#but why break a four season streak?

[chirpsythismorning]

Fun fact: the shot of Mike stepping off the cliff in s1 was likely a visual parallel to Sarah jumping off the stairs in this shot from Labyrinth (1986).

For those that haven't read this theory, please do because I didn’t make these observations myself and the original post goes a lot deeper into the details from Labyrinth, which in some ways align a little too conveniently with the narrative we’re seeing unravel on the show with Mike over the seasons.

For some basic context, in s4, we even get a reference to M.C. Escher’s Relativity hanging on the wall in Mike’s room, which is also on the wall of Sarah’s bedroom, along with that work being what inspired the scene in Labyrinth. 

This next part has actually been talked about before quite a bit in the fandom, even outside of tumblr, so it’s not exactly some breakthrough as a concept on its own.

Every season, in the first scene (re)introducing the main characters, Mike is running late in some capacity. In 1x01 it’s around 3 minutes, in 2x01 it’s around 6 minutes, in 3x01 it’s around 8 minutes, and in 4x01 it’s around 13 minutes. 

So technically not the literal season opener, as that’s usually reserved to a flashback at some different location, but obviously still within those first 15 minutes, following directly after the opener…

And since we already have an idea of what the opening of s5 is going to be, what do we think the scene directly after it is going to be? You know, in the scene that Mike has been consistently running late in, for four seasons now?

Speaking of 15 minutes, I think that if they were to keep this trend going for the final season (the full circle-ness of it all is honestly too epic to pass up), it’s likely that this final time it will happen around the 15 minute mark of 5x01, as that would make the build up for it each season pretty consistent.

And not only that, but it would also literally be a callback to what Karen says to Mike that first time he’s late in s1: 

And here’s my other favorite line from one of these scenes, in the context of this theory, because it literally acknowledges this concept directly and with this air of foreshadowing I cannot stress enough:

Interestingly, another detail that ties all these ‘Mike being late’ scenes together, is stairs.

In s1 he’s running up the stairs to convince his mom to let them keep playing.

In s2 he’s rushing down the stairs trying to avoid Nancy’s wrath.

In s3 he’s awkwardly bumping into strangers going down the escalator in Starcourt Mall.

And in s4 he’s hurrying down the stairs on his way to school.

The whole point of Labyrinth is that it’s an allegory for growing up, with Sarah going from dressing up as a princess to reenact one of her favorite fairytales after being chastised by her step-mom for not going on more dates like girls her age, to Sarah rejecting her childhood and it leading to an unfortunate series of events, forcing her to face reality and take responsibility of her own life.

Does this sound like anyone we know?

Mike, who starts the show in s1 playing DND animatedly with his friends before being interrupted by his mom to end the campaign despite protests, to his mom in s2 punishing his bad behavior by having him get rid of some of his favorite toys, to him in s3 insisting that they’re 'not kids anymore' and that it was inevitable for them to stop playing games and grow up and get girlfriends, to him now in s4 reverting back to this earlier version of himself, sporting the Hellfire shirt proudly, to then reverting back to pretending when showing up at the airport with Argyle calling his outfit a shitty knock off (aka calling Mike a shitty knock-off), and without the story ever acknowledging why those shifts happened in the first place, and with one season left?

Hint? Forced conformity. That’s what’s killing the kids. That’s the real monster.

They literally told us already that out of all the monster we've seen in the show, this is what is worse than all of that. Meaning that what is about to go down, most likely topping everything we've seen up to this point, is likely going to involve forced conformity.

I also think it’s interesting that the scene in Labyrinth happened during the climax of the film, because arguably if you were to watch Stranger Things in its entirety, from s1-5, the beginning of s5 is going to feel very much like the climax to the overall story. 

Things are going to be happening fast. The stakes are insane because they need to top everything that they’ve done up to this point. Something’s gotta give. And Mike is just not looking safe out here guys.

I could go on and on about all the hints that Mike is danger, but I��ll just share my favorites. 

How am I gonna survive a whole week without you guys? Mike says, at the tail end of his opening scene in s4, and with s5 set to start at the end of said week.

Mike sitting in front of an antique funeral home fan in the s4 promotional pictures of the party in the Creel attic.

Nancy saying she saw Mike die in the vision Vecna showed her, with the early stages of said vision coming true as season 4 nears its end.

Mike getting hit in the head with an arrow front and center by Suzie’s brother, in a sequence that was loaded with foreshadowing for the end of s4 (and beginning of s5?).

Watch out dominos. Your dominos are gonna fall. Argyle says, with Mike equally in the frame behind him.

Without heart, we’d all fall apart. Will says, after telling Mike he’s the heart.

A Karen lookalike standing in front of the missing person's board at the end of s4.

Mike’s very first line in the show (also the literal first line in the show) being A shadow grows on the wall behind you, swallowing you into the darkness. It is almost here…

So maybe, theoretically speaking, what we could get by that 15 minute mark going into s5, is Mike running late one last time, and it potentially being a callback to that cliff scene ie. Labyrinth.

Another scene that I think might've been foreshadowing what is currently going down, is Max and Mike both getting knocked out by Billy at the end of s3. Max goes down first and Mike follows right after, though Max is the first to come to and help them both up.

We know Max is unlikely to be separated from the rest of the characters the whole season, that’s just not feasible. She'll at least be on-screen despite maybe not being back with the others right away, even if it’s just a cryptic cliffhanger at the end of 5x01, followed by her returning more consistently on screen after that leading up to her rescue. With the way things ended in s4 though, we need to know where she’s at and get to finding her. Which is why I think at most it will be a 1-2 episode arc.

So maybe, this moment from s3 was a hint about Max and Mike’s impending doom at the hands of Vecna, as a result of not only their emotional states, but also their bonds with El, and them then being isolated for a short time (presumed dead), only to find their way back?

It’s also worth noting Mike was the only person to witness any of Max’s symptoms from the curse prior to her finding out about it, with the camera focusing on him beside her and looking at her worriedly as her nose bled. We don’t know who Vecna’s fourth victim was going to be, because Max threw herself in as bait, but could it have originally been Mike?

I know a lot of people don't like the Mike getting Vecna'd theories or Mike is depressed takes and so if you find yourself in that position, feel free to subtweet away or whatever you need to cope with my nonsense.

I'm not a big Mike is suicidal truther or anything even, nor do I think it makes sense for him to get Vecna'd in the traditional sense like how it happened with the others in s4 because the gates are open. But Vecna still hasn’t carried out his entire plan, a plan that includes Mike dying. And the imagery surrounding it all leading up to this is compelling regardless.

If one shot at the end of s3, with Max sitting in Billy's room while Hopper was in the background saying and yeah sometimes it's painful and sometimes it's sad was enough to hint at her whole depression arc in s4, then Mike being focused on for multiple shots while Hopper was in the background saying But, lately, I guess I've been feeling... distant from you. Like you're pulling away from me or something.-- And I guess, if I'm being really honest, that's what scares me. I don't want things to change, with Mike looking longingly at the Byers house, cutting to Will looking out the car window crying, then cutting back to Mike walking into his mom's arms with a dead stare on his face, has gotta be enough to justify dude going through some shit, which coincidentally matches up with everything talked about here.

Turns out getting to Mike, now that was the key…

Maybe the first episode of s5 is about Mike ending up wherever Max is, somewhere caught in between, and them ‘crawling’ back ie. The Crawl.

Definitely might add some context to that funkopop shot-listing video Ross posted, followed by one other photo a few days later with the caption being that they finished shot-listing for 5x01-5x02. Meaning the initial video posted was likely from 5x01...

[bunny-jpeg]

kink-o-ween - day four

daniel riccicardo - cockwarming

cw: smut/pwp, cockwarming, size difference/kink, secret sex, semi-public sex, unprotected sex, daniel is horny (and needy), restaurant sex

kink-o-ween: formula one edition - call of duty edition

you knew daniel could seduce a habit off a nun. he was an inferno that buried deep into someone and made them hot all over. you were no exception. your beloved danny had a mean streak in his, at least sexually. as much as you tried to push back on the insatiable lust he carried in him, sometimes the allure of the driver was too much.

you were confident that this dinner together would go swimmingly. one date before you spent the entire summer in your apartment feeding into daniel's sexual desires. after weeks apart, he hungered for you. therefore, you were proud that you managed to hold him off to have one nice dinner together.

so why were your panties in your boyfriend's pocket?

the place was quiet on a tuesday evening, the moon hung large in the sky and the food was delicious. but the food tasted dull on daniel's tongue, he yearned for something more. the weight of your cotton panties in his pocket was heavier than the wallet next to it. when he went to wash his hands before dinner, he took them out and gave them a good sniff.

call him perverted, but being exhausted from the intensity of racing left him little time to sate his other urges. he was running on empty by the time the season break occurred. so call him a little antsy for some affection from his beautiful girlfriend of almost three years.

you were mostly alone, you had the privacy to let daniel's eyes wander across your form. the softness of your face, how your curves looked into the dress you wore. he wondered if he could take you apart over the table and no one would notice. or care enough to say anything. he had that kind of buying power.

but he knew you'd die of embarrassment. it was bad enough he had to forgo your panties for the evening. but something crossed his mind that would make both of you happy.

"babe." he said as he propped his elbows on the table and rested his chin across his interlocked fingers, "come here. i missed you too much, you feel so far away."

you looked up from your meal and raised your eyebrows, 'danny."

he pouted a little, showing those big brown eyes that seemed to touch the depths of your soul. you sighed before you got up, you went to his side of the table and held his face for a moment before he got you down on his lap. you could feel his erection straining against his slacks.

"danny, if we need to. we can do it in the car."

"it'll take too long. your dress should cover any activities we do here. just warm it up a little. get familiar again." he kissed at your neck before he fed you a piece of his meal, "please."

you got off of daniel's lap for a moment and thanks to the privacy of where you were seated, he was able to get his cock out of his slacks and with a little work you got yourself onto it. you clutched onto the side of the table as you felt the stretch. maybe you two were a little less familiar than when he left.

the skirt of your dress has enough volume to cover both of your laps, hiding your activities of the evening. you rested against him, while his cock remained pressed against the softest parts of you.

"this feels insane." you said softly, but daniel silenced you with a kiss on the lips. his hand in your hair for a moment. he tasted like the expensive cut of meat he was having for dinner. it tasted good, but you knew he'd forgo food for a month if it meant keeping his dick in you.

"don't worry, babe." he said as he kissed your nose, "just don't be too loud." he remarked as he held your face for a moment, "we'll share my dinner tonight."

it was hard to ignore the growing of warmth in your middle. daniel ricciardo's cock was inside of you at an expensive restaurant. you were enjoying food, wine and the familiar girth of your lover's cock in your slick pussy.

so much could go horribly wrong, but the way his cock nudged against your sweet spot made you almost choke on your wine. you covered your mouth with your elbow as you swallowed the tart liquid. the coughs that went through you caused your pussy to clench which made daniel hold your hip tightly.

"careful, beautiful." he said as he kissed your shoulder, "don't want to get me too excited." then leaned over you to cut another piece of his food. he slowly fed it to you and kept his gaze on you.

most would assume this was some lavish display of public affection. not daniel's need to feel as close to you as he could get. you could feel the heat rise in your body as you rocked your hips a little. his cock was snug in your, but it felt right.

you ate and after you swallowed, he brought you in for a kiss. everything felt over-saturated as you mind tried to focus on everything at once. the lust, the food, the setting. it was a lot.

but you snapped back in reality when you heard someone's voice nearby. you looked over and saw the poor waiter by the table.

"how is everything?"

daniel leaned back in his seat a little, not enough to show what he was doing under your skirt. he smiled, "everything is lovely. thank you so much. actually, if you can, may we get some more wine?" his smiled was confident, like all seven inches of him weren't shoved inside your poor pussy.

the waiter nodded, "of course. i have to ask, is the chair you were seated in okay, ma'am?" he turned his attention to you.

you blinked for a moment, feeling the gaze of the waiter and your boyfriend on you. you swallowed, it was sink or swim. play it cool or have your face in the headlines. you took your lover's hand and held it close to your chest, daniel could feel your rapid heartbeat, "of course! i just really missed my boyfriend so i thought his lap was better option tonight." you gave your own smile, hiding that your core was shaking.

daniel looked at the waiter once more, "we promise everything is perfect." he laughed, "thank you though." then watched the waiter nod and walk off to get you some more wine. when he was far enough away, daniel held onto your hips and rutted up a little further in your sweet pussy. it almost made you choke on your drink once more.

daniel pressed his chest against your back, he curved over you like a shadow, "amazing acting, beautiful. if i didn't feel your heartbeat, i would've called it a convincing performance." he took the napkin and pressed it at the corner of your lips, "next time i'll order you some white wine. this is the second time you've choked, babe. don't want to ruin this pretty dress. it hides everything."

"shut up." you groaned a little bit, but composed yourself when the waiter came back with two glasses of wine. you thanked the man before he walked away and did your best to keep yourself composed.

daniel was feeling good, he knew he wasn't going to last long. and while he couldn't make you finish as well. but he'd make it when you got home, he'd happily lay you out for hours and devour your sweet pussy. he shifted his hips a little bit to get that rush through his body. he continued to feed you his meal, your meal grew cold. but daniel was more than happy to share.

"you're so beautiful." he said, "i can tell you're all flustered. poor thing." he chuckled low in your ear. he feed you some of the vegetables and kissed your chin where a bit of the sauce from the vegetables ended up. tasted better on your skin.

he moved against you a little more, small shifts of his hips allowed for him to get a little more friction against you. you felt like a dream, to daniel it was heaven. he buried his face into the back of your shoulder as the fork in his hand trembled. he came inside of your pretty cunt.

he shuddered and deeply exhaled. it took all the focus in him not to moan. he kissed an exposed part of your arm and muttered, "i love you. oh fuck, i love you."

you craned your neck to look back at him and were met with a kiss. heat was high in your face and you fanned yourself with daniel's napkin before you slowly got up on shaky legs.

when your dress exposed his wet cock to the evening air, he was quick to put it back in his slacks. he adjusted himself and leaned forward in his chair once more. his hands were still shaky as he picked up the wine glass and took a careful sip.

you knew that this was only act one of tonight's sexual adventures. you hoped that the rest of the even was less public. the last thing you needed was your face on the front page tomorrow. daniel reached out for you and held your hand across the table.

"i have to say." he said, "next time i wonder how well your pussy would pair with this wine." he chuckled and held the glass up with his other hand.

you could've thrown your napkin at him. daniel ricciardo, your loving boyfriend, could be an insatiable sexual hound sometimes. <3

[despressoslatte]

not the zoey you wanted (one)

pairing: zach maclaren x female reader!

summary: you waited all weekend for your boyfriend, Zach, to call or text, anything, to explain why he had just went and ghosted you when you were supposed to go with him on a family ski trip to meet his parents, his sister Avery, and his cousin, Miles.

content warnings: angst; victims of catfishing; miscommunication trope

masterlist

Ten minutes late, not a big deal. 

Fifteen minutes late, but it’s okay, because maybe it took longer than he thought to find a book on Battletoads for Avery. Maybe his bike tires got a flat. You told him it would’ve been faster if he had just taken your car, but he insisted on taking his bike to get in a quick workout. What a jock response, you had laughed at him for it.

Thirty minutes late. Okay, you were starting to worry, picking up your phone every couple of seconds to see if there was any texts, calls, any form of update from him. You type out a quick, ‘Are you on your way?’ and press send.

Nothing. You flipped your phone down on the table, tapping on your thighs as you tried not to think of the worst case scenarios.

Forty five minutes late. You flipped your phone back to face you, a soft, sad smile on your face at Zach’s face on your lockscreen. A frown etched itself into your features when you saw no messages.

You pressed the call button by his name, and it went straight to voicemail. Weird. Was his phone dead? Did he fall asleep and kept his phone off? All the possibilities swirled in your head, wondering, contemplating, worrying. 

ᯓ⟢

Apparently, it was known to all of the above. You had gone by his dorm to see that he was gone, his roommate saying he had already come by with his parents to get his overnight bag.

“Yeah, Y/N, he said he was going on the ski trip with his folks and his girlfriend…” his roommate trailed off, his eyebrows furrowing as he looked down at you.

The confusion between the two of you was ear shattering. You were Zach’s girlfriend, so why the hell are you not with Zach going on this ski trip with him and his folks?

You watched his roommates lips press into an awkward line, sympathy written in his eyes as he pushed his hands into his pockets.

“Sorry,” was all he was able to say.

You just nodded, looking away. “Thanks,” you mumbled, and hurried back to your dorm.

Was this Zach’s sick and twisted way of breaking up with you? You had gotten new snow gear just for this trip, all ready and packed back at your dorm. You had been ready for a while now, nervous and excited about meeting his family, like the two of you had planned. His parents had heard so much about you, according to Zach, and his little sister, Avery, wanted to play Battletoads with you, apparently. Zach’s cousin, Miles, was even joining since he was in town from MIT. 

You tried to think of all the things that could’ve gone wrong that you hadn’t even realized. You and Zach had been seeing each other for almost four months now, having met at the beginning of the semester when he needed help in his English Literature course to keep his grades up since it was soccer season.

Zach MacLaren was your college’s school soccer star, and you worked in the tutoring center that was specifically for college students, the SASS, for Student Athlete Support Services. While the tutor girl x jock trope is one of your favorites, dating back to the Naley days of One Tree Hill, there were no moments of chatter where he was annoying you in the guise of flirting or acting like he was too above it all.

Zach was a total sweetheart and the epitome of a lover boy. With a competitive streak and the type of banter that could only be described best as the kind that made it impossible to stop smiling as you tried to think of witty comebacks, dating Zach has felt as if it were quite literally, better than the movies.

If you two ever fought, it was those types of arguments couples were just bound to get into—stress induced irritation, differing opinions on non-deal breaking topics, learning to navigate the fact that you are two different and individual people who are trying to also learn how to be together as a unit.

That day specifically, you could not pinpoint anything you had done that could have upset Zach. You both got coffee that morning on campus before classes, gone through the checklist of things you needed to make sure you packed before he picked you up after classes and his trip to the bookstore near campus, and went on your merry ways. 

His family lived about two hours away from school. Even though it was only weeks away from finals and then, happily, the three-week winter/holiday break, his family wanted to go to a ski resort since the mountains had already gotten snow, and Zach’s cousin Miles was in town just for the weekend.

ᯓ⟢

You took it pretty hard that weekend, especially the way none of your texts got delivered and your calls kept going straight to voicemail. You debated over and over asking your mutual friends if they could get ahold of Zach for you, scared he had blocked you or something. But you didn’t want the humiliation of finding out you and Zach had broken up through mutual friends. 

You had to hear it from him. 

So, on Monday morning, around the time Zach had originally told you that you guys would be driving back in from the ski lodge since you two had to coordinate if you’d be missing any classes Monday, you parked your car in front of his parents’ house. You had their address from when his parents had mailed you a Thanksgiving family photo card a few weeks ago. Luckily for you, you kept every letter ever sent to you in a box, so you still had the envelope it came in, even if the photo itself was attached to your fridge back on via magnet.

You watched as cars drove past the street, wishing you and Zach looking for Zach’s parents. You never met them, not even through FaceTime, but you had seen photos of them on Zach’s Instagram. Somehow, fate never linked up that you would meet them at his games. You tried to go to all of them, but you still worked at the tutoring center, so sometimes, your tutoring sessions collided with his game schedule. 

Since it was a two hour drive from his hometown, his parents usually watched the livestream of the games, but tried to make a few. It was never the ones you were at. For Thanksgiving, you had flown all the way back home to your own hometown, so another missed opportunity to meet them.

He hadn’t posted anything from the ski trip, you felt too awkward if you went and followed Miles, who was private. You felt embarrassed that you were even checking Miles’ instagram for any glance of your boyfriend, anyways. And maybe even more embarrassed when you checked to see if either of his parents had an Instagram—they don’t—or if Avery, as young as she was, had one. She did, but it was private. Smart girl.

When their car finally pulled into the driveway, you waited until they all started to pile out of the car to get out of yours. But you paused from across the street, blinking rapidly as a girl got out of the middle row with Zach and Miles. 

You knew her. Zoey Miller. Your name was Y/N Zoey L/N, with a bunch of your old high school friends calling you “Zoey” as a habit from when you didn’t want to go by your first name. Since starting college, you’d slowly gotten back into the habit of using your real first name. However, here had been a few times where you’d hear “Zoey” called out in a shared class with her, and turn when they meant her and not you.

Zach even called you “Zoey” a few times, after a FaceTime call he had with your best friend who told him if he didn’t take care of you, she’d come fly in to beat him personally. He laughed off the threat, promising he’d gladly let her, if the situation that would never ever occur on his watch, did somehow occur.

Since when were they even friends? Not that you needed to know all of his friends, but you did somehow know most of them. You didn’t think Zoey Miller was on that list. And then you saw him put his arm around her.

So, you walk up the driveway, calling out Zach’s name softly but loud enough you could be heard, your heart pounding in your ear as you took a nervous breath. Was this it? Were you two really over? You needed to know. You watch as he, his entire family, and Zoey all turn around to look at you. And the next few moments take you for a trip. It was all a bit of a blur, like you weren’t quite sure if you were really experiencing the moment or not.

Someone had asked who you were. You saw Zach look at you like he had never seen you before. Were you really that unimportant?

“I…” you breathe out as you try to gather the words. “I’m Zach’s girlfriend.”

His eyes furrowed at you, mouth slightly ajar. You’ve seen that confused look on his face before, like when you’d ask him discussion questions on a book he hadn’t fully read when he should have during tutoring.

“No, that’s Zach’s girlfriend,” you think it was his mom who said it, though you weren’t looking at anyone but Zach.

It was hard to stomach the way he was looking at you like you were a stranger. You suck in a painful breath when you heard he had a different girlfriend. What was with this guy and girls with Zoey in their name, anyways?

“Oh,” you breathe out, whispering your words. “I see.”

You look to Zoey Miller, seeing the remorse in her eyes. Had she had know Zach never actually broke up with you? Is that why she looked so guilty.

You look at Zach, trying to bite your tongue back. But a bitter, “Thanks for telling me first,” fell from your lips with a scoff. 

And despite the fact you came there to hear it from Zach’s lips personally, you were sure you’d start crying in front of his parents, his sister, his favorite cousin, and his new girlfriend, and that embarrassment felt worse than not getting the answers or closure you needed. Maybe you’d just give him an earful when you’d eventually need to go to his dorm to give him back his shit you had and take your own back.And you turned around without waiting for any other answers, responses, anything. You practically ran back to your car, trying to start it up and get back on the road before you started to cry.

two >

[syerra-637]

The final decision is yours.

(Yandere!king x fem reader)

A/n ¹: Probably the longest fic I've posted so far and I plan on surpassing myself. Consider this my gift to start 2025 off right ;) Trigger warnings: yandere themes, anst, physical violence, murder, psychological manipulation, abuse of power, confinement, verbal abuse, abusive relationships, humiliation, sexual tension, death themes Summary: Life was like a long and quiet river, until that fateful day. How could you have known that this chain of decisions would lead to such a tragedy? Word count: 5.9k

The hunting season was open, a period you dreaded every year. The peaceful woods surrounding your modest cottage transformed into a noisy playground for arrogant nobles. They paraded on horseback, their laughter echoing through the forest, taking cruel pleasure in hunting and killing poor animals. Fortunately, your refuge was nestled in a secluded corner, far from the beaten path. It was rare for anyone to venture here, and you relied on this isolation to preserve your peace.

That evening, however, a storm was brewing. The rain poured in torrents, hammering the roof of your cottage, while lightning streaked across the dark sky. The wind, cold and violent for the season, swept through the trees, making the branches crack. Sitting at your wooden table, a steaming bowl of soup and a piece of bread in front of you, you let your thoughts wander. The fire crackled in the hearth, spreading a comforting warmth, but a dull anxiety weighed on you.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps in the mud pulled you from your reverie. You froze, straining to listen. It wasn’t a mere animal. These footsteps were heavy, assured… human. Your heart raced as someone knocked violently on your door.

You remained still, holding your breath. Maybe they would leave eventually, you thought. Maybe they would believe the house was abandoned. But this illusion was quickly shattered when a deep, authoritative voice rose from the other side of the door:

— "We know someone is here. Open the door immediately!"

You shivered. They had probably spotted the smoke rising from the chimney. You hesitated, staring at the door as if it might give way to the force of their voice.

— "Open up, or we’ll break down the door!"

The tone was unmistakable. These men were not here to ask politely. A cold fear gripped you. Who were they? Lost hunters? Or worse? You knew your refuge would not protect you for long against their determination.

Your heart pounded as you slowly approached the door. You unlocked it carefully, but left the chain in place, making sure it opened just a crack. In the doorway, you scrutinized the figures standing in the pouring rain.

There were four of them. The first, a small young boy, seemed to be a squire. He wore simple clothes, drenched by the downpour, and his face showed more nervousness than determination. The next two, clearly nobles, were more imposing. One of them, the one who had spoken earlier with an imperious voice, seemed agitated, his features tight with suppressed anger.

But it was the last man who caught all your attention. He stood slightly apart, yet he dominated the scene with his mere presence. His youth and beauty were striking; his elegant but powerful build inspired a strange combination of respect and fear. His luxurious clothes, adorned with embroidery and shimmering jewels despite the dim light, indicated he was not an ordinary noble. A member of the high nobility. There was no doubt about it. Perhaps even royalty.

You swallowed hard before asking a question in a calm but wary voice:

— What do you want?

You didn’t miss their reaction. The moment your voice broke the silence, their faces showed palpable surprise. They exchanged looks, as if they couldn’t believe what they were hearing. You guessed why: they had probably assumed a man lived here, isolated from the rest of the world.

The man who had spoken earlier answered, his voice slightly softened but still authoritative:

— Shelter and food for the night.

He took a step forward, clearly trying to make you more visible in the darkness. You could analyze them in detail thanks to the firelight behind you, but to them, you were just a silhouette in the backlight.

You hesitated, but finally declared firmly:

— I am a woman, and there is no man in this house. It would not be proper to let you in.

A silence fell, broken only by the distant rumble of thunder. Then, the man who seemed to be the leader of the group exclaimed, clearly perplexed:

— What? You don’t live with any man?

You took a deep breath and lied without flinching:

— Yes, I am married. But my husband is not here at the moment.

The nobleman frowned, and you saw him exchange a quick glance with the royal figure, who had remained silent until now. The latter gave a slight smile, but it wasn’t warm. It was an enigmatic, almost predatory smile, and it chilled you to the bone.

— Then we have nothing to fear, he finally said in a low, velvety voice. We will stay only one night.

You hesitated for a long moment. Their presence was oppressive, and every fiber of your being screamed at you not to let them in. But the wind howled outside, and the storm rumbled so fiercely that even you, warm inside, shivered. If you left them outside, they might break down the door, and you weren’t sure you could resist them.

Finally, with cautious resignation, you closed the door just enough to remove the chain, then opened it reluctantly. The men entered one by one, bringing with them the smell of rain, wet leather, and earth.

The small squire apologized timidly as he dropped a soaked bag near the door. The two nobles remained standing, casting curious glances around the modest room. But it was the king who drew all your attention, despite yourself. He didn’t move much, simply staring at the flames with an almost unsettling intensity.

— You have a charming house, he finally murmured, his low, controlled voice resonating strangely in the confined space.

You didn’t respond, merely nodding as you closed the door behind them. Your instincts screamed at you not to turn your back, but you had to go fetch blankets for your guests.

— If you would follow me, you said in a voice that tried to sound assured. I only have one room for sleeping, but it will suffice.

You pointed to a small adjacent room, usually used for storing wood and provisions, but which could offer them temporary shelter. The squire and the two nobles settled there without much ceremony, removing their soaked coats.

The king, however, remained in the main room. He had moved toward the fireplace and was observing the flames with an almost disturbing intensity.

— Aren’t you joining your men? you asked, trying to mask your discomfort.

He turned his head slightly toward you, a cryptic smile curling his lips.

— No. I prefer the company here.

You felt a shiver run down your spine. It wasn’t so much his words as the way he said them. Slowly, he sat down in the chair you had occupied earlier, his eyes never truly leaving you.

— You are brave, he continued. Living alone, so far from everything. Few women would have the strength for it.

You lowered your gaze, trying not to respond to what you perceived as a provocation.

— I manage, you replied simply, grabbing a clean bowl. Would you like some soup?

— With pleasure.

You hurried to fill a bowl, trying to ignore the weight of his gaze. You could feel his eyes on you, like a physical presence. When he took the bowl from your hands, his fingers briefly brushed yours. That contact felt like an electric shock.

— Thank you, he said softly, his smile still present.

The evening continued in a heavy silence. The other men seemed tired and did not leave their room, but the king stayed with you, occasionally asking innocuous questions: how long had you lived here? Why so far from civilization? Had you never been afraid?

Each of your answers seemed to fascinate him more. His dark, piercing eyes rarely left your face. At times, you felt like he was studying you, as if he were trying to uncover all your secrets.

You tried not to give him too much attention, but he had a magnetic aura that made it impossible. The later the night went, the more vulnerable you felt under his gaze, like a prey aware that it was being hunted.

— You are quite charming, he finally murmured, almost to himself. A woman like you shouldn’t be living alone in a place like this.

You didn’t respond, but your silence didn’t seem to bother him. He merely continued to watch you, his smile becoming more enigmatic, almost possessive.

It wasn’t until he finally stood up to join the others that you could breathe again. But even then, you knew this night would be long. You could still feel his gaze on you, even in his absence, like a heavy shadow that would not leave you.

The night was long and difficult. Sleep didn’t come easily, and every little noise made you jump. The creaking of the wood under the wind, the rustling of the trees in the rain… everything seemed amplified in the oppressive silence of your house. Several times, you woke up with a start, the fear of what these men might do keeping you awake.

Finally, unable to find peace, you got up and sat by the window. The sky was still cloudy, but a few stars pierced through the gaps. You stared at their distant glow, hoping their light would bring you some comfort.

Suddenly, a movement behind you made you shiver.

— You’re not sleeping, my dear?

The royal's low, smooth voice broke the silence. You slowly turned around, finding him standing in the doorway, dressed in a simple doublet that accentuated his imposing build. He was looking at you, a curious smile on his lips.

— I could say the same to you, you replied, weary and tired.

He let out a small laugh, clearly delighted by your retort.

— Touche, he said, stepping closer to look out the window. Oh, look! You can see the constellation of Cassiopeia. You know, in legends, she represents a queen. Beautiful, but proud.

You raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

— Mhm, you replied simply, turning your gaze back to the stars.

In truth, you didn’t know much about constellations, and you had no desire for him to start talking about myths or fairy tales, especially at this hour. And if you were to be honest, you had never been very interested in such discussions, even less with him.

A silence settled, heavy and strange. For you, it was almost an enjoyable moment; you could finally savor a little tranquility, even in his presence. But it seemed that this silence bothered him.

— I hope your husband will be back soon, he suddenly said. It’s not good for a delicate creature like you to be alone here too long. Who knows who… or what you might come across.

You felt a wave of contempt rise within you. The word "husband" had been spoken in a strange way, both venomous and sarcastic, as if the idea disgusted him while not convincing him. He was staring at you with a piercing look, probably trying to detect a flaw in your lie.

Inside, you couldn’t help but mock him.

My poor, if only you knew how long “the delicate creature” I am has been living alone here…

But you showed nothing on your face.

— He’ll probably be back tomorrow, you replied in a neutral tone, hoping to end the conversation.

He looked at you for a moment longer, then a strange smile stretched across his lips. He hummed a tune you didn’t recognize before turning away, heading back to the room where his companions were sleeping.

You stayed still for a moment, your fists clenched, before returning to your room. This time, you made sure to lock the door. Yet, even behind that barrier, you couldn’t escape the oppressive feeling: his gaze, his smile… something about him made you deeply uncomfortable.

You slipped under the covers, praying that this night would finally end. But you knew that this was only the beginning of a much greater unease.

The next morning, you got up quickly, driven by the hope that by hastening the preparations, you could shorten their stay in your house. You prepared a simple breakfast: rye bread, some dry sausage, and a bowl of porridge. Sitting at the table, you savored the relative silence, a rare moment of tranquility since their arrival.

This moment was interrupted by the squire who entered discreetly. Unlike the others, he seemed less intrusive. He gave you a small, hesitant smile, as if waiting for your permission to sit. You gestured to a chair, and he sat down.

— I’ll wash your clothes after breakfast, you said calmly. You’ll probably be able to leave before lunchtime this way.

The squire looked at you with a mix of gratitude and awkwardness.

— Thank you, he replied sincerely. And I’m sorry that we imposed ourselves like this on you. Understand, your house is the only one in the area. But…

He hesitated, as if weighing his words.

— But the time of departure is not up to me, he added. It depends on the king’s will.

You stopped dead, staring at him in disbelief. The king? That insufferable, arrogant, and intrusive man, was he the king? Until now, you had thought he was just a high-ranking noble, but the king? A shiver ran through you, a mix of astonishment and apprehension.

As if to confirm your fears, the king entered at that moment, followed by his two companions. They sat at the table with an assurance that made it seem like they were at home. The king, with almost calculated precision, sat right next to you. He gave you a warm, almost charming smile, wishing you a good day in a soft, affable voice.

You furrowed your brow, confused by his behavior. Quickly clearing your dishes, you turned to him to regain some semblance of control.

— As I told your squire, I will wash your clothes after breakfast. That way, you’ll probably be able to leave before lunchtime.

The king stared at you for a moment, his gaze taking on an unreadable quality. There was something unsettling in his eyes: an intensity that seemed to probe your soul, as if he were trying to detect your every thought. Then, an almost imperceptible smile flickered on his lips.

— How kind of you, my dear, he said softly. However…

He paused, his tone turning more serious, almost solemn.

— It turns out that I wish to meet your husband. We will therefore wait for his return.

His gaze remained fixed on you, a glimmer of amusement mixed with a certain threat. He knew. He knew that you had lied, and he seemed to take a malicious pleasure in playing with you.

The atmosphere in the room immediately changed. The two nobles exchanged a glance, one of them sporting a smirk, clearly entertained by the situation. The other, more serious, seemed puzzled by the king’s insistence. As for the squire, he lowered his eyes, uncomfortable, nervously fiddling with the edge of his tunic.

You felt trapped. Your heart was racing, but you forced yourself to keep a neutral expression.

— My husband probably won’t return until late this evening, you said in a tone you hoped sounded firm.

The king didn’t respond immediately. He simply stared at you, his smile widening slightly.

— Then we have all the time in the world, he murmured finally, his voice soft, but heavy with innuendo.

This simple exchange left an overwhelming weight in the air. You now knew that his departure no longer depended on just washing clothes. And more than ever, you felt that this man was dangerous.

The day unfolded slowly, each moment stretching out like an eternity. The stares of the four men weighed heavily on you, their invasive presence seeping into every corner of your home. Even as you tried to focus on your daily tasks, every movement felt monitored, every breath scrutinized.

The squire was the most discreet, occasionally casting you a hesitant glance, as if unsure of his place but too polite to leave. The two nobles, however, seemed to revel in the situation. One of them kept glaring at you with a judgmental gaze, while the other, calmer but no less observant, appeared lost in thought, missing nothing of what transpired around him.

As for the king… He kept watching you, like a predator stalking its prey. You felt his eyes on you constantly—heavy, curious, scrutinizing. Every task you undertook seemed to serve as an opportunity for him to evaluate you. He would sometimes approach, ensuring you weren’t too busy, offering remarks that seemed casual but were, in truth, precise observations of your every move.

When you tended to the fire, he leaned in close and murmured softly: — You’re so attentive to everything; it’s admirable. You never miss a spark. The comment sent a shiver down your spine, though you tried not to let it show. You knew he was testing you, probing your resolve.

After cleaning and tidying up, you headed to the garden to tend to a few plants, hoping for a moment of respite. But even there, you weren’t alone. The king positioned himself by a window, watching you through the curtains. One of the nobles also kept his gaze fixed on you, as if every gesture needed to be observed, measured, and noted.

Finally, lunchtime arrived, though the thought of spending more time with them was far from appealing. You forced a smile, serving the food with a courtesy that grew more taxing by the moment. The king, ever charming, addressed you with kind words, but his eyes betrayed his relentless search for something more—a crack in your composure, a moment of vulnerability.

By the afternoon, you realized you couldn’t endure the tension any longer. Taking a deep breath, your heart pounding, you calmly announced: — I’m going into town. It’s been a while, and I think it would do me good.

Silence fell over the room, and all eyes turned to you. The king was the first to react, a faintly amused smile playing on his lips. — Into town? he said softly, with layers of meaning. Why not wait until your husband returns? It would be safer, wouldn’t it?

You didn’t need to think twice to recognize the trap. He was trying to cage you again, to make you feel his control over every aspect of your life. But you weren’t about to give in. — There’s nothing dangerous in town, you replied, striving for confidence. And I’ll return well before nightfall.

The nobles exchanged glances. One seemed on the verge of protesting but held back, as if a decision had been made beyond his control. The older one shrugged, appearing indifferent.

The king said nothing at first, his gaze piercing, sending a strange heat through your chest, followed by a chilling unease. Then, slowly rising from his chair, he moved toward you with measured steps, every motion deliberate, like a ruler fully aware of his authority. — Very well, he said calmly. Go ahead, but… don’t stray too far. I’d hate for anything to happen to you on the way. You know, it’s never entirely safe to be alone, especially in such an isolated place.

He turned away without another word, but his seemingly gentle tone carried an unmistakable threat. He didn’t need to say more for you to understand: he would be watching. No matter where you went, his shadow loomed over you like an invisible chain.

The other three men regarded you with varying expressions—indifference, amusement—but the king’s silent vigilance was ever-present. You had no choice but to leave, though deep down, you knew that any semblance of freedom you might feel was nothing more than a fragile illusion.

When you prepared to step out the door, the king rose again, his cold, determined smile returning. — I’ll accompany you, he said quietly but firmly. I hope you don’t mind, but I’d prefer to keep you under my watch.

He followed you without another word, and you had no choice but to accept it. The town, usually quiet, felt livelier today. People hurried to finish their errands before nightfall, and the clatter of hooves echoed on the cobblestones.

You headed first to the butcher, hoping the quick errand would go unnoticed. The king kept his distance, observing everything—the streets, the people, and most of all, you—with eyes as sharp as blades. His presence made you nervous, forcing you to move with heightened awareness of his scrutiny. — Some meat for tonight, please, you said in a calm voice, though your hands trembled slightly.

The butcher served you without question, though his gaze lingered on the king, then back to you. The tension was palpable, and no one could ignore it.

After paying, you continued on your way, maintaining a composed facade. The king remained silent, but his unrelenting eyes bore into you, as if waiting for the slightest misstep.

You stopped next at the tailor’s, hoping the visit might offer a brief reprieve from the king’s oppressive attention. The tailor, a middle-aged man, greeted you warmly. — Just a small repair for the skirt, if you don’t mind, you said, handing it over. Nothing too complicated.

The king leaned against the wall, watching every movement. You knew he disliked being here, but his desire to control you outweighed his discomfort. The tailor’s scissors seemed louder than usual, each snip amplifying the oppressive silence.

When the tailor handed back your mended skirt, you seized the moment. Taking a deep breath, you turned to the king and said calmly: — I’m going to visit a friend now. She works at a brothel nearby, and I need to deliver something to her.

The king studied you for a moment, his expression unreadable. He hesitated, as though weighing his options. Then, with a faint smile, he replied: — Very well, I’ll wait here. But don’t take too long, all right? I wouldn’t want you to find yourself in a compromising situation.

Leaving him behind in the bustling street, you headed toward a quieter, shadowed part of town, where the alleys narrowed and the air grew heavier. Here, you hoped to find Jean—the one person who might help you escape the king’s grip, if only for a night.

Jean, a man with a rough demeanor, was well-known in these parts as a pimp but also as someone who didn’t hesitate to use violence to get what he wanted. You found him repulsive, but he was your only option.

Arriving at a discreet door, you knocked twice and waited. A few moments later, the door creaked open, and there stood Jean, a cynical smile on his lips.

“Well, well, well, look who it is,” he said, looking you up and down. “You must want something, don’t you?”

You took a deep breath and held out five silver coins, which he snatched with interest.

“I have a deal for you, Jean. I want you to pretend to be my husband tonight. The king, that… insufferable man, is here with his nobles, and I can’t take it anymore. I need to escape, even if it’s just for one evening. In exchange for five silver coins, you’ll be my husband and shield me from his intrusive gaze.”

Jean laughed, a harsh and joyless sound.

“Five silver coins? For one evening of a fake marriage? You care more about freedom than money, I see. But you know what? I’ll do it. For tonight, you’ll be Jean’s wife, and the king won’t be able to do a thing about it. But don’t expect it to come cheap.”

He gave you a piercing look, one that felt far too calculated. You knew you had to tread carefully, but for now, this was your only option.

“Fine,” you replied, your gaze hardening. “But after tonight, you stay away from me, Jean. This is a deal, not a commitment.”

He shrugged, as if it didn’t matter to him.

“Don’t worry about that,” he said with a mocking grin.

Jean arrived at the cottage in the late afternoon, and you couldn’t help but feel a shiver of apprehension. Every step he took toward your door seemed heavy with consequence. When he entered, a mix of emotions overwhelmed you: a certain relief, of course, but also a growing unease. This dinner was no longer just a meal; it was a trial that could disrupt far more than your evening.

You greeted him with a reserved smile, trying to keep your composure. He settled at the table, his gaze scanning every corner of the cottage as if uncovering its secrets. The atmosphere was tense, and you sensed that nothing about what was to come would be trivial.

The others arrived shortly after—three nobles, followed by the king. They took their seats, but the air remained heavy. The king sat beside you, and you immediately felt his scrutinizing gaze on you, as though he were evaluating your every move. Then Jean turned toward him, his piercing stare as sharp as a blade.

The initial exchanges were polite, but the underlying tension was palpable. Jean, for his part, seemed intent on testing the king, pushing him to his limits, his remarks laden with innuendo.

“You have such a serene air about you, Your Majesty,” Jean began in an almost friendly tone, though his eyes gleamed with something sharper. “There’s a strange calm that emanates from you. A calm… that perhaps hides a certain vulnerability.”

The king shot you a quick glance before responding, his tone icy: “And why would you think that?”

Jean shrugged, as though he didn’t care about the answer. “Well, after spending time around powerful men, you learn to see the cracks in their facades. One might believe your power is unshakable, but I’m certain there are flaws. And when you find them, that’s when the real game begins.”

The king straightened slightly, his gaze hardening, though he maintained his composure. “You seem to underestimate what it means to be a king, Jean. You don’t understand what it entails—the sacrifices, the responsibilities. You can’t simply talk about power as if you know what it is.”

Jean smirked, a nearly provocative expression. “Oh, but I understand far more than you think. You speak of sacrifices, responsibilities, but at its core, everything is ruled by money. You, your nobles, your lands—it’s all an illusion. You think you’re at the top, but you’re just puppets in a much larger game.”

The nobles around the table exchanged uneasy glances, but none dared to intervene. The tension escalated, and you could feel the air growing heavier. Jean wasn’t there to flatter; he was there to provoke, to push the king to his breaking point.

“You wear a fine crown, but it’s just an ornament. When you take it off, you’re like everyone else, aren’t you? Just a man among men, no matter how much you like to think otherwise.”

The king, visibly irritated, clenched his fists under the table. “You’re a strange man, Jean,” he murmured in a threatening tone. “You know nothing of what it means to be at the top. All you understand is money. You’re a man of the gutter.”

Jean burst into laughter, though there was an ominous edge to it. He stood abruptly, stepping closer to the king, his eyes blazing with restrained fury. “Maybe I am a man of the gutter, but tonight, you’re going to see what it feels like to lose control.”

Without warning, Jean drew his sword, the motion swift as lightning. The king, with a fluid movement, unsheathed his own and managed to parry the first strike. The violent clash of metal echoed through the room, sending a shiver down your spine. The other guests remained frozen, shocked by the sudden attack.

Jean, consumed by rage, launched into a series of brutal strikes, but the king was faster. Each of Jean’s blows was met with precise counters. The king appeared calm, but you could feel the intensity of the duel, every movement of his arms calculated and deliberate.

Finally, with a sudden burst of motion, the king disarmed Jean. Delivering a decisive strike, he sent Jean crashing to the ground. The ensuing silence was heavy, almost suffocating. Jean, groaning in pain, lay motionless.

The king, breathless but composed, stood tall and regarded Jean’s body with an icy gaze. Slowly, he turned to the other nobles. “Well. That’s settled.”

The nobles, paralyzed, said nothing. But you remained seated, frozen in place. A mix of relief and dread coursed through you. The king had killed a man during dinner, but the situation was far from resolved. On the contrary, you knew everything was about to change.

The guests eventually left, the king casting a final glance at Jean’s lifeless body before turning to you with a chilling smile. Then, he walked out the door.

You stayed behind, your eyes fixed on Jean’s motionless form, a storm of emotions swirling within you. The smell of blood and death filled the room, heavy and unbearable. The walls seemed to close in around you, and before you could fully grasp the gravity of the situation, everything went black. Darkness engulfed you as you fainted.

When you opened your eyes again, daylight filtered through the window. You sat up abruptly, dizziness overwhelming you. The nauseating smell of Jean's corpse immediately reached your nose, making you gag. The weight of what had just happened crushed you, and you felt overwhelmed by panic. What now? How could you erase what had just occurred? Jean's body was there, in the room, and you couldn't simply leave it there.

Instinctively, you got up and hurried outside, running to the back of the small house where no one would disturb you. You began digging a hole in the garden, more or less deep, but every movement felt heavy, almost mechanical. Your mind was foggy, your hands trembling. Jean's body, too heavy to handle alone, seemed almost unreal. Dried blood stained your hands and clothes as you dragged the body out of the house, each movement sending a shiver of disgust through you. The body fell into the hole you had dug without much thought. The earth slowly covered him, but your mind kept spiraling.

Was what you just did really smart? People would surely notice Jean’s disappearance. And if someone came, if someone found his body in your garden... It would be you they accused. You they judged. A cold shiver ran through you. What now? You had to flee. Find a solution before it was too late.

Panicked, you ran inside the house, hastily gathering anything you thought might be necessary. Some silver coins, a few clothes, and other small items you could carry. Each action felt more rushed than the last. But as you were gathering everything, you heard a noise. A sharp knock at the door.

You froze. It wasn’t the wind. It was another knock, more insistent this time. You approached the door cautiously, your heart pounding in your chest. Then a commanding voice rose from the other side, cutting through your thoughts.

— Open the door immediately! You are accused of high treason against the crown. We are here to escort you to your trial.

Your blood ran cold. The voice was firm, authoritative, leaving no room for negotiation. The royal guards were there, and everything was about to fall apart. You stood still, your mind racing. You had no plan, nothing. You had to face what was coming, but how? What to say? What to do?

The sound of footsteps approached, and the door began to tremble under repeated blows. Everything was collapsing around you.

The door burst open suddenly, and everything seemed to blur around you. The daylight was too bright, almost unbearable, and your eyes instinctively squinted. Before you could react, you were seized by the arm with such force that you had no time to defend yourself. The sensation was terrifying, as if an invisible rope tied you to a horse, dragging you behind it mercilessly. The pain, the anguish, everything mixed within you in a chaotic whirlwind.

Your mind wavered between reality and memory, a flood of blurry, confused recollections. The cell, the dampness of the cold walls, the heavy silence of the prison… Then the judge, the man who condemned you, and his cutting voice announcing your sentence: "Death by hanging." The sound of his words still echoed in your ears, and you felt lost, crushed by inevitability.

Now, you were there again, in that cell. A heavy silence weighed on you. The last day, the day of the condemned. You had prepared yourself for this moment, for this inevitable end. But nothing could prepare you for what happened next.

The door to your cell opened once again. You expected to see a guard, another court official, but that wasn’t the case. A malicious smile stretched across your face as you recognized the one who had entered. The king himself. He wasn’t there to carry out a sentence, no. He stepped toward you with that manic smile, the smile he always wore when he felt in control, when he knew everything was under his power. That smile, at that moment, froze your blood.

— So, here you are at last. It’s amusing to see how the wheel of fate turns, isn’t it? he murmured, his voice smooth, almost disdainful.

He stood there before you, and the air he exuded was suffocating. He seemed to take cruel pleasure in observing your distress. He advanced slowly, his gaze fixed on you, as if savoring every moment of this encounter, every second he knew you couldn’t escape.

You were there, facing him, in that cell. There was no escape. No false hope. Just him, the king, delighting in your predicament, and that predatory smile he wouldn’t stop wearing.

The king approached closer, reducing the distance between you to a mere breath. His eyes glimmered with a strange light, a mix of cruelty and desire. Then, with a chilling smile, he murmured:

— In my great mercy, I offer you a way out, a chance to live. But on one condition: you must agree to stay with me for eternity.

Your breath caught. The words echoed in the cell like a distorted, unreal sound. Your heart raced, and yet a strange sense of irony crossed your mind. You dared to speak, your voice trembling despite yourself:

— Is… is this a marriage proposal?

The king burst into clear laughter, almost joyful, but every note of that laughter was filled with condescension. He shook his head slightly, as if amused by your supposed naivety.

— No, of course not! My dear, our social classes are far too distant for such absurdity, he said, letting the words drip with disdain.

He took another step, leaning slightly toward you, his tone lower, more intense.

— What I’m offering you is far more than a simple marriage. I’m offering you life, an existence by my side, as the royal mistress. A title few could claim, a privileged place in my world.

He paused, his eyes scrutinizing every detail of your face, watching for your reaction.

— And together, we will live happily until the end of time. Until the stars themselves extinguish, and the universe is nothing but a memory.

His smile widened, triumphant, as if he already knew what your answer would be. But deep inside, a storm raged. The final decision is yours.

A/n ²: Hope you enjoyed :3. If this is the case, please let me know. Besides, I have lots of ideas for explanations and follow-ups (like: -Why did Jean act like this?, (assuming Darling chooses to live)What will life be like for Darling now that she is a royal mistress?, What if the king had a wife?)

[pandorasprongs]

CHAPTER FOUR | come home to my heart.

'it's nice to have a friend' fic masterlist + playlist | previous chapter

PAIRING: jamie tartt x fem!reader

WORD COUNT: 3.1k

SUMMARY: jamie tries to get reader to forgive him.

WARNINGS: language

A/N: hello! sorry for such a long wait, i've been on vacation. i also haven't been able to proofread huhu but hopefully the interlude prepped ya'll for this moment because a good chunk of this one is from jamie's pov! don't have much to say because i don't want to spoil much hehe but enjoy jamie's comeback!

Losing Jamie for a second time felt the exact same: like absolute shit. Except this time, you were an adult and couldn't sulk in your room all day. So for the next few weeks, — aside from said crying sessions — you've been dragging yourself to all of your lectures and powering through office hours as if nothing happened.

You already told Liv about it the morning after, and after seeing your bloated face and the fact that you had a massive hangover, she decided to withhold her 'I told you so' speech, much to your relief. 

It was unraveling the exact same way as last time and the cherry on top was the fact that Jamie wasn't reaching out in any way, shape, or fucking form. No texts, calls, or anything. 

Every now and then, you'd think about reaching out yourself. It was you who yelled at him that night and told him to leave, but you would shake your head every time. No, if Jamie really wanted to preserve your relationship, he would have to be the one to reach out. You got to say your piece and that's it.

And maybe you were being a little petty, taking down all your photos with him from the shelf and stuffing them in a box with all the tokens from Jamie that you couldn’t bring yourself to throw away, but at least it stopped you from nearly breaking down every time you passed your hallway.

Jamie wasn't taking it so well either, despite what you assumed.

After that night, he had this sinking feeling in him. He knew he fucked up, — ghosting you and treating you like a complete stranger at the pub in front of his teammates, — but it hurt even more hearing you shout and tell him how badly it fucked you up.

To this day, he doesn't know why he did it, really. Maybe it was the fact that he felt guilty for never talking to you after you left. Or maybe you were right; he cared too much about what his teammates thought that he ended up hurting you in the process. But no matter the reason, he ruined one of his most important relationships that night.

So what was he going to do? What he always did. Ignore it. Focus on the season, despite the fact that Richmond has been on a losing streak since the West Ham game. While Jamie might be off his game because of you, he wasn't going to acknowledge that. Just bury it and hope it disappears.

It wasn't until after the fifth match in the losing streak that he got a message from an unknown number he was forced to confront it. 

Hi Jamie. I'm Liv. I'm not sure if (Y/N)'s mentioned me, but I'm one of her friends and I got your number from her phone. I was hoping to talk to you soon when you're free.

So now, he was sitting in a white office like he was waiting for some test results. It didn't help that the person sitting in front of him was in a lab coat, either.

"Sorry, I know it's weird we had to do this in an office." Liv started and Jamie straightened up in the chair. "I thought you'd want somewhere private to talk."

"Right."

"Yeah, so you're probably wondering why I wanted to talk to you. Uhm, (Y/N)'s been a little off recently. She told me about what happened, which I honestly saw from a mile away, but that's not the point." Liv sighs before continuing. "The last time this happened, back in uni, she practically quarantined herself in her room till her parents came and picked her up. She barely ate, and barely talked to anyone. It was terrible. And I can tell that she's on the way to that again."

Jamie's eyes widened, filled with guilt once again, but he said nothing.

Something about his reaction just triggered something in Liv. "Right, so I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but what the fuck are you doing, man?" The footballer moved back in his chair, but Liv wasn't dismayed. "Why haven't you called her? Or even texted or something."

"I," Jamie's completely at a loss for words. "I thought that she didn't want to talk."

"What gave you that idea?"

"She told me to leave that night so harshly, so I thought..." Jamie trails off, realizing how terrible that reasoning is after saying it out loud.

Liv is thinking the exact same thing, causing her to roll her eyes. "Come on, Jamie! You can't actually think she wants nothing to do with you now. She won't ever say it, but do you know how many times I've caught her checking your contact to see if you've sent anything? She misses you and seeing how shit you've been playing these past few matches, I think it's safe to assume that you miss her too."

Despite this woman being a complete stranger to Jamie, he's suddenly compelled to admit, "Just because she misses me doesn't mean that she wants me back in her life. And I don't think I should be, to be honest." She's better off without me. 

Liv's expression finally softens and she looks down at her desk before saying, "She at least deserves an apology."

—

It had been a few days since then, which Jamie had been using to think it over. He knew Liv was right; he needed to apologize. He just didn't know how. And of course, he had to talk to the most emotional man he knew.

"Jamie! What brings you here?" Ted who, despite the team losing yet another game, greeted quite cheerfully. It almost made the football player turn right back around because he wasn't sure if he was in the mood for his coach's relentless optimism.

But he knew there wasn't anyone else he could go to, seeing as you were obviously unavailable, Keeley was way swamped with her new company, and telling his mum would be indirectly telling your parents too. He shuts the door behind him and moves to Ted's side of the office. "Right, um, I was hoping to talk to you about something."

His coach seems to pick up on Jamie's uneasy demeanor and leans forward with a sympathetic look on his face. "What's up, buttercup? Should I gather the diamond dogs for this?"

Jamie, recalling the name that the coaches and Higgins called themselves, was quick to reject the idea. "No, no, I'd rather not have them find out about this. Uhm, look, I know I haven't been doing my best recently,—"

"Oh, we'll get a win soon bud, don't worry." Ted is quick to reassure the player and while Jamie appreciates it, he shakes his head.

"No, I know, but that's not it." Jamie takes a deep breath before continuing. "It's just, I've been a bit distracted recently."

"Is this about a girl perhaps?"

"No," though Jamie thinks about it for a second. “Yes, but no?" Seeing the slight look of confusion on his coach's face, he explains, "A while back, I reconnected with an old friend. She was my best friend actually, back in Manchester. We didn't exactly end on the best of terms and it was my fault. But when we met again, she told me that I didn't need to apologize."

Jamie continued to recount the past few months to his coach, from his blind date to the Bones & Honey incident, along with what he did to you in the pub all those years ago. 

"So now, I don't know what to do. Her best friend said I should apologize, but I don't really know how. I'm not really the best with these types of things." Both of them still remembered how long it took for Jamie to get the team to forgive him when he first came back.

Ted takes a second before responding, trying to figure out the best thing to say in this situation. "You know Jamie, I've always thought the simplest ways are sometimes the best ones. Overthinking things tends to complicate them more. You want to apologize right? How'd you used to do it when you were kids and you threw your little tantrums at each other?"

"Coach, I don't think bringing her chocolate is gonna work this time around." Jamie gets flashbacks to your first-ever argument as kids. Jamie accidentally ate the last slice of chocolate cake that you had unofficially saved and you stormed out and locked yourself in your room for an hour. 

All it took was Jamie sliding a bar of chocolate through the bottom of the door, explaining that he got hungry, and promising to save her a slice of cake the next time they had a party. You ended up sharing the bar with Jamie.

"Probably not. But in all the times you fought, what were the things that got her to forgive you? What did you say that made her understand your side and know that you actually were sorry for what you did? And how did you prove to her that you weren't going to do that to her again?" Maybe if Jamie thought about this advice later tonight, it'll make more sense, but right now, only one question was occupying his mind.

"D'you think she'll forgive me?" He thinks out loud.

"I honestly don't know Jamie, I don't even know who she is. But if you show her how much you care like how you're showing me right now, I'm sure things will be fine." Ted, now standing, offers a comforting pat on the back.

Without looking up, Jamie whispers, "I never meant to do this to her. To hurt her like that."

"We rarely ever mean to hurt the people we love." Ted offers.

Love. Yeah, Jamie thought, he did love you, even after all these years. Especially after all these years. What, with all the 'absence makes the heart grow fonder' bullshit.

"All we can do after is try to atone for our mistakes and hope they forgive us. And even if they don't, at least you leave knowing you tried." Jamie nods his head and thanks his coach for the advice.

As he got into his car to leave the clubhouse, he pulled out his phone. Hi, are you free tonight? I was hoping we could talk. 

He anxiously waited for your reply and started listing all the places he had to pass by before heading to your place if you even answered. But before Jamie even left the car park, you already replied, Sure.

—

Maybe you had been hoping for Jamie's message more than you thought. You were in the middle of the lecture when you got his message, so while your class passed the handouts around, you took the chance to grab your phone and reply.

So now, you were anxiously waiting in your flat, still unsure of how you were meant to feel about all this. You knew there was still anger there, but you weren't sure if exploding on him relieved that feeling or made it worse. A part of you also felt guilty for it too, for not even giving him a chance to apologize in the first place. Maybe instead of awkwardly letting him inside later, you would've been having yet another movie night together.

That's what he was going to do now right? Apologize? You didn't really press on for my details when he messaged you earlier. You just hoped that seeing him again will trigger the right response to whatever he had planned.

You heard the doorbell ring and suddenly, it felt like your heartbeat quickened. You take careful steps towards the door and after mentally preparing yourself for whatever this was going to be, turn the doorknob.

"Hi," Jamie greeted, in the most awkward way possible for a guy as confident as he could. You notice him holding a box of LEGO flowers under his left arm and a pack of chocolate nuggets in his right hand.

In an attempt to lighten the mood, you jokingly ask, "Is your apology just going to be flowers and chocolate?" though it may have come across as harsher than you intended.

"No, but uh, in case you changed your mind about talking to me when you saw me, I thought this would at least get me through the door," Jamie explained and you slowly nodded your head.

"Well, you were right." You take the things from his hand and let him inside. 

You had already cleaned up the place before he came over and hidden all the messy catalogs and test papers in your room for the time being. Its current condition could honestly pass as one of those display sets in department stores.

You placed the items on your dining table before turning back to Jamie who was awkwardly standing in the middle of the living room.

You didn't want to delay this any further. "So, why'd you want to talk?"

"Right," Jamie started, still unable to look you in the eye. "I wanted to say sorry for not messaging you these past few weeks. I've just been busy and Richmond's been on a losing streak too,—"

"Is that really all you wanted to say?" Your tone was soft, but even you knew you were being blunt. You just couldn't handle the sinking feeling of anxiety in your chest anymore and while you might be rushing him, you just wanted to get this over with.

"No, it's not." Jamie closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. He moves towards you and starts looking at you intently. "I'm sorry. For everything. You deserved an apology and an explanation a long time ago and I can't go back in time, so I want to do it now."

He pauses for a moment, and when you realize he's waiting for you to say something, you respond, "Go ahead, Jamie."

He nods his head and almost looks like he's psyching himself up before a match. He takes another deep breath before continuing.

"I wanted to start from when I started to get distant. I never told you, but after I started at Man City, dad came back into the picture."

"He did?" Your voice was barely a whisper, and you're unsure if he even heard it because he keeps talking.

"You know how he is, right?" Of course, you did. 

Growing up, you knew the exact times his dad would be coming over. There’d be some beat up car in their driveway and if you looked out your window, Jamie’s window blinds would be down. During the early years, you’d ask your mom to call their house, but after the first time and about a ten-minute call with Georgie, she started telling you they were busy. It was only after that outlying car in their driveway disappeared that Jamie would come knocking at your door, asking to play. He'd have this air of discomfort the first few days, but you were so happy being able to see him again that you’d end up ignoring it.

"Anyway, he was on my arse that whole time. He always had something to say after every match about how I fucked up or, how shit I'd been. Even if I was just sitting on the bench, he still had something to say. It was exhausting," You could tell that Jamie was starting to get angry at the reminder of his father, and without thinking, you reach out to hold his hand. Jamie seems to relax at your touch and when he seems to have composed himself, you let go.

"He would go on about the same things. Don't be soft, it's the fucking Premier League and shit like that. I just, I wanted it to stop. And I thought that toughening up would stop him from him getting under my skin. That meant removing everything that did make me soft, vulnerable. One of those things was you, but I realized now that it was in a good way. As in, I only ever felt comfortable and safe when I was with you." Your eyes widened at his confession and you felt tears threatening to fall.

"But fuck, Dad was really in my head back then. I thought that you were making me weak. And I hated the thought of him calling me that. So I stopped picking up your calls and messages. I just blocked you out.

"But when I started to realize I was becoming a prick, I thought you'd never want to talk to me again. That you'd hate me and it wasn't worth trying to get you to forgive me. Plus, Mum always had great stories about you, so I thought you were better off without me. I guess that's why I was such a prick back in the pub, pretending I didn’t know you. Might as well lean into it if I already lost you." At this point, you were resisting the urge to envelop Jamie in a hug and never let go, but you knew he wanted to finish his piece.

"And I know that it doesn't change the fact that it was a shitty way to treat someone I loved, but it's the best explanation I can give you. I really am sorry." Jamie held your eyes, emphasizing how genuine he was being. Someone I loved, did he really just say that? But he starts again before you can even consider what that meant.

"And, I really am trying to be better. I want to be worthy of staying in your life, if you'll let me. This time, I promise I'll never leave you like that ever again."

You were processing his words and couldn't answer immediately, so Jamie added, "And if you decide that you don't want anything to do with me, then you'll never have to see me again. But I promise to keep trying to be better even then."

You continued to stay silent and Jamie took that as your answer. "Right, so that's all I had to say, so I'll be out of—"

You wrap your arms around him, stopping him mid-sentence. The footballer is slow to reciprocate it, but when he does, you're transported back in time. It feels like you're eight again, and Jamie's football team just won the finals. It feels like you're fifteen again, and you've made up during a midnight run to the grocery after a stupid argument. It feels like you're seventeen again, saying goodbye to the only boy you've ever loved.

"I don't know if I'm ready to forgive you yet, Jamie. To go back to how it was before." You finally answer, and if you're being honest, you don't think you ever could go back. "But I want to be able to," you whisper and you feel him relax even more in your arms. "Just, don't fuck it up and leave again. Because I'd really love to have you in my life again."

"I promise I won't." And this time, you believe him.

A/N: and there you go! the angst is over! (or is it? muahaha) some cameos from liv and ted to help snap jamie out of it :) i had written jamie's apology monologue the same time i wrote reader's angry monologue from chapter three with some slight revisions when i put them in their respective chapters, so hopefully it matches up well stay tuned for the next chapter!!

TAGLIST: @moonflowersandsparkles @faith-alons26 @rexorangecouny @aiyaiy @thegirlthatwantedtowrite @giggling-sewer-ginger @katdahlali @higherthanheroes @guccilongboard @alipap3 @rockchickrebel @ellietartt @shineforever19 @skewedcherries @jamietarttdodo @meg-ro @deepdarkvelvet @taytaylala12 @scaramou @rae4725 @oxxolovemelikeyoudooxxo (couldn't tag you for some reason?)

[w0rmb]

Short Byler one shot! A little angsty, and probably ass because I haven’t written in years but I can’t get them out of my head. I don’t have an AO3 account and I didn’t want to post this on Wattpad so I’m putting it here! Enjoy the 10 people who read fanfics on tumblr!

It takes place some time after the end of season 4. Probably beginning of season 5. Will dealing with the battle of wanting to make his best friend happy and sister but hating what that entails. Will you are in the worst love triangle ever I’m so sorry. 😢

Mike was trying to make it not painfully obvious he was looking at Eleven. He wasn’t trying to stare but he was. The boy had a lot on his mind at the moment. Should he go up to her? Ask how they were? Even though he said that four letter word, yelled it to her. She still hadn’t spoken to him since. If he did go up to her, what would he even say? Should he keep it casual? It’s killing him inside to have so many questions but no answers. He meant what he told her during their fight, he did care. He cares so much about her, worried about what happened to her while they were trying to find her. I mean- she had her hair shaved off! Not just the old haircut but her old powers again?

At this rate, the Wheeler was going to be just staring for a while. Will had walked up beside his friend without him even noticing. Didn’t take long for him to understand what Mike was thinking about. Even if he hadn’t been eyeing her up. Will just could read his best friend so easily.

“You should go talk to her,” Mike’s train of thought broke. He looked over to where Will’s voice was coming from on his left. The teenager frowned and continued his staring streak.

“You think so?��� His voice full of uncertainty.

Will replied softly, “yeah.” If Mike had been looking he would have seen how somber his face had been. But Mike blew off the weird feeling he was getting, thinking it was nerves. He had a habit of doing that to Will didn’t he? Yet here his best friend was. Accepting being blown off, trying to help him anyways.

Will pushed Mike forward, “go on!”

“Okay! Jesus!” Wheeler shot over a glare.

Once his eyes went back to El it took him about three steps for him to lose the momentum. He looked back at his friend to him giving him a thumbs up with a lopsided smile. Even Will knew this was gonna suck.

Then another three steps and Elevens head was turning before she could have even gotten the chance to meet his eyes Mike turned around so quick.

Oh god nope I can’t do it. Mike gave up before he even tried. But wait where was Will?

—————————

Even though Will hated himself for leaving his friend to deal with this conversation alone. If his friend asked why he left so soon, he could say “I knew it wasn’t gonna be pretty” or “I thought you would want some space for that.” Though that wasn’t the real reason. Even though he was helping his friend with his girlfriend. Will couldn’t stay to watch as it actually happens. To see his guidance actually work.

God, when did he become so selfish?

He was trying to be a good best friend. A good brother for El. Mike wanted El. So Will was going to make sure they stayed together if it was the last thing he’ll do. Yet if that was the case… That he wanted them to stay together. Then why was it so hard to even think about it happening? No matter how hard Byers tried to make himself feel the opposite. Happy. Excited. Supportive. He was selfish. That’s it. He’s selfish and stupid. Why did a part of his heart get crushed at watching Mike be happy? He wants her. If Will really-…loves him he shouldn’t be crying like an idiot in a bathroom about this. It’s not like El is a bad person for Mike. That’s his sister. She’s one of the sweetest people ever and she’d treat Mike well.

All the same his heart was still breaking. Tears still running, chest still burning. At least he made it to the bathroom in time. This is a battle for him and himself alone. That selfish feeling is always there when watching the two be together but the fact it was Will keeping them together this time. Made it really come out. Made him cry because he wished -the idiot he was wished- that he was in El’s shoes. He’s so selfish he really would go through the life El’s gone through if it just meant Mike wanted him…

What was he thinking?

No he doesn’t think any of that. Well yes he did, despite that he knows it’s wrong. It’s all so wrong. Will’s head felt like it had so much pressure getting built up. He was so stupid. Selfish and stupid. Thinking all these crazy thoughts. That’s all they were. Crazy thoughts, that he swore didn’t define him. He got to be Mike’s best friend and if he really loved him he’d be okay with just that.

—————————

Alright where did Will go? If he had just gone to the bathroom he would have been out by now. Wait had he even checked the bathroom yet? Mike went over and before he knocked he heard something. Soft nearly silent sobs. It didn’t take him long to recognize it being his best friend’s.

He knocked, “Will?” Suddenly the only thought of El in his mind was him thanking himself he hadn’t spoken to her. The sobs stopped. He knocked again, “Will is something wrong?”

Will looked in the mirror, he looked a mess. He turned on the sink. “No, I-i’m good!” He bent over to splash some water on his face.

Mike didn’t believe that for a second. “Then can I come in?”

“Uhhh-“ Before Will could respond Mike creaked the door open. He quickly turned the sink off and tried to dry his face. “Mike what the hell? What if I was peeing?”

Mike was going to reply but he saw Will’s state. Mike knows how Will’s eyes look after he had been crying. Slightly red and he knew that the boy was hiding something by the way his lip was trembling. Mike stepped in and closed the bathroom door behind him.

“Will, what’s wrong?” Will’s bangs were wet and sticking again his forehead. Will opened his mouth to say something but he couldn’t get anything out. Mike saw his eyes and saw…fear?

“Did you see something?” Mike’s voice softened.

“N-no!” Will replied to quickly. “Mike, I’m okay. Nothing like that.”

“Oh, okay good.” Mike smiled for a moment. Though it didn’t mean he would stop being worried. “Then, what’s happening?”

Will turned from him, “Nothing is Mike I-“ He bit his lip. He turned his head down looking at his hands on the counter. Mike stepped closer to him. Will turned his head to look at him hesitantly. Met with Mike’s eyes, full of worry. Oh that feeling that made him so stupid came back.

Mike felt like fall. Perfect temperature, with a cool breeze. Fun, games, life before he got taken. When life was normal. When their biggest fear was not being able to continue their campaign that night. Before he was reminded of how terrifyingly mortal he was because in those days Mike was always there and it wouldn’t have been the same without him.

Stupid selfish feeling of warmth in his chest when he saw Mike look at him like that. Will had to look back away from him because that warmth had moved to his face. Though he didn’t escape him for long because Mike put his hand on his.

“Will I know it’s been a long time since the last time you trusted me with something but…” Mike’s voice a little desperate with a hint of self hatred from thinking about how long it has been because of himself. “I’m here for you okay? And I want to be.” His hand was warm on top of Will’s. “Please trust me.” Mike’s head racing quickly translated to his voice as he raced. “I know it’s been so long and I’ve been a douche and it’s understandable if you don’t want to but I-“

“Mike.” Will said softly with a smile on his face. “I know.” Mike looked at him with wide worried eyes.

“Sorry… I just think I’m antsy cause of how long it’s been.” Mike smile was a little twisted.

“Antsy?” Will poked. Mike was going to quickly reply with something to try to over explain it but Will stopped him before he got the chance. “Me too. I think everyone is.”

Everyone? Mike thought. No it couldn’t be everyone because the feeling Mike was feeling was just with Will. But maybe it would be better to let Will think it’s whatever he thinks Mike meant.

“I appreciate it Mike.” Will looked up at Mike and his friend mirrored him. Will’s eyes went to their hands. “I’m sorry I worried you, I just was stuck in my head. Thinking crazy thoughts.”

Mike smiled, “well you remember what I said?” Will looked up confused. “If we go crazy, at least we’ll go crazy together.” Will eyes widened, Mike didn’t even know what he just did to Will’s heart. Will flipped his hand over and intertwined their fingers.

Mike let him. “Yeah,” he said with a smile. “I remember.” The two looked at an each other for a moment. Then Mike noticed the tears in his friend’s eyes.

“Hey but please don’t do this again. This is what Vecna wants, us to be split apart with our worst feelings. It’s dangerous.” Mike’s hand tightened. Will’s heart was racing, Mike always is looking out for him. “I get you might not want to talk to me, that’s okay. But at least sit with someone, if not with me at least someone.”

Byers’ thumb rubbed against his friend hand. “I think you’re the only person I’d want to be with when I’m like this.” Will laughed and rubbed his eyes.

Now it wasn’t just Will’s chest feeling something. That funny feeling in Mike’s chest, different from the one that came with El started to warm up his chest. The black-haired boy smiled brightly. “Cool.”

“Cool.” Suddenly the two liked this bathroom. Didn’t mind staying in it for a little while longer.

[agoraphobic-artist]

Kuro-Shit Haul (Late Sep.)

The merchandise shown in this post was all sourced from Japan and is related to the Public School Arc of the series.

Starting with the set of shikishi artboards produced by MOVIC.

I loved that the art shows each person in their representative formal attire for each house, as could be seen during the opening ceremony for the cricket tournament.

The character line-up is pretty much the same as with previous merch for this season: Sebastian and Ciel, followed by the P4 - and our bonus character of Soma.

Next up, a set from the musical rather than the anime.

The Secret of the Public School 2024 Musical were selling Enamel Keychains of the outfits and I absolutely fell in love with them!

(The only thing to keep in mind is that they are a magnet for dust and fingerprints!)

Again, the main six characters we have come to expect but with a bonus character of The Undertaker this time; not sure why he is in those clothes, especially as he doesn't have his mourning locket at this point in the story either but it still is a very nice piece of merchandise.

Next, is the 3rd Japanese release DVD for Season Four of the Kuro Anime.

We have Herman Greenhill and Gregory Violet gracing our outer case this time and the inner illustration is another landscape shot this time of the Thames River.

Included inside the case are:

Episodes 6, 7 and 8 on the Main Disc, A soundtrack Disc, Information booklet and mini pop-up illustration.

The Soundtrack disc is labelled Vol. 2; The Vol. 1 disc was included with the first boxed DVD.

As a side note, a full list of the 19 tracks can be found within the information guide.

Moving onto the guide, inside are a breakdown of the individual episodes, what appears to be an interview and a couple of promotional art pictures in the back.

And lastly, my favourite part of each DVD is the bonus mini Pop-up scene. This particular one is named "Afternoon Break".

Depicting the characters in the Swan Gazebo, Violet is sketching in the foreground, in the middle we have Ciel contemplating his next move.

... and in the background we can find Sebastian... in a tree...

The very last item, is a "Project-Black-Butler" Tea set!

The set includes a Boarding School Edition Cup and Saucer, manufactured by MOVIC in partnership with Aniplex.

Recently, Aniplex held an online lottery, in which the "A" Prizes were themed cups for each house and one relating to the Main characters.

If I had infinite Money and space, I would happily purchase and display all six, however I feel that this separate one encompasses all of the elements tastefully into one commemorative piece.

The teacups pattern begins with a cameo motif wrapped in striped ribbon, there are two fountain pens crafted into the design with a large font initialling the item as Black Butler.

Subsequently, as you work your way around the cup, each house is honoured by their respective flower bordered with more filigree.

The only thing worth mention, is that the gold sections are gritty, like a fine sandpaper to the touch and had left gold streaks on the inside of the box from production. As a decorative piece I am sure that this would cause no issue. However, if someone were handling this item excessively or using it to drink from I am not sure that the pattern would remain intact as it seems to be some sort of transfer as opposed to painted.

[flightfoot]

Hi, I'd be interested in some fanfictions that center around Nino (all ships welcome, bonus points if it's the core four hanging out).

Most fics that have him tagged don't focus on him. If you have any recs lmk, feel free to take as long as you need! Have a nice day

I'm on it! So long as you're fine with ships that also revolve around couples anyway, otherwise this would be rather sparse. I'm gonna go ahead and limit it to completed fics. Oh, and if you wonder why some of these have commentary and some don't, it's because the ones with commentary are from previous reclists I made.

(Edit: I'd said that I'd only include complete fics, but I accidentally included Withered Wings anyway, because I kinda forgot that. It's pretty close to finished at any rate, and it's good and long so I'm keeping it.)

Within Your Heart by Inkyibis

It’s Valentine’s Day and Ladybug just wants to her superhero partner to find his love. And what she wants, the Lucky Charm will create. If only she could remember what it is she did last night.

Adrino fic here! Marinette’s drunk and feeling awful that her superhero partner is alone on Valentine’s (she’s in a loving and committed relationship with Alya), so she creates a Lucky Charm to help Chat find love! In this universe, Ladybug’s Lucky Charms have the power to create new rules for the universe to follow, such as making one that demands that if you have any magic in you, you have to tell the truth or else you’ll freeze. Or in Adrien’s case, that he has to wake up in the arms of his true love every day XD. It’s very sweet and I love both Adrien’s and Nino’s relationship, and the relationship between the rest of the Miracuteam members as well, even though that’s not the focus.

---

I’ll give myself a name (something stupid and pretentious) by @bbutterflies

Nino looked at the number and didn’t recognize it. Usually he wouldn’t answer, but he had nothing better to do – and could still really use a distraction – so he did. “Hello?”

“Hey, Nino.”

Nino stood up quickly, chest tightening. He knew that voice. He’d been waiting to hear it again for over two years. “Adrien?” he whispered.

“Yeah. It’s me."

-

When Monarch is defeated (and revealed to be Gabriel Agreste), Chat Noir immediately goes missing. Adrien disappears not long after. When Adrien finally shows up in Paris again, Nino would do anything to make sure he doesn't disappear again.

Ah this is lovely, Adrien’s been in a lot of emotional turmoil since Monarch’s defeat, convinced that everyone would hate him, SHOULD hate him, for not realizing that his father was the villain, and should hate him even more for disappearing like he does. But slowly Marinette and Nino get through to him, convince him that they just want him back. 

And also Adrien and Nino smooch. Multiple times. So that’s a bonus XD.

---

Would Trust You With Everything by @kasienda

Nino breaks off, tears streaking down his face. Adrien wishes he was here as himself instead of Chat so he could offer a hug.

“It’s not like I don’t think she deserved her privacy. It’s just it felt like I was her last priority. And if I knew why, then maybe we could overcome it. But when I don’t, I’m not willing to be her last thought. You know? I always put her first.”

“Yeah,” Chat agrees, able to relate too well. He always put Ladybug first too, and he’s not sure it has ever been the same for her. “I’m sorry you’ve been so alone through this."

“I haven’t been totally alone,” Nino disagrees, holding up his phone. “My best friend has been keeping me company virtually most of the day.”

“Yeah? It helped?”

“I don’t know if any of the stuff he sent helped, but like, given what I know he’s up to, he totally had to move heaven and earth to talk to me so much, and that really helped. You know, just knowing that someone was thinking of me.”

“I’m glad,” Chat Noir said. “I wish he could be there in person for you.”

Nino sighs. “Yeah, me too, but at least you’re here."

...

Season 4 au - canon divergent from Rocketear Rocketear led to DJWiFi breakup.

Ahh, Adrino my beloved XD. I love the identity shenanigans in this one with Adrien being around Nino as both Adrien and Chat Noir, and both of them vaguely describing their situations to each other. It takes Adrien a bit to figure out that he has a crush on Nino, but once he does...

---

The moment I knew (I’d no choice but to love you) by @bbutterflies

“He’s dating me,” Nino said, taking Adrien’s hand in his own.

Adrien could only stare back at him in shock.

“How dare you all force him to come out?” Nino continued, glaring at the reporters. “That was disgusting.” He pulled Adrien over to the car, guided him in, and shut the door behind them.

In the relative quiet and privacy of the backseat, Adrien finally processed what had just happened. “So… when were you going to tell me we were dating?”

This Adrino fic is delicious XD. Reporters keep hounding Adrien about his love life, so Nino finally gets them off Adrien’s back by fake-dating him. Problem is, Adrien’s actually been madly in love with Nino for years but has never been able to tell him. And now as they’re spending more time together, Nino’s beginning to find that he’s enjoying all these “couple” activities more than maybe he ought to if it’s entirely platonic...

If you want to see Adrien and Nino PINING for each other while “fake” dating (is it really fake if both parties want it to be real?) then you’ve come to the right fic!

---

Chemistry With Him by @bbutterflies

It kind of sucked Nino was taking chemistry, but classes had filled up fast and he needed to take something and his advisor had said the credits would, somehow, count towards his major. It really sucked he was taking it first thing on a Monday morning (and Wednesdays, and Fridays, unfortunately). But he could get through it. He knew he could.

So no more boys. No distractions. He could do this all on his own.

“Is anyone sitting here?”

Nino looked up to find the source of the voice. A blond, green-eyed, absolutely beautiful someone.

Okay. Maybe one distraction.

Ah, adorable Adrino. This is a universe where Adrien never went to public school, so while Chat Noir, Ladybug, Carapace, and Rena Rouge all know each other (and Marinette, Alya, and Nino all know each other’s identities) they’re unaware that they are all already friends with Adrien. I loved seeing Chat and Carapace excitedly tell each other about their awesome crush/boyfriend, not knowing they were talking about each other XD.

---

Strangely Familiar by @sunfoxfic

Alya Césaire’s life is perfect. Indeed, between the success of the Ladyblog, how well she’s doing in school, and the fact that she’s a superhero who has never bore the weight of a crisis of epic proportions, her life almost couldn’t be better. Almost.

But Alya has always been a go-getter, and so she’ll chase after that perfect life if it kills her. Which is how she ends up rushing to move out of her father’s apartment and in with Marinette, Adrien, and a complete stranger: Nino Lahiffe. And in fact, her life does seem perfect — she and Nino are fast friends. They spend a lot of time together and get to know each other really well.

But in the end, fortunate situations will bear unfortunate truths, and she learns things about herself that aren’t quite comfortable. Like I said, though: Alya has always been a go-getter, and she won’t let new feelings deter her from chasing after her perfect life.

This is the single longest DJWifi-centric fic on AO3 (which is a travesty) and it is GLORIOUS. Alya and Nino are both well fleshed-out here, with their own problems and baggage they’re dealing with, but it’s easier together.

---

Shelltering Others by @rosie-b:

When Ladybug wakes Nino up in the middle of the night to scold him for revealing his identity, he thinks his career as a Miraculous holder is over. But instead, Ladybug gives him the opportunity to prove himself by becoming Chat Noir’s confidant and learning his secret identity through a scavenger hunt of sorts. Will Nino pass Ladybug and Chat Noir’s test, or will he fail to put the pieces together in time?

Quick disclaimer here: the first chapter looks kinda salty towards Nino, with Ladybug laying into him for revealing his and Alya’s secret identities to Adrien and Marinette. She’s mostly just trying to scare him into taking them seriously, though, since she herself has just proposed that Nino become Chat’s secret-keeper, and he can’t afford to be lackadaisical with that identity. I highly recommend getting through at least chapter 2 of the fic when giving it a shot, because this had some great character development and introspection for Nino, on Chat Noir, Adrien, Ladybug, and himself. 

---

run boy run by tinuviel_tinuviel

Nino was sprawled on the floor of his room with Alya when his phone chimed, in the quiet of a premature autumnal sunset. It was one of those lazy evenings that had become rare lately. Contrary to popular belief, he and Alya could get studying done when in the same room, and he was elbows-deep in late assignments, which meant his phone was on Do Not Disturb, which meant the notification could only have come from one person.

ADRIEN 🐈: cmoe ove rnow ADRIEN 🐈: like riggt now ADRIEN 🐈: plag NINO: that is literally incomprehensible NINO: wait is that you plagg ADRIEN 🐈: mov faster

So this is a “Adrien finds out that his father is Hawkmoth and consults with Nino about what to do” fic, with Nino throwing Hawkmoth off Adrien’s track, though inadvertently at his own expense. Love Nino’s perspective here, and I always enjoy a good Hawkmoth-takedown fic!

---

Best Friend and Boyfriends by @kasienda

“Someone’s in a good mood,” Nino commented when Adrien slid into the seat next to him in the student lounge during the mutual gap they both had between their university classes. Adrien turned his grin towards his best friend. “Yeah,” he agreed. Nino grinned back. “I haven’t seen you in this good of a mood in months. Were you hanging with your mystery lady?” The question caught Adrien completely off guard. Was Nino seriously comparing his feelings for Carapace with his feelings for Ladybug? Sure, Carapace had become one of his favorite people. Adrien currently coveted every moment spent in Carapace’s company. He walked away from talking to him for hours feeling like he was floating on a cloud. And he was anticipating their next patrol like a giddy child waiting for Christmas morning. Holy shit! “You okay, dude?” Nino asked. He totally had feelings for Carapace. When had that even happened?

---

Withered Wings by @11jj11

Nino wasn’t sure if anyone had ever willingly took the akuma butterfly before him, but with his mind completely open to this apparent son of Hawk Moth he knew that he couldn’t turn him away. Not someone that was so afraid, not someone who would be left at the mercy of Hawk Moth.

---

5 times Adrien, the person, helps Nino aka Chat Noir and one time Adrien, the turtle themed hero (still not the fragrance) does it by DearLittleRobin

Adrien is a cool guy that needs more friends Nino is a good friend (and he's also Chat Noir)

---

Turtle-y Awesome by chattonne-rousse

Hugo Dupain-Cheng loves turtles, and by extension, he loves Carapace, his favorite superhero of them all. He doesn't know yet that his idol is also his Uncle Nino, and Nino hasn't yet seen the Carapace shrine that is Hugo's bedroom. But the little man is turning five and has just two wishes - a Carapace-themed party with friends and family, and the latest, greatest Carapace play set. This is a story of best friends, laughter, good kids and even better parents, and a whole lot of turtles.

---

I hope the worst isn't over by thescuttlebug

Falling is exactly like flying right up until you stop. Like, assuming the kind of flying you’re used to involves busted steering and useless panic, Nino guesses. “GO LIMP!” a voice shouts, and Nino catches a glimpse of black something-like-leather and the twin flashes of a golden bell and silver staff streaking through the air. “Are you kidding me, dude?!” he shrieks.

---

Foxy Lady by WizardlyMagik

In which Nino finds himself unexpectedly attracted to Rena Rouge, tries and fails to tell his friends and get some advice, and desperately attempts to hide it from his girlfriend. (Who in fact, is planning to use it to her advantage)

---

Won't Tell A Soul by @thelastpilot

Nino accidentally runs head long into the biggest most stressful secret he can imagine, but now that he knows the truth about Marinette he is determined to help her in any way he can.

[human-sweater-vest]

hi welcome back to me once again screaming about our flag means death and its use of gnossienne no. 5. heads up for spoilers for the first three episodes of season two and each episode the theme pops up in going forward.

cool cool cool. so it's been established that gnossienne no. 5 is the love theme for ed and stede as it was used during many of the pivotal moments of their relationship in season one. I'll do a brief recap but for a post breaking that down more see this bad boy.

the main thing with my previous analysis is that the instruments and tone changed each time the song came in, sometimes being loud and brash, other times being a whisper in the back of a quiet realization. therefore, I was so incredibly excited to see if/when/how it made its reappearance in season two. below is a compilation I'll update with each episode .

episode one and two don't have any use of it as far as I caught on my first watch through. please let me know if you catch it!

episode three:

5:40 - when stede boards the revenge for the first time after ed destroys it. he's looking for his love and it makes sense that this would be our first instance of the song in the season so far. however, the slow and almost hesitant piano of the song is cut off by the sheer destruction of the ship. we know how much the revenge means to stede, it was his lifeline and his home and the place he and ed found their love for each other. naturally it being destroyed would halt the music. it's also fun that we make it all the way to episode three without it appearing because that's when ed makes his first appearance in season one. good symmetry. good soup.

12:35 - when stede enters the captain's quarters alone to clean up the daggers the song comes in and we hear the iconic melody instead of just the notes leading up to it. he's fully allowing himself to stew in the mess the man he loves has made and how he's a direct cause of it. the main part starts as the camera shifts to a dagger right before stede pulls it out, perhaps indicating that their love has wounded them. he knows that ed is gone but the crew hasn't revealed where or why. the music then ends on a sour note and cuts out as izzy starts to speak, breaking the spell as he's confronted with the reality of one of the people who has been both complicit and victimized by ed's breakdown.

16:06 - as stede admits to zheng yi sao that he feels like he's the cause of ed's destructive streak and that he let him down, the theme once again comes in, this time softer than the previous two appearances in the episode. notably it's also piano, keeping in line the same tonal theme of simplicity and hesitance. it once again runs its course until an interruption happens with auntie bursting in to announce that she found "the jackpot" aka a dying ed stored in the secret room.

episode four:

00:00 - right at the start as ed is coming back to life. it ends abruptly as ed hits stede in the face, showing us that things aren't going to be all lovey dovey.

26:05 - it starts as ed says "buttons, people don't change" (before buttons turns into a seagull, proving this to be false). this is a really important one for several reasons. the first of which being that stede has once again left him alone in the woods, but this time he comes back for ed. ed is confronted with change, assured by it, things can be better. the second and infinitely more exciting to me, is the fact that this version is played on the harpsichord. where did we hear the harpsichord version last? the bathtub scene of season one, when ed decides to change for the first time. when he trusts stede to change with him.

episode five:

26:03- "you wear fine things well" part two. y'all. Y'ALL. it's the same exact version as the first time this scene happened. the critical difference is that they're experiencing it as reality and not a lovestruck delusion. they're flawed and fucked up and the moon isn't as full but the song is still the same. they're still in love.

episode eight:

12:10 - "I feel it in my soul, a love like ours can't disappear in an instant" Y'ALL I FUCKING CALLED IT I KNEW WE'D GET A BIGGER ORCHESTRATION OF THE SONG. we have strings as well as the piano and the theme is joyful and beautiful and reflecting that ed finally admits to himself that he loves stede. this is it. I'm buying dinner and going feral as my original tags promised. y'all this season was a doozy and you can best believe that if we get a season three I will be losing my noodle on how they decide to orchestrate the final usage of this song.

[keeksybee]

Rick and Spanish:

I’ve always wondered why he never speaks Spanish, Sanchez is obviously a Spanish name and while I get not using it with the kids or Beth because he actually cares about them understanding him, it’s totally in his character to use it with other Ricks or to piss Jerry off knowing it would drive him crazy to be talked about and have no idea what he was saying.

My main premise to this is I honestly don’t believe Rick is a no sabo kid (nothing wrong with being one BTW) I’ve done the math and if we assume Beth is 34 at the beginning of the series in 2013 (Summer must have been born 1996 when Beth was 17 and Morty would’ve come 3 years later in ‘99) that makes her birth year 1979 and presuming Rick had a slightly more planetary mindset when she was born that makes him 23-26 as was average for having kids back then, making his birth year 1953-1956.

Historically I get Beth not being taught Spanish to avoid discrimination, maybe it wouldn’t have been as bad when she was growing up but If Rick’s parents immigrated during WW2 , just before or after Rick was born or when Rick was a very young child that makes him a first gen immigrants child and while northern states were better, they weren’t great either, he would have very much been subjected to some pretty intense racism that he wouldn’t have wanted for his daughter no matter how much it hurt him to not know part of her own culture.

However I also believe Rick’s defiance streak is probably genetic and like hell he would give up his first language just to assimilate like many children of that generation may have been forced to, it was a thing in immigrant homes in America, particularly South American ones ( I’m not sure where the name Sanchez would be from specifically) where the children were banned from speaking their own languages. He however, was Rick Sanchez and would steadfastly refuse to be ashamed of himself or where he came from. It would have been a massive scandal when he married Dianne in their small town, she was most likely pretty, popular and white, he would have been heavily targeted as the schools wouldn’t have been non segregated for very long by the time he was in high school. Marrying Dianne was probably a very satisfying “Fuck you” to people who’d tormented him.

Which leads to the question why do we never hear him use Spanish. Six seasons and 40 years of heavy drinking and drug use and we never hear him slip once, and it’s not like he doesn’t screw up in other areas, language would be a simpler one. He never switches, never even swears in it, but there has to be something that triggers it.

I always imagined it would be Morty getting mortally wounded in a way that he can’t seemingly fix with what’s available to him. His June-bug is bleeding out in front of him and he can’t do shit, another person he couldn’t save. He breaks down, clutching the limp body his grandson, begging a god he doesn’t believe for the first time since his teens in a desperate mix of Spanish and English to do something, and illogically, when he thinks Morty has died, giving him what he remembers of his last rights knowing that if there’s a God the fact it’s him administering his rights is probably not doing any favours for his Grandson’s eternal soul, but then Morty miraculously coughs up blood.

He coughs up blood, not good but it means he’s alive, he can think now, he can do something, so he does.

Morty survives. Barely. He erases the memory, even he considers it too traumatic for Morty to recall, but he has to live with it, it haunts him, it haunts him in a way he hasn’t felt since his Dianne and Beth were killed in his dimension. That’s when he starts speaking to Morty in Spanish, the occasional “mijo” here, the rarer story about his upbringing there and openly conversing in Spanish with other Ricks in Morty’s presence.

Morty learns almost fluent Spanish in four months just to try and spite him. That’s his June-bug, guess Beth did pass down that competitive spirit, and some of his smarts too. It’s nice talking regularly in his mother tongue again even if he’d never tell Morty that, and it’s adorable when his grandson can’t pronounce something properly, messes up the tense of a word or stumbles in Spanish when he’s pissed off, it reminds him of a little kid. He gently corrects the tense errors under his guise of grumpy, codgery old man, Morty doesn’t even know how much better he gets.

Jerry’s pissed that he now doesn’t understand his father in law or his son, but that’s okay, it’s Jerry.

[bigbuxbolds]

2024 MLB AL East Seasons (All Star Break)

(Link to the main post with some further explanation, other divisions, and summary)

Here are the charts for the AL East Division teams showing their wins and losses, notable streaks, and longest streak so far this 2024 season.

Let's get to it under the cut!

The current first place of this division is the Orioles, who are 20 games above .500 now. They have 7 notable streaks with 5 of them being winning streaks. Their longest streak was a 6 game winning streak in June. Their high point of the season was when they hit 24 games above .500 four times, the last time being on July 7th.

The Orioles have been having a good season overall. They've been steadily climbing up in wins, which is why they've taken the current lead from the Yankees in recent weeks. However, even though they have the lead, these recent weeks haven't been all sunshine and rainbows for them. They've had their two notable losing streaks in that time, which has limited how far ahead they are in the standings. Luckily, they snapped their latest losing streak before the All Star break started, so they can begin building up wins again once games resume.

Coming in at current second is the Yankees who are 18 games above .500. They have a whole 9 notable streaks and 7 notable winning streaks. Their longest streak was the 8 game winning streak they had back in the end of May and beginning of June. They reached their high point of the season twice when they got to be 28 games above .500 in mid-June.

They had a great start to their season, including winning their first 5 games in a row. With only April being a relatively steady time for them, they skyrocketed upwards with winning streak after winning streak. However, all good things must come to an end, and after their second time reaching their season high point, it's been mostly downhill for the Yankees. This is also when they got their first notable losing streaks. A few wins before the break has broken up their steady downturn, but they still went into the All Star break with a loss.

Next is the Red Sox, who are at their season high point of 11 games above .500. They have 7 notable winning streaks, 5 of them winning. Their longest streaks are the three 5 game winning streaks they had, one to start the season and the other two coming within a month of the break.

The Red Sox had been mostly average for most of this season. They would get some good wins, then dip back down to the .500 line, get more wins, dip back down, maybe even dip below, get wins, and repeat. However, their second longest winning streak in mid-June jumpstarted the team, and now they're well on the heels of the Yankees. Can they catch up even further after the break?

And in fourth place now is the Rays with a win average of exactly .500. They only have 4 notable winning streaks, with half of them being winning. Their longest streak was the 6 game losing streak that came on the tailend of their current last notable winning streak back in late May. That was also right after they hit their season high point of 3 games above .500.

The Rays season so far as been a slightly worse mirror of the Red Sox's. They too hovered around the .500 mark, but their highs didn't reach the highs of the Red Sox, and their lows dipped a bit lower than theirs as well. Their losing streaks began a worrying pace lower and lower, but fortunately they managed to get back to the .500 line before the break started.

And our last place for this divison is the Blue Jays, the only team in this division who is under .500, 8 games under to be exact. They have the same amount of notable streaks as the Rays, though their longest streak was a 7 game losing streak in June. Their high point is also the same as the Rays at 3 games above .500, though the Blue Jays managed to reach it twice.

The start of the Blue Jays season was also about as average as the start to the Red Sox and Rays' seasons. However, they went under .500 on April 30th, and they have yet to reach it since. They got close several times in early June, but their longest losing streak has seemed to seal their fate, with only a few wins keeping them above their season low point of 10 games under .500.

[jadekitty777]

Exhibition

Fair Game Week is here and-!!! I AM NOT READY. 

I have maybe four completed piece out of 7, but well, we’ll see if I can manage to pull a miracle outta my butt by the end of this xD

For now, enjoy?

Prompt for Day 1: Cultural Differences

Rating: T 

Word Count: 2.7K

Summary: Clover was extremely self-conscious about his ears. So why did he have so many pairs of earrings anyways? [Takes place directly after Chapter 6 of Hunting Season]

Ao3 Link: Exhibition

~

With a small hiss, Clover clipped the last earring in place, the magnetic pieces snapping together with a sharp pinch. After a few seconds, the sting lessened to just a constant pressure and he stood back, getting a good gander at his work.

Seven in each ear, a mixture of some of his best silver and green pairs. The first, right at the tip, was a matching set to his emblem, thumb-sized four-leaf clovers with light-and-dark green streaked malachite stones for the leaflets. The next set just a half inch below were some simple silver horseshoes. 

Another inch or so was the start of the biggest piece - the same chain wrap that he’d used to make Qrow stumble a few weeks ago. The primary earring was a silver star with an emerald center. From its furthest point the chain began, tiny, silver stars interspaced in the links, leading to the end piece, which was a simple, spiky comet trail, with a random constellation of emerald gems embedded in the piece.

Dangling in between the shooting star, right in the center of the chain, was the fifth piece: little, silver crescent moons. 

To complete the look was another pair placed only a half-inch apart - a silver feather and a peridot-eyed Kingfisher. 

He tilted his head to the left, then the right, making sure everything was perfectly symmetrical. Then he reached up, tugging his ears until they were high above his head, before letting go.

The chains rattled heavily as they dropped immediately, ears angling downward demurely. 

Clover nodded. He was ready.

~

Marrow was the only one in the break room. His tail was low; short, fast wags belaying his anxiety. 

Or, Clover considered bemusedly as he watched the other man toss three sugar packs in a steaming cup, he needs to lay off the coffee.

“Good evening.” He announced as he crossed the room, dropping onto the couch. 

“Oh, heya boss.” Marrow greeted jovially, turning to him. Tried and failed not to look at his ears. “...Ready for tonight I’m guessing?”

He heaved a sigh in return. “As I’ll ever be.”

A pause. “You could ask the General to excuse you?”

“Marrow.” Clover said very firmly, locking eyes with his recruit, “When your commander says he needs you, then he needs you. No questions asked. Got it?”

“Yeah but-! Ugh… yeah okay don’t give me the scary dad eyes.”

He fought down a chuckle. “Good.” He understood and appreciated his comrade’s concern, truly, but one night of handling the Atlas’ Elite's contemptuous intolerance in exchange for keeping his semblance in play during the discussion was a price he was willing to pay. He owed James that much. 

(He didn’t, even for a moment, let himself consider that James was perhaps using Winter, Penny and himself as talking adornments to distract the council like rooks on a chessboard).

“All I need from you and the rest of the Ops tonight is to standby while we hash out the details.” He concluded.

“Yes sir.” Marrow conceded quietly, taking a sip of his drink. His nose wrinkled immediately, but he kept drinking it as if it were too much of a crime to throw out a single lien’s worth of cheap coffee.

Taking pity on him, Clover added, “Besides, I didn’t put on my finest jewels for a bunch of ugly codgers. I did it to test a myth.”

“A myth?”

“You know,” He led in with a pleased grin, “The one about whether crows actually like shiny things or not.”

Marrow groaned. “Oh Gods, I dunno who's worse, you or the kids.”

He cackled freely, unable to help it. Sometimes the rookie made it too easy. 

But just as quickly as it was there, it was gone, noticing the way Marrow tried to hide his frown behind his cup. 

“Go too far?” Clover guessed.

“What? No, no it’s not that! It’s just…” He half turned one way, then the other, as if he expected the shadows to jump out at him. “Permission to speak freely? Like, really freely?”

Okay, this wasn’t going any way he expected. But he’d known the other long enough to know he always meant well, even if he wasn’t the best at expressing it properly. So Clover stuck with a reassuring tone as he encouraged, “You always have that right.”

“It’s just - well.” His tail had started to wag, fast, agitated strokes. “I know I don’t understand this lovey-dovey stuff but, this thing with you and Qrow… are you sure he’s not…” Marrow winced, the word coming out like a croak, “Fetishing you?”

Clover blinked, leaning back.

Well.

It’s not like he hadn’t considered it himself, when he’d first met Qrow. He knew enough people like the renowned huntsman - successful, famous, idolized. Types that would use their clot to get things they wanted. How easy it was to stroke a fetish like bedding an ‘exotic Faunus’ and walk away, hands clean. 

But, even if he did have any misgivings, after last night…

“For me? This? Us? It’s the real deal.”

There was nothing left to doubt.

Selfish men didn’t make declarations like that.

“I know he’s…” Clover started, trying to find the right word, “Tactless, sometimes. But when you really get to know him, he’s sincere and speaks from the heart. I know I can trust him.”

Marrow eyed him a few moments more, before nodding. “If you’re sure, then I won’t doubt you. I just want it to work out for you, you know? You deserve that.”

He smiled warmly. It was nice, having someone in his court. “Thanks Marrow.” 

“Anytime sir.”

~

If there was anything to make Clover’s night, it was the moment Qrow caught sight of him.

The lobby area of the academy had a ceiling that was quite tall, and sounds echoed freely. So, they all heard the Vale team arriving from the elevator - the kids, particularly Nora and Yang, were loud. So there they all were, streaming out from the alcove into the main room, heading to the entrance that had been set as their designated meeting spot.

In the rear, as usual, was Qrow, already drifting sideways from the group, creating an unconscious distance. His head was turned, listening to something Oscar was going on about, when Ruby’s squeal of “Penny!” and subsequent burst of rose petals as she immediately closed the distance to crash into the android in a hug had him looking up.

Dusky red eyes met his, went wide as saucers - and then he stumbled nose first into one of the support pillars.

Clover covered his mouth to strife his laughter, while Marrow’s quiet, “Oh my gods.” from his left had him almost crying with glee. 

“Seeing stars there, Uncle Qrow?” He faintly heard Yang roasting.

“Shut it Firecracker,” Qrow hissed back, rubbing his nose as they made their way over.

Alright, don’t bring attention to it. Be professional. Clover cleared his throat as everyone grouped up. “Nice to see everyone tonight. General Ironwood and Specialist Schnee are still on their way down, but the limos are out front and waiting. We’ll debrief on what to expect on the way over, but for now, you can feel free to get comfortable.”

Predictably, this brought about a varying degree of excitement. 

“A real limo?!” Ruby wiggled. “Oh do you think they have snacks Yang?”

“We are literally going to a party with food.” Her sister deadpanned.

Weiss sighed, pushing her leader towards the doors. “It’s not that incredible, believe me.”

“The limo or the hor d'oeuvres?” And that was Blake, almost dismissively bored.

“Both.”

As the others started to follow, Oscar paused for just a moment. “Are you coming Qrow?”

“Uh, I’ll catch up. You guys have fun.”

“I think the real one having fun’ll be-”

“Nora.” Ren stressed.

“What?! We were all thinking it.”

“No.” Jaune placed his hands together, probably praying for a mind erasure. “No I was not.”

The rest of the young hunters’ conversations melded and trickled off as they piled out the doors. Clover nodded to his own team. “You guys can go as well. I’ll wait.”

“Mhm, sure. Enjoy that Captain.” Harriet replied, her teasing painfully transparent. 

Elm, thank her soul, steered the shorter girl towards the exit before her fast mouth could get her into trouble. “Come on Hare, let ‘em be.”

If any one of them said more, it was all lost behind the closing of the doors.

And then Qrow was on him, whirling around and crossing the distance faster then he could blink. “You’re killing me here Clubs.”

The laughter Clover was trying to contain burst out of him, joyful and loud. He tilted into the other’s touch as Qrow cupped his face in his hands, one index finger sweeping under the kingfisher and feather in his left ear. “Guess you like ‘em then huh?”

“Don’t be a little shit.” Qrow jabbed with no malice. “Seriously though, now I gotta think of how to one-up this.”

He placed his hands on the slim man’s waist, dragging him forward. “What are you gonna do? Come to the next debrief with no pants this time?”

“Tch, doesn’t work if you’ve already seen that.”

“They didn’t come all the way off.” He rolled his thumbs against protruding hipbones, practically purring, “I’ve bet you got some killer legs.”

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Qrow’s voice had dropped an octave, before he tipped his chin up, lips meeting his.

Clover shut his eyes, humming pleasantly as he pressed into it. Shivered as long fingers danced along the length of one of his ears, lightly flicking the pointed tip right above where the clover piece was.

Immediately, he felt the frown against his mouth as Qrow met a resistance that wasn’t supposed to be there. He pulled back, eyes suspicious. “These are heavy.”

“Yeah.” Clover replied, trying not to make it seem like a big deal, even as shame curled in his gut. “There’s gravity dust in the magnets. Keeps them… in place.”

A lot of other Faunus who had ears higher up on their heads, like Blake, had more practical uses for the gimmick, as with enough weight one could pin their ears down against their skull and have them disappear in their hairline. Clover just used it to mislead people. 

“Clover…”

He covered Qrow’s hand, the one still against his cheek, with one of his own, murmuring guiltily, “Tonight has to go well.”

At a bit of a loss, Qrow’s eyes flicked about, between his face and the ears that told him nothing, and finally conceded with a grumbled, “James better appreciate the fuck outta you.”

Clover laughed so hard he was weezing, tension rushing out of him. “He does, you jerk.” He peppered the insult with a kiss. “But he’s not the reason I’m wearing them. It just makes things easier, is all. Most times, I’m not doing it for anyone but myself anyways.”

“Because you don’t like them?”

“More like I don’t like the attention. Or giving people more of an excuse than they already have.” It wasn’t like it took much. 

Shortly after Beacon’s fall, when it became clear the White Fang was involved, Faunus Opinion was at an all time low. It became so bad, that for a while he couldn’t go one day without something headlining the evening news. More and more places had started to refuse service to Faunus. Faunus-friendly or owned establishments were coming under attack through vandalizing, stealing, and arsoning. Dissenting lobbyists began to rally, trying to use the public’s fear to push their agenda through. Layoffs and unemployment for Faunus climbed to an all time high. A child beaten into a coma by his schoolmates just for having bull horns like Adam Taurus.

Between that and the buckling secret of Salem, Clover had barely been able to keep himself on sure footing. 

But, the one thing he never forgot - regardless of Robyn or Nick’s opinion - was the importance of his position. As a leader and a Faunus in power, he had a duty to his team, the citizens and his people to carry on with his head held high and his demeanor in check. To be firm in his words but gentle in his delivery. To react cordially to dissenters and not retaliatory. To appear polished and pretty but non-threatening.

He knew if he had even a half-second of weakness, just a moment where he toed too out of line in the public eye, then the news casters would drag his name through the mud so fast, the many medals he had in his name would get lost in the sludge.

So the events he did attend - if they allowed him to at all - he played his part. And he knew not to get comfortable, because with tensions rising once more after Tyrian’s slaughter, things might just be about to get a whole lot worse.

“You shouldn’t have to.” Qrow growled. “To-to do all this just… for every other fucking person.” Yet, to Clover’s surprise, instead of continuing on his rant as he’d seen him so many times before for other topics, he looked away, mumbling, “Not that I should be running my mouth when I’m not a part of it.” 

Like last night, he felt his heart warm. This man was too endearing for his own good. “Hey, just because you don’t understand it all, doesn’t mean I don’t want to hear what you think.” He tilted Qrow’s chin up. “Honestly, the fact you support me means the world to me.”

An ever-so slight rosy touch came to Qrow’s cheeks that was just too adorable not to kiss. So Clover did.

He may have continued further, if not for the tell-tale ding of an arriving elevator and the familiar click-clack of Winter’s heels and the step-clank of James’ footsteps that had him pulling away.

Likewise, Qrow stepped a respectable distance back as well. It was one thing to have family or teammates teasing them - it was another situation altogether if their boss - temporary or otherwise - caught them. The one selfish thing Clover was keeping were his missions with Qrow.

“Oh, one last thing to keep in mind?” He said as they waited.

“Hm?”

He gave him a wink. “I dolled myself up with you on my mind first, Stardust.”

Luckily, Qrow had no time for a rebuttal beyond a flabbergasted grunt.

~

In a matter of hours, everything had gone wrong.

A dead man had turned the heat off.

The wall had further collapsed.

Grimm were all over Mantle.

Salem’s attack on Atlas had officially begun. 

“This is Harriet with Ace Manta, checking in.” Harriet said into the airship’s radio. “We’re on route to downtown.”

“Copy that Ace Manta. Your way is clear.” Air control reported. “Teryxs have been spotted in airspace. Remain vigilant.”

Clover stepped between the pilot and co-pilot chairs, speaking up so he could be heard clearly. “This is Captain Clover. What is the status of the rest of the fleet?”

His left ear, free of weight, perked up as the response came, “All ships have already dispersed and deployed their soldiers to provide ground cover in critical areas. Most are now moving onto evacuation efforts, sir.”

“Good. Keep a squadron of fighter aircraft in action on the lower district and tell them to fire in the sky at will. We need to keep that line and hold it.” He replied as he unclipped the earrings on his right ear. 

“Understood. May the Brothers be with you all.” Was the final blessing before the transmission cut off.

The last of the earrings, the Kingfisher, was pulled off, and his right ear joined his left in position, angled up and slightly forward. Alert. Confidant. “Alright Harriet, bring us in.” He turned to the rest of the group, nodding to the benches. “Take a seat. This ride might get rough. For the rest of us who don’t have one, Weiss and Elm, keep us steady.”

Unsurprisingly, the chairs were freely offered to the younger members first.

As everyone got settled, Qrow sidled up to him, looking stern and serious.

Despite the situation, Clover couldn’t help but give one ear a flap to catch his attention. All those weeks ago, he started doing it just to tease him; now it felt more like a greeting.

It also did the job of bringing some light to Qrow’s face, no matter how small. “Heh. Liked the gussying up Clubs, but I think I prefer ‘em like this.”

He knew he didn’t mean the jewelry. 

“Lucky me.” He drawled with a grin of his own.

He pocketed his earrings away and though they felt as heavy as the looming atmosphere of battle, Clover had never felt more ready to hold it all up.

[lizardsfromspace]

Unfortunately Fearsome #2 will come out tomorrow night at this time instead of tonight due to unforeseen circumstances (I had a headache and took a nap which fixed my headache but meant I ran out of time 2day)

This one will be much more rewritten compared to #1, which really only had a few new scenes, some minor changes here and there (namely delaying some character intros until #2), and I deleted the prologue, which I thought was a fun subversion of the "horror story starts with a doomed character" cliche, but which I cut because, well, it was still a horror story starting with a minor character we never see again. It also created timeline confusion bc the prologue takes place during Chapters Three, Four, and Five, but isn't obviously a in-media-res thing (once upon a time, Fearsome started with an in-media-res cut to the final scene before flashing back; I don't know why, given I hate those kinds of opening and think they're cheap). One detail in it also made it obvious a certain character was a werewolf too early

Here's the original prologue for reference

The only noises in the forest were the howls of the creature, echoing up through the dense, dark thicket of trees.

“I’ve got it,” Garrett said, his beard catching in the moonlight. “You thought you were real big, calling my trail cam pics fake, but I’ve got it.”

“Like I told you, I’ll believe it when I’ve got it in front of me,” Jack let Garrett lead the way, holding his rifle low; Garrett held his up, ready for…something.

“Right around the corner,” and Jack could barely hear Garrett over its moans and whimpers; bestial, but like not quite any beast he’d heard before, and with a strange, affecting edge to it…

There was some kind of canid in Garrett’s trap – coyote or wolf, Jack couldn’t say; as he got closer, he could see -

“Get a load of the size of this thing,” Garrett said.

It was canine, but bigger than any coyote Jack had ever seen. “Wolf?”

“No, Einstein, it’s a little old lady’s poodle.” He snorted. “They shouldn’t be comin’ this far south. They’ve gotta be the ones eating our deer.”

“That’s what wolves do, last time I checked.”

“That’s what wolves did before we killed ‘em all. As for this one -” Garrett checked his gun.

“H-hey, what d’you think you’re doing? It’s not wolf-hunting season. The state will be all over -”

“The state wouldn’t do a damn thing if that thing was tearing you apart.” He swung his rifle over, aimed, twitched his finger -

In one motion the wolf rose up on two legs -

“The hell?”

- howled, wrestled for the gun, swiped a paw through the air, claws shining in the moonlight -

- the pieces of the gun flew around Garrett -

- screamed, ran -

“Garr? GARRETT!?” Jack yelled, but he was already gone. “Oh, god, oh -” He turned back around.

The wolf was free.

And its jaws, its sharp, wet, fangs, hovered inches from his face.

He glanced around, at anything, anything but that. There were now dark shapes between the trees. Dark shapes that growled and hissed.

He cowered, burying himself in his arms. Closed his eyes, and heard twigs break under approaching paws. He dared to open his eyes. Looked up at…

Several wolves. The one in front of him stood upright, the fur on its head streaked with green. It reached out a claw...he whimpered. Tears ran down his face. Please, no, I don’t want to -

It flicked his nose and…laughed. A guttural, throaty laugh. All the wolves joined in.

He kept cowering as they vanished into the trees, the only sounds his sobs and a distant, high howling.

[profile-234]

Why House Washing is Essential for Ohio's Changing Seasons

If you live in Ohio, you’re no stranger to the ever-changing weather patterns. One day it’s sunny, and the next, it’s snowing. As the seasons transition, your home undergoes a lot of changes too. From the heat and humidity of summer to the cold and moisture of winter, these fluctuations can take a toll on your home’s exterior. That’s where house washing comes in! Keeping your home clean and well-maintained is crucial, especially in Ohio, where the weather can cause a lot of buildup and damage over time.

The Impact of Ohio's Climate on Your Home

Ohio’s weather is diverse, with all four seasons offering their unique challenges. Let’s break down what each season can do to the exterior of your home and why house washing is necessary to preserve its integrity:

Spring: As temperatures rise and the snow melts, moisture becomes more prevalent. Spring rains can leave your home vulnerable to algae and mildew growth. The humidity in the air also contributes to this growth, leading to unsightly green or black streaks on your siding. House washing during this time helps remove these stains before they become permanent or spread to other areas of your home.

Summer: Summer in Ohio is warm and sometimes very humid, which encourages mold and mildew to thrive. You might notice grime, dirt, and pollen accumulating on your house's exterior. If left untreated, this can cause discoloration and damage to your paint or siding. Plus, the sun can make it harder to get rid of these stains, as heat can cause them to bake into the surface. Regular washing helps prevent long-term damage from this buildup and keeps your home looking fresh.

Fall: Fall brings cooler temperatures, but also a whole lot of leaves. As the leaves fall from the trees, they accumulate on your roof, gutters, and siding, bringing with them dirt, grime, and sometimes even insects. These organic materials can cause staining and damage if not cleared away. Fall is a great time for house washing to ensure that all of this debris is removed before winter sets in, and your home is protected from potential issues like clogged gutters.

Winter: Winter in Ohio can be harsh, with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice. The cold can cause water from melting snow to seep into cracks in your home’s siding, which then freezes, expands, and causes further damage. Additionally, winter salt used on the roads can be transferred onto your home’s exterior, leaving stains that are difficult to remove if left untreated. Winter washing ensures that your home is protected from these seasonal threats and keeps it looking clean throughout the colder months.

The Benefits of Regular House Washing

Now that we’ve covered the seasonal challenges your home faces, let’s dive into the benefits of house washing. Regularly cleaning the exterior of your home is about more than just curb appeal—though that’s certainly an important factor! Here are some key reasons to invest in house washing:

Prevents Long-Term Damage: Regular washing helps prevent algae, mildew, and dirt from eating away at your siding or paint, which can lead to costly repairs down the road.

Improves Curb Appeal: First impressions matter! A clean home is more inviting, and maintaining your home’s exterior helps preserve its beauty over time.

Protects Your Family’s Health: Mold, mildew, and algae can pose health risks, especially if you have allergies or respiratory issues. House washing removes these contaminants, keeping your home environment healthier.

Boosts Home Value: Keeping your home clean is one of the easiest ways to maintain or increase its market value. When it’s time to sell, a well-maintained exterior can make a big difference in attracting potential buyers.

Why RKS Cleaning Service Is the Best Choice for House Washing in Brunswick, OH

If you're looking for professional house washing services in Brunswick, OH, RKS Cleaning Service is the company you can trust. With years of experience serving local homeowners, they know how to handle the challenges that Ohio’s weather presents.

RKS Cleaning Service uses the latest equipment and eco-friendly cleaning solutions to ensure your home is treated with care. Their team is skilled in soft washing techniques, which are perfect for removing dirt, grime, and algae without damaging your home’s exterior. Whether you're dealing with buildup from winter salt or algae growth from summer humidity, RKS Cleaning Service can restore your home’s beauty and keep it protected.

So, if you’re ready to give your home the care it deserves, reach out to RKS Cleaning Service today! They offer reliable, thorough, and affordable house washing services tailored to Ohio's changing seasons. Your home will thank you for it!

[unitedstatesofworld]

Max Verstappen’s Dominance: The Making of a Racing Legend

Max Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 has transformed him from a talented driver into a global phenomenon. The Dutch racing prodigy has captivated fans and left rivals scrambling to keep up with his relentless performances. Known for his fearless approach to driving, pinpoint precision, and ability to execute breathtaking overtakes, Verstappen has redefined excellence in motorsport. His unyielding determination and exceptional skill have propelled him to the forefront of the racing world, cementing his place as a true legend in the making. With every race, he continues to push boundaries, break records, and rewrite Formula 1 history. Max Verstappen’s dominance isn’t just about winning; it’s about setting a new standard that few can aspire to match. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, his impact on the sport is impossible to ignore.

Early Beginnings: A Born Racer

The Karting Days

Max Verstappen’s dominance began in the unlikeliest of places – karting tracks. Born to former Formula 1 driver Jos Verstappen, Max was practically raised in the fast lane. By age four, he was already behind the wheel of a kart. It didn’t take long for him to start collecting trophies.

Key milestones from his karting days:

At 7 years old, he won his first karting championship.

By 15, he was a world karting champion.

His transition to single-seaters in 2013 marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

Formula 3: The Breakthrough

At just 16, Max made his debut in Formula 3, leaving everyone in the dust. Though young, his aggressive style and bold moves made it clear – Verstappen wasn’t just another driver; he was destined for greatness.

The Formula 1 Journey

A Record-Breaking Start

Max Verstappen entered F1 in 2015 as the youngest driver ever, debuting with Scuderia Toro Rosso. The world quickly learned that age was just a number. In 2016, he joined Red Bull Racing and won his very first race with the team at the Spanish Grand Prix, becoming the youngest winner in F1 history.

2015: Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years, 166 days).

2016: Youngest race winner at 18 years and 227 days.

Red Bull Racing and the Rise to Glory

Max’s partnership with Red Bull Racing has been nothing short of spectacular. The team provided him with a competitive car, and Verstappen delivered with ferocity. With each passing season, his skill, maturity, and hunger for victory grew exponentially.

Unstoppable in 2023

Championship Domination

Max Verstappen’s dominance reached new heights in 2023. He not only secured his third consecutive World Championship but did so with an air of inevitability. His ability to extract every ounce of performance from the car is unparalleled.

Highlights of his 2023 season include:

Winning 15 out of 22 races.

A record-breaking streak of 10 consecutive wins.

Clinching the title with several races to spare.

What Sets Him Apart?

Fearless Overtakes: Max can spot gaps others wouldn’t dare to.

Mental Toughness: Pressure? Verstappen thrives under it.

Adaptability: Wet tracks, tricky circuits – he masters them all.

The Red Bull Advantage

It’s impossible to discuss Verstappen’s success without acknowledging Red Bull Racing’s contributions. Their partnership with Honda, coupled with Adrian Newey’s brilliant car designs, has provided Verstappen with a machine capable of competing at the highest level.

Key factors contributing to their dominance:

Exceptional aerodynamics and straight-line speed.

Strategic brilliance on race day.

A team culture that revolves around Max as their focal point.

Rivalries and Challenges

Max Verstappen’s dominance hasn’t come without its share of rivalries. Drivers like Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, and Fernando Alonso have pushed him to his limits. However, Verstappen has managed to stay ahead of the pack, proving time and again why he’s the man to beat.

The Global Impact

Max’s success isn’t just a win for him or Red Bull – it’s a win for motorsport. His performances have drawn new fans to F1, ignited debates about the greatest of all time, and inspired the next generation of racers.

Attendance at races has soared, thanks to Max’s growing fanbase.

Dutch Grand Prix tickets? Sold out within minutes!

Young drivers now see Verstappen as the benchmark for success.

Critics and Controversies

Even with his dominance, Verstappen hasn’t escaped criticism. Some question whether his aggressive style borders on reckless. Others debate whether Red Bull’s technical superiority gives him an unfair edge. But as they say, you can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs!

Conclusion

Max Verstappen’s dominance is no fluke – it’s the result of sheer talent, relentless hard work, and a team built around his strengths. With no signs of slowing down, the Dutchman is well on his way to becoming one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers in history. Whether you’re a fan or a critic, there’s no denying that Max Verstappen has taken F1 to exhilarating new heights.

[quackle]

I just got done binging all of your Total Drama fanfics and I love them all! Any plans for more?

wowie, thank you for reading them all!! i really appreciate the support and i'm glad you love them 😭💕

there's no guarantee i'll finish all of these (i abandon so many ideas pfft). but here are some details of all my current drafts:

another rajbow oneshot. not much to say about it yet other than it's a oneshot (i wanna finish at least one on rajbow day, aka april 10th. we'll see!)

short and silly oneshot with damien trying to break mk's mario kart winning streak at playa des losers (not enough damien centric fics. i must change that)

a multi-chapter fic where lauren learns how to be normal. (it'll be my character study of lauren, kinda like what i did with nichelle in 'i think, therefore i am (i think)')

study on my fav white girly emma because why oh why does she dance so much? let's dissect that actually!

jomaria fic! :D my only fic that's not gen4 lol. gonna be one of those "four things + one thing" fics. most likely anne maria centeic. (i gotta rewatch roti before really writing this one out tbh; i write better when i dissect stuff-)

i'm trying to write out a season 3 of the reboot cast (this is the most unlikely to be finished, but one can believe right?)

that's all i got! they're fun to work on, so i hope i'll at least be able to get some of these out and about :) thanks for the interest!