#especially when it was clear how much she liked the other scarf

[dissapointu]

Arcane characters with a blind s/o

Jinx

• Jinx is incredibly protective of you and loves guiding you around places, sometimes making it playful by pretending to be a tour guide or joking about bumping into things.

• She’s extremely attentive to your other senses, always making sure to speak in a way that makes it easy for you to understand what’s going on. When you’re both out and about, Jinx will describe things in a colorful way, sometimes going overboard with the theatrics.

• She loves to hold your hand, leading you to new places, and she’ll make sure that you’re always safe, even if her way of doing that is chaotic.

• When she’s feeling emotional, she’ll reach for you, needing your touch more than anything. She’ll never let you feel left out of her world.

• Jinx likes to give you tiny surprises, often in the form of little gifts you can feel or hear, like a new music box or a soft scarf.

Vi

• Vi takes extra care to be gentle and patient with you, often guiding you with her hands, and she’ll always tell you what’s happening around you.

• If there’s something new or unfamiliar, she’ll make sure you feel confident and reassured. Vi knows when to speak up and when to remain silent, letting you focus on the sounds around you or her touch.

• When you’re with her, she makes sure you feel like you belong, making it clear that your blindness is just another part of who you are, not something that makes you different in her eyes.

• Vi will take you on long walks, talking about the sounds, smells, and textures around you. She enjoys your company, making sure you’re included in everything, from the quiet moments to the chaotic ones.

• She’s also protective, especially in crowds, and will hold your hand a little tighter when she senses you’re feeling uncertain or vulnerable.

Sevika

• Sevika’s protective instincts are heightened when she’s with you. She’ll be gentle with you but firm, making sure you’re safe and comfortable at all times.

• She speaks to you in a calming tone, letting you know what’s going on around you, but she never over-explains, knowing you’re more than capable of figuring things out for yourself.

• At night, Sevika likes to hold you close, keeping you warm and ensuring you feel safe with her. Her presence is like a wall, and she makes sure you feel grounded and secure.

• When you two are alone, Sevika will encourage you to take the lead on things like touch or conversation. She likes listening to you and watching you grow more confident in your own abilities.

• Sevika will also pamper you with small gestures, such as making sure the room is organized in a way that makes sense for you, or rearranging furniture to accommodate your needs.

Silco

• Silco has a quiet, patient demeanor when it comes to you. He’ll talk to you slowly and deliberately, never rushing or sounding impatient.

• He appreciates your calm nature and doesn’t mind taking the time to explain things that might otherwise be overlooked. Silco enjoys holding conversations with you, and when you ask questions, he answers thoughtfully.

• When he’s with you, he makes sure you feel important and heard. He won’t baby you, but he’ll show you how much he values you by ensuring you’re always included in his plans and decisions.

• He’ll sometimes guide you with his hand, gently holding your arm or wrist, and it’s clear that he values your independence but still wants to provide comfort.

• Silco loves quiet moments with you, perhaps enjoying a drink together while he explains something, giving you space to listen to his voice and absorb the information.

Vander

• Vander’s nature is protective and gentle, and he’s always making sure you’re safe. He’s the type to walk beside you and speak in a soft tone, letting you know where you’re heading or what’s around you.

• He’s great at describing the world in a way that appeals to your other senses. Whether it’s the feel of the weather or the sounds of the city, he makes sure you never feel left out.

• Vander likes holding your hand and guiding you through crowds. He’s the kind of person who will stop whatever he’s doing just to make sure you’re okay.

• He’ll also make sure your home is cozy and organized to accommodate your needs. He’ll often ask how you feel about certain things and always take your preferences into account.

• At night, Vander enjoys cuddling with you, his big arms offering a sense of security, and he’ll always be there to listen if you want to talk.

Ekko

• Ekko is incredibly thoughtful and innovative when it comes to your blindness. He’s always trying to find creative ways to make things easier for you, from using his inventions to assist with navigation to setting up systems that help you get around more easily.

• He has a deep respect for your independence, and he’ll never push you to accept help unless you ask for it. But when you do need assistance, he’s there in an instant, offering both emotional and physical support.

• Ekko loves to take you on adventures, helping you explore new places and always making sure you’re safe. He’s a bit like a walking tour guide, describing the world around you in such vivid detail that you feel like you’re experiencing it yourself.

• He’s not just protective but also very affectionate. Ekko is a huge fan of holding your hand or resting his arm around you, and he enjoys simply being close to you.

• He’ll often seek out opportunities to teach you things, using his intelligence to help you understand complex concepts or mechanics, making you feel included and respected.

Jayce

• Jayce is protective but also aware of your need for independence. He’ll offer his arm or hand when you’re walking through unfamiliar places, but he’s not overbearing, always mindful that you want to be as independent as possible.

• He’s great at making you feel comfortable, providing clear descriptions of what’s around you and helping you navigate through life. Jayce is also excellent at using technology to help, offering innovative solutions that make your daily life easier.

• He enjoys quiet nights in, where you’re both just talking or listening to music together. He loves describing the intricacies of different sounds, from the hum of his machines to the calm of the outdoors, helping you connect with the world through your other senses.

• Jayce’s affection comes in the form of touch; whether it’s a gentle hand on your back or him wrapping his arms around you, he makes sure to give you comfort and love through his actions.

Victor

• Victor is incredibly patient and soft-spoken with you. He takes the time to explain things and will make sure you understand the world around you through other means, often focusing on sounds, textures, or smells.

• He enjoys sharing knowledge and will often teach you about his work or other topics, but he’s always considerate of your learning pace.

• When you’re with Victor, he’s very hands-on in the most comforting way. He’ll guide you gently but never rushes you, always giving you space when needed but never leaving you to feel alone.

• He enjoys moments of calmness, where you’re just sitting together, either in silence or chatting quietly. Sometimes, he’ll let you feel the prototypes he’s working on, letting you experience his world from a tactile standpoint.

• Victor’s love language is gentle touch, and he’s not afraid to hold your hand or offer a reassuring touch when he senses you need it.

Caitlyn

• Caitlyn is gentle, thoughtful, and loves to include you in everything she does. She always makes sure to describe what’s going on, from the scenery to her daily activities, so you never feel left out.

• She’s incredibly intuitive and can tell when you’re feeling unsure or uncomfortable, offering her arm for support or just staying close to offer a calming presence.

• Caitlyn enjoys quiet moments with you, whether it’s reading aloud to you or simply sitting together while you listen to music. She loves making sure you feel connected to the world around you, even if it’s not in the way most people do.

• When you’re out in public, Caitlyn is always by your side, offering to guide you or carry things for you, but she’s careful not to be overprotective. She knows you’re strong, and she respects your independence.

• She loves holding your hand and giving you subtle touches of affection, and she’s very good at picking up on your emotional cues, making sure you feel loved and understood at all times.

[legendofzoodles]

Four: Try explaining your fight with Ganon or whatever evil was wrecking your kingdom, but without context.

Wind: Old-ass wizard kicks around some minors while the only other adult is a shapeshifting boat-man who prioritised claiming some triangles. Beat that. 

Four: I’m sorry, what?

Wind: That’s how Grandma saw it. But I get it, he did take a few pot shots at me and especially Tetra.

Time: [remembering when Ganondorf, chasing after Zelda on horseback, stopped his pursuit solely to blast a 9 year old in the face and monologue]

Time: Sounds like him.

---

Wild: Appointed knight finally fulfills his mission after waiting 100 years to reload his save.

The Chain: What?

Time: That sucks, I only waited seven. 

The Chain: What?!

---

Twilight: Local ranch-hand stops a nightmare induced apocalypse alongside an imp who’s a princess and a hermit, who’s also a princess.  

Time: [clears his throat]

Twilight: After screaming at the moon vocal coaching from a ghost stalking the entire journey, who wasn’t a princess. 

---

Sky: Local daydreamer wakes up, fights god, and wins. 

Wild: I mean...did you though?

Legend: Yeah, jury’s still out on that one.

---

Hyrule: Mute kid brutalises pigman after assembling wish granting triangles, and saves the princess. He does it again years later.

Wild: You were silent back then?

Hyrule: Well, I couldn’t speak because I didn’t know the language. After saving the first Zelda she asked members of the nobility teach me- and how to read and write.

Twilight: Did you bite them when they tried to scold you for getting an answer wrong?

Hyrule: You did that too?!

---

Warriors: Pairs of powerful fighters from across the ages band together to defeat creepy time sorceress, then conquer red-maned wizard. 

Legend: Ugh, the power of friendship. Really?

Warriors: Comradery, actually. 

Legend: [mimicking his tone] Cringe, actually. 

---

Legend: Which one?

Four: Choose your favourite.

Legend: [thinks for a moment] A scarf wearing hooded hobo breaks into my house on several occasions and stages a coup to save two worlds. 

Four: What...were you doing?

Legend: [sighing] All the hard work. 

~~~

Thanks for reading! 

Masterlist

9th place in the LU character design ranking

Character analysis posts:

Hero of the Sky, Hero of Time, Hero of Twilight, Hero of the Wild, Hero of Warriors

Parkour team - LU drabble

How each member of the chain laughs - LU headcanon

I didn't know what to do for Time since I've already made the speedrunning puberty joke and I don't know much about Four's adventures.

[amostimprobabledream]

Bleach Characters Who Are Into Choking

Loosen your grip before I choke~ (Warning for some mild dubcon in the last one.)

Yumichika Ayasegawa

This may be surprising, but Yumichika finds something terribly aesthetic about choking. The eroticism of it, the glassy sheen in your eyes, the way his delicate hands look wrapped around your neck…

Unlike other examples on this list, there's no danger of passing out or Yumichika getting overexcited and forgetting his own strength. He's a passionate lover but he doesn't like to cause too much pain or discomfort, even if you're enthusiastically egging him on - a little neck squeezing is mostly all you're going to get.

He likes being choked too, he makes sure to do it prettily, throwing his head back to present the graceful arch of his throat to you, gasping thetrically and making a show of himself. Plus if you bruise him up, it gives him an excellent excuse to wear one of his many cute scarves! <3

Grimmjow Jeagerjaquez

This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone - Grimmjow is rough, aggressive and dominant and that's only refocused and enchanced in the bedroom. He doesn't think kinks are something that needs to be hidden or danced around - if he feels like squeezing that pretty little neck, he'll do it. It's actually one of his go-to moves he likes to do, so you can expect choking to be a regular occurrence unless you make it crystal clear to him it's off the table.

He fucking loves it, loves the fluttering of your pulse against his fingers, the little gasps, the way your body writhes helplessly beneath him…

It sends his predator instincts into overdrive. He normally has excellent control over his strength but he really has to remind himself not to put too much pressure on your delicate little windpipe. He likes to tease you with it too - like a cat will bat around a mouse and then watch it while it's stunned, he'll pin you down by the neck and tighten and loosen his grip over and over, watching you splutter for air whenever he gives you a reprieve.

Cirucci Sanderwicci

Just look at her, you know this girl is into BDSM and kinks that fall under that umbrella. She differs a little in how she likes to choke you though - she puts that whip of her to good use. Especially if you're bigger than her, she doesn't want to worry about her smaller hands not being up to the job. Also she likely just got her nails done!

She's got very good command of her whip and using it like a leash just feeds into her ego. Seeing any marks on your throat afterwards gives her an extra arousal boost and you might notice her fidgeting in place as she observes you.

Though she's got a sadistic streak a mile wide, Cirucci is also up for being dominated. She won't ask that you choke her, but if you surprise her with it then she'll gasp and arch her back. It's a little difficult for her to let her guard down and be submissive but once she does it's quite a rush. She looks good with a hand around her neck too, her lips parted as she struggles for breath. Don't go easy on her or she'll get offended you think she can't take it.

Gin Ichimaru

Of course this bastard-coated bastard likes to choke you out. Those long fingers of his practically beg to grip your neck - they fit so naturally well you'd think he was created with that very intention in mind. He likes to take his time with it too, slowly increasing the pressure over time until you've got black spots dancing in your vision.

He likes to bring you just to the edge of unconsciousness before he equally slowly relinquishes his grip, likes watching the lucidity return to your eyes like you're waking up from a dream. His favourite move is choking you just as you're about to come, watching you gasp in his hold as your orgasm crashes into you as you adjust to the lack of oxygen. When he first did it you thought you were going to implode.

Don't bother trying to cover up the marks on your neck either - Gin takes pride in the proof of the act. If you're wearing a scarf he'll kiss your neck and tug it off while you're distracted, or lick away concealer. He's such a shit.

Kenpachi Zaraki

Kenpachi's whole hand can wrap around the entirety of your neck, it's inevitable that he can't resist giving a little squeeze. He prefers to do it in little sharp bursts - prolonged choking can get a little boring, since holding you still with just his hand is child's play. Instead he'll simply press down without telling you when, and for a brief second it's like all the air has vanished, before it's abruptly back again. He especially likes to do this when you're riding him.

He knows how strong he is, though, so he's slightly more inclined to be careful. Snapping your neck mid-fuck would be a bit of a buzzkill. He'll massage your throat afterwards with his long, powerful fingers.

If you want to choke him, he'll laugh at you and tell you to go ahead! You have to wrap two hands around his throat and act like you're throttling him to get your money back for him to feel much of anything. He loves it, the look of concentration on your face, the feel of your nails digging into his skin. He'll egg you on, too. "Yeah? You wanna choke me out? That the best you got, baby?"

Nnoitra Gilga

You are a brave, possibly stupid, soul if you want the praying mantis to choke you. Nnoitra's hands are just as spindly as the rest of him, but he's got some freakish strength that belies his frame. He will slam you against the wall and crush your windpipe until you black out.

Another one who does it instinctively and he'll laugh at you if you beg him to stop or slow down. He doesn't really do gentle, so he doesn't know why you think this would be any different. He especially likes fucking you while you're semi or outright unconscious - you waking up to his cock rutting in and out of you gives him a thrill, like even oblivion won't spare you from his lust.

Likes to trace his fingerprints on your neck and smirks at your bloodshot eyes. Choking him back is very difficult to do with his hierro, but you could still repay the favour by trying to smother him while he's sleeping. He'll make you pay, but it will be worth it. Hollow Ichigo

Now, Ichigo doesn't really go in for choking. He prefers to be sweet to you during the nasty, even if he will get rougher as he gets more excited, so he'd be very hesitant to choke you.

But THIS motherfucker right here? He LOVES it. Lives for it. He could get himself off solely by pinning you down by the throat and watching your hands scrabbling at him, eyes widening and your feet kicking. He loves it. Loves making you so helpless and cute beneath your king~

He likes to press the pad of his thumb against a certain dip in your throat, leaving a little circular bruise right in the centre where it's hard to cover up. He loves the thought of you washing your face and catching a glimpse of it in the mirror, knowing it's a seal, a promise of a repeat performance.

[pascalispimp]

Through the Ashes

Pairing: Joel miller x reader

Summary: In a world ravaged by loss and survival, Joel Miller has long believed that love is a luxury he can no longer afford. Haunted by his past and driven by the need to protect those he cares about, his heart is as guarded as the walls around the small community of Jackson. But when Birdie, a former Firefly with a mysterious connection to Ellie, arrives in Jackson, Joel’s world is turned upside down.

Warnings for series: some angst with happy ending. Mutual pining. Eventual smut. Unspecified age gap. Takes places after TLOU season 1. Not canon to game ending. Joel will get his happy ending. Jealous!Joel. Protective!Joel. Canon typical violence.

Word count: 3k

** Masterlist **

Hi guys, this is my first fic in a very long time so please be kind. I’m posting the first chapter and if you guy’s enjoy it, let me know and I’ll post more. Would love to hear everyone’s thoughts on it!! Character doesn’t have a name but everyone calls her Birdie because of the Mockingbird tattoo on her arm.

Chapter 1- The First Meeting

The snow fell steadily outside the cabin, the wind howling through the gaps in the wooden walls. Joel was in the middle of cleaning his rifle, the rhythmic scrape of the brush against the metal barrel soothing in its familiarity. Jackson was quiet today—too quiet, for Joel’s taste—but then again, it was the dead of winter. The few settlers who ventured out for patrols returned with little to report, just the bitter cold biting at their heels.

A knock at the door broke his concentration, sharp and unexpected. Joel frowned, setting the rifle down carefully on the table. Not many people came to his cabin unannounced, especially in weather like this.

“Who is it?” Joel called out, his voice rough, as he crossed the small room to the door.

“It’s me, Tommy,” came the muffled reply from the other side.

Joel unlocked the door and pulled it open, the cold air rushing in as he did. Tommy stood on the porch, bundled up in his thick coat, but it wasn’t Tommy who drew Joel’s attention. It was the woman standing next to him.

“Joel, I’d like you to meet someone,” Tommy said, stepping aside slightly. “This is” Tommy said, your name escaping his lips. “But I call her Birdie”

Her name struck a chord in Joel’s memory, and he realized why as soon as he looked into her eyes. Those eyes—so familiar, so much like Ellie’s, but older, more weathered by the world.

She stepped forward, pulling the scarf away from her face. Her features were sharp, angular, with a stubborn chin and eyes that had seen too much. Her long hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, a few strands escaping to frame her face. There was something fierce about her, a hardness that reminded Joel of the survivors he’d met on the road, but there was also a sadness that softened her.

Joel repeated her name, his voice carefully neutral.

“She’s Ellie’s aunt,” Tommy said, glancing between them. “Her mom’s younger sister.”

Birdie gave a small, curt nod. “I’ve been looking for her—for years. Since Boston.”

Joel’s mind raced, trying to piece together what he knew of Anna, Ellie’s mother, and what she might have told him about family. But there had been little to go on. Anna had been a Firefly, just like Birdie apparently was—or had been.

“You’re a Firefly,” Joel said, the words coming out like an accusation.

Birdie’s expression tightened, her eyes narrowing slightly. “I was. Not anymore. That was… a long time ago.”

Tommy cleared his throat, sensing the tension between them. “Birdie’s been on the road for a while. Just got back here yesterday, actually after travelling back to Boston”

Joel nodded slowly, though his eyes never left Birdie’s. He could see the exhaustion in her, the weight of whatever she had endured in her search for Ellie. There was a moment of silence, heavy with unspoken questions. Why now? Why here?

“Ellie doesn’t know yet,” Birdie said quietly, as if reading his mind. “I haven’t figured out how to tell her. I needed to see her first… to make sure she’s okay.”

“She’s fine,” Joel said, a bit too quickly, the protective edge in his voice undeniable. “She doesn’t need—”

“I’m not here to take her from you,” Birdie interrupted, her tone sharp, but not unkind. “I’m here because she’s all I have left.”

The words hung in the air between them, and Joel found himself softening, just slightly. He knew what it was like to lose everything, to have only one thing left in the world to hold onto. It was a pain that twisted and festered, driving people to do impossible things.

Tommy shifted uncomfortably, glancing between the two. “Well, I’ll let you two talk. I need to check on Maria. Birdie, your place should be ready for you whenever you’re ready. Hasn’t been touched since you left.”

“Thank you, Tommy,” Birdie said, her eyes flicking to him before returning to Joel. “I appreciate it.”

Tommy gave them both a nod and then stepped off the porch, disappearing into the falling snow, leaving Joel and Birdie alone.

Joel stepped aside, gesturing for her to come in. “You might as well get out of the cold.”

Birdie hesitated for just a moment before stepping inside. The warmth of the cabin hit her, and she could feel the chill starting to seep out of her bones. She unwound the scarf from her neck and shrugged off her coat, hanging it on the rack by the door. As she did, Joel couldn’t help but notice how thin she looked, how worn.

“Sit,” Joel said gruffly, motioning to the chair by the fire. “I’ll get you something warm.”

Birdie moved toward the chair, her eyes taking in the cabin as she did—a small, simple space, but well-kept, with everything in its place. She sat down slowly, the firelight casting flickering shadows across her face.

Joel busied himself with the kettle, filling it with water and setting it over the fire. His hands worked automatically, but his mind was racing. This woman—Ellie’s aunt—what was her angle? What did she want?

“I’m not here to make things difficult,” Birdie said suddenly, as if sensing his doubts. “I know what you did for Ellie. Tommy told me… some of it.”

Joel turned, his expression guarded. “You don’t know the half of it.”

“Maybe not,” Birdie admitted. “But I know enough to be grateful. Ellie’s lucky to have you.”

Joel said nothing, his eyes searching her face for any sign of deception. But all he saw was sincerity, mixed with a weariness that matched his own. She wasn’t here to cause trouble; she was here because she had nowhere else to go.

The kettle began to whistle, and Joel turned back to pour the water into two mugs. He handed one to Birdie, who accepted it with a nod of thanks.

“So,” Joel said, settling into the chair opposite her, “what’s your plan?”

Birdie took a sip of the tea, the warmth spreading through her chest. She looked at him, her gaze steady. “I don’t have one. I just want to be a part of Ellie’s life, if she’ll have me. And if you’ll let me.”

Joel studied her for a long moment, the fire crackling between them. Finally, he nodded, a silent truce forming between them.

“We’ll see,” he said, his voice low. “But know this—if you hurt her, if you bring any trouble here…”

“I won’t,” Birdie cut him off, her voice firm. “I swear it.”

Another silence fell between them, this one less heavy, more accepting. They were two people with jagged pasts, brought together by the same person they loved more than anything in this broken world.

And though neither of them could have known it then, that moment—born of mutual understanding and a shared need for connection—was the first step toward something neither of them had dared to hope for.

Something like love.

—-

The mid-afternoon sun bathed Jackson in a soft, golden light as Ellie stood on the porch of Joel’s cabin, her hands shoved deep into the pockets of her jacket. She glanced over at Joel, who was leaning against the wooden railing, his expression unreadable. He had been unusually quiet that day, and Ellie could sense the tension rolling off him in waves. Something was up, and it was putting her on edge.

“So… what’s this all about?” Ellie asked, her voice filled with cautious curiosity. She wasn’t used to Joel acting so cagey, and it made her uneasy.

Joel sighed, pushing himself off the railing and turning to face her. “There’s someone I want you to meet,” he said slowly, his eyes searching hers for a reaction. “Someone from your past.”

Ellie frowned, confused. She had already met everyone in Jackson who might have known her from before. Who could Joel be talking about? But before she could ask, the cabin door creaked open, and a woman stepped out onto the porch.

Ellie’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight of the woman standing before her. She was tall, with her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail, and her eyes—her eyes were so familiar. Ellie couldn’t place why at first, but something about them tugged at the edges of her memory.

“Ellie,” Joel said, his voice gentle but firm, “this is Birdie. She’s your mom’s younger sister.”

Ellie’s heart skipped a beat as the realization hit her. *My aunt.* She had never known her mother’s family—Joel had only told her bits and pieces about Anna, but never anything about anyone else. The idea that she had an aunt, someone who had been out there looking for her, was overwhelming.

Birdie took a tentative step forward, her eyes filled with emotion. “Ellie,” she said softly, her voice trembling just slightly. “I’ve been looking for you for so long.”

Ellie stiffened, the mix of emotions swirling inside her too complicated to untangle. Part of her wanted to run, to push this stranger away, to keep her distance as she had learned to do with everyone except Joel. But another part of her—a part she hadn’t let herself feel in a long time—wanted to reach out, to grab hold of this connection to her mother that she had thought she’d lost forever.

“I… I don’t remember you,” Ellie admitted, her voice shaky, her eyes darting to Joel for reassurance.

She smiled sadly, a soft, understanding look in her eyes. “You were just a baby the last time I saw you,” she said. “We were separated in Boston when the Fireflies took you after Anna, after she passed. I tried to find you, but by the time I got back… you were gone.”

Ellie swallowed hard, trying to process the flood of information. She had always wondered about her past, about the people she had lost, but she had never expected this—never expected to have someone from that past suddenly standing in front of her, claiming to have been searching for her all these years.

“I know this is a lot,” Birdie continued, her voice soft and patient. “And I don’t expect you to remember me, but I brought something that might help.”

She reached into the bag slung over her shoulder and pulled out a small, worn photo album. It was old, the edges frayed, but it had clearly been well cared for. Birdie opened it carefully, flipping through the pages until she found what she was looking for. She held it out to Ellie, her hands trembling slightly.

Ellie hesitated for a moment, glancing up at Joel again. He nodded encouragingly, though she could see the tension in his jaw, the way his hands clenched into fists at his sides. It wasn’t like Joel to be so tense around new people—especially not someone he had invited into their lives. But there was something in his eyes that told her this was important, that this was something she needed to do.

Ellie took the album from her, her fingers brushing against the worn leather cover. She looked down at the picture on the page, her breath catching in her throat. It was a photograph of a woman holding a small child—a baby with big, curious eyes and a tuft of dark hair. The woman was smiling, a bright, loving smile, and Ellie felt a pang of recognition deep in her chest.

“That’s you, and me. Not long before you were taken.” She said softly, pointing to the baby in the picture. “And that’s your mom, not long before you were born.”

Ellie’s fingers traced the edges of the photograph, her heart pounding. She had seen pictures of her mother before, but never like this—never with her. There was something so achingly familiar about the woman in the picture, something that made Ellie’s chest tighten with emotion.

“I… I remember this,” Ellie whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I remember you holding me like this.”

Birdie smiled, tears welling up in her eyes. “You were so small, but you were already so strong. Just like your mom.”

Ellie’s throat tightened as she looked at the other photos in the album—pictures of her as a baby, pictures of her mother and Birdie together, smiling and laughing, snapshots of a life she had lost and never thought she’d find again. The memories were faint, like trying to grasp at wisps of smoke, but they were there, and as she looked at each picture, they became clearer, more vivid.

Joel watched them from the side, his heart heavy with conflicting emotions. He was happy for Ellie—truly, he was. Seeing her reconnect with a piece of her past, a piece of her mother, was something he had always wished for her. But at the same time, a pang of jealousy twisted in his gut, mingling with the protectiveness that had always been there, simmering just below the surface.

Birdie was Ellie’s blood, a living connection to her mother, and Joel knew that was something he could never be. He had tried his best to fill the role of father, of protector, but deep down, there was a fear—a fear that now that Ellie had someone else, someone from her past, she might need him less. The thought terrified him more than he could admit.

As Ellie continued to flip through the album, her eyes bright with a mix of wonder and sadness, Joel forced himself to push the jealousy aside, focusing instead on the way her face lit up with each new memory that surfaced. This was a good thing. He had to remind himself of that. She was here for Ellie, and that was what mattered.

“I can’t believe you kept these,” Ellie said, her voice trembling as she looked up at her, tears brimming in her eyes.

Birdie smiled, her own eyes wet. “I kept them for you. I knew that one day, I’d find you, and I wanted you to have something to remember her by.”

Ellie bit her lip, a tear slipping down her cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered, her voice cracking.

Birdie reached out, hesitating for just a moment before gently placing her hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “I’m so glad I found you, Ellie. I’ve missed you so much.”

Ellie looked up at her, the walls she had built around herself slowly crumbling. She could see the truth in her eyes—the love, the longing, the pain of having been separated for so long. It was the same pain Ellie had carried with her for years, the same sense of loss that had haunted her. But now, for the first time, it felt like that loss was being filled, piece by piece.

“I’ve missed you too,” Ellie admitted, her voice small, but filled with a deep, raw honesty. “Even if I didn’t remember, I missed you.”

Birdie’s face broke into a tearful smile, and she pulled Ellie into a gentle hug, holding her close as if she was afraid to let go. Ellie stiffened for a moment, unaccustomed to the sudden show of affection, but then she relaxed into the embrace, allowing herself to feel the warmth of it, the connection she had been missing for so long.

Joel watched them, his chest tight with a mix of emotions. He was happy—so damn happy—to see Ellie finding this connection, but the pang of jealousy was still there, sharp and insistent. He knew it was irrational, knew that Ellie’s love for her didn’t diminish what they had, but it was hard to shake the fear that had taken root in his heart.

Ellie finally pulled back from the hug, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. She looked at Birdie, really looked at her, and for the first time, she saw the family resemblance—saw the way Birdie’s eyes mirrored her own, saw the way her smile reminded her of her mother.

“I want to know more,” Ellie said, her voice steadier now. “About her. About you.”

Birdie smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made Ellie feel like she was finally home. “I’ll tell you everything,” she promised. “Anything you want to know.”

Joel stepped forward, unable to stay on the sidelines any longer. He placed a hand on Ellie’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. “You two have a lot to catch up on,” he said, trying to keep his voice light, though the tension in his body betrayed him.

Ellie looked up at him, her expression softening. “You’re okay with this, right?” she asked, searching his face.

Joel nodded, forcing a smile. “Of course, kiddo. This is good. It’s what you need.”

Ellie studied him for a moment longer, sensing that something was off, but not quite able to place it. She reached up and covered his hand with hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “You’re still my family, Joel. That’s never going to change.”

Joel’s heart swelled at her words, the jealousy easing just a little. He nodded, his throat too tight to speak, and gave her a small, grateful smile.

Birdie watched the exchange, understanding the depth of the bond between Joel and Ellie. She knew that Joel was protective of Ellie, that he had been her rock through everything, and she didn’t want to come between them. But she also knew that this was something Ellie needed, something that would help her heal.

“Joel,” She said gently, “thank you. For everything you’ve done for her. I can see how much she means to you.”

Joel met her gaze, and for a moment, there was an unspoken understanding between them—an acknowledgment of the roles they both played in Ellie’s life. Joel nodded, the tension in his chest easing just a bit more.

“She means everything to me,” Joel said quietly, his voice full of emotion.

Birdie smiled, her eyes soft with gratitude. “And now, she’s got both of us,” she said, her voice filled with hope.

Ellie looked between them, a small, tentative smile tugging at her lips. For the first time in a long time, she felt like she had a real family—one that stretched back to her past and carried her into the future. And as she stood there, between Joel and Birdie, she realized that maybe, just maybe, she could finally start to heal.

[rudnitskaia]

White Chrysanths for the Swallow

Rocky was waiting for her at the table at the Little Daisy, but this time he was especially eager. Even Ivy had stopped teasing him about the way he lighted up and hummed to himself as he waited for Mau to show up at the door of the café, and just smiled, refilling his coffee whenever it ran out. He almost daydreamed of handing Maura two tickets to tomorrow's musical: of her eyes sparkling, of her taking his hand and telling him he was the best in the world.

But time passed, and Mau wasn't coming.

In those few hours, Rocky had replayed the fantasy in his head hundreds of times, changing the lines and the scenery. At first, imaginary Maura was beaming with happiness, calling him affectionate names, melting in his arms like all those heroines on the stage of a musical theater in the arms of their beloved ones, but every time the fantasy became darker and darker. More disturbing. Mau no longer rejoiced, no longer smiled. Her bright lively figure was becoming more and more dim, and she more often sighed, frowned, did not accept the gift. She asked him to return the tickets, scolded him for wasting his money carelessly, told him some news, one worse than the other, and finally said she didn’t want to see him again. Never again.

It was getting unbearable to sit still, and Rocky abruptly moved away from the table, threw on his coat, and headed for the exit. Maybe a walk would clear his head a little…

“Miss Pepper, I have a very urgent task to attend to. If she shows up on the doorstep, don't let her out of here on any pretext. Lock the doors, board up the windows, show her every fashion magazine you can find, but don't let her leave here until I get back. I'm counting on your wit and exceptional charm.”

The way he looked intently into Ivy's eyes before he left looked almost threatening. He wasn't even aware of the desperation hiding behind that look. But Ivy saw it.

“Don't worry, I'm an expert at this,” she winked at him encouragingly.

The cold air blew across Rocky's face, and he shivered, pulling his scarf over his nose, the same funny skewed scarf Mau had knitted for him last Christmas. Sometimes, like now, Rocky thought he could still smell on it the very same scent of coffee and pastries that wafted from the Venza family's eatery. It didn't help distract him, though. Quite the opposite. After walking a few blocks in an attempt to escape his doubts, he spotted a small flower shop — Rocky's imagination immediately conjured up a lovely picture of Maura cradling a fresh spring bouquet on this cold, cloudy evening and he didn't notice himself stepping over the store’s doorstep. The frail old woman behind the counter put aside the newspaper and immediately chirped, offering him different flowers, and finally convinced him to take a few white chrysanthemums. She tied the flowers with a delicate pink ribbon and also wrapped them tightly in the newspaper she had read before.

“They mustn't be overfrozen. Or they won't last long,” she explained sternly.

Rocky walked back much more briskly. He was warmed by the thought that now he would be able to give Mau not one surprise, but two. Hiding the bouquet from a gust of cold wind, Rocky lowered his gaze to it and pressed the flowers closer to himself… when suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the headline of one of the newspaper articles.

“Shootout at the small Italian eatery Casa di Rondine shocked the residents… a bloody showdown in the neighborhood… occurred on the night… police identified the bodies of two…”

Rocky couldn't remember how he reached the familiar alleyway. How he threw the bouquet to the ground, swung over the barrier tape, and rushed to the entrance — a gaping hole instead of a small blue door. Shards of glass littered the floor, the formerly cozy, cramped hall was a real mess, the furniture was riddled with gunshots. Even the old tabletop radio was now on the floor, shattered to pieces.

“Stop right there!” a panting policeman grabbed him by the scruff of the neck. “What the hell are you doing breaking into a crime scene?”

“I… uh…” in his panic Rocky couldn't think straight, but nonetheless he blurted out: “I'm from a newspaper. Wanted to visit the crime scene myself.”

“A lousy reporter you are, then. Your buddies sniffed everything around here a long time ago.”

“I was just hired today and immediately assigned to this very intriguing case. So…”

“There's nothing intriguing about it. This Bianchi guy…”

“Who?”

“The renter, Augusto Bianchi, if that's his real name at all, apparently had a huge debt to pay someone. And for that, he got pinned down. There was a scuffle in the night, at least four assailants. The two guys we found here have a couple priors, but they're not in a condition to tell us who hired them. The amount of such cold cases we have…” the man hummed and passed his hand above his head. “We've already explained it all to your fellow scribblers this morning. And I highly doubt the landlord would want to tell the same story tenth times over to another newspaper weasel. The only thing he's interested in right now is getting money from the insurance company.”

“And the girl?”

“What girl?”

“The waitress. Who worked here. What about her?”

“Considering how much blood there is, they're probably both either in a ditch, scattered in pieces, or feeding fishes somewhere at the bottom of the Mississippi… both father and daughter, if you meant her,” boredly remarked the other officer, who had quietly approached them, lighting a cigarette. “There's nothing for you to do here, boy. Henry's right — there's absolutely nothing of interest in this case. People might have chattered about it in the morning, but the very next day they'll forget all about it. Go home, don't add to our workload. And quit the paper that sent you here. If your editor doesn't realize that news like this must be broken in the heat of the moment, believe me, their business will burn out faster than a short match.”

Rocky tried to get anything else out of them, at least a little bit, to look in the kitchen of the eatery, to slip upstairs to Mau’s and Augusto's apartment, but the policemen were adamant. On unsteady legs he made it to the nearest bench and collapsed on it, staring blankly into the dark November sky. He could have screamed, could have destroyed everything around him on a single painful impulse, but the emptiness that engulfed him was far more frightening.

His silence was more frightening.

Years would pass. Would flow, as before, from night to night. The world won’t notice his loss. The world won't notice any loss at all. In the place of his beloved swallow house, other birds will build a nest. Freckle and Ivy will eventually stop opening that wound with their questions. And one day, perhaps, he will stop gazing into the crowd, hoping to find among the unfamiliar faces the features dear to his heart, and stop flinching when he hears someone say amore mio. He knows how it happens — it was not the first time. All he has to do is smile and everything will work out. It'll wear off, getting back to the way it was. One day.

But the bouquet of chrysanths will still remain rotting on the cold ground.

[eiirisworkshop]

Title: Never Have I the Hell Ever Rated: M Length: ~ 1k Summary: The hotel residents play a game of Never Have I Ever. Nonsense ensues. This is set in the same continuity as A Gentlemen’s Agreement in the Small Hours but can be read standalone. Also available to read on Ao3, where Alastor's dialogue has a fun font effect!

Convincing Charlie they should play Never Have I Ever was remarkably easy.  All it took was the words “honesty,” “vulnerability,” and “bonding activity” and she was on board.  Vaggie had taken some more persuading—especially when it came to the drinking game aspect—but some puppydog eyes from Charlie had brought her around.

So all the the residents of the hotel had wound up arrayed around the lobby sofas, the coffee table in the midst of them cluttered with bottles and pitchers of various beverages, both alcoholic and not, along with glasses of different sorts in varying degrees of emptiness.

“Okayokayokay,” NIffty bounced excitedly in her seat, “never have I ever…” she took a dramatically deep breath, “had sex with a woman.”

Everyone reached for their drinks except for Alastor, who placidly swirled the ice in his sweet tea.

“Angel, hang on.” Charlie held up a hand to stay him in the midst of refilling his shot glass, took a gulp of her own drink, and set it down.  “You’ve been drinking kind of a lot, and—”

“Yeah, cuz youse all keep goin’ with sexual shit!” Angel tossed a hand up exasperatedly.  He was sitting on the floor with one leg stretched out under the table.  “I’ve done all of it, so I drink.  That’s how the game works.”

“Maybe we should tack a ‘for reasons other than work’ onto the end of anything sexual?” Vaggie suggested.

Angel shrugged and carried on with pouring himself a shot.  “Might make a difference, but not much.  Not on this one anyway.”  He knocked the shot back.

“I was under the impression you were a, uh,” Pentious took a beat to find the right phrase, “flaming homosssexual?”

“Yeah, I thought you were, like, gay gay,” Niffty agreed, trying to put a half-full bottle of gin in the trashbag she was minding, only for Husk to pluck it back out of her hands.

“Sure,” Angel shrugged, “but me an’ Cherri’ve fucked cuz we were bored.”  He looked around  at the bemused looks he was getting.  “Have none of you ever fucked somebody you weren’t actually into just for the fun of it?”

Husk shrugged.  Most everyone else shook their heads.  Alastor sipped his tea. 

“Wild.”  Angel leaned back against the front of the couch behind him and pulled Husk’s tail down over his shoulder to drape like a scarf.  “Charlie, take your turn and quit worryin’ about me.”

“Right, um.”  Charlie tapped her fingers against her chin.  “Never have I ever, uhhh, eaten people?”

Alastor traded his tea for the sazerac sitting on the end table next to him.

Angel raised a finger with a question.

“Like, as food,” Charlie clarified.

“Do bugs count as people?” Nifty asked.

Alastor grinned into his drink. “Could the bugs talk?”

“Some of them!” Nifty said brightly.

“Then yes.”

“Okay!”  Giggling, she downed the drink Angel had made her the previous round, which had approximately two drops of chambord in it and no other booze.

Vaggie pointedly did not look at either Niffty or Alastor and cleared her throat.  “Anyway…never have I ever died.”

Everyone else but Charlie drank.

“That’s just low,” Husk said, rescuing a different half-full bottle from Niffty.  “Niff—you gotta wait til the bottle is empty, okay?”

“Okay!”

“Is it my turn?” Pentious asked.

“Yes,” Vaggie said, running her fingers through her bangs frustratedly.  “You go after me every round.”

“Letsssee here….” Pentious considered.  “Never have I ever worn high-heeled shoes.”

Everyone else drank.  Angel did a double take at Husk.  “Wait—when?”

Husk sighed.  “I didn’t manage to kick it before disco happened,” he grumbled.  “Got talked into some fashion choices I don’t care to repeat.”

“I can be very persuasive,” Angel purred, chin propped on the interlaced fingers of two hands.

Husk fwapped him lightly in the face with the end of his tail.  “Take your turn, you lech.”

Angel snickered, batting Husk’s tail away.  “Never have I ever owned anyone else’s soul.”

With a roll of his eyes, Husk took a drink.  Alastor finished off his sazerac and plucked the absinthe from the jumble on the table to fix himself another one. Husk topped off his own drink with the dregs of a bottle, which he then handed to Niffty who stuffed it into her trash bag with a delighted giggle. 

Husk settled back against the arm of the couch. “Never have I ever,” he hummed then shrugged, “kept my hair long enough to tie back.”

All of the women drank.

Pentious noted, “I don’t even have hair.”

Angel frowned, experimentally pulled his fringe into a topknot, sighed, and stole a sip of Husk’s drink. 

“You have your own!” Husk chided, stealing his glass back. 

“Alastor,” Charlie said slowly, “I think your hair is long enough to tie up—it’s not much shorter than Niffty’s.”

Alastor cocked his head curiously.  “I’ve never tried it.”

“If you let me have a go, I’ll let you torture me later,” Angel offered.

“Angel!” Charlie, Vaggie, and Husk all exclaimed at once—aghast, stern, and irritated respectively.

“What?”  Angel gestured vaguely.  “I wanna see, and it’s not like he’s gonna let anybody touch his hair if he doesn’t get somethin’ out’f it.”

“I would not,” Alastor confirmed.

“Besides, it’s cool,” Angel shot Husk in particular a look.  “I’m into that shit.”  He turned back to Alastor.  “So, whatcha say, red?”

Alastor considered, tapping his fingers on his glass, then shrugged.  “Sounds like a good deal to me.”

“No, nope.” Angel shook his head.  “Not a deal—I’m still not that stupid, deerheart.”

Alastor’s grin widened with genuine mirth.  “I had to try.”

“Yeah, yeah.”  Angel pulled himself to his feet, arms crossed and hands on his hips.  “But we agree, yeah?  I get to try an’ tie your hair up; later you get to tie me up.  Same rules as last time.”

“Last time?” Charlie asked, and was ignored.

“We agree,” Alastor said seriously.  

“Great.”  Angel skirted his way around the table.  “Anybody got hair ties?””

Alastor conjured a palm full.  

“That is convenient as shit,” Angel said appreciatively.  He snagged a couple, stepped around to the back of Alastor’s chair, and set about finger combing Alastor’s hair into a pair of tiny, spunky little pigtails.  “There we have it, your hair is long enough.”

“Oh no, he’s cute,” Charlie squeaked under her breath as Alastor dutifully sipped his drink and Angel draped himself over the opposite end of Husk’s sofa.

Alastor set his cup down with a solid thunk of glass on wood that made the ice in his half-abandoned tea shift and clink.  “Never have I ever voluntarily had sex for any reason.”

The rest of the residents reached for their drinks with eye rolls, groans, giggles, and a single, “Oh, fuck you.”

Alastor chuckled and picked up his tea.  “No thank you.”

[fanficshiddles]

The Redbridge Hunts, Chapter 8

Loki smirked to himself as he put on his coat to head to work, he ran his hand along the soft, dark pink scarf and he couldn’t resist burying his face into it, inhaling deeply before hanging it back up by the door.

He knew stealing Claire’s scarf had been wrong, but he just couldn’t resist. She clearly didn’t remember about it, since she never asked after it when she got her jacket on Friday night, so he thought there’d be no harm just holding onto it for now, plus he hoped it would help him adjust to her scent so he could control himself better around her.

When he got to the school, he skipped going to the teacher’s lounge that morning and went straight to his classroom to get ready for the week ahead, since he had a flask of hot tea in his bag. He found Claire in class already prepping, surprising yet delighting him.

‘Good morning, Claire. Great minds think alike.’ He smiled widely at her.

‘Morning, Loki. They sure do. How was your weekend?’ She asked with a bright smile.

‘Fine, thanks for asking, and yours?’

‘Very lazy. I need to get a hobby.’ Claire laughed.

Loki chuckled. ‘When you work hard during the week you're absolutely allowed to have lazy weekends.’

‘I like that excuse.’ She laughed. ‘How’s Bat doing?’

‘She’s great. She misses you already though, said your lap is very comfortable.’ Loki grinned at her.

‘You should bring her in with you, I bet the students would love her.’

‘Oh god no, she would never want to leave getting all the attention here. Plus, I’d never get the students to focus on their work.’

‘Never mind the students, you’d never get your assistant to focus.’ Claire teased, she then went to her bag and pulled out a smaller clear bag. ‘Here’s the trousers you lent me, plus your gloves. I forgot they were in my jacket pocket.’ She said sheepishly.

‘Ah, I did wonder where I’d put them.’ Loki smiled as he took the bag from her and opened it up.

‘I washed both, since the gloves were damp.’ Claire said quickly.

As Loki reached in and pulled out his gloves, not only could he smell lavender freshness on the gloves… he could also smell her.

Loki stiffened up straight away, eyes wide as saucers. He swiftly turned away from her and cleared his throat.

‘I’ll just go put these in my car, so I don’t forget them. After all, I’d lose my head if it wasn’t screwed on.’ Loki said quickly and darted out the door.

Loki didn’t even register David or Michael greeting him as he raced down the corridor, passing them by in a blur. When he reached the English classroom, he ducked inside and slammed the door shut.

‘Well, good morning to you too.’ Jessica frowned in confusion as Loki pulled his leather gloves out of the bag and shoved them into her face.

‘Do you smell that?!’

Jessica’s eyes widened and her nostrils flared instantly before Loki had even finished his sentence.

‘Of course I do!’ Her voice deepened a little, so Loki quickly pulled the gloves away from her and stashed them back in the bag as he narrowed his eyes at her.

‘Why would she do that?!’ He screeched.

Jessica put her hand over her mouth to try and stifle a laugh, especially noting Loki’s predicament in the trouser department… ‘Well… like you are right now, she was obviously aroused and had your gloves at hand to help her issue.’

Loki pulled his suit jacket further down to try and cover himself. ‘Yes, I get that part, thanks. Why would she do that though? It’s like she knows and is doing it to torture me intentionally.’ He growled.

‘I said she liked you the other night, maybe she really really likes you. And maybe has a leather glove kink.’ Jessica shrugged.

‘That’s a thing?’ Loki raised an eyebrow.

‘Oh yeah. Everything’s a thing nowadays. Plus, maybe she could smell you on them and it maybe turned her on too much. She certainly tried to erase the smell, that’s a lot of lavender wash.’ Jessica laughed.

‘Yes, but smells linger a long time for us, no matter how many washes. No human would be able to smell her scent on this.’

‘No shit Sherlock.’ Jessica stated. ‘I’ve been a vampire longer than you, remember. I don’t need to be told how our senses work.’

Loki rolled his eyes. ‘Anyway, so you’re saying you think she likes me too?’

‘I’d say so.’ Jessica nodded. ‘Even if she does just have a leather glove fetish, I doubt she would’ve used them to masturbate if she didn’t think of you in that kind of way.’

Loki’s entire face went red as he suddenly felt very overheated at the realisation sinking in that Claire had actually masturbated using his gloves.

‘What do I do now?’ Loki whined.

‘Well, definitely don’t pounce on her when you go back to the class room, if you can help yourself. Just play it cool, carry on as normal. See how things go, court her, woo her. Just don’t go straight for the jugular.’ Jessica said calmly.

Loki ran a hand through his hair. ‘You’re right. I don’t want to spook her. I still need to adjust to being around her and her smell, if anything happened too soon, I might not be able to control myself properly.’

‘Exactly. That’s the last thing you want to be doing.’ Jessica smiled sympathetically at him.

Loki took a few deep breaths then headed for the door. ‘Thanks, Jessica.’

‘No problem. Though you might need to sort that out before returning to her.’ Jessica’s eyes dropped to his crotch again.

Loki grumbled and shuffled awkwardly out of the room, leaving Jessica laughing. He went out to his car and put the bag in the boot. He pinched the bridge of his nose and took big deep breaths, he really had to try and calm down before returning to the classroom, especially now that students were beginning to make their way in.

‘Think disgusting thoughts, think disgusting thoughts.’ He mumbled to himself as he headed back inside, finally calming down enough to be presentable.

When he got back to his class, most of the students were already in. He panicked for a split second as he hadn’t prepared, but Claire had sorted everything for him so the class could start.

‘Thanks, darling.’ He whispered to her.

‘Is everything ok?’ Claire whispered back.

‘Everything is perfect.’ Loki grinned.

-

The following morning when Loki walked into the teacher’s lounge, the vampire teachers were the only ones there, but they all stopped talking as soon as Loki entered. All of them stared at him with smirks on their faces.

He raised an eyebrow and squinted at everyone. ‘What? Do I have something on my face?’ He wiped at the side of his mouth, thinking he maybe had some jam splattered on his face after breakfast.

‘Jessica was just telling us about your… issue, yesterday.’ Hannibal smirked.

Loki’s face dropped, he scowled at Jessica as he folded his arms over his chest. ‘Oh, she was, was she?’

‘Sorry, Loki. I had to tell them. It’s exciting, isn’t it? That your soulmate seems to like you too.’ Jessica said innocently.

Loki huffed and stomped across the room to get his tea.

‘The only problem with her having a leather glove kink, is that a lot of vampires tend to wear them.’ Matt hummed.

David smirked and opened his mouth to say something but Loki cut him off. ‘Don’t even think about it.’ He growled in warning, knowing it would be something lewd about his soulmate.

‘Have you heard? It seems there’s been a few young vampires trying their luck over the weekend, feeding off humans in broad daylight, not killing them but not giving them the endorphins either. The police think they’re crazy, think the two puncture marks on their necks are self-inflicted.’ Severus informed everyone.

‘I haven’t heard that on the news?’ Loki frowned.

‘Me neither, nor on social media.’ David said.

‘I have… sources. They’re really putting all of us at risk, if news gets out further than the city, we will be swamped with hunters after all of us again.’ Severus said worriedly.

‘I’m surprised the hunters have taken such a back seat, we used to have them constantly swarming around us. Though there’s not been any in the last year or so, just a small rise around this time of year after the traditional hunt, which is expected.’ Hannibal commented.

‘Perhaps, someone is looking out for us good vampires.’ Severus shrugged.

‘What do you mean good vampires?’ Matt asked.

‘All I’m saying is, since we’ve not been hassled by hunters as much, perhaps the hunters are now the hunted.’

David turned to look at Severus with an accusing eyebrow up. ‘Do you always have to be so bloody mysterious?���

‘Always.’ Severus confirmed seriously with a very slight smirk.

Loki shook his head, he knew there was no point trying to get more information out of Severus, if he wanted to share, he would. If not, then there would be absolutely no hope.

That afternoon when classes were over, Loki stayed behind to mark some work. Claire had offered to help, but he declined, saying she’d helped more than enough that day and deserved to go home and enjoy her evening. Which was true, she had taken over the lesson for a bit here and there, while Loki observed. She seemed to be a natural at teaching.

When he finished marking, he began making his way down the corridor, he stopped dead when he spotted Chris outside with two students. Loki recognised the students, they were twins, male and female, had been in Loki’s class last year and they turned sixteen just a couple of months ago. Though most importantly, they were vampires.

Loki stayed still and watched the interaction, the window was closed so he couldn’t make out what they were saying, but it didn’t look good.

Chris looked to be talking very animatedly to them, then he put his hands on their shoulders and looked to be reassuring them over something. The students looked at one another nervously, then nodded at Chris, who grinned widely and patted them both on the shoulder.

The students turned into bats and took off into the darkening sky. Chris watched them fly away, then he turned slowly and looked directly at Loki, a wicked grin spread across his face before he levitated up and onto the top of the school, out of Loki’s sight.

Loki snarled as he punched the wall, his fist went right through it with ease as if it had just been made of paper. He hissed a little, then stormed off down the corridor.

He knew that Chris had just been showing off at the end there, with his levitating. Only the original vampires could levitate, quite a distance and height too. Loki normally didn’t care, since turning into a bat to fly around was good enough for him, though it did irritate him when Chris flaunted his powers in public, there could still be human pupils around that could easily spot him.

When Loki got outside, he looked up to the roof but couldn’t see any sign of Chris. He wasn’t sure where the students were heading off to, either.

Chris often preyed upon vampire students once they were of age, to coax them into feeding from humans directly, to try and teach them the wrong ways to do so, that it was the more traditional way to do it his way, it was more fun. Chris would get them involved in the yearly hunts to get their adrenaline and natural instincts pumping hard, making out it was a right of passage into adulthood to hunt their first human and suck them dry.

Loki had a really bad feeling in his stomach as he made his way to his car.

Neither he nor Chris had noticed that a cloaked figure watched them from the tall building next to the school, crouched down and armed with a crossbow.

[razorblade180]

“Courting”

Charlotte:Miss Furina!!! I have a very important question to ask, off the record of course.

Furina:A question? I don’t see why not.

Charlotte:Are you being courted by world renowned traveler, Aether!?

Furina:*red* C-Courted!? I wouldn’t exactly say-

The journalist whips out a polaroid photo of Furina with a warm smile on her face as she sits across from Aether during a late candle lit dinner.

Furina:Oh my god this came out so well. You can even see the- how did you have this!? Where were you!?

Charlotte:I was posed as a waitress!

Furina:….

Charlotte:…For a job! Not for you. Heavens no. By the way, I wouldn’t eat there again. Back to the topic at hand, good for you.! It’s a cute look. Your smile is brighter.

Furina:You just have good lighting.

Charlotte:Ha! Oh Furina…candle light is agonizing for photography.

Furina:Sounds like a hit a sore spot. Anyways, if you’re asking I assume you’re more or less aware of everything I am when it comes to Aether and romance.

Charlotte:Of course! I actually brought it up to him around our first time meeting. Had proof and everything so I can ask him “why an open relationship”

Furina:…You’re kinda scary at times.

Charlotte:If you’re not intense in my field then people try to circle around the truth. Like you were about to do until I showed the photo. You can keep that by the way. *fiddles with camera*

Furina:If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a question as well.

Charlotte:Ooo okay! I’m all ears!

Furina:You’ve known him longer, engaged with him more often, and seem interested from where I stand; yet I’m the one dat- is involved with him.

Charlotte:Do you have commitment issues?

Furina:Let me finish! What I’m getting at is why aren’t you two item. I’ve the comedically sized document about the dynamic. As it stands now…if I was close minded or acted selfishly…

Charlotte:Ah, I see. It’s interesting to see your mind at work, but unfortunately you’re overthinking things waaaay too much. This isn’t chess game or battle of wits. It would pretty low to treat others feelings like that without thought. Neither him or I would be able to stand ourselves to put a person filled with in a position where they either find new love or be forced to deal with the fact there’s someone else. Kinda defeats the point of an open relationship.

Furina:That’s…I see your point.

Charlotte:If you want Aether romantically all to yourself when it comes to Fontainian’s then by all means exercise that right. He’s still going to be one of my closest friends and partner in journalism! Though to be clear, this isn’t me conceding in any way. I do hope you enjoy my company as much as I love yours! Also… *pulls out photo*

It’s nothing particularly special. Just a really good picture of Aether in the middle of fishing without a care in the world.

Charlotte: Let’s be honest, he has a very nice face. Just ask Lyney! He thinks so too.

Furina:*red* I mean I guess it has its appeal.

Charlotte:You can keep that one too. Anyways, I gotta go before no more Aquabuses run. My latest story has gotten popular so you know…I’ll be back in the city in like three weeks? Hopefully? Eh, we’ll see.

Furina:What did you expose!?

Charlotte:It’ll be front page tomorrow! Read all about it! Bye! *runs off*

Furina thought she was pretty good at reading people, especially her audience. Right now she had no clue if the conversation just now was casual chatter, a weird bargain, or even pleasant congratulations with a side of flirting? She only knew what she’s known from the beginning. Charlotte is a really interesting, kind person who takes phenomenal photos.

Furina:…(I wonder if he knows that this photo was taken?)

xxxxx

Aether:I was fishing alone.

Furina:For the love of- how strong is that lens!? By the way…would you consider us…courting or something? *red*

Aether:

Aether: You literally made out with me a few days ago. Grabbed my scarf, and smooched my face. We spend time together consistently.

Furina:*nods slowly* You bring up a valid point.

Aether:A valid point!? *shows hickey*

Furina:Okay, several points! Wrap your scarf back up before someone sees!

Aether:Breaking news, crystal pure celebrity actually filters her murky mind.

Furina:I want my kisses back!

[heart-shaped-pebble]

The Black Cat

@flufftober Prompt day 1: Lost pet meet cute

Summary: Sejanus and Coriolanus first meeting, with the help of a soft friend

Tags: fluff without plot - modern au

Note: I'm alive and actually writing?? First day of flufftober woo 🥳

Coriolanus had always found walking in the park to be extremely relaxing. It was the beginning of October, the brown leaves that had begun to fall a few days prior made a satisfying crunch under his shoes when he stepped on them, and the chill air was no bother to him as he wore the warm red scarf Tigris had knitted for him.

It had become his daily routine, every morning before his University’s classes he’d take a walk in the park and sit down on the benches for a few minutes, just enjoying the peace and quiet of the early autumn mornings. 

Daily routine which, apparently, had to be ruined by a cat. 

Coriolanus had never been the biggest fan of animals. He didn’t have a specific reason for it, he just didn’t understand all the fuss about it. If he had a penny for any time he had seen someone swoon over a puppy (especially a dog) on the street, he’d be so rich he could buy a house for him, one for Tigris and one for his Grandma’am. 

And why? Because they were “so cute and adorable!”? What was so cute about an animal who ate its own vomit?

Coriolanus had never stopped to pet a stray in the streets - didn’t people even consider all the germs they probably have? - and he wouldn’t have today either. No matter how much this black cat would rub itself against his leg, interrupting Coriolanus’ perfect morning. 

“Go away.” He said annoyed, gently shaking his leg so the cat would get off. “Find another leg to hump, stupid animal.” Coriolanus mumbled. If he had been more heartless he would have probably kicked the cat away, but he didn’t hate them that much.

Either way that cat had really seemed to be taking a liking to Coriolanus, who was starting to get tired of the situation. He sighed and got up, starting to walk away, understanding that his usually perfect routine had been interrupted for that morning, when he noticed the cat was following him.

“Are you kidding me? I said, go away! I have no food on me, and I sure as hell am not another cat you can get pregnant. Or get pregnant with.” He cringed at his own words, not believing he was actually having that argument in a public space, outside, with a fucking cat.

“Well I’d sure hope so.” Coriolanus immediately turned around to check who had spoken. He found himself in front of a curly haired boy, probably his age, staring at him amused. Coriolanus wasn’t one to get lovestruck, but he had to admit the guy was really attractive. His eyes especially, so big and brown, staring at him with a unique innocence in them. He quickly shook those thoughts away. He didn't have time for those irrelevant feelings in his life, especially now. He had to focus on University, and nothing else.

Realizing in what situation he had just been caught in he suddenly blushed and cleared his throat, trying to play it cool. “Sorry for that. This stray won’t leave me alone.” Coriolanus said, tugging his pants up to move the cat away. 

The other boy chuckled - Coriolanus decided to ignore how beautiful it sounded - and walked close to him. He knelt down and picked the cat up, which purred in his arms as the boy rubbed its belly. “She is not a stray. Her name’s Sissy, and she happens to be my cat.”

Oh.

“I’m so sorry.” Coriolanus began apologizing, which wasn’t something he usually did, but he had to get out of that embarrassing situation somehow. The cute boy just chuckled again.

“There’s nothing to be sorry for, I should be the one apologizing. This adorable troublemaker got out of the house as I opened the door.” He said, adding the last part with a baby voice, giving his cat heart eyes. If Coriolanus didn't find this guy attractive, he would have probably fled the scene long ago now. 

“I've been searching for her for over an hour now. Between you and me, I was starting to get really worried. I'm glad you found her.” The boy bit his lip nervously. “I'm Sejanus by the way. I'd offer you my hand, but I don't want Sissy to get away again.”

Despite himself Coriolanus gave him a short smile, which Sejanus reciprocated. “Coriolanus Snow.”

“Well, Coriolanus Snow, something tells me you don't really like cats.”

“Oh it's nothing personal, I'm just not an animal kinda guy.” Coriolanus said defensively. Why on earth did he feel the need to justify himself with him? “Never had a pet, and will never get one.” 

Sejanus shrugged and grinned. “Who knows, never say never.” 

Coriolanus frowned, annoyed at the way Sejanus was talking to him. Who did he think he was?

Sejanus seemed to not-so-shamelessly check him out before licking his lips and saying, “Maybe I can change your mind over dinner?”

Coriolanus scoffed amused, although he had to admit the idea of going out with Sejanus didn't seem so terrible. “So soon after meeting me? I could be a killer for all you know.” 

Sejanus shrugged and shifted the way he was holding Sissy in his arms. “So could I. But fair enough, maybe just a coffee then?” 

He really wasn't going to let it go, was he? “Alright, but I choose where.” 

Sejanus clicked his tongue and grinned. “Fine by me.” 

After quickly exchanging numbers they both parted ways, Coriolanus finally walked to class - which he was definitely late for - as he thought over the conversation again. He had never been one to date, but maybe Sejanus could change his mind on that as well?

Coriolanus caught himself smiling at the thought, against his better judgment, as the brown eyed boy wouldn't leave his mind.

[oreolemur]

Second Base- Gojo Fanfic

Sitting down at an Italian restaurant, you waited patiently for your blind date to show up. “I hope she picked a decent guy this time”, you sigh. Scrolling through your phone for a few minutes, the waiter comes over. “Would you like something to drink, mam?”, the guy asked. Ordering a glass of water, you scarfed down a breadstick or two as you took in the building’s surroundings. “At least she picked a good spot”.

15 minutes go by, and you begin to grow impatient. “Is this supposed to be a set up? Am I getting played right now?”. In the middle of texting your friend, you suddenly see a man standing beside you from your peripheral vision. Clearing his throat, “Sorry I’m late”, he smiled. Averting your eyes towards the man, you were jaw-dropped by how beautiful he was. “Woah…”, you whisper. Wearing a light blue button up, and black tuxedo pants, you couldn’t help but stare at his shiny blue eyes, and gorgeous white locks. 

Taking a seat in front of you, “By the end of this date, I'll have you screaming my name", the man grinned. "Just you wait". Surprised by his comment, you scoffed. “Nope”. “Oh my, someone's feisty! What's your name?”, he asked. “Y/N, and you?”. “Gojo Satoru”. Giving you a cocky grin, you furrowed your eyebrows. “What exactly did you mean by, “I’ll have you screaming my name”,?”, you questioned. “You'll see soon enough, won't you?”, Gojo replied.  “I don’t know. Will I? Maybe I’ll just ditch you right now and call it a night”. “You wouldn't dare", Satoru scoffed. A smirk spread across his face. "Besides, I've got so many surprises planned for tonight”.  Looking at him speechless, you grabbed one of the menus off the table, ready to order. 

"You do realize that there's another meaning to 'screaming someone's name'?" Satoru chuckled, leaning in and whispering in a suggestive manner. "A much more fun sense”. Rolling your eyes, you shove a bread stick into his mouth, "In your dreams". "Oh, I think you'll be changing your tune by the end of tonight" Satoru teased, his eyes roaming across the table to study you. "You're so cute when you're mad", he muttered just loud enough to make you question if it was intentional.

Ignoring him, you signal the waiter over. "I'll have the chicken Florentine". "Excellent choice", Satoru beamed with pride. "I'll have the spaghetti", he chimed in, not looking at the menu even once. Asking what the two of you would like to drink, Gojo smiled. "I'll have a glass of Merlot", he requested the waiter. Turning back to you, he smirked. The corners of his lips curled up as he watched you. "How about you?". “Red wine”, you replied. The waiter nodded and took the order. 

Gojo waited until he was out of sight before leaning over the table to whisper to you. "You know, you've got really nice skin. I wonder how soft it is...". Sticking out your hand, you let Satoru feel how soft you were. The man took your hand and ran his fingers over your skin in a teasing manner."This is incredibly soft", He whispered. "I'm sure some other parts of your body are soft too...".  “I’m sure there is”, you teased back. "Well, I intend to find out", he smirked. 

The waiter eventually returned with the drinks, setting them down on the table and leaving. As he was walking away, Gojo stood up, stretching. "Would you like to come to my place after this?", He asked, a sly look on his face. "The night isn't over yet". "After we eat...maybe", you reply back. "I can live with that", Satoru teased. As he sat back down, the waiter arrived with the meals. He waited until the guy left to speak again. "This is going to be an unforgettable night." His voice was low and husky, his eyes wandering all over your body. "Especially when we get back to my place”. Making a toast to each other, the two of you sat at the restaurant for another hour, exchanging jokes.

"Well, that was good", you exclaim, standing up. "Where to now? Your place seems nice ",  you wink at him. Satoru chuckled at your comment, standing up and offering his hand. "Let's get going then. I hope you didn't forget what you promised me”. He started to walk out of the restaurant. "I can tell that you're eager to see my private domain”. "Eager? No. I'm just ready to lay back and be treated with care"."Oh, I could do much more than just treat you with care. I can be everything you want me to be at this moment. You can forget about the real world; I want to be the center of your universe”. He turned to face you, a grin plastered on his face."So come with me. Let's go see what it's like in my world”.

Hopping into the man's car, you noticed him staring at you from the corner of your eye. "Yes?". "Just admiring the view," Satoru chuckled. He continued the drive, glancing over at you every once in a while to study your expression. The atmosphere was filled with an intense tension and Gojo seemed to be enjoying making you squirm with anticipation. After a couple minutes of this, he eventually parked the car, getting up and heading around to your side to open your door. "After you", he smiled. “Thanks”

The two of you made your way into his house, leading you upstairs. The moment you were there, it was abundantly clear what his intentions were. He gently pushed you down onto the bed, looming over you like a predator. Staring into your soul, you felt yourself become hypnotized by his shiny blue eyes. “Hurry up and kiss me”, you blush. “Impatient much?”, Satoru chuckled. Gently grabbing your face, he smashed his lips onto yours. “His lips taste so sweet”, you thought. 

While making out, the man began to unbutton his shirt. “Need help getting undressed?”, you ask, pulling away from the kiss. “Sure, why not?”. Getting off , he stood in front of you as you were sitting on the edge of his bed. “You look even more beautiful down there”, Gojo commented. Undoing his pants, you pulled them down along with his boxers. “Damn”. Staring at his pretty veiny cock, your mouth watered. “Is there a problem?”, he wondered. Shaking your head, “N-no”. Hearing you stutter a little, Satoru admired it. 

Holding his shaft, you stroked it a little. “It feels so big in my hands”. Looking up at him, you saw him blushing as he kept eye contact with you. “Why is he so pretty?”. Averting your attention on his dick, you opened your mouth, sucking his tip. “Mmph”, the man moaned. Listening to his enjoyment, you tightened your mouth around him as you slowly went down his dick. “Fuck”, he seethed. Bobbing your head, you felt him run his fingers through your scalp. Gripping your hair, he began to gently thrust into your mouth.  

Feeling his tip hit the back of your throat, you found it hard to breathe. You tapped his thighs, signaling him to stop. “What’s wrong?”, he asked. Having a line of spit come out of your mouth, you licked your lips. “You’re too big to go all in”, you complained. Rubbing your head, the man smiled. “Well that’s too bad”, he said. “But, I’m not finished yet”. Shoving you back down his cock, you held onto his waist for support. He fucked your throat, using it as his little toy, while he worked to get his orgasm. “I can’t believe he just did that”, you said to yourself. “It’s like he doesn’t even care that I can’t breathe…that’s….so…hot”. 

A few minutes later, Gojo’s thrusts became sloppy and slow as his moaning became more high pitched. Without warning he came into your mouth, filling it with his sweet warm liquid. “Oh..”, he paused. “You’re a swallower”. Making sure to get every last drop, you wiped your index finger around your mouth, collecting any cum that leaked out. “I am full of surprises after all”, you smirked, giving his cock a small peck.

Gojo stared at you with lust, he felt as if he’d found a suitable partner to fulfill his needs. “Take off your clothes and lay down”, he ordered. Doing what he wants, the man watched you get naked. “You have a beautiful body”. Spreading your legs open, he got down on his knees. “Everything is so natural, it’s exciting”. He squeezed your inner thighs, teasing his way up to your cunt. Being sensitive in that spot, you squirmed around a little. “I haven’t even gotten to the best part yet, and you’re already starting to act up”. 

Placing his hand on your pussy, he spread your lips apart, seeing your fluids drip down onto his comforter. He slowly licked your wet folds, making his way to your clit. Once there, he drew circles with his tongue, sucking your sensitive bud in and out as he repeated the pattern. “Satoru..”, you moaned, pulling his hair. Giving in to your adorable whimpers, he started to  finger you. “You’re tight, darling”, he smiled. Having him pleasure you two different ways at the same time, drove you crazy. 

You pulled his hair tighter, trying to move his head away from your clit. “I’m cumming. I’m-”. Letting out the biggest moan, tears formed in your eyes, realizing he wasn’t stopping. “I should’ve warned you that I’m into overstimulation”. Trying to move away from him, he dug his nails into your plumped thighs. “I-I can’t take it”. Reaching for a pillow, you screamed into it as you felt another orgasm come. “Mmmmm!!”. Feeling satisfied, Gojo moved away from your cunt. 

Grabbing a napkin, he wiped his face from the fluid you squirted onto him. “Now”, he smiled, walking over to you. “Let’s finish this”. Taking hold of your waist, he flipped you over on your stomach, forcing you to arch your back. He slapped your ass. “Ouch”, you whined. Laughing at you, he rubbed his cock on your pussy. “Don’t tease me like that”, you whined. 

Shushing you, he slowly thrusted his tip into you, stretching your walls little by little. “Sex shouldn’t be rushed”. Burying your face into the mattress, you tried your best to take him. He was gentle with you, knowing how tight you were. “Are you used to it yet?”, he asked. “N-no”, you whimpered. Feeling devious, he grinned. “Let’s try this”. Shoving his cock in all the way, you gasped. “Gojo!”. “There it is”, he laughed. 

Fucking you mercilessly, he slammed his hips into you hard, hitting your cervix. “Nngh”. You held onto his comforter, handling him with what little tolerance you had left. “Sa…to…ru”, you called out. “Yes?”, he grinned. Not being able to speak anymore, you tried to reach behind in an attempt to stop him. “Aht aht”, he smacked your hand away. “I’m not done”.  Changing positions, he pushed your body down, turning you on your back.

Laying there weak and vulnerable, Gojo scooted you up the bed. “Are you done now? I’m too sensitive to continue”. Crawling on top of you, he leaned into your face. “Oh really?”. Going for your neck, he kissed it gently, before marking you up with his teeth. “Ah”, you winced, placing your hand around his throat. “Squeeze it”, he blushed. “You’re into choking?”. Nodding his head, “Yes”. Putting you on top of him, he lifted you up a little to slide his cock inside you. “How did you do that so fast?!”. Grabbing your hand, he placed it on his neck. “Less talk, more fuck”. 

Proceeding to choke him, he let out a small whimper. “My god…is there anything he’s not good at!”. Grinding your hips, you went slow. “Ow, he's deeper than ever”. Trying to go a little faster, you started to feel more pleasure than pain. “Is this okay?”, you asked. “Nope”. He gripped your waist, thrusting upwards, making you scream again. “Fuck!”, you squealed.

With him taking control over you, you didn’t notice how hard you were choking him. “Almost…there”, Gojo groaned. He flipped you over again, this time being on top. “That was good, but not good enough to make me cum”, he said, gasping for air. Satoru put both of your legs over his shoulder, fucking you even harder than before. “Shit!”. His headboard banged against the wall, causing the bed to squeak.  Finishing up, you both climaxed together, moaning each other's ears. “My, my, my”, Gojo huffed. “I should buy a ring”. 

[presleyhearted]

Hello!

First of all, thank you for the amazing stories, especially yours truly! I'm a fan of your creations and looking forward to reading a new one🫶🏻

Is it okay to ask a short fic or imagine for Elvis & female reader?

Elvis and reader are in the relationship and they're planning to celebrate their 1 year anniversary soon. They both think what would be the best gifts for each other for the anniversary and they are asking their friends for help😚

There are so many gift ideas like flowers, matching jewellery, new clothes, photo albums(including photos they took when they went out for fair/amusement park idk cute ones), etc.. You can think of anything really!

Then Elvis and reader are giving gifts to each other on their anniversary day. They enjoy their gifts but most importantly they're happy being together🥺 How about this idea in a fluff, cute fics? I don't have a particular favourite era of Elvis(love all eras!) so you can choose, bestie I want your ideas💗

A Year With You.

pairing: 70s!e x female reader genre: fluff, established relationship. warnings: strong language, brief hint to sexual allusions, mentions of nightmares. An insanely happy lovey-dovey couple (aha). wc: 1.8k notes: Hi bestie! This is a long-awaited request, I apologise for that. I am too much of a perfectionist, which is not a great combination with the world of writer's block. Nonetheless, I really did want to write this. I hope that it has met your expectations!

 You consider yourself a pretty humble person, but you do pride yourself as a great gift-giver. It is always such a wondrous feeling to see the smile of glee from your friends and family, as you gift them exactly what they wanted. Even if they don’t straight up tell you what they want, or they don’t know what they want - you somehow always ace it when it comes to gift giving. Whether that be Christmas or birthdays. . . 

But now, well, you are actually stuck. The gift-giving this time round is for neither occasion, and the receiver is not family or friends. Specifically, your boyfriend. 

“My brain is empty. Nothing.” You admit, with your elbow propped up on the table of the booth as you rested your chin in your palm. 

As per usual, at least once a week, you find yourself seated across from one of your close friends - Vivian. At your usual spot for lunch, which is the local diner in your small town. You’d normally 

catch up about anything and everything going on, and the subject of conversation this time round? Seeking advice from something you normally found relatively easy. 

Vivian takes a sip from her milkshake, “Oh, I don’t think so.” 

Your furrow your eyebrows, “No, Viv, I’m serious - I can’t think of anything.” 

“Well, what about… I dunno, a really nice scarf? With his initials embroidered?” She suggests, in obvious hopes to ease your worry, but the uncertainty in her voice is far too clear. 

You give her a look. 

“What?” Vivian questions, “It is practical! and sentimental.” She shrugs, as a matter of fact. 

Bless her heart, she’s only trying to help. But you can’t find yourself agreeing with that gift idea. It is practical, but still. . . It feels so random. There has to be something else out there. 

“I can’t just give him a scarf,” You sighed as you took a bite out of the fry. 

“Why not?” 

“It feels a little random. I don’t know.” 

Vivian tilts her head and gestures dramatically at the window beside the booth, “Y/N, I hardly believe it’d be random.” As a matter of fact, the outside was blanketed by pristine white snow, as people passed by clutching tightly onto their winter attires. 

You nod, “Yes. But it doesn’t really scream ‘Happy Anniversary’!” You emphasized. 

“I want it to be practical, definitely. Yeah. But I want it to be something memorable too.” You explain, letting out a heavy sigh, as you subconsciously tap your fingers on the table. 

Vivian clicks her fingers with a smirk on her face, “Aha!” 

“What?” 

“I know just thee perfect gift.” She boasts. 

She leans over and gestures for you to lean in, as she cups her hand to whisper. 

“Winter wear is not the only thing that can keep him warm this season.” She says, a smirk prominent on her face. 

Your eyes go wide at her words, as a gasp leaves you. You feel your face grow rapidly warm, no doubt the obvious blush taking space on your cheeks. 

“Viv!” 

She calmly leaned back on her seat and shrugged casually, “What? It fits the criteria of practical and memorable.” Vivian can’t help but let out a laugh at your reaction. 

You find yourself laughing, as you shake your head, “You are terrible. Oh my goodness.” 

You manage to calm yourself down, “In all seriousness though, what in the world do I get a guy who has everything?” 

“I doubt he has everything, Y/N.” 

“Well, you know what I mean. Majority of everything ever.” 

Your lunch meet-up with Vivian comes to a close after two hours of chatting, mostly about your current predicament. Unfortunately, the lunch concluded with you still not knowing what to give him. But Vivian is quick to assure that ‘the world’s best gift giver’ won’t back down for this one. 

You hope she’s right. 

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

“Whatcha’ think of a pair of earrings?” Elvis asks, as he leans against the wall of the living room, the sound of the faint crackling of the fireplace in the background. 

“I’d say that’s a great gift, E.” Charlie replies, as he scribbles down notes beside the list of songs on the paper Elvis handed him. 

Elvis sighs and shakes his head, “I-well, I-I dunno man.” 

“Sorry to interrupt, E. We doing Johnny B. Goode?” Charlie asks, looking up at him and awaiting his answer. 

“Yeah, yeah. Add it in.” 

Charlie swiftly nods and goes back to reviewing the list, “Alright, go on.” He encourages, despite his eyes being trained on the sheet of paper on the carpeted floor in front of him. 

“I- well, like I said… I dunno ‘bout getting her jewelry.” 

“Does she not like it? Girls are usually all over ‘em.” Charlie shrugs, not quite understanding Elvis’ dilemma. 

Elvis crosses his arms over his chest, “She likes it.  But I-I-I feel that’s what I always get her. And ya know me, man, I hate boring shit.” He sighs, shaking his head. 

Charlie looks up at his friend, after hearing the distressed tone in his voice. It was a strange situation, for he didn’t think he could recall a time that Elvis hit a brick wall when it came to gift ideas for a girlfriend. He sure did not have trouble in his previous relationships. 

“Hmm… I know!” Charlie muses, in Elvis eagerly awaits his answer. 

“Try not to get her boring shit, then.” Charlie laughs. 

Elvis’ face relaxes and breathes a laugh, “Oh, you unhelpful fucker! Shit friend you are.” He said, throwing a cushion, which Charlie catches in time. Both are laughing. 

Charlie puts both his hands up in mock defense, “I say this with all honesty; I don’t think Y/N cares much ‘bout what you give her, E. She sees you and that girl is as happy as Goddamn sunshine and rainbows. All there is to it.” He said, voice serious as he explained to his friend that finding material perfection isn’t the core of the anniversary. That, really, you already radiate happiness whenever you are close to him. Whenever Elvis is with you. 

It’s in this that Elvis finds himself breaking out into a smile. A smile so huge that he has to adjust the sunglasses framing his face, as they slip down just a little bit. 

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

“Happy Anniversary, baby.” You say, kissing him on the cheek, as you hand the carefully wrapped present to him. 

You find yourself biting on your bottom lip, nervous as hell. He unravels it quite quickly and his silence certainly doesn’t put your nerves at bay. 

“A journal.” He says, a voice in wonder and surprise. His fingers dance across the leather-bound, particularly his embroidered initials. 

“Yeah. It’s um, I know it’s a little random. But, I, just see you so lost in your mind sometimes. Many times. And I, uh, I know you talk to me. But sometimes when you don’t feel like talking to anyone, not even me- just write down what you feel. It might help. It’s not healthy to have a thousand thoughts running around in your head. I, um, like I don’t know if you like it. If you don’t that’s-“ Your nervous ramblings are cut off by his hand wrapped around your waist, pushing you forward to him as his lips meet yours. 

You are taken completely off guard by the unexpected kiss, but he is who he is, as unpredictable as ever. The kiss is passionate and soft, oh so soft that you can’t help but wrap your arms around his neck. 

You break apart, in which he rests his forehead yours. 

“I love it, honey. I love it so damn much. You are so good to me, so good to me.” He says softly, eyes glassy with tears. 

Your thumb strokes his cheek, “Really?” Your heart sighs in relief. 

He nods his head, “Mm-hmm. It’s everything. You’re everything.” 

He pulls away a little and you mistake this for meaning you should pull away as well, but instead, Elvis is quick to wrap his arms around your waist. He then brings you forward more, till you are sitting in his lap with your legs on either side of him. 

“Where did ya think you were goin’ baby?” He grins, his bottom lip between his teeth. 

You find yourself chuckling at him, “Nowhere it seems.” 

“Good.”

Elvis smoothly reaches to the right side of where he’s sat, and hands you a nearly wrapped small box. You guess that it is jewelry, which wouldn’t be surprising considering the previous times Elvis bought you a gift. You know how generous he is with gifting you items of luxury, and you are grateful, but it is not something you necessarily need. Being with him is enough, in all honesty. 

You remove the wrapping, and you gasp in surprise at the contents of the box. 

“It’s a dreamcatcher.” It was a delicate dreamcatcher, a silver color, and was smaller than normal ones. You examine it further and see that there seem to be words engraved on it ‘For you, my heart. To always have good dreams only.’ E.P. 

“Whatcha’ think, honey? I-I-I know you have bad dreams sometimes, and I hate that I can’t control it. But they say a dreamcatcher helps with that. I don’t want you getting no nightmares again. Is it…is it what you-“

Tears stream down your face as you wrap your arms tightly around him, “Thank you, thank you.” You whisper, overcome with emotion. 

It’s true. You’ve been prone to getting bad dreams lately, and you’ve heard about dreamcatchers before. But you always forget to find one for yourself. 

“I’m happy you like it, Y/N.” 

You slowly pull away from him, “Of course I do. You are so so thoughtful, E. It’s just what I needed, really. “

“I love you, darlin.’.” Elvis says, looking at you in wonder as he tucks a strand of hair behind your ear. 

“I love you so much.” You say as you find yourself tracing his features with your finger delicately. 

“Are you happy, baby?” Elvis asks.

“I am. I don’t care much about what gift you give me, having you here is already so much for me.” You say, truthfully with a wide smile, “Are you happy, Elvis?”

“I have the most beautiful girl with me, and her heart is so big and true. I-I’m one lucky son of a bitch.” He grins, and you laugh at this. 

You pull each other into a kiss, which turns into one of the many kisses that you would share that night. It was an anniversary that exceeded everything you could have ever hoped for. You mentally slapped yourself on why you worried so much about what to get him when really, that was never the thing that mattered most. 

@literally-just-elvis-fics

[draftingteacups]

I understand that Special Events are non-canon in The Eternal Blooming Flower. But say how would you let Glorious Masquerade play out in your What if?

I love the Glorious Masquerade event, but the way that the event would play out in my What-If goes like this:

The first thing that would happen in this universe is the fact that Soni would definitely look around the City of Flowers and go, "This feels very similar to old Kalosian architecture." Makes sense since the movie was based in Notre Dame, which takes place in France

Obviously, she does a little bit of research into the city before she goes there, mostly because she doesn't want to do a social faux pas in a place that really reminds her too much of Kalos. Either way, Soni looked at the city itself for half a second before she gets dressed in an ensemble that would definitely remind her of her more formal attire as the Grand Duchess of Kalos.

I like the idea of a mixture of dark blue and gold accents with black-purple being the main color of the outfit itself. I feel like Soni wouldn't get a mask (mostly because I can see her just taking it off and not putting it back one because she's not a huge fan of masks in general) and get something like a circlet instead (looks like Xerneas' horns with clear crystals on top of it).

Happiny gets taken along because Deuce can't bear to leave her alone for a few days, which means she gets her own little outfit! A small pink mask with little beads that look like Oval Stones and a small hat that allows her little ponytail to stick up. As much as I would love for Happiny to have a little scarf, it'll definitely drag behind her like a little cape.

I could have Sobble here as well as Morpeko, and they would be wearing something similar to what Azul and Ruggie wear respectively. Obviously, the first half of the day plays out similar to the event itself: invitation, gets shown around the city, and then meeting Rollo makes Soni just feel a little uncomfortable, especially when Rollo himself looked into the students themselves to the point of getting Azul's eye prescription because I'm sure that's looking into someone medical history and I'd be wondering why anyone would do that much and even lightly comments on Soni's lack of information in a roundabout way that set off alarm bells.

Rollo: "When making accommodations for all of you to enjoy yourselves to the fullest, I noticed that Miss Monet has made no additional requests beyond what was stated in the itinerary, despite being the sole magicless person of your group. Do you truly not have anything else to add that you may have forgotten to write down beforehand?"

And even when Soni says that she doesn't, Rollo says, "If anything comes to mind, I do not mind making time to discuss any details with you on anything you wish to say."

Soni finds it weird that he points out that she was magicless when most people outside of NRC didn't know that, but that itself could be chalked up to her shared student status with Grim as a two-in-one student. Also Grim might just say that Soni doesn't have magic from the get-go because "the Great Grim ain't a familiar!"

However, that last bit poked at her the most because it implied that Soni withheld information that she didn't want written down.

Which is exactly what she did, but for the reason of her privacy and safety because people looking into Soni would potentially use it against her. Not to mention, she listed any needed information (i.e. medical, emergency contact, etc.) and the like on the papers themselves, so it's not like she needed more than that for Rollo to see. To imply that she still had more to say when she didn't and that Rollo was subtly pushing for more information about Soni while disguising it as a gesture of goodwill makes Soni think of all the verbal maneuvering that she had to do as Grand Duchess with many businessmen doing the same.

When the dance in the city happens, I like to imagine that Soni is made to come along with the others, awkwardly following along to the steps with Grim just spinning around like he does in the rhythm game. Happiny is being danced with by Riddle and Deuce, bouncing around cheerfully in the process.

That's when Rollo appears with a specific look in his eye when he sees NRC using magic alongside the other magicians:

"When you first came here, magic was truly a baffling mysterious force as a magicless person, was it not?"

Soni looks at the guy, her tone neutral as it could be, "It was, but who am I to tell people on how to live their lives?"

"Does it not trouble you? With how dangerous it is?"

Soni shrugs, "I've dealt with worse."

Then comes the night where all the Crimson Flowers are basically everywhere. Students are falling over because their magic is being drained out of them.

Cue Rollo's big reveal, and suddenly Soni understands why he mentioned that. She very much dislikes the fact that everything looks like it is on fire.

When they all fall downwards, Soni releases Dior and Charlie, the former teleporting everyone within reaching distance to the ground and Charlie snatching as many people as possible.

If we want to do the non-Championship Team, Nimbus, being a large puffy cloud bird, basically released a whole lot of fluff from using Cotton Guard as a cushion. Honestly, the idea that everyone just falling from a huge height, only to flop onto a cloudy-like fluff without having to use any magic was very nice.

When the others have to deal with the Crimson Flowers and pull weeds, Happiny is very enthusiastic about it because Happiny picks wild flowers all the time, so this isn't very different from what she normally does.

Ruggie, yanking Crimson Flowers with dirt flying everywhere: "Put your backs into it!"

Epel veins popping out of his head: "I can pull these weeds faster than you can breathe!"

Happiny, literally pulls off an entire cluster of Crimson Flowers with her bare hands: "Hap Hap!" This is fun!

I imagine that Happiny's given chores in Heartslabyul, and one of them is weeding the garden. It certainly comes in handy now that there's a magic flower that's trying to take people's magic away.

Then comes the plan to storm the tower and ring the Bell of Salvation.

Obviously, everyone's got an entire plan, but Soni goes, "You're all forgetting that I've got no magic. Those flowers can't do anything to me. And from what I've observed, they don't effect Pokemon either."

And what they settled on was for Soni basically leading the charge with her Pokemon taking down as many of the Crimson Flowers as possible. Dior using Psychic to physically pull as many Crimson Flowers away as well as assisting any passerby in the process. Charlie obviously uses his Flamethrower to burn away the Crimson Flowers in larger areas and even provides aerial assistance with Epel when the Crimson Flowers try to capture them both.

And Happiny doing her best to weed as many of the flowers as possible. Obviously, she stays behind with Deuce when he gets hurt and basically starts ripping apart the flowers even more when they start trying to hurt him.

And while it would be more heroic for Soni and the others to try climb the tower like they did in the original game, they could just teleport up to the top with the help of Dior or fly up there with Nimbus and/or with Charlie.

And in the process of catching their breath from the few fights that they engaged with on the way to the top, they stumble into the private area where they find the diary of Rollo.

And of course, they still go up against Rollo in the process, covered in flames and all. Hearing Idia's speech is certainly one that Soni understands the core meaning, but it could've definitely been handled better.

Soni looks at Deuce when seeing Azul use Deuce's UM to punch Rollo: "You did what? When did you do that?"

Deuce: "Back in the main area..."

Soni: "I looked away for five minutes-"

Deuce gestures to his leg: "I wanted to hit him, and Azul offered!"

Soni: "And I would've done it for free. We are talking about this later when we aren't at risk of falling off a tower and being roasted alive."

Malleus dealing the final blow with his lightning magic left the thickest smell of ozone in the air with Soni's arm hairs standing up on end.

And skipping to the song that happens during the party, Soni has her time to dance with the others again, although she's not all that good with it. In the background, Happiny and the other Pokemon are equally enjoying their time together at the party.

Side Notes That I Couldn't Put In:

A comical Pokemon for Soni to bring along in this particular event is her Skiddo because one, it's a little goat and they would see such creatures around. Two, it can eat the Crimson Flowers as a free snack. I cannot confirm whether that the Crimson Flower is fit for Pokemon consumption.

Soni using Kalosian and basically finding little to no difference between French and Kalosian; funnily enough, I like to imagine that Soni manages to get better deals this way from people at stalls because she's getting souvenirs for the others (Ace would complain if he didn't get something; Soni bought him a mug that Milcery uses to sleep in).

And that's the general gist of the Glorious Masquerade event!

[dee-in-the-box]

thinking.

thinking about Dave and his thoughts on Jack pre-Everything (in my headcanons, obviously)

like, the way i view Jack pre-Dee's Murder is that he's still rather blunt and rude, but he could still be rather sweet to others when he wanted. like the whole "kind, but not nice" type of thing.

(also, note that Dave mentioned, while talking to Dee, that he was never fine with Henry murdering her, and that he even tried to talk Henry out of doing it. there's also a Henry Tape where Dave sounds like he regrets what had happened to Dee, mentioning to Henry that he "knew this was a bad idea," and even sounding like he doesn't agree with them framing Jack for the crime. all in all, it's one of the few times we get to hear Dave go "Henry, I don't like what we're doing, and I don't feel comfortable helping you with this." so me writing Dave in this to regret Dee's murder and be generally uncomfortable with what's happening is not technically out of character.)

(this also turned into a bit of a fic whoops-)

thinking about Dave deciding to talk to Jack because...well, he seems kind of approachable. if a little...blunt at times.

he didn't hesitate to talk to Dave about whatever while he worked on animatronics. sometimes it was just complaints about his coworkers from other jobs, sometimes it was his past.

but a lot of the time it was about his siblings. he spoke rather highly of them, especially his sister.

Jack was oddly concerned about him, and the sheer number of scars that littered his body. he was nice to Dave, treated him like an actual human and not a freak (Jack would "jokingly" laugh it off when Dave would bring it up, saying something along the lines of "Well, I mean, a lot of people consider me to be a bit of a freak too, so I guess I understand a bit, man." Dave tries to ignore the sadness in his eyes as he says that, about how it's clear that Jack's had that particular insult slung at him more than once himself, albeit for...different reasons than Dave).

Dave will admit...maybe he got a bit infatuated.

Jack certainly didn't hesitate to let people know what he thought, that was for sure. as Dave had noted early on, he was blunt. he didn't even have much restraint with Henry, his boss. sure, he never said anything that would get him fired, but there were times where you could've convinced Dave that he stepped right up to that line.

sure, Dave could understand a bit why Henry might not have been particularly fond of Jack.

it was when Henry brought up killing Dee that Dave had tried putting his foot down a bit. he tried bringing up every excuse in the book (besides legality, because Henry clearly didn't care about that at this point) to keep Henry from doing it: they wouldn't have a place to hide the third body, Dave was worried about getting cold feet (definitely not because he'd grown close to Jack. definitely not), but, most of all, because it was likely going to piss Jack the FUCK off.

(it had come up during a conversation one afternoon.

"So, Old Sport...you said you were willing to die for your sister once-"

"Oh, fuck yeah, I'd give my life for her's in a heartbeat, Will."

"And...what if someone ever tried to hurt her, like seriously hurt her-?"

He didn't even hesitate.

"I'd tear them limb from limb where they stand.")

Dave had hoped that Henry would've dropped it by the next day.

he definitely didn't.

(Dave had to restrain her while Henry tried killing her. it took a while, given that she kept kicking right at Henry's arms, scratching and biting him. she didn't go down easy, that was for certain.

Dave kept telling Henry not to do this, that he couldn't do this. can't they just threaten her not to say anything? they don't have to kill her. c'mon Henry, please-)

they took her scarf. Jack said that their mom had made it for her before she and their father died. even Dave felt a little bad about that.

Jack came back that evening, and he started looking around for her. Dave couldn't help but feel pure guilt over what had happened. he had to console Jack as he ran around the restaurant, screaming for his sister, saying things like "C'mon Dee, this isn't funny! Come out, Kiddo!" and "Dee? Dee?! Where are you, please!" he had to console Jack during a breakdown where the only words Jack was able to get out through his sobs were "Peter's gonna fucking kill me." he couldn't help but feel shame, remorse as he was practically forced to lie to Jack's face, saying "We'll find her, I'm sure she's alright."

they sent Jack home for a few days, just to process his grief. Dave continued to do his job. it felt like his guilt was eating him alive over those few days.

(he feels eyes on him. he hears whispers. he notices the animatronics getting aggressive. things are moving around.)

Jack comes back, eye bags darker, his eyes still red from crying, but with a determined look on his face. he's rather short with Henry, clearly suspicious of him, but he goes off to do his job.

Dave never sees him...alive after that.

Henry acts weird after that. the hauntings get worse.

after a few days, he decides to finally confront Henry about everything. to try and put his foot down once more.

it doesn't work. but he does learn a few more things.

Henry's building a vessel for Dee. and Jack is dead.

they're framing him for murder.

Dave tries to protest; this isn't what he wants!

Henry shushes him again.

"You wanted this."

Dave goes back to talk with the cops. he still doesn't like this.

Henry promises to show him what happened to Jack later that night.

and when the restaurant closes that evening, Henry tries to take him back to show him after they waited for a bit in the office to make sure that Fredbear and Springbonnie wouldn't move too much and potentially kill one of them. they did hear some movement, but it didn't last long. Henry tries to take him to the Saferoom to show him Jack's resting place.

the suit's empty.

Dave doesn't think he's ever seen Henry legitimately scared before. they both head out into the dining room, where they discover something they failed to notice earlier, and probably the source of the noise.

a trail of blood across the tile floor, leading to the door, where the trail turns into footprints.

it doesn't seem like Jack's dead anymore.

Dave doesn't remember much after that, just that he must've taken a nap or something and woken up sometime around 5:30 in the morning.

(why does his head hurt?)

Henry seems annoyed, taking Dave outside to look at something.

Henry's car has been scratched by someone, the word "LIAR" scratched into the door, and the windshield smashed. it was Jack, it had to be.

Henry had apparently also caught Dee, and put the Puppet on strings. something of which really seemed to piss her off.

(that thing kept staring right into his soul, almost shaking in rage at the sight of him. he keeps his distance)

Peter sued them at one point, and also won. Dave doesn't like thinking about it much, it brings The Guilt back up.

over the years, he felt his mind get more and more scrambled. he felt less remorse, and...even a little bit of his memories got screwed up.

he didn't recognize the name "Jack Kennedy" anymore (oh, but Jack can sure recognize him).

at some point, Henry either vanished or died, Dave's not sure which, and he was left alone again.

but...it wouldn't be for long.

(Colorado. Dave heard the Saferoom door open, and he turned to see...an orange man, no, a zombie.

he can help Dave with his plan!

"Hello there, Old Sport!"

in that moment, for a reason Dave can't understand, the new employee looks at him with a look that can only be described as a mix of annoyance, mild fear, and...pity.

...wait.

why does he look so...familiar?

has Dave met him before?)

[spookyc]

Not to start "discourse" with every fandom I start to hyperfixate on, but the shit around people headcanoning Penny as trans femme is driving me up the wall actually. All this about "GOD I guess we just can't have gender nonconforming characters anymore >:(" and it bothers me so much, not just from the sheer ignorance of the statement itself but also because there are TWO clear examples of gender nonconforming characters on both sides of the spectrum that these people love to ignore when bringing this statement up.

Like let's look at Rika, a character who uses she/her pronouns and yet is flat-chested and presenting far more masculine than feminine. I've seen a few players even mistake her for a guy at a first glance. And then you have Grusha, probably the best example the game has to offer. The guy has a soft face with longer hair and a larger coat and scarf that covers up a lot of his body, I don't think anyone I've seen play the games correctly identify him as a guy the first time they see him. Here, you have two characters who are already very gender nonconforming, so the argument of: "I guess we just can't have gender nonconforming characters anymore." is so stupid to me. You have two right there if you bothered to pay attention at all during the victory road path.

But another thing I wanna discuss is the assumption of Penny being gender nonconforming in the first place. Because I honestly think it's a very weak claim. Like. She literally wears a skirt. And an Eevee backpack. How is that in any way gender nonconforming? Is it because she has short hair? Because it's dyed? Because black is a primary color in her color scheme? Like everyone says she's gender nonconforming but I've yet to actually be explained how she is, because honestly? I don't think she's very gender nonconforming at all, or that she was even meant to be. Again, she's wearing a skirt and is female, that sounds pretty gender-conforming to me.

And yeah, skirts and certain clothing being gendered is stupid but if we are talking in the terms of gender conformity I have to consider these things, and when I do, her being gender-nonconforming really doesn't add up.

To conclude, let people headcanon whatever they want, ESPECIALLY the people of those groups, just because the headcanon is popular does not mean it is taking away from any other kind of representation, especially when that same representation is actually presented in the work. Penny is trans, and I rest my case.

[allycat319]

Unlikely Affection Chapter 18: Class Is In Session

I spent a good amount of time that evening in the shower, letting the hot water cascade down my body and clear my mind. After about an hour, I realized it was probably hopeless and I desperately needed to go to bed and try to get at least a couple hours of sleep before classes tomorrow. 

When I finished drying my body and hair, I pulled on my nightgown and crawled into my four poster bed, pulling the curtains closed around me and snuggling down into the blankets. I thought about everything while I laid there, my grandfather, the Order of The Phoenix and of course Edwins crazy idea that Severus loves me. He couldn’t love me…Could he? I mean if we are being honest, he doesn't seem to be the type to love someone, especially someone he is in an illicit affair with. It just doesn’t fit his personality, and he couldn’t trust me enough to tell me that he was a spy. I drifted to sleep after being able to convince myself after what felt like an eternity that Severus indeed does not love me and Edwin had lost the few marbles he had left. 

***The Next Morning*** 

I decided to skip breakfast and sleep in due to my lack of ability to fall asleep at a reasonable hour, thanks mostly to my wandering mind and Edwin’s lack of control with his mouth. When my alarm clock finally sounded, I got up and threw on my robes, slinging my bag over my shoulder before I walked out of the dorms and down to the common room. 

My first class of the morning was charms with Professor Flitwick, who decided to begin the year by going over the bubble head charm. I took notes as normal and almost as quickly as it began, class was over and Flitwick was dismissing us to our second class of the day which was the one I was dreading almost as much as potions…Defense against the dark arts with the Toad herself. 

I arrived at class a few minutes early and sat down at an empty desk in the middle of the room beside Edwin, who gave me a smile as a greeting. 

“So…Double potions after lunch and then assistant duties during free period. You ready?” He asked and I rolled my eyes and fished for my notebook from my bag, sitting it on the table with my quill as people began to file into the classroom and take seats around us. 

“Would you shut it?” I hissed. 

Edwin threw his hands up in defeat, “Fine. I’m done.” He laughed quietly. 

After everyone was seated, Umbridge opened the door to her office and made her way down the spiral staircase. Smiling at everyone as she explained that we would be studying a ‘ministry approved’ N.E.W.T level DADA class. The whispers of shocked students filled the room as she handed out the textbooks the ministry course required us to use. Edwin and I flipped through them and looked at each other incredulously, both of us noticing almost immediately that there was nothing in the books about defensive magic or protecting ourselves from danger. 

Luckily for me, I avoided her cold eyes and weirdly unsettling giggle for the entirety of class, while she advised us on what amazing career opportunities were available at the ministry and how bright young faces like ours would be a welcome addition. Edwin and I scoffed quietly to ourselves and thankfully, the very strange first class was over not long after. 

“You alright?” He asked and I sighed. 

Lunch followed DADA and Edwin and I sat together as usual. He hurriedly scarfed down multiple ham and cheese sandwiches and I ate a handful of crisps and an apple, my stomach churning at the thought of having to see Severus soon and then help him with the class after mine. Edwin noticed my fleeting appetite and nudged me gently.

“Guess I'm just worried about how I plan to approach the fact that I know the things that went on this summer.” I explained as discreetly as possible to avoid the many ears that could potentially be listening in on our conversation. 

“You need to act like you don’t know. If you tell him that I told you about the ‘thing’ he is going to murder me.” Edwin looked slightly panicked. 

“Fine, I’ll let him tell me. He said he was going to explain everything to me anyway…maybe that was what he was referring to… Now come on, you have divination and I have to get to potions.” I grabbed my bag and Edwin walked with me out of the Great Hall before wishing me luck and scurrying up the enchanted staircase towards the divination classroom. 

I inhaled and began my slow descent to the dungeons. The halls grew colder as I got closer to the potions classroom and when I arrived at the opened classroom door there were already 4 Slytherins, 2 Ravenclaws and 1 Hufflepuff in the classroom. Severus wasn’t lying when he said he was very selective on who got to take this class. 

I was very thankful when, after a few moments another Hufflepuff walked into the room. Marigold Greenway, the girl that Edwin had a massive crush on and the only person it seemed that I knew in this class. Marigold or Mari as her friends called her was incredibly pretty in the face, with long blonde hair, big green eyes and the kindest heart I had witnessed someone have.  

I waved at her and she smiled, joining me at my table. “Hey Aurora! We haven’t spoken in so long, How are you?” She asked, continuing to smile brightly. 

“Not horrible, thankfully! I'm a bit nervous about N.E.W.T potions but I’m sure it will be fine.” I laughed and we continued to chat until Severus walked into the classroom, robes bellowing behind him. 

“Silence.” He demanded once he reached the blackboard, the entire class fell completely silent at his request and Marigold and I looked at each other both silently wondering what this class was going to consist of and just how difficult we chose to make our lives this year. 

“I have high expectations for those of you that have shown you are capable enough to be in this class. But be warned, I will not accept anything but outstanding from you all.” His voice sent shivers down my spine and the deep baritone was just a reminder that last night our reunion was interrupted and I was desperately horny. . 

I sat through the excruciating hour of his lecture, clenching my thighs together trying my best to get any form of relief and then it was time to actually brew the potion and hope that I was going to be able to concentrate on not screwing up the amortentia we were brewing. Ignoring the ache between my legs. But of course, always the bastard Severus decided to stalk silently around the classroom, leaning over each individual cauldron to critique the contents. 

When he arrived at Marigold and I, he lingered a little longer than he did with the rest of the class but thankfully he spared me and walked away to take a seat at his desk while we finished brewing. Around thirty minutes before class ended, Severus invited us to gather around the front table where a cauldron was bubbling away. Our amortentia needed a few days to brew so Severus informed us that we would be smelling a previously brewed potion and needed to write two rolls of parchment on the effects of the potion and what we smelled when we sniffed the potion. 

My heart leapt in my chest when it was my turn to smell the potion. I was beyond relieved at the beginning of this test that Severus said we need not tell the entire class what entices us. When I stepped up to the cauldron, I took a long wiff and caught the smell of old books, spices and a slight hit of something bitter. I knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I was smelling the looming figure that leaned against the desk behind us. I stepped back from the potion and scribbled down random smells into my notebook, there was absolutely no way Severus was going to know that according to the amortentia, I was falling in love with him. 

When class was over, my classmates scurried out of the classroom while I remained seated at my table. After the last student made their way out, Severus flicked his hand and the door closed silently. I stood from my seat and walked over to his desk, taking a seat across from him. My mind was running between the amortentia and the nonsense Edwin was spewing earlier…I could feel myself falling for him but could he feel the same way about me? 

“Little Star?” I was ripped away from my thoughts as Severus spoke, somehow standing directly in front of me now. “Are you alright?” 

I nodded quickly, standing and beginning to help him quickly prepare for the upcoming class of second years that were set to be arriving any minute. 

“You’re sure?” He asked, magically erasing the chalk from the board near his desk. 

“Positive. Just a little off…Didn’t sleep well.” I smiled and walked up to him, placing a quick kiss on his lips before. 

The next class went well and ended without any explosions. I helped Severus clean up and announced that I was heading to meet Edwin in the library, which wasn’t a lie… Flitwick had assigned an essay that he was probably going to receive a T on if I didn’t help him and it gave me the perfect excuse to avoid talking to Severus about the amortentia. 

I picked up my bag and blew him a kiss, turning to leave the classroom when... 

“Not so quick.” I stopped in my tracks and turned back around. 

“I’m sorry, I told Edwin I would meet him before dinner.” I spoke quickly, trying to avoid his gaze. I was somewhere between wanting him to take me right there on the desk and panicking because I had finally admitted to myself…by way of the amortentia that I loved him. I didn’t want to stick around and have this conversation, I wanted to put it off a little longer until after dinner, when I snuck down to the dungeons to spend the evening with him. 

“You will have plenty of time to meet Finley before dinner…We need to discuss last night.” he said plainly, sitting down at his desk. 

“Can we talk about it tonight…After dinner?” I asked, walking up to the desk. 

“I suppose…I should have the time this evening to make up for last night.” He smirked and I giggled, for a split second I forgot that I was having an internal crisis and actually did want to pull him into his chambers and ride him until next week…No. I need to meet Edwin. 

***The Library***

Edwin and I stayed in the library until well after dinner, he was truly struggling with charms already and I felt bad for him. Madam Pince offered to have a house elf bring us a few sandwiches while we studied and we were incredibly grateful. 

“I can’t believe I already have two rolls of parchment due next week and it's just the first day of class.” Edwin grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“The sooner you get it done, the sooner you don’t have to worry about it.” I responded, scribbling on my own parchment about the effects and uses of amortentia. 

“What are you writing about over there?” He peaked over to see what I was writing and smirked. “Amortentia? That's a love potion…right?” 

“Yes, and I know where you’re going with this so don’t even start.” I hissed and Edwin threw his hands up. 

“I’m not starting anything…” He trailed off. “Did you smell him?” He asked after a few moments. 

“Edwin…” My tone warned him that I was not in the mood. 

“Come on Rora, you can tell me anything.” I huffed as he prodded me for answers. 

“I am not doing this with you.” I stood and looked at my watch “Shit, I was supposed to meet him in the dungeons an hour ago. He is going to be livid.” 

I gathered my things quickly and walked out of the library. Edwin caught up to me, huffing and puffing because he was running to match my pace. 

I growled when he stepped in front of me, blocking my path. “Come on tell me…Did you smell him?” He asked and I stepped to the side, trying to maneuver a way around him but he blocked my path again. 

“I said stop it.” I cut my eyes at him and he placed both hands on my shoulders. 

“Just admit it…You love him.” He prodded again and I ripped my shoulders out of his grasp. 

“Fine…Fine fine fine. You win! Yes, I smelled him in the potion and yes I love him…Are you fucking satisfied?” My voice carried in the empty hallway and I turned around, set on escaping down the hallway I had just passed behind me. 

But as soon as I turned the corner, I ran face first into the chest of the dungeon bat himself.

Authors note: Oh how I love a good cliff hanger!

If you are enjoying the story, please don't forget to comment and like!

[cityandking]

mafia/crime au vesper i need it + romcom lead au bran please and thank u

thx babe xo // send me an au

vesper + mafia/crime au

finally an excuse to talk more about my dragon age crime au

the Trevelyan family is large and expansive and has ties to a number of Marcher cities, never quite running anything but always around and connected to the people in charge. funny how many businesses and enterprises seem to tie back to the Trevelyans sooner or later

Vesper's a lawyer. mostly she does contract work, some corporate law, a lot of pro-bono stuff in the housing space, but every now and then the family needs a little extra help and it's nice to have an accredited professional in the back pocket. all things considered she's practically operating outside the family business, except on the occasions they need her—in which case she's in the very heart of it

in this AU, where she isn't sent away, she and eldest brother Kit are thick as thieves. you know those tragically co-dependent mob siblings in pretty much all mafia media out there? that's them. even when Kit gets married, even when he has kids, Auntie Vesper is always over

she's not as close with her parents or the twins, but between the appearances to be kept up and her utility as a resource, the keep things civil. her lawyer's schedule means she misses plenty of family events, but she makes a point to show up when she can.

this backfires in her late 20s when someone puts a hit out on the Trevelyan leadership, and the night at the gala with her parents and one of the twins ends with Vesper being the sole survivor to stumble out, gown bloodied. she's held on charges briefly before they let her go again.

(everyone warns her away from Captain Rutherford — and DA Cassandra is always telling Cullen to steer clear — but they just seem to keep running into each other and the tension... it lingers...)

branwen + romcom lead au

Branwen is custom built to be the hot plaid-wearing small-town free-spirited love interest to some businesswoman from the city who gets stuck out in the boondocks and hates being there on account of it reminds her of her tragic backstory (*cough*sabine*cough*)

variation where she's the talk of her small seaside town and the Other Lead is displeased with being stuck in some tourist dump (especially if it's the off season) but Bran woos them with romantic sunsets on her sailboat and homemade seafood dinners and there are quiet conversations about lingering traumas(TM) over beers out on the porch at night

there's a version of this where she's the hip single mom to an eager and meddling Gawain who is pulling all sort of hijinks to get Bran and the other lead together. Bran is, I think, aware of the hijinks but content to let them carry on until they go a little too far, at which point she sits Gawain down and explains that you can't just Make people like each other. Other Lead obviously overhears and this is what makes them decide to take the plunge.

I really especially feel she's fit for a Hallmark Christmas romcom. There should be snow there should be trees she should get an ax there should be spiked hot chocolate. Let her give someone a scarf. Are you seeing my vision? Are you picking up what I'm putting down?

scene where the Other Lead goes back to the city and Bran—who is, of course, in love(TM) but has always been a free spirited love 'em and leave 'em type—shows up dressed in city attire (just as hot but 100% less flannel) to be like "I wasn't just going through the motions what we had was real" and then she kisses the Other Lead right in the middle of the corporate lobby and the weird city partner (in my head this is either a guy or Aubrey Plaza, sorry Aubrey) walks into a glass wall but Bran + Other Lead don't notice because they mackin' it