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acourtofwhatthefuck · 1 year ago

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Practice On Me — Part Fourteen — Azriel x Reader

Summary: Reader is readying herself for the ball. Hot Daddy Fin™️ opens up to her a little and shares some worrying truths (and then some). Azriel and Reader reunite, body and soul.

Word Count: 8.2k

Warnings: Adult content, 18+, NSFW, minors dni.

Tried my best with this part but sorry if it's a bit iffy! This girlie is ill as FUCK. Still hope you enjoy, tho, loves!

“You know, I have to admit, I was dubious at first.”

Mor is knelt at your feet, and you think this might be the closest you ever come to having a goddess on her knees before you. A strange part of you wants her to snap out and sink her teeth into your thigh, leave a bright red mark on the skin — but alas, her attention is fully on the hem of your gown.

“My uncle, love him though I do, is a calculated bastard.” She pushes to her feet, straightening out the fabric. “But I think he actually enjoys your company.”

“He does.” Roza pitches in from her place on the couch. “I know Fin. Y/N has him eating out of the palm of her hand.”

Though she smiles, her tone is laced with clear concern. Not because she cares about Fin, but because she cares about you. Doesn’t want you to forget that this is the High Lord of the Night Court you’re meddling with.

“Males are vapid and predictable, every last one of them.” You shrug your tense shoulders. “Throw them a few pretty smiles and they’ll do anything for you.”

Mor steps back, a low whistle leaving her. “Forget the males. I’ll do anything for you.”

Her eyes rake over your gown. So do Roza’s. And you…you want to crawl out of your skin and hide.

You’ve never owned a beautiful gown like this, never been able to afford one. The couple of dresses you do keep amongst your clothes are plain ones that just about do for special occasions. What hangs off your body now is…a work of art.

Almost feels like sacrilege for the beautiful fabric to touch your marred skin.

It’s sheer, showing off more than you’ve ever before dared to, and yet there’s a modesty, an elegance, to the many whorls and swirls made up entirely of little blue jewels and pearls and beads. It gives the gown a weight that makes it cling to you, and it outlines a body that…that quite frankly, you’d never considered beautiful until this very moment.

A body that commands the garment, and not the other way round. That makes you feel like far more than just another mistreated, unfavoured Illyrian female that will one day be lost to history.

This gown makes you think: I do not need the wings I have spent my life longing for.

It makes you think: There is nothing more beautiful than a good spirit and soul, and I have both.

It makes you think: Never again will anyone — friend or family or foe — make you feel less than worthy. Less than deserving. Less than strong.

You have always had strength. And this dress somehow amplifies it. Will amplify it to a room full of people who will see, through that sheer fabric, your scars, your lack of wings, and they may pity you, or not pity you at all, or may even laugh.

But you will still be beautiful.

Movement has you realising that tears have blurred your eyes. You swipe them away, and Mor is smiling at you, and Roza looks like she’s a little choked up, too.

“You are so godsdamned gorgeous.” Mor says earnestly. “Every last inch of you.”

Indeed, you glance over your shoulder at the mirror behind you, your gaze immediately finding your scars sitting brutal and undeniable beneath the sheer fabric. You don’t hurriedly force your gaze away like you have done your whole life, don’t try to avoid them.

You just…look. Look at what has been a part of you for so long, now.

“…Mor?” Roza says quietly. “Can you…give Y/N and I a moment?”

“Of course.” Mor agrees. “Time for me to find a snack.”

The stunning blonde squeezes your hand as she strolls past, and as she leaves the room, the door is pulled shut behind her.

Roza rises from her seat, making her way over to you. And as she stops before you, her hands move up to cup your face.

“Did you know,” she murmurs, “that I’ve always thought you were one of the prettiest females in all of Windhaven?” A soft scoff leaves you, but before you can glance down, she’s holding your face firmly. “I mean that — even when Azriel brought you to the cottage that very first time, and you were covered in dirt and mud, your hair all knotted, a leaf or two in there — you thanked me for feeding you, and you gave me a smile that was just like…sunshine. Such a rare thing in Windhaven. I remember thinking, this girl deserves to smile like that, always.”

A single tear spills down your cheek, and Roza wipes it away. She definitely looks like she might start bawling, too — a rare thing for her.

“I know you were never given much of a chance to feel worthy.” She whispers. “Your mother abandoning you…your father taking your wings…they were the two people who were supposed to love you more than anyone, and they broke you and left you broken.”

“You put me back together.” A lump in your throat fractures your words. “You and Rhys and Azriel and Cassian. Your love—”

“My little dove, you put yourself back together. We just loved you through it. I just want you to know that…I just want you to remember, the next time you feel worthless, that you are beautiful, and you have always been beautiful. You’re strong, and spirited, and determined. You have a resolve like no other I have ever seen, and you can do anything — which is why I know you will achieve whatever it is you’re planning with Fin.”

Only then does your gaze drop. “I only wish to appeal myself to him enough that he’ll value my opinion — that this Fenlaros business cannot go ahead. But I still feel awful…he’s your mate.”

“Gods, in the loosest definition, Y/N.” Her hands move to yours, then, liking them together. “Believe me when I say that if it weren’t for my children, I’d never see that male again. I think you know that I do not hold him in high regard.”

“I do know. But I respect you and care about you more than anyone in the world. And if you feel even a shred of discomfort about what I’m doing, I’ll stop. I’ll find another way—”

“The only discomfort I feel,” she squeezes your hands gently, “is at the thought of any harm coming to you. But I’ll feel that way through everything you do in life, because I love you. I also feel awe, because you’re brave and brilliant, and you’re doing what’s right. What I will teach this little girl,” she places your hands on her swollen belly, “to do — to stand up against what is wrong, and do so without a lick of shame.”

“I’ll protect her with my life, you know — the babe. I’ll love her unconditionally.”

“And she will love you, my dove, just as I do. So,” she steps back, eyes your dress again. A smile curves her lips. “Do whatever it is you have to do, Y/N, to change Fin’s mind — you have my full support. I only ask three things of you.”

Your expression softens. Anything — you’d do anything for her. “Of course, Roz.”

“First, don’t get caught with your scheming.” She says. “And second — you may feel like murdering Fin. Gods, believe me, I get it. But please do refrain. He’s my children’s father, after all, and Rhys isn’t ready to be High Lord just yet.”

You breathe a laugh, dipping your chin. “No murder. Got it. And the third thing?”

Roza steps up to you, her fingers finding the beautiful, jewelled material that clings to you like a second skin. She smiles.

“Go to that ball,” her fierce eyes meet yours, “and show everybody there that your father didn’t take one bit of beauty away from you.”

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

You pace the length of your room. Back and forth, back and forth. You’re restless tonight.

Day after day is swept behind you like the snow that blankets the mountains. Time is a racing thing. Starfall is fast approaching, and thus, so is the ball. But you still feel as though you can’t get a good read on Fin’s thoughts.

No matter how many dinners you share with him, how many walks through the city streets you take together, the shows you watch in the Rainbow…he does not offer you the candidness with which he spoke through that very first conversation in his study. Any attempts to talk about Tathaln, about Fenlaros, are promptly diverted. He wants to talk about you — wants to know you.

It feels like the opportunity to stop this shit show in its tracks is slipping through your fingers, and you can’t grab hold of it, pull it back.

So instead of sleeping, you think, and you pace, and you—

Gods, you just want to see Azriel.

How much space, you wonder, is enough space? You have respected his needs, have kept to Velaris, given him time to confront his innermost thoughts and feelings. But you don’t know how long he needs, and right now…right now, all you want is to see him. Look into his eyes. Hear that soft, quiet voice telling you that everything will be okay.

You need to know if he’s made a decision about Fenlaros. You’ve tried not to think about it, not to dwell on the possibility that he could choose to run from his feelings over embracing them. But the longer the silence stretches on…the more you find that hole in your heart gaping, threatening to swallow you whole.

You pace more and more, up and down in time to the ticking of the clock. It’s a wonder you haven’t worn a track through the carpet. You don’t know why you’re suddenly so antsy, but perhaps if you could just talk to Az, some of your worries could be allayed—

Before your thoughts can catch up with your body, you’re tearing through the drawers in the desk, scrambling for paper, a pen. Practically throw yourself into the chair. A letter — a letter will do the trick—

But you don’t know what to write.

You stare at the blank parchment like the words will simply appear by your willing. They don’t.

A love letter? No, no, not a love letter. Just a letter to…to remind him that you are still here. That you are reason to stay in Windhaven, and you think you could be reason enough.

Azriel… you picture him as you crawl his name. His honey-golden eyes and his silken hair. The sharp bone structure that could slice through paper, the full lips. The memory of how those lips feel is fading, and you want — need — it back. Your pen pauses, hovers at the parchment, and those lips are all you can think of, the urgency with which you crave them.

Azriel, you write again, I want to see you. I need you, too—

A soft knock lands on the door, and the pen clatters against the desk where you drop it.

The clock has just timed three in the morning — the knock is an unexpected obtrusion in the dead of night. One that makes you anxious.

But a second knock comes, and you shove the parchment and pen back into the drawer, scrambling to your feet. Perhaps it’s Roza — the more the pregnancy progresses, it’s not unusual for her to wake up in the night with need for something. You hurry over and tug it open.

Fin stands on the other side, looking…unkempt. His hair is mussed, like he’s been dragging his fingers through it. The first few buttons on his shirt have been undone, and a glimpse of a fine, chiselled chest peeks out. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows. He looks as though he hasn’t been to bed.

He drinks in the sight of you in your nightgown, bathed in the room’s glow. He swallows. “Forgive me, I…I saw your light on. Thought you might be having trouble sleeping again.”

You incline your head. “I was.” You admit. “…And you?”

“Too much in my head to even attempt it.”

You’re not sure what to reply with, how to help. Fin watches you closely like…like he needs to. Like gazing at you brings him comfort.

You are treading a very, very dangerous path. But you shift on your feet and ask him, “Would you like to come in?”

A tiny nudge of a smile pulls one side of his mouth up. “I was actually wondering if you’d allow me to take you somewhere.”

Your eyes widen a little. The surprise isn’t for show, and it seems to please him. “Right now?”

“The City of Starlight doesn’t sleep. Ever.”

A fact you’ve learned all too well during your stay here. There’s always some sort of activity, something going on that sends a constant pulsing through the city streets. For some reason, you hadn’t imagined Fin to be a participant in the night life.

“It’s somewhere I go when I can’t sleep.” He explains, as though you’ve spoken your thoughts loud and clear. “I think you’d like it. And from one insomniac to another, I…I would be honoured to share it with you.”

How can you possibly say no to that? For all Fin is mysterious, for all he keeps his cards tightly pressed against his chest, you truly believe that he finds a strange sort of solidarity in this one affliction that burdens you both. You may have wildly different reasons for pacing your room at night — and you’re not sure he’ll ever tell you his — but when the world is too quiet and thoughts are too loud…there’s comfort in knowing that somebody else is staring down those early hours, also.

It almost makes him seem…normal.

And perhaps that’s why you offer him a dazzling smile that isn’t entirely disingenuous. “From one insomniac to another,” you say, “I’d love to come with you.

The way his eyes light up makes you wonder if you’ve played your role, appealed yourself to him, a little too well. “Then I’ll wait here while you get dressed.”

You incline your head. “I’ll just be a moment.”

He waits patiently as you change from your nightgown into warm clothes that will shield you from the freezing night air. With no indication of where you might be going, a sweater and breeches and boots seems like the safest bet. You sweep your hair out of your face and shrug the weariness from your bones. When you emerge from the room, Fin’s gaze traces you like you’ve donned an evening gown and not the thickest layers you could fine.

“I find you so very intriguing.” He comments unexpectedly, and you’re not sure what he means.

You plaster a smile on your face, all the same. “Where are we going, Lord of the Night?”

Heat stokes his hickory eyes, and he looks as though he’s actually trying to tamp down on a broad smile. “It’s a surprise.”

You hold a hand out. He takes it. “Then surprise me.”

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

“Tilt your head up.” The instruction comes from close behind you. Near enough that a warm breath tickles the back of your neck. You dutifully obey. “Now, open your eyes.”

Your eyelids flutter open slowly, cautiously. What you’re met with has your next breath catching in your throat.

A dome of starlight arcs high above you. The twinkling jewels in the sky feel almost close enough to reach out and touch, and they shine brilliantly through the glass roof, an occasional transient one cartwheeling its way past in pursuit of another place.

You can only stare. Gape. Your feet move forward a couple of steps, but your face remains tilted upwards.

You were in this building only a couple of evenings before, but it had been so packed, then, so filled with music and chatter and laughter and activity, that you hadn’t noticed what sat above your head. You’d been far too enamoured with the performers, their poetic verses and fluid dances, the tragic climax that had brought you to tears.

Now, the largest theatre in Velaris’s rainbow is empty and bathed in darkness, broken only by silvery moonlight. You and Fin are the only two here. And standing on the gargantuan stage, a mass of empty, folded seats staring back at you, you have the perfect view of the night sky that gives a performance all of its own above you.

There are soft footsteps, and Fin is also stepping forward, stopping at your side. “In over nine centuries, I’ve never tired of that sight,”

You shake your head, a little dazed. You’re lost for words. “I can see why.”

“There is so much unexpected, so much chaos and burden, in being High Lord. But no matter what I may face, what choices I make, and what reactions they receive…there will always be the night sky and its stars.”

Only then do you remove your gaze from the domed glass ceiling — to drink him in and wonder how many layers deep his true heart lies. This male who is as cunning and cruel as he is handsome and charming. How many dimensions does he have that you’ve never stopped to consider?

“I know it doesn’t exactly support the imagine of a calculated High Lord who shouldn’t be crossed.” Fin says, staring had at the surface of the stage whilst a wry smile graces his lips. “Sneaking off to an empty theatre in the dead of night when sleep evades me. But I find…peace here.”

You eye the ginormous building around you, dipped in shimmering moonlight and the shadows of twinkling stars. All those empty seats, the vacant orchestra pit, the stage that has trapped so many beautiful voices and words, guided so many dances and echoed so much beautiful music. There’s a haunting loneliness to the desolation. And you can’t help wondering if…if Fin relates to that, somehow.

When you snap out of your thoughts, you find he’s moved again. Now, he sits on the very edge of the stage, legs hanging down and palms bracing him. He stares out at the rows and rows of red velvet seats, not one of them disturbed by a spectator.

You’re moving before you tell yourself to. Sitting at his side and tucking your legs beneath you. You spend a short time in still silence, but the heaviness of the High Lord’s thoughts seems to spread to every corner of the building.

“When you brought me here the other night,” you angle yourself towards him, “it was my first time in a theatre — ever. I never saw a show before.”

A very slight frown pinches Fin’s features. He seems to consider that. “One of my flaws, Y/N, I have to admit, is that I often forget that there’s a world outside of my privilege. That people lack where I never will.” He tugs his bottom lip between his teeth. “Roza was right to take Rhysand to Windhaven. He’s grown with a humility that I very much do not have.”

You snort softly. “I spend a lot of time with your son, My Lord. I assure you he’s just as capable of arrogance. I’ve kicked his ass a good few times because of it.”

A quiet laugh rasps from him. “Somehow, I don’t doubt that.” He pauses, and then his elbow is gently nudging you. “I told you, anyway — it’s Fin. I consider us to be friends. Don’t you?”

In some ways, you really do. Ans what a lying, using, devious little friend you are.

Especially as you scoot closer to him. And you’re softening your features and staring openly at him.

You don’t miss the way his gaze falls to your lips.

“I do.” You say, and he lifts his eyes to yours again. “And as your friend, I’d like to know what weighs so heavily on your mind tonight.”

His mile falters. And you don’t want to lose him, to let the moment slip away from you. You quickly grab his hand before he can tense up.

“I want you to talk to me…” You make your voice soft as butter, sweet as honey. “I like talking to you, Fin.”

There’s a beat. A tense one. And then his body is loosening, relaxing, his eyes becoming infinitely warmer.

His hand wraps around yours, the pad of his thumb tracing your nail. “I like talking to you, too.” He admits, and pauses again. “…War is…a great likelihood, Y/N.”

It’s your turn to go still, then, to tense up. Icy cold surprise bolts through you. That…isn’t what you were expecting.

“War?” You breathe, your mind already conjuring images of your friends on a battlefield. “With whom? When?”

“I do not know when. It could be in a year’s time; it could be in a decade. That all depends on how long it takes for humans to rise up and rally against our kind.”

“Humans?”

“There has been more and more pushback, in recent years, from humans. Humans who are enslaved by our kind and are sick of it. More and more of them are beginning to stand up against it, to protest how they’re forced to live. They’re willing to go to war over it. I don’t know when or where, but they will. In years to come, they will.”

“As they should.” You sit up straight. Perhaps it’s the wrong thing to say, but you don’t care. “They should revolt. I think it’s barbarous, the way our kind treat them. Their purpose is not to serve us. They have just as much right to live freely as we do.”

You mean it, mean it with your whole heart. You know what it’s like to be used for somebody’s personal gain, what it’s like to have freedom always lurking just out of reach. And you’ve heard about the treatment of enslaved humans. Most would rather die that live under the cruelty of their fae masters. That the practice hasn’t been outlawed utterly sickens you.

Fin says nothing for a while. His hand continues to hold yours. His eyes drink you down with a muted intensity. Like this is the first time he’s ever really taken you in.

“I agree.” He murmurs, much to your surprise. “And when war comes — and it will, and I’m preparing for it — when war comes, I will fight alongside the humans. To liberate them.”

You look at him, then — a male who has lived for almost a millennia, but doesn’t look a day over forty. Who is so universally feared, who carries a reputation for things you can’t even bear to consider. You will not fool yourself into believing that the darkness hides an inner light, or that the cruelty is a front. He is not soft and he is not kind.

But perhaps he’s not totally bad, either. That he would put himself in the firing line for the liberation of innocent humans…it has to speak somewhat to his character.

It almost makes you regret your scheming, your manipulating.

Before you can muster a response, the High Lord is leaning closer. Your body tenses as his face stops inches away from yours.

“You need not be afraid of me, Y/N.” He whispers. “I find you…magnificent. I like that you don’t filter yourself in front of me, that you’re not afraid to speak your true thoughts and feelings. You…you are an asset. Worth so much more than you’ve ever been given credit for.”

Your gaze dips, cheeks burning at the compliment. “I don’t know about that—”

“I mean it.” His finger hooks under your chin, soothing the skin there. “Magnificent.” He repeats, and he’s leaning in closer, closer, until his lips are coasting your flushed cheek. The kiss he presses there is cold in contrast, but you have no chance to react as his mouth brushes its way to the shell of your ear and lingers there. “Absolutely brilliant. And do you know what?”

“…What?”

“After the ball is over,” his breath tickles your ear, “I’m going to bring you back here, to this stage. And those stars above our heads will watch as I strip you bare and fuck you hard enough to shake the building.”

It takes every morsel of your resolve not to start at the words. You release a shaky breath — one that makes you seem eager, responsive. It’s convincing enough that you don’t think you’d be out of place up here on this stage.

Thankfully, you don’t have to drag words from your spinning thoughts. Fin lets go, and he pulls back, rising to his feet.

“But until then,” he holds a hand out for you, “there is much to be done. Starting with you and I getting a good night’s sleep.”

You wear a mild smile as you allow him to pull you up. “A girl can dream.”

“And so can a High Lord.”

You don’t say much else to each other as he tugs you close and spirits you back to his palace. You are both pensive, and you are both tired.

But when he bids you goodnight outside your bedroom and strolls off to his own, sleep seems further away than ever. You’re thinking too much at once. Humans. War. Fin. Azriel.

You still desperately want to see Az, talk to him.

You dig back into the drawer, meaning to retrieve the letter you’d started to write.

But your hand merely knocks against wood, and the letter is gone.

✧: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

You’re tempted — to write another letter, or note, or…whatever. You don’t even know what became of the first, unfinished one, whether it made its way to Azriel or not.

But days pass, and you…you begin to lose your nerve a little. Perhaps it’s better to live in ignorance for as long as possible than know, either way, what Azriel is thinking. Choosing. Can’t help feeling that the more time pedals on without a word…the worse the outcome will be.

Distractions help. But tonight, it would seem, there are none. And it’s strange, because everything around you is bathed in luxury, in excellence, but you find yourself missing the stripped back simplicity of Windhaven. The crumbling cottages, the mead hall, the rough-and-tumble way of life. There’s always something happening in that harrowing place, something to keep you occupied. As you stare down an evening in a huge, mostly empty palace, you’re actually struck by your longing for it. Both Roza and Fin are busy. Mor is away. Only the mountains and the distant sounds of the city are your companions tonight.

And once again, your thoughts take you to Azriel.

You think maybe this need for him is getting out of hand. And maybe it’s just the sugar-sweet things that Fin has been speaking into your ear, the knowledge that deep down, there’s only one person you want to make such promises to you—

No. It’s not just that. Not just a pathetic influence of suggestive words. It’s a need.

You need Azriel.

Your closest friend. Your safety blanket. The male who saved you and brought you into the fold of a loving, supportive unit. You stared down awkward adolescence together, faced such trying times by each other’s sides.

And you need him.

Your heart, your body, your skin, is hot and heavy with it. Restless. Like the craving is pulling you apart from the inside.

You need to do something, anything, to occupy yourself; take a late-night stroll, read a book. Anything to stop you from staring at the ceiling and being eaten alive by the fire that scorches your veins.

You’re so desperate to get moving that you don’t bother to grab a jacket — just shove your feet into your shoes. A spring mildness has blanketed the city, anyway. You’ll be fine. You just need to move—

But you yank your bedroom door open, and Azriel is on the other side.

His beauty punches you straight in the gut.

He’s a vision, stood there in casual clothing, a note — your note — clutched in his hand. He takes in the sight of you just as hurriedly.

“What are you doing here,” you breathe.

He opens his mouth. Closes it. His eyes rove you again, and he swallows. “I got your note.” He answers. “I wanted to see you, too, and…the High Lord summoned Rhys, Cass and I here…to warn us to be on our best behaviour at the ball.”

You can’t say anything. Can’t speak. You just gawk like a godsdamned fool.

A strange concoction of a frown and a laugh comes from Az. “I…snuck away after…to come here—”

Before you even know what you’re doing, your hand is bunching in the front of Azriel’s shirt, and you’re dragging him into the room with all your strength. He looks bewildered as you shove the door shut behind him.

“Az, have you lost your mind?” You round on him. “If Fin knew you’d come to my room—”

“He isn’t here.” He cuts you off. “Cass went straight back to Windhaven, and Rhys knew I wanted to see you, so…he’s currently having quality family time with Roza and his father in the city.”

There’s a lot to unpack. But all your mind wants to zero in on is that one little sentence — Rhys knew I wanted to see you.

Pathetic, how your entire stomach flips.

“…You call him Fin?”

It takes a moment for your mind to catch up enough to understand Azriel’s question.

“We’ve been living under the same roof.” You shrug slowly. “I…guess he got tired of me using his title.”

Az stares at you, assessing. You’re not sure what he’s looking for, but you fidget under the intensity of his gaze.

“What is it?” You ask him.

“I’m worried about you. I know he’s taking you to the ball. I don’t want you playing his games.”

You purse your lips. “…That why you snuck here to my room, Az? To give me a warning—”

“I came here because you said you wanted to see me, and I want to see you, too.”

So open — for him. So straightforward that for a beat, you’re not sure how to react.

But then you’re moving, and so is he, and your bodies slam together in a tight, long-awaited embrace. Feeling his arms wrap around you is…everything. Everything you’ve missed and longed for. Everything you will ever long for. Whatever happens…Azriel is the only thing you’ll need, when all is said and done.

And that’s why you’re suddenly crying, clinging to him.

On instinct, Azriel’s arms tighten around you. He moves a hand up to cradle the back of your head, and he whispers, “Y/N…”

“Please don’t leave Windhaven.” The words choke out of you. “Please, Az, just…don’t go to Fenlaros. Please—”

“Y/N. Look at me.”

Tears and all, you do. You remain as close to him as you possibly can as you lift your head to meet his eyes.

You don’t know how you know, but you do — from that one, heavy stare, you can tell that things have changed. That he has changed. He looks like the same, stunning male that you’ve always admired, but something else sits on his face.

Emotion.

Determination.

Fire.

He opens his mouth. Takes a slow, shuddering breath that you feel through every inch of your body. And then he says, with utter clarity, “I’m not going anywhere.”

You almost break all over again. But he keeps talking, keeps sharing.

“I love you. No — I’m in love with you. I love you more than I can put into words. I want you and only you, and I’m not leaving you. The only reason I would ever walk out of that camp is if you were by my side, and we were leaving together.”

You are…weightless. Boneless. Held up only by Azriel’s arms. A tear rolls down your cheek, and you allow it to fall to the carpet.

“My handling of my feelings,” Az stares down at you, “has been one huge fuck up. I loved you long before you offer to let me practice intimacy on you. Experiencing those things with you…the things you made me feel…only brought those feelings to the surface. And instead of facing them as I should have done, I hid behind Kaeda to avoid them. But it was never about Kaeda. It was always you. It will always be you. And I’m scared, Y/N, I’m fucking terrified. But I’m done running. Done hiding.”

Silence sweeps into the room on swift wings, and you are suddenly incapable of thought, and of somehow turning it into words. Without Azriel’s voice to distract you, you’re aware of the tremors that wrack through his body. As though this is the scariest thing in the world to him, and he’s trying to hold strong against it.

It probably is.

He studies you closely. Croaks out, “Please say something.”

And perhaps it’s giving him the wrong impression entirely, but you’re stepping out of his arms and putting space between you. You just…need to gather your thoughts. To remember how to speak.

“I…” You blink. “I handled it badly, too.”

“It doesn’t matter—”

“I made selfish choices. I…I acted out of jealousy because I wanted you, but you and Kaeda were…”

He shakes his head resolutely. “What I told you before was true. I never touched Kaeda like that. Even before I found out about all that Fenlaros shit, I think I knew that I wouldn’t. That I couldn’t.”

A fact that breaks your heart. Your eyes fill with tears again. “But I still did. Cass and I—”

“Cassian was there for you when I should have been, and I had no right — none — to react the way that I did. If anyone did anything wrong that night, it was me. But what you and Cass did…it does not matter. Not one bit.”

You’re pivoting on the spot, turning your back to him, before you can crumble entirely. He really means it. Really does not hate you for the choice you made, even though it hurt him.

“Y/N,” Az’s voice shakes behind you. “Please…look at me.”

Now you’re confronted with the situation, part of you wants to run — to hide.

But Az is being open. Honest. No matter how hard, how terrifying it is for him…he’s here. He’s trying.

And so you’ll try, too. And you think you might be shaking just as much as he is as you turn back to him.

The two of you stare at each other. Feel the situation out with your gazes alone.

Azriel is the one to break the extended silence.

“You said you need me.” He eyes you. He’s visibly trembling all over, and it has nothing to do with the chill in the room. Trembling like he’s trying to hold himself together against the weight of the situation.

“…Yes.” You swallow. “I do, Az…I think I’ve always needed you.”

“So show me.”

You pause. Blink, your eyes blown wide. “What?”

“Show me how you need me.” He steps closer, and though he’s shaking, he outreaches a hand and find yours. “Show me how to give you what you need.”

Your fingers brush his, and you’re forcing a lump down your throat. Drinking him in. He…he’s exquisite. “You mean…”

“I mean,” the gap is closed between your bodies, and his heat is reaching you, “I don’t want to practice. I want it all…everything…with you. I want you to take me. Only you—”

You’re surging forward with so much pent-up need that when your lips collide with Azriel’s, it almost knocks you both to the floor.

But Azriel’s arms are banding around you, and he’s a pillar against you, kissing you back with just as much heat.

You don’t know which of you makes what move. Your hands are all over him, and his are all over you, and he’s walking you backwards and groaning as the kiss deepens.

You find the hem of his tunic, dip your hands under, fingertips skating warm skin that shudders beneath your touch. “Can I take this off?” You murmur, and he swallows your words greedily.

“All of it — take it all.”

And so you do. There is no method to it. You’re a woman starved and crazed as you tear at his clothing, not caring about where it ends up, so long as it’s no longer on him. More and more tan skin is exposed, more muscles, more scars. And when he kicks out of his boots and breeches and his underwear is the only remaining barrier, you’re reaching for him, for the hardness that’s pushing through the dark grey fabric and taunting you.

But Azriel reaches out an arm to gently stop you. His hand brushes your cheek, and his eyes are pure hunger as he says, “Your turn.”

And it hits you just then that up in until this point, Azriel has never seen you naked — in this capacity, anyway. There have been plenty of non-sexual circumstances over the years in which you’ve gotten a glimpse of each other, but not like this. Even when he began practicing on you, you never took your clothes off.

And you’re fucking nervous. Even more so under the press of his gaze. He looks like he may combust as you slowly move your hands to your shirt and tug the front laces loose. You pull the hem out from where it was tucked into your breeches.

The fabric parts enough that it more or less slides off you and pools on the floor. You do not meet the heavy stare that watches you so closely. You may lose your nerve if you do.

But when the last few items of clothing are off and kicked away from you, and you’re left entirely bare, you hear a sharp intake of breath. Curiosity gets the better of you. You lift your gaze and resist the urge to fold your arms over your chest.

Azriel is staring at you like…like nobody ever has before.

Like you are the rare rays of sunlight that break through the grey landscape of Windhaven. Like the world around you was forged from your own two hands.

Like you’re beautiful, and worthy, and unruined.

“…What is it?” You clear your throat, shifting on the spot.

Azriel shakes out of a daze and takes a single step closer to you. “You are…” His throat bobs, “You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever seen.”

You almost laugh. Almost. But something stops you.

The sincerity in his tone, his eyes. The realisation that he truly means that.

Your eyes travel from his face, down his sculpted chest and stomach. The firm, toned legs and what sits beneath him. You’ve seen plenty of his body naked. But…not all at once.

You think the air might be punched from your lungs.

He’s hard as a rock — from looking at you. The tip of his cock is already leaking moisture. His wings flare proudly at his back.

“So beautiful.” He cups your jaw, guiding your eyes back up to his.

There’s nothing else you can say, in that moment, than the words that tumble from your lips.

“I love you,” you whisper.

Emotion crosses his face, and both hands are gripping your cheeks. He kisses you deeply; so deeply that it steals your breath.

And then he pulls away, and he’s repeating his earlier words, his forehead pressed to yours. “Show me — show me what you need. No games, just…you and me.”

No games, indeed. You cannot wait any longer.

You rise on the tips of your toes and claim his mouth with yours, and you’re guiding him back, back, until his legs are hitting the bed and he’s gladly falling onto it. He sprawls out, watching as you climb over him. As your hand caresses his stomach and moves down.

And when your fingertips brush the head of his cock, a deep, delicious noises rumbles in his throat.

You mop the moisture up with your palm, using it to slick the length of him and slide your hand up and down. He hisses between his teeth, hips jerking, hands bunching within the covers on your bed.

“No games,” he repeats through gritted teeth. “This is about both of us.”

And you know that, and you’re not patient enough, anyway, for foreplay right now.

It dawns on you that there will plenty of time for that.

He is not leaving Windhaven — not leaving you.

You will have experiences together beyond this one night.

And with that very fact warming your heart and making it set to burst, you place your legs either side of his body and stare down at him. His cock brushes against your centre, and he can feel how wet you already are for him. His eyes travel down.

You watch, and you ask him, quietly, “You’re sure about this?”

His gaze flicks up immediately. “I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.” He reaches out a trembling hand and brushes a strand of hair out of your face. “That doesn’t mean I’m not nervous — gods, I really fucking am. So scared. I just…want to do it right. To be good for you.”

The sentiment almost brings tears to your eyes. “You couldn’t do it wrong if you tried, Az. Do you trust me?”

“With my whole heart.” He sits up a little — angles himself closer to you. “And I love you with my whole heart, too.”

And that’s all either of you need, isn’t it? Love and trust. The need that exits between you. Everything that is just…yours and Azriel’s relationship in its entirety.

Your eyes remain locked with his as you gently reach down and position his cock at your entrance. He breathes shakily. Doesn’t look away from you once.

Not as you slide down onto him just a little. You pause at the first feel of your walls stretching to accommodate him. A pleasured frown furrows his brow. A moment passes, two, and then you slide down further.

More and more. Sinking onto him. Pausing. Adjusting. With every inch of his huge length that disappears inside you, you feel like every one of your nerve endings is struck by lightning. Azriel’s head lolls back, and he makes a soft noise.

“You’re okay?” You check, hovering over him.

“You feel—” He chokes on his words. “Fuck.”

It’s the encouragement you need to sink the rest of the way onto him. The last few inches slide into you quick, thanks to the slickness that soaks your folds, and then he’s pushed into the hilt and hitting a spot so deep inside you that you can’t stifle the noise that breaks from your throat.

“Did I hurt you?” Azriel gasps, and you can only shake your head. He seems to study your face for confirmation, before he’s pushing up to kiss you.

And you kiss him back. For a moment, that’s all either of you do.

But when he’s losing himself in your mouth, his tongue dancing around yours, seemingly distracted by your kiss…only then do you lift your hips and sink down onto him again. And then you’re falling into a slow, steady rhythm.

Azriel is gasping again, his mouth moving from yours to press kisses to your jaw, your neck, your collarbones — your breasts. As you rock slowly against him, the walls of your pussy squeezing him, coaxing him, he buries his face into your chest and explores you, lips and tongue paying attention to your nipples, teeth grazing with a gentleness that’s almost heartbreaking.

“So beautiful.” He whispers, and the hands that are sitting on your hips travel up your back — up to the scars that live in the place of your stolen wings. “Gods, Y/N, you’re everything.”

You moan, rocking harder on him and wrapping your arms around his neck. You just…want to hold him to you, to feel him against you. It’s like it all comes crashing down on you that he very easily could have left.

But he didn’t. He won’t. He is here and so are you. He is yours and you are his.

“Talk to me,” you breathe, raking your nails down his arms. “Tell me how you feel.”

“So good — feels so good with you wrapped around me.”

“Yeah?” You lean down, brush a kiss to his lips. “You like being inside me?”

“There is — fuck — there is no one, Y/N, that I want to do this with, besides you.” His mouth slants over yours, and he whispers two words — take me — before he’s giving himself to your kiss.

He’s so big, so deep. And the blood in your veins feels like molten lava as the pace picks up, as his trembling begins to subside, and he grows more confident. His groans are loud, and his hands roam over your body before finally landing on your hips. Fingertips dig into your flesh with a dizzying bite, and he’s rocking you, encouraging you to take him. To fuck him.

This is not practice. This is two bolts of lighting striking in the same place. The friction between your bodies is perfect, like nothing else you’ve ever felt. The pleasure may just finish you yet. It’s electric. Addictive. You want to feel like this forever, with him.

And more pleasure floods you as in one swift move, he flips you over — takes you entirely by surprise. You’re landing on your back, and he’s hovering over you. He stills as he stares down at you.

“This is perfect.” He says, dipping down to kiss you again. It makes him move inside you suddenly, and the different angle has you both gasping into each other’s mouths. “Gods.”

“Fuck me, Az.” You moan. “Just like that.”

What starts out slow quickly builds in pace. The roll of Azriel’s hips become thrusts — and the moans, the cries, the words that leave you, all guide them to be deeper, harder. You think you could stay like this forever, with him buried inside of you, wringing pleasure from every corner of your body. It snakes through your veins and zips up your spine, and when his hand travels down and his fingers find your clit, you fucking explode.

You cry out, bucking up from the bed as your orgasm hits you full force. Azriel fucks you through it, and his groans are growing louder, more desperate, as the walls of your cunt clench around him. He breathes out a fractured, desperate noise, leaning down to brush his lips over yours as he fucks into you harder.

“I can’t last much longer.” He chokes around his pleasure, pressing quick, nipping kisses to your mouth. “I can’t—”

“Come for me.” You gasp, locking your legs around his waist. “Come inside me.”

The noise that your words coax from him is downright sinful. He grabs your hips in his hands, slants his mouth over yours. He slams into you again, again, again, and then he’s roaring his pleasure with enough force to shake the bed, and you feel every rope of come that he spills into you.

You’re trembling. Or maybe that’s him. Or both of you. Both slick with sweat, and both shaking, and both unable to hold yourselves up any longer.

Azriel collapses beside you, his body still tangled with yours. He buries his face into the crook of your neck, his heavy breaths heating your skin. You sink a trembling hand into the strands of his hair.

“That was—” His voice hitches, “I can’t…can’t put it into words.”

Neither can you. It’s all you can do to nod as you catch your breath.

“Thank you.” A kiss is pressed against your neck. Another. Az’s arm drapes over your chest, and he moves his mouth to yours. “Thank you.”

Still void of words, you settle on kissing him. Deep. Slow. Unhurried. Your hand cups his cheek, and your tongue strokes into his mouth. Lays out a litany of sentiments that you’re currently incapable of verbalising.

It feels like you kiss each other forever. But then you’re pulling back, pressing your foreheads together. And you stare into Azriel’s eyes as you tell him once again, “I love you.”

Emotion floods his eyes, and he holds you as close to him as he possible can, murmuring onto your mouth, “I love you, too. I think I always have.”

You know you always have. You tuck yourself into his side, content to feel his skin against yours. The rest of the world floats away. There is nothing and no one but you and him. Your Azriel.

Your eyes are growing heavy when he brushes his lips against your forehead, and he whispers the words you’ve needed to hear for so, so long.

“Whatever happens, Y/N,” another kiss joins the first, “you and I will face it together.”

pom tags: @dream-alittlebiggerdarling @sirenpearldust @queercodedcharacter @azriels-shadowsinger @ruler-of-hades @demi03 @magicaldragonlady @abrielletargaryen @ralsieq @v3lv3tf0x @achase2002 @feyretopia @hayrunnwr @don’t-feed-the-hipsters @brekkershadowsinger @piceous21 @bloodicka @acourtofinkandpapyrus @riri-is-agirlie @siriusement @4valyries @socmono @azriels-mate123 @acourtofbatboydreams @katherinearcheron @nesemi @lupinswolfsbanes @dreaming-unafraid @dxnniiix @cyrygher @liddyr03 @lmllsl @nightless @teenageeggscissorslawyer @brighterthanlonelythoughts @blitz-fall @maybefoxysouls @mschanand1erbong @juiceboxreads @bangtanbecks @florencemtrash @hyemishii @obixix @thenovarose @meshellexplosionmurder @angzlxna @lissy31xoxo-blog @supernatural99 @positivewitch @art3-m1ss @milfhunter-pdx @bbuckysbeardd @coralseacourt @towhateverend87 @sspookz @bird-on-the-wire33 @morrie-rose @megwan @catscanteleport @sevikas-whore @thickthighs-sadeyes @hihelloitsbooktimeppl

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wow-its-me · 3 months ago

Text

My TikTok has been taken over by different versions of a “drifting stars” AU, so here’s my version of that, that I think could actually work within the show

“Gruncle Stan, I trust you”

A man steps trough the portal as Mable is pulled in, knocking them both back into the other dimension before the portal closes

After a moment of quiet, Dipper starts to yell at Stan, asking him questions, implying that Stan somehow knew this would happen and didn’t care about the end of the world

Stan remarks that this is why he needed the kids to stay out of the way, he’s already back by the portal trying to work on getting it open again

Dipper goes to look at it, accuse is Gruncle some more, but he feels a hand on his shoulder. Soos asks him to go upstairs, worried that it isn’t safe down here.

Dipper goes to his room, Soos sleeps on the couch that night

1st drifting stars episode

Mable is immediately attacked by some sort of monster, Ford steps in to save her, Mable is able to help with some quick creative thinking

Early the next morning, Stan checks in on Dipper, who’s flipped from angry to worried. Stan apologizes and reassures him that it isn’t his fault, he’ll answer any question he has.

Soos, Stan, and Dipper sit around the table while Ford and Mable sit around a firepit

And this is where we get a tale of two Stan’s! Bouncing back between Ford and Stan’s perspective

A few days have gone by.

Ford is getting increasingly annoyed with Mable, which makes sense because he hasn’t been around anyone in 30 years, now he’s responsible for a 12 year old.

Mable thinks Ford thinks she’s not capable, the two go on a mission to get a part for something Fords building, Mable uses this opportunity to try to prove herself. It ends with them saving the day, learning to trust each other

Meanwhile in Gravity Falls, Dipper is becoming depressed and obsessed with getting his sister back. He’s wearing a sweater she made for him. Stan, very worried about him, sends him on a nonsense task with Soos, and Wendy (who had stopped by the shack to ask why it’s been closed)

Through this task Dipper thinks Stan is going to send him back to California, it ends with them having a conversation about it, and deciding what to tell his parents

Ford finally tells Mabel his plans for getting the two back to Gravity Falls, and what they need to do to make it happen.

Uh-oh a monster/bill?? steps in and tries to mess it up. They’re able to get away. Mable is injured (not badly) and finally has to face that she isn’t safe anymore, and she has no idea when she’ll get home. She has a bit of a breakdown, and Ford tries to comfort her

One/both of Dipper and Mabel’s parents show up in gravity falls, worried that one of their children has gone missing. Dipper tries to convince them that he needs to stay, which only worries them more.

It ends with them deciding it would be worse to try to take him away from the support system he has in this town

They don’t stay, but they’ll be closer by if needed

Oceans 11 style heist. Stan and Dipper get the help from the people of gravity falls to help them steal more radioactive materials (Wendy, Soos, Robbie, Candy and Grenda, Mcgucket, Lazy Susan, Pacifica, Shmebulock)

Meanwhile Mable and Ford deal with a more lighthearted interdimensional monster

Some more plot but by the end of the episode they get the portal open, with efforts by all four of them

Mabel steps through holding fords hand

The argument between Stan and Ford is put on hold as they reunite with Mable

She hugs Dipper first, and she’s quite, really quiet.

They all sleep in the living room that night

Except for Ford, who stays in the basement

A plot - Dipper and Mable both want everything to go back to how it was, so they take the journal into the woods and try to have a classic adventure. In the end they learn that they can’t just ignore everything they went through, and it’s clear that neither of them are the same as before. They find the importance of talking about their feelings

B plot- Stan and Ford have the fight they did in the original show… they do not come to the conclusions that their younger counterparts did

C plot- Wendy and Soos set up a welcome home party for Mable (and Ford)

(Then it goes into the d&d&d episode)

#gravity falls #drifting stars au #dipper pines #mabel pines #stanford pines #stanley pines

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sinsinsininning · 10 months ago

Note

First time sending a request😭 could I get a post time skip strawhat crews reaction to a reader who’s late to reunite with them, and turns out they were in Impel down but escaped?

Like they’re wondering where they are and Nami busts in showing an article in the newspaper about reader escaping?

Srry if this is confusing💀

Ay yo! My first request, Tumblr deleted my first draft of this so it’s a little rushed now sorry. I wrote this as more platonic but tbh it could be viewed as romantic with some characters if you really want to. I also wrote this with a gender neutral reader in mind and they/them pronouns. I made the reader kind of an explosion person just to justify some parts of the story.

This is very different from what I normally write so it was a great exercise! I hope you enjoy! ✨✨✨

~~~~

You were late.

It wasn’t out of the ordinary, just like Zoro was guaranteed to get lost and Luffy to eat all the food in sight, you were the perpetually late straw hat. It was basically your title at this point.

This was different though, the crew was gathering after being separated for 2 years and with the marines and enemy pirates closing in, it wasn’t the day for you to be behind schedule. Still the crew awaited you until the last moment, as they set off the allies they’d made while training came through to clear a path.

And you still weren’t here.

“Where are they?” Nami glared at the horizen, willing you to appear, the anger in her tone barely hid her worry.

“I’m not surprised, they’re always showing up last minute.” Ussop groused, folding his arms haughtily. “This time it’s gonna bite them in the ass and they’ll be left behind!”

“Don’t say that!” Chopper cried, trying to pull on Ussop’s arms to uncross them. As if that’d make you magically appear. “They’ll be here! They’re always here when it counts!” His tears fluster the sniper who turned away from him to hide it.

Nami and Chopper started arguing, slowly dividing the crew into two teams. Team ‘They’ll be here, have Faith’ and Team ‘They’ll get left out, get over it’. Sanji sided with Ussop and Nami because of course he’d side with her. While Brook and Franky sided with the optimistic Chopper, certain you’d arrive.

It was loud and a little annoying, but it kept the crew occupied for a while. At least enough to stop them from over hearing their Captain and First Mate.

“Captain.” Zoro said lowly, watching the others argue about your absence. “We have to keep going. We can’t wait much longer.” Luffy had a serious face for once, odd for Zoro to see.

“I’m not waiting, they’ll get here. I have no doubts they’ll be back.” He said with finality, his voice had gotten much deeper over the 2 year break. Zoro frowned, his faith in you not as solid as his Captain’s.

Robin approached her leaders, holding some papers out for Zoro to read.

“I only just had a moment to read these,” She said. “Shaky and Rayleigh gave them to me as we departed. I’m afraid our friend may be out of luck.”

Zoro gasped as he read, Luffy snatched the papers away to scan them quickly. The startled cry he let out was stifled by one of Robin’s many hands, appearing at the right time. The top page was your mugshot, grinning wildly at the camera while holding your inmate card. Other pages contain your latest bounty, some newspaper clippings of your crimes and capture, as well as some convoluted court documents. Zoro snatched the papers back, trying to make sense of everything.

“They’re in Impel Down? When?” He hissed.

“I’m not sure, it looks like they’ve been there nearly the entire 2 years we’ve been gone.”

“I was there though!” Luffy stretches his mouth from behind Robin’s hand. “I could’ve helped them!”

“It’s a large prison, Luffy. Plus who knows they may have been arrested after your jail break.” Robin tried to comfort him. “I’m sorry, but we can’t turn back now. The way back is blocked by the marines, we should go forward and figure out a plan when we arrive in the New World.” Luffy shook his head with a glare.

“No way, we can’t leave them for a second longer!” His shouting catches the crew’s attention, Robin and Zoro sigh before the green haired man tosses them the papers. “I’ve escaped the Impel Down once and I’ll do it again.”

As the crew root through the papers, crying out in worry at the contents. Luffy turns back towards Saboady, tips his hat back slightly to evaluate the scene behind him. The shouting of his crew and Zoro’s begs for practicality become background noise as he focuses on the carnage they’ll be returning to.

A glimmer on the horizen catches his eye, it’s an explosion. But unlike the others raging on, it seems to glow. He watches it for a moment, distracted by the unusual colors, it reminds him of what you usually wear, the same hue and intensity. He points to the spot, just as it fades another one just like it replaces it, only closer.

“Hey look.” He laughs, Zoro growls and whaps him on the head.

“Hey were you even listening?”

“Nah.” Luffy is at least honest, but his pointing has caught Robin’s attention as well.

“That’s strange, who could be causing that?” She asks and the rest of the crew gather as the dazzling explosions grow closer and closer. Like condensed fireworks.

“I bet it’s them!” Chopper cries out, gripping Robin’s skirt to dry his tears.

“No way, they’re in the worst prison ever! Even Luffy needed help escaping it and he has devil fruit powers!” Ussop argued, but his grip on the railing tightened.

“Whatever it is, it’s coming straight for us!” Sanji warns, shoving himself in front of Nami and Robin.

“He’s right!” Robin shouts as the explosions get closer, becoming larger and more deafening. “Everyone brace for a hit!”

As the crew tense for a strike, Zoro drawing 2 of his swords, Sanji preparing to jump, Chopper growing in size. The spectacular colors sail over them in a chaotic arc.

“Did…did it miss?” Zoro asked, stunned at the blooming display of colors and glitter fallout.

Just as he spoke, the crackling ball of hues lands on the lion head of the Sunny. Several crew members leap forward to strike the intruder, but as the illuminations die away, you stand up.

“You’re here!” Chopper cries again, rushing forward to hug you tightly. Franky and Nami rush to join him.

“Aw don’t tell me y’all were worried!” You grin.

You get passed around from crewmate to crewmate as everyone gets their greeting in. Nami holds your face to her chest as she exclaims her relief. Franky tries to show off his new hair before you’re yanked away. Sanji holds you to his chest as he tells you not to creep on his Nami-Swan. Brook cries out tears -somehow?- and begins strumming his guitar for you. Robin gently cradles your red face as she expresses her gratitude for your arrival. Ussop shakes you vigorously for scaring him both by your lateness and your latest -loudest- entrance. Chopper holds tightly to your back the entire time.

Finally you get deposited in front of Zoro and Luffy, who both grin down at you. Chopper is pulled off your back by Robin, finally. You leap up and hold onto both men’s necks as you cheer.

“Did you miss me?”

Luffy hugs you back even tighter and Zoro doesn’t struggle out of your affection for once.

“What the hell happened for you to end up at Impel Down?” Zoro asked as you let go of him to hold a sniffling Chopper once more.

“The warlord guy sent me to a small jail somewhere off the coast of Thriller Bark. I escaped and attempted to return to Saboady, but along the way I got captured by some human traffickers.” You began, rocking Chopper gently now as the crew gathered around you to listen. “On the boat in my cell I managed to make some bombs and break free.”

“Of course you did, you could make bombs outta toothpaste and sunflower seeds.” Ussop interrupted, a little jealous at your longstanding demolition prowess.

“Anyways, me and the other prisons staged a mutiny of the ship, but the captain intentionally crashed it so that we’d be trapped. The idiot didn’t realize it was on the shores of the worlds securest prison. So I got arrested with them since they recognized me and knew I had a bounty.” You laughed despite how horrified your crew seemed.

“When were you there?” Luffy asked, eyes intense as he watched you.

“Sorry Cap’.” You grin. “I was there a few weeks after you’d already escaped. Wish we could’ve busted out together, it would’ve been cool as hell.” He relaxed a bit, feeling less guilty about your imprisonment.

“Why didn’t you escape then?” Nami asked.

“It’s not so simple, honestly it takes a lot of luck and teamwork to manage that. After Luffy broke out, security increased a lot, at least from what I was told. I tried to stage an escape, but I’m not as charming as our captain so I didn’t get a lot of traction.” You continued.

“Heh sorry bout that.” Luffy grinned sheepishly.

“Not your fault, I guess I’m not a people person.”

“I could’ve told you that.” Ussop threw a loose screw at you, until Nami smacked his head with a scowl.

“Leave them alone!”

“So how did you manage to escape?” Robin asked. “And how were you able to fly in those explosions?”

“After my failed escape attempts, I got sent lower and lower in the jail until I was in level 5. Then I met up with Bentham!” You shouted.

“What?”

“Really?”

“That guy was in Impel Down?”

You basked in their reactions for moment until you glanced at your captain.

“He’s alive?” Luffy asked.

“Yup, told me to tell you hi.” You smirked, Luffy looked so relieved. “I’d gotten your message by then and was desperate to get stronger. He took me in as my mentor and trained with me. As for my escape, it’s a long story, but let’s just say I managed to make friends with the Jailer Beasts.”

“Woah! Really?!” Luffy was shocked, he’d never thought to try.

“Yup they and Bentham helped me escape. He stayed behind since he’s the new Queen after Ivan left, but he certainly helped me learn how to make a grand entrance.” You posed goofily, while your crew laughed.

“And the flying in sparkles?” Sanji asked.

“Technically not flying,” You said as you unbuckled your belt and thigh harness. There were several pouches there that were filled with sparkling little orbs, the same color as your explosions. “These are something I made by accident, I call them Star Tracers! If you crack the outer coating it creates a large explosion, but in the center it becomes very dense almost like a small stepping stone before it disintegrates completely. So I crack one, then throw it and jump into the cloud of sparkles and land on the step before repeating the process.”

“Wooooooah,” Ussop’s eyes sparkled at your invention. “How’d you manage that?”

“Not sure honestly, I think it’s a chemical reaction to the materials I use, but they’re all pretty common so it was easy to make a bunch. The steps are only tangible for a few moments, so I had to improve my speed, that’s why it looks like I’m flying.” You shrug and let Ussop look over the marbles as the crew starts excitedly speaking.

As the day starts to end and you’re sitting on the head of the Sunny, watching the water around you. Luffy slowly walks up to join you, sitting practically on top of you. The two of you sit for a while in silence, comforting silence after such a crazy day.

“Thanks for waiting for me.” You say sincerely, smiling as he starts to protest, then quiets himself.

“How’d you know I did?” Luffy asked, he’d tried to be subtle, but his worry for you had made him slow their escape.

“Come on, like you’d leave me behind.” You give him a side hug, letting him rest his head on your shoulder. “Plus I remember when you literally launched us out to sea once, you were waaaaaay to slow making your escape today. It was obvious.”

You both laugh as the water grows dark around you, ready for the next day.

#one piece #one piece x reader #monkey d. luffy #cat burglar nami #ussop one piece #tony tony chopper #roronoa zoro #vinsmoke sanji #nico robin #franky #soul king brook

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asordinaryppl · 6 days ago

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A3! Main Story: Part 4 - Act 16: Crossing Paths - Episode 36: Blooming Beautifully

Izumi: Good work on your final performance~!

Tsumugi: Thank you for your hard work.

Azuma: Good work.

Izumi: We’ll be having an actual party with everyone later, but as for today’s small party… Cheers!

Hisoka: Cheers.

Tasuku: Good work.

Guy: I’m glad we finished everything safely.

Homare: Yes, that’s what is most important.

Tasuku: Four days till the ranking updates, huh? Well, no point in worrying about that now.

Guy: Yes, we did all we could. All that is left is to wait for the results.

Tsumugi: I am quite curious, but thinking about it won’t do anything.

Izumi: This performance went well, for the most part!

Tasuku: With a few exceptions, that is.

Tsumugi: And I’m sorry for that. But thanks to that, I was able to make up my mind about working as an actor.

Guy: I feel we all had our own issues to resolve before the performance. I created a lot of trouble for you all as well.

Homare: The most important thing is that you were ultimately able to develop the beginnings of a flourishing sibling relationship!

Azuma: That reminds me… Tsumugi said he met someone he used to know, didn’t he? I met someone like that too during my travels.

Azuma: I’m glad they proved my past impression of them wrong in a good way.

Hisoka: … In that case, so did I. I’m glad I got to talk to them.

Homare: Oho, if that is the case, I also felt like I could reunite with my father through his picture book.

Tsumugi: What a coincidence, did we all have some kind of encounter like that?

Guy: A reunion, hm… I reunited with my father, and I also met Kureha.

Azuma: What about you, Tasuku?

Tasuku: I’m not sure it counts as a reunion, but I had the opportunity to work with Haruto on one of our old roles.

Izumi: Seems like you could also connect the word “reunion” to your performance.

Azuma: Now that you mention it.

Tasuku: I mean, I’d say mine is a little far-fetched.

Tsumugi: I don’t think that’s true.

Tsumugi: In this life where we cycle through meetings and farewells, I’m sure even this had meaning.

Tsumugi: Wasn’t it meaningful to you, Tasuku?

Tasuku: Well, yeah. I’m glad I accepted that offer.

Izumi: … It’s almost time.

Citron: I’m so cautious~!

Guy: I believe you mean conscious.

Tasuku: Nervous, right?

Banri: It’s up.

Azuma: Our rank is…

Hisoka: 10th…

Sakuya: 10th!?

Tsumugi: Which means…

Tasuku: Alright! Our nomination’s secured.

Izumi: You did it!!

Hisoka: Thank god…

Guy: We’ve successfully fulfilled our role.

Azuma: Yes, I feel like a weight’s been lifted off my shoulders.

Homare: We can relax, at long last!

Citron: Congratulation on the nomination~!

Sakyo: We were hanging on by the skin of our teeth.

Muku: We can celebrate now!

Tenma: That’s our Winter Troupe. You did as you said you would.

Banri: You pulled it off like it was no big deal.

Itaru: You’re OP.

Tsumugi: It wasn’t that easy.

Guy: A lot happened this time as well.

Homare: We simply acted as we usually would and got the results you see before you.

Tsuzuru: The way you can talk about it so casually is pretty in character for you guys.

Izumi: We all believed that you could definitely pull this off.

Izumi: Thank you for always pulling through for us in such difficult parts.

Tsumugi: Next up is the finals.

Kazunari: GOD-za and Hyakka Troupe were both nominated too~

Banri: Figured they’d be.

Tasuku: Haruto seemed pretty fired up.

Guy: They haven’t announced the details for the finals, have they?

Chikage: Seems like they’ll be holding a press conference soon.

Itaru: The ranking format might be different this time.

Izumi: This is my father we’re talking about, he’s probably thought of something…

Tsumugi: In any case, what we have to do won’t change.

Tenma: Right. Our goal is already decided.

Banri: We’re aiming for the Fleur Award as a group...

Sakuya: Right, Director!

previous episode | masterpost

INSTE POST

Tsum-Tsuki

We successfully finished our final performance a few days ago. Thank you all who attended. Also, MANKAI Company has been nominated for the Fleur Award. This is all thanks to everyone who has supported us thus far. We will continue performing for you as we have done thus far.

#a3!#translation #a3! translation #sakuya sakuma #tenma sumeragi #banri settsu #tsumugi tsukioka #tasuku takato #hisoka mikage #homare arisugawa #azuma yukishiro #guy nishiki #izumi tachibana #+ more #ACT 16 ENDS HERE...!!!#epilogue will be coming up some time innnn december... i want to tackle a few backstages first...#man i'm so attached to this act specifically i feel like i'm letting my child go

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xaeethebaee · 2 years ago

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Shuji x Shortcake Chapter Two

Minors DNI! Mature Audience ONLY!

After over a decade, you reunited with your childhood best friend Shuji Hanma after moving back to Japan. Things seem great however the more you've spent time with him, the more you learn about the dark activities he has been into since you last saw him.

Warnings! Violence, mentions of murder, smoking, Hanma being a giant intimidating doofus, and strong sexual content. More warnings will be added for individual chapters.

This fic contains both fluff and smut in addition to some dark content (Hanma is in a gang after all).

Chapter Warnings! Mentions of murder, mild stalker behavior, the word ‘whore’ being mentioned a few times, drug use, and Reader getting drugged.

Word Count: 3.2k

A/n: Sorry for taking so long with coming out with chapter two. I have a very draining full-time job that does not allow me much free time. No worries as I am dedicated to putting in lots of effort in this series and getting these chapters out in a timely manner. Also, I am still trying to figure out that taglist, so please bear with me on that. With all that being said, please enjoy.

Chapter TWO

Inside a boardroom is a group of men dressed in long-white trench coats, white pants, and black boots sitting on a leather sectional couch that wraps around a long rectangular mahogany table. The air around them is thick and each one of them can feel the ominous aura radiating throughout. Adding to the atmosphere is the leader of the men who is sitting at the end of the table, leaning forward while resting his elbows in the center of his thighs. His dark eyes peer straight forward as a serious expression adorn his slightly boyish face. Releasing a deep grunt, he remarks with a blank tone:

“I don’t like the fact that Brahman has been silent for the past couple of weeks.”

The men around him listen intently as he continues.

“That most likely means those assholes are planning something. Since tonight is the party, they’ll be expecting us to have our guards down. It is the perfect opportunity for them to strike. You understand what I am saying?”

Each man around him nods obediently while none of them attempt to speak out of fear of interrupting and subsequently disrespecting their boss. It is no denying the dangerous ambiance the men are exuding and the kanji letters that are embroidered on the back of their white trench coats further support the fact that these individuals are not to be taken lightly. Those letters are arranged eerily to spell out Kanto Manji Gang in bold, not allowing anyone to mistake them for anyone else.

Their reputation grows more and more every day due to their violent activities, often indiscriminately attacking anyone who they deem as a threat. News organizations around Tokyo are advising everyone to stay off the streets at night due to the gang’s bloodthirsty behavior. Local law enforcement has estimated that assaults and murders have doubled - nearly tripled - since the Kanto Manji Gang’s formation, and due to the gang’s influence, the police are powerless against them.

One of the dangerous men raises his hand in order to get his boss’s attention. That man’s face is plastered all over magazines and posters around Tokyo. Many women and men fawn over him for his handsome look, luscious shoulder-length hair that is styled neatly in two pigtails and his alluring lilac downturned eyes. The man in question is Ran Haitani, who is promptly acknowledged by his much shorter blonde boss who just gives a slight nod and a firm: ‘What is it?’.

“That bait we laid out is going according to plan. She fell for the trap as my brother anticipated, so now all we gotta do is wait and see what she will do once she arrives at the party.”

Ran explains as he proudly grins while crossing his legs.

“And how are you so sure she is really falling for this?” The boss questions with a raised brow.

“Trust me, Mikey. If she is who we think she is then luring her straight to us will be as easy as cutting butter with a hot knife.”

The elder Haitani brother answers with a cocky tone. Quickly after his response, his little brother speaks up while leaning forward in his seat.

“Plus, no one would think she is no other than some whore coming to our party, which means it is the perfect opportunity to act undetected.”

He says pushing his circular glasses up to his forehead before rubbing his lilac eyes. Strands from his neckline-length blonde hair fall to slightly obscure his vision causing the younger Haitani to breathe out a slight groan. After that, he yawns slightly.

Seeing the actions from Rindou makes Ran place a comforting hand on his shoulder while leaning forward.

“I told you not to spend all night playing with your set.” He playfully scolds.

“I was making sure my turntables are in working condition for the party tonight.”

Rindou grumbles his response while glaring outwardly. Mikey - their boss - just watches with his face resting in the palm of his left hand. The once serious expression he bestowed was replaced by a slightly softer look.

“Very well. If you’re so confident that she fell for the trap then there is no need to question further. Just don’t cause another riot like last time.”

Ran stifles a laugh before reluctantly correcting Mikey:

“That was not a riot.”

This time, the pink-haired man next to Mikey responds.

“A battle royale more accurately speaking.”

His sarcastic tone is slightly muffled due to the black mask on his face; however, the rest of the men nonetheless heard him. Amused, they chuckle including Ran.

“Why did you think it was a good idea to invite all of our exes and the whores we indulge with?” Another man with light hair that is worn down and a small scar on the leftmost side of his mouth asks.

“Shut up, Shion! That was actually HANMA’S idea!” Ran spits back and then points at the tall black and blonde hair man who is sitting on the opposite end of him.

Each executive of the Kanto Manji Gang averts their gaze over to Hanma. Mikey remains to have his slightly soft look despite the glint of darkness in his eyes. Hanma smirks from all of the gazes on him.

“What? I like to make things interesting every now and then.” The man says, amused by the conversation.

“You almost got us KILLED.” Rindou scolds.

“But we’re still alive and there are fewer women to worry about.” Shuji immediately counters with a nonchalant shrug.

“It was a bloodbath.”

Hanma chuckles at Rindou’s latest response and then he follows up with:

“And they say we’re the violent ones.”

Everyone just chuckles before giving their attention back to their boss, who only sits up and sighs.

“Got off topic momentarily, but at least now we know what we should be expecting for tonight.”

Mikey starts standing up, and the rest of his gang follows suit. Ran puts his arm around his little brother who just does a small stretch.

“Remember, Ran and Rindou. Your suspicions better be correct about that woman.” Mikey warns, peering at the brothers.

“Yes, sir.”

Ran acknowledges. As Mikey starts to leave, his dark expression returns and it permeates his face. The rest of the men immediately start to feel the dark impulse radiating around him. Hanma watches as Mikey turns to face them. The following words spit out of his mouth like snake venom, sending shivers down each of their spines.

“Kill if necessary.”

The boss says then exits the room with his pink-haired subordinate following right behind him.

~~ Hours later ~~

Never in a million years did you think you’d end up at a party as big as this one. You’re sitting in the passenger seat of your work friend’s car as she drives through the large iron gates that protect the property within. You’re in awe of the massive mansion and the vast array of luxury vehicles parked out in front. Your friend finds a place to park her car before turning to face you with a reassuring smile.

“It’s going to be fun, I promise.” She says in a soft voice.

“I have a bad feeling about this.” You reply with a shaky voice.

Your concern is only met with a slight giggle as her hand reaches for a small pouch that is placed in your lap.

“You worry too much, Y/n. Tonight is the night we wind down and let loose.”

She continues to explain while pulling out red lipstick and looking into the rearview mirror. Using her reflection she applies the makeup on her lips.

“As I said before, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be at the house of two of Tokyo’s hottest men.”

“You mean alleged members of the Kanto Man-”

“Shush.”

Your friend firmly says, preventing you from uttering the name of the infamous gang. You can only roll your eyes as she finishes touching up her makeup. After that, she looks at you again.

“How do I look?” She asks.

“Good.”

The woman just groans slightly at your dry response. Somewhat annoyed and eager, she quickly opens the door and you follow suit. Both of you take the time to admire the extravagant three-story modern home. The home constantly features in magazines that advertise the life of luxury and Japan’s sexiest bachelor pads blog posts. The beauty of the home does little to calm your nerves, however. Nevertheless, you still find yourself following behind your friend as she makes her way to the entrance of the mansion.

Two guards stand in front. One of them holds a tablet, checking in the invited guests while the other watch for weapons and any signs of suspicious behavior. It is your turn to be checked in. Both men look down at you two, examining your revealing dresses, high heels, done-up makeup, and beautifully styled hair. Their intimidating presence nearly causes you to break out into a cold sweat. Your friend, on the other hand, exudes confidence as she presents them with invitations for both of you.

“Orchid Ash Valley.” She proudly says.

There is a momentary silence as the guard reviews the tablet. The other guard pulls out another tablet and stares intently at it. He then looks directly at you. You’re locked in an awkward staring contest with him as you try to read his unreadable expression. Suddenly, his gaze averts to your friend, and then just as quickly, it moves back to the tablet.

After a few more seconds of very loud silence, the guards look at each other and then give a nod.

“Go in.” The first guard says.

Almost immediately, your friend goes inside, not bothering to check if you’re following behind her. Your pace picks up in an attempt to not stray too far away from her as you two walk through the foyer.

“Hey. What’s Orchid Ash Valley?”

You question; however, you’re only met with no response as you two reach the main party area. Unbeknownst to both of you, one of the guards pulls out a radio from his pocket.

“Haitani Ran sir? She has arrived.”

Almost immediately, you’re overwhelmed by the environment. The music is blaring so loudly that it is difficult for you to concentrate, the bright strobe lights constantly flickering around makes you feel a bit disoriented, and the huge crowd of dancing drunk people has caused the area to be humid to the point where it is hard to breathe. You can barely focus on your friend who is stepping into the middle of the dance floor and starts dancing to the music.

Awkwardly, you try dancing as well. You try as hard as possible to become accustomed to your surroundings but it is all to no avail. To make matters worse, once again that unnerving feeling of being watched has crept back into your body. Looking around in an attempt to find whoever could be watching you, all you see is the drunk partygoers, sloppily dancing with each other. Your eyes then avert up to where the Dj is. You see that he is a man with average height, lean build, and neck-length hair that is pulled back in a bun, and’s also wearing circular glasses.

Rindou Haitani. It’s not hard to recognize who this man is as his face is plastered everywhere and because you know how much your friend is infatuated with him. It does not change the fact that you know of the allegations made about him as well as his older brother. It’s their supposed involvement with the Kanto Manji Gang - a gang that is quickly becoming Tokyo’s most dangerous group.

Your staring was felt by Rindou himself, who only peers down at you while transitioning into the next song. The man just grins, which sent shivers down your spine.

“Looks like someone likes what he sees.”

Your friend teasingly says in your ear, causing you to become startled. “Stop it.” You scold her; however, she just giggles.

“We should go up there.”

Her suggestion makes you shake your head profusely, adamant about being as far away from him as possible even though you do not know much about him at all. The only thing you can go off of are the rumors made about him; however, knowing that he does have a bad-boy reputation does not alleviate your concerns. Despite your protests, your friend insists on pulling you in the direction of the Dj booth. Once you’re within a few feet away from the booth, you stop.

“We’re probably not allowed up there anyways.” You suggest, which is enough to stop her from dragging you further.

Crossing her arms, the woman makes a pondering expression.

“Damn. You have a point. That could be the case.” She says, then makes a face that shows she is thinking of a different idea.

“How about we go to the bar instead?”

She offers. Although hesitant, you accept with a sigh. Since you are in a stuffy environment, you figured it wouldn’t hurt to have a cold drink. Maybe it’ll be enough to calm your nerves.

Smiling, she grabs your hand and you two make your way over to the bar where you’re greeted by a handsome bartender. You notice your work friend leaning over the counter, accentuating her cleavage while batting her eyes at the blonde and purple-haired man. He only sports an exhausted look on his face as his droopy eyes stare back at her.

“What can I get for you, princess?”

He asks despite the popsicle stick poking out of his mouth.

“What’s the special for tonight?” Your friend immediately asks him, never dropping that seductive smile.

There is a moment of silence between them as you watch the scene unfold. Unbeknownst to you, up on a balcony that overlooks the entire party is Shuji Hanma who finishes taking a drag from his cigarette. He discards it in the ashtray next to him before standing up, giving a full view of his black pullover hoodie and grey sweatpants. Approaching the ledge of the balcony, he leans his body over it, resting the upper half and allowing his long arms to dangle off the edge.

A soft smile adorns his face as he watches you from the distance. Even though it’s a dark environment save for the dim and multicolored strobe lights, and the fact that you’re all the way across the room from him, he can easily read the body language that you’re displaying.

“Why would you show up here knowing this is not your kind of environment, Shortcake?”

The tall man feels a fuzzy sensation in his chest watching you awkwardly interact with your friend and the bartender. You smile as the bartender presents a freshly made drink, which you reluctantly accepted. Hanma’s heart skips a beat upon noticing you enjoying the drink.

“Good job, Wakasa. Make her happy.”

He praises. His actions did not go unnoticed by the pink-haired man who is sitting in a leather chair a few feet away. His blue eyes peep at the lanky man while tilting his head with slight curiosity.

“What?”

“I wasn’t talking to you, Sanzu.” Hanma immediately responds.

The man named Sanzu just shakes his head before heaving out a groan.

“Fucking weirdo.” He brushes off Hanma’s behavior.

Hanma ignores the response as he is too focused on you. That is when he sees Ran come into his field of vision. The older Haitani brother stands a fair distance away from the bar; however, that did not stop you as well as your work friend from noticing his presence.

You can feel your chest tighten when your gaze meets his. Your work friend, on the other hand, does not hide her arousal upon seeing him.

“He’s even sexier in person. Right, Y/n?”

You shrug your shoulders before taking a sip from your drink. The bartender named Wakasa just averts his attention elsewhere at the bar. Although it was a very quiet remark, you barely heard him utter ‘I did my part.’ under his breath. One of your eyebrows raises, but you did not get a chance to question him as your friend immediately gets out of her seat to approach Ran Haitani who is surrounded by a group of women.

“The hell?”

You start to get out of your seat to follow her. At that moment, two men block your path. You look up and quickly noticed their sleazy grins before turning to face Wakasa who’s wiping the counter, presenting a glare towards the men. The men then look back at him.

“Give us some drinks, pretty boy.”

One of them demands while you take the opportunity to slip away. As you approach your friend, you realize she has somehow cut through the crowd of women and is engaged in a conversation with Ran. The closer you get, the more you hear what they are talking about despite the blaring music.

“I really love your hair. I bet it is really soft.”

She says to the man while biting on her lips. You cringe at the behavior she is displaying; however, you can tell Ran is nonetheless entertained by it.

“You wanna feel it, doll?”

He asks, leaning down making it easier for her to reach out to stroke it.

“Wow. It is little wonder how you ended up being the spokesman for Arimino.” She flirtatiously states.

“Thanks. You wanna dance?” He offers his hand to her which she did not hesitate to accept.

You watch as you’re essentially abandoned by your friend as she is escorted to the middle of the dance floor. The partygoers part ways, allowing him to easily slip through. You follow suit, never discarding your drink.

The alcohol in your system allows you to become somewhat accustomed to the environment although, you are still a little on edge. Nevertheless, you began to loosen up a bit, swaying your body back and forth while listening to the music that is expertly being mixed by the younger Haitani brother. After spending so much time worrying about the party and being bothered by the feeling of being stalked, you finally found yourself feeling enjoyment. Maybe it is the alcohol that is causing your body to feel warm or is it the fact that you’ve momentarily stopped thinking about your precautions?

You did not have time to register your answer when you catch a glimpse at Ran’s tall and lanky figure looming over your work friend as she seductively rocks her hips against his crotch. His hands worked their way up her chest, groping her breasts as she giggles from the contact.

Seeing that made you gag slightly prompting you to turn in the opposite direction. Taking another sip from the drink, you peer back at the bar. The two men are no longer there, though you did not think much of it. You continue to dance on your lonesome, a smile adorns your face; however, it quickly drops from a sudden realization.

Your vision begins to blur as you feel your body begin to get heavy. At first, you assumed it was just the alcohol you are currently drinking. It did not matter at this point as your main priority is to find your friend. That task quickly became difficult to do as your hazy vision made it impossible to keep your balance. The disorienting feeling from the lights and blaring music comes back as you frantically try cutting through the crowd in an attempt to find her.

From the balcony, Hanma sees your slumping figure. Confused, he tilts his head.

“The fuck is wrong with you?” He asks.

“I’m doing just fine, idiot.”

Sanzu answers from behind him, snorting a line of cocaine on the glass table assuming Shuji was asking him a question. Hanma ignores the annoyed reply from his crewmate as he leans up from his spot. His confusion immediately turns into concern and rage when he realizes what has happened. He becomes even more unhinged upon seeing the two men from the bar approaching you with malevolent grins on their faces.

[Would you like a hint for the next chapter or nah?]

#tokyorevengers #tokyorevengesfluff #hanma shuji #shuji hanma x reader #shuji hanma fluff #shuji x reader #Tokyo Revengers #tokrev mikey #haitanibrothers #ran haitani #tr rindou #rindou haitani #blackreaderxshujihanma #kanto manji gang #tr fanfiction #shuji hanma smut

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banannabethchase · 1 year ago

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Now Our Bodies Interlock - also on AO3

The House of Black's shenanigans have reached Eddie and Ricky, the pair reuniting after Eddie's time in Japan. The problem is, things are...different. And Eddie's worried.

Bingo square B4 - Sex Pollen complete! Technically. I played around with the concept.

The problem becomes impossible to ignore when he gets back to Japan and they miss when they go to kiss.

They miss.

“Weird,” Ricky says, scoffing. “Welcome back.”

Eddie nods, trying not to let his discomfort show. “Yeah,” he says, hesitant. “Glad to see you. Ready for Collision?”

“Ready as always.” Ricky’s grin would look confident and composed to anyone else. But Eddie can sense the tension behind it. He hates it.

The show is awkward. Really awkward. Eddie slides back into AEW smoothly with everyone but Ricky. What they do can’t be called talking – they’re snippy and short, bickering constantly. Eddie can’t make it stop.

After the show, they ride back to the hotel in silence. Eddie doesn’t even know how to start the conversation. Hell, he doesn’t even know what conversation to start. He and Mox talked about this feeling, this inevitable dread, a while back, right before he and Seth broke up when he left for AEW. He doesn’t want the same story for himself and Ricky, but he’s old enough to see the foreshadowing.

He grips the wheel harder, and looks over to see Ricky frowning at his phone. They’ll talk about it. They will.

He can’t make himself open his mouth.

They get dinner at the hotel bar, the conversation weak and surface level, and he feels wrong. He’s been gone for weeks. They should be all over each other. Instead, they’re acting like strangers.

Eddie clears his throat, and Ricky turns to him. “Yeah?”

“This is weird,” Eddie grumbles, and he can’t even meet Ricky’s eyes. “I – it’s weird.”

Ricky bites his lip, something aching in the back of his eyes. “It is,” he murmurs. “I’m sorry.”

“Why?” Eddie asks.

Ricky’s resolve shatters, the mask wiping away. “Because I don’t know how to fix it.”

Eddie opens his mouth, ready to say god knows what, when Taz comes over, clapping Ricky on the back. Eddie can see the mask slap back over Ricky’s eyes, a half sneer mixed with a smug grin.

“Ricky!” Taz says. “How you been? Life good?”

“Better than it was with your team of misfits,” Ricky fires back, and Eddie knows he’s lost the moment. He finishes the fish and chips in front of him, barely tasting it, already mourning his future.

He’s scrolling his phone, debating throwing out a pretend yawn to get some sort of conversation going, when somebody knocks on the door.

“You order somethin’?” Eddie asks, glancing over at Ricky. He’s folded up in the hotel chair, looking like a dream Eddie can already feel disappearing the daybreak.

Ricky looks up, glasses low on his nose. “No,” he says. He sets the book down and spins out of the chair, padding barefoot to the door.

“The hell is this?” Ricky asks.

Eddie lifts his head up. “What?”

Ricky brings in a bottle of champagne and bowl of chocolate covered strawberries from the door. “You trying to romance me or something?”

Normally, Eddie would reply, “I don’t have to romance you, baby, but I can if you want.” Normally, things would feel easy and fun. But this has been a heartbreak of a day, and he doesn’t even know where to go from here. “Uh,” Eddie says, still at a loss for words. “I didn’t order it either.”

Ricky shoves the bottle and bucket into Eddie’s hands, then walks back toward the door. “Hello?” he calls down the hallways. He comes back, frowning. “Nobody was there.” He sits on the bed next to Eddie, and this distance aches.

He slides the tray toward Eddie. “I mean, if it’s here.”

Ricky nods, picking up a strawberry. But he doesn’t eat it. He doesn’t know if he can, right now.

Eddie shrugs and takes a bite of a strawberry, pretty lips wrapping around it. If it wasn’t so weird, Eddie would ask if Ricky’s teasing, if that’s a preview for tonight. Instead, Eddie pours each of them a flute of champagne, and wishes they would do something, anything, that would risk knocking them over.

Ricky picks up the champagne, locking eyes with Eddie as he takes a delicate sip. The silence is still heavy, endless.

Eddie’s done nothing more than smell the champagne when Ricky starts to frown. “You okay?” he asks. He already knows the answer.

“I’m jealous,” Ricky blurts out, still chewing the strawberry. He freezes. “Um. I don’t know where that came from.”

Eddie frowns. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, of course I am,” Ricky says, and Eddie can see the moment he puts the mask back on, pulls up the wall between them again. “I feel like I’m contributing nothing to our relationship and holding you back.”

Eddie stares at him. “Babe?”

“I don’t know what’s happening,” Ricky says, setting the glass of champagne down. He looks at Eddie, panicked. “You’re my whole world and I’m scared you’re moving on to bigger and better things. Fuck!” He stands up, pacing, the strawberry dropping to the hotel carpet. “Why can’t I shut up?”

Eddie peeks over. “Where’d that note say the champagne was from?”

“Hotel said it was compliments of hospitality,” Ricky says. “The more vulnerable I am around you, the more I’m sure you’ll leave.” His eyes bug out. “Eddie, I can’t stop talking.”

Eddie grabs the bottle. “Was it open? Ricky, this is important. Was this open when you got it?” He knows the answer. He opened the damned thing himself.

Ricky shakes his head. “Totally sealed.”

Eddie searches his memory. He knows something about this, something in the back of his mind reminding him of... “Mox…” he mutters. “Ricky, remember a while back when Mox got all weird?”

“Weirder than normal?” Ricky asks, and he takes another sip of his champagne.

“Yeah, when – baby, why are you still drinking it?!” Eddie pulls the champagne out of Ricky’s hands, sniffs it. No hint of anything. He takes a quick sip. Nothing salty, or bitter, or the wrong kind of acidic. “There really is nothing in here.”

“What were you saying about Mox? Who I worry you love more than me?” Ricky’s expression goes horrified. “Oh, my god.”

“Mox, a little while back, had this moment – Seth came to visit…” He trails off, feeling something push at him from the inside, an insistence. “When Seth betrayed Mox, I began to wonder if he and I were the same.”

Ricky blinks at him. “Come again?”

“I didn’t mean to say that,” Eddie says. “Why’d I say that?”

Ricky frowns. “I think it’s the champagne. Is there such thing as truth serum or is that just in the movies?”

Eddie shakes his head. “I think – I think this is something from Malakai.”

“Malakai?” Ricky asks. “He’s not even here.”

“He and his little House of Black buddies,” Eddie explains, “their whole spooky shit isn’t a gimmick – they have powers.” He rubs his hand on the back of his neck. “That’s the thing I was saying about Mox – they cursed him to go a little nuts. They’ve got fucked up powers. Magic healing dick, turns you into a weird horny animal man, powers.”

“I certainly wouldn’t say no to that,” Ricky scoffs.

“Champagne again?”

Ricky shakes his eyes, taking another swig of the champagne. “No. That’s just how I’ve always felt about you.” He blinks at Eddie. “You know that, right?”

“Know what?”

“That you’re my whole world?” Ricky frowns. “Wait, that’s not what I meant. I meant I want you to think of me the way I think of you, and I don’t think that’s possible because I can’t compare.” He rolls his eyes. “Jesus. This is impossible.” He throws back the rest of the champagne. “If I’m gonna confess my whole damned heart, might as well be drunk for it.”

Eddie considers it. He’s already pouring his heart out. And it would be rude to leave Ricky as the only one at the mercy of the House of Black’s bullshit. “Hand me the bottle,” he decides.

Ricky does so, watching him closely. Eddie keeps eye contact with him as he throws back the bottle, chugging the rest of it.

“Hey!” Ricky giggles. “None for me?”

“It was free,” Eddie says, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. “You want more? I’ll get you more that’s not drugged. I would do anything for you. I have the ring in my bag, but I’m sure you’ll say no.” Eddie’s eyes widen, the shock at his own words mirrored in Ricky’s face.

“You what?!” Ricky shrieks. “I’ve been thinking you’ve been trying to break up with me for months, and you bought a ring?!” He stands up. “My insecurities have been preventing me from communicating and you had a goddamned ring?!”

“I planned to propose before I went to Japan,” Eddie says, and he can’t stop any of the words. “I had a whole thing planned, but you were being bitchy and insisted we leave the restaurant early.” He winces. “I – didn’t mean to call you bitchy, but it’s true.” He winces harder. “Jesus fuckin’ Christ. I can’t shut up. This must be what it’s like to be Excalibur or something.”

Ricky snorts, then adjusts himself on the bed. “I thought you went to Japan because you were moving past me,” he murmurs. He hovers, a few inches too far away to be comfortable. “You couldn’t have left me more by myself.”

Eddie can’t help it. He reaches out and caresses Ricky’s face. “I went to Japan because I thought you wanted space.” He closes his eyes, breathing deeply. “Right before I left…”

“I was pushing you away,” Ricky says, and Eddie opens his eyes to see a tear on Ricky’s cheek. “I – I knew I was doing it, but I couldn’t stop myself.” He closes his eyes and tilts his head to the side, two perfect tears making their way across his face, and Eddie thinks it’s unfair he’s beautiful even when breaking. “I’m scared you’ll see better than me somewhere else.”

“Oh, honey,” Eddie murmurs. He pulls Ricky close, pressing their foreheads together. “I couldn’t find that anywhere.”

They kiss for real, like it means something, for the first time in weeks, and Eddie feels tears build in the corners of his eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Ricky breathes against Eddie’s lips. He curls in closer, wrapping his legs around Eddie’s hips. “I should have told you sooner.”

“I should’a said something,” Eddie clarifies. He pulls back and Ricky reaches up a thumb to brush away a tear. “I – I don’t know what I was doing. I just.” He stops himself pressing his forehead against Ricky’s. “I was scared.”

“Me too.”

Eddie feels like all of this is being ripped out of him without warning, without him having a say. “I love you,” he half sobs, pulling Ricky in, fighting the ache of fear that Ricky might leave. “I love you, and I want you forever, and I’m sorry you didn’t know that.”

Ricky pushes into his chest so they fall backward on the bed. “Eddie,” he weeps, “I love you.”

They cry and talk, and cry some more, emotions wrung out of him that Eddie doesn’t even have names for. They curl around each other, clinging, sobbing, confessing, and it feels a little like the time Eddie got trashed on Four Lokos back in 2010. He was trying to keep up with some of the younger wrestlers, prove he could still go, and woke up the next morning puking like the whole world was being drawn out of him. It feels better, though. Ricky’s tears on Eddie’s cheek feel like a balm to his heart, and they fall asleep wrapped around each other.

For the first time in ages, Ricky’s arms feel like home.

“I think I have a hangover,” Ricky says as he wakes up, poking Eddie in the side.

“What – the fuck do you mean?” But he’s startled with the most insistent boner of like, so he thinks he might have a clue.

“Wait,” Ricky says, and Eddie turns to see him wiggling. “I don’t – I don’t think it’s a hangover.” He does a full body roll, the way his body undulates under the sheets obscene. “Oh, Eddie.” He opens his eyes, full bedroom, and smiles. “Eddie,” Ricky says, eyes unbearably pretty. “Eddie, fuck, I…” His words trail off. As he turns over, Ricky reaches behind himself, eyes fluttering closed. “You need to fuck me, Eddie.”

“Fucking House of Black psychos,” he mutters, but he can’t ignore his dick. “Look, I’ll go sit in the shower while you – if you need to, like…” He trails off, the image too much for him to handle.

“If you leave this bed,” Ricky says, dangerously serious as he throws the blankets to the foot of the bed, “I will kill you and tell your mother you’re the one who spilled her salsa verde last Thanksgiving.”

Eddie freezes. “That is evil.”

“Don’t care,” Ricky says, eyes locked on Eddie’s crotch. “Wanna fuck you.” He crawls over, grinding his dick against Eddie’s, and they moan in tandem.

“We – fuck – shouldn’t,” Eddie says, stilling Ricky with hands on his hips. “You’re under the influence or something. Magic hangover. Horny pills.”

“You think I don’t always want to fuck you?” Ricky asks. “Jesus, even after last night, you can’t believe I want you.” He grabs Eddie’s face in his hands. “I want you. I want that ring, someday. I want to live in a little townhouse with an apartment for your mom and a guest room for mine. But mostly.” He shifts, rolling his ass down against Eddie’s cock. “I want your cock inside me.”

Eddie exhales. “You’re better be sure, baby,” he says, fumbling in the bedside table for the lube he’d put there as a good omen the day before, “because if you are, you won’t be able to walk tomorrow.”

Ricky grins, grinding down again. “Don’t threaten me with a good time.”

The scraps that masquerade as their pajamas fly across the room as their hands crawl all over each other. Ricky moans all pretty in Eddie’s mouth, the way that makes him wild, and his hands wind around Eddie’s neck, holding him close. Eddie grabs handfuls of Ricky’s ass, pulling his cheeks apart so he can slide a finger to tap at Ricky’s hole. Ricky’s hips jolt, hitting him in the crotch, and Eddie groans.

“Getting the lube,” Eddie says, when Ricky whines as he pulls away. “Hey, Ricky. Look at me.” He comes back, the lube bottle in his hand. “I don’t wanna leave you again. And, maybe, in a few days.” He leans in and kisses Ricky’s forehead. “I’ll pull out that ring and you’ll sit your ass down in a restaurant like a good boy and you’ll let me promise that to you.”

Ricky searches his face, eyes unreadable, and then he dives in and kisses Eddie with a fervor that almost takes him down. He blindly drips the lube on his fingers as he reaches behind Ricky, messily sliding between Ricky’s cheeks and tracing around the edges of Ricky’s hole.

Ricky’s making this intoxicating, desperate little whimper, pushing back against Eddie’s finger, and who is Eddie to deny Ricky what he wants. He slides into soft heat, swallowing Ricky’s moan.

“Jesus,” Eddie says, “forgot how good you sound.” He moves his finger a little more, relishing Ricky’s whine. “Yeah? You like that?”

“I – yes,” Ricky pants, pressing his forehead against Eddie’s. “Always. Eddie.” He flutters his eyelashes.

“Yeah,” Eddie says, and Ricky sighs as he presses another finger into him. Ricky sinks down onto his fingers like it’s easy, like Eddie’s meant to be there. He doesn’t know if it’s part of the magic, or if it’s caused by their time and distance apart, but Ricky blooms for him like a rose, and Eddie’s ready to fall into those petals.

Eddie flips them over. “Are you good?” he asks, and it’s all he can do to move his hands from Ricky’s body. It’s a futile effort, though; Ricky wraps his legs around Eddie’s waist and yanks him back in.

“Fuck me,” Ricky demands, eyes serious and beautiful. “Now.”

Eddie exhales slowly as he gets more lube and slicks up his cock. Ricky’s eyes never leave his.

“I mean it,” Ricky says. “I’m not – this time it’s not the magic shit – I mean it.”

“Mean what?” Eddie says, shifting his hips to line his cock up. “Are – are you ready?”

“Yes – Eddie, I mean it.”

“Mean what?” Eddie slides home, his vision going blurry. “Fuck, I love you.”

“That I want the ring,” Ricky sighs, the tension leaving his whole body as Eddie settles inside of him. “I want you. I want all of it, forever.” He reaches up and caresses Eddie’s face, so gently it feels like silk. “I mean it.”

Eddie surges down and kisses Ricky, his strokes slow and intentional. “I’ll do it,” he murmurs, lips still pressed to Ricky’s. “Get you dressed up all pretty for me.” He angles Ricky’s thigh, earning a moan from Ricky’s lips. “Take you to the nicest place in Manhattan, buy you the kind of dinner you like,” he interrupts himself with a shaky laugh, “put the ring in some good champagne and drop to one knee in front of everybody.” He leans in and kisses Ricky again, increasing his speed. “Jesus fuckin’ Christ, baby, I forgot how good you feel.”

“I know,” Ricky says, grinning. “I’ll get a new suit for the night.” He flutters his eyelashes. “Oh. Maybe wear a plug for you.”

“Fuckin’ – baby, you can’t just say shit like that.” Eddie’s thrusts get erratic, his focus waning. He may not be as young as he was, may have more stamina than he used to, but it’s been too long and he’s too desperate. He reaches between them, hand still slick, and curls his fingers around Ricky’s pretty cock. “Come for me, querido,” Eddie murmurs.

And Ricky does, gloriously, emphatically, beautifully. He arches up, clenching down on Eddie’s dick to hit the point of no return. Eddie’s surrounded by Ricky. It’s the way he’s built to be.

The world melts around them as they curl around each other, limbs and bodies unending, and they laugh as they come back to themselves.

“We shouldn’t go that long between fucking again,” Ricky says, folding his arms behind his head and grinning over at Eddie. “Maybe we gotta thank the House of Bastards for this.” His face goes open again, the way it only does for Eddie.

Eddie chuckles. “Maybe.”

The opportunity presents itself the next week at Dynamite, when Ricky’s in Eddie’s lap as they watch some old matches.

“You two look cozy,” Julia says, sly smile on her lips. “Glad to be back, Eddie?”

Eddie’s about to tell her to fuck off, but her guard dog is right behind her. “Thanks to you, spooky witch.”

Brody takes a step forward, but Julia holds out a hand. He stops. “He’s not wrong, Brody,” Julia says. “I am a bit spooky.”

“He didn’t mean ‘witch’,” Brody grumbles, but Julia looks assuaged.

“I don’t appreciate being magicked outside of my consent, though,” Ricky says, standing. Eddie grabs him around the waist and yanks him back on his lap. “Warn a guy, damn.”

“Excuse me?”

All four of them shift when Malakai strides into the room. “Say that again,” he says, voice commanding even out of gear.

Ricky exchanges a quick look with Eddie, who notes that Julia and Brody look almost cowed. “Um,” Ricky says, licking his lips, “just – we’re pretty sure they put some sort of curse on us.”

Malakai’s expression goes – not dark, Eddie thinks, but serious. Like his ma got whenever she got a call about his behavior at school. “You two,” he says, thunderous, “with me.” He turns to Ricky and Eddie, expression looking apologetic. Like, Eddie realizes, his ma got when she was apologizing for his behavior to the teachers. “I deeply apologize. You have my word that they will be appropriately dealt with.”

“You’re not gonna kill ‘em, are you?” Eddie asks, frowning.

“Don’t be silly,” Malakai says, and he walks out the door with Julia and Brodie, an arm around each of their waists.

“You did notice he didn’t say yes or no,” Ricky says.

Eddie kisses his neck. “Go back to that video, baby. I wanna see how your ass jiggled.”

“Sit,” Malakai says. Julia’s never been afraid of any of them, really. But, concerned about? Yeah. She could say that.

Julia settles onto the couch, the cushions sagging gently as Brody sits next to her.

“You were – you were using your match for games,” Malakai snarls. “Interfering with people’s lives again. I told you to cease that or I’d take your magic back down to novice levels.”

Brody’s eyes widen. “You weren’t – you didn’t mean that, though.”

“If I don’t hold you to consequences,” Malakai says, grey-silver ball appearing in his outstretched hand, “I am nothing of a leader.” He closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them. “You’ll get it back. When you’re ready to handle that level of responsibility.”

“You sound like a disappointed teacher,” Julia says, frowning.

“You could say that I am.” He raises an eyebrow. “It won’t hurt. You won’t feel anything.”

Julia’s not sure, but then she sees the shades of green and red flooding from her hands. It’s doesn’t hurt, or feel wrong. It almost feels like a relief, like the weight of it softens on her shoulders.

Her magic colors swirl with Brody’s in the air, a ball of light.

Malakai sighs. “I’ll keep it safe.” He opens his mouth to speak the final words.

There’s a crash, and the door flies open. Julia sees the magic flood into the air, disappearing, as she looks for the source of the noise.

Brandon Cutler, camera in hand, is frozen in place.

“Guys,” he says, eyes widening. “Something’s wrong.”

Mini Playlist:

Memories - Panic! at the Disco

Beside You - Marianas Trench

Castle in the Sky - Kim Petras

Moonlight Magic - Ashnikko

#EddieRicky #How did I manage to make a sex pollen prompt angst??? I DON'T KNOW #wtf i like wrestling now???#in which Sara writes

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kenjakusbraincum · 1 year ago

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Ok lets leave sukuna and his pet this time and focus at the servants for once, Its that situation of “ it was all good until that ONE MF spoke and we ate…“

they do have situations too and especially in vows, I bet at night in their bedroom they gather and do bets this time about sukuna’s new pet and how long they’ll survive.

And there is that “ ONE MF “ who bet all whatever they bet on ( turns in chores?/food?/accessories? ) and one peculiar looking individual said “ according to my prediction This one is a keeper for master sukuna and they’ll gradually do some changes to the master as time passes, and they’ll fall for each other.“

As much the servants wanting to roll out laughing loud and mock but too afraid they just snickered and hold as best they can and said “ ya sure whatever you said.” And whole squad bet against that individual with whatever convenient to both sides.

To there surprise the individual was right as time pass the “ Pet “ didn’t got rid off, instead they start to get better treatment and more privileges especially when they got access to the garden because no one talks about the garden the garden is only accessible to the ones who got selected by Uraume themselves.

They only admit defeat after event of the “ untitled drabble “, but long time passes and one day while all the servants in their beds trying to sleep the individual add “ if only it can last forever..” “ what you mean? “ asked one of the servants. They looked at the window and said “ a black nights coming to this wretched place and we’ll lose a gold soul.“.

Events of vows occurred and the servants are too afraid of whatever comes out of that individual’s mouth next more than sukuna’s state now, because they start to believe they are cursed speech user but they won’t risk and snitch about them afraid to be wrong because they have no proof.

One night while all servants are in deep sleep they suddenly heard a voice “ don’t worry my colleagues they’ll reunite again but not in the way we expec-“ , “ SHUT THE FUCK UP! “ yelled at them refusing to let them finish there sentence.

Damn I slipped Whoopies

Ahhh I love the idea of this going on behind the scenes in the story!! It's actually fun to think about the servants. Sukuna tries to hide this thing that's happening between him and his pet, but servants are always around and they catch little glimpses, share them amongst each other and gather the full picture quite quickly.

And obvs they'd love it, bc as time progresses, Sukuna starts to hesitate to commit crimes in front of pet. Which means often times even if the servants fuck something up around Sukuna, if pet is nearby he'll simply pretend he didn't see it and move on.

Also, thinking about the servants betting on what's going to happen next is hilarious, especially betting on turns in chores 😭😭🙏

#asks

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twopoppies · 2 years ago

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Hi Gina! I hope you’re well! That will probably sound a bit weird but it’s been bothering me a lot the last few days and you’re one of my favourite accounts that definitely feel like a safe space. So back in very late 2020, I’d say mainly December and November I had a really weird feeling that was making me feel somewhat anxious. Basically I felt that there was something off with this entire DWD thing and Olivia mainly, I felt like there will be something happening with them but I’m partially blaming it on years spent on Twitter and the fact that anytime Harry is seen with a blonde, skinny woman everyone immediately says they’re sleeping together or "watch out, they’re gonna be a couple soon" lol I still don’t get why twitter stans are this way and I’m glad I already left that side of social media. Anyway, we all know what happened shortly after and let’s just say it was definitely not a happy time, my god she was so annoying, it made me want to throw up sometimes. And once the official BUA came out I was just so happy that she’s finally gone. Now, after I saw that Harry’s friends and generally, people around him are still liking her posts, stuffs like that it made me kinda confused. I don’t know, I guess you could call it some sort of ptsd after this shitshow at this point. And well, this feeling that this happy time won’t be lasting that long won’t leave for the past few days. So, I’m sorry for ranting but just wanted to ask your opinion on this all. What do you really think will happen now in the near future? Do you think they will ever reunite them at some point? Or if it’s not for Olivia then do you think they would make him stunt again sometimes soon with another woman? Obviously everyone is better than her but I’m just hoping that he will get some peaceful time now for at least a long year if not more. Kind of how it was after Camille. Do you think they’ll want to drag him around with some new girlfriend now or just let him be his "single" self to the world? Thank you so much in advance for answering and I’m sorry for the probably needless rant but it’s been making me really uneasy in the fandom aspect, the past few days. Hope you have a great day Gina! x

Hi honey. I think it’s just helpful to acknowledge that we don’t know anything about why his stunts happen, what is involved contractually, or what the end goals are. From an outsider’s perspective, it would seem ridiculous to bring her back. She’s almost universally hated, he seemed miserable, and his reputation seems to have suffered due to the way the stunt rolled out and was handled. He’s also overexposed to a point where people are now starting to think it’s cool to hate him. So doing another high profile stunt seems pretty pointless, IMO.

In general, I just think it ruins my enjoyment of fandom to focus too much on things that make me unhappy. Especially if I’m worrying about things that may never happen. I don’t know how to make you stop future worrying, but for me I just try to focus on the good things that are happening now — like how happy he looks on tour. And maybe stay away from places like twitter where rumors and fear mongering seems to run rampant.

#holivia #stunts

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lunarifie · 2 years ago

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Hollow Fantasy AU Part 2:

Part 1 / Part 3

Adam folds the rest of his clothes and places them inside his pack. He plans on gathering the rations tomorrow, the day before the trip. His mind wanders back to the prophecy, reminding him how 4 years ago he’d showcased the prophecy to a close friend who ran away 2 days later. It made Adam wonder what Kai knows that he doesn’t. A small part of him hopes that on his journey, they’ll reunite. He shakes his head, not allowing himself to dwell on something that happened years ago. He’s 16 now and he needs to focus on finding the Ishibo and slaying the dragon. That is his priority, not finding Kai and making sure he’s okay. He exits his chambers, making his way to the stables to make sure everything was in order with his horse for the long ride ahead. He enters the stables and is immediately faced with Skeet, brushing his horse. He raises a brow and asks him what he’s doing here. Skeet reply’s that he was ordered by Mira to take care of the horse Adam had chosen to ride. Adam repeats Miras name as a question and she pops out of another stable, feeding a horse. A grin slips on her face and Adams skepticism grew. “Did you really think you’d be going off on an adventure alone?” Mira starts. “But the prophecy-” Mira interrupts him, “I spoke with my dads and your parents and they say its fine. I also don’t expect you and Reeve to be on an expedition alone and not rip each others throats out after like a week.” She laughs and Adam groans, remembering how his parents made it obligatory for the royal families mage, Reeve, to come with him on the trip. Mira glanced towards Skeet. “I’ve been hoping Skeet would come with, because of how much ground he can cover, but he’s reluctant.” She gives him a look as Skeet shrugs. “I’ll think about it.” Skeet says. Truthfully, Adam was grateful. The ride would be a bit more bearable with his friends by his side.

The day of the prophecy’s journey came. Adam and Mira bid their parents goodbye, Reeve leaving the tower at the palace his grandma had given to him after she died. They are escorted to the outskirts of the kingdom with their designated steeds until they hear the sound of hurried steps. In a second, Skeet came, stumbling to a super speeded stop in front of them. In a rapid rush of words he exclaims that he wants to come along and that he doesn’t need a horse. From what Adam remembers, Skeet had become sort of a rogue over the past year. Job hopping here and there. He doesn’t have much to his name so Adam isn’t surprised when Skeet claims that he wants to go too. Mira grins in excitement and waves him forward to walk beside her as they leave. They say their final goodbyes, and delve into the forest. They spend a few days covering ground and camping, talking of the adventures that awaitenthem. On the 3rd day of their journey, Mira starts to ask Skeet, and bird companions to go a bit forward and see if theres a town or a food/water source nearby. Reeve practices his spells and Adam contemplates on what to do from there. Mira looks up and watches a crow swoop down to speak with her from where she sits on her horse. Reeve, Skeet, and Adam also pause. Miras eyes widen. “She says that just a little bit from here theres someone in trouble…” She pauses again as the crow continues cawing. “And they’re being kidnapped!” She cries in distress. Skeet looks concerned, “we should go help them right?”Adams face furrows, “are you sure we should stop for this? It might cause trouble for us.” Reeve shrugs at him, “I don’t mind, Mira said its close by and this’ll be a good opportunity to practice my hand at magic in combat.” Adam nods, convinced, following Mira along with the rest as she follows the crow.

They hear the muffled cries and grow worried, picking up the pace. They reach a small clearing, only to see three minotaurs hovering over and strangling some sort of gigantic bird caught in a net. It takes a minute of the gigantic bird twisting and writhing for her face to finally show, the realization that this was a real life harpy hits the group hard, Skeet gasping at the sight. Mira immediately recognizes that the minotaurs are bounty hunters and hops off her horse, maneuvering the water out of the canteen tied to her waist and blasting them with it. They take several steps back, enough time for Skeet to take a knife out and slice the net. After the minotaurs get over their shock, one punches the ground in frustration, scaring the groups horses away. They advance, making Adam move forward and face off against them. One minotaur throws the first punch, only for Adam to dodge and twist his arm behind his back. He kicks the back of the Minotaurs knees and throws him against his other bounty hunter companions, falling like bowling pins. This gives Reeve enough time to levitate the net and untangle it from the harpy’s talons, shooting it towards the minotaurs and smartly tying them up. Mira helps the harpy stand, asking her is she's alright. The harpy chitters for a minute before coughing at their looks of confusion. She apologizes and speaks, slightly defiant, saying she could have taken care of herself. She thanks them anyway, stating that her name is Vanessa. The group introduces themselves, before asking her what happened. She explains that she’d been hunting a few weeks ago only to be caught by the minotaurs. She’d been taken around as the minotaurs tried to sell her but no one seemed to want to deal with her feisty attitude. She tried to escape at that exact moment, only to be caught by the net and rescued by the group. Mira asks her if Vanessa has anywhere to go and the Harpy sheepishly answers “no.” They invite her to travel with them, that after their quest they'll be returning to a creature-friendly kingdom where she can safely reside. She agrees, very suspicious but having no other option. Adams put off, mentioning they only have enough rations for the four of them, and even then, their horses ran off with half of it. Mira scoffs, stating that she'll share hers and that they can simply scavenge for berries and fish, like they had when they were kids for fun. Adam huff's but agrees.

They continue on their journey until it grows dark, setting up camp in the woods and starting a fire. The memory of an old firey friend flits through Adams mind as he lit the flames, inhaling deeply before shaking the memory from his mind. Mira and Reeve watch him, aware of what was going through his mind and sharing a glance. They both know deep down Adam wishes to find their runaway friend again, maybe even more than completing the prophecy. Mira would be lying if she says she doesn’t wish that they’ll find Kai again. But she also knew it was a one in a million chance. Something Reeve and Adam were well aware of. As they sit by the fire Vanessa hears a rustle, she leaps into the shadows, startling Skeet, only to come back with a dead rabbit. Mira face twists, eating her own rations as everyone else cooks the rabbit. Finally, Vanessa speaks whats on her mind. “You guys said you’re on a quest. A quest for what?” Mira and Skeet open their mouths to answer immediately but Adam interrupts them. “We’re trying to find the ishibo for the kingdom we mentioned, we also plan on finding the dragon that terrorized it long ago. The royal family sent us on this quest.” The rest of the group give Adam strange looks. “But why all of you? What makes you all so special?” Vanessa asks. “Im a guard for the royal family, Reeve here is the mage, and Skeet and Mira have talents that’ll help us.” Vanessa nods, believing Adams story while everyone else is bewildered. Adam shoots them a look and they keep their mouths clamped shut. But of course Reeve has to pitch in, “yeah, thats why we’re here, but we all know ‘Mr knight’ isn’t only looking for the Ishibo.” Adam glares at Reeve, Vanessa perks up in interest. “What else is there?” Reeve opens his mouth to continue only for Adam to interrupt him, “enough, the quest is more important, we need to focus on that and only that.” Reeve gives him a deadpan look before rolling his eyes, biding them all a good night, everyone following suit, taking turns to keep watch.

#omfg i promise part 3 will not take this long to finally be posted #the hollow adam #the hollow #the hollow netflix #the hollow cartoon #the hollow fantasy au #adam the hollow #the hollow kai #kai the hollow #the hollow mira #the hollow reeve #the hollow skeet #kaidam

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rafor · 1 year ago

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Chapter 61 - In the air - The Glitch

I had been looking forward to our usual flight outside the walls, but Freya never showed up. I waited with Solara in vain, and then, as the night fell, a wave of sadness washed over me. I tried to cry, but no tears came out of my eyes. Solara noticed my distress and asked me gently, “Are you ok?” I answered with a quivering voice, “Freya didn’t join us today. I miss her so much.” She said soothingly, “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll see her tomorrow. Maybe she’s too exhausted after your trip.” I said, “I want to see my little dragons, but I can’t like this.” She said, “They’ll understand. Just tell them you’re a shapeshifter.” I said, “I’m not sure if I should. What if they want to learn that too? I don’t want them to change forms, even if they probably couldn’t.” She said, “I think it’s better to tell them sooner than later. And one day they'll find out on their own for sure.” I said, “Juno and Luna already know. They probably told the others already. I hope Freya explained that to them for me.” She said, “I’m sure she’s doing what she can. She only wants the best for you.” I said, “Yeah, I know. She’s amazing.” Then we fell silent for a while, and then I remarked, “Cool, I can see in the dark.” She said, “It’s normal. Usually I also keep watch during the night on the area, thanks to that.” Then I remembered something and asked her, “Right, I never saw you sleeping. Do you ever sleep?” She said, “I don’t need to. Even if sometimes I doze off with my eyes still open, it’s not real sleep.” I realized that I didn’t feel the need either and said, “Yeah, I think I have the same condition. I can’t get any sleep.” She said, “It’s normal then. How about we have a night flight too?” I said eagerly, “Yeah, I’d love that. I need to clear my head a bit,” and we took off again. We flew all night long and covered a great distance. We reached the ocean and went back to the mountains several times. Nothing interesting happened during that night except for a few dragons traveling at night who were surprised to encounter and be escorted by a pair of giant eagles. I didn’t reveal myself to them, but they noticed my mark and asked about it. I just lied and said that it was because I was a close friend of Nox. It worked well.

The news of a second giant eagle soon spread like wildfire across the neighboring kingdoms. This was a mixed blessing for me. On one hand, it cleared up any doubts about my sudden appearance and assured them that I was not a threat. On the other hand, it sparked rumors that I was Solara’s soulmate, which was far from the truth.

The following night, Freya joined us in the sky, bringing along Vesper and the rest of our children: Zephyrion, Luna, and Juno. I felt a surge of joy as I watched them soar beside us, but they soon grew weary. Solara showed me how to use my second pair of wings to carry them on my back, and I gladly did so. It felt good to help my kids stay with us while they rested on my shoulders. Zephyrion and Vesper were the only ones who flew the whole time, but they were also the oldest. Luna was very curious and even tried to balance on my head while we flew. She loved the view and begged me to go higher, so we ascended above the clouds under a starry sky.

As we glided through the air, admiring the celestial beauty, I noticed something strange: a light moving at an incredible speed in the sky. They mistook it for a shooting star, but I knew better. It looked like some kind of vehicle, but it was too high for me to hear any sound, or maybe it was silent. I wondered what it was and where it came from, and I filed it under the UFO category in my mind.

Reuniting with my children filled me with joy. Freya embraced me warmly for what she could, and soon Akira and Fyrenthos arrived with Flynn. We were all together, a complete family. Except for one. Leo was missing. I called out to him, inviting him to join us for a flight. He did not recognize me at first, so I revealed myself to him. He gasped in astonishment, but before he could ask any questions, I urged him to come along and said I had something important to tell him. He agreed, and we soared into the sky.

As we flew, we shared our stories of what we had experienced and also about the portal. We also asked Leo why he was still being hunted by King Zain. He told us the same tale I had heard before, of his lost kingdom and his cursed fate. My children listened with fascination, and Freya added some details that she knew from her own stories. Leo seemed glad to have someone who understood his history.

When we were returning from our flight, I noticed something unusual about Leo’s wings. They had multiple bright spots that glowed in the dark. I asked him what they were. He said they were a new feature that he acquired after we performed the ritual spell with the dark crystal. He said he liked them, but I wondered if they made him more vulnerable. He could not hide in the night if someone saw him and wanted to harm him. He shrugged it off and said he could defend himself, but I was not convinced.

I also decided to reveal my true identity to him. I told him I was Raphael, the one he had been looking for all this time. He smiled and said he already knew. I was surprised and asked him how. He said there were not many people with my powers, except for my children. He said I was unique, and he recognized me from the start. I apologized for not telling him sooner and for lying to him. He said it was no problem. He said he knew what it was like to hide oneself. After all, he was a target of many too. He laughed bitterly.

We landed back at the palace walls and parted ways with my little dragons and Freya. They went back to their rooms, while I left again with Solara and resumed flying for the night. It was a beautiful night.

#chapter #dragon #dragons #elements #fantasy #literature #mystery #story #poetry #adventure #the_glitch #the rise and fall of raphael

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villainanders · 2 years ago

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You have a few posts about how Oramas arc is literally the same if you enslaved her or not and I wonder how would you rewrite it/her?

Oo this is a good question thank you! What really bothers me about Orana is that when working for Hawke she still doesn’t really seem to have any other choice or agency in what she wants to do, and while she could leave she’s been conditioned her whole life to not see that as an option. In my headcanon I always imagine Hawke trying their hardest to make it clear to her that she’s welcome to stay working for them as long as she wants, but she’s free to move on and they’ll do what they can to support her in finding what she wants to do.

In game I’m imagining this like.. after you hire Orana you can progressively click on her and continue talking with her at the estate, and just generally ask her questions about herself and her life and be supportive (probably with the option to be an asshole boss instead, which I imagine would stop this plotline from progressing). (I’m just now realizing how similar I think an Orana arc would kind of look like Zevran’s arc lmao, as wild as comparing those characters is, I think they’d be in very similar places of latching onto the player character because they’ve never really had agency before). And then if you’ve done that consistently then near the final half of Act 3 you could get some kind of very mini side quest from her. I feel like it could really be a lot of things as long as it sets up as moving forward with her life. Like idk maybe she tells you she always loved baking and you can help set her up getting a job doing that, or maybe she tells you she has family or friends still back in Tevinter and you can talk to a couple of people to help her reunite with them. And at the end she tells you she’s going to move on and thanks you for your help and whatnot. And ofc this is all entirely optional/contingent on you interacting with her so if you don’t do this I guess it could play out like it does in canon with maybe a line or something about her leaving Kirkwall with Bodhan and Sandal at the end of the game bc I do worry about her and would like to know that she ended up okay

As for what happens if she’s enslaved, that’s a tougher question. Mostly bc I think Bioware shouldn’t have made that an option if they weren’t going to deal with it more significantly but I think that would require a way bigger rewrite than what a little chosen choice in a side quest for a character a lot of players miss on their first time would conceivably have, so in the spirit of what I think DA2 actually could have done, I think I’d keep what actually happens with Orana more or less the same (so, you know, just kind of being there. Maybe safer than when she was enslaved a crazed blood mage but separated from her family with no other real options. And then maybe Hawke could have a line in DAI mentioning she left kirkwall with Bodhan and sandal too bc like I said I like to know she ended up okay) but with more reactions and consequences from everyone else.

So obviously a sizable approval hit from the companions (I would say sake of the way the game works everyone in the party, but that doesn’t make SENSE to me bc everyone is going to find out later and react to it, so fuck it absolutely everyone. Maybe not Carver and Bethany if we pretend that nobody told them. I don’t care this is the only choice in the game where that happens). I do like/find it interesting that a diplomatic Hawke can minimize rivalry by arguing that she doesn’t have anywhere else to go so we can keep that. Fenris should leave your party or mayyyybe I could buy him staying with high enough friendship or rivalry, but you take a big rivalry hit/all of your friendship swaps to rivalry (like Merrill will do in her act 2 quest) and he breaks off any romantic relationship with you. Not totally sold on that but I am compelled by the super fucked up “companion goes along with things totally against their values” rivalry path dynamic you can get in like the Anders rivalry. Idk tho. Anyway beyond that I just think it needs to be a thing they bring up and not let you forget about it! I’m willing to buy that the champion is an important enough figure that they’re able to get away grievous crimes but “the champion literally participated in human elf trafficking” is a thing people would bring up. Leandra should comment on it (she does but weirdly permissively), Bodhan should ask about it, people should whisper about it in the hanged man, companions should DEFINITELY bring it up in their high rivalry cut scenes (that’s one of the bigger asks bc it would involve having a separate version of a cut scene depending on one decision but I feel like they could record a line that gets included or not). You could even have either Orsino or Meredith (whoever you side against) bring it up at the end of the game to point out that Hawke is a fucked up person too. If there was space to do a little more with it I’d like to see the city elves and the dalish being resistant to interact with you and maybe even have a fight at some point with a group of vigilantes trying to attack you bc you are, well, literally a known slaver. Idk it’s a tough balance. That all simultaneously feels like too much hinging on one choice in a side quest and not enough given what’s actually going on but something like that idk! Actual consequences that show people remember the things Hawke has done

#AND SHE WOUDLNT CALL YOU MASTER/MISTRESS OH MY GOD #I GET THAT IT WOULD FEEL A LITTLE WEIRD FOR HER TO CALL THEM HAWKE BUT THE SERAH AND MESSRE TITLES ARE RIGJT THERE. YOU INVENTED THEM FOR #THIS GAME

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entink · 1 year ago

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Not the Same

Jake and (Name) were the closest of friends. Lives across the street from each other and grew up together. They knew they’d be in each other’s lives for ever. At least…They thought they would. That changed when Jake had to move away for university. The kept in contact but it was just not the same. Now, they’re change to reunite is here. (Name) is ecstatic to see her best friend again. Jake…It’s hard to tell how he feels about it. But (Name) soon realizes that their friendship is not the same. He…is not the same.

——————————————————————————

(Name): Hey Jake☺️

Jake: Heyyyy (Name)

(Name): Guess what?

Jake: OMG! Are you pregnant?😱 I didn’t think it would happen so soon…😔

(Name): ???? Why is that your first thought? And I’m not pregnant!

Jake: Is your mom pregnant?😢

(Name): No! No one’s pregnant!

Jake: So no new siblings? Then what’s going on?🙄

(Name): Me and mom are moving

Jake: Don’t tell me you’re going to be even farther away from me…

(Name): Don’t worry about it🤭

Jake: I’m scared???

Jake: Hello???????

Jake: Currently calling the police !

——

(Name) laughed as she turned off her phone. She leaned her head against the window as her mom drove to the airport. “Are you happy to finally be able to see Jake again?” Her mom asked. Jake. Her childhood best friend. Her only friend actually. They practically spent their whole lives together.

Until…Jake had to move away for college. They still kept in touch, but certainly not as much as they used to. They went from FaceTiming everyday, to phone calls every few days, to barely even texting. But now, (Name) was finally going to meet him again after all this time since she’s transferring to his school. “I can’t wait!” She said, the excitement clear in her voice.

——

Before they knew it, they were already on the plane. After their flight, they had already arrived in their new town. And of course, the first place (Name) went was Jake’s house.

She was able to get the address from her mom who got it from Jake’s mom. (Name) knocked on the door as soon as she arrived. The door opened a minute later.

A girl with short, dark red hair opened the door. (Name) was startled at the girl, “Um…excuse me…?” (Name) started unsurely. “I’m here to see my friend, Jake. Does he live here?” The girl nodded before turning her head towards the inside of the house. “Jake! Someone’s here to see you!” She shouted. “Tell Jay for the last time that I’m not going to the gym with him!” A man yelled from somewhere inside. The girl let out a deep sigh then yelled, “It’s some girl!” The boy came to the door immediately.

Once Jake came, the girl went back into the house. “(Name)?!” He exclaimed, shock evident in his face. “Wh..what are you doing here?!” He looked like a deer caught in headlights. “Well…I did tell you I was moving,” (Name) said with a grin. “You didn’t tell me you were moving here…” Jake muttered more to himself than anyone else. “So…um…It’s good to see you again?” (Name) said, trying to keep the conversation going. Jake just shook his head and moved closer to (Name). He was about to hug her when he stopped himself. Instead, he gave her an awkward smile. “Was that your girlfriend…?” (Name) suddenly asked. “What?! No way! That’s just…ew…No. She’s just my roomate. We go the same university.”

“Um, Anyway, I should get going now. Me and mom have to unpack,” (Name) said, taking a step back. “Okay…see you later,” Jake replied awkwardly. (Name) smiled at him and turned around. But right before she left the door, he called out to her. “Wait! (Name)! I can help you with moving in tomorrow. My friends can come to and they go the gym a lot so they’ll be a lot of help.” (Name) grinned. “Thanks! I’ll text you the address!” She waved at him and jogged down the street.

——

The next day, Jake and his friends arrived at (Name)’s house. (Name)’s mom greeted them by the front door and let them in. “It’s so nice to see you again, Jake. Look how big you’ve gotten!” Jake chuckled and gave her a hug, “It’s nice to see you too.”

When he pulled back, he started to introduce his friends. He pointed to the boy with platinum hair, “That’s Sunghoon.” “And that’s Jay,” he said as he pointed to boy with dark blue hair. “They’re my other roommates,” Jake said. “It’s nice to meet you,” Jay said as he gave (Name) and her mom a handshake. Sunghoon just gave them a nod.

“Let’s get started!” (Name)’s mom clapped her hands excitedly. “Jake, could you please help get the boxes from the moving truck? Jay and Sunghoon can help with putting (Name)’s things in her room.” “Sure thing!” Jake followed (Name)’s mother, leaving (Name), Jay, and Sunghoon alone. “Come on,” Sunghoon said as he grabbed some boxes labeled ‘(Name).’ Jay and (Name) followed him, each picking up a box as well.

The three made their way to (Name)’s bedroom. Sunghoon set the boxes down on the floor with Jay and (Name) following suit. “How’d you get Jake to help you with this?” Sunghoon asked her. “What do you mean?” (Name) replied, confused. “Jake wouldn’t help someone move in if he doesn’t know them. Well-actually…” Sunghoon shrugged. “What? Me and Jake are childhood friends. We’ve known each other our whole lives.” (Name) furrowed her brows in confusion. “You’re childhood friends? He’s never mentioned you before,” Jay said. (Name) nodded, “He never mentioned me? At all?” “Nope,” Sunghoon answered.

(Name) remained quiet, unsure how to feel. Sunghoon shrugged his shoulders and went back downstairs to get more boxes. Jay pat (Name) on the back, “Don’t think too much of it. He probably had his reasons. But…if I had a friend as pretty as you…I don’t think I’d ever stop talking about you.” (Name) blushed at Jay’s compliments. Jay smiled and patted her shoulder again, then went back downstairs. (Name) shook her head and made her way downstairs as well.

——

“Ahh…” Jay stretched. “Man, moving day sucks so hard.” Jake chuckled at his friend. They had just put the last few boxes in one of the rooms and were heading back to the living room where (Name) and her mom were. “Thank you, boys! How much do I owe you?” “Oh, no worries,” Jake assured her, “We’re just happy we could help.” (Name)’s mom smiled, grateful. She thanked them again and told them that they could go home now. “See you at school tomorrow?” Jay asked (Name). “Yeah! See you tomorrow!” (Name) replied. “See you later,” Jake said as hugged (Name)’s mom. “Bye guys!” She waved at them as they went outside. Once they were gone, (Name) closed the door behind them. “Welp. Let’s get the blowup mattresses,” (Name) sighed.

——

And just like that, the day of (Name)’s first day of school had come. She got dressed and put on her shoes as she sat on the bed. Suddenly, she heard a buzz beside her. She grabbed her phone and unlocked it. It was a message from Jake.

Jake: Do you need a ride to school? Jay’s offering

(Name): If you have enough room, sure. Thanks :)

Jake: We’ll pick you up in five.

(Name): K see you then

—–

Five minutes later, (Name) heard a knock on the front door. She opened the door to see Jake standing there. “Hey. Ready to go?” He asked her. “Yup.” She nodded her head. She and Jake made their way to Jay’s car. As soon as they got in, Jay drove off. “Thanks for the ride,” (Name) told him. “No problem,” Jay said. The rest of the drive was in silence. (Name) felt uncomfortable; she wanted to say something but couldn’t find the courage.

“So…how do you guys all know each other?” She finally spoke after what felt like forever. “Well…me and Sunghoon have know each other since middle school. Thrn we met Jake freshman year of university when the three of us were assigned to work on a project together. We just kinda hit it off after that,” Jay answered. “I see…” (Name) nodded her head in understanding. After a few more minutes of driving and talking, they finally arrived at school.

#jake sim #enhypen jake x reader #Enhypen Jake #childhood friends #falling out #help

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jmagnabo92 · 1 year ago

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A Dream Come True - Ch 9

Ch 9 - Return to the Mansion

On Wednesday, after getting the funds and going to the doctor, the three former ghosts prepare to go back to the mansion for the long weekend. Of course, Trevor’s parents didn’t really want to let him go back because they’re worried, he won’t be returning, so as a compromise, Jeremy had bought these bracelets that when tapped would light up and vibrate when one side touches for the other to let them know they’re thinking of them. He had two of them – one that connected to his mother and one his brother.

Initially, he thought they were silly, but he then he figured that after wondering about him for twenty-two and a half years, it was worth the peace of mind they would get to wear some silly bracelets. Besides, he’d be home after the weekend was over.

Right where he should be.

“You ready?” Sass asks, as they put the bags in the car. It’s still a bit weird to consider that they needed bags and things that they’d never had to use before, well, since they died. As weird as it is to see Sass in jeans and a t-shirt or even himself in more laid-back attire.

Trevor glances back at his parents and brother – he would be coming back, he was sure, but then, he’d thought the same thing when he visited the weekend before he died.

“Why don’t we give them a minute?” Flower suggests, and Sass nods.

“It was lovely meeting you.”

“Thanks for having us.”

The two then go to the car. No one says that it’ll be just fine or that it won’t be like they’ll never see him, again, after all, it would feel like jinxing it. So, instead, they hug and tell each other that they love each other, before saying goodbye.

He can’t help feeling a little bit sad to be leaving so soon, but he did need a proper goodbye to his ghost family, too.

Thus, he has to leave – at least for the weekend.

As he gets in the car with a little wave, Sass says, “You know, if it’s really this hard –”

“We left so fast, I do need to go back,” Trevor states. “I just – I didn’t realize leaving for a few days would be this hard.”

“Well, hopefully, it’ll be great to be reunited with our no longer fellow ghosts?”

“Here’s hoping.”

***

The drive back to Woodstone went smoothly even with the slight irritation of his bracelets going off. He understood the worry, especially given the last time he went to Woodstone, but he won’t do anything stupid this time and he did get a clean bill of health.

Still, he does miss them a bit and wishes that they’d had a proper goodbye before he left, and then, he wouldn’t have to leave his family so soon. Still, it didn’t hurt to feel a different sense of coming home when he pulled up through the drive at Woodstone.

The others come out all excited when they realize it’s them.

It takes very little time for them to get inside and to their rooms – everyone’s allowed their own rooms before Jay’s calling them down for dinner.

As he leaves his room, he’s only mildly surprised to find Hetty nearby, she looks surprised to be caught looking at his door. She also looks quite different in a simple dress with no corset or bustle. He glances around and notes that everyone is already downstairs.

“Uh, hi Hetty.”

“Hello, Trevor. I – I did not mean to –”

“Stare at my door?” Trevor suggests. “It’s actually a good thing. Do you think we could talk?”

“Jay just called us down for dinner…”

“It won’t take, but a minute.”

“Alright.”

He gestures for her to go into his room and closes the door behind them. “I’m sorry that I left so abruptly and refused to talk to you.”

“I understand, Trevor. After all, you did end things and you seem much happier after seeing your family,” she says as she sits on the bed.

He smiles. “I’m glad that you understand, but I’m still sorry. It wasn’t as much about you or your embarrassment of being with me as it was about my issues.”

“What ever do you mean?”

He sits beside her but turned toward her so that one leg is bent on the bed. “I – I never told you this – I never told anyone except Jeremy and I learned Flower was somewhat aware and Sass was with me when –”

“Trevor, you’re rambling.”

“Right.” He clears his throat. “I had a largely semi-committed relationship with my best friend, but despite the intense amount of time we spent together, and the fact that I was deeply in love with him, I never believed that he loved me back – well, not exactly. There were moments when I believed it and moments when I didn’t. After I found out about the lake, I just – couldn’t – deal with the fact that I was in love with someone - slept with him on a near-daily basis for almost my entire adult life – that would do that to me. That I meant so little to him.”

He sighs. “And when you told me that I was too embarrassing to tell our friends that we were together – those horrible, horrible thoughts of being used, unwanted, unloved – like I was never enough that were attached to him became attached to you tainting everything we did together. I had pushed those thoughts away being with you, but they came rushing through me, again, and even though I wouldn’t say that I had fallen in love with you, I do have that – knack – for falling in love too quickly. And I just couldn’t deal with that, again. So, I – I was dreading having to be around you all the time – feeling that way, being reminded every time I saw you. So, when I woke up alive, I had two things on my mind – getting away and going home because I didn’t think I could deal with those feelings with you, too.”

“Trevor, I –”

“No, wait. I’m not done.” He takes a breath. “After I confronted Ari, I realized that I was wrong about him – at least what was going on with that part of our relationship – and I may be wrong about you, too. I hope I am because I hope that I meant something to you, but–”

“You do mean something to me, Trevor. You have done for me what I have never thought possible,” Hetty states, cutting him off. “You gave me a gift that I thought I could never have, and while, yes, I was incorrectly lost in the social statuses of my time, I actually realized that it is not fair to you. You deserved better, and I realize now that I should have told Nigel to ‘stuff it’ as you would say and tell everyone. I actually had intended to when I went to bed that night – after I saw you in the library and I realized that you are far better than I gave you credit for, unfortunately…”

“We woke up alive and things changed,” Trevor says, although he’s feeling better that Hetty does seem to truly feel sorry about things. “I am sorry I was in such a hurry out of here…”

“I understand, if I had been in your shoes… I would have done the same.”

“Still, I uh, I am happy that we had what we had, it definitely made the last few months better,” Trevor offers.

“That is true.”

“But um, I am going home on Monday, and frankly, I don’t think I’m ready for a relationship right now, so … maybe we can be friends?”

“I would like that.”

“Good, then let’s go to dinner.”

***

Dinner that night was a lively affair. There’s something about having so many ghosts suddenly alive and having an actual dinner party certainly made things much more fun, especially since this dinner was just the ghosts, Sam and Jay. No guests, no additional family members – just a weird housemate dinner. Of course, it wouldn’t be their last dinner together – that would be Sunday night, but it was their first dinner together since all of them became alive and felt different like a welcome home dinner for the few that ventured away from the mansion for the last week.

Trevor sat on one end with Hetty on the other – ironically much like the time they were fighting over the dinner part with the Farnsbys. This time though, he and Sass could catch up with Jay and Pete. As it turned out, maybe Trevor and Jay did have some things in common, and Jay couldn’t wait to spend a little bit of time with them – Trevor could admit that he like that idea, too.

The conversation had turned to Laura’s wedding that they were doing at the mansion, when one of Trevor’s bracelets lights up and he presses it.

“What’s that?” Jay questions.

“It’s a long-distance bracelet,” Trevor states. “My brother bought two pairs – one for him and me and one for my mom and me. Basically, you press the button on top and the person with the pair feels it go off and light up, and they press it so you know that they know.”

“Aren’t those usually for couples in long-distance relationships?”

“Uh, yes, but my family spent twenty-two years not knowing where I was or what happened to me. This was a way to give them the peace of mind that I’m okay without relying on texting or calls all the time or insisting that I don’t leave the house,” Trevor states. “It’s a little silly, but I’m the only ghost here whose family had no idea what happened and now that I’m alive again, they don’t exactly want to go through that, again, and I can’t really blame them. So, I have new accessories.”

“That does make sense,” Jay states. “I never really thought about that before – I imagine that made the Ari confrontation difficult.”

“Oddly, that wasn’t completely on my mind – I mean, we talked about it and apparently, Jeremy went by his office every year to tell at him – but I had other issues to resolve.”

“What other issues?” Pete questions.

“Private issues,” Trevor states.

Before either of them could probe more Sass jumps in with, “So, how long do you think it’ll be before you go on your trip?”

“Oh, awhile. I’m not in a hurry to go off and explore. I just want to spend some time with my parents and brother,” Trevor states. “Ironically, I’d been considering a leave of absence when I died to do the same depending on…”

He didn’t really want to get into his intended confrontation with Ari and if things had happened terribly that he was intending to run, but he didn’t have to with Sass, who’d been present during the conversation.

“Do you think you’ll get sucked – you’ll ascend now that you’ve dealt with that? If you were to die again?” Sass questions.

“Golly gee, Sass, that’s a lovely question to ask,” Pete says before Trevor can respond.

“Yeah, seriously, Sass, you really think that’s an appropriate question to ask of someone who was a ghost less than a week ago?” Jay questions.

Trevor, on the other hand, laughs. “Yes.”

“Yes?” Pete questions. “You think you figured out what it was?”

“Oh, well, after helping David ascend, I put some real thought into what was keeping me here and to be honest, there was a large part of me that was already fairly certain. So, yeah, I think I’ve put things in the past and as long as I don’t develop new issues or regrets, I should be good when that time comes.”

“That’s great,” Pete states. “I always wondered what mine was, but yours, given everything makes sense.”

Trevor nods. “Why do you ask, Sass?”

“Well, I – I was thinking that mine has something to do with Shiki since I never heard from her, and we were both ghosts –”

“So, why don’t you go see her?”

“I’m afraid,” Sass admits. “I mean, I don’t know how you did it, but you waltzed into that office and dealt with your issue head on – albeit a bit loudly –”

“A bit? I pretty sure everyone in that office heard everything,” Trevor states. He glances at Pete and Jay. “It was unintentional, I am not usually the loud one. That’s Jeremy. When he gets angry, he gets loud, when I get angry, I’ve got this silent anger – not sure how to explain.”

“We’ve lived with you for twenty years, we know,” Pete states.

“Anyway, you made it look like a piece of cake,” Sass admits. “And to be honest, I worry about what I might hear…”

“Which makes sense because not all of us heard good things when reunited with loved ones,” Pete says, thinking of the affair.

“Right, and worse? I think I would feel guilty if she got sucked – if she ascended after our conversation like David did,” Sass states.

Trevor frowns, “Why?”

“Because then I was the reason she was stuck.”

Trevor hadn’t considered that. Should he feel bad about David?

“I wouldn’t think that,” Jay states. “It’s more on them to deal with their issues than on anyone it involves. I mean – I wouldn’t expect Sam to blame herself for her mom not ascending. Does it help that she could work things out with Sam, probably, but ultimately, her mother could’ve accepted the situation and worked it out on her own. If David’s issue was that he was a bad friend that threw his friend in the lake, it’s not on Trevor to forgive him – he probably just needed to realize he sucked and there wasn’t anything he could do to change it.”

“That’s fair, besides, most ghosts wouldn’t have the opportunity to talk to or see their loved ones left behind to have that conversation,” Pete offers. “And we know that it’s really on the ghost to work it out anyway because it’s possible to ascend without any guidance.”

“Exactly,” Jay states.

“Alright, I guess that’s one reason to go see her, then,” Sass states. “I just – I still…”

“It doesn’t have to be today, Sass,” Trevor says. “I just another reason to go see him – and to be honest, I had a lot of questions. Things I spent the last twenty years thinking about. So, I was ready to go and face him, nerves aside. If you’re not ready – you have time to think on it, if you want.”

Sass nods. “Yeah, I do. Definitely, have plenty of time now.”

“After our last hurrah party,” Pete states.

“Yes, let’s plan that instead of worrying about ghost stuff,” Trevor offers.

Jay grins. “I’ve got quite the menu planned.”

Sass grins. “Let’s hear it.”

#CBS Ghosts #Ghosts CBS #trevor lefkowitz #A dream come true

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