#don't be fooled by the way this looks happy on the surface

[allright]

thinking of a royalty au with eventual poly!nanago...

[bunnwich]

HELLO! Do you have a summary of how you portray Leona's personality in your stories? I'm a big fan of your Leona and Yuu stories and I've read them multiple times www /gen I always feel like you just nail how he would act and say things and you inspire me to work on my own fics and get better at writing scenarios with him. Than you in advance ily🙏 🦉anon

How I Portray Leona in General and in Romance

HI ANON! So I've gotten this question a few times and someone in my discord asked me basically the same thing so I'll share with you what I wrote a few months ago about Leona and the general way I write him. (it's quite funny bc a lot of these things come up in Chapter 7 when we see his dream. I AM CURSED WITH APOLLOS'S GIFT OF PROPHECY WITH THIS MAN ISTG)

I hope this is helpful?? I would like to point out that the way I write Leona is fully based on my biases and life experiences. And that a big part of fandom is projecting what you wanna see in characters while still making them feel like the same character we know in canon, yk? Good luck with your fic writing! And thank you!! mwah mwah.💚 --

So Leona takes himself as a direct person, BUT he hides A LOT. He purposely misdirects people to get a reaction out of them. (Ex: pretending to be incompetent to anger someone) or he's playing with them. HE LOVES GAMES. Everyone is a chess piece, he has to feel in control bc that’s all he has ever had over everyone else; his wits. He’s a dickhead. He will say offensive shit to scare people off.

It’s a test to see who sticks around. He has no reservations when it comes to this. You take him as he is. And despite how some people write him he’s kinda silly? Like dad jokes. Why does he joke so much about eating people, who knows? (He says shit like Namby-pamby ffs) Why are you a 40y/o in a 20 y/o body?

I HC he purposely talks casually and gruff to distance himself from his upbringing. (I like to mix proper language and slang with him bc it feels right? Also lots of animal puns, and nicknames. HE'S CORNY AF)

In general, I don't think Leona is an entirely romantic person in canon, however in my timeline, I do HC that he, like Scar has this “want vs need problem” with connection to others. He thinks it's just praise he wants (or to be king) BUT he NEEDS TLC. What was Scar MOST jealous of at the end of the day?? Mufasa’s connections, a ✨queen✨, a family! BEING KING DID NOT MAKE SCAR HAPPY!! He needs to be needed and in Chapter 2 novella, he admits he HAS to numb himself to not care. I feel like this is something he constantly battles with. Yeah, he's lazy but it's partly bc he’s tired. He’s burnt out.

On the surface, he projects 100% nonchalance. He wants you to think everything he says is just "off the cuff", but it's not. He plans everything!!! He’s a mentor, big bro, caretaker. He is not the best at comforting words but he enjoys being a leader bc people appreciate him and look up to him. Something he never got at home.

Leona and ✨Romance✨

He fools himself into thinking he has the upper hand at first and keeps his distance keeping an eye on the object of his affection. Why would you catch his eye? Well, his greatest strength is picking up on OTHER STRENGTHS. Chessmaster. He is a mentorrrr and caretaker lowkey, he wants others to NEED him and rely on him. HE WANTS YOU TO NEED HIM.

At first, he would place himself in your path, trying to be helpful in a very tsundere type way. But he would still be causal and keep ruffling your feathers to gauge how you feel for him. He guards his heart pretty heavily. And more and more he is slowly collecting info about you he would find more ways for these meetings to happen until he realizes: "Oh shit, I’ve caught feelings." This one is the winner. He’s the king of nonchalance but also...he’s a very overly sensitive person. No doubt he’s freaking out a little, he doesn't wanna screw this up. But, he’d never show it.

I do think he wants to be challenged and given some pushback (insert manga panel about "something being harder to get and therefore is better"), He wants to WORK for it, to prove himself to you that you SHOULD choose him. He wants to impress you. It makes him feel alive. A person who keeps him on his toes.

And once this ”game” of cat and mouse starts to happen. He might start to let his guard down if you are shown you can be trusted with his VERY VERY delicate feelings, that you DO accept his flaws, treat him differently than all others, and see past his gruff demeanor. It is a test of sorts. He is testing that you can “handle” him. MORE GAMES.

He’d let you set the pace though. He won't be the first to give in. To kiss you or confess first. But he would fall first HARD. He’s not been given much one-on-one attention in his life so he would crave that time with you. Physical touch is a big one, but he would not be pushy. He'd tease your boundaries and become addicted to your time together.

But yeah, this push and pull goes on for a while, all the while he’s gauging how you react to this. Memorizing it all.

He’s def one of those texters who erases their sentence like 5 times when they are nervous bc he is cookin' up the RIGHT response to endear you. (Not in a sappy way of course more in a: “I know you miss me, mouse.” snarky sorta way.) Though he can be self-deprecating on bad days. He’ll act confident, though soften up behind closed doors.

I think once he realizes that you have picked up on his simpery and there's no going back...all bets are off. He doubles down, no longer ashamed of hiding it. (Assuming at this point the person has reciprocated these feelings too!) He wants to be yours and he’s not subtle. Someone to be by his side.

Then you get the REAL simp Leona, who lowkey mumbles the sappiest shit to you in his native language when he holds you, (bc he’s still embarrassed to be vulnerable, though this will fade over time) He’ll be your biggest supporter, and wants you around him as much as you can be.

This just keeps going until you're married. Congrats you now have a lion to take care of forever.🦁 Hope this helps!✨

[milliesfishes]

Coryo Request! Secretary! reader that he’s obsessed with and she is never late but gets mugged on the way to work and she comes in crying upset about being late and he’s like who. did. this. to. you. And refuses to let her take public transit again

౨ৎ⋆coriolanus worries when you are mugged౨ৎ⋆ fem reader x coriolanus snow

It was half-past nine. You had never before traipsed in later than eight thirty, unlike some of the assistants Coriolanus had employed who seemed to carry excuses in their handbags.

No, you were always through the door as he arrived, greeting him with a happy smile and the angelic sight of you in some pretty ensemble that wouldn't exit his mind for the rest of the day. Today was the first day you had ever been late. There was no call-in either, terribly out of character.

Coriolanus found himself checking and rechecking his watch, straining his ears for the familiar click of your heels against the marble floor. His mind was elsewhere, and he found himself utterly unable to complete any work. The pile seemed to loom the longer he stared at it.

Truthfully his concern was far past the usual employer-employee regular. You had become such a fixture to him- a sign of goodness in the raunchy world of politics that he depended on. When there was a dull point in a meeting, a pause or a lull in conversation, he found his thoughts drifting to you.

The way you smiled every time you saw him, no matter what. The genuine concern pooling in your voice when you asked how he was doing. And oh, he'd be a fool to ignore your face like an angel's. Heavenly to even the most atheist of men. Coriolanus was a connoisseur of perfection, and you were the pinnacle of it.

He had resisted your draw at first, turning instead to the women at his disposal, the right women some had said. The women who would boost him politically, gain favor with a few choice persons at a government level. His presidential wins were continuous after all.

It hadn't mattered how much he'd courted or flirted. None of them held a candle to you, as if their unearned advantages were supposed to make up for personality. Your Midas touch had ruined him for anyone else. And so he threw any thoughts of propriety to the wind.

Coriolanus' affections were idle, however, not wanting to scare you away with how besotted he was. He merely watched you from afar, occasionally gifting you with lavish little things that sent you flying into his office with a sunshine smile and a sweet thank you on your tongue.

But today he was becoming worried. You were nowhere to be found. Someone else had taken over for now, answering calls and sending messages in your stead. Running a tense hand through his hair, Coriolanus' concern was more than distracting. Had something happened overnight? Were you harmed in any way?

The door to his office opened, and he paid it no mind, expecting it to be the woman who'd taken your place. It wasn't until he heard your voice meekly asking if he could sign the documents in your hands that he looked up.

Your cheeks were flushed, and he could see dried tear tracks on them, though you were holding your head high. Setting his pen down, Coriolanus stood, brow furrowed. "What's happened?"

"The Head Gamemaker needs-"

"No, not that." He cut you off smoothly, coming around his desk to stand in front of you, taking the papers from your hands and depositing them on the wooden surface. "You were late. What happened?"

Lower lip trembling, you took in a shuddering breath, the wounds of whatever ordeal you had been through clearly unhealed. "I'm sorry-"

"Don't apologize," he said firmly, lifting a hand to tilt your chin up at him. You tried to avoid his gaze, but he held it fast, waiting for you to reveal the details of your morning. Coriolanus repeated the words for a third time, this time resolute. "What happened?"

A tear escaped your eye, trickling down to where his thumb swiped it away. In broken tones, the tale spilled from your lips, of how you'd been walking to work as you did every morning when two men grabbed you and seized everything in your possession, right down to your coffee. If it hadn't been for a passerby, you could have been kidnapped or worse.

His heart sank as you confessed, anger simmering in him at the thought of someone daring to rob and harm you. You were his, even if not in full yet. Under the power of his presidential shadow, nobody would dare harm you again.

Both his hands were on your cheeks now, and he held your eyes firmly. "You're not walking here by yourself anymore."

Eyebrows quirking in surprise, you tried to smooth it out, as was your way. "I don't have-"

"I'll send a car in the morning. And every morning from now on," Coriolanus interjected, brushing the last of your tears away. "It isn't safe for you to be out on the streets like that."

The look in your eyes was the anthem of his soul. You held a special corner of his heart, tucked away in the one spot it was soft. A little guiltily, you whispered, "Thank you."

"It's no problem," he assured you, still cupping your face in his hands. Then, quietly, "I want you safe."

Something shifted in your eyes, the phantoms of your awful morning ushered out by a tranquil light. Lips parting just barely, you studied him, breaths softening from their frenzied before.

Coriolanus could feel it- the spark of something different lighting a flame in you. Maybe someday it would catch up to his roaring fire. You could only stare at him for a moment, something blooming in your eyes.

The roseate glow that overtook your previous despair endeared him beyond all else. Coriolanus resolved right then that he would do whatever was possible to see it again.

All else be damned, someday you would be his.

[latimeria-fell-from-heaven]

⌗︙・⚠︎ being intimidated by love-struck and obsessed wriothesley ⚠︎ ♡⸝⸝

Wriothesley is aware of how intimidating he is.

Sometimes he doesn't even mean to be, and he feels a bit guilty about it. Given his stoic and less-than-inviting expressions, he doesn't blame the average person for flinching in his presence whenever they notice him in the vicinity. Hell, he's accidentally given the staff at some of the restaurants he frequents a bit of a fright from his tone and expression alone. And all because he had been simply inquiring about his meal, as it had taken longer than usual to be brought out.

But his seemingly unapproachable manner doesn't mean that Wriothesly doesn't attract his fair share of admirers and potential suitors. He'd have to be a fool to not see the lovestruck stares that were thrown his way by certain individuals, to not hear the hushed whispers of admirers fawning over his attractive features and squealing whenever he'd coldly glance their way for a split second. He isn't one to let all of that admiration inflate his ego, let alone pay much attention to it, to begin with. If at all, he'd rather avoid people's attention, much preferring to enjoy the quietness of solitude.

But he doesn't care about any one of them. Wriothesly only cares about you—his eyes are reserved for you and you alone.

Love-struck gazes on your form are often what he finds himself doing a good majority of his time, his heart beating so hard—so painfully loud—that he feels dizzy by just looking at you. Wriothesly looks at you as if you're the very reason he takes each breath, the reason why he wakes up and gets up out of bed, the very reason why he lives on. Sometimes if he catches himself passing by a mirror after having seen you, his cheeks and even ears are tinged with blush. To the unsuspecting eye, the dark haired male is more akin to a happy dog having received a treat for being good, his gentle smile and softened eyes making him look nothing like the intimidating man he is supposed to be.

But his lovesick puppy gazes fade away upon seeing you with somebody else, somebody else making you smile and laugh in a way that makes his belly fill with warmth but is quickly snuffed out once he remembers that your sweet laughter is not for him. Jealously rears its rotten, ugly head within Wriothesly's gaze, sick thoughts coiling to fruition within his mind. He cannot stand the thought, let alone the sight, of you interacting so merrily with someone that is not him. If looks could kill, then the bastard would have long since torn to pieces, left as a bloody pile heaped upon the ground long ago. He ends up crushing the fragile tea he'd been holding in his hand to pieces from the raw anger surging through his veins.

But it is not just possessiveness that fuels his obsession with you. It is envy—envy that others could make you laugh and grin so merrily in ways that he cannot. You are uneasy around him, unwilling to spare him one of your smiles that renders him a clumsy fool.

Self-hatred festers inside him every time you flinch in his presence, how when he does manage to ease a measly excuse of a conversation from you, you don't even look him in the eyes—the dust gathering in the dingy corner of a room is far better than looking at him. He supposes that your less-than-stellar first meeting has something to do with your wariness around him, as well as his frightening demeanor and voice—he sometimes forgets that he comes off as scary to you even if that was far from what he was intending.

But Wriothesly can only hold in his suppressed feelings for so long. He's only human, and even he has his limits too after all, no matter how standoffish and collected he appears on the surface. He wants nothing more than to lose himself in your warm embrace, bury his nose in the side of your neck and soak in the tranquility of being so intimately close to you without having to worry about scaring you off once again. Those daydreams that leave him shuddering with need and wanting more can hardly suffice anymore.

Wriothesley is uncertain for how much longer he could possibly hold in his festering feelings.

© latimeriafellfromheaven

[roosterr]

Heyyy! I’m not sure if you’re taking requests rn.. BUT if you areee, can I just please get a john price with the prompt “why are you avoiding me?” (Bc I’m a slut for angst) with a large fry on the side? IF NOT I TOTALLY COOL

outside it starts to pour

note: two posts in one month? who am i? i hope this is angsty enough lol, i re-wrote it 3 times bc i wasnt happy with it, its a love hate relationship 🥲 but anyway pls enjoy anon!!!

pairing: john price x gn!reader

wc: 1.5k

summary: in your dreams, you're more than just someone who warms john's bed

warnings: fwb, implied smut but no actual smut, angst, miscommunication (i cant help myself), hurt/no comfort, no happy ending

ao3

"why're you avoidin' me?"

the question echoes in your ears, drowning out the war drum of your heartbeat despite the heavy silence that settles between you.

john has a hand around your arm, gentle and barely there but still anchoring you in place like a vice with just his light touch. the back of your mind screams for you to rip yourself free, get as far away from the familiar timbre of his voice and the near-stifling comfort of his smoky scent as you can before he can get you in his web again. but just like always, he's got you right where he wants you.

how many times have you been pulled behind the door he was halfway out of? and how many times have you been ushered back out again with your hair and heart a mess, just to pretend like nothing happened? always one foot in your little secret and one in his reputation, never fully with you; that's how the captain operated, and you feel like a fool for ever believing otherwise.

a squeeze to your arm brings you back to the present, suddenly all too aware of his fingers against your skin and his eyes boring into your own with an intensity that has your heart fluttering – against your mind's better judgement.

"i'm not." your response is a mutter, your gaze dropping from his to the hardwood ahead of you. it's unconvincing, even to you, but he had no right to question you like this.

"you are." he shoots back, gruffly and without a second of hesitation. from the corner of your vision you see his brow furrow, casting shadow over those eyes that always captivate you so mercilessly.

a sigh escapes his chest at your lack of response, his eyes darting from one end of the hallway to the other before giving your arm a miniscule tug, nodding his head back towards his office.

that's how it always starts. the thought makes your heart clenches painfully. "stop. i don't want to–"

"no." he interrupts firmly, with a shake of his head so resolute it almost has you believing that was never his intention to begin with. your eyes gravitate towards his again, and there's a spark of something, under the surface, when his thumb strokes your skin, dipping just below the hem of your sleeve. "talk to me, what's wrong?"

the urge to give in is tempting, to fall into his arms like you always do, just how he wants, how he expects you to. this time, however, you're determined to avoid his trap.

"it's nothing," you avert your gaze again, sighing in the same moment you take his wrist and slowly pull his touch from your arm, "just leave it."

john tuts. "it's not nothin', though, is it?" he asks, sidestepping into your line of sight again and ignoring the pointed look you give him. "talk to me."

if he cared for you the same way you do for him, his persistence would be endearing, but you know better. you're a good soldier who just so happens to be a good fuck too; that's all you are to him, and that's all you'll ever be.

"i told you. drop it." you shake your head, face creasing into a frown as you turn on your heel. if you have to endure any more of his deceiving sympathy, you know you'll only end up caving to his desires. you're not that strong, and that's why you need to keep as much distance as possible between you.

"you're somewhere else, lieutenant." he calls after you, stopping you in your tracks before you can get too far. you don't bother to turn around, but he continues anyway. "if you can't get your head back in the game, i can't risk havin' you out in the field."

your indignant laugh bounces off the walls.

"it's just that easy for you, isn't it?" there's a lump in your throat as you force the last two words over it, one you hope neither of you will acknowledge.

"and what's that supposed to mean?" he scoffs, the sound of his boots taking a few damning steps closer to where you stand, still with your back to him.

"i don't know why i'm offended, you always do this." you mutter, bringing your hand up to smooth over the crease of your brow, the tremble there barely noticeable but telling of your fragile state.

he doesn't respond this time, waiting for you to elaborate with what you're sure is a glare directed at the back of your head.

"you find something to take, and take, and take from," you spin around to face him again, which proves to be a mistake because the second you meet his concerned eyes, you can feel the sting of tears in your own. "and as soon as it's not useful to you anymore, you chuck it away like yesterday's leftovers."

the silence that follows your outburst is so tense it weighs you down. you can't will yourself to move, to tear your gaze away from him even when your vision blurs. it takes a moment for you to realise just how ragged your breathing has become, feeling the hard rise and fall of your chest over your racing heart as you come down from your anger.

"that… that's not what this is." john utters, his face morphing into something you coin as pity, and it makes your heart squeeze all over again.

"don't. i told you to fucking leave it…" your voice is weaker than before, and you curse yourself for showing this amount of weakness in front of him, because now you know he knows that it was never just sex to you. he never meant that little to you.

by some miracle you manage to blink away the tears before they can fall and embarrass you further. you wait for him to say something, in a painful sense of awkwardness that's never been there before, but all he does is stare at you.

"i can't do this anymore." you whisper, the words muffled through the blood rushing in your ears. you fix him with another scathing look before turning to leave for the second time tonight.

"wait." he calls your name as you walk away, quickly moving to catch up with you, but you have no desire to listen to him, not anymore. he gives you no time to react when he rushes to stand in your path, grasping both your shoulders to stop you when you try to sidestep him. "for fucks sake, just hold on."

there's a conflicted look in his gaze that seems to pull his expression down with it. if you had anything left to give you might've felt bad for being the cause, but it's been months of this game of cat and mouse, and you're drained.

"it was a mutual arrangement," he urges, his eyes search yours, something you can't discern muddying the deep blue as they dart across your face.

you give a watery scoff, rolling your eyes in an attempt to rid yourself of the ache his touch brings you. "there was no arrangement. you're not an idiot, john, you knew how i felt about you."

"what?" he has the audacity to sound confused, and you have to resist the urge to scoff again. "how you felt about me? what're you saying?"

"i think it's pretty obvious by now." you mutter, folding your arms over you chest, trying to make yourself as small as possible. he hasn't taken his eyes off you once, your skin prickling under his intense stare. "i'm an idiot for thinking this would go any other way."

there's another heavy pause, john opens his mouth and closes it again like he was fighting with himself on what to say. the way your throat has constricted makes it hard to breath without sobbing, your breath coming out laboured and uneven.

"do you regret it?" he finally asks, his fingertips pressing into your flesh almost imperceptibly, leaving your skin tingling even though your shirt.

it was self-destruction, giving in to him every time even though it felt like a thorn in your heart. to allow yourself to live in the fantasy that he loved you while you were in his arms, just to have that warm feeling shattered when he told you to get dressed.

"yes."

you regret falling for someone who would never love you back.

"it's over. let me go, captain." you whisper, a plea for him to release you from whatever spell he's got you under, even if you don't really mean it.

his hands drop from your shoulders, letting one curl into a fist at his side and bringing the other up to scratch his beard in an uncharacteristically nervous gesture. you know it's for the better, but the knowledge couldn't stop the tears from rolling down your cheeks. you brush past him, feeling his gaze burning into you as you lean away to avoid touching him.

he doesn't stop you when you walk away this time.

[demon-country]

One of the saddest parts of the stolitz miscommunication debacle to me is that for all his bluster and all his denial, Blitz never managed to fool anyone into believing that there were no feelings involved and he was doing it solely for the book, including Stolas. That is, until Ozzie's, at which point he finally fooled the one person who he didn't even think he needed to.

For all we talk about how Stolas let his fantasies of romance run wild, which caused him to accidentally run roughshod over Blitz (especially at first), he wasn't exactly wrong, in the end. Blitz did develop feelings for him, and given how excited and enthusiastic he was that last full moon, their nights together were probably the only times he felt safe actually showing that. Because he could always tell himself and everyone else that it was just an act, he was just giving Stolas what he wanted and keeping him satisfied enough that he'd let Blitz keep the book.

Stolas thought, up until Ozzie's, that Blitz enjoyed their deal just as much as he did. Because Blitz did. If Blitz was showing up basically every moon as hyped and ready to go as the time we saw him, it's not really a surprise that Stolas didn't catch on to the times when Blitz was actually unhappy and uncomfortable because he felt objectified. After all, Blitz snaps at and is abrasive to everyone, and any annoyance probably seemed pretty par for the course, especially for someone as oblivious, ignorant, and autistic-coded as Stolas. But Stolas also got special treatment on top of that, and it's easier to focus on the stuff that stands out rather than the stuff that doesn't seem too far off from Blitz's standard behavior. He got times where Blitz was genuinely happy and comfortable and excited to see him, we literally see that in the memory fragments and Blitz's behavior during the last full moon. He got times where Blitz seemed to find him so hot he'd grab him and turn things sexual on a dime (Truth Seekers and The Circus). He also got times where Blitz was caring and attentive, and where Blitz accepted care and gentleness during aftercare (because there's literally no way that didn't happen, not getting aftercare after BDSM scenes can be legitimately traumatizing for both the Dom and sub).

Like, that's not to say that Stolas shouldn't have taken the numerous hints that his condescension and baby talk were highly unappreciated, because yeah that shit was very uncool of him and ignorance doesn't excuse it. But look at how Blitz gently caresses Stolas' cheek in Truth Seekers. Look at how thrilled he was to be with Stolas again in The Full Moon. Look at the photo Stolas has of the pony drawing Blitz seems to have made while at his palace. Look at the memory fragments where Blitz is so fucking into kissing him or gleefully showing off toys or making that big shiny eyed blep I'm dying to know the context of. How else was Stolas supposed to take all that every full moon and however many nights Blitz came over outside of that, and not be convinced that his feelings were returned?

Because they were. Not immediately, of course, but the were. They were on the same page about that. There were plenty of things Blitz didn't like, related to Stolas' unconscious racism/classism. There was plenty of "things for [Blitz] to teach and [Stolas] to learn". There were plenty of things that went unsaid and unheard and misinterpreted on both sides. But the love was there, Stolas didn't make it all up. It wasn't the perfect fantasy he was initially picturing (although I'm pretty sure that illusion didn't actually last very long, not with how dejected he looks in a few of the memory fragments and at the start of Ozzie's), and Blitz had a lot more hidden under the surface than Stolas knew about (although he did know Blitz had walls he hadn't seen through yet), but the love was there. You don't have to know everything about someone to start falling in love with them. Blitz couldn't fool anyone, but he especially couldn't fool Stolas, who he showed his heart to again and again thinking he was safely hidden behind the alibi of the book deal.

Until Ozzie's. Until the disastrous "date", after which Blitz couldn't hide the hurt he felt thinking that all Stolas wanted him for was sex, when Blitz wanted more. Except Blitz didn't say that last part. So all Stolas got was Blitz ignoring him on their date, Blitz rejecting his offer to go inside, and Blitz tearing up while saying in a wounded and borderline angry voice that their deal was strictly about sex, which finally clued Stolas in that his actions hadn't been taken as cute and flirty like he had intended, they had just served to hurt Blitz and convince him that all he wanted was to use Blitz.

Blitz's pain changed everything for Stolas. He stopped flirting, he stopped calling him Blitzy save for one time, he stopped most of his interactions with Blitz, and he started trying to give Blitz outs. He looked at all the times Blitz was annoyed at him, at how umbalanced their deal was, and at how it may have been just as cruel of a chain as the one binding him to Stella, and quite correctly came to the conclusion that the deal needed to end and Blitz needed to have a way to do his job without being dependant on Stolas. But he also looked at all the memories of Blitz being happy with him, and all the times Blitz showed up excited, and came to the incorrect but reasonable conclusion that it was all probably just an act Blitz put on to keep the book. Just like Blitz had been hoping to convince everyone of.

And then Stolas ended the deal, and Blitz couldn't figure out why so he started to panic. The deal was his safety net and his shield; it was the only way he felt he could get something close to the real relationship he wanted, it was what allowed him to be open with his feelings, and what gave him the courage to let some of his walls down. It probably felt like such a betrayal that Stolas would take it away.

Even though he was the one who dodged all of Stolas' offers to talk, out of fear that things would become complicated if they talked about it, out of fear of rejection after Stolas hid during their "date", and later out of guilt and shame for how he failed to save Stolas. Even though he was the one who was hiding behind the excuse that it was all just for the book. Even though he was the only one convinced that Stolas could never care about him for anything other than sex. Even though Stolas flat out told him he cared about him and wanted him to stay, just without the deal in between them. Even with all that, Blitz still couldn't see Stolas ending their deal any way other than Stolas abandoning him and rejecting him and taking away the only way he has ever been able to openly show that side of himself.

It was more than just his self-hatred talking, it was more than just his insecurities getting the better of him. It was a perceived betrayal of trust and an inability to see how much the deal limited their ability to get what they both actually wanted. The reason it hurt him so much was because Stolas hadn't actually been wrong. Blitz did care, Blitz did enjoy their deal, Blitz did want Stolas just as much as Stolas wanted him.

The tragedy of it all was that the love was real, but the only ones who were convinced it wasn't was the two of them. So it's a good thing the story isn't over for them yet, because I couldn't take that ending for them. After all the shit they've been through in their lives, they deserve their happy ending together, they deserve to have their mutually requited love be realized.

[a-living-canvas]

Darling Fool

"Oh, God…" Whumpee silently muttered. Their left ankle was bruised and slightly bleeding. Their bare feet touched the rough surface of the road. They didn't have any jackets, so Whumpee hugged themselves to provide some heat for the cold weather.

But it's all worth it! They would meet Caretaker soon. Caretaker must be proud of them for finally escaping from Whumper. They couldn't wait for the warm blanket, a loving hug from Caretaker, and to sleep in their bed again.

"Huff…huff…" Whumpee leaned on the wall nearby, eyes blurry and heavy. They haven't eaten since they escaped from Whumper. The feeling of hunger slowly got to them. They could smell the delicious aroma of food from the restaurant. The sight made them drooled a little.

Whumpee continued walking. They ignored the weird and judgemental look people glance at them. Their shirt was stained with blood, their hair was messy, knees bleeding. They looked more like a homeless person rather than someone who needed help. 

Their eyes perked up when they saw a public restroom. They made their way to the place and looked at their reflection in the mirror. God, they looked awful. Caretaker must be scared to see them like this. Whumpee washed their face, cleaning the dirt and stain on their shirt and skin.

They tried to smile too. It felt awkward at first, given how long it had been since they got kidnapped by Whumper. They hoped they could make the prettiest smile for Caretaker. 

Whumpee walked out of the public restroom and continued their way to their house. A few people offered them a ride, but they refused in fear of being taken again. Half an hour passed, Whumpee finally arrived at their house. Excitement building inside them as they took a deep breath and knocked the door three times.

…

Nobody answered. Whumpee knocked again, this time they pressed the doorbell. They waited and waited but nobody came out. Anxiety rushed through them. They knocked a little louder and faster, enough to make the people inside the house feel annoyed with the infuriating sound.

They kept knocking until finally the door opened and Caretaker appeared from behind. Whumpee's eyes perked up at Caretaker, they nearly hugged them out of happiness but stopped themselves from doing so. Caretaker looked at Whumpee with a frown on their face. 

"Do I…know you?"

Caretaker asked. Whumpee's face went pale when they realised Caretaker didn't recognise them. Did they look…that different?

"It's…it's me…Whumpee…" Whumpee said, they tried to move closer to Caretaker but Caretaker backed away, their index finger covering their nose. Whumpee immediately stopped walking at the action, feeling embarrassment washed over them. 

"Sorry, I don't think you are the person I'm looking for." Caretaker said as they slowly went inside again when Whumpee grabbed their wrist, resulting in Caretaker slapped their face.

"Don't touch me, you creep!" 

"Caretaker, it's me! Please! Don't do this to me!" Whumpee pleaded, ignoring the sting feeling on their cheek. They kept clinging to Caretaker but they just pushed them away. Whumpee hugged Caretaker by their waist, holding them tight as tears watering in their eyes. 

"Please, please remember me! I'm Whumpee!" 

Caretaker sighed in frustration. They looked at Whumpee with a cold gaze. "Nice acting. But just so you know, there's already a few people who pretended to be my Whumpee just to get the money I offer from the missing poster."

"But I'm the real one! I'm not lying!" Whumpee showed their smile to Caretaker, tears rolled down on their cheeks. "Look at me, Caretaker! Don't you remember my smile?" Whumpee asked hopefully. Their smile faded when Caretaker pulled out their wallet and held out a few dollars to them.

"Take this, if you are that desperate for money." 

Whumpee pulled away from Caretaker. They swallowed hard as they took in the reality they were facing. Caretaker sighed as Whumpee stayed still like a rock, they put the money on the ground before going inside and closed the door. Whumpee bit their bottom lip, holding the tears in as they watched the money scattered around their bare feet.

They walked away from Caretaker's house, leaving the money untouched. 

~

"Oh, dear…" Whumper said, as they looked down at Whumpee. Whumpee was laying down on the street, hugging themselves tightly to fight the cold. They looked hazy and dazed, probably from starvation. Whumper sighed softly. They crouched down in front of Whumpee and stroked their hair.

"I told you, nobody cares about you anymore except me. Why do you need to be so stubborn, hm?" 

Whumper lifted Whumpee in bridal style, carried them gently as they walked to their car. 

"I will give you a warm blanket and a hot shower once we get home. Okay?"

Whumpee nodded, resting their head against Whumper's chest. Whumper rubbed their cheeks, frowning in concern. 

"They hit you?"

Whumpee didn't answer, they just started crying again. "Hey…hey…shh…don't cry, I'm here with you now." Whumper held them tightly, trying to comfort them as much as they could.

"C-caretaker doesn't remember me anymore…t-they gave me money, b-but I don't want that…!" 

"Shh…I know, I know." Whumper looked at Whumpee sympathetically. "Let's take care of your empty stomach first, okay?"

Whumpee nodded, "Okay…"

~

Part 2

[vitaminseetarot]

Back-to-Back PAC Part 1: What is Ending For You? 🌹🔥🌃

Hey, y'all, I'm back for another pick a card reading in time for the end of 2024. I thought I'd make it a little more interesting by having two back-to-back readings, so stay tuned for tomorrow as part 2 rolls out!

Pick any one of the three images above for your reading:

Pile 1 - Sapphire Rose Pile 2 - Carnelian Flame Pile 3 - Amethyst Sky

Pile 1: Sapphire Rose

10 of Pentacles (Rx), Queen of Cups, III Empress, 10 of Swords; Treasure Island, Desert: Vision Quest; "just cuz they put a square on your head doesn't mean you're not still in school"; "Live a vibrant and colorful life despite the circumstances"

Hey there pile 1! I see that for you 2024 was not the start of chaos and challenge but a mere continuation. I feel a good deal of exhaustion with this pile. But I wanna tell you that since you picked pile 1 before 1/1, there's a message that you are still going on the right path even if you sometimes doubt your intentions. Like strong currents and waves of the ocean, our paths can become torrential and unpredictable, with many ups and downs. I feel you've faced through many obstacles in the course of your life so it's tempting to believe that not much will change in 2025. But I see that what's ending for you is the very expectation of said lack. With the 10 of Pentacles reversed, you're breaking down old narratives that no longer work to support you. This requires retooling your brain to think differently about a situation than before, to approach it from a alternate angle. It may require unlearning and relearning, much like pruning an old branch while watering the new.

I'm getting that with Queen of Cups, it's best to do this through loving reminders. I get that many of you in this pile may be resistant to or overly wary of toxic positivity, and that's understandable. A lot of advice online can scrape at the surface and be unable to fully peer into the depths of unique challenges we have had to endure. But we can be gentle with ourselves and take the time we need as we gradually welcome more optimistic affirmations into our minds and shift focus onto what we want instead of don't want. If it feels unrealistic to say to yourself, "2025 is going to be AMAZEBALLS!", then you can try something more grounded like, "2025 is filled with great opportunities."

The odds are, with the Empress, there likely will be a few great opportunities that come your way, like finding small oases filled with nutritious food blossoming in otherwise torrid and barren looking situations. If you're in the mindset to think of 2025 as being abundant and nourishing, then you will be more primed for those opportunities when they arrive. Being positive about the new year doesn't have to negate justifiable concerns, nor does it erase the troubles of the past. But it does prepare you to make the most of what's to come. Honor your past self and what you and your loved ones have gone through in the past twelve months, give yourself a chance to cleanse and heal by the oasis. Then let yourself stand and receive the blessings that are to come in due time. I'm wishing you much luck and good cheer, pile 1! Happy new year!

Pile 2: Carnelian Flame

Queen of Cups, 0 Fool, 7 of Pentacles, IV Emperor; All That Glitters, Spring Equinox: Rebirth; "Yeh I guess I do stuff but I don't feel like an actual thing yet"; "Everything is energy & energy never dies; it just transforms."

How's it going, pile 2? I chose flames for your pile because even though it's the middle of winter, I felt the invigorating energy of my local spring weather cycle in this pile. Everything from the rain to the warmth to the growth to the heat, in the right order! I sense this pile is very enthusiastic at the idea of having an exciting 2025. I don't wanna say that this could be "your year" so to not jinx it, but I'm inspired by the vibrancy in these cards. You feel more than ready to shed the old unwanted parts of the past and welcome the new you. I'm getting that a sense of imposter syndrome is dwindling away as you become more in tune with your emotions, and this is a growth that has taken place over time. As you give yourself more self love and praise for who you are, the more you're able to integrate the humble parts of you that accept learning and growth along with the parts of you that embrace your innate talents and traits.

With All That Glitters beneath the usually jester-like Fool card, You're learning to distinguish between the fake and the real when it comes to acting that you're accomplished and fulfilled from actually being it. It's a big leap to realize that some happiness is genuine, some confidence is real, and that some assertiveness doesn't hurt but might actually help to demonstrate your ability to lead. This kind of energy, the joy and self-assurance, is all yours. This is like a very soft release of an old ego that clung to the character role of playing small and buffoonish. Pile 2, it's time to give yourself some more credit.

I see 2024 as being a year where you realized some kind of personality change, mainly because you had to. It's like when somebody gets a promotion and suddenly it's like they have to take on a "bigger" role to play and it's like they have to grow their feet to fill into bigger shoes, so to speak. They have to change how they perceive themselves and make it real. You had to take on a larger role than you were ready for and it's created a change in views. So what has to end from that are the old thoughts that try to talk you down. Whatever position you're elevating yourself to, you deserve good things from your change, as flowers bloom from the snow. You've gone through the rite of passage, embrace whatever beauty that you will into your world. You don't need to "fake it" to make it in 2025, pile 2, because You Are It! Wishing you a very bright, happy new year!

Pile 3: Amethyst Sky

XVIII Moon, I Magician, VIII Strength, 10 of Wands; Serendipity, Galaxy: Perspective; "Relax, it's still just the loading screen"; "It takes courage to be honest & authentic. The ones meant for you will stay."

Hello, pile 3. You have a lot of major arcana in your spread, which suggests a major ending that may be happening as this reading is being written. You could be in the midst of a huge transition in your life. I'll admit to chuckling a bit when I saw the loading screen card show up underneath the Moon, as I have often thought of the Moon card as being similar to the uncertainty of an intermission. Like when people rise from the theater for the restroom and concession stand, thinking about how the following act will be. There's a bit of trepidation of finding out what's coming next, especially if this last year has really put you through the wringer. Now would be a good time to freshen up with cheer, relaxation, and good snacks if you feel as though 2025 may be "big" for you in any way.

This reading gives me a strange déjà vu as though I've written this in a dream, so perhaps you may wonder if next year will bring a lot of the same baggage of the previous year. But I see here with Magician that you have a lot of power in your hands to mold your new beginnings into what ever you want it to be, and luck is on your side here. You are a video game player of your life here, not a movie goer observing, and next year can be a chance for you to play around with how you'd rather have things be. See how the loading screen resembles the galaxy in the Perspective card? The loading screen is not there to keep you stuck; this downtime can be used to reassess your path and how you want it to go. So if your life right now is quiet, now is a great time to self reflect on your desires and what you would do if you knew you could do anything (ah great, now I'm thinking about that kid from the meme!).

I see you overall ending the feeling of needing to hold onto baggage from the past. You can feel more comfortable changing course even if it means playing the game differently before and after the loading. You don't have to hold onto an old narrative just because it's what others expect from you. Please take time to rest and recharge in between these major transitions you're going through, and know that the next year does not have to be a repeat of the last. You have the power to change and expand more than you know. Wishing you the best of luck pile 3 and have a happy new year!

This reading has not been evaluated by the FDA to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or infection. Please ask your physician before going online.

2024, @VitaminseeTarot ™

[wtftarot]

PAC: Judgment

This one is going to be fucking intense, y'all. The Judgement card calls shit the fuck out. The Judgement card isn't judgemental though. It's all about self-reflection, taking a good, hard look in the mirror, and suspending your self-criticism so you can see yourself honestly. It can talk about a reckoning of biblical proportions, things being brought to the surface and nothing will ever be the same.

That being said this reading is for entertainment purposes ONLY and is not a substitute for professional advice in any capacity. Remember, use common sense, and don't be a dumbass.

Masterlist

Pick The Flag, The Angel, or because some of y’all’s guides have a sense of humor The Ass. And head on to your reading.

THIS IS THE JUDGMENT CARD. IT IS A TOUGH LOVE READING. IF THAT IS NOT WHAT YOU FEEL YOU NEED OR ARE IN GOOD HEADSPACE FOR, THIS ISN'T THE READING FOR YOU. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

The Horn

Ten of wands, Five of Cups, The Hanged Man, Five of Swords, Death Rx, Nine of Swords, Ace of Cups Rx, Eight of Cups Rx, Seven of Cups Rx, The Fool, and The Six of Wands.

Is it loud where y'all are at? Or is there usually a lot of noise going on where you're at? I don't think that has anything to do with the reading, just something I'm picking up on. Y'all know the Judgment card is not gonna pull any punches right? And you're ready for that? Alright then, y'all are stuck in the past and it's fuckin you over. I'm getting specifically that y'all replay embarrassing memories or replay times you fucked up over and over in your head and beat yourself up over them. Now most people do that to a degree, y'all though? Y'all do it a fuck ton. You need to stop beating yourself up for past shit. You don't have to start singing your own praises or whatever, just learning to stop that train of thought when it comes up would do wonders for you. I kept pulling cards for y'all because they felt empty, that's the only way I can describe it. Y'all are so fucking drained. It's like y'all are hanging around a well that's been dry for a while, but you won't leave cause what if you go looking and never find another one? THE WELL IS FUCKIN DRY SWEETIE. You refuse to let go of the past because what if the future is worse? Or what if you never find that again? Honey, I'm gonna give it to you straight (or bi?) By holding onto the past you are guaranteeing that the future will be worse. Hanging around a dusty ass well is worse than going looking for another one, full stop. I gotta be honest, it doesn't even look like you were happy with what you're holding on to. None of the cards talk about a happy past. I keep getting this imagery of ghosts haunting an abandoned house, but it feels like you're the ghost haunting your past. There's a vibe here too, that y'all are waiting for something to rush in and change things. Like some sorta lightning strike, epiphany, huge catalyst event that's like NOW, my life can start. Sweetie, that's you. You are the change maker in your life. I understand there's a fuck ton in life that's outside of our control, I get that. That's not what this reading is talking about. It's talking about how the choices you are making are keeping you stuck. How YOU are the catalyst for change in your life. Even small steps in the right direction will make a huge difference Your reading started with the Ten of Wands and ended with the Six. The imagery on them is really beautiful for this reading. In the deck I'm using, the Ten/Wands is depicted as ten sticks all tangled together, it feels like being stuck in a dark underbrush. The Six/Wands shows a blue butterfly flying out of a dark underbrush. You have the power to move toward a brighter future. You just need to take that power into your hands and stop trying to go back to the past. I believe in y'all.

Random ass vibes: enchiladas, butterflies, 888, pop-punk, 21, pink, pastel goth

Like this reading? Tell me what you like in the comments or leave a tip in the tip jar at the bottom of the post.

Angel

Seven/Cups, Knight/Cups Rx, Queen/Wands Rx, Eight/Swords Rx, Six/Swords, Wheel of Fortune Rx, Ace of Cups.

I'm seeing a watercolor painting of mountains. Someone painting scenery on a road-trip. This energy feels very soft, not gentle though. Like a cat that's cuddly but will tear you to shreds the second the mood strikes them. I feel like if you picked this group, you are one tough nut to crack. You've either had a rough life so far, are a rough person or both. Probably both. There's a softness that's calling you. A softer life coming your way, you probably feel it or have seen signs about it. It's freaking you the fuck out though ain't it? This life that you're being called to embrace, "being welcomed into" I'm hearing, is so soft and free and you've never felt that have you? It's terrifying. Honey. I fucking get y'all, I get this group wholefuckinheartedly. Y'all may be scared that this softer life will make you lose your instincts, that you will go soft and helpless. I think that's why the cat analogy came up, you won't lose it, babe don't worry. You won't be de-clawed just because you find a safe lap to curl up in. I'm feeling that the people that will come in with this softer life will love your edges and teeth. Knowing you will have their back when shit hits the fan will make them feel so safe with you and vis versa. Cause believe me they will have your back just as you do theirs. This energy is dark and intense and soft and warm all at once. It's so fuckin beautiful. Here's the catch, cause you knew it was coming: You have to start creating room for this softer energy. You have to start being softer with yourself, not judging yourself for wanting that softness. Stop ridiculing soft things, open things. I know you can take the hard times in stride but stop making yourself. Just because you can handle the hard shit doesn't mean you have to all the time. There is so much ease with this energy, it's just like a whisper in my ear. This is a time of rest coming to you but you have to kinda train yourself a bit for it, teach yourself that these things are okay. Otherwise, you may just lose your shit cause it's so fuckin foreign to you. (I keep seeing a flash of a long caption on instagram?? I don't know what that means at all, I hope it clicks for one of y'all. ) I keep getting the sense that y'all are worried about losing who you are if you embrace this energy, you won't. That intensity? The claws? The smartass mouth and edge? All yours to keep. We don't lose the night and storms when spring comes now do we? The only difference now is that you'll have a shoulder to lean on and will have moments of peace. BUT you have to stop judging yourself for even thinking about a softer way, seriously. How the hell are you going to be ready to embrace this fuckin awesome new chapter if you can't even THINK about it without mentally berating yourself? You don't have to do a complete 180 immediately, just stop yourself when you catch yourself repeating those thoughts. Just change the subject, do not engage. You can argue with those self-berating thoughts if you want, ngl this group seems like take no shit types. And let's be honest, we all know that you can't mentally beat yourself into the person you want to be, anymore than you could repeatedly neglect and destroy a seedling and have it grow into a huge ass tree. Things don't get stronger by being repeatedly broken down and destroyed. Y'all have had enough of the tough-love, hustle, push harder to do better. It's your turn for ease.

random ass vibes: art, Hozier, rainy forests, two-lane highways, candy, hammocks, fresh laundry, fire.

Like this reading? Tell me what you like in the comments or leave a tip in the tip jar at the bottom of the post.

Ass

Four/Swords Rx, The High Priestess, Three/Pentacles, Queen/Swords Rx, The Tower Rx, Seven/Pentacles Rx, Ace/Wands and Ace/Swords Rx on the back of the deck.

Y'all's guides think they're fuckin hilarious. Not only did they keep pushing me to pick the person's ass as the picture for your group. When I was writing up the lil intro at the top, I wrote something about a good, hard look in the mirror and I heard giggling and "yea look at the dick in the mirror". (jokingly calling you a dick, not in a really mean way, more like the way you call a friend a dick) They're giggling again as I'm writing this. This energy is very youthful and light. I think y'all tend to be very hard on your past self, very critical. I keep hearing "should've known better". You need to give yourself a break, especially from past mistakes. (Do y'all have trouble focusing? I cannot seem to focus on this group, so I'm sorry if it's coming across as very jumbled. )There's a deep need to go inward and explore your inner self. I think y'all actively avoid going inward, dealing with your own emotions. It's like y'all are running away from your inner child. Some of you may have had a rough childhood but I'm getting that it's more that y'all kinda bully your past self/ inner child, as they are one and the same. It's interesting, it feels like a few of y'all are demanding yourselves to be a way that you're not naturally and it's alienating your inner child. Now, I can't say who you are naturally, not my place. I can say judging by the cards, some of y'all are pushing yourselves to be more of a logical hardass than you are and for others of you it's the opposite, you're pushing yourselves to be more intuitive, touchy-feely than you are naturally. No Judgements for either side, I do want to say whether you figure out you're more or less logical/intuitive, you can still be into tarot and everything. All are welcome. All of y'all are punishing yourselves for not being how you think you "should" be though. I do mean punishing, too. Y'all can be downright cruel to yourselves when you try to be. Pay attention to what you're saying to yourself in those moments, as I'm getting that you may be parroting something cruel that was said to you as a kid. I mean, do you even truly believe what you're saying to yourself? Cause, honestly it looks like you do and value different skill sets and understand that everyone is different and does embarrassing shit sometimes, but you have a different standard for yourself. I'm hearing something like "Yeah but everyone' beats themselves up over embarrassing shit, everyone does this, and everyone hates themselves for past mistakes. Sweetie, everyone cringes at their past, not everyone is cruel to themselves the way you are. I don't think you realize how incredibly harsh your thoughts toward your past self can be. You wonder why you can never seem to connect with your inner child when you've become their biggest bully. I mean no offense and I'm not judging you, I'm just your guide's lil messenger. I didn't intend for this to be an inner child reading, that is what it needs to be, though. The Judgment card talks about calling things to the surface, and facing the truth of you head on. Your self-judgments are leaving your inner child feeling abandoned by you. You're picking apart the foundation of yourself and wondering why you never feel like you're on solid ground. This reading is calling you to go back to basics for yourself. I'm seeing for those of you who never really had a time when you could be a child, not only is this more relevant for you, it'll have more of an impact. Think back to what made you feel safe as a kid, or what you wanted to do to make yourself feel safe that you couldn't for whatever reason. Shows you watched or wanted to watch. The food you wanted. Buy yourself a toy, playdough is cheap as hell. If you're still pretty young and you're reading this, let yourself BE young. The world is so fuckin demanding and puts so much pressure on everyone to be "mature" and grow up as fast as possible and it's bullshit. Being easier on your past self/inner child will give you that spark and energy you've felt was missing. You're never too old to let yourself feel like a kid.

random ass vibes: spinning around til you fall, gardening, 222, birthday candles, art, blanket forts,

Like this reading? Tell me what you like in the comments or leave a tip in the tip jar at the bottom of the post.

[ashblooddragons]

This Mysterious Love (Chapter 2/?)

(Sorry this chapter is a day late I hadn't realized yesterday was Monday until like 5pm lol)

Series Masterlist

Alicents pov

I try and almost my heart as I walk towards the King's chambers. Anything and everything that could go wrong rushes through my mind. 

Is the dress too revealing? Father said to wear one of Mother’s, but I'm still not used to showing this much skin. What if the King shuns me, kicks me out, and makes it known I was in his chambers? Did I use too much lip stain or blush? Did I use too little lip stain and blush? Is my hair in an awkward style? What if the King wishes to force himself upon me?

The last thought has me gripping the book in my arms tighter hoping it will shield me from any ill intent from the King. I am so shaken with anxiety and fear I hadn’t realized someone was walking down the corridor as well until I bump into them dropping the very book I was using to hold myself together.

I quickly bend down to pick up the book, turning to apologize to the unnamed lord only to find Prince Daemon sipping from a chalice staring at me with blurry eyes and blown pupils. I bite my lip trying to find the words I was only moments from saying before, but something in his stare makes me wish to rub my thighs together. I can't help but look at his lips, they look so soft, and I know if he were to kiss me it would be wondrous if the words of the ladies he's taken to bed are to be respected. 

Stop it Alicent, he had almost killed your brother and now you wish to kiss him? Pull yourself together! I scold myself with a shake of my head.

“Strange state of dress you are in, Little Hightower.” He says taking in the navy blue low-necked, tight-fitting dress I have donned. 

I snap out of my daze trying to remember the response I had planned if anyone brought up my improper dress choice.

“With the late Queen's passing, I found the thought of my mother's clothes brought some comfort. Lots of…happy, and cruel memories have surfaced, ones I thought a mother's touch could soothe.” 

There is honesty to my words, when the news of the Queen Aemma's death reached my ears the first thing I did when I was alone was bring out my mother's dresses and jewels. For all I wanted was to take in the scent of vanilla that has slowly faded through these couple of years she's been gone.

The Prince only hums as he touches my neck where the necklace he gave me rests upon my slim throat.

“I keep things if my Mother too, I have no memory of her ya know. But I knew, no I know I loved her.” He slurs a bit as he stares into my eyes. 

Is he drunk? I think with a bit of shock, for it is well known the Prince adores his cup or two but to be drunk is something he only partakes in on very rare occasions. Though his Good sister, his Cousin, the Queen has passed. And if that is reason enough to find solace in cups I don't know what is.

“It seems there is no man nor woman who does not desire the comfort of a mother.” I say as I try to get my heart and breathing in check. 

Stop making a fool of yourself Alicent! You are to see the King so you must be your most dignified! I scold myself again before clearing my throat.

“If you will excuse me, my Prince, I must be on my way.” I say side stepping him and walking all but three steps before he grips my arm stopping me in my tracks.

I turn scold him and tell him to let me go. But the demand is stuck in my throat when he rests his brow to mine breathing deeply as he nuzzles his nose to my hair.

I can't decide what to do so I stand there and let him do as he pleases. If he starts touching where he shouldn't I will fight. I tell myself knowing it isn't true if the slick between my thighs is anything to go by.

He opens his eyes and looks into mine and for a moment, I think he will put his lips, but just as quickly as the thought comes, he groans and pushes me away as if I had burned him.

Before I can even open my mouth to ask what had happened he is walking down the hall out of my few. 

It takes me a moment to remember what it is I was doing. When I do I rush towards the King's chambers hoping he is still awake and not in bed finding solace in his dreams from these horrible days.

When I reach his chambers the Kingsguard opens the door announcing me without even being asked. It is this that makes me know he is in my Father's palm or more likely his pocket.

“Lady Alicent, what can I do for you?” The King asks, surprised by my visit. But it is not his question that stops me in my tracks, it is how his eyes move up and down my body, how he kicks his lips. It sends a chill down my spine, I don't feel safe. I wish to take anything and cover my body more, which is why I grip the book tighter to my chest hoping the King will not see the tremble in my legs, arms, or voice. 

I push through and walk towards him and his sculpture of Old Valyria. “I thought I might come and look in on you, Your Grace. I brought a book.” I say gesturing to the book I still have clutched close to my chest as if it will shield me from the very world.

“That’s very kind, thank you.” He says as he continues to ogle me. 

I try not and run out of the room from how he looks at me as if there is nothing more he would want than to rip my Mother’s dress off me and bend me over, whether I wanted it or not. For some reason, I knew he wouldn’t care how loud I screamed, how much I begged, that if he wanted me he would have me. 

“It’s a favorite of mine. I do know how passionate you are for the histories.” I say instead hoping this short visit will be enough to please my Father for a while.

This seems to snap him out of his thoughts as he shacks his head and smiles before saying. “Yes, it is.” 

I take a moment to get my bearings before walking forward and sitting in a chair in front of him, far enough that if he tried to grab me I can run, but close enough to not be perceived as rude.

“When my Mother died,” I feel tears rise to my eyes at just the memory. All I wanted was to wallow away in my chambers my only visiter maids and the darkness. But Rhaenyra forced me to leave it, not for my own good but because ‘she was bored and I've had enough time to mourn.’  I remember thinking she was the most spoiled thing in the world after that sentence only to add how pale I was and how bad I looked. Never out of concern for me, but for her image. 

I decide to restart as I wipe my tears. “When my Mother died, people only ever spoke in riddles to me. All I wanted was for someone to say they were sorry for what happened to me.” I say looking into his eyes seeing he seemed to understand what I am saying, that he himself has experienced this. “I am sorry, Your Grace.” I say before setting the book on the table, bowing to him, and leaving his chambers.

On the way back to my own chambers I find all I want is to cry as my other strokes my hair and tell me I’m safe. But with that thought only a sob leaves my throat, for I will never have that feeling ever again.

Ottos pov

I’m reading the most preposterous proposal of trade from Lord Jason Lannister when a knock comes to my study door. Thinking it is Alicent I respond with a tired. “Come.” But instead greeted by my loyal guard and a young boy I have hired to keep track of the Prince Daemon.

I wave off the guard and tell the boy to come closer. When he does he starts telling me of the toast the Prince made, of how he celebrated the Queen’s death and the death of his nephew. I nod sending the boy on his way with the agreed upon three silver. 

The urge to tell the King of this is large, but then there will be nothing to hold over the Prince, nothing to use to keep him in line as I wish him to be. 

And with that thought, I know I will keep it to myself, that there will be a better time in the future to use this information. More specifically use it against a Prince.

Special thanks to my bestie @sugutoad for making the header for this fic! I swear I'd be lost without you girly!

TAGLIST: @sugutoad @ilikefelines @classicsimpforaaronwarner @sachaa-ff @mmogurl @yn-jackson @dreamlandcreations @baybaybear1 @fictionlurker @nommingonfood @edenfanfictionsuggetions @zara-zara11 @marvel-is-my-obsession @ninihrtss @seaevans

[starbunii]

# . swimming 𓂃 ♥︎

𝜗𝜚 ┈ xiao x reader ! ｡

xiao and the reader wind up finding a small pond while doing commissions...maybe a break is an order..

oneshot ノ fluff ノgn! traveler reader ノcanon universe - second person pov !! please enjoy! ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶

-- ♡ --

Hiking up a mountain was probably your least favorite part of being a member of The Adventurer's Guild. Commissions were terrible, and climbing your way to Huaguang Stone Forest was probably the worst part of it all, even with Xiao coming along.

You weren't too sure why the Adeptus had decided to join you; his closed off nature had convinced you he wanted as much distance as possible. But this time, he had insisted, claiming that you needed guidance in such a rocky area, despite the fact you had been over there almost every day.

After carefully picking flowers for Sun Yu, you had decided to treck up the mountain a bit more, just to gather your things and reconvene. Xiao was quietly sitting on the edge of the tall peak, looking out at Liyue. It was clear his protective outlook on the nation was heavy, the weight sitting on his shoulders like wings.

You were tempted to reach out and touch him, wondering what the flesh of his shoulder blades would feel like under your fingers.

But you didn't. You shook your head, looking at the small body of water before you. It rippled and reflected the sky. It was now dusk; way later than either of you had expected to be out. You were tired, dirty, and getting quite hungry.

Xiao noticed.

"...Wangshu in is not far away, if you need a rest. I would not mind taking you there myself." He barely turned to face you, his dark brows furrowing ever so slightly. "They provide proper lodging. Better than what you would get in the wilderness."

"I...you're right..." You slipped off your shoes, dipping your feet into the water, before slowly submerging your body under the surface, leaving only your head poking out.

Xiao quickly plummeted into the water, scooping you up, and pushing you back onto the shore. His eyes were wide, pupils dilatated. His lips parted ever so slightly. "...Why did you do that? Are you trying to get yourself killed?"

"I was just going for a swim..." You rang out your clothes, now completely soaked; as was he. His shirt clung tightly to his body, water droplets dripping down his chin the way tears would. You couldn't help but wonder what he'd look like while crying.

"You could have drowned, you fool..."

"I know how to swim...don't you?"

"...yes.."

He hopped out of the water, sitting next to you. He was much shorter than you, but his sharp features were intimidating enough to where it didn't matter. He looked out at the sunset, the pale light shining down on the tip of his nose.

For a moment; just a single moment...he looked relaxed. As though nothing mattered. He was no longer a vigilant Yaksha; no longer bound to his karmic debt. He was just...your friend, finally at peace. Finally content.

"...You look happy," You muttered, inching your hand a bit closer to his. He didn't pull away this time. "At least...as happy as I've ever seen you."

"..." He blushed, his eyes widening once more as his pupils locked onto you, like a focused kitten ready to hunt. He pulled his gaze away. "Happiness is a mortal concept. I don't care for it. It is not something that matters to my kind.."

You smiled for a second, leaning your head on his shoulder. You were both drenched. Neither of you cared.

"You like being happy, don't you...?"

Silence.

And although you couldn't see it...you knew he smiled.

starbunii 2024 — all rights reserved. do not redistribute or translate to any other platforms

[magnoliapromenadegalleria]

THOUGHTS & WATCH: THE HEART KILLERS

- Kant, what is Capt Crunch going to do with photos of sex toys and artwork? You fool only yourself, let's continue.

-Fadel is itching to shoot Kant, he's not going to need a reason. It'd be like a treat.

-Fadel is in peak dad form, what about Bison made him think he wouldn't find Kant being a thief hot???

-Bison telling Fadel everyone has a past. Shoot, present too. EXHIBITS F(ADEL) AND B(ISON)!

-Fadel bringing up the fact Kant has never been arrested is TEA!

-Bison is properly dickmatized because Kant's flag is red. Then again, Bison's is like a deep maroon so...

-Style has confidence that would rival Galinda's. Yes I watched Wicked. A time was had.

-Not Fadel missing his stalker menace. Not you dickmatized like your brother after that speech.

-Having a phone on a cutting board and handling it with your gloved hand as a food-handling owner of a burger joint is UNSANITARY FADEL!

-Bison is for sure a little bit suspicious now if he wasn't before.

-"I only accept apologize in fries"...close enough, same.

-"You're turned on when I mess with you" Style CLOCKED!

-Okay but wait, Style's tee being cut like that is kind of a look.

-Fadel please change your gloves.

-I love that Fadel and Kant are the same person in different fonts.

-I love Bison questioning Kant about why he didn't tell him he used to boost cars like he's not an S-rank assassin. Pot, meet kettle.

-Style has audacity that would rival Galinda's.

-Slapped the mess outta that bully's ear, we love to see a protective big brother.

-What's Christopher doing up at the school house?

-That teacher made Bison's list

-"I'm not proud of it. I just didn't have a choice." This feels layered.

-Oh the teachers a ???...BISON DO YOUR THING!

-They beat up the teacher and are about to ruin his career. You love to see it.

-Style lacks shame. Love that.

-Yeah Kant, be scared of Bison. "Tee hee, jk" yeah, haha hell. Bison meant that from his SOUL.

-Seeing the Jude beer, just knowing that Sand and Ray are out in the same universe with a successful venture. Ugh, my heart.

-I really don't think Kant was faking when he was making those boyfriend comments during the Babe situation, it's obvious that he doesn't play about his brother. I say during because outside of that it was laid on thick. Me thinks some feelings are fighting their way to the surface.

-What if the burger pin is bugged? WHAT IF?!

-Fadel's confession that he likes Style's annoying ass is so cute. Earlier than expected, but I'm not mad at that. He's gonna be pissed once he finds out about the car deal Style made with Kant. But for now, CUUUUTEEEEEE! Edit: I saw at least two people mention that Fadel's speech in this moment reminded them of Kat's poem in 10 Things I Hate About You. That's EXACTLY what the inspiration, I'm convinced!

-Regret is creeping up on Kant.

-Style better not be playing and is actually happy that he bagged Fadel because he actually wants him.

-Bison is giving annoyingly cute little brother AT THE WRONG TIME!

-"Dad?" "Mom?" EXCUSE ME?!?!?!

-I was not expecting Style to find out about Fadel and Bison so soon, but at least now no one can say Kant didn't tell him. And Kant isn't even convinced they can get away with this.

-Style is acting so weird and awkward, maybe Kant shouldn't have told him.

-I know an ex when I see one.

-Clocked it.

-You could've gone to any tattoo artist in Thailand, but you chose your former flame to blacken the tattoo out? Mmkay. "Why'd I keep it? It means nothing to you anyway" Boy if you don't get out the damn chair!

-Wait so they weren't even exes and he got Kan'ts first initial tattooed on his neck??? The boys are not alright!

-Kant has a jealous and deadly boyfriend on his hands. OOOOOoooohooooohoooohooohoooooooooo.

Oooooh I just know I'm gonna expand on some of this later!

[promenadewithme]

The Viscount Who Deceived Me - Part 2

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | ...

Pairing: Anthony Bridgerton x Fem! Reader, maybe a bit of Benedict Bridgerton x Fem! Reader? (winkwink)

Warnings: angst, fluff, pining, unintentional friend-zone? read at your own risk

Word Count: 2.5K words

a/n: I have decided to turn this into a multiple part series and I really want to know whether you like this or not! All feedback is welcome and wanted.

By some miracle, the... commotion didn't reach any society papers. The Bridgertons, your mama, and the coachman managed to remain silent about the matter. And so did you. In fact, you had been completely silent since the moment you entered that carriage 3 days prior.

You wanted to scream and throw things. You wanted to do anything, have any reaction. However, all the feelings that tore you apart from the inside never reached the surface.

Not until you were alone, in the middle of the night. That was the only moment you allowed the silent tears to fall down your cheeks.

To the whole ton, you and Anthony were still that same engaged, happy, and loving couple who spread hope through the hearts of unwed ladies. Yet, that was no longer the truth of it, maybe it never really was.

Now you knew, but you were once just as fooled as the young souls who believed your love was true.

'There is no such thing.' you thought to yourself.

The blinds were still closed, but the faint light from the candle you had left burning the night before was enough for you to read the Whistledown from the day your heart shattered.

'this isn’t a vantageous marriage, but one of love.'

The phrase was etched into your head, having read it a thousand times already since your mind was restless the entire night, spiralling with theories about Anthony's affair.

'Had it been going on this entire time?'

'Did he ever truly love me?'

'Was I just a pawn in his game or did he realise I was not enough for him somewhere along the way?'

A soft knock at your door pulled you from your thoughts and had you lifting your head slightly from the pillow. Your mama walked in with the 'pity smile'. That's what you had decided to call it.

Ever since the night it happened, your mother would look at you with her head slightly tilted to the side, shoulders inward, and a pained look on her face that could only be considered a smile seeing that her mouth was slightly turned upward. It would have made you laugh, were you not in your constant state of heartache and misery.

"Good morning, my dear." she greeted, removing a stray hair from your face, and continued towards the curtains before asking "How are you this morning?"

You cringed at the sudden light and sank your head back to the pillow with a grunt.

Your mother huffed before strutting determinately to you.

"Today you shall leave this room." she said, removing your covers.

"Mother, please-" you started, but she cut you off.

"I have given you time to grieve for your broken heart, but it has been three days. This is the first time you have even spoken. It is time to stand up, hold your head high."

She grabbed your hands and gave you an encouraging smile.

"He said he loved me..." you whispered, eyes welling up again.

Your mother sat down with a sigh and wiped away a fallen tear. Leaning into her hand, you thanked the Lord for having a mother that was also a friend.

"My dear child," she felt her own tears threaten to fall "it pains me to see you like this."

"I am so sorry, mama..." you sobbed "I am sorry for not being good enough."

"Don't you say that!" she scolded, then added softly "Don't you dare say that."

You sniffled as she pulled you into her embrace.

"You are everything, my dear. You are beautiful. You are kind. You are courageous. You are well read. You are everything a mother, a friend or a husband could ever ask for and more." holding your shoulders, she tried to make you see, but you persisted.

"But I was not enough for Anthony."

"Anthony Bridgerton is a rake and a fool!" she exclaimed and you shushed her.

"You mustn't say such things. Word could go out about our broken betrothal."

"That is precisely what I have come to speak to you about." she said, eyes darting to the side before coming back to yours "Do you truly wish to end your betrothal?"

"Mama!" you shot up and she followed suit.

"Surely, you know that a love match is a rare occurrence. Men are never faithful to their wives and, as much as I truly believe you deserve only the best, we need be realistic."

"You mean to say that I should marry him only to be sent off to the country to live in eternal loneliness and misery while he lives a happy life with his mistress here in the city?" you gasped "What about everything you have just said?"

"My dear, I mean all that I have said to you, but being Viscountess... You will have a good life, a comfortable life. Most of us cannot have the luxury of waiting for true love to come around. I should not be telling you this, but..." she paused and lowered her voice "Your father is set on marrying you to Lord Hughes after what happened with your betrothed."

"Hughes?" you fell back on the bed "But he is older than Papa!"

'This cannot be happening.' you thought desperately.

"It is why I am telling you to make amends with the Bridgerton boy. None of them will be loyal to you and I wish that I could change it, but at least he is younger and doesn't have 3 deceased wives that died of mysterious causes."

"You and I both know that there is nothing mysterious about being pushed down the stairs." you were heaving "There must be another way, I..."

Your hand shot up to your stomach, as if that would stop the nausea.

Everything was wrong, everything was falling apart. If you could only turn back time and...

'What could I have done differently?' you pondered.

'Not fallen for Anthony? Maybe accepted the affections of any other gentleman? Who could tell if anything would be different or if all men are the same?'

You stood up with a determined gleam in your eyes.

"Mama, send for quill and paper. I shall have tea with the Bridgertons." you decided as you walked to your closet.

The moment your carriage pulled up to the Bridgerton house, Eloise came running out. Your valet opened the door and you were engulfed in a tight hug. The comforting smell of old books and something woodsy crowded your senses and you wrapped your arms around your friend.

"I never thought I'd see you again." she whispered against your hair "Thought my bedswerver of a brother had ruined us forever."

You pulled away to look into her eyes "Nothing could ever ruin us. We are best friends, it would take a whole lot more to chase me away from you."

She smiled and pulled you along "We best get inside, it is much too cold and the tea is already brewing."

Taking a deep breath and fixing your newest sapphire blue dress, you followed her into the familiar house. Your families had been connected since your infancy. The Dowager Viscountess had been a close friend to your mother ever since she had first wed the late Viscount Bridgeton. Your grandmama had taught them both all there was to know about being a good wife.

'I suppose it mustn't have been that hard to please someone who was head over heels in love with you already.' you thought.

You were only a child when Edmund Bridgerton passed, but you, as well as everyone else in the ton, would always remember the love between him and his wife.

A love you thought Anthony would have had with you.

Eloise pushed open the door to the drawing room where only her mama and Daphne sat. You sighed a breath of relief and curtsied.

"My dear girl." Violet stood and gave you a hug "I never expected to see you so soon, but I am glad you are here."

Her warm smile eased you, despite the ache you felt. His smell was here, his very essence in this house. You wanted so badly to hate him, but your good memories betrayed you.

Ice skating in the lake by the house, having ice cream at the parlour, horseback riding in the park, laughing until your stomach hurt, passing touches during balls.

“I cannot think of anything else, Siena.” he whispered before kissing her neck.

"One last night to remember.” he kissed her again.

The memories were like a slap and you fell back into reality, Violet's face replacing them.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, Viscountess Bridgerton." you bowed your head.

"Please, my child. We are past that, I have told you time and time again to call me Violet." she caressed your arm with the tenderness of a mother.

"Forgive me, Violet..." you took a deep breath in and prayed to God that your tears only fell at home "Is Anthony home?"

"He left early this morning with a horse, but-"

As if sensing his presence being summoned, the doors to the drawing room flew open and Anthony walking in with searching eyes. They landed on you and he strode in your direction.

It looked like he was going to hug you, but he stopped less than a foot from you and took a step back.

"(y/n), I-" he started, but you could not bare to hear him, so you halted his words with a hand on his.

"My lord, I wish to apologise." you said bowing your head in what might have looked like a submissive stance, but was actually you swerving his piercing gaze.

"What?" exclaimed Eloise.

Anthony started speaking again, but you had to finish saying what you came to say. You had it all planned out in your mind and if you didn't go through with your speech, it might all go to ruins.

"I over-reacted. I know most men take on lovers before and during wed-lock, it is a normal occurrence and I had no right to condemn you for it." Bile rose up your throat, but you continued "I ask you to take me back, if you will still have me."

"Have you gone mad?" Eloise shook your shoulders.

"Please," you whispered, eyes stinging with unshed tears "Let me do this. I will explain everything later."

Your best friend looked disappointed, but took a step back. Your heart sunk even further into your chest.

Looking back at Anthony, you asked again "Will you have me, my lord?"

Eyebrows furrowed as ever, mouth agape with unspoken thoughts, he nodded once and pursed his lips in a frown.

You let out a pent up breath and forced a smile "I shall see you at the Cowper ball this evening, then?"

"Yes, but (y/n)-"

"I must go, I have a fitting at the modiste for tonight."

With a brief curtsy, you fled the room. Turning to run down the stairs, you bumped into Benedict.

"Whoa." he grabbed the handrail with one hand and your waist with the other to keep you both from falling.

Your chest bumped into his and you looked up, tears blurring your sight.

"(y/n)?" his voice sounded surprised. You could not see his face, but you would wager those expressive eyes of his also were. "What are you doing here? Why are you crying? What did he do?"

His thumb caught a fallen tear and he cupped your face, slowly stroking your cheek.

"Who do I have to beat up? Besides my dalcop brother, of course." he joked with that side smile of his and you answered with something between a laugh and a sob.

"Me. I fear the culprit is me this time."

His brows furrowed and you elaborated "I came to ask for your brother's forgiveness and if he would still have me."

His finger stopped "What?"

"It is a long story." you sighed, holding his arm.

"I have time." he offered and you smiled.

Truly smiled for the first time in 3 days.

"Very well, then. Walk me home?"

He offered his arm and answered "It would be my pleasure."

You took it and you both walked down the stairs and out of the house in comfortable silence.

"Do you remember old Hughes?" you asked and the Bridgerton twisted his face.

"The one who smells like a chimney and was around since before christ?"

You laughed "That's the one."

"What about him?" Ben asked and you stopped walking to look at him.

"After what happened with Anthony, my father started thinking of offering him my hand."

"Hughes?" he gasped.

"So, it was either asking if Anthony would still have me or marrying the oldest and most disgusting man this town has ever seen." You started walking again.

"That's not true." He murmured.

"What do you mean?" You asked.

"There are countless other men who want your hand. Men who would treat you better than both of them. Love you like you deserve to be loved."

You saw your house and slowed your steps. Without any siblings, the closest thing you had to family, beside your mother, were the Bridgertons. They felt like home.

This felt like home.

"Well, if you know any, send them my way." you smiled softly, then added solemnly "My father insists on me getting married since I have already been out for 3 seasons. I have no other choice. If I did, I..."

You both stopped in front of your house, the sharp scent of geranium from your mother's garden invaded your nose.

"I don't know what I'd do. I don't even know if I believe in love anymore." you sighed in defeat.

"I don't believe that." said Benedict, holding your hands in his "You? Are we talking about the same person? The one who has read romance novels since always, picks wildflowers for her bedroom, stops to feel the wind against her hair, cries at the opera, and spends more time daydreaming than awake in the present?"

You smiled sheepishly and looked at your shoes. Benedict wouldn't have that. He put a finger under your chin and lifted your head.

His eyes were soft when he said "You are love personified. Nothing and no one will ever take that away. Any man would be the most fortunate being in this earth to spend the rest of their life by your side."

You were speechless as he kissed your hand and turned to leave.

You grabbed his arm before he could go "That was the most beautiful thing anyone has ever said to me"

When he only looked down with a smile, you continued "I wish I could hug you without it being improper, you are like a brother to me after all."

"Well," his eyes fell "we all wish for things we cannot have."

Benedict lowered his lips to your hand in a lingering kiss.

"I will see you tonight."

Then he left.

a/n: this was initially just going to be a one part Anthony Bridgerton angst fic. However, I got so many request on part 1 to continue this, so I started thinking about where this could head and I have so much to write for this already. I absolutely pouring my heart and soul into this series for the past few days, so please tell me if it's good or absolute shit.

General Tag List: @crazy-beautiful @missryerye

Bridgerton Tag List: @dancingwith-sunflowers @for-bebbanburg @navs-bhat @elishi03 @s-unflowxr @thebreadisthetruevillian @peakyweirdo @lucyysthings @freyathehuntress @rach2602

People who asked for Part 2: @snixx2088 @acourtofbooksandfantasy @alldaysdreamer @dandansdays @freyagallileaevans @alldaysdreamers @lizziesfirstwife @theonewithallthemilkshakes @freyathehuntress @ilovehopelessromantics @venomsvl

Click here if you want to join any of my tag lists (ps: I added more fandoms and characters)

If you can and want to, buy me a Ko-Fi!

[thelunarfairy]

i just wanted to point out Nenes great character development in these few chapters(especially 115) where she changes from obsessing over any guy to just plainly admitting her love for Hanako . Obviously in this recent chapter we see this , and I just love it .

I honestly think it’s great to see Nene develop , admitting her feelings much easier than before with ease , it’s such a shame that unfortunately the new timeline was created where Hanako becomes a teacher , so it’s impossible for Nene to express her feelings now ..😭

What do you think ?

Well, if we're going to talk about Nene, we need to highlight a few things about her personality in general. Nene being superficially interested in boys just because of their beauty is directly linked to the desire to "prove" that she is loved, she wants to prove it to the people who rejected her before.

I talk about it in this post

Proof that this was exactly what she wanted is the way she has developed and is about to grow now. This will probably be the arc of her development, where she will be the person who *again, will strive to find Hanako again and make things return to “normal”.

Nene is now in love, the way Hanako is seen in her eyes has changed, and now that this feeling has spread in her chest, she is finally noticing her own behavior.

It's that thing, we never really see when we are doing something silly, for her it was something common, wanting pretty boys, wanting to have a romance, being desired, but she never noticed that she let herself be carried away lightly by them in the hope of getting a little attention in return.

When she notices that the other version of her allowed herself to wish she was the tenth girlfriend of the guy who said her legs were weird, or for doing the boys' chores, when after living with Hanako for so long, she realizes what it is be truly loved.

Even though we can put "quotes" around this "truly loved one", Nene still does chores for Hanako, but in this case, because of a wish, it was an exchange she naively made without thinking much, to be able to be Teru's girlfriend , Something that did not happen.

In the end, she is starting to notice the consequences of her own choices on her own and not accept crumbs from anyone. When she ran away without thinking twice, just wanting to meet Hanako again because he's the one she wants to confess to.

Nene will go through another process of loss to finally understand that appearance is a mere detail, that love is beyond the surface, love is in attitudes, in gestures, in companionship, in wanting to protect and be there for her.

I was happy when she finally started to notice her own behavior, the consequences of them. Maybe now she finally understands that love is not on the surface, it has to be conquered.

Don't worry about Hanako and Nene, remember, Aidairo has a pattern, the arc will be very dramatic, but generally it only serves to develop the characters. (As in the PP arc, the arc of number 6)

Then everything will return to normal, ghost Hanako, Tsukasa yorishiro, etc, etc. Just rip the seal off number one and everything will go back to the way it was.

So, don't worry too much about it.

[arcane-vagabond]

This request was inevitable, but can we see a Jake’s conversation with Mandy either the initial one where he calls things off or the one on the beach after Skipper leaves (I’m leaning towards the second one bc I love seeing him stand up for Skipper 🥺)

For you, my love? Anything 💛

Conversation One: Confronting Mandy the first time.

Jake bounced his leg nervously as he sat on the lone picnic table at the far edge of the pier. It wasn't that he wasn't sure about his decision, but he was more worried about what Mandy would do when she heard what he had to say.

"Alright, Jake. What did you want to talk to me about?"

Speak of the devil, and she shall appear, Jake thought with a smirk. He turned to see the brunette approach him, an unamused look on her face as she took him in.

He might have loved her at one point, but those days had long since passed. He thought back to his teens when he had first presented, so sure that he would spend the rest of his life with her. Their mothers had loved the idea, of course, having grown up as best friends themselves. Jake hadn't wanted to disappoint them, and so he had gone along with their idea, convincing himself that he could find happiness with Mandy.

But as the years stretched on, Jake found himself unable to believe the lies he had made for himself. He wasn't happy, and despite the idea of it being a perfect match, he couldn't bring himself to choose Mandy as his mate. A tiny voice inside him had always whispered at him to wait, that something good and pure was coming to him. And now he knew what, or who, it was.

"Well?" She snapped impatiently, crossing her arms as she glared at him. He took a deep breath.

"Mandy, it's over."

"What's over?" She asked him, annoyance palpable.

"Us. We're-we're done," he sighed, already feeling the weight lifting off of his shoulders. "I can't pretend that I'm happy anymore. It's not fair to either of us. You know it, and I know it. This wasn't meant to last."

"You're joking," Mandy laughed, eyebrows rising in disbelief. "Jake, you've tried this before and it didn't turn out the way you wanted, so why would this time be any different?"

"Because I found her, Mandy."

"Found who?"

"My mate," he murmured, his heart clenching at the word. He pictured your soft smile, the way your hands had gently picked up his gifts. "I found my true mate."

"Jake, be serious," she scowled. "True mates are as rare as they come, and you think that you of all people have found yours?"

Jake didn't say anything. He knew it sounded crazy. Hell, he hadn't quite believed it at first either, but he knew it was true. He felt it down to the very core of his being, and it scared him if he was being completely honest with himself. He hardly knew you, yet he was certain that he loved you. He loved you with everything he had, and he was determined to know why.

"Yes," he stated firmly, peering up at her. "She's mine, Mandy. You can't change fate."

"This isn't fate, Jake," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "This is you, finding something new, something you haven't had yet. I'll let you play around for now, but it's time to be serious. This will be your third frenzy, and you know what happens when you wait too long. Mine is coming next year."

Jake watched as she turned to walk away. She paused, looking over her shoulder at him.

"So, it's your choice," she smirked, a glint in her eye. "Will it be your frenzy or mine where we finally seal the deal?"

Conversation Two: Confronting Mandy on the beach.

Jake watched as you walked away, moving to chase after you, but Mandy stepped in his path. Her blue eyes swirled as they glowed with unbridled fury.

"Don't you dare," she hissed, pushing him back. He snarled at her, feeling his own rage boil to the surface at being kept away from you.

"Move," he growled, glaring down at her.

"That's not going to happen," she said, standing straighter, eyes narrowing up at him. "You marked her. You marked her and made me look like a fool."

"I can't make you look like a fool when there's nothing between us," he reasoned, and in a seemingly impossible feat, her expression managed to grow darker.

"You're mine, Jake Seresin," Mandy glowered. "You have been and always will be. You and I are the endgame, not some wannabe scientist."

"Mandy, we've talked about this-"

"Oh, get a grip, Jake!" she shrieked. "What am I going to have to do to get it through that thick head of yours that you and I are going to be mated? You can either get with the program now, or I can do something that'll help you get there."

Jake made to answer, but a song cut through the cool, summer breeze, one that Jake had never heard before.

It was a mating call, that much was certain, but Jake didn't recognize the voice. His brow furrowed as he listened, noting how the song sounded more bestial than usual. He made to move, but a hand on his chest stopped him.

"Leave it," Mandy growled, eyes intense as they looked at him. "It's not your concern."

Jake felt his skin crawl as the hand on his chest began to drift lower.

"Let me convince you of what it is you really want," she purred, leaning up to graze her lips against his. Jake felt like he was going to be sick as he pushed her away, Mandy stumbling back before regaining her balance. Jake was fairly certain his heart would have stopped right then and there if she possessed the ability to kill him with a look.

"I don't want you, Mandy," he scowled, pushing past her.

"We'll see about that," she murmured, eyes blazing. Jake paused, glancing back at her. "I'll make you understand what's going to happen."

"Skipper!"

Jake whirled around at the sound of your name being screamed by Nat, fear gripping at him with cold claws. He broke out into a sprint, leaving Mandy behind on the darkened beach, his only thoughts being to get to you before something happened.

[sulumuns-dootah]

26.12. Leviathan - Banquet for two (18+)

    ༺☆༻

⟡ Masterlist ⟡ 

₊˚⊹.* The Yule festival of Hell *.⊹˚₊

‎‧₊˚✧ 18+ Minors Do Not Interact‎ ✧˚₊‧

    ༺☆༻

The halls of the Hades castle are so eerie during the night while everyone is away. Or at least somewhere else in the castle. More precisely in the grand hall where the annual holiday banquet is thrown. Everyone who means something is there. Guests from Hades as well as all the other countries in Hell. Everyone except for the king of Hades, Leviathan himself.

You were excited for the banquet. You've even had a dress made specifically for this occasion. But instead of everyone talking about how gorgeous it is, everyone is discussing the absence of Leviathan. Not to sound dramatic, but it's like you're almost invisible since someone who is not there is more important. As if the guests didn't know how much Leviathan hates being around other people.

With a slight irritation you decide to leave under the guise of bringing Levi some food. If someone's absence is more interesting, then why not be absent too? Leaning to your side to Glasyalabolas, you let him know that you'll go check up on the missing king. He hands you the plate which was meant to be eaten from by Leviathan after putting a portion of the king's favorite fish steaks on it.

So now you're walking through the halls to Leviathan's quarters. Originally you thought about just going to your room and eating the steaks yourself, but you kinda feel bad for the king. The heavy expectations laying on him to be social despite having a severe agoraphobia. No wonder he spends most of the time hiding away in his rooms.

When you finally reach the door to his room, the air suddenly turns cold. The knocks on the massive doors resound in the empty hall. After a short while a voice beckons you to come in.

The room is colder than in the hall and quickly looking for Leviathan, you find out why. One of the windows is open and he's sitting in the windowsill, looking out on the city covered in snow. It's already dark, but the street lamp light bounces off all the white and creates a glow on its own.

“I've brought you some food, your majesty. Your absence is the main topic of discussions.” you say with a hint of bitterness.

“Then why aren't you out there gossiping too?” Leviathan answers without even looking your way.

“I was bored. No matter how important those devils are, they can't uphold an interesting conversation if their life depended on it.” you sigh and set the plate on the windowsill right by Levi's legs. This seem to finally break him from the trance of the glowing white cityscape and he looks at you.

“That's a lovely dress. I want a shirt made out of that fabric.” he says plainly and moves to sit with his back turned to the outside, burning you with his gaze.

“Sure, I'll let the seamstress know.” you say, happy that finally someone noticed.

“Say, you were bored at the celebration, would you maybe keep me company here then? I'm certain I can uphold a decent conversation much more than those fools.” Leviathan jumps off the windowsill, taking the plate with him to the bathroom. You follow him, uncertain what will happen, but as it turns out, he's decided to enjoy his fish steaks in the comfort of his thankfully empty bathtub. You wouldn't want to get your dress wet if he invited you along into the bathtub too.

But it seems just that happens. Leviathan sits down on one end of the marble tub with plenty enough space left for you and the volume of your dress. The many layers of tulle help cushion the hard surface. Levi places the plate down between the two of you and starts eating. The steaks look good, but you know your manners and don't take any unless he offers you one.

None of you speak up until the plate is empty. Leviathan then sets the plate outside of the bathtub and reaches out to feel the material of your chiffon shawl, ”Such a soft material. It must feel even better constricting around my neck. Would you do that for me?”

“Uhm... Excuse me?” you blink, startled that he would request something so intimate from you.

“I believe I made myself clear. But I understand if that's too straight forward of me.” he sounds a bit disappointed. As if shrinking back he rest his back on the bathtub edge and leans his head on the rim with closed eyes, “If that's all, then you can go.”

“N-no, you majesty I would feel honoured.” you're quick to take off the shawl and scrunch it up into something resembling rope. Hopefully it's strong enough.

“Good, then get to it.” Leviathan opens his eyes and lifts his head back up. With slightly shaky hands you wrap the delicate fabric around his swan neck. At first you're unsure if you should really be doing this, but if his majesty wishes to be choked, then who are you to question him.

Remembering the stories from demons who were punished for choking him lightly, you try to choke him with all your strength. Hopefully the fabric can withstand such abuse. It seems that Leviathan's pleased with the amount of air he's depraved of, as evident by his eyes rolled back and growing erection.

“T-tou...ch... me...” he demands in a gasp for oxygen when you allow him to take at least some air in so he doesn't suffocate for real. His demand makes your heart race even more. Is he even thinking straight at this point? Before you have any more questions, he grabs your free hand and places it on his now painful boner. Or so you assume, with how much heat it radiates.

You're quick to free him of his constraints to uncover his throbbing and already leaking dick. It makes your mouth water, but just like the fish steaks before, you weren't invited to taste it. Only to touch.

Almost instinctively your hands starts to glide along his shaft, making him gasp for air more franticly. Playing with his tip, collecting more of his precum has him thrusting into your hand, desperate for more friction.

It feels kinda weird to have this much power over the king of a whole kingdom. Have him fully at your mercy. Normally in this situation you'd be also aching for release, but something about this scenario has you feeling like you've already come multiple times.

Slightly distracted, you don't notice your hand loosen up the tension on the shawl around Levi's neck. “T-tighter... s-so... close..!”

Realising your mistake you tug the fabric more tighter than before and that seems to be enough to push Leviathan over the edge. Spurting ropes of milky cum all over his belly and getting some on your dress. If it were any demon you'd be furious, but since it's His Majesty Leviathan, of course you forgive him.

“Not bad, but I still suppose I should teach you how to properly choke someone as there are some mistakes you've made.”

    ༺☆༻

But wait, this demon also has a gift for you!

"I suppose I should gift you with a noose, just like all of my other subordinates. Yet I feel like a necklace would suit your neck much more. "