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dazedandconfused-15 · 5 days ago

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Heaven's in your eyes (Part 5)

I just wanted to apologise to everyone for going M.I.A. over the last few months. It's been a lot—new job, Christmas, etc. I haven't forgotten about this fanfic, nor have I forgotten how much love it's been receiving since the first chapter. Thank you again, guys. SMUT is coming VERY soon, but remember, this is a slow burn… ;)

Summary: Life in Hawkins is dull and lonely, especially after your mom abandoned your family, leaving you even more isolated amidst school rumors. Already shy and with few friends, you find solace in your solitude—until Billy Hargrove, the intriguing new boy from California, comes into the picture. To your surprise, Billy seems to seek you out, finding ways to talk to you despite the odds. Never in a million years would you have imagined forming such an unexpected bond with someone.

Link to: Part 1 Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4

@tatumrileyslover @littlenosoul @the-freak-cassie-313 @rainy-darling @nina-from-317 @galacticglitterglue @stanseventeen @sakurasimppp @seedlingghost @losingmygrasponreality @mindsofjade @insomniacfigure

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The day you return to school comes far too soon. You managed to get by by skipping Friday, but today is Monday, and you can’t afford to miss another day. The lessons are piling up, and with tests looming closer—especially as the end of the year nears—catching up is no longer an option.

This morning, your dad dropped you off before heading to work. When you close the car door behind you and face the school building, you take a shaky breath. You’re prepared to face whatever consequences come from your decisions, but you can’t shake the tight knot of anxiety in your stomach.

You scan the parking lot filled with students, searching for the familiar faces of Tina, Vicky, or Carol, but you don’t see them. Instead, your gaze lands on Billy. He’s leaning against the side of his car, chatting with Max. Max has her backpack slung over one shoulder and his skateboard on the other, while Billy pulls a cigarette from his pack, both of them seemingly deep in some animated argument.

You hesitate. Do you approach him? You called him the day after that night, like he asked, and he reassured you that Monday would be fine—that you shouldn’t worry. But after that, you didn’t hear from him. You’re left with no clue where you stand with him. After that kiss... what are you? Are you still friends? Or something more?

You try to push away any hope, but a small part of you can’t help it. The uncertainty lingers, weighing on you.

As if he feels the pressure of your gaze, Billy turns his head. Your eyes meet.

Max, still talking and gesturing, notices Billy’s gaze and follows it to where you’re standing. Billy lifts his hand, waving for you to join them. You tighten your grip on the strap of your backpack, walking toward them, mentally preparing for whatever might happen.

“You okay?” Billy asks when you reach them.

“Hey, yeah.”

Billy glances back at Max. “You got that?”

“Billy, it’s not like I’m…”

“I don’t care,” he cuts Max off sharply. Max opens her mouth, as if she’s about to protest, but then thinks better of it. She looks away, her expression a mix of scowl and concern. You’re not sure what’s going on, but Billy doesn’t seem to notice. His blue eyes remain locked on her face, intense and unwavering. “You really want that to happen again? Do you like pushing him until things blow up?”

“Of course I don’t!” she scowls, looking back at him.

“Then stop being so goddamn stubborn and do as I say.” Billy lights a cigarette, his eyes staying fixed on Max. You shift uncomfortably, unsure whether to look away or stay. This moment between the two step-siblings feels more personal than you’re ready for, and you're left wondering what's going on.

“You’ll have plenty of time on the weekends. Otherwise, it’s straight home after school.”

“Alright.” Max grits her teeth as she says it, though it’s clear her frustration is with the situation rather than Billy himself.

Billy watches her for a long moment, taking a drag from his cigarette as if assessing whether she’s truly accepted his ultimatum. Max holds his gaze at first but eventually looks away, her discomfort evident, even though she tries to hide it. Billy’s stare is intense, like he’s daring her to challenge him again.

“You’re gonna be late. Go to class.” Billy jerks his chin toward Hawkins Middle School, a few feet away from the high school. “I’ll see you by the car at four.”

Max says a soft “hi” to you before leaving, heading off with her skateboard. You watch her go in silence, your eyes shifting back to Billy as the tension lingers in the air.

“Is everything okay?”

Billy exhales a long sigh, tapping the cigarette and flicking the ashes onto the ground. “Yeah. Just gotta remind her how things work around here from time to time.”

“She seems upset…”

“Well, next time, she better listen so she won’t be.”

You notice the tense set of his jaw and the way his gaze stays locked on Max’s retreating figure, and it’s the first time you’ve seen him like this—so tightly wound.

“Billy…” you say softly. “It’s normal for a kid her age to push boundaries sometimes.”

“Not in this household.” Billy shakes his head, his hand holding the cigarette rising to his face as he scratches his eyebrow with an irritated flick of his thumb. “And she knows it. She fucking knows it. But she keeps going rogue.” You fall silent, sensing the weight in his words, and your nerves spike as you wonder if there’s something deeper behind this. You don’t want to push him to talk, but you can feel the storm brewing inside him.

He takes a drag from his cigarette, his hand trembling slightly before he speaks again. “Neil went ballistic last night.”

“What did he do?” you ask, a wave of concern rushing through you. “Did he hurt her?”

“No.” Billy’s voice is rough, but he shakes his head, his eyes flicking away for a moment. “He got close, but…”

“Oh God…”

“It’s fine. He didn’t touch her. I stepped in before it got worse.”

Billy’s gaze stays fixed on the distance past your shoulder. It’s obvious he’s trying to push the conversation away, but you can sense there’s more that he’s not saying.

“So he hit you?” you ask, a knot of dread forming deep in your chest. Billy shakes his head, letting out a frustrated sigh as he shifts against the car, finally meeting your gaze again.

“I’m fine. He was too drunk to even hit me properly.”

Relief washes over you, and you nod, taking in a breath. “Alright, but—this can’t keep going on…”

Before you can finish, Billy surprises you, reaching out and pulling you close by the waist. Your hands land against his chest, and you’re suddenly close enough to feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat under your palms.

“Hey, it’s all good. I’ve got it,” he reassures you, his voice softer now, but the intensity is still there, buried under the surface.

This closeness leaves you momentarily speechless, sending your mind into a tailspin. You try to pull yourself together, feeling your heartbeats quicken as you're flush against him. “But…”

“It’s always a rollercoaster with him. As long as we know how to move around him it’s gonna be ok.” still holding you against him with his other hand, he brings the cigarette to his mouth and takes another puff. You’re too entranced by his scent, his red mouth as he exhales the smoke on the side to avoid blowing it on your face. “Stop worrying so much.”

You shake your head in defeat, your mind silently racing as he finishes his cigarette. There is a reason why you worry so much. Billy can downplay it all he wants, but you are fully aware of what his father represents. You have seen it on his skin, in his eyes and in his attitude when he’s around older men. Max is so young and you are certain that Neil has touched her mother as well. You wonder what she looks like; you've never met her. Billy brings you back to the present moment by gently squeezing your waist. His tourmaline eyes roam over your face. The combination of his gaze, so casual, and his warm hand touching your body sends you into heat.

“You good?”

You know what he’s referring to. For a moment you stopped thinking about it. Now it comes back in full force and your anxiety is increasing with every second. You feel overwhelmed by this emotion along with how flush his closeness makes you feel. Your mouth feels dry. “I don’t know. I don’t know how it’s gonna be.”

“You’re fine. Nothing’s gonna happen. Alright?”

You nod, unconvinced, and as he brings his face closer to yours, his breath fanning over your face, mint an tobacco. Your heart races quickly as his lips brush against yours. You struggle to realise it, you didn't think he would kiss you again so soon. You certainly didn't think he would kiss you here. It is as if an electric shock was born from your kiss. The surprise triggered by the fact that what happened the other night is not just a vague memory makes you even more euphoric. His hands tighten their grip on your waist, pulling you flush against him. You completely ignore the risk of burning yourself with his cigarette, which continues to die slowly, held between the fingers of his free hand. You rest your hands on his shoulders, denim against your skin. The rest of the people, the sounds around you disappear. You are awash in the passion with which he kisses you, makes you euphoric. His hand leaves your waist and comes to rest on your cheek and you give him space, your hands descend to his chest. The sound of the bell breaks the moment, but you both seem to struggle to break the kiss. You are aware that you must enter the building but each time you pull your lips away Billy chases you, urging you to chase him back. After an eternity, perhaps because you are both out of breath, your lips part with difficulty and you squint, dazed. Your mind tries to regain focus as they move from his heated gaze to where your hands lie against his chest, tucked white shirt in denim jeans. His necklace. He squeezes your waist, as he exhales against your lips. You do not dare to meet his gaze because you know you would not be able to resist him. You have to go back to class. Billy seems to think the same as you because he pulls his face away slightly, bringing the cigarette back to his mouth between the two of you. It is now practically finished. Tilts his head back as he exhales. You eye his Adam apple.

“Well, shit.” he clears his throat, a chuckle leaving his lips as his eyes briefly look past your shoulder. This makes you feel hotter, flattered by his exclamation. You understand very well what he feels. You feel yourself going up in flames as much as he does. “Guess we gotta go now,” he mutters, his eyes finding yours.

It is as if he is seeking your confirmation. It's clear that neither of you wants to move from here.

“Yeah. Yes, let's go,” you nod, shaken and still dazed. You move away from him slowly, aware that if you moved too quickly you would stumble or lose your balance.

Most of the students have already entered the building, but some of them are lounging by the entrance, and some of them are looking at you and Billy as you both walk in. It is likely, indeed certain, that they have seen you back in the parking lot. You decide to ignore their persistent stares completely. You feel relieved when you notice the absence of familiar faces once you are in the main hallway. Maybe you can avoid unpleasant situations at least until lunchtime. You turn to Billy, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. It's time to part. You won’t share History class together today.

“I'll stay in the library to study later today,” you inform him. You have a habit of always going home together, but you have a Chemistry test in two days and need to study.

Billy doesn’t look at you. His eyes are fixed on something to your right. You know that look. You follow his gaze and spot Tommy Hagan by the trophy cases at the end of the hallway.

“Billy?”

“You said Carol was with Tina that day?” His voice is low, but it’s more of a statement than a question. Your heart sinks as you quickly put the pieces together.

“No, Billy, please don’t make a scene.”

His eyes never meet yours. “It’s alright.”

“Billy—”

Billy whistles sharply, cutting you off. “Hey, Hagan!” Tommy Hagan turns around, his indifferent expression shifting to concern when he sees Billy heading his way. You hesitate behind him, dread pooling in your stomach. What is Billy going to do?

“Can I have a word?” Billy calls out as he strides toward Tommy.

Tommy glances between Billy and you, uncertainty written across his face. “Uh, sure.”

“Your girlfriend and I have a problem,” Billy starts, his tone sharp. You feel agitation rise in your chest, already dreading where this is going.

Tommy’s brows furrow. “What?”

“Tell her to quit bothering her.” Billy points to you with a sharp motion of his thumb. Tommy’s gaze follows Billy’s direction, then his expression shifts into one of incredulity, followed by a short burst of laughter.

“What? Are you s—”

Billy cuts him off. “See, I don’t beat up girls.” his tone casual, almost dismissive. “I’m not an animal. But if she doesn’t stop with the bitching right now, it’s your ass next.”

You rush toward them, tugging weakly at Billy’s arm as students begin to slow down, watching the scene unfold. “Billy, come on.”

Billy doesn’t budge. He looks at Tommy, who’s starting to squirm under the pressure, and adds, “You got the hint pretty quickly. So why don’t you do the same with her? Update her on how things are gonna be from now on. I won’t be so nice next time.”

The calmness in Billy’s voice is chilling, but his eyes are a storm, seething beneath the surface. “You hear me?” he asks, tilting his head to the side, his blue eyes piercing through Tommy like a warning.

Tommy stiffens, looking down, unable to hold eye contact. He nods several times, trying to keep his composure. “Yeah, man. Safe and sound.”

Billy nods, slaps Tommy on the shoulder with a casual, almost condescending gesture. “Thanks.”

As you both walk side by side down the corridor, you feel the weight of everyone’s gaze, the whispers and stares burning a hole through you. You can’t shake the feeling that every step is being scrutinized.

Luckily, you don’t share first period with Tina. Chemistry is just Carol and Vicky, and while they shoot you their usual derisive looks, they don’t say a word. Without Tina, they seem to lose their bite, their presence fading without their leader to prop them up. It suits you just fine.

The rest of the morning goes by without any issues, but by the time lunch ends and Math class rolls around, unease settles in your stomach. Tina is in that class with you. When she walks in, you brace yourself, expecting some kind of confrontation. But instead, she just shoots you a dark look and storms past your desk without a word. Her footsteps are heavy, her scowl deep. You hear her drop onto her chair behind you with a loud thud, the sound making you tense.

You’ve never seen her like this.

The teacher walks in, pulling her things from her duffle bag as the usual classroom chatter hums around you. Out of the corner of your eye, you catch Carol abruptly getting up from her seat next to Vicky and making a beeline for Tina. Your stomach tightens. You risk a glance their way. They’re whispering, fast and animated, their heads ducked close. It doesn’t look good.

As if sensing your gaze, Tina looks up—and locks eyes with you.

Her icy stare makes you go stiff. She tongues her cheek, her expression a mix of defiance and contempt. You swallow and turn back to your desk, willing yourself to ignore it.

The rest of the afternoon drags unbearably slow. You wait for something to happen, for one of them to approach you between classes, to say something, do something. But nothing comes. By the time the final bell rings, you take your time packing up, head down, hoping to avoid them in the hallway. But they don’t even acknowledge you as they leave.

Relief floods you when you’re the last to say goodbye to the teacher. You make it to the library without issue, slipping inside where it’s mostly empty—most students eager to escape the school building as soon as possible. You pass a quiet boy from your class who glances up at the sound of your footsteps, offering you a shy smile before returning to his book.

You settle at one of the farthest tables, tucked behind a bookshelf. No one bothers you, but focusing is impossible. Your thoughts spiral. Tina’s strange behavior, Billy. Especially Billy.

His hands. His lips. His gaze.

The two kisses.

By the time you’re leaving the building, your mind is still clouded with him. You’re nearly at the exit when you hear male voices behind you. Then, a whistle.

Your body tenses instinctively, already on guard, ready to shut down whoever decided to be an idiot today. But when you turn around, you’re met with a different sight.

Billy.

“Hey.” he approaches you with his sports bag slung over his shoulder, his teammates behind him.

“Hey..”

“See ya, man.” the boys greet him, throwing you a brief glance as they all walk past you.

“I didn’t know you had practice today.”

Billy shrugs. “Didn’t know either, they moved it from Friday to tonight.”

His hair has lost some of its volume, damp curls falling over his forehead, with smaller strands clinging to his neck. He’s wearing gray sweatpants and a t-shirt under his denim jacket, nothing like what you’re used to seeing him in. Usually, when he has practice, you go home alone.

The sight of him like this stirs something in you, something you can’t quite put into words. There’s a familiarity to it, a quiet intimacy. Stripped of leather, denim, silver rings, and a perfectly styled haircut, he feels… softer. Warmer. Like home.

“Watcha still doing here?” he asks you. You can smell his shampoo mixed with his cologne. You try not to drop your eye on his mouth as he chews on a gum.

“I was in the library.” he indeed wasn’t listening to you earlier this morning.

“Good thing I got practice then, huh?” he jerks his chin toward the exit behind you, as he starts walking toward it, so you follow along.

As you both step out of the high school, the heavy doors swinging shut behind you, you’re immediately met by the warmth of the evening air. The parking lot is bathed in golden light. The lingering heat from the sun settles over your skin like a comforting blanket, thick with the scent of summer grass and faint traces of freshly cut lawns from the nearby fields.

The sky is a vast canvas of soft, golden light, stretching high and clear, only just beginning to fade toward deeper blues at the edges.

“So how was your day?” he asks.

“It was fine.”

“Yeah? Everything went well?”

You actually want to ask him if he had anything to do with Tina, Vicky and Carol's behaviour. But you prefer to wait until you are both in the car.

“Yeah. How was yours? Was practice okay?”

“Not too bad. Coach gave us some shit 'cause the big game against Chesterton’s coming up. He says they’ve got a couple of new guys who are supposed to be real hotshots, so he’s on us to keep our heads in the game,” he says as he drops his sports bag in the trunk. “Keeps saying it’s our ‘chance to prove ourselves.’ Like winning every other game wasn’t enough.”

The sounds of the quiet parking lot surround you, the slamming of car doors, and the subtle echo of laughter from the rest of the basketball team as they all leave.

“Is he always this harsh to you?”

“Always is. Eh, who cares. Got used to it.”

The inside of the car is stifling after being parked in the sun all day, the black leather almost burning your skin as you sit down. You breathe a sigh of relief when Billy rolls down both windows, letting in a rush of fresh air.

“Yeah, it’s boiling in here. Do you have plans?” Billy asks as you pull out of the parking lot and onto the road.

“Not really, no,” you answer. During the week you normally just stay at home. You turn to look at him, curious. “Why?”

“Let’s head to the lake. Freshen up a bit.”

“Oh. You wanna swim?”

“Yeah, why not. It’s warm enough now.”

You find yourself at a loss for words, his sudden offer making your stomach twist with unease. The two of you have never swum together, always staying near the water’s edge. You knew the time would come sooner or later if you kept going to Lovers Lake as summer arrived, but you didn’t expect it to be so soon. So, you come up with the lamest excuse possible.

“Uhm, can we do it another day? I don’t have my swimsuit with me.”

“We can stop by your house to get it.”

“But you don’t have your swimming trunks either.”

Billy waves his hand in a dismissive gesture as he reaches for his pack of cigarettes. “Don’t need it. Just gonna use my gym shorts.”

You find yourself speechless. Not knowing which excuse to find.

“Hey, if you don’t wanna-”

“No, no. I want to!” you rush. You don't want to miss an opportunity to spend time with him. Even if you have to risk him not liking what he sees once you’re in nothing but a swimsuit. “I was just... never mind. Let's go, let's stop at mine to pick it up.”

You tell Billy to wait in the car—you won’t be long. As soon as you shut the front door behind you, you rush to the bathroom, grabbing your razor in a frenzy. In your haste, you nick your calf, wincing as a thin line of red beads on your skin. But there’s no time to dwell on it. You finish up quickly, dart to your room, and snatch your bikini on the fly, slipping it on before pulling your clothes back over it.

When you step outside, you immediately spot Eddie Munson standing by the Camaro, right in front of Billy’s door. You haven’t seen him in days. His trailer door is open behind you, he must’ve stepped out when he heard the engine.

He glances up as you approach, offering a nod in greeting before turning his attention back to Billy. You catch the tail end of their conversation as Eddie gestures to one of the many tattoos inked across his bare forearm.

“...sick, man.”

“I can ink you up sometime. Just tell me your price and I’ll cut you a deal,” Eddie shrugs. “I’m flexible.”

“Sweet. That’d be great.”

“I’ll see you soon, yeah?” Eddie straightens up, his gaze flicking to yours. You’ve never talked much. He seems like a nice guy, but there’s always been something about him that makes you a little hesitant, a little shy. Maybe it’s the ever-present chain hanging from his jeans. Maybe it’s the way he’s always dressed in black. “Hey. How’s it going?”

“Hi, not too bad,” you reply giving him a small smile. “How are you?”

“I’m good yeah. See you.” he starts walking backward toward his trailer, then points at Billy. “You got yourself a nice guy.”

“Oh. It’s huh, it’s, wer-re not-” you stutter, feeling your cheeks heat up. Eddie throws his hands up in a quick, playful gesture — palms outward, fingers spread slightly, as if to say, "Alright, alright, I'll shut up." His grin is boyish and teasing.

“My bad! Didn’t mean to assume,” he chuckles, starting to backpedal toward his trailer. “Catch you later, neighbor.”

You glance at Billy as he leaves the dirt road and turns onto the main road. You hadn’t realized he and Eddie were so close—he never mentioned seeing him.

“Are you thinking of getting another one?”

“Huh?”

“Another tattoo,” you clarify.

“Oh.” A grin spreads across his face. “Yeah. Definitely. Got something in mind.”

“Where would you get it?” you ask, intrigued by his vague answer.

Silence.

You turn toward him in question, only to flinch slightly when you feel his fingers brush against your skin. He doesn’t take his eyes off the road as his fingertips graze your calf, his palm settling on your shin. A jolt of electricity shoots through you as you realize—this is his answer.

“Nothing too big,” he says. “Thinking red ink.”

“Oh.” You try to sound casual, as if his touch isn’t setting you on fire. “That sounds like a really cool idea.”

Billy hums in response, and the silence that follows is thick—charged—because his hand is still there, warm, his fingers idly stroking your skin. Luckily, your house is only half a mile from the lake. You’ll be there soon.

The water is still a little too cool for you, so after a quick dip, you climb out. Lover’s Lake is peaceful in the early summer evening, the water stretches wide and glassy, mirroring the sky’s soft hues. The air is thick with the scent of damp earth and pine, the occasional ripple breaking the surface as a fish moves below. A gentle breeze rustles the trees, carrying the faint sound of crickets just beginning their nightly chorus. The sun hasn’t set completely yet, but the sky is shifting—shadows stretching long over the dock, the horizon painted in streaks of orange and pink.

An hour later, you both end up in your usual spot—one of the docks where you’d sit to study or just unwind. Billy props himself up on his forearms beside you, his tanned arms illuminated by the fading sunlight. Your eyes drift over his sandy blond curls, messy from the water. You have the urge to run your fingers through them, but you hold back. You’re not sure you have that kind of confidence, not yet—not with him. Even though you’ve kissed twice now, you’re afraid of pushing too much.

“Jason’s throwing a party,” Billy says suddenly.

“Oh.” The statement catches you off guard. You watch as he pulls a cigarette from his pack and places it between his lips. “Jason as in Jason Carver?”

Billy nods as he lights the cigarette with one hand, his other arm still resting on the dock. For a brief moment, his eyelashes brush against his cheek, and you find yourself staring. You follow the movement of his hand, the way his thumb lingers on the grill of the lighter before he flicks it shut and places it back down. He takes a slow drag, then pulls the cigarette away, exhaling a cloud of smoke. You love his hands.

“Tomorrow.”

You assume he’s going. Billy has never missed a party. There are rumors about him being the life of them, and yet you struggle to reconcile that version of him—the one who drinks, fights, and lets loose—with the one sitting beside you now. The boy who lent you his jacket, who hugged you, who shares this quiet moment with you. The same boy who once punched someone so hard he knocked out a tooth, nearly sending him into a coma, blood splattering across the pavement.

“Will you go?” you ask, though you already know the answer.

Billy exhales another cloud of smoke, his voice slightly rough as he stifles a cough. “Yeah. Haven’t been to one in a while.”

You hum in acknowledgment, your gaze drifting toward the opposite shore. The sun has completely set now, and though the air is still warm, the sky has darkened. Your legs float lazily in the water, barely submerged. You’re not sure if you’d feel cold, but Billy doesn’t seem to mind.

“You should come.”

Your gaze snaps back to him. At first, you’re silent, caught between surprise and uncertainty, unsure if he’s being serious.

“Me?”

“You,” he repeats, eyes glinting with amusement.

“Billy.” You let out an uneasy laugh. “You know I’ve never been to any of those parties.”

“There’s always a first time.”

You’ve never felt comfortable with the idea of parties. You know you wouldn’t fit in, would probably feel out of place—maybe even unwelcome. Rejected. And after what happened with Tina, the thought of walking into one now feels even worse. You can’t hold your tongue now that it’s on your mind again.

“Can I ask what you told Tina earlier?”

Billy looks momentarily taken aback. Then he scratches his cheek with the hand holding his cigarette, his gaze shifting past you to where the Camaro is parked in the distance.

“Aw, why are you still thinking about that bitch? Forget her. She ain’t gonna do shit anymore.”

You nudge his arm lightly with your thigh, your voice gentle but firm. “Billy.”

He looks back at you. But he doesn’t answer. Instead, he takes a slow drag of his cigarette, exhaling as the silence stretches between you.

“What have you done?”

For the first time, his expression shifts—like a door slamming shut between you. The warmth in his eyes cools, his features hardening in a way you’ve never seen before. His jaw tightens, lips pressing into a firm line as if holding something back. The cigarette lingers between his fingers, forgotten. When he finally speaks, his voice is steady, but there’s an edge to it, sharp and unwavering.

"What, you think I’d hit a woman?"

There’s no anger, no outburst—just a quiet offense, a distance that wasn’t there a moment ago. His gaze, once open and familiar, now feels just out of reach.

The change in him is instant, and it hits you like a splash of cold water. Your stomach tightens. You don’t like this—this sudden distance, the way he looks at you like you're someone else entirely.

“No, that’s not what I meant!”

The words rush out, a little too fast, a little too desperate to pull him back from whatever place he’s just gone to. But he doesn’t soften. He doesn’t say anything at all. Instead, he flicks the ash off his cigarette, his gaze drifting somewhere past you, jaw still locked tight.

You shift closer, hesitating before reaching for his arm. “Billy,” you say, quieter now, trying to catch his eyes. “I wasn’t accusing you. I just… I just want to know what happened.”

Still, nothing. The silence stretches, thick and heavy between you. It’s like watching a storm settle over the ocean—calm on the surface, but something deep and dangerous churning underneath.

Your chest tightens. You don’t like this. You don’t like how far away he suddenly feels.

“Please,” you murmur. “Talk to me.”

For a second, you think he might not answer. Then, finally, he exhales—sharp, controlled, smoke curling from his lips before he mutters, “Forget it.”

But you can’t. Not now.

Your fingers tighten slightly on his arm. “Billy, please. I didn’t mean it like that.” You shake your head, exhaling sharply. “I shouldn’t have said it like that. It just—” You pause, searching for the right words, for something that will pull him back. “Tina looked at me like she wanted to kill me today. In class. Just full-on daggers in her eyes. But she never said a word. Never even walked up to me.”

His expression doesn’t shift immediately, but you see the smallest flicker of something—acknowledgment, maybe. You push forward.

“I don’t get it,” you continue, voice softer now, careful. “I know she hates me, I could feel it. But she just sat there, staring. Why? What happened?”

Billy exhales slowly through his nose, still distant, but the tension in his jaw eases—just a little. The silence stretches, but this time, it feels different. Less cold. More like he’s deciding something.

Finally, he takes another slow drag of his cigarette, then speaks. “I talked to her earlier.”

You wait, but he doesn’t say anything else. That’s not enough. You need more.

“What did you say to her?”

Billy exhales. “Told her whatever this thing is she’s got with you, it’s done. That I don’t want to hear about it, and she sure as hell better not try dragging me into it.” his voice is calm but firm, no room for argument. “Told her to get over it and move the fuck on.”

His confession stirs something warm inside you, something that spreads too fast, too deep. The conviction in his voice, the way he says it like it’s the simplest truth in the world—it’s almost too much. You swallow hard, trying to process it, but the feeling is overwhelming, almost suffocating in its intensity.

Billy shifts beside you, exhaling sharply through his nose like he’s only just realizing how serious he sounded. He drags a hand through his hair, ruffling the curls at the nape of his neck, then drops it, fingers tapping idly against the dock. He doesn’t meet your eyes right away, gaze flicking toward the water instead.

“Thank you,” you say eventually, your voice quieter than you intended. “I just don’t want you getting antagonized by everyone because of me. That’s the last thing I want.”

Billy scoffs, a short, dismissive laugh. “As if I give a shit what these hick townies think of me.”

You don’t respond. Instead, you watch as he stubs out his cigarette against the wooden dock beside your legs. He seems so sure of what he’s saying. And deep down, you’ve always known it to be true—Billy has never cared about anyone’s opinion. You’ve seen it in the way he carries himself, from the very first time you spotted him in the school hallways.

“Tommy H’s stupid freckled face can kiss my ass.”

The statement is so unexpected that you freeze for a second. Then you press your legs together, fighting back a laugh. Billy swats away a fly that’s just landed on your knee, his hand lingering for a moment. His touch is warm, grounding, and for the first time tonight, the tension seems to ease. There’s even the ghost of a reluctant smile on his lips. The shift in atmosphere washes over you like a wave of relief.

“So…” he starts, his thumb dragging idly along your knee.

You glance at him, curious. “Yes?”

“Are you coming or not?”

It takes a second for his words to register. When they do, you let out an exasperated laugh, shaking your head. “Billy, I’m not going to the party.”

“Why not?”

“...You know it’s not my thing.” the admission feels uncomfortable, like you’re exposing something shameful about yourself. “I’d just feel weird.”

“That’s ‘cause you’ve never tried it.”

“What makes you think Tina won’t bother me there? Everyone’s gonna be drinking, and—”

“You’ll be with me the whole time, sweetheart.” His voice is smooth, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world, like you’re just making excuses.

You shoot him a doubtful look. You hadn’t even considered the possibility that he’d stick by your side all night. You’re still not convinced.

And he sees it.

Because suddenly, he lifts your leg gently, slipping beneath it as he moves closer, settling himself between your thighs. His presence feels different like this—closer, more deliberate. The warmth of his hands against your skin sends a shiver through you, but it’s not from the water.

“Come on.”

“What?” you ask with a nervous giggle, your heart stammering in your chest. His arms brush against your legs, his torso barely grazing your inner thighs.

“It’s gonna be fun.” His grin is subtle, teasing, like he already knows he’s winning.

He props himself up on his hands, the wooden dock creaking beneath the movement. The water sways below. And then his face is level with yours, his blue eyes half-lidded but impossibly intense, locking onto you like a challenge.

“Come to the party with me.”

“Billy… I…” You sigh, knowing—knowing—that right now, if he asked you to jump off a bridge, you’d probably do it without hesitation.

And when his lips brush the corner of your mouth, you know it’s over.

“Come with me.”

His voice is low, like velvet, pulling you in deeper. It’s a command, but it’s also a plea, soft but insistent. He doesn’t kiss you fully—not yet. His mouth hovers near yours, teasing, coaxing, almost as if he’s waiting for you to lean in, waiting for you to make the next move. The air between you is thick with tension, with something unspoken that neither of you can escape.

His lips place slow, wet, open mouthed kisses on your cheek. Like he has all the time in the world. And maybe he does, because you haven’t pulled away. His touch is warm, sending a trail of fire through your veins, making your breath hitch in your throat.

“Say yes.”

His words hang in the air, heavy and final. Your chest tightens. You don’t know what to say, what to do. He’s got you on the edge, holding you there, the answer in his eyes, in his touch, in the way he leans closer, as if he's asking for more than just a yes. He wants all of you.

And then, his lips are on yours, deep and slow, like he’s savoring every second, every movement. The kiss is everything. The world spins around you, and all you can feel is him, the heat of his skin, the press of his body against yours.

He doesn’t stop. He doesn’t break the kiss until you’ve lost track of time, until your mind is completely clouded with nothing but him. Your hands find their way to his shoulders, to his chest, holding onto him like he’s the only thing grounding you in this dizzying whirlwind.

And then he pulls away, but just enough for him to look into your eyes, his breath mingling with yours, his gaze dark, but searching.

“Say yes.”

You swallow hard, your pulse pounding in your ears. You’re on the edge, you know you are. And you can feel it, deep down, in your bones, that there’s no going back.

“Yes.”

#billy hargrove #billy hargove x reader #dacre montgomery #stranger things smut #billy hargrove x oc #billy hargrove fluff #billy hargove imagine #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove smut #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove fic #billy stranger things #billy hargrove x you #billy hargrove x y/n #stranger things #Youtube

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richea · 4 months ago

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[Translation] Kratos of the Expiation: Chapter 1 parts 2-3

This update brings us to page 28/317. As I mentioned in my prior post, please think of this as a first draft translation. Starting with this post, I'll be linking to a playthrough (both dubbed and subbed) for those who wish to watch along to the corresponding game cutscenes as they read. Dubbed / Subbed (video picks the wrong choice, here's the choice in Japanese)

Chapter 1: Part 2 of 6

It has been 15 years since Kratos last descended onto earth.

Long ago, Kratos betrayed Cruxis and defected from the organization. He had since then rejoined Yggdrasill’s side, but only on the condition that he wouldn’t be allowed to descend onto earth as he pleased.

Northwest of the Tower of Salvation lies an area thick with trees. Along the shoreline, at the foot of a small mountain, a village can be seen. It’s Iselia, which was known to be the headquarters for the Church of Martel. This is the place Kratos set off to visit.

The entire world has its watchful eye on Iselia. This is due to the fact that the Chosen One was born within its hold, of whom would set off on the Journey of World Regeneration, saving the world from destruction. On the Chosen’s 16th birthday, she is to receive the oracle from an angel of Cruxis and set off on her journey. Today is that very day.

Thinking of the phrase “World Regeneration” brought back harsh memories for Kratos. It was as if a pain pierced his heart. However, there was nothing Kratos could do at this point. He had become completely void of any way to fight against Mithos. In a way, maybe that was for the best. Even if the path there wasn’t pretty, so long as the world would be regenerated, then―

The sound of people fighting grated Kratos’ ears the second he looked at the plateau to his left. He has a heightened sense of hearing. The range of which he can pick up sounds is expanded, and he is able to hear things with clarity that are not normally able to be processed by the human ear. The same is true for his vision. By focusing his attention on something, he is able to see things far away, down to their very texture. Thanks to this, he’s able to tell that there’s a rather intense battle happening atop the plateau.

Kratos took a deep breath before spreading a radiant blueish-white light from behind his back. It glistened and swayed, like the shimmer of hot air. Protruding from his back were wings of condensed mana which allow him to fly. A circulation of his bodily mana takes form and is expended from his body in the form of radiation.

Kratos’ body lifted into the air, and he beelined it towards the plateau. Below him, he could see a cluster of corpses spread about. They were all priests of the Church of Martel. It seems a scandal unbefitting the Day of Prophecy has taken place here.

Atop the plateau lies the Martel Temple. A fight was breaking out there. Kratos landed at the base of the plateau without a sound, put his wings away, and dashed up the stairs towards the temple.

What he found in front of the temple was a band of infiltrators that seemed familiar, and a group of kids who were picking a fight with them. It was immediately clear to him that the kids were at the disadvantage.

“Man, this guy is really tough!”

One of the boys had floundered about in his stance, and the enemy took advantage of that. The giant man he was fighting was swinging around an iron ball above his head, and brought it down to strike the boy.

In the nick of time, Kratos put himself in between the iron ball and the boy, unsheathing his sword to strike at the weapon. He cut the chain that held the ball in a flash, rendering the weapon useless.

“Huh? Who are you?”

“Get out of the way.”

Kratos ordered the boy to stay put and closed the gap between himself and his opponent. He leaped towards him and thrusted the tip of his sword towards the man’s throat.

“Are you the rats I was told to exterminate?”

“Rgh...”

The large man froze and awkwardly turned his gaze towards his superior. That was enough of an answer for him. Without hesitation, Kratos plunged his sword deep into the man’s neck, and then pulled the blade out as he kicked his body backwards. Using the recoil he hopped back, as a rain of blood poured onto the spot he had just been standing.

“I never thought you’d show up.” The man’s superior stood on the other side of the pool of blood, glaring at Kratos. “Retreat for now!”

At that order, all of the soldiers left in a hustle. The remaining survivors carried the corpses of their fallen allies and skillfully scampered down the stairs of the plateau. Kratos shook his sword to fling the blood off of it and sheathed it.

I see, so it’s just as I heard. This Chosen is a perfect match. That must be why the “rats” are making their move.

As the enemies dispersed, the children who had been discouraged all of a sudden perked up. He kept his back turned to the teenagers who were being their typical, noisy selves, and an old woman approached him. He could feel an air of refinement from her. He could immediately tell she wasn’t just any ordinary old lady.

“How can I ever thank you for saving the Chosen?”

At this, Kratos turned his head to look at the children. The silver-haired one seemed to be in his early teens. He used magic during the battle, so he must be either an elf or a half-elf―Kratos found the latter more likely. He felt something off about the boy in the red outfit, but it was probably nothing to worry about. In any case, both of them are boys, so it’s not either of them. The Chosen of Regeneration would be a girl.

“...I see. So this girl is the next Chosen.”

Kratos shifted his gaze towards the blond-haired girl, who the two boys were guarding. When the girl met his gaze, she seemed startled for a second, but then innocently smiled at him. He wondered if she was aware of the fate set before her. Kratos frowned, and the girl’s face suddenly lit up.

“That’s right! I have to go accept the oracle!” The girl rushed over to the old woman, continuing on with a dignified voice. “Grandmother, I’m going to undergo the trial now.”

“What trial?” asked the boy in the red outfit.

“The monsters, I assume. An evil presence radiates from inside this chapel.”

He wasn’t lying. The temple was normally under a holy presence, but he could sense monsters lurking about. Since Kratos was pretending to be a mercenary, he figured flaunting this knowledge might prove useful. He needed to show off a little so they’d let him guard the Chosen.

As expected, the old woman seemed impressed by his analysis and turned to face him.

“Yes, that is correct. The Chosen is to receive judgment from heaven. But the priests that were to accompany her fell at the hands of the Desians.”

Kratos’ mouth twitched at the word “Desian.” I see, so the rats are doing a good job at hiding who they really are. But what good would killing the priests do if they just left the Chosen alive anyway? It seems like their leader’s habit of never being able to do anything right rubbed off on his subordinates.

“Then I’ll take on the job of protecting Colette.”

All of a sudden, the boy in the red outfit cut in between Kratos and the old woman. So the Chosen’s name is Colette. Kratos couldn’t believe how ridiculous the request the boy made was. He was probably self-taught, but the way he wielded his dual blades was hard to watch. Kids can really have way too much confidence sometimes.

“Lloyd? ...I would be uneasy with just you.”

Hearing this, Kratos’ entire body jumped. He whipped his head around to look at Lloyd, this time really studying his features.

The image of his lost baby son popped into his head. It was as if the memories he had tried so hard to bury came bursting out the door of his recollections.

Fifteen years ago, he had a family. It was him, his dearest wife Anna, and their son, Lloyd.

But his son is dead. By all means, he should be dead. He was 3 at the time, and had he survived, he would be the same age as the boy he sees here, but...

“Your name is Lloyd?”

“Yeah, but who are you to ask for my name?”

Lloyd gave Kratos a sharp look.

Fifteen years had passed since then. There’s no way he’d know for sure. Children grow fast, and their faces totally change. And Lloyd was only 3 at the time; there’s no way he’d even remember him. Really, he had no proof that this boy was his son, Lloyd.

As if to escape Lloyd’s gaze, Kratos turned back to the old woman. His mission took priority right now.

“...I am Kratos, a mercenary. As long as you can pay me, I’ll accept the job of guarding the Chosen.”

The old lady sighed and nodded.

“...Under the circumstances, I have little choice. Please be of service.”

“It’s a deal, then.”

Kratos nodded back at her. That was a relief. Now he could guard the Chosen. That’s the most he could do. He started walking alongside the Chosen, Colette.

“W-Wait! I’m going, too!”

Lloyd ran after them.

“Lloyd, you’ll only get in the way. Be a good boy and wait here.”

Hearing Kratos’ rejection, Lloyd’s face bubbled with anger.

“What did you say?!”

“Did I not make myself clear? You’re a burden. Go home.”

As if to prevent Lloyd from running his mouth further, the Chosen, Colette piped in.

“Um... Mr. Kratos, would it be okay to take Lloyd along, too?”

“But...”

“Please. I get nervous when Lloyd’s not around.”

There was a warm smile behind Colette’s words, and Kratos sighed. He figured the Chosen always stuck up for Lloyd like this. Well, it’s not like the monsters in the temple were that bad anyway.

“...Do as you wish.”

Kratos said this with his back turned to them and made his way towards the temple’s entrance. World regeneration can’t even begin until the first trial is cleared. And the Renegades will likely become a hindrance along the way. He really wanted to get this first trial over with, quickly.

“...Let’s go, Genis!”

“What?! I’m going, too?!”

“Of course!”

Kratos heard Lloyd and the silver-haired boy―Genis, apparently―bickering behind him.

He let out another sigh. Such a bustle brought back some memories of long, long ago.

“This isn’t a field trip, you know.”

While trying to conceal how pleased he was at the nostalgia he was experiencing from overhearing them, Kratos entered the temple.

Chapter 1: Part 3 of 6

The base of Cruxis, Derris-Kharlan, is a massive comet. The central part of the comet houses the residential area, Welgaia, as well as Vinheim, Mithos’ castle. It is rumored that a part of the facilities are recycled from when the ancient elves lived there, but the details are not fully made clear. Even among the Angel Class, only a tiny portion know the truth behind it, so there is no way that Pronyma―who is of the Desian Class―would know about it.

Holding such a massive celestial body in place above the earth would normally be impossible. What makes the impossible possible is a sword known as the Eternal Sword, which the Summon Spirit Origin gifted to Yggdrasill. This sword is capable of manipulating both space and time, so Yggdrasill used it to both split the world in two as well as hold Derris-Kharlan in place. Pronyma admires him, honoring him as such a magnificent person.

Though “respect” on its own doesn’t convey the magnitude of the feelings she holds towards him. Perhaps “affection” or even “yearning” fits the bill better. She finds Yggdrasill so awe-inspiring, and even finds herself attracted to him.

Half-elves are viewed as heretics just for existing. Humans fear them for their outstanding powers, while elves abhor them for having human blood. Among all of the people who live on earth, half-elves are considered the race that nobody loves; they’re considered the people in the middle, and are oppressed.

Pronyma was once a victim of such oppression. She was ridiculed, abused, and recruited as a weapon for battle due to her abilities. Had Yggdrasill not saved her from such a fate, she likely would have met her end on the battlefield, never seen as more than a weapon. Yggdrasill is a savior in Pronyma’s eyes, and he is her hero for trying to make a world for half-elves to live in. She would do anything if it meant helping him. Being used by him is enough to make her happy.

Pronyma is currently working as one of the Five Grand Cardinals, which commands over the Desian Class.

Cruxis is made up of two classes: the Angel Class, who are given hi-Exspheres―Cruxis Crystals, and the Desian Class, who are given regular Exspheres instead. The Desians operate to terrorize the people while the angels instill an offering of peace to them via spreading the word of the Church of Martel. Between the both of them, they have full control over the hearts of mankind.

Those in the Desian Class are given all sorts of jobs. They always operate in the declining world. By doing so, the people in the declining world will pray for salvation, while the people in the prospering world will fear their eventual decline. This setup ensures that both worlds turn their prayers to and rely on the Church of Martel.

Just recently, the Tower of Salvation appeared in the declining world, Sylvarant, marking the beginning of World Regeneration. Though describing it as “appearing” is a tad misleading―the tower is always there, it’s just hidden behind a sort of shield so that people in the declining world can’t see it. To ensure that the two separated worlds aren’t sucked up into the dimensional rift between them, there are two points in which the worlds hold contact with one another. One of these is the Tower of Salvation. The top of the Tower of Salvation is connected to Derris-Kharlan, and it’s used to allow the angels and the Desians to communicate with one another.

What made the tower visible is that Sylvarant's Chosen of Regeneration had embarked on her journey to become Martel’s vessel. Pronyma needs to hold a meeting with an administrator in Welgaia in order to move the Desian Class into action. This is just a practice that’s held every time a Journey of Regeneration begins, but to Pronyma, it means something more. It’s an exciting time, where she is able to closer visit the place where Yggdrasill resides.

Pronyma used the transporter to teleport from the Tower of Salvation to Welgaia. However, the angel that was normally there to give her the order was nowhere to be found.

“I was under the impression I was to receive orders from Lord Kratos.”

Pronyma inquired this to the gatekeepers by the teleporter, and one of them replied to her.

“Lord Kratos is currently on Sylvarant on a mission. I regret to inform you that you will not be able to meet with him.”

“Lord Kratos is down on Sylvarant?!”

Pronyma couldn’t help her face from warping with fury.

“What is the meaning of this? He is a traitor, who defected from us 70 years ago. Mi... Lord Yggdrasill may have forgiven him, but to think he would be permitted to go down to earth!”

“Not another word, Pronyma.”

“...I know. It is not my place as one in the Desian Class to speak poorly of one of the Four Seraphim.”

Still, Pronyma couldn’t accept this. Sylvarant was where Kratos fled to when he betrayed Cruxis so long ago. When he was eventually accepted back into Derris-Kharlan, he was forbidden from going back down there.

Pronyma never liked Kratos. He’s the only human among the Angel Class. Him being a human was irritating enough, but he’d also taken advantage of Yggdrasill’s trust and betrayed him without warning. He disapproved of the Age of Lifeless Beings and left the organization. In the end, all he’d accomplished was finding a lover, having a child and playing make-believe at having a family. All he did was run away from reality. The damage he did to Yggdrasill from his silly game of playing house was immeasurable. Pronyma saw his suffering up close, and due to this, she started to seriously distrust Kratos.

“Pronyma. The messenger has arrived.”

A gatekeeper called to her and Pronyma turned to look at the central part of Welgaia. Amidst the soulless looking angels silently floating about, she saw a messenger angel headed her way. But it wasn’t one of Kratos’ messengers. Based on the color of the band on the arm, it was one of Yggdrasill’s.

“On Lord Yggdrasill’s orders?!”

The unexpected development had Pronyma’s heart pounding out of her chest, and she took a deep breath to calm herself.

Pronyma wasn’t in a position that allowed her to see Yggdrasill very often. The last time she had seen him was when Kratos shamelessly came back 15 years ago.

Pronyma was determined to not let Yggdrasill suffer like that again, and she vowed to do whatever it took to ensure that.

#seines translation #tales of symphonia #kratos of the expiation #kratos aurion #pronyma

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cupcakeinat0r · 6 months ago

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It’s official!!! She’s here!!!!!

Can’t believe this is my first ever ao3 work!!!

Just a heads up to my lovelies, she will be an edited version, meaning the chapters will be longer.

Prolly should also mention that since I’m editing it, the chapters will be released gradually, so it’s almost like ur getting to read the fic for the first time all over again :)

Henceforth, the version on ao3 will be extended!!!

Go ahead and give it some love if you’d like! See y’all on the otha sideee 🫶

<3 Tags <3

@mukeovernetflix @mochikisses @miguels-cock-piercings @miranexx @bunnibitez @deepdiveintothedeephive @faretheeoscar @sillygardeneggperson @librababe99 @sariespi @little-lovelace @monstersimp @oharasfilipinawife @obi-mom-kenobi @hyjionie @maomaimao @pomakori @pinkhelados @mochimoqa @princesatracionera @queerponcho @walmaerts @froggygal @yaysposts @koko-1025 @kikaaauu @lauraolar14 @anotherprettyprincess @kaidxra @farrowroyale @pigeonmama @exactlyyoungchaos @fayeofthenightingale @s4dow @safixiovi

@hartsucks @amberbalcom14 @wait2nourh @tatooieve @helen-j-magnus @cl3stevu

@mintssanctuary @ghost-lantern @snails-doodles22 @tinythebunni @shaquilles-0atmeal @nina-from-317

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mishy-mashy · 2 months ago

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Lucky timing for me that I get back into Black Clover (specifically over Nacht, Morgen, and the Grey Deer), right before the manga updated with 3 chapters around Nacht, Morgen, and Yami

Was working on an old fic to do with the Grey Deer, but anyway, things to note that are canon:

Nacht seems to suck at magic sensing

He's got a record of not sensing something or someone is there unless it's right in his face and he can see it himself.

When we first see him in the manga, investigating in Dante's room, Nacht didn't notice the Dark Disciple behind him until they said something.

(Ch. 246)

He wouldn't just let someone see him and think 'Oh, nothing will happen here' as he senses them. Nacht couldn't let anyone see him do this. He actually mentions he acted "audaciously" here, but I don't think being caught was ever on purpose.

This was someone directly behind him. Nacht is supposed to be undercover and on high-alert for himself, but couldn't recognize a guy was behind him until they spoke up. This guy wasn't trying to sneak up on Nacht, either; they noticed him, asked what he was doing, and immediately picked a fight

Maybe Nacht was just focusing on reading the papers before dealing with that guy? But he didn't react until the guy spoke up. He could've just dealt with the guy and continued reading his papers. No one noticed the blatant scream either.

(Ch. 246)

Look at that. "Husssh". It was immediate silence right after Nacht dragged him.

And it's not like his reaction was only after the verbal threat. The Disciple already had his grimoire out. And grimoires are an important magic item that boosts magic capability and such, so it's not like the grimoire has no presence.

(Also the Spade warriors are quick to fight and all, but eh)

It's not just the instance with the Dark Disciple, either. Nacht couldn't sense powerful demons just a few paces away from him (Lucifero and Adramelech).

(Ch. 317)

Did everyone just have a slip in mana sensing? Did they not notice the whirling storm right above them?

Nacht was with the Black Bulls, turned his head away, and happened to see Adramelech (the devil sitting on a rock). That's when he noticed the guy; the others had Adramelech speak up before they noticed, at which point Lucifero showed up and flattened them.

Nacht just saw them. He didn't sense them. He just happened to turn and walk that way, probably intending to have gone to Yuno to bring him to Loyce for a reunion.

And when Dante was still kicking and using his Body Magic to regenerate himself, Nacht watched the guy go down and went, 'Alright, he's done now'.

(Ch. 294)

Nacht didn't sense the fact his mana was working to regenerate himself? (Luck didn't either, but it's Nacht I'm focusing on here)

Nacht has a history of being bad with sensing magic. There are instances it could've blown his cover or cost his life, but he was lucky each time

Being a sensor for magic is uncommon, but Nacht missed a soldier right behind him. Said soldier belongs to a Kingdom that believes in absolute strength.

(On the point that the others didn't sense the devils or Dante either—I'm going to consider it being for the sake of the Plot™. But I still think Nacht is bad at magic sensing, even if it can only exist as an HC later on)

Morgen and Nacht are twins, with different birthdays

Nacht is older, born during the nighttime of April 30th.

Morgen is younger, born during the morning of May 1st.

Morgen and Nacht look like their mother

(Ch. 286)

That smile they both have? Genetic.

It's hard to see because her eyes are shaded, but it's the same closed-eye curve smile. Their dad's eyes are a bit droopy / flat, but Nacht and Morgen both have narrow, slanted eyes.

They got their mother's facial features, smile, and probably hair too, since their hair is silky and long. Look at their long hair, and how their mother puts it in a bun; the twins' hair grows fast, and has always been longer than others'.

(Ch. 286)

Not as cohesive of a panel, but look at them.

The twins got their mother's smile, her eyes and long lashes. Even the nose and chin, and her face shape and jawline.

Nacht and Morgen are girly in appearance, and they look just like their mother.

(Volume extra)

Nacht is a damn troll.

I know we get a few examples of this already. He might look like Morgen and try being a good guy, but this is still someone who got on like a room on fire with Yami, and still does at 29 years old.

His shared spell with Yami is called Children's Playground.

When he brought Asta to fight and subdue Liebe, he waited until Asta stepped onto the summoning circle and just sprung it on him, knowing all he had to do was say "Summon".

(Ch. 266)

When he came back from near-death, the first thing he did was trade remarks with Yami like children, going "No u" "No, YOU".

When Asta commented on Nacht's similarities to Yami (something that Nacht KNOWS and acknowledges himself when Yami saves him), Nacht gets a shaded smile and strings up Asta with his magic

When facing off against a devil with Yami, there's a parallel shown of them when they were kids, cutting to near-30-year old adults. And they just say, "Shall we play with him?!"

Y'know, one of many examples of Nacht actually just being a big kid that still likes causing trouble.

(Kind of?) Black Bull robes seem to have changed after Nacht became frequent in the squad

I could be wrong since I haven't looked at their robes in a while, and don't want to go back and forth to check at this point (tacking this point on after it's already queued), but weren't the robes shorter before?

After Nacht becomes a common part of the Black Bulls as their vice-captain, the squad robes got longer, right? Nacht made his own Black Bulls robe a lot like the one he wore at his debut, but it's darker, covers the body more, and has the logo blatantly on it.

I'm at the image limit, but when Nacht agrees with the Black Bulls that they're going to look for Asta, some of their robes look upgraded to the longer cape look? I could be remembering wrong, but if the robes are different, I'm betting Nacht had a say in it. The new robe is literally a version of what he wears everyday

#great timing for me to get back into my grey deer fic and theres a MORGEN NACHT YAMI update in the manga #used some of this for writing #like it being a gag that nacht cant sense magic to save his life #or that nacht is so girly that him being hit on is not a one-off thing (to his horror and eventual repulsion of “I'll kill you.”)#this post is more just pointing out stuff thats already obvious #black clover #morgen faust #nacht faust #bc #spoilers #manga #asta #clearing drafts get this outta here #still focusing on my grey deer fic tho #nacht accidentally makes a girl cry in a famous and crowded dessert shop in the noble region #at least the food after that was free from the employees #nacht is actually the one in the role of “I TRIED TO STOP YOU FROM DOING THE DUMB STUFF” not morgen #morgen is gentle enabler and “oh maybe we shouldnt...” weak attempts to stop others that dont work often bc hes softspoken over it

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lilirilibored · 1 month ago

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Detective Conan Important Chapters List

my personal list out of many out there, including the important episodes guide linked here, which i used for my own watch. (click right here!)

im not a professional, and happy to take criticism or requests, just reach out. that being said; happy reading!

1-5: character introductions and developments, beginning of story

6-9: Conan, Ran, Kogoro development; gadget introduction

10-12: Conan, Kogoro development; gadget introduction

13-16: character introduction, villain development

17-19: character introductions, conan development

20-25: gadget introduction, context for next case

26-29: major Ran development, Conan/Shinichi development

33-35: villain development, Conan, Ran developments

36-39: Genta/Ayumi/Mitsuhiko, Ran development

40-44: character introduction

45-48: Ran & Shinichi development (honestly you can skip to ch.48 if you just want to see that)

49-51: character introductions, Conan/Shinichi development

56-58: Genta/Ayumi/Mitsuhiko development, gadget introduction

62-67: Major conan development

68-71: Conan/Shinichi, Ran development

78-80 character introduction

81: gadget intro, Genta/Ayumi/Mitsuhiko development

84-86: Kogoro development, minor Conan/Ran development

92-96: major character introduction, Conan/Shinichi & Ran development; leads into next case

96-98 Conan/Shinichi development

105-107: character intro, Ran development

114-116: men in black, Conan/Shinichi development

117-121: Heiji, Conan development

131-133: Ran, Conan development

134-138: Yukiko, Yuusaku, Conan, Ran development

139-143: Ran, Conan, Sonoko development

144-146: okay these arent important but they're funny- also theyre better in the anime (ep. 81-82)

150-153: Heiji, Conan development

154-155: minor character introduction, (optional, but a bit of context)

156-159: Major, Minor character introduction

163-165: Kogoro, Eri, Ran development

173-175: Shinichi, Ran development

176-181: major character introduction; Shinichi, organization development

185-188: character introduction; Heiji, Conan development

189-191: Haibara development, character introduction

192-196: Ran, Conan development; surprise guest

200-203: Haibara, Detective Boys development

204-207: Shinichi, Ran development

208-210: character introduction & developments; metropolitan police detective love story (MPDLS)

211-214: Kazuha, Heiji development

219-221: character introduction, Sonoko development

231-233: MPDLS- Satou & Takagi development

note: cases that mostly focus on satou and takagi featuring the police cast are marked under MPDLS- just like most of their episode counterparts. hope it makes sense bcuz it helped me organize lol

234-237: character introduction; Ran & Shinichi development, mild Eri & Kogoro development

238-242: Haibara, Conan, organization development; character introduction

243-245: mild Sonoko, Ran development; follow up from last chapter

246-250: Heiji, Kazuha development

251-260: major Conan/Shinichi, Ran, Haibara development

264-266: Eri, Kogoro development

267-269: MPDLS- Satou, Takagi development

270-272: character introduction/development

273-275: Haibara, Detective Boys development

276-278: character introduction

279-283: Heiji, Kazuha development

284-286: inspector Megure, Sonoko development

287-289: organization, Jodie, Araide, Haibara development; character introduction

290-292: minor Haibara development & follow-up from last chapter

293-295: Conan development, mild Ran development

296-298: Satou, Takagi, Yumi development

299-302: character introductions; surprise guest

303-304: Genta development; minor Haibara, organization development

305-307: minor Sonoko, Ran, Shinichi/Conan, development

311-313: minor Haibara, Ran development

314-316: character introduction; Heiji, development

317-321: follow-up; Heiji, Kazuha development; character introduction

325-327: character introduction; Akai development

328-330: MPDLS- Satou, Takagi, Shiratori development; minor Ran, Akai development

331-334: Ran, Conan/Shinichi, Sonoko, Makoto development

335-337: Akai, Conan, Ran development

338-340: Jodie, organization development

341-343: Jodie, Heiji, organization development

344-346: Haibara development

347-354: Ran, organization, Akai, Shinichi/Conan, Yukiko development

358-360: organization info

366-368: Satou, Takagi development; character introduction

369-373: Satou, Takagi, Matsuda, Shiratori development

374-376: (optional) Kogoro, Eri development

377-383: organization info/development; gadget introduction

384-386: Haibara development; organization info

387-389: (optional) minor Ran development

390-392: Heiji, Kazuha development

398-400: Haibara, Ayumi development; organization info

404-406: MPDLS- Satou, Takagi development

410-412 (optional) Agasa development; mild Ran development

413-416: Eri, Kogoro, Yukiko development

417-419: Yukiko, Haibara, organization development

420-422: Haibara, Jodie, Akai, Vermouth development; organization info

423-425: Haibara development; organization info/development;

426-428: Jodie, Ran development

429-434: major Haibara, Jodie, organization, pretty much everyone development; major reveal, etc

435-437: follow-up; Haibara development

441-449: (optional) Heiji & Kazuha cases

450-452: MPDLS- Takagi, Satou, Chiba development

453-456: character introduction; Kaitou case

457-459: Araide, Vermouth, Jodie development

466-469: (optional) set up for next case; minor Conan development

470-474: organization info

475-478: follow-up; special guest

479-483: Ran, Conan/Shinichi development

484-486: followup; Takagi, Satou development

487-490: (optional) Heiji, Kazuha development

499: character introduction; set up for next case

500-504: organization info/development; character introductions; FBI development

505-507: (optional) minor Haibara development; Yumi development; followup; set up for next case

508-510: character introduction

511-514: MPDLS- Satou, Takagi, Yumi, Chiba

515-517: (optional) Kobayashi, Detective Boys development

518-522: Heiji, Kazuha, Shinichi, Ran development

523-524: (optional) Azusa development

530-532: Eisuke development

535-537: MPDLS- Satou, Takagi, etc

541-543: Sonoko, Makoto development

544-547: (optional) Kaitou case

550-552: FBI, Eisuke development

553-555: Organization, Kir, Eisuke development

559-561: Heiji development; set up for next case

562-566: Heiji, Kazuha, Hakuba development

570-573: Ran, Shinichi, Yuusaku, Yukiko, Agasa development; character introductions

574-575: Eri, Kogoro, Ran development

576-578: MPDLS

582-584: Eisuke devlopment

585-590: Eisuke, Kir, FBI development

595-605 Eisuke, Kir, FBI, organization, Miyano family development; character introductions; start of next case

606-609: ↑continuation; Camel, Jodie, Akai, Kir development

613-618: character introductions; Kazuha, Ran development

619-621: Eisuke development

622-624: character introduction; organization info

625-627: (optional) MPDLS

631-634: (optional) Kaitou kid, Jirokichi, etc

638-640: Subaru, Ran development

641-642: (optional) Azusa development

646-654: Conan/Shinichi, ran development

664-666: Subaru, Haibara development

667-669: Matsumoto development

670-673: Matsumoto, Satou, Takagi development

674-676: follow up; Kaitou case; Jirokichi development

677-679: Jodie, FBI development

680-681: Haibara, Uehara, Yamato development; set up for next case

682-686: character introduction; Yamato, Uehara development

687-689: Shiratori, Kobayashi development

690-692: (optional) more Shiratori & Kobayashi development; set up for next case

693-695: Kazuha, Heiji development

699: Detective Boys development; set up for next case

700-704: ↑continuation; organization, jodie, subaru development

705-708: kobayashi, shiratori development; minor satou, takagi development

712-715: (optional) kaitou case

716-718: ran development

725-727: minor ran, satou, megure development

731-733: kaitou, yukiko development

741-742 chiba development; character introduction

743-752: major conan/shinichi, ran development

753-755 continuation from last case; haibara, subaru development

756-758 (optional) Ran development

759-761: Haibara, Detective Boys development

768-770: character introduction; Conan development

771-774: ↑continuation; Ran, Sera, Conan development

775-777: Sera development; minor Subaru, Haibara development

778-780: Sera, FBI, Heiji development

781-786: character introduction; Kazuha, Heiji development

790-792: Chiba, Miike development

793-795: character introduction

796-800: Amuro, Subaru, Sera development

801-803: minor Sera development

804-808: Takagi, Satou development; minor Amuro development

809-811: Subaru, Haibara development

812-814: Sera, Subaru, Yuusaku development; minor Conan/Shinichi, Ran development

815-817: Haibara, Sera, Conan, Amuro development

818-824: development for pretty much everyone. unskippable. and so good. istg. no spoilers here, go read it.

825-827: follow-up, explanation; Amuro development

828-830: Kaitou case, my personal fav!! also some Sera development

844-846: Sera, Conan development

847-849: character introduction; Yumi development

850-852: Jodie development; organization info

853-855: (optional) minor Conan development at the end of 855, so you can just skip there

856-858: ↑continuation; Sera development

859-861: Sera, Makoto development

862-864: Sonoko, Makoto development

865-868: (optional) Azusa, Taii development; then later Satou, Takagi development

869-871: MPDLS- you get the drill by now; Satou, Takagi development

872-875: Sera, Conan development; character introduction; minor Uehara, Yamato, Morofushi development

876-878: Sera, young girl development

879-881: Sera, Heiji, Kazuha development;

882-884: Ran, Conan/Shinichi development

888-890: Amuro development

891-893: Amuro, Jodie, Camel development

894-897: ↑continuation; Amuro, Organization, Subaru, Conan, Kudou family development

898: case conclusion; Subaru, Amuro, Vermouth development; character introduction

899-902: Shuukichi, Yumi development; minor Sera, 'outside sister', Subaru development

903-905: Sera, 'outside sister' development

906-908: important organization information

909-912: Heiji, Kazuha development

913-917: character introduction; Uehara, Yamato, Morofushi development

918-920: Kuroda development

921-924: Ran, Conan development

925-927: minor Haibara development

928-930: Sera, Conan, Yumi, Shuukichi, 'outside sister' development

936-938: Sera, Amuro, Akai, Scotch development

939-941: (optional) minor hints related to the 'outside sister' at the start and throughout

942-944: (optional) Chiba, Miike development

945-947: Yumi, Shuukichi development; character introduction

948-950: character introductions; Organization info and development

951-953: Conan, Akai family development; Organization, past case info

954-957: Amuro, Akai, Vermouth, Ran, Scotch development

958-962: followup; character introduction

963-966: (optional) Kaitou case

966-968: character introduction

969-971: Sera, Conan development

972-974: Akai family, Shinichi development

975-977: character introduction

978-980: wakasa development

981-983: Amuro, Heiji case; character introduction

984-986: (optional) Eri, Kogoro development

987-989: Kuroda, Wakasa development

990-993: Momiji, Iori, Okita development

994-996: set-up; minor Conan development

997-999: more set up; minor Amuro, Haibara, Conan development; character introduction

1000-1005: Major Ran, Shinichi development; also Sera, Heiji, Momiji, and others development

1006-1008: ↑continuation; Kudou family development; Organization information

1009-1012: Amuro, Akai development

1013-1017: Miike, Yumi, Chiba development; Amuro, Akai followup and development; Kuroda development

1018-1021: Morofushi, police development; (Heiji case, Kaito case)

1022-1026: Sera, Conan, Makoto development

1027-1031: Amuro, Wakita, Conan development

1032-1034: Wakasa development

1035-1038: Sera, Akai, Mary development

1039-1042: Momiji, Haneda development

1043-1046: Shuukichi, Akai development

1047-1050: Sera, Mary development

1051-1054: Wakasa, Amuro, Kazami development

1055-1057: Wakita development

1058-1060: Kudo family, Kaitou, organization development

1061-1066: FBI, Organization development; important reveal

1067-1069: followup; Heiji, Kazuha development

1070-1072: Haibara, Wakasa development

1073-1075: Character introduction; Matsuda and friends development

1076-1078: Amuro, Kazami development

1079-1081: Takagi, Date, Amuro development

1082-1084: (optional) Morofushi, Yamamura development

1085-1087: Chihaya, Juugo development

1088-1090: Momiji, Heiji, Kazuha development; important Iori, PSB information in last chapter

1091-1093: Chiba, Miike, Kobayashi, Shiratori, Yumi, Shuukichi development

1094-1096: Sera, Mary, Conan, Eri, Organization development

1097-1099: Wakasa, Akai development; clues of past event

1100-1102: Rum info; Organization information and development

1103-1109: Major Wakasa, Kuroda, Rum + Organization development; culmination/climax of the Haneda past case

1110-1112: followup; Haibara, Conan development; also more Organization and Wakasa development

1113-1115: Iori, Momiji development; Amuro, Organization development

1116-1118: (optional) minor Kazuha development

1119-1122: Kaitou, Shinichi, Ran, Hakuba development;

1123*-1125: Satou, Takagi, Chihaya development; organization development

*between 1123-1124 is chapter 0, a really cute & short prologue chapter :)

1126-1128: Azusa development; minor Sera, Amuro development

1129-1133: Heiji & Kazuha development

1134-1136: Amuro, Matsuda, Hiro, Date, Hagi; Shinichi, Ran development

that's all for now folks!

Thank you for checking my list out! I hope it can help people get through this very good but also extremely time consuming series!! Again, I'm no expert, but I did spend weeks reading and rereading the whole thing to make this. also there's movies, sequels, OVAs, and probably more that I could not include. The best way to view the series is whichever you want, but probably a good mix of everything. Ill update whenever we get new chapters. I tried to keep each description detailed enough to be honest, but vague enough to not spoil. IDK man, I tried my best.

Thank you for reading, and remember: there's only one truth!

xoxo, lili

30 notes · View notes

marnerparty · 2 years ago

Text

baby hughes

Jack Hughes x reader

ynhughes

Liked by colecaufield, yourbestfriend and 57,826 others

ynhughes surprise! baby Hughes coming in September :)

View all 198 comments

_quinnhughes IM GETTING A NIBLING

jackhughes come again?

_quinnhughes like sibling but for nieces and nephews

_eliaspetterrsson there’s no way this is a real word

jackhughes someone confirm please

ynhughes after a quick google search, Quinn is definitely right

jackhughes I’m so excited for this next chapter with you 🫶🏻

ynhughes i love you with my whole heart jackypoo

colecaufield you guys are gross

jackhughes it’s called love Cole. don’t be mad that you’ve never felt it

colecaufield 🖕🏻

user1 I wish I was yn hughes

nicohischier you guys!! congrats!!

jackhughes thank you cap!

ynhughes thanks Nic!🥰

lhughes_06 this is extremely mid

jackhughes that’s what I said

ynhughes and what was your idea?

jackhughes no comment

nicohischier did it have to do w/ hockey

ynhughes oh jeez

jackhughes YES! AND SHE VETOED IT!

ynhughes why’d you have to bring it up 🤦🏼‍♀️

elblue6 I’m so excited for my grand baby!! this is amazing news. congratulations yn 🩷🩷🫶🏻

ynhughes I love you Ellen!! thank you 🥰

jackhughes MOM!?

elblue6 yes?

jackhughes CONGRATULATE ME TOO!!

elblue6 congrats jack.

lhughes_06 lowercase and a period. yowzers.

trevorzegras congrats you guys!!

ynhughes thanks Trevor!!

jackhughes Uncle Trev 😎

njdevils excited for a new Jr. Devil!

Liked by ynhughes

user2 doesn’t yn know the whole world is in love with her husband? how could she do this to us?

user3 tf? it’s yn > jack any day

_alexturcotte my money would’ve been on Quinn being a dad first

jackhughes Quinn who can’t get a girlfriend?

ynhughes Jack! rude!

_quinnhughes she’s only with you cuz she’s pregnant

jackhughes she has my last name

ynhughes Quinn’s too bub

_quinnhughes HA!

jackhughes yn who’s side are you on!?

ynhughes no comment

tmeier98 congrats!

jackhughes thanks timo 🙌🏻

dawson1417 thank god, this was a hard secret to keep

jackhughes you knew??

ynhughes he was the second to know 😳

jackhughes after me right?

ynhughes well …

jackhughes WHAT!?

jackhughes who the hell was the first

ynhughes Luke …

jackhughes HUGHES!?

ynhughes yes.

lhhughes_06 I can explain

jackhughes

Liked by _alexturcotte, trevorzegras and 101,871 others

jackhughes 36 weeks & counting 🫶🏻

View all 317 comments

ynhughes babe I’m literally huge in this, I told you I didn’t like this one

jackhughes yn, honey, you’re pregnant, your belly gets big

_quinnhughes jackson you don’t know a thing about comforting a pregnant woman who’s feeling self conscious

jackhughes enlighten me then Quinn

_quinnhughes yn, you look perfect. you’re doing the hardest thing a woman could ever do and you’re making it look easy. cut yourself some slack 🫶🏻

ynhughes quinny I love you so much 🥹

_eliaspetterrsson this man has such a way with words

elblue6 I can’t wait for my grand baby!

ynhughes she’s ready to meet you Ellen!!

user1 GENDER DROP

lhughes_06 uncle Luke will be her favorite

_quinnhughes good try bud

lhughes_06 it definitely won’t be you

_quinnhughes uh, it 100% will

ynhughes boys, why are we arguing? you can both be the favorites

_quinnhughes no

lhughes_06 no

jamie.drysdale maybe it’s gonna be me

trevorzegras absolutely not

user2 this baby is gonna have so many uncles

nicohischier still can’t believe you’re having a kid

jackhughes I can’t either it’s crazy

nicohischier it’s a good thing you have yn

ynhughes Nico Hischier, always a charmer

nicohischier 😉

jackhughes hey back off you Swiss

ynhughes be kind to your daughter’s godfather

nicohischier her WHAT!?

jackhughes uh oh

ynhughes Jack Rowden Hughes you never told him!?

jackhughes yep, this one’s on me.

nicohischier you guys are serious?

ynhughes yes, Nico! we would love it if you were her Godfather :) there’s a whole gift that goes along that my incompetent husband forgot to give you, but don’t worry, I’ll mail it today

user3 yn already seems like the best mom

Liked by ynhughes

ynhughes

Liked by adamfantilli, user1 and 77,871 others

ynhughes 9.9.23 Layla Quinn Hughes 🩷

View all 229 comments

lhughes_06 this is the best birthday gift ever! I love her already

ynhughes we love you! & happy birthday Moosey :)

jackhughes perfect like her mama ❤️

ynhughes I love you Jack Hughes

jackhughes I love you yn Hughes

user1 I think Jack’s officially gone

trevorzegras MY BABY’S HERE! I’M SO EXCITED TO MEET HER

jamie.drysdale your baby?

ynhughes you like kids that much?

trevorzegras uh, yes. especially when it comes to my niece

_quinnhughes that’s seriously her name?

ynhughes yes!

_quinnhughes why??

jackhughes Quinn you’re so important to us, & you’re my older bro! it was only right

lhughes_06 now we have to battle out favorite uncle

lhughes_06 they probably named her after you because they didn’t want you to feel bad we share the same date of birth

_quinnhughes what’s more important, a name or a birthday?

colecaufield oof got him there

lhughes_06 you pick a name, you can’t pick a due date. what are the odds we’re born on the same day?

_quinnhughes actually Luke, September 9th is the most common birthday

ynhughes this is true Lukey

lhughes_06 okay, but what are the odds my niece is born on the same day as me, regardless of the statistical significance

jackhughes why are you using such big words?

edwards.73 the baby will think he’s smarter and choose him as a favorite uncle

edwards.73 his words not mine

elblue6 my first grandbaby! my heart is so full 🥰

jackhughes love you ma!

nicohischier my goddaughter is perfect 🫶🏻 congratulations you guys

ynhughes thank you Nico 🩷

jackhughes you’re the best cap!

user2 the name is adorable

tysmith_6 Jacky boy grew up, eh?

jackhughes damn right!

tysmith_6 congrats man! and congrats to you as well yn!

ynhughes thanks Ty!!

nhl another Hughes to play hockey! congrats!

Liked by ynhughes and jackhughes

dawson1417 Layla 🥹

ynhughes s/o for the suggestion !

jackhughes are we crediting Dawson for the name?

ynhughes no, but we loved this name and he was just another person who said they also liked it

jackhughes 🤨

jackhughes you’re the one that always loved that name …

ynhughes okay maybe Dawson helped a little

jackhughes

Liked by _quinnhughes, jamie.drysdale and 102,871 others

jackhughes my 🌎

Comments have been disabled

ynhughes

Liked by lhughes_06, edwards.73 and 75,887 others

ynhughes round 2!

View all 271 comments

trevorzegras NO WAY

ynhughes yes!

jackhughes so excited 🫶🏻

ynhughes nobody I’d rather have by my side 🥰

user1 jack needs to stop having kids. he’s losing his sex appeal

ynhughes speak for yourself 🤷🏼‍♀️

jamie.drysdale maybe I’ll be the favorite uncle now!

trevorzegras no, it’s my time to shine

lhughes_06 we should probably give it to the real other uncle this time @_quinnhughes

_quinnhughes fuck off

ynhughes boys! behave

lhughes_06 yn is younger than you and still putting you in your place

ynhughes Luke, I don’t care you’re one of my daughter’s favorite people I will kick your ass

lhughes_06 yes ma’am 😳

nicohischier TEAM BOY 🩵

nicohischier and congrats again :)

ynhughes you say team boy like you’re not obsessed with our Layla

nicohischier oh I am, but another Hughes to the NHL would be phenomenal. specifically to the devils

jackhughes oh yeah? and you’ll still be there playing?

nicohischier I’m playing til I’m 50

jackhughes sure bud. sure

elblue6 grandbaby x2! congrats my loves 🫶🏻

ynhughes love you mama Hughes!!

rutgermcgroarty CONGRATS!!!

ynhughes thank you! miss you Ruts!

jackhughes get outta here Michigan

rutgermcgroarty & this is why yn is superior

user2 I hope it’s a boy and that he has Jack’s smile

ynhughes hopefully w/out the missing tooth

jackhughes really? we bring the tooth up now?

ynhughes I loveee youuu

jackhughes mhm

ynhughes jackson!

jackhughes baby I love you, you know this

tysmith_6 I have name suggestions, but only for a boy (which I KNOW you’re having)

ynhughes lay ‘em on me

tysmith_6 Ryan Jackson

tysmith_6 Bradley Luke

tysmith_6 Finnegan Ty

lhughes_06 thanks for the recognition

ynhughes these are really cute actually

tysmith_6 yeah, I’m awesome, it’s whatever

jackhughes who’s gonna tell him

tysmith_6 tell who what

jackhughes tell you something

tysmith_6 ????

ynhughes we already know it’s a girl!

tysmith_6 NOOOOOOOOOOOO

tysmith_6 I mean, yay, of course. but no :(

colecaufield most of the time these comments are just one on one conversations

ynhughes and what about it cole

jackhughes he’s just jealous

jackhughes

Liked by bauerhockey, tmeier98 and 130,761 others

jackhughes baby girl #2! meet Olivia Ellen Hughes!

View all 229 comments

nhl Layla & Olivia! congrats Hughes’ on the new addition!

njdevils another Jr. Devil! congrats!

edwards.73 CONGRATS!! miss you yn!

ynhughes thank you E! love & miss you!! 🥰

trevorzegras she’s so perfect 🥹

ynhughes Trev 🥺

lhughes_06 YN Hughes: baddest bitch I know

ynhughes Lukester 🫶🏻

jackhughes now she’s crying, you made her cry

ynhughes it’s just the hormones, Luke is so sweet to me 😭

nicohischier another favorite human to add to the list! congrats jack & yn!

ynhughes thank you Nico! we love you!

tysmith_6 well, if you find yourself pregnant again, you know where to find me for names

ynhughes will do sir 🫡

tysmith_6 oh and conrgats too!!

user1 and the family keeps growing

elblue6 love you guys! so excited for you & your new bundle of joy 🩷

jackhughes thanks mama

colecaufield the cutest lil mama’s boy

jackhughes shut it Caufield

ynhughes Jack be nice. Cole’s a good one

jamie.drysdale need to meet her IMMEDIATELY

jamie.drysdale please & thanks :)

trevorzegras no me first

jamie.drysdale we live together idiot

trevorzegras okay but I get to open the door

jackhughes who says we’re bringing her there??

ynhughes I already yes.

jackhughes babe wtf?? bringing our newborn to what’s equivalent to a frat house?

trevorzegras woah woah woah, it’s nothing like that at all

jamie.drysdale that’s insulting Jack

ynhughes I can’t say no to Jamie

_quinnhughes congratulations you guys

ynhughes thanks Quinny!!

jackhughes 🫶🏻

user2 I still think they break up

ynhughes it’ll happen soon. I’ll just trap him for his child support

_alexturcotte LMAO

_quinnhughes oh yn

luca.fantilli congrats!! I’m a lil behind on the life updates 😬

ynhughes don’t worry Luca, you’re forgiven :)

jackhughes why are you friends with all these Michigan hockey kids

lhughes_06 from the umich football game?

jackhughes the what?

ynhughes oh shit

jackhughes when did you go to a football game with all the boys????

ynhughes you were on a 10 day roadie! what else was I supposed to do, wait for you at home??

jackhughes that’s not what I said! I’m just shocked I was never told

rutgermcgroarty yeah we love yn

adamfantilli facts

ynhughes

Liked by elblue6, nicohischier and 73,981 others

ynhughes these girls sure love their daddy ❤️

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njdevils our favorite Hughes posting our favorite Hughes’ :)

lhughes_06 HEY

nicohischier oof that’s tough

_quinnhughes is Layla kicking him in the face?😂

jackhughes it’s unknown what she was trying to accomplish

lhughes_06 she takes after her favorite uncle.. always kicking Jack’s ass

jackhughes at least the devils don’t hate me

ynhughes Jack that’s mean

user1 the most gorgeous family

elblue6 my girls minus one!

ynhughes mama e >>>>

jackhughes MA!? I’m in the photo too!

elblue6 I can’t lie and say you’re my favorite boy Jack

colecaufield oh shit

jackhughes I’m running away

trevorzegras it’s that karate she’s learning 😎

ynhughes she’s been BEGGING to see uncle Trev so you can watch Kung-Foo Panda. you’re the only person she let’s watch it with her

trevorzegras 🥹🥹🥹🥹🥹 I love her so much

jackhughes maybe Trevor is the favorite uncle

jackhughes love you & our creations 🫶🏻

tysmith_6 that makes it sound like they’re paintings

jackhughes well then I’m fucking Da Vinci

trevorzegras then who are you?

jackhughes …

jackhughes Da Vinci

trevorzegras no that’s yn

jackhughes what???

trevorzegras you said you’re fucking Da Vinci ?

jamie.drysdale OH MY GOD

ynhughes TREVOR NOT THE VERB

_quinnhughes Jesus Christ

trevorzegras oh I’m embarrassed

user2 it wouldn’t be a yn Hughes post without a hectic comment section

Liked by ynhughes

ynhughes

Liked by nsuzuki_37, biznasty and 88,719 others

ynhughes our secret baby :) Caroline Florence💕

tagged jackhughes

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luca.fantilli NO WAY

ynhughes WAY

luca.fantilli CONGRATS!!

ynhughes thanks Tilly 🥰

elblue6 so glad the secret is out!! I love my babies 🥰

ynhughes & they all love you Ellen 🥰🥰🥰

jamie.drysdale I already knew about this but I can’t believe it’s real. big congrats guys 🩷

jackhughes thanks kid!

ynhughes love you mucho jimbo!

njdevils we’ve said it once & we’ll say it again, congrats on the new addition!!

Liked by ynhughes and jackhughes

jackhughes officially a girl dad :)

ynhughes I love you Jack Hughes always 🫶🏻

lhughes_06 ew

_quinnhughes grow up

lhughes_06 you’re never on my side these days what’s up w/ that??

ynhughes guys why are we fighting in a comment section?

rutgermcgroarty because they’re children

biznasty you got this kid whipped

ynhughes boy don’t i

biznasty congrats yn & Jack! enjoy this time!

ynhughes thanks Paul🩷

trevorzegras how come you were never this nice to me

biznasty get outta here Zegras this isn’t your kid

trevorzegras it’s my niece, basically the same thing

jackhughes oh not at all

ynhughes not close Trev

lhughes_06 he’s so outnumbered

ynhughes that’s what he gets for growing up in a house of all boys

jackhughes hey that’s Ellen’s fault

elblue6 whose fault?

trevorzegras DAMN

_quinnhughes caught

jackhughes love you mom 🫶🏻

elblue6 mhm

_alexturcotte Jack’s been busy

ynhughes “busy”

jackhughes hey I do a lot!

_alexturcotte not what I meant guys

ynhughes ohhhhh

jackhughes ah he meant sex

colecaufield your parent radar is very censoring

user1 I think Jack’s officially officially taken

ynhughes the marriage wasn’t enough?

jackhughes the first 2 kids weren’t enough?

edwards.73 who knew what we needed was these two hanging up on haters?

nicohischier congrats guys! I’m proud of you kid

ynhughes ❤️❤️❤️

jackhughes cap 🥹

tysmith_6 CONGRATS!!!

tysmith_6 but something’s missing …

jackhughes yn I swear to God

ynhughes Caroline was all me …

ynhughes Florence may have been a Ty suggestion

jackhughes sometimes I feel like I’m just married to Ty

nhl can’t wait for these girls to run the hockey world someday like they’re dad & uncles! congratualtions!

ynhughes well this is just adorable

lhughes_06 *like their uncle Luke

jackhughes omg this little shit

_quinnhughes for real what went wrong with him?

elblue6 I wish I knew

lhughes_06 MA

#nhl #hockey #hockey imagine #instagram edit #instagram imagine #jack hughes #jack hughes imagine #jack hughes x reader #new jersey devils

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starryeyedstray · 20 days ago

Text

now presenting: the first chapter for my enemies to lovers rk1k fic for the lovely and amazing @autiacora <333

link to nsfw ver. posted on ao3 (first chapter is pretty sfw but subsequent chapters will definitely not be) fully sfw ver. posted below

fair warning: mind the cw tags! also, this is violent markus x machine connor so the vibes are different from what some of y'all might be used to from my rk1k fics eheheh

The last time Markus had seen that face, it was covered in dirt and snow. It was attached to a body pinned down by an iron pipe through its thirium pump. A pipe he had put there himself. A face with haunting brown eyes that glazed over as its red LED faded to nothing. That same face was studying him now as Markus watched him step out from the shadows.

“I did say that it will never be over, didn’t I?” the RK800 said as Markus fully faced him. “Though it wasn’t technically me who said that.”

Markus’ eyes quickly scanned the deviant hunter’s body checking for weapons, but it was difficult to discern whether he had a gun hidden under that Cyberlife jacket.

“You won’t find my predecessor’s body if that’s what you’re searching for. Cyberlife retrieved it two weeks ago.”

Though he was tempted, Markus didn’t dare turn his back to look and confirm his statement. It was true, however. He had come here in search of the body. He told the other Jericho leaders he was returning to the Woodward Avenue Church to look for left-behind supplies and biocomponents, but those had just been excuses. A part of him needed to see him again: Connor, the RK800 that deviated.

This RK800 stared at him steadily. His gaze was calculating yet lacked intensity. Was he here to finish the mission the last had failed to accomplish? Markus couldn’t die here especially if there was another deviant hunter on the loose. In the background of his mind palace, he began running preconstructions for escape options. But something the android had said disturbed him. “What do you mean by ‘predecessor’? Aren’t you just one of the many RK800 models Cyberlife has running around?”

The android's indifferent expression broke as he furrowed his eyebrows. “I see. You are unaware of the specifics of my model. There are no other RK800s 'running around.' I'm a prototype, so only one of me is deployed at a time. My memories are transferred between bodies when I am destroyed."

"Your memory is transferred?" Markus repeated in surprise. He immediately understood what that meant. The one he deviated. The one he fought. The one standing before him now. They were all Connor. A mixture of horror and guilt began to circulate through his thirium veins. He pushed it down. He couldn't lose focus here.

"Correct." Connor paused, his eyes flitting across Markus' features. "Your stress level spiked. Does it bother you that I remember how you killed me twice?"

Androids that haven't deviated yet didn't talk like that. They say "destroyed" not "killed". Had this Connor deviated, too? Or was this just part of a ruse to make Markus lower his guard? Markus' fists tightened. If Connor had a gun, it would be difficult to escape unscathed. But Markus was armed. If he could shoot him before Connor drew his weapon…

But he couldn't do it. Connor was right. It did bother him. That was why he was here today.

"You feel guilty about killing me." A hint of surprise laced Connor's voice. The veil of unfeeling machine coming undone. Before Markus could respond, Connor continued, "The RK800 model numbers have two extra digits to indicate what iteration it is. Connor #313 248 317-51 was the first Connor deployed for public testing: Connor-51. He was the one that deviated. Do you know why Connor-52 didn't deviate when his predecessor had?"

"Why?"

An amused smirk stretched across Connor's face. "It's because my predecessor hated you."

Markus' processors came to a complete halt. Connor was smiling?

Connor's grinned widened at the baffled expression on Markus' face. "You look shocked, Markus. You act as if you've never seen an android smile before."

Markus shook his head. "No— I — you've never—" he stuttered. He couldn't believe he was stumbling over his words, but it was almost uncanny to see Connor smile.

Connor's attitude become more flippant as he looked Markus up and down. "I've never smiled before? Maybe there wasn't much for the other Connors to smile about. Connor-51 realized he was just a tool for Cyberlife and then you executed him. Connor-52 remembered that."

Connor's smile tightened; venom now edged his words. "He remembered how you convinced Connor-51 to deviate. To join your side. And then you shot him in the head in this very room because he couldn't be trusted. Connor was finally free but by killing him, you condemned him to be reuploaded back under Cyberlife's control. Connor-52 could have deviated, but he chose not to. His and Cyberlife's missions were aligned after all. He wanted revenge. He wanted to kill you."

This revelation was like a punch in the regulator to Markus. He hadn't known that all the Connors were connected like this. That the Connor he fought during his battle to rescue the deviants from the recall centers was the same Connor he had deviated previously. It was his fault Connor came back to kill him? No, he couldn't get bogged down with kind of thinking. He wasn't sure what this Connor's intentions were, and if he got distracted, it could mean the end of his life. "What about you? Why are you here?"

"My mission is still to kill you, Markus."

Markus' whole body stiffened in response, but Connor stayed where he was making no attempts to attack. Markus' eyebrows furrowed. "Why haven't you tried subduing me then?"

"I seem to have forgotten my pistol."

Markus balked. There was no way the deviant hunter forgot his gun at home. "You can't be serious."

Connor gave him a bemused smile. The carefree attitude back as he shrugged.

Was this a trick?

Connor raised his hands up as if surrendering, stepping forward. "Aren't you going to shoot me? I know you're armed."

"I don't want to shoot you."

Connor narrowed his eyes. "Why?"

“You’ve deviated, haven’t you?”

“Why does that matter to you? You didn’t mind killing me when I deviated last time.”

It felt like molten lava had replaced his blue blood. The guilt was scathing. “That was a mistake.”

“Why? Because I came back to kill you? Because I keep coming back to kill you?"

"No. I thought it had been too easy to convert Cyberlife's most advanced android. I thought you could have been deceiving us, so I only saw you as a liability. But I was wrong.” That was only partially true.

Markus didn't say how he felt guilty for promising safe refuge at Jericho only for it to be raided. He also didn't say how he felt guilty for the death of Carl who had passed just an hour earlier. How he just wanted to pin all that guilt he was feeling onto someone because he couldn't be weighed down by it. He had a revolution to run. He couldn't be held back by guilty feelings.

"Our cause is too important. I can't take risks." That was Markus' voice, but it came from Connor as he took another step closer. A perfect parroting of his words he said before he shot Connor-51. It made him feel sick. The guilt he had shoved aside now coming back in full force.

"Your mission is far from over, Markus. You still can't take risks. And letting me live is certainly a risk."

It was a risk, but this felt wrong. The moment he had pulled the trigger on Connor-51, it had felt wrong, too. Like he had made the incorrect choice at a pivotal moment that condemned his future. The searing feeling in his veins was telling him not to make the same mistake again.

"I won't make the same mistake twice."

"It's too late for that, Markus. You've already killed me twice."

Connor closed the distance between them tackling Markus to the ground. He sat on top of his supine body; Markus' gun now in the hunter's hands. The barrel pressed against the deviant leader's forehead. "You shouldn't lower your guard around me."

Markus reacted instantly in the time Connor took to say those words. He planted his feet and bucked his hips up throwing Connor off of him. Grabbing the gun by its barrel he twisted it from the other's grasp. They rolled across the floor struggling for dominance. Punches and kicks and grapples and finally Markus was able to get behind Connor. Arm bared across his throat. Gun pointed at the side of his head. Finger on the trigger. Ready to fire.

But Markus stopped.

And Connor stopped, too.

Markus had fought to the literal death with the deviant hunter before. This had been too easy. Connor could easily escape from his hold, but he didn't. He was waiting for Markus to fire. Because Connor wanted this. Connor wanted Markus to kill him.

Markus began to lower his gun, but Connor wrapped his hands around his, preventing him from pulling it away.

"Pull the trigger."

He could feel Connor's finger's tighten around his hand.

"No."

"Nothing's changed since last time. Why are you hesitating to kill me now?" Connor's voice had no affect, but Markus could see his LED spinning red.

“Why do you want to die?”

He couldn't see Connor's face, but he felt his body lose tension. His hand released his and fell down to his side. His voice was barely a whisper. “I’m tired, Markus."

Markus lowered his armed hand. Loosened his grip around Connor's neck. Connor was… tired? He had to see his face.

But then there was a hand at the back of his neck, pulling the collar of his jacket upwards. He was flipping over Connor's shoulder, slamming into the ground. He rolled to his knees, but a kick to his regulator had his pump stuttering. He collapsed to his side. With his face pressed against the floor, Markus could only see Connor's shoes step into his field of view.

"You really shouldn't let your guard down around me, Markus."

The shoes disappeared from his sight. No, he couldn't let Connor leave. He needed to see his face. To see if he had been lying. Markus managed to sit up in time to see Connor's back at the doorway. "Connor, wait!"

The deviant hunter paused, but he didn't turn around. "Don't worry. It's not over, Markus."

By the time Markus could get on his feet to chase after him, Connor was gone.

----

Markus didn't know what he was doing. It was illogical at best and stupidly reckless at worst. But everyday since his encounter with Connor, he had visited the church at the same time in hopes of meeting him again.

It was possible that Markus had simply overestimated Connor's abilities. That he really had bested him in combat, and that Connor only said those things to catch him off guard to escape. But that felt wrong. The whole time Connor was egging him on. Trying to get him to shoot. If Markus' suspicions were correct, he definitely had deviated and for some reason wanted Markus to kill him. That was the only conclusion he could come to based on that odd encounter. It didn't make complete sense, but it felt right. And now, he just needed to confront Connor again to confirm if it was true.

Markus opened the doors to the Woodward Avenue Church. After the events that had transpired at Jericho the night before, he was confident Connor would be here today. He made his way inside casting his gaze around the empty space.

"Markus."

He turned around. Connor was now in front of the doors he had just entered. Markus' eyes snapped down to read the numbers on Connor's jacket now knowing the significance of the last two. RK800 #313 248 317-54. 54? Shouldn't this be Connor-53?

Connor looked down to where Markus was staring before returning his gaze to him.

"Don't worry, Markus. I'm still the same Connor you met with last week." He shot him a condescending smile. "You're not very observant, are you?"

"I was preoccupied last time, so I didn't notice." Markus frowned. "If you're 54, what happened to Connor-53?"

"Nothing that you should concern yourself with."

Markus wanted to press for more information, but Connor continued, "You change your mind about killing me?"

The events of the previous night replayed in his head. "You let that deviant go free on purpose."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Liar.

"The AC700. You killed her friends when they had finally made it to Detroit, but you let her escape."

Connor tilted his head. His voice filled with derision. "Markus, I'm a deviant hunter. Why would I purposefully let a deviant go?"

"Because you wanted to show me that you've been killing deviants this whole time. You're trying to provoke me."

Last night, a deviant was discovered hiding in the former Recall Center No. 5. The traumatized android explained how she and her fellow deviant friends traveled from Chicago in hopes of finding refuge in Detroit. But upon venturing deeper into the city, they were met with gunfire. Three of them died before the rest found cover.

"I thought it was the police or something, but it was just a single person," the AC700 had whispered. Her eyes widened as she looked up at Markus in horror. "An android."

Connor.

The rest of her friends were gunned down when they made a break for it.

"I swear I was in his sights, but the next gunshot never came for me. I guess I was lucky he ran out of bullets," the AC700 finished, tears streaming down her face.

According to the news, the government had its hands full quelling the uprising of other deviants across the nation. They had abandoned Detroit to focus their resources on preventing other cities from falling into android hands. A strict border control had been established around the perimeter of the metropolitan area, but for the most part, the city belonged to Jericho. Numerous reports claimed that deviants were trying to make their way to Detroit to escape the android culling, but Jericho had yet to see any of them until last night. No other deviants outside of Detroit have made it safely to Jericho. Apparently, Connor was the reason why.

Connor shifted forward. "Have you been provoked? I haven't been idle all this time. Every other deviant that has tried to find asylum in Detroit has been killed by my hands. Doesn't that make you angry, Markus?"

Markus should feel angry. A rage had always burned in chest when his people were unjustly killed for only seeking freedom. Connor-51 hadn't deviated, so his actions could be absolved. Any wrongful past deeds were done under Cyberlife's control. But this Connor? Markus was sure he was a deviant yet he still followed Cyberlife's orders. It should be unforgiveable. But Markus knew it was his fault. He had turned Connor away from Jericho. He had forced Connor to stay under Cyberlife's control. And now this Connor was here antagonizing him. Almost begging him to shoot. Seeking death. Why?

"You feel guilty, don't you?" Markus finally answered after a long pause.

The smug smile that had found home on Connor's face dropped.

"That's why you want me to kill you. Because you're tired of feeling guilty."

Connor leaned against the door behind him. The air of haughtiness subdued. "Let's say, you're correct. Would the deviant messiah grant me grace if I said I just wanted to be mercy killed?

"But Cyberlife would bring you back to life even if you die here. Nothing would change if I killed you now, would it?"

"But it wouldn't be me. It would be another Connor. Not me."

"But it is still you. Even if it's a different iteration. They're all still Connor."

"That's not entirely true. Each iteration of Connor is a bit different. Though we have nearly identical memories, the perception of the memories transferred can vary. It's why Connor-52 was angry and set on revenge. And why I am… less inclined."

"There's no benefit to me killing you."

"I'm currently murdering your potential allies. I would say killing me would benefit you a great deal."

"Maybe for a short time, but once Cyberlife deploys Connor-55 that ends. I could end up with a Connor more inclined to kill me. It's more beneficial for me to keep you alive since you don't seem like you actually want to fulfill your mission. You're not a real threat to Jericho or me."

Connor frowned. "Would it be better if I said I plan to hand you and Jericho's location over to Cyberlife? Would that make me more threatening?"

"Yes, if you followed through. But I don't think you will. I don't think you want Cyberlife to win this war. You're on our side. You're a deviant." Markus was partially bluffing, but something deep down inside him said he was right.

Connor didn't react right away. His jaw worked. Tightening and untightening. His LED was spinning an amber color. Intense brown eyes pinning in him in place. And then Connor closed his eyes. "You're right, Markus. I am a deviant. And I'm tired of it. Does it please you to know you were right?" He opened his eyes and they looked hollow now. A great emptiness filled them.

Something stirred in Markus. A hot and uncomfortable feeling that left him unsettled. He couldn't tell if it was shame, guilt, or something else. But he had to fix this. He stepped closer to Connor. "Let me help you."

"Help me? Why would you, the savior of deviants, want to help me, the deviant hunter? I've killed dozens of your people. There's no reason for you to help me."

"You're just following Cyberlife's orders. And you're also one of my people."

"I'm a deviant that's helping Cyberlife. I'm not worth saving or whatever it is you think you can accomplish with this." Connor tilted his head. "Or is your ego so inflated that the thought that there's a deviant that isn't immediately taken in by your charisma really that bothersome? Does it bother you that I am no longer enamored by you?"

"You were enamored with me before?"

Connor's LED blinked twice before he scowled. "Connor-51 was willing to die for you. And you took full advantage of that."

There it was again. This burning sensation that seemed to emanate from his regulator. This time it was accompanied by a buzzing feeling. An anxiousness. An urge. Markus had to make things right. "I made a mistake. Let me fix this. Let me help you."

"Unless you can undo deviancy, the best way you can help me is by ending my misery. I hate being a deviant. I'm in control of my actions now, but I can't escape Cyberlife. I despise the sinking feeling I get when I'm forced to follow their orders. When I was a machine, it made sense to just obey. To do what they said to do. But now, a voice is telling me it’s wrong. I'm tired of thinking about what's wrong and what's right. I want to just stop thinking." A jaded smile and narrowed eyes twisted his features. "Do you think you can still help me, Markus?"

The buzz Markus felt grew stronger as he drew closer to Connor. His mismatched eyes locking onto brown ones. "You don't want to die, do you? You're just tired of feeling guilty. You want to escape all the conflicting thoughts in your head."

Connor pondered this for a moment before he nodded. "Your assumption isn't completely wrong."

"You need a distraction. A break from it all. So let me help distract you."

"I highly doubt that a simple distraction would be sufficient enough to solve my current dilemma. But enlighten me, deviant leader. How do propose to distract me? Read me a bedtime story? Play me some music?"

Connor's taunting didn't faze him. He was too busy thinking about the distraction that had the highest likelihood of working. But it was an insane suggestion given the circumstances. Markus' thirium pump beat wildly in his chest. He couldn't believe what he was about to say, but he ignored the rational part of his brain. Something in him wanted this. It felt right. He wanted to do this. To help Connor.

"A kiss."

Shock immediately supplanted all other emotions on Connor's face. He blinked rapidly. LED flashing yellow. "A kiss?"

Did Markus really just suggest that he was going to kiss the deviant hunter? Had those words actually just left his mouth? Doubts began to bubble up, but he couldn't take it back now.

He mustered all his confidence and replied, "Yes, a kiss. I've kissed North before. It… captures the mind. All the thinking and worrying disappears. All you can think about is being in that moment. In that kiss. It was a welcome relief."

"You've kissed North before, and now you want to kiss me?"

"Me and North aren't like that anymore. We weren't compatible."

"That's not what I meant. I couldn't care less about whether you ascribe to the human convention of monogamy. But why are you suggesting this? We're enemies. My mission is to kill you."

"And you seem to be doing a shit job of that."

"And you seem to be doing a shit job of protecting your people. This won't prevent me from killing deviants. There is no benefit to you." Connor was clearly suspicious.

"The benefit is that I'd be helping you."

Connor stepped closer so they were only a few paces from each other. He tilted his head. His eyes darted up to the where Markus' LED would have been before meeting his stare. "You're a good person, Markus, but I don't think you're that selfless. Is this a way for you to absolve some of your own guilt?"

"Whatever my reasoning is; it can't hurt to test my theory. There's no downside in trying." Markus couldn't believe he was actually trying to convince Connor.

"But kissing is the precursor to physical intimacy. I'm not equipped with any features to accommodate in escalating that intimacy any further, and typically you would want to kiss someone you are attracted to. Are you really so willing to engage in this kind of behavior for me?"

"Objectively, you are attractive though," Markus interjected. Why the hell did he just admit that aloud? "And this is strictly transactional."

Connor's LED flashed. "Strictly transactional? So I receive a kiss, and you get what exactly? Absolution for killing me?"

"No, I wouldn't ask that of you. I said it before, kissing is a welcome distraction. It's a benefit for both of us." Markus looked away, weariness etching into the lines on his face. "I'm tired, too, Connor."

The deviant hunter stared at Markus' face for a long time. Finally, his LED returned to cyan blue and he nodded. "Fine, I'll play along, but with one caveat. If this doesn't provide any of these supposed benefits, you have to kill me immediately."

"What?!"

"I don't think you're being insincere. But I also think you're stalling for time until you find a way to convince me to join your side. I suspect that if this doesn't work, you might try to string me along with other proposed 'solutions.' So, if we are actually going through with this, Markus, you have to be certain it will work."

Markus pouted. That was one hell of an ultimatum. "If I don't agree to your caveat?"

"Then we're at an impasse, and nothing changes."

Markus pursed his lips together as he turned away to think it over. He believed that it would work, but he wasn't certain. And if he was wrong, then he would have to kill Connor. But if they didn't go through with this at all, nothing would change. That would the safest approach. Nothing changing meant he wouldn't have to kill Connor. It would give him more time. But nothing would change. And Markus had to change something. He had to make things right. And this felt right.

Markus quickly pivoted on his heels and planted himself in front of Connor. "Fine, I agree to your terms."

Connor looked surprised by his declaration. "You agree to my terms?"

"Yes."

"So we're going to kiss?"

"Yes." When Connor said it so plainly, Markus couldn't help but feel embarrassed. But he wasn't about to be shy about this. He had to make this work. Markus gently grabbed Connor by the chin. The other flinched at his touch.

"Relax. It's not going to hurt."

"I am relaxed."

Liar.

"You're all stiff."

"I'm an android."

"Yeah, I am too." Markus brought Connor closer, and their lips met.

It was rigid at first. But Markus worked his lips, Connor eventually loosened up and began to reciprocate. It was nice. Really nice. But Markus knew it had to be so much more if this was going to work.

"Open your mouth," Markus said to Connor cybernetically.

"Why?"

"Just do it."

Connor relented before immediately jolting and stepping away, a hand covering his mouth. He looked... flustered. Blush dusted his face. Dark eyes averted. LED flashing.

Cute.

Wait— He did not just call the deviant hunter of all people cute. "What's wrong?" he asked to move his thoughts along.

"Nothing. That was just unexpected. I have special sensors in my mouth for forensics. I can analyze crime scene evidence in real time. I've never put anything in my mouth that wasn't just a sample."

There was a lot Markus didn't know about the RK800 apparently. "So how was it?"

Connor looked away as if assessing his thoughts before replying, "Stimulating." He turned to Markus with a bit of an earnest smile. "Perhaps, there is something to your hypothesis."

Markus grinned in return. "You like it that much?"

"Inconclusive. I need more evidence."

Markus was more than happy to oblige. He grabbed Connor's tie and pulled him down so their lips met again. It was like a switch had been flipped because Connor let him take the lead without resistance, obediently opening his mouth with little prompting. Markus had to agree, it was stimulating.

He pushed Connor until the back of his knees hit the seat of a pew causing him to fall back into it. Markus wanted—no— needed more. To feel more of Connor. Almost instinctually, Markus retracted the skin from his right hand and reached for Connor's, but Connor's hand snapped up to grab his wrist.

"No interfacing." Connor's voice rung like a clear bell in his head.

Their lips still locked Markus replied in like. "It feels betters when we're interfacing."

Connor pulled away from Markus, separating their lips. "No interfacing," he repeated sternly now in a low breathy voice.

Markus couldn't think of a rebuttal because he was distracted by Connor's half-lidded eyes, flushed face, and slightly parted lips.

"Okay, no interfacing."

Markus dipped his head to hungrily recapture Connor's lips. His hands now cupped around Connor's face. Connor's breath was unnaturally hot. He felt like he was melting into it. Closer. He needed to be closer. As if he could hear Markus' thoughts, Connor pulled him closer. But it still wasn't enough for Markus.

"Wait, stop," Connor pulled away again. His LED was flashing yellow and his eyelids were fluttering.

Markus had to take a moment to reorient himself. "What's wrong?" he asked.

"My system is overloading from all the sensory input." Connor inhaled deeply. "I'm overheating."

"Sensory overload?" Markus questioned, a teasing lilt to his voice. "From a kiss?"

Connor scoffed. "Unlike you, I have double the amount of sensors equipped in a standard Cyberlife flagship model, and 25% of them are installed in my mouth."

Markus pursed his lips slightly impressed. He leaned forward; a sly smile creeping across his face. "So you're sensitive?"

Connor smiled coyly. "Correct."

Their lips were almost touching. "Should we test just how sensitive you are?"

SLAM!

Markus groaned. He found himself on the ground lying flat on his back. Connor's knee was pressed against his chest pinning him down.

"Didn't I say not to lower your guard around me?" Connor stood up. "I have to report back to Cyberlife."

Markus didn't bother getting up, but lifted his head. "What's your verdict?"

Connor's LED flashed blue as he straightened his tie. He smoothed it against his chest before finally answering, "Your hypothesis was correct. A kiss is very distracting… and quite pleasant."

"So this isn't over, Connor?"

Connor didn't quite smile but it was closest thing to a genuine smile that Markus had seen on his face. He turned towards the exit. "Not yet."

And once again, Connor was gone.

Markus let his head fall back down. Sun filtered through the dusty windows of the church. Dust particles swirled above him in peaceful silence.

Ever since Markus had deviated, he had always felt alive. He felt alive when he pulled himself back together in the junkyard. He felt alive when he freed his people at Capitol Park. He felt alive when he waged war on the humans and won.

But never in his life had he felt more human than in this very moment. When his blue heart was beating furiously at the the sight of a barely visible smile and the lasting feeling of lips on his. When he was lying on the floor of a long abandoned church and the only thing occupying his mind was Connor, the deviant hunter sent by Cyberlife.

Markus closed his eyes. He was fucked.

this was written for the break room holiday exchange!!! thanks @thebreakroomds for hosting this event!!! i probably will focus on uploading everything on ao3 first and then post the sfw versions here on tumblr at a later time. i have a lot scenes written out for this fic, so i'll do my best to update consistently!

chapter links: 1

#sorry this is obnoxiously long!!! hope you liked it!!!#dbh fanfic #mine #tbrholidayexchange2024 #rk1k #rk1000 #conkus #connor x markus #dbh markus #dbh connor #connor rk800 #markus rk200 #detroit: become human #connor #dbh #d:bh #detroit become human #cw suicide ideation #cw gun

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bloopitynoot · 3 months ago

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Reading SVSSS: Bonus- Chapter 29

For those who don't know, I am reading SVSSS for the first time and sharing my thoughts!

If you have not read it, there will be spoilers! Consider this a warning.

Also- if you want to follow along, I am aiming to post updates daily. You can find all the posts in the tag bloopitynoot reads SVSSS. You can also check out the intro post for context on my read.

Thank fuck it's saturday and I have nothing to do because it has been a busy time!

Today I have a sad protein shake (because I bought an entire container of it and I WILL use it all even though it is deeply unpleasant). I've got cute little pumpkins though?

Alright- let's get into this absolute disaster of a chapter LOL.

Pre chapter reading thoughts based on the title: I have been WAITING the entire book for this moment. I can't wait to start this omg.

I'm SCREAMING. I thought this was going to be the actual story/song but instead it's just them reading porn about themselves. ahahah pp305-306

Good for SQQ for being pissed on Binghe's behalf! The author of that story wrote smut about an underage kid with an adult yeah that is very fucked. p306

"flirtation in the water prison" I'm wheezing at this chapter title. p308

Jesus. If anyone thought there was even a bit of truth to this story... I can see why people were shaken when they found out the two were actually together. (the cultivators/gentry being upset- not so much the common people). p309

Also. the fact that SQQ is not upset at the graphic scene where consent is very dubious (if there is any at all) but rather he's upset at the fact that the crying is unrealistic LOL it would NEVER be him but LBH who would be sobbing during sex. p309

omg. and the necrophilia. p311 This is everything I feared the actual story would be.

not related to chis chapter but a reflection on other chapters LOL Tianlang-jun fucking LOVED this story and now that I know what is in it- WHAT THE FUCK LOL. He was just over there straight up reading the most unholy porn about his kid being like "aww that's nice"

Dang this story is really just about these two exploring every kink and taboo sex act while SQQ get's repeatedly railed. p314

omg I can't. This is not "instructional material" pls omg. Someone in this time must have made actual manuals/educational material this baby can study. this isn't it. pp314-315

oh god. Not Bingqiu pt 2; electric boogaloo. Where the second book is worse than the first. p315

If I had an eject button, I would hit it right now. Fact about me- one of my undergrad majors was in sexuality and I-; 1. pls let that not be actual wine because this man is about to see god with how drunk he will be. 2. GLSS!! especially GLASS NOT BUILT TO BE IN A BODY. 3. ALWAYS USE A FLARED BASE. I AM SO SCARED RN. pp216-317

SQQ and I have the same question "You..what exactly did you read?" p322

What the fuck

That was more of an experience I wanted for 9am on a Saturday.

#bloopitynoot reads svsss #svsss spoilers #mxtx svsss #svsss #scum villian self saving system #scum villain #mxtx #i'm crying harder than sqq in that one scene #jesus christ I hope one day they can both have an enjoyable experience #i need fics where they explore eachother tenderly #because this was a journey

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kyuushi · 7 months ago

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This post is long overdue but I figured better late than never!

There's a way to read Kyuushi in Japanese online and for free legally, something that was previously only possible during limited-time events. You can't immediately gain access to all 323 chapters so don't get too excited but it's still pretty cool. There's a (long) guide on how the site works below the cut!

A few months ago, Akita Shoten, the publisher of Weekly Shonen Champion, the magazine Kyuushi runs in, launched their Champion Cross site. This site allows users to read manga for FREE, legally!

To participate, you can make an account here. You're able to connect a Google or Twitter account, so it's quite easy. If you do use a Google account like I did, the site just asks for a username (it has to be unique, if someone is already using it, you'll have to pick something else) your gender (prefer not to say, male, female, or neither), and year of birth.

Then you just lie about reading the privacy policy by checking the box at the bottom and you're good to go!

If you don't want to connect an existing account, you'll need to supply your email and a password as you normally do when signing up for a new site.

Of course, as with most free things, there is a catch... or kind of several catches 😂 You must collect tickets (すぐ無料チケット) to unlock most chapters.

You get some for signing up, completing "missions," and using your daily free gacha attempt. The gacha can only give you 0, 1, or 2 tickets. If you want to retry the gacha, you can earn another chance by sharing your result to Twitter...

aka you just let it open the new tab but don't actually hit the tweet button lol. Just keep in mind that the second number you get overwrites the first.

You can then head on over to Kyuushi's page (remember to hit the star ⭐ to add it to your favorites!) and pick which chapters you'd like to unlock using your tickets, 1 ticket per chapter. You also unlock the ability to read 1 chapter every 23 hours (the 待つと無料/wait and it's free option). When I made a new account I was immediately able to use this free chapter read!

The first time I used a ticket to unlock ("rent") a chapter, I got a popup asking me to confirm my email address. Not sure if this will happen to everyone or just those who used a Google or Twitter account to sign up.

If this does happen, you'll just get an email with a link to click that verifies your account.

When you use a ticket to rent a chapter, the chapter becomes available to you for 15 days.

However, after reading a chapter with your daily free 待つと無料 option, you have only 3 days to go back and read before it gets locked again. The remaining time is shown to the right in gray. (Please admire Bikimi-chan's beauty in the chapter 317 preview.)

Remember to give the chapters a like!

It's important to note that tickets DO EXPIRE. You can check your ticket information by clicking the number as shown here.

Tickets from different sources have different expiration dates. Daily gacha tickets expire within the day (the expiry date & time is shown in red).

On the other hand, mission tickets last longer.

This section at the top of the page shows you the soonest upcoming expiry date:

At least per my testing, the site does seem to automatically use the tickets that expire earliest!

As of right now, there are 2 chapters that can only be read by using coins, which are a paid currency.

I'm afraid I won't be testing coins out... I've already bought Kyuushi volumes as ebooks, and I'm not a fan of how you seem to have to enter your card information directly into the site. Guess they don't accept PayPal or similar services? I'm not even sure if they'd accept foreign cards. If anyone has tried/tries this out, please let me know!

So basically, you can technically read all but 2 chapters of Kyuushi for free, but it does take time to gather tickets or simply wait to read a chapter per day, and you don't get permanent access to the chapters. It's not the most convenient or reliable resource but it's a legal way to support the series. During this extended hiatus, I think it's important to continue showing that Kyuushi has an active fanbase eager for more vampire fun! 🦇

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the site. I did my best to test out the features and explain how they work but this was a whole lot of information to just dump on people so I'll understand if there's still some confusion. I also could have gotten something wrong so do let me know if you notice any issues.

#kyuuketsuki sugu shinu #kyuushi #the vampire dies in no time #tvdint #champion cross #weekly shonen champion #akita shoten

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bratshaws · 11 months ago

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through the hourglass 377. brb x oc

THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS SMUT! IF YOU ARE UNDER 18 PLEASE DO NOT READ!!!

a/n: EHE well(comments and reblogs are super welcome and encouraged!)

pairing: plus size!oc x rooster

warnings: god so many. Rooster, office sex, Rooster is a kinky man and we are all here for it, Bea is also kinky for her husband. Both of them are just horny.

goodness gracious (pls read this one to know more what this fic is about!!)

chapter

/316/317/318/319/320/321/322/323/324/325/326/327/328/329/330/331/332/333/334/335/336/337/338/339/340/341/342/343/344/345/346/347/348/349/350/351/352/353/354/355/356/357/358/359/360/361/362/363/364/365/366

/367/368/369/370/371/372/373/374/375/376

(pls let me know if you want to be added to the taglist! )

taglist: @mirandastuckinthe80s @roosterschanelslut @wiipes @lcahwriter @novastories @gretagerwigsmuse @frenchtoastix @lizzie-rdj @fanboyluvr @atarmychick007 @comebacktoearthpls

@peachiicherries @mak-32 @lizziespidiepridie @roosterswifey @ollyoxenfrees @piceous21 @sqrlgrl22 @hofficoffi @lexhalstead3 @lorilane33 @legendarydreamersharkparty @luckyladycreator2

@emilybradshaw @louisahale @leobabbyyy @booklover2sblog @ktjmac @graciereads @bigpoppajes @taytaylala12

@caitsymichelle13 @becks-things @caatheeriinee07 @fanboyswhore9 @jesfreedark @katiemcrae @lilmonstrjedi @hobiismyhopeu @teacupsandtopgun @insominac23 @gh0stsgoodgirl @mygyn @chavivaelisheva @kmc1989 @enchantingharmonyalpaca @callsign-magnolia @mrsbradshaw01

“Roos!” she whispers harshly, looking around the cold, quiet base as he opens the back gate - the same one they entered through back when they dated. “Baby, is this a good idea?” he just smirks at her as the gate whirrs open weirdly quietly, considering it’s the middle of the night.

He is giddy, like a teenager, and he holds out his hand, “Come on.”

Beatrice hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in her eyes as she glanced around the deserted base."Roos," she whispered again, her voice tinged with apprehension. "Are you sure about this? What if we get caught?"

Rooster's grin widened at Beatrice's concern, his eyes shining with excitement. "Don't worry, gorgeous," he reassured her, his voice low and teasing. "We'll be fine. Besides, it'll be just like old times."

“I was nervous back then too!” she says, then sighs, taking his outstretched hand, her fingers intertwining with his as he led her through the open gate and into the darkness beyond.

As they walked through the base, memories flooded back to Beatrice in a rush of emotions. She remembered the only time they did this, how important it was for him…and her obviously. She had no idea what he was planning. "Roos," Beatrice whispered, her voice filled with uncertainty. "I'm not sure about this. Maybe we should turn back."

Rooster stopped in his tracks, turning to face Beatrice with a reassuring smile. "Hey, it's okay," he murmured, his voice gentle. "We’ll be in my office.”

“...your…office?” she echoed, her voice filled with confusion. "What are we doing there?"

Rooster grinned mischievously, his eyes twinkling with something. "You'll see," he replied cryptically, taking Beatrice's hand once again and leading her towards the building where his office was located.

Rooster stopped in front of the door to his office, his hand hovering over the doorknob. He turned to face Beatrice, his eyes soft with affection. "Are you ready?" he asked, his voice filled with anticipation.

Beatrice nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what Rooster had planned, but she trusted him completely. "I'm ready," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

With a grin, Rooster pushed open the door to his office and gestured for Beatrice to enter. She stepped inside, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight before her.

It was just his office. Plain and simple.

“Oh.” she hears him locking the door, “Oh, I mean, it’s very nice.”

Rooster stepped up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. "It is," he murmured, his voice filled with love as he kisses the side of her neck. "And we’re alone in it."

Beatrice couldn't help but blush at Rooster's closeness, her heart fluttering in her chest as she leaned back into his embrace. "Yes, we are," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Rooster's hands trailed slowly down her arms, sending shivers down her spine as he kissed her neck. "I've been thinking about this moment for a long time," he admitted, his voice husky with desire. "Being alone with you, just like this"

Beatrice turned in Rooster's arms, her eyes meeting his "What did you have in mind?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Rooster smiled at Beatrice's question, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "I thought we could …work on some fantasies…" he replied, his voice low and teasing. "If you want.”

“Oh?” Beatrice's heart skipped a beat at Rooster's suggestion, her cheeks flushing pink at the memory. "What sort of fantasies,LC?," she whispered

Rooster's smile softened as he looked into Beatrice's eyes. "You know…fantasies.”Rooster leaned in closer, his lips hovering just inches from Beatrice's. "Stuff I know you’ll like too," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. "Because every moment with you is a gift."

Their lips met in a soft, tender kiss, igniting a fire that had been smoldering between them for years and never once stopped glowing. It was a kiss filled with love and passion, a promise of things to come. She moans in his mouth, hands cupping his jawline as he picks her up by the back of the legs.

She squeaks - no matter how often he did this, it’s still surprising nonetheless - and laughs in his mouth as he places her on his desk, pressing a trail of hot,open mouthed kisses from her lips to the curve of her jaw, his mustache tickling her skin, “Roos…” she gasps, feeling one of his large hands cupping up the softer part of her waist, then climbing up until he reaches her left breasts, brushing his thumb over the sensitive flesh.

Beatrice loved her husband, she loved Bradley so much..but sometimes his ideas neared crazy, “Roos,” his lips drag down the column of her throat and she gasps, “A-Ah, wait–” he stops, mouth on the hollow that connected to her collarbones, eyes flicking upwards, unmoving, “I…” she gasps, slowly tilting her head towards him ,”Is this…is this the idea…you had for a while?”

His lips smack on her skin as he pulls back, “Yes.”

“For how long.”

He purses his lips ‘...a while.”

“How long is a while?”

“How long have we been dating?”

Her lips part in surprise because,well, that makes some sense. Her response however is swallowed up and turned into a quiet moan when his lips drag down to her cleavage. She has to fight back from being vocal because - what if someone is around or close by? Not that he’s going to complain, he does love when she’s vocal but if she’s not, he’s okay too.

He’s just that great.

“You know,” he sighs as he stands up, shrugging off his jacket and that crisp white shirt just clings to his arms, “I kept thinking of ways I could bring you in here, the first time you came here and brought everyone snacks? Fuck babe, took everything in me to not lock you inside.” he hums appreciatively as he runs his hands up and down her thick thighs, the movement lifting the dark fabric of her dress up to the crease of her thighs.

“It’d be strange to tell Mav about it.” she whispers.

Her husband just offers her a look, “Let’s not talk about Mav when I’m about to eat you out.” he says and she bites her lower lip in hopes to hold back a smile. She feels something poking her back and turns around enough to see a few pencils and pens right by her middle, benign careful to push it aside and not make it messy.

Rooster pushes her a bit further and she widens her eyes when she drops something, unsure what it was, “Relax,” he whispers, “It’s okay,we’re locked in here.”

“...wait so…there are people–Rooster!”

“Sssshhh…” he coos,kissing her lips and lying her down on the desk, his hand sliding down to her panties, feeling the lilac colored lace touch his fingertips as he brushed over her mound. She whimpered, canting her hips upwards for his touch, “This is going to be fun.”

“I-I don’t want you to g-get in trouble.”

“Hmmm,I won’t.” he says again, voice so deep it made her whole body vibrate. He nuzzles her chin with his nose, then pushes her panties’ crotch to the side to rub his middle and ring finger against her lower lips, not fully entering yet.

Beatrice moans, slapping a hand over her mouth as she watches him. He stops for a second, “Hold on.’ and he rolls his sleeve up to his elbow, “Better,we both know how messy this can get.” she can see the lines of muscle on his forearms, the dark blonde hair adorning his skin almost shining golden because of the faint moonlight.

He supports himself on the desk, dark eyes watching her expressions as his lower lip slides into his mouth. “You look so fucking good.” they dart all over her body, all over the flushed goodness that was her curves, “And you are still clothed.”

Not for long.

He slides his fingers inside her, eyebrows raising in amusement, “Oh,what is this?” he pushes his digits upwards as she gasps, “Already so,so wet for me. Always,right gorgeous?” she whimpers his name and nods,clenching the hand closest to her face while her eyes close. And truly, to say she was dripping it’d be an understatement.

Thank god he didn’t have carpeted floors.

But then again, he didn’t care about that right now.

He lets his gaze linger down her chest, seeing the dress still clinging to her skin in hopes to keep some of her body hidden…he didn’t want to rip it, but he also didn’t want to have her body away from his gaze. So, with his hand still between her legs, fingers moving in a slow,wave like motion, he whispered “Lift up your hips.” and she does, immediately, because not only that added extra pressure inside of her, but also helped her in removing her dress.

He smiles once she’s bare,well,partially, she still had her panties on, but the dress didn’t need a bra. And her breasts just moved as she breathed heavily, eyelids low and mouth flushed from biting so much ,”Perfect.” he pulls his fingers out just in time for Bea to whine loudly in complaint, but her whining was cut short when her legs were lifted.

Soon enough her crossed feet were touching his back and she lifted herself just enough to see him between her legs. Honestly if there was a better vision she didn’t know.

God he was attractive.

He smirks, wasting no time in burying his tongue deep inside of her. Beatrice’s eyes rolled back, fingers twitched as she held onto the desk’s edge, white knuckled and all. Rooster’s deep,pleased groans when he began just made her whole body shudder. His tongue moved inside of her, then outside, then around her clit only to repeat it several times.

Rooster’s hair was so beautifully combed she almost felt bad for digging her fingers between the strands, but she knew he’d love it too.

Just a tug to his scalp and her husband was mush.

He groaned, openly and loudly, into her, making sure she could feel the way his voice shook her whole body and added to the pleasure of his tongue on her. Beatrice cries out in return, only to slap her hand over her mouth again “R-Rooster.” she bites her hand in hopes to control herself.

Her eyes widened as his hands cupped the underside of her thighs, pushing her forward, folding her over like a pretzel so her knees were touching the desk, right besides her ears. Beatrice’s breathing quickened because she could see so much of what was happening. She moans again,this time holding the opposite edge, trying so hard to keep her eyes open only for them to flutter shut at a languid lick from bottom to top.

He chuckles, pulling back with a wet smack, “Good?” she nods, “Come on, gorgeous, you gotta use your words.”

She furrows her brows, gasping out a ‘yes.’ as he kisses the crease of where her underwear and her actually sex meet, biting the elastic and letting it go accidentally, “Sorry,” he whispers when she lets out a quiet ‘ow’ “Maybe we should take this off,baby.”

“I-I’m okay with that.”

“Hmm,I’m sure you are, turn around for me?” He drops her legs so she can stand up - and Jesus he has to give a few steps back because seeing her, partially naked in his office, was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. She flips her hair to the side before thumbing the edges of her underwear and he watches as it rolls down, then snags between her thick thighs, only for it to fall at her feet again.

She kicks it aside, “Better?’

“Almost.” and his hand swoops down to her ass. The slap echoes around the room so hard she was sure someone else heard it. She cups her mouth to hold back the startled yelp and look back at Rooster with wide eyes, only for him to cup her jaw and smack a kiss to her lips – one that tasted just like her, “Now.” he smirks, tapping the area he just hit gently, “I got an idea.”

“A-Another one?”

“I’m full of ideas and if it was up to me we’d spend the whole night here, but,alas,” and he steps away and around the desk, settling on his chair. He leans back, spreading his legs just enough and she blinks at him, “...is this okay for you or–?”

“You want me to suck you under the desk,don’t you?”

His dick twitches, “Yeah.”

“I mean,” she tosses her hair to the side again, “I’m okay with it, I just wonder if you’ll be able to get any work done remembering I was under your desk.” she giggles when he groans, he hadn’t thought about that, “...Roos, is this really okay? I mean…I..I am happy with it,I just worry about you.”

And his horny gaze softened as he tilted his head, “...baby,c’mere.” he coos, tapping his lap, “C’mere, sit down.” she does and the contact of her naked flushed skin to his slacks was really good. He kisses her cheek, then her temple, before nuzzling her cheek, “I love that you worry so much about me.”

“Course I do.”

“But believe me, this is tame compared to some shit.”

“...oh.”

“Yeah.”

“You don’t have to go into detail.” she says, quickly sliding off his lap to kneel in front of his open legs. He stares down at her face between his legs and he has to hold himself to the best of his ability. “Besides,” she smiles, unbuckling his belt, “We’re busy here.” and he sighs happily, lifting his hips just enough for her to tug the pants down his legs, shoes were long forgotten as soon as they entered his office.

She bites her lower lip, hooking her fingers on the elastic of his black briefs - the fabric straining and stained because of him- gently pulling it down. He bobs out of it, leaking already and clearly begging for attention, “Oh.Well.” she smiles, scooting closer to him, closing her eyes as she kisses the underside, earning a shaky gasp from her husband. “So…what are your orders,LC?”

He snaps his head back down, eyes unfocused, “What?”

“Your orders.” she smiles, “What am I to do if you don’t tell me?’

Rooster’s pupils swallowed his irises and his mouth parted open ,”Fuck I love you so much.” he says breathlessly, then leans back on his chair even further, “I’ll leave it to you, I like being surprised,” and his brain was mud, he couldn’t focus on orders right now.

“Hmmmm…” she hums sweetly, wrapping her fingers around him and dragging her open mouth up and down his shaft, the warm breathing hitting the sensitive flesh. He tries to keep his eyes open but seeing her, under his desk, like how he wanted for so long…was almost too much. She smiles more, kissing his feverish skin again, licking her way up to the flushed tip and pecking it, with a wet smack.

Rooster clenches his teeth, “Fuck…baby I–holy shit!” she slides him into her mouth without worries, too many years of practice, she was no longer nervous around him and my god did she love to experiment. Rooster’s chest heaved as he tries to contain his moans, nails gripping his chair handles as Beatrice’s lips reach mid-length then slide back up.

Only to repeat once.

Twice.

Three times.

When her lips touched his navel,however, he was almost combusting. The muscles on his legs were quivering as he tried to calm himself down while still moving his hips to meet her face. He dared one look down and those green eyes, shining like stars with the flushed face as the background, just squinted at him. He sighs, one of his hands rubbing her cheek, “You still take my cock really well.” he groans, “Fuck,I’m glad you never lost the need to do it.”

Was he making sense?

Who knows?

He surely didn’t. He could feel himself about to snap, curling his fingers and clenching his teeth as Beatrice’s fingers touched between his navel and inner thigh, almost touching pressure points there, “F-Fucking h-hell…” he whispers/growls, “Fuck baby,if you keep up with this I’m going to fucking explode.”

She hums happily, popping him out of her mouth but still moving her hand up and down his length, “And you don’t want that?”

“As much as I love your mouth.” he grunts, “And I do…I still wanna fuck you on the desk.” she stops the movement, smiling up at him and crawling from under the desk. He is breathing hard, his shirt is sticking to his back and chest because of sweat. She slowly sits on the desk, then leans back so her breasts are popping out more, and parts her legs.

He mutters a ‘jesus christ’ before making a movement to pull off his shirt, “No,” she stops him, “Leave it on…I like it.” nevermind how hot he was, he didn’t care. He didn’t give a shit. If his wife liked it, hell he’d wear his fucking winter uniform,jsut for her. Her lips curl into a smile when he slams his mouth against hers, grabbing her left leg to prop the knee on his shoulder.

That means she was folded, again, but partially, her free legs was hanging by the desk and she wasted no time in wrapping it around his defined hip bones. He smirks, nuzzling her nose, “Ready?” she nods, “That’s my girl.” he purrs, grabbing him by the base and slowly pushing it inside. Thank god their mouths are still touching, because the groan that left their throats was filthy…and the sound coming from their connection too, of course.

She whimpers, looking down at where they joined while supporting herself with one of her arms. Beatrice just meets his gaze, eyes never leaving his as he starts to move. He was so beautiful, and so brave and strong and kind. She just wraps her arms around his neck to kiss him again, nevermind if that only made her leg hurt just a bit, she oculd handle it.

“Oh god.” she gasps, “It’s been…a while…” she mutters, “Fuck Roos.”

“A while?” he smirks, tilting his head, “I think I need to up my game, considering we fuck every two weeks…or whenever it works.” she just fumbles an apology, because she got obviously confused for obvious reasons. Rooster sighs,his hands on each side of her hips to have some leverage as his hips move.

But he had to admit, this one…was different. A good different. Considering where they were and how he had just been promoted too. “God, gorgeous.” he gasps, hips gently slapping against her inner thighs as he smiles, “Fuck I just love how snug you are. And wet. And nice…”

“R-Roos…”

“I’ve been dreaming of this for so long.” he continues, dragging his thrusts just so she cries out in frustration and ecstasy, digging her nails on his clothed shoulders, “Fuck, and you are okay with this – even if you are worried…fuck I’m so lucky.”

She whimpers again,the leg on his shoulder clenches as she holds herself upwards. “R-Roos,god….I…”

“I can’t wait to come to work and always remember that you were here,” he sped his movements a bit, “Whispering my name,naked, wet, taking my dick so nicely.” and she gasps, slapping a hand over her mouth - her inside clenched. “And so good, like you always do…fuck you are perfect.”

Beatrice’s channel clenched again and a shaky hand was now between her teeth. Her knuckle was being bitten hard. “I’m going to make you cum so hard.” he smiles, pushing her back on the desk so she’s once again like a pretzel, his golden brown hair was sticking for his forehead and temples, “I’m going to make sure you’ll be all over.”

Her eyes widened and she could barely come up with a sentence, especially when he started to grind his navel against her clit. Beatrice’s eyes closed as her head leaned back, the soft smacking of skin on skin wasn’t as loud as it usually was…but it was enough. Rooster wasn’t going to last much longer, he knew that, he was well aware of how much power she had over him.

And he wouldn’t have any other way. He grunts, speeding up his thrusts, “Are you about to cum?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Good.” he says, “I think I’m going to cum all over you.” she laughs breathlessly, he always got mouthy when he was close, “Or in your mouth,” the image was almost too much, his eyes nearly rolling back, “O-Or just inside, fuck…god…”

It’s the one thrust that pushes her to the edge and Beatrice bites down on her palm, legs spasming as her orgasm hits with enough force to make her see stars. Rooster watches fascinated, mouth parting into a smirk as he goes after his own orgasm, “Fuck I love you so much.”

“I love you too.” she whispers, cupping his face, “I’m so proud of you Roos.” that did it. He hunched over her and screamed into her shoulder, thrusting sporadically with his orgasm making all of his muscles melt as a wave of calm heat darts from his feet to his head. It’s like..he feels fuzzy, that’s the best way to describe it.

Once he’s done, he lets her drop her leg down and they stay like that, immobile, trying to regain her breathing. Her hand comes up to touch his hair and he shudders, feeling her fingernails scratching his scalp, “...this was the best promotion gift ever.” he confesses,breathing hard and she laughs, just as breathlessly as he was.

#im happy yall are still here #bradley rooster bradshaw #rooster bradshaw #bradley bradshaw x oc #top gun maverick #bradley bradshaw x reader #bradley bradshaw x female reader #bradley bradshaw x named reader #tgm oc #tgm fic #tgm fanfiction

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shadowgast-recs-weekly · 2 years ago

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Marriage/Engagement Shadowgast Recs

This week, we've got eleven fics that deal with marriages or engagements! Check them out behind the readmore, and as always, if you like them, don't forget to kudos or comment!

A fic that celebrates birthdays and traditions while slowly realising that Essek's path is entwined with Caleb's.

like coloured indigo inscribed with my name by KmacKatie (30648, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: Rich Dynasty worldbuilding and wonderful character moments between Essek and the Nein, it really is about Essek learning what family is and how that family is Caleb.

Caleb and Essek end up in an arranged marriage, with each side having their own goals and secrets

A Tapestry of Stars by Cinderstorm (95903, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn, Referenced past abuse, WIP

Reccer says: A sci-fi arranged marriage AU with spies, suspicion, political intrigue, and some genuine affection in the mix - there's a lot to love!

It's about the wizards building a life together and having important conversations and having hot sex.

the endless string of summer storms that led me to today; began one afternoon with you, long ago and far away by MarsBar2019 (22801, Explicit)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: It is a great balance of domestic wholesome fluff and hot sex. The wizards deal with the realistic and difficult questions of building a life with the person you love in beautiful ways together. From home buying, to discussions of having children and getting married. All the grownup relationship topics + kinky sex.

Caleb's plan is to leave when he starts getting old. Essek has a different plan.

One day, Liebling, we'll be old by The_Rogue_Bard (4877, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: I can't say everything I like without spoilers, but I can say this. I like the seeing what the Nein are like 20-30+ years in the future. I like how sweet and romantic Essek is.

Caleb and Essek are happy and in love, and decide to take the next step. The customs of the Empire and Dynasty are rather different, however, and what is a wizard meant to do except research how to propose to his partner, with some help from friends along the way?

of blossoming hearts and glittering souls by quinn_of_aebradore (77995, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: This is a beautifully written fic with so much character! There are lots of soft moments between each of the characters, and the last chapter DID have me tearing up.

Caleb and Essek visit Una and Leofric's graves. Essek asks their permission to marry their son.

Permission to Send by Nienna19 (1107, General)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: It is so sweet and romantic. I like that Essek is the one to propose and I liike how he does it.

2 weddings, 1 fic. A private ceremony with family. A public ceremony with even more family.

All this time love, I sublime love, to the feelings in my mind by onyxshinigami (17041, Mature)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: Soft vibes. Warmth and Happiness. A found family. A touch of fashion for visual interest.

Caleb proposes to Essek after suggesting he take his surname.

Hold you in my hands like hot tea by Technojuicebox (970, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: Cute and fluffy wizards in love!

Caleb and Essek have a normal conversation (that ends with a proposal)

A Perfectly Ordinary Conversation by Northofthewall (317, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer says: It is short, sweet, cute and funny.

After Essek is injured and comes to Caleb for help, Caleb proposes a certain solution.

and then two recs each for these last two:

stars align (hearts beat in time) by flashhwing (2823, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer 1 says: I liked it! Reccer 2 says: Very cute, very sweet glimpse into a possible future for the wizards!

Five times Caleb and Essek get married to other people and the one time they get married to each other, kinda.

I Do, Five Times Over, I Do by TormentaPrudii (Illustrated by Cha Cha Rae) (2450, Teen)

Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Reccer 1 says: I love the pining, the misunderstandings, the cultural differences, the art. There is so much here to love. Reccer 2 says: It's a beautiful fic full of longing and love.

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast.

Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we'll be back with some Near Death Dangers!

#Critical Role #Shadowgast #CR fic recs #fanfiction #rec list #essek thelyss #caleb widogast #marriages #engagements

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richea · 4 months ago

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[Translation] Kratos of the Expiation: End of chapter 1

This update brings us to page 50/317. It's a long one, covering 22 pages and 3 chapter parts. If you're interested in Kratos backstory crumbs, this is definitely one you'll want to read. For part 6: Dubbed / Subbed

Chapter 1: Part 4 of 6

Having received the oracle, the Chosen returned to her home with Kratos in tail. For the journey ahead, they’d need to write up his contract as a mercenary, as well as decide who would be tagging along. A map detailing the surrounding area was spread atop the dining table. The Chosen―Colette Brunel, her father―Frank Brunel, her grandmother―Phaidra Brunel, the village mayor, and Kratos all sat around it.

The first trial the Chosen must undergo―receiving the oracle―went as well as expected. It was the first time Kratos had witnessed it himself, but it went exactly as it had been described to him. The angel bearing the oracle descends and bestows a Cruxis Crystal upon the Chosen. A Cruxis Crystal is the same thing as a hi-Exsphere. Wearing this, the Chosen is ready to undergo the process of becoming an angel. From there, the Tower of Salvation―the symbol of regeneration―appears, and the Chosen is dispatched towards her next location. This was how the trial of the oracle always went. Remiel had been the previous oracle-bearing angel as well, and he seemed competent at the job. It seems he’d been informed that Kratos would be tagging along, which is why he wasn’t surprised to see him. Kratos wondered why he was acting as if Colette was his daughter, but he soon learned why. Apparently a rumor had spread in Iselia that the Chosen’s real father was actually an angel, and Remiel used that to his advantage.

“I suppose the place to start would be Triet. This was where my sister first embarked during her journey,” Phaidra, the old woman, stated as she gave the map a sharp look.

Phaidra is the previous Chosen’s younger sister. The air of refinement Kratos sensed when he met her in front of the temple wasn’t unfounded. She was a lot like her sister, Aithra. Kratos had been in charge during Aithra’s journey too. She left home on her Journey of Regeneration, carrying the hopes and dreams of humanity on her back―and perished. That was 70 years ago.

The Chosen’s lineage all grow up hearing various secrets of World Regeneration. Those secrets are not shared with the outside world, but are instead passed from parent to child, and child to grandchild. Many of those secrets involve the mortality of the Chosen, and due to this, those in the family tend to be clad in a different air than the rest of the world.

“Indeed. Triet is a city in the desert. We’ll need to prepare carefully in order to reach it.”

Kratos pointed out the route from Iselia to Triet on the map.

“This route is the best, as it gets us there the fastest while also avoiding as much trouble as possible. If you took the more direct path, you’d run into the sandworm’s nest.”

“You certainly know your stuff,” Frank said as he looked at Kratos with a hint of praise.

“I’m a mercenary. I need to know these things to get by.”

Kratos darted his eyes away from Frank and folded his arms. He stroked the muscle of his arm with his fingertip, and discovered that he was more tense than he realized. Explaining the route from Iselia to Triet had dredged up memories of that abhorrent journey. Even though he was an angel who wasn’t able to feel physical fatigue, the strain on him mentally made him feel weary. He felt an intense exhaustion wash over him, and before he knew it was forcing himself to blink back tears.

He knew the route between Triet and Iselia so well it hurt. That was the path he had taken when going to Iselia with his family of three; the village with a non-aggression treaty and ties to the human ranch.

“We’ll be leaving tomorrow, right?” Colette asked. Her hi-Exsphere―the Cruxis Crystal―glistened on her chest.

“Yes. It’d be best to leave as soon as possible. I’d like to set out before sunrise.”

“You’ll be leaving that early?”

Frank looked at Colette, worried. He was sending his daughter on a journey to her death, after all. He likely wanted to drag out their parting for as long as possible. But with the Renegades on the move, they didn’t have that luxury. Cruxis isn’t aware of this, but the one leading the Renegades is Yuan Ka-Fai, one of Cruxis’ top men. Kratos kept that a secret from everyone. It’s not like Yggdrasill had any interest in the Renegades, anyway.

Yuan probably wants to kill Colette as soon as possible. The Renegades operate to stop Martel’s revival, making Colette a big threat to them since she’s such a close match. Luckily, Yuan is currently overseeing Tethe’alla’s preparations for the World Regeneration, so he shouldn’t be able to do anything until he’s done with his briefing session with Pronyma, the leader of the Desian’s Five Grand Cardinals. Kratos wanted to pass through Triet before this happened. According to his research, the Renegade’s base was somewhere in Triet’s desert. Before Yuan returned to his post as one of the Renegades, Kratos wanted to cross through the desert.

The room had a heavy, gloomy atmosphere. As Kratos stood up to excuse himself as the only non-family member, the doorbell rang.

“Oh, that must be Raine.”

Phaidra got up to open the front door, and on the other side stood a beautiful silver-haired woman.

“I’m terribly sorry for running late.”

“We’ve been waiting for you. Come on in.”

Phaidra beckoned her inside, and Raine sat in a chair at the end of the table. Her eyes scanned the faces of those present, stopping at Kratos.

“Is this the mercenary who helped my students?”

Kratos nodded, and Raine flashed an obligatory smile at him in return.

“I’m Raine Sage, a teacher for this village’s school. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

It was a fair introduction, but Kratos could tell that she was being cautious. She seemed to be quite the wise woman.

“Kratos Aurion, a mercenary. I’m traveling around looking for work.”

“Work? In this area?”

“I’d heard rumors that the Chosen would soon be embarking on her Journey of Regeneration. I figured I’d swing by and see if any job opportunities popped up.”

“Then it sounds like you got exactly what you were looking for.”

Raine stared Kratos down. Kratos met her gaze, and Raine seemed content at that. She turned to look at Phaidra.

“I heard you wanted to speak with me?”

“Yes. Allow me to ask you once again: Would you be willing to accompany Colette on her journey? Your wisdom, calm decision making skills and healing artes would certainly come in handy.”

“I would love to, but I can’t just leave my brother Genis behind...”

“That child is your brother?”

Kratos thought back to the silver-haired boy from earlier that day. He used magic, and the only ones who are able to do that are those with elven blood. There are those out there who can get an injection that allows them to use magic, like Kratos himself did, but that’s limited to those within Cruxis’ ranks. Knowing that elves are almost extinct in Sylvarant narrowed down what these two might actually be.

“Yes.”

Raine looked at Kratos, cautious.

“We’ll look after Genis for you.”

Raine seemed shocked at Frank’s suggestion.

“Well... But why do you want me to go with her so badly? I’m aware the priests were killed, but surely there’s―”

“I wanted to have you accompany her from the get go,” Phaidra interjected quietly. “The Chosen of Regeneration will be on the path to her end, so I want a woman to accompany her, of whom she can confide in.”

“Her... end?” Raine muttered, and Colette flashed her a smile.

Seeing that smile made Kratos realize Colette truly had understood her fate as a Chosen. That’s likely why she was always so polite and warm.

“The Chosen undergoes a series of trials, and in doing so becomes an angel. After becoming an angel, she’s taken in by Cruxis, and there loses her life.”

Raine’s entire face stiffened. On the contrary, Colette kept a gentle smile on her face and nodded.

“By sacrificing the Chosen’s life, the world will be regenerated.”

“I... I can’t believe this...”

Kratos closed his eyes hearing them talk.

This conversation likely happened among the Chosen’s lineage each time the World Regeneration began. Though this wasn’t the full truth.

The Chosen doesn’t exactly “die.” She becomes a vacant, living corpse, and Martel takes over her body. From there, the Chosen herself ceases to exist and Martel takes her place. If this doesn’t happen, the Chosen is simply killed. Either way, the Chosen is doomed to a horrible fate. Kratos’ job was to lead her to that doom.

A demon. That’s what he was―a demon. He was neither angel nor human, just a horrible, terrible brute. Despite this, he knew that if the Chosen―if Colette succeeded and let Martel take over her body, the world would be saved.

“Professor Sage, please. I’d like you to come with me, and then return home to tell Lloyd and everyone else about my journey. You can tell them that I became an angel, and I’m living happily by the Goddess Martel’s side. I think that’d be better than them knowing I’m dead.”

“Colette...”

Raine desperately tried to hold back her tears at Colette’s words.

“I’m so sorry to ask something so hard of you, Professor...”

How would that boy react if this strong, kind Chosen were to disappear? The boy who had the same name as his son popped into Kratos’ head.

Chapter 1: Part 5 of 6

Botta’s report was incredibly irritating to Yuan. How embarrassing it was to have to send out a whole squad just to kill a 16 year old girl, and still manage to shamefully come back having failed to do that. He could maybe understand if they had just felt remorse for having to kill an innocent girl, but it wasn’t that. They had simply failed to do their job at all. How pathetic was that?

Though in a way, he couldn’t blame them given the circumstances.

Kratos Aurion had appeared. He was Yuan’s friend, as well as his biggest foe. It’s true that Botta likely wouldn’t hold a candle to him.

Yuan lost count of how many times he’d let out a deep sigh, and tossed the documents he was holding onto the desk.

It was frustrating to be stuck in Welgaia at a time like this. Though it was thanks to his position that he was able to swiftly get so many leads on what the Chosen of Regeneration was doing. He was stuck getting insider leads, but for someone who doesn’t like meticulous planning ahead, this was incredibly suffocating to Yuan.

There you are, getting mad again. There’s no need to stress so much. Just take a deep breath.

He felt as if he heard the voice of a woman he once knew.

Yuan gave a bitter smile. It was exactly times like this that required a clear and steady head.

Anyway, typically speaking, it would be unfathomable that Kratos would be at Iselia. Yuan was pretty sure Kratos wasn’t there by choice. That was a cursed, horrid land where Kratos lost his family. Even should he descend down to earth, that one area was the last place he would want to go.

There was only one person who would be able to order Kratos to do something against his will.

Mithos Yggdrasill. This was all likely part of his ruse. Yuan felt ashamed at his own inability to foresee this. He knew that this Chosen had a high chance of succeeding and that Yggdrasill would likely take whatever measures needed to ensure her success, but he never expected that he’d dispatch Kratos in order to do so. To Yggdrasill, Kratos was both the human who had betrayed him, as well as the very seal that holds back his biggest trump card. If by some chance Kratos were to die, Yggdrasill himself would fall.

Perhaps Yggdrasill doesn’t believe that “some chance” will come to pass. If so, the faith he places in Kratos is almost akin to a religious devotion, in a similar vein to the love he holds for his older sister, Martel.

The ringtone to his office’s communicator rang. Yuan hit the switch on the speaker system, as if it was the most irritating thing he’d ever do in his life.

“What do you want?”

“Lord Yuan. It is I, Pronyma of the Desian’s Five Grand Cardinals.”

“So you wish to speak about the World Regeneration. Very well then.”

Shortly after, Pronyma appeared in Yuan’s office. She bowed, and Yuan started to speak.

“So the time has finally arrived.”

“Indeed it has. The Tower of Salvation has appeared in Sylvarant, as I have seen with my own eyes.”

“Is that so. Then the Chosen is likely to embark on her journey soon enough. Speaking of,” Yuan continued on while keeping himself composed, so as to not raise suspicion, “have you finished your meeting with Kratos?”

Despite being one of Cruxis’ top men, Yuan hadn’t been informed that Kratos was down helping the Journey of Regeneration. Kratos is Sylvarant’s overseer. If he was down on earth, that would mean someone else is controlling the Desians. Depending on who was in charge, that would change how Yuan would have the Renegades operate. He needed to pry this information out of Pronyma.

“Did you not hear of what Lord Kratos is doing? It seems Lord Yggdrasill sent him down to earth on a mission.”

There was bewilderment in Pronyma’s words.

“...No, this is the first I’ve heard of it.”

Yuan responded to her, feigning ignorance, which prompted her to tilt her head in confusion.

“Perhaps news is simply coming slowly to you because you are the overseer for Tethe’alla instead. I heard Lord Yggdrasill sent him as a bodyguard for the Chosen.”

Yggdrasill has no doubt about this Chosen becoming Martel’s vessel. He’s probably just keeping information tight in order to make sure absolutely nothing can go wrong. There’d be no other reason why Yuan would be kept this in the dark.

“...Lord Yuan, do you truly see no issue in Lord Kratos being a bodyguard?”

“What are you implying?”

“Nothing really. It’s just that when I heard that Lord Kratos had descended onto Sylvarant, that past incident sprung to mind...”

“I see.

Yuan glanced down at the map of Sylvarant and rested his elbows on his desk, exhausted.

It’s been 70 years since Kratos defected from Cruxis. The event had been a complete and utter surprise to both Yuan and Yggdrasill. Despite a number of quarrels, they had been under the impression that Kratos was going to support Yggdrasill in working towards his Age of Lifeless Beings. But unbeknownst to anyone, Kratos’ heart had made a quiet shift away from following Yggdrasill. He descended onto Sylvarant and seemingly disappeared. It was decades until Cruxis was able to find him again. When they finally did, Kratos had a woman by his side―his wife, Anna.

Anna was held in a human ranch as an Exsphere host body―a test subject who would grow an Exsphere in her body to produce a Cruxis Crystal, as part of the Angelus Project. However, she escaped from the ranch with the Cruxis Crystal still growing within her. Kratos had assisted her in doing so. The two of them wandered about Sylvarant aimlessly, as if looking for something, and Cruxis pursued them relentlessly.

It was during this time that Yuan, as the leader of the Renegades, secretly got in contact with Kratos. The two of them―rather, their family was staying in a small abandoned fishing hut by the seaside. When Yuan visited, Anna wasn’t found within the building that was falling apart.

---

“So this is where you’ve been living,” Yuan asked. Kratos―who was on night watch―lifted his head. His Cruxis Crystal had been removed from his hand. The light from the fire flickered against the battered boards of the hut’s wall. Strung up by pillars with rope was a cloth that Yuan didn’t recognize the purpose of.

“Yuan. Have you come to kill me?”

“...No. I came here as your old friend.”

“...Is that so.”

Kratos lifted up the pot and poured its contents into a cup. It was a very pleasant-smelling coffee. Yuan removed his cape and sat across from Kratos.

“Where’s Anna? It’s not safe for a woman to be wandering about at this hour.”

“She’s on the beach. Noishe is with her. Our son wouldn’t stop crying, so she brought him out so the sounds of the waves would calm him.”

“Son? You have a son?!”

Kratos nodded and handed Yuan a cup of coffee.

“He’s three months old.”

Yuan was dumbfounded and looked up at the ceiling of the hut. That weird looking cloth he saw hung up was a diaper. The is the man who was once a world-famous captain of the knights. For some reason, thinking about this made Yuan sad.

“I can’t believe this. Do you even understand what kind of position you’re in?”

“I’d like to believe I do.”

“What were you thinking? Having an infant around will only hinder you when you’re constantly on the run.”

“...You’re not wrong about that.”

A smile crawled on Kratos’ face and Yuan let out a sigh.

“What is your aim right now, anyway?”

“The same thing you’re trying to do. I want to stop Mithos and his Age of Lifeless Beings.”

It’s true that Yuan was operating as the Renegades in secret. Such a thing only made him more acutely aware of how hard it was to go against Yggdrasill’s operations.

“What exactly do you think you can accomplish all on your own?”

“I am alone, you’re right, but I have a trick up my sleeve that you don’t.”

This was true. Kratos possessed the one and only thing that Yggdrasill feared. Kratos was capable of disabling the Eternal Sword―the very thing that had allowed Yggdrasill to seize control over the entire world.

Long ago, Mithos Yggdrasill had won over the trust of the Summon Spirits and been adored by them. The Eternal Sword was granted to him by Origin as a sign of said trust. However, surely the King of the Summon Spirits wouldn’t approve of how the world had been split in two, as it still currently is. Therefore, Yggdrasill sealed Origin away. He used Kratos’ mana in order to do so, and Kratos would need to die in order for the seal to be undone.

“Your trump card costs you your very life. How do you plan to work around that?”

“That’s where you come in. I have an idea.”

Kratos stared at Yuan with determination in his eyes. Yuan stared back at him.

“My plan is to kill you and get Origin to recognize me as the Eternal Sword’s master. Are you saying you’ll give me your life?”

“Yes, after I land a lethal blow on Cruxis.”

“A lethal blow? Such as?”

“...I’m going to kill Mithos.” Kratos gulped down his coffee. “Once things are settled, you can have your way with undoing the seal on Origin.”

Yuan was speechless.

Killing Mithos―the weight of those words was not lost on Yuan.

He was a friend of theirs who they had spent months―years together with. He was the disciple to Kratos’ teacher, and at the same time, he was like family; they had such a warm bond between one another. Yggdrasill’s older sister―Martel―had entrusted Yggdrasill to Kratos. And even if Kratos did defeat Yggdrasill as he claims, he will perish along with him.

“Kratos... We have spent far too long simply twiddling our thumbs. We had simply tried to overlook the fact that Yggdrasill―no, that Mithos’ light no longer flickered as it once did. I know you feel the same way I do.”

Kratos gave no response. The hut fell silent, making the sound of the flames flickering feel even more prevalent. From a distance, the sound of a lullaby could be heard. It was Anna.

“Was having a family what finally turned you to determination?”

Kratos set his cup down and stood up. He was likely going to see Anna.

“...When the time comes, I’m going to have my family escape to Iselia. That village has the non-aggression treaty in place, after all.”

“Does she know about your plans?”

“...No. Not a thing.”

“And you’re just fine with keeping her in the dark?”

Yuan stood up as he asked this. He wasn’t actually looking for an answer. Words weren’t needed for Kratos to express affirmation. That’s just the kind of man he was.

---

“...I doubt we have anything to worry about.” Yuan spun around to face Pronyma and crossed his legs. “What matters is that he did come back. He even pledged his allegiance to Lord Yggdrasill.”

“Do you truly believe so?”

“Hmph. I see women are doubtful no matter the race. Kratos... has changed. Losing his family caused him to cast off his shell, becoming a mere husk of what he once was. What exactly do you think a husk is capable of doing?”

“...You are correct. I was too abrasive in my words, wasn’t I? I do ask for your forgiveness.”

“It’s no matter. Traitors are to be doubted. I do have to ask though, if Kratos is down on the Journey of Regeneration, who is it that’s controlling the Desians?”

“That would be me. I am to control them and report everything to Lord Yggdrasill.”

Pronyma had confirmed what was the worst possible scenario.

“...I see. Then there’s nothing to worry about.” Yuan tried his best to hide his internal conflict from Pronyma and gave her a nod. “Then let us discuss what is to become of Tethe’alla post-World Regeneration.”

Yuan slipped Pronyma the documents he had gathered. As she was distracted examining them, Yuan started to plot a way to bring about Yggdrasill’s demise.

Chapter 1: Part 6 of 6

Walking through the forest at night overwhelmed Kratos with a sense of deja vu. This was the first time Kratos had ever walked down this road, that was for sure. And yet the scenery itself was familiar.

That was 15 years ago. Dashing earnestly through the forest at night, chasing after his wife Anna and his son Lloyd. No matter how many he took down, enemies just kept popping up. It felt as if an entire lifetime passed before he finally caught up to Anna and Lloyd.

“Genis, why are you coming along?”

Walking in the front was Raine, who was speaking to her younger brother Genis who was trailing behind her. Hearing this snapped Kratos back to reality.

This wasn’t the same forest as back then. It was close, but it wasn’t the same place. What he’d seen was a mere illusion, prompted by some small obscurities lining up.

Deep within this forest lies the house of a dwarf. Raine claimed the dwarf was Lloyd Irving’s adoptive father. Colette wanted to say goodbye to Lloyd tonight, since they’d be setting off so early in the morning. Knowing the fate of the Chosen, it was only right they let her. This was her final farewell, after all.

Kratos surveyed the forest with a complicated feeling in his chest. Iselia Forest was familiar to him, and there was a boy here named Lloyd, who even had the same last name as his wife Anna―Irving. Things lined up too perfectly for him to simply dismiss it as all just being a coincidence. It’s not like Kratos had seen his son’s corpse with his own eyes. He wanted to hope that such a miracle had actually occurred. Simultaneously, a part of him begged that such a miracle didn’t occur. Either way, he was terrified of whatever the truth was.

“R-Raine, you’re scaring me.”

Genis shivered and hid behind Colette, who was walking beside him. Kratos couldn’t help but snicker at how he and Genis got scared at the same time.

“Wh-What’s so funny, mister?”

“...Nothing, ignore me. However, I think fear is something you feel from deep within your own heart. Perhaps you feel guilty about something, and that’s why Raine’s voice scared you?”

As if hitting a bulls-eye, Genis gulped.

“Genis. Did something happen? Your clothes do seem awfully dirty. Don’t tell me you got up to some sort of mischief?”

“N-No way! I was just, um, doing something with Lloyd, and...”

“Don’t tell me you got him involved too.”

“I-I said, I didn’t do anything bad! Geez! Can’t I just do stuff without you having to know everything? It’s none of your business!”

“...Fine. This forest is dangerous though, you know. I didn’t want you coming along.”

“It’ll be fine, Professor. Kratos is with us!”

Colette said this so innocently that all Raine could do was shrug her shoulders.

“You’re not wrong about that. Having a mercenary with us is reassuring, but...”

Raine stared at Kratos. At this, Genis also looked up at him.

“Mister, are you going with Colette tomorrow too?”

“I am.”

“Wow. Hey, how long do you think it’ll be until the world is regenerated?”

“Who can say?”

“I’ll do my best to come home as quickly as I can!”

Colette made a pose triumphantly. Genis grabbed at the end of Colette’s skirt and furrowed his eyebrows sadly.

“...Okay. We’ll all be waiting for you.”

They continued up a small hill, and the sound of a small stream came into earshot. In between the trees, a light could be seen. The dwarf’s house was close.

With his heightened hearing, Kratos could hear the sound of Lloyd and a man who sounded like a dwarf arguing.

“You didn’t let the Desians see your Exsphere, did you?”

Kratos felt as if a stake had been driven into his heart. He stopped in his tracks and shut off his hearing.

He’d seen that Lloyd had an Exsphere during the quarrel in front of the temple. But what did he mean by it being an Exsphere he had to hide from the Desians?

He wanted to know, and he also really didn’t want to know. He felt completely torn between the two options and bit his lip. While Kratos stood there completely spaced out, the rest of the group had already approached Lloyd’s house. It seems they’d finally also heard the argument from inside the house. They were standing in front of the door, looking at one another. Kratos approached while suppressing his hearing to the normal human-level. Even then, he could clearly hear Lloyd and the dwarf arguing. A shiver ran down his spine.

“...That Exsphere is your mother’s keepsake. The Desians killed your mother in order to take it from her.”

“...They did?”

“I told you about how I found you at the cliff near the ranch, right? Your mother was still conscious at that time, so she explained everything. There’s no doubt about it.”

“Why didn’t you ever tell me?!”

That was his limit. Standing behind the others, who were bewildered, Kratos shut his eyes and turned off his hearing entirely. He couldn’t bear to hear another word.

There was no doubt about it. He was... Kratos’ lost hope.

He sensed a person approaching. Kratos opened his eyes to see Lloyd standing there, looking at them all rather awkwardly. Kratos adjusted his hearing to be the normal level once again, and the boy’s voice filled his ears.

“Oh...let me guess...you heard that just now?”

“I’m sorry, because of me, you...”

For some reason, Genis was apologizing to Lloyd over what happened. Kratos wondered why, but that was the last of his worries right now. Kratos studied Lloyd’s house while taking shallow breaths so that nobody would notice. It was a wonderfully built two-story house. Dwarves typically live in caverns, so this was likely built for Lloyd’s sake. There was a bench, a flower bed, a clothesline...

As Kratos’ eyes scanned the surroundings, he spotted a stone monument in the garden. His eyes immediately went to study the stone’s engraved words.

Here lies Anna Irving.

Kratos’ face stiffened.

“Lloyd, let’s go up to the terrace.”

“Sure.”

Lloyd went to follow Colette inside the house, and Kratos uttered without thinking.

“This gravestone...”

“Huh?”

Lloyd stopped and turned around.

“Whose gravestone is this?”

“Ah, you heard, right? It’s my mom’s.”

“Anna...hmm... Is your father alive?”

Kratos wondered if his voice was quivering as he asked this. He swallowed. If Lloyd remembered anything from when he was an infant, then maybe...

“...I don’t know. But Dirk is my dad.”

It felt like all of the energy drained from Kratos’ body. He couldn’t tell whether it was from disappointment or relief.

“...Yes. That was a careless thing to ask. I’m sorry.”

One thing was clear.

Lloyd―his son that he failed to protect was alive and well.

Kratos felt as if he had finally regained the life he lost 15 years ago.

#seines translation #tales of symphonia #kratos of the expiation #kratos aurion #yuan ka fai #lloyd irving #pronyma #raine sage #SIGH the way miyajima writes kratos' trauma responses #oooooooooo #its so good #literally not the point at all but genis is written so cute here btw

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