#can’t wait to see the repercussions of that decision

[maebird-melody]

🌹🌻 for Velaren!

Aww thank you for asking about my sad hedge wizard! He’s got a special place in my heart.

Where in the world does your OC feel most at home? Is there any reason why? If it’s not the place they were born, where were they born? Is there a certain somebody that makes them feel at home where ever they may be? What does home mean to them?

Velaren feels most at home in the old port town where he lived for several decades leading up to our current campaign. Once upon a time he was training to be a wizard, but after his expulsion (and the year he spent in jail for magic crimes), he changed his name and moved across the continent. It’s a bit of a double-edged sword though because while he felt safest during those years where he worked as a launderer and a mender, he had to deny his natural curiosity in favor of keeping a low profile. He shelved his cantrip primer during those decades and only recently started practicing magic again in small ways.

He still associates the feel of fabric between his fingers and the smell of soap and the meditative practice of mending with home. I imagine this is also partly because he came from a family of weavers, before his parents noticed his talent for magic and sent him off to wizard school. He doesn’t want to go back to his hometown for a mix of reasons, the biggest one being that it would mean facing the shame he brought on his family due to his expulsion and imprisonment.

Before the campaign, the person who made Velaren feel at home was his mentor Qalark. Lark was an easygoing man with a roguish streak who never belittled or judged Velaren. They traveled together for awhile and Lark taught him how to do street magic and tell engaging stories and also rob people. He wasn’t the greatest role model, but young Velaren was hungry for positive validation. He was like a father figure of sorts.

Right now, the person who makes Velaren feel at home wherever he is would probably be his newest traveling companion, Estella. She’s a gnome, but this world has never seen gnomes before, so everyone just assumes she’s either a really pink halfling or else Velaren’s daughter. Helping Estella navigate the culture shock of this alien society she’s been thrust into gives Velaren a sense of purpose he’s been lacking for a long time. And she’s also the first person ever to show him any tenderness, which is a shock to his system considering his self-destructive tendencies. He’s fiercely protective of her.

Home for Velaren means safety. Right now, that is with the people who look out for each other, the people who accept you and encourage you to try new and scary things and who have your back when you fail or mess up. Home is a wagon full of animals and his traveling companions. It’s the fuzzy little creatures who comfort you after a hard day. It’s music around a campfire while you share a pot of tea.

What little things do they notice about people or the world around them that make them happy? What tiny little treasures do they find in the normal every day that makes the world seem a little brighter for them?

Velaren notices the ways people are brave. Like a child trying to buy something in a store for the first time, a person riding in a boat when they are afraid of water, a blacksmith trying to follow the schematics for something outside their skill range despite knowing it might not turn out the way they want, or even someone admitting that they need help to their friends. Seeing other people being brave reminds him that he can be brave, too.

Velaren also notices the beauty in a well-mended piece of clothing. Mended objects in general, things that were broken being told they were loved enough to receive new life, makes him smile. He also loves woodworking and whittling, so skillful carvings on buildings and objects always catches his eye. He appreciates anything made well through some craft, but he also finds joy in the haphazard, mistake-riddled, starting work of someone who is still developing their skill. Because you learn through mistakes. And the fact that it exists means someone is trying and failing and being encouraged to keep trying.

[myfictionaldreams]

~ Mafia!Stucky Mastlist⍟✪ 📚~

Hello lovely, I hope you’re having a great day. I thought it was about time I made a list dedicated to my favourite boys, so welcome to my Mafia!Stucky masterlit!I love to write in my spare time, and the fiction I create is for 18+ readers ONLY. Also, everything is character x fem!reader, and please, read the tags carefully before continuing.

Masterlists ♥ A03 ♥ Tags  ♥ Question? ♥ latest works ♥

you're mine (smut, angst, dark)

Steve loves showing off what’s his, you. What does eh do when he sees someone staring at what is his?

i need more (fluff, smut)

You’d been off all day and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Steve. He’d do anything to make you feel better so when you started begging him to help you have some release, he didn’t hold back.

ruined orgasm - kinktober (smut)

He had given you one rule: do not interrupt the meeting. So, of course you had to walk straight into the meeting that had all of America’s most noterious gangsters

steve's birthday wish (P.1) (fluff, smut, angst)

It was approaching Steve’s birthday and you had no idea what to get him. Bucky suggests just asking the Mafia boss what he would like, but would you regret your decision when you hear what Steve truly wants.

When Two Become Three (P.2) (fluff, smut)

It has been a few weeks since Steve sat back and watched your be pleasured by his best friend Bucky, and you couldn’t stop thinking about it. Especially, the part where Steve confessed his fantasy to have a threesome, but would you ever agree to it?

one more meeting (fluff, smut, angst, dark)

For all of the years that you had known Steve and Bucky, you had never seen them lose control of their anger. All of the murder and violence always being calculated, calm, and dangerous. But today, that all changed and for the first time in years, you were truly scared of the boys you loved.

repeat after me(fluff, smut, angst)

It wasn’t often that you had to attend a party with your boyfriends but today, you found yourself at one, filling you with anxiety and dread. How will the boys react when they find you close to a panic attack and starting to doubt their love for you?

how many?(fluff, smut)

Steve had finally found time to take you and Bucky on holiday. What he doesn’t tell you however is that today, he wanted to see just how many times he and Bucky could get you to orgasm.

i can’t lose you (fluff, smut, angst, dark)

Being the girlfriend of the Mafia leader and his second in command had its dangers but for years, you'd never had to experience this. Until now. How will the boys react when you're put in danger?

no touching (fluff, smut, angst)

You blatantly ignored their instructions and now you had to suffer the repercussions for your actions.

i don’t care (fluff, smut)  

'The reader having a menstrual cycle, this one just a little worse than others, and Steve and Bucky worrying and helping her through it.'

the one weakness (fluff, smut, angst) 

It wasn't often you were by yourself so when you quickly go to the coffee shop, what happens when the enemy is watching and waiting nearby.

overwhelming (fluff)

It had been your birthday a few days ago and both Steve and Bucky had made it their mission to give you the most lavish party followed by intense, long nighttime activities. However as you lay in bed on Monday morning, something just didn't feel quite right.

the fun game  (fluff, smut)

Steve and Bucky had forgotten about your date, leaving you waiting for two hours in the restaurant. How will they react when you decide to play your own little game as payback and, how far can you go before they finally snap?

harder, please  (fluff, smut, angst)

Your mind was clouded with lust and pleasure, as you begged repeatedly for more from Bucky but, what happens when you get hurt in the process?

protect and forget  (fluff, smut, angst) 

Life as the girlfriend of the Mafia boss and his second-in-command was not always smooth sailing, everything did not always go to plan. Two weeks before your birthday, a threat was made to your life. What happens when Steve and Bucky begin to push you away as they search for the threat?

All Eyes On You  (smut)  

“Do you know what we would have done if we had turned up to that restaurant and seen you all dolled up like that? We would have bent you over the table in front of everyone and shown them exactly who you belonged to". - Steve Rogers

you belong to me  (fluff, smut, angst)

These girls knew you were dating Steve and Bucky, so why is it that they thought it was ok to have their hands all over them?

dont fall asleep  (fluff, smut, angst)

It was supposed to be a normal day, but not in fate's eyes as you and Sam are hit by a drunk driver. How will Steve and Bucky react when they hear their girls been hurt?

rule number one.  (fluff, smut, angst)

It was Bucky's birthday but even a surprise party won't stop Steve and Bucky from punishing you for not looking after yourself.

Last Hope (CH. 1) (CH. 2)  (fluff, smut, angst, dark)

Before dating Steve and Bucky, your life felt like a steel cage that you couldn't escape from because of your family business. There was no happiness or hope but, what happens when the infamously heartless mafia leader, Steve Rogers, finds you alone?

our little bean  (fluff, angst)    

You stared unblinking at the Doctor who had just told you the news you couldn't quite comprehend. You were on birth control, so why is the test in his hands saying that you're pregnant?  Accidents happened but is this a happy one? (Yes it is).

the limit  (fluff, smut, angst)

Everyone has a limit, this includes Steve and Bucky. What happens in different situations where each of you felt compelled to use your safewords?

sick day (fluff)

Bucky had warned you that dancing in that rain without a coat would lead you to be ill, maybe you should have listened more to his warning.

accident’s happen (fluff, smut, angst) 

You were visiting a friend when you were accidentally hit in the face, leaving behind a cut across your cheekbone. How will Steve and Bucky react when they see their girl injured?

everyone is breakable  (fluff, smut, angst)

Steve and Bucky were invincible in your eyes. They'd never been injured or in a situation where you thought they weren't the ones in control. That is until one day Bucky doesn't return from meeting with a client.

winter soup  (fluff, smut, angst)

There was no better feeling than a bowl of hot soup when you're feeling unwell and, what's even better is when it's delivered to your door every day by your new guard. It tasted amazing and you could always trust everyone in the Mafia... right?

something new   (smut)

The mafia leader was known to be possessive and enjoy showing off his girl but what happens when he wants to do this by being intimate in front of his gang?

pegging - kinktober  (smut)

Steve had once instructed bucky how to pleasure you but what happens when you’re the one being given the instructions?

cockwarming - kinktober (smut)

You’re feeling needy and restless so Steve offers you something to suck on, much to Bucky’s amusement.

double penetration in one hole - kinktober  (smut)

You were adament to prove Steve wrong and do something you’ve never done before.

fear play - kinktober (smut, dark)

You woke up to darkness, your phone was missing and, all you could was silence echoing around the house but, you knew you weren’t alone.

role reversal - kinktober  (smut)

For once, you were the one shouting at the enemy, demanding that they leave your office. Steve and Bucky were in awe so you tried to keep up this confidence and burn off some energy with them.

Duke, Duchess and Knights  (fluff, angst)

You get so lost in the fantasy dream that when it turns into a nightmare, you're not sure what reality is when you wake up screaming.

Merry Christmas (fluff, smut)

It was a simple question: Have you been naughty or nice this year?

Safety Measures (Angst, Smut, Fluff)

It was the anniversary of Steve and Bucky saving you from your sadistic brother. Usually, it was a time of celebration for you, but this year, you couldn't help but feel paranoid and unsafe.

Drabbles

The first to give their jacket when reader is cold

Mad & Sad moments

Saying the wrong thing

TikTok trend: no kissing

Who is more protective?

safe space in your new home

Halloween Costumes

[inklore]

if it's one thing your girl is great at it's making a million different google docs full of lists full of resources, ideas, etc that will help future me when it comes to posting fics.

fic titles are literally one of the biggest lists i have and not even in a perfect world where i write ten fics a day would i ever be able to use all of these, and i don't like to see things go to waste, and i know there's people out there that struggle with titles as much as i do. so i hope this list comes in handy for someone!

i don't think i need to say this but just in case: no one owns fic titles, anyone can use these, a dozen people or one or none. these are literally just words and letters. no one owns them. sharing is caring, enjoy lovies!

★ — ONE WORD.

overboard 

runaway 

repercussions 

sledgehammer 

stargazing 

symmetry 

deathless 

honey 

retrograde 

stitches 

gravity 

helpline 

hollow 

suffer 

pushing 

warrant 

want 

wonder 

emotions 

nonchalant 

lavender 

daydream 

nosebleed 

jigsaw 

static 

float 

limbs 

hologram 

careless 

lush 

rotting 

phonograph 

hypnotic 

splinters 

magnetic 

wasted 

lithium 

dealer 

she

candles 

sabotage 

secrets

better

crescendo

deny

phenomenon

nights

guilty

move

criminal

blue

rise

thirsty

strangers

clockwork

closer

hectic

change

somebody

more

misery

like

sour

lowkey

peaches

she

nervous

sympathy

scars

disappear

melody

gemini

cruel

persona

supernatural

nectar

obsessed

casual

tryant

xo

dare

honestly

yummy

out

paradise

nuts

groin

heaven

lost

stardust

tangerine

monolith

lunch

pov

perfume

dealer

tough

arson

★ — TWO WORDS.

hush hush

night away

heart stop

stone heart

waiting for

black rose

sad kids

spine breaker

look here

autumn leaves

for you

spring day

love maze

bad decisions

take two

wild flower

blue side

rainy days

face off

slow dancing

polar night

like crazy

club heaven

deeper water

romantic devil

hold me

angel eyes

picture you

after midnight

twilight zone

drain me

sorry sorry

pretty please

how sweet

bubble gum

empty box

love therapy

play me

red velvet 

cherry bullet 

midnight guest 

cherry wish 

code words

ghost walk

bad intentions 

atlas hands 

broken crown 

crystallized words 

filthy pride 

fresh eyes 

heavy feet 

hungry ghosts 

imaginary paintings 

neon jungle 

perfect storm 

slow hands 

stop signs 

sad farewells 

untranslated stars 

after hours 

bad liar 

bonfire heart 

bruised lips 

cherry bomb 

damaged goods 

dead end 

fire away 

gunpowder hourglass 

lonely together 

lost language 

old moons 

one dance 

paper knees 

sleepy eyes 

stolen dance 

vice city 

artificial heart 

cry baby 

daylight fading 

dream awake 

empty bottle 

exit wounds 

ghost orchards 

moving stones 

paper walls 

oceans away 

playing fiction 

something wild 

wild thoughts 

everybody’s fool 

eyes closed 

storms incarnate 

writing tragedies 

stereo driver 

soul searching 

party’s over 

backseat driving 

fearful heart 

backwards directions 

nosebleed seats 

high hopes 

lovers rock

wet dream 

selfish soul 

washed away 

rose rogue 

midnight sun 

teenage fantasy 

wandering romance 

sure thing 

wildest dreams 

rock candy

losing momentum 

ruin you 

heart holiday 

sink her 

cut splinters 

hot mess 

frozen devotion 

little star 

blind faith 

favorite crime 

romantic homicide 

those eyes 

play pretend 

plot line 

pretty poison 

intimidate you 

pretty face 

strawberry kisses 

lovers rock 

worlds apart 

desperate/separate ways 

those eyes 

the blonde 

loving machine 

spill blood

someone’s someone

★ — THREE WORDS.

got my number

happy without me

not over you

crazy for you

back to you

flame of love

just one day

let me know

hold me tight

make it right

closer than this

love me again

still with you

out of love

never let go

love in space

ready to bleed 

bleed for love

between the bars 

can’t be still

cold morning mist 

in cold blood

matter of time 

piece by piece 

ship to wreck 

taut with love 

waste a moment 

can’t see straight 

down and out 

in a blackout 

just like fire 

notes on tenderness 

across the room

fire with fire 

going half-mad

loving to ruins 

rust to gold

send my love 

talking in code 

cradling a dream 

cut to black 

dear to me 

run me dry 

dancing with demons 

kiss and tell 

if you care 

the cry out 

steal this night 

just for now 

heart on fire 

hold my head 

nobody but you 

simple and plain

a familiar sound 

fool for you 

drown your memory 

falling into you 

just like heaven 

warm like beaches 

love that stings 

rotting in places 

moves on you 

save your tears 

a single tear 

light my cigarette 

long nights, daydreams 

boys like you 

love me forever 

hands on me 

like a phonograph 

taking over me 

dug so deep 

touch the ground 

heart shaped box 

where’s my love

tears of gold

lover of mine 

love me wrong

kiss or kill 

exes and why’s 

love is easy 

stupid in love 

easy to love

lost with you 

glimpse of us 

keep you safe 

death with dignity 

just like heaven 

heart of glass 

baby i’m yours 

pull my strings 

★ — FOUR+ WORDS.

love me a little

happy without me

you can't hold my heart

wishing on a star

give it to me

around the world in a day

waste it on me

this mess is yours

feeling like i do 

on a war path 

blood on the surface 

corner of the sky 

do the divine love 

drinking the corinthian sun 

everything is laced in (add word) 

lost in the moment 

in the nick of time 

mouth like a pomegranate 

the bones you’re made of 

when the mania speaks 

all desire & no thought 

blue in the face 

collapsing and relapsing 

middle of the night 

sail to the sun 

lay down your arms 

falling into the sky 

take me where your heart is 

she’s like the bad weather 

kill for your love 

the cigarette and the smoker 

the match and the fuse 

saint, i’m a sinner 

when the sky comes falling 

pretty little hand in mine 

even when the sun don’t shine

staring at the sun / sunset 

tangled up with you all night 

paper airplanes flying 

maybe i’m a fool 

tastes like rock candy 

blood in a lemon

(a) heart ready to die 

fate is losing its patience 

at least we feel alive 

death for your secrets 

someone’s gonna ruin you 

dancing in a crowded room 

smell you on my clothes 

always taste like you 

leave me wanting more 

hunger for (insert here) 

swim before you drown 

put your hands on me 

drink my (these) tears and cry 

i’d sleep all day just to dream of you 

so high we never stood a chance 

i’d break down anytime for you 

maybe i’m wrong, or maybe it’s true 

i only breathe so that i breathe with you

a worn out cassette 

lips on my cold neck 

talking in my sleep 

make me feel like someone else 

locked inside your heart 

hooked on her flesh 

it’s bloody and raw 

the angel of small death 

just a couple sinners 

smiles cover your heart 

charmer and the snake 

stuck on your thumb 

if i killed someone for you 

dancing with your ghost 

i miss you, i’m sorry 

woman of the hour 

shut up and look pretty 

queen of the night 

devil in a dress 

the thought of you 

to be your lover 

falling over you 

just like a movie 

love on the line 

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

The Other Half Part Six

Previous Part | Masterlist | Next Part

Pairing: Bruce Wayne x Reader

Notes: This is going to feed into an ask that was sent to me. Just needed to build that bridge, ya know.

Warnings: Some fluff; mostly angst. Soz. Whoops. Not beta-read.

Rating: Explicit - 18+ Only. Minors interacting with this work will be blocked.

Summary: You can’t know what he does—you can’t ever know. You could be in enough danger as it is if you’re ever connected to Bruce Wayne; he can’t imagine the repercussions if you were somehow associated with Batman. 

“So, who is she?” 

Liz asks it with a knowing, cat-like smile on her lips, brow arching. The question raises Bruce’s hackles, but he manages to keep a calm, serene smile on his lips. 

“Who’s who?” He bats back unblinkingly. It takes everything in him to hold still, to keep his gaze on Liz’s, his hand steady on his glass of wine. She doesn’t blink first; she doesn’t laugh it off or change the topic. She waits. For ten long, uncomfortably quiet seconds, they both wait—until her boyfriend asks Bruce to pass the bread, and the date that Liz arranged for Bruce comes back from the bathroom, asking what she’s missed.

--  

“Why are you still up?” 

“Why are you calling if you didn’t want to talk to me?” 

Bruce can’t help but smile. Sure, he’d asked a stupid question, but you sound so damn sleepy and soft. He can just imagine you at his place, curled up in his bed, wearing another one of his borrowed shirts. He leans against the wall of one of Liz’s bathrooms, eyeing the door. 

“I want to talk to you,” He murmurs. “But I didn’t mean to wake you.” 

“You didn’t. I was just watching tv.” 

“You sound like you were sleeping.”

“I was just resting my eyes.” 

“Sure you were.” 

“Don’t get sassy with me, Bruce Wayne. I know where you live. Hell—I am where you live.” 

“I just wanted to make sure you didn’t need anything. If you do, tell Alfred, he’ll—” 

“It’s late. I’m not makin’ Alfred do anything. ‘Sides, if I want anything, I’ll get it for myself.” 

“So stubborn.” 

“Stubborn?” 

“Stubborn, yes you are.” 

“This from a man who rented out an entire restaurant and then took me to Burger King because I said he wouldn’t.” 

“That’s not stubbornness. It’s being decisive.” 

“Well I have decided that if I want anything, I’ll get it myself, and I won’t ask Alfred.” 

Bruce chuckles softly, scrubbing his hand over his eyes. 

“Alright,” He concedes, nodding and looking down at his feet. 

“Are you having a nice time with your friends?” 

Bruce glances toward the door, pursing his lips and considering. 

“Yeah,” He says, “Liz’s boyfriend is nice.” 

“Mind telling the paparazzi that?” 

Bruce smiles. “I’ll send out an email.” 

“Perfect.” 

“‘Liz Wyatt is unequivocally not dating Bruce Wayne’.” 

“Should be enough to satisfy Mich.” 

“Is that what matters to you?” 

“No, of course not.” 

He tries not to find the way you rush over your words so precious. 

“I was teasing,” He offers before you feel the need to explain yourself. 

“Ugh—That is not nice, Wayne. Wake a girl up and you start teasing her.” 

“I thought you were just watching tv.” 

“...I’m hanging up now,” You grumble. “Go—Be fancy-schmancy and rich and attractive with your fancy-schmancy and rich and attractive friends.” 

“Text me if you need anything before I come back. ‘kay?” 

“Not Alfred?” 

“Not Alfred.” 

“I will. Keep it down when you come in?” 

“Sure,” Bruce smiles, shifting from foot to foot. Then, against his better judgement, “Get some sleep, sweetheart.” 

“Don’t tell me what to do…Mwah.” 

Bruce chuckles before he hangs up, lowering his phone. He looks down at your contact, and the little photo he has of you there. He draws in a deep breath before he reaches down, unlocking the door and opening it. 

“Shit—” He hisses, jumping as he catches sight of Liz standing there, waiting. “This apartment is huge. Do you not have any other bathrooms?” 

“So who is she?” Liz plies.

“How thin is that door?” 

“Bruce.” 

“...Just someone I’ve been seeing.” 

“Who is…?” 

“What’s it matter?” 

“Explains why you didn’t so much as glance at Cici at dinner.” 

“That’s not true. I glanced at her plenty.” 

“C’mon, Bruce, you know that that’s not what I mean.” She glances over Bruce before proclaiming: “I wanna meet her.” 

“What for?” 

“Because when was the last time you ever dated someone? You didn’t even do that in college. Besides, you’ve met my boyfriend.” 

“And that was your choice.” 

“Are you ashamed of her or something?” 

The question punches him in the middle of the chest, his expression hardening. He’s taken hits from crowbars, guns, and baseball bats that have hurt less. 

“Of course I’m not.” It leaves him with a thread of steel that he’s never heard in his own voice—not outside of the suit, anyway. 

“Good,” Liz’s smile is as bright and as steady as ever. “I wanna meet her. Bring her over here for dinner, we’ll double.” 

“If I bring her, I don’t want this to be an interrogation.” 

“It won’t be an interrogation. It’ll be dinner.” 

Liz is still pointing that smug, satisfied little smile at him. She knows he won’t back down from a challenge, not like this. 

He’s too damn stubborn. 

-- 

Dawn is just beginning to creep over the city as he climbs into bed with you at the penthouse. The room is pitch-black; he can hardly make out your form under the sheets. He feels your warmth as he lifts the covers; he cuddles in close, curling his body around yours. He smiles as you stir, as you press back against his chest and rest a hand on his. 

“Bruce?” 

You're mumbling, and your voice is a little rough in a way that it wasn't on the phone last night. Maybe you had only been resting your eyes when he called, just on the edge of sleep on his couch. 

“Mhm,” He hums, gently wiggling his fingers against yours. 

“You just gettin’ in now?” 

Bruce rests his head between your shoulder blades, pressing a kiss to the nape of your neck. 

“Of course not.” 

The lie is as blatant, as plain to him as the nose on his face. But you can’t know what he does—you can’t ever know. You could be in enough danger as it is if you’re ever connected to Bruce Wayne; he can’t imagine the repercussions if you were somehow associated with Batman. 

“Just got up to use the bathroom,” He tacks on. “Didn’t mean to wake you.” 

“S’okay,” You murmur, pushing back against him again. 

“Go back to sleep.”

“Mmmkay.” Your grip tightens on his hand, your fingers intertwining with his. Bruce smiles, pressing his face into the crook of your neck. He’ll worry about Liz and everything else in the morning…Well. Later in the morning. 

--  

“You busy tonight?” 

“You sound like you’ve been gargling with rocks,” You laugh, glancing up toward the door of the stockroom. “Are you just getting up now?” 

“No. No, been up before, and then uh…Down again. What time is it?” 

“It’s almost two in the afternoon.” 

“Oh, that’s not so bad.” 

“Frickin’ billionaires,” You mutter, scrubbing your hand over your face. 

“So?” Bruce pushes on, “You busy?” 

“Depends.”

“On?” 

“What you have in mind.” 

“Dinner with Liz?” 

You blink slowly, stunned. Dinner with her? Why the heck would Bruce want to bring you to dinner with Liz Wyatt? She’s all glamorous, and cool, and you’re…You. You work in a store, you’re not like Liz. You’re not even like Bruce. You don’t realize how long you’ve been in your own head until Bruce says, “...Hello? Are you—” The words drift away, like he's looking at his phone, then back in, “Are you still there?” 

“Yes! Yeah, sorry, I was, uh—” You clear your throat. “I got distracted.” 

“So? You busy?” 

“Uh…” You glance around the room, like there’s a good answer scrawled on the wall somewhere. Your mouth works wordlessly for a moment before you manage, “N-no. I mean, no, I’m not busy.” 

“Great. I can pick you up from work?” 

“I should get changed after work, not, uh—My place? I mean, what time does she expect us over? Should I bring something? I can get a—” 

“Okay,” Bruce chuckles on the other side of the phone, halting your panicked questions. “We don’t have to go.” 

“No, we can go, I just—” 

“Take a deep breath, sweetheart.” 

“I’m breathing just fine—” 

“We’ll do it another night—or not at all, if you don't want to.” 

“I didn’t say I didn’t wanna go, I just—You know, I’m processing.” 

“Sounds like you’re freaking out.” 

“I’m not freaking out! I’m asking questions. I am asking relevant questions.” 

“You’re also repeating yourself.” 

“...We can go,” You insist. “I just need to get ready.” 

“Alright.” 

“How fancy should I dress?” 

“It’s just dinner at her place, you don’t have to get all…you know.” 

“Well, what are you wearing?” 

“Right now? Not much.” 

“Bruce.” 

“You should come back.” 

“What, right now?” 

“Mhm.”

“I can’t do that.” 

“Why not?” 

“I’m hanging up now. I’ll see you tonight.” 

“Alright—Hey.” 

“Yeah?” 

“...It’s gonna be fine.” 

You nod, though Bruce can’t see you. 

“I know,” You agree. “I wasn’t worried. I’m not worried.” 

“You’re doing that repeating thing again.” 

“Really hanging up now.” 

You draw your phone away from your ear, peering down at it warily for a moment. Dinner with Liz Wyatt. What do you wear to a model’s house? What do you bring to a model’s house? Oh, there’s gotta be answers for this all over Quora. 

--  

“You look beautiful.” 

“...Well don’t sound too surprised,” You grumble, straightening your sweater before turning to go back into the apartment. “I need like two more minutes, I just have to get on my earrings and my shoes.” 

“Those flowers for Liz?” 

“Uh-huh.” 

“Nice choice. She loves carnations.” 

“I know. I did some googling,” You admit guiltily, taking up one of the earrings from the table and putting it in. 

“Are they in a vase?” Bruce tacks in, tapping his finger against the glass of it. 

“Mhm. Keeps her from having to go and find one when we get there.” 

“Clever.” 

“I’m very smart.” 

“I know that.” 

You smile as you raise your other earring, fastening it. You glance back as Bruce cuddles up behind you and pressing a kiss to your neck. 

“...We really don’t have to go if you don’t want to.” 

You’re quiet for a moment, brow furrowing. 

“...You’re making me think that you’re the one that doesn’t want to go,” You manage after a moment, glancing back at Bruce. He shakes his head, resting his hands on your hips. 

“I’m just making sure...Guess it’s time you met a couple of my friends, anyway. I’ve met yours.” 

“You’ve met one friend,” You argue, chuckling. 

“Mm. Where is Michelle?” 

“Work.” 

“She know where we’re going tonight?” 

“Nope, I just said we were getting dinner.” You reach out, taking up your jacket from where it’s hung over the back of your kitchen chair.  “If Liz is amenable, I’ll send Mish a selfie later, maybe surprise the shit out of her.” 

“All set?—I’ve got them,” Bruce reaches out, taking hold of the flower vase before you can pick them up. 

“Thanks. Is Alfred downstairs?” 

“Nope, I’m drivin’.” 

“Fancy.” 

--  

“...Is Liz’s apartment like yours?” You ask, shifting in the passenger seat. 

“What do you mean?” 

“Just, you know…Big, and…Nice.” 

“Yes, it’s both of those.” 

“Okay.” 

“Why?” 

“Just—Need to prepare myself so that my jaw doesn’t drop when I get inside.” 

“Your jaw didn’t drop when you got to my place.” 

“It was frozen shut at that point...Speaking of which,” You tack on, “Power’s fully up and running again, so I’ll get out of your hair.” 

“...You can stay if you want.” 

“In your hair?” 

Bruce casts you a side-long smile. “I just mean you can stay over whenever you like.” 

You smile, sliding down in your seat a little. “Noted, thank you…And you’re always welcome at ours, though it’s not as nice.” 

“Your bed’s comfy.” 

“That’s true.” 

You glance out of the tinted window, watching the swankiest skyscrapers in Gotham fly by. You feel Bruce take your hand, and a smile unwittingly grows on your lips.

“Shouldn’t you have both hands on the wheel, Mr. Wayne?” 

“I’ve got it,” He reassures. You hum in concession, grasping his hand with both of yours. You close your eyes, drawing in a deep breath. 

“We can—” 

“Don’t say we can still turn around,” You warn. 

“Alright.” 

You open your eyes, tipping your head to the side and watching Bruce. 

“Do you want to turn around?” You offer.

“No.” 

“Okay, so…We’re agreed.” 

You loosen your grasp on Bruce’s hand, sliding down in your seat a little more and resting your head on your hand. It’s a moment before Bruce pats your thigh, then draws his hand back. You’d actually managed to shake some of your nerves, but Bruce’s repeated insistence that you don’t have to go to dinner is making you more and more nervous. You draw in a deep breath and hold it for a few moments before you slowly push it back out. 

“Okay,” You hear Bruce mutter. You frown as he pulls into a street space, and glance around. 

“We can’t be here already,” You frown as he puts the car in park. 

“Listen,” Bruce turns in his seat to face you. Your stomach flips with nerves, and you brace yourself. “I’ve never introduced anyone to Liz—Or, to most of my friends. Not anyone that I've been more serious about.” 

Your brows raise at his admission. He's serious—about you? Bruce reaches out, taking hold of your hand again. 

“I’m sorry if I’m freaking you out," He adds, "But I don’t know what we’re in for, either.” 

“...You’re nervous?” You realize, stunned. 

“Am I not allowed?” 

“Come on, you know that that’s not what I mean,” You mutter. You sigh, looking down at his hand again, turning your hand over in his, intertwining your fingers. 

“...I didn’t even consider the fact that you might be nervous,” You admit. You raise your hand, pressing a kiss to the back of his hand. Your nerves flare as Bruce slips his hand from yours, but he takes hold of your jaw, turning your head and leaning in. He gives you a gentle kiss, thumb sweeping your cheek. You smile, patting his cheek as he draws back. 

 “We’re gonna be fine.” 

-- 

Dinner’s not bad—in fact, it’s quite nice. It’s catered. You’d typically ask if there’s anything that you could do to help with prep, but there’s an officious staff of three flurrying around Liz’s restaurant-grade kitchen. Liz is quite nice herself, but she and Bruce can sometimes make you feel a little on the outside. You don’t think they’re doing it on purpose—they have a shared history, a longer history than you have with Bruce. 

On the other hand, Liz’s boyfriend is lovely. He gives you smiles when the two of you are in the same conversational boat, watching as Bruce and Liz chatter on on topics that neither of you are familiar with. He lobs easy questions at you, backs Liz down from touchier questions, and keeps the wine and conversation flowing. You actually start to enjoy yourself, until—

“So you two are going to the gala together, of course.” 

Liz’s boyfriend grimaces, eyes flicking to you apologetically. It seems he can’t back her down from that one quickly enough. Your brow furrows, a smile frozen on your face as you repeat, “Gala?” 

“For the Wayne Foundation! Oh, don’t tell me Bruce didn’t tell you,” Liz glances between you and Bruce chastisingly. You turn your head to look at Bruce. He still has a smile on his face, but it’s that plasticized smile he gave your manager, and accompanied by a tight jaw. He won’t even meet your eye—hell, he’s not meeting anyone’s eye. 

“Bruce,” Liz tacks on scoldingly, “You haven’t even given her time to prepare. She’ll hardly have time to get a dress now—Leave that to me,” She adds, leaning in and resting her hand atop yours. “I know all the designers in Gotham, I’m sure they can rush something by the 21st.” 

“Oh,” You force yourself to laugh, shaking your head, “You know what—He did, but I’ve got work that night.” 

“Surely you can take off.” 

“I really can’t,” You insist. “My manager doesn’t like me very much. She barely forgave me for disappearing with Bruce for my lunch hour.” 

“What!” Liz’s eyes brighten as she leans back. “Oh, I have to hear that story.” 

It’s a safe enough diversion. You feel Bruce watching you; you don’t dare turn to fully meet his gaze, though you glance at him every now and again. Your mouth works on autopilot, but your mind is racing. Was Bruce even going to tell you about this? Or was this going to be one of those things that he does—those nights when he just goes off and acts like Bruce Wayne at before crawling into bed with you just before dawn? 

Frankly, you’re not sure which you’d prefer.

Next Part

[defectivevillain]

teach me to be cruel

pairing: monty x reader [can be platonic or romantic]

reader’s pronouns: unspecified, but masc-intended

author’s note: ayyy hello, hello! my ass decided to watch a markiplier fnaf video in a spur of the moment decision and now i know things. what the fawk. anyway. i kinda love monty so... here’s this. it starts out with monty’s pov and then switches to the reader’s. enjoy!

cw: canon-typical violence, blood, unconsciousness/fainting.

The first time Monty notices you, he is quick to forget. Granted, remembering you is very low on his priority list. Kids are running between his legs and swinging their mini golf clubs around with vigor. He doesn’t have time to think about you, other than for a few moments. The passing glance and subsequent few seconds is all he gets. The conclusion Monty comes to is simple: you’re a new security guard working at the Plex. That’s all he cares to observe, before Danny is hitting at his arm and he has to pretend to fight back.

After that, he starts to see you more often. Monty likes to roam and it seems that you do, too. Well, you’re a security guard- that’s your entire job. He’ll run into you sometimes when he’s walking around, trying to get rid of some of the irritation boiling in his chest. You always meet his eyes and stare with an infuriatingly blank expression on your face. Somehow, that only serves to anger him even further. His walks around the Plex soon turn to be twice as long, once he starts encountering you on them. 

You don’t seem to be very afraid of him. At least, that’s the conclusion Monty has reached, after days of trying to intimidate you. He’s tried everything from looming over you ominously to sharpening his claws right near you. Nothing works. It’s as if you know that the anger is a front, a mask. 

You’re beginning to send him knowing looks and it pisses Monty off. You frequently have a strange expression on your face, as you glance at him from across the space. Monty grits his teeth and resists the urge to claw your face off. He instead resorts to throwing things at you. To his immediate annoyance, you have pretty quick reflexes and you usually dodge his projectiles. The first time he throws something, it’s just a paper cup. However, it soon shifts to Fizzy Faz cans, golf clubs, and anything that he can get his claws on. 

Despite the clear signals of danger, you don’t seem the least bit threatened. That eerie expression doesn’t fade from your face and Monty finds himself feeling angry nearly every minute of the day. 

Monty’s frustration comes to a head at closing time on a weekday. He’s had a rough day- some kids decided to climb him without warning him- and he’s looking forward to raging and destroying things in his room. Unfortunately, when he’s walking down from the stage and making his way through the Plex, he sees you. 

You stare at him with a strangely vacant expression. It’s uncharacteristic for you, but Monty can’t possibly focus on that. His hand twitches to grab the nearest projectile near him. His claws latch onto it. Monty knows this is far from a good coping mechanism- you’re a company employee and if he hurts you, he could face serious repercussions. For one, though, you always seem to dodge. Furthermore, Monty’s too angry to think logically. So, he flings the projectile at you. It hurtles towards you and he waits for you to duck, crouch, step to the side, or make any other movements to escape it. However, as the object gets closer, he begins to realize that you aren’t moving. Why aren’t you moving-?

You don’t dodge like you usually do. The projectile hits you and you go down. You go down and... you don’t get back up. Monty’s initial reaction is amusement and he laughs. You certainly don’t look to be awake, but he’s still wary. “Okay, I get it.” He scoffs, letting out a strangled laugh. “Get up now.” You still don’t move. The alligator blinks and looks down at you again, a strange feeling rising within him when he sees a bloody gash on your temple. It’s not very big, but humans are rather fragile. Monty growls in annoyance and throws you over his shoulder before walking back to his room. Thankfully, his bandmates all seem to be busy with their own things, so none of them notice the human thrown over his shoulder. 

Monty sets you down on the sofa and stares at you for a moment. He can’t help but feel a little guilty. The guilt is almost immediately overridden by anger, irritation, discomfort. Even despite the murky mess of emotions running through him, he knows what he needs to do. 

You wake up to find yourself staring up at bright green neon lights. They burn your eyes and you’re quick to push yourself up to a sitting position, if only to hide the lights from your vision. As you sit up, you take in upturned furniture, messy graffiti, and wreckage littering the floors. You slowly begin to realize where you are: Monty’s room. 

“Finally awake,” Monty remarks, nodding at you. You stare at him from across the room. He’s hovering awkwardly against the other wall. He seems awkward. For a moment, you wonder if he’s nervous. You then remember that Monty doesn’t typically let anyone into his room. By all accounts, you shouldn’t be here. The alligator must sense your thought process, because he glares at you as you’re trying to get up. “Sit down.” 

“Why am I here?” You decide to be honest. Monty snarls and crosses his arms over his chest. You can’t see his eyes from behind his sunglasses, so his posture is just about the only thing indicative of his emotions. The alligator inexplicably walks closer, until he’s towering over you from your position on the sofa. You stare up at him.

“You didn’t dodge,” Monty mutters. He sounds irritated, but he also sounds... apologetic? You’re not quite sure what he has to apologize for. Monty sighs and he lets his sunglasses fall a bit. His eyes flit across your face and you self-consciously bring a hand up to your face, only to feel a bandage stretching across your temple. 

“What happened?” You voice with a frown. You try to remember, but everything is fuzzy. It takes you a few seconds to recall the day’s events. He had thrown something at you- per usual- and then... “Oh.” You remark aloud. You didn’t react fast enough and got hit in the head. That explains why your head is pounding rather incessantly. 

“Idiot,” Monty remarks harshly, putting his sunglasses back on and turning his head as if averting his eyes. Again, you’re struck with the strange idea that he feels guilty. You raise an eyebrow at him, but he steadily refuses to make eye contact. You sigh. 

“Monty, it’s fine,” you say, which grabs his attention. The alligator turns to face you once more and you take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “I mean, it’s not... but it is. I understand.”

“I know,” Monty hisses with a sudden venom. You recoil at the sudden influx of anger in his voice. There’s a slight hissing noise that his joints make when he reaches an arm out. Your heart races in your chest and you watch as his claws get closer and closer to your skin. You don’t think you did anything to aggravate him, but you’re not the best judge. “You always understand, don’t you?” His claw presses against the bandage on your temple and smooths it down. Monty tilts his sunglasses down and stares at you silently. 

Realization hits you all at once. The way he’s staring at you is reminiscent of the way you stared at him. You grimace at him, scrambling to come up with an explanation. “Monty, I-” You try to say, only to be interrupted. 

“Stop,” the alligator hisses. “Just... scram.” You thank Monty before leaving his room without hesitation. He needs some alone time, it seems. Meanwhile, you walk around the Plex for a little, only to realize that it’s time for your shift to end. As you clock out and walk out of the Plex, you can’t help but think that today’s shift wasn't so bad. You bring a hand up to the bandage on your forehead and you smile. 

[jmagnabo92]

GGSB Fest 2024 - Battle Of Wills

@goodgodfathersiriusblack

Prompt - Scars

When Sirius sees Harry's scars from Umbridge, he's done and makes a decision to protect godson at all costs.

AO3

***

It’s one of those rare moments where Sirius gets to spend some time with Harry alone since the Order’s always watching them.  He supposes it’s because it’s so late and no one’s around to stop them.  Which seems fair and unfair at the same time.  

Still, cooking with Harry seems to be the easiest way to get him to let his guard down and actually chat with Sirius.  He figures that with everything with Arthur and the Order being dumb about the whole ‘possession thing’, Harry could use someone to talk to.  Especially since it took so little prompting for him to talk to Sirius about what was on his mind.

He talks for ages as he continues the soup they’re making when Sirius catches sight of some scars on his hand.  “What are those?”

Harry glances up as he lifts the onion he was chopping.  “Er, onions?”

“No, no – the white on your hand,” Sirius states, catching it to get a closer look.

The words I must not tell lies are etched there.  

“What is this?”

Harry shrugs and refocuses on the soup.  “It’s nothing, just a battle of wills.”

“A battle of wills… with who?” Sirius questions.  He knows of a few dark magic things that would cause something like this and one of those was a special quill… “You said Umbridge gave you lines.”

Harry hesitates before nodding.  “She did.”

“And?  She did make you write them with a blood quill?”

Harry looks up surprised.  “Is that what it’s called?  How do you know about it?”

“It’s dark magic, Harry,” Sirius states, plainly.  “You have scars on your hand, and you’re worried about the name of the bloody quill?”

“I – well, I – McGonagall told me to keep my head down and – and Dumbledore’s not looking at me and – and you can’t do anything except storm the castle and get yourself kissed… so, I – Hermione gave me something that helped and – and…”

Sirius is downright furious.  “That’s it.  I don’t care about the repercussions of whatever nonsense is going on with the Ministry.  You and I are leaving.”

“Leaving?  Leaving for where?”

“I hold a citizenship in Canada – it’s a long story.  I’ve been looking into it, and I can ask for asylum and get a proper trial.  I only haven’t because it’ll take time and I wouldn’t be able to leave until I’ve gained freedom, but I couldn’t stand the thought of not being there for you in case something else happens.  We’ll enroll you in their school.  It’s a fine institution.”

He’s talking fast and quite frankly trying to do everything he can to stay focused on Harry and not go and kill Umbridge.  

“And once I’m a free man again, I will press charges against Umbridge, Fudge and anyone else that allowed this to happen to you – not to mention everything else.  I’m done, Harry.  We’re getting out of here and I’m protecting you in whatever way I can.  We’ve got to…”

“Wait, Sirius, I can’t just leave…”

“Yes, you can.  I should’ve taken you last year when they forced you into the tournament… now, this is bad, Harry.  It’s not giving you detention and wasting your time with lines – this is – this is dark magic that has permanently scarred you.  You deserve better than that.  And if Dumbledore or McGonagall is going around letting this happen, well, then, I can’t trust them to do right by you and if I can’t do anything because the Ministry is corrupt, then I’m going to have to go somewhere where it isn’t.”

Harry bites his lip uncertainly.  “What about Voldemort?”

“He’s not your job, kid.  He’s got like fifty years on you,” Sirius states.  He’d been thinking about this for some time and all he could think about was how he really, really needed to be a good godfather and get his kid away from this nonsense – deadly nonsense.

Harry is quiet for a second, stirring the soup.  “Are you sure about this?  They won’t be able to force us back?”

“Definitely sure and no, they won’t.”

He looks up, suddenly sure.  “Then, let’s do it.”

Sirius smiles.  “Yes, let’s.”

And they do, a safe happily ever after.

[amazingmsme]

some spare blood of zeus headcanons for the soul? 👀 - 🌙

Anything for you 💗 literally foaming at the mouth wanting to talk about them. Sorry it took so long! These got away from me, but if y’all ever wanna talk about blood of zeus, PLEASE share your thoughts! I’m so unhealthy about them lol

There’s so many characters in this, so I’m just gonna hop around with my headcanons instead of doing it by character like normal, so they’re a little jumbled

But omg Heron is such a fucking sweetheart ok he’s got a heart of gold & he’s so cute I just love him a lot!

I feel like he’s more ler than lee, but strictly out of shyness alone. Growing up, his mom was basically the only one who ever tickled him. But I feel like Zeus tried in his disguised form when Heron was still young

Now that he’s older & has friends (& even some family) that he trusts & has gotten pretty close to, he’s not as closed minded to the idea of others seeing him with such a “weakness”

Also probably has something to do with the boatload of trauma & responsibility thrust upon him because he really feels the weight of everything right now, so he appreciates it when his friends try to lighten the mood with a playful attack

Alexia was definitely the first one of the crew to find out that Heron was ticklish, & it was during a sparring match when he was being way too cocky & kinda wasn’t holding back (aka being a playful dick) & she had enough & went out on a limb to see if he’s ticklish & it’s been the best decision she’s ever made

She can tell when he’s really stressed out & will offer him a hug & then gently traces along his back, neck, & arms until he’s all relaxed & smiley

He’s so smitten with her, but he thinks he’s being slick & that it’s not blatantly obvious he’s in love. But when he’s trying to flirt but doesn’t really know what to do or say he panics & just starts tickling her because she’s so pretty when she laughs, & he’s goofing off with her, & getting to touch her & be close so he doesn’t care about any repercussions he’ll face (she’s pissed that this works so well because he’s SO CUTE when he’s in a ler mood, he literally can’t hold himself back)

He’s always so energetic compared to everyone else, so when everyone else is done training & he just won’t stop, they’ll gang up on him until he agrees to give it a rest

That said this man ALWAYS gets revenge & he’s so calculated about it. Like he waits to strike until the most vulnerable moment & goes for the worst spots first

Heron & Evios make a wicked ler duo. They’re the teasiest bastards & they terrorize literally everyone (so just Alexia & Kofi)

That said, Kofi & Evios are the most common ler duo to see, but Evios is almost always the one to instigate things. Kofi is more reserved & reasonable, but he loves to catch everyone off guard with his own mischievous streak

No one ever expects him to work alone, so he’s able sneak up on everyone. He usually only does this if he notices they’re feeling down & need to be cheered up

Those 2 are trapped in a perpetual prank war/tickle fight. The cycle of revenge goes round & round with no end in sight

Heron never really got to have many tickle fights growing up, & when he admitted such, Evios & Alexia were so ready to wreck him. They heard that & saw this 🎯 but they bit off more than they could chew because he was READY for this & was so excited to finally get to play like this. & he’s stronger than both of them combined, which he was using to his advantage & it just wasn’t fair! (Oh but 2 against 1 is?) but he’s like the only person who starts tickle fights & can actually win them most of the time

He is a fucking mean cheater & will use his lightning powers when he’s tickling someone & sends tiny little ticklish zaps through their body. No one expected this method to work best on Kofi, but something about the way it buzzes under his skin makes him wanna die in a good way!

His favorite targets are Alexia & Evios. He knows not to mess with Kofi because he has years of practice fending off the rabid tickle monster that is Evios

Every tickle monster has to face the consequences of their actions, & he’s tied with Heron for everyone’s favorite lee. But it’s usually motivated by revenge for a prank he pulled, or teaching him a lesson for being so sassy. Or just because he’s Evios

He’s the only one who knows all of Kofi’s worst spots, & every time he wants him to do something for him, he’ll blackmail him by threatening to spill one of his spots. Kofi’s gotten to the point where he’s like “wait, you’re more ticklish than me. I don’t care” (spoiler, he cares once someone gets their hands on him) but yeah that’s how Heron & Alexia found out about his armpits & thighs they found out about his feet without help

Zeus would try to bond & get to know him in between training, & at first Heron’s really resistant to the idea, but he grows more open to it when he realizes he actually means well. Zeus can tell that his son is still awkward & distant from him & after a few failed attempts at a joke, he resorts to “desperate measures” & really “it’s his right” as his father to be able to bond with Heron & act a little goofy. There’s a war on the horizon, & just in case anything happens, he wants to make sure that Heron has some genuinely fond memories of him. & not just when he was in disguise while he was growing up

Like after that really intense training session where Heron kinda got his ass kicked by the giant mechanical guardian, Zeus felt pretty guilty for putting him through the wringer like that

Heron gets way more flustered & huffy if any of the gods tickle him because he already knows they probably look down on him even if they say they don’t, & it just make their teases hit really close to home

Sucks for him because his new half brothers are fucking Hermes & Apollo. & we can see how nice & accepting they are with him despite Heron’s own feelings of inadequacy & insecurity. They just want to get to know him & see what he’s really like when he’s not on guard or putting on a front just because they’re gods. They’re his brothers, & they want to get to know him on that level. So obviously they have to terrorize him

Hermes was the first one to find out since he’s the closest with Heron & the most mischievous. But either by himself or because Apollo dared him to, he put on the invisibility cloak or whatever it is & sneak up on him. So he waited until Heron thought he was alone to strike, & the squeal he got in return was fucking priceless

Hermes & Apollo are pretty in tune with Heron’s emotions & know when he needs to be cheered up, & just the way to do it

They think they’re being nice by including him, but tbh they’re such fucking bullies (affectionate) If Heron’s anywhere near them, he literally won’t get a moment’s peace. They’ll follow him like a puppy just to annoy him because they KNOW he’s a pretty patient person, they just wanna see how long it takes before he snaps

Heron is lowkey nervous & awkward around them, & the first time a tickle fight broke out in front of him, he tried to stay as far away as possible. Athena noticed & is like “I know what you’re doing & it won’t work. If they want to, they’ll drag you down with them” & Heron genuinely thinks they’re too busy messing with each other to notice him, & yeah they SAY he’s their brother, but he’s still pretty self conscious about that sort of thing, so he can’t tell if they actually mean it or not. So he brushes her off like “thanks, but I think I’ll be safe. They seem pretty busy” & she’s just like “okaaay don’t say I didn’t try to warn you”

Cue Heron running for his life across the training field screaming for help while Hermes & Apollo hunt him down like a pack of wolves, taunting him the whole time (I’m SO tempted to write something like this)

Gotta include Seraphim cause he’s just the saddest boy ever & could really use a good round of cheering up

He didn’t even know he was ticklish until he met Gorgo. She found out while tending his wounds & he was really defensive & nervous at first, demanding to know what she did. She just giggled & asked if he was ticklish, & when he responded with nothing but confusion, she decided to “teach” him what it was

He’s all for revenge tickles, so just beware if you even think about it. But it’s different with her, he’s really gentle & playful with her

Ok so out of the main group, I think Evios would be the most ticklish because anyone with that much attitude has to have a weakness. Can’t decide if Heron or Alexia is more ticklish, so I’ll call it a tie

Heron’s worst spots are his feet, hips, belly & since he got his powers, his hands got added to the list (the first time he found out was armwrestling Kofi & he lowkey freaked out because his hand did NOT feel like this before) but the dude’s basically ticklish everywhere

Alexia’s spots are her back, neck/ears, sides & knees. She’s moderately ticklish all over, but those spots are killer for her

Evios is most ticklish on his belly, armpits, ribs, & neck/ears

Kofi is most ticklish on his feet, armpits, thighs & belly

Seraphim’s worst spots are his armpits, ribs, hips & feet. He shares a few tickle spots with his brother because I’m cheesy like that

Wow that was a lot, hope y’all enjoy! Just lmk if you wanna hear more about them, Seraphim or the gods! (Please specify what fandom if you’re talking about the gods, my interpretations vary depending on the source, but I’d be down to do the gods for both boz & epic)

[finniestoncrane]

Your One True Nemesis

Chapter 25: also on AO3 Masterlist Here Arkham!Riddler x Female!Reader, word count: 2.2k somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy 🎶 request info • prompt list • send me a request • kofi • masterlist minors DNI!! 🔞 cw: non-consensual touching (listen i love sleazy oswald no one can stop me), threats, danger, tension, guns, surprise surprise eddie is a little manipulative and conniving shit

Standing awkwardly in the doorway to Oswald’s office, you shifted from leg to leg as you waited patiently for him to say something. His sharp nose was buried in paperwork, and you felt like he might have forgotten you were there, or that he had even called you into his office at all. You hoped that was the case. But you knew better by now than to defy him, so you coughed slightly, and drew attention to yourself finally.

“Mister Cobblepot… you wanted to see me?”

“Of course, love! Come on in, why are you standing in the doorway like a spare prick at a wedding? Take a seat, let’s talk.”

You took a few steps forward, searching for a chair to sit in, but there were none. Oswald caught your glances around the room and swiped at the pile of papers, knocking them to the floor and then tapping the top of his desk.

“Perch up here, little birdy. Don’t be shy.”

Considering the options, and the repercussions of not doing as you were instructed, you pulled yourself up onto the edge of the desk, feeling his eyes over your body as you did so.

“Yeah… that’s it… So! My newest girl. How’s it been working for someone like me so far?”

“Well, it’s-”

He interrupted you before you could squeeze out whatever lie you were about to tell him.

“Been great, hasn’t it? I gotta admit I’ve been pretty chuffed with you. You’re working out real nice for me.”

You winced as his palm found your knee, fingers stroking in small circles against your bare skin. Trying not to make a big deal out of it, you pulled quickly at the hem of your skirt, trying to cover as much of you as possible. Oswald chuckled at the gesture.

“Now, listen, love. I brought you on board because I was told you’d be of value. I need something from you. Something good.”

At the tone of the words, your stomach churned a little. It was impossible to tell what he meant on that information alone, but it couldn’t be good.

“You worked for that anorak wanker in green, you must know some pretty good secrets of his, eh?”

“I… I actually don’t know that much…”

“Nonsense. You know everything. I know you do. And you can share it with old Ozzie… I’m just trying to…”

His fingers crawled further up your thigh as his palm smoothed over it.

“… get a leg-up on the competition.”

Swallowing the lump in your throat you tried to laugh the suggestion off, the strangled giggle making the atmosphere even more uncomfortable.

“Mister Cobblepot, I honestly-”

“Don’t treat me like an idiot, love. Now… you wanna keep this job or not?”

“I need this job.”

“Well then. Do it. Do your job.”

“I can’t… I don’t…”

You were holding back on giving up everything you knew about Eddie’s projects. Some part of you hoped that you could reconcile, that you could work things out. That you might be able to find your way back to him. Eventually.

“Are you still loyal to him?”

“What? No!”

“Well why won’t you tell me what he’s up to? You could even tell me where he’s working from, that would suffice.”

“I… can’t.”

Oswald slammed his fist down on the desk to the side of you, causing you to jump and squeal.

“Listen to me! You either tell me where that arsehole is… or you can clear out your desk and your room and piss off.”

The decision was made for you then. There wasn’t anything you could do. In the face of your silence, Oswald grimaced and then waved you off.

“Fuck off then, waste of time.”

Ever diligent, to a fault you mused, you packed up your room quickly. There wasn’t much in there, besides your own clothes. And you were more than glad to leave the outfit Oswald made you wear lying in a crumpled heap on the floor. You weren’t quite sure what to do. But as you left the warehouse and stepped out onto the cold streets, you were happy to walk without thinking. Anywhere would be fine. You could sleep in a doorway for the evening. You might sit in a diner all night, coffee refills fuelling you until morning.

On autopilot, you let your feet carry you without any question. You were too busy worrying, fretting about what to do next, or where to go. It would be foolish, and pointless, to go crawling back to Eddie. Maybe if you begged, he might enjoy the ego boost. And the last time you saw him, he did seem to want you back, almost like he missed you. Though you’d turned him down, he might be willing… if you were apologetic enough, desperate enough… pathetic enough…

Before you managed to convince yourself it was a terrible idea, you realised you had walked without knowing to the railyard. Standing in front of the building, you looked to the corners where Eddie had disguised his many cameras, sure that you had tripped the perimeter, knowing that he was watching you on the screens.

“Eddie. Please can you open the door. I am… willing to grovel.”

“Boss knew you’d lead us right back to him.”

Spinning around you came face to face with four of Oswald’s men, circling you as you stood your ground, albeit trembling. An ambush. You were so predictable, maybe not to yourself, but to everyone around you. Oswald had known that Eddie would be your first port of call, and he’d sent his goons out to follow you.

As you tried to make sure you were keeping an eye on all of them, one of them spoke up, drawing your attention.

“Mister Cobblepot says you can’t go back to work for a potential enemy. Not after working for him.”

You hesitated briefly, before managing to struggle out an argument in your defence.

“But… but I… I worked the desk. I don’t know anything!”

From your left, another of the men came closer, holding a large bat that he smacked rhythmically onto his hand.

“You know clients. You know where he is.”

“Everyone knows where he is! And practically everyone is a client.”

“Not this guy. He refused a meeting.”

You thought back to the day that Eddie had left so abruptly, knowing that having his time wasted was a particular pet peeve of Oswald. Eddie had made his way securely onto his enemy list. And if he wanted to stoke the rivalry, it would be a good idea to get rid of someone that was obviously an asset to him, even if Eddie wouldn’t admit that about you himself.

“Look… whatever it was he was meeting him about, he can rearrange it!”

“Listen. Sweetheart. Don’t make this harder than it needs to be. You stand there nice and still…”

The henchman to your right stepped closer, within arms reach of you, and cocked a gun.

“… and everything will be over in a HRGH!”

His hand twitched violently and he dropped the gun, body following suit as it fell to the floor in a seizure like state, quickly followed by two more of the henchman. Looking to the ground you noticed that just below the layer of dirt and gravel there were metal pads, clearly electrified to shock intruders who got a bit too close to Eddie’s home for comfort.

A grinding metallic sound echoed out and you turned to see Eddie opening the door of the elevator shaft. The last henchman made a move and Eddie tutted, waving a finger at him.

“Ah, ah, ah. Do you see this?”

He dangled a remote control in front of him.

“I press this last button and you go down like your colleagues.”

“Listen, I don’t want any trouble. The boss though, he says you owe him.”

“My, my! That’s an awfully complicated word for someone like you. So, what is it that your diminutive overlord thinks I owe him?”

The henchman stuttered, trying desperately to remember the no doubt lengthy instructions Oswald had screamed at them before the headed out to track you. Luckily, saving him the embarrassment, or worse punishment, from getting it wrong, he was saved by the sound of tires on the gravel. Directly behind him, a car pulled up, and Oswald scrambled out frantically from the front seat.

“You owe me, Nigma! You wasted my time. You refused my offer. And now you’re stealing my property.”

He gestured wildly at you, and you screwed your face up at him.

“That’s what’s got you in such a hysterical state? That I missed a meeting with you? And you’ve gone to all these lengths to concoct this ridiculous plan for revenge. This must have been so tiring for you. I’m surprised you haven’t quite literally died from the mental exhaustion.”

“Listen to me you mincing prick! I’ll shoot her if you don’t give me what I want!”

Oswald brandished his own weapon now, his hands steady though his body shook with rage.

“Well, that’s just patently absurd. What difference would it make to me if you killed her, other than the fact that I would then have to clean her corpse up from my front doorstep.”

You shot a look to Eddie, one of disbelief at first before you let it drop to a pleading stare. You tried to believe he had something planned, but you wondered if he might not just be prolonging the inevitable, riling up Cobblepot for his own amusement before he let him kill you.

In a fit of rage and with a roaring wail, Oswald shot his gun out, narrowly missing, on purpose you assumed, your head.

“Jesus Christ, Eddie! Give him what he fucking wants!”

You were clenching your fists, scowling at him in complete disbelief that he would play this long with your life on the line. With a smirk he turned and walked into the elevator shaft, lingering long enough inside that you worried he was going to close the door on you and leave you there. But he returned, holding something in his hands before shooting you a smug smile.

“Am I not permitted to have any fun?”

Eddie tossed the object, a parcel wrapped in stained brown paper, to the ground in front of the last standing henchman.

“The transaction is complete. No need for further discussions Oswald. I assume making an appointment to meet will be difficult right now given that he is down one staff member.”

Oswald picked up the package and opened it. From where you stood it looked to be several small devices, but you were unable to determine what they might be used for. No doubt something horrible if you knew both of these men like you felt you did.

“And your payment?”

“A gentleman’s agreement. Perhaps when the time comes, you can owe me a favour.”

Oswald grinned.

“Pleasure doing business with you then, Nigma.”

“And you, Cobblepot. I wish I could say that I have found this short rivalry of ours stimulating, but in truth it has been nothing short of boring. I appreciate you not leaving a mess at my doorstep, though.”

As you watched Oswald walk backwards to his vehicle, you could feel Eddie’s eyes boring into your back. Once the henchman was inside, the car took off, and you finally felt secure enough to turn your back to the open space and face Eddie.

“What the fuck was that!?”

“Now, now. Did you really believe that I, the Riddler, wouldn’t have a plan to hand? It was so easy to get him to do what I wanted.”

“You wanted… him to let me come back to you?”

With an incredulous laugh, Eddie stepped into the elevator shaft.

“Oh, you sweet, naïve idiot. Of course not. I wanted him to owe me. And now he does.”

Standing in the dirt you felt your heart sink. You were a pawn. Everything was calculated, at least you assumed it was. He had come to Cobblepot’s with the intention of riling you up, of making a scene so he had an excuse to leave the meeting. He knew Cobblepot would ask questions about him. He knew that his show of a seeming desire to have you back would rekindle your loyalty. He knew that you’d come back here the moment Cobblepot tossed you aside. Everything. He knew everything. Of course he did.

Looking around, you wondered where you might go now. There was every chance that Mark would be at the bar he frequented. It was worth a shot. Adjusting your backpack, you were caught off guard by Eddie’s voice.

“Well?”

You turned, surprised to see that he was still there even.

“Well what?”

“Are you coming in, or not? I don’t intend to stand here holding the door all evening.”

Choking back a grateful sigh of relief, straining to keep the smile from your face, you walked slowly to him, standing beside him as he let the elevator doors close, and you both retreated back underground again. Staring forward, you both wore a smile that you were grateful the other couldn’t see in the darkness.

[mysimsloveaffair]

Dub ages up tomorrow. He’ll be a grown man and solely responsible for dealing with the repercussions of his decisions. I don’t even bother addressing it but rather let him stew in it. Instead, I turn my attention to Dray.

Drake: Ma said it’s okay to do happy things today, so can we still go fishing?

Kai: Yeah, your ma is right. Let’s go.

I don’t look at Dub directly, but I can see him shifting uncomfortably in his seat at the table. Not addressing his behavior is more powerful than if I lectured him. I act like I don’t see him and follow Dray to the pond.

Dub feels the tension. He knows why his parents are mad. He didn’t mean to hurt his ma’s feelings, but he’s wanted to go out with Perla for a long time. He doesn’t want to blow this final chance. Why can’t they understand that? If Dray is allowed to do happy things, why can’t he?

Dub gets up from the table and marches towards the stairs to prepare for his date, but now the excitement he felt earlier has been deflated. The pressure of always living up to his parent’s expectations is tough, and he’s sick of it.

Wade: *repeats to himself* I can’t wait to be out of this house. I can’t wait to be out of this house!

[ivpapaemeritusiv]

Chapter 26: Can't You See That You're Lost Without Me

Summary: Addeline's struggle for independency continues to push her into the arms of Swiss and Copia begins to have suspicions that something is amidst between his wife and the backup singer.

Word Count: 3,400 words

Addeline was seated in the tour bus, meticulously drafting her birth plan. Saoirse had instilled in her the importance of being prepared and having a plan to present to a doctor in any circumstance. She noticed the doorknob turning and saw Swiss emerge from behind it.

“Hey,” he greeted, visibly delighted to see her.

“Hi,” she replied, placing her feet on the floor. The man hurried over and enveloped her in an embrace, seeking her lips. She reciprocated the kiss initially but soon hesitated, “Swiss,” she cautioned, “someone could come in. Papa could come in!”

“I locked the door,” he assured, leaning in for another kiss.

Addy resisted once more, “Look, we need to talk.”

Swiss looked slightly disappointed but nodded understandingly.

“Swiss, we can’t keep going on like this,” Addy confessed, her voice filled with a mix of guilt and worry, “I’m married, and it’s not fair to Papa or to you. This has to stop.”

“You’re married, yet you’re pregnant with my kid,” The man argued cynically.

Addy’s mind raced as she listened to Swiss’s response. She knew he was right, and she hadn’t even begun to think about what she would say to the Cardinal once she gave birth to their baby. The weight of the situation settled heavily on her shoulders, but she realized that continuing the relationship with Swiss would only complicate things further.

“I know you feel guilty, Adds. I wish I could take that feeling away from you but these our unfortunately the consequences of our actions,” the man firmly began to explain, “I know you don’t want him to get hurt, but somebody is going to get hurt whether it be me, you or him.”

“You’re supposed to be telling me everything will be alright,” the woman said, a bit frustrated with his blunt words.

Swiss grasped his hair and began to pull it tightly in frustration, “Addy, you always do this.”

Addy’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as she tried to make sense of his accusation, “Do what?” she asked, her own frustration starting to build.

“You never consider the consequences of anything.”

Addy’s eyes widened, feeling defensive, “What’s that supposed to mean?” she shot back, her dissatisfaction seeping into her voice.

“Addy, you act recklessly, without regard for the outcome!”

She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, “That’s not true!” she yelled, now standing up and pacing around the bus.

“Oh, really?” the ghoul asked, poised to enumerate each instance where she had overlooked the repercussions of her actions, “You love sex, Adds. You love sex but you hate being pregnant. Pregnancy is a consequence of sex!”

“That’s not fair—”

“You don’t take the advice of your doctors,” Swiss was yelling at this point, “You’ve gotten pregnant twice way before it was safe and as a result you’ve had 3 premature babies!”

“Fuck you, Swiss! How dare you say that to me!” Addeline yelled; her voice filled with anger. She clenched her fists, envisioning herself landing a strong blow to the man’s face.”

“You slept with me without a condom and now you’re pregnant with my kid, yet you didn’t consider what your husband might think of that.”

“WE slept together! You AND me,” exclaimed the young woman, her voice ringing out boisterously, “That was a mutual decision, not mine alone!”

She moved towards the door, intent on leaving, when Swiss reached out in haste to halt her departure. As he wiped beads of sweat from his forehead, an epiphany struck him – perhaps he had been too severe.

He gently grabbed her arm, his voice filled with remorse, “Wait, please. I’m sorry,” he pleaded, his tone softer now, “I didn’t mean to come across so strongly. Can we talk about this?”

The young woman paused, her eyes filled with a mix of anger and hurt.

“Listen,” he began, “I’m not gonna make you be with me, but I want you to know that avoiding this won’t make everything magically disappear.”

Addy’s heart sank as she processed Swiss’s words. She knew he was right. Ignoring the situation wouldn’t make it go away, and she couldn’t simply pretend that everything was fine. She took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before responding.

“Swiss, I can’t keep doing this to Papa. He’s done nothing to deserve it.”

“Addy, not to burst your bubble but the damage has been done,” the ghoul reminded her that it was his child she was carrying in her womb.

“I can’t continue to be unfaithful over and over. The guilt is eating me alive,” she continued, “And you stand here lecturing me about consequences while lying to one of your closest friends?”

Swiss acknowledged her perspective, “You’re absolutely right. I apologize for judging you; it’s the last thing I intended to do, Addy. I just want you to be happy. If he brings you joy, then that’s fine. But if you want me to make you happy then you know where to find me.”

With a gentle kiss on her cheek, Swiss departed, leaving her to reflect on his words. Addy resumed her seat before her birth plan, a single tear staining the document. Her mind was a whirlwind of uncertainty; she had never felt so indecisive. It was a tough situation to navigate, and she needed time to sort through her emotions.

She heard a knock on the door once more and frustratingly got up to answer it, “Swiss, I said… oh, Papa, I thought—”

"Addy," he said with great resolve, knowing his wife would be devastated but hoping she wouldn't fight him on the matter.

"Uh oh," she responded, sensing the seriousness in his tone, “Sounds serious.”

"You're pregnant now, which means no more shows, Tesoro." "What? But I'm not even that far along yet," she yelled, her voice filled with disbelief and frustration, "And we waited the whole year between pregnancies!"

Copia raised his hand to Addy's face, his expression stern, and raised his voice, "Addy, your defiance lately is out of hand. If you cannot obey me, then perhaps the ministry is where you should spend the rest of this tour and the rest of your pregnancy."

Addy's eyes blazed with fury; her brows furrowed in a deep scowl that seemed to etch lines of anger on her forehead. Her lips pressed into a tight line, quivering with suppressed rage. And then, a single tear rolled from her eye and stained her cheek. She hadn't felt emotions this strong since she had to witness the near sacrifice back when she'd brought Kaisarion home.

She knew at that moment that she would never be her own person— unable to pursue her passions due to pregnancy but unable to cease becoming pregnant. Her autonomy had slipped away, and she was trapped under the control not just of her husband but also the clergy he served.

* Sleep eluded Addeline later that night, the burden of her circumstances keeping her from a peaceful slumber. She peered over the Cardinal's shoulder, checking if he had drifted off.

His deep breaths indicated that he had. She held her breath as she poked him gently, testing his responsiveness. Satisfied that he wouldn’t wake up easily, she carefully slipped out of bed, being as quiet as a mouse. She tiptoed across the room and, now possessing the key card to the adjacent room, she proceeded out the door with equal silence. She embarked on her covert mission, moving stealthily through the hallway.

She let herself inside the room and went straight to where Swiss bunked. She always made it a point to know exactly where he slept. After all, he was not only her music instructor and babysitter but also her secret paramour.

She cautiously turned the doorknob and slipped into the man’s room. With a gentle click, she closed the door behind her, ensuring not to disturb the slumbering ghouls nearby. It was important to maintain the silence and secrecy of her presence.

“Swiss?” she called out, drawing nearer to his bed. When he did not respond, she tried again, a bit louder, “Swiss?” The man awoke from his slumber and saw Addeline standing in the eerie darkness. “Hey… is it okay if I changed my mind?” she declared. The man leapt from the bed and seized Addy, pressing her against the wall.

His tongue unraveled and dominated the woman’s mouth. She put her hands up the ghoul’s shirt and felt his smooth, bare curvy skin on her fingertips. She tugged the item up, pulling it over his head and threw it to the ground. She gazed upon his muscular chest and allowed herself to dig into the curly hairs between his pecks. Her touch was driving him crazy.

With great force, he ripped the night gown from her body. A fleeting thought of how she would explain that to Papa crossed her mind but was replaced instantly as Swiss began to suck at her breasts, so hard that it almost hurt.

“Ah, ah,” she moaned, “That feels so good!”

“Yea?” he murmured lustfully, the woman’s breasts still in his mouth, “I’m about to make you feel even better.”

He hiked her leg up and tried to raise it up to his mouth. Addeline was so short, he had to come down a bit to place kisses on the limb, slowly leaving a trail of wet indentations until he found himself on his knees at her warm center. He rested her leg on top of his shoulder and returned to kissing her. She whimpered as he gripped her underwear with his teeth, beginning to pull them down.

“What are you doing?” she asked in anticipation.

Grinning from ear to ear, he said, “I’ll show you what I’m doing.”

Addy stood on one foot with no leverage to hold to as the man began to eat her. Her legs began to tremble, and she felt that she might fall over at any moment. She grabbed hold of his shoulders to keep herself steady.

“Oh God! Oh yes, oh God!”

The man took great joy in her cries of pleasure. He stopped long enough to ask, “Does that feel good?”

Addy cherished the sensation more than she wished to say and could only nod in response.

Swiss used his hands to trace the contours of Addy’s waist as she slowly found her way back down to earth. With his tongue, he created an erotic trail of dampness from her cunt, up her stomach, over her breasts, up her chin and then finally to her mouth. The air was thick with the potent scent of arousal.

He lifted the woman up and she wrapped her legs around him as he carried her to his bed, her bare folds rubbing against his chest. He laid her down gently and whispered, “Try to be as quiet as you can, ok?”

She nodded obediently. He unbuttoned his pants and pulled them down far enough to allow his stiff cock to swing out. Addeline looked at it endearingly, her eyes filled with hunger. She couldn’t resist the temptation, eagerly anticipating the moment he would prod it into her. He brought it closer to her, crawling over the young woman until he met her gaze.

Addy’s body convulsed violently as the head of his cock rubbed her sopping wet entrance, “Please don’t tease me,” she begged him. “I can’t take it. I need you to make love to me right now.”

He emitted a soft chuckle, and then, akin to a lightning bolt striking, he dashed into her slick opening with an electrifying energy.

“Swiss?” she cried his name.

“Yes?” he said, as he pounded into her ferociously.

“Swiss, I think… I think… I might love you.”

The man halted abruptly upon hearing the confession. Unfortunately, for Addy this also halted her pleasure, “No, don’t stop,” she began desperately rocking her hips to match the rhythm that he had been following.

“Tell me if you still feel that same way after I finish you off, ok?”

The man was able to pick his pace back up. He grabbed her ass cheeks and gave them a firm squeeze, lifting them up as he thrusted into her. He wanted to get as deep inside of her as he possibly could. Addeline’s face was a mess of emotions as she continued to cry his name out into the dark.

“Oh fuck,” she yelled, “I’m coming!”

Swiss fell down on to her chest and began to kiss her neck as he whispered, “Come on Addeline, cum for me!”

Her legs twitched and she let out a long euphoric moan, shivering and panting as she came hard.

Seeing her come undone caused Swiss to unload as well. He tensed up and felt his cock pulsating as he spewed every last drop of himself into the girl.

He pulled out and collapsed next to her. Both were overwhelmed by the intensity of their recent joy, yet Swiss had regained his composure enough to pose a question to Addeline.

“So, do you still love me?” he inquired.

Struggling to regulate her breathing, she nearly choked as she suppressed her gasps. Turning towards him, she nestled her face against his chest, absorbing the warmth of his perspiration from their recent activities. Swiss responded by placing his hand atop her head, cradling it tenderly. Within the embrace, Addeline could sense the rhythm of his heartbeat, “Yes,” she whispered. “I love you.”

*

The band was buzzing with excitement, and they decided to go out for lunch to celebrate their incredibly successful tour. They had rocked Australia and South America, leaving fans in awe. With only a few shows left before a break, they were already planning for their spring tour for next year.

As they sat down at the restaurant, Addy, started feeling a wave of sickness wash over her. It was an unfortunate symptom of her pregnancy; one she had experienced with her previous children.

“I’ll be right back, Papa,” she said, excusing herself from the table. Swiss immediately noticed her pale appearance, something Papa didn’t pick up on, and he too excused himself. He patiently remained outside the door of the restroom for her.

When Addy emerged, feeling a bit dizzy, she spotted Swiss waiting there. He embraced her, wrapped his arms around her and placed a gentle hand on her stomach. Concerned, he asked, “Are you okay?”

Addy shook her head, revealing, “I can’t eat.” Understandingly, Swiss reassured her, saying, “That’s okay, you don’t have to eat.”

The woman expressed her aversion to even smelling anything, fearing she might vomit again.

“Well, we can get out of here if you want,” the ghoul told her.

Before she could agree, she felt herself becoming sick once more. She broke free from his grip and rushed back into the bathroom.

Coincidentally, as Addy walked out of the bathroom, Copia happened to be approaching. His timing was less than ideal as she fell back into Swiss’s embrace immediately after exiting. He observed them talking and saw the ghoul gently petting Addy’s stomach. The Cardinal found it a bit peculiar but assumed Swiss must already know about the pregnancy.

He cautiously walked up to the two and asked, “Is everything alright here?”

Startled, Swiss immediately released Addy, and Addy did an about face. Copia had caught them off guard. Swiss was the first to respond, hoping to brush it off, “Addeline isn’t feeling very well.”

“Are you ill because of the pregnancy, my dear?”

Copia’s question made Addy’s heart sink. She hadn’t yet informed Swiss that she accidentally revealed the pregnancy to Papa. She could sense the ghoul’s disbelief and, trying to avoid eye contact with him, she replied to the Cardinal, “Yes, I need to go home, Papa.”

“You need to eat, Amore,” Copia urged, “It’s important for the baby that you get food.”

The very thought of eating something in that moment was enough to make Addeline want to throw up again, “I can’t, Papa. I’m too nauseous.”

The Cardinal completely ignored Addy’s pleas and disregarded her comfort, “Go sit down, my dear.”

Swiss felt his anger rise as he witnessed the man dismiss her feelings, as if she didn’t know what was best for herself. Unable to stay silent, he spoke up, “Cardinal, she’s already thrown up twice. She really needs to go home and rest.”

“You don’t think I know what’s best for my wife, Swiss?”

The ghoul backed down, "I didn't say that. I'm just saying she might puke again if she forces herself to eat."

Papa brushed the man off, redirecting his attention to his wife, "Go take a seat and have your meal," he commanded with a resolute tone.

Seemingly overruled, Addeline and Swiss, along with Papa, returned to the table. Both men kept a close eye on Addy as she attempted to eat. The food felt like a lump in her throat, causing a wave of nausea. Before she could swallow, bile erupted from her mouth, landing on her plate.

She was so embarrassed and stammered, "I... I'm so sorry, everyone. I... I'm pregnant."

Cheers erupted around the table, save for Cirrus and Swiss and of course Papa who realized his grave mistake.

He was remorseful now, apologizing to her, "Tesoro, I am very sorry. I pushed you." He then turned to Swiss and said, "Take her home."

Swiss and Addy apprehensively left the table and hopped into an Uber, ready to escape the tension. Addeline laid her head down on Swiss’s lap, using his warm legs as a pillow. Swiss couldn’t hold back his curiosity any longer and asked, “So, were you planning on letting me know that you spilled the beans about the baby?”

Addy remained silent.

“Addy?” Swiss called out, only to find her peacefully asleep. He shook his head and started to run his fingers through her hair. He thought to himself that it must be exhausting growing a human from scratch and here she was doing it especially for him.

Upon arriving at the hotel, Swiss gently carried Addy to her room, making sure she was comfortable. He carefully placed her under the covers and positioned a trash bin nearby just in case she needed it. As he turned to leave, Addy’s sleepy voice called out, “Don’t go, please.”

Swiss sighed, unable to resist her plea. He walked back to her, sitting on the bed’s edge, and softly caressed her cheek. “I can’t stay, babe. Copia will be back soon, and we don’t want him catching us together.”

Addy suggested, “I’ll just tell him you’re keeping an eye on me.”

Swiss chuckled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. “I’ll have you all to myself soon enough, Addy. Don’t worry.”

Addeline woke up to the sound of the door opening. Her vision was a bit fuzzy, but she saw Papa walk in with a bag of food. He approached the bed and placed his hand on her forehead, asking, “How do you feel, Tesoro?”

Addy stretched and reached out to him, giving him a small hug, “I’m feeling a little better.”

Papa expressed his frustration at her resistance earlier, saying, “Amore, I wish you would listen to me when I give you advice. I brought you food, now you must eat something.”

With her stomach settling, Addy took the food from Papa and sampled a few things. It was clear that something was on the Cardinal’s mind. She prepared herself for whatever he would say next.

“My love, I couldn’t help but notice that everyone else at the table seemed to be completely unaware of your pregnancy… and yet… Swiss knew.”

Addy’s heart skipped a beat

“My darling, did Swiss know you were pregnant before I did?”

Addy didn’t know how to respond. She landed on the first thing that came to her mind, “Swiss is a good friend, Papa, a good teacher; I confide in him.”

Papa nodded, and though he didn’t seem completely satisfied with her answer, he accepted it.

“And Cirrus knew,” the woman quickly offered another element to the story to ease his mind. Cirrus was the only other person at the table, after all, not reacting to the news. She did not really know what point her husband was trying to make but she could only assume that he was suspicious after seeing them together at the restaurant. She hoped that she was convincing enough to put his worries to rest.

[gojonanami]

Sab, my dearest, my beloved, the light of my life,

I know I'm two weeks late (and that a certain professor would be on my ass for it) but I had the wonderful idea of re-reading the whole Prof Geto series before reading part 6, thinking it would make for the best emotional impact and after doing just that I have to say... my hypothesis was correct. There wasn't a single second where I regretted my decision (except, maybe when I had to read the breakup scene again 😭), not a single dull word in the +90k masterpiece you wrote (isn't that the length of a novel!?), the flow of your writing is just so good, the dialogue, the internal conflict of the characters... I loved all of it, Sab. This series holds a special place in my heart and I'll probably read it time and time again in the future ❤️❤️❤️

And this chapter– god. I really have no words, it was just a whirlwind of emotions. I was giggling and kicking my feet in the hair like a teenager and I even cried at some point. I loved the beginning, the raw emotion of seeing each other again after what happened, the longing... the way Suguru and Yuta felt so conflicted about their feelings for the reader, and her getting jealous over Mei Mei... omg.

I also loved how Geto helped her with the citations of her dissertation (they were my worst nightmare during undergrad) and hated how Yuta broke up with her right after she presented it. How could he ruin such and special day like that!!! (Ofc I know it made sense to have it happen right then, but gosh 😭💔) but anyway, regarding Yuta... I love how you've set up his part. I'll love to read it when the time comes ❤️❤️

Oh! And the way Yaga *knew*. Now I can't believe that the whole reader assigned as a T.A thing wasn't tampered by him in some way– he had to play a part in that, and I bet he wasn't too fussed with them sharing a hotel room, as long as Suguru was happy hahah.

And then, the passion in his office, the reconciliation and the ending... I had to stop reading a couple of times because I was getting way too emotional, Sab. It was beautiful. I can't wait to see more of them in the extra credit fics (!!) I really hope you make a proposal one <3

I wanted to thank you for writing this series, I've loved it more than I could ever expect to and I believe it came to me in a point of my life where it just... made sense. I was stressed and unsure about continuing in academia and I believe I told you a few months back that I was applying to grad school... well, I got accepted and then hired as a research assistant at the same university!! This is as close as it gets to me living reader's life though I'll keep living vicariously through her for a while longer, I think.

Anyway– I believe I'm babbling now. I just want to thank you again for writing this wonderful series. I'm so excited for Prof Gojo and all the wonderful things you'll write in the future, Sab ❤️

baby, love of my life, the sun to my earth

haha I think prof geto would more than forgive you — especially after the diligent work you did rereading — dare I say he would be very impressed—and I am too omg

I cannot believe you read all 90K+ that’s insane and it means so much to me 😭🥹 thank you so much — it truly means the world to me because I had so much fun writing it!! it was really a special series to me and will continue to be as I write more extra credit fics :).

ahhh I can’t believe you cried 😭 I’m sorry but also thank you haha. it’s the biggest compliment 😭🥹 I really wanted to convey both yuta and suguru’s conflicted emotions — and I’m glad they came across 😭 writing mei mei was so fun because it was very spur of the moment — and I love jealous reader 🥹🫣

citations are truly a nightmare and when I thought of the idea to have that be reader’s crisis, it was so perfect because I think so many of us in academics can relate to that 😭 we all deserve a suguru. I can’t wait to write yuta!!! it’s def gonna have stuff from prof Geto like the repercussions of his relationship with reader and it will be fun :)

hahah yaga knowing was also spur of the moment — it just felt full circle since so many times he’s also pulled them apart in some way 😭😭😭

thank you 🥹💕 I’m glad you enjoyed the reconciliation scene — it was so important to me to get that so right. and I really took my time and I’m glad you think I got it right 🥹💕💕I’m def writing the proposal!!! Don’t worry :)

aww baby thank you for reading 😭🥹 I’m so glad this series could help you in any small way that it did. omg I do remember and that’s amazing!!!! Congratulations I’m so so proud of you (and professor geto is too)!!!

writing this series also came at the perfect time for me because it just was such a wonderful thing to post a new part and see everyone’s reactions — it truly made my day. I especially loved your asks as well 🥹💕

thank you for being here and sticking around. I can’t wait to start writing more of professor gojo — I think you guys will really like it 🫶🥹💕

[docholligay]

Ep 6: Taissa

Hello! This is about up to Episode 6 of Yellowjackets, and ONLY episode 6 of Yellowjackets. I have not seen beyond the sixth episode, at all, and know NOTHING about this show. Please do not spoil it for me.  Things that are spoilery in nature, for me, include: saying things like  “Just wait!!” confirming or denying anything I put forward, outside information about the cast interviews or creator statements, leading questions like “Do you think “blank moment” means anything?” etc. Remember  that Y’ALL HAVE SEEN THE SHOW AND I HAVE NOT. This informs the way you  talk about things relating to the show. Just be really careful is all  I’m asking. Also: If there is LITERALLY any stance I  could take on this show or character that would make you upset, please  just fucking block the tag

If you WOULD like to discuss the show and my takes on it, the Discord is right here! I don’t go there, so it’s a great place to get every emotion out.

Please thank @sailorsunspot and @moonlight-frittata for backing this odd way of doing a liveblog, and remember my tip jar is always open

There are two wolves inside you, and they are both Taissa. The bad lady and the wolf…are Taissa. I feel good about this theory though this is just a theory. Taissa IS in fact a different woman from the women her wife married. There’s a Taissa that wants to take care of her family, and help her community, and there’s a Taissa that wants to simply win and hunt and kill. So for us all, but of course NARRATIVELY, I think it’s on the level. 

She is still the leader of this operation, and Nat and Shauna would have not idea what to do without looking to her. 

I sense deeply I should be getting into this Taissa and Van thing, and I’m not opposed to it by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s not all that interesting to me. We’re being set up, I think, to have something happen to Van, and to use that to set something off in Taissa. That’s about my level of engagement with it, and I’m fine with that. Seeing Taissa lose her fucking mind is the real OTP here, so I’m satisfied. 

But that doesn’t make their whole naked dunk completely disinteresting to me au contrary, I love when Taissa says, in response to Van saying she always wins: “Why do you think I like to play?” That’s it. That’s Taissa. She isn’t here to do anything but win, and THAT is why she could not give up the race even though she has become the wolf hunting her family down and the evil lurking outside Sammy’s window, and I think on some level she must know that. I don’t know if I think she’d engage with it for even five goddamn seconds, but I think if she really thought about it, she would know that.  And yet. She can’t stop. 

It’s also interesting to me in that..she does not seem interested in continuing things with Van afterward. In response to the idea that everyone will find out anyhow, Taissa says, paraphrased, ‘lol not if I run’. And don’t get me wrong, it’s easy to sit here in the year of y’all’s lord 2023 and tell Taissa to come out, when, in the 90s it was a real, actual problem in the US that had actual repercussions socially and financially, and I am not gonna let anyone sit here and call her a coward or ashamed when I’ve seen y’all unable to call your representatives out of anxiety. I’m not saying ‘you gotta give Taissa all the points.” I left home to accomplish my life. I’m saying, “Everything in life is a fucking decision, and you have to decide what costr is worth it, and what is too high. We all have priorities.” 

But onto the actual plan, to answer some questions brought up in my asks: Is it better from a non-narrative situation (Love the phrasing on this, will bring it up in a second) for the group to try and hike it out or hold on where they are? And the answer is: Yes. 

What needs to be done in this situation is to have, and this should have been done about a month ago, a small group of the strongest and most wilderness-canny people follow water down until they find something, and they ALMOST CERTAINLY will find something. Even the most remote areas, if you follow a creek down, it will very likely reach a river, which will very likely reach a road, which will very likely reach a settlement. (By the way, Tai, this is much smarter than merely heading “South.” You can go south in the rockies a long time without hitting anything. You could walk nearly all the way through Montana.) If this were my family, me and Mike would head out--I know how to survive well in the wilderness, and I hike very fast, Mike can generally keep up with me, and Jill needs to stay and take care of those who can’t follow. But yes, I think this is the logical, terrifying thing to do in this situation. 

Now, back to narratively. There’s no way Taissa is leaving. I have no idea what the mechanism of her being trapped there will be. Maybe it’s the aforementioned ‘something almost certainly is going to happen to Van.’ But she’s not going anywhere. 

Speaking of going places: I think Simone should leave Taissa. But Doc, you love Taissa. I love Taissa narratively, of course, and I find myself every single episode uncomfortably identifying with her (In which way can YOU not possibly cope with the weight of situations? Tag yourself!) but, she’s not a good wife. She’s not a good mother. She is sacrificing everything at the altar of her need to win and to conquer, and in doing this, she proves to herself over and over that if she FAILED in the woods, it must have been because it was impossible to win, not ANY weakness in her. She is on the hunt, and because of that, she has blinders on, and she can’t see all the things she’s leaving behind. 

Kind of on that note, and on Simone saying, “You know for someone who’s been through some shit--” all of us, every single one, has a tendency to universalize our experience, and this filters down in a million different ways. It’s why you see people armchair diagnosing historical figures and characters and etc with disorders and genders and sexualities, it’s why people struggle to understand complex and varying viewpoints, it is something so so difficult to guard against in our normal lives. And, coming from someone like Taissa, it can be extremely difficult to come through adversity, figure it out, at least on paper, and see someone else crumbling underneath it. I am Taissa going, “For fuck’s sake” about the idea that my, nine year old, I think, raised in a huge house ina  wealthy neighborhood, has it that fucking hard.Now, this is the one way of universalizing one’s experience that gets constantly criticized, but ask yourself in truth--are you not also guilty of this? I feel like this is an insane thing for Simone to say, because to me, having come through it makes you know how possible it is. I do not think this is my, or Taissa’s most perfect trait, but it is a very human one. 

Come to the end of Taissa BITING HERSELF. Yes. What else could you do with that? 

[thoselethalarts]

𝕸𝖆𝖗𝖈𝖚𝖘 𝕿𝖔𝖒𝖋𝖔𝖗𝖉 - 𝕻𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝕾𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞

(SR) Ceremony Robes (Part 1): “I Wish I Could Just Vanish”

(Octavinelle Dorm: Marcus’s Bedroom)

Marcus: Tsk… The grey’s really getting grown out now. I'm gonna need to redye my hair soon.

Matt: You’ve been sayin’ that every day for the past month, buddy.

Marcus: No I haven’t.

Matt: Well you sure’ve been thinkin’ it even if you haven’t said it out loud. Jus’ do it already if it’s botherin’ you so much.

Marcus: I know, I know, and I want to. I just don’t have any hair dye left to sit down and do it. Marcus: Maybe I’ll go to Sam’s later and pick some up… it’d be nice to have my hair all in order for the opening ceremony, anyway.

(knock knock knock)

Marcus: Ah, that must be Kaz. He’s a little earlier than he said he'd be.

(Marcus opens the door to his room to the person on the other side)

Marcus: Hey… Azul?

Azul: Good evening, Marcus. I’m not interrupting anything, am I?

Marcus: I… guess not. I was just expecting someone else. Marcus: What do you need?

Azul: Well, I can see you’re a busy man, so I’ll make this brief. Azul: You’re probably aware of the opening ceremony for the new year quickly approaching us. As a third year, I’d like to enlist your help in preparing for the occasion.

Marcus: My help? What could you possibly need me for?

Azul: Well, obviously I can’t do everything myself when it comes to the ceremony preparations. There’s a lot of work that needs to be done. Azul: This will be my first year acting fully as a dorm head, and then of course there’s my current business endeavor: the lounge. Azul: The entrance ceremony banquet for Octavinelle will be taking place at Mostro Lounge this year, as I want to take the opportunity to introduce my business and its services to our new students. Azul: Balancing the lounge and my responsibilities as dorm head means that there’s plenty of work that needs to be done, and I need lots of student bodies to make it all happen. Azul: The lounge’s space will need to be rearranged for the banquet, and I’ll need students to help with food prep and serving on the actual evening of. Azul: In short, I’d like you to help in Mostro Lounge on the day of the ceremony. Azul: The work will be simple, just taking drink orders and delivering them to the people that request them. I'd appreciate it if you held priority for our new arrivals first and foremost, to make a good first impression, of course. Azul: I'll be going over more details on the workload as the day gets closer.

Marcus: Uh… huh? Wait- hold on, sorry, but I can’t do any of that.

Azul: I beg your pardon?

Marcus: Look, uh- I’ve got things I need to take care of for the ceremony, too. I don’t have time to be waiting a lounge. You’ll have to ask someone else for help.

Azul: Hm… you seem to be mistaken. I’m not asking for your help, I’m enlisting you.

Marcus: ...What?

Azul: You misunderstood my message. You will be at the lounge opening night. Refusing isn't an option here. Azul: If you choose not to come, then you'll be facing repercussions for your decision. Am I making myself clear?

Marcus: …Dorm head or not, I don’t think you’re allowed to force me to do slave labor for you.

Azul: Oh, rest assured, it will not be slave labor, I’m not heartless after all. Azul: I’m a kind and generous benefactor, and your hard work and time will be compensated appropriately, as a temporary employee of Mostro Lounge. Azul: So you see, you have nothing to lose by serving me temporarily.

Marcus: Right, and if I decide I won’t show anyway then your henchman cronies will just break my legs and give me a real reason not to work? Is that your plan?

Azul: Well I wasn’t about to go that far, but now you’ve simply given me an idea for the future~

Marcus: …Shit.

Azul: Well, I won’t take any more of your time. Have a good evening, Marcus. I’ll be seeing you opening night.

(Azul walks away, leaving Marcus alone in the doorway)

Marcus: ……

(Marcus closes the door)

Matt: Well that went well.

Marcus: What the hell is wrong with the kids at this school, man…?! Are they even really kids?! Marcus: That fuckin’ brat was acting like a straight-up mob boss! He riled me up, and I walked right into his verbal traps!

Matt: And in th' end ya got roped into things all over again.

Marcus: Fuck… what am I gonna do? I can’t deal with something like this, let alone last-minute. Marcus: I can’t do food service, it’s too stressful for me to even think about! This ceremony is already stressful enough as is! Marcus: I have to get that stupid robe all cleaned and pressed, I have to get my hair dyed in time for the ceremony, and now I have to do prep work and a proper job the night of… Marcus: This is too much, man. I don’t wanna do any of this.

Matt: Yeah, but, it’s jus' one night, right? 'nd he said he’s gonna pay ya, so there’s that at least. Matt: Knowin’ Riddle, I’m prolly gonna be busy as hell on the night of, too. It won’t look good f' me to be AWOL in Heartslabyul, he’d have my hide if I decided t' ditch durin’ the celebrations. Matt: Jus’ stick it out for one night an' we can cool down together after, 'kay? Things’ll be right as rain ‘fore ya know it.

(The door knocks again, then opens)

Kaz: Hey guys! Hope I didn’t keep you waiting!

Matt: Nah, yer right on time, partner. Mark here could use a good distraction.

Kaz: Oh, what happened? Should I have brought some snacks or something?

Matt: Couldn’t hurt. How ‘bout we take a walk ‘n get some while we catch ya up to speed?

Marcus: Please... anything would be better than whatever the hell's in store for me now. Ugh...

(The three boys leave Marcus's room and the screen fades to black. Some time passes, as the screen then fades back in on Marcus's room again.)

(The night before the welcoming ceremony...)

Marcus: Alright... got my hair dye, got my gloves, got tin foil for letting it set... Everything I need to dye my hair just like mom used to help me at home. Marcus: Whew... This is gonna feel so refreshing. Just gonna put some jams on and take this night to myself.

(A loud, abrupt knock rings out against the door it's suddenly kicked open with a loud thud)

Marcus: GAH-! What the hell?!

Jade: Good evening, Marcus. Please excuse the intrusion.

Floyd: Heeyyy Seadragon~ Heheh, I thought we'd find you in here~

Marcus: You mean in my ROOM? YES? What the HELL do you two want, breaking my fuckin' door down?!

Jade: You've been summoned for a meeting by Azul. He had concerns that you might not attend, so he sent us to ensure you received his invitation.

Marcus: I-Invitation? Meeting?? I wasn't- he didn't- nobody said anything about a dorm meeting...?! What the hell does he need ME for?

Floyd: What, you forget already Seadragon? It's about tomorrow, the opening ceremony? Floyd: Azul's hosting the meeting in Mostro Lounge to go over everything before all the new blood arrives.

Marcus: I didn't “forget” anything! He never told me anything about a meeting!

Floyd: It doesn't matter if you remember, forgot, or weren't told, it's still happening either way.

Marcus: Yeah, well tough shit! I'm busy now, I've got things I need to take care of before the opening ceremony, if you can't already tell. Marcus: If he wanted me to show up so badly then he shoulda told me in advance.

Jade: My my, does that mean you're refusing his invitation?

Marcus: I'm not- no! Shut up, there wasn't an invitation in the first place to even refuse, you're not getting me on that one. Marcus: All I was told was “help at the lounge on the day of the ceremony”. There was NEVER any talk of a meeting, and DEFINITELY no invitation to anything. Marcus: I'm working tomorrow like he told me to and that's it. That's all I agreed to, end of story. Now leave me alone.

Floyd: Daamn... you've really got balls of steel, dontcha Seadragon? Floyd: Guess ya didn't quite get what I told ya. I said: it doesn't matter if you remember, forgot, or weren't told. It's happening right now either way. So now you're coming with us.

(Jade and Floyd start to draw closer to Marcus, cornering him in his room)

Marcus: -?! Wh- hey- what're you- get the hell away from me, you wannabe mobster brats! Don't fucking touch me! HEY!!

Jade: This will be far more easy and painless as long as you don't resist your summons.

Floyd: That said, you're welcome to struggle all ya want. It's more fun to squeeze someone that tries to fight back, heheh~

Marcus: Why the hell does this keep happening to me...?! This suuuucks...!!

/ To Be Continued…

[yjwhatif]

your ask box is probably full so sorry but i have a idea for the better worl au. that "you can't do it" scene from the orignal with bwsupes and flash with bwjaime and bart but its the oppisent. as in bart dosen't anything about bw jaime not being able to do it, because he knows how far jaime can actually go, but to everyone even bw jaimes supriesd, bw jaime really can't do it.

Oooh I really like that idea! I’m totally picturing Bart being very unfazed by BW!Jaimes actions - even when he’s about to be killed by him. unlike flash in JL:a, Bart doesn’t flinch as jaime takes his aim - he will not run - and that’s what finally snaps BW!Jaime back into the reality of the situation - the sight of his previously lost friend with such darkness in his eyes, prepared to face his end at the hands of the friend he sacrificed everything to protect… Jaime hesitates and his mind returns to moments of s2 …. remembering exactly what Bart did for him and realising just how much he’s failed him… all he can say is - “I can't do it…”

But then the question arises - just because BW!Jaime remembers his conscience and won't kill Bart - can the same still be said for BW!scarab after everything he's been allowed to do in this ‘better’ world?

Scarab has always had a natural affinity for violence and destruction - not necessarily for any kind of sadistic desire, but because by his internal logic the methods he suggests would provide the most efficient outcome overall (or at least that’s my interpretation of things). He doesn't really consider things like the consequences of such decisions if actually executed - which is where Jaime comes in… it’s with his wider perspective Jaime is able to acknowledge the major repercussions such actions would bring and his self-control that keeps scarab in line - ensuring the blue beetle remains a force for good… but if Jaime loses that control and gives into scarabs ways of thinking because of his own emotional turmoil, he then validates scarabs violent logic and essentially corrupts his programming all over again. So while it’s plausible for Jaime - an emotionally minded human - to be swayed back towards seeing the light with the right motivation - for scarab, artificially intelligent technology, I don’t think it would be as easy or maybe even possible without a full on mystic cleanse. It may well be too much damage has been done in the name of grief and rage to ever be returned from… and let’s not forget, if scarab wants to do something, he is fully able to take control for himself and do it - just because Jaime can’t kill Bart does not mean scarab won’t to ensure Jaime remains the force he has chosen to be…

So when Jaime says - “I can’t do it” - the trouble does not end there… inside his head he hears the voice of scarab - “Do not worry Jaime Reyes, you do not have to”… and with that, scarab continues priming the cannon aimed at Bart. “Wait, SCARAB NO!” Jaime shouts, as the blast he has no control over is about to fire… he's trapped, about to watch his friend die all over again… and once again, it’s all his fault…

Until a great force of searing gold blinds his view…

(Thanks for the message Anon!)

LB

[coconutcows]

I hope ya don't mind my ask, but I agree with your Last of Us 2 opinion. I was very disappointed with the game, especially for how much they wanted customers to pay for it. The decisions some of the characters made felt very illogical and OOC imo too. Maybe the new show they're making of the game will be a bit better? º‸º

Hey!! I never mind an ask, I don’t get many so I appreciate all of them :)

For me I’m definitely biased here, because truthfully I’ve never played The Last of Us, and I’ve never played any PlayStation games let alone exclusives (I’m not big on PS in general, mostly because of a few toxic people but that’s a whole other can of worms lol) however it was one of the few exclusives I really had interest in, but I lost that interest after the second game. So I can’t say anything about character behaviour. But just the fact that the second game was clearly a story of “revenge will destroy you” with taking everything from Ellie (her father figure, her girlfriend and child, her guitar playing ability, giving her trauma) but Abbey gets her revenge with no repercussions while also making the militia group from the first game look more sympathetic just strikes me as strange. I do remember them trying to charge more than other games at the time just because the first game was so popular (and the themed system that was super expensive and released just before the next gen console reveal which wouldn’t be a big deal if Sony didn’t have an issue with old games on new systems) as well as them making the choice to add more cutscenes and less gameplay segments making it feel more like an interactive movie than a proper game was also weird.

I have my own opinions on how the story could’ve gone but discussing that would make this lengthy so I’ll save that for another day if anyone’s interested lol. While I haven’t looked at the show myself yet, I am following someone who is watching it and I’m interested!!! I may give it a watch. It seems the people involved truly love the game and are actually expanding on things as opposed to just working on a shot for shot remake so that’s good, the real question will be waiting and seeing if they adapt and improve the plot of the second game.

[jojo-hut-jrs]

20 with formaggio?❤️

If you do not specify what direction you want me to take these prompts I’m going to write what is it my heart which is horror ❤️

20. Open the window.

It’s been tapping at the window for a while now, but you still refuse to open it.

Money is a divine tool, used in trade and negotiation, a lifeblood so delicate and of such importance that to wield it felt like holding the sword of arch angel Michael.

You were a fool to borrow so much of it, to think playing this power would not have the very serious repercussions it did, and now that sword has fallen towards you.

You can’t see whatever is tapping at your window, but you know something is there. Occasionally part of it will slip and that tap will screech into a harsh scratch, a faint line drawn across the glass. He’s got both your exits blocked, and he knows you’re aware of it.

“Come on, pal, let’s just talk this out like adults.” His tone is far too light and conversational for one in his position, he knows he has power over you right now and he can relax knowing you can do nothing more to stop him. A locked hotel door isn’t going to keep him for long.

“You know, it’ll be a lot easier if you open the door,” he pauses, “or open the window. It’s whatever choice you want.”

There’s something about the cat and mouse game that keeps it alive despite how easy it would be to simply spring the trap now. Hunting is a stimulation, a game, and it wouldn’t be entertaining for the cat if the mouse was too easy to catch. Right now, he’s having fun. He’s not breaking through the door or the window, even though you fully suspect he could. Instead, he’s gambling with your life, waiting for you to play your hand so he can finally play his. People in this life choose this work either through desperation or entertainment: you know exactly which one motivated him.

The thing tapping at your window isn’t steady. It’s rhythm fluctuations, odd irregular patterns that stop and start at random. It’s distinctly human in its imperfection, and it terrifies you.

“I know you’re good at making bad decisions. Why don’t you make your choice, otherwise, someone might make it for you.”

He sounds like he’s smiling. The thing tapping your window picks up speed for a brief moment. You owe too much to give back within your lifetime. You needed too much that you could safely handle. You chose to take from people who treat debtors like you treat pesky flies that won’t leave your kitchen. He’s right, you are good at making bad choices, and you’re about to making another one.

His shadow had stood unmoving under the door, waiting. At last he grows bored of playing wait and shakes the door handle, teasing entry. Your time has run out and you make your choice.

You open the window.