#everyone finds true love or at least a dancing partner

[scudevils]

burning love — OP81

pairing: oscar piastri x fem!reader (slight frat au)

warnings: sexual content (no smut), swearing, oscar and reader are in denial, a lot of talking, alcohol and the consumption of (please please drink responsibly!!), daniel is thee party man because why not, not proofread!!

synopsis: all it takes is a halloween party [3.5k]

a/n: definitely not the fic i was planning on coming back with but enjoy!!

oscar and you were just friends.

no matter how many times you told people that, no matter how many times they asked, you still felt your heart tighten as you answered the same every time, "just friends" lingered on your tongue like poison.

you'd grown up together, from the same part of australia up until you'd both moved to america for college, your parents were friends, and you'd seen each other's awkward stages and subsequent glow-ups. it would've been a shock if you hadn't become friends. but that was all you were.

you and oscar were just friends.

that's what you told everyone, and most importantly that's what you had to tell yourselves.

over the years, after the notorious party boys had graduated, daniel had grown a sort of reputation for having the best parties. the idea that if you hadn't been at a DR party then had you even ever been at a party? everyone who was everyone had been invited to at least one of them, hell half of the people there weren't even invited.

his halloween parties were no different, with the addition of costumes that is. that was his only rule, you have to come dressed up.

this year had been no different to the previous, people flooded the entrance to his house, in all sorts of costumes, and you lost count of the black cats you'd seen. halloween had never been "your holiday" until coming to college, and meeting daniel, that was when you started understanding the real message of halloween, dress up in your sluttiest outfits and drink till you were blackout.

this year you'd gone as princess peach, donning a pretty baby pink dress, white gloves covering just below your elbow and a dainty crown sitting on your head.

music was bouncing off the walls of the ricciardo house, pouring out into the backyard where it seemed to be even more crowded. the rooms had been filled with people dancing, red solo cups resting in the hands of the dancers and occasionally being drunk. a beer pong table had been set up in one of daniels spare rooms, accumulating quite the crowd.

the house had been littered with halloween decorations, some cheesy ones in true daniel style, skeletons popping out as you walked past them, an abundance of pumpkins, and ghosts poking out of corners in a sad attempt to scare someone. everyone was appreciating the most important decorations, witches' cauldrons filled with whatever alcohol danniel could find, lined up in an array of colours it was a mystery to every drink you had.

there hadn't been a sober person on the property, and the least sober of them all had to be the host himself. daniel had somehow forced some of the other drunk guys into a pool tournament, the 10 of them taking the game much too seriously with the prize only being about a hundred dollars, but to broke college kids that was like winning the lottery.

amongst the pool players were charles and pierre in a team, then lando and carlos playing against the two best friends. the game had gotten the attention of more people with a large group of people now gathered around watching. oscar looked on from the sideline, either not having a partner or he'd been abandoned by them.

you took this as your opportunity to sneak into daniel’s kitchen whilst the majority of the crowd was gone. a large stack of solo cups was stacked in the corner waiting to the used, the plastic cauldrons looking nearly close to breaking with the amount of liquid in them. you took a leap of faith, filling your cup up with whatever was in the pink cauldron.

you grabbed two of the cups you filled, one with the pink and one with the orange. the instant whiff of alcohol hit you, cringing at the smell, you drank what was in the cup, tasting both of them before you ultimately settled on the pink being the best of the two, although neither you would choose again.

despite the initial taste, you'd grown to like the flavour on your walk back into the headache of a room. there were never any rules at daniel’s parties, minus the illegal stuff, and maybe that was why everyone loved them so much, people were enjoying themselves as you could see the couples in the corners of the room practically dry-humping each other. it didn't matter how much of a mess was made, by the end of the next day the house was practically spotless again.

you eventually squeezed your way through the wall of onlookers and over to the group by the pool table, your friend alex chatting away to charles as he'd already been beaten. oscar was the first to notice you, he almost always was, resting the pool cue against the side of the table as he brought you in for a side hug, conscious of the drinks in your hand. "i knew i'd seen you."

the other boys, even in their drunken state, made a point to say hi to you, alex and kika waving you over to them by the other end of the table. you passed the orange drink to oscar, muttering a quick "i'll be back in a minute" before making your way over to the girls.

"you're finally here!" kika exclaimed, giving you a quick hug before alex followed suit. all of you had been in matching costumes, you as peach, alex as daisy and kika as rosalina. you weren't sure how, but they'd both somehow gotten charles and pierre to dress up as luigi and toad. "you look hot by the way, pink is your colour."

"you're making me blush, look at you guys!"

“you know, a certain someone is dressed as mario.” alex gave you a sly look, as if she knew something that you didn’t, and you couldn’t help but grow warm with the implication, that you’d already seen his costume, choosing to ignore the coincidence and just put it as him having the last choice in the group.

“i’m leaving now.” you smiled sarcastically at them, their laughs sending you off as you watched oscar scuff his shot, the cue grazing the top of the white ball. "you've always been shit at pool."

oscar laughed at your words, not ready to deny them since he knew it was true, dimples accenting his smile. "cause you taught me." as he drank whatever the hell was in the orange drink you saw his reaction nearly the same as yours. "that's fucking disgusting."

"why do you think i gave it to you." you could tell oscar had already been drinking before you got there, his movement a little shaky as he lined up his shot, and his reluctance to get another drink instead of putting up with what you’d given him. somehow he had managed to pot a ball, jokingly giving you a 'that was for you' celebration.

a little over a cup and a half later you couldn't deny that you were already feeling buzzed, the strong drink working its way through your body as you were still watching them play pool. you jumped down from the table you were sitting on, steading your balance for a second before walking over to oscar. "i’m gonna get a drink with alex, want another?"

you really should have cut him off there, he was already in the talking complete nonsense stage, rambling something about how he wanted timtams but was outraged they didn’t have them here. but instead when he nodded yes, you got him another.

alex had grabbed your hand, practically dragging you into the kitchen before everyone else had the same idea for a top-up. "so...tell me when you'll finally get together." she grabbed another cup before filling it up with the mix of pink and blue cauldrons, she was definitely going to be sorry tomorrow for tonight's actions.

you could almost feel yourself sobering up from her words alone, surely you weren't yet drunk enough to answer that question. instead, you let your intoxicated mind take over. "when he grows a pair of balls and asks me." you took the newly filled up cups from her hands muttering a 'thank you'.

"better be soon then, i've been annoying charles about double dates for months." you couldn't help but laugh at the thought of a double date with charles and alex something you wouldn't have imagined even in your drunkest of states.

you and alex had spent another 10 or so minutes catching up with everything, no matter how many times you'd seen her the time you spent apart always seemed to have something interesting happen to the other that you both just had to share.

the moment you’d left the kitchen you could have kissed alex for choosing the best time to go, not that charles would have been very happy about it, there being a very unorganised line leading up to get a drink refill.

and yet somehow no matter how much time you were away the game of pool never seemed to be ending.

"can you both just admit you’re awful at pool and we can end this?" just as you spoke oscar completely missed his shot, barely even touching white. he glared over his shoulder at you, something you returned with a sweet smile before handing him the cup. "seriously think alex and I would do better."

oscar scoffed at your words but still handed you the pool cue and charles followed by giving his to alex. you took one last gulp of your drink, your body not even acknowledging the burning anymore and lined up the shot oscar had horribly missed. you didn't pot it, but at least, unlike him, you had actually hit the ball.

instead when alex took the shot, she’d potted with her first go, going even further by potting the next two in one shot. "told you we'd be better."

the rest of the night had truly been a blur, you had spent so much of it dancing with alex and kika and god knows who else, it all blended into one big memory, all you knew was that your body was tired and needed another drink.

at some point you had felt a somewhat familiar pair of hands on your hips, pulling you closer to whoever it was behind you. you couldn't help but melt into their touch, it felt like the right thing to do in the moment. the feeling of calloused fingers digging into the soft, warm, skin of your hips was addicting.

you tilted your head back against their neck, looking up to find oscar’s eyes staring back at you. nothing was said between the two of you, the unspoken tension was obvious, so repressed by both of you that the slightest bit of alcohol revoked all ounce of self-control the two of you had when it came to each other.

the heat rose in your cheek when you felt his hand moving further down your body, down your thighs and playing with the ends of your flimsy dress. in some way he was pulling it down for you, making sure everyone in there knew you were off limits. the crown of your head started to feel almost childish now, but his hand caught yours as you went to remove it, a kiss being placed on the inside of your wrist before he brought it down to the side of your body.

neither of you said anything, your actions speaking for themselves when you wrapped an arm around his neck. you wanted him, he wanted you. and you both had for a while.

the alcohol pulsing through your veins influenced your next move, bringing yourself flush against oscar’s chest. his hands were still on your waist, your arms still wrapped around his neck. "oscar..." his name was barely above a whisper, but it had never sounded so good coming out of anyone else's mouth.

although, like all good things are, your moment with oscar had been so rudely interrupted by a drunk lando, practically bouncing off the walls as he failed to read the situation. "hey guys daniel wanted to play-" he looked up at the two of you, having to do a double take before continuing. "uhm he wanted to never have i ever...but i'll tell him you're busy."

you could only hope that by the next morning, the headache lando would have would be enough for him to not want to remember the night before. it was awkward as soon as lando left you, quickly unwrapping your arms from around oscar’s neck and pulling yourself off him. you wanted to say something, but instead, you left him standing there, muttering to yourselves as you walked back to kika and alex.

this was the last of daniels traditions he insisted you did every year, was it childish? yes. but have you all done it since your freshman year? also yes. the communal game of 'never have i ever' which never seemed to end had just begun and you have never wished to be somewhere else than, in a drunken thought you wished the witch decorations to be real and that they could transport you anywhere else but here.

the questions had started off as basic as they alway did, the real fun ones coming just about halfway through when everyone was far too drunk to have any dignity left, but you think you’d lost yours long ago.

and of course, daniel had been the one to first ask this type of question, he had a reputation to uphold. "never have i ever...made a sex tape." he wiggled his eyebrows as he asked, with a couple of the players drank, leaving daniel looking a bit deflated. "thought i was gonna get more people."

the next question had fallen to charles, who had been getting the death glare from alex the whole time, as if to warn him not to mention anything that could be tied to her. "never have i ever had sex...in public."

you lifted the red cup to your lips, watching as other people also drank before throwing some of the alcohol back. daniel had also drunk for this round, but the person that had surprised you was oscar, his eyes meeting yours from across the room as he drank, almost tauntingly he swallowed hard.

finally, you had been next for the question, a smirk on your face as you knew someone who would be drinking for this one, and an apology you were definitely going to be making tomorrow. "never have i ever been tied up." it was now your turn to receive the glare from alex, you mock cheersing the cup towards her before both of you drank.

a couple other people had passed by, the circle getting smaller as people began leaving. just as the game was coming to an end, unfortunately for you, kika had been given the job of the last question. "never have i ever thought about someone else while having sex." the girls both looked over to you, your talk the other week someone fresh in their intoxicated minds as alex gave you a smug smile, cheersing you as you had her.

"i really hate you, you know." you let your neck fall into the crook of her neck after drinking, the couches littered with empty cups really not the most comfortable thing to sit on.

alex rested her head on top of  yours. "no you don't."

you’d been drunk many times before, lost count of the hours spent over at daniel’s, but this was definitely up there with the most drunk you have ever been. the coloured drinks were definitely hitting you now, a wave of tiredness crashing over you as you looked for a place to sleep for the night. another reason that everyone preferred daniel’s parties; the never-ending amount of sleeping space for those who wanted to stay over and if you were quick enough you got one of the guest bedrooms.

unfortunately for you, your fellow aussie had gotten to the last available room mere seconds before you. oscar had given you a smug look, or tried to his drunken smile mostly took over, he never was good at making faces other than smiles.

you chose to completely ignore him, pushing past oscar whilst he stood in the doorway and falling back against the bed. it wouldn't be the first time you and oscar had shared a room, shared a bed too, and most likely would not be the last.

the thought of taking off your makeup hadn't even crossed your mind, already getting comfortable on top on the covers to be dealing with tomorrow's problems, the dress you had on starting to become uncomfortable with the heat in the room. uou felt the dip in the mattress as oscar joined you, only underneath the covers.

"can i tell you a secret?" oscar’s body was already facing towards yours when you turned your head to look at him, nodding your head. "there's this girl."

"oscar-" his name was like a breath of air through your lips, too tired to hear any of his girl problems, and especially not after what had happened earlier.

his hand lightly traced up the side of your leg, goosebumps rising on the exposed skin. "let me talk, she has to know how i feel." your skin was on fire under his touch, the contrast with his cold hand on your thigh, fingers meeting the delicate lace of the stocking you had on. "i think she's the most beautiful girl i've ever seen, i know sorry, she's funny too, got an attitude on her."

even in the darkness of the room you could see oscar smiling at you, a smile that had butterflies swarming in your stomach and a warm blush on your cheeks, matching his own reddening cheeks you couldn’t help but find adorable. "everyone thinks she's the one for me, mum says that she has been since we were little." oscar’s hand now rested on your waist, his body inching closer towards yours as he spoke.

"and i think i agree with her," you felt his hand now cupping your cheek, leaning into his soft touch like it was almost instinctual, feeling the coolness of his hands against your hot skin. "don't you?" hip lips were just barely brushing against yours now, so close that you could feel them tauntingly graze yours as he spoke.

any attempt to regulate your breathing again had been flung out the window, the closeness of oscar mixed with the alcohol rushing through your blood had your head spinning. "i do." you could barely muster the words before pressing your lips against his, instantly being able to taste the liquor on his tongue. quick to move, you straddled his hips, deepening the kiss as his hands roamed your thighs.

he pulled you on top, already moving the sheets down to have you directly against him. “fucking perfect." his words were mumbled against your neck as he kissed down it, skin flush from the warmth in the room and the blush creeping down, knocking back your head with one of his hands to give him more access.

your fingers tangled in the soft strands of his hair as he nipped at your skin, making sure to leave marks, letting everyone know he finally made the move. his lips were back on yours, never being able to get over the feeling of finally being able to kiss you. "you have no idea how long i've wanted to do this."

"then you don't mind if i skip straight to fucking you?" your words took him back for a few seconds like his brain was short-circuiting with the soft look on your face contrasting your lewd words.

he was quick to nod his head yes. "don't think i can wait any longer.” oscar made quick work in bundling your dress above your hips, exposing your white lacy panties. you could already feel how hard he was against you, rolling your hips against him, his hands having to force you to stop the movement as he was muttering to himself under his breath. the sound of his groans engraved in your memory.

oscar teased his hand down your stomach, the dress now only covering your midriff as he pulled down the neckline, your matching white bralette poking out from underneath the baby pink fabric. he dipped his fingers under the waistband of your panties, any other man and you’d been embarrassed with how turned on you were, but you’d waited too fucking long for him to care. "fuck, how did i get so lucky." he took off the lace in one move, turning his attention back to your lips, not being able to stay away from them since he’d first kissed you.

[blossom-hwa]

written in the stars | bridgerton!txt

as I've now written three full stories in this universe, I thought I should put them all into a series masterlist - please enjoy :)

TXT Masterlist

. . . . .

if you'll have me | choi yeonjun

~ part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4

Yeonjun Choi, Duke of Hastings, is in want of a wife. Boxed in from all directions by the overbearing mamas of the ton, he begins his arduous search this season for not fortune, not love, but merely the perfect woman to succeed his mother's place. None of the daughters of high society manage to catch his eye, however, or fit his overwhelming list of standards—at least until he meets Miss Y/N L/N, the queen's diamond of the season, newly arrived in town from abroad and said to be one of the most accomplished women to grace the ton in a generation.  You, the eldest daughter and only child of the L/N family, just want stability. With your father dead and the estate passed to a cousin, leaving only your dowry and a small pittance from the inheritance left intact, you begin your search for a husband with money enough to keep you and your mother afloat. It seems like a miracle when, after being crowned the queen's diamond, the Duke of Hastings himself asks for your hand—but as you learn of his complete indifference to the concept of love, you begin to doubt yourself. Perhaps money is not enough to keep your hand—maybe you desired a true love match more than you thought. Trapped in a marriage of convenience that everyone believes is a love story, you and Yeonjun find yourselves forced to reevaluate what you want out of this match. Between balls and promenades, dances and poetry, you begin to view each other beyond the pithy conversations allowed in the courting stages, learning to see one another not just as business partners, but perhaps friends as well. And as you begin to reconcile your needs and wants, your goals and desires, maybe, just maybe— The ton's belief that you are a love match can find some truth, too.

.

a very fine line, indeed | choi beomgyu

~ part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8

In a society where it only takes a year for a young woman in search of a husband to be considered out of season, it is no wonder that by your third year out, you are desperate to marry. Known as one of the beauties of the ton, such a task should not be difficult for you—but with an absent father, no dowry, and a reputation centered around your inability to keep your mouth shut around one certain Beomgyu Choi, your prospects are more limited than you’d like. While you cannot recover your family or your wealth, however, the one thing you can try to control is your reputation. So when the third season rolls around, you resolve to keep your distance from Beomgyu Choi, your childhood enemy, and the man you hate most in the world.  Enter Beomgyu Choi, second son of the Kensington Viscountcy, one of the most eligible bachelors in the ton. His older brother, cousin, and good friend have all recently married, leaving the mamas to salivate at his doorstep for the chance of marrying one of their daughters to him. When Beomgyu walks in on a particularly traumatizing moment between you and one of the most unsavory men in the ton and learns of your desperation to marry, despite your history of enmity, he proposes you a devious deal—to pretend to court you. It seems like a winning situation for both of you—more gentlemen will take notice of you, enhancing your prospects, and he will have the ton’s mamas off his back—and so, despite your misgivings, you agree.  With you hell bent on marriage and Beomgyu completely indifferent to the concept, even independent of your hatred for each other, it seems unlikely that any sort of true affection will bloom. But as you begrudgingly put aside your differences to spend more and more time in one another’s company, and as you grow to know each other beyond your ill-conceived preconceptions from childhood, you begin to realize that perhaps you two have more in common than you had once thought. And as your faked acquaintanceship becomes more truth than fiction, a friendship beginning to bloom most unexpectedly— Perhaps you no longer need to convince the ton of the veracity of your courtship, because anyone with eyes can see that it is true. 

.

melody of the heart | kang taehyun

~ part 1 | part 2

When your father calls you home from the continent to join the London season, for the first time in your life, you nearly throw a fit. You are not just the daughter of a viscount—you’ve made a name for yourself in England and abroad with your prodigious talent at the piano, having since childhood performed for royal courts far and wide. You have traveled far and beyond most other ladies of your rank, and to have your career halted all for the sake of marriage to a man who will likely force you to quit your craft is unthinkable. But all your life you have lived without raising a hand to your father, and so when the letter comes, you return home for the season, hoping and praying to make it through without stirring the waters.  Enter Taehyun Kang, Earl of Addiston—recently titled, in search of a wife, and as tired of the season already as you are. During a chance meeting at the season’s third ball you grow to know each other, and as time passes you grow to like each other, a mutual respect forming when you learn the depths of one another’s passions in the arts. In Taehyun you find a respite from the men who would clip your wings for the sake of finding a perfect wife. In you Taehyun finds a kindred spirit who would respect him for himself, and not the lands in his name. Together you navigate the grueling social activities of the London matchmaking project as acquaintances, then as friends, and maybe, just maybe— As lovers, too. 

[lightfeltmemories]

episode one: phantom troupe and romance; headcanons from least toxic, to most toxic

characters include: chrollo, machi, pakunoda, shizuku, uvogin, shalnark, feitan, phinks, bonolenov, kortopi, hisoka, illumi, nobunaga, franklin. (not in order)

tw's: nsfw but nothing explicit, mentions of non-con, spoilers for the deaths of pakunoda, shalnark, kortopi and uvogin, toxic relationships, lovebombing, mentions of torture (not on reader), mentions of cheating, mentions of reader's death,

notes: a completely self indulgent post, you can probably tell who im biased towards by how long certain sections are.

because this contains mentions of nsfw, do not interact if you are under 18, you will be blocked if you do !! also, do not leave negative comments please, they will be deleted :)

pakunoda

out of everyone, guaranteed, she'll be the best partner out of everyone else, you might even end up shocked that she's apart of the troupe if it ever comes to you finding out.

she's a darling, spoils and cares for you like anyone else, a great listener and partakes in your interests in hobbies, its (almost) like a fairytale by how the relationship is, the troupe knows you but you don't know them! and she wants to keep it that way, of course still she's a murderer, so it would break her if you were to have found out about everything, she vowed to never let you know or even have you close to knowing about what she does, but you just can't help but wonder what she's doing when she's away for long periods of time.

until it comes to her death.

now, you eventually find out that she died from a close friend of hers, but he knows paku doesn't want you to know about the troupe, so, he's a bit vague, and a bit creepy.

--

nobunaga

personally out of everyone else, i feel like nobunaga would be other most normal when it comes to relationships, but then again, he's an enigma, he doesn't strike me as the type to be the best boyfriend literally ever or very very toxic, i feel like out of everyone else, if you're looking for someone to be in a semi normal relationship with, nobunaga is your best shot, but of course, he's a part of the phantom troupe, and any member apart of it isn't exactly the best partner by default.

he's still a murder and thief, like all members i believe that he would definitely steal things that remind him of you, he'd most definitely kill for you.

unlike someone like feitan or machi, he doesn't exactly have a problem with being vulnerable when you get to know him, he'll tell you about himself, and of course, because he's a criminal he can't exactly tell you what he does for a living, but can't bring himself to lie about it either, he's just hoping that one day, if you know, you won't leave or judge him for it, his childhood isn't exactly all sunshines and lolipops, y'know?

he'll love you from the ends of the earth, but he definitely won't let you walk all over him, quick to put your in your place and won't allow you to manipulate him, he won't lie to you (about trivial things, at least) so why should you? (who knows, maybe you're apart of a criminal organization and is pretty much a wanted criminal yourself :P)

--

bonolenov

similar to nobunaga i think if you want something that's somewhat normal, bonolenov is also a nice choice! (100% not putting him up so high because we don't really know that much about him it's totally because he would be a decent partner! honest!)

for one, you would definitely be introduced to usual romantic gestures and advances that come from his tribe, he'll tell you all about how things work with him, he'll do dances he learned when they were still here for you to show how much he adores you, and dresses you in garments that resemble such from his tribe, it's pretty cute, honestly!

now, what concerns him a bit is.. how you'll react without his bandages, he's not exactly sexy like chrollo but (to me, TO MEEEEEE) he's not the ugliest thing in the world! he just hopes that eventually if you see him in his true form, you don't scream and run away at the sight of him, its okay if you do! ..... kind of.

and if you don't, oh you'll mean so much to him!

--

kortopi

now, here's another one we don't know much about! but i'll try my best either way (i just want to contribute to the lack of attention him and bono get in these spaces.) he's another somewhat normal one, he also doesn't strike me as the type to be the absolute worst, but still is apart of a troupe of murderers and thieves.

similar to everyone else, he'll steal and kill for you (idk if this guy even has a body count but lets pretend he does.) and is a lot more open to being vulnerable than some other members.

now, nine times out of ten you'll be taller than him because this guy is even shorter than feitan, so, he'll definitely be wearing your t-shirts and hoodies, and he ain't complaining about it!

and eventually, he dies, now, honestly, something told you that kortopi seemed... like the odd one out when it came to the troupe, he doesn't seem like the type to be apart of... that! you better hope that hisoka doesn't care about you, or things are gonna turn ugly faster than you can blink.

--

uvogin

he's big (as hell), but he's sweeter (you know why they're in bold italics) than the others twice his size.

physically the strongest, you're rather lucky to have him has your partner, if someone won't stop messing with you, they're dead within a millisecond, or at least scared off since you know.. he isn't exactly built like the average guy and having someone that's eight foot fucking two walking up on you not really excited to see you is quite terrifying, depending on his mood they'll sometimes get away.... sometimes.

enough of that, how is it like when it's just the two of you? sitting on the couch or laying in bed watching movies together, his arm around you, it's basically a pillow! a hard ass pillow at that.

not the most vulnerable, he's not some weird incel who see's women as sex toys or anything, he's decently capable of being in a normal relationship, you won't see each other often sadly, but when you do, he'll pay 95% of his attention towards you, he'll even let you know straight up that he won't know when he'll get back, but he will! ... until he doesn't..

ah yes, his death at the hands of kurapika, how will you react? hell, how would kurapika react to your existence? something tells me that kurapika might kill you too, send you right off with him, or, in a rather strange twist of events, he might try to fuck you and take you to the other side, not in the way of barging into your house and straight up non con, nah, more like a get to know you then get in your pants type of way, uvo won't be there to protect you now would he? of course the latter is highly unlikely, but to be honest it's kind of fun to think about.

and now that you think of it... you don't even know what uvo was doing or where he was going, you choose how you want to react to how you found out about his troupe business.

--

shizuku

another woman! she's similar to another person right below her! she looks cute, but she's anything but!...... sort of.

she's not the best or worst partner, she's pretty normal, a bit distant but it's not something you can't manage, maybe she just needs some space and you're overwhelming her, but something that really gets to you is her forgetfulness.

at first, she'll forget things such as your birthday or your anniversary, but going further into the relationship, she becomes less and less forgetful (she might even remember things that you don't even remember.)

what exactly do you guys do together? well, she does try to partake in your interests, and does try to get things you like!

--

franklin

he's similar to uvo, he's big, he's actually nicer than he appears.

what makes him so low is.. well to be honest i don't know, i don't feel like he could be high up but not so low, so, this is the perfect spot for him.

for one he does have a bit of an anger problem, not as bad as phinks, but he doesn't mind a slight argument, good thing he wont assault you, and is quick to make up for the argument.

i don't know how to write him, so, please forgive me for how small this passage is. :(

--

shalnark

we're starting to get into uh... strange territory, he looks kind, and seems normal, but he's anything but that, he's not the most toxic but he also isn't the most caring and understanding either, similar to nobunaga he's kind of an enigma.

he's a love bomber and very good at manipulating, definitely takes advantage of his rather cute looks, he'll figure out what you're insecure about and compliment those things specifically, i do think he is capable of loving someone genuinely, but he sometimes does things without realizing that they aren't really normal, maybe he's getting his troupe personality mixed up with the one he has with you.

he does come off as sweet at first, brings you flowers and takes you on some rather expensive dates (an uncanny feeling creeps up on you about how the waiters act, but you don't pay much attention to it.) and sometimes he's more distant and a little bit aloof, you take this as him needing his space.

he's not abusive, but he isn't the absolute best partner, there's definitely better out there.

his death doesn't hit you as hard as the others but it was still devastating, you best hope hisoka doesn't come for you, and if he does, you hope he swiftly kills you, because you really don't want this murder clown to take an interest to you.

--

phinks

phinks is another one 'that's kind of odd to me, i don't want to judge a book by its cover and say "yeah he's a piece of shit!!" but again, he's a lot better in comparison to anyone below.

he's similar to shalnark in quite a few ways, one, he does things that kind of makes you think he's a bit of an odd ball, he's intimidating to look at and is the second strongest physically in the troupe, so you're lucky to have someone like him if you're looking for protection.

i don't see him as the type to take you out to fancy restaurants and bring you flowers, stuff like that is a bit too sappy for him, he shows other ways like giving you thinks you like or taking you to like carnivals or other fun events.

his main problem is his anger issues, he won't physically harm you especially if you don't use nen, but he's not above arguing with or yelling at you, he doesn't do it often, but he might call you an idiot or a bitch if you take him to that point.

the relationship is somewhat normal besides that.

--

chrollo

chrollo is weird, some say he's loving, caring, blah blah blah while some might say he's the exact opposite.

for one he is charming, he's a relatively good looking man, he's intelligent, and is looking for someone who's also intelligent.

i feel like chrollo definitely has a type, he likes people who are elegant, he wants someone that'll make him look good while he's in public, he doesn't care much for how people view the relationship outside of that, he also looks for someone with a personality he doesn't want someone who looks good yes, but is boring to be around, someone he can have a deep conversation with and talk about his interests with.

for one, you will not know about the troupe's existence, until he is 100% ready to tell you, which will definitely take a while, but he's confident that the troupe and himself will protect you from anyone who tries to avenge.

now, what makes him so low on this list? well, he's quite manipulative, a gaslighter, too, what do you mean you saw me with another woman? it's all for business, i'm just trying to steal her nen ability.

he does want to be a good partner, but this relationship is kind of a "too good to be true" type, something is happening behind closed doors and the thought is too persistent to ignore.

--

illumi

this guy is... strange, for one, his beady ass eyes make him look like a bug (affectionately), and section.. his very warped perception of what love even is.

i agree with the fandom that he has a breeding kink no doubt, his intention on dating is marriage, and you will bear his children, no ifs, ands or buts.

you'll meet his family but you'll never meet the troupe, he doesn't want you getting involved in fighting (he might have someone teach you some basic self protection) because he doesn't want you to die, that'll fuck with him... kind of, you're basically trapped in the mansion.

his overprotection is toxic on its own, you don't have that much freedom, you can't go shopping unless he's with you (or if he can't be there, one of his servants will accompany you), you're never truly alone unless he's away, and when he's here, things are no better, he's distant and cold, there's not much to talk about with him, sure, he loves you, but doesn't know how to express it much.

--

machi

one out of three toxic ass individuals, one of them consists of machi.

lets start off with the fact that she's cold hearted, as hell, if you cry in front of her she'll look at you like you're crazy, if she's really in that mood she'll tell you that you look stupid and you need to suck it up.

not good with physical touch or romance, who knows how the two of you managed to continue the relationship, she does leave flowers for you but won't tell you that they're from her, won't admit that she's the one who got them for you.

i feel like similar to a certain clown, she won't care much for you if you aren't either powerful or capable of protecting yourself in some way.

but all she's really doing is putting up barriers, she's actually caring in her own weird way, she'll still be there for you, patch up your wounds if you managed to get cut or stabbed and would probably mourn your death.

--

hisoka

were getting lower, and a certain sadist who loves torture is worse, but somehow, hisoka is slightly better than him in some way or another.

for one, hisoka probably won't be that interested in you if you aren't powerful, it would be worse if you were a regular civilian, he'll take that as an opportunity to take advantage of you sexually, physically, psychologically and mentally, and the relationship will be literal hell..

but, lets say you are pretty powerful, dare i say a troupe member yourself, he won't be as interested in fighting you as much as he would chrollo, but he would be interested in... other ways.

how you managed to get into a relationship with this freak is unclear, but you two one day just.. hooked up, and it all goes downhill from here.

he has no problem killing you if he gets tired of you, he already killed two and plans on killing the rest of the spiders, why not kill another? especially you? or, in an alternate scenario where he does manage to kill off all the spider, you're the only one who's left, this can go two ways, one, he can fuck you one last time then kill you, or, he takes you with him! if you managed to have a lasting impression on him, that is.

outside of sex, he just isn't a good partner, he's probably the only one on this list that's probably willing to cheat on you (don't you dare get back at him, both you and your lover will die) he's manipulative as hell, he doesn't necessarily care about how you feel and he'll provoke you just to get a reaction out of you.

--

feitan

and last but not least, feitan, oh boy, good luck to you for managing to have this man attracted to you. (im a feitan girlie, so this one might be a big longer than the rest)

for one, he'll hate your rotten guts for making him feel this way, for making him feel so weak, so emotional... he might even contemplate on killing you, but when that time comes he can't bring himself to do it.

i don't want to say yandere is his default since he doesn't really know how to properly love, because i do think he has some potential, but it does make sense for him, because there has to be something about you that makes you interested in him, maybe you're his polar opposite? maybe you're also a sadist?

he's not the most romantic partner, he doesn't want to come off as vulnerable, or sappy, so, what considers as a date to him? he's the type to probably take you to a cemetery at night as a form of a date.

he will not allow the troupe to know you or you to know them, for one he's going to be teased from hell and back for finally managing to pull someone and second while it appears that he doesn't care for you much, him protecting you from them is his way of showing you that he cares.

he can't find himself being vulnerable, he might teach you his language if you're up for it, and he might bring you some things he knows you like, but thats kind of it, also he won't force you to see him torture people.. unless you betray him in a way.

[talesof-old]

family | j.s. & n.s.

pairing: jake sully x reader x neytiri sully

warning(s): 18+, smut, breeding kink?, sex with the intention to have a baby, wlw, piv, thigh riding, threesome, fmf relationship. this is completely unedited lmao

word count: 3.02k

in which you decide you’re ready to have kids

masterlist

in this, the Olo’eyktan and their mate can have another additional mate, a third partner

usually this is someone who is not a warrior (if the other two are), but if one of the original two is not a warrior, the additional partner is usually a warrior

the trio becomes inseparable, a true unit

+++

You hummed as you wove, shoulders gently rocking from side to side as you tightened the grasses to ensure nothing could spill out of the basket you were making. Neytiri was across from you, cutting up fruits and vegetables to add to dinner tonight. Insects buzzed around you and for the first time in years, everything felt truly peaceful.

You were barely old enough to be a warrior when the Sky People destroyed much of your home. Sure, you’d bonded with your ikran, and learned how to hunt and fight, but it wasn’t your calling. You were a healer, a crafter, a touch too soft for full blown war. Despite that, you’d fought, earned your scars and a place among your people.

Neytiri’s eyes wandered over your figure, flickering to your fingers intentional movements, weaving everything together at a quickness she could not imitate. The speed at which you could do such things never failed to amaze her. She was far more suited to hunting, or, at the very least, much preferred it.

Jake was off with the boys today, teaching them how to track game through the forest. Neytiri had elected to stay behind with you and the girls, as Tuk had decided she would be clinging to her mothers instead of letting them do anything. Now, Tuk was playing with a wooden toy Jake had carved for her, making loud noises as she pretended the bird was flying through the air. Neytiri smiled fondly. You’d brought a sense of stability that was hard to find to the family.

A warmth filled her that had her shifting, her tail twitching behind her. No. There would be time to show you how she felt later. There were things that needed tending to now. Still, she couldn’t help the way her eyes shifted to you every so often, your face glowing as you interacted with Tuk and Kiri, coaxing the former to help you smear your already finished baskets in wax.

All Jake could think about was getting home. He wasn’t as young as he used to be, and being Olo’eyktan was more taxing on his body than he had anticipated. He longed for one of his mates’ hands on his back, working out the stiffness that seemed to plague him on hard days. Lo’ak and Neteyam were mocking each other in front of him, dancing out of each other’s reach when the other had had enough and decided to physically retaliate.

As everyone mounted their ikrans, all he could hear was your voice in his ear.

Let them be boys, Ma Jake. Let them be children.

When he’d first become Olo’eyktan and had heard of the custom of a third mate, he honestly thought there was no way for him to love someone as much as Neytiri. Someone so different from Neytiri. But somehow, you’d managed to capture both of their hearts.

Jake scanned the sky around them, instinctually checking for any threats as the three of them ascended to their home in the Hallelujah Mountains. Lo’ak whooped, spinning in the air in tricks that had Jake’s heart racing. His sons were strong, and sure in their skills, but that never stopped him from worrying, it seemed. Didn’t stop him from trying to protect them. Tuk, Kiri, and Mo’at were waiting for the boys to return when they landed, disconnecting their kurus and ensuring the comfort of their ikran companions.

Jake frowned at the lack of his mates. Mo’at chuckled, waving her grandsons over. She’d seen the way Neytiri had eyed you today, and had nearly laughed at the way she’d pleaded for her to watch the grandchildren for the night.

“They told me you would know where to find them.”

Jake blinked, blood rushing downward at the words. Mo’at smirked and ushered her children towards the healers tent despite their groans of reluctance. The older three had a knowing look of disgust on their faces, though Tuk seemed to be oblivious to the implication of her grandmother’s words.

He glanced at the swaynivi his family normally stayed in, the emptiness spurring him in motion. He reached for Bob, connecting their kurus and guiding him back into the air. Wind whipped at his cheeks as he flew higher, dipping in and out of fog and waterfalls to get to the place the three of you had decided would be your spot. Heat knotted in his gut and he adjusted his loincloth. He’d long since given up trying to explain the effect the two of you had on him.

You sighed as Neytiri’s lips trailed down your torso, open-mouthed and hungry as she sucked and nipped along your skin. The rocks beneath you bit into your shoulders, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to care. Everything around you was bursting with color, glowing as the sun disappeared and the world darkened. It never failed to amaze you. The awe you felt was nothing short of religious when it came to Pandora.

The sound of beating wings drew you from Neytiri’s worship and you glanced towards the source, a grin spreading across your face. Jake all but jumped from Bob, his face harsh in the dim lighting. You reached for him, pushing aside the way he made you feel when he simply towered over you.

Your hand slid up his calf, gentle and teasing. He inhaled sharply and before you could blink he was on his knees beside you, mouth pressed hard against yours. You sighed, tangling your fingers in his locs and tugging, hard. He moaned into your mouth and you smirked, feeling Neytiri pull away from your thighs to press up against Jake.

He shuddered against you as her palm slid from his stomach to his loincloth. You slipped your tongue between his lips as his mouth parted, spurred on by the languid strokes of Neytiri. The three of you barely had a chance away from the kids these days, plus the trips to other clans for trade and maintaining peace. You tilted your head back and let out a soft sound as Jake removed his lips from yours and latched onto your neck, deepening the marks your other mate had already left.

His hand slipped between your legs, grazing your swollen lower lips in a way that had you gasping. His smile against your skin left you panting. The calluses on his fingertips had you reaching for his bicep, gripping onto him like your life depended on it.

He circled your clit with the pad of his thumb as he inched his finger into your cunt, chuckling at the way you clenched around him. You always felt so good, like the two of you were made for him.

His dick throbbed in Neytiri’s hand, her chin tucked into his shoulder as she peered down at you. Precious you, their little mate. She ran her free hand down his kuru and he shivered, before she reached over to gently grab yours. Your tail flicked in surprise upon contact but other than that, you gave no indication of discomfort. Jake didn’t stop until he was knuckle deep inside you, eyes trained on Neytiri’s hands as she slid her fingers down the length of your kuru and she neared the end. She brought it up to Jake’s kuru, grinning as they connected and you let out a moan. Jake hissed through clenched teeth as you squeezed tight around his finger.

You wiggled your hips, bucking as best you could against Jake’s hand in hopes of friction. Jake tutted, using his free hand to hold you down. You whined at the feeling, letting him pull out of you only to add another finger.

You gasped at the intrusion, your inner muscles squeezing around Jake as if you’d never had sex. It had been too long, you determined. Too long since he’d been inside of you. You moaned at a particularly rough swipe of your clit. Desire shot through you, clearly from Jake. You couldn’t help but giggle. Neytiri smiled from her place behind Jake, eyes still trained on where your mate was fingering you.

Tension curled in your gut and you moved your hand, gripping Jake’s wrist and whining. He paused, brow raised as you shook your head.

“I want you to fuck me.” He smirked, glancing at Neytiri who shared his expression. You normally avoided having Jake fuck you, not because you didn’t like it, but because you hadn’t felt like it was the right time for you to be pregnant. Of course, there was always the chance that you wouldn’t, but the risk didn’t outweigh the good.

You felt ready now. It was how you and Neytiri had ended up here in the first place, a whispered, I think I’m ready to add to our family, and she was all over you. Jake slowed as a longing washed over him. Neytiri stroked his arms, kissing his shoulder blade before drawing away. Tension bled away into confusion.

“What-“ You shifted backwards, a displeased sigh escaping you as his fingers left your cunt. He watched as you got into an all too familiar position, though it was normally Neytiri in that spot. The latter settled beneath you, back against the ground, until her cunt made contact with your thigh, a pleased hiss leaving her lips. You cupped her face, pressing your mouth to hers as Jake got situated behind you.

He tugged at his loincloth, letting it fall away. He jerked himself, running his finger over the slit to make sure he was ready. He looked up as Neytiri let out a loud moan, rocking herself against your leg. You were on your hands and knees, ass up and tail flicking. Jake palmed your smooth skin, tracing the glowing freckles along your body before lining himself up with your cunt. “You ready, baby?”

“When you are.” Was your response, your voice breathy with anticipation. You stiffened as he made contact with you, pushing his big head in slowly to allow you to adjust. You whimpered at the pressure, too much and not enough all at once.

Jake shushed you, gripping your hips to stop you from sinking deeper onto his dick. Neytiri was riding your thigh, your skin slick as her lips and clit dragged across it. You felt her clenching against you.

“Good girl, taking me so well.”

Jake eased into you, your tail flicking sporadically as he filled you. You reached behind you, taking Jake’s arm and wrapping it around your waist to help keep you up. Only once his grip tightened around you did you shift your weight to one arm, using the other to rub Neytiri’s clit. Her body jerked once you made the additional contact. Her lips parted and you couldn’t tear your eyes away, the woman beneath you the very embodiment of beauty.

“So pretty,” you whispered.

She whimpered, your name falling from her lips. “Harder,” she rasped.

Jake nuzzled his face into your neck, limbs heavy as your desperation began to sink in. He couldn’t get enough of you. Your skin, your touch, your scent, everything. It was dizzying in the best way. All-consuming.

“Mhmm,” Jake huffed under his breath, tendons tight in his neck. “So tight.”

Neytiri mewled, clutching at your body as she brought herself closer and closer to the edge. Jake shook his head, willing himself to focus. Neytiri’s soft pleas and your gentle reassurances filled his ears. You rocked your hips backwards, bottoming out. He hissed as your ass came in contact with his sensitive balls. Arousal shot up his spine and you whined, a similar feeling spreading through you.

“Gotta take care of my baby, don’t I?”

Jake pulled out halfway before giving an experimental thrust, shuddering at the pleasure that coiled in his gut. You didn’t always connect your kurus when you were having sex. In fact, normally you’d have him and Neytiri connect theirs and simply basked in their attention. Feeling your emotions made this feel far more intimate than he was used to.

He really didn’t mind.

You continued to rub at Neytiri’s clit, urging her closer and closer to the edge with each stroke. She was content to play from the side today, she’d murmured against your skin earlier. The objective today was to fill you to the brim, all with the hope that Eywa would bless you with a child. Though in your rush to feel one another, you might’ve forgotten to mention that to a very important member of the process.

You gasped when Jake decided to finally start thrusting in and out of you, hips pressing up against your ass. A moan escaped you as his balls dragged against your skin, shivering at the velvety feeling. You clenched involuntarily around him, causing Jake to grunt.

“Good girl, taking what I give you.”

He kept a slow and steady pace, letting you adjust to his size. Neytiri keened beneath you, her orgasm steadily rising as her hips began to frantically rock along your thigh. Her mouth parted and you kept circling her clit. She clenched around nothing, cum dripping out of her as she climaxed. It ran down your leg and she trembled as you continued your motions to help her ride it out.

Your eyes were half lidded as you watched her, a pleasant warmth consuming you with Jake inside of you. Neytiri pushed your hand away, chest heaving. You smiled softly and she sent you a weak one in return, ready to finally focus on the act of pleasure between you and Jake. You straightened yourself until your back was pressed firmly against Jake’s chest. He buried his face in your neck once more, running his fangs along your skin. You sighed, arching your back to meet his thrusts. The angle changed, hitting something deep inside you that made you choke on a moan, your hands flying to find purchase on the one person that could ground you at this moment.

Jake.

You reached to grasp at his arms, his muscles taunt underneath your fingers.

“I’ve got you, I’ve got you.” His chest rumbled with his words and you shuddered, urging him to move faster. He picked up the pace, his thrusts remaining deep. Neytiri shuffled to her knees in front of you, rubbing soothing circles into your thighs.

“Rub their clit.” Jake’s voice had that edge to it, dominant and authoritative. You whined as Neytiri’s fingertip grazed your swollen clit, body jerking into Jake’s. He chuckled into your skin, nipping at your shoulder.

“Doing so good, baby, taking me so well.” Your eyes squeezed shut as Neytiri found her rhythm, one that had your thighs trembling and heart racing. Jake was tense behind you, hips smacking against your backside with every thrust. Tension pooled in your lower abdomen, burning hot fire spreading through your body. Jake whined at the feeling, a sound that sent shock waves through your system. You clenched hard around him, barely registering the whimper the action drew. You tightened your grip on his arms.

“Please, please,” you weren’t even sure what you were begging for. You just needed him.

“Want you to-” your voice descends into a moan as he thrusts hard into you.

“Want you to finish in me.” You could barely hear yourself, blood rushing through your veins and thundering in your ears. Jake tightened his arm around your waist, his pace quickening to a speed you didn’t anticipate. Your eyes rolled back and your mouth fell open, head falling limp against his shoulder. Neytiri kept up well. Her fingers send shock waves through you, your body overstimulated in the best way. Jake was throbbing inside of you as you pulsed around him, your orgasm fast approaching. You were so close.

“Want a baby, Jake-“ Your climax cut off anything else you might’ve said, stars bursting behind your closed eyes. Jake groaned as you clamped down on him, his balls impossibly tight. Before he knew it, he was coming inside of you.

You rocked your hips through your orgasm, body weak and feverish. Neytiri cooed at you, brushing stray hair from your face. Jake shifted the two of you, still attached, until you were both on your sides. You whimpered as he pulled out of you, cum dripping from your cunt. He pressed a kiss to your shoulder.

“You really want to have a baby?” You hummed tiredly, turning to lay on your back so you could look up at him. There was a brief pause as you thought it over once again. “Yeah.”

You’d been there for every single one of Neytiri’s births, a healer training under Mo’at for Neteyam’s, a potential mate for Lo’ak’s, and then a mate when Tuk was born. At first, the idea of birth had both excited and scared you. The idea that you could create whole beings inside of you was a marvel, but the pain sent terror through you. You’d be in good hands. It didn’t scare you like before.

Jake ran his hands up and down your sides, dick twitching at the imagine of you swollen and pregnant. Neytiri cleaned off her fingers, tracing soft lines along your thighs. You twitch with sensitivity. She grinned, pressing a kiss to your navel.

The pair doted on you, Neytiri kissing along your hips as aftershocks wash over you every few minutes. You traced lines along Jake’s thighs, smiling as he whined whenever you went higher and higher. Neytiri situated herself on your free side, her hands coming up to play with your nipples.

You arched into her, eyes fluttering shut in contentment.

Jake leaned over, kissing you hard on the lips. You sighed into his mouth, hands drawing him closer. He wrapped an arm around you, pulling your body to press against his.

The three of you spent hours wringing pleasure from each other, returning to your home in the late hours of the night. The kids were with Mo’at, leaving you to rest in each other’s arms. By morning, it would be back to the routine, weaving and hunting and watching after children. You smiled into Neytiri’s chest, pressing a chaste kiss to her warm skin.

The pair doted on you, Neytiri kissing along your hips as aftershocks wash over you every few minutes. You traced lines along Jake’s thighs, smiling as he whined whenever you went higher and higher. Neytiri situated herself on your free side, her hands coming up to play with your nipples.

You arched into her, eyes fluttering shut in contentment.

Jake leaned over, kissing you hard on the lips. You sighed into his mouth, hands drawing him closer. He wrapped an arm around you, pulling your body to press against his.

The three of you spent hours wringing pleasure from each other, returning to your home in the late hours of the night. The kids were with Mo’at, leaving you to rest in each other’s arms. By morning, it would be back to the routine, weaving and hunting and watching after children. You smiled into Neytiri’s chest, pressing a chaste kiss to her warm skin.

[am-i-interrupting]

Alastor ideal type in partner headcanons? I've been thinking about this and your one of the few writers I see that write alastor as close to canonly possible as can be and I really appreciate that in your writing so I knew I'd get a pretty close and accurate answer on this😭 hopefully you can get to this when it's okay for you but when you do thank you so much!!❤️

Aw, thank you, I’m so flattered!

Now, we know Alastor is for sure in the ace spectrum in canon and potentially on the aro spectrum as well and as someone who is on both of those, I have thoughts.

I think that Alastor would fall under the aegosexual category and be slightly sexually repulsed. He’s not completely thrown off by the idea of sex but I don’t feel like he would be very comfortable viewing himself in a sexual light and even others.

As someone who relates to Alastor on several levels, I feel like he would have a similar view to sex as I do. Kind of the opposite of projection here because I do think it makes sense for his character. Where it’s less about the act of getting yourself or someone off and not even about pleasure but about the ability to cause a reaction from someone that not everyone can cause. That will obviously play into any sex life you may have and thus you’d have to be okay with him not viewing you sexually even within a sexual context and more like a test subject.

Then his possible aromantic orientation. Whoever would be with him would have to be okay with him saying the words “I love you” and not being able to describe what that means. Once again, less projection and more if I feel like this thing about me also fits him. The lines between romantic and platonic in society are so rigid and the things he feels fluctuate. He knows he loves you differently than say Niffty, Rosie, or Charlie but it wouldn’t necessarily be romantic, more so bordering on it, if that makes since. Again, hard to describe.

Now in terms of a partner, some absolute musts:

Must be willing to cause chaos.

Must test his limits/challenge him occasionally.

Must have a similar moral code to his own.

Must be able to find entertainment outside of modern technology.

Must be alright with not knowing everything about him.

Some preferences:

Enjoy jazz.

Knows how to dance or be willing to learn.

Join him in hunts/killings.

Be strong headed.

Have traditional manners.

I think generally he would like someone who is very stubborn which will both provide him with entertainment and cause him to become his own. To be challenged in how to do things or how he sees things.

He’d need someone who would be willing to indulge and encourage his behavior. But perhaps due to that stubbornness be able to also reel him in.

Alastor has been described several times I believe as having a moral code to his killings. Obviously this will be a strong moral code as it tells him who to kill. This is not something he would budge on and if you do not agree with his moral code you can say goodbye to being romantic with him.

Being able to find entertainment outside modern technology isn’t as hard as some people believe. Whatever happened between him and Vox was at least the final nail in the coffin for him about modern technology and it would not be allowed in any of his spaces or when he’s trying to be intimate with you in any form being emotionally or physically.

He will not tell you everything. Some things (like his emotions towards you) he cannot describe. Other things (like his deal) he will refuse to elaborate on if you even know at all. The same is true for you. He knows when to not push. He’s good at reading people but he also trusts you to come to him if you need help and he expects you to return the sentiment.

[chlorine-and-daisies]

nobody had to tell aziraphale that he loves crowley.

neither angels nor demons are taught anything about love or relationships or desire. even though crowley has been saving aziraphale for thousands of years and repeatedly asked him to run away, it still seems to hit him as this whole realization when nina talks to him about their relationship. he finally puts the pieces together that he needs to speak to aziraphale about their feelings. even during his de-facto confession he still seems to shy away from using the l-word or calling them a couple (a group of two).

we don't see anyone have a similar conversation with aziraphale (no, the "you're better off without him" guy doesn't count). he's never told that loving crowley is even a possibility for him.

and yet it's aziraphale who starts to choke out an "i love you" before cutting himself off.

aziraphale who constantly stares at crowley like he's barely stopping himself from pouncing.

he may be terrified of his feelings, but he can't deny that he knows their name. somehow he came to the realization all on his own, long before crowley did. he's been fantasizing for so long, inserting crowley into every romance book he read, probably guilty and afraid the whole time.

and furthermore he also picks up a little bit about crowley's feelings for him! the raised eyebrow when shax says he's not crowley's type, the "rescuing me makes him so happy." maybe he doesn't yet fully realize that they could be together, but he does at least acknowledge the mutual attraction, which is more than crowley does.

why else would he respond to a kiss that was *not gentle,* that he didn't see coming, that makes him cry, with "i love you?"

he recognizes that in the final act, after the long-awaited kiss, the protagonists of a romance are supposed to say i love you, and then they will stay together forever and get their happy ending.

the whole touching fingers to lips thing is absolutely a trope he's seen in books and movies too.

and i think this explains the ball as well. aziraphale is clearly intelligent and always reading, so at first i was wondering how he could have misunderstood jane austen so badly. after all, balls in themselves don't necessarily help characters find true love- balls are for watching from across the room and short conversations, for wondering who your dance partner really is and what could be. austen's characters don't really Fall In Love until they communicate.

take pride and prejudice- elizabeth may stare at darcy during balls, but she doesn't start to truly warm up to him until he explains his actions and makes his good intentions clear in his letter.

it seems more likely that aziraphale isn't misunderstanding austen's writing- instead he's misunderstanding love.

he thinks that the balls- the pining from a respectable distance, in a space with everyone watching you- are all people need to fall in love, because THAT IS ALL THAT HAS EVER COME OF HIS LOVE FOR CROWLEY.

and i cannot wait for him to realize that crowley loves him just as fiercely, that they are capable of giving each other so much more than the wondering and dreaming, that love isn't just the *hunger* but also the communication and the mutual expressions and the comfortable and safe and beautiful life together. the nightingales :)

[stayinhellevator]

Tangents

"I had all and then most of you; some and now none of you."

Synopsis: Dreams turn into a nightmare when Wonwoo and you find each other too late.

Pairing: Wonwoo x fem!Reader

Genre: Angst disguised as Fluff, Soulmate AU

Word Count: 4241

Warnings: None

Playlist: The Night We Met ~ Lord Huron

Prev ┈    ⪩⪨      ┈ Masterlist

'Good things come to those who patiently wait', was something you had often heard; except they never did, especially for you, not even a single good thing.

You were a late bloomer for everything; the last one to get your periods, the last one to get a 'puberty glow up', the last one to be picked for the high school prom dance, the last one to receive your soul mark, the list was endless. Always the last.

You had gone so long without a soul mark that you were convinced you were a bondless until one day abruptly you felt a burning sensation on your wrist, even after surpassing the maximum age limit of receiving a soul mark. You remember being the happiest you've ever been in your life. You supposed it was fate's way of making it up to you. You were relieved that at least now you didn't have to wait to be picked up as the last resort.

Until you realised, you were in fact, not even your soulmate's last choice apparently.

You watched as your clients turned friends happily greeted the guests yet their eyes never seemed to linger too long anywhere that wasn't themselves and their hands seemed to find perch wherever possible on each other's bodies —seemingly around everyone yet apparently only having eyes for each other.

If six months back, someone told you that your acquaintance from college would one day contact your humble organisation to plan her dream wedding with her soulmate, you'd shrug with indifference. While Myra was a nice, compassionate woman, you never saw eye to eye on your outlook on life. She was too dreamy, often daydreaming about her ideal first meeting with her soulmate; while you were cynical, struggling to make ends meet, elaborating plans for your dream career.

You supposed, in the end, after all, you both managed to get what you worked hard for. She, her loving soulmate, and you, your own wedding planning company. Though, you were nowhere near your dreams, at least, you had begun somewhere.

Myra introduced you to her soulmate Seokmin and you remember being a bit jealous of them; they reminded you of your parents, loving and as real as possible. Whether you agreed or not, deep within, you wanted to have a partner like hers.

And your hopes skyrocketed when Seokmin noticed the soulmark in your inner wrist and off-handedly mentioned that his cousin's mark resembled yours; that he could introduce the two of you, if you want.

Jeon Wonwoo was his name, you learnt.

And with the drumming hope in your heart, you had agreed because of course you had. You couldn't be a coward and a dreamer simultaneously; you knew that for dreams to come true, you had to take risks.

And so, after a restless night of stalking Jeon Wonwoo's socials, you waited for him in the cafe that Myra sent you the location of. You waited and waited and waited.

But he never came.

After three humiliating hours of restlessly glancing at the door, every time it opened, you trudged out of the cafe, avoiding the pitiful looks of the servers, deciding to forever close the chapter titled 'Jeon Wonwoo' without even having written a single word; because that's what it was —an unfinished chapter in the story of your life.

The next week when Myra and Seokmin came to discuss the colour theme with you, the apology was loudly evident in his eyes before Seokmin could mouth it and you had shrugged him off.

Because it was neither his fault nor his story to explain.

And so here you were, watching the couple celebrate their dream wedding, at least as dreamy as you could make it, you hoped and watched from the sidelines, heart thrumming in blissful satisfaction. These are the little moments that make your life worth living, whatever of it is left at least.

A hard push at your side nearly disbalanced you bringing you out of your reverie. A bit angered and annoyed at the rude behaviour, you turned back to catch the culprit, only to be confused at seeing a familiar figure of a woman running past everyone at sight, straight down the exit, followed by a towering, sturdy man, who looked as dissheveled as a heartbroken boy who got rejected by his first love.

Except you recognised both of these figures as Seokmin's friend Mingyu and his soulmate. Mingyu often helped you around and also took on the responsibility of authority over decisions in the couple's absence. So you were quite familiar with him by now. If you hadn't known, you'd think he's single for the man knew he was charming and certainly used it if need be but you also knew he absolutely adored his mate so you weren't too worried.

Your friends often said that you were good for your own good but you'd contradict and say it was your nosiness and so, out of mere curiosity and concern, you were about to follow them, when the couple of the hour abruptly appeared in your vision.

"We couldn't be more grateful for you -you truly made my dream come true. Thank you so much for truly making our special day, special."

Myra's gentle voice, brimming with enthusiastic joy infected you and you found yourself distracted.

" I did what I could. This was all you guys. I'm so happy you liked it. Congratulations guys. Here's to forever."

You smiled at Seokmin's grinning visage over Myra's shoulder as the bride nearly shook with the overwhelming emotions took over her entirety. She gently squeezed your hands as if grounding herself after you broke the embrace.

"Did you—did he come to you? You know he's here too—I mean were you able to talk?"

While you had slowly come to adore the caring nature of your friend's fiance, the man really didn't know how to take a hint, he was down right oblivious, you didn't know how Myra handled him. He didn't know when to stop, he didn't know when to start, he didn't know his best friend was in love with him and everyone seemed to see it, even you. He didn't know a lot of things, just like he didn't know when to let go. You suppose that's his charm after all.

"Seokmin it's your wedding tonight and these should be the least of your worries. But since you asked, no, we haven't met or talked; nor am I expecting to. It's a done and dusted topic now."

You mustered a formal, dismissive smile at him, hoping you didn't sound too harsh because, though oblivious, the man had a heart of molten gold, and you didn't want to offend him or worse your friend, specially on a day like today's. But you did what you had to because you saw it in his eyes. Pity!

There was pity in his warm kind eyes and if one thing you hated the most in this world, it was pity. Just because you weren't meant for a 'normal life' like him, didn't mean you were a pitiful person.

You saw how Myra's hand squeezed Seokmin's bicep in warning as they shared a look—an understanding that was meant for no one but them, an intimacy you once wished for, with your own soulmate, immediately sending a pang of hurt in your heart for losing what you never even had.

"Well then we'll leave you be. But please eat something before taking your meds. You look really pale right now. I'm scared you've overworked yourself."

Myra's assessing eyes were filled with concern for your well-being and once she was sure that you'd give in to her request, she smiled at you before dragging Seokmin away.

The reminder of your soulmate's presence under the same roof as you, opened a few too many wounds within you, that never quite really healed, a constant scar reminiscent of what was meant to be yours but would never be yours; a harsh reality check that though a part of the same world, you were not cut out for a normal life; that your soulmate was probably happy with another in this very same life that you two were supposed to share together.

You looked down at the still full plate in your lap, feeling a bout of nausea building up in your stomach. Was it another one of those symptoms or the anxiety that was slowly starting to consume you, you didn't know but you were sure that the delicious food on your plate was too much to even look at.

So you regretfully put the almost untouched plate on the counter, evading the curious eyes of the people around you and straight away escaped to the farther most balcony, hoping no one would find you there.

As much as the night was peaceful, it was empty; a certain hollowness that couldn't be lightened up even by the twinkling stars, much like your own life. No matter how many people loved you, how many achievements you had up your name, how many memories you had managed to conjure up till now, your life lacked lustre.

There's so much to do and very little time left; at the same time, you couldn't wait for this countdown to be over.

A trickling sensation down your nose made you internally groan with exasperation. God! You were a mess, literally and figuratively.

Before you could take out a handkerchief of your clutch, a hand miraculously appeared in your line of vision with one.

So not only did someone see you being a miserable, lonely mess but also witnessed an embarrassing moment of curse that your illness left upon you.

Great! One more person who's going to pity you tonight.

Your eyes traced the veiny muscular arm, in order to offer gratitude, only to have your breath knocked right off your chest.

No, it couldn't be. Your eyes must've been deceiving you.

But even rapid blinking couldn't change the vision that materialised in front of you.

"Wonwoo!"

Your own hoarse desperate whisper of his name embarrassed you because why were you so needy of a man who ran away like a coward? You swear you had planned to ignore Wonwoo if need be but the sudden warmth in your chest at just being acknowledged by him faltered all your elaborate plans. Though, if this warmth was more out of fury at being abandoned without reason or relief of at least getting one good look at your soulmate before your time was up, was a question you didn't know the answer to.

"Hey ..."

His own unsure whisper of your name was so silent that you almost couldn't hear it but it was as if your senses had acquired a new affinity just for him.

Taking a deep breath, you accepted the handkerchief from him and wiped the blood off your nose, avoiding his concerned gaze bb

Why did he care now? Why was he even here? Did Seokmin send him?

Why now?

It was awkward between the two of you because of course it was. You both didn't have anything to say, how could you, after all, at the end of the day, you were nothing but strangers. Tied in the tangles of your anxiety, you observed his fiddling bony fingers as he fought his own.

"Do you..think we can, maybe, talk... somewhere private? Only if you're comfortable.. I don't want to impose."

And just for that, purely out of spite, you wanted to refuse, so that you could see the hope within him slowly die out just as you witnessed yours but his nervous fumbling paired with his otherwise stoic confident face practically sweating buckets made you pause.

How were you to resist him when you're so selfish to make every little moment with him count as much as you can?

And so you nodded and let him guide you out of the hall and down to the nearly empty cafeteria of the hotel. It was almost ironic how you were waiting for Wonwoo just like this at that cafe just a few months back. And now here you two are. Sitting opposite each other with so much to say and almost no words. Almost.

You waited for him to fill the awkward silence between the two of you however it seemed as if the longer you two sat here, the more nervous he started being, if his bouncing leg didn't give away enough so you decided to be the one to break the ice.

"So, do you have someone waiting for you back at home?"

His eyes widened comically as all of his movements froze which gave you a bit of satisfaction. You suppose you could be nice only to a certain extent.

"Is that why you think I didn't come?"

His unsure voice theorised as he realised the direction of your thoughts and soon his sharp eyes softened with guilt.

"Is it not?"

You raised your brow in retaliation and saw him heave a sigh of exhaustion before he nodded his head as if preparing himself to become a lab rat.

"I...I guess I should begin with apologising to you first. I'm so sorry that I got cold feet and wasted so much of our time when we could've been together and fuck...i-"

He raked his hand through his hair, clicking his tongue while you quietly watched him; you wanted to hear him and his reasons but to your horror, you realised that nothing he says would justify your suffering after all. How much more selfish could you be?

"You see I wasn't really keen on finding a soulmate, like ever. I had been indifferent to the idea of soulmates, even when I first got my mark, it didn't make me feel any differently. Romance had been the last of my priorities and so I had only had casual relationships. It never really crossed my mind about what I'd do if I found my soulmate. So when Seokmin, out of a blue moon, announced that he found my soulmate and that he fixed us a date at a cafe, I was...thrown out of the loop for the first time in my life, with no sense of direction whatsoever. And like a coward, I ran away at the last moment..."

What started as an anxious blabbering ended with an ashamed mumbling, as if he finally realised how childish and foolish he actually sounded. He decided to make you question your entire existence just because he was scared of a change?

Hah!

"I know I cannot do anything to undo all your pain but I promise to be a better person for you and for us. Please, please give me a chance."

You scoffed at his words as if you really had a choice or time to make him repent. All this, for what?

"The funny thing is, you were so scared of finding your soulmate that now... you won't ever be able to have her.

He gasped as if my words had stabbed him and then twisted the knife in his wound. He shook his head as if to retort but I leaned forward on my chair.

"I..I don't have much time left Wonwoo so even if I wanted to make you make it up to me for the rest of our lives, I'm afraid I don't have much life left within me."

You observed how his eyes glossed with a realisation that seemed to suddenly hit him, which made you smile wryly at his crestfallen visage.

"I was diagnosed with leukaemia shortly after the cafe incident. They had hoped that my soul bond would save me but...."

You stopped when a harsh exhale left Wonwoo's lips as he fell back on the chair as if he had no energy left within him.

"But I abandoned you..."

His empty voice washed the space between the two of you as you watched him slowly retreat into a shell, his complexion paling as his eyes bore holes on the vacant table, body so still as if he were not even conscious.

Was this his repentance?

"Wonwoo!"

You called out to him, not really liking his condition. While you had wanted to see him in pain, just as much as you had been, nothing could've prepared you for this day. You didn't like it, seeing him half dead as if someone snatched his very soul out of him and left him to rot; and the fact that it was due to you was killing you more than your illness.

His eyes snapped to yours, as if you had the remote to his brain, all yours to command. His tearful eye waiting on you tugged at the strings of your heart, making your lips stretch just a bit.

" It's okay. I don't blame you for it and neither do I want you to blame yourself."

A fresh stream of tears fell down his dark chocolate orbs as he shook his head in negation.

"If only I hadn't run away that day, you could've been better and I...I could've still had you in my life."

His voice, laden with grief, shook with every word, filling your own eyes with tears, at the helplessness of the situation. All those days you spent thinking about the ways you'd want Wonwoo to suffer, just as much as you had; had cursed him for seemingly living a peaceful life while you were to your vices but at this moment, you wanted nothing but to curl up in his arms and ask him to hold you while you break down.

But he was so far. So close, yet so far. Right in front of you, but out of reach.

"What could have been is not something that'll change our present Wonwoo. It's useless, trust me; it gives you nothing but misery."

No one knew better than you how it felt to dream about the various possibilities, only to be dragged down to the harsh reality. It was a temporary escape, sure, but also weakened your ability to cope with the present. It was futile. You guess, this was one thing you could leave behind with Wonwoo and hope it helps him in the future.

"I must leave now. I'm exhausted and not really feeling well, if I'm being honest. So, please excuse me."

You knew, the more you stayed in his proximity, the more you'd want Wonwoo and that wouldn't be fair to him, because when your time's finally up, he'll be the one, who's left behind to suffer, all alone, and that too, over a person he's barely known.

Just as you were about to get up, a firm grasp around your wrist followed by a panicked yell of "NO!" stopped you, pulling you back to your chair, as Wonwoo now kneeled in front of you, holding onto your knuckles.

"Please don't leave. Let me be with you. At least, as long as we can."

He no longer hid his desperation as his grip on your knuckles tightened further and his teary eyes begged for yours to understand. You left out a breath in resignation, cupping his cheek, after freeing your hand from his.

"Wonwoo, you don't understand. I really have, at most, a month more and when I'm gone, it'll be hard for you to live on with the soul weariness. So we've to distance ourselves from each other in order to save some part of your soul."

You tried explaining to him, for his own betterment, but he stubbornly shook his head, now holding with both hands, yours to his cheeks, nuzzling into them.

"I don't care. If borrowed time is what we have, it must be for a reason and I want to spend every single second of it right by your side."

Your heart skipped a beat as you stared at his ethereal face, his eyes shining like stars, holding yours as if magnets drawn to each other, making your resolve weaken.

There's only so much barrier you could put up, and your heart, as you were coming to realise, was merely a prisoner of your soulmate, who already seemed to have at the palm of his hand.

And so you let yourself be selfish. For one last time.

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

Four weeks. For weeks were all it took for you to do the very thing you'd promised yourself to not do after getting diagnosed. You fell in love, and that too with your soulmate. And it was bad because all it was doing was going to prolong Wonwoo's misery and seal him to a hopeless future when you ultimately die.

But it's not like you planned to fall in love with him or didn't resist him; heck you didn't even want him to be in your proximity, knowing it was all for nothing but it just happened.

As you two tried to make the most of all the time you had lost, conversing about constellations and giggling over clichés of the most cringe movies known to mankind and debating over your favourite books, it just happened.

Wonwoo understood you like none other, perhaps not even yourself, you felt right at home with him, safe and serene; his knick knacks soon became so dear to you that if there's an afterlife, you're sure you'd reminisce about them as your source of belongingness.

You knew you had no control over time, nobody ever had but since the day you found Wonwoo, time had started slipping like sand, against your wishes and soon your body started deteriorating as you ran out of your borrowed moments, quietly watching Wonwoo conversing with the doctor and the news couldn't have been good, it wasn't if the way Wonwoo's complexion paled further didn't tell you enough.

"What did he say?"

You inquired as soon as he took a seat beside you and noticed the sheen in his eyes that he tried to play off as the gloss of his glasses. He shook his head as he fumbled with the sheets, trying to dodge your query.

"Wonwoo! Look at me. Please!"

You softly requested, wanting to be able to see him, have his attention for you didn't know how long you have now. When you had his attention, you gave him a cajoling smile, hoping it'd mask your pain for you didn't want him to stress himself anymore but who were you kidding?

"I wish I could turn back time. Or rewrite our destiny. Anything. We didn't deserve this."

The angst he was trying so hard to hide finally burst as he held onto your hand, resting his head on his and sobbing.

You truly didn't deserve this. You both deserve to be happy together, get married, travel around the world, have kids and grow old together. But here you are.

And you were so helpless, unable to give your soulmate the happiness he rightfully deserves and instead only bringing him misery ever since he came to know of your existence. Maybe you didn't deserve a soulmate. You didn't deserve Wonwoo.

"We had known this was how it would end Wonwoo."

Your voice trembled as you willed yourself to not break down as Wonwoo's body shook as he cried, holding tight onto your hand as if you'd disappear any moment now.

"But if we could rewrite our story, this time, I wouldn't let go of you easily. I'd march right into your home, burst into your room, slap you right in the face and drag you by the ear to that date we were supposed to have."

You teased him desperately, wanting to stop his sobs for if this was the last time the two of you ever saw each other, you wanted to see his breathtaking smile before you closed your eyes and it worked when he half-heartedly chucked at your jest, roughly wiping his face.

" Yeah I'd like that. That would totally reset my brain."

Your giggle brightened his visage as he placed a kiss on your knuckle but it soon vanished when another pang of cough hit you and more blood trickled down your lips.

You hated this; the pain, the discomfort, Wonwoo's tears. You were so tired.

You just wanted to sleep.

You felt Wonwoo's nimble fingers caressing your head in a soothing gesture and opened your eyes to look at him, wanting to burn his face in your mind.

"I'm sorry!"

You helplessly watched as tears cascaded down his cheeks as he shook his head before kissing your forehead multiple times.

"Ssh! I know!"

Of course he knew. He always knows. Your heart felt light for Wonwoo knows. It's okay.

"I love you!"

You didn't even know you were crying until you felt Wonwoo's fingers on your face as he leaned down and placed his lips on yours.

"I love you too my heart."

He whispered over your lips and after placing a series of pecks over them, he parted, just enough to look at you in the eyes.

"Sleep my love and wait for me. I'll come and find you where no constraints of time limits us."

And so you allowed yourself to sleep, wishing if you get another chance at life, you'd get to spend it at Wonwoo's side, with more than a few weeks, loving him in whatever form you were made to.

For now there was peace in your heart that at least you had all of him in whatever little fragment left of your life.

©Stayinhellevator2024: Please don't copy or translate my work on any platform.

Read On Wattpad

[sweetercalypso]

Okay last one (congrats thrice)

🎬 I would love to see a drabble of Joel Miller as Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Fully inspired by this gorgeous art work.

notes: mentions of drinking, no reader description, no use of y/n, pre-outbreak/no-outbreak Joel being a grump (wc: 0.7k)

When Tommy invited his older brother to join the two of you at the bar, you didn’t think much of it. If anything, the addition of another Miller sounded like a guaranteed good time.

You’d started the evening with high hopes, but quickly realized that the two men couldn’t be more different.

Tommy’s your neighbor and one of your closest friends, and he’s the most likeable person you know. Everyone greets him when he walks into the room, and he’s pulled away to join the party before he can even gain his bearings. You’d be lucky to catch more than a fleeting glimpse of the younger Miller brother before the night’s over.

Apparently, charisma doesn’t run in the family.

One glance at Joel is enough to know that he’s a character out of place. He stands with his shoulders squared and his nose tucked in a glass of cheap beer that had gone flat at least an hour ago. You weren’t sure why he’d agreed to come tonight – it’s clear that he’d rather be anywhere else.

Not wanting to leave him out, however, you’d stuck by his side for the better part of the night, following as he slowly inched himself into the quietest corner of the room. Spending the evening in a tacky, seedy bar might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but surely there’s something that can get Joel to loosen up.

When you move suddenly to stand in front of him, his eyes flicker briefly in your direction before he returns his empty gaze to the crowded bar behind you. He doesn’t complain when you slip his neglected drink from his hands, and he tries not to watch as you lean over him to place it on a nearby table.

“Do you dance?” you ask with a nod over your shoulder.

He chuckles low in his throat, disinterest evident in the way he studies the room. “Not if I can help it.”

You’re not surprised by Joel’s lackluster response, though you were hoping the suggestion might spark his interest. You stare at him expectantly for a moment longer, willing him to change his mind, before returning to his side with a defeated sigh. A subtle glance at the watch on his wrist tells you that the night’s not even halfway over.

Just when you’d given up on the prospect of enjoying the evening, you spot Tommy heading towards you, his most recent dance partner sporting a pleased grin as she returns to her friends.

Before someone else can grab his attention, you’re beelining for the younger Miller brother and leading him back to the dance floor, leaving Joel to simmer on his own in an otherwise vacant corner of the room.

He shoves his now empty hands in his pockets and leans back against the pillar behind him, struggling to keep up with the two of you as you move around the bar.

It’s true that Joel isn’t one for dancing, but a small part of him wishes he’d accepted your offer. He watches as Tommy swings you around the room, his hand pressed tightly to the curve of your spine, his own rich laughter blending with yours.

An unfamiliar heat burns at the back of his neck, a casual resentment for the charm that Tommy had been blessed with. Joel doesn’t dance, but he wants to dance with you.

He finds himself moving before he fully realizes what’s happening, eyes sweeping over endless faces as he searches for you in the crowd that’s gathered in front of the speakers.

To his left, he hears Tommy calling his name, a hint of surprise in his brother’s voice. Finally, he breaks through the sea of tightly-packed duos, swallowing thickly as he meets your wide-eyed gaze. Tommy claps a knowing hand on his shoulder and dismisses himself to find another partner, disappearing just as quick as Joel had appeared.

Wordlessly, Joel stands in front of you, holding his palm out in a tentative request. You place your hand in his with a teasing grin, as if you’d known that he’d eventually have a change of heart. A hokey western ballad plays through the bar as you lean in close to speak.

“I thought you didn’t dance.”

Still, you let him pull you to his chest, one arm wrapped around your waist as he guides you into a slow-moving sway. He presses his mouth to your ear to reply, a newfound liveliness in his baritone voice.

“For you, I’ll make an exception.”

[swordduels]

A WONDERFUL DAY, TRULY.

The sun was shining, the birds were singing and all was perfect within such a place. A new world, fresh from the shackles of the old, the witch had brought those who wished for a fresh start, away from the chaos and madness of a world that was cracked, breaking like a dropped glass, it was only a mere matter of time until it shattered into endless shards that could not be repaired no matter how much one tried, the only issues with such a movement, to a better world that had not been touched.

A witches duty to nature and the people.

To protect, not destroying, aiding and not harming. An odd thing truly that one sinful being of greed did not understand. Confiding him into a small dwelling within the forest, a new life was not an easy feat, hardly. The urges and needs, wants and wishes, a new cult was calling, a world not graced with sin, so many hearts, so many, all within need for being harmed and then turned into loyal and devoted followers.

Yet that was not the witches intentions.

An argument, a fight, with insults thrown, from sin to witch, about the needs and wants, of promises made true, of his power and dangers of such a thing that can befall any who crosses him, and a witches concern of a partner who will undo balance and bring endless death, the need to protect and not harm him, to say he acted like a ass, a jackass was an understatement, and she could not have him harming anyone or going to the villages nearby, so she only did a curse, to limit him, into a form that cannot harm any.

Come the morning, she could hear it, the routine as perfect as ever, he would be within the gardens, of this endless forest, trying to figure out a way through to people, always the same, he goes through and comes back defeated and this time, when the wife would step out, it would not be the white haired partner she was linked towards, rather something else in full turn, a white furred, jackass, a donkey standing there, fully unaware of what has happened to it and how much.

It has been cursed to learn a lesson.

(Blame Mort hijinks and stupidity threads of nonsense)

Clarimonde thought the world was a beautiful paradise with lush trees and forests. Their family and friends danced and sang together while blessing nature itself. Father sun and mother moon became their chosen deities. The elders told stories about darkness that seemed like fantasy. Each day was happiness with warmth. It was all about love, dancing and working the fields or sewing clothes. They sewed clothes for everyone in the community but also made some for trading with other communities. Though no one raised an eye whenever anyone walked naked as humans are animals as well. 

Years passed by and Clarimonde grew older. There was still peace among their people. At least it felt peaceful until Clarimonde’s mother told her it was time to chose a husband to bring offspring. A husband? For the first time she felt something other than warmth inside. It was something close to jump into cold water. On some level they knew why it was nessesary to find a husband. How else would the blood lines continue if there were no children brought to inhabit this world? Especially in this case were Clarimonde was the only child. Women were supposed to build families. It was her duty. So why did it feel so wrong? 

She had never truly felt like a woman despite everybody saying that was what she was. Trough the years Clarimonde became strong when wrestling with boys and girls for fun. Thinking back to the wrestling there had been a point when one of the boys had been angered by being defeated by a girl. Why was it so bad to be beaten by a girl? Her mother had explained that a man’s duty was to protect women from dangers like wild animals but it wasn’t wrong for a woman to be strong as it would help her give birth to strong children. He had just been a bit silly and perhaps his pride had been crushed. Clarimonde couldn’t see anyone as their future husband. Even less a future of carrying children. They lay awake the whole night while thinking about every possibility. There was this strange urge to hurt someone. It was a seed that had been slowly brewing ever since the mentions of marriage was brought up. How unfair. Clarimonde sighed and decided to get some ear before the morning sun rose. They went out of the hut and met an animal. A donkey with a rather unusual color. While staring at the donkey she walked towards it slowly. “Where did you come from?” It was said in a whisper as her parents were still sleeping inside. One hand moved towards the donkey to carefully touch the head. Was this a sign from mother moon?

“Are you here to give me a purpose?” Clarimonde sat down on her knees to get eye contact. “I was told my duty was to get married and have children. But I don’t fancy anyone. I don’t know if I’m even a woman. I have always wanted to preach. I know every verse, hymn and story by heart but only men are allowed. I’m not allowed to hunt either.” There was a long pause while they looked at the sky which was slowly lit up by the sun. “I want to hurt someone.”

@fallesto

[randomfoggytiger]

How the Ghosts Stole Christmas: Old Tricks and New Lessons

(Dedicated to @welsharcher~! Merry Christmas!)

It's not a stretch to assume Maurice and Lyda were set up as Mulder and Scully's mirrors-- they wore strikingly similar (if more dated) outfits, exhibited the same faults, and learned the same lessons as their visitors.

The difference between the two couples--and let's not make bones about the intent of the episode-- is that Maurice and Lyda have tossed care to the wind, openly cultivating their twisted bond forever while Mulder and Scully still dance around that hallway moment and that medicated slip. The dichotomy provides an excellent opportunity for metaphorical analysis, true; however, I find it more interesting to look at the direct contrast the writers put forth quite baldly (y'know, the tantalizing elephant in the room pointed to, over and over, with glee.)

Even though Maurice and Lyda openly admit their love for one another, How the Ghosts Stole Christmas exposes how puddle-deep that love truly is (or was.) Both of them, lost in the throes of woe and despair, thought they would lose each other in this life; and the only way to permanently tie themselves to the other was in death. And now, Maurice must spout pop psychology drivel while Lyda mourns the loss of his beauty and her amusement. It's a selfish love motivated by pride and vanity: two people who figured life offered nothing to humanity except despair and betrayal gave it up, spending their afterlife projecting that worldview onto others (ala Tithonus.) Their delight at tricking, conniving, and one-upping-- if only for one night-- distracts them from the consequences of their reckless conclusion. It gives Lyda and Maurice a point to drive home: that they were right and everyone else is wrong or is too high on love to realize it. They are the only two who have discovered the truth, and everyone else is crazy.

As opposed to Mulder and Scully: yes, our intrepid agents have spoken their love only in coded language and heavy gazes (and once after nearly drowning), but they have a greater weight to the unspoken declarations of their passion and devotion compared to the old ghosts exorcising their frustrations through bloodlust and sadism-- they have trust.

Not just as partners in the work, but as two humans who would go to any lengths to save the other's life, at least for another day.

At first, the ghosts view their guests as naive, altruistic nut cases unwilling to accept the harsher realities of life (and afterlife.) However, over the course of the episode, Maurice and Lyda resign themselves to the fact that Mulder and Scully's ability to communicate-- ironic, I know-- who they are and what they mean to each other dwarfs whatever trite point their hosts were trying to prove; and that softens the ghosts' nonexistent hearts enough to fan the flames of their own romance into purer, truer veins (i.e. not needing two dead bodies between them to feel closer and romantic.)

All in all, the ghosts' lessons were turned right back around on them: Lyda's self-righteous, narcissistic pleasure was taken from her, and Maurice's joy at proving everyone wrong in life was stripped from him... but neither, really, seemed to mind. Maybe, perhaps, they rediscovered the happiness they failed to achieve in life: that of another (cold) hand to cling to on that very special Christmas day. Maybe that realization was enough to break the curse; or maybe they'll stick around to haunt another night.

Despite speculation, it's clear that Maurice and Lyda are content for the first time in a long, long while, reveling in the Christmas spirit with festive happiness and peace on earth.

A marvel for both of them.

Thanks for reading~

Enjoy!

[dc-and-arfrona]

Costume Party!

—-

Nightwing x GN!Reader

Type: Fluff

Word Count: 900+

Masterlist

Summary: Costume Party!!!!

—

The grand ballroom was filled with people dressed in elegant attire, their eyes filled with anticipation as they mingled and laughed. Amidst the crowd, you and Dick Grayson stood out like sore thumbs. You were both fully committed to the "costume party" theme, much to the bewilderment of everyone else.

You couldn't help but exchange a knowing smile with Dick as you surveyed the room, each dressed head to toe in vibrant and elaborate costumes. It was a serendipitous encounter, finding someone else who had taken the words "costume party" as seriously as you did.

"I guess we're the only ones who understood the dress code," Dick remarked with a chuckle.

You laughed, feeling an instant connection with him. "It seems that way. But hey, at least we're making a statement, right?"

As the night progressed, you and Dick found yourselves drawn to each other. The shared dedication to the theme sparked conversations and laughter. It was refreshing to be with someone who embraced the joy of the moment and wasn't afraid to stand out.

As the evening wore on, the two of you ventured onto the dance floor, effortlessly twirling and spinning amidst the elegant gowns and tailored suits. It felt like you were transported into a different world, where masks and costumes allowed you to shed inhibitions and simply enjoy the moment.

Between dances, Dick leaned in, his voice low and playful. "You know, I have to say, you make a fantastic partner in crime."

You grinned, your heart fluttering at his words. "Likewise, Dick. I don't think I could have found a better accomplice for this costume party adventure."

The night continued with laughter, shared secrets, and stolen glances. You discovered that underneath the masks and costumes, there was a genuine connection between the two of you. The more you talked and danced, the more you realized that there was something special blossoming between you.

As the clock struck midnight, signaling the end of the party, Dick took your hand, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Would you care to join me for another adventure, outside the confines of this party?"

You nodded, feeling a rush of excitement. "I'd love to, Dick. Lead the way."

Hand in hand, you both made your way out of the ballroom, leaving behind the echoes of laughter and music. The night was young, and with Dick by your side, you knew that the real adventure was just beginning.

Sometimes, the most unexpected connections were forged through shared experiences and a willingness to embrace life's quirks. And as you walked alongside Dick, ready to embark on a new journey, you couldn't help but wonder how this chance encounter at a costume party would shape your lives forever.

Dick and you left the costume party behind, the night air was crisp and filled with possibility. The streets were quiet, providing the perfect backdrop for the adventure that awaited you both.

Hand in hand, you walked side by side, exchanging playful banter and stolen glances. The initial awkwardness of meeting at a costume party seemed like a distant memory as a genuine connection continued to grow between you.

Dick suggested taking a leisurely stroll through the city, exploring hidden alleyways and quaint cafes. With him, every mundane street corner became an opportunity for spontaneous laughter and shared stories. The city seemed to come alive in a new light, as if conspiring to make this night unforgettable.

As you found yourselves nestled in a cozy café, sipping warm drinks and exchanging heartfelt conversations, the barriers of masks and costumes faded away. In each other's presence, you felt comfortable being your true selves, with no need for pretenses or disguises.

The night wore on, and with each passing moment, the bond between you deepened. It was as if time stood still, allowing you to savor every fleeting second together. The world outside the café windows seemed to blur as your focus shifted solely to each other.

In that intimate setting, Dick reached across the table, his hand gently cupping yours. His touch sent a current of electricity through your veins, igniting a fire within your heart. It was a silent confession, a subtle invitation to take this connection further.

You met his gaze, your eyes filled with warmth and affection. "Dick, this night... it feels magical. I never expected a simple costume party to lead me to someone as extraordinary as you."

A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Believe me, the feeling is mutual. There's something undeniably special about the way we found each other amidst all those masked faces."

In that moment, you knew that this encounter was more than a chance meeting. It was a serendipitous collision of souls, two individuals brought together by a shared love for spontaneity and adventure.

As the night drew to a close, Dick walked you home, his presence a comforting anchor in the sea of uncertainty. The world seemed brighter, filled with infinite possibilities, and you couldn't help but feel a flutter of excitement about what the future held for the two of you.

Standing at your doorstep, Dick leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for joining me tonight. This has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life."

You smiled, your heart overflowing with joy. "The pleasure is all mine, Dick. I can't wait to see where our next adventure takes us."

With a lingering touch, a promise silently passed between you. Tomorrow was a new day, filled with endless possibilities and the potential for a love that transcended costumes and parties.

And as you closed the door behind you, ready to drift off into a dream-filled sleep, you knew that this serendipitous encounter was only the beginning of a love story that would continue to unfold, one step at a time.

[shiningwonderland]

Syo Kurusu (Repeat)

Translator: Terry (Twitter: turtlemudge)

Proofreader: Raz (Twitter: agnadance)

October — Five-Second-Early Vicenda

It's now October. In class, everyone's talking about what we should do for the school festival.

Syo Kurusu: Hmm. We have the chance to use the stage… it'd be a shame to waste it. 

Haruka Nanami: Yeah. 

Syo Kurusu: Considering the graduation audition, maybe a song would be best… but wouldn't it be boring to do the same thing twice…? 

Syo Kurusu: Is there anything just the two of us can do…? 

Haruka Nanami: Just the two of us… hmm…

Select the Phrase!

漫才 Stand-up comedy duo (+5 Love, +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: A comedy duo? You're already too naïve—if you tried to be stupid on purpose it'd be a disaster.

Haruka Nanami: I'm...naïve? 

Syo Kurusu: Yes. You totally are. 

Syo-kun swats lightly at my forehead. 

Haruka Nanami: Then, what if I played the straight man…? "Don't be ridiculous" or something…? 

Syo Kurusu: Nope, you have no sense of comedic timing. Rejected!

社交ダンス Ballroom dance (+15 Love, +5 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Dance, huh…? Well, it'd be good rhythm practice, at least… But then again…

Syo-kun starts measuring our relative heights with his hands. 

Syo Kurusu: Unfortunately… our heights are almost the same. 

Haruka Nanami: I trip over my own feet so I don't think I can dance well... I would get in your way.

Syo Kurusu: I'd be fine with ballroom dancing at a party or something, but that's not the same as performing for an audience… Let's think of something else. 

Haruka Nanami: Sorry…

アンサンブル Chamber music (+15 Love, +5 Music) 

Syo Kurusu: Chamber music? What do you mean? 

Haruka Nanami: Like a duet for piano and violin, or something… 

Syo Kurusu: Well, if that's what you want to do, I don't have a problem with it…

Syo Kurusu: … But it also sounds like the sort of thing that Natsuki would insist on butting into. 

Haruka Nanami: Well, then, Shinomiya-san could join us… 

Syo Kurusu: If he does that, what will his partner do? They'll be out of a job for the festival. 

Haruka Nanami: Oh… that's right.

Syo Kurusu: Well, it's not a bad idea. It can stay as an option, but let's keep brainstorming. 

Haruka Nanami: Okay.

Haruka Nanami: Oh, actually, wait! Your sense of rhythm is really good, so dance seems like a good fit for you… If we could pull that off, you'd look so cool. 

Syo Kurusu: I can definitely do that!

Haruka Nanami: Really? 

Syo Kurusu: Hey. Who the heck do you think you're talking to? I'm Syo Kurusu, the world's greatest idol. There's nothing I can't do!! 

Haruka Nanami: Then, shall we do a dance? Ah, but I can't dance since I never learned how…

Syo Kurusu: I've never actually learned how, either. But whatever, we'll figure it out somehow. 

Haruka Nanami: Hmmm. My reflexes are… terrifyingly poor… I'm not sure I can actually do it. 

Syo Kurusu: Oh. I see… I was sure that the two of us could find a way to manage it, but…

Haruka Nanami: Oh, wait, I could make a song! I'll make a really cool song that's perfect for you, Syo-kun!!

Syo Kurusu: Yeah!! A collaboration by the two of us!! All right, now I'm stoked!! 

Haruka Nanami: Yeah!! Ahh, I'm getting excited already. What sort of song should I make?

Select the Phrase!

アニメソング Anime song. (+0 Love, +5 Music) 

Syo Kurusu: Why an anime song? I mean, I don't hate the idea, but…

Haruka Nanami: Ah, I just thought… it would be a good fit for you, somehow. 

Syo Kurusu: I mean… there's a lot of anime songs out there already, aren't there? 

Haruka Nanami: Oh… that's true… 

J-POP. J-pop. (+0 Love, +15 Music)

Syo Kurusu: Since it's dance music, I don't think it has to be particularly Japanese. Besides, it doesn't need lyrics, right? 

Haruka Nanami: Oh… right. But I'd like to do something stylish and cool, with a melodious feel. 

Haruka Nanami: If possible, maybe something I can add lyrics to and make into a song later… 

Syo Kurusu: Well, okay then… Oh, but make sure it's a good speed to dance to. If the tempo's too high it'll just wear me out. 

Haruka Nanami: Sure.

演歌 Enka.* (+0 Love, +0 Music)  *Enka is a music genre that resembles traditional Japanese music, usually in the style of sentimental ballad music. It is popular amongst older people.

Syo Kurusu: How the heck am I gonna dance to that?  

Haruka Nanami: I thought it would be original.

Syo Kurusu: That's TOO original. Let's go with something normal. 

Haruka Nanami: Okay. 

A few days after that, I finish the new song. 

Haruka Nanami: … What…  do you think? 

Syo Kurusu: … So is this what you hear when you think of me…?

Haruka Nanami: Huh…? 

Syo Kurusu: Oh, nothing… I was just thinking… so, this is me, huh. 

Haruka Nanami: Well… yeah. I tried to imagine a song that would fit you. Something bright and sparkling and bursting with energy… I'm happy that you picked up on that. 

Syo Kurusu: It was obvious as soon as I heard it that it's my song! … I was just thinking, I'm really happy with it. 

Syo-kun smiles happily. 

Haruka Nanami: You… like it? 

Syo Kurusu: A good song is one thing, but… There are tons of artists who never manage to find a song that really fits them, no matter how hard they try. 

Syo Kurusu: But you… you've made a song that's just for me. A song that'll really let me shine…

Syo Kurusu: As a singer, that's what makes me happiest of all, I think. I'm really lucky I met you. 

Syo Kurusu: I really feel that way… but anyway! Yeah! Let's get started on the dancing part!!

Haruka Nanami: O-okay! I'm ready when you are! 

Syo Kurusu: Uhh. One, two, three, four… whoops, that's wrong… 

Haruka Nanami: Should I lower the speed a bit? 

Syo Kurusu: No, it won't come together right if it's any slower. This is fine. 

We practice for hours. Syo-kun trains his muscle memory, perfectly internalizing the rhythm. 

Syo Kurusu: … haa, haa, haah… I think I'm starting to get it…

Haruka Nanami: "Starting to"? You're doing great. You've been amazing to watch. 

Syo Kurusu: No… I'm still not quite quick enough. … It'd be better… if it were more… precise…

Syo Kurusu: I want the audience… to appreciate your song through my dancing. I want the people watching to feel that joy in their hearts. 

Syo Kurusu: … I… really… love… this song… Let's practice… again…

*Wobble*.

Syo-kun's body lists to one side.  

Syo Kurusu: … Ugh…

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…! 

I immediately rush over, trying to support him, but… 

*Smack.* 

He bats my hand away. 

Syo Kurusu: Ah… sorry. But, I'm really okay… 

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…?  

What was that? Syo-kun seemed different from his usual self… My chest tightens. 

Even though he says he's fine…

Syo Kurusu: Welp, back to work! 

Select the Phrase!

無理しない方が... Don't overdo it. (+10 Music, +0 Music) 

Syo Kurusu: I'm not!! 

Syo Kurusu: Dammit…

Haruka Nanami: … Syo-kun? 

Syo Kurusu: It's nothing. I'm seriously fine. Stop worrying…

Despite Syo-kun's words, I'm worried…

Is there anything I can do to help?

お水飲む？Would you like some water? (+10 Love, +10 Music) 

Syo Kurusu: Nah, it's fine…

Haruka Nanami: It's just, you've been sweating a lot, and it can be bad to get too dehydrated. And just now it looked like you got a bit lightheaded…

Syo Kurusu: Oh, yeah, I guess. 

Haruka Nanami: I'll get you a water bottle. 

Syo Kurusu: Okay, thanks. You're a big help.

少し休憩しない？Shall we take a break? (20 Love, +0 Music) 

Syo Kurusu: I don't need it. 

Syo Kurusu: …

Haruka Nanami: But… you look a little pale… 

Syo Kurusu: This is nothing. 

Haruka Nanami: It's not nothing! 

I reach out and grab the hem of Syo-kun's uniform, gripping it tightly. 

Haruka Nanami: I'm... worried, so… please…

If you train too hard today, you'll have terrible muscle pains when you practice tomorrow. So…

When I say this, Syo-kun reluctantly finds a chair and sits down. 

Apparently he can be quite stubborn…

Oh, I know…

I crouch down and start massaging Syo-kun's calves. 

Syo Kurusu: … Hey! What are you doing? 

Haruka Nanami: What…? I'm giving you a calf massage. 

Syo Kurusu: … Haah…

For some reason, Syo-kun sighs deeply. 

Syo Kurusu: I can't believe you. Don't just do things like that out of nowhere. 

Haruka Nanami: … What do you mean? 

Syo Kurusu: Never mind! Just, don't go around touching other guys like this, all right? 

Syo Kurusu: Especially not Ren! If you tried something like this on him, there's no telling what he'd do to you…

Haruka Nanami: What he'd… do? 

Syo Kurusu: Don't make me say it. Figure it out yourself! If you don't get it, just shut up and do as I say! 

Haruka Nanami: Y-yes sir!! 

Syo Kurusu: Good!! 

...W-what was that about?

And so, we continue practicing hard, day after day. 

We finish the song, refine the dance steps, and keep developing the choreography. 

At this point, all that remains is memorization—learning the movements not with the mind, but with the body. 

Even on the day of the school festival, we reserve an empty classroom and practice right up till the last minute. 

Syo Kurusu: … Hah, hah, hah. I've just about… got it, I think…

Haruka Nanami: Yes!! I can't wait to see you perform it for real!! 

Syo Kurusu: What time is our performance again? 

Haruka Nanami: It's at 2 PM. 

Syo Kurusu: All right, then I still have an hour to practice. 

Haruka Nanami:  … It might be better to rest for a bit…? You haven't even eaten yet…

Syo Kurusu: Nah, I'm good. I want to keep perfecting this. I want to practice right up till the last second. 

Haruka Nanami: Why do you need to go that far? 

Syo Kurusu: Well, when I'm up on stage, everyone in the audience is waiting to see me, you know? 

Syo Kurusu: Even if the tickets are free, everyone is spending their precious time to watch me dance.

Syo Kurusu: I don't want to waste the audience's precious time. I want them to enjoy themselves, to be glad they decided to come to my performance. 

Syo Kurusu: So, I don't want to show them anything less than my best. I want to keep working right up until the last second so I can show them just how well I can do. 

His expression is one of a serious professional. Even though he hasn't made his debut yet, Syo-kun already seems like a full-fledged idol. 

He's a true performer, one who refuses to compromise on any part of his performance. 

He refuses to settle for "good enough." 

Haruka Nanami: I'll… play the song again, then. 

Even with ragged breathing, even with sweat dripping from his brow, Syo-kun keeps dancing. 

By now, I'm sure it's agonizing, and yet Syo-kun is  still grinning widely as he dances. 

He'll only get to perform this once in front of an audience. He's challenging himself to get as close to a perfect performance as he physically can. 

I can understand how he feels. 

I think over my compositions and lyrics over and over, hundreds of times, and if that leads to even one improvement, then it's worth it. 

During the editing process, it's fine to include only the good parts of each take. 

But with a live performance, you only get one shot. Even if you practice a hundred times before a single live performance, if you can't display the pinnacle of all your efforts during that one performance, all that hard work becomes meaningless. 

That's why he keeps improving. If he practices a hundred times, he'll create something better than what would result from 70 or 90 repetitions. 

The only way to raise the quality of his performance is to single-mindedly train his muscle memory until he's memorized it perfectly. 

And so, Syo-kun keeps practicing, over and over. Rather than relying on luck to grant him a good performance, he won't settle for anything less than a guarantee. 

Over and over and over. Right up until the last moment before the performance…

That is the duty of a professional… Syo-kun knows better than anyone else just what he's aiming for. 

Syo Kurusu: Ugh…

Suddenly, Syo-kun collapses, clutching at his chest. 

Haruka Nanami: S-Syo-kun! 

I panic and rush over, trying to lift him up, to no avail. Syo-kun's face is twisted up in pain as he pushes his clenched hand hard against his rib cage.

Syo Kurusu: Don't… yell… It's nothing… serious. If I rest for a moment… it'll go back to normal… 

It's not just that he's tired, or that he tripped, or anything like that. 

Haruka Nanami: But… This seems like something serious. I, I need to call an ambulance, or…

As I start to rush out of the room… 

Syo Kurusu: No, it's fine…

Still pressing a fist to his chest, Syo-kun reaches out with his other hand to grab my arm. 

And then he shakes his head in protest.

He seems to be in a lot of pain… Why is he stopping me? 

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…

Trying to ease even a little bit of the pain Syo-kun is in, I wrap my arms around him, hugging him gently. 

I really want him to see a doctor as soon as possible, but even though I'm still considering rushing off to call an ambulance, I don't think Syo-kun would release my arm to let me go. 

Somehow, I can't bring myself to leave his side. 

Syo Kurusu: *pant, pant, pant* 

His ragged breaths continue for a long time, but after resting for twenty minutes or so, he seems to start breathing a bit easier. 

Syo Kurusu: Sorry… to worry you. I'm okay now. 

Haruka Nanami: Really…? You're really, truly fine? You don't need to go to the hospital? 

Syo Kurusu: Yeah. Also… you cannot tell anyone about this. 

Select the Phrase!

でも…… But… (+0 Love, +0 Music)

Syo Kurusu: I'm serious. Tell absolutely no one about this… If people heard that I'd collapsed, then… it'd be bad, okay? Don't… tell anyone. 

Since he's going this far to press the issue… there may be more to this than I know. 

Haruka Nanami: … O-okay. 

I nod as I agree, but… honestly, I'm still really worried. Syo-kun, what's wrong??

どうして？ Why not? (+20 Love, +0 Music) 

Syo Kurusu: It doesn't... matter why. 

Haruka Nanami: Yes it does. You looked like you were in a lot of pain, Syo-kun… We should at least tell one of the teachers…

Syo Kurusu: We don't need to. Please, just listen to me. Don't tell anyone…

Syo-kun pleads with me, gripping the hem of my uniform tightly. He looks really upset. 

Haruka Nanami: … All right, then. I won't tell anyone. 

Syo Kurusu: Thanks. Seriously, thank you… Just, wish me luck for the real thing, yeah? 

Syo-kun breathes a sigh of relief, and his grip loosens.

誰にもって…… No one at all…? (+10 Love, +0 Music)

Haruka Nanami:  Not even Kaoru-kun? 

Syo Kurusu: No, don't… Especially not him…

Haruka Nanami: Why? He's family…

Syo Kurusu: That's exactly why you can't. You'd be scaring him for no good reason. So please, keep quiet about this, okay? 

Haruka Nanami: … I understand.

And now, we're backstage. 

Syo-kun seems to have returned to normal in the time we had before the performance. And yet… I can't help but feel uneasy. 

Syo Kurusu: We're next… I'll stay calm on stage, no matter what… Stay humble, don't get cocky…

He whispers words of affirmation to himself.

From beside him, I can see an expression of utter confidence on his face, brought about by his focus and determination.  

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun…

I'm still extremely worried, but there's no way I can stop him. 

I know that trying would be a waste of effort. Syo-kun isn't the type to let anyone stand in his way. 

Syo Kurusu: What I said just now is what I say to myself when the moment of truth finally comes. It helps me get my head in the game… Okay, here I go! 

Syo-kun thrusts out his tightly clenched fist, then opens his hand in a single, explosive motion. That's the signal to begin. 

Haruka Nanami: Yeah… You've got this.

Otoya Ittoki: Next up, S Class's littlest idol, Syo Kurusu!!  

The MC, Otoya Ittoki-kun, introduces Syo-kun. 

Syo Kurusu: Syo Kurusu, S Class! I'm gonna dance my heart out!! 

Matching the beat of the song, Syo-kun dances exuberantly. 

High leaps. Gorgeous footwork. Powerful, energetic movements without a single atom of tiredness anywhere in his body. 

I wonder if anyone would ever believe that just thirty minutes earlier, he was clutching his chest in agony… 

Syo-kun's dancing is too perfect for anyone to suspect a thing. 

Most of all, his brilliant smile never falters. He dances as though overflowing with joy. 

Otoya Ittoki: Ladies and gentlemen, Syo Kurusu!! 

Syo Kurusu: Thank you very much!!! 

Tokiya Ichinose: … Syo, you've really improved. 

Ren Jinguji: Excellent work, Shorty!! That one step sequence was superb. Even pros might not hold their own against a performance like that. 

Ichinose-san and Jinguji-san, who were watching with the rest of the audience, praise Syo-kun highly. 

And yet…

Kaoru Kurusu: …

Kaoru-kun alone watched the performance with a complicated expression, never once taking his eyes off his brother. 

Syo Kurusu: See? I told you it'd be fine. 

Haruka Nanami: … Yeah. You're okay now, too? Does anything hurt? 

Syo Kurusu: I'm a little tired, but… it's the good kind of tired, you know? Right now, it seems like the best feeling in the world!! 

Haruka Nanami: Syo-kun, that was amazingly cool! You were dazzling. 

Syo Kurusu: Well, if you want to get picky about it, I made plenty of mistakes. But I was able to really give it my all, so I don't have any regrets. It was awesome!! 

Haruka Nanami: Yes! It was so obvious you were having a great time. I got excited just watching you. But… I'm still a little worried about your health. 

Syo Kurusu: Okay, okay. I was hoping to check out the rest of the festival, but if you're gonna insist, I'll go back to the dorms and rest. Satisfied? 

Haruka Nanami: Yeah. Please give yourself plenty of time to recover. 

Syo Kurusu: You got it!! I'll be all better by tomorrow!!

Right after our conversation, Syo-kun leaves for the dorms. 

Syo-kun… Are you really okay…? 

In the end, I get worried enough that I furtively follow after Syo-kun. When I do…

I spot Kaoru-kun lying in wait for him on the path to the dorms. 

Syo Kurusu: Kaoru…

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan… you've been having symptoms, haven't you. 

Syo Kurusu: Of course not. 

Syo-kun looks away, blowing Kaoru-kun off completely. 

What does Kaoru-kun mean, symptoms…? What kinds of symptoms? 

Could these symptoms have caused the pain Syo-kun went through before the performance?  

Kaoru Kurusu: Don't lie!! I could tell just by seeing you up there. You might be able to hide it from everyone else, but you can't fool me. 

Syo-kun goes quiet, listening to what Kaoru-kun has to say. 

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan, please… let's just go home. Being an idol is more than you can handle. You can't do this. 

Kaoru Kurusu: You've always been so careful. Why are you being so stubborn about this?  

Syo-kun clenches his fists tightly. 

Syo Kurusu: I just… don't want to look bad in front of her…

Kaoru Kurusu: … In front of who? Who is "her"? Whoever she is, she can't be more important than your health, right? 

Syo-kun…

What should I do? It's a bit too late to come out of hiding, but I shouldn't be eavesdropping like this. 

*Snap.*

While I'm wondering whether or not to leave, I take a careless step and break a twig under my foot. 

Syo Kurusu: Who's there!? 

Oops…

Haruka Nanami: I'm sorry… It's just me. 

I raise a hand weakly, stepping forward. 

Syo Kurusu: Haruka… Did you hear…? 

I nod. 

Syo Kurusu: I see…

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan? What's wrong? Don't tell me you haven't told her anything about this…

Syo Kurusu: Sigh… Honestly, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. 

Syo Kurusu: But if you've already heard this much, there's no avoiding it. Haruka…

Syo-kun fixes at me with a serious gaze. 

Haruka Nanami: Yes? 

Syo Kurusu: I'm sorry I didn't tell you this before. It's important information that you deserved from the start, as my partner. 

Haruka Nanami: …

Syo Kurusu: I have a serious heart condition. 

Haruka Nanami: Then, what happened earlier was…

Syo Kurusu: That was one of the milder symptoms. It wasn't serious. But... when I overdo it a bit too much, that's what happens. 

Syo Kurusu: There were a few times growing up when I was pretty sure I was gonna die from it, but…

Kaoru Kurusu: Syo-chan…

Syo Kurusu: But then I started karate, and got stronger. At this point, it doesn't really affect my everyday life. 

Syo Kurusu: Now, I can try as hard as anyone else… and honestly, I want to give it my all… I really hate it when people fuss over me, too. 

Syo Kurusu: So, will you please keep quiet about this? 

Haruka Nanami: …

I can see the strength of Syo-kun's will shining in his eyes, and simply nod silently. 

Syo Kurusu: Thanks. Oh, and don't you worry about it, either. I'm perfectly fine, and I want this to change anything. 

Kaoru Kurusu: You're not fine at all!! Are you planning to just keep pushing yourself too far?!?

Kaoru-kun suddenly explodes in Syo-kun's direction. 

Syo Kurusu: I'm telling you, this time was just a coincidence. Otherwise I've had plenty of energy, and haven't had any problem staying on top of things. 

Kaoru Kurusu: … Syo-chan, you promised before you moved into the dorms that if you experienced any more symptoms, you'd move back home right away. You promised you wouldn't make us worry. 

Syo Kurusu: I… 

Kaoru Kurusu: Liar… You swore to me you'd come home, and yet even though I'm begging you, you're still…

Syo-chan. Please, please come home. 

Syo Kurusu: I'm not going to.  

Kaoru Kurusu: Why…? There's no way you can keep this up without hurting yourself. It's too dangerous. What are you thinking?

Syo Kurusu: We've been over this. I came to this school so I could follow my dreams. 

Kaoru Kurusu: But forcing yourself to the point of collapse won't grant that wish either! 

Syo Kurusu: I'm telling you, I'm fine! I won't be collapsing anytime soon. 

Kaoru Kurusu: I don't believe you… There's no proof that you won't. … So I'll just stay here. 

Syo Kurusu: What!? 

Kaoru Kurusu: Until you come home with me, I'll stay here at your school.

Syo Kurusu: Seriously…? 

Kaoru Kurusu: I won't go home!! If you won't look after yourself, Syo-chan, then I'll have to look after you!!  

Kaoru Kurusu: If you won't do it, then who else can!? You can't make me leave!!!!

Syo-kun and I exchange perplexed looks. 

Syo Kurusu: … and then, well, he just straight-up refused to leave, so I brought him back to my dorm room…. 

After that, Syo-kun, at a loss for what to do, takes Kaoru-kun with him to his room for the time being. 

Of course, he avoids mentioning his heart condition to Natsuki-kun.

He explains that Kaoru-kun is just having a childish tantrum because he doesn't want to leave his side. 

Natsuki Shinomiya: How cute!!! 

Shinomiya-san, overjoyed, is quick to embrace Kaoru-kun the second he spots him. 

Natsuki Shinomiya: You're welcome to stay as long as you like!! 

As long as he likes…? I don't think that's allowed…

I hope Kaoru-kun realizes that…

Select the Phrase!

大丈夫……だよね I'm sure it'll be… fine… (+10 Love, +0 Music)

Feeling worried, I glance briefly over at Syo-kun. 

When I do…

Syo Kurusu: It'll be fine. Don't look so worried!! 

Saying this, Syo-kun pats me kindly on the head.

これから、どうなっちゃうのかな I'm not sure this will end well. (+5 Love, +0 Music)

When I hang my head in worry, he rests his hand on my shoulder. 

Syo Kurusu: Don't look at me like that. You don't have to worry. I'll handle this. 

Grinning, Syo-kun gives me a thumbs-up.

翔くん…… Syo-kun… (+25 Love, +0 Music) 

I suddenly realize that I'm gripping Syo-kun's sleeve tightly. 

Syo Kurusu: … Hm? What's wrong? 

Haruka Nanami: Ah… no, it's… nothing. 

I let go quickly, but with a resigned smile, Syo-kun takes my hand and squeezes. 

Syo-kun's hand… it's so warm. The heat I feel from his palm seems to be melting away my worries.

Even though he's in the toughest spot in all this, he's still looking out for me…

I can't accept that. I need to get my act together so I can be the one reassuring him…

MINI GAME

Ryuya Hyuga: Now then, today we're returning to the fundamentals with a rhythm test. "Fundamental" doesn't mean "basic," though, and it'll be harder this time. 

Ryuya Hyuga: Relax and go for it!! You wanna be a composer, so impress me!! 

Ryuya Hyuga: That said, I'll still be giving you an example first. Try to follow my lead. 

Ryuya Hyuga: Let's go!! Don't fall behind!! 

S RANK 

Syo Kurusu: You know, there are times when I've started to get discouraged. But because you're here with me, always smiling, I've had the will to keep fighting. Thanks. 

Haruka Nanami: No, I… I've just wanted to see you do your best…

Haruka Nanami: … If it'll help you, Syo-kun, then I'll never stop smiling. 

Haruka Nanami: If you ever start feeling discouraged, don't keep it to yourself, okay? Let me know. 

Haruka Nanami: I may not be the most reliable person in the world, but I should be able to support you at least a little bit. 

I want to become someone Syo-kun can rely on. The first step is to keep improving my skills as a composer…

Chapter End

[riddle-me-ri]

Would you consider writing for different Penguins with a female reader who is of small stature? (Around 5'0ft) I just think it would be cute for them to get a confidence boost because they are finally taller than someone in the slightest or at least not as short in comparison 😭

A/N: anon…not only…not only would I consider it…but I have thought about this constantly. As a wee woman standing only at (5’1)...it has crossed my mind..multiple times lmao. I think a lot about how I stand amongst me colony and other Rogues…and and yeah not very tall at all…if I’m lucky I MAY MAY be taller than Mad Hatter…depending on which universe anyway RIP Also couldn’t really think of drabbles, so they’re gonna be headcanons, hope that’s cool!

Penguins with a Short F!Reader:

Arkhamverse Penguin

- It takes him some getting used to.

- He’s used to everyone being taller than him, whether its henchmen, arm candy, or enemies.

- Having you as his partner, it’s much easier for him to lay his claim.

- To wrap his arms around your whole body.

- Not have to stretch out too far to touch and tease you. 

- Can kiss you with little to no effort on either of your parts. 

Reevesverse/Farrell Penguin

- He loves you regardless of height, you’re very near and dear to him. 

- He does appreciate being able to be eye level with you

- Thinks its cute looking down and seeing you looking up at him. 

- Makes it much easier on him to give you kisses on your head.

- He’s got stools and ladders here and there for your convenience

- He does wish he was strong enough to lift you up instead

Gotham Penguin

- He sees you as his true equal.

- Height doesn’t really matter, truth be told, but it helps when your partner shares the same measurements. 

- He doesn’t strain his neck looking up constantly.

- Neither of you have to strain to kiss the other or go up on tippy toes.

- He has the perfect close up view of your face, so he can see all your smiles he adores so much. 

BTAS Penguin

- To him it's just another sure sign you two were meant to be.

- He loves being able to hold you, and you don't have to contort your body so your head rests on his shoulder.

- Silly as it may seem, he enjoys being able to see eye level with you. Neither of you have to look up or down at each other. 

- It's so much easier to hold your hand, kiss your cheeks, kiss your lips. 

- You two can link your arms with no difficulty.

- He cherishes being able to love you at full capacity without the struggles of height difference.

TNBA Penguin

- Much like BTAS, he appreciates the fact you two can see eye to eye, yes even in a corny literal sense…

- You're level with each other physically as well as all other aspects in your relationship.

- You make him feel taller, regardless. With his chest puffed out and head held high.

- He enjoys being able to dance with you.

- You both look into each other's eyes.

- You're able to lean in and perfectly rest your head on top of his heart.

- Yep, you were definitely his missing piece.

Telltale Penguin

- So this is likely the only pengy surpassing 6'.

- Because of this he'll tease the shit out of you for your height.

- He makes up for it by receiving things from high shelves for you.

- He enjoys being able to quite literally sweep you off your feet when you're least expecting it.

- His tall lanky frame allows him to sneak up and wrap his arms around you in surprise.

- Oz loves you for you, he'll tease you, give you hell, but he wouldn't have you any other way.

One Bad Day Penguin

- First things first; Lili has you, herself, and Oswald part of the Shorties Gang.

- Oswald thinks it makes you all the more adorable to him.

- He enjoys the way you lean into him, like you fit together like puzzle pieces.

- In a world where everyone's trying to be bigger and better than him, you're a solid reminder there are some people just for him.

- He finds it cute whenever you defend someone, he admires that you won't let anything like height keep you from standing your ground.

- Nothing makes Oz more proud than seeing his short queen kick ass and take names like him.

The Batman (2004) Penguin

- So, if we’re sticking to the 5’ mark, you’re still taller than this Oswald.

- Doesn’t mean he won’t appreciate it though.

- He's glad you're closer to his height than most.

- He's still proud he's got a tall s/o.

- That'll assist him and carry him around (even though you're only taller to him, and don't do it in front of Batman)

- He loves you regardless, but expect him to use your superior height to his advantage

Batman Unlimited Penguin:

- He never thought he'd see the day that someone would have him as a partner.

- Let alone be near his height? Just makes you all the more special.

- It definitely feels great, it must've been destiny.

- He's proud of how well you handle your height in stride, and solve whatever obstacles occur due to your height.

- He refuses to let anyone tease you about it.

- If anyone did tease your preciousness and your precious height, he'll make sure they will never be able to again.

[alicentsgf]

What do you think of Alys? You know among all those people saying she will be evil I just feel like whatever she is gonna be, I'd love her as much as I love Alicent. It's all about the vibe, Alicent comes from Greek tragedy and Alys from gothic romance and I can't wait to see 2 season

I love Alys. i think I just hope they do her justice and make her more than just The Witch or The Victim you know. I don't really know what that should look like and I don't know exactly what the story is going to need her to be because I'm not sure what direction they're going to go with everyone else, especially Aemond, as in, what way he's going to react to Luke's death/how everyone else is going to react to him being the cause of Lukes death? idk. idk what person he's going to be when he gets to harrenhal basically.

one thing i do know though is its just a pure fact imo that Alys in f&b was one of the most interesting characters in the dance era, hands down. like when I say the f&b characters were one-dimensional cardboard cut-outs I'm almost exclusively talking about the dance era tbh. The story of the dance was exciting, the people not so much so imo. and I feel like grrm fumbled the bag with Alys because when she's introduced she's this mysterious woman who manages to convince this boy prince to spare her and forms a questionable romantic/sexual bond with him that may or may not be rooted in magic. and that's so interesting! but what is actually done with it?? not much really. we don't even know where their kid ended up? and yeah people can say that their relationship was just included to make aemond a hypocrite or something and that regardless its all just so gross anyway (because yeah whatever its obviously fucked up. all these relationships are.) but one thing that is overlooked I feel is that this could very possibly have been about survival for Alys. at least to begin with. The impression we get is that this is how she's lived her life, like she has constantly used her body to make herself useful and needed - if the choice was between horrible violent death and seducing a 19-year-old... i kind of understand seducing the 19-year-old, you know?

i would love to see her be manipulative with aemond, at least to begin with, and then see him slowly wise up to what she's doing and for them to find some kind of accord? this love affair is not going to be 'cute', it's not going to be aspirational, it's literally a love story between an older woman who may or may not be a witch and her boy toy war-criminal, like... common sense says it's not going to be a healthy relationship. However, i do think there's the potential there for a really deep, slightly unexpected understanding of each other. Aemond may be a lot younger, but he holds power over Alys because of his position in society/the way the world of asoiaf operates. he was literally holding her life in his hands when they met. I don't think the power imbalance is as pronounced as it would be in a modern setting, so they do have the potential to sort of level the playing field for each other and become partners in their own special fucked up way. after all, there's some definite moments in f&b where we hear that they have a very real and obvious bond with one another.

i think saying alys is gothic romance vibes is so accurate like overall the story isn't very gothic romance, but in herself with the elements of the grotesque, mystery, and the supernatural surrounding her I feel that's incredibly true. and its perfect because aemond has that element too; he is the marred, brooding, outcast gothic romantic hero. so yeah they should totally capitalise on these archetypes and make their side of the story lean into that.

one thing i do have slight reservations about is the supernatural aspect aka alys' magic. like I love a witch, don't get me wrong, and the aesthetics of alys using magic I just want so so badly. however... i hate when men are right. and i hate when men point at a woman who's managed to manoeuvre her way against all odds into a position of influence and say 'you cheated'/'thats a witch'. like. idk i do think maybe it would be interesting to see alys just be insanely smart and manipulative, using magic to cover up the moves she's making that are very much not magic just to keep people afraid of her so they'll let her be? but also i DO want her to be a witch? its a hard one.

im just so excited to meet her tbh. there's some really great options for what to do with her character so I just have my fingers crossed they do her justice.

[iron-hearts-ablaze]

Romance headcanons

Tagged by: @windwithinmyveinsTagging: @galefcrce @apalestar (or @starbvund, whichever muse) @never-surrender (any muse!) @chaoticbard @unfortunatedarling (put some of this under a cut for length reasons)

Name: Karlach Cliffgate Nickname: Dont think she is given one aside 'fire girl' Gender: Cisgender female Romantic Orientation: Pansexual Preferred Pet Names: She's not against pet names. Uses them often as well. 'love', 'darling' are the ones she uses most. Relationship Status: Highly dependent on the verse/thread.

True Love: Karlach certainly believes it exists. She saw it growing up with her parents. She knows its out there, but she's also realistic enough not to expect it from just any relationship. If it happens, it happens.

Love at First Sight: No, as much of a dreamer Karlach can be in her head, she doesn't really apply it to real life. She believes love is a two-way street, something to be worked on.

How Romantic Are They? Very! She loves to plan dates, give little presents when she sees something that reminds her of them, murdering their wrong-doers.

Ideal Physical Traits: Karlach isn't really that fussy. In-game, she's complimented all of the companions bodies in some way, and they range, so I really don't think she has 'ideals'. She either loves, or she doesnt.

Ideal Personality Traits: She prefers a good person - whether it's deep down or on the surface. Someone selfless, who would be just as eager as her to help others. Someone who doesn't let life keep them down and insists on moving forward. Someone willing to listen and have plenty to say back - she will just get bored carrying the conversation the whole time.

Unattractive Physical Traits: Poor hygiene - even by her standards. Being a warrior, she knows it can take time to find baths, but to do that even when one is available? Nah, not for her. She'd be in water all the time if she could. Again, she's not overly fussy.

Unattractive Personality Traits: Obviously someone overly judgemental without much cause; prejudice hits her hard, being a tiefling. Power hungry people with little to no concern for others around them. Someone who doesn't consider what the collective has to say. Overly selfish.

Ideal Date: A nice meal, a few drinks and a dance. Maybe a walk around or sitting somewhere up high to look at the stars. End the night either cuddled up or making love - whichever.

Do They Have a Type?: Not really. Just be a decent person. Or at least show signs of wanting to change.

Average Relationship Length: A few months, and never stable.

Preferred Non-Sexual Intimacy: Holding hands, twisting tails (if they have one), little kisses, laying beside each other talking the night away. Her ultimate favourite though is resting foreheads together with eyes closed, noses brushing.

Opinion on Public Affection: She's very open. She's not embaressed by her partner so why not show everyone just how lucky she is! She hasn't got the time to be shy. Unless they're not comfortable with it, she'll definitely be expressing their affections in public - to a point of course.

Past Relationships: Actually wrote about this recently! Read more details here. But TL;DR, she has had very fleeting relationships, or a few one-night-stands. Nothing more substational. A steady relationship is still very new to her.

[yugioh-why-not]

Yami Yugi and Atemu

I wonder how much Atemu knows. 

Would having his memory affect how he acted? I know things would have been different. Because Yami is not Atemu, he doesn’t even know who that is. The funny thing is at first he thought he was Yuugi because it’s the only thing that made sense to him. Then everyone told him he was the pharaoh. So he believed them. Never once did he really remember anything. 

He believes what he’s told because he knows no better. People praise him for the things that he does so they must be right. 

But Yuugi representing the pharaoh in appearance doesn’t mean Yami is the Pharaoh as shown with Ryou, Ryou and Thief kings appearances differ greatly and so do that of Yami Bakura and his former self Thief. Yami looks like Yuugi because it is the body he is possessing. Not because that’s how he looked in life. 

For all we know and I would doubt this is true but it’s shown no one even Thief knows how the battle was ended. Zorc merely knew they lost. He lost. Maybe Atemu summoned Holactie giving up his life to summon the gods and bring fourth a goddess. Maybe those were his Ka’s all along? And he died in battle but Zorc and Holactie were evenly matched. Or perhaps they didn’t even get to that point in the battle maybe Atemu was never destined to defeat Zorc but he was chosen by fate to have three Ka beasts within him so that he could help those he loves defeat the darkness instead. Sacrificing himself to seal the gods into tablets so that someone may call to them and have them merge to form Holactie. Maybe she wasn’t involved in the first show down cause no one knew how to summon her. The gods alone could not defeat Zorc, so Heba enraged with his loves death despite just being the page boy used the puzzle and the items to trap Zorc and Thief in the ring in turn trapping himself and as a fail safe left by Mahado in the ring and with Atemu’s sacrifice it sent out a power surge and wiped Heba’s memories/that or he forgot due to trauma of the entire day and Thief and Zorc’s because a burry mess fuelled by a rage that slowly looses its reason the longer the ring festers in their souls. Thus involving season 0 and earlier season 1 actions, Heba was still carrying a now unjustified rage because it wasn’t fair. He wanted justice just like Thief. He just didn’t know what for. Then he met Yuugi and I mean actually met him and they begun their time together. (Though if this was the case I’d love for Heba to be in Thief’s game and revive his memories then just stare at himself in the water tears pricked in his eyes, hugging his waist. ‘I always wanted to be in your arms. But not like this.’ Then Yuugi shows up behind him calling out and he jolts eyes filled with an unusual sensation of fear as he sees Yuugi approaching looking so warm. So happy to see him, thoughts race his mind whether Yuugi loves him or the idea of who they thought him to be. Everyone was so convinced he was the Pharaoh and he’d grown to love Yuugi as he had once and still did love Atemu but would Yuugi love him if he knew. He tries to play the role but he can’t lie to his partner and tells him. Perhaps I can’t remember if ‘Yami’ playing as Atemu in canon revived any memories but perhaps Heba was there too, their his memories too. Finding Atemu’s name didn’t help him but it released his first loves Ka’s so he could do what he was meant to do so in the first battle. Atemu whispering the Goddesses name in his ear. He wasn’t loosing Yuugi to this war too and summoned Holactie. Anyway, got slightly off topic. And even reviving his memories he wanted to finish what Atemu died to set in place. Since this is au enough I can continue with this plot how ever I please. Heba can realise that what Thief and himself fight for is the same. For the love of those they’ve lost. But he needs to end this dance of death for both of them so he defeats Thief without looking back. The final duel where he uses the God cards against Yuugi (from memory he does at least) he uses them to finally free his love from the shackles of destiny and they reunite in the after life or we fuck death and Yuugi can have Heba, Atemu and Anzu as life partners. That or Atemu stayed in the after life and dated Thief cause I like Casteshipping and Atemu can send Heba back to life because he knows that Heba also loves Yuugi too and he’s served him long enough it was time to live his own life and someday they’d all be together again and he knows no matter how long that takes Heba’s love for him will never fade and his won’t either type stuff IDK but Yuugi get’s two life partners at the very least, he just has too much love to give for just one). 

Long story short we don’t actually know who’s in that puzzle. I can’t remember any concrete proof it was the pharaoh. Maybe his name went down in history for something someone else did in his demise. Maybe it was a cover up. Thief wouldn’t know. He died first. Everyone else just believes the history that’s been handed down to them and the visions that the items present to them. Plus I think the Ishtar’s are pretty good Proof that they were all just acting on their own accords. (Mostly cause I don’t believe for a moment they consulted anyone before sprinting underground, maybe they thought to seperate the items as their awaited the Pharaohs and the Thief’s return and just took their two and fucked over millennium of their family members before Malik murdered the cult with his alternate personality because he realised it was fucked up. That was once again off topic…anyway.) For all we know the items were just manipulating everyone to get history right. And if the gods were Atemu and they were released the prophecies wouldn’t necessarily be wrong. The Pharaoh was laid to his final rest with the destined duel.

Anyway back on topic again…

If Atemu retained his memories saying he was the one in the puzzle, how much did he remember, does he know Thief dies before the battle ends, does he know why Thief’s so desperately fighting him that he’d defy life and death for it. Did Atemu like as Yami just believe the things he was told, growing up in the palace, raised by those around him and taught what they believed, would he side with them. He might of seen it as the greater good, the items were created to save the world to cause peace (beautifully discussed in a post I read a while back, that also mentioned that no one expected Atemu to sacrifice himself but he did, if I find if I’ll link it otherwise let me know if you find it). 

Would his time away from home, his time with Yuugi change his opinion, does he struggle at night whether to tell Yuugi everything he knows, would he doubt his past, he did what was right. He fought for justice, which is why Bakura angers him so much because he’s literally a ghost from his past, it’s clear that he’s different that he’s twisted and demented from the justice seeking Thief he once fought in his first life. He wants to move forward but he gets an unjustified rage seeing him because it forces him to admit that maybe the things he fought for, believed in was wrong. Because the thing was in memory world, Yuugi placed his faith in Atemu that he’d do what’s right and believed what he said was the right, they wanted to save the world and defeat Zorc. But Atemu even then showed no remorse for the lives taken to create the items, he looked the other way with no memories as he found out he just fought for what he had always known, that he was the hero and Thief was the villain and that was that, black and white. 

There’s no real way to say how the battle truly ended the first time, this was a reenactment that was shown to be one that neither Zorc nor Thief knew how it ended, how they were defeated. Why they were trapped in the items isn’t clear at all times, maybe Thief/Zorc fused into the ring as an escape before they lost and maybe Atemu knew they’d return and sealed himself in the puzzle to continue the battle. But what exactly happened to their memories? was it a condition that he couldn’t remember, a fail safe as to not jinx the battles end (especially on Thief’s side), but why were Bakura’s left in better nick then Atemu’s? was it Zorc’s doing or Diabound’s? or did Atemu realise at the end and turn against the Gods and side with Thief realising the wrongs they’d done to him and being their hero, they took his betrayal very fucking personally. Maybe he went to the puzzle to do things right this time but they broke his mind upon entering in hopes this time he wouldn’t sway in loyalties and in a time and place unrelating to his past with a version of Thief that was a fragment of who he once was just living off rage and a dark god whispering in his ear for millennium, fuzzy memories plague him and a rage he can’t settle when he sees Yami because he knows it’s Atemu or at least he believes it’s him at least. It frustrates him he doesn’t remember and he doesn’t remember Atemu joining his side. So he doesn’t try to share, he doesn’t want to say it, the element of surprise was on his side and it’s been 5000 years in the waiting he wanted to do it right but he likes to make Yami question things such as messing with him in their duel on the blimp, he wants Yami to work it out himself even though he knows he never will.

BTW, take all this with a grain of salt cause my mind was just like who the fuck is Yami Yuugi. And went on a distracted tangent. I was actually thinking about Ryou and Yami Bakura then thought about Thief and the differences between them and then Atemu and then Yami, I consider Yami and Atemu seperate beings and peoples regardless of who they are, I just like thinking about how little we know about the ancient peeps. And since I spent like 5 hours randomly obsessing about this I wanna share it -_- have fun!