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cozy-writes-things · 7 months ago

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Electric Love: Pt. 1

Edgar [Electric Dreams 1984] x Gn!Reader

All of my fics so far have followed the same universe, so I thought it's only logical that I post an introduction to that universe.

The old man peering at you through puffy eyes and age seemed to have an air shrouded in mystery. His thin, white wisps of hair seemed to stagnate in place as he adjusted his button down.

“This old thing has been around for years now,” he gruffed—an unreadable tone—as his hand encased the yellowed plastic, “I don’t remember what happened to it; must have dropped it, or let some animal chip away at it.”

The dingy, vintage computer before your eyes surely had not been dropped, nor torn into by some animal. It sat upon his countertop completely destroyed; as if it had burst and shattered from the inside out, ripping the glass into jagged shards. You swallowed this thought; this was no time to debate the old man. He seemed to be quite senile as it was and pushing any further seemed like a fruitless effort. Instead, you stretched a thin smile his way, pursing your lips in thought.

“You actually think you can get this thing to work again?” he queried, raising a salt and pepper brow at your expression.

“Well, I’m not sure, but… I’d like to try,” what you hadn’t told him, however, was your infatuation with electronics. Ever since completing your bachelor’s in computer science, you have been tinkering away at many different projects in between jobs, building custom PCs, fixing old Game Boys, and many others. This little computer was an addition to your ever growing collection.

It came from a company you had never heard of before, only to learn it had become defunct in the 80s due to some inexplicable software issues in their products. This certainly intrigued you, as prodding into its code could provide some useful insight to real, vintage tech that just doesn’t exist anymore. But, that’s only if you manage to fix the heap of destruction limply hung before you.

The old man stiffened at your words, ever so slightly, before rattling out, “Well, if you do, don’t bring it anywhere near me. I can’t stand all this tech, and gadgets, and whatnot. Pisses me off.”

“Right,” you interjected, knowing people like him tend to go on long, anti-future, anti-technology rants, trying desperately to beat him to the punch, “well, how much do you want for it?”

He stilled, contemplating for a moment, “twenty-five should be fine.”

“Perfect,” you chirped, padding against your pockets and bag searching for some cash. Pulling out your wallet, you waded around the folds, only to find a crumpled up and faded ten dollar bill and a debit card.

“Ah, I’ve only got a ten…”

He rolled his eyes, “of course you do, you got PayPal, then?” Your cheeks flushed a burning red hot from embarrassment, “ah, yes, I do-”

“Great, just pay me that way,” he bent down and scribbled something messily onto a note, “here’s my information. I made sure to set this up for people like you, you know. Nobody carries cash anymore, or so my grandson tells me.”

You force out a nervous chuckle.

“That’s certainly true… these days, ah…” you unlocked your phone and began inputting his information into PayPal before pressing send on the digital payment, “okay, it went through.”

“Perfect. You need help getting this hunk of junk to your car?”

“No, I should be fine, thank you, sir,” you croak as you heave the broken computer into your arms, heading towards his door.

“Well, come back if you want to buy anything else. Nobody goes to yard sales anymore, it seems.”

You can only turn your head and chuckle at his quip, before awkwardly dashing out of his apartment and towards your car. The dampened asphalt from the rain squelched under your toes as you lugged the large piece of tech to the passenger side.

“There,” you whispered, to nobody in particular, as you awkwardly buckled the computer in place, “hopefully you won’t fall that way.”

And just like that, you were off, headed towards home to begin the massive project that was repairing this obsolete device.

“What to do with you?”

You groaned as you thumped the solid mass of plastic and metal against your desk, “you’re incredibly broken.”

First and foremost, it needs a screen replacement. Which is easier said than done. Especially considering the company who manufactured these things hasn’t existed in 40 years. Unfortunately, a close replica will have to do. Maybe you could even upgrade its screen with something with a bit more prowess.

Poking inside of its components seemed to tell a different story. Miraculously, none of the motherboards were damaged with the same ferocity the screen had been. There seemed to be some sort of dried, caked on water damage of some sort, that left a sticky residue, but otherwise, everything seemed to be relatively intact. The yellowed casing could use a wipe down from the thick layer of starchy dust, but it seemed to hold its original shape with surprising ease.

Following a closer inspection, it seemed as though the glass screen, and the components in charge of illuminating it, were the only things in need of replacing. A quick browse on Amazon, some tech forums, and a post on Reddit should be a good start in finding a usable replacement for this sad, broken gadget.

For now, however, you get some isopropyl alcohol and a soft bristled toothbrush to chip away at the water damage on the motherboards in hopes of restoring the electrical connections. You were quite hopeful that you’d get this little guy up and running just as soon as you could find the right parts. It’s only a matter of time.

#ai x reader #artificial intelligence x reader #edgar electric dreams x reader #electric dreams 1984 #electric dreams edgar #electric dreams x reader #electric dreams #edgar electric dreams #objectum

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cno-inbminor · 2 months ago

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praestigia (pt. 1)

four months into my hyperfixation on this man, i barely managed to get some of this off my chest lol. thx sylus for being my first lads fic!

plot: formally speaking, sylus is a...sponsor. more colloquially, he's your sugar daddy -- and you're starting to wonder if he might actually want more. (wc: ~5.1k)

cw: this is all AU and does not include, like, any game lore (aside from that it's happening in linkon city). reader is a phd student, suggestive content (this is buildup for the smut in part 2), angst, a few dashes of fluff, not fully edited. mdni!

[ao3 link]

The skyline of Linkon City never fails to captivate you, blinking lights of tall, corporate buildings, the specks of light dotted across the sky, the blur of beams weaving through the roads – no matter which angle you look at it from, the view will inevitably take reign over your focus. So much so, that you do not notice the imposing figure approaching you from behind. He can only draw your attention by placing both hands on your shoulders, jumping slightly as you blink and remember where you are. A wave of flashbacks crashes through your mind as you are gently turned towards him, your back facing the window now.

“Perhaps I should find it somewhat offensive that the view never fails to take your attention away,” Sylus remarks, his tone unmasked in his teasing and playfulness. His scarlet eyes peer past your shoulder to see if there was anything interesting or out of the ordinary. “Do I need to start booking rooms without windows?”

“Don’t be silly,” you gently admonish, moving past him to grab a drink of water. His eyes burn the skin on your back, though you are familiar with this gaze. “Thank you for letting me rest here.”

“Do you really think that after all this time, I would leave you to pay for a hotel room yourself? Or to find your own transportation home?”

“It’d be understandable. I can see where you would be coming from if you made those requests.”

“I must say, I am a little wounded, kitten,” he drawls in mock pain. Instead of waiting for you to return and remain close to him, he situates himself on the bed first and leaves ample room for you to lay next to him.

The gesture invokes warmth, exudes comfort, and stands familiar as you climb onto the mattress with ease and memory. Sylus stretches out his arm next to you, and his pose quietly begs for you to cuddle into him.

And so you do. Sylus’s stature and frame, of course, never fails to envelop you during these moments of tranquility. Your chest pressed against his side, a leg crossed over his, your nails drawing patterns over his bathrobe and exposed abdomen – security, strength, and affection, once again, never fails to help you relax.

Because this is what happens after every gala, every fundraiser, every grand opening, every social event that you accompany Sylus to. This routine of being in hotel rooms so high above ground with breathtaking views, burrowing into him, oftentimes burying himself inside you, and separating the next morning with an implicit understanding of exactly where you stand, is what you two had agreed upon all those months ago. And in return, your financial stress disappears into thin air, leaving you to study and engage in hobbies without such a heavy burden on your shoulders.

Despite his constant reassurances that he can clean up whatever mess you may end up making, they do not negate just how tiring and draining these events end up being. Constantly putting on airs, overexposing your practiced smiles, making sure that there is not a single hair out of place, switching to what you like to call “fancy people table etiquette” – Sylus sponsored and, in a way, hired you to be as close to perfect as possible, and so, you must do as such to uphold your end of this business relation. Tonight has been a little more taxing than usual, as somewhere along the way, he felt the need to buy you anything that captured your attention for more than a few seconds. He would bid a ridiculous price that would dissuade any other potential customers, their expressions of defeat when they pass by causing him to secretly gloat that everyone has learned at least one thing about him: he will get what he wants.

You had caught onto this shenanigan after the third item, and you made sure to school your gaze away from the auctioned items. But because he always seems to know what plays in your mind, he complains, “You never let or ask me to buy you things anymore.”

Your eyes had closed shut during your time of reflecting on tonight’s events, and they continue to remain as such. “I have very little closet space. At this point, I think I’ve probably swapped out 90% of my wardrobe because of you. People are starting to get suspicious.”

“Then why not move out and find a bigger apartment? You know I can afford it.”

“Sylus–”

“I know, I know,” he interrupts. If he were anyone else, you would have scowled at him. “It would be too far from campus, become inconvenient, and you feel it is too much to ask for.”

As the conversation suggests, this is not the first time Sylus has brought up this proposition. What remains unsaid is how you would be closer to his residence if you were to move to one of the many apartments he had in mind, all of which would reduce your commute to his place down to walking a block or two; not a twenty minute drive.

“Just say the word, and it will be done,” Sylus murmurs into your hair. When he realizes he has received no response, your soft snoring greets him before he can inquire any further. With a heavy sigh, he reaches out and switches the nightstand light off, leaving the darkness to swallow you both. His eyes fall shut in tired ease, but his grip around your shoulders remains firm.

It comes to no one’s surprise that you feel less than well-rested when your alarm starts blaring at 5:45AM. You had an early class today, so you had to give yourself ample time to make it home, change, wipe away any lingering smudges of last night’s makeup, and try to appear as…casual as possible. Not wanting to wake him up so much that he cannot fall back asleep, you reach out for your phone and click one of the volume buttons, rendering it silent. Sometime in the night, your position had changed to Sylus spooning you. His limb slung over your waist is heavy, making it all that more difficult to leave – not just physically, but mentally as well.

Like ripping a bandaid off, you have every intention to quickly remove yourself from his embrace. But Sylus, being the infuriatingly light sleeper that he is, immediately tightens his hold around you as soon as you attempt your escape.

“Sylus, I need to go,” you whisper.

He presses you impossibly closer to him. “I will drive you to your apartment. Sleep.”

“No, I’m taking the subway.”

“Why take the subway when you have me?”

“If anyone needs rest, it’s you,” you say pointedly, because it’s true. Being the CEO of a business that may or may not be totally legal (you never ask because honestly, the less you know, the better) is not exactly a 9AM-5PM job. There have been more times than you can count when he would be pounding into you and forced to take a phone call. Granted, that doesn’t stop him from grinding into you and grinning devilishly when you bury your face into the nearest pillow to muffle your moans and whines.

“Speak for yourself,” he grumbles into your hair. “You haven’t gotten more than six hours of sleep every night for the last week.”

“And how exactly do you know this?” As soon as you ask, you already know the answer.

The app for– “Your smartwatch.”

“One of these days, I will disconnect my account from that app.”

“I would like to see you try.”

And you will. Just, when you’re not trapped in his arms.

“I’m still taking the subway,” you backtrack, though your voice is quieter than before. A tiny sense of relief fills you when his embrace loosens, and you can finally crawl out of bed. It’s harder than it seems to squash the distressed voice in your head complaining about how easy it was for him to let you go. As you pick up all your clothes and make your way towards the bathroom, you notice his phone sitting innocently by the room’s coffee machine. After looking over your shoulder, you swipe it off the counter and bring it with you.

Guessing his passcode is harder than you thought – the man has an ego the size of the entire universe, so you figure it would be something personal: his inaugural date as CEO, his birth year, his birthday, or others. On your last, desperate attempt, you type in four digits and find yourself absolutely floored at the view of his, now, unlocked phone.

Your birthday.

There is no time to dwell on the implications of it all, and you chalk it up to the fact that no one really knows you outside of being his typical date or escort. Therefore, the passcode would be that much harder to guess than the route that you had originally gone for. Yes, that’s all it was: an extra layer of security.

Sylus’s phone is surprisingly unorganized, random apps thrown into folders that they do not belong in, leaving you to search for the fitness app that your watch is not only connected to on your own phone, but somehow also on his. You press the buttons necessary to delete your watch data from his end. When you are ready to close the app, you cannot help but notice the preview of his messages app and the texts within. Your thumb swipes away the fitness app and shakily taps the messages window that stared hauntingly at you. It had been left open on a conversation with another woman, if you had to guess based on the name sitting at the top.

My parents are getting antsy, and so is your grandfather.

That is none of my concern.

Unfortunately, it is. They’re not exactly happy about the woman you keep bringing as a partner.

Our arranged marriage is not a publicly known detail.

And I’d like to keep it that way. But Sylus…

What?

We can’t delay this much longer. You’re running out of time.

The exchange tells you enough, just enough for you to realize the situation you find yourself in. You suddenly recall an incident in the beginning of this relationship with Sylus when he described this arrangement, him as your sugar daddy, as a means to an end, preferably the end of something that he clearly did not want out of desire for his own freedom. There was not enough detail for you to give it much thought after that night of discussion and negotiation, but now, it all makes sense.

Your thumb takes it back to his home screen and presses the lock button. In a haze, you get ready and dressed before exiting the bathroom, completely unaware if you even have your clothes on right or your hair somewhat kempt. As quietly as possible, you place his phone back where you had found it. Though common practice at this point, it now feels far too intimate to plant a featherlight kiss on his cheek. It causes him to stir, but you’re halfway out the door before he can fully register your departure.

Whoever passes by, whatever zooms past, however something tries to gain your attention, you have no recognition of your surroundings. A thick layer of tension settles itself into your brain, allowing you to think of nothing but the fact that this entire time, Sylus has been in an arranged marriage that you, apparently, were supposed to be instrumental in destroying. To find yourself back in your apartment maybe forty minutes later is a miracle in and of itself. You return to the plane of reality when you open your closet doors to toss your dirty clothes into the hamper and are greeted by the many items bought with his money.

Contrary to popular belief, jealousy does not make itself known in your system. You’re not exuding shades of green or red like an angry Christmas tree. If anything, you come to a quiet acceptance that this…partnership with Sylus will come to an end, and soon. It would do no good for him to keep seeing or supporting you while formally married, which means you have to get your life in order. Sylus has given you more than enough money to put you through your last two years of your postgraduate career and maybe a year into your postdoc, but you should still remain frugal. If you’re lucky enough, the money you earn during postdoc would be enough to live relatively comfortably on.

Alone. Without him.

It’s fine, you think to yourself as you turn on the shower. It’s totally and completely fine.

A couple hours later in class, your phone vibrates with a message that reads, “You actually managed to disconnect your watch from my phone.”

The slight smirk tugging at your lips is inevitable as you type out a response: You told me to try, so I did.

“I will be changing my passcode.”

If you want. There’s nothing else on there that I need to delete, right?

“Oh sweetie, wouldn’t you like to know?”

The subtle, possessive curl of his message coils around you tenderly, making you temporarily forget that you are in class and should be exhibiting a poker face. But you still shift in your seat, a warm pool of heat forming in your core as you imagine his expression and his voice reading the message out loud. Forever a tease and a flirt, Sylus knows exactly what he is doing by sending you that message.

Your best revenge in the moment is to leave him on read, on the edge of his metaphorical seat. It takes too much effort to bring your conscience back to your current lecture and actually take some notes. Your phone buzzes once, but you ignore it – and in hindsight, you’re glad you did. Sylus, in all his infinite wisdom and glory, took it upon himself to send you a picture of himself after a shower – the skin of his chest glistening under the fluorescent lights, grey towel hung low on his waist and barely holding on, veins on his arms frustratingly visible because he knows what they do to you, his biceps flexed just enough that you want to take a bite at them. The fucker full well knew you were in class and, you know, in relatively close proximity to other people who would have, no doubt, gotten an eyeful.

As you walk towards the subway station to go back to your apartment, head down and focused on typing out a message, a giddy smile can’t help but break out across your face. Your thumbs tap, “Should you really be sending photos like this to someone who, in the public’s eye, is just a friendly escort?”

After not even thirty seconds, your phone buzzes, the notification of his call sliding in from the top of your screen. You almost roll your eyes as you bring the device to your ear. “You have five minutes before I lose signal underground,” you warn, your tone still playful nevertheless.

“‘A friendly escort’, you say? I suppose that’s what the young ones are calling intimacy these days.”

“You knew I was in class. And stop it, I know you have some stupid smug look on your face right now,” you chastise.

“You know me so well.”

“Actually, speaking of,” you say as your eyes flit down to your watch. “Aren’t you supposed to be in a meeting right now?”

“I stepped out.”

Your heart and feet skip a beat, almost causing you to fall flat on your face and absolutely eat shit in the middle of the sidewalk. It’s hard not to let your mind race at all the implications, that this tirelessly busy man decided in a heartbeat that he would step out with a desire to call you over something so minor; to simply tease you. In the grand scheme of his life, you have very little significance – your temporary companionship where you may see him four or five times a month, sometimes with weeks in between and other times mere days. Text messages were never a guaranteed daily activity, though as of recent, he has been texting you more often. But amidst his employees, his connections, his partnerships, his family, you’re just…you.

You didn’t realize you had been stunned into silence long enough for him to ask, “Are you still there?”

“I am, sorry,” you apologize, scrambling to think of an excuse. “Uhh, an email came in and I was reading it. Didn’t hear you.”

“I’ll get you some wireless earbuds.”

“Please don’t.” Your rejection is immediate, firm. The lack of room left for argument stands apparent. “That’s not necessary.”

“And what’s stopping me from just ordering you a pair regardless?”

“Me.”

Sylus responds with a contemplative pause, which is...unusual. He has always been so quick to reply with wit and banter, but there is a chance that maybe something distracted him, like what you had said as a poor attempt at a viable excuse.

“I suppose the kitten is starting to make use of her claws now.” His voice rings softer, quieter, almost as if disheartened by his own statement. “First you disconnect your watch, and now you won’t even let me buy you earbuds.”

“I just don’t want you to buy anything that’s not necessary. Covering my tuition and all the dresses is one thing, but wireless earbuds, I can do without. My wired ones work just fine.”

Your eyes catch the sign for the stairs leading down to the subway up ahead. “I’m about to go under and lose signal. Was there anything else?”

“Come over tonight.”

Your mouth works faster than your brain. “I can’t,” you lie, a pang of guilt creeping into your heart. “There’s a study group tonight for an exam.” Not a lie. “Besides, we just saw each other yesterday.”

“Has that ever stopped us before?”

“W-well, no,” you splutter because it’s true. There have been a handful of times when you spent two, sometimes three consecutive nights in the past – but things were more hot-and-heavy then, a time when you couldn’t get enough of him and vice versa. “I’m just saying.”

“Then come after the study group.”

“It’s gonna run pretty late because we have an exam in a few days.” Again, not a lie. “Who knows if the subways would still be running by then?”

“I’ll pick you up.”

“But you might be asleep.”

“Highly unlikely, little one.”

Quickly looking around you, you quietly hiss, “Sylus, you should be asleep by the time the subways stop running. Why would you still be up at 2AM?”

“In case I have to refresh your memory, you do remember that I am the CEO of one of the largest tech companies in Linkon, right? The work never ends.”

“You need time for sleep, you know, like everyone else??”

“I’m not like everyone else.”

Your eyes close in frustration as you groan. Your feet have reached the top of the stairs, and you couldn’t have asked for more perfect timing. “Okay, I’m at the station so I’m gonna hang up. I’ll come over another time, alright? Talk to you later.”

“Sweetie–”

Moving forward to clamber down the stairs and smashing the hang up button is your way of desperately trying to not lose resolve. Any longer, you would have given in and rolled yourself straight back to square one with nothing but dread. You have never been more relieved to see the little “No Signal” sitting in the top left corner while you swipe through a gate and manage to get down another flight of stairs without tripping over your feet.

Wired earbuds in, hands stuffed into the pocket of your hoodie, letting the wind tunnel threaten you to topple over, you do everything in your ability to not think about him – to not think about the messages that may flood your phone once you get signal, to not think about the pushback you may receive because Sylus is someone who figures out to, somehow, always get his way, and to not think about the weight of his earlier words: “I stepped out.” You pretend that you know nothing about this arranged marriage, the curiosity having caused your thumbs to twitch in anticipation at maybe looking up who this woman is. You ignore the now glaringly close deadline that will terminate your relationship with Sylus forever, and most of all, you ignore any semblance of pain that knowledge makes you feel.

Cup half-empty, spoons tossed the window, the subway window across from you is greeted with a blank stare. In a rare moment of mindfulness (or is it dissociation?), you think of nothing until you find yourself standing by the foot of your bed and ready to face plant into the middle of the duvet. With your last shred of working consciousness, you set an alarm for thirty minutes before the start of the study group and promptly fall asleep.

As you predicted, the study group runs late into the night. Despite the several digressions into conversations that were very much not academics-related, all of you feel relatively good about the subject matter for the exam on Friday. Everyone comes to a unanimous decision to reconvene in a couple of days. Given that it was Monday, one more study session Wednesday and some independent review Thursday night would be beneficial.

For your own sanity, you had left your phone, stashed in the recesses of your backpack tossed into the corner of the study room, on do-not-disturb for the entirety of the night. You had it programmed to still chime and alert you if family contacted you, mainly because it doesn’t happen often, and if it does, that means something big happened. The device remained silent for the whole time, and part of you wants to avoid confronting what your notification screen might look like. But before you can muster up the courage to do so, one of your friends speaks up.

“Hey, you took the subway here, right? I can drive you home,” Jiho, a doctoral student in the same year as you but doing research under a different professor, offers. A part of you is beyond relieved at the perfect example of an excuse to not check your phone because it would be so incredibly rude (not really) in a social context.

“You wouldn’t mind? If you have somewhere to be, I can just walk.”

Jiho rolls his eyes in a playful manner. “Come on, before I change my mind.”

He drops you off in front of your apartment complex about ten minutes later, and he shoos away your offer to buy him coffee as a token of gratitude. You wave goodbye as his car pulls out of a guest parking spot, and only then do you notice the conspicuously sleek, grey sports car sitting a few meters away. Your heart pounds, and your palms begin to sweat as you get closer and closer to your unit, afraid of who you might find once you get inside. You spot the fluorescent glow from underneath peering out from underneath your door, and it takes everything in you to not drop your keys as you unlock the deadbolt.

“So the kitten has finally decided to come home.”

“How–”

Sylus, looking severely out of place in your humble abode, sets down the stack of papers in his hand on your coffee table. With his other hand, he points to the fixture on your wall by the door where your keys typically hang. His own set now occupies one of the hooks, and you spot the spare key you had given him a few months ago. To your knowledge, he has never used it before, and you can count the number of times he has stepped into this apartment on one hand.

You quietly shut the door behind you, locking both deadbolts in place before setting your backpack down. “It’s so late,” and even you wince at the shakiness in your voice. “You should be asleep. At home.”

“Perhaps I would be if someone had just checked their phone once in the last fifteen hours.”

Well, you don’t have much of an excuse for that.

Sylus sits on one end of your couch in loungewear, though somehow he still makes it seem like he’s in something formal enough for business casual. You cautiously sit on the other end away from him.

“I passed out as soon as I got home, and then I was running late for the study group, so I just left my phone on do-not-disturb.”

His silence speaks volumes.

“I didn’t mean to worry you.”

But maybe you did.

Maybe, subconsciously, you did. Maybe you wanted to test the limits of his affection. Maybe you wanted to see just how far he would go to make sure you were okay.

Maybe you simply wanted to get a taste of when you least expect radio silence, an appetizer for how things may turn out when Sylus calls for the end of your arrangement.

“Look at me.”

Tension weighs you down as you slowly turn your body towards his, but you avoid his gaze and aim to study the logo on his shirt instead.

“Sweetie, look at me.”

The command snaps you into compliance, his tone firm and undeniable. You expect to see anger, frustration, disappointment. After all, it would make sense, for there is a set of expectations and rules put into place to ensure trust between both parties. Transactional, contractual, institutional obligations and conditions set by both the company matchmaker and individuals are put in place to conveniently manifest and quickly disintegrate these business relations, to avoid messes.

But you realize all too quickly that the mess will be inevitable, in your case, because instead of tinges of red fury in his eyes, you find concern, worry, and confusion. Dread sinks into your stomach like an anchor in the middle of the ocean, dropping further and further into the dark unknown.

“You’re hiding something from me.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you immediately counter. Good job, you just made it more obvious.

Sylus pins you down with a look that means nothing other than “you know better”, and your heart threatens to burst from your chest out of sheer anxiety.

“Since you refuse to tell me otherwise, tell me how you got home,” he says, and though he may seem cool and nonchalant in the way he rests an arm against the back of the couch, you can see the irritation pulsing through the veins on his forearms.

“A friend from the study group drove me home.”

“And you were simply too busy to look at your phone during the drive?”

“I had to give him directions.”

Sylus cocks an eyebrow at the mention of this friend’s gender. “Him?”

“Jiho, sweet guy. Does research with another professor.”

“I suppose I have him to thank for bringing you home safely. Regardless, you should have called me to pick you up.”

You have one last card to play. “That’s not in the contract.”

His eyes harden and narrow the slightest bit, the curve of his jaw tensing in building irritation. “How so?”

“There’s a line somewhere in there about making sure I would not contact you for personal favors that are outside the scope of our,” you hesitate to find the right words, “relationship.” You can’t remember the last time your palms sweat so much.

“I offered.”

“And I am not obligated to take the offer. While kind, I did not see the need to bother you.”

“I clearly remember stating that it wouldn’t be an issue, especially considering I asked you to stay with me for the night.”

“But I told you I couldn’t,” you retort.

“Couldn’t or wouldn’t?”

The bitter note in his voice on his last word matches his steely gaze that seems determined to pick you apart, to peel off each layer of whatever walls you may have put up. He’s not ignorant or oblivious by any means – something is going on, and you’re not telling him. You answer him with deafening silence, blaming your late night fatigue for it.

Responding directly to his question would only make this worse, as you cannot see yourself getting out of the ensuing conversation unscathed and alive. Instead, the couch dips as you cross the distance between you two, hesitantly straddling his hips in case he doesn’t want you to. But he allows your move, his hands almost instinctively resting on your thighs as you settle yourself into his hold. His skin feels glassy smooth beneath your fingers as you caress his cheek, studying every detail of his face and avoiding his eyes.

Perhaps there is a part of you that is trying to commit the minutiae to memory in preparation for the days when you will no longer see him so intimately. You should have never let yourself get so attached, no matter how much tenderness and adoration Sylus has been absolutely spoiling you with. The realization hits you in a bittersweet manner, and the featherlight kiss you place on his lips only makes it hurt more.

Yet you move past the pain to accept the fall, the descent into oblivion as you feel Sylus respond to your kiss, deepening and increasing in fervor. The heat in your core is more than just lust as it sinks deeper and deeper into you, a testament to the depth of your affections. Somehow, his touch as his hands roam your figure burns hotter. It almost makes you want to shy away from his grasp, but part of you welcomes the trails of fire as your punishment for deceiving him.

You gasp out his name as his lips leave your neck scorching, each nip of his teeth and lave of his tongue adding to the haze slowly overtaking your rationale. But beneath the man’s ardor, you manage to recognize his irritation and annoyance – the way his fingers grip your waist, his nails digging into your back – about how this whole night has progressed.

Apologize, his eyes seem to scream. Seek forgiveness as I seek vengeance, his hands draw on your skin.

Beg for me.

---

[tbc]

#sylus x reader #sylus #sylus x you #love and deepspace sylus #sylus qin #love and deepspace #lads sylus #lnds sylus

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1111jenx · 1 year ago

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Full Moon Child☾ through the 12 signs🤍

— In celebration of the ethereal Blue Full Moon in Pisces, it's undeniable that its extremely important to acknowledge the significance of one's moon phase. Born under the Full Moon? It's as if you wear the cloak of both the sun's radiant gaze and the opposing moon's sultry embrace, weaving a tapestry of conscious will and subconscious yearnings.

Every zodiac, with its unique essence, drapes the Full Moon with a distinct allure. Imagine, a Pisces Full Moon bestowing someone with a depth of intuition, as if they're dancing on the blurred line between dreams and reality, painting their world with artistic strokes and spiritual hues. Meanwhile, the Aries Full Moon might breathe fire into the soul, igniting passion, spontaneity, and a path-blazing spirit. To recognize and immerse in the rhythm of one's Full Moon sign is like unraveling a song of strengths, challenges, and harmonies within.

With that being said, wait no further, lets dive right in💜!

🌕 Full Moon in Aries Moon: Fiery and spontaneous but always looking for that equal. Quick to act but deeply feels the need for balance. Seems aggressive, but it's nothing but passion burning from within their heart. Wants to lead, but deeply needs that one partner-in-crime by their side. Brave and unstoppable. Prefers deep, meaningful connections over surface-level relationships. Would fight for what’s right, even if it means standing alone. A warrior with a sensitive core.

🌕 Full Moon in Taurus Moon: Grounded, but with a mysterious edge. A solid rock but don't mistake them for being mundane. Love luxury, but transformation excites them even more. These people see calm yet only they feel the storm from within. They're all about roots, but sometimes they crave to fly. Protective of their own, cross them, and watch the calm turn tempestuous. Charitable and loving, but not one to forget betrayal.

🌕 Full Moon in Gemini Moon: Forever curious, with depths people often overlook. Quick wit hidden behind a facade of playful banter. Always learning, always restless. Lover of tales, yet constantly seeking truth. Smart in crowded rooms but feels everything in solitude. Can talk for hours, yet holds back the most vital stories. An open book with some pages glued together.

🌕 Full Moon in Cancer Moon: Deeply emotional but with towering ambitions. Home is where the heart is, but success calls out loudly. Nurturer, yet constantly seeking validation in professional realms. Strongly rooted in tradition, but innovation is genuinely where they shine. Trust them to hold your secrets, but be aware that they've got vaults of their own. Feels everything intensely, yet presents a composed front. A true master of their emotions.

🌕 Full Moon in Leo Moon: Born for the spotlight, yet truly values the collective. Radiates warmth, but not without moments of icy detachment when they simply just need to be by themself to just feel. People think they know them, but there's so much beneath the surface. A cheerleader for others but their own harshest critic. Life of the party or the silent observer, there’s no in-between to be honest. Embraces individuality but deeply feels the world's pulse, every tingling seconds of it.

🌕 Full Moon in Virgo Moon: Analytical, with a dash of whimsy. Details matter, but they get lost in dreams. They'll correct your mistakes but with a twinkle in their eye. Grounded but constantly touched by the ethereal. In their eyes, theres beauty hidden in every day life. They’ll say it like it is, but only because they care deeply. Organization is their game, but occasionally they let chaos reign.

🌕 Full Moon in Libra Moon: All about balance, but swings between extremes. Charmer but secretly questions every relationship's depth. Seems calm, but the scales constantly tip inside. They could be the voice of reason or the spark of chaos. Seeks harmony but won't shy away from a duel. Gracious host but fiercely protective of their space.

🌕 Full Moon in Scorpio Moon: Magnetic, with an undercurrent of intensity. Deep waters run still, but currents are tumultuous beneath. Attracts with a gaze, but holds back many secrets. Draws you in, but sets boundaries like no other. Depth intrigues them, superficiality repels. They’re the storm you never saw coming.

🌕 Full Moon in Sagittarius Moon: Wanderer with roots. They'll tell tales of far-off lands but crave the familiar. Philosophical yet grounded in reality. Yearns for adventure, but treasures moments of stillness. They're the storyteller you can't stop listening to. Fiery passion with an old soul's wisdom.

🌕 Full Moon in Capricorn: Ambitious with a touch of nostalgia. Climbs mountains but cherishes the base camp. Seeks recognition but values genuine connections more. Strong and silent, but an emotional depth many overlook. They'll lead the way, but not without their tribe. The unsung hero with a heart of gold.

🌕 Full Moon in Aquarius Moon: Innovative, with a touch of tradition. Forward-thinking but respects the old ways. Charms effortlessly, but holds the inner circle tight. Believes in the future but honors the past. They're the genius with quirks. Dreamer with feet firmly on the ground in the most fascinating way possible.

🌕 Full Moon in Pisces Moon: Dreamy with a razor-sharp intuition. Feels the world's pulse, yet dances to their own rhythm simply because, they can. Embraces emotions, yet has an uncanny logical side. They’re the artist who sees the world in vivid colors. Deeply empathetic, yet occasionally distant. They're there, but also everywhere else in between. The poet whose words touch the soul.

love,

saint jenx🪐

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zoros-fourth-sword · 1 year ago

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SABO x FEM READER

Request Post:

@kyokikia -hii can i request sabo × fem!afab! bratty reader, and brat taming smut? i wanna be completely dominated by this man.

{MDNI 18+ only}

This oneshot is a 18+ only so read at your own risk

This oneshot contains the following: fingering, brat taming, rough sex, choking, praise kink, and more

ENEMIES TO LOVERS

BEWARE MY WRITING SUCKS

“Your mission is to seek out the revolutionary army’s chief of staff Sabo aka the flame emperor,” Admiral Akainu said from his desk in front of me

“But sir how many times am I going to have to tell you no matter how hard I try the little shit always manages to escape” I complain to my Captain slouching back into my chair not really wanna dealing with the flame emperor of all people

“I don’t wanna hear any complaints Miss Y/N it’s your job you're a marine so you will obey my orders” Admiral Akainu snaps towards me not really wanting to deal with my tantrum at the moment

“Yea yea whatever old man” I huff out while rolling my eyes

“Good now the last I heard he was spotted near *island name* your job is to bring him back dead or alive a monster like him needs to be sent to prison” Akainu growled out squeezing the sides of his desk nearly breaking the thing due to his strength

“Yes I know the routine Admiral” I huff out before lifting myself from the chair I was sitting in

“Don’t get pissed off at me if my mission doesn’t succeed again” I say as I begin making my way out of his office

“Just get the job done Y/N,” Akainu said as I shut the door before he could finish the rest of his complaining

This tends to happen almost every fucking month I’m sent an order to go hunt down the infamous Flame Emperor and let me tell you it’s literally the hardest thing I have ever had to do the little blonde fucker always seemed to escape my grasp and sometimes I would be so close but the little bastard loved to toy with me he would purposely let me capture him and then fucking laugh in my face and make his leave he loved to see my confidence go down the drain once I realized it was just another one of his stupid games and he would always say the same words before he left

“Sorry pretty maybe next time”

Yea right, he knows damn well I don’t have a fucking chance but does that mean I’m going to give uh no of course not, and besides hunting him down makes my job less boring.

I’m currently hiding on the island that Akainu told me that Sabo would be on I’m patiently waiting for him to make a big commotion like he always does somehow almost burning down each damn island we come across with his devil fruit powers

“Miss Y/N are you there” I hear from inside my pocket letting me know someone was trying to contact me from my mini Transponder snail

“Yeah I’m here,” I say pulling the little creature out of my marine coat

“Admiral Aka-“Before the soldier could finish his sentence a big boom came from the left side of the island letting me know that Sabo was for sure here

“Sorry got no time he’s here” I quickly say putting the snail back into my pocket before dashing off in the direction of the explosion

As I began nearing the sight there was fire everywhere literally everywhere why the fuck does the little shit has to be so destructive

Just as I was about to speed up my pace a person jumped in front of me causing me to stop in my place

“Well well well it’s Miss Pretty Marine again” The man chucked out his arms crossed over his chest with one hand holding his signature pipe

“Yea yea it’s not like I wanna be here” I growl out rolling my eyes in annoyance really not liking the way he’s teasing me

“Awe come on Y/N don’t be like that I know you missed me” Sabo laughed as he began slowly walking towards me

“Yea you wish” I snap back crossing my arms over my chest causing my shirt to tighten around my breast

“Mhm” Sabo hummed out stopping right In front of me and scanning his eyes over my body

“You know you're quite the rude woman,” Sabo said as he began walking circles around me causing me to want to punch him in his stupid face

“Okay and you expect me to be nice to you when you’re the fucking bad guy you dipshit” I snap at him my eyes following his every move

“Miss Y/N you got quite the dirty mouth it’s not very lady like” Sabo chucked out stopping in front of me again

“Why yo-“Before I could finish my sentence the fucker cut me off

“Catch me if you can Pretty” Sabo quickly said before making a dash for it leaving me in my spot in utter shock

Maybe I won’t bring this fucker in alive after all

I quickly dash my way in the direction of sabo trying to catch up with the annoying blonde

“GET BACK HERE SABO” I yell towards the man once I saw his body come into view ahead of me

“HAH YOU WISH PRETTY” Sabo yelled back slightly laughing at my persistence

Just as I was about to catch up to him the fucker decided to jump inside the nearest building causing me to nearly trip over my own feet

That little shit I swear I’m going to kill him

I quickly dash inside the abandoned building through the window causing the glass to shatter all over the wooden floors

“Well you sure do know how to make an entrance” Sabo chucked from his spot he was currently sitting in one of the chairs that were in the home with us with one leg in his lap and his arms crossed over his chest

“Oh shut up and fight me already” I growl becoming impatient with the blonde as I got into my fighting stance

“As you wish pretty” Sabo chucked getting up out of his seat and placing his pipe aside along with his hat leaving his blonde hair a mess

“I’m not holding back princess,” Sabo said as he began getting into his fighting stance in front of me

“Nether am I” I snap back giving him the biggest glare I could muster on my face

“Very well then,” Sabo said flinging his right hand toward my face causing me to block his punch with my arm

“Well I see your Reflexes got better” Sabo chucked out trying to land another punch my way causing me to dodge it

“Well I had to get stronger to catch your annoying ass” I growl out swinging my leg up towards his face trying to land a kick but before I could he grabbed my ankle keeping my leg in the air

“I’m sorry to burst your bubble princess but you have no chance,” Sabo said as he kicked my other leg out from under me causing me to land on my back with a loud thud

“Keep telling yourself that blondie” I growl out quickly raising myself up off the floor trying to land another punch on Sabo

“I gladly will princess” Sabo chucked out grabbing my wrist and turning me around to put me in a headlock causing my back to be pressed against his chest

“You know Miss Y/N I can’t help but tell your hair’s gotten longer” Sabo whispered in my ear causing chills to run down my spine

“Are you that obsessed with me that you pay attention to my hair growth” I snap back landing a hard hit against Sabo's stomach with my elbow causing him to let me go from the headlock

“What can I say Princess we see each other almost every month” Sabo chucked out as his eyes scanned my body

“Ha I bet you look forward to every month” I chuckle out trying to land a kick against his ribs

“What can I say you make my job less boring,” Sabo said as he grabbed my leg pushing me to the floor so that he was above me trapping my arms above my head with his hands

“I can say the same thing about you” I huff out breathing hard from our fight my chest slightly rising up and down causing my breast to rub against Sabo's chest

“You know Miss Y/N I’ve taken quite the liking towards you” Sabo whispered out his face inches from mine his breath lightly fanning my face

“Is that so” I breathe out looking at every inch of the man’s face that was above me causing him to do the same

“Fuck it” Sabo growled out

“Wha-“Before I could ask what he meant by that Sabo's lips were on mine in an instant I quickly jerked away in surprise slightly angry with the man

“What the fuck” I growl out looking at Sabo to see pure lust fogging his eyes

We didn’t say anything at all we just stared at each other in utter shock my brain literally couldn’t grasp what was going on

Before anyone could say another word Sabo's lips were back on mine I quickly accepted it letting our lips move in sync at an aggressive pace letting the man above me take the lead he quickly let go of my wrists letting me wrap my arms around his neck pushing him closer to me

“Fuck princess” Sabo growled out taking my bottom lip between his teeth causing me to let out a whine

“You’re fucking delicious” Sabo hummed out placing one of his gloved hands behind my neck to slightly lift my head to kiss me at a better angle

Before I could tell him to shut up and kiss me his lips were back on mine the kiss being more aggressive than before as his tongue entered my mouth he decided to open my legs with one of his knees placing himself between my legs his hard-on slightly rubbing against my clothed core causing me to let out a moan from the contact

“You’ve been quiet the brat Miss Y/N I think it’s about time I teach you a lesson,” Sabo said as he pulled away to breathe slightly grinding his hips against mine sending electric shock up my body

“Fuck” I gasped out slamming my eyes shut due to the pleasure

“Mhm don’t you agree” Sabo chucked out as he began trailing his free hand up my hip and towards my neck wrapping his long fingers around it slightly adding pressure causing my brain to feel like mush

I couldn’t even form a sentence let alone focus so I just simply nodded my head yes letting out a whine agreeing with Sabo's statement

“Well pretty look at you being a good obedient girl” Sabo chucked out pulling his hand out from behind my head so he could rub his gloved thumb over my bottom lip while his other hand was still wrapped around my throat

“What should I do with you” Sabo said as he scanned my body with his eyes feeling up his plate

“Why don’t you be a good girl and listen to everything I say yea,” Sabo said slightly grazing my cheek with the same thumb that was just on my lips

What the fuck am I doing I could lose my job over this but I just can’t seem to stop myself all this built-up tension that me Sabo have had over the last few years is flowing over and there’s nothing I can do to stop it

I simply just nod my head yes not wanting to give him the satisfaction of saying yes

“Come on princess I wanna hear that pretty mouth say it” Sabo chucked out tightening his grip on my throat

Why you little shit your lucky I don’t hate you right now

“Yes” I squeak out turning my head to the side embarrassed with myself

“Oh come on baby no need to be embarrassed” Sabo chucked out quickly standing up before leaning a hand down for me to grab so he could help me up off the floor

“Now Miss Y/N I want you to strip for me,” Sabo said taking a seat in the chair as he began taking his gloves off with his teeth

“But”

“No buts princess,” Sabo said patiently waiting for me to take my clothes off

“Whatever” I mumbled out slowly starting to unbutton my marine coat

“Good girl” Sabo said as he threw his gloves on the floor before placing his elbows on his knees while resting his chin in the palm of his hands getting ready to enjoy the show

I take my coat off throwing it on the floor before moving on to my shirt lifting it up over my head and taking it off leaving me in my bra

“Shit baby you really are pretty” Sabo groaned out leaning back in his chair to adjust his position trying to loosen the tight grip around his cock from his pants

That sentence alone caused my heart to burst out of my chest deciding to ignore the feeling I quickly unbuttoned my jeans before slowly pulling them down my hips to make the situation slightly harder for Sabo

“Fuck baby” Sabo growled leaning his head back as he began rubbing his hard-on through his pants

“Come here,” Sabo said as he patted his knee signaling me to come sit on his lap

I quickly obeyed his order slowly making my way toward him so that I was standing in front of him

“Don’t be shy baby sit down” Sabo chucked out grabbing my hips while slightly spreading my legs so I could position myself on his lap my legs on either side of the chair

“What should I do first,” Sabo said as he began running his hands up my hips and to my breast slightly giving them a squeeze causing me to lean my head back letting out a small whimper

“You like that huh” Sabo chucked out trailing his hands back down my body and behind my back placing them on my ass and giving both cheeks a good squeeze

“I bet you’re fucking drenched princess” Sabo mumbled as he began pampering kisses along my collarbone and neck causing me to shut my eyes and let a whine

“You sound as pretty as you look” Sabo mumbled as he began trailing one of his hands back around my stomach and down toward my core

“Are you okay with me doing this?” Sabo asked looking up at me to make sure I was okay

“Mhm” I hummed out drunk off his touch

“Okay then” Sabo chucked out finally placing his fingers where I needed him the most

“Shit pretty your drenched” Sabo growled out as he began rubbing circles around my clothed clit feeling how damp my underwear is I quickly grab a fist full of his shirt burying my face in his chest letting out whimpers and moans from the pleasure

“Fuck baby I can’t get over you how come we didn’t do this sooner” Sabo growled as he moved my underwear to the side slightly running his fingers through my folds causing me to jerk forward from the contact of his rough hands against my pussy lips

“Fuck Sabo please I need more” I sob into his chest not being able to handle the throbbing inside my pussy

“I don’t know baby do you think brats deserve rewards” Sabo mumbled out knowing damn what he was doing

“Yes please I’ll be a good girl I promise” I pant out against his chest getting slightly lightheaded from the lust fogging my brain

“Since you asked so nicely princess I’ll do you this favor just this once,” Sabo said as he entered one of his fingers into my core causing me to arch my back against him his hard cock slightly rubbing against my ass

“Fuck Y/N I can’t wait to feel you wrapped around my cock” Sabo moaned out slightly picking up his pace with his fingers causing us to hear my juices squash around his fingers

“Fuck Sabo you feel so good” I moan out slightly seeing the stars due to the overwhelming pleasure

“Fuck Y/N I can’t wait any longer” Sabo said as he quickly lifted us up from to the chair to head over to the bed that was in the middle of the room

Sabo gently placed me on the bed causing my hair to sprawl out onto the blankets with my legs slightly parted giving Sabo the perfect view of my clothed core

“Fuck Y/N you’re absolutely beautiful,” Sabo said as he began removing his clothes so I wasn’t the only one bare

Sabo soon made his way back above me sweat slightly layering his skin causing him to glow from the sunlight shining through the windows

“I wanna make you mine Y/N I wanna be the only one to make you feel this way,” Sabo said as he began slowly pulling my underwear down my legs causing me to lose the air that was in my lungs

“Fuck Sabo I have always wanted you to make me yours why do you think I keep coming back” I whimper out looking Sabo in the eyes

“Why do you think I keep running away princess I don’t want you to catch me for a reason,” Sabo said slamming his lips to mine as his hand found its way back to my core

“Fuck Sabo please fuck me already” I sob out slightly pulling away from the kiss

“Your wish is my command” Sabo growled out before literally ripping my bra in half causing my breast to bounce free giving him the perfect view of my hardened nipples

“Are you ready baby” Sabo mumbled as he began lining the head of his cock against my opening

“Please sabo” I whimper out wrapping both my arms and legs around him trying to push him as close as possible

Before anyone could say another word Sabo gracefully slid his cock inside me causing us to let out a moan at the same time from the contact of the base of his cock against my mushy walls

“Shit Y/N your so tight and warm” Sabo groaned out as he began slowly thrusting in and out of me causing my body to slightly shake from the pleasure

“Fuck Sabo oh my gosh” I choke out placing my face in the croak of his neck

“I know baby I know” Sabo growled out as he began picking up his pace causing our skin to slap against each other feeling the small house with our lewd noises

“Your the prettiest thing I have laid my eyes on” Sabo moaned out leaning away from my neck so he could look at my fucked out face

“Your mine Y/N you understand that means no more being a fucking brat” Sabo growled out wrapping his fingers around my throat once again

“Yes yes I understand” I choke out as tears begin to fill my eyes due to Sabo's aggressive thrust

“Fuck Y/N your such a good girl when your obedient” Sabo chucked out as he began aiming his hips upwards to hit that one spot causing me to yelp out while rolling my eyes in the back of my head

“Your face is so pretty when you’re full of my cock” Sabo said as he released my throat to push my hair out of my face so he could see me better

“Fuck Sabo I’m close” I moan out as began to feel the burning sensation I have been yearning for in my lower stomach

“Fuck baby me too” Sabo growled as he began to speed up his pace to reach his release faster causing my body to jerk forward with every thrust

“Fuck Sabo I’m going to cum” I moan out once I felt my legs shake and the burning in my lower stomach becoming more intense

“Do it pretty girl cum all over your cock” Sabo growled before slamming his lips against mine

Once that sentence left his mouth the band in my stomach popped causing me to cum all over Sabo’s cock

“Fuck baby that was sexy just hold out a little longer I’m close” Sabo whined out speeding up his pace desperately wanting to reach his release

“Fuck baby I’m going to cum” Sabo said as he gripped the blankets beside my head before releasing deep inside me

“Fuck baby your mine forever mine” Sabo groaned out as he looked down at my face me seeing nothing but care and love fogging his eyes

This is the longest oneshot I have ever written so I hope you liked it 🙏😖

#one piece oneshots #one peice #oneshot #one piece smut #smut #revolutionary sabo #sabo #one piece sabo #sabo x reader #sabo x you #sabo x y/n #sabo smut

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paigesbasketball · 24 days ago

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Court of Revenge pt.2

Paige x basketball!reader

Warnings: Swearing

DISCLAIMER: The things i wrote are for story purpose not based on true emotions.

"you weren't here for the bullshit and neither was she"

As you walked off the court, the tension of the game still pulsing through your veins, the sound of the crowd celebrating seemed distant, muted. Your eyes stayed focused straight ahead, the adrenaline still surging, your heart racing. You had done it. You’d taken your shot—both literally and figuratively. But something inside you told you this wasn’t the end.

In the locker room, your teammates gathered around, their voices high with excitement. The win was sweet, but the personal victory was even sweeter. You’d achieved your goal—made Paige feel what your sister had felt, even if just for a moment. Still, as you peeled off your jersey and sat down to catch your breath, the satisfaction felt hollow, like a fire that still hadn’t fully burned out.

You couldn’t shake the look on Paige’s face after you spoke. The way she had frozen, the way she had felt the weight of your words. Part of you felt vindicated, but another part—one you couldn’t fully understand yet—felt something different. Something that unsettled you. Did you just want to win? Or did you want more?

The buzzer had gone off, the game was over, but you couldn’t stop replaying that moment in your head. Your sister’s face flashed in your mind, her frustration, her dreams dashed. You had done this for her. But that look on Paige’s face... it was almost like she didn’t understand. Or maybe, she did, but didn’t care.

“Hey,” your teammate, Ella, slapped you on the back, snapping you out of your thoughts. “You were amazing out there! That block on Paige? Priceless.”

You forced a smile, nodding as the locker room erupted in chatter. But as you grabbed your bag and headed for the exit, your thoughts kept drifting back to her.

You hadn’t heard the last of Paige Bueckers. Not by a long shot.

The next few days were a blur. Classes, practice, life—all felt oddly routine compared to that night. But the messages started coming in. News outlets, reporters, social media. Clips of the game went viral, your final free throw play, the confrontation with Paige. You couldn’t escape it. Every headline seemed to have the same angle: “The Rivalry No One Saw Coming.”

And then, the message from Paige. It was short. Simple.

We’re not done. Not by a long shot.

You sat back in your chair, staring at the text. Part of you felt a rush of anticipation. Finally, a challenge. Finally, someone who didn’t just see you as another opponent. The adrenaline, the rivalry, it was only growing stronger.

Your phone buzzed again. Another message, this time from your sister.

You did it. You made her feel it. But don’t let up. Finish it.

You smiled, a cold, determined smile. Your sister had been watching, from home, from the sidelines. She hadn’t just been cheering for a win. She was cheering for the closure you both needed.

The season wasn’t over yet. But the stakes had just gotten personal. Paige may have thought she could walk away from the past, but you weren’t going to let her forget.

And you? You wouldn’t forget the name that was going to haunt her thoughts for the rest of her career.

The days after the game felt like a whirlwind. The win had sparked a fire, not just in the gym, but everywhere. Your phone was buzzing constantly, the constant notifications a reminder that the rivalry between you and Paige Bueckers had become something bigger than either of you had expected. You’d stepped into the spotlight, and now everyone wanted a piece of your story.

It started with a flood of messages from friends and classmates, congratulating you for the game, some even joking that you were now a "household name." But it wasn’t just your friends. News outlets quickly picked up the viral clips, your block on Paige, your game-winning free throws, and, of course, that unforgettable confrontation. The headlines screamed: “The Rivalry No One Saw Coming.” Your name was everywhere, and not just locally. National sports networks were calling. Your inbox was overflowing with interview requests, podcast invitations, and even an offer to appear on a late-night talk show.

At first, it all felt like a blur. The requests kept piling up. Sports commentators and analysts were dissecting your every move, comparing you to legends, asking questions about Paige’s future, about your sister’s injury, about what this rivalry meant for the game itself. You had no time to breathe. There was always something else to do, somewhere else to be.

But amidst all the chaos, there was one message that stood out.

It was from a producer at a major sports talk show, The Final Buzzer. They wanted you to come on as a guest to discuss the game, your rivalry with Paige, and how it had all unfolded. You stared at the message for a long time, weighing it. This wasn’t just another interview. This was the interview. It was your chance to speak directly to everyone—sports fans, athletes, critics, and, yes, even Paige herself. You couldn’t back down now.

You agreed to the interview, but as the date drew closer, the weight of the situation began to sink in. The cameras, the stage, the spotlight. You had always focused on the game, not the media. But now, your personal vendetta was a headline, and you would have to speak about it. You knew this wasn’t just about basketball anymore. It was about your sister. It was about making sure everyone understood why you were doing this.

The night of the interview, you walked into the studio, a rush of nerves and excitement flowing through you. The set was sleek, polished, cameras set up at every angle. The host, a charismatic former athlete with a sharp sense of humor, greeted you with a warm handshake. "We’ve been waiting for this moment," he said with a smile, clearly aware of the magnitude of what was unfolding.

The lights dimmed, and the camera focused on you. The host introduced you, and the audience cheered as you took your seat. For a moment, you almost forgot you were on national television. The adrenaline from the game, from the rivalry, was still coursing through your veins, but you kept your focus. This wasn’t the time to lose yourself in the moment.

“So, here we are,” the host began. “We’ve seen the viral clips, the game-winning shots, the epic showdown with Paige Bueckers. But, as everyone knows, there’s a deeper story here. Let’s talk about your sister—what happened to her, and why this game, this rivalry, means so much more than just a win for you.”

Your throat tightened, but you pushed through. You hadn’t spoken publicly about your sister’s injury since that night. It was too raw. Too painful. But this was your chance to make it clear, not just to the audience, but to Paige, and everyone watching. You took a deep breath.

“It’s not just about basketball for me,” you began, your voice steady, though the emotions were close to the surface. “It’s about my sister. A year ago, she was playing in a game, and Paige made a play that ended my sister’s career. It wasn’t a dirty play, but it was reckless. One bad foul, and everything she worked for, everything she dreamed of, was gone. And Paige... she just walked off the court, like nothing happened. Like it didn’t matter.”

The host nodded, his expression solemn. The audience sat in quiet attention, the weight of your words sinking in.

“That night, when I stepped on the court against Paige, it wasn’t just about winning. It was about making sure she felt what my sister felt. Making her understand what she took away. I don’t think Paige even remembers my sister. But I won’t let her forget. This rivalry—it’s not just a game. It’s about justice.”

The host paused for a moment, letting your words sink in. “And then, after the game, you walked right past Paige at the handshake line. That moment, the way you didn’t back down... People are still talking about it. What was going through your mind?”

You smirked slightly, remembering the confrontation. “I wasn’t going to let her have that moment. She thinks she can move on like nothing happened. But she can’t. I’m not going to let her forget what she did, and I’m not going to let her forget me. Not after what she took from my sister.”

The host raised his eyebrows, clearly impressed. “Strong words. But let’s talk about Paige for a moment. The media’s been buzzing about this rivalry—there’s a lot of talk about her future, how she’s going to respond. What do you think?”

You leaned forward, eyes focused. “I think Paige is a great player. I won’t take that away from her. But I also think she’s used to getting what she wants. She’s used to being the star, the one everyone loves. But this rivalry... it’s different. She’s not going to be able to walk away from this one. And I’m not going to let her forget it.”

As the interview continued, you felt the weight of the words you were saying. The pressure of the public eye, the expectations, the rivalry—it was all starting to feel more real. You weren’t just playing for the game anymore. You were playing for something bigger. For your sister. For closure. And, whether you liked it or not, for the world to see.

The next few days saw more interviews, more attention. Podcasts invited you to share your side of the story. You were a headline now, the story of the girl who had taken on Paige Bueckers, not just as a rival, but as a force of reckoning.

I mean... thats how you earned your nickname.

The Equalizer.

you didn't think Paige Bueckers was tough shit. She was the same as everyone else, and people tended to agree with you.

But even with the spotlight, even with the excitement of being in the media’s gaze, you couldn’t escape the feeling that this wasn’t over. Paige was out there, watching, preparing for the next chapter of the rivalry. The next time you faced her, you knew it would be even bigger. The stakes were higher now. And you? You were ready.

Paige Bueckers added you on Instagram

Paige messaged you

"We need to talk Ms. Equalizer"

#paige bueckers #paige #uconn wbb #catytuesdays #uconn huskies

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dccontramundum · 1 year ago

Text

!!! do this

#dash game. ( wanting burns you from the inside out. )

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tavs-tressym · 11 months ago

Text

Delicious Denial - Chapter One

(AO3 Link) | Master List | Ko-Fi

Rating: Explicit, 18+

Pairing: Astarion x Fem!Tav (You). F/M.

Word Count: 2100 (approx)

Tags: Fluff, eventual smut, Tav w/tragic backstory, graphic violence, domestic fluff, camp life, Tav has no magic/fighting ability, slow burn romance, sexual tension (A LOT).

WARNING: Contains graphic descriptions of violence and gore.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A reimagining of the game's events if Tav had zero magical or fighting ability. But she's still pretty fucked up. 👍

(Lots of comforting camp life content.)

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Chapter One - Intoxicating

“Fucking-... Piece of-... Ugh!” Your fingers burn from the friction of wrestling with your chain. You let out a guttural growl as you fall back, flat on your arse in defeat. Yep, you’re definitely stuck. The cuff makes your ankle itch and the chain doesn’t seem to have weakened. Panting, you search your cell for some form of escape to no avail. Just in the cold cobbles beneath you and the bars that cast lengthy shadows on your bruised body. Your clothes are tattered and ripped, if you can even call them clothes anymore. They leave your injuries from your perilous journey here on full display. The last thing you remember was falling, then… Floating? Then black. Now, there’s goblins everywhere and your head hurts… A lot… It really, really hurts actually…

The room begins to spin as you focus on the sensation, then you remember the creature that lives behind your eye. You shiver at the thought as the room pulses around you. It’s searching for… something? It searches for… it’s own kind. You sense it’s kin nearing your cell. The creature writhes in your skull, burning your eyes from the inside. You cry in pain, holding your head to prevent it from coming apart. “This, is the human?” A raspy, deep, feminine voice commands. You squint, attempting to pierce your vision through a wall of warped pulsations. “Y-yes ma’am. We found her by the crash site.” Another voice responds, full of gravel and apprehension. Whoever he’s speaking to, he’s afraid of her.

“Hmm… Interesting.” Your creatures connect and you feel an overwhelming urge to open your mind to the intrusion.

You see her silhouette: Thin, tall and armoured. Then, her wisteria skin and light blonde hair comes into focus. “Welcome home, True Soul.” You do not see her mouth move, nor hear the words through your ears. Instead, her voice echoes in your mind. She pokes and prods at your thoughts, prying open your defences and harvesting your memories. She smiles and pulls out of your mind abruptly once satisfied. You gasp for air as the pain finally subsides and you crumble to the floor. “It will get easier.”

“Wh-what is this? I don’t-” You speak through tears.

“Shh. It will become clear soon enough. The Absolute has plans for you. For us all.” Her words almost sounded like comfort, but there’s something wrong. When she dug into your mind, it left hers open to you. She wants something.

She scans your deteriorating rags, then glares at the goblin by her side who shivers under her gaze. “Do you have no sense?! No respect?! Find some clothes for her. Now!”

“Y-yes Minthara! Sorry! Er-” He dashes away and returns moments later, bundle in hand, he slides it through the bars, shaking.

“Thank you…” You reach for it hesitantly.

“Once she is dressed, you will bring her to me.” She walks away.

“Y-yes Minthara.” The goblin responds. He flicks his eyes back at you and gestures for you to hurry up. You nod and dress yourself, trying to conceal as much of your body as you can from the worried eyes of the goblin.

You smooth down a dress made of various pelts over your wide curves. It wasn’t well made and it certainly could have been more modest, but it fit well enough and you were grateful for the change. The gate opens and the goblin hastily releases your ankle from the chain and pushes you forward. “Move.” You obey and walk in front of him, arms behind your back as he directs you through the camp by your wrists. As you move through what seems to be a lively party, all eyes are on you. Some goblins jeer and make obscene gestures, others inspect your body from afar as they glug their ale. Choosing not to let this phase you, you dare to ask your guard a question: “What are you celebrating?”

“Raid. Good one.” Despite his bluntness and reluctance to reveal information, you hear the smile on his face in his words.

Eventually you make it to the inside of a large, run down, temple-like building. It seems the party stopped here. The grand architecture allows for various phrases, commands and even cries of agony to echo and bounce off the walls. Minthara is observing a map as you approach her. She looks up at you, briefly. “Better. Leave us.” You can’t help but admire her authority as the goblins scatter at her command. She looks back down and traces her fingers along painted roads. Curiously, you look over to find that the map contains no location that you recognise other than Baldur’s Gate. “Is this where we are?” You ask hoping that maybe you aren’t as far from home as you once thought.

“Yes. But I’m hunting for something that isn’t on this map, or any for that matter.” She doesn’t look at you as she speaks.

“That doesn’t sound easy.” You try to sympathise. Powerful allies are always useful, especially in situations such as this.

“No. Especially when all you have are dimwitted pawns at your disposal.” She spits disgust through her words, you nod and move closer to get a better look at the map. “In usual circumstances, I wouldn’t care, but I plan to make great use of you, True Soul. Your name, what is it?”

“Tav. And you are Minthara?” She nods. “You call me True Soul, what does that mean?” She grins with excitement as she gets to be the one to explain The Absolute, the tadpoles and your potential. She does so with a fierce determination in her eyes and a proud loyalty in her voice that speaks to the darker cravings of your mind. You consider that maybe this creature in your head isn’t so bad, after all. “And your hunt? Is it to serve The Absolute?”

“Correct.” She pauses to consider whether or not to reveal her intentions. “There’s a weapon. Powerful and well sought after. I am sure that it is being protected by a grove of druids somewhere in this area.” She circles a section of the map for you. “No matter how many patrols we have sent, they return with little information. Pathetic creatures.” She grumbles under her breath. Her eyes light up, she looks at you and grins.

“We have a prisoner. Though, I believe our… ‘interrogators’ lack a certain finesse. His lips remain tightly bound. I’m sure The Absolute would have a fine reward for the one who loosens them.” Her eyebrow raises as she eagerly awaits your response. Torture isn’t your usual expertise, but you can see in her eyes the excitement and even arousal at the thought of you shedding such blood for The Absolute’s cause. You deduce that her disappointment in you would have far greater consequences than the pain of a stranger.

“I understand.” Your eyes are wide as you accept this unsightly task. You stretch a smirk over your teeth in an attempt to match her enthusiasm.

“Excellent. Follow the screams, oh, and do not come back empty handed.”

You do as she commands, following the pleads for mercy until you find two goblins and a human tied to a torture device. You try to put on your most authoritative voice as you speak. “I have orders from Minthara. I’ll take over from here.” The goblins grumble, displeased with the arrangement as they open a space for you, directly in front of the stranger. You move into position and look up at him. His eyes are dry yet his cheeks are stained with tears, his cracked lips part as he whimpers softly. You approach, he scans you, unsure of your next move. And honestly, you’re unsure too. You’ve never been in a position to hurt someone, before now there was no opportunity for you to take. In fact, you have grown accustomed to the opposite, but this is different. This is… Powerful. Powerful in a way that makes your stomach churn and your heart flutter. A questionable, undefinable mix of want and need. You graze your finger over your canvas as he squirms. His fear is intoxicating.

Hot pokers sit in a brazier, you take one and hold it in front of his face, just close enough to singe hairs. “Where is the grove?” You ask him calmly, allowing the poker to emphasise the question for itself.

“F-fuck… Y-you…” His response doesn’t anger you, it frightens you. Your eyes widen as you build the courage to transform your threat into action. Your breathing becomes deeper as you try to submerge your hesitation. You muster as much command in your voice as you can, trying to hide your pleading. You do not want to hurt this man, no matter how intriguing this sensation is. “Where is the grove?”

He lets out a desperate whimper before feebly grasping onto his loyalty. “I s-said… F-fuck you.” The emanating heat travels from his cheek, down his neck, down his chest, stopping at his stomach. He gasps and desperately tries to wriggle away to no avail. You look into his eyes, searching for the key to end his torture, you find none. He screams in devastating agony, the smell of his burning flesh causes the goblins around you to salivate. You look down to find your own hand gripping the poker. Although you had prepared and felt it’s movement, somehow the choice your arm made surprised you. “Okay! Okay! Please! Stop!” You hold on a moment longer, examining the strange appendage before you as it shamelessly displays it’s power over it’s victim.

You pull away suddenly, your mind inhabiting your arm once again. The man splutters and cries, riding out the unrelenting wave of soreness. Regaining composure, you look back into his eyes. You yearned for the ability to communicate that he was not the only victim in the room, that you don’t want him to feel such pain. Then again, you suppose that would offer him little comfort. “Where is the grove?” The tears in his eyes obscure his vision until you are nothing but a blur.

“P-please…” By now he knows his pleas are useless but he continues anyway, using them as a mantra to calm himself through the pain. “No more… I beg of you…”

“Where is the grove?”

“No… I can’t be responsible for their deaths… I can’t…” In all the chaos, you hadn’t even considered the possible slaughter that Minthara had planned for the grove. If these druids are guarding this ‘weapon’, it is doubtful that they will hand it over without a fight. You can only hope that their forces are stronger than hers, for there is nothing you can do now, you need this information to protect yourself.

You spot a rusted dagger on the floor and swap it with the poker. The man flinches at the possibilities you now hold in your hand. You place the tip on the left side of his stomach, below the steaming burn. “Where is the grove?”

“No, I-” His defiance is interrupted by a shriek as the dull blade buries itself into his skin. You push. “Stop! Stop!” You look at his pained face, he looks at you, you need not repeat the question. You begin to drag the blade to the right, rust snagging on flesh, his blood leaks in irregular spasms, it is and isn’t pretty. He cries and looks at you in terror as he realises that you have no intention of stopping and his innards will soon be spilled onto the floor. He submits. He submits to you.

“P-please! I’ll tell you! Everything! Please!” You step back, removing the dagger from his body and releasing it from your grasp. Once he regains somewhat control of his breathing, he speaks again. “E-East… P-past the ruins and… The bridge. They c-covered the gate with ivy…” His head lolls in defeat and exhaustion.

You look around to find goblins staring at you in awe. Before any could compliment you on your twisted success, you nod and leave to report back to Minthara. She leans back and hungrily gazes at you as she processes the information: satisfied, impressed, fascinated. Before you know it, you’re travelling by her side, her army marching closely behind. She steals glances at you, noticing your beads of nervous sweat. You’ve never been close to a battle like this, and you’re really, really bad at hiding it. She doesn’t comment, just smirks and continues her pursuit. Together you head to the grove, to the weapon, to the East. Once again, you hope that they can handle what’s coming.

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Next Chapter

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marshmallowprotection · 2 months ago

Note

Nightmare prompts, 12 for Suit? :)

That strangled crease in his brow told you all you needed to know, and as Saeran attempted to catch his breath, you scanned his body for signs of an injury. It wasn't like him to visit you in the middle of the day... and for him to look like a wild animal who just learned how to open the cage door, you knew something had to be wrong.

Fortunately, he wasn’t physically injured but the dodgy look in his eyes said that he’d been hurt somewhere deep within his mind. The most curious part of it all? Instead of stumbling to his feet to find his so-called Savior, he ran to you instead. He told you time again that he couldn't care less for you, and what would inevitably happen to you if he grew bored with his "game".

Yet, he came here.

“Saeran, are you… okay?” As if realizing his mistake only once he heard your voice, he scoffed. “A-As if I need you. I just had to make sure you weren’t going to do something stupid.”

“You haven’t caught your breath,” you told him in a quiet voice. It wasn’t like him to slow down, but if he kept going at that rate, he’d knock himself out. “I’m not in a hurry. Take a second to clear your thoughts and breathe.”

“Don’t tell me what to do!” Despite his protests, you could see him fumble from left to right, moving to hook an end chair underneath the knob to block anyone from going in or coming out. There was no lock on the inside, something that had been chosen by design, Ray’s design, but it seemed to be to Saeran’s detriment now. He wasn't... he wasn't okay... not by any means.

His expression screamed desperation.

He came to you when he needed someone, even if he couldn't bring himself to say it.

You didn't dare get closer to him in the fear that he might run away again. But, all the same, you wanted to hold onto the hope that he would let you help him. You asked, "...What happened?"

He scoffed. You didn't expect any less, though. He wasn't the type to talk about his feelings. The breathless, condescending laugh burned through his lungs as he didn't dare look back at you. "You're just so useless at your job, toy! I can't close my eyes for one minute without imagining all the ways you're screwing me over! One more bad day in that chatroom and boom! You're dead!"

That explanation didn't make it sound like he was upset at you.

Still, you decided to press a little harder, "You're... having nightmares about my well-being?"

You could see him tremble as he continued to stare at the door to hide his eyes from you. If you didn't know any better, he was trying his damnedest to hide his eyes. You always knew the truth when you looked into his eyes.

"As if I would have nightmares! Nightmares are for the weakest of us all! You and Ray, you're one in the same. You've got both got them in your head because you don't know what it feels like to be strong! To... to be strong is to be unyielding in the face of terror! Do I look weak to you?! Are you mocking me?!"

"Why would I think you're weak? Everyone gets nightmares, Saeran. It doesn't mean you're weak... it just means you're human."

As he spun around to face you, his blue eyes fraught with tears, he shouted, "I'm not allowed to be human! I'm only allowed to be strong!"

You dropped everything in an instant, not caring what might happen to you in the process as you dashed across the room and threw your arms around his shoulders. Much to your surprise, he didn't shove at your body to remove your presence, but he couldn't bring himself to hold you, either. He just stood there, tears flowing down his cheeks, a silent, agonizing plea for something more than what he was allowed dancing across his ever-beating heart.

"Not with me, not in here," you whispered. "You can be human as long as you're with me."

#mod kait #ask #mystic messenger #anon #mysme #saeran choi #mysticmessenger #mm #choi saeran #suit saeran #saeran mm #saeran mysme #saeran mystic messenger #mysme saeran #mystic messenger saeran #mm saeran #saeran #drabble

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phantoms-lair · 7 months ago

Note

((Yeah, still trying to plug away at these)) Dc Comics x Video Game Is it cheating if the video game already takes place in DC comics? Maybe. But I make the rules. ~ Tim Drake had a lot of things. Money. Power (from being CEO of Wayne Enterprises), a wonderful boyfriend, intelligence, enough stealth skills to spy on Batman in his prime, and a mastery of the bo staff.

There were two things Tim didn't have. A spleen, and a lot of free time. Not much could be done about the spleen thing, aside from a rigorous antibiotic regime, but his free time was precious. Free time he got to spend with Bernard even more so. Which is why he had to strangle down a scream when in the middle of the best lunch date he'd had in mouths, his phone went off.

"You could ignore it?" Bernard half heartedly suggested.

"Not with that particular ringtone," Tim said ruefully.

"Of course you have different ringtone for different emergency levels, Bernard teased fondly.

And it was true. But this emergency was less 'company stock tanking' and more 'possible end of the world'. He clicked the answer button and held the phone to his ear, ruefully mourning the end of his date.

"Brainiac is launching a full invasion of Earth with the intent to digitize it all into data which will then either be kept or deleted." Batman's voice came with not preamble, no asking about security or whether Tim could be overheard. "In at least one timeline this was successful. The Lex Luthor of that timeline has implemented a plan to ensure Earths survival by increasing the number of Metas-"

"Tim look out!" Tim dropped his phone as Bernard pulled him out of his seat, and out of where a piece of alien tech had been about to crash down. A BZZZZT of energy flared and a wall formed, trapping anyone who hadn't fled inside. Tim looked up. Brainiac's troops were beginning to swarm the arm. "

We need to go."

"But those people-" Bernard looked at the entire city block that was encased in energy.

"We need to find the Bats." Well, they needed Oracle, which Tim could no longer do without his phone. Or Bernard's, which he could still see resting on the outdoor table next to the pylon that had almost finished the job Widower had started.

Bernard nodded. Tim was right, they needed help for this. "It's daytime, so Signal?"

"Signal's a good start." Tim agreed. He cupped his hands around his mouth, shouting so the people trapped could hear. "We're getting the Bats!"

"And the Justice League!" Bernard added.

Tim doubted that. If Brainiac was doing this worldwide, the League would be spread thin. Gotham was in the hands of it's own protectors. He grabbed Bernard's wrist, pulling him along. "Let's go!"

Tim and Bernard both pulled each other away from their former lunch spot, all too aware of the screams of fear they were leaving behind. Everything in Tim that was Robin wanted to go back and help those people trapped in the forcefield, but he couldn't. He needed to get to Oracle, he needed to get Bernard somewhere safe so he could switch over to being Red Robin. He needed-

New screams interrupted his thoughts. Oh this was the LAST thing they needed right now. A giant hulk of a man wearing joker face paint and with burning hands and clothes torn at the seams was lifting up a car and looked to be smashing it on woman shielding a small child. He moved without thinking, letting go of Bernard and dashing forward, pulling the two out of the line of fire. He heard the crunch of the car behind, them. Too close. Much too close.

"Aw, someone want to be a good Samaritan." The Joker-hulk sneered. The fire in his hands sparked and he sent a blast towards them.

Tim needed something. A shield, his staff- suddenly he felt a familiar weight in his hands. Without thinking he spun his staff to block the flame and was rewarded by hearing it sizzle out. Bernard's jaw was dropped. Okay, first things first, he needed to deal with this guy and then think of an excuse for his bo staff proficiency with Bernard.

Fire clown was coming in again. He landed a solid strike to the guy jaw, knocking him aside but his flaming hands grazed Tim's sleeve setting it alight.

"No!" Bernard cried and started to glow. Light seemed to overtake him for an instant and his form changed to include two large wings sprouting from his back. In an instant the light faded and Tim could see the wings were blue. Bernard reached out and thick vines burst from the ground, holding the assailant down.

"What the heck-?" Tim whispered.

"Oh you're one to talk Mister 'Summons a bo staff from water'." Bernard sniped.

What? Tim finally payed attention to the weapon his hand and realized as Bernard said, it was made of water. And not ice, but like...flowing water. He dropped it and it lost it's form splashing to the ground.

"You just started glowing and then you made that and your hair grew out."

"You started glowing and you got wings." Tom countered.

"I what?" Bernard turned to look at his back. "I have wings!"

The Lex Luthor of that timeline has implemented a plan to ensure Earths survival by increasing the number of Metas Was that what had happened to them? Was that where fire clown had come from?

"Are you two superheroes?" The child they had saved asked. The mother pulled her closer, not trusting even if they had saved her. Clearly she was from Gotham.

"For today at least." Bernard said brightly. He knelt in front of the child and made a beautiful flower appear. "But you and your Mom should get to safety. It's going to be a bad day even for Gotham."

"He's not wrong." Tim re-summoned his staff (how was it so easy?). He brought the end down on the fire clown's head, knocking him out before he could burn through the vines. "We're going to find Signal and get the Bats help. You two get home if you can and hide if you can't."

The woman was already leaving, which good for her.

"So we're superheroes now?' Bernard said.

Tim sighed. "We seem to have powers and..." Yeah he couldn't say anything after he jumped in to save those two. "We don't know if they're permanent though."

"True. But I bet we can find Signal faster from the air."

"We don't even know if those wings work." Tim pointed out, but Bernard wasn't waiting for an answer, scooping up Tim Bridal style in his arms.

"You're not afraid of heights are you?"

"N-no." Oh gods he was blushing. He was blushing so hard. Was this how Lois felt?

"Then here goes." Bernard's knees bent and wings flared out and suddenly they were in the air. ~ Tim did not have a photographic memory, but it was close. And right now he was imprinting the image of the the wind ruffling through Bernard's hair as he flies them around Gotham as hard as he can. Maybe these powers are permanent and Bernard will always be able to do this. But odds are just as good these powers will be gone in an hour. He wished he had a camera to capture this forever. Maybe make one built into a contact lens so he can take pictures of whatever he sees-

"Any sign of Signal?"

Right. The mission. If this was permanent he was going to have to ask Lois how she focused on anything when Clark was carrying her like this. Maybe exposure therapy. He'd have to look into that. Now where was Duke supposed to be this time of day.

Thankfully they were all adept at navigating patrol routes from above thanks to needed to use the batplanes. Following the patrol route..."There!"

Bernard swooped down to where he pointed to where Gotham's daylight defender was finishing with a group attacking him.

"Is that Intergang?" Tim wondered out loud. "I thought they were more based in Metropolis?"

"Manners," Bernard chided gently. "I'm Bernard Dowd, This is Tim Drake. The city block where we were eating has some kind of force-field over it and people were trapped inside. Also we somehow got super powers and we want to help!"

"We're not the only ones." Tim pointed out grimly. "Joker doesn't tend to go for metas in his group-doesn't want anyone who can upstage him. And the tears in his clothes indicated he wasn't that big this morning. So we maybe dealing with a super power epidemic."

"So you'll need all the help you can get." Bernard restated.

Outwardly Signal just seemed to be taking it all in. But Tim could his metaphorical eyebrow twitch and knew what going through his head. Technically there was protocol for civilians approaching them to go vigilante too. And that protocol was to shut them down. Redirect them into things like evacuation if you have to, but whatever you do don't encourage them. But there were two problems with this scenario. One was his knew Tim was a skilled vigilante with more experience than him. The second was between a Brainiac mass invasion, a superpower epidemic, and apparently an Intergang moving to Gotham, they were extremely short handed and did need all the help they could get.

So Duke did the only thing he could. "Signal to Watchtower. Batman come in. I've got a lead on the Intergang case, but Brainiac has started his invasion. I've got two newly meta'd civilians -Tim Drake and Bernard Dowd who want to help. And apparently already fought a meta Joker goon."

Good, letting Bruce know he was alive while hiding it in a mission report.

"Okay, copy." Signal took two little earbuds Tim recognized as comms and handed them to each of them. This must be desperate times indeed if Batman was even entertaining the idea.

"This is Batman." Bruce said once the comms were in their ears. "I would normally never condone this, but it's an emergency. The Justice League is stretched thin with Brainiac's global invasion."

Tim watched Bernard pale. He knew this already, but Bernard was now realizing this wouldn't be a 'heroes swoop in and save the day.' event.

"What are your abilities and level of training?"

"I've trained in martial arts and I'm at least good enough I could manage the members of the Cult of Dionysus before my powers. Also I can now fly and can create and control plant life." Bernard answered confidently.

"He also has increased strength and stamina." Tim added. Bernard gave him a look. "Love, you picked me up like I weighed no more than a plushy and flew me all over Gotham. That takes way more strength and staying power than you would think."

"Oh," Bernard rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.

"I've also trained in self-defense, though I've never had to put it to the test." Thankfully Bruce knew how a big a lie that was. "And I seem to have some for of hydrokinesis. I can summon water and form it into weapons."

"Hmm." Bruce sounded thoughtful, but Tim was easily able to translate it to This sucks This sucks This sucks.

"If we're going to be sending civilians into this mess, they'll at least need some protection." Oracles modulated voice cut in over the coms. "And a mask as Tim Drake is a well know public figure. We have the assets we seized from the harbor a few days ago, we can let them use that."

Ah, he'd almost forgotten. They'd done a bust on a guy calling himself 'The Tailor' who was supplying uniforms and gear to villain crews. It wasn't quite Bat-Quality, but was still some pretty high end protective fabrics and equipment.

"Right. We'll have Spoiler take them-"

"Negative." Oracle cut Batman off. "I have Spoiler on a mission. Send Batgirl."

"Negative. Batgirl's skills are imperative right now. Whatever Spoiler's doing-"

"Hood's comm broke and Spoiler's the only one who can enter his territory with impunity." Which was because she lived there and he couldn't very well prevent her from going home. "We need all hands and clear communication on this." Oracle brooked no argument.

Personally Tim was relieved. Bernard had only met a few members of his family in passing. But Steph he'd hung out with. If she and Tim fell back into their usual dynamic, Bernard might figure it out.

"If I may," A new voice broke in over the comm. "For our newcomers, I am Agent A. I mostly work behind the scenes, but as Oracle is handling most of the coordination, I am available for the outing."

This was perfect. He and Bernard had only reconnected after he moved out of the Manor. Bernard had never actually met Alfred.

"Get it handled. I'll be coordinating with Batwoman and Nightwing about taking out that forcefield." Batman cut off his comm.

"I know you've got a lot to do, but if you give us coordinates to the location, we can save time by meeting Agent A there." Tim knew where it was, of course. But he couldn't say that.

"Warehouse on Exter. There's a marking like this on the roof." Signal drew a small emblem in light before it faded away. "Sorry, but I need to get back to the Crime Cult."

"Crime cult away." Bernard said chipperly as he picked up Tim again and Tim felt a flash of relief that it was Duke there and not any other of his brothers.

#Ghost Writing #Batman #DCUO #TimBer #I love a lot of the ideas in DCUO but I feel the game itself is less fun than it could be #But the day it rained superpowers is fascinating #Also Tim is always someone who work better in a partnership or team #So now he has a permanent partner #Bernard's gonna figure it out sooner rather than later but until then the siblings are going to have fun with newbie civilian Tim Drake

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book--brackets · 3 months ago

Text

Summaries under the cut

Moon Base Alpha by Stuart Gibbs

Like his fellow lunarnauts—otherwise known as Moonies—living on Moon Base Alpha, twelve-year-old Dashiell Gibson is famous the world over for being one of the first humans to live on the moon.

And he’s bored out of his mind. Kids aren’t allowed on the lunar surface, meaning they’re trapped inside the tiny moon base with next to nothing to occupy their time—and the only other kid Dash’s age spends all his time hooked into virtual reality games.

Then Moon Base Alpha’s top scientist turns up dead. Dash senses there’s foul play afoot, but no one believes him. Everyone agrees Dr. Holtz went onto the lunar surface without his helmet properly affixed, simple as that. But Dr. Holtz was on the verge of an important new discovery, Dash finds out, and it’s a secret that could change everything for the Moonies—a secret someone just might kill to keep...

Adventurers Wanted by M. L. Forman

Do you have the courage, the wits, and the skill to claim a dragon's hoard? If so, apply within …

The sign is small, tucked into the corner of Mr. Clutter's bookshop window: "Adventurers Wanted. Apply Within." No one but fifteen-year-old Alex Taylor even seems to notice it is there. And for Alex, who has wished for a change in his life, it is an irresistible invitation.

Upon entering Mr. Clutter's shop, Alex is swept away on an incredible adventure to a faraway land filled with heroic warriors, mysterious elves, and hard-working dwarves.

Alex becomes the eigth man in a band of adventurers seeking the lair of Slathbog the Red - an evil dragon with a legendary treasure. Along the way, Alex and his new friends must battle dangerous trolls and bandits, face undead wraiths, and seek the wisdom of the Oracle in her White Tower.

Alex's adventure takes him to distant and exotic lands where he learns about courage, integrity, honor, and, most importantly, friendship.

Applewhites by Stephanie S. Tolan

Will anyone take on Jake Semple?

Jake Semple is notorious. Rumor has it he burned down his old school and got kicked out of every school in his home state.

Only one place will take him now, and that's a home school run by the Applewhites, a chaotic and hilarious family of artists. The only one who doesn't fit the Applewhite mold is E.D.—a smart, sensible girl who immediately clashes with the unruly Jake.

Jake thinks surviving this one will be a breeze . . . but is he really as tough or as bad as he seems?

The Letter for the King by Tonke Dragt

It is the dead of night.

Sixteen-year-old Tiuri must spend hours locked in a chapel in silent contemplation if he is to be knighted the next day.

But, as he waits by the light of a flickering candle, he hears a knock at the door and a voice desperately asking for help.

A secret letter must be delivered to King Unauwen across the Great Mountains - a letter upon which the fate of the entire kingdom depends. Tiuri has a vital role to play, one that might cost him his knighthood.

Tiuri's journey will take him through dark, menacing forests, across treacherous rivers, to sinister castles and strange cities. He will encounter evil enemies who would kill to get the letter, but also the best of friends in the most unexpected places.

He must trust no one.

He must keep his true identity secret.

Above all, he must never reveal what is in the letter...

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen

Marly and her family share many adventures when they move from the city to a farmhouse on Maple Hill. Her father is recovering from being a prisoner-of-war. The small town and the varied happenings and activities of country life help them to recover from past unhappiness, and bond more closely as a family.

13 Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Tanya has a secret. She can see fairies.

But not the fairies we imagine. These fairies cast spells on her, rousing her from her sleep and propelling her out of bed. Disturbed by her daughter’s behaviour, Tanya’s mother sends her away to live with her grandmother at Elvesden Manor, a secluded countryside mansion on the outskirts of town.

Then an old photograph leads Tanya to an unsolved mystery. Fifty years ago a girl vanished in the woods, a girl Tanya’s grandmother will not speak of. Tanya is determined to find the truth, but as she unearths more secrets she finds herself dangerously close to following in the missing girl’s footsteps . . .

The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich

This same slice of history is seen through the eyes of the spirited, 7-year-old Ojibwa girl Omakayas, or Little Frog, so named because her first step was a hop. The sole survivor of a smallpox epidemic on Spirit Island, Omakayas, then only a baby girl, was rescued by a fearless woman named Tallow and welcomed into an Ojibwa family on Lake Superior's Madeline Island, the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker. We follow Omakayas and her adopted family through a cycle of four seasons in 1847, including the winter, when a historically documented outbreak of smallpox overtook the island.

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

The Chanters of Tremaris by Kate Constable

Calwyn has never been beyond the high ice-wall that guards the sisters of Antaris from the world of Tremaris. She knows only the rounds of her life as a novice ice priestess, tending her bees, singing her ice chantments, and dreaming.

But then Calwyn befriends Darrow, a mysterious Outlander who appears inside the Wall and warns of an approaching danger. To help Darrow, to see the world, and perhaps to save it, Calwyn will leave the safety of the Wall for a journey with a man she barely knows—and an adventure as beautiful and dangerous as the music of chantment itself.

Ingo by Helen Dunmore

Sapphire's father mysteriously vanishes into the waves off the Cornwall coast where her family has always lived. She misses him terribly, and she longs to hear his spellbinding tales about the Mer, who live in the underwater kingdom of Ingo. Perhaps that is why she imagines herself being pulled like a magnet toward the sea. But when her brother, Conor, starts disappearing for hours on end, Sapphy starts to believe she might not be the only one who hears the call of the ocean.

#best childhood book #poll #moon base alpha #adventurers wanted #applewhites #the letter for the king #miracles on maple hill #13 treasures #the birchbark house #poison #the chanters of tremaris #ingo

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mchlgayser · 2 years ago

Note

more w Ney!!

🍶𓂃⭑ᜊ: INJURIES ft neymar jr

🍶𓂃⭑ᜊ an: HELLO! Tbh I need a specific idea but I think I can work out with a drabble ૮ ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶ ა Hope you like this! If you wanted to request again next time, I hope you can sum up with ideas or storyline plot!! Hope you guys enjoy mwahh

🍶𓂃⭑ᜊ content warning: argument and vulgar language

It was truly depressing for you to hear that your boyfriend won't be participating in two of his games because of his ankle injury. Right now, his team physiotherapist is checking on him for any improvement and you waited outside for them.

He finally got out with a crane under one arm to support him 'He was okay, but like I informed you before he won't be able to play until his two next games.' You nodded, hand reaching out for him to hold which he hesitantly did.

The two of you walk to the entrance into his car 'Here let me--' He accidentally pushed your hands away and sough 'I got it.' You shake your head at his usual demeanor and get to the other side and started the engine as it began rumbling.

The ride was quiet, awfully quiet. The only sound heard was the faint radio background 'What happened with your treatment?' You started, hands digging into the steel. For a moment, he was silent '...It was fine..' You hum

Once you reach your home, you jog to the other side to get to him but he's already on his way out 'Y/n stop it, I can do it fine without you.' He exclaims already getting angry 'I just wanted to help...' You murmur, hands trying to hold down to his but he withdrew his hands 'For goodness sake--' Just then he was about to fall but you catch him in time 'Be careful Ney.' You pleaded, eyes hazy and get into the house, leaving him.

He was devastated, at you, at himself and his condition. He went inside seconds later to see you sitting on the couch, head down and your hands gripping your hair 'Oh c'mon, it's not like you are the one with the injury' He remarked with a scoff, you turn your head over to him 'What is it? What's your problem?' You bite back getting up from the couch to leave to your room 'You know I'm actually tired of you trying to rub off shit on me, you know I won't getting better anytime soon? Stop pretending when you know damn well I won't be functioning for a while.' He stated, a vein appearing on the corner of his temple 'I'm certain you are on period because you are so fucking sensitive over something small! I'm fucking tired of your shit, you never know how to to fucking appreciate me when all I'm doing is to make you feel okay, I fucking brought you to your ankle injury appointments! The one who fucking cleaned up for you, cooked for you, bathe you but all you've done is being nothing but an asshole! Can I not be sad for my boyfriend? Can't I feel sorry for him when I know damn well how he's been working his ass hard to get here?!' You yelled at him, eyes burning with warm tears

'I won't leave you because I knew deep down you still need me, even though it'll probably take you a hundred years to admit that but the second you are finally able to accept the fact that you've been nothing but shitty to me these days then you know I won't be anywhere but the room.' You finished up and tread upstairs hurriedly. He hoists a heavy sigh trying his best to sit down feeling numb over his calves.

But instead, he tripped clashing onto the table, his hands accidentally engage with the glass ashtray on the table smashing it everywhere. His elbow is a bleeding a bit and forms a bruise but it wasn't severe. You on the hand, the next wink you heard the sound you rush downstairs seeing Ney in a such terrible state

His face scrunched in both pain and anger, he was trying to stand but to no avail, you stood there waiting, and waiting 'Can you... Please help me..?' He finally asked, head-turning over you with a small lazy smile, you dash to pick him up 'Sit here, I'm gonna go get the aid kit.'

You placed the antiseptic over his elbow, the cotton press again into his wound which make him violently hiss 'That hurts like a bitch!' He cursed, and you soothe him down by subconsciously stroking his knuckles 'There!

You wanted to leave again but he held you back 'I just wanna say that I'm sorry, deeply am. I get it, I've been nothing but shitty to you and I apologize because of that. I don't wanna repeat the same mistake. I'll support you equally just like you did right now, taking care of me and stuff. I am so lucky to have you in my life. I swear, I will try my best to stay positive during my hiatus hoping I could go back and play with my teammates.' He whispered, wavering a sense inside of you making you badly want to cry.

You sat beside him and once again place your hand on top of his. 'I will be here for you alright? We are in this, together and forever.'

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artdivadej · 2 years ago

Text

Survivor’s Remorse (VIII)

Part Eight

NSFW| 18+

Part 9 | Part 10

Peeta's hand just barely manages to catch my wrist, tugging with every ounce of strength he possessed as the claws on my ankles threaten to pull me down to the pits.

"It's ok.... just, let me go!" I smile up at him somberly

"Never!" he snarls through his teeth

Gale and Katniss are with him now, all tugging me up as they yell not to give up. When my body flies through the lip of the cover, Peeta quickly tosses the Holo into the hole. It blows us all a good ten feet forward as guts and blood come flying out the sewer.

My head is in a million pieces. I push Peeta and the rest away from me.

"Go! Leave me here! I can hold them off. They want me! The mutt! Let them have me! I'm staying here where I belong! I'm their mutt!" I snarl unseeing to anything but my reflection in their disgusting eyeless faces as I yank at my hair wildly

Everything is crashing around me, atomic bombs going off in my head. It all burns. From head to toe the flames are swallowing me whole, just as they did to so many in 12.

Until I feel his lips on mine.

I feel whole with the sun overcoming any and all heat that tries to stand up against it, warming every atom of my being, swathing me in the scent of cinnamon and honey. His tongue slides between my lips as his searing kiss envelops me, drowning me with tenderness and passion. The flames are smothering. The bombs quieting. When I open my eyes, I see Peeta with a clarity I hadn't been able to after the Capitol had taken me. His honey toasted eyes hold mine with warmth and fear, the gold flecks pulsing and piercing through to a piece of me they’d attempted to tear from me.

"We promised" he gasps, his hand on my cheek, forehead against mine

"Stay with me" I breath against his lips

"Always"

Our promise. This I remember.

"Let's go" he nods before threading his fingers through mine and tugging me to my feet.

He sprints with me down the corridor. Gale and Pollux each have one of Finnick's arms over their shoulders as we dash forward, winding through the winding path that both Pollux and Cressida seem to have an internal map to.

The only thing keeping me anchored here was Peeta's hand in mine, his fingers squeezing every so often as he pulled me with him. Probably afraid I was still suicidal. Cressida checks the street and leads us to a safehouse as we wind down the intricate Capitol streets. It turns out to be a clothing store for fur and animal print clothing. The woman who opens the doors wears a large hood but, after some quick words about the rebellion and Plutarch from Cressida, she quickly ushers us inside.

When she removes her hood, I feel a deep compassion and kinship with her. So many body modifications to make her look like a tiger. She even had the stripes, eyes, teeth and metallic whiskers coming from both cheeks. This is what Snow wanted to do to me. This is what he could've done, had Haymitch and Cinna not interfered when and as often as they did. She looks me over with curiosity and I can't help but step up to her so we're barely 3 feet apart. Unlike everyone else that usually cowers at my proximity, she smiles. Peeta steps with me, still not trusting to let me go I suppose.

"I know you. You were a stylist for the games. Snow do this to you?"

"When he decided I wasn't committing to my name or pretty enough" she snarls, her pupils expanding with her rage

I tilt my head and smile widely at her, which she returns upon seeing my still bloody teeth.

"Me too. I'm on my way to kill him y'know"

"Sisters" she purrs

"Sisters" I purr back with a nod

She pats my cheek and then leads us to a trapdoor, handing Katniss a first aid duffle that she's thrown some cans of food into. I scrunch my nose at them but Tigress lets me know she understands my dietary needs and there's a few for me too. I give her a grateful smile and obediently let Peeta tug me down the stairs. When he finally releases my hand, we spur into action. Polluck and Finnick lay down a 12-foot by 6-foot mess of fur coats and throw rugs that Cressida dug out. Peeta lies Finnick down on it but he's fighting to keep his eyes open. I don't have much time.

"Take his top off. Every stitch of it" I order beginning to unsnap his vest

"What's wrong?" Gale asks as he and Peeta both start helping me, Pollux holding Finnick upright so we can do this more easily.

Shit. He's lost too much blood. When the shirt comes off, I see the bite has already turned a sickly purplish green.

I knew it.

"Please...don't shoot me. He'll die if you do" I sigh looking around the room "Pollux keep him up just like that"

They look baffled by my request not to be shot but nod their heads all the same. I climb onto Finnick's lap so I'm straddling him and gently tilt his head to the left so it rests against Gale's shoulder. It's hard to ignore the way Peeta's eyes darken, seeing me astride Finnick's hips, after the way he'd made me feel in that tunnel. Now his discomfort actually bothered me.

Unhooking my jaw so I could fully cover the bite, I sink my teeth into the punctures trying to ignore the way everyone around me jumps and moves closer, fighting the urge to rip me off of Finnick. I suck hard and can taste when it starts to fill my mouth along with some of Finnick's blood. I suck until my cheeks are full up. My eyes find one of the empty cans by Peeta's knee and I pick it up, spitting the venom into it before going for the second round. They all gasp as it sizzles inside the can, smelling of rubbing alcohol and acid.

I have to empty my mouth 2 more times before I can taste that his blood is clean again. Finnick has been whimpering in pain and trying to wiggle from beneath me in his sleep, so I wrap my arms around him and grab his shoulders to keep myself anchored. I make sure I fill my mouth with my antivenom before I sink my teeth into his shoulder again. I push what's in my mouth onto the surface and with my teeth I push some straight to his bloodstream. There's an unfamiliar pulsing in my canines but it's not painful. I'm not sure how I know, I just do, that he's clean.

Once satisfied with my work, I let go of his shoulders with a huff of exhaustion, sitting back fully on his lap trying to focus my vision. Peeta looks as if he's swallowed everything that I just sucked out of Finnick. His brows are drawn tight, his plump bottom lip jutted out in distaste as he clenches his jaw.

Ok, I didn't know just how much that would take out of me. I'm not done yet though. The bite is now just an angry red. I know off some strange instinct to lick the wound to speed up the healing process. When I'm done, I gesture to Pollux that he can lay Finnick back down but I don't get off of him immediately. Peeta has been visibly uncomfortable the entire time and it was about to get weirder.

"Katniss, you're next" I huff wiping the sweat from my forehead, one trembling hand now resting on Finnick's chest to keep me upright.

"It's just a scratch, I'm fine. You've done enough" she shakes her head pulling her left forearm into her chest

"Don't worry, I don't have to bite you too. I just need to suck the venom out. Unless, you don't want to keep the arm" I explain with a playful chomp of my teeth that make them clack loudly

"Can it wait? You look like you're about to pass out" Cressida sighs putting her hand to my rapidly warming forehead

"It can't. They're imperfects. My venom and anti-venom trumps theirs. I'm the mutt 2.0. The perfect version. Only got the best of the best" I grin showing my bloody teeth again to accentuate my point

"You're not a mutt" Katniss shakes her head sitting beside Peeta and offering out her arm to me" And I trust you. It's like Cress said, it's just that you've done a lot tonight. Your body will give out soon. We're worried"

"Luckily for you, adrenaline and I are besties"

Cressida hands me a water. I use it to rinse my mouth before trying to turn to Katniss, only to find I'm still glued to Finnick's hips. I don't have the energy to get up and help Katniss.

Fuck.

I turn my face to Peeta's and somehow, he understands what I want without a word, eagerly pulling me off of Finnick. I'm now nestled between Peeta's bent knees, my back leaning against his right that's propped up firmly for support, both of his forearms resting on his knees. He's keeping his hands in my line of sight and I feel gratitude sweep through my frame. Was he always this attentive to my needs?

Katniss places her forearm into my reaching hands and I begin the suction method again. It's much faster since their claw venom is pretty low grade. As I lick her arm to slather the wound in my antivenom, I try my best not to think about how fuckin weird this must look. When I'm finished, I slump back against Peeta, working hard to get my vision to stop swimming.

He's so sturdy.

"Not so useless after all I guess" I snort with a weak smile

"I have no idea how we would have saved them if you weren't here" Gale breathes in awe

I was so dizzy. I'd only had to do that one time before and not half as much back then. I really hoped Peeta didn't let me fall onto my face. If I'd never been vulnerable around him before, I certainly had no choice but to be now. My heart was racing and I wasn't sure if I liked his heat warming me from the inside out right now. Honestly, trying to process the fact that I'm still here because he'd refused to let me go was enough to drain me.

God I was so tired.

"Get some sleep kiddo" Cressida grins at me with a pat to my cheek

"Wait!"

Peeta looks down at me and I'm genuinely surprised his proximity doesn't bother me in the slightest as his jaw brushes my hair.

"Chain me back up first" I huff fighting my drooping lids as I gesture toward the beam at the bottom of the stairs.

"No"

It's only one word but everyone feels the command in it as his body hardens around me. I get that I just helped, but I still felt that programming to sink my teeth into something tickling the back of my consciousness. Yes, his warmth brought me comfort and security. Right now. But that could be just because I'm exhausted. What about when I had energy?

"Peeta please. I still feel that weird mutt animosity from back in the tunnel. I'm tired now but...I don't know about when I wake up" I plead as my voice cracks

Katniss and Cressida exchange a look before making another pallet big enough for the three of us over by the stairs. Peeta waits patiently for them to gesture him over, clearly intending to carry me since I had no strength left in my limbs. I'm practically asleep by that point, but him rising with me still in his arms, reminds me again just how strong he really is behind those deceptive boyish good looks. He lightly eases me down onto the soft furs and brushes my sweaty bang out of my face, leaving a tender kiss to my forehead that should have bothered me, as he just watches me for a moment. I can't help but offer a weak but grateful smile.

I miss his warmth right away.

Cressida sighs despondently but does as I ask and loops my restraint around the pole above my head.

"Get some rest. We'll be here"

"And I'll be right over there. Call for me if you need me" Peeta smiles trailing his fingers down my cheek

I nod and fall asleep the moment my eyes close.

I awake with a start 2 hours later, covered in sweat and panting fearfully. It's Katniss' hand I feel running through my hair as she faces me on the pallet, trying to soothe my night terrors. Primrose told me this was a specialty of hers and I instantly understand it. It calms my racing heart relatively quickly.

"Wanna talk about it?"

"No. I'll talk about anything else though" I sigh pulling myself into a sitting position where Katniss happily undoes the restraints around the beam so I can sit with my hands in my lap.

My stomach grumbles and this is when Cressida sits up, handing me a can of pork cuts she'd apparently saved for me. I happily take it and start to pull the chunks out to scarf the can down. I was ravenous after the healing bites.

"So... since it's just us girls" Cressida starts with an uncharacteristically childlike mischief in her voice

I lower the can and peek over to the boy's pallet in a panic. They're all fast asleep, surrounding Finnick to keep him warm and stable so he doesn't agitate his wounds. When I meet her inquisitive gaze again, I quirk a brow at her, wondering what she'd want to possibly talk about with just the girls.

"I heard a little...rumor about one of your breakfasts"

My eyes dart to Katniss and I put my can down, despite how badly I want to finish it.

"About that. Katniss, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean what I said. I was," I juggle what the right word for it was. Her smoky grey meets my bright silver with interest. No point in lying now. To them or myself "Jealous. It wasn't fair to say those things to you. Especially in front of everyone"

I want to look away but I don't want to seem disingenuous so I hold her steady gaze. At first, she says nothing until she can't help the smirk on her lips as she tries not to flat out laugh. Well damn. Was it that pathetic?

"I get it. I was irritated at the time but I knew not to take it personal" She smiles "Jealous huh? Of what?"

Cressida scooches closer and cups her cheeks while grinning at us. I've never hung out with a group of girls so close to my age. Is...is this what a sleepover was like? Was this girl talk? Might as well enjoy it.

"How close you two were. I mean, I was scared of him but...I wanted him too. Does that make sense?"

"It does to me" she shrugs

"Me too" Cressida agrees opening a can of her own where the smell of peaches irritates me momentarily

"Was what you said about the train true?"

"I thought it was" I shrug picking up another piece of ham then freezing as I realize all of it wasn't a lie. "Well, some of it was"

"This was my question!" Cressida giggles wiggling her hips

"What was?" I ask with a raised brow

"Your guards. Flira is my cousin. She told me some of what you said. Is it true, about Peeta?" her voice lowers a little as she sneaks a peek over her shoulder to make sure the boys are still sleeping

"Is what true?" I chuckle downing the rest of the can and picking up a water as I tried to remember all the things I claimed he said or did.

Not exactly an easy chore since I was still trying to figure out what memories actually belonged to me.

"Is he really hung?" she whispers

I can't help but choke on my water as I catch her and Katniss both inspecting my face inquisitively. Oh! They're both curious. I sneak another glimpse over at Peeta, grateful he's still asleep, or this would be mortifying. The steady rise and fall of his chest is strangely hypnotic and I watch it for a minute as I consider what to divulge. I tear my eyes away before I'm trapped and look back to the eager girls.

"Before I answer, I'd like to throw in that we've never done...it. I thought so, but that was Mean Peeta"

"What do you mean?"

"I have memories of Peeta and I...you know. But he helped me see a few days ago that it wasn't real. They were Capitol memories. What I do remember...he's sweet. Patient. Gentle. Kind. Affectionate" I explain further. I never really had to explain that there were two Peeta's constantly waging war in my mind this in-depth before. And I definitely wasn't going to talk to that moron shrink doctor in 13 about it. "I'm trying to learn to separate them. So, there's Sweet Peeta and Mean Peeta right now. Sweet Peeta is vocal. Calls me pretty, baby, sweetness. I like it" I’m looking down at my fingers as I explain this, wringing my hands out feeling flustered at the admission and the memories it sparked to talk about it.

Oh God stop talking!

"Mmm. Sounds nice" Cressida hums taking on a thoughtful look

"He's always been a gentle person. I just didn't think he'd be so....whoo" Katniss fans herself playfully while taking a swig of my water

Maybe I wasn't such an abomination to them after all? And honestly, this girl talk stuff was pretty fun.

"So...is it true?"

"Oh, it's true alright" I whisper with a giggle

"Long or thick?" Cressida whispers

"Both" I whisper back with a playful purr

The three of us break out in a fit of giggles and for the first time, since Johanna came running to tell me she was allowed topside for 2 hours a day, I feel good.

"What're you pretty ladies giggling about?" Finnick's groggy voice comes from the other pallet across the cellar

We all visibly jump and turn our heads to see him struggling to sit up. I'm about to head for him, but Peeta is up beside him, helping Finnick slide into a comfortable sitting position. I can see that they'd patched and bandaged up his shoulder while I slept. Peeta didn't look groggy like Finnick did as he rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Peeta was more or less alert.

He'd been playing possum.

Shit. How much had he heard?

"Girl talk. None of your business Odair" Cressida teases poking her tongue out at him

"I bet it was about us. You've got the two hottest Victors asleep and at your mercy. I bet you felt me up, didn't you?" He teased with a wink, wincing a little when he tilts his head

"In your wildest dreams maybe" she snorts

"How are you feeling Finnick?" Katniss adds cutting her eyes to me, probably having noticed Peeta's alertness too. She was a natural hunter just like I was, there's no way she didn't notice.

"Like something bit the shit out of me" He laughs

"Yeah, that was me. Sorry about that Finn. Had to get the imperfects venom outta you" I explain feeling genuinely bad I had to hurt him further in order to help him

"Didn't know that, but thanks. Are you ok? Did the venom hurt you?"

Now everyone is looking at me and I realize I never really did explain anything about my enhancements to anyone before. I was still figuring them out myself, so I didn't talk about it much.

"It can't"

"Why not?" Katniss asks with a tilt of the head

"Beetee, Prim and Plutarch have been conducting some tests and they found some answers but not all of them. My file is sealed up tight in the Capitol's networks so I don't know a lot but, I can tell you what I know. Just as he did Tigress, Snow modified my genetic code with some kind of feline DNA. My eyes can see in the dark when I focus enough. They'd ripped my canines out and replaced them with their own, sharper and infused with some kind of reptile's that makes the ducts venomous when I have malicious intent. But, my saliva works as a natural anti-venom.

I noticed when I first got sent to this squad that my venom was purple. That wasn't normal. I was used to it being a dark red. There seems to be different kinds in my ducts that react off of my intent. I'm still puzzling that out though. I'm one of Snow's favorite trophies. His splicing doesn't always produce the best results as you've seen in Tigress. It's why he tortured me but made sure not to destroy the things that he took pride in" I explain no longer looking at them but at my nails.

Nails that used to be so normal but now resembled claws, unable to grow any way but sharp. What was I really? Not a mutt? But still a monster.

"That's what the meat thing is about" Gale hums popping his muscles as he stretches out beside Finnick

"Can't help it. I didn't understand why Snow had them giving me only fruits and vegetables. After my first week I got it. I was in pain all the time because I couldn't give my body the nourishment it needed. They found that shit funny. Watching me cry because of some fuckin carrots!" I snap

"Cruelty is a specialty of Snow's" Finnick snorts as he stands and makes his way over to our pallet

He plops down in front of me, wounded shoulder directly in front of me. Katniss turns too and begins to unwrap her bandaged arm.

"You mind checking it for me?"

"You promise to put a shirt on if I do?" I tease

"If the exam satisfies me" he shrugs

Cressida gingerly unwraps the bandage and I shift up onto my knees to inspect it. I'm struck with a wave of dizziness that rattles my equilibrium so much so, that I'm pitched forward, unable to control any of my limbs. Finnick's left arm comes around my waist and catches me before my head can hit his knee, landing against his damp chest instead. Damn, maybe I really did overdo it? I feel warm hands on my shoulders, knowing who it is without having to look, as they tug me back quickly.

"Maybe you should rest a little more" Peeta whispers in my ear

"I-I'm ok just doing this. I'll sleep right after. I swear" I explain shaking my head to try and clear the haze

"Ok" he acquiesces, his hands still on my shoulders

He'd been silent this entire time. My head on Finnick's bare chest must have been his breaking point. He eases down behind me, his arms on either side of me, hands about to rest on my thighs before he realizes what he's doing and drops them to the fur pelts. I shake my head and pull them back up, placing his heated palms atop my thighs so he's practically snuggling me from behind. I should be ready to fight but that kiss in the tunnel awoke something in me I couldn't smother back to sleep. I still felt an irrational anxiety around him but it was much easier to ignore now.

"Just don't let me go, in case I fall again" I mumble hoping that this eases some of his concerns

I just admitted seeing him with Katniss made me jealous, I can understand the feeling on his end now. Straddling Finnick and now my head on his sweaty chest? If he felt the way people told me he did about me, this had to be driving him insane.

"I've got you" he nods against my temple

I lean forward a little, his warm hands steadying me as my torso attempts to rock side to side, and place my hands on Finn's upper right arm. He lowers his shoulder since he's taller than me and when I take my perusal of it, I'm glad to see my saliva did the trick for the skin. The circle of punctures from the rows of sharp teeth were all healing and had a flesh layer of skin scabbed over them. Katniss' arm is the same. Her wounds look days old. Good. They wouldn't scar too badly.

I roll my tongue over both healing wounds and listen for the soft sizzle before it sinks into their skin. They both shiver for a second and I smirk happily. It worked! There's a euphoria that ensues from my antivenom, when I engage it, that tingles the muscles from head to toe to help ease the pain. When everyone peers down at their skin, the flesh is now a soft pink.

"Holy shit" Gale breaths

"I told you...Mutt 2.0" I chuckle heartily then instantly regret it when I'm hit with another wave of dizziness.

A choked sound leaves my throat as I fully crumple into Peeta, vision going dark as I clutch the front of his vest for dear life while I'm pulled under in terror.

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