too much from you people." Chloe replied bashfully. "We can help."

"Its fine-"

"Why don't you say it out right that you don't trust us with your precious files filled with important information." Lucifer interrupted Y/n with a smirk on his face.

"You know what, yes. I don't trust you. At all! So you shut your trap before I throw you in the dungeon alright?" Y/n snapped, directing all of her pent up anger towards Lucifer.

"And just who do you think you're talking to?" The devil asked menacingly, walking towards her. Dean was quick with his feet stepping in front of her, his gun pointing towards Lucifer.

"Don't you dare." Dean threatened.

The man just laughed before speaking, "is this your way of sucking up to her? It's quite pathetic if you ask me."

Sam's brow raised in confusion at his words, before things could get worse Chloe jumped in, "Lucifer, back off. Dean please put the gun down." Dean glared at Lucifer still pointing his gun at him. At Chloe's intervention Lucifer stepped back, prompting Dean to lower his gun. "It's best if we rest." Chloe looked at Y/n and she nodded.

"Dean will show you where you'll stay." Sam spoke, Dean gave him a look that said i-will? and the younger brother shrugged. When the others left the library Sam turned to Y/n. "So are you gonna tell me or I'm gonna have to play twenty questions with you?" She sighed before filling him in.

"It hurts, Sam." She felt herself tear up. Sam immediately went to comfort her. She sobbed in his chest as he held her. "After everything we've been through and it still wasn't enough..."

"Hey don't say that. Maybe you should talk to him, hear what he has to say." Sam suggested. She knew she had to face him sooner or later. "It's late, how about you go and get some rest, you came back from a hunt, must be tired." She nodded her head before leaving his embrace.

She left the library, walking through the hallways she debated whether she should go to their shared bedroom or to the room she stayed in before she moved in his'. That room hasn't been used in a long time. Before she knew it she was standing in front of their shared bedroom, her feet unintentionally dragged her there. She sighed before entering the room. After taking a quick shower she settled into bed. As tired as she was, she couldn't get her brain to keep repeated those moments from the bar.

"Amara" Dean's voice kept repeating that name in her head.

The door to the room opened, Dean entered the room as quietly as possible, assuming she's asleep. He'd gone to library and offered Sam to help but his younger brother told him he needed to be elsewhere and refused his offer politely. Dean's eyes landed her figure on the bed, eyes widen open staring at ceiling.

"Y/n." Dean called out approaching the bed slowly.

"Not now, Dean." She replied, unblinking.

Dean nodded before changing into comfortable clothes and slipping into bed. He knew she wouldn't be in here if she wasn't comfortable sharing a bed with him, however he kept his distance incase she didn't want him touching her. He knows she's hurting, but her ignorance is killing him and the last thing he needs is her pushing him away.

"Did they settle in okay?" Y/n questioned after a minutes of silence.

"Yeah." Dean replied. "Lucifer is a dick though." He added with an eye roll.

"He's the devil, what do you expect."

Minutes passed and none of them spoke, Y/n couldn't fall asleep for the life of her, she kept tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. She wanted to hold him, she wanted him to hold her. She was too hurt to make a move and her ego was too big to ask him.

Noticing her restless Dean couldn't help but blurt out, "Can I hold you?" Part of him wanted her to get comfortable and part of him wanted to hold her in his arms since he couldn't ever sleep peacefully without her. He didn't know if he asked it for her sake or his own.

She scolded herself for being so eager to be in his arms but she couldn't help but nod her head. He didn't waste a second wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her closer to his chest, so her back rested against it. He snuggled his face in the crook of her neck.

"I love you, sweetheart." He whispered in her ear, placing a soft kiss on her neck. She shuddered at his action and that was the first time in forever she didn't say it back.

Dean woke up to an empty bed. The clock read 2:27 and he shoved the covers off of him haphazardly and bolted out of the room. First thing that came to his mind that she left him. With hurried footsteps he reached the library, his eyes fell on Sam who was surrounded by files, books and empty beer bottles. His breathing picked up, Sam opened his mouth to question his brother but Y/n's voice interrupted him.

"Dean?" She called out his name, noticing his disheveled state. He turned around to see her standing at the entrance of the war room with two mugs of coffee in her hands. He didn't answer her, instead he took large steps towards her and hugged her tightly. Her arms were angled awkwardly and she somehow managed not to spill the scalding hot coffee over themselves. She sent Sam a confused look over Dean's shoulder and he shrugged, not knowing either.

"I thought you left." Dean mumbled in her shoulder.

"I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd help Sam." Dean nodded before pulling away. An awkward silence followed after. She walked over to Sam putting a mug in front of him.

"Did you guys find something?" Dean asked following behind and her taking a seat.

"Actually we did. There's a few ways to open a portal. There's energy manipulation, magic ritual, or using an ancient artefact or finding a weak spot." Sam explained taking a sip of his coffee.

"But we don't have ingredients for a magic ritual and we certainly do not have the specific artefact." Y/n commented.

"So either energy manipulation or finding a weak spot?" Dean questioned looking at her.

"Maybe but considering Lucifer has to absorb energy from a volcano or a thunderstorm, I don't think it's safe to let him juice up." She replied with a concerned voice.

"Agreed." Sam said rubbing his eyes. "Our best bet is finding a weak spot. From there he can open a portal by using his own powers saying this incantation." Sam turned his screen towards his brother.

"So were do find this 'weak spot'?" The older Winchester wondered out loud.

"It's usually around places like deep woods, ruins or caves. Lucifer can sense it since he has powers." Y/n answered.

"So let's do it." Dean said getting up.

"Wait, now?" Y/n exclaimed.

"Yeah now." Sam agreed with Dean. "The sooner he goes back, the better."

Y/n nodded in understanding, she told them she'd go and get Lucifer and Chloe while the Winchester brothers geared up. Y/n quickly changed and met up with the others. They'd decided to go to the forest. It took them three hours to reach their destination. They got out of the Impala and ventured into the woods.

"Thank you for helping us Y/n." Chloe said as they continued to trek through the dark forest.

"That’s what we do but you’re welcome." She smiled at the blonde. The three men walked ahead of them Sam and Dean constantly asking Lucifer if he felt anything. And the devil kept giving them snippy replies.

"You know.." Chloe started gaining Y/n's attention. "I may not know you all for long but I'm observant. You're good people. I can see Dean truly loves you, whatever he said back there it hurt him too." She said looking at Y/n. It sure felt like the detective knew what she was talking about. "You should give him a chance to explain." Y/n mumbled a quiet 'yeah' with nod.

"This is it." Lucifer said loudly. "I can feel it." He held his arm up feeling up an open space.

"Alright, now channel your powers and focus on the spot. Think of the place you want to go. Your world." Lucifer did as Sam told him to.  Sam handed Lucifer a piece of paper. "Now say this." They could see a split forming above them and bright light emerging from it.

"Ad universum alterum patefacio, vires

invoco. Portalem aperire, vires occultas evocare. Tempus et spatium frangere, iter transire concedere." Lucifer read out loud and the five of them watched in awe as a portal finally opened.

A strong wind roared through the landscape, its force palpable and relentless. Trees bent and swayed, their leaves and branches rustling loudly as they were whipped around. The air was filled with the sound of howling gusts, the sheer strength of the wind created an atmosphere of raw, untamed energy.

"Holy fucking-" Y/n exclaimed, Dean instinctively moving in front of her.

Lucifer breathed heavily, panting as he stood back.   

"Alright. You ready to go back?" Lucifer asked Chloe and she nodded. She quickly hugged Y/n and thanked Sam and Dean.

"I have to say, you three really are something." Lucifer said with a smirk. "And I thank you for your help." He added. The three of them nodded.

They watched as Lucifer and Chloe jumped into the portal and it closed as soon as they fell through. The wind stopped and the light was gone. Sighs of relief were heard in the complete silence of the forest.

"Felt weird being thanked by the devil." Y/n chuckled as they walked back to the car.

"You're telling me." Sam added.

Dean was silent the whole ride back to the Bunker. The sun has already risen, the world felt calm and serene, filled with a promise of a new day. Y/n hoped this new day brings her some peace. When they reached to the Bunker Dean left the car without saying a word.

“You’re gonna talk to him?” Sam asked looking worried. He knew now that Dean didn’t have something to focus on, his mind would be all over the place.

“Yeah.” She replied walking inside. When she opened the door to their shared bedroom she saw Dean sitting on the edge of the bed. He had something is his hands but quickly hid it when he noticed her, though he fiddling with a set of keys in his hands. She took smalls steps and sat beside him. A few seconds passed in silence when Dean chuckled humourlessly,

“You know,” he started, “I was waiting for so long, I didn’t want it to go this way.” She looked at him, confusion written all over her face. “I thought I’d do it when you’d come back from that hunt, take you out somewhere fancy, dinner and all.”

“Dean-”

“I bought us a house.” He interrupted her. He showed the keys that were in his hands. “I thought I’d tell you after I’d ask you, and you’d hopefully say yes, we’ll start a new life. You, me our kids. Together. No more monsters, no more hunting.” Her heart rate picked up, “I should’ve known better though, when has anything gone the way we’ve wanted it.” He moved to kneel in front of her holding her hands in his.

“She,” Dean grimaced, “her and I were bound because of the mark, the mark may have gone from my arm but it’s has left something behind, it’s an urge. I don’t desire her at all, not her physical self anyway. It’s something I don’t like admitting out loud but there’s something in me that’s dark and sometimes it makes me want to do things that I did when I had that mark.” She let out a gasp at his confession.

“Dean I had no idea.” A few tears escaped her eyes.

“But you know what keeps me sane? You.” He cupped her cheek in his hand wiping away her tears. “You’re my light, you vanish all the darkness inside of me. You’re the one I want, you’re the one I crave. You’re the one that makes me want to be better. I’m not bound to you, you’re a conscious choice sweetheart. Everyday, every second you’re the one I want.” He grabbed something from beside her, she hadn’t even notice it was there all the time. She gasped again when she saw what it was, a small velvet box.

“Y/n, sweetheart, I love you, I always have and I always will. I know I’ve hurt you baby, but if you give me this one chance, I’ll spend the rest of my life showing you how much I desire you. Will you marry me?”

She couldn’t believe what she heard, did he just say he’s giving up hunting? Getting a house? Getting married? Kids?

“You, Dean Winchester, has decided to quit hunting?” She questioned, thinking somehow she’s didn’t hear him right.

“Yeah,” he chuckled through tears. “And hopefully spend the rest of my life with you, Mrs. Winchester, if you would.” He gestured to the ring in his hand.

“I like the sound of that.” She teased with a smile on her face.

“So will you?” He asked again, not believing her until she says it out loud.

“Yes Dean, I’ll marry you.” He didn’t waste a second slipping the ring on her finger.

“I love you so much.” He pressed his lips to her, kissing ber softly, pouring all of his love into it. Their lips moved in perfect sync, a soft brush sent shivers down their spines. Time seemed to slow, and the world around them faded into a blur. The warmth of their breath mingled, and the closeness created a cocoon of shared emotion. The gentle pressure and the delicate movement of their lips, created a bond that felt both timeless and immediate.

“I love you too, Dean.” She panted as they pulled apart. “I won’t lie, I was hurt pretty badly when you said that. But I had no idea where it came from and it made me insecure. I thought you wanted her.” She spoke lowly as if sharing a secret.

“I’m sorry sweetheart, I shouldn’t have kept it from you, but after everything, I didn’t want you to worry. You’d finally had some peace.”

“I understand but from now on, no more secrets okay? I want you to be open with me, yeah?”

“I promise.” He kissed her again, laying her back on the bed. He hovered above her, his hands placed on either side of her head. She let out a soft moan as he kissed her neck and moved to her collarbone. “Let me make love to you, baby.”

She nodded, pulling him back up, kissing him passionately. “Show me how much you love me.” He gently pulled her shirt over her head, and she gripped at his’, indicating she wanted it off and he quickly removes it. It didn’t take long for them to get rid of all their clothing, leaving them completely naked.

He dragged his fingers delicately over her cheek, down her neck and chest. She flipped them over making him lay on his back. She bit his neck, nibbling and leaving dark purple hickeys. She moved to his chest, kissing her way down to his stomach before she could go any further he stopped her.

“Later, baby. I need to feel you.” Dean flipped them over again. He watched her flushed face, leaning on his one arm, he reached a hand between their bodies and gripped himself, leading himself to her. They moaned in unison as he penetrated her. “Fuck baby.” He groaned in her neck.

Moans and groans filled the room as they continue to loose themselves into heated passion. Wrapped up in each others embrace, bare skin pressed together, their hearts beating in unison. Coming undone together basking in the aftershocks of their passionate love making they laid entwined in the soft sheets, their breaths slowly synchronized, a comfortable silence enveloped them. She rested her head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a sound that had become her lullaby.

Tags:

@fullbelieverheart @spnfamily-j2 @n-o-p-e-never @montyrokz @deangirl96

[ailichi]

[Interviewer]: Which Oasis member has the strangest taste in music?

[Noel, immediately]: Him

I've been fascinated by this question for ages: every major interview, ask Liam Gallagher what music he likes, and he'll just say the Beatles and the Stone Roses, those two, and do his best to give the impression that he basically only listens to them. but in quieter interviews or when he’s just talking on camera, he’ll talk about others as well, and I've been taking some notes:

the Beatles are genuinely the be-all and end-all; understandable

[edit to add]: I don’t know what his favourite Beatles album is but it might be Revolver. when they were asked to choose between the two, Noel said the Red album and Liam said the Blue album. also, it was his suggestion that Oasis cover Within You Without You when the BBC gave them the choice of anything off of Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.

the Stone Roses favourite tracks: Love Spreads, I Am the Resurrection, Sally Cinnamon (etc.) — also was into The Seahorses after the SR split

favourite post-Beatles album isn't anything of Lennon's, apparently, it's All Things Must Pass

favourite John solo song is off Double Fantasy, of course: Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

obviously does like the Rolling Stones too: I believe that when Oasis covered Jumpin’ Jack Flash it was because it was Liam’s total favourite

has named Quadrophenia by the Who as his favourite ever album

likes As Tears Go By by Marianne Faithful. sidenote: Marianne Faithful was Noel’s first pin-up

really likes Bo Diddley (disparate sources for this, he just mentions him frequently)

loved the Specials, even before he joined a band

loves that song, The First Cut is the Deepest, by P.P. Arnold

Led Zeppelin, obviously — mentioned When the Levee Breaks (also notice that one of his favourite Stone Roses songs is Love Spreads which is quite heavily influenced by LZ)

likes the Shangri-Las (The Leader of the Pack is on his women of rock n roll playlist)

likes the Doors, his favourite track is Mr. Mojo Risin’

loves the Kinks, especially really likes The Kinks Are The Village Green Preservation Society, said it was “like a Lowry painting” (<3)

it’s like a dream to me that I heard he doesn’t rate Neil Young or at least was put out that Noel performed with NY + Crazy Horse in London

likes Lou Reed solo? never heard him say something about the Velvet Underground, but mentioned Perfect Day in particular

favourite Pink Floyd is Shine On You Crazy Diamond (loveable choice <3)

bit of Siouxie Sioux on his playlist of his favourite female artists :)

the Cure: “the cure for what?”

favourite album by the Jam is Sound Affects.

seems on the surface to not be mad about Paul Weller's solo stuff (or at least teases Noel for being so friendly with him), but also said: “There’s only a few songwriters that really inspire me. People like John Lennon and Paul Weller.”

chose Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff from Jools Holland's archive when he was on in 2022

used not like Primal Scream in the very early days, but enjoyed Screamadelica (I like that he changes his mind on bands if they bring out something new that interests him)

generally lets on to be easy about the Smiths but just isn’t a superfan … likes them doesn’t love them

favourite Smiths song is The Boy with a Thorn in his Side (ah Liam <3)

on the record as saying he both likes and dislikes both Morrissey and Johnny Marr as solo artists

mentioned Electronic quite warmly (this was in 1994)

loves that Vaselines song that Nirvana covered, Jesus Don't Want Me For a Sunbeam

loves everything Richard Ashcroft has done, and seems to prefer the softer songs - a Song for the Lovers, Break the Night with Colour …

had the fairest U2 take I’ve ever heard, to paraphrase: “they’re pretty good but they were the biggest thing in the universe there for a few years, and to merit that they really should’ve been just a little bit better” (2019)

the Strokes: Liam says Noel and himself saw them, together, in San Francisco, when they were just starting out (‘setting up their own equipment’). probably the 7th of August 2001. I don’t get the impression he was overly taken with them. “Good songs but not classics”.

[argetcross]

Happy 4th anniversary to wasting beats of this heart of mine, my Zagreus becomes mortal AU! Another year, some more adventures undertaken.

This year, I've unearthed more concepts and half-finished paintings all the way from 2021. I've included notes under the cut about each piece, as well as more reflections.

If you told me in October 2020 that you'll write a fic over 100k words long, spanning multiple cities, with multiple POVs, I would have said, "Are you sure?". I think I never really imagined I could keep a story running, much less one that demands so much of its author. At the same time, this work has been my deepest and most fulfilling pleasure. It lives in my dreams, haunts my waking moments, and demands I regularly carve my heart out and poke through the viscera. I suppose such is the nature of art.

We've been approaching the end of Part III, and readers up-to-date know I've mentioned planning for five parts in total. Five acts, five biomes: it only feels fitting. Many things I had looked forward to (the chariot race! Kyane and Persephone! The return of Thymoetes!) have come to life on the page, but there's still so much of the yarn left to spin. I never expected needing years to complete this story, but I also feel strongly I am beholden to it now. To Zagreus, to Demeter's children, to the mortals and gods, above and below. I will continue to try my best.

Thank you to jules, val, nan, robin, and spleen for having beta'd for me during these years. This story wouldn't be what it is without you. Thank you to mag, for having crawled through the trenches of creating an enormous fanwork and countless hours of spreadsheeting, with me. To every artist that has ever drawn me anything, it is truly humbling to be able to inspire your work. To the House Party, whose friendship I am grateful for every day.

And to anyone who has ever read part of the story, left a comment, and stepped along on this journey with me, I cannot overstate how grateful I am. I remain baffled and pleasantly surprised that this world of mine can touch your heart. It's a story that I hope, when it completes, you will pick up again from time to time, and take pleasure in its telling once more.

With all my love,

Arget

--

Notes about each image:

Thanatos and Zagreus by the sacred olive trees of Athena. This painting was based on a photo I took in Athens. The quality of the sunlight astounded me and, in turn, made me think about life and death.

Thanatos anointing the body of the god Zagreus with nectar. This is related to the scene in Chapter 23, when he and Nyx converse by Zagreus' bedside.

Eleusis concepts. For such a powerhouse of a cult, Eleusis itself has a provincial feeling to it. I was captivated by the idea of the sea, and the fact that Zagreus had never spent any time on the coast. This would have been his first experience with it.

Athens. What can I say about Athens that hasn't been said? The trip I took late 2022 provided a lot of the inspiration for the citadel aspect of the acropolis. This is not the Athens of Classical Greece, the polis of democracy, but a fictionalized city-kingdom, under the rule of its royal family. The idea that Callisto had a student living in Athens was both a nod to the extensive trade happening during the Bronze Age and a deconstruction of the Amazon myth that the Greeks told themselves.

Clymene, the Oracle of Delphi. This was originally meant to be a Hades game-like portrait, but I scrapped the idea. She is dressed in the fashion closer to the Minoans, to give her a more Bronze Age feeling. As the head priestess, I wanted to show her age.

Apheidas and Thymoetes sketches. The two brothers are supposed to look night and day from each other. I tried to give Apheidas a pleasant sort of face, in comparison to Thymoetes' haughtiness.

The tapestry sketch. This was one of the first drawings I ever made about wasting beats, in an attempt to understand the type of story I was about to write. Key elements had already been decided, such as the chariot race and the way Demeter and Hades would play the role of the absent gods, for above as well as below. I had not written Apollo at this time, so you see him here with short hair.

Zagreus, reaching for a bloodstone. The chlamys, a gift from his foster-father's wife, has been the simple denotation of mortal Zagreus. Something bright and red, simple for it was woven by a farmer's wife, and barely able to protect his weaker mortal body.

Megaera, hurt and angry, and Than, stricken and alarmed, amidst a storm of paper. This is a scene from Chapter 18, Primordial Winter, that I had always wanted to illustrate.

[denaliwrites]

Let Me Come Home

Tenth Doctor x GN!Reader

Summary: Things took a turn during your travels with the Doctor.

Soundtrack: Home by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros

Requests: Open!

Warnings: S A D D O C T O R A L E R T !

Tag List: @nyxiethesimp

You waited for him every day.

He said "I'll be right back." You remembered it, clear as day. Played the moment he stepped into the TARDIS over and over in your mind.

And you waited.

There was only one place on the space station that the TARDIS could manifest into, really, and it was, as far as you were concerned, out of bounds. But there was a little communal area nearby; it was the first place you and the Doctor had wandered into from that little closet, which meant that, should the TARDIS appear, you'd hear it -- and you'd see the Doctor only moments later.

So you spent as much time there as you could.

Being on the space station for so long, you had no choice but to take up duties or else be sent off somewhere else, so you couldn't spend your every waking moment there. But your every break, your every moment not spent working, was spent in that little room.

You even spent some nights there, falling asleep to the metallic hum of the station under your feet.

No one bothered you.

The Doctor had saved them from certain death. They understood the gravity of him, the love and dedication one developed for a person like that. And you'd been with him for some time. They'd only spent the one day with him. They couldn't imagine how you felt. How much you hurt as you waited, day after day, your loyalty and certainty never once wavering. Even in the face of ever decreasing odds.

And yet.

You jolted awake one night (well, "night" was relative) to the unmistakable sound of the TARDIS.

He'd finally come back for you.

You'd fallen asleep in that little break room again, something you did with increasing frequency, but you didn't mind. A few restless nights were worth it when you knew you'd be back in the TARDIS eventually.

You were standing, waiting, when he stepped through the door. When he looked around, trying to get his bearings and finding you instead.

Your name had barely left his lips when you launched yourself at him, pulling him into a hug so tight that his breathing was momentarily cut off. There was no hesitation, his arms were instantly around you, holding you nearly as tight.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured into your ear, over and over again, and you could tell that he meant it down to the deepest pits of his two hearts. That leaving you behind weighed heavy on him. Haunted him.

"Why?" you asked simply, voice impossibly soft.

He pulled out of the hug, though his hands stayed firmly on your shoulders, like you might vanish the moment he broke contact with you.

"Someone put a time lock on the moment I left. I don't know how and I don't know why... but I've spent the last few hours trying different moments to get back. This was the first one that worked."

A few hours.

He'd only been gone a few hours.

In his time.

"Doctor, I've been here a year."

The way your voice broke on that last word broke him. You could see it in his eyes.

"I know," he said, voice full of endless sorrow. "I know. I'm so sorry. I tried so hard to get back to you sooner."

"I know." And you did. You knew the Doctor would never abandon you, never intentionally leave you.

"They've treated you well?" he asked suddenly, as his eyes took you in, looked you over. Examined you.

"The best," you answered with a tearful, relieved laugh. "They put me to work after you didn't show up for a week, but they've made sure I'm fed and clothed and everything. They even assigned me a new birthday and threw me a party."

He laughed at that, though the smile on his face seemed... sad.

"What's wrong?" you asked, tensing up.

"It's just..."

"What is it, Doctor?"

"You seem happy." And his words were so final, like there was no other conclusion, and nowhere left to go from that statement. "You took really well to the future," he commented after barely a moment, leaving you no room to think, to interject. "You've made friends. A life..."

Oh.

You saw the problem even before he said it.

"You'll want to stay, then?" The inflection made it sound like a question, but you knew it was an assumption.

"Don't you fucking dare leave me here again, Doctor."

"Sorry, what?" His face was stunned, and you were reminded for the first time in over a year that sometimes he could be a complete dumbass. "But... you're happy here... content here..."

"Please," you begged, voice thick with emotion. "Please, let me come home."

"And where's home?" he asked, and you knew that he thought you meant Earth, your time. Perhaps even specifically the house you'd lived in, with your family.

"You're home," you said instead.

It took a moment for him to realize what you'd said, and you watched as first the realization hit, and then as his face morphed from something so full of sorrow to so full of joy and hope.

"You were always my home. Always will be," you assured him, and he pulled you into another tight embrace.

When the crew awoke the next "morning," all your belongings were gone. The only thing left that showed you'd ever been there at all was a note you left wishing them goodbye, and a note from the Doctor expressing immeasurable gratitude to them for taking care of you.

[just-here-for-the-moment]

Short story workshop! ✍️✍️✍️ August 2024

Y'all, I am interested in hosting a short story workshop to share my knowledge and my passion for writing and to help other writers who are seeking a place to connect with fellow writers.

However, I am so tired of seeing workshops that cost $200+ for just a few hours! If you're interested in attending a low-cost writing workshop, please read more below the cut...

I'm going to host video-call short story workshops at the very low cost of pay what you can! My suggested donation is around $30.00, but if cost is any kind of an issue, please put a note in the Google form and we can work something out!

8/9/24 Update: Our first workshop will be Sunday, August 11 at 3 p.m. Central US/4 p.m. Eastern US

There are additional times and dates on the Google signup form. Please let me know if you don't see something that works for you. (And rest assured, I'll be adding some European/non-US times soon! Please message me if you're outside of North America and we'll get something set up!) Sign up here at the Google form

FAQs... Who the hell are you? Hi! I'm Claire, I'm very friendly and have been here on Tumblr writing adult fanfiction since 2021. In my first year on Tumblr, I wrote 216,860 words of short story fanfiction. That's a LOT! Fanfic led me to getting back into creative writing, which was a lifelong passion but had been dormant for almost twenty years. Rediscovering writing saved me from one of the deepest depressions I had ever experienced, and I'm so grateful to it and to the other writers I've met over the years for saving my sanity.

What do you know about writing, anyway? A ton! I'm a huge nerd, and when I have a passion for something, I research endlessly and deeply and am always learning something new. Since I started writing fanfic in 2021, I have taken 3 college courses in creative writing, self-published my first book, and I read non-fiction "books about writing" more than I read all other genres combined. (I really love writing!) I'm also "that friend" who knows the difference between affect/effect, vice/vise, they're/there/their, and other really nerdy grammar and spelling and punctuation rules, and I've beta-read for over a dozen other Tumblr authors over the years. After self-publishing in September of 2023, I found that I enjoyed the process so much that I decided to make it my vocation. In March of 2024 I opened a small business to provide self-publishing guidance and author services to other independent authors. I am currently working with my first client to edit and hone a manuscript and query letters for pitching to agents, and I'm also co-editing an anthology of original short stories from some of my favorite Tumblr writers that will debut in January 2025, published through my company.

Why so cheap? I don't have $250 lying around for a one-day writing workshop, and I'm guessing you don't, either.

You write a LOT of smut; do we also have to write "spicy" stories? Nope! Smut is not required - this is a general short story workshop to help you craft any kind of story your heart desires! I love writers and writing, and I'll be your cheerleader no matter what genre of short fiction calls to you and makes your fingers fly!

What do we get out of this? The workshop will consist of two parts. The first will be a 60-minute group video call (time/date TBD), where I will present the basics of short story form, function, and several prompts. Each participant can use one of the prompts, or bring a short story that you've already started. If you would like to get some feedback, I'll ask you to send me your short story draft within 10 days. Two weeks after the first call, I'll host another 60-minute group call, share some of the stories from the group, and provide workshop feedback and guidance to continue your writing! It is totally optional if you want to share your story with the group, but at the very least I hope to provide a welcoming space to talk about writing and to expand your knowledge - you might even make a new writer friend or two!

What if I'm shy/prefer to remain anonymous? I am more than happy to set up a 1:1 workshop with just me and you! Please indicate that on the signup form and we'll set up a time to chat.

Sign up here at the Google form and let's talk writing!

[mrs-snape5984]

“I will love you unconditionally…”

“Come just as you are to me, don't need apologies. Know that you are worthy!” (“Unconditionally” by Katy Perry)

Feathers. Feathers everywhere. The teenagers were panting heavily from their previous childish pillow-fight, staring at each other with red, sweaty faces. But something about the whole mood seemed to change…shifting into something else…something unfamiliar. The sudden tension between Severus and Julia became palpable, wavering in thick air. His voice cut the awkward silence between them. “What is this all about, Jules?” Brushing the cheeky strand of hair - which seemed to have a life on its own…always falling over his left eye - out of his face, Severus glanced at her, narrowing his eyes. He didn’t know, what to think about her latest antics. Would she be the next person, who would abandon him? He knew it…he shouldn’t have gotten too attached to her….he shouldn’t have allowed her to break through his walls. “You’re pathetic, Severus!”, he scolded himself internally, coursing his heart for this feeling of hope, that he had given permission to grow in his chest. “You should have known better than that.”

“Sevy, I…”, her voice broke mid sentence, when she recognised the familiar expressions of annoyance and disappointment in his face. No…this was not supposed to happen! This was the moment, when Julia knew, that she couldn’t hold herself back anymore. She couldn’t lose him! Her friend! Her companion through thick and thin! Taking a deep breath, Julia took his hand in hers and revealed her deepest feelings for him. It was now or never!

“Sevy, from the very first moment, when I've seen you in the Great Hall...this way too skinny, raven haired boy with his adorably crooked nose and those beautiful - and yet so sad - obsidian eyes...l've been fallen head over heels for you!”, she blurted out…feeling her heart beating up to her throat. There was no way back for her now, that was for sure.

“Jules…what…”, but before Severus could react to her blunt confession, Julia stopped him from talking, shaking her head vigorously. “Listen to me, Sevy! Let me explain this to you. It’s…it’s your soul!”, she stuttered nervously, stumbling over her own words.

“Your soul has always seemed to be surrounded by some kind of magnetic field, Sevy. And my poor soul is constantly lingering on it…desperately trying to get attached to yours.” Julia’s cheeks went scarlet, but it was too late…she couldn’t stop herself from confessing her feelings to her best friend anymore.

“I’m like a goddamn moth…”, she uttered nervously, “and you…you’re the light! I…I can’t help myself…you…you’re all, I can think about!”

„I am…the light?“ Severus was speechless. Never would he have considered himself as a light…and especially not as a light to someone! But he couldn’t say anything further to his best friend‘s confession…not since Julia just didn’t stop talking!

„I don't expect anything from you, Severus. My love for you is…unconditionally…and…undeniably.“, she continued with her flow of words. This wasnt new to Severus, he knew Julia’s habit of losing herself in an endless stream of rhapsody over the most random things. But he had never expected to become the subject of her rambling speech…and she still didn’t come to an end!

„I will find you inside your own darkness, Severus...no matter, where you are…no matter, where you’re hiding yourself from the world! I want to be the light, that leads you home. I will break through the cage, you've built around yourself. And I won't ever let you go!“, declared Julia boldly before she interrupted herself, holding her breath. Suddenly, there was only one thought left in her mind: “Oh no…what have I done?!”

This was a little snippet from one of my more innocent stories, which I’m writing in my sleepless nights in order to cope with my own situation…and gosh, I’m so fucking nervous to share this with you all for the very first time.

Even though I’m someone, who always seemed to be quite self-confident towards others, I’m only a very insecure and overly sensitive person on the inside. My whole life, there was always one thought in the back of my head: What if I’m not good enough? What if I’m nothing but a failure?

And since I’m struggling with this cruel disease ME/CFS, which completely cuts me off from the life, I’ve used to known…my insecurities and vulnerabilities are growing even deeper. So, this is a sign of trust, you wonderful people of Snapedom! I’m trusting you with a tiny piece of my heart…a tiny piece of my true self.

My friend, the wonderfully talented artist @snake-queen7, drew this beautiful artwork of Sevy and Jules in the middle of their pillow-fight….and you did a fantastic job, my dear! Thank you for letting my fantasies come to life…for allowing me to feel alive again through your excellent art!

🖤Sevy & Jules🖤

🖤Severus & Julia🖤

[thewebcomicsreview]

Hamsteak? Again? God, everything happens so much, but at least we're done with Vriska. And I can copy and paste text again. Wowsers. Anyway we're out of hell and now we're with The Moms, in a suspiciously green-and-orange environment.

ROSE: This is an impressive shield. ROSE: I don't think I've ever seen you make one this size before. JADE: ive been practicing! JADE: if i stay focused i should be able to keep it up for quite a while.

Oh hey, starting us right off with Deepest Lore, as Jade can apparently make shields. We've never really seen her "natural" Witch of Space powers in the original comic, since she was using First Guardian powers the whole time (or no powers and just gadgets like the soothspecs, back before everyone became X-Men). I've been wondering what she could do au natural, and...apparently it's shields? Would not have called that, but sure.

JADE: between yiffys capture and rescue and finding dave... JADE: like that... JADE: i just feel like my life flashed before my eyes and it made me a little crazy! JADE: after being unconscious for a bit things feel way clearer now

It's still weird to me that Dave's "death" was so recent to the characters. That was in the epilogues! We made a sequel series since then! It got cancelled! Then it got revived! It was a long time!

JADE: after being unconscious for a bit things feel way clearer now ROSE: Nothing beats a rump to the skull for mental clarity. JADE: the mistakes we made are so obvious to me now JADE: embarrassingly obvious!

Being unconscious is Jade's natural state, so naturally it heals her. Also I detect a justification for a small change in Candy Jade's characterization here, like she'll be acting differently that she has been and this is the excuse. Lets stick a pin in that thought, though.

JADE: this whole situation is my fault and even though it just keeps getting more frustrating and shitty im going to do right by you JADE: were going to figure this out ROSE: Are you sure it's prudent to keep this amateur marriage counselor performance up? JADE: rose... JADE: youre taking this seriously JADE: right? ROSE: I don't know what you mean by that.

I really do like this characterization of Candy Rose, though (which is apparently also a slight retcon from the original plans, according to the writer commentaries). None of this is real, so she doesn't give a shit about any of it. Her mid-life crisis is worse than John's.

JADE: though playing stupid and cajoling her into slapping me around for catharsis wont work anymore JADE: well have to think of something else... ROSE: Jade, I've been compliant with these clumsy machinations partially because they weren't all that consequential at the time, but you need to cut your losses.

Oh we are hard retconning Candy Jade's personality here. She's not an emotional wreck at all, at least part of it is her clumsy attempt at being Machiavellian. Are they building up to changing Yiffy's backstory, far and away the least popular idea in HS2?

JADE: "ohhhh bluh bluh blah i can see the fruitlessness of all our clumsy insignificant thrashing in fates cosmic current" JADE: dont forget im more than a little versed in future sight myself ok JADE: i dont care how credible it seems, you cant depend on that information!

Opens Homestuck_2_Speculation.rtf.doc.xpf.bro

What information is this, Jade? Is it related to the visions Calliope had that let her build the machine? The only future sight Jade's ever had is the clouds of Skaia

JADE: "abloo hoo hoo, my life is a monkey paw, everything i want hurts me in the end" ROSE: It was a little pathetic. JADE: I KNOW!

Oh man, that's going back deep.

This aspect of Jade, that deep down she's a bit of a wreck but she toughs it out because she hates her own weakness, hasn't really been focused on since Act 4 of the original comic when it got personified in Jadesprite. It's nice to see that aspect referenced again here. I liked Jade's speech justifying Yiffy's existence, it did a lot to make that plot point go down smoother, but I totally buy that Jade herself hated it. Kind of funny that we had six updates of Vriscourse and now I have way more to say about this one expository speech out of Best Girl, but Jade's actually a pretty complex character and her issues are so often glossed over as "Wow she had to live in isolation for three years after her brother and boyfriend randomly exploded and that's kind of sad I guess", so it's nice to spend some time inside her head like this.

JADE: the truth is whatever people WANT to believe JADE: you can either try forcing them to understand your side JADE: leave it completely in their hands and take no responsibility JADE: or you work with their wants and perspectives JADE: and make some informed compromises ROSE: Over the state of reality? JADE: rose i am begging you can you please cut it out with all the cryptic cosmic crap and come back down to earth???

One of my pet peeves of the epilogues is that Dave Strider turns into a Bernie Sanders supporter and keeps talking about "neoliberalism" despite living in a wacky future utopia planet and having never lived through the 2016 Democratic Primary that all his talking points were cribbed from, but we have an explanation for that now. It's his wife. Jade was the neoliberal all along.

JADE: thats whats scaring me! JADE: youre not prepared for how bad it can get JADE: you have no idea at all!!!!!!!!!!! ROSE: If you say so.

That was a joke but this is sounding a little suspiciously like voting discourse, but that might just be me being election-brained. God I'm so stressed, please vote for Harris if for no other reason to make Trump-analogue Jane Crocker feel dated and weird.

Jade has no idea what she’s talking about. There’s not a thing to worry about here. You came out the womb playing defense

You didn't come out of a womb at all. You've never even been in one. Also holy shit this page is called Rose: Ramble and it's early-HS2 levels of Wall of Text, though I think you're actually intended to glaze over it a little.

It doesn’t really matter, in the long run. Important or not, Vriska’s going to fail. Jane’s going to fail, too; really, just about everyone is going to fail to do something that really matters. In an unsuccessful effort to stave off that failure, and perhaps to atone for it on some level, Calliope will sacrifice herself, fruitlessly. You’re not exempt from the firing squad, either. In the imminent battle, you are going to be shot in the head, the bullet burying deep into your moral grey matter and jamming up the works of your conditional immortality, leaving you confined to a hospital bed. You had to pull all kinds of ridiculous, eyebrow-raising Chaos Theory shit to figure that one out. The rat-tail was worth it, your daughter’s anguish aside.

It's generally considered bad writing to have a prophecy not come true, but I think this is bullshit and Rose's Seer of Light powers don't work in a land of pure void.

KANAYA: Those Two Will Not Be Joining Us On The Battlefield Either KARKAT: OH? KANAYA: I Know Such Decisions Are Well Above My Pay Grade And That The Critical Need To Win This Battle Far Outweighs My Marital Discomfort KANAYA: And Being Down Two Gods Isnt Exactly Ideal KANAYA: But... KANAYA: I Cant KANAYA: Sorry KARKAT: DON'T BE.

KARKAT: FUCK ‘EM.

Man, Punished Karkat is cool.

Man, I love how stupid Jane's death ray looks. It's a cake!

Your father never did voice any kind of opinion on your parenting style. In hindsight, he was probably avoiding the subject altogether.

It's hard to talk with your dad when he's not allowed to have any dialogue due to stylistic convention. I have that issue with my uncle.

JAKE: Oh. JANE: chhhhhhhhlmm nnnn. JAKE: OH CRIPES! JAKE: I'M SORRY JANEY!!! JANE: kkkkkkkkaaaaaa?? JAKE: JUST- S-STAY STILL OK?

lmao. This is the absolutely best way this assassination attempt could've gone.

This art is excellent.

Man, this was a great update, Jesus. So much shit is going on, and while HS2 and HS:BC have had good moments this is the first time in a long while I've really had that classic Homestuck feeling that made me fall in love with the comic in the first place.

[andreafmn]

You'll Feel Better | Remus Lupin Oneshot

Word Count: 3.8K Requested by @blackloveangel13: "Remus Lupin" Paring: Remus Lupin x Fem!Reader

Summary: It had always been a running joke between the Marauders that Remus always had chocolate on him. But (Y/N) didn't know how it had started. After James, in a cruel attempt at a hurtful joke, reveals the reason to (Y/N) she can't help but make it her mission to change Remus' mind about the sweet treat.

A/N:  the request didn't have any specifications, so I ran with a little idea I had been playing around with. I've always found the fandom headcanon around Remus eating chocolate to kill the wolf inside him. To calm that, I decided to put an angsty with a happy ending spin to it. Hope you enjoy! 💖💖 Also, I went with a fem!reader becuase the profile of the requester had the pronouns she/her 😊

The thing about rumors is that sometimes they are true. But the worst thing is when that rumor is spread amongst your own friends about the person you love the most. 

The Marauders all knew about Remus’ lycanthropy. How could they not? He had trusted them with his deepest secrets, just like they had done with theirs. Hell, they had learned how to be Animagi for him.

But no amount of closeness could ever make the teasing die between them, even when it was borderline cruel. Especially when it came to James Potter. Growing up, he had been coddled enough that sometimes, he did not know where the limits lay. Everyone knew that he would never intentionally hurt his friends. Still, sometimes, his words and jokes cut too deeply. 

And (Y/N) could take it most of the time. She was strong enough to face off with him. It was only when it came to Remus Lupin that she found her resolution unable to withstand his jabs. She would grow red with anger whenever James joked about Remus’ careful nature, how he allowed things to simply happen to him. He called him shy and awkward, sometimes scratching the line of coward. And it took everything in her not to explode at him every time. If Remus was there, he could keep her centered. But she would tear James a new one on the rare occasion that he wasn’t. 

(Y/N) knew the side of Remus that their friends seemed to forget. She knew he shielded the witty, calculated, and intelligent side from the rest. It was what had made her fall for him. At first, she believed she simply had an affinity for the Lupin boy, that they had a connection she did not have with the rest of the Marauders. Yet, as time went on, she discovered that the sentiments she felt toward the boy were far stronger than those of friendship. They were emotions she could never tell him about, not without losing his friendship, and that was something (Y/N) would never do. 

It had been a day like any other when (Y/N) had heard the rumor for the first time. It was spilling out of James’ mouth as if it were nothing but a joke. And maybe to him, it was. Peter and Sirius seemed to think so as they laughed at the pureblood’s words. 

“Where’s Remus right now?” the raven-haired boy had asked as he sat on an armchair in the Gryffindor common room. He propped his feet on the armrest, dug into a box of Every Flavour Jelly Beans, and popped one into his mouth. “Ugh, vomit!” 

“I think he went to the kitchens to ask for some chocolate,” Sirius shrugged. “Full moon’s tomorrow, and you know how he gets around those days.” 

“Yeah,” Peter snickered. “His sweet tooth gets activated to no avail. One day, he’ll give himself a cavity.” 

“Oh, lay off him, guys,” (Y/N) said, crossing her arms over her chest. Sometimes, she hated being the only girl they had accepted into their little group. She wondered if it was easier to be with them if she had been on the outside looking in –like Lily Evans, maybe Theresa Berlitz, or even Sasha Monnet. The latter she envied the most. The girl that held all of Remus’ attention, and she didn’t even care for it. “You know it’s hard for him to regulate his system after such a brutal transformation.” 

“Oh, there goes the pup again. Defending her little boyfriend,” Potter guffawed. “He’s old enough to fight his own battles, (Y/N). If you’re not gonna tell him how you feel, let him grow up on his own.” 

“Shove it, Potter. As if you didn’t need my help to get Lily to even look your way,” she spat back. “He’s our friend. I’m defending him against you when he’s not here to do it for himself. I know you have one, but that doesn’t mean you have to be a dick.” 

The other two boys tried their hardest to hide their laughter, but their red faces instantly gave them away. And before they could stop it, they barked out their chuckles. (Y/N) saw how that made James’ face shift. His cocky grin was instantly replaced with an annoyed scowl. But he was never one to stay down for long. He always had something up his sleeve. 

“Maybe you shouldn’t spend so much time defending him, (Y/N). Maybe you should spend more time saving him from himself.” 

She felt her chest squeeze at his words. Not knowing what they meant made her spiral, going down a thought storm she did not want to face. “What are you mumbling about, Potter?” 

“Don’t you know why he eats so much chocolate?” James answered, a smug look on his face. “I thought you two told each other everything. But I guess he didn’t want you mommy-ing him about it.”

“James,” Sirius warned, seeing as tears pooled on the corners of the girl’s eyes. “Don’t.” 

But the boy simply raised his hand and stared deeply into the witch’s eyes. “Darling, (Y/N). I thought you were smarter than that,” he chuckled mockingly. “You know how toxic chocolate is to canines, right? The poor boy eats his weight in chocolate to try and kill the wolf inside.” 

The words sent a pang to her heart. If they were true, it meant that Remus hated that part of him so much that he would have rather eat himself sick with sweets than accept it. The thought made her stomach churn, but it wasn’t as unbearable as the red-hot anger taking over her. She wanted to lunge at James, beat him bloody until they pried her nails off his body. She would have done it if it had not been for Peter’s hand on her arm. 

“You truly are something else, Potter. He is your friend,” she spat, her tone poignant and enraged. “He’s trusted us with his deepest secret. Trusted that we are here to help him navigate it rather than beat him down over it. And you say those words as if they’re something to laugh at. You can truly be a despicable person, James.” 

“Oh, come on, (Y/N). Stop being so dramatic,” he laughed. “It won’t actually do anything to him. It’s just chocolate. It’s not like I’m telling you he ingested a death potion.” 

“Sod off, Potter,” she responded. “It’s honestly becoming that the first bean you ate was vomit. It seems that’s the only thing you can spew from your mouth sometimes.”

She left her friends with a surprised look on their faces and left for the girls’ dormitories. There was no point in waiting up for Remus to return. He most likely would have returned long after they were meant to be in their beds, and she was too exhausted to face him. 

(Y/N) cried herself to sleep that night, thinking of how much pain Remus had to endure. Not only was he fighting a physical battle, but every day, he fought a mental one as well, and there was nothing she could do. Well, not yet. 

The next day, (Y/N) avoided her friends at all costs. She knew Remus would be excused from most of his classes as he prepared for the long night ahead, and the last thing she wanted was to face James. Even if he seemed to sport an apologetic frown on his face during breakfast. She wanted him to feel sorry. She wanted him to ruminate on the words he had spouted about one of his best friends. She wanted him to never again speak of him –or any of them for that matter–in that way. 

Sirius and Peter were not safe either. Even in their Potions and DADA classes, where they sat either next to or near each other, she acted as though they weren’t even there. They had known that James had said that before. Their faces had told her as much. They hadn’t been surprised when the sound escaped Potter’s mouth. They simply didn’t want her to hear it. In her eyes, they were just as bad. 

As the day passed, her anger had started to dwindle. Mostly because she felt lonely. Her only solace would have been Remus, and she knew she could not be with him. Not until the night had fully passed. She couldn’t even find solace in the rest of her friends. But instead of dwelling in her sadness, she locked herself in the library to concoct a plan. Nothing fueled her more than making sure that Remus Lupin was okay, and she would make sure he was. 

That night felt endless. 

(Y/N) spent hours staring at the enchanted ceiling she had created inside the secret passageway in Gregory the Smarmy’s corridor, watching as the moon moved slowly. It was the place Remus always went to after a transformation, too tired to head back to the Gryffindor common room and face his friends. Sometimes, he just needed some time to himself. 

She clutched the Marauder’s Map tightly in her hands, thanking Merlin that Sirius had handed it over to her without any questions. Once the moon had disappeared in her enchantment, she looked for Moony’s name and watched as it inched closer and closer. And before she knew it, the exhausted boy stood before her. 

“(Y/N),” he breathed with a relaxed smile on his face. He joined her side, sliding down the stone wall until he hit the hard floor. “What are you doing here? You should still be sleeping.” 

“I’ve brought you something,” she said. She pulled a cardboard box out of her satchel and handed it to him. “I made you some peanut butter-chocolate cookies, and some chocolate truffles.” 

“You didn’t have to do that, pup. A chocolate bar or two normally does the job,” he responded, looking at the treats in his hand. At first, he didn’t notice it, but once he turned, it was unmistakable. Her cheeks were stained with old tears as new ones fell on top, her eyes red and puffy from crying. “Oh, (Y/N). What’s wrong?”

Disregarding his question, she brushed back a strand of hair that was covering his forehead, revealing a streak of blood falling from a deep slash. “You’re bleeding, Remus,” she said softly, pulling out the first aid kit she always kept on her. “Let me clean that up.” 

“There’s spells for that, pup. You don’t have to go through the trouble.” 

“Hush now,” she sniffled. “Let me work.” 

Her hands were gentle against his skin, working swiftly and gently, making sure not to disturb the wound any further. It wasn’t deep enough to require immediate medical attention, but deep enough that it would scar. She worked until not a drop of blood was left on his face and covered it with a bandage. 

“Eat,” she smiled. “You’ll feel better.” 

“Then will you tell me what’s wrong?” Remus offered, his brown eyes pleading for an answer. “I don’t like to see you this upset.”

“Oh, nothing’s the matter,” she smiled weakly. “Just eat. It’ll make me feel better.” 

With a lopsided grin, he took a bite of a cookie, closing his eyes as he savored the combination of flavors. A moan of delight left his throat, and he rested his head against her shoulder as he enjoyed the entirety of the bite. “Definitely better than a chocolate bar,” he chuckled softly. “But I can’t promise I won’t eat one or two every once in a while. Can’t have you living in the kitchens the rest of the year.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” (Y/N) responded, trying her best to swallow the tears that kept threatening to spill. “I’ll make you all the cookies in the world if that’s what you need.”

“What I need is for you to be okay,” he told her, gently wiping away the streaks from her cheeks. “Will you please tell me what’s wrong? I don’t like to see you like this, pup. It breaks my heart.”

“James,” she finally sighed. “Something he said just rubbed me the wrong way, and I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it.”

“That Potter boy can be too much sometimes,” he said defeatedly. “What was it this time? Please tell me it was nothing directed at you.”

“No, it’s… it was about you, Remus,” (Y/N) admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “He said something about you I didn’t like. But what angered me the most was that he laughed about it.”

“What was it?” 

“I don’t wanna say, Moony,” she pleaded. “Don’t make me say it.” 

“Darling, it’s James,” he teased. “He’s not smart enough to say something that will truly hurt me. But I don’t want you to carry it on your own. Now, out with it.”

(Y/N) took a steadying breath, sarong at the hand that held hers, tracing the scars with her eyes. “He said that the reason you eat so much chocolate is because it’s toxic to canines,” she confessed, a sob shaking her body. “That you believe that if you eat enough of it, it’ll kill the wolf inside you.”

An oh escaped Remus’ lips before he pulled her in for a tight embrace, trying his best to console her laments. It crushed him that he was inadvertently the cause of her pain. That was the last thing he wanted. 

“Is it true, Remus?” Her voice croaked, breaking any ounce of preservation he still held. “Please tell me it isn’t.” 

“It was at first,” he sighed. (Y/N) was tucked under his chin, and he could feel her body shake as she tried to breathe. He ran his hands through her hair, soothing her tenderly. “When I was a kid, I had read that dogs could die from eating chocolate. That even the smallest amount could do them harm. One Hallowe’en celebration, I gathered as many pieces as I could muster and ate them until I was stuffed. Ultimately, I ended up throwing up this sickly-looking brown mixture, and I thought I had done it. Until the next full moon, where I still transformed.” 

“Oh, Remus,” (Y/N) cooed as she squeezed his waist. 

“I guess I still associate the taste with those thoughts,” he continued, feeling the warmth of his tears trailing down his cheeks. “I can’t lie to you, (Y/N). Every time I feel the sweet melt in my mouth, a part of me hopes that it is weakening the wolf at the very least. That the more I eat it, the frailer it’ll become.” 

“I don’t want you to think that anymore, Moony,” she said. (Y/N) straightened herself and sat before him, her teary eyes boring into his. She took his hands in her and kissed his knuckles. “Even if it takes me forever, I will make sure every memory you have with it is replaced by a happy one. If I have to bake a million chocolate cookies or make a million truffles –I don’t care–I will do it. I will do it until my hands bleed. I will do it until your heart doesn’t hurt anymore.” 

“There’s no point, pup,” he said, his head falling in defeat. “It will not change the fact that I am still cursed. Forced to turn into a monster every single month. Always hoping that the people  I love are safe from me, from what I can do. It’s a life sentence that I will have to face by myself.” 

“As long as I am alive, Remus, you must know that you will never be alone,” she told him, placing a hand on his cheek, forcing him to look at her. “I love every single part of you, Moony. Even the parts that you cannot stand.” 

“This is not a life I could wish on you, (Y/N). Not you,” he sniffled. “You deserve so much better.” 

(Y/N) couldn’t find the words to say just how wrong he was. That the only life she had ever dreamed of had him by her side. So, she decided to show him. She leaned in and took his lips on hers in a moment of bravery. For a second, she thought he would push her away and remind her that his sights had been set on Sasha.

Instead, Remus melted into the kiss, pulling her closer to him by her waist. He kissed her as though she was the only source of oxygen in that passageway. As though her lips held the very force he needed to exist. As though she was his reason for being. 

“I don’t want a life that you’re not in, Remus,” she said breathlessly, her forehead resting against his. “I want to walk beside you, for better or worse. And I want to show you that you deserve all the love and happiness in the universe. Even if you don’t believe me.” 

“I’d believe anything if it came from your lips,” he smiled. “And as far as I see it, chocolate has now brought me something I never thought I could have.”

“Yeah?” (Y/N) grinned, popping a truffle into her mouth. “And what’s that?” 

“Well, you, pup,” he smirked before kissing away a speck of chocolate on her lips. “I thought I was bound to live with my feelings for you for the rest of my life.” 

“You thought that? I was under the impression that you were moping over Sasha Monnet.” 

“Where would you even get that idea?” Remus chuckled in surprise. “She’s just a friend.” 

“And why did you think that I didn’t reciprocate your feelings? I’ve honestly believed you were simply ignoring them for my sake.” 

The pair exchanged a knowing glance before bursting into laughter. “Sirius,” they said in unison. 

“I’m gonna kill that boy,” Remus said. “I can’t believe we’ve spent the past five years tiptoeing around each other when we could have been doing this the whole time.” 

“Well, it serves us right for entrusting Padfoot with such meaningful information,” she chuckled. “I wonder if they’ve made bets on when we would notice.” 

“You can best believe they have,” he joined in her laughter before looking down at his watch. “And as much as I would love to stay here all day with you, we, unfortunately, have classes to attend to.” 

“You mean we can’t stay hidden in here all day and make out?” (Y/N) sighed dramatically and fell on Remus. “What ever shall we do?” 

“We can always come back tonight,” the boy smirked. “Put that map to good use while we have it.” 

“I like where your head is at, Moony,” she smiled before placing a soft kiss on his lips. “But I do agree we have to go. I have to stop by the kitchens before breakfast.” 

“I think I’m good on delicious chocolate snacks, pup.” 

“Oh, it’s not for you, my darling Remus. There’s someone I need to eat his words. And I know just the way to do it.” 

After changing into their uniforms, (Y/N) made a detour to the kitchen, bribing a house elf for a rather peculiar request. Remus waited patiently for her outside the doors until they walked hand in hand into the Great Hall. Their friends’ eyes followed their figures until they settled with them, sliding onto the bench as they had done many times before. 

“Good to see you back with us, (Y/N),” Sirius was the first to speak. “I think I speak for all of us when I say we missed you yesterday.” 

“Yeah, we’re sorry for being insensitive,” Peter frowned. 

“And James here,” Sirius said as he shoved his friend’s shoulder. “Wants to say something.” 

“Right,” Potter affirmed, clearing his throat. “I didn’t mean to make fun of something so serious, (Y/N). You know, sometimes I cross the line.” 

“No worries, James,” she smiled sickeningly sweetly. “And to show that all is forgiven, I’ve brought you this.” 

The witch handed her friend a small box, much like the one she had handed Remus that very sunrise. She watched as James opened it and, as he smiled, took a bite of the pastry inside. Their friends watched in confusion as Potter enjoyed the sweet, savoring every bite. They waited for a surprise. A jinx or a potion laced into the treat. But it never came. 

“Careful, love,” (Y/N) said. “That’s a rhubarb breakfast cake.” 

“So what? I like rhubarb.” 

“Well, wouldn’t want people to think you’re eating it to kill the stag inside,” she smirked. “I thought you’d be smart enough to know that rhubarb is toxic to deer.” 

Sirius, Remus, and Peter burst out in laughter as James’ face reddened in embarrassment. He sent the treat down and busied himself with his food. After that, the boy never again seemed to speak out of his arse. At least, not about his friends. 

Many years later, at 12 Grimmauld Place, an older Remus Lupin sat before a fireplace when Harry Potter joined him. The man fiddled with the ring on his left hand, twirling it as he always did when he was lost in thought. Once he noticed the boy beside him, unconsciously, he handed him a piece of the chocolate bar he had on the coffee table next to him. 

“May I ask you something, Remus?” the boy asked. 

“Of course, my boy. Anything.” 

“I heard some rumors about you and chocolate,” he said, his voice weak. “About why you always carry it with you.” 

“I think I might know what you’ve heard,” Remus chuckled softly. “Something about wanting to kill the wolf inside, am I right?” 

“Yes,” Potter confessed. “Is it true? Does it actually poison it?” 

“No,” he laughed. “Your dear old father made sure that stupid idea didn’t die down.” 

“My dad was the one that spread it?” 

“In a way,” he smiled as he remembered that fateful day. “But do you want to know the real reason I always carry it with me?” 

“Yes.” 

“It reminds me of one of the happiest moments in my life,” he said before the door behind them opened. “I can’t eat it without smiling anymore, and I like to think it’s contagious.” 

“What are you two talking about?” (Y/N) asked as she walked in, followed by an enchanted tray with three cups of tea and a plate of peanut butter-chocolate cookies. “I hope it is age-appropriate things, Remus.” 

“I would never think of speaking of anything else,” he smirked as he accepted a kiss from his now wife. “My wife would never let me hear the end of it.” 

After she chuckled, (Y/N) turned to Harry, inspecting the boy’s exhausted expression tenderly. Looking at him without thinking of James became easier as the days passed. But sometimes, she couldn’t help the confusion in her brain. “Oh, darling,” she cooed. “You look so tired.” 

“I haven’t been sleeping great,” he shrugged. 

(Y/N) handed him one of the teacups as Remus placed a cookie on a napkin for Harry. “Eat,” she smiled. “You’ll feel better.” 

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[formula1fanfiction]

Pierre Gasly / Charles Leclerc

Title: Spin the bottle

Pairing: Charles Leclerc / Pierre Gasly

Characters: Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly, Carlos Sainz, Lando Norris, George Russell, Alex Albon

Prompt: Pierre found out Charles is a virgin, so he decides to give him his first blowjob and fuck!

"Let's play spin the bottle" Of course it's Alex that suggests it, they are all more than a little tipsy now and only few of them remain, Pierre himself, Charles, Alex, George, Carlos and Lando.

"We might find out things about each other, we don't want to know." Lando giggles sitting next to Carlos in the small circle forming on the carpeted floor. "You can always go home if you're too chicken." Alex mocks sitting next to George, those two have already struggled to keep their hands off each other.

Pierre is the last to join the circle, he sits next to George and Charles of course, he's tried it on with Charles all night, only to be pushed away, at least this game might reveal some naughty secrets about his fellow drivers.

"I get to spin first because this was my idea." Alex demands, seeming much more sober than the rest of them. He spins the bottle and it lands on Carlos. "Have you ever kissed Lando?" Pierre thinks that is a very boring question, especially from a guy as mischievous as Alex.

"I think we all know the answer to that is yes." Carlos giggles tipping back the rest of his beer. "I expected more from you Albono." Alex gives a guilty shrug. "I didn't want to start too heavy." Carlos ignores him and spins the bottle, which lands on George. Judging by the evil smile creeping on Carlos' face this question is going to be more entertaining.

"Have you ever been fisted?" George spits out his fruity looking cocktail in shock. "No?" George wipes the liquid off his face with the back of his hand. "Do you want to?" Carlos adds, still smirking. "Yes, I mean-" Alex abruptly cuts him off. "You only get to ask one question." Judging by the blush on Alex's face, he's only just learnt George would like to be fisted. Pierre smirks, this game is getting very interesting indeed.  

George spins the bottle and this time it lands on Pierre himself, what does Mr British boy have in store for him. "Do you bottom for Charles are you always on top?" This is not the kind of question Pierre was expecting, he and Charles have never slept together, the younger man had always turned down his advances.

"Uhmm we've never slept together." George rolls his eyes. "Lying is not allowed, I told everyone I want to get fisted, that is nothing in comparison." Alex quietly chokes on his drink but quickly recovers. "ooh I bet it's because big bad Pierre is a bottom." All the circle laugh, including Charles, the traitor who keeps quiet all through Pierre's ordeal. "I have no issue bottoming, but i've never slept with Charles."

"Mr Tripod is a liar." Carlos snaps. "Just spin the bottle Pierre." Pierre glares at Charles one last time  then spins the bottle, unfortunately it doesn't land on Charles but Lando instead.

"Tell us your deepest, kinkiest fantasy." Pierre is feeling slightly mean after getting humiliated by Charles. Lando doesn't look the slightest bit embarrassed, he licks his lips and locks eyes with Carlos, who has become rather flustered.

"Well Carlos has never been anything but a gentleman with me, so I guess I need a more adventurous man to try this with." Lando's eyes never leave Carlos' "I would like someone, to grab me roughly, manhandle me onto the bed, tie me to it, then fuck me really hard while whispering what a naughty boy I am and when were finished I would like to have car- err his spunk plugged into my arse." Lando giggles again.

"That's oddly specific" Alex laughs, George and Lando lock eyes michvious smiles on their faces. It's obvious what those two are playing it, meanwhile Pierre can't even get laid.

Lando spins the bottle, this time it lands on Alex, he locks eyes with George once again and smiles at Alex. "Do you want to fist George." A blush creeps onto Alex's cheeks but he manages to keep composed. "I mean, if he wanted it i'm not going to say no am I?" Lando shakes his head. "That wasn't my question, we know princess George always gets his own way, I said do you want to fist George?" Alex looks a lot let composed this time, biting his lip and wriggling on his spot. "Fuck, yes it would be the hottest thing I can imagine, I-" Carlos shakes his head. "We get it Alex."

"Don't be so boring with your question this time Alex." Carlos giggles "I don't need to spin the bottle, only Charles left." All eyes turn towards Charles who has been extremely quiet throughout the whole game. Charles' whole face has become ferrari red. He's embarrassed, good. Pierre can't wait to find out an embarrassing secret about the sweet innocent doe eyed Charles Leclerc.

"How many cocks have you had in your hole?" Poor Charles looks even more flustered than he did before. "I errm, I don't know?" George smiles at him. "Too many to count? Yet you've never slept with Pierre?" George glares at Pierre, for lying again.

"No, no not too many to count-" Charles shutters. "Then how man Charles?" Carlos adds. Pierre's somehow managed to remain very quiet, he is very curious about the answer to this question because yes George is right, if it is too many to count then how come he's never slept with Pierre.

"None." Charles takes a deep breath. "I've never had any cocks in my arse and i've never put my cock in someone's arse." Everyone's mouths fall open simultaneously of course they all believe him, who would lie about being a virgin.

"Shit, sorry Charles." George offers him a small smile. "Do you want to though?" All the rules of the game long since forgotten with this revelation. "I, I-" Charles gets up, flustered George and Lando quickly follow him. The three of them stand in a small group, whispering to each other smiles forming on their faces, George's arm wrapped around Charles' shoulder. "Those two sluts will corrupt him." Alex laughs. "Lando and George definitely had a game plan." Carlos adds smirking.

Well lucky them, Pierre thinks bitterly Alex and Carlos are certainly getting their dicks wet tonight.

"I'm ready to go, Pierre." Pierre wraps are protective arm around him and they leave together. As much as it frustrates Pierre they can't sleep together, he loves Charles more than anything.      

*

"I'm ready Pierre." Is the first thing he says once they are in Charles' master bedroom in his apartment. "Ready for what, sleep?" He sighs, he couldn't think about anything other than Charles virginity all the way home, how he would love to take it, make him feel amazing.

"Ready to sleep with you, I was talking to George and Lando and they said it doesn'thurtthatbadandthatyouwouldtakecareofmeortheywouldkillyou." Charles says in a gabbled rush, Pierre shushes him with a finger to his lips.

"I'll make you feel amazing, I promise and if you want to stop, just tell me okay?"

"You're so beautiful Charles, I am so lucky that I get to be your first." Pierre gently lays Charles down on the bed and gently kisses him, they've kissed before but this is something else, it's slow and passionate just a nice kiss between two people that love each other.  "I wish you could have been my first."

"Who was your first? What was it like?" Charles asks humming a little but as Pierre kisses Charles neck, only breaking the kiss to pull the shirt up over his head. He sucks in a breath, he's seen Charles shirtless many times but this time it feels different.

"My first time was awful." Pierre has moved on to kissing his way down Charles' chest now, all the way down to his belly button. he younger man shivers, goose bumps erupting over his skin. "It was with Daniil Kvyat"

Pierre eases Charles' jeans down his body, letting the denim slide off an inch at a time, until the fabric slides down Charles' strong legs, and falls onto the floor with a soft thump, leaving Charles only in his boxer shorts, his cock hard and obvious through the thin fabric. "He said something like, I owed to him because I stole his seat, he was gentle but didn't prepare me properly, it hurt so bad."

"I won't make you feel like that, I want your first to feel amazing." Charles lets out a shaky breath as Pierre gently eases down his boxers shorts, freeing his hard cock. "I don't want you to feel how I did."

"If it gets too much, just tell." Charles nods. Pierre strokes Charles' thigh lovingly as he takes Charles' hard cock into his mouth. Charles' eyes roll into the back of his head. "So good, Pear." Charles moans while Pierre works his mouth up and down Charles' shaft. He only bobs his head up and down a few times before pulling off. "I want you to come when i'm inside of you."

"Will it hurt?" Charles squeezes Pierre's bicep "You and George both said your first time hurt and i'm a little scared."

"Don't be scared." Pierre takes the bottle of lube and pours a generous amount onto his fingers. "Mine hurt because I wasn't prepared and George was in experienced." Pierre bends Charles leg and presses a finger tip against his entrance.

"It might feel uncomfortable, but i'll be really gentle and prepare you as well as I can." Pierre kisses Charles' soft lips. "I want your first time to feel amazing Charl, you deserve it."  

Charles strokes Pierre's bicep as the older man pushes in the first finger, god Charles is tight and is clenching down on him which only made things much harder, "Relax baby, it will hurt more if you're tense." but at the same time it turns Pierre on, he's going to be the first person to be inside of Charles. Charles whines and lets his fingers slip from Pierre's bicep to grip at the bed sheets just as Pierre slides his finger to the knuckle. "How are you feeling my love?"

"Hurts a little bit, but good at the same time." Charles half growls, his knuckles turning white from gripping the bed sheets. Pierre stalls giving Charles plenty of time to adjust, only then does he twist the digit around pulling a moan from Charles lips. The little moan spurs Pierre on and starts to thrust with the single digit, slow and deep trying to limit the pain as much as he possibly can. The pleasured pain on Charles' face soon becomes one of only pleasure and Charles feels much looser around him now. "I'm going to add another one." Pierre adds with a kiss to Charles' sweaty forehead.

"Okay, I feel pretty good now." Pierre smiles down at him, fuck he loves Charles, he would die for Charles. Pierre pushes in the second finger to join the first one, Charles whines mostly from pleasure, it feels good to have Pierre inside of him. Charles can't help the moan fall from his lips as Pierre slowly starts to thrust with the two fingers. Charles throws himself back into the mountain of pillows unable to hold back his moans, this feels so much better than he thought it would.

Eventually Pierre makes his way up to four fingers, it's probably over kill but he's taking no risks when it comes to Charles. He thrusts them in and out of Charles, much quicker now. Pierre thrust a little deeper and curls his fingers into Charles' prostate. Smiling wickedly as he gives out a howl of pleasure. “Wow, what did you just do?” Charles asks, ever so sweetly.

"I hit your prostate." Pierre does it again for good measure, enjoying the pleasured fill whines falling from Charles mouth. "It feels amazing doesn't it? It makes me see stars." Pierre chuckles letting his fingers slip out, Charles pouts from the lack of contact, he's more than ready now.

"Are you sure you want this Charles? It's not too late say no, I won't be mad at you or anything?" Pierre asks, as he quickly gets rid of his own clothes, tearing them off and throwing them in a corner. How is Charles supposed to say no when Pierre's ripped body is waiting in front of him, looking sexier than ever.

"I want this Pierre, more than anything. Please give it to me." Charles wraps his legs around Pierre's tiny waist. "How am I supposed to say no that?" Pierre reaches over to grab a condom, only to have his hand slapped away. "No, George and Lando said it's better without, I want to feel you inside of me." Pierre smiles down at Charles and drinks in the sight of him being a virgin for the last time. "Fuck, Charles."

Pierre kisses Charles as he slowly pushes into him, Charles lets out a pain filled grunt, Pierre is massive and is much thicker than all of his fingers. Pierre takes it slowly, pushing in an inch at a time. "It will feel better, I promise." Charles nods, as Pierre runs his fingers through his sweaty hair, trying to soothe him through the pain.

"You need to relax, Charles." Pierre runs the pad of his thumb over his hip bone. "It will hurt so much more if you don't. We can stop if you like?"

"No." Charles shakes his head vigorously to show how serious he his. "Please don't stop Pierre." Charles sinks his teeth into his lip and breaths though his nose. It sort of feels like he's being split in two but he wants to fight through the pain, he just wants to feel Pierre buried deep inside of him.

"I don't want to hurt you Charles, you mean too much to me." Charles glares at him, he's the one that asked for this and if he wants to stop he will say. "I will relax, just don't stop please." Pierre nods and Charles forces his body to relax, his lip bears the brunt of the pain as Pierre finally slides into the hilt. Charles can't help the moan, yes it does hurt but feels so good to be wrapped around Pierre's cock.  

Charles is lost in his head somewhere, his head is buried in the mountain of pillows, he's covered by Pierre's strong body, the pain as pretty much disappeared, he can only feel how amazing it is, to have Pierre inside of him, just like he wanted. "That was the worst part Charl, now i'm fully inside of you it will start to feel much better." Charles nods, remembering how good it felt to have Pierre touch his sweet spot, it can only feel much better when he hits it with his cock. "I feel so good Pierre, fuck I love you."

Pierre stalls for a little longer, wanting to make sure Charles has all the time he needs to adjust without it hurting him anymore than he needs to. "How are you feeling?" Pierre peppers little kisses over his jaw bone. "It feels amazing, to have you in me."

"I'm going to start moving now, if it starts hurting again please just tell me, we can take a break or we can stop all together." Pierre gives him one last kiss as he starts to move. Pierre moves slowly but deeply not pulling out too much. He gives Charles a little more with every thrust, going harder the more he starts to open up around him. Charles feels amazing now the burn has disappeared completely and turns into a burn of pleasure.  

Pierre changes his angle slightly and searches for Charles' prostate, he knows he's found it when Charles all but screams in pure pleasure. Charles feels like he's on cloud nine, this is everything he wanted and more. Pierre chuckles at the blissed out look on Charles face. "I can make you feel ever better." Pierre reaches down between their bodies and takes Charles' angry red cock into his hand and strokes him to the same pace as his thrusts.

"Holy, shit." Charles bucks up into Pierre's hand getting as much from him as he possibly can. "Fuck Pierre, this is exactly what I wanted you are so fucking amazing." Pierre chuckles at how quickly Charles is losing it and with one quick flick of his wrist, Charles is coming. "Fuck, Pierre-" Charles cuts off and throws his head back, hips arching up off the bed as comes hard, spilling his load over his own stomach and Pierre's hand.  

"Woah Charles, that was so fucking hot." Pierre growls, squeezing Charles hips a little tighter, thrusting into him a little harder, not quite as much as he would like, not wanting to hurt Charles at all during his first time. Pierre can't wait for the future they have together of rough passionate sex or at least Pierre hopes, he doesn't want to lose Charles, especially not after this. Now he has him like this, he never wants to let him go.

Charles is still limp and in his post orgasm high and absent mildly clenches down around Pierre and that's all it takes to send Pierre to the point of no return, he growls as he comes, screaming out Charles' name as he hits the most powerful orgasm of his life, practically exploding inside of Charles and fills him with his load.

Pierre presses a kiss into Charles sweaty forehead as he slowly eases out of him and takes Charles' well fucked out body into his arms. Charles sighs contentedly, and rests his head on Pierre's shoulder, enjoying the way his fingers feel in Charles hair.

"Thank you for being so sweet to me and taking it slowly." Charles sighs happily. "Thank you for letting me be your first, I feel so honoured."

Charles is about to close his eyes and let himself sleep in Pierre's strong arms when the though comes to his mind. "Do you think Lando and George got their wishes as well?"

"Oh, most definitely"  

A/N I think I am going to make this into a mini series with the two ships

[fountainpenguin]

"I've told the truth, I didn't come to fool ya... And even though it all went wrong, I'll stand before the Lord of Song..." (x)

New Fairly OddParents 'fic today!

50 Words of Dev and Hazel

📖 Read on FFN || Read on AO3

🌃 City Lights AU

✨ More Fairly OddParents 'fics

🎲 Randomlists.com's 50-word generator

50 scene snippets about a snotty rich boy (self-improvement in progress) and an anxious newcomer to the big city (Livin' big and lovin' life) - Set during "The Treble With Rivals" and the week following.

OR, Dev and Hazel go to Tokyo, say hi to Dev's mom, and Dev picks on orchestra kids because #Band For Life.

(First 5 prompts under the cut)

1. Zoo

"Wait… Your dad runs a zoo for the most expensive and difficult animals to keep in captivity? That's so…" Hazel searched a moment for the right word before settling on, "out of pocket."

"My grandpa started it, and it's not without ulterior motives," Dev told her honestly. But even after her very first trip to Dimmadome Zoo, Hazel stood by her belief that maintaining this place was the best investment Dale had ever made.

And maybe, leaning his folded arms against the narwhal exhibit rail, watching her bounce and babble to the pink elephant and green otter plushes in her hands, Dev thought so too.

2. Bear

"Uh, Dev? I don't think this is the best move we could make in this situation…"

"I've always wanted to pet the polar bear cubs," he said, already hopping the fence. "C'mon, Hazel! We have fairies!"

The purple au pair drone whirring behind him let out a groan. "Dev, we HAVE to talk to your dad about installing better railings in this place…"

3. Travel

"COSMO! WANDA! I WISH WE WERE IN TOKYO!!"

"Ooh! Make it a sushi place!"

"Just run!"

4. Heal

✨ 東京 プーフ! ✨

Dev's next slamming footstep plunged into nothing. He flipped forward into frigid water… Except, through the water, like his whole body had just been splurted with gel and wrapped in itchy feathers. And... whiteness. Or pinkness? Dev stretched out a hand, feeling blindly in the rush of twisting space for Hazel, but he'd left his hands with the polar bears and screaming made no sound.

Then the world snapped into place again like a rubber band. When Dev blinked, it was dark… Maybe early morning. He found himself sitting upright on what felt like padded patio furniture, holding a menu in one hand and a purple paprika shaker in the other. Uh. Do sushi places usually have paprika shakers? From the looks of it, Peri had dropped him in an outdoor dining experience on some kind of waterfront, right across from Hazel… and a very confused polar bear. Who also had a menu in her big, clawed paws. Dev lifted his shades and squinted against the hazy fairy lights. Do bears like sushi? I guess it IS made of fish…

Hazel recovered faster. Opening her hand, she hissed to the salt and pepper shakers, "When I said 'We,' I didn't mean the bear."

"You should be more specific," the green shaker griped. But with a glimmer of his metal cap, the bear disappeared in a snappy ✨ Dimmadelphia poof! ✨

"40,000 yen per roll during dinner rush," Peri muttered. "And if I'm calling it out as pricy, that's saying something."

Adrenalin churned like whitewater rapids through his body, so Dev put down the sushi menu and took the deepest meditative breaths he could. Huh- Maybe Mr. Guzman's relaxation lessons were onto something. Hazel leaned her elbows on the table, hand on her forehead. Is she-?

"Are you okay, Hazel?"

Hazel took a big breath of her own, rolling through it like a cat in a sunbeam. She pushed back her hair. "I think so, yeah. It's just being chased across the ice caps by an angry mother bear. No big deal. You?"

"Yeah. I think so. Ihhh." Did she-? Should I-? Ah, too many thoughts bubbling up, overlapping- Dev took the leap; made the move: "I wish all Hazel's scratches were gone."

… Those were just from tripping mid-run while they escaped the bear, right?

5. Impress

"I'm impressed, Dev." Hazel smiled across the table, then tilted her pressed-together hands forward and dropped any glitter and fun in her eyes through the floor. "That was crazy, impulsive, and totally dangerous even for you."

"Uhh… I guess I might've got carried away back there." You know what would be really nice right about now? "I wish I had my tablet," he whispered to Peri, who sighed (as usual- overworked college student he was or what the ever) and poofed up exactly that.

Read on FFN || Read on AO3

[twopoppies]

Hi Gina! How are you? Hope you're doing well. I came back to Tumblr (and the fandom) after Liam's passing, and I found a lot of comfort in returning to visit the same blogs that were around back in my Tumblr days. (I can't believe I've been on this site for over 10 years. I started blogging because of 1D, and I came back here for them.)

Anyway, I've been revisiting old fics that I used to love, and I'm searching for one in particular. Bear with me, as I don’t remember much about it. Either Louis or Harry was a painter, and one of them had a gallery. I remember that Liam was Louis' manager or assistant, and there was a very intense emotional scene with HL in the gallery. The fic also takes place in NY, and it has a bit of angst. I checked your tags but couldn’t find it. Does it ring a bell by any chance?

Thanks in advance, and again, it's so nice to come back here and find people like you. Lots of love!

Hi, love. I think you might be looking for this one?

Mine Would Be You by @crinkle-eyed-boo

Louis blinks his eyes open, his eyelids fluttering as the room swims around him. He takes several gulps of beer once he confirms that he’s definitely not hallucinating, that the very first portrait Harry Styles ever painted of him is hanging on that wall.

Louis stares at the wall, his heart jackrabbiting in his chest as he realizes that there’s not just one painting of him, there’s five, the portraits lined up like they’re some sort of storyboard depicting the rise and fall of his deepest love. His greatest heartache. A pain that cut him so deep that he left the fucking country, severing all ties with his life in New York, now suddenly surrounding him as if he’d never left.

Fucking shit motherfucker fuck.

Louis returns to New York City five years after he left it – and the love of his life – behind. He didn't intend to see Harry again, but fate has a funny way of pulling them together, whether they like it or not. After making a begrudging truce, they both start to wonder: Would it be so bad if history repeated itself?

[songoftrillium]

so I've been considering running a W5 game for some friends of mine who have been having a blast with our V5 campaign. We'd have to use a *severely long* list of houserules and lore to make it anything other than a massive trash fire of...well, everything that W5 is now. Unfortunately it's likely to be W5 instead of W20 due to the players bouncing off the x20 rules HARD. Any suggestions as to what gaping holes I should focus on first, rules-and-lore-wise?

I apologize for this essay of a response. In terms of the major mechanics holes to focus on, a friend of mine, Kaidan, was a game playtester that ran a number of games at Gencon, and has done the emotional labor of reading through the entire W5 corebook and identifying ways to make the game playable. For house rules, I'd start there.

The rest of this post is LONG, so buckle up and get a drink before reading on under the cut.

Regarding Gaia's Howl, which isn't addressed in the book, I'd look to the Mind's Eye Theater: Werewolf: the Apocalypse, the last corebook in OWoD that furthers the world metaplot. I believe the mark that was missed in a big way in w5 was that the Age of Apocalypse in that book more or less encompasses exactly what they were trying to achieve in terms of the worldwide destruction of caerns, the death of many old canon NPCs, and the Last Words of Gaia, which was a prophecy laid out by King Albrecht in his final moments of life while destroying the Storm Eater:

“Hope is not sundered; wake me, and a new age of harmony shall begin.”

Nuff said there. You shouldn't really need this corebook to play, but if you can find any information on the Age of Apocalypse online, I recommend using that as your kickoff point to explain how we got here.

Now, on to lore.

As the Storyteller, there are few ways around it; you'll have to read some old materials to construct your own chronicle. A little-known piece of information is that no one edition of Legacy Werewolf was ever meant to supersede the other. All the editions contain uniquely valuable information and were meant to build upon each other, requiring a holistic approach to the old materials: take what matters and use it.

I don't blame your players for balking at the old materials. The first editor that volunteered to help with my big project had never picked up a WoD book in xis life, and when he signed up I asked xim to read enough of the W20 corebook to grasp how to make a character. After struggling with the material for a week, they returned and said, "I'll be honest. That's almost a hundred pages. I'm not reading all that." And I don't blame them. And I don't know if you noticed, but W20 also includes no tools for Storytellers to construct game chronicles. Indeed, no 20th-anniversary edition book across all the splats really does. Since the writing team at PDX didn't use any book other than x20 to construct W5, that only further deepened the reality that Storytellers have been completely forgotten. All Meat, no Potatoes. For all the good content W20 includes, a broad number of items would be decidedly unfair to force players to wade through if you wanted to, and there's also so much of it. If you have yet to notice, the old books have laughably useless indexes, so researching and knowing which books to research to create a good game is incredibly complicated. So, you're right that your players shouldn't have to read any of the old stuff, and you shouldn't necessarily have to run a legacy game to provide a game of meaning.

Now, on to the stuff, you, the Storyteller, need to put together a bombastic chronicle. I have a bibliography of books across multiple editions that really get to the heart of the deepest lore and covers the full width and breadth of what the game has to offer. You don't need to read all these books, but having them gives you all the reference material to have a top-down overview of lore you can pull into your game world that you see fit.

Werewolf: the Apocalypse Storytellers Handbook (1994)This edition was published during a time when White Wolf was still establishing what the World of Darkness represented. It was drafted during 1st edition and came out shortly after the 2nd edition core rulebook came out, making it a hybrid that shares stats between both editions, including renown conversion guidelines between 1st and 2nd editions. You’ll find three essays and a section from it reprinted in this very book, but even those are just a fraction of the value this book offers Storytellers. Beyond what I carry over here, this book includes expanded Garou culture, setting, and enemies, dedicated sections on kinfolk and kami,  and a dedicated chapter on making talismans (fetishes). It even includes a dedicated section for 1st edition to 2nd edition renown conversion and a chapter dedicated to building a custom chronicle suited to your tabletop! Definite must-have and must-read.

Werewolf: The Apocalypse Storytellers Vault Style Guide (2018)Beyond a collection of well-written tales, this book includes a chapter devoted entirely to metaplot. In that way, this section serves as a roadmap towards getting a good feel on which books across which edition may best serve you. It breaks down three different approaches to Metaplot (Passive, Reactive, and Proactive), the pathos driving each edition, and following those threads, one can more easily find which books and editions are best suited to each purpose and tailor their own Storytelling library to best suit their style accordingly.

A World of Rage (2000)

This book is indispensable for learning about the world at large where the game is set. It covers every region published and really cuts out the fat in terms of delivering setting information and systems just about anywhere you’d like to set your game.

Players Guide to Garou (2003)This one’s a home run for any table. Expanded tribe societies and unique gifts? Check. Merits and flaws and expanded fetishes? Check. MOOT MECHANICS? That’s right, check. Moots are the lifeblood of Garou society, and there are structures for this! If you ever wondered what the typical phases of a moot look like, what roles different auspices play, and what your pack of players may be doing during any given time, it’s all laid out here in plain words. Even the Ragabash has (arguably the best) role to play during these events.

Guardians of the Caerns (2000)Ever wondered what exactly werewolves do all day? Wonder no longer. Guardians of the Caerns is the sourcebook of septs and caerns, detailing the sacred places and the Garou communities that guard them. It contains information on sept offices, tribal septs, caern logistics, defensive tactics--even an in-depth look at those who must grow up strictly as Garou, the crinos-born. This is the book for anyone who wants to understand what they're fighting for. 

Book of the Wyrm (1st Edition, 1993)While acknowledging the latest edition of this book, this gives a lot more specific insight into the ins-and-outs of the Urge Wyrms and Maejlin Incarna, who have taken a faceless investment in this chronicle. Understanding the ubiquity of their influence helps to understand not just these entities themselves but also their hierarchies, as they are mirrored across each of the many heads of the Wyrm.

Book of the Wyld (2001)It includes information on the naming of spirits, stats on the Nameless, information on caern abscession, and the not-so-subtle recommendation to write a chronicle surrounding the final days of an ancient caern. It offers insights into this not-understood aspect of the Triat, including many that aren’t in print in the 20th Anniversary Edition. Some enemies come from the woods, after all.

Rage Across the Heavens (1999)

Meet the Gaian Pantheon, all the celestial incarnae to be found across the Tellurian may be found across this book, including unique powers associated with them. This also includes a chronicle encompassing the emergence of the red star Anthelios, believed to be a portent of the end times.

Hearthbound (2023)

That's right, ya girl wrote a cross-edition book this year, and I highly recommend it! This is a good answer for players looking for a drop-in solution to confront the systemic issues in the lore directly in-game. The problematic features of the Garou nation were always meant to be confronted by the tabletop, and this sourcebook offers a turnkey approach to doing just that. It details many of those issues up-front and lays bare many of the not-so-pleasant aspects of the Garou Nation in plain English, including several story seeds on how to work this new tribe into any chronicle.

Lastly, on language and tabletop terminology. It's best to treat U****a and W*****o as tribes separate from the Galestalkers and Ghost Council. They are different enough that you can't easily move the names over and call them such. That said, they are named after things considered extremely inappropriate to use in a tabletop setting, so I recommend presenting them using two Conlang terms I constructed for my games. For U****a I recommend Hapil, and to rename their patron to The River Serpent. For W*****o, I recommend Kalaril, and to rename their patron to Old Windtooth.

Lastly, if you'd like to know how to scare the piss out of your players' characters, I wrote an essay on how to do just that. Good luck!

[acourtofthought]

Always the argument from E/riels claiming Eluciens only have the bond to base their ship on.

The following are all the things Elain has said directly to Azriel and Lucien throughout the series to the best of my knowledge.

I'm not including the references to the characters being left alone considering there was one example of this for Elain and Az on Solstice and two where Feyre left Elain and Lucien alone to talk (once before he left to find Vassa and once after the war) and we weren't witness to the actual diologue.

E/RIEL

"Can you truly fly?"

"That's very beautiful, is it not - frightening, though? To fly so high?"

"Beautiful"

“I saw young hands wither with age. I saw a box of black stone. I saw a feather of fire land on snow and melt it.”. “It was angry,” “It was so, so angry that something was taken. So it took something from them as punishment.

“The queen—with the feathers of flame.".

“Yes.”

“Yes.”

“You came for me.”

“I—I don’t know how to use it—”

"Hello"

"I - I'll be right back".

"I've never participated in one of these."

"Oh, that's from me."

"I had Madja make it for me"

"It's a powder to mix in with any drink."

"It's for the headaches everyone always gives you. Since you rub your temples so often."

"He proposed marriage the next morning."

"I was coming to leave this in your pile of presents. I forgot to give it to you earlier."

"Here."

"You put them in your ears, and they block out any sound. With Nesta and Cassian living there with you..."

"Nesta wouldn't appreciate the joke"

"It's beautiful, put it on me?"

"I should go"

"Yes"

ELUCIEN

"Who are you?"

"Lucien, from my sisters stories. Her friend."

"You were in Hybern"

"You betrayed us."

"I was to be married in a few days."

"I can hear your heart."

"When I sleep, I can hear your heart beating through the stone."

"Can you hear mine?"

"No one ever does. No one ever looked - not really."

"He did. He saw me. He will not now."

"What - what was that?"

"It felt...strange," "Like you pulled on a thread tied to a rib."

"I'm fine," "Are you -"

"Nesta did. I just stabbed him."

"You could come to Velaris"

"I should get refreshments"

Elain and Lucien have never actually given things a chance, they've both had way too much to first come to terms with before addressing their bond (something Mor, with her gift of Truth confirms).

But in their FIRST meeting, the very first moment they ever shared a conversation with one another, Elain was the most raw and real we've ever seen her.

She spoke of her deepest emotions. Not what she observed about someone else, not talking about her visions, not making polite party conversation.

Where has she ever let her guard down like that around Azriel?

For the supposed epic love story they've got going on off page, the most exciting thing E/riel spoke of when finally alone after a year revolved around Nesta and Cassian and they've never shared a meaningful conversation on the pages of the actual book. In book 2, Az told Elain a story about Illyrians that he doesn't even relate to because he didn't learn to fly when he was young therefore he wasn't even speaking for himself.

Yet Elucien's are the ones clinging to flimsy reasons for their ship?! Earplugs and hook ups do not a love story make. Some readers seem confused about the author they're reading since SJM loves banter and diologue so much she said she had to cut multiple pages of Bryce and Hunt talking trash while playing the equivalent of Mario Kart so yeah, E/riels lack of sharing anything real is a problem.

With Lucien, Elain expressed anger, sadness, worry. She said she could hear his heart. Literally the first time she ever spoke to him.

And after that she felt Lucien reach out to her through the bond, with her commenting that she felt him inside of her and he blushed over what he found. Sorry but you're telling me that's not romantic yet Elain mentioning Azriel's Siphons (maybe scars, both surface level things) as beautiful is?! Sparkly stones versus Elain breathing that she felt Lucien's connection to her?

Elain is observant, we saw multiple examples of this through the series so her also paying attention to things having to do with Az (like the headache powder) aren't unique to Az. We got that big moment in SF where Cassian noted Elain saw everything when it had come to Nesta.

What matters is which of the two males Elain has opened herself up to and so far, that's only been Lucien.

We don't know why she turned around and avoided him in the novella but considering Nesta turned around and avoided Cassian in the same book, that's not all that big a deal. She could have gotten scared at how quickly she did open up to him, Graysens rejection could have frightened her to feeling too deeply for someone else again, she might be nervous at how out of control she feels around Lucien, she may not be ready to fully let go of her humanity. There are so many possibilities.

But the depth of emotion that we witnessed between Elucien before that, the realness of what Elain said to him is one of the reasons people ship them.

We've never seen any character draw that much out of Elain and I look forward to more of it in her book.

That's not even accounting for the many number of personality traits they share, similar views on violence, a love of nature, a similar sense of humor, their social skills, etc.

Acting like the bond is all we've got when it comes to Elucien is the other side playing clueless and it's not a great look.