#but wow wasn’t expecting that 😅

[adrift-in-thyme]

Umm sure I’ll send you an ask, umm how many fics do you think you’ve made by now? (Btw I was reading some of your whump fics this morning… AND I LOVE THEM SO MUCH THE WAY YOU WRITE HOW THE CHARACTERS ACT, IS PROBABLY VERY ACCURATE TO CANON, AND YOUR WRITING STYLE IS JUST AMAZING AND I LOVE A LOT OF YOUR FICS!!!!!!!!!!!)

ALSKDJSKAKS THANK YOU SO MUCH <33

As for how many fics I’ve written so far…oh gosh idk. My official number on ao3 is 54 (that’s for all the fandoms I’ve written for so far), but that doesn’t account for the fact that my Febuwhump and Whumptober fics are big ol collections of individual ficlets OR that I’ve got fics published on here that I haven’t gotten around to posting on Ao3 yet. Sooo just accounting for my whump collections alone the number would be in the hundreds

[lmhyng]

right, of course! thank you haha uhm

sir, hello. it’s nice to finally meet you! uh, i’m mark lee. or lee minhyung whichever you prefer haha. and um, i’m your daughter’s boyfriend. i swear i have no intentions in taking her from you— i’m just a guy very much in love with your daughter and would absolutely do anything for her. so i just wanted you to know that i’d do whatever to have your blessing because it matters to me— i’ll stop rambling now, i hope you’ve having a nice day! — @lmhyng

… :) thank you, i hope you do too.

[genericpuff]

Have you seen the leaked designs for Hades 2? Someone went into the files to get better quality images of the character art and came across new characters that haven’t been revealed yet.

Supergiant asked them to take it down, but it was up for awhile and wow. Hestias wasn’t there yet but there were a lot more that looked amazing!! I won’t go into too much more detail in case you haven’t seen them, but I’m a big fan especially of the more morally grey/villain characters in mythology designs

I've spotted a few of them in the wild but I'm trying to avoid what I can because I want to go in as blind as possible when the game releases! The data-leaking though is uh... man. Seeing the designs is awesome but it's always a bummer for the studios when this happens because it can interrupt their promotional calendar, plus it can lead to stuff that isn't even ready yet getting shown off as if it's finished which can alter people's perceptions of what to expect going in. I know it's just because people are excited which is cool, but I empathize with Supergiant having to do damage control over it because the last thing they should have to worry about while trying to develop this game is preventing sensitive data from getting out and spoiling people 💀😅

[fanfictionstuff]

Ikki Niko x reader

This is an updated version of what I wrote at 4am this morning. I was going to just edit the post but it’s being a pain 🙄

My friend requested this.

I’m gonna try to be open for request if you’re interested. Just know I’ve never taken requests before other than ones for my friends so not sure how it’ll be 😅

For weeks now, your good friend has been teasing you about your crush on Ikki. “Oh come on, everyone can see it besides you, he’s completely smitten.” You had managed to keep your feelings hidden until a few weeks ago when your friend caught you staring at a shirtless photo of Ikki. You hadn’t really been staring like she claims, just looking at it, not in a weird way. As you walk down the school hallway together, your friend playfully links arms with you and starts giggling like an idiot. And of course, this is the exact moment that Ikki decides to approach you. He gives a small wave to both you and your friend before addressing you. “_____, I don’t have practice today. So, we can meet at the gate and go to my house.” You nod, while nudging your friend with your elbow. “Yeah, sounds good. See you after class.” As soon as he's out of sight, your friend squeezes your arm and grins at you mischievously. “Ooh, going to his house? Going to make a move?” Pushing her off, you sharply reply, “We've been going over to each other's houses since we were kids. It's nothing like that.” Your friend laughs and teases, “Sure, sure. But, have you had a crush on him since primary school?” You refuse to make eye contact and shove past her saying “shut up” as you quickly walk to your classroom. She raises her eyebrows. “Oh wow, I guess he’s not the only one smitten.”

Ikki stares up at his best friend, who is pinning him to the bed, in disbelief, he had been joking . You two were just casually reading manga in his bedroom when he made the comment. “This is annoyingly unrealistic.” He mumbled about a manga everyone had been swearing is exactly like high school life. You had laughed at him. “It probably is realistic, you’re just a loner that stays away from most people.” He scoffed and that’s when he said it. “Okay ____, when you see your crush, just randomly kiss him.” He had been joking. So why are you teasing him like this. His heart feels like it’s going to beat out of his chest and it hurts . Does this mean you know he is hopelessly in love with you? You don’t have to be so cruel. “Please get off me.”

As you gaze down at Ikki, his hair falls to the side and reveals his beautiful eyes. His words are like a punch in the gut, and you feel annoyed. You push yourself off of him, allowing him to sit up again. Uncertain of whether to leave or not, you watch as he casually puts down the manga he was reading and picks up another one. He hasn't asked you to go yet, so you stay put and lean against the wall once more. I can't believe I just did that. But he told me to kiss my crush. Okay, so maybe you thought he was hinting that he knew about your crush on him. This isn't fair. Your eyes narrow at the dark-haired teen as you lift your left leg and kick him, perhaps a little harder than intended. "Ow! _____, what was that for?" He grabs his side and turns to frown at you. "You told me to kiss my crush."

“Okay, I’m sorry. I wasn’t really expecting you to kiss him tomorrow. You didn’t have to tease me.”

Are you kidding me? You sit up straight, grabbing the closest manga to you. Without hesitation you bop him on the head with it. “_____, why are-mmf”

Gripping the back of his head, you pull him in for a quick, innocent kiss. When you break away, he stares at you, clearly surprised. "Don't give me that look; you're the one who told me to kiss my crush," you grumble.

In an instant, he moves and now you're the one pinned to the bed by your shoulders. His face is centimeters from yours as he whispers, "You like me?"

"So, you can hold me down, but I can't do the same to you?" You purse your lips. "I never would have guessed you would be so dominating."

He squeezes your shoulders. “You like me?” He questions again, louder.

“Love.”

“Since when?

"Do you remember when I punched that girl who was bullying you? And then you promised to marry me after we graduated high school?"

“When we were seven?”

“Yeah, so eight years.”

Ikki's eyes light up with amusement. "I've got you beat by two years. Remember, I told you I loved you the very first day we met."

You chuckle and pinch his waist playfully. "Does that even count?"

"Yes, because my feelings have never wavered." His hands move to either side of your head as he leans in, softly pressing his warm lips to yours.

[remy2fang]

A.K.I. as Yor Forger SF6 Mod.

I just realized my mod was featured on EventHubs a long while ago. They said some nice things about it. How many times have I been featured on that site now?

When I saw the trailer for the Spy x Family collab, I thought it would be neat to have A.K.I. dressed as Yor Forger. Tbh I wasn’t disappointed that it was only avatar gear. I am a modder after all and I can make what I want. The in-game assets made it convenient to do too. I thank Capcom for that haha. Plus, there are people who are happy dressing their own characters as Loid and Yor.

Of course, I have to include a version with AKI’s original hair style. She looks great in other hairdos, but her original umbrella hair is the best one—it’s the style that defines A.K.I. 💜💜

I know there are people out there that thought characters like Chun-Li (a mod already exists for her by FishBoy), Juri, or Cammy would fit better…but I like A.K.I. more lol. I’m contemplating on making another Yor Forger mod, but it’s not going to be a character that most people wished. I am a modder after all, and I can do what I want 😜😜. But I’m sure there are other modders out there that might be working on a Cammy or Juri version.

That being said, currently there are three SF6 characters that have Yor Forger mods.

1) A.K.I.

2) Chun-Li

3) F.A.N.G (!)

Yes, I did put FANG in Yor’s clothes (and also Loid’s) 💜🥰💜🥰. Wow, F.A.N.G before Juri and Cammy lol 😅😅. I am a modder after all, and…you know where I’m getting at haha. Though unsurprisingly EventHubs excluded that bit. As much as I enjoy some of the articles on that site, I have the feeling that they’re afraid to showcase such content. Like even if it’s not F.A.N.G and it’s on a more conventionally attractive male character instead, they would shy away from it. I can’t blame them. Even though the FGC is quite diverse, it’s still very hetero-cis-male dominated. It’s understandable that they’re afraid of offending their target audience, but I’m sure a number of EventHub readers are more open minded than what the site writers have expected. Or at least that’s what I believe.

Anyway, here’s the download link:

And a YouTube showcase:

Thanks for reading 💜💜

[skzoologist]

ʜᴇʟʟᴏ(●’◡’●)ﾉ I have a request kinda, Okay hear me out I just my signed album the other day and I got chans signature 🤯 ( I'm still in disbelief... Like is this real life 🥲) anyway its got me thinking how the boys would act. With how much they like bae how would they act to receive his autograph. I feel like since their all in the same group no one would really think about it until their signing autographs for the albums, and person A says that some Stays are gonna be lucky to receive bae's autograph and then person B is like actually I have it and starts to brag about it. Then the chaos would ensues 😈 and or something completely different 😅 but after they have it how would they act??

word count: ~1.3

warnings: none

genre: crack

a/n: Hey-ho dear, good to see you again! I was worried something happened with how you disappeared. But oh my god, congratulations on your album! I'm astounded, just, wow. 🤯 Can't imagine ever holding one in my hands, you're so lucky! I would probably freak out like a certain weasel in this request, haha. Either way, I hope you'll enjoy reading it! 😊

Please let me know if I left a warning or anything out, I will add it in! Reblogs, likes and feedback are greatly appreciated!

!I don't condone anyone stealing my work and posting it anywhere without my permission, or feeding it to AI!

!This is just fiction, my interpretation of Stray Kids. By no means is this how they are and how they behave in real life!

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹‧˚₊꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒷꒦︶︶︶︶︶꒦꒷‧₊˚⊹

With every release of a new album came the time for the idols to sign some of them, letting a few lucky fans get their hands on one. It had always been a fun activity for the band, having some leisure time that they could calmly spend in each others’ presence and simply chat or joke around. They would usually film it as well, or at least a part of it, eager to provide even more content to their beloved fans, showing them every single side of themselves, not just the one they showed up on the brightly lit stages.

Bae liked whenever it came to signing the albums, because with how focused most of the members became, the air around them quieted, letting the male soak in their silent presence. Don’t get him wrong, he loved them in all their loud glory, but sometimes his ears and mind needed a bit of an escape, if he wanted to retain the remains of his sanity at the very least.

The cover of one of their NOEASY albums greeted him, the black paper smooth under his slender fingers. With practised ease and carefulness, he lifted the first few pages, finding the perfect place for his signature. The black marker in his right hand rose, its mission now crystal clear. The lines formed on the hot pressed paper, touching each other at the correct places and curving into that familiar symbol he always placed into his signatures. He started implementing the little crystal star into it years ago, the fans absolutely loving it along with the other members.

Speaking of which, they had all been relatively silent as they sat in their seats, as expected. Only light chatter left their lips, a few of the answers even taking up to a minute or two to arrive. Bae merely hummed when he was dragged into the conversations, not wishing to disturb this rare moment. He even sneaked in a few glances at the others while taking a quick break, warmth dancing in his eyes as he watched them, adoration filling his entire being.

Felix once caught his gaze, breaking out in a wide smile in response and lighting up the whole room with his bright presence alone. Bae swore the room actually became brighter and it wasn’t just his eyes playing tricks on him. The quiet idol watched his little sunshine finish signing the album he’d started on and close it, the marker now left alone on the table as the male walked towards him. Not knowing what the boy’s plan was, Bae silently observed, only a small head tilt indicating his slight confusion.

It didn’t surprise him when Felix stopped behind him, tiny fingers carding through long, black strands that were dusted with a tinge of strawberry blonde at their ends. The digits were careful in their fluid movements, twisting the locks in different directions, never tangling them up or ripping even one out accidentally. The notion was so soothing that Bae couldn’t help but let out a silent sigh, eyes closed in temporary bliss.

“Aw man, the fans who get your signed albums are gonna be so lucky.” - Jisung whined out, successfully breaking Bae out of his cosy headspace and stealing his attention. “Don’t even say it, I’m jealous just by the thought itself.” - Hyunjin replied, huffing in annoyance as he glimpsed at their pouting quokka. “Yah, don’t say that, STAY will think you don’t like them!” - Chan laughed out, amused eyes now watching the scene unfold after a quick glance at the still recording camera. “We DO, but still, it’s unfair they can have Bae’s signed albums and not us!” - even Changbin hopped into this circus, making everyone roll their eyes at the ridiculousness of it all.

Felix’s giggles broke everyone’s bickering and sulking voices, garnering everyone’s attention as he just calmly continued now braiding Bae’s long hair, the strands weaving into each other and creating beautiful waves of midnight and sunset.

“You can just ask him to sign yours later, chill.” - he said, the atmosphere turning silent, as if a pane of ice had been dropped onto the ground, shattering, leaving everyone speechless in its place.

It took them a solid minute to boot back up, their system having done a quick reset. Seungmin and Jeongin just snorted meanwhile, amused by the stupidity of their hyungs. Minho wasn’t far behind, opting to silently watch it with a knowing grin.

“What do you mean?” - Jisung asked, disbelief heavily dripping from each syllable. “I mean exactly what I said? What, none of you asked Bae hyung for his signature before…?” - Felix replied, confusion clearly displayed as he tilted his head, hands stilling in the otter’s hair. “You mean, we could have asked him for it? Just like that?” - it was Changbin this time, hands firmly planted on the table, already halfway to fully standing up from his poor, knocked back chair. “...Yes? What? Don’t tell me you guys haven’t been asking him to sign all his photocards and albums?” “Felix, I am so honest when I say I love you, but I’m stealing all of them.” “What, Bin hyung NO-” “I agree. I’ll help steal them and we split them evenly.” “Sungie, you too?!?”

Bae watched the two chase Felix around, all the while Hyunjin was left freaking out in his chair, acting as if his entire soul had just left his body. Chan was shaking his head tiredly, but you could see he enjoyed it as well from the light smile dancing on his lips and the slight crease in his eyes. Minho grabbed a snack and happily munched on it, loving the show maybe a bit too much. Bae swore the man thrived on chaos, something that was both impressive and fear-inducing. The two youngest reveled in the situation the most maybe, openly laughing as Felix had been caught and held down, the quokka and dwaekki not granting him any mercy.

Not wanting to suddenly become a group of 8, the tallest member stood up with a silent sigh and a fond smile, ruffling a still dramatically unmoving weasel’s hair on his way as he walked towards the roughhousing trio.

“I’ll sign your guys’ stuff too, just let Lix go.”

The speed at which Jisung and Changbin turned towards his direction was worrying, a miracle none of them got whiplash in the first place. There was a dangerous glint in their eyes, telling of a hunger and determination that had Bae take a step back, right into someone’s chest.

“You’ll sign all my stuff first, right?” - Hyunjin’s voice brushed against his ear, toned arms circling around his waist and cutting off his only escape route.

“Hey, no fair, I want him to sign my stuff first!” “NO, MINE, I’M OLDER SO I SHOULD COME FIRST!” “DUDE, who cares, I love him more, so I come first!”

The bickering and shouting merely strengthened with each passing second, the trio at the centre of it all. Somehow amongst it all Felix and Chan joined in as well, the remaining three just watching in amusement and making sure the camera recorded every single moment from the best angle.

Amidst all that was Bae, caged in Hyunjin’s arms, forced to hear everything and be passed around like a child’s toy, everyone arguing about who loved him more. His arms hurt as they were grabbed and dragged into opposite directions, his skin flushed in embarrassment, the hue only darkening with each shouted declaration of love.

Maybe signing albums wasn’t as peaceful as he had thought before.

[skullsemi]

Hey Mi, what do you think about Kingdom Hearts? I recently got into the game and it’s story (btw it’s real hard to keep up with the story because of the lore lol), gotta say it’s a really nice contrast of going into different Disney worlds and protecting them from the darkness with a keyblade (plus Donald and Goofy joining you throughout the game is something I wasn’t expecting like. Wow). But I wanna know your opinion and thoughts in the game too.

Anyway that’s all (sorry if I got carried away 😅) have a nice day!✨

That's so cool!! I wish I got more into it since the visuals and ideas around it seem pretty interesting, but then there's The Kingdom Hearts Lore and oh boy is it something, aside from that I'm a sucker for character designs so every time I saw a glimpse of a new thing I was screaming

It's also one of the few medias to depict someone of the sensational six dying, right?

And then we have these aberrations and I love it very very much

[aughby]

Number on the Wall

Tatsunori Otsuka was many things — a volleyball star, a notorious prankster, and an all-around jokester. But if there was one thing he wasn’t, it was bold when it came to love, especially when it involved the younger sister of his team captain, Yuki Ishikawa. The very thought of Yuki finding out that he, Tatsunori, harbored a crush on Mayu was enough to make him break out in a cold sweat.

One day, after an intense practice session, Tatsunori headed to the locker room, drained and looking forward to a quick shower. As he entered the comfort room, something caught his eye—a scribbled number on the wall, with the words "For a good time, call Mayu."

Tatsunori blinked, staring at the number in disbelief. There was no way it was that Mayu. Curiosity got the better of him, and he quickly snapped a photo of the number, intending to check it out later.

Back at his apartment, Tatsunori paced nervously. What if it really was Mayu’s number? He imagined Yuki’s glare, the sharp lecture he’d get if he even thought about texting her. But the temptation was too strong. Finally, he decided to send a harmless, anonymous message. After all, what harm could a simple text do?

He typed: "Hey, I found your number on a wall. Is this really Mayu?"

Moments later, his phone buzzed. Tatsunori nearly dropped it in his haste to read the reply.

Mayu: "Who’s this? And where exactly did you find my number? 🤨"

Tatsunori hesitated, but then his playful nature took over. "Just a guy who happened to be in the right place at the right time. So, are you really Mayu, the volleyball star?"

Mayu: "Depends. Are you one of those weirdos who text random girls for fun?"

Tatsunori chuckled, enjoying the banter. "Not a weirdo, just someone who admires your game. I’ve seen you play. You’re amazing."

Mayu: "Thanks, but I’m still suspicious. How did you even get this number?"

Tatsunori was about to come clean, but the thought of Yuki’s face made him rethink. "Let’s just say fate led me to it. But don’t worry, I’m not a creep. Just a big fan."

The two continued texting over the next few days. Tatsunori found himself looking forward to their exchanges. Mayu, despite her initial skepticism, seemed to enjoy the anonymous conversations as well. She even started opening up about her challenges and funny stories from her own volleyball practices.

But the more Tatsunori texted her, the more he realized he was in deep. He had to tell her the truth before things got out of hand. The only problem was figuring out how to do it without facing the wrath of Yuki.

One evening, Tatsunori sent a message: "So, what would you say if I told you I might know you… in person?"

Mayu: "I’d say you better not be who I think you are. My brother is super protective."

Tatsunori’s heart skipped a beat. "What if it’s someone who thinks you’re really cool and doesn’t want to mess things up?"

There was a pause before her reply. "I’d say… just be honest. I might not bite. 😏"

Tatsunori took a deep breath, deciding it was now or never. "Alright, it’s me… Tatsunori Otsuka. Please don’t tell Yuki!"

There was a long silence, and Tatsunori began to sweat. He imagined Yuki bursting through his door, ready to strangle him. Then his phone buzzed.

Mayu: "Wow, Otsuka. I didn’t expect that. But honestly… I kind of knew. 😅"

Tatsunori blinked. "Wait, you knew?!"

Mayu: "Yeah, I recognized your way of talking after the first few texts. Plus, my number isn’t actually on any wall. My brother probably put it there to see who’d fall for it. 😜"

Tatsunori groaned, slapping a hand to his forehead. "Are you serious?!"

Mayu: "Yup! But don’t worry, I won’t tell him. I think it’s cute that you were so scared of him. But maybe next time, just ask me out in person, okay?"

Tatsunori grinned, relief flooding him. "Deal. How about we grab a coffee tomorrow? Your brother doesn’t have to know… unless you want to tease him."

Mayu: "I’d love that. And maybe we’ll keep this little secret just between us. 😉"

Tatsunori couldn’t believe his luck. What started as a random, anonymous text had turned into something much more. He knew he’d have to face Yuki eventually, but for now, he was content with his new connection to Mayu—and the fact that he had survived the whole ordeal without getting crushed.

But his relief was short-lived.

The next day at practice, Tatsunori was texting Mayu under the bleachers, completely absorbed in their conversation. He didn’t notice when someone approached from behind until a voice, cold and stern, broke through his focus.

“So, what’s so interesting, Otsuka?”

Tatsunori’s heart stopped. He turned slowly, finding himself face-to-face with Yuki Ishikawa, who was glaring down at him with arms crossed. Tatsunori’s mind raced as he tried to shove his phone into his pocket, but it was too late.

Yuki’s eyes narrowed as he snatched the phone from Tatsunori’s hands. “Let’s see what’s got you so distracted…”

“Wait, Yuki, I can explain—”

But Yuki was already scrolling through the messages. His face remained unreadable as he read the exchange between Tatsunori and his sister. When he finished, he handed the phone back to Tatsunori without a word.

Tatsunori braced himself for the worst. “Yuki, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to—”

“Why didn’t you just tell me, Otsuka?” Yuki interrupted, his voice surprisingly calm.

Tatsunori blinked, caught off guard. “What?”

Yuki sighed, shaking his head. “I knew you had a thing for Mayu. I’ve known for a while. But sneaking around like this? You’re just making it harder on yourself.”

Tatsunori was speechless. He hadn’t expected Yuki to be so… understanding. “So, you’re not going to kill me?”

Yuki smirked, finally breaking into a grin. “Not today. But if you hurt her, you’ll wish I had.”

Tatsunori nodded vigorously. “I swear, I’ll be good to her.”

Yuki clapped him on the back, a bit too hard, but with a brotherly camaraderie. “Good. Now get back to practice before I change my mind.”

As Tatsunori jogged back to the court, he felt like he had just dodged a bullet. But when his phone buzzed with a new message, he couldn’t help but smile.

Mayu: "Did Yuki catch you? 😅"

Tatsunori glanced back at Yuki, who was already back to focusing on practice, then replied:

Otsuka: "Yeah, but I’m still alive. I think that’s a good sign, right?"

Mayu: "Definitely. Let’s celebrate your survival with that coffee later. 😉"

Tatsunori chuckled, feeling lighter than he had in weeks. Not only had he managed to confess to Mayu, but he had also survived Yuki’s wrath—at least for now. And as he joined his teammates on the court, he realized that maybe, just maybe, this whole thing was worth it.

And so, Tatsunori learned that sometimes the scariest obstacles can be the ones that lead to the best rewards—and that it’s always better to be honest, especially when it comes to matters

[princesslachimolala]

The Bangtan GC 📱

3. Who’s your bias? 🤔

•••

Synopsis: you (yn 🦊) are in a members-only group chat with BTS 💜

Pairings: platonic! ot7 x gn! reader

Warnings: slight angst

A/n: reader is gn (gender neutral) so read honorific’s as they apply to you, just my interpretation of who I think would bias who in this 8th member fic world, just meant to be fun not serious at all! Enjoy!

•••

🦊: I’m bored someone entertain me

🐻: can you not just leave your room and talk to us? we’re literally right next door?

🦊: but what’s the fun in that? then we can have these texts forever till we’re old and grey🥰

🐹: speak for yourself baby petal I may be getting old but I’m aging like fine wine 🍷

🐨: no one says that about themselves Jin hyung…

🐱: Jin hyung does

🐿: want me to spam the gc with old pictures of us yn-ie? we can reminisce the trainee days…😄

🐥: don’t dare Hobi hyung!! I don’t wanna to see my old hair…

🐰: I second that…

🦊: ughhhhhh

🐰: I felt that in my soul

🐥: ooh I have a fun question

🐱: ??

🐥: it has all the ingredients to properly entertain yn-ie… suspense, intrigue, drama…

🦊: oohh what’s the question minnie??

🐥: oh wouldn’t you like to know

🐰: they just said they did hyung?!

🐻: I want to know Minnie!!!! Ask me!!!!

🐥: if we each were part of army… who would be our bias?

🐨: oh here we go…

🐹: I’d bias myself

🐰: you can’t bias yourself hyung

🐹: that wasn’t a rule kookie

🦊: cmon oppa/hyung we know you’d be a joonie bias

🐥: hmm I think Jin hyung would be a yn bias

🐱: of course he would be

🐰: Yoongi hyung would also be a yn bias… maybe I am too

🦊: don’t be so dramatic guys, we all know Yoongi is a jimin bias

🦊: and kookie you’re 100% a namjoon bias, be so for real…

🐰: why you gotta out me like that

🐿: you don’t keep it quiet koo hahahaha

🐰: Hobi hyung is such a jimin bias too

🐥: he gives Jungkook bias vibes too though

🐻: who’s biasing me?😅

🐥: who do you think Tae? Me and yn obvs…

🐨: did you just admit Tae is your favourite Jimin?

🐻: wow thanks minnie🥹

🐻: feeling the love just waiting for my little one to admit it now

🦊: hope your not talking about me

🐻: who else is my little one? Jk is literally taller than me…

🦊: I would be an ot8 guys sorry, couldn’t pick

🐿: aw yn-ie that’s such a boring answer ✋🏻

🦊: Hobi!!!😭

🐿: I mean it’s sweet but… where’s the drama??

🐰: noona/hyung, you are kinda screaming Tae bias but also Jin bias??

🦊: but I love you all😭

🐱: wow a confession

🐨: we love you too baby petal🫶🏻

🐹: yah just accept your Jin bias status baby petal

🦊: but you don’t even bias me back oppa/hyung…

🐹: I did neither confirm nor deny little one

🦊: so that’s a yes?

🐹: …

🐹: it’s not a no…

🐿: AH-HA JIN HYUNG IS AN YN BIAS

🐱: okay so yn is a Jin bias, Jin is a yn bias, Tae and Minnie are obvs each other’s bias, Kook is a Joon bias… does that mean Joon is a kook bias?

🐨: I would bias the golden maknae for sure

🐰: sobbing

🐨: can you sob over my plants they need more watering?

🦊: Yoongi oppa/hyung you kinda give Hobi bias vibes

🐱: I’ll take that

🐿: thank you hyunggggg

🐿: I’ll bias you back hyung!!!

🐥: wow we’re all being so wholesome, this is not the drama I expected?

🦊: now let’s decide bias wreckers 😈

🐱: 🤦🏻

🐻: I’m a yn bias wrecker… there I said it

🦊: omg I was gonna say the same thing Tae 🥹

🐻: that you bias wreck yourself?

🦊: no- you, silly 🙄

🐻: ah- well thank you 🙄

🦊: you’re welcome 🙄

🐻: you’re stinky 🙄

🦊: back at your bro 🙄

🐻: double back at you, second brightest light in my life 🙄

🦊: wow- heartfelt or what 🙄

🐻: what?

🦊: what?

🐻: I asked you what

🦊: but I’m confused

🐻: it couldn’t be a simpler question

🐨: are yous gonna be a while or?

🐥: I love watching my babies argue 🥹

🐰: I hate watching my noona and hyung/hyungs argue 😔

🐱: we’ve reached chaos again

🐿: I’m gonna admit I’m a jimin bias wrecker hahahah

🐥: awww hyung!!! I’m a Hobi bias wrecker fr!!!

🐰: but I want Hobi as my bias wrecker 😔

🐥: you can still have him koo, there’s plenty of sunshine to go around…

🐱: I might be a Jin bias wrecker if we had to pick…

🐹: I’m a jk bias wrecker and proud

🦊: joonie?

🐨: uh- Suga hyung I guess

🦊: you okay joonie?

🐨: all fine, yn-ie

🐻: no bc no one picked Joon bias wrecker!!

🐻: sorry hyung!! I’ll bias wreck you!!

🐰: that means yn noona/hyung isn’t bias wrecked🥹

🦊: aw it’s just a game guys

🐰: but it’s not fair 😪

🐨: hyung’s okay koo, I just got in my head

🦊: aw joonie 🥺

🐱: we’re all undercover rap monster stans anyways

🐥: BIAS THE LEADER

🐰: NAMJOON IS MY PRESIDENT

🐻: NAMJOON IS MY KING

🦊: NAMJOONING IS MY LIFESTYLE

🐿: awwww look at all your dongsaengie’s joonie 🫶🏻

🐨: thanks guys

🐥: that conversation got more sentimental that I thought wow

🐹: ig we’re all ot8 army’s anyway right

🐿: yes yes 🫶🏻🫶🏻

🐰: I bias you all fr

🐱: this is so cheesy

🐱: but fr I love you all we’re tied by the red string of fate anyway

🐨: hyung- your obsessed with this red string of fate

🐱: because it’s true

🦊: thanks for entertaining me guys I’m sleepy now, goodnight!

🐰: noona/hyung! You can’t just dip like that it’s too early! Come play games with us in the game room🥺

🐥: we’re playing Fall Guys yn-ie 😏✋🏻

🐻: and I have snacks…

🐿: I’m coming to supervise

🐹: me too

🐨: coming too!

🐱: fine I’m omw…

🦊: say no more… it’s game night!! hehehe

🐰: hurry noona/hyung, Tae just stole player one from me🥺

🦊: Tae…

🐻: kookie always gets player one but✋🏻

🦊: I’m coming to sort this out…

🐥: yay ot8 game night!!!

•••

A/n: I have no idea if this made sense or how to end this text thread but it preludes the next proper 8th member fic… it’s game night with Bangtan🫶🏻 hope you thought it was fun!

[ramblingoak]

Hi!👋 I'm also exited about your new Steampunk AU idea! I think a new way of looking at things just keeps the fandom alive. All of our fantasies, even the weirdest ones, create this unique chaos from which we can take funny and inspiring and heartbreakingly beautiful things...

And I'm sure we all here enjoy your fics! It's always such a profound and beautiful writing⚘

I recently read all the chapters of The Cardinal's Bride and I need to say that it's an amazing piece of work. Copia and Princhipessa really had a built up dynamic and real slow burn. Not everyone liked each other at first sight and it's so realistic 😅 And reader has her own personality! She is not just a someone's bride, but a person with so many sides, her own dreams and goals...Given the times in which she lived, I like it even more for her defiance of her fate. That's why I like your story so much. You've also created a unique world where everyone, even Mary Goorе, has his place!👏

And you use tropes skillfully. Sometimes we all need just such stories to warm our heart on a winter evening🤍

Thank you for this! Have a great day/good night. And stay inspired 🙏

Wow thank you so much for sending me this! I’m just…overwhelmed by your kindness 😭💙.

I really wasn’t expecting much when I posted my steampunk idea but I guess there are way more steampunk fans than I anticipated 😅. I’ve been working on an outline for a fic for him since yesterday and I feel like it’s gonna be a long one so I’m excited!

What you said about alternate universe stories are the big reason why I like them. They are another way to look at the characters, another way to enjoy them. You get to experience them in a completely different world and that is so much fun!

Again thank you so much for taking the time to write this out. I’m so happy you are enjoying The Cardinal’s Bride and my other fics. It makes all the hard moments while writing worth it 💙💙💙

[dirty-bosmer]

WIP Wednesday

Wow, wasn't expecting to do one of these today as I haven't written anything in... well, months 😅 Thank you for the tag @tallmatcha. The timing is fortuitous.

From the next chapter of my fic, The Illusionist:

He was going to kill her. She could smell it on his musk. Sour sweat overripe with the kind of fear that drove men to destroy strange things they didn't understand the shapes of. It was in his eyes too, a far away, hollow quality, all bored out and looking at her as if from across a vast sea. He was receded from himself. He’d become small, looked like a lost little boy stranded from his mother, and how could she do anything but pity him, all alone on that distant shore? 

The quiet droned around them. There was no sound in the house but that of the hot breath whistling through his nose. He loomed, but Nim felt no anger, only a vague sadness to know that they’d come full circle. That here in the home they’d built together, they stared each other down like strangers. 

“Well?” she said. There was a dull pain in the seat of her body, that dark place that held all her ugliest wounds, and the pain throbbed in the shape of Lucien’s hand, his fingers. The ghost of his touch burned cold. 

Lucien removed his hands from her fluttering stomach to grab her, to replace his knife and mark her again with the promise of its violence. But Nim was not afraid of violence anymore. Her first act of creation had been bathed in it, and wasn’t every labor a vicious thing? To be wrenched from the womb, birthed into this world without permission, to draw that first breath and herald new life with a scream— her existence had been one brutal act after another, and this was as all new beginnings were. This was a gory fight for life. 

“It’s not there.” Lucien’s voice was chalky, full of sea salt because he’d swam so fast to get away from her he'd nearly drowned. Her throat bobbed and the knife kissed deeper. The thin cut seared beneath the sharp lip of the blade. “It’s another one of your lies.” 

But all lies held their own truths, the silly boy. Mephala had loved her enough to teach her that, and Mephala should have taught Lucien better.

Tagging: @justafoxhound @atypicalacademic @chennnington @skyrim-forever @wispstalk @nuwanders @zomboidatomic @burningsilence @dumpsterhipster @dwellerinroots @nientedenada and any of my other mutuals/followers who are working on things, be it art or writing. Please tag me I want to see :D

[myangevn]

Can you describe Noah’s dick????

Sorry if this is too nsfw.

Oh wow I wasn’t expecting this question oh my oh dear even I never thought about this until now umm

He has a average d and has average size of a man in their early twenties😅 ((forgive me I’m not familiar with describing ds 🙇🏻‍♂️))

[kakiastro]

Messages from the Mermaids: intuitive Reading

Pick a Pile

Left to right 1,2,3

Take 3 deep breaths and choose what resonates with you

Hey everyone, I’m back with another intuitive reading! After getting good feedback for my first one, I decided to make my 2nd one! Let’s see what the mermaids want or have to tell you, I’m using pure intuition so the messages can be small or long but let’s just see what comes up! I will say each pile is completely different energies

*this is just for entertainment purposes so take what resonates and leave the rest💙

1

“Sweet child, you have been hiding in the depths of the sea far to long, show them, show them your power and where you come from”

-im getting strong spirit guide energy here, so maybe this is your spirit guide. Do you guys have a spiritual connection to the ocean? I’m having a vision of the ocean and you sitting on a beach with your eyes closed listening to the ocean voice. Im also getting elder energy so a grandmother or a grandmother figure. I’m getting very comfort energy here. Could be an older mermaid who looks after you

- im also getting pass life energy so you could’ve been a mermaid in a pass life which is why you probably feel such a connection to it

- this mermaid guide particularly want you to get out of hybrid mode and come to the surface(public) to show the world your gifts! You’ve been moving in silence while practicing your gifts, im hearing creative(whatever resonates) and all that hard work has paid off now it’s time to show your stuff so to speak lol yesss I love this for you guys.

-This is very specific and may only resonate with a few of you but the name Edna and the month of March came up strongly, I’m not getting any specifics here though

-Capricorn/Cancer axis energy is strong here, also 10h, and Leo energy here

I’m happy for you all😭

2

"Child of the sea, Enough!, you have given too much of yourself to those who don’t deserve it and you have lost your way. “Come home and let me remind you who are” “ your come from a royal sea bloodline, it’s time you start acting like it"

Wow guys! Ok that was something😮 Poseidon came to me heavyyyy, I physically saw his trident. Well I wasn’t expecting this but here we go, heavy energy too!

-I don’t think it’s Poseidon himself but I do feel like you have close ties to him spiritually speaking. I’m getting Ariel vibes here, the royalty bloodline really peaking my curiosity, I’m getting pass life energy so is it possible that you were/are a child of his or your are the child of a mermaid who’s close to him. I’m getting an image of a masculine merman energy, very authoritative but he cares. You know what, an image of a guard just came to me omg!! And the weapon looks like a trident😮

-I know this sounds insane but this is what I’m picking up you all!! I’m trying to dig into the energy but I’m getting blocked and my head started to slightly hurt, I keep hearing “this message will do”😦 so I’m not going to push anymore, this is something you all are going to have to pursues on your own, I suggest a pass life/psychic reading from a professional if you’re not trained or comfortable using your own psychic gifts plus this energy is heavy

- the deep ocean is very strong here, like uncharted territory, I feel condensed air so this is a mermaid cove that’s deep, very deep, I’m also seeing an underwater city 👀

- message wise, I’m getting to stop letting people take your power from you, don’t let them drain, no more people pleasing, or non confrontational, no you’re the boss of your life, if someone is coming to you sideways, stand up for yourself

- im getting Libra energy from you but you need to step into your Aries and Scorpio energy, Neptune 10h energy is coming up as well

-the mermaid gives me strong Capricorn dominate energy, add some Scorpio energy as well

Wow guys that was something, I had to take a drink of water after that reading😅, I hope you enjoyed it pile 2

3

“My child, everything you have worked for has paid off, it’s time to enjoy the riches of the earth, can’t you see all of the treasures you have collected” my sweet darling, we have been singing your song and celebrating you!” “Can’t you hear us when you’re bathing or passing by large bodies of water?” “Come celebrate with us, let the sun shine on your beautiful fin my child”

Wow I’m guys I’m kinda jealous, I want to go to a mermaid party😅 no but seriously I love this energy soo much!! I’m getting a vision of a group of mermaids swimming and dancing, holding hands while laughing like omg! After the last pile which was heavy, I’m getting lighthearted energy here!! Like it feels fun!

- i feel like this particular mermaid cove is outgoing, like these are the mermaids who aren’t afraid to show themselves to humans whereas the other groups are more private. Lmaoo I feel like these are the mermaids who likes to play games with fishermen by flirting with them then dipping back into the ocean while gossiping about them to their mermaid sisters 😭😅

- I feel like their message is self explanatory, it’s time to bask in them riches that you work hard for, if there’s a place you always wanted to travel to then go, your dream home buy it, new expensive jewelry wear it, it’s your time, it’s your tv show and movie and it’s time to collect your awards Mmmkay guys LOL

-Strong Gemini , Leo and Taurus energy, strong Venus energy as well

I Hope you enjoyed this reading

I Hope you all enjoyed this intuitive reading, let me know if it resonates

Thank you💙

[photogirl894]

"Sun and Rain: Age of the Empire"

Chapter 18

"The Doctor"

A "Bad Batch" fanfic!

Pairing: Hunter x fem OC, Echo (more best friend pairing)

A/N: Wow, this got done quicker than I expected, but I ain't complaining! 😆 Hope y'all enjoy this one!! It does kinda jump around a bit, so I do hope you guys don't have a hard time following 😅😁

Taglist: @the-sad-batch , @nimata-beroya , @intrepidmare , @cole-kenxbi , @tech-aficionado , @ladykatakuri , @d1n0-dan , @sammi9498 , @darthzero22 , @scarlettrose9901 , @tech-deck , @thebadbatchscyare , @chxpsi , @ilikemymendarkandfictional , @4pplecider , @locitapurplepink , @l-lend , @nekotaetae , @eternalwaffle , @merkitty49 , @avathebestx , @idoubleswearimawriter

《 Chapter 17

》 Chapter 19

All chapters (Part 2) (Part 1)

Explanation: Kimber and Rina must distract their target while the rest of the Koriena Force and the Bad Batch carry out the mission. Will they successfully get the intel they need or will things go awry?

Finding herself in a precarious position with the Imperial doctor right in front of her, Kimber knew she had to act fast. She couldn’t be sure how much he’d heard from either her or Rina, but she had to bank on that he’d only heard her last statement of needing to find him. How was she going to get her and Rina out of this? At least her comm was still on, so everyone would know she was with the target and how to proceed from there. Hunter wasn’t going to be too thrilled, but there was no other choice at this point. How could she get out of this without arousing suspicion? She could play dumb or pull a Kida and flirt with him. Cid did mention that such actions could work.

“I guess I’ll have to be the Alpha again,” she thought to herself.

Putting on a coy grin and channeling her Alpha personality, she replied to the doctor, with her alto-toned voice and refined accent, “There you are, doctor. My colleague and I were hoping to get a glimpse of you, but being down in that crowd…we could hardly see. We thought coming up here would give us a better view.” She gave him a once over with her eyes and then batted her eyelashes at him. “I see we made the right choice...because the view is better than ever here.” She brushed a small lock of hair behind her ear and carefully tapped her comm as she did so, switching the frequency so it would pick up not just her voice, but everyone else around her so the others could hear.

Kida and Lex both heard Kimber’s voice in their ears and exchanged knowing looks. They looked around for any sight of her until Lex spotted Kimber and Rina up on the second floor with the doctor.

“We see you, Alpha,” Kimber heard Lex’s voice whisper back on comms, using her other codename. “Standing by for your signal.”

Down in the empty lab, the Clones heard Kimber's change in voice and stopped to listen carefully, knowing that couldn't be a good sign.

"What is she doing?" Wrecker inquired aloud.

"Irys, Lex, Kida: what's going on?" asked Hunter, concern in his tone.

"Indeed…it is an excellent view," he then heard a man's voice say through the comm and his muscles tensed up. Right away, he and the others realized that Kimber was with the target.

The doctor’s eyes looked Kimber over, as well, in return, almost like he was analyzing her. She felt uncomfortable underneath his gaze, but knew she couldn’t break character right now, so she kept her eyes trained on him. Then he stepped forward and took a look at Rina as well, who simply stood with a calm expression.

“You are rather on the short side, aren’t you?” he pointed out.

Kimber noticed Rina’s jaw clench just a little at the comment, but Rina simply replied back, keeping her composure and going along with Kimber’s act, “You know what they say: good things come in small packages.”

Impressed at her response, the doctor put his hands behind his back and replied, “Indeed.” Then he looked out to the gathering of women below and asked, “Have you ladies been enjoying the party?”

Kimber and Rina quickly exchanged glances of relief. It seemed that the doctor didn't hear much of their previous conversation.

“We have, sir,” answered Rina. “Even more so now that you’re here.”

He studied Rina for a moment carefully and then glanced back down at the crowd. Without looking at them, he said, his voice falling to almost a whisper, “You seemed so eager to find me. May I inquire as to why?”

In the lab, Echo said into his comm, "Lex, get them out of there!"

Turning away so others wouldn't see her responding, Lex replied, "We can't. It'll compromise their cover."

“Why, you are the most intelligent scientist in all the Empire and we’ve heard many things about your reputation,” they heard Kimber tell the doctor. “Why wouldn’t we want to see the face behind the mysterious and illustrious mind we’ve heard about?”

The doctor remained silent for a brief moment. “Normally, flattery does nothing for me, but…it’s possible I can make an exception,” said the doctor, once again eyeing Kimber in a way that made her skin crawl. He fully faced her and took a step closer to her. “I have a whole room of females of various species vying for my attention tonight. Tell me…why should the two of you be any different?”

Seeing him getting closer to Kimber, Rina carefully shuffled nearer to her as well, should he try anything, her hand carefully inching back towards the rope dart she had Kida hide in her skirts just in case.

Once again, Kimber had to think quickly and come up with something. She had to bait him into staying with her and Rina to keep his attention. Also, since he was right there with them, this was their best chance to get into his office and get the intel they needed.

Speaking what came to her mind, she answered him, stepping closer to him, "You're right…we're not any different from everyone else. We are but two simple and plain humans in the midst of many other women of more exotic backgrounds and with looks more pleasing to the eye." Then her eyes narrowed slightly. "Though, that does make me wonder…and I return your question with this: you could have your pick of any one of these ladies here…and yet, in this moment, you are still up here in our company instead of amongst all of them. You could have walked away by now, yet you have not." Then she brought a finger up to her chin and stated inquisitively, "Why is that, I wonder."

"Come on, take the bait…," she thought in her mind as she eyed the doctor.

Once again, the way the doctor gazed at her made her feel like he was studying her carefully and precisely, like she was a specimen under a microscope. She felt almost naked and exposed, like he was staring into the very core of her being. She couldn’t tell if he was trying to figure her out or if he was contemplating on her words. Either way, she could almost feel and taste the tension in the air.

Finally, he spoke, “I came up to ensure that you ladies wouldn’t wander off and get lost...but I will admit, there are things about you two that have…drawn my attention.” The doctor took a step back and gestured out with his arm, asking, “Perhaps we could abscond for a few moments and I could give you ladies a private tour?”

“I can’t believe that worked,” both Kimber and Rina thought to themselves.

To keep up appearances, Kimber grinned at the doctor and replied, "An excellent suggestion."

"Before we begin…what do I call you ladies?"

Kimber knew there was no way this guy was getting her real name or Rina's, so she answered, "I am Sonya and this is my friend, Amita."

"Smart move," she heard Kida whisper on the comm.

After bowing his head, the doctor said back, "I'm afraid I can't give my name. Confidentiality reasons, I'm sure you understand…so you may simply call me 'Doctor'."

"This guy's good," said Lex's voice.

Back on the ship, Irys replied back, "He plays his cards close to his chest, that's for sure. No wonder no one knows anything about him."

Omega, who'd come up to watch the cameras after hearing the doctor had found Kimber and Rina, spotted the three of them on a camera walking off in another direction. She pointed to the screen and informed Irys, "It looks like they're going off with him. That'll keep him distracted for a while."

"Indeed, it will," Irys said. Then she activated communications again and stated, "Bad Batch, they've got the target occupied and they're on the move."

"Alone? You mean they're alone with him?" she heard Hunter question.

"Relax, Sarge," said Irys. "If anyone can pull off this charade on their own, it's those two. Kimber will be fine. You've got your own objective to worry about. I'll find another way to get you guys out so you don't have to backtrack through the tunnels."

"Are you certain you can lead us out without compromising our position?" she heard Tech ask.

"Don't you trust me, Tech?" Irys questioned, smirking to herself.

"Not particularly," he answered flatly.

She snickered. "Shocking. Kida, Lex, you two keep going with recon while I guide the boys. I'll have to get them outside near your location on the west side. Guard the windows, make sure they're not spotted by the guests."

Inside the mansion, Lex responded, "Copy that." Then she turned to Kida. "Karabast, I can't believe we lost the doctor! Now, Kimber and Rina are stuck with him and we can't back them up without possibly blowing the mission."

"Don't worry, Lex. It's like Irys said: if there's anyone who can pull this off on their own, it's our leader and our muscle," Kida responded with confidence. "Now, let's get to those windows and keep an eye out for the boys."

With their new goal in mind, Lex and Kida nonchalantly made their way through the crowd and kept close to the windows, watching for any sign of the Clones.

The Clones found a door on the far side of the empty basement, Tech managed to override the lock and they exited the room to find a long, dark, empty corridor ahead of them. As they received instructions from Irys and kept moving forward, Hunter felt his paranoia beginning to spike. Normally, he trusted Kimber to handle herself, but something about this mission and the scientist felt off to him and he was uneasy about Kimber being alone with the man. Especially since she was undercover and less protected without her armor. Even just hearing the doctor's voice over comm made his skin crawl…and that hardly ever happened. Something was not right at all, but he couldn't figure out what. Though, Irys had been right: he couldn't worry about that. He had his own part of the mission to focus on and, once again, he had to trust that Kimber would be all right, especially if Rina was with her. He knew Rina wouldn't let anything happen to her. Just like always, when he couldn't protect those closest to him, he had to trust that they'd be safe on their own.

They went through the corridor, up a set of stairs and into a lift. Irys told them to go to the ground floor, where they'd find themselves in a storage shed attached to the back of the mansion.

"That would be an ideal place to set the charge," Irys suggested.

"Got it," answered Hunter. "Wrecker, you got your explosive ready?"

With a hearty chuckle, Wrecker pulled a detonator from a pouch on his belt and gave it a toss in the air, catching it in his hand. "You know I do," he answered assuredly.

"Good. Place the charge and then let's get out of here," Hunter ordered.

"Hang tight for a few moments, boys. There are motion sensors in the side yard you’ll have to go through," Irys informed them. "I need to disable them."

While they waited, Echo came up to Tech and said, "Tech, pull up the building schematics."

Tech pulled out a holodevice and the hologram of the building’s schematics from Cid appeared. Echo carefully looked at the plans. He had a troubled feeling about the situation with Kimber and Rina. While he trusted them to handle things on their own, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he had to do something to try and help if he could, but how? He found the shed they were in on the hologram and then compared its location to where the target’s office was on the top floor. Luckily, the shed was directly below a window in the office.

“There’s a window to the doctor’s office directly above us,” he stated, pointing to the window on the hologram.

Hunter stepped up closer to him. “What are you thinking?” he asked.

“While the rest of you get back to the Aurora, I’m going to get up to that window and keep watch in the office in case Kimber and Rina need backup,” Echo told him.

With a nod, Hunter said back, “All right, but be careful.” Then he realized in that moment that they hadn’t picked up anything on comms from either Kimber, Rina or the scientist, which didn’t seem right. He activated his helmet comm and asked, “Irys, what’s Kimber and Rina’s status?”

“They’ve gone dark and deactivated their comms for now,” explained Irys. “I presume we won’t hear from them until they’ve acquired the intel case, but don’t worry. Omega’s got eyes on them right now while I’m still deactivating the motion-sensors. This high-level Imperial security is quite complicated. Ah, got it! Bad Batch, you’re clear, but you’ve only got thirty seconds. Lex, Kida, you’re up.”

“Let’s go,” Hunter ordered the others as he and Tech activated the doors to the shed.

As the rest of them ran off, Echo climbed up to the top of the shed spotted the top window where the scientist’s office would be and prepared the grappling hook on the end of his blaster. Luckily, there was a ledge to the window where he could perch and peek inside. With his quarry in his sights, he fired the grapple.

Back in the party, Kida and Lex had positioned themselves along the wall where the windows were and saw the Bad Batch darting from around the corner near the back. Luckily, there weren’t a terrible amount of women nearby, but just enough that they would probably have their work cut out for them in keeping the guests distracted.

Kida was up first and, as she saw the Clones moving outside, she loudly and boisterously declared, throwing out her arms and moving around to the opposite side of the group in front of her so they would face her instead of the window, “My dear ladies! Forgive my interruption, but I simply must know where you all acquired your dresses for this evening because they are all simply stunning!”

A younger Mirialan woman answered, a bit surprised by Kida’s intrusion into their conversation, “Oh, well…mine was actually made by a very talented seamstress on Florum.”

“Fascinating! Tell me more,” Kida insisted.

Then it was Lex’s turn. Seeing Kida had gotten her side taken care of, she had to be quick as the Bad Batch were moving quickly. Though, she realized everyone was there except for Echo. Where was he? She would have to inquire later as she had no time to question it. Right then, a Droid with a tray of dark drinks passed in front of her. She grabbed one and, after taking a drink, proceeded to stumble into a nearby group of women, feigning drunkenness and spilling her drink across onto two other Twi’lek women, who cried out upon feeling liquid suddenly on their fronts.

“Oh mmmy a--apologies,” she said, slurring her speech just slightly. “I am sssso sorry.”

“What are you doing? You ruined my dress!” one Twi’lek exclaimed.

“And mine, too!” the other added. When Lex offered to help fix it, the woman curtly turned away with her friend and cried, “No, you’ve done enough.”

The rest of their little group scampered away, complaining about Lex’s blunder, and she grinned to herself. That worked better than she’d hoped. She moved closer to the window, carefully tapping her comm. “Boys, are you clear?”

She heard Wrecker answer, “We’ve just cleared the front and we’re making our way to the ship.”

“Where’s Echo?” she then inquired.

“He is scaling the building up to the doctor’s office to back up Kimber and Rina,” Tech answered.

She sighed, lowered her hand and shook her head, smirking. “And he tells me not to take any unnecessary risks,” she muttered to herself.

In the upper floors of the mansion, Kimber and Rina were doing their best to humor the doctor as he took them throughout the building, showing them the rooms and things inside. Pretending to be interested was proving to be a chore, but nevertheless, they persisted, knowing it was what they needed to do.

Finally, Kimber took the initiative and asked their host, “Doctor, if I may…is there perhaps a room we could go to where we could have some time alone and continue the...discussion we were having earlier?”

“Of course,” answered the doctor. “My office is on the top floor, which incidentally is our next and final stop.”

“Wonderful,” she replied.

Rina hung back a couple feet to keep out of earshot and whispered into her comm as quietly as she could, “We’re en route to the office. Stand by for my signal for detonation.”

“Got it, Rina,” came Wrecker’s voice in reply, which gave Rina a comforting feeling in turn.

Before long, they made it to a single door in a hallway, which opened up to a dark office only lit up by the moon outside and the glow of computer screens in the room. There were multiple screens and datapads throughout the room on different tables and desks. While the doctor went over to a console on the wall and started putting in a code, Kimber caught sight of Echo perched outside the window on the opposite side of the room. Her eyes widened slightly, but he gave her a nod and then ducked back out of sight. Kimber quickly brushed up by her ear and reactivated her comm.

“I see you have a lot of research here. What field is your specialty, doctor?” she asked, keeping her cover going and also signaling the others that they were no longer radio silent.

“I dabble in a few things,” he answered coyly as he hit one more button and all of his computer screens shut down. Now, the only light in the room came from outside and it gave both Kimber and Rina an ominous feeling, especially when he turned to face them and his face was partially hidden by shadow.

Hiding her discomfort, Kimber went on, “It truly is an honor to be here in your home, sir.”

His voice dropped to a whisper as he replied, “Oh…it isn’t mine.”

“It isn’t?” Rina asked.

“No, no…I wouldn’t dare bring strangers into my own personal abode,” he answered, circling slowly around to the other side of a desk. “That would put all of my classified research at risk. I just frequent this empty estate when I come to Balmorra for business.”

“Then…what is all this about?” Kimber asked, almost forgetting her accent in the moment of caution.

The doctor stopped and smirked deviously. “You’re quite an inquisitive one, aren’t you, Sonya?”

She gulped nervously.

“You see…this gathering here is what I would call…an evaluation,” he stated, coming around the desk to where they stood, putting his back to the window. “I am in need of assistants for my experiments and I feel that female specimens are the best candidates. The two of you demonstrated traits that I am looking for.” His cunning gaze went to Rina first. “Amita, while your small stature may be a flaw, I can see that you have immense strength by your build, which is something I fully intend to utilize.”

Rina had to clench her fist behind her back. The way this guy was talking was only contributing even more to the bad feelings she’d had prior.

Then he looked to Kimber, stepping closer to her. “Then you, Sonya,” he said, his voice soft and smooth at once that it sent a chill down Kimber’s spine, his penetrative gaze preying on her vulnerability and making her feel like she was another one of his experiments. “You showed drive and initiative by actively seeking me out instead of letting me come to you. I can see you possess an eager and inquisitive mind…as well as unparalleled beauty that I have yet to see myself.” His hand came up and he lightly brushed down the curve of her cheek with the inner edge of his forefinger.

While keeping a straight face, Kimber’s stomach turned inside and she had a feeling Hunter, wherever he was hearing this, was probably on the verge of committing murder.

“These are only observations I have made in our short time here and I already think you two would be perfect candidates for what I have in mind,” said the doctor.

They needed to get out of there, Kimber thought. Every muscle in her body was screaming at her to run; to get away from this freak in front of her, but she knew she couldn't. Not until they found the intel…but for how much longer would she be able to deal with this unnerving doctor?

She decided to try and stall him as much as possible. "Sir, we are…highly flattered by your proposal. To serve one of the greatest minds in the Empire would be a great honor," she began to say while subtly waving behind her back to Rina, signaling her to start looking for what they came for while she kept him distracted.

Catching the signal, Rina let her eyes wander about the office, taking a couple steps back and acting casual, like she was just taking in the room around her. She kept her eyes sharp, looking for the case the intel was supposed to be in. Surely, it had to be there somewhere if it wasn't in the basement. Where was it? They needed out of this situation and fast. Where was it? Where was it?

Finally, she caught sight of it propped underneath one of the desks behind her. Turning back to face the other two, she used the Force behind her back and summoned the case to her hand. A second later, she felt the handle hit her hand and she grasped onto it tightly. Fortunately, the doctor didn't even seem to notice.

"I'm pleased you're both on board," the doctor commented to Kimber.

"Not as pleased as we are," Kimber replied.

"Boss Lady really knows how to keep a man's attention," Rina thought in her head. Then she turned her head away, activated her comm and whispered, "Go, big guy."

"Finally!" she heard Wrecker cry out in her ear.

A few seconds following that, there was the sound of boom outside close by and the room actually shook. Kimber and Rina stumbled back and the doctor lost his balance and grabbed onto a nearby table to keep himself up. However, just as Kimber was about to go along with it and ask what was going on, there was a thud right outside the window and she saw Echo hitting the window from the impact of the blast. She gasped aloud in fear before she could stop herself…and the doctor noticed. He whipped around and saw Echo right outside. Quicker before Kimber could stop him, he suddenly pulled a blaster out from one of the desks and fired twice. The window shattered with the first shot…and the second connected with Echo's shoulder, sending him tumbling off the ledge.

Now in a rage--and choosing to finally drop her act--Kimber whipped out her own blaster and stunned the doctor before he could turn around, making him drop to the ground. Her rage was short-lived, though, as her panic over Echo took precedence. Holstering her blaster, she and Rina dashed over to the window and looked out to see a shed right below them that was now completely on fire from the explosion and there was no sign of Echo.

“Echo!” Kimber shrieked in terror.

Hearing Kimber scream Echo’s name made Lex suddenly freeze up and halt in the midst of the crowd of ladies that were now chaotically running towards the entrance. The sounds of the women’s screams surrounding her seemed to fade away and her body went numb.

Then she heard Hunter ask urgently, “What happened?”

Rina’s voice came through, “The doctor shot at him and he fell from the window into the shed that exploded. It’s completely on fire and we can’t see him.”

“Karabast…I told him…I told him not to take any risks…,” Lex said to herself through gritted teeth.

The next thing she knew, she was sprinting in the opposite direction.

“I’m going for Echo!” she cried over the comm.

Kida heard this and stopped, getting bumped and shoved by ladies as she did so. She flipped back around and saw Lex running back towards the furthest window where they’d been previously.

“Lex!” she shouted, trying to get through the crowd.

Lex withdrew a blaster as she ran and shot the large window, shattering it. Just as the glass fell, she jumped through it out into the side yard, her feet and body moving faster than her brain could process. Only one thought ran through her mind as she dashed through the yard in the direction of the shed: get to Echo. Get to Echo.

She rounded the corner and saw the shed engulfed in flames. Thanks to the explosion, most of the walls had been blown off and she had easy access inside. Without even thinking, she ran inside, calling out for Echo. The heat of the surrounding flames as well as the smoke lashed at her eyes, causing them to water, but even through her hazy vision, she spotted him motionless on the ground and covered in fiery wood and rubble. She dropped down and carefully shoved everything off of him. She went to grab him and help him up, but his armor was now too hot from the fire and it burned her good hand. With a yelp of pain, she withdrew her hand, sucking in through her teeth as her flesh stung immensely from the burn. For a second, she wondered how she was going to get him out, but then she remembered her cybernetic arm. She didn’t feel anything on that side. Mustering as much of her strength as she could, she grasped the back of Echo’s armor with her metal hand and pulled. He was heavy and pulling with one arm was much more difficult, but she was determined. She wasn’t going to let him die. With every pull, she got him just a bit farther each time until finally, she got him out of the shed. Not wanting to risk being seen by any of the guests that were crowding outside near the front, she kept going into the nearby trees, dragging his limp body behind her. Once they were in the cover of the trees, Lex dropped down to her knees next to Echo and cradled his face in her hands, which was now covered in soot and a couple small burns, ignoring the burning of her good hand.

“Echo? Echo!” she cried, her voice trembling.

He did not move, his eyes didn’t open and there was no response.

“No, no, no, no…Echo, please!” she begged. She moved her flesh hand down to the pulse point on his neck. It was faint, but there was fortunately still a pulse, so he was alive. She tilted her head and dropped it just above his mouth. She couldn’t feel anything; he wasn’t breathing. She started worrying about what she was going to do. There was no way she could drag him with one hand back to the ship, not while his armor was still as hot as it was, and she couldn’t get that off of him in that state. She was at a loss. Just then, she heard Kida call out her name and saw she was rushing over to them.

Right then, Hunter’s voice came through in her ear, “Lex, where are you? Did you get him?”

“Yes. He’s alive, but he isn’t breathing,” Lex informed him as well as Kida as she approached, trying to hold herself together. “I barely got him out and his armor is burning hot from the fire. I don’t know what to do. We need help.”

“Hang on! I’m coming!” came Wrecker’s reply.

Kida then added, “Stay in the trees, Wrecker, so you won’t be seen. That’s where you’ll find us.”

“Got it,” he responded.

Looking down at Lex, Kida stated, “We can’t stay here long, especially since I’m sure you alerted the motion sensors in the yard. We need to move him somehow.”

“What do you suggest?” Lex asked.

She looked up at Kida and watched her contemplate ideas for a moment until Kida’s eyes drifted down to the layered skirt she had on.

“Oh…I really like this skirt…,” she whined slightly, “...but Echo’s more important.” All of a sudden, she started ripping the top layer of her skirt off. Seeing Lex’s confused expression, she explained, “We’ll wrap Echo in my skirts to protect ourselves from the hot metal so we can at least start heading to the ship and meet up with Wrecker.”

“Well, that’s not the craziest idea you’ve come up with, but it’ll do,” said Lex, taking the fabric from her. She started carefully wrapping one of Echo’s arms and around his torso, being careful of the metal. She couldn’t help but worry if his armor was burning him, too. Then Kida handed her another layer of fabric and Lex wrapped his other side.

Once that was done, Lex said as both she and Kida draped his arms over their shoulders and held his waist, “Together on three. One…two…three.”

The two of them pushed up and lifted Echo’s unconscious body off the ground. Managing his weight between them, they slowly started making their way through the trees.

“You are absolutely mad, do you know that?” Kida said as they walked. “You ran into a shed that was on fire.”

“Was I supposed to let him burn to death?” Lex asked back. “I did what I had to do.”

“Of course, you did…because you clearly care for him,” said Kida.

Lex was silent for a second and then replied, “I would’ve done the same for anyone else.”

Kida scoffed. “Lex, I saw you run as fast as a ship going at lightspeed,” she retorted.

“There was no time. I had to move fast,” said Lex, trying to avoid the subject.

Seeing Lex was going to be stubborn about the whole thing, Kida just rolled her eyes and droned, not convinced, “Right….”

A couple minutes later, they saw Wrecker’s large form charging their way. Quickly and with ease, he scooped Echo up into his arms, saying he wouldn’t get burned because he had gloves on. Once he had Echo secured, all three of them took off running for the Aurora.

“Don’t you dare die, Echo. You're not gonna die on me now,” Lex thought as she ran.

Just as they reached the ship, they spotted Kimber and Rina coming from the direction of the mansion. Kimber ran up to Lex and nearly tackled her in a hug.

“You’re okay! I’m so relieved!” Kimber gasped, hugging Lex tight. “And you saved Echo, thank the stars!”

“Forget about me, are you okay?” Lex inquired in return. “That doctor was crazy!”

Pulling back, Kimber looked back at Rina and said, “Yeah, we’re fine. We got through it and Rina got the intel.”

“Yeah and now that we’ve got it, can we please get out of here?” Rina urged them, gesturing to the ship.

Kida and Wrecker had already gotten on board with the others, so the three ladies ran up the ramp and into the ship. Once they were on, the Aurora took off and exited Balmorra’s atmosphere.

His clouded vision was slowly beginning to clear as he came back to consciousness. What had happened? One moment, he’d been discussing a proposition with two women he deemed worthy of his time, then there was suddenly an explosion, someone at his window and then everything went dark. Had he been attacked? Did the intruder he’d shot at have friends that infiltrated the mansion? How was that possible? The building had top high-level security that was nearly impossible to hack. It usually wasn’t easy for anyone to get the jump on him. Unfortunately, since it was dark outside as well as in his office, he hadn’t gotten a good look at the person that had been outside the window.

As he got up, the doctor looked back and saw that Sonya and Amita were not there. Either they’d been taken by the intruders or perhaps they’d fled with the rest of the guests. How unfortunate, he thought. Things had been going well with those two and he thought they were prime specimens for the things he had in mind. If they were outside with the rest of the guests, then he could broach the subject again, but if not…well, surely he would find others who could work just as well.

Just then, his communication table started chirping with an incoming transmission. Dusting off his front and smoothing back his hair, he pressed a button on the table and let the person on the other end appear. It was his commanding officer.

“Doctor, we have had reports of an explosion in your vicinity. What is your report?” asked the older man.

“A temporary inconvenience,” the doctor answered nonchalantly. “Unruly pests who will be dealt with, I assure you.”

“Was any of your research compromised?” inquired the man.

The doctor shook his head. “No, sir. Everything is still secure.”

“Ensure that it stays that way. I am allowing you two more days on Balmorra and then I require you to return to your project immediately.”

“Understood, Governor Tarkin. Once my business here is concluded, I will return to Tantiss without delay.”

"Good. For the sake of your benefactor, see that your pursuits continue to remain discrete…Doctor Hemlock."

[ramonag-if]

Hey there! Loved the new chapter(as usual) - got me feeling all kinds of emotions that I will not be recovering from anytime soon. 😭 I just wanted to write something cause I really love your writing and story and I’ve been following this WIP since it was posted(sorry if it’s long, I just really love these kinds of things).

While I’m not really angry with our mom, I don’t think my MC is gonna want to have anything to do with her cause seriously??? You leave your child with their emotionally closed off father who never expected to care for a child and was a part of a group that killed many of your people simply for their heritage? I understand you were trying to escape and now you’re a super important person leading a rebellion but you couldn’t even check in to see if your ex and child were still alive by like sending a spy disguised as a merchant or something? Having to be asked about Ahlf by her was painful(in like the best ways but I was also kind of offended for him). It doesn’t help that my MC has also been feeling like she won’t be accepted by the Ishari people because she wasn’t raised there and whatnot so seeing that her mom just had a whole other family with a daughter who *is* Ishari. Part of me wasn’t surprised we had a half-sibling but that didn’t stop the disappointment, feeling of betrayal and even some resentment - like wow you are a fantastic writer, thank you so much for blessing us with your art. 🥰

I have to ask though, what would our dad think about Salyra having this whole other family after everything that’s happened? While I’m not entirely sure how the two feel about each other, I can imagine he’d be upset for the MC. Like how they were just left to be taken care by him when he couldn’t be that parent they needed and how her absence and unknown status clearly affected them - not to mention the fact that Salyra thought they’d be safer in a small village of a country that was rather open about their problems with Ishari. She’s right that we don’t know what happened and how it went down but I mean did she ever really expect to see us again? Was she trying or did she just decide that there was no point?(spoilers most likely so ignore that I’m just really invested). I can’t help but wonder what our recently discovered family would think? I felt my MC’s fear when hearing about our half sibling that they would honesty prefer Rana to MC because now they would have a ‘real’ Ishari daughter of Salyra to bond with. Also, my first thought to Rana maybe developing a little crush on Irus was, “Nah, you already took my mom, you ain’t taking my Prince.” I know she’s like 10, and my MC is planning on being a good older sister but we gotta draw the line at Irus. He’s my MC’s emotional support Prince. 😅

Regardless, it isn’t looking all that great for Salyra and my MC will be keeping her at arms length unless she needs to gain favor in order to get the alliance or more help in some way(Literally would do anything for Irus, completely in love with him). I am so looking for to the drama though, you write it so well. 👀

Thank you so much for playing and I'm so happy you enjoyed the update 💖😊 And thank you so much for your continued support, it really means so much to me!

It is really a complicated thing with Salyra and you are more than free to feel upset/betrayed/hurt by the way she's gone about protecting the MC. I do enjoy complicated family dynamics, it's something that I've always tended to write about in my stories since I feel like it's not always showcased as much as romantic angst. Thank you for enjoying the angst, I do have a blast writing it 😆

You will get a chance to learn about Ahlf's feelings about Salyra - there's a lot that happened that the MC was unaware about between their parents and you'll also get to see the Vinian family react to Salyra in Part 3 😬😅

Don't worry, the Vinian family already love the MC and will accept the NC regardless of their heritage. Zikar's mother is from Vinia, so they're already quite open to other cultures.

Irus is never going to abandon the MC 😆 So rest assured, Rana's childhood crush will eventually fade away.

Salyra will help the MC regardless of their relationship because she sees it as her way if trying to make up for her absence, so feel free to be as upset and rude as you want 😋

[rpf-bat]

samy/niko and no. 9 please 🙏🏻💜

and happy pride! 🏳️‍🌈✨️

Happy Pride, Alex! 🌈 I almost didn't recognize you, with your new url and pfp :0

I feel like something....bad… must've happened while I was away? But at this point, I'm kind of afraid to ask 😅

Anyway! Here's 740 words worth of Samy pining.

9. “Fine, you can use me as a pillow.”

Samy stood in the middle of Helsinki Central Station, trying to look nonchalant. He definitely hadn’t spent twenty minutes debating which earrings he should wear today, and he certainly hadn’t splashed on more cologne than normal. Because this was not a date. He was just accompanying his bro to the tattoo parlor. 

“Hey!” called out a familiar voice, and he turned towards the sound. 

“Were you waiting long?” Niko grinned. 

“Nah,” Samy shrugged. He absolutely had not arrived half an hour early, with butterflies in his stomach. 

“Oh, here’s the train,” Niko noticed. “Perfect timing.”

He boarded the train car, and Samy quickly followed him. They sat down beside each other. 

There weren’t a lot of passengers onboard. It was only eight o’clock. 

“….Nice glasses,” Samy said awkwardly, after a moment. 

“Oh, thank you,” Niko smiled. “I normally just use my contacts, but lately I’ve been wearing these more.” 

“It, uh, it suits you,” Samy nodded. He wasn’t sure what his deal was today. Normally, he was anything but shy. 

Chill out, he warned himself. 

“So,” he asked, finally finding his words. “What are you getting done today?”

“It’s going to be a big sleeve this time, on my right arm,” Niko explained. 

“Oh, wow!” Samy’s eyes widened. “Nice. It’s about time you filled up your right side. It was looking so blank and sad compared to your left.” 

“Hey, not everyone gets new tattoos as often as you,” Niko laughed. “Do you even have any room left on your body for more?” 

“Yeah, I’ve still got some space on my legs,” Samy replied. “I was thinking of getting a little something on my knee, while you’re doing yours.” 

“What kind of design?” Niko asked curiously. 

“Not sure yet,” Samy confessed. “I think their new apprentice has a flash sheet on the wall. I’ll have to take a look at it. What about you?” 

“So, I’m going to get an astronaut,” Niko revealed. “But, he’s going to be like, swimming in the sea. And there’s going to be a space whale behind him.”

“A space whale?” Samy repeated, giggling. 

“Don’t knock it until you see it!” Niko insisted, turning red. “I swear, the sketch the artist did looks cool as fuck.” 

“Well, in that case,” Samy smiled, “I can’t wait to see it.” 

“I just wish I hadn’t scheduled the appointment, so fucking early in the morning,” Niko yawned. “I was up late as hell last night.” 

“Oh really?” Samy blinked. “Doing what?” 

“I was in the studio with the guys,” Niko explained. 

“Oh, you too, huh?” Samy raised an eyebrow. “You guys are working on what - your fifth album?”

“That’s right,” Niko nodded. 

It didn’t seem like all that long ago, that Samy (and the rest of his band) had been touring with Niko, promoting the fourth Blind Channel album. But, when he thought about it, he realized that it had already been a year. 

“..And you guys are working on your seventh album, right?” Niko asked, pulling Samy out of his reminiscing. 

“Yeah, we are,” Samy mumbled. He still wished they’d been able to find an artist in Poland, to give them matching end-of-tour tattoos. 

“Fuck,” Niko swore. “I’m worried I’m gonna fall asleep in the middle of my appointment. I could really use a nap.”

“Fine,” Samy suggested, with a sly smile. “You can use me as a pillow.” 

“…You sure?” Niko hesitated. 

“Totally!” Samy said brightly. 

He’d expected that Niko would just lean his head against his shoulder. Instead, his cheeks grew hot, when Niko laid down across his lap. 

The cheeky little shortstack fell asleep almost immediately. Dammit…The back of Niko’s neck was so warm against his thighs. 

Samy glanced around, suddenly feeling self conscious. They were in public, after all. 

But, when he looked down at Niko’s peacefully sleeping face, he simply couldn’t help himself. He ran his tattooed fingers through the shorter man’s long, brown hair. 

“….Is that your boyfriend?”

“…Huh?!” Samy snatched his hand back, when he realized the old woman sitting across from them had asked him a question. 

She stared at him, waiting for an answer. 

“…Yeah,” Samy replied. He wasn’t sure why he had chosen to lie. Maybe because it was weird as fuck to stroke an unconscious person’s hair, if you were just friends? 

“That’s nice,” the woman smiled, surprisingly open-minded. 

Fuck, Samy thought with a frown. I really wish I was telling her the truth.