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thequeenofneverland1 · 1 month ago

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Kol Mikaelson//// Between Shadows and Light

Anonymous request: hi hi. can we have an imagine about how reader is in love with kol but he falls for davina instead

Warnings: Romantic Tension, Heartbreak and Emotional Distress, Supernatural Elements, Intense Emotional, Complex Family Dynamics, Mature Themes and Language Character Flaws and Mistakes, Tension and Conflict

A/N: thank you once again for your request and. I also want to apologize if I got a bit carried away with the storyline there were so many twists and turns to explore! I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I did.

It was a crisp, late-autumn evening, and you found yourself wandering the streets of New Orleans, your heart heavy with an unfamiliar ache. You’d always had a soft spot for Kol Mikaelson, the mischievous spark in his eye, his infectious laugh, and the way he’d always managed to make you feel like you were the only one who understood his rebellious spirit. But lately, things have changed. you had seen that spark in his eye when he looked at someone else: Davina Claire.

you couldn’t quite pinpoint the moment when you realized Kol was falling for Davina. Maybe it was in the way his smile softened when he spoke of her, or how he seemed to hang on her every word, almost as if he was lost in a world that only Davina could create. you had tried to tell yourself it didn’t matter that whatever connection you two had was still strong, still unbreakable. But seeing Kol with Davina had been a rude awakening.

Tonight, you walked to the abandoned church that Davina had been using as your safe haven, feeling the weight of your decision pressing down on you. you knew Kol would be there. you needed to see it with your own eyes,needed to accept that whatever you two had shared was over.

As you neared the church, you could see the faint glow of candlelight flickering through the stained-glass windows. your footsteps slowed as you approached the doors, your eart pounding in your chest. You pressed your palm against the cold wood, breathing in deeply to calm your nerves. Steeling yourself, you pushed the door open just a crack, enough to see the scene unfolding within.

There, in the center of the room, stood Kol and Davina, wrapped in an embrace that was tender, yet powerful. Davina was laughing, her smile lighting up the dim room, and Kol looked down at her with an expression you had never seen before: a softness, a vulnerability. He looked like a man who had finally found something, or rather, someone, worth fighting for.

Your throat tightened, a pang of sadness washing over you as you realized that Kol had never looked at you that way. You watched as he brushed a stray strand of hair from Davina’s face, his fingers lingering on her cheek, and it was then that you knew. Kol Mikaelson was in love, and it wasn’t with you.

You took a step back, the quiet creak of the floorboards snapping you out of your trance. Before you could retreat, Kol’s head whipped around, his eyes catching yourself. For a moment, your and his gazes locked, and You saw a flash of guilt cross his face.

“Y/n,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He took a step toward you, as if unsure of what to say.

Davina turned, looking at you with a mixture of surprise and curiosity. “Y/n… I didn’t realize you were coming by tonight,” she said, her tone friendly but tentative.

You forced a small smile, trying to mask the emotions swirling inside you. “I didn’t mean to intrude. I just… needed some air. I didn’t realize you two would be here.”

Kol scratched the back of his neck, his usual cocky demeanor slipping away, replaced by something far more human, almost remorseful. “I’m sorry, Y/n. I didn’t… I didn’t want it to be like this.”

The words stung, but you did your best to brush it off, keeping your tone light. “No need to apologize. I guess I’m just… the last to know.”

Davina stepped forward, her eyes filled with sympathy. “Y/n, I had no idea. If I’d known how you felt…”

You shook your head, holding up a hand. “No, Davina. Don’t apologize. I’m glad he’s found someone like you. You… you bring out a side of him that’s good, that’s different.” You looked at Kol, forcing yourself to meet his gaze. “I just wanted to say goodbye, Kol. Maybe it’s time I let you be happy.”

Kol’s jaw tightened, as if he wanted to reach out to you, to say something, anything, that might make this easier. But you knew better. You knew that any apology, any explanation, would only deepen the ache in your heart.

“Y/n…” Kol began, his voice soft, almost pleading. but you couldn’t bear to hear it. you couldn’t bear to let him see you break.

“Take care of him, Davina,” you said, your voice barely a whisper as you turned away, fighting to keep your composure. You walked back toward the door, refusing to look back, refusing to let Kol see the tears welling up in your eyes.

As you stepped out into the cool night air, a sense of finality settled over you. Kol had chosen Davina, and as much as it hurt, you knew it was time for you to move on, to find your own happiness, no matter how painful this goodbye was.

It had been Rebekah who held you together, always there with her biting remarks and fierce loyalty. Rebekah, your best friend, had always despised Davina, especially after Kol’s sudden infatuation.

“I told you,” she had said one night as the two of you stood by the sidewalk, your eyes still red from tears. “My brother’s a bloody fool. Falling for that witch when he had you right in front of him.”

You had just nodded, your throat tight with emotion. “I guess it was never meant to be.”

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed behind you, interrupting the silence of the night. You turned around, bracing yourself or yet another emotional conversation, but instead, you were met with the piercing blue gaze of Damon Salvatore. He leaned casually against a tree, a smirk playing on his lips, his posture as effortless as if he belonged in the shadows of this ancient place.

“Fancy meeting you here, princess,” he drawled, his voice filled with amusement. “Let me guess, you’re nursing a broken heart after the whole ‘Kol choosing Davina’ debacle?”

You crossed your arms, giving him a defiant look. “Is there anything you don’t know about, Damon? Or are you just that nosy?”

He shrugged, pushing off the tree and strolling closer to you. “Nosy? More like observant. Besides, I’m a sucker for drama, and the Originals are a soap opera I just can’t resist.”

You tried to hide your smile, but Damon’s wit had a way of lightening even the heaviest of moods. You looked down, taking a deep breath, as you gathered your thoughts. “I thought Kol and I had something… different. But I guess I was wrong.”

Damon tilted his head, his eyes narrowing as he studied you. “Wrong? Or maybe he’s just an idiot who doesn’t know a good thing when he sees it.” His tone was light, but there was an edge of sincerity that surprised you.

You felt a flicker of warmth at his words, though you quickly dismissed it, shaking your head. “You don’t have to say that, Damon. I know how complicated things can get with people like us… well, people like you all, anyway.”

Damon let out a dry chuckle. “Trust me, sweetheart, complicated is putting it lightly. But here’s the thing, some of us don’t let complicated get in the way of making the right choice.” He stepped closer, his smirk softening into something gentler. “So maybe, just maybe, you deserve someone who sees you as the first choice. Not the second.”

Your breath caught in your throat. you hadn’t expected this kind of honesty from Damon, of all people. He had a reputation as a heartbreaker, a troublemaker, someone who thrived in chaos. Yet here he was, offering you comfort, making you feel seen in a way you hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Are you saying that person should be you, Damon?” You teased, raising an eyebrow, though your heart thudded with the hint of a possibility.

He laughed, the sound low and genuine. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just saying you deserve someone who’s not going to choose anyone else over you. Someone who’s willing to stay even when things get messy.”

your and his eyes met, and for a moment, everything else seemed to fade into the background: the heartache, the confusion, the lingering hurt from Kol’s decision. Standing there in the moonlight, Damon’s presence felt like an anchor, a steady reminder that maybe, just maybe, there was more to your story than the one you had allowed Kol to write.

You looked up at Damon, the corners of your mouth curving into a small, grateful smile. “Thanks, Damon. I didn’t know you had it in you.”

He smirked, crossing his arms with that familiar playful glint returning to his eyes. “There’s a lot you don’t know about me, Y/n. But stick around, and I might just surprise you.”

You laughed, feeling lighter for the first time that night. “I’ll hold you to that.”

You and Him stood there in comfortable silence, both aware that they were on the cusp of something new, something unexpected. Damon was right, maybe it was time you chose someone who would choose you without hesitation. And maybe, just maybe, Damon Salvatore was the perfect place to start.

But fate is cruel, and nothing ever truly ends when it’s supposed to. Days after Kol had moved on, your life took a different turn. Damon Salvatore had always been a bit of a wildcard, with his dark smirks and twisted sense of humor. What had started as casual flirting turned into something deeper, something unexpected. Damon had been there, picking up the pieces when Kol had broken your heart, and soon enough, you found yourself in his arms

The early afternoon sunlight poured through the large windows of the Salvatore boarding house, casting a warm glow over the living room where Elena and Stefan were lounging on the couch. They had been exchanging amused glances, whispering under their breaths as they watched Damon practically skip around the house, humming a tune they’d never heard him hum before. His mood had been noticeably different for the past few days, lighter, carefree, and oddly cheerful.

“Is it just me, or is Damon actually… happy?” Elena whispered, raising her eyebrows in disbelief.

Stefan chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. “It’s strange, right? I haven’t seen him this way in… well, ever. Usually, he’s brooding over something or complaining about everyone else’s problems.”

They shared a laugh, watching as Damon poured himself a glass of bourbon, his lips tugged into a smile that he seemed incapable of hiding. His eyes were distant, as though lost in a daydream, and Stefan and Elena couldn’t help but be intrigued. After a few moments, Stefan finally cleared his throat to get his brother’s attention.

“Alright, Damon, spill it,” Stefan said, crossing his arms and leaning back with a playful grin. “What’s got you in such a good mood? You look like you just won the lottery.”

Damon looked up, startled, as though he hadn’t even noticed his brother and Elena sitting there. For a brief second, he seemed almost embarrassed, a rare expression for him. But then, as if deciding he couldn’t keep it to himself any longer, he set down his glass and turned to face them, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

“Well,” he began, dragging out the word with exaggerated flair, “since you’re so desperate to know… there may be a certain someone who’s been putting a little extra pep in my step.”

Elena’s eyes widened, and a delighted grin spread across her face. “Wait, seriously? You’ve met someone?”

Damon shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant, though the sparkle in his eyes betrayed him. “Maybe. Maybe not. You know me, I don’t like to kiss and tell.”

Stefan rolled his eyes. “Damon, come on. You’re practically floating around the house like some lovesick teenager. Just tell us already.”

Damon hesitated for a moment, as though weighing whether or not he wanted to share this particular detail. But as he glanced at his brother and Elena, he realized there was no point in hiding it. The truth was, he wanted to talk about you.

“Fine,” he said, feigning reluctance. “It’s Y/n.”

“Y/n?” Elena repeated, surprise flashing in her eyes. “As in Y/n Y/l/n? Kol’s ex?”

“Precisely.” Damon’s grin grew wider, and there was a glint of satisfaction in his gaze. “Though, I wouldn’t exactly call her Kol’s anymore, would you?”

Elena let out a laugh, covering her mouth in astonishment. “Damon! Oh my god, are you two actually…?”

He shrugged, a pleased smirk playing on his lips. “What can I say? She has good taste.”

Stefan exchanged a look with Elena, his own face breaking into a grin. “Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered, shaking his head in amusement. “Who would’ve thought that you’d actually go for Kol’s ex? Though, now that I think about it, Y/n always seemed… different around you.”

Damon’s expression softened, the bravado fading as he thought about you. “Yeah,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “She’s… she’s something else. I don’t know how to explain it. With her, it just feels… easy.”

Elena’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she clapped her hands together. “Oh, Damon, that’s amazing! I’m so happy for you!”

Damon chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Don’t get all sappy on me now, Elena. I still have a reputation to uphold.”

But Elena and Stefan couldn’t help their excitement. For years, they had watched Damon struggle with his emotions, torn between his darker impulses and his desire to find happiness. And now, for the first time, he seemed genuinely content. They exchanged another glance, an idea forming in Elena’s mind as she leaned forward, her eyes bright.

“Hey, you know what we should do?” she suggested, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. “We should go on a double date! You, Y/n, Stefan, and me. It’ll be fun!”

Stefan’s eyebrows shot up, but he nodded, clearly intrigued by the idea. “That could actually be great, Damon. We could do something simple, maybe dinner and drinks. Just a chance for us to get to know Y/n better.”

Damon hesitated, his mind flashing to the inevitable reaction you’d have to the suggestion. But as he thought about it, he couldn’t deny that the idea sounded surprisingly appealing. Spending an evening with you, with his brother and Elena, almost like… a family. It was strange, almost too domestic for his tastes, but he found himself drawn to it.

“Alright, alright,” he finally agreed, his tone playfully reluctant. “But if you two start getting all mushy, I’m out. Last thing I need is to witness Stefan’s puppy-dog eyes.”

Stefan laughed, throwing a cushion at his brother. “Shut up, Damon. This is for you, remember?”

Damon rolled his eyes, but the faint smile that tugged at his lips betrayed his excitement. For once, he was allowing himself to imagine a life that wasn’t clouded by darkness or filled with endless battles. He was allowing himself to imagine a life with you.

Elena clapped her hands, practically vibrating with excitement. “Okay, I’ll text Y/n and let her know! This is going to be so much fun!”

But before she could pull out her phone, Damon held up a hand, stopping her. “Hold on, Elena. Let me talk to her first.” He shot her a knowing look, the playful glint in his eyes replaced with something softer. “I’d like to ask her myself.”

Elena’s face softened, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Of course, Damon. Take your time.”

With that, Damon stood, his heart beating a little faster than usual. As he left the room, Stefan and Elena exchanged a look, a mixture of surprise and happiness written across their faces. They had always believed in Damon’s ability to find happiness, even when he doubted it himself. And now, seeing him so taken with you, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope.

“Do you think it’ll last?” Stefan asked softly, a hint of worry in his eyes.

Elena took his hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “I think… I think he deserves this. He deserves someone who makes him happy. And if Y/n is the one, then I believe in them.”

Stefan nodded, his gaze thoughtful. “Then let’s make this double date happen.”

Meanwhile, Damon made his way upstairs, feeling an unfamiliar excitement buzzing through his veins. He had been with other women before, of course, but none had left him feeling like this, like he was teetering on the edge of something bigger than himself. And as he reached his room, he pulled out his phone, your number already at the top of his contact list. Without hesitating, he typed out a quick message:

“Hey, how do you feel about a double date with Stefan and Elena? Dinner, drinks, just us four. Let me know what you think.” He hesitated for a moment, then hit send, exhaling slowly as he waited for your reply.

The bright screen of your phone lit up, and your heart skipped a beat as you saw Damon’s name flash across the screen. It was a simple message, but the thought of Damon asking you on a double date made butterflies flutter wildly in your stomach. You felt your cheeks warm as you read his words again, a little grin slipping onto your face despite yourself:

“Hey, how do you feel about a double date with Stefan and Elena? Dinner, drinks, just us four. Let me know what you think.”

You stared at the text, trying to steady your nervously hands,Damon Salvatore, the one person who could always make you feel so alive, had been a constant presence these last few days. Ever since Kol had chosen Davina over you, Damon had swooped in, helping you move past the hurt. He had a way of making you laugh even on your worst days, his sarcasm a strange kind of comfort. And now, this double date, it felt like something you never thought you’d have with anyone, let alone Damon.

You typed back quickly, fingers flying over the screen. “I’d love that. Let me know when and where. Can’t wait!” As you hit send, a giggle escaped your lips, a genuine laugh that felt like a long time coming. You had just closed the text thread when Rebekah, who had been watching you from across the room with a sly smile, cleared her throat dramatically.

“Well, well, well,” she drawled, crossing her arms and arching a perfectly sculpted brow. “Someone looks absolutely smitten. Care to explain, Honey?”

You felt your face heat up, a sheepish grin spreading as you tried (and failed) to play it cool. “It’s nothing, Rebekah,” you mumbled, though the excitement in your voice gave you away.

“Oh, please,” Rebekah laughed, nudging you with her shoulder as she took a seat next to you on the couch. “You’ve been floating around like a lovestruck fool these past few days. Spill it, Y/n. I want all the details.”

You bit your lip, hesitating for a moment. But you and Rebekah were best friends, and if anyone would understand how complicated things had become, it was her. With a deep breath, you finally confessed, “It’s Damon. He just asked me out, well, sort of. He asked if I’d go on a double date with him, his brother, and Elena.”

Rebekah’s eyes widened, and a grin spread across her face as she squealed in excitement. “Oh, Y/n! This is huge! A double date? With Damon Salvatore?” She nudged you, her eyes glinting with mischief. “This isn’t just some casual invite, sweetheart. Double dates are serious business.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, Rebekah’s enthusiasm contagious. “It’s just dinner and drinks,” you replied, trying to sound casual, though you knew your attempt was weak at best. “But… I don’t know. I think it could be fun.”

“Fun? Y/n, this is a big deal,” Rebekah insisted, her face lighting up. “I haven’t seen Damon this interested in anyone in years. And honestly, after what Kol did, you deserve this. You deserve someone who actually knows what they have.”

The mention of Kol caused a brief pang in your chest, but the pain wasn’t as sharp as it had been before. Damon had been there for you when Kol broke your heart, helping you pick up the pieces. And now, as you thought about the prospect of going out with Damon, it felt like you were finally letting yourself move forward.

Rebekah leaned in closer, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “So, tell me everything. How did this even start? Last I checked, you and Damon were just… friends, right?”

You hesitated, but Rebekah’s curiosity only fueled your excitement. “I don’t even know, honestly. After everything that happened with Kol… I guess Damon just made things easier. He never tried to pry or ask how I was feeling, you know? He just made me laugh. And then, I don’t know, something just… clicked.”

Rebekah grinned, looking incredibly pleased. “I knew it! I always thought there was something between you two, even when you were with Kol. Damon’s too protective over you to be just a friend.”

The truth in her words made you pause. Damon had been protective of you, watching out for you when Kol’s betrayal left you shattered. And there had been moments, small, fleeting glances, lingering touches, that you’d brushed off as mere friendship. But now, thinking back, you couldn’t deny that there had always been a spark.

“He’s… different,” you admitted softly, looking down at your hands. “I know he has this bad reputation, but with me, he’s… I don’t know, he’s just Damon. He makes me feel like I’m not broken.”

Rebekah reached over, squeezing your hand gently. “That’s because he sees you for who you really are, Y/n. Not as someone’s ex, not as someone who’s hurting, just you.”

The warmth in her words made you smile, feeling a weight lift from your chest. You’d spent so long believing that Kol was your only chance at happiness, that you’d overlooked the one person who’d been there all along.

“So,” Rebekah continued, her grin turning mischievous again, “what are you going to wear?”

You laughed, the tension melting as you rolled your eyes at her excitement. “Honestly, I haven’t even thought about it yet. Damon hasn’t told me the details. I don’t even know where we’re going.”

Rebekah waved a dismissive hand, a determined look flashing in her eyes. “Well, that doesn’t matter. We’re going to make sure you look absolutely stunning. If Damon’s taking you on a proper date, then you’re going to knock his socks off.”

She stood up, pulling you to your feet and guiding you towards your wardrobe. You followed her, unable to resist the infectious energy in her voice. Together, you began rifling through your clothes, Rebekah tossing options onto the bed as she offered commentary on each one.

“Oh, this would be perfect,�� she said, holding up a sleek black dress. “Something classy but not too over-the-top. Damon’s already wrapped around your finger; this will just seal the deal.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “It’s just one date, Rebekah. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

But as you looked down at the dress in her hands, a small thrill of excitement rushed through you. You couldn’t help but imagine Damon’s reaction, his eyes lighting up as he saw you walk into the room. Maybe it was just one date, but for the first time in a long while, you felt hopeful.

Rebekah’s eyes softened as she took in your smile. “You deserve this, Y/n. After everything, you deserve someone who makes you feel like this.”

You nodded, her words filling you with a renewed sense of confidence. Damon had seen you at your worst, had been there when Kol left, and hadn’t judged or pitied you. He simply made you feel… alive.

As you stood there with Rebekah, discussing every little detail of the date, you felt a warmth spread through your chest, a quiet happiness that you hadn’t felt in a long time

The following evening, Damon found himself standing outside your apartment, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by a hint of nervousness. He’d put on a well-fitted black button-down, and for once, he’d even brushed his hair, trying to look a little more put-together than usual. As he knocked on the door, he mentally braced himself, hoping you wouldn’t see through his attempt at playing it cool.

The door opened, and there you were, looking radiant in a simple yet elegant dress that brought out the sparkle in your eyes. Damon felt his heart full of happiness, momentarily forgetting his own name as you smiled up at him.

“You’re early,” You teased, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t take you for the punctual type.”

He smirked, shrugging nonchalantly. “What can I say? Some people are worth showing up on time for.��

Before you could respond, Damon offered you his arm, his smirk softening as he looked down at you. “You ready for a night of painfully awkward double-dating?”

You laughed, taking his arm as you and him walked down the stairs. “I’m ready if you are. Who knew you had a normal date in you, Salvatore?”

“Only for you, princess,” he replied, and though his tone was playful, there was a warmth in his voice that left you momentarily speechless.

Before you could respond, the doors of the restaurant opened, and Stefan and Elena emerged, both smiling warmly as they approached. Elena greeted you with an enthusiastic hug, while Stefan gave you a polite nod.

“Y/n, you look amazing!” Elena said, her smile genuine. “This is going to be fun. Damon actually behaving on a date is rare enough to be a show in itself.”

“Hey, I’m perfectly capable of behaving,” Damon quipped, pretending to be offended. “I just choose not to most of the time. It keeps life interesting.”

You stifled a laugh, glancing over at Stefan, who gave you a knowing look. “Believe it or not, this is him trying his best to impress you,” Stefan whispered to you, a grin tugging at his lips.

The four of you settled into a cozy corner booth inside the restaurant, where dim candlelight flickered between the four of you casting a warm glow over the polished wood table. Damon took the seat beside you, his knee brushing against your under the table. You felt a spark of electricity at the touch, wondering if he’d done it on purpose. He didn’t pull away, so you assumed he had.

As the waiter brought the menus, Damon leaned over, looking at you with an amused glint in his eyes. “So, what do you think? I figured you’d appreciate the authenticity, no garlic, of course, given the company.”

You snickered, trying not to be too charmed. “You’re saying you brought me to a vampire-safe restaurant? How considerate of you.”

Elena laughed from across the table, nudging Stefan. “Damon actually being thoughtful? Who knew?”

Stefan smirked, casting a glance at his brother. “I think it’s Y/n’s influence. She brings out the… softer side of him.”

Damon rolled his eyes, though you noticed a hint of a blush on his face. “Alright, alright, enough with the brotherly observations. Let’s just focus on the food, shall we?”

As the four of you ordered appetizers, the conversation turned light, covering topics like movies, music, and the occasional humorous story about Mystic Falls and its array of supernatural chaos. you found yourself relaxing, letting go of the usual guardedness you wore around people. Elena and Stefan made it easy, they both seemed genuinely interested in getting to know you beyond just your connection with Damon.

After a while, Elena leaned in, giving you a curious look. “So, Y/n, tell me… what’s it like being with Damon?” Her tone was playful, but you could sense a genuine curiosity there, too. Elena had her own history with Damon, but she seemed genuinely supportive of whatever was happening between him and you.

You chuckled, glancing over at Damon, who was pretending to be overly engrossed in his wine glass. “Honestly? It’s a bit of an adventure. You never really know what to expect. But he has this… surprising side that I didn’t expect. He’s a lot more thoughtful than he lets on.”

Damon cleared his throat, clearly embarrassed but also amused. “Oh, please, keep flattering me. I’ll get a big head,” he joked, though his hand subtly found its way to yours under the table, his thumb brushing your knuckles gently.

Stefan shook his head, smirking. “Y/n’s right. Damon hides behind sarcasm and arrogance, but deep down, he’s just a sentimental softy.”

Damon shot his brother a look, but you could feel the warmth radiating from him. There was something vulnerable in the way he held you, as though he was grateful for presence in a way words couldn’t fully capture.

As the main courses arrived, the conversation shifted, dipping into more personal memories and stories of Mystic Falls’ supernatural side. Damon seemed at ease, sharing memories with Stefan, trading inside jokes with Elena, and occasionally casting glances at you as though you were the one keeping him grounded amidst it all.

At one point, Stefan brought up a story from when they were children, running around the Salvatores’ old family estate. “Damon used to sneak out at night to meet girls in the village,” Stefan revealed with a laugh, “but he’d always get caught because he was terrible at sneaking back in.”

“Oh, so you were always a troublemaker,” you teased, nudging him playfully.

Damon grinned, leaning closer to you. “I like to think I’m just adventurous. Keeps life from getting too predictable.”

Elena smiled, watching Damon and you with a look of fondness. “You two balance each other out. It’s nice seeing him happy. He doesn’t let his guard down easily.”

You looked over at Damon, your and his eyes meeting, and for a moment, everything else faded. In his gaze, you saw a depth of feeling he rarely allowed anyone to see. You realized that beneath the sarcasm, arrogance, and rebellious streak, Damon was simply someone who wanted to be understood and accepted.

As dessert was served, Damon leaned back, looking around the table with a satisfied grin. “Well, I think we can all agree this was a successful night. No bloodshed, no dramatics, just good food, decent company, and no supernatural shenanigans. A rare thing for us.”

You raise your glass, smirking. “I’ll drink to that. Here’s to normalcy, well, as close as we’ll get to it, anyway.”

You all clinked their glasses, laughter filling the cozy little restaurant. As the evening wound down, Damon offered to walk you home, leaving Stefan and Elena to settle the bill.

Outside, the cool night air enveloped you two as you and Damon strolled down the quiet streets. Damon’s arm wrapped protectively around your shoulders, and you couldn’t help but feel a warmth spreading through your chest. This night felt different. It was simple, but it had given you a glimpse into something real, a chance to be with Damon without the chaos that usually surrounded the two of you.

He stopped in front of your apartment, turning to face you with that familiar smirk softened by the sincerity in his gaze. “So, what’s the verdict, princess? Did I do alright?”

You pretended to think, tapping your chin thoughtfully. “You know, I think you actually behaved yourself. It’s impressive.”

Damon chuckled, stepping closer until there was barely any space between the two of you. “Only because you’re worth it.”

Before you could respond, he leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to your lips. It was soft, almost tentative, as if he was afraid of breaking whatever had formed between the two of . You and you closed your eyes, letting yourself sink into the warmth of his embrace, feeling your heart race with a mixture of excitement and hope.

When you and he finally pulled apart, Damon looked down at you with a mixture of affection and amusement. “You might be dangerous for me, Y/n,” he murmured. “But I think I’m willing to take that risk.”

You smiled, reaching up to cup his cheek. “Good. Because I think you’re worth it too, Damon.”

And for that one perfect moment, standing under the quiet night sky, you knew you had found something rare with Damon, something worth fighting for.

The candlelit hall of the Mikaelson mansion was silent, save for the sound of wine glasses clinking and silverware scraping against fine porcelain. The entire family had gathered for dinner, a rare occasion that somehow felt heavier than usual. Klaus sat at the head of the table, swirling his wine glass, his sharp eyes flicking between his siblings. Elijah was calm, as always, and Rebekah sat across from him, occasionally glancing at her phone, a sly smile tugging at her lips.

Kol, however, had been fidgeting the entire evening. His mind was elsewhere, with Davina. It had been days since he’d chosen her over you. At the time, it felt like the right decision, a young witch who admired him, someone who saw the world in the same magical, ancient way he did. But now, as he sat there, a gnawing emptiness took hold in his chest. You. He hadn’t seen you since the day you walked on him and Davina hugging and the hurt in your eyes still haunted him, though he tried to convince himself that he had done the right thing.

Klaus leaned forward, breaking the silence. “Has anyone seen Y/n lately? She’s usually around more often than not.”

Kol froze, his grip tightening on the fork. Just the mention of your name sent a jolt through him.

Rebekah raised an eyebrow, her grin widening mischievously. “Oh, didn’t you hear? She’s on a double date tonight.”

Kol’s fork clattered to the table. He looked up sharply, his hands gripping the table roughly. “A double date?”

“With Stefan and Elena,” Rebekah continued, clearly enjoying this far too much. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her legs. “And Damon.”

Kol’s breath hitched. Damon. You were with Damon? His mind spiraled, imagining you laughing at Damon’s sarcastic jokes, maybe even holding his hand. His stomach churned with jealousy.

“They both like each other,” Rebekah added nonchalantly, taking a sip of her wine. “You didn’t know?”

A flash of heat surged through Kol, and suddenly, the entire room seemed to blur. His pulse pounded in his ears, his vision tinged with red. Y/n? His Y/n? He shot to his feet, his chair screeching against the floor as it toppled over.

“You’re lying,” he spat, his voice shaking with fury. “She wouldn’t.”

Rebekah’s smile never wavered. “Oh, Kol, you of all people should know better than to underestimate Y/n. And besides, they’ve gotten quite cozy lately.”

Kol couldn’t breathe. He felt like the walls were closing in. Damon. He could already see Damon’s smug face, his arm casually draped around you, his cocky grin while you blushed at one of his flirtatious remarks. A wave of possessiveness crashed over him, followed by a deep, hollow pain. You were supposed to be his, but he had pushed you away, and now, someone else had taken his place.

Elijah, sensing Kol’s mounting distress, stood up. “Kol, sit down.”

But Kol didn’t listen. His mind was racing, his emotions spiraling out of control. “Where is it?” he muttered under his breath, shoving past the table. He stormed down the hall, searching wildly. “Where’s my bloody bat?”

Klaus frowned, sharing a glance with Elijah before rising to follow his brother. “Kol, what are you doing?” His voice was stern, but there was an undercurrent of amusement. “You’re not seriously going after Damon, are you?”

Kol found the bat, an old, worn wooden weapon he had used in fits of rage before, and grabbed it, his knuckles white as he clenched it tightly. “He doesn’t deserve her,” Kol growled, his voice raw with emotion. “She’s mine.”

Elijah stepped in front of him, his hand raised in a calming gesture. “Kol, this is not the way to handle it.”

But Kol couldn’t hear him, the pain in his chest too much to bear. His knees buckled, and before he knew it, he had dropped the bat, his hands covering his face as a sob tore from his throat.

“She’s mine, Elijah,” he choked out, his voice breaking. “My darling. I… I didn’t realize what I had until it was too late.”

Klaus looked at Kol, his expression softening. For all his bravado, his younger brother was breaking apart right in front of him. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Kol’s shoulder. “Kol, you made your choice.”

“But I chose wrong!” Kol cried, his tears falling freely now. “I thought… I thought Davina was what I wanted, but it’s Y/n. It’s always been Y/n.” He sank to the floor, defeated, his shoulders shaking with the force of his sobs. “I’ve lost her.”

Rebekah, who had been watching from the doorway, stepped forward, her teasing demeanor gone. She knelt beside Kol, gently brushing his hair away from his face. “You haven’t lost her yet, Kol,” she said softly. “But if you don’t fix this, if you let Damon have her… you’ll never get her back.”

“Please,” Kol whispered, his voice barely audible. “Help me.”

Klaus, Rebekah, and Elijah exchanged a glance. They might be a dysfunctional family, but they always stood by each other, especially when one of them was truly broken.

Rebekah squeezed Kol’s hand gently. “We’ll figure it out,” she promised. “But you need to act fast.”

The Mikaelson siblings gathered in the dimly lit room, the air thick with tension as they strategized on how to help Kol win you back. Klaus leaned against the wall, arms crossed, his expression contemplative. “We need to remind her of what she means to Kol,” he said, his voice steady. “He may have chosen Davina in the past, but Y/N is someone who can bring out the best in him.”

Rebekah chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. “We should plan something grand! A gesture that shows Kol’s true feelings. Maybe a romantic evening at the place they used to go together?”

Elijah nodded, adding, “It needs to be more than just a gesture. Kol must confront his past mistakes and show Y/N that he’s willing to fight for her, not just for his own happiness but for theirs together.”

After a long night filled with planning and trying to unwind, you finally collapsed onto the sofa in the Salvatore living room. Damon had gone to fetch a bottle of bourbon to “celebrate surviving another day without getting killed,” as he put it, while Elena and Stefan lingered in the kitchen, discussing the next steps in your quest for the cure. It was an oddly peaceful moment after the intensity of the evening, the quiet allowing you to sink into your thoughts.

Your phone buzzed on the cushion next to you. You glanced down to see Rebekah’s name lighting up the screen, her message popping up beneath it. “How was your little double date, darling? Are you and Damon actually being civil for once, or did he make it awkward?”

You couldn’t help but smirk at your best friend’s playful teasing. Rebekah had always been vocal about her distaste for Damon’s attitude, even more so now that you were dating him. She had been cautiously supportive of your decision, though not without her share of doubts. You quickly tapped out a response.

“It was fine, actually. Elena and Stefan were their usual cheerful selves, and Damon was…well, Damon. You know how he is.”

Rebekah’s reply came almost immediately. “So, he was brooding and acting like the world revolves around him? Sounds about right. Tell me you didn’t let him get away with that all night.”

You chuckled softly, glancing toward the kitchen to make sure no one was within earshot before typing back “I gave him plenty of sass, don’t worry. He wouldn’t get away with brooding around me. Though, to be fair, he did manage to be charming, too. In his own way.”

The pause before Rebekah’s next reply felt longer than it should have, her response more serious than before “I still can’t believe you’re doing this, Y/N. You and Damon… It just feels so…sudden. I know you’re happy, but are you really sure about him?”

Before you could reply to her text message. Elena sat with you in the cozy living room, the warm glow of the fireplace casting soft shadows around the room. She watched you with a gentle smile as you adjusted the hem of your dress, a thoughtful look on her face.

After a moment, Elena cleared her throat, and you looked up to see her eyes fixed on you, sincere and warm.

“Y/n,” she began, her voice soft yet steady, “I just wanted to say… I’m really happy that Damon found someone like you.” She leaned forward, her gaze filled with kindness. “He deserves happiness, more than most people realize. He tries to act all tough, but deep down, I think he just wants someone who understands him.”

You felt a blush rise to your cheeks at her words, feeling the familiar rush of emotions you’d come to associate with Damon. It was strange hearing Elena, of all people, talk about Damon this way. After everything between her and Damon, you weren’t sure how she would feel about you being with him. And truthfully, a small part of you had been worried that it would make things awkward. But Elena’s smile was genuine, her warmth unmistakable.

“Thank you, Elena,” you said softly, returning your smile. “I think… I think he really understands me, too. I never thought I’d feel this way about him, but… here we are.” You laughed, a bit nervously, glancing down at your hands. “I’m just glad you’re okay with it. I wouldn’t want it to make things weird between us.”

Elena’s eyes softened as she reached over and placed a hand on yours. “It won’t. I promise. Actually, I wanted to tell you that… I really want to be friends with you, Y/n. My past with Damon… well, it’s exactly that. The past. I don’t want it to come between us, or for you to feel uncomfortable.”

You felt a sense of relief wash over you. “That means a lot to me, Elena. Honestly, I was a little worried. I know how close you and Damon were.”

Elena nodded, understanding the hint of concern in your voice. “I get it. But you have nothing to worry about. I’ve seen the way Damon looks at you, and I’ve never seen him look at anyone like that. Not even me.” She let out a small laugh, almost as if she were surprised by her own words. “You bring out a side of him that I don’t think he even knew he had.”

Her words filled you with a mixture of warmth and reassurance. The fact that Elena, someone who had known Damon so well and had shared so much with him, could support your relationship with him meant more than you could put into words.

“It’s funny,” you said, a shy smile tugging at your lips, “I never would’ve thought Damon could be this… soft. But with me, he’s so different. He makes me laugh, and he listens in a way that makes me feel seen. I think… I think he really cares about me.”

Elena’s smile grew, her eyes shining with understanding. “He does, Y/n. I can see it. And to be honest, I think he’s been waiting a long time for someone like you.” She paused, her gaze turning a bit wistful as she looked towards the flickering flames in the fireplace. “Damon has his faults, sure, but I believe there’s always been this good part of him, just waiting for someone to bring it out. I just didn’t think it would be possible… until now.”

You took a deep breath, feeling a weight lift from your chest. “Thank you, Elena. I was so nervous about how you’d feel. I don’t want this to get in the way of anything, especially between you, Stefan, and Damon. You three have such a complicated history.”

Elena nodded, her expression thoughtful. “It’s true. Things between us have always been… complicated.” She let out a small sigh, a mixture of nostalgia and acceptance in her voice. “But you know, we’ve all grown. I’ve realized that sometimes people come into your life to show you parts of yourself you never knew were there. Damon did that for me, and in a way, so did Stefan.”

She looked at you, her smile tinged with sincerity. “But seeing him with you… it’s different. It’s like he’s found something he didn’t even know he was missing. And I think it’s safe to say that I want to be here for both of you, as a friend.”

You felt your heart swell with gratitude as you reached over and hugged her, feeling her arms wrap around you in a warm embrace. “Thank you, Elena. Really. I’m so lucky to have you as a friend.”

When you both pulled back, she laughed, wiping a small tear from the corner of her eye. “Oh, look at me, getting all emotional. Damon would probably roll his eyes if he knew we were having this talk.”

The both of you shared a laugh, imagining Damon’s reaction. Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs. Damon and Stefan appeared, Damon looking slightly awkward as he adjusted his collar, glancing between the two of you with a raised eyebrow.

“What’s this? A secret meeting?” he teased, a hint of suspicion in his voice as he looked between you and Elena.

Elena grinned, giving him a mischievous look. “Nothing you need to worry about, Damon. Just girl talk.”

Stefan chuckled, slipping his arm around Elena’s shoulders. “Trust me, brother, you don’t want to know. They’re probably talking about how to keep you in line.”

Damon scoffed, though there was a playful gleam in his eyes as he gave you a smirk. “Well, good luck with that, ladies. I’m not exactly known for playing by the rules.”

You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t help the smile spreading across your face. “Trust me, I’ve noticed.”

Damon’s eyes softened as he held your gaze, a hint of something deeper flickering beneath his playful exterior. The way he looked at you in that moment sent a wave of warmth through your chest, a feeling of certainty that left you breathless.

Clearing his throat, Damon extended his arm to you. “Ready, Y/n?” His smirk softened, his voice filled with genuine excitement. “Let’s go show these two how it’s done.”

Taking his arm, you felt a surge of excitement and anticipation. You glanced back at Elena, who gave you an encouraging smile, and then at Stefan, who simply nodded, his own expression filled with quiet approval. With Damon by your side and Elena’s friendship secured, it felt like everything was finally falling into place.

As you left the house, Damon led you out onto the porch, casting a lingering glance your way. He leaned in, his voice low enough that only you could hear. “By the way, thanks for being so patient with all… this.” He gestured vaguely toward the house, as if encompassing the entire complicated history of his family and friends.

You smiled up at him, feeling the warmth of his hand in yours. “It’s worth it, Damon. Every single part of it.”

His eyes lingered on you, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. And for the first time, you felt like you were stepping into something new, with Damon at your side and Elena’s friendship by your side, a future that, despite everything, felt bright.

The bright afternoon sun filtered through the trees as Damon and Elena stood in line, waiting to buy the tickets for the movie. It was their second double date, and despite their past, Damon felt strangely comfortable with Elena at his side, like two old friends moving past all the complications. There was an ease in their silence as they stood together, both scanning the colorful posters lining the theater wall.

Elena glanced over at Damon, her expression thoughtful. “You know,” she began softly, breaking the comfortable silence, “I really am happy for you, Damon. Seeing you with Y/n… it’s nice. She’s a good match for you.”

Damon raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing at his lips. “Are you really, though? Last time I checked, you were the one dealing with my so-called charm.” He shot her a teasing grin.

Elena laughed, nudging him playfully. “Believe it or not, yes, I’m happy for you. And I mean it. We’ve both been through enough, and it’s… it’s just time to let it all go. The past is behind us.”

Damon’s smile softened as he took in her words. “I couldn’t agree more, Elena. We had our time, and it shaped us. But Y/n… she’s my future. Being with her feels like a fresh start.”

Elena’s gaze turned serious, her tone softening as she continued, “That’s good, Damon. I just want you to be happy. But…” She paused, a hint of playful warning entering her voice. “If you ever hurt her, you’re going to regret it. Y/n means a lot to me, and I won’t just sit back and watch her get hurt.”

Damon chuckled, feigning innocence. “Me? Hurt her? Not even on my radar. Besides,” his expression turned earnest, “I’m not even thinking about it. I love her, Elena. For the first time, it feels real. I don’t want to mess this up.”

She studied him for a moment, as if weighing the truth in his words, before her face softened into a smile. “Good. I’ll hold you to that.”

Damon’s grin returned, and he leaned a little closer, his tone laced with mischief. “Wait a minute. Are you telling me you’re going to threaten me? The ex-girlfriend protection squad?”

Elena crossed her arms, a smug smile dancing on her lips. “Oh, definitely. Us girls have to stick together, Damon. Sorry, no hard feelings.”

Damon put a hand to his heart, feigning hurt. “Rude! Here I thought you’d be on my side. I see how it is now.”

Elena laughed, rolling her eyes. “Hey, I only said that I’m happy for you. But when it comes to Y/n, I’ve got her back. Deal with it.”

Damon let out a chuckle, shaking his head. “Well, good thing I don’t have any intentions of messing this up, or I’d be in trouble with the Elena Gilbert Mafia.”

Elena smirked, nodding. “You’d better believe it. So keep that in mind, alright?” She bumped her shoulder against his in a playful, almost sisterly way, and Damon couldn’t help but feel a strange sense of peace wash over him. It was like a bridge between their complicated past and the simple present they’d found with each other’s support.

Just then, he spotted you and Stefan emerging from the snack bar, arms loaded with popcorn and drinks. You were laughing at something Stefan said, your whole face lighting up, and Damon’s heart swelled at the sight.

Elena followed his gaze, a smile softening her features. “Come on,” she said, nudging him, “let’s go join our soulmates.”

Damon let out a laugh, throwing her a teasing look. “Oh, so now we’re officially double-dating soulmates? How romantic.”

Elena rolled her eyes, but her expression was warm. “Hey, I’m just happy I don’t have to deal with the two of you alone anymore. Now I have backup.”

Damon shot her a grin. “Fair enough. But for the record, if you need backup, I’ve got you too.”

They walked over to you and Stefan, their laughter fading as you all gathered together. Stefan handed a large tub of popcorn to Elena and turned to Damon with a knowing smirk.

“All set?” Stefan asked, glancing between you and Damon with a hint of amusement.

Damon wrapped an arm around your shoulders, pulling you close with an affectionate smile. “More than ready,” he replied, giving you a wink.

You laughed, reaching over to loop your arm around his. “Good. I can’t wait to see if this movie actually lives up to the hype.”

As the four of you entered the theater, Damon exchanged a glance with Elena, a silent understanding passing between them. The past was behind them, but it was clear that your presence in his life had brought a peace Damon hadn’t known before.

In the dim light of the theater, Damon held your hand, feeling your warmth, and knew he’d finally found his place.

In the grand dining hall of the Mikaelson estate, Klaus, Rebekah, Elijah, and Kol sat around a massive, candlelit table, deep in conversation. They’d gathered to discuss Kol’s situation with you, each sibling giving their opinion on how to help him win you back.

Klaus leaned forward, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Kol, dear brother, it’s clear you made a grave mistake choosing Davina. But all is not lost. I suggest a grand gesture, a reminder of everything you and Y/n shared.”

Rebekah rolled her eyes, though her tone was sympathetic. “Or you could try a more subtle approach, Kol. Something that shows Y/n you’ve changed, that you’re worth her time. Rushing in with theatrics will only make things worse.”

Kol frowned, clearly conflicted. “But she’s with Damon now. She’s found a place with him, with the Salvatores. How can I get her to see that I’m the one she belongs with?”

Elijah, ever calm and wise, looked at Kol thoughtfully. “Sometimes, winning someone back is less about grand gestures and more about simply being there, showing her what she meant to you. Perhaps you should try spending time around her without expectation.”

Kol’s jaw tightened, his emotions raw. He missed you deeply, and seeing you with Damon had stirred a painful jealousy. But his siblings’ support filled him with a renewed sense of determination. He nodded slowly, his mind already churning through ideas.

Meanwhile, across town in the Salvatore house, you sat beside Damon, Elena, and Stefan, the four of you huddled around a small table, absorbed in your plans. The first goal was to find the cure for vampirism, a chance for each of you to return to a human life. It was something Damon, Stefan, Elena, and you had long dreamed about, and now, it felt closer than ever.

“So, the cure,” Damon said, his voice thoughtful as he looked around at each of you. “Once we take it, there’s no going back.”

Elena reached across the table, placing her hand on his. “I know. But this is what we’ve always wanted. And… I can’t imagine a better way to live than with you.” She looked over at you and Stefan, a warm smile lighting up her face. “With all of us.”

Stefan nodded, his gaze steady. “Once we’re human again, we’ll be free of everything, the bloodlust, the compulsion, the endless need to hide who we are. And we can have lives together. Actual lives.”

You squeezed Damon’s hand, a smile spreading across your face. “And then,” you added, voice softening, “we can plan the second part of our plan, the wedding.”

Damon’s eyes sparkled as he looked at you, his grin widening. “Ah, yes, the wedding. The real prize at the end of all this.”

Stefan smirked. “And just think, double the wedding gifts.” He winked at Elena, who laughed, her face lighting up with excitement.

Elena looked around the table, her eyes bright. “This is what we’ve always wanted, isn’t it? A normal life. Something beyond all the chaos and danger. It’s finally within reach.”

Damon squeezed your hand again, his voice low but full of conviction. “And I promise, Y/n, nothing and no one is going to ruin this for us.”

As the Mikaelsons huddled over their plans, determined to bring you back into their lives, you and Elena were on a very different mission. Sitting side by side on the couch in the Salvatore living room, you both scrolled through images of beautiful wedding venues on your tablets, occasionally pointing out locations that caught your eye. The two of you were beaming with excitement, savoring every detail of planning a future you’d longed for.

“Oh, look at this one!” Elena said, leaning closer to show you a breathtaking venue nestled by a lake, surrounded by towering trees and a blanket of flowers. “Imagine a sunset ceremony here.”

You let out a small gasp, enchanted by the natural beauty of the place. “It’s perfect. And imagine the pictures, especially with that golden hour lighting!” You scrolled further, admiring the elegant yet simple decorations. “This might just be the one.”

Elena grinned, sharing in your excitement. “We’re getting so close to making this real, Y/n. I can’t believe it!”

The two of you giggled like schoolgirls, immersed in the magic of wedding planning. The idea of finally escaping the supernatural life and starting fresh together was surreal yet thrilling.

Meanwhile, across the room, Damon and Stefan sat together, laptops open, their focus entirely on engagement rings. Damon’s brows were furrowed in concentration as he scrolled through a range of rings, from classic solitaires to intricate vintage designs, determined to find the one that would capture everything he felt for you.

“What do you think of this one?” Damon asked, showing Stefan a delicate, emerald-cut diamond set in a simple platinum band.

Stefan nodded, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “That’s a good choice. Classy, elegant… very you.”

Damon shot him a mock glare. “You mean very Y/n.” He chuckled, clicking through a few more options, each one more dazzling than the last.

Stefan held up his own laptop, showing a ring he’d picked for Elena. “I think this might be the one,” he said, glancing at his brother for approval. It was a timeless piece, a round diamond set in a halo of smaller stones, with a vintage band.

Damon studied it thoughtfully. “You’re really going all out. She’ll love it.”

As the brothers continued their search, there was a shared, quiet anticipation between them. The rings represented not just a promise but the new life they were about to step into, a life that, for once, held the possibility of peace and joy.

After hours of scrolling, laughing, and debating, you and Elena had finally made your choice. You’d settled on a breathtaking lakeside venue with twinkling lights and a natural archway woven from branches and wildflowers. For the dresses, you’d chosen delicate, timeless designs with a touch of elegance, perfect for an outdoor celebration. Everything felt like a dream slowly coming together.

As you and Elena sat back, satisfied with your decisions, the boys exchanged a silent, knowing look. Damon and Stefan had found the rings, each unique and beautiful, symbols of the forever you were all stepping into together.

Damon reached over, giving your hand a gentle squeeze, his face softening as he looked at you. “Well, looks like we’re ready for the next big step,” he murmured, his voice filled with warmth and love.

Elena grinned, nudging Stefan playfully. “We did it! We’re really making this happen.”

The four of you exchanged looks filled with excitement and a touch of disbelief, savoring the quiet joy of knowing you’d soon have a life beyond the supernatural battles and betrayals.

But, miles away, in the shadows of the Mikaelson estate, another plan was falling into place. Kol Mikaelson stood in front of his siblings, a newfound determination in his gaze as he listened to their strategy. Rebekah, though supportive, was skeptical, eyeing Kol warily as he voiced his intentions.

“You’re really sure about this, Kol?” Rebekah asked, her arms crossed.

Kol smirked, a gleam in his eye, though there was a surprising gentleness in his tone. “Absolutely, Bekah. I lost her once, but I won’t make that mistake again. She’s the one.” His face softened as he thought of you, his gaze distant but filled with a quiet longing.

Klaus, ever the strategist, studied Kol with a sharp, calculating gaze. “Then go to her,” he said smoothly, a dangerous smile playing on his lips. “Make her remember why she fell for you in the first place.”

Kol took a steadying breath, his voice a murmur as if speaking directly to you, even though you were miles away, oblivious to his approach. “Here I come for you, darling.”

#the vampires diaries x you #the vampires diaries x reader #the vampire diaries x y/n #Damon Salvatore #damon salvatore x you #damon salvatore x reader #damon salvatore x y/n #Damon Salvatore imagines #the originals x y/n #the originals x you #the originals x reader #Kol Mikaelson #kol mikaelson x y/n #kol mikaelson x you #kol mikealson x reader

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vilhelios · 9 months ago

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— SWIM WITH ME / I THINK I CAN SEE THE BEACH;

( i need you here with me / but we're out in the open. ) ; romantic headcanons for abysswalker!rafayel ♡ more under the cut!

CW: spoilers for rafayel's "sea of golden sand" myth + general abysswalker rafayel lore ; fluff ; angst ; hurt/comfort ; mentions of blood, injury, and self-harm (rafayel plucks off his scales) : might feel a little ooc because it is abysswalker and not main story rafayel ; quite the word dump (bc i rattle my cage for him)

— as the morning light of the desert creeps into the dim of a tent, two bodies lay tangled in the warmth of each other. RAFAYEL sleeps light and wakes early—hours before the sun peeks over the golden dunes—and although the habit irks him, it does offer him a wonderful sight as compensation: the sight of you, bathed in the soft, rose-gold light of morning, hair a mess, marks littering your skin from where the sheets pressed up against you.

overcome with a love that warms him like molten gold, the young god cannot help but litter your face in butterfly kisses. two to the apples of your cheeks, one on the tip of your nose, the corners of your lips, the middle of your temple. when you shift in your sleep, groan at his ministrations, rafayel can only chuckle, nuzzling his face into the crook of your neck. he thinks he can hear amund yell for his presence. he couldn't care less.

— RAFAYEL sees himself as the sword at the hilt of your belt, the dagger in your hands that you should use as you see fit, the steady hand guiding your own, drawing your bowstring. he is your ever faithful shadow, always at your side, a watchful gaze always on you. it is only natural for one to protect the keeper of their heart... which is why you and the medical kit from the nurse's tent have gotten well acquainted with each other.

"one of these days, you're going to listen to me." you sigh, gently peeling aside the torn leather of his garb. rafayel does not wince; you don't think you've ever seen him do so, not when he ripped that arrow from his shoulder, or when he stumbles back to your tent with a bloody gash on his chest, or when he's brandishing new bruises on his knuckles. the royal guards seem intent on tracking you down, crossing all of philos's 30,000 zetameters of sand to lock you up in your gilded cage again.

rafayel seems equally intent to ensure that doesn't happen, even if it means throwing himself into their line of fire.

"if i listen to you," the lemurian starts, violet gaze trained on the gentle workings of your fingers, "they'll take you from me again, back to the palace." his breath hitches the slightest—at the thought of you leaving him again, or at the too-harsh tug of the bandage, you're not sure.

— some nights, RAFAYEL is awoken by dreams—horrible, lifelike nightmares. it's sudden, a jolt that has him taking in rapid breaths, a tremor in his hands. "a nightmare", he tells you, when you stir awake and ask him what's wrong in a groggy voice that makes his heart ache, "just a nightmare, sweetheart. nothing to worry about." he waits until he hears your breathing slow once more, pressing kisses to your temple all the while, before slinking out of the tent and into the cold desert air. he'll return to your side before the sun rises, but for now, with still-stuttering breaths, he just needs some time to clear his head.

in his nightmares, a butterfly flaps its wings just the wrong way and rafayel is landed in a world where he is as cold-blooded as amund wished he was. he is back in the ruins of the isle of songs, your hand guiding his own (white-knuckled, dagger brandished) to the place where your heart thrums beneath. and unlike himself, rafayel takes the chance: takes back what is his, what was never yours to keep. the god of the sea was a foolish, lovesick man. he would not make the same mistake.

the dagger sinks into your flesh, the ease of it wrong. your blood flows onto his palms, gets into all the creases of his gloves, spills onto the barren earth and dyes the returning sea red. it is so, so warm against his skin, warms the fire in him that threatened to fizzle out. (he has always been a selfish man, he knows. it is only right that he is no better than bloodthristy philos.) the look dream-you gives him, before he awakes from this cruel world, sears itself into the back of his eyelids. he can see it still, when he looks at the dark of the night sky: reverent, loving. (how could you not, when he has freed you yet again?)

— often, you ask RAFAYEL to tell you tales of the ocean; more specifically, its creatures! what were those rays he spoke of, or the sharks, or those star-shaped things? do the lemurians actually eat them? your lover finds your boundless curiousity incredibly endearing, chuckling whenever your eyes seem to light up at the mention of some new deep-sea fish.

"this is a whale shark." rafayel says, and you watch as the scale in his hands transforms into a small purple apparition. it's as long as his pointer finger, heteroceral tail flicking as it swims in the flame currents, light purple spots patterning its black back. "they are gentle things, despite their size. they only ever eat plankton. i used to have one as a pet, long ago."

"how cute!" you laugh, waggling your finger in front of the shark and watching it follow. "did you have other pets?" and at that, he procures another silver scale, places it into your palms and covers it with his own. a barreleye manifests, and you grin when it's luminous purple eyes stare up at you.

(rafayel ignores the sting in his arm, pinpricks of blood soaking his garb from where he'd plucked some scales off. the wonder in your eyes is more than worth it.)

— helping the LEMURIANS with their daily chores within the camp comes like second nature to you. there is always so much to do: collect jars upon jars of water from the nearby oasis, prepare food, feed the camels, record the state of the camp's supplies... all the while, you feel RAFAYEL'S eyes on your form, your ever cautious vassal. with a little smile, you pretend you don't notice his lavender gaze, if only to spare him from the flushed ears.

it's surprisingly simple, making that lemurian cake: tapioca flour, camel's milk, a healthy dash of sugar, and citrus rind... when the sweet old woman you've spent the afternoon baking with feeds you a slice, you think you've simply ascended. back then, rafayel had fed you one that was cold and a little stale—probably as it was a part of his rations for long journeys. perhaps he'd like one that was far fresher, and baked with love?

... which is how rafayel found himself with a wicker basket full of cake shoved into his hands, and an awaiting you in front of him. "you've been training a while, haven't you?" you smile, taking one of the soft slices and bringing it up to his lips; "try it for me, please!"

and as obedient as ever, rafayel takes a bite, sweetness and citrus on his tongue. "it's good," he hums, kisses your fingertips, "tell me when you're making it next time, love. i'd love to help."

— the LEMURIANS, you remember, were masters of the arts: singing, painting, poetry... so it's no surprise, then, that they celebrate their craft almost every night: children crowd around a charming poet, hooked on every word of their newest bedtime story—his newest fable, that is (something about a fish and a bird, who wished to visit a bakery); the musicians have already begun their newest improvised song, a lively version of an old elegy, it seems; the bonfire in the centre burns high into the night sky like it was trying to reach the stars itself, and when the lemurians dance around it their shadows are long against the sands. you don't know how, but you're eventually dragged into the dance yourself. the glee is infectious, and you find yourself instinctively looking for your beloved.

RAFAYEL doesn't indulge in dancing often, as fun as it may be. he knows the steps, his feet still tapping to the rhythm of the tambourines even as he nonchalantly leans against the tent pole in the distance. it is second nature, now, but his eyes always find you, even in the crowd of people—you, laughing and twirling around without a care in the world. it makes his heart race, a smile creeping onto his own features. he watches you dance with his people, linking arms and being spun around; for a moment he wonders if he should join just to be your one and only dance partner.

... he doesn't notice when you've escaped his gaze, but before he knows it, you've snuck up on him and wrapped a shawl around his neck, dragging him towards the crowd; "dance with me, rafa!"

and how can he refuse a shared moment that transcends lifetimes—across shimmering oceans, and marble floor ballrooms, and golden sands? rafayel's stumbling forward into you until his arms take their rightful place around your form. his hands find the small of your back and yours hold onto his shoulders, shawl long abandoned on his neck. this is second nature, galaxies colliding, two souls becoming one.

— after all of the night's festivities are said and done—the musicians pack up their flutes, lyres, and tambourines; the children cover up their yawns with still-red palms from clapping to tonight's tunes; the remaining food is safely packed away for tomorrow—it's just you, RAFAYEL, and the dwindling embers of the fire he'd just stomped out. "i do believe even your highness is not exempt from curfew," he hums, takes your hand in his, and presses his lips to the knuckles.

and in the silence of your tent, coveted in the silver hues of moonlight, rafayel sits you down before him, your back leaning against his chest. his arms wrap around your frame, his chin resting on the crook of your neck. this is your ritual, on too-cold nights: rafayel lights a flickering flame in his palms, the black and violet embers cold as ever. you both stare into this dying fire—you both know what is to come.

sometimes, when the ugly concoction of guilt and sorrow prick at your very soul, your hand reaches up to entwine with his own, just as they did to guide his dagger to your heart. "i won't." rafayel says, and you know what he means. "i will never hurt you." he doesn't complete the sentence, the words dying on his tongue, but you know the rest (there is no other end to this story): i would rather die.

a/n : i need abysswalker carnally it's not even funny anymore 🤩 these were. not supposed to be this long (they are like little fics in themselves omg). but i love this rafa so much i think he deserves it. thank you for the love on the previous rafa content <3 it makes me so happy seeing people who also love this lil guy. the dancing with rafa hc is very much so inspired by "through heaven's eyes" from the prince of egypt! <3333

#love and deepspace x reader #rafayel x reader #rafayel fluff #rafayel headcanons #love and deepspace headcanons #qi yu headcanons #love and deepspace fluff #qi yu x reader #abysswalker rafayel

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forgottenarthur · 3 months ago

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Storm at the Gates | Arthur & Aria

"They're out there!" Arthur stabbed a finger in the direction. "They're at our gates! This requires a resolution and I can give it! Please! Father! Now is the time! Let me--"

"NO!" boomed the emperor. Roderick Varmont's gaze was steel, tooth to tooth in full snarl. "You will do nothing of the sort. This is not a matter requiring imperial intervention."

Breath hissed between his clenched teeth. "Once before, Father, I stood in this position while a riot overtook the people in my charge. I cannot stand by--"

"MY charge!" declared Roderick, rising from his throne. "These people are no concern of yours, boy! And there is no trouble here! You will report to safety and you will do nothing. That is an order!"

Arthur's shoulders hunched. He couldn't slow the pounding in his chest. He tore his gaze away, towards the sandstone floor. "Yes, Your Imperial Majesty," he bit out, at last, tracing a cursory bow and stalking out of the room.

All around him, shrieks echoed through the corridors. This was wrong, he thought. All wrong. All his life, Arthur had trained, sword in hand, heavy armor banding his body like a steel glove. He was meant to be a warlord. He was meant to fight, not to cower behind stone. The gates boomed. They were pushing against them.

Even at Kil-Kennar he'd not hidden. At Kil-Kennar, he'd led the charge, when he might have quelled them, instead. The great gates shook. Arthur balled his fists. He was naked without his sword. Without his armor. And Kil-Kennar was all around him. He smelled the metallic tang of blood. The battered gates boomed in his chest. Screams echoed in his earts. It was all come again. Aine's bright red blood splashed upon Daybreak's gleaming blade and too-hot upon his own face. Weeping, screaming. Even then he might have spared lives. Even then...

Boom, boom! The gates clanked and clattered and Arthur had not even a sword.

'Hold fast!' some past version of him had barked to his men. The people howled outside. They wanted blood, red as the banners he'd used to claim Kil-Kennar. His men were praying. Pleading. There were far too few.

'We fight for our emperor!' Arthur had shouted. 'We fight for our lives! And we fight for our god! Hold fast and take heart, for there are no greater warriors in all the world! Today, all who raise their swords with me are sons of our divine emperor, my own brothers in bloodshed! Emmissaries of the true god, your deeds shall never be forgot!' He had them, now. He could feel it. When he had finished speaking, Arthur unsheathed Daybreak, turning towards the shivering gates. 'Those men are calling for blood. Let's give it to them!'

His words has swayed them. He knew it well. The cowering men had taken heart, rising, a hundred swords unsheathing with his own. But the consequences had been terrible. They were all of them -- soldier and rioter, alike -- his people. His responsibility. Every drop of blood had been his own, every broken bone, and every life forever altered. If he had only spoken out to the crowd...

He still might. They were at the gates, again, crying out for justice. He had taken justice from them before. But this time...this time it could all put to rights. Aine's life could not be restored, but the Stafford name could! How could it be worth all this bloodshed? Arthur turned back towards the room he'd just left, about to march back into his father's presence, but he recalled, then, his emperor's final words. If he spoke, now, it would not be with the voice of the god. It would be his own mortal hubris. It would be a sacreligious betrayal of his own true emperor, the God's own Champion. He could not.

Still and half shivering, Arthur turned his back upon the shuddering gate. He felt sick, nausea rising towards the crown of his heart with each heartbeat. He darted for the stairs. There was nothing he could do out there but, he reminded himself, there was something he might still do within these high walls. He knew where the women and children would be sheltered. he could take charge of the guard, he could see to it that they were all kept safe within the walls. He breathed a little easier at the thought, yet still the booms shrieked in his ears. Up and up and up he wound, mind turning over to his mother, his sister...and to Aria. The Queen and the Princess would be well protected, he had no doubt, his father's men would die defending them, if needs must, but Aria? Where was she? Who would look to her safety beyond keeping charge over some kind of prize?

Sucking in a deep breath, Arthur ran up and up and up, taking two stairs at a time. He had to find her. The first two places he looked, she was not, but at last he came to a small room, high above and replete with windows. Fear was a bird hovering just at his heart, weightier and weightier with every room he checked. God, he prayed. God, save her. He couldn't let her be hurt no matter what, but even worse to think of her injured with the way they'd left things after the Ice Ball! Yet, as he came into the room, his prayers were answered. There stood Eilionora and Aria. His heart was in his mouth to see her so close to danger.

"What are you thinking?!" barked Arthur at the guards, storming into the room. "Get them away from the windows! These rabble-rousers have projectiles! It's not safe!"

Eyes widening, the guards jumped to attention, moving in towards the women, but as soon as they moved to draw them from the windows, Eilionora resisted. Arthur ignored them all, stepping up to Aria, himself, and pulling her away, towards a dark corner of the room while the soldiers dealt with her struggling sister.

"What were you thinking?!" demanded Arthur, hands fluttering anxious across her waist, her arms, her shoulders, her head with its crown of ebony hair, searching for any wounds. She was so slight, her eyes wide, and his heart was a hammer, hands frantic in their search. What would he do if something had happened?

But he couln't think of that, couldn't think at all, as the weight of her eyes fell upon his. His questing hands slowed. Her cheeks were flushed, eyes bright. She looked at him. He couldn't breathe. Her breath was warm. One hand stopped at her waist, pulling her close. The other touched her face. The heat of her satin skin. His thumb gently traced the sweep of her cheek. He tucked a strand of unruly hair behind her ear. "Are you all right?"

#storm at the gates #aria stafford #comment #idk what this is!#sorry its so long alsjfkljsdfjdfjs arthur was thinking thoughts!!

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mirai-e-jump · 2 months ago

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Kamen Rider Gotchard: Final Stage | Pamphlet (pages and translations below, long post)

Motojima Junsei (Ichinose Houtaro)

Q. If you were to call out to Ichinose Houtaro now?

A. Thank you so much for your energy over the past year! In the beginning, there were alot of things we didn't understand about each other (laughs). I was able to live as Ichinose Houtaro, and Houtaro's determination to never give up reached those who support Kamen Rider, and I myself was always encouraged by Houtaro. For the moment I get to live as Houtaro again somewhere, thank you.

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Gotcha taught me the importance of facing the obstacles in front of you, never giving up, the importance of working together with my friends, and the feelings of everyone who supports you! Going forward, I'll keep this in mind as I continue on!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. Episode 27's "Gotcha! Crosshopper!" is my absolute favorite! Thanks to Houtaro's power of belief and determination to never give up, everyone believed in him and risked their lives to pass the baton to him. Houtaro was able to tell the Chemies and himself, "Don't give up!!," so I think that Houtaro was also able to show a huge amount of growth in this episode.

-I get the feeling that the story of Ichinose Houtaro and his friends isn't over yet-

This past year has truly "gone by in the blink of an eye." During filming of Kamen Rider Gotchard I had almost no experience in acting, and I was starting from a place where I didn't know what was right and what was left, but thanks to the support of the many staff members, cast, and fans, I managed to successfully finish filming. Every day, I had many things to reflect on, and there were times when I felt like falling apart, but the many voices of support was a source of power for me. It was a pleasure to play the character of Ichinose Houtaro. I feel like I want to do it for another year (laughs).

We finished filming with the scene after we enter into the cube in the final episode. The flow was that it went from Houtaro's parting with Clotho, to his anger toward Glion and his transformation. I was incredibly happy that filming ended with the transformation. With the final enemy also being Glion, I naturally got into things. After meeting his future self in the film "The Future Daybreak," Houtaro also knows what'll happen if he loses to Glion. With an enemy he can't afford to lose to, Houtaro goes into a decisive battle. Still, in the beginning, Houtaro was one of the newest students at the Alchemy Academy, but over the past year, the number of his friends has increased. I think Houtaro himself has become stronger, but it's more important that he's now able to work together with everyone. This is also something I can say about myself, since I've met so many people through the filming of Gotchard. In my own way, I think I was able to change.

Clotho's last words were also memorable. I feel that the gradual change in the relationship between the Three Dark Sisters was an interesting aspect of Gotchard's drama. Alittle while ago, Miyahara-san and I had the opportunity to train together at the gym. At that time, I was told, "You've worked really hard this past year," and even during the performance, Houtaro and Clotho give me a supportive push……I experienced a feeling that Houtaro and myself were linked.

In the final episode, there's a scene where Houtaro's mother sends him off to battle, knowing that he's a Kamen Rider. Minamino Yoko-san, who plays Tamami, sent me a LINE after we finished filming our last scene together. She wrote, "I'll always stand by Junsei-kun's side no matter what happens, you did your best this past year." True to her word, Minamino-san has encouraged me countless times. I'm truly grateful from the bottom of my heart for her treating me so kindly like a real mother.

I was surprised at the development that Houtaro would end up creating a New Earth. It's surprising that he's become such a great alchemist, but as I read the script like usual I was like, "What do you mean?!" (laughs). I think Houtaro will be exploring the New Earth with his friends at the Alchemy Academy from now on, and since I want Gotchard to remain in the hearts of the fans even after it finished airing, I was happy with this last scene. The battle may be over, but I get the feeling that the story of Houtaro and his friends isn't over yet, so I wonder if people will be imagining what to expect next. Of course, I'm personally looking forward to seeing the "continuation" of the story in some form.

Playing the role of Ichinose Houtaro made me realize that the profession of an actor is fun and rewarding. I think I was supported more by everyone in this work. I also received many messages of support and appreciation from those who truly enjoy Gotchard's broadcast. I'm amazed that a production I was involved in, or a role I played can give power and excitement to someone……From now on too, I want to encounter productions that can have a positive impact on someone's life, and for this reason, I intend to continue my efforts and growth. I'll always remember the words of advice that Director Tasaki gave me, such as, "A character is driven by the heart's engine" and "Let the cup (of emotion) overflow on set."

I'm very excited about the Final Stage. We start with Osaka, then Fukuoka, Aichi, and then Tokyo, four cities in total. I've been to several events in the past, and was able to directly meet with everyone who supported me in person, and I've really enjoyed all of them. This'll be the final time, and although I'm sad, I want to express my gratitude to everyone with all of my heart. Please burn the image of an energetic Ichinose Houtaro into your memory, as I want to do this for the next 100 years.

Please make sure to look forward to it. And with that, I'll see you at the venue!

Matsumoto Reiyo (Kudo Rinne)

Q. If you were to call out to Kudo Rinne now?

A. I'm glad I was able to live as Rinne! Thank you!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Gotcha means "heart"! It was a year in which I could feel everyone's love, and I was really happy that Kudo Rinne was loved by everyone. From now on, I'll work as hard as I can to return the favor!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 48! "No matter how hard it gets, the way you live your life is decided through your own heart!" I really love that line, and Rinne taught me something very important. And, seeing Rinne's growth made me very happy.

-I think that "Matsumoto Reiyo" disappeared from my mind and I became "Kudo Rinne"-

When I was cast to perform in Kamen Rider Gotchard, what I kept in mind was to perform each and every scene with great care. In particular, as filming progressed into the second half of the show, I felt that my concentration on set had increased.

When we filmed "The Future Daybreak" in Shimane, we filmed until the very last minute, just in time to catch our flight back home, but while I was acting, I had completely forgotten about such things. I wasn't consciously trying to forget, but I think at that time, "Matsumoto Reiyo" disappeared from my mind and I became "Kudo Rinne." I was scared beforehand because it was Rinne's final moments, but when it came time to perform the real thing, as Rinne, I couldn't stop crying. I have tons of other memories from the film. The cuts where I was suspended in the air were fun, and I enjoyed being in that state while constantly asking the people around me, "How many more cuts are there now?" and "It's not over yet, is it?" It's an experience you don't get to have very often, and the moment when the height gradually increased was a great feeling (laughs). However, the setup was that I was captured, so I was careful not to let my joy show on my face. All the staff members knew though (laughs). If there's another opportunity, I want to be suspended in the air again.

Similarly, I enjoyed riding behind Kamen Rider Gotchard on his bike. Being suspended and riding on a bike, for me it was like a treat. Even if you appear in the Kamen Rider series, it's not something you're always guaranteed to experience, so I think it was a valuable experience.

I was surprised when I read the final part of episode 47 in the script. I also didn't know that the model for Atropos was Rinne, and there was a line (by Gaelijah) that by doing the ritual, the model would die, so I was worried and was like, "Rinne-chan, are you going to die again?!" And so from there, until I got the final script……even before I received the scripts for episodes 48 to the final episode, I received only bits and pieces of information, which made me even more worried. I heard something about a new form called Twilight Majade, but it was the appearance I took after absorbing Atropos, so I wondered, "What does it mean by absorb?"

So, when I received the final script and read it, I read it alone as I was prepared to cry. The parting scene with Atropos still hurts. However, the scene where Rinne (Majade) says to Gaelijah, "No matter how hard it gets, the way you live your life is decided through your own heart!," was very moving.

Even during filming, I put alot of effort into the scene where Atropos disappears. Just like in the film, I was able to concentrate so much, that I forgot the camera was there, but on take 1. Director Tasaki said to me, "You haven't quite worked through your emotions yet, huh?" I felt alittle inadequate, so I was grateful to be given another chance. That scene was given the OK on take 2.

When she's not in character, Okita Itono-chan, who plays Atropos, is a really adorable girl. And yet, she has the power to put on a real performance, and there were many scenes between Atropos and Rinne, but they were always serious matches that I learned alot from. Twilight Majeed was a form born from the heartfelt connection between Itono-chan and Atropos……and so I took great care in performing each and every word during the dub recording.

In the end, I was also glad that she was properly reunited with her father. Now that they can finally be together as parent and child, I want Rinne to be spoiled by her father as much as possible. As myself, I was happy to see Ishimaru-san's scene, as it naturally put a smile on my face.

Unlike usual, (for filming of the final scripts) I tried to avoid it as much as possible, and avoided discussing the fact that we were going to finish filming those three episodes at the same time, but before I knew it, I found myself at the final day of filming. Especially at the endgame, we had alot of days where it'd be like, "Today's the important scene for this person," so we'd try not to talk to that person in order to make it easier for them to concentrate. It wasn't something that anyone in particular decided on, but before I knew it, that was just the way things were going. The wrap up for Rinne was the scene in episode 49 when Lachesis dies. We were all tired from crying that day (laughs), but when we were returning from the location site, we all saw a rainbow from the bus. Everyone got excited and said, "Amazing!" Fujibayashi-san was the most excited about it (laughs).

I'd like to make the Final Stage a fun one to "repay" everyone who's supported me. And as Matsumoto Reiyo, I'd like to continue to make firm decisions on how I want to live my life, just like Kudo Rinne.

Fujibayashi Yasunari (Kurogane Spanner)

Q. If you were to call out to Kurogane Spanner now?

A. Be nice to everyone!! Also, I know you like it, but wearing a leather jacket during the Summer is dangerous!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's all the cast members, who are my friends and good rivals that I've seen almost every day for a year, it's all the staff members who've supported this, and it's all of you who are reading this.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 3! It's because there's a scene in the dojo that I did at my audition, and this is the episode that started it all for me as Spanner.

-In the endgame, I think it was a fantastic collaboration-

When filming wrapped up, I cried more than anyone else (laughs). That day, I had already declared it from the makeup stage, and in fact, I was crying while getting my makeup done. Seeing me like this, the makeup artist was in a predicament. They couldn't progress with their work……I want to apologize for the inconvenience I caused.

I've been auditioning for the Kamen Rider series for the past 8 years, until I encountered this role of Kurogane Spanner. It's been a frustrating experience, but the Kamen Rider Gotchard project came to life, and that's where the character Kurogane Spanner was, which made it possible for me to appear in this way. No matter how great an actor is, it's important that they fit the role, so I was very lucky that Spanner appeared in front of me.

I was really happy, for a whole year, I'd be able to enter the set that I had admired. I didn't even have the mindset of "Let's do our best"……it may be misleading to describe it like that, but it was completely normal, and I just enjoyed being on this set. That's why I can't think of anything when people ask me, "Did you ever have a hard time?" (laughs). I think I was more excited than anyone else, and was enjoying the atmosphere of the set to the fullest.

Still, it was abit of a strange feeling……I couldn't be objective about my situation until the very end. I didn't really feel like I was in the Kamen Rider series, which during Saturday nights as a kid, I couldn't wait for them to start. This may be because we were often filming on Sunday mornings, when there's a broadcast happening. I couldn't equate myself with the "cool adult actors" who appeared in the shows I was watching (laughs). I've always felt that discomfort.

I was very happy to see Spanner portrayed so intensely in the final episodes. There was a time halfway through when Spanner didn't appear in the show that much, but from that time on, Producer Minato told me, "Not to worry." He didn't explain the fine details of this development, but I was told that I would be featured during the endgame of the show. I too was excitedly waiting for it. As a result, there was alot of excitement in store for me, I had a fight with Houtaro in episodes 46 and 47, my parting with Lachesis in episode 49, and the appearance of Kamen Rider Valvarad Kurogane. As expected, I felt alot of pressure, but being able to show the culmination of Spanner's work made them very gratifying episodes. I got into a fighting spirit.

While playing Spanner, I was always conscious of the difference in the way of thinking between Houtaro and Spanner. Houtaro speaks from his own thoughts, but Spanner is looking at reality. You could say Houtaro's flexible, but that Spanner has firm beliefs. I think sometimes these elements of conflict tend to be lost in the process, but I was glad to see that it didn't come to that, and that they were able to depict it all the way to the point where the two of them finally had a fist fight toward the end. Once it became clear that episodes 46 and 47 would be one climax, as myself, I began a "running start" from the Sabimaru's episodes (42 and 43). The confrontation with Houtaro was, in my opinion, even more climactic than the appearance of Valvarad Kurogane. We both gave it our all during the dub recording, almost to the point of running out of air, but it was worth it and I felt a good response. I feel that I've built up such a strong relationship of trust with Nakata Yuji-san that I could almost say we're "one and the same," and I think that by the endgame, including Valvarad Kurogane, it had become a fantastic collaboration.

The Lachesis scene in episode 49 was……sad. In the last part of the episode, Arisa-chan in particular seemed to be possessed by Lachesis, and it seemed like we'd cry if we made eye contact with each other even for a moment. Aside from during the actual performance, I tried to avoid looking at her face as much as possible. In playing the character of Spanner, I was constantly helped out by Kyoka-san's Fukuda Saki-san and Lachesis's Sakamaki Arisa-san. I was also moved by the line, "Lachesis smiles while drawing her last breath." As an actor, I'm satisfied to have been able to do that scene.

Looking back, Minato Sensei's Kumaki-san and I had talked during the beginning of filming for the first episode, saying, "We've already started," and "That means it'll end someday, huh?" (laughs). I didn't want to feel sad, so I had to "mentally prepare myself" somehow, but when the end actually came, I couldn't handle it. It was hard to think that we wouldn't be able to gather at this set as we had done in the past. The night of the wrap up, I slept for 14 hours, and when I woke up, I had two pimples.

I think the Final Stage is the place where I'll express my gratitude to everyone. I look forward to meeting you all. And as for future ambitions……Itono-chan said that she wants to do a 10th anniversary, so that's one goal. Everyone I worked with in Gotchard were good rivals. I hope we can continue to have a relationship where we can help each other grow, and I hope we can work together again in another production.

Abe Oto (Icho Renge)

Q. If you were to call out to Icho Renge now?

A. How are you doing as a landlady in Kokonotsu Village? Please invite everyone from the Alchemys Union to Kokonotsu Village so they can relax in the hot springs and heal from the daily battles!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's bonds. Throughout the past year of filming together, I've formed invaluable bonds with the cast members and staff.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episodes 28 and 29. These are the first episodes to focus on Renge, and she's the only one on the Alchemy team who doesn't transform, but it's really wonderful that she fights for her grandmother using the alchemy she's trained so hard to use.

Tomizono Rikiya (Tsuruhara Sabimaru)

Q. If you were to call out to Tsuruhara Sabimaru now?

A. Sabi~!! It's alright! You're having a Gotcha time with your friends in a fun future! Sabi is also a hero! Do what you love and keep on growing!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. The experiences and friendships!! I was able to experience many things, including being on location, on set, on a bike, being suspended, action, dub recording, and transforming. And then there's the friends who ran with me as fast as they could through both the hard and fun times. I'm really grateful for everything.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 43! I can't believe Sabimaru was screaming and fighting like that…!

Kumaki Rikuto (Minato)

Q. If you were to call out to Minato now?

A. Can you imagine a future like this? "Belief" is a difficult thing to do, but it's the only thing that'll bring you an exciting future that you can't even imagine!! The future is bright!!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's "youth"!! The best Gotcha ever was spending time with my Gotchard costars and staff, which reminded me of my school days, or maybe even more so!!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. There are so many, that I feel like I'd answer this question differently every day…but I'd still have to go with episode 27! There was the all out battle, and I'm so happy that Minato was able to come back to everyone, so this episode is very special!

Fukuda Saki (Kyoka)

Q. If you were to call out to Edami Kyoka now?

A. Chomp on cilantro!! Thank you for your hard work!! It's fine to be enthusiastic about research, but make sure you get a good nights sleep!!

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Youth!! They were all honest and kind kids, and I had alot of fun messing around with them 🙂 I enjoyed every day!! I wish everyone can spend each and every day happy!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It'd have to be episode 21, which is the episode where Spanner transforms into Kamen Rider Valvarad. It was also an important episode for his character!! That flaming Valvarusher!! And his transformation scene was so cool!!

Kanon Miyahara (Clotho)

Q. If you were to call out to Clotho now?

A. You're clumsy, yet your passionate feelings for your family are being conveyed to everyone. You were able to grow alot by fighting and struggling together throughout the past year. Thank you!! I love you 🖤

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. It's sisterly love! As an only child, I've been thinking about the two of them all the time this past year, both on set and in my private life. I'm so happy to have met such loving and precious people! It's because of the three of us that I was able to live as Clotho of the Three Dark Sisters.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episode 32. Of course, I was able to do a bunch of my favorite actions, but it's an episode where Clotho fights alongside Houtaro, talks with him, and realizes what she wants, allowing her to think more about the three sisters! I also love the scene where they're running away while "What's your FIRE" is playing 🖤🖤

Sakamaki Arisa (Lachesis)

Q. If you were to call out to Lachesis now?

A. Lache-chan said, "I want to be human!" and she did her best, as she was more human than anyone else 😊. Right up until the end, you did a great job.

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. "The greatest warriors!!" The cast members were very passionate about the performance and could bring out the best in each other's scenes!!!

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. What can I say, it's episode 33!! It's the episode where Lachesis becomes Kurogane for the first time 😊🖤. Her joint fight with Spanner was also very hot.

Amon Kabe (Kajiki Ryo)

Q. If you were to call out to Kajiki Ryo now?

A. Best friend representative, thank you for your hard work over the past year. I was so worried because you lost so much of your memory……Despite being an ordinary civilian, I was impressed by how you fought to protect others, both physically and mentally.

Q. What did Gotcha stand for through Kamen Rider Gotchard's show?

A. Creating a role throughout a whole year. I was able to experience alot of approaches that were different from regular movies and dramas.

Q. Please tell us your favorite episode and the reason why!

A. It's episodes 9, 10, 44 and 45. I didn't expect a Kajiki episode to come so early on…and I didn't expect a Kajiki episode to come so late…I hope that his growth as a person has become apparent.

To Everyone Who's Supported Us

Thank you so much for your support of Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! Let's have a great time at the Final Stage!! - Ichinose Houtaro's Motojima Junsei

Thank you!! Thank you so much for one year of Kamen Rider Gotchard!! I was really happy and enjoyed living as Kudo Rinne. Even though I went through some tough times, thanks to everyone's support, I was able to persevere! It was a very long but short year, and I was incredibly happy. Rinne-chan was loved, and as Reiyo, I couldn't be happier 🧡🧡. Majade is cool, right?! I was uneasy about some things, but it was alot of fun! Thank you very much! - Kudo Rinne's Matsumoto Reiyo

Thank you so much for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! Couldn't do it without your support!! Thank you again, Let's make Final Stage the best event, I love you all!! - Kurogane Spanner's Fujibayashi Yasunari

Thank you for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year ❤️. It was very encouraging to receive your warm messages after every episode's broadcast!! I love you all! Let's have fun at the Final Stage! - Icho Renge's Abe Oto

Thank you for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year!! I truly had alot of fun every day, and I got to experience so many different things! I'd be happy if you'd continue to send me the power of your support! Let's make a ton of memories! I'll do my best to be everyone's "power"! - Tsuruhara Sabimaru's Tomizono Rikiya

Thank you so, so much for your support over the past year!! Thanks to all of you, I've felt the most love in my life, and I was able to enjoy filming every time!!! Let's have fun until the very end!!!! - Minato's Kumaki Rikuto

Thank you for your encouragement in Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! I'm glad so many people loved Kajiki 💚. Let's meet again somewhere - Kajiki Ryo's Amon Kabe

Thank you for the past year 🖤. I had days filled with so much love!! I love you all!! I look forward to your support from now on 🖤 - Lachesis's Sakamaki Arisa

Thank you for supporting Kamen Rider Gotchard over the past year! It was a very happy time for me as Clotho of the Three Dark Sisters!!! Please remember to keep supporting me from now on 🖤. If you forget, it's a high kick for you!! - Clotho's Kanon Miyahara

Everyone!! Thank you for all the love!! A world where there's nothing but love for Kamen Rider Gotchard!! I'm really happy to see you all at the Final Stage!! Let's make some memories!! Happy~ 💜 Cilantro~ 💜 - Kyoka's Fukuda Saki

Scriptwriter Uchida Hiroki Special Interview

I've been participating in the Kamen Rider series since "Kamen Rider Saber," but Kamen Rider Gotchard was the first time I was involved in a project from the startup stage. What I thought after I finished writing the final episode is that it's amazing that Toei continues to make such year long shows every year. Of course, the Producers and Scriptwriters change every year, but a majority of the staff on set have been working together for many years. I was able to witness a single production from beginning to end, and I could feel the weight of its history.

I've been involved in anime multiple times in the form of "head writer," but in the case of Toei's tokusatsu productions, this head writer position is also handled by the chief Producer in charge. For Gotchard, this was Minato Yosuke-san. Minato-san was an Assistant Producer for Saber, but Gotchard was his first production as chief Producer. Since he approached me with, "If I can be of any help to you," we've been "running" together up to this point.

After working as the Main Writer for a whole year, I think it was easier than when I was a Sub Writer (laughs). I didn't have to think that much about the show as a whole, as my main job was to put together the episodes I was requested to make in my own way. There were various elements that I thought up and added myself, but I was like, "It'd be nice if someone picks up on this later on." When this becomes the main focus, I can't be irresponsible (laughs). If I didn't put much thought into it, I'd be digging my own grave later on.

On the other hand, I felt a sense of fulfillment that only the Main Writer can experience. I think it's partly because it was a production with a younger cast, but the span of a year allowed me to feel the growth and progress of these actors. Since I'm relatively close in age to the cast members, I made it a point to visit the film site as much as possible to interact with everyone, and as I did so, my love for each and every one of them naturally grew deeper. This is a feeling that's difficult to experience as a head writer of anime, which are often broadcast in the length of seasons (three months). Writing of the script and filming was happening at the same time to some extent, and sometimes I'd use what I talked about with the cast as a reference for the script. I love the entire cast and characters of Gotchard, so I was also always conscious of being able to focus on as many characters as possible. I can't judge for myself whether my skills as a Scriptwriter have improved over the past year, but I think the fact that I was able to devote myself entirely to a single production was a big deal for me.

-A true to life main character that you'll want to cheer for-

Out of all the appealing characters, I considered Ichinose Houtaro, the main character, to be the most important to the success of this production. The main character who transforms into a Kamen Rider tends to be depicted in a somewhat superhuman way, but I wanted to avoid going in that direction as much as possible, as I wanted to portray Houtaro as a "true to life high school student." Putting it another way, he's a main character whose perspective is as close to the children who watch the show. I wanted to make a main character that they'd instinctively cheer for. I was consistent with this from the beginning, as it was also a way to differentiate it from the more recent "Kamen Rider Geats." I was relieved to hear that both the show itself and Houtaro actually have many child fans.

Still, Houtaro doesn't have any elements of "me" in him (laughs). I personally wasn't a high school student like Houtaro. If I had to say, I guess he's one of the ideals that I wanted to be like? Houtaro's abit of a weirdo, but……(laughs). Personally, I was hoping to get power from Houtaro while writing him. After all, I'm not always happy with my work. When I was having trouble coming up with ideas or moving forward, Houtaro's cheerfulness saved me. Motojima Junsei-kun as Houtaro really surprised me, as I was very impressed with his performance, which improved with each episode. We talked alittle on the day of the wrap up, and we both agreed, "Let's do this for another year" (laughs).

-What a Grand Alchemist Produces-

Episodes 1 and 2 were written together with Hasegawa Keiichi-san, and the first time I wrote independently was episodes 7 and 8, with the Chemy called Saboneedle. Since that was the first time Gotchard had a two part story, I packed in alot of things I wanted to show in the episodes during this time, and it centered on the interactions between Houtaro and a slightly rude boy. Not just Houtaro, but Rinne, Spanner, the Three Dark Sisters……If I'm not mistaken, I believe that I also discussed with Minato-san during this time the idea of having the story end with Houtaro creating a "New Earth." The words "Grand Alchemist" come up, and Houtaro talks about big dreams, so I thought that eventually, he'd do something spectacular. Then we'd talk about what exactly that is, and we'd be like, "Maybe he'd do something like create an Earth through alchemy" (laughs). It wasn't decided there, and it was alittle strange to write in that direction. In the end, the "New Earth" is produced with alchemy. I wrote this without having any idea of how it'd be filmed (laughs).

After that, I was put in charge of the Winter film. I wrote about how Houtaro gets into a fight with Tamami-san, his mother, over something petty and runs away from home, and it seems that Motojima-kun himself had a similar experience. It was kind of like I interviewed him and wrote it (laughs). I wrote the scene between Houtaro and Tamami-san in the final episode with the impression of it being an expansion from the Winter film. As a matter of fact, initially, in episode 49 written by Hasegawa-san, there was originally a scene where Glion visited Kitchin Ichinose, and after he left, there was supposed to be a conversation between the mother and son. However, since it had been quite some time since the "welcome home" scene in the Winter film, I talked with Hasegawa-san, and we decided to use it in the final episode that I wrote. I decided that Tamami-san already knew that her son was a Kamen Rider. I put alot of effort into writing this script, not only for Minamino-san, but also for Motojima-kun's performance, as he had grown so much.

-Dawn and Legend-

Episodes 16-18 aired from the end of the year to the beginning of the new year, and the curtains rose on a new development. By the time I wrote that series of episodes, I believe that episodes 5 and 6 had finished airing, and I remember writing them while reflecting on the opinions of those around me. At the time of writing, I was alittle worried about Gotchard Daybreak's character. To begin with, I didn't see how elements like "from the future" would fit well in Gotchard. However, by the end of the shoot, there was already a good response on set, which led to talks about doing a proper Daybreak episode at some point. As you know, this came to fruition as the Summer film written by Hasegawa-san.

I wrote "Kamen Rider Gotchard VS Kamen Rider Legend" at the same time as episodes 7 and 8. I didn't intend on ending this as a one shot spinoff, and had already decided that it would be included in the TV series at some point. Still, I had decided that Kaguya lives in another world, and it's not easy to meet up with him, so I finished episodes 32-35 based on that setting. There was plenty of action shown, and they were quite literally "gorgeous" episodes, but in reality, there was alot more drama written in. I regret that I couldn't fit all of it in.

Episodes 42 and 43 were Sabimaru's episodes, and since it was decided that the next episode I'd write would be the final one, I included various elements that would connect to the final stages of the series. When it comes to episodes of this scale, it's hard to write a story that's independent of the whole flow. Still, there were the Renge episodes during the middle of the show, and I wanted to do a Sabimaru episode. Originally, the development of Sabimaru becoming Kamen Rider Dread in the beginning was my idea, and the idea came from the fact that I wanted to do a story about Houtaro helping his friends. I wanted to differentiate Sabimaru's episodes from Renge's episodes, so I tried to touch on the origin of his connection to alchemy. I also reflected on what Director Taguchi, who also shot the Renge episodes, wanted to do.

-Final Stage ~ With Gratitude-

As for the last three episodes, 48-50, it was Minato-san's idea to ask Inoue Akiko-san to write the Rinne story of episode 48, and for Hasegawa-san to write the Spanner story of episode 49 while I'd write the final episode. Minato-san and I discussed the overall flow of the episode, and we'd communicate with each other on what we had decided on. Also, Minato-san, Director Tasaki and I discussed the final drafting process, and in episodes 48 and 49, when parts needed to be corrected, I asked Inoue-san and Hasegawa-san for their permission and then made the necessary changes.

The deep involvement of each of the three sisters and each of the main characters, such as Rinne and Atropos, Spanner and Lachesis, and Houtaro and Clotho, wasn't what I had in mind at first, but as the story progressed, it seemed to come naturally. The final three episodes were written by each Writer, but there was never any talk of separating the responsibilities for this. Still, both episodes 48 and 49 by Inoue-san and Hasegawa-san were "rich in color." I think it has something to do with the fact that Inoue-san started her career as a novelist, but the way she delved into the characters felt deep. For example, I think this was evident in the Hopper1 Malgam episode (37). Also, since she joined Gotchard later than me and Hasegawa-san, her sense of distance from the work and characters was alittle different from ours, and I think that was also an advantage. If I had been in charge, I might not have written the fist fight between Houtaro and Spanner in episodes 46 and 47 that way.

Hasegawa-san's a veteran and has alot to offer, but he's also naturally skillful. Even now that he's become a veteran, he still has a clear will to "write about what he wants to write about." I felt this even more this time than when we worked together on Saber. He's very energetic, and his written works really show an author's touch. I thought that was to be expected.

When I was writing the final episode, I naturally pictured the faces of each of the cast members. I put my heart into each and every line, and also felt a sense of loneliness. In the Final Stage's story, I hope to show my gratitude to those who supported Gotchard, as well as to the cast members who received my scripts and performed them. I hope you enjoy this traditional "after" story of Gotchard performed by the original cast.

#kamen rider gotchard #kamen rider #tokusatsu #my scans #my translation #ichinose hotaro #houtaro ichinose #ichinose houtaro #rinne kudo #kudo rinne #spanner kurogane #kurogane spanner #toku cast #sabimaru tsuruhara #renge icho #three dark sisters #junsei motojima #kr gotchard #gotchard final

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gothgoblinbabe · 1 year ago

Text

Marlboro Red 100's (pt.1)

Daryl Dixon x FemReader

Modern/no apocalypse/no walkers AU

Word Count: 3765

Warnings: Mentions of smoking, fluffy-lovey-dovey crap, suggestive-ish, swearing, mention of slight age gap but no ages specified

(Pt.2)

A/N: This is like my second ever one shot I've posted to Tumblr pls enjoy and don't rip me to shreds <3

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1:30 to 2:00

2:00 to 3:00

Then 3:30 to 4:00

4:00 to 5:00

5:00 to 6:00

Your shift dragged on and on the more you glanced at the clock, watching the hands circle around and around, painfully slow. Six more hours. You could do six more hours of this, right? Monotonously scanning items and cashing out customers, fixing displays, cleaning spills, scrubbing toilets, checking inventory; all the wonders of being a minimum wage employee at a gas station corner store. Overworked and underpaid, a sentiment shared by many.

There’s handfuls of regulars at any retail store. Some are pleasant and will make small talk with you, asking about your life or commenting on the weather. Others, not so much. Men can be creepy and some people will share every detail of their life with you, whether you want to hear it or not.

There’s rare times, though, when there's a customer that you actually have genuine interest in talking to. Like today.

The door chime rang out through the desolate store, causing you to repeat your usual “Hi, how’re you?” and turn your gaze from your shift paperwork up to the front door.

There stood a man, broad shoulders and shoulder length, dark hair. He wore dark jeans, heavy-looking boots and a leather vest over a flannel that had the sleeves torn off. His tan, muscular hands and arms were covered in what looked like motor oil. He wiped them on a red rag he took from his back pocket, shaking his hair out of his eyes.

“Hey,” his voice was low and gruff with a bit of a southern accent, “you got a bathroom I could use?”

He raised his arms, showing you the mess on his large hands.

“Yeah, uh, right in the back, to the left.” you stammered, gesturing towards the back of the building.

You’d probably die before you told anyone this, but the whole hot mechanic look some guys came in with really got you going. Not often is there a good looking guy that comes in that you drool over, but every now and then there would be a mechanic or a construction guy or a painter who just looks dirty and you wanted them dirtier. It was weird, you didn't know why, but maybe it was just the idea that they weren't afraid to get their hands dirty, literally.

You watched this one walk to the back, eyes on his biceps. Oh, how you’d like to be nearly crushed between them.

Seriously, being here so long with so little to do makes your mind wander just about anywhere and everywhere and half of what you did during your shift was daydream.

When he disappeared into the men’s room, you leaned against the cigarette wall behind the register, eyes scanning the parking lot outside the window. It was almost abandoned, except for an older man pumping gas into his Subaru and a worn-looking Harley Davidson motorcycle propped up out front.

“Of course he rides a motorcycle,” you mumbled to yourself, shaking your head with a little grin. He definitely seemed the type.

“Say somethin’, sweet ‘eart?” his voice startled you from your thoughts, noticing he’d already washed his hands and was now standing up against the counter.

You couldn’t help the light blush creeping across your face at the nickname, shaking your head and pointing outside, “just sayin’ I like your bike.”

You blinked at him from behind the register, watching his eyes almost light up at the mention of his prized possession. You could feel your heart beating faster at the scent of his cologne mixed with a little gasoline.

“Ain’t she beautiful? Just got done workin’ on ‘er, made a mess but it’s always worth it.” He grinned, glancing out the window at his bike.

“You new ‘round here? I’ve never seen you before,” you decided to blurt out, “think I’d remember ya’.”

“Yeah? Why’s that?”

“Not many new people come through here, is all.” you lied, so many different faces slid through every day, but you’d remember his because you’d think about it later with your hands between your thighs.

“Huh,” he hummed, “can I get a pack of the Marlboro red 100’s, darlin’?”

You nodded, turning around and reaching on your tiptoes to grab the pack of cigarettes from the top shelf. Had you been able to feel the way the man’s eyes traveled down from the top of your head to your heels, you would’ve melted into a puddle right there.

“Anythin’ else?” you asked, placing the cigarettes on the counter top.

“One more thing,” he said, handing you a twenty dollar bill, “what’s your name?”

You pointed to the name tag fastened to your shirt and he read it outloud, erupting butterflies in your stomach.

‘’I’m Daryl Dixon. And yeah, I’m new ‘round here. I’ll be back in though, you’ll see more of me.”

“You gonna be a regular?” you asked, crossing your arms and once again leaning against the wall of cigarettes after you handed him his change and closed the drawer.

“Hope so, only If i see more a’ you.”

You rolled your eyes and tried to bite down the smile on your lips, failing miserably.

“Uh-huh, I’m always here, Daryl Dixon,” You teased, letting his name roll off your tongue.

“Then I’ll be back for sure.” He flashed a sweet smile, tapped his hand on the counter and turned to leave.

Once he was out the door, you watched him mount his bike, raking his hands through his hair and kicking up the side stand. As he pulled away, you felt the butterflies still flutter in circles in your stomach, your thoughts still focused on him.

You would see him again. It would be Daryl’s ritual to come in every Friday afternoon for a pack of Marlboro Red 100 cigarettes and sometimes a lighter. Truth was, even if his pack wasn’t empty yet, he’d still stop in every Friday afternoon just to see your pretty face and to watch you stretch the top shelf, his eyes raking over your shape. Jesus, he wanted you so badly it almost hurt, but he had no idea how to approach you about it, he didn’t even know much about you. Small things, like your family stuff and what you did for fun, but nothing much else. To make matters worse, he had to be at least 20 years older than you. What would you want with an old man like him?

Was he really old?

No, but he felt like it.

Except for when he was lost in conversation with you.

Every time he saw you, he felt as though there was no divide and you could’ve known each other years before, old friends meeting up every Friday for a couple months straight. He’d ask questions about you, what your favorite color was, your favorite animal, favorite song, movies, foods, anything he could learn about you, he absorbed like a dry sponge tossed into water. You’d always return the questions, ask him the same, and make mental notes of the answers, the same way he was.

On one sunny, dry, hot Friday afternoon, the door chimed and in walked your favorite regular, Daryl Dixon.

“Hey, honey,” He grinned your way, but instead of walking towards the counter as usual, he turned towards the cooler in the back.

“What, no cigarettes?” you pretended to be shocked, hand over your heart.

‘’I’m gettin’ a drink, hot as shit out there,” he replied, shaking his head and disappearing momentarily behind one of the shelves.

You smiled and rolled your eyes just as the door chimed again, another customer walking in.

He was a short, scrawny guy who couldn't have been more than a couple years older than you. You said your usual greeting and he ignored you, walking up to the counter and simply stating a brand of cigarettes you assumed he wanted. Daryl got in line behind him just as you turned around and bent slightly to grab the pack of cigarettes on the lowest shelf.

From behind you, you heard a whistle.

You snapped back up, looking back and glaring at the asshole. He was chuckling to himself.

“Aw, c’mon, it was a compliment, baby, you got blessed back there,’’ He laughed.

“Fuck off,” you muttered, tossing the cigarettes onto the counter and swiping the scanner over them.

“What was that, babe?” He raised his eyebrows.

Daryl looked like he was about to explode, piping up from behind the guy, “you heard what she said, why don’t ‘cha? Fuck off.”

He nearly spat his words, seconds away from stepping between this douchebag and the counter.

“I ain’t gonna let no bitch talk to me like that,” He snarled, swiping the cigarettes off the counter.

‘’Alright, that’s it,” Daryl placed his drink on the counter and slid it to you, “hold that, sweetheart, okay?” before turning to the other man.

‘’Fuck you think you are, talkin’ to a lady like that? She ain’t no bitch, that’s you. Get the fuck on outta’ here.” He spat, roughly grabbing the younger man by the collar of his t-shirt and shoving him towards the door.

‘’She ain’t no lady-” the guy started, back to the door, but Daryl cut him off.

“She’s every bit a’ one, now get the hell out and leave ‘er alone before I kick your fuckin’ teeth in.”

The guy tried to walk forward, but Daryl shoved him out through the door, onto the pavement. He scrambled up, seemingly too embarrassed to walk back in, and sped off. Daryl picked up the cigarettes from the floor where the guy had dropped them when he was shoved the first time and gently placed them onto the counter.

‘’You alright, honey? I’m sorry ‘bout him, fuckin’ asshole.”

You were just about breathless, a pit in your stomach and a tingle in your chest. You’d hate to admit it to yourself but the way he had defended you turned you on to almost no end. Your heart was beating a million times a minute, deafening in your ears as you blinked at his baby blue eyes.

You almost couldn’t speak, “ ‘m fine.”

“You sure?”

‘’Y-yeah, thank you.”

“Ain’t gotta thank me for nothin’, I’d never let some prick talk to ya’ like that.”

“Daryl?”

You had a bad idea, it was definitely bad and there's no way he’d say yes but your tongue was on a route that your brain couldn’t stop.

“Mhm?” he hummed in response, leaning on his forearms on the counter, so engaged in anything and everything you had to say.

Which made things so much worse for you.

“What are you doing tomorrow night? Are you busy?” you blurted.

Oh, this could be so, so bad.

“What?” He replied, steading himself to stand straight.

Okay, yeah, bad.

“Nevermind, I’m sorry, I don’t know what I-”

“No, no, sorry for what? I ain’t busy tomorrow night, what were you gonna say?”

Daryl looked intrigued, if not a little confused.

“It was stupid, I was gonna ask if you, um, If you’d wanna maybe have dinner or somethin’. Like a date.” You managed to get out, picking at your fingernails with anxiety.

“I ain’t too old for ‘ya?” was the first thing from his mouth after a moment of tense silence.

“Too old?” you questioned, tilting your head, “I’m an adult, Daryl. You can’t be too old for me.”

He sighed, grinning and rubbing the back of his neck as relief filled his body.

“When you want me to pick you up, sweetheart?”

You smiled wide, feeling giddy like this was your very first date all over again.

“Let’s do six o’clock? Here, I’ll give you my address,” you find a piece of a scrapped receipt and scribble your address and phone number, handing it over to him.

He gladly accepts it, folding it and placing it in his jeans pocket.

Before you know it, it’s six o’clock the next evening and you're focused on yourself in the mirror. You’d worn your favorite outfit and done your hair, waiting anxiously for the doorbell.

At five minutes past six, it rang.

You excitedly scurried to the door, opening it to see a slightly nervous Daryl Dixon in his leather vest and flannel button down.

He shook his hair out of his eyes to get a better look at you, making note of every curve and dip that made his head spin.

“You look…real, real pretty,” He managed to mumble out, having a hard time keeping his eyes on yours.

“You do, too,” you teased, stepping out into the evening air and closing the door behind you.

You followed Daryl to his motorcycle, your stomach turning with nerves.

“So where we headin’ off to?” you inquired, watching his broad shoulders in front of you.

“ ‘s a surprise. Figured I outta’ do somethin’ special for a girl like you.”

You blushed, shaking your head and only giggling in response.

“You alright gettin’ on the bike?” He asked sweetly, placing a gentle hand on your elbow.

You could melt under his calloused touch, instinctively leaning your body towards him.

“I should be alright, I think. Just never been on one before,” you caught your lower lip between your teeth.

He noticed the small nervous gesture, reaching over his bike and handing you the single helmet.

“You’re safe with me, alright? Hold on real tight and don’t let go, trust me, ain’t gonna let nothin’ happen to you,' ' He reassured you.

You hesitated for a moment before tugging the helmet on and letting Daryl help you on the motorcycle behind him. You wrapped your arms tight around his abdomen, leaning your weight on his back.

He was glad you were behind him so you couldn’t see the shade of pink his cheeks had turned or the way he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face even if he tried. You were significantly smaller in stature than he was and he adored the way your smaller arms wrapped tight around him.

“You ready, honey?” He kicked the side stand up, rearing the engine of the bike.

“Sure am, sugar,” You shot back.

His smile grew wider as you both started forward, wind through your clothes sending a light chill through you. The hum of the bike filled your ears as you watched your shadows dance upon the pavement, cast by the late afternoon sun.

Before you knew it, Daryl slowed the bike to a stop and turned to speak to you.

“Wasn’t so bad, was it?”

“Nah,” you tried to act nonchalant, though your heart was beating like crazy as you handed him the helmet back, “it was fun.”

“So you’ll let me take ya’ out on it again?”

“Well, I’ll have to if we’re gonna go on any more dates, huh?”

Daryl smiled at your quick response, hopping off the bike and helping you do the same.

You checked out your surroundings, a green and desolate park, open lawns with freshly mowed grass and large oak and willow trees.

“You take me here to kill me?” you joked, watching a dragonfly hover over the cement near your feet.

“Nah, cmon,” Daryl chuckled, waving his hand to motion you to follow him, “got somethin’ set up for ya’. Hope you don’t think it’s stupid, I ain’t ever really…’guess I’ve never been on a real date before, so I, uh…I don’t know, hope you like it, is all.”

His nervous babbling as you followed in his direction into the field of grass made you smile wide.

“I’m sure whatever you got up your sleeve is -”

Words failed to form as you saw what he was leading you to. A blanket was laid out under the shade of a beautifully full weeping willow tree. Containers of all sorts of delicious foods were spread out along with a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

“Oh, Daryl, you did all this? For me?”

You’d be lying if you said you didn’t want to kiss him right there for being so damn sweet.

“Of course, for you,” Daryl smiled, taking a seat on the blanket and tapping the empty space next to him, “what other sweet lady would I do this for?”

You couldn’t hide the large smile spread across your face as you plopped yourself down next to him, taking in the array of foods.

“Wow, this is…you really out did yourself. This is perfect.” you assured him, taking note of the way he was scanning your features to see what you thought of his gesture.

“Think so? Just wanted to make it ‘nice as I could.”

“Perfect, all of it.” You smiled and opened a container of strawberries, popping one in your mouth and offering some to Daryl.

He took one appreciatively, doing the same.

You had a mischievous idea and picked up a strawberry, offering it to Daryl, “Now is this the part of the date where you feed me strawberries like in the movies?”

You thought he’d laugh, shake off your joke in slight rejection and change the subject.

Instead, he gently took the fruit from your fingers, hovering it in front of your lips.

‘’Yeah? Go ahead.”

Your stomach did back flips and you could’ve sworn it tied itself in knots at his words.

Daryl was glad you didn’t seem to notice the way his hand started to shake.

You leaned in, slowly, and caught the fruit between your teeth. You kept your eyes on his as you bit down, pulling away to wipe the juice from your lips.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) for him, that was one of the hottest things he’d ever experienced in his life and he immediately went for the wine to calm his nerves.

You watched him uncork the wine in his lap, noticing the slight bulge in the front of his jeans as he tried to hide it with the bottle, though it didn’t do much.

The way you had to do almost nothing but exist in his presence to make him excited had you biting down a smile, watching his hair fall in front of his face as he finally uncorked the bottle. As he poured your glass, you reached a delicate hand forward and brushed the hair from his face and tucked it behind his ear. His eyes shot up to yours, lost in the way the sun hit them and made the color even more stunning.

You were beautiful, ethereal, an angel on earth he had been blessed to be touched by.

And you made him spill the wine.

“S-shit, sorry, I shoulda’ been lookin’, too distracted,” He laughed a little, glancing at the stain of red wine on the blanket.

‘’Distracted with what?” You teased, grabbing the bottle from his hands to pour him his own glass.

“How am I supposed to pay attention when there’s a pretty girl like you lookin’ at me like that?”

“Like what? I’m just lookin’ at you!” You giggled, going to hand him his wine glass.

“Like that!” he exclaimed with a smile, gesturing with his free hand as he took the glass from you, “with them beautiful damn eyes and that pretty smile and that gorgeous face, drivin’ me damn near insane.”

“Oh, please, you say it to flatter me,” you shook your head and laughed, taking a sip from your glass.

“Nah, but if you wanna feel flattered, I’ll sure keep tryin’,” He said, doing the same, “but it ain’t flattery if it’s true.”

You playfully rolled your eyes and had another snack. Daryl sat back against the tree and watched you intently, your lips, nose, jaw, hair, hands, every bit of you.

“You wanna know somethin’?” He said, gaining your attention.

“Hm?”

“I don’t really go through a pack of smokes a week. I just come in every Friday to see you. I like seein’ your pretty face and I like seein’ you reach up to grab ‘em from the top shelf. It’s cute.”

It felt like he knocked the wind right out of you. He really was too damn sweet.

“And I like talkin’ to ya’, like knowin’ more about ya’. Could talk to you for hours.” he added in admission, smiling in adoration at you.

It was almost too much.

“Daryl?”

He sat up, leaning towards you, “Yeah, sweetheart?”

“I want you to kiss me,” you sighed, watching his eyes change, “please, kiss me.”

He wasted no time in placing a gentle hand on the back of your neck and connecting his lips with yours. His lips were soft against yours and tasted of strawberries and wine and cigarettes. His breathing was soft against your cheek as he deepened the kiss, placing his other hand on your waist and absentmindedly tracing circles with his fingers. Your hands were both in his hair, twirling his locks around your fingers. You both eventually broke apart to gaze at each other, breathless and giddy like teenagers.

“I like you a lot, Daryl.” you admitted, again playing with his hair. He leaned into your touch.

“I like you more.” He smiled, fingers still tracing patterns on your waist.

“Oh, you wanna start that fight?” you teased.

“Only if we can make up at the end,” He smiled.

You kissed him again, this time adjusting yourself to be nearly square on his lap. His breathing hitched and he gazed up at you, swiping gently at the hair that had fallen in front of your face.

“Show me how much you like me.” Was all you had to say to have Daryl’s tongue in your mouth, swiping lovingly and softly.

His hands caressed from your shoulder blades down your back to the sides of your hips, kneading your thighs while you tangled your fingers in his hair. He pulled away just an inch to kiss along your jaw and down your neck, biting and sucking softly, earning small mews and moans from you. You mumbled his name in ecstacy, making him groan against your neck. He continued to kiss back up your neck and jaw to once again meet your mouth, using one hand on the back of your neck to keep you as close against him as you could get.

When you two finally broke away from each other, reluctantly, neither of you could wipe the smiles from your faces.

It was no surprise then, when he dropped you home later and walked you to your door, that you both agreed to a second date.

-------------

wooooo pt2 coming eventually!

#daryl dixon #twd daryl #daryl x reader #the walking dead #daryl x you #the walking dead daryl #daryl dixion imagine

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cheetahsprints · 1 year ago

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Lingyi fic rec list!

In case anyone floats into the tag and needs this. Personal and without review/explanation because brain too rotted. I just adore this tragically non-canon pairing almost as much as our main guys.

💌 trust my love - panpipe - E - Chapters: 1 - Jin Ling confesses his feelings, and Lan Jingyi has to muddle through the aftermath. (The aftermath is they're in love.)

🕊️ best friends forever - varnes - T - Chapters: 1 - Jin Ling and Jingyi get engaged. Things spiral from there.

⚔️ Can’t Keep Holding My Breath - singingintheshower48 - T - Chapters: 2 - Two post-canon snippets about Jin Ling and Lan Jingyi enduring growing pains, enduring a war, and somehow finding their way together.

🔥 how can i find the words to say (love has surely shifted my way) - annadream - G - Chapters: 6 - Jingyi’s steely eyes blazed brighter than the flames surrounding them and in that moment Jin Ling knew he was in love with this loud, obnoxious fool.

📱 the song stuck in my head - poefucker (drbubblegum) - E - Chapters: 7 - Waiting until his third year of college to finish off his last actual gen ed class is absolutely a mistake, and Jingyi proudly admits to it. Public speaking is an unfortunately necessary evil. Or: the juniors have that college experience like the movies show us.

🧞‍♂️ over, sideways, & under - poefucker (drbubblegum) - T - Chapters: 10 - Jingyi goes nighthunting. It should be that simple. But somehow, after a fateful encounter with a rude, runaway boy and getting trapped in a cave, he's strongarmed into bringing disaster upon the whole of the cultivation world by summoning the infamous Yiling Laozu for unknown purposes. Except now he grants wishes and is actually really funny for an evil spirit. Weird.

🙇‍♂️could someone call a referee - poefucker (drbubblegum) - T - Chapters: 1 - The one where they go to prom.

📦 all there’s left to do is run - poefucker (drbubblegum) - T - Chapters: 1 - Lan Jingyi helps his professor move in with his husband. The day doesn't end up like he expected.

🐇 what must it be like to grow up that beautiful? - taetaeloveschimmy - Not Rated - Chapters: 6 - Jin Ling is in love with Lan Jingyi and he's not exactly thrilled that he's finding this out about himself. Meanwhile, Jingyi is also grappling with his own emotions and complicated history with Jin Ling, leaving both of them unsure of where they stand with each other.

📑 A Guide to Dumbasses Getting Together - Midori_99 - T - Chapters: 5 - Lan Jingyi pines, in poetic melancholy fashion like a true Lan, bemoaning his fate of falling in love with someone as difficult as that Spoilt Mistress Jin. Too bad his love would forever be unrequited and there's no way Jin Ling would ever look at him that way! Lan Sizhui and Ouyang Zizhen would like to disagree. "Mission: Get an overworked Jin Ling to rest and an idiotic Lan Jingyi to stop pining and just confess already, commence!"

📝 Jin Ling’s Heart Is So Big Because It’s Full of Bad Poetry - corduroyserpent - G - Chapters: 1 - If Jin Ling had learned anything about love in his sixteen years of being alive, it was this: love made people crazy. Sometimes love made you do things like write horrifically bad poetry. It happens!

💝 Oh no- Jiujiu!!! - You_know_yeah - M - Chapters: 1 - Jin Ling takes a break and fucks off to the Cloud Recesses to "study". Jiang Wanyin follows with the threat of paperwork and leg breaking. All Jin Ling wants to do is kiss his boyfriend and chill :(

🦊 Chasing Gold - albsyant (transtobio) - T - Chapters: 9 - Jin Ling expected this to be just a regular night hunt, but it didn’t even last a day before disaster struck.

Lan Jingyi, meanwhile, had no idea what to do with the fox that seemed determined to cuddle against him 24/7. What had done this to Jin Ling, and could he please get his prickly cru-friend back?

🌧️ bending the clouds - Jenki - G - Chapters: 1 - Jin Ling's father left him destined to become a leader of the earthbending sect but he didn't leave him his earthbending skills. On the other hand, his mother's waterbending talent was the reason for all of his problems. But he had learned how to isolate himself and hide his secrets and feelings from everyone.Until one day an airbender from Gusu discovered his secret and, with the help of his friends, began to do his best to make Jin Ling feel loved.

👨‍🏫 just because you’re an idiot doesn’t mean you can’t go to college - theinkquiry - T - Chapters: 1 - “So Lan Jingyi asked you for help to get Professor Wei and Professor Lan together. Does… does he not realize they’re already married?”

“No.” Jin Ling rolled his eyes. “Because he’s an idiot.”

#Lingyi #jin ling #lan jingyi #mdzs #mo dao zu shi #the untamed #grandmaster of demonic cultivation #the junior quartet #mdzs juniors #fic recs #fic rec list #lingyi fic recs

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disasterofastory · 1 year ago

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The pretty little actress of Rogers + Script (Steve Rogers x Reader)

The pretty little actress of Rogers + Script // Extra chapter for The pretty little actress of Rogers Steve Rogers x Reader Mafia AU Warnings: smut

Summary: Steve helps you with your lines.

A/N: The script part is from here. And this is the third chapter I post today because my kinktober will be busy with another fandom. Enjoy!

"What are you doing?" Steve asks you from behind. Soon, his chest is pressed against your back, and his warm breath fans over the curve of your neck as he leans closer to see the papers in your hands. You let yourself fall back against his body, and he keeps you steady on the chair with his arms around your middle. "I try to learn my lines," you reply, eyes still on the black ink. "And how is it going?" he hums questioningly. You shrug. "I hoped it would go better." "I could help," he suggests after a few seconds. Surprise shows on your face as you lean away from him to look back over your shoulder. "You would?" You ask. "Of course," Steve smiles. "I can try."

"Are you ready?" You ask Steve when you are in the living room, your papers now in his hands. Both of your stand in front of each other in the middle of the room. "Yes," he nods, running over the lines one more time before his eyes find yours.

"God knows what he'll say, Jim," You sigh. Your voice is different. There is a slight despair and sadness in your tone. Steve grunts his answer. "Let 'im. He's come too late, that's all." "He couldn't come before." You shake your head. "I'm frightened. He was fond of me." "And aren't I fond of you?" His arm slides around your waist, pulling you against his body. It's not in the script, but you don't say a word. "I ought to 'a waited, Jim; with 'im in the fightin'." You continue. Your hand rests on his chest. You can feel the beating of his heart under your palm. Steve's voice gets passionate with a hint of anger. His arm around you tightens. "And what about me? Aren't I been in the fightin'—earned all I could get?" Your hand moves up to his face as you gasp. "Did you—?" You shake your head. "Not like you, Jim—not like you." Steve grunts again. "Have a spirit, then." "I promised him." "One man's luck, another's poison." "I ought to 'a waited. I never thought he'd come back from the fightin'." "Maybe 'e'd better not 'ave." He replies grimly. You find it hard to do your part of the scene. Steve's arm around you is firm, and his face is hard and fits into the role perfectly. "Daisy, don't you never go back on me, or I should kill you, and 'im too." Her threat makes you gasp again as you start to tremble. Cupping his face, you kiss him. It's short and soft, but enough to light the fire in your lower belly. "I never could," you breathe out. "Will you run for it? 'E'd never find us!" You shake your head. "What's the good o' stayin'? The world's wide." His blue eyes go back and forth between you and the paper he holds in his other hand. The lines roll off his tongue easily with the right tone at the right time. "Jim, do you love me true?" He pulls you even closer after your question. Your whole body is pressed against his. Your nipples harden at the feeling of his hard chest. "I ain't ashamed—I ain't ashamed. If 'e could see me 'eart." "Daisy! If I'd known you out there, I never could 'a stuck it. They'd 'a got me for a deserter. That's how I love you!" "Jim, don't lift your hand to 'im! Promise!" You are loud and desperate as you beg. "That's according." "Promise!" You beg. You have to force yourself not to smile the whole time you play your roles. Steve is really talented, even though you can feel the hardness in his pants pressing against your hipbone. It's not really professional, but you don't complain. "No fear! Shan't 'ave no need for it like as not. All right, little Daisy; you can't be expected to see things like what we do. What's life, anyway? I've seen a thousand lives taken in five minutes. I've seen dead men on the wires like flies on a flypaper. I've been as good as dead meself a hundred times. I've killed a dozen men. It's nothin'. He's safe, if 'e don't get my blood up. If he does, nobody's safe; not 'im, nor anybody else; not even you. I'm speakin' sober." Your voice softens again. Your hand slips down around his neck. "Jim, you won't go fightin' in the sun, with the birds all callin'?" He grunts. "That depends on 'im."

And with his last line, he drops the papers to cage you against him entirely. He kisses you vehemently and roughly. He bites into your lower lip, demanding entrance to lick into your mouth when you moan at the light sting. "It's not in the script," you state against him as you gasp for air. Your lips are already swollen and burning. "I think it should," he pants, leaning back to you again. "Oh," you grin teasingly between his kisses. "You think someone else should kiss me like this?" Both of you know it's a joke. Whatever happens on the stage stays on the stage, but Steve still growls with disapproval. "Hell no," he replies. His large hands slip down to your ass, groping the soft flesh before hauling you up to curl your legs around his thin waist. "You should only kiss me," he rasps. "These lips," he continues, biting your lower lip again to pull on it, "are mine." "Yours," you hum. "And these tits are mine to play with." He let you fall on the kitchen counter. Legs spread open. His thumb ghosts over your nipple through your shirt. You nod and mewl the whole time. Steve makes you dizzy and desperate for more. "And this pussy..." His expression is firm and determined. You have to hold onto the counter as he frees you from your jeans and panties. The fabrics fall to the ground carelessly. His dark gaze is already between your legs. Your wetness is smeared on your inner thighs and glints under the lights. "This sweet, tight cunt is mine to taste and fuck." "Yes," you moan. His hands slide from your knees to your hip to pull you to the edge. The marble is cold under your bare bottom. "Tell me, Sugar," Steve orders. "Tell me whose pussy this is." "It's yours, Steve," you reply immediately. You would say and do everything he wants. "And don't forget it."

Steve falls on his knees in front of you, putting your legs over his broad shoulders with ease. The new position gives him a great view of your slick center. Your clit throbs and aches with need and impatience. "Please, Steve," you cry. Your hips push up on their own accord. "I need you." He doesn't answer. His long fingers dig into the flesh of your thighs, keeping you in place, and without any warning, he dives into your pussy. He feasts on your wetness while his home is filled with his grunts and your moans. Every lick and swirl of his tongue makes the coal in your stomach burn more. Your thighs around his head tighten, but Steve doesn't complain. If he has to go like this, he will go as a happy man. His plump lips seal around your clit, sucking it as if his life depends on it. The sudden, almost painful feeling sucks every air from your lungs and every coherent thought from your mind. You moan and wail under his attack. "Steve," you cry out his name. Your arms shake as you try to keep yourself sitting. "SteveSteveSteve." He growls in approval, licking a long stripe on your burning pussy. "Cum for me, Sugar," he says. "Make a mess on my face." And you do. The moment his attention is back on your clit, you cum. Your eyes close shut, your lips fall open, and your throat is hoarse from screaming and chanting his name without pause.

Your hands find Steve's shoulders when he stands up between your legs. His face is wet with your juices. His eyes are still dark and ready for another round. "What," you pant. "What happened to you?" The words are slurry and barely louder than a whisper. Your whole body trembles and twitches from the remains of pleasure striking through you.

Steve smirks at your airy question. The confession of him getting a hard-on every time he sees you play is for another time.

#steve rogers smut #steve rogers x reader #steve rogers imagine #mafia au #mafia!steve rogers #marvel smut #avengers smut

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podcastjam · 9 months ago

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Project Spotlight #3: Eart(h) FM

The year is 2072, and we're talking about the solarpunk sci-fi pilot Eart FM with team member Ari!

Tell us a bit about yourself and your teammates!

Hi, I’m Clover! I’m a writer, voice actor, and audio engineer. I’m helping edit Eart FM, and potentially voice act in it. I’m working on a few podcasts, but none of them have released yet. My first and favorite podcast is Wolf 359. I technically have a tumblr account, but I don’t use it, so you can find me lurking on various podcast discords, mainly the official WOE.BEGONE discord.

@lotsadeer: My name is Izze Sykes, I'm an illustrator, writer, podcaster, game designer, voice actor, and wearer of many hats. I'll be doing the cover art for this podcast! The first podcast I ever listened to was Welcome to Night Vale, don't ask me my favourite podcast that's like asking me to choose children, and I'm involved in a few podcasts at the moment! Hope's Hearth, an actual play podcast; Abbey Archives, a Redwall reread podcast; SCP Research Archives, an SCP article podcast; Colchis, a sci-fi audio drama; and Cauterized, a horror audio drama. Plus a few podcasts that are in the works. I like podcasts.

@aclickbaittitle: Hello, I am Ari! I like to say I am a storyteller. I am the organizer (?) for Eart FM and I also plan to sound-design and write. Like a lot of people I got into audio drama through Welcome to Nightvale and then it was history. My most recent project is a little short-fiction podcast called “Broken Hearted: The Friendship monologues”.

Hello, I'm Laurel. I'm a writer, digital artists, and self proclaimed voice actor. I will be voicing the role of "The Host" in Eart(h) FM! I have not participated in any projects publicly but I have be doing voice work for fun with friends and a bit on my joint youtube channel. My favorite podcast is definitely Penumbra Podcast, my younger brother showed it to me and I was hooked instantly. I don't use my tumblr anymore but you can find me on discord @ cyanosiis!

@timberfins/@elijahharpermusic: I'm Eli, or Timber, and I'm providing music! The first podcast I remember falling in love with was Welcome To Night Vale, but my current favourite is probably Within The Wires (unless we're also including non-fiction, where it's competing with Lingthusiasm). I sing with the Anguilliform Chorus in Eeler's Choice, and you'll also hear me in two Law of Names productions: Season 4 of Breathing Space and the upcoming Waterlogged.

Hey guys, my name is Johnny Fuent, I am a MBA student trying to survive in this trying world. I am a huge nerd, and love to travel. I have been to over 14 different countries and plan to expand that number. I also host my own podcast as well. My first podcast that I listened to was Campfire Radio Theater, and my favorite podcast is Midnight burger. Currently I am a writer for the podjam and happy to be here.

What's your podcast about?

Solar-punk sci-fi with anti space-colonialism sentiments. It is the year 2072, the poles have melted and humanity has taken for the stars, except for the HOST, . To cope with being the only human on earth, they’ve decided to create a Radio Show where they broadcast music from various times and places of the world. One day someone finally calls to the radio station an ECOLOGIST, living on the skirt of the iztaccihuatl bearing news that the earth is healing. Together they embark on a quest for other humans that still live on planet earth, finding various communities and people, and begin to help the earth one day heal.

What are you most excited about in this event?

To collaborate with other creators in order to tell a story that is very dear to my heart.

Any advice for other participants, or those on the fence about joining?

Consult it with the pillow, but if come morning you discover that is just the nerves and impostor syndrome keeping you from participating, take that leap. At the end of the day, we are all just a bunch of people trying to tell stories the same as you.

This team is still looking for new members, adding: "We are currently looking for the ecologist voice actor. We are specifically looking for a chicane / mexican-american voice actor since we are writing the ecologist with an experience specific to said identity (don’t worry, you don’t need to know spanish or anything, as long as you have a connection with the ethnicity or identity, you are welcome to join!)"

If you're interested in joining their project, you can find their casting call here, or you can reach out in the Podcast Book Club Discord server. If you want to know more about the jam first, be sure to check out this post as well!

#project spotlight #podcast jam #audio drama #fiction podcast #pbc podcast jam

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primordialprose · 4 months ago

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Always Say Please & Thank You

#eart from the heart #colorquest

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xtrafluffyteddy · 2 years ago

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hi are u by any chance accepting requests atm? if so could I pls request the monster boys comforting the reader after they have a panic attack? (I love ur monster boy series with billy, steve and eddie sm)

if you’re not accepting requests then feel free to ignore this :)

thanks in advance! have a nice day/noon/night <3

Gentle claws and sharp teeth

Demowerewolf!steve x mindflayer! Billy x demovampire! Eddie x reader

i hope this is okay im a bit rusty

Sorry for being gone so long

It started like any other day you'd climb your way out of the monster pile you had been squished or in the boys words "cuddled" into ,shuffle your way down the hall of the old rickety house yall had taken over as your own, step over a couple of old blood bags you had brought home from work for eddie to snack on and reach the kitchen to make yourself a nice hot cup of coffee.

That was until the phone rang, normally you didnt dread the phone ringing since it was usually just some telelmarketer or dustin calling to tell you how fun california is and how much he misses you and eddie and steve, but something about this phone call made the hair on the back of your neck stand on end and your breath come out in quick huffs. With shaking hands you reached for the reciever quickly picking it up crackling heard from the other end then the familiar sound of sinister laughing.

You couldnt believe it after all this time he had emerged, a million thoughts ran through your head 'what if they take the boys from you, what if the boys get trapped on the otherside, what if, what if, what if'

Before you knew it you had dropped the reciever with a loud clack the dial tone ringing out throught the house altering the sleeping men in the other room that you had left their grasp all three of them quickly rushing to check what the commotion was about.

What they found made their dull unbeating hearts break. There you were curled up in a ball hyperventilating and pulling at your hair eyes looking around wildly like someone would show up to grab you if you closed them for a second.

Steve was the first to make a slow approach towards you lowering himself to your level like you were a skittish animal slowly reaching out his hand placing it gently on your head causing your head to snap up. "S-s-steve" your voice cracked thick with emotion "shhhh its okay honey its okay" steve gently took you into his arms as eddie and billy made their way to either side of you placing gentle hands on your shoulders and cheeks "oh sweetheart" eddie rasped voice thick with sleep but also worry "what happened darling" billy murmured tracing small circles under your cheeks wiping away any stray tears.

You slowly started to snap out of the haze that clouded your mind your three monsters coming into view all of them wearing worried faces their hands anchoring you back to eart. '''m sorry" you mumbled sniffling once again only the boys to quickly shush you "no need to be sorry sweetheart you had us worried is all" eddie coos pressing a soft kiss to your inner wrist being mindful of his sharp teeth. "why dont we get you back to bed hm?' steve whispered standing up with you safely tucked into your arms. Eddie and Billy shared a knowing look quickly grabbing your favorite snacks and your long forgotten coffee following steve as the four of you disappear into the safety of yalls room away from Vecnas grasp and the threat of the upside down seeping your world again.

#eddie munson #stranger things #eddie munson imagine #eddie munson x reader #eddie st4 #steve harrington x you #steve harrington stranger things #steve harrington imagine #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove x reader #steve harrington x reader

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revenant-coining · 2 years ago

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Eyeartpupilic

[ID: 3 rectangular flags with 7 equally-sized horizontal lines. colors are in this order from top to bottom: dark red, darkish red, red-pink, pink, red-pink, darkish red, dark red. in the center of the flag is a diamond symbol. the outline is dark red and is filled with pale pink. the first flag has a messy red-pink heart in the symbol. the third flag has a messy red-pink heart outline in the symbol. End ID]

requested by @kiruyeen

Eyeartpupilic: a aldernic term for when one has or wants to have heart shaped pupils.

Etymology: ey(e), (h)eart, pupil, "ic" meaning of or pertaining to

Pronounced: eye art pupil ick (ey eart pupil ic)

[ID: a rosy pink divider outlined in black. End ID]

#lmk if this is eyestrain i can't tell /gen #Eyeartpupilic #aldernic #liom #mogai #requested #🪼 creations #category: aldernics

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unparalleledfocus · 1 year ago

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As a Shadow of a Distant Storm Turns Into Petrichor – A Neuvillette Character Analysis

As a Fontainian playwright would tell you, if a member of the audience could somehow participate in the action on stage, perhaps they'd have a deeper understanding of what was actually going on.

Only when he emerged from the water and stepped onto the stage would he truly begin to understand the plot, the characters... even himself.

Neuvillette is many things. He’s the Chief Justice of Fontaine, considered the embodiment of justice by the people. He is also the reincarnated Dragon Sovereign of Water, a reborn primordial being, the very manifestation of water and life. And yet, at the same time, he’s simply a man searching for answers, someone on the long journey called ‘life’, just like the world around him – and perhaps like you and I, too.

What does this entail? What truly lies in the heart of someone both human and dragon?

This shall be an analysis on Chief Justice Neuvillette, the dragon who reflects humanity.

(Contains spoilers for Fontaine's Archon Quests, Neuvillette's Story Quest and a few of his Character Profile details)

As Streams Converge, So Does Every Memory of Rain

Each course of flowing water carries with it an array of complex emotions.

When they reach their final resting place, who would then dare disturb them?

Neuvillette is kind, compassionate and deeply emotional. As the Hydro Dragon, he is immensely sensitive to the emotions contained in the waters, and deeply resonates with the emotions of other living beings as well. He could even feel the sorrow and anger of a narwhal from another dimension.

“This regret has filled me with a sadness that has haunted me for days.”

“I mourn this turn of events…”

I find it so beautiful how the story never in any way chastises Neuvillette for causing the rain, in fact quite the opposite – it encourages him to embrace his emotions, despite what he may think about himself. Rain, much like human tears, is a symbol of not just sadness, but also calming down, contemplation and, in a way, hope. It’s a wonderful example of how emotions aren’t something to simply be brushed aside, but are what make you – you.

If Neuvillette is considered to be the original God of Life, then to him living on and even just existence itself are, in a way, justice itself, likely something he shares with Focalors. It’s no wonder he was so distraught about Callas and Focalors' actions – they too were living beings deserving of existence, yet they gave up their own lives to ensure many others don't loose their chances at existing.

The wish for coexistence and life is fundamentally ingrained in his being, and becomes the compassion he has for others – humans and Melusines... and even the gods.

Though at first he was indifferent to humans, it took him less than 100 years to not only become attached to Fontaine and its residents, but even befriend a human, to the point that he was deeply hurt over declaring his friend guilty and being chastised by said friend. The loss of Vautrin, along with Carole, someone who was practically a daughter to Neuvillette, hurt him so deeply that this ended up haunting him for over 400 years. And after said 400 years, he finds out the truth about Vautrin’s actions, as well as realizes how both he and Fontaine have changed since then. And then, as he walks under the rain, contemplating the past and himself...

“Good morning, Monsieur Neuvillette! The rainy season’s almost over. The skies are supposed to clear in a few days!”

“I hope you have time to enjoy the sunny days ahead.”

Despite the fact that memories contained in water are chaotic, the world itself managed to find a way to tell Neuvillette that he deserves happiness and hope for the future, and that Fontaine has always been his home.

Though someone might be gone for a long time now, the results of their deeds and memories will remain. In a way this is reminiscent of Aranyaka – not only will the forest remember, but so too will the earth, the waters and the skies. It might not seem like much at first, however – every action you and everyone else take leaves a mark on the world in some way, be it on a yourself, a friend, a stranger or a group of people, all of this eventually converges into something more. At times it can cause something harmful, yet in other times it can create something quite beautiful, something to strive for.

Everchanging as the Tides

“To me, humanity is like a pool of water, in which I see my reflection.”

“As I said, I find it difficult to express my emotions... because I cannot fully understand myself.”

“But there's one thing I've discovered along the way: My emotions easily resonate with those of others... even I don't have the slightest idea what they mean. My guess would be that there are at least some similarities between humans and myself. By observing their behavior, perhaps I could one day understand the meaning of my existence.”

Due to being a dragon in human form, Neuvillette struggles to understand himself. He watches on as people seemingly naturally go through their lives, while he tries to glean new knowledge about both them and himself. And as time marches on, we all transform into new forms, take on new roles in our lives and the lives of others, however – sometimes we may not even notice it.

I saw some people say that the reason Neuvillette was so worried about history repeating itself is because he experiences time differently due to being the Hydro Dragon. While I feel like this does have some truth to it, I personally believe that the main driving factor of his worry was first and foremost because of his trauma. Trauma can cause you to experience time differently – though an event seems to have happened long ago, the shadow it left behind never truly went away, nor do you know if it ever truly will. However, time marches on, some wounds heal by themselves, while others await gentle care.

“You might be overthinking this. Time can change a lot of things. Everything's different now.”

“Monsieur Neuvillette, the Melusines are a species you introduced to Fontaine. How the public treats them is also reflective of their attitude towards you. When people refused to place their trust in Melusines, it was because they were still on the fence about you — their unfamiliar Chief Justice. For almost five hundred years, you've conducted every trial with impartiality. You made the right judgment each time regardless of whatever nonsense went on. People no longer have any reservations about you and even consider you a symbol of the law. Right now, your every decision will impact all of Fontaine. In other words, you've gradually transformed the whole nation.”

Feeling like an outsider is something many people have felt or will feel at some point in their lives. And yet, the longer this feeling lasts for someone, the lonelier the world begins to become for them. Despite the attempts to observe others and learn from them, hoping to connect to them, the memories and experiences of being an outsider remain, and will likely haunt you for years to come, unfortunately in spite of who you and those around you are now.

Prior to the end of his Story Quest, Neuvillette hadn’t gotten over the early years of his position as Iudex of Fontaine. Though he loved the people of Fontaine, he refused to acknowledge himself as one of them, a mix of not only being the reincarnated Hydro Dragon, but also wanting to remain a truly impartial judge despite his yearning for connection, and because of how Fontainians had treated him and the Melusines centuries ago.

His feelings of being an outsider had caused him to develop a deep insecurity of himself as a person. He thought that the very sight of him would either cause a commotion or he would be completely ignored – after all, he’s a dragon out of water, how could he hope that others would accept him as he is? How could they accept someone seemingly distant from them? How could they accept someone who hasn’t even figured out who they truly are, and where their true home lies?

“Outsider? But aren't you the Chief Justice of Fontaine? Why would you be an outsider?”

“I understand where you're coming from, but there is not necessarily a connection between my responsibilities and how I perceive myself.”

“Even though I was born with a human form, there's a fundamental difference between dragons and humans. Taking on the role of Chief Justice does not make me a part of this community. In fact, the status I was granted has prevented me from forming deeper bonds with others. I have lived in Fontaine for a long time, but I do not belong here. That is why I call myself an outsider — a fish out of water.”

“Perhaps, but I find such progress difficult to describe. As an outsider, chances to engage in meaningful interactions with others are few and far between.”

“Emotions carried by water are always chaotic and disconnected. As an outsider, having my mind occupied with irrelevant memories isn't exactly a pleasant experience.”

“No, I should stay where I am. My appearance could give rise to unnecessary commotion.”

“While some are here to redeem themselves, there will inevitably be those who harbor resentment towards me. The less time I spend here, the better. My presence could very well result in an unwanted disturbance.”

And yet time flows on – old memories make space for new ones and together they create the present. And perhaps it can reveal answers to long-held questions. Maybe you won’t find your home at one point in time, but perhaps it is waiting for you in the future? Or perhaps it is right in front of you, and you simply needed to open your eyes to finally witness it?

“While I was investigating the Fountain, I discovered something strange. I did not sense too much hatred towards me within its accumulated emotions.”

Neuvillette, despite trying to distance himself from others and assuming that others tried to distance themselves from him, kept on trying to not only be a truly fair and honest judge, but a kind and compassionate man as well.

The years went on, and in the eyes of the people of Fontaine he is now one of the very symbols of the entire land. Even if they don’t know him personally, Fontainians deeply respect and care about him. This extends to his identity as the Hydro Dragon as well – though he assumes the rain he causes, and in turn himself, are an inconvenience to others, though the people of Fontaine might not know who or where the Hydro Dragon is, whenever it rains, they truly hope their words of comfort reach the dragon and calm his sorrowful heart.

Conclusion – Reflection of the Overcast Skies

“What I really think is… Every trial you've ever judged has left its impression on you. And that's what makes you who you are today.”

As the Hydro Dragon Sovereign, Neuvillette still thinks of himself as an outsider due to his identity… But so much time has passed since then... Perhaps the lines between him and humans have long since blurred.

“Since some time ago, I've begun to notice the changes that have occurred upon my person. These changes were not due to any specific occurrence, but emerged as a result of time itself.”

In conclusion, though Neuvillette may believe one thing or another about himself, both his and the people of Fontaine’s actions speak volumes of their hopes, dreams, compassion and wish for belonging and coexistence. Though we may feel like outsiders, perhaps there is someone out there, maybe even someone you might even consider a stranger, who deeply hopes you live a long and wonderful life. Times change as well, and we all grow and learn. Even if we are still searching for where we belong, it’s possible it isn’t that far away, or perhaps you’ve found it long ago and simply haven’t realized it yet. „Where you belong” could simply be a friend or two, or a small community.

We all reflect one another like pools of water and mirrors – as we try to do our best for both ourselves and others, this can create a domino effect that causes others to do so as well. From seemingly small things like finding a love for water-tasting or simply an encouraging pat on the shoulder, to large things like finding a metaphorical guidepost for where your life should take you and trying to protect another, we all can make great impacts on one another and carry those sentiments onward.

“I am undeserving of such high compliments. From my perspective, I have simply been fulfilling my duties. It isn't anything special or worthy of praise. I'm simply fulfilling the promises I've made and searching for answers through my judgments. It's unnecessary to hold me in such high regard... The complexity of human emotions and willpower far exceed those of mine. As a matter of fact, I believe that you are the ones who deserve my respect.”

“Ah, there's no need to be so modest. The current state of affairs says it all."

"You're no longer that outsider you were before.”

The skies will clear someday and I hope that you, too, find time to enjoy the sunny days ahead.

#Happy Birthday Monsieur Neuvillette!#genshin impact #neuvillette #character analysis #hope I did him justice!#no pun intended

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