#everyone initially turned against forever and then turning suddenly against bad when the truth is revealed

[pyrosomatic-metamorphosis]

man but IMAGINE the fics if bbh had turned the whole island against forever by lying to them.... the fandom reaction would have been horrorific but the one or two fic writers who Got the dynamics? oh my god it would the gayest thing i'd ever read

[starks-hero]

Right a Wrong || Part Two

Pairing: Bucky x Reader

Summary: You help Bucky make amends and things start to look up for the both of you.

Word Count: 2,800

Warnings: angst, fluff, tfatws spoilers! 1×06

a/n: A few people were interested in a second part to Right a Wrong and the finale gave me a little inspiration so ta da! :) This fic can be read as a stand alone but I'll link part one for anyone that's interested. A little rushed so all mistakes are my own. Spoilers below!

|| Part One ||

*gif not mine*

Bucky didn't sleep on the floor anymore, or the couch. Since being with you, falling asleep in a bed had become his new normal. But it was strange. It was soft and warm and comfortable. In a way, it felt wrong. Bucky didn't deserve something this homely or domestic. When he lay down on the silk sheets he felt like they were going to swallow him whole. Or that he'd sink right through the mattress and into the cold floor. It had been so long since he'd slept in a bed his body was completely unaccustomed to the soft, plush bedding beneath him, his back had long since grown used to the stiffness of the floorboards.

In fact, the night you both left the Wilson's and stayed in a somewhat decent hotel together was the first night Bucky had slept in a bed in months. Longer than he cared to admit. But amidst the strangeness of it all, there was you.

His discomfort at the foreign feeling of laying in a soft bed dispersed the moment you crawled in next to him. He'd pulled you to his chest, arms wrapping around you whilst you clung to his side, hands laying lazily across his stomach. And for the first time in years, Bucky fell asleep peacefully. It was the best night of sleep he'd gotten since before the war.

And he owed it all to you.

Buckys feelings for you had only grown stronger since that day you agreed to go with him. Since then he'd sworn that he'd never met anyone as loving or caring as you in his lifetime.

You didn't run, you didn't leave him. When the nightmares came you stayed. You would gently coax him awake and calm his waking mind with soft words of comfort when the night terrors left him terrified and confused. You held him, gently running your hands down his body and through his hair, not showing any disdain for where man met metal. And when you gently kissed the side of his head Bucky swore he was prepared to forgive everyone that had ever wronged him if they had played a part in bringing him to you.

His nightmares had also declined in the time that you two were together, as did most of his self deprecating thoughts. Of course, they didn't go away entirely. But you helped him where you could and understood when you couldn't. You knew that despite how much you wanted to, you couldn't love his demons away. And Bucky loved you all the more for accepting that.

Over the course of a few weeks, when the dust had finally settled after the Flag Smashers attack on the GRC HQ in New York, both you and Bucky focused on the names in the book that Bucky could now recite in order without even glancing at the page. When you'd asked him where he wanted to start, one name immediately leapt to the forefront of his mind. And that name is exactly what had led you both to the quaint apartment block tucked away in the corner of New York City.

"I can't do this." Bucky's voice was timid as you both stood outside the apartment complex. He swallowed and turned to you helplessly.

"Yes, you can." You gently took his hand in yours.

This was it. The first name on Bucky's list. Yori Nakajima. You were both aware that the first was going to be the hardest. But now that you were actually here, standing in front of the home of the elderly man who'd lost his son at the hands of the winter soldier, it suddenly seemed all too real and just a little bit impossible. Bucky's stomach tied itself in a knot.

"No, I can't. I can't." He said through laboured breaths. He shook his head as he paced in front of you. "I can't tell him. I can't watch what that will do to him. I can't-" Bucky's breathing began to grow erratic.

"Hey." You quickly stepped in, stopping his relentless pacing and holding his face in your hands. "It's okay, you're okay." You softly shushed him. "Bucky, you can do this. You have to."

He sighed, calming slightly beneath your touch. "I'm guessing I have to do it alone, too. Don't I?" He asked and you nodded sympathetically. Your thumb caressed his cheek, tracing the stubble along his jaw. As much as you wanted to be there with him you knew he had to do this part alone.

"You can do this."

Bucky smiled softly at your words despite the growing fear in his eyes. He gently caught your wrist and moved your hand to his mouth, placing a tender kiss to your palm.

"Okay," he said quietly and turned to glance at the door of the building. He exhaled slowly.

"I'll be waiting right here," you comforted and he acknowledged you with a curt nod. His hand slipped from yours as he headed inside and you watched him go, your heart in your throat.

Time seemed to drag on forever as you waited, nervously toying with your hands. Bucky had been gone for a little under forty minutes and you couldn't tell if that was a good or bad sign. You tried to convince yourself that everything was fine but your mind kept reminding you of the worst possible scenario and what that might mean for Bucky.

You bit down on your lip as you impatiently shuffled your feet. You watched the crowds pass as you stood out of the way of the busy street, leaning against the wall of the alley next to the apartments.

After a few more painfully long moments you saw him amongst the crowd. Bucky's expression was unreadable as he stopped in front of you and you couldn't tell if things had gone well or not. He almost seemed to be in a state of shock.

"Bucky," you tried timidly and he looked up at you. There were tears building in his eyes.

"He forgave me." He managed hoarsely. The frenzy of emotions he was experiencing was evident in his expression. It was almost as if he didn't know whether to laugh with joy or cry. You wordlessly pulled him to you and he welcomed your embrace.

"You did it, Buck," you muttered as you comfortingly ran your hands along his back and he clung to you like a lifeline. "You did it."

He pulled away to look at you, still slightly teary-eyed but features now flooded with relief. The weight of the world seemed to have been lifted from his shoulders and a small smile found its way to his lips as he looked at you in disbelief

You pulled the small red book from your pocket, where it had been stowed away for safekeeping, and Bucky nodded. You were the only one Bucky trusted enough to share it with. You handed the tattered notebook to him and he turned the pages in a flimsy, disorganised motion, his fingers shaking slightly. Pulling a pencil from his pocket, Bucky's smile widened as he drew a line through 'Nakajima'.

He traced the faded name with his thumb one last time before glaring at the multiple other names and initials jot down on the paper.

"What now?" He asked as he glanced down at the open book in his hand.

You shrugged. "One down."

Bucky huffed, shoving the book back into his pocket with a surprising level of caution. "Only a dozen more to go."

"Still, it's a start." You smiled, gently placing your hand against his shoulder and dragging it down his arm.

He smirked, catching your waist and pulling you into him. He captured your lips in a kiss, ignoring the fact that the street was still bustling with people a few feet away from you both. Bucky wasn't always the biggest fan of PDA, mostly because it wasn't exactly encouraged to be all that affectionate in public back in the forties. But this was different. This was you and him and in light of what had just happened, he didn't care who saw. He was going to kiss you as much as he damn wanted to.

"Thank you," he muttered against your lips, slipping his hand into yours as you both stepped out onto the busy street.

"You've got to stop saying that." You shook your head and Buckys hand only tightened around your own.

"Why?" He tilted his head with a bemused smirk.

"Because I told you," you grinned, pulling him closer to you so your shoulders brushed. "You don't have to say thank you, not to me."

Bucky didn't answer, truth was he was at a complete loss for words. He just offered you a loving smile as he wondered how he got so damn lucky.

It had been a few weeks since the final name had been crossed off the list. Some had taken their toll on Bucky more than others, but now it was finally complete and Bucky once again experienced that wonderful feeling of being freed. This time not from trigger words, but from burdens he'd been forced to carry.

Things were finally looking up for you both. You'd managed to carve out your own unique sense of normality. And as both you and Bucky worked in the kitchen of your shared apartment on a particular Saturday afternoon, your new normal seemed to include watching the worlds most deadly ex-assassin baking a cake.

"And you're sure we couldn't have just bought one?" You asked, trying and failing to hide a smirk as you glanced at Bucky's handiwork. The cake was lopsided and the icing Bucky was currently covering it in seemed to be its only saving grace.

"Of course not, doll. Where's the fun in that." Bucky stated plainly. However, given your earlier attempt at cake baking, it would turn out that Buckys idea of fun involved throwing flour and eggs at each other and then making out on the tabletop whilst the cake overcooked in the oven.

But you didn't complain. You were just glad to see him so happy and carefree after everything.

He plastered a finishing layer of cream over the cake, looking awfully pleased with himself as he held it up for you to see with a proud smirk.

You bit the inside of your cheek to stifle your laughter.

"Get cleaned up." You ordered, motioning to his flour-covered henley. "Sam told us to be there by five o'clock. We're going to be late."

Bucky nodded dismissively as he sucked the stray icing from his fingers, making a point to keep eye contact with you as he did so. He smirked knowingly. Purposely pissing you off just to get a reaction out of you was just too much fun, he couldn't resist it.

"Problem, doll?" He asked and you wordlessly crossed the room and kissed his stupid smirk right off his stupid mouth. His mischievous grin only widened as he moaned against you. The sweet taste of icing lingered on his lips.

"Nope, no problem." You swiped your thumb across the corner of his mouth once you pulled back, wiping away the last of the icing. "You just had a little something on your lips."

He grinned down at you, heart full. You were going to be the death of him but god would he die a happy man if that were the case.

It took every ounce of control and willpower he possessed but he masterfully with-held the urge to shove you against the nearest surface and instead did as he was told, heading upstairs to change with one last peck to your cheek.

Ten minutes later and you were both on the road, cake securely strapped into the back seat of the car. The apartment you and Bucky were staying in was only a short drive away from the Wilson's and Sam was right, the people in the town really were the most welcoming in the world. You and Bucky had never felt more at home.

As Bucky parked the car on the dock, Cass and AJ were the first to greet you, ambushing Bucky. You smiled fondly as you watched him goof around with the boys before greeting everyone already at the cookout. Both boys then turned their attention to you, almost tackling you to the ground with the strength of their hugs. You couldn't quite put it into words, but there was something about how AJ rambled on so fondly about how Uncle Sam had set a place for you and Bucky at their table that made you feel more at home than ever before. Dinner itself was filled with laughter and shared stories. You did sit with the Wilson's, Bucky and Cass sitting to your left and right with Sam, Sarah and AJ sitting across from you. It was perfect. Between the bad jokes and the arguments over things as simple as the salt and pepper, it all blended together into the perfect mess of domestic bliss.

You glanced at Bucky who was smiling widely and laughing as he told a story to both boys who looked to him as if he were explaining the secrets of the universe. He was relaxed, unburdened and above all else, happy. He looked like he had finally found a home, a family.

As the meals were finished and things quietened down, you helped Sarah and Sam clean everything up. Then once everything was done, you simply sat and enjoyed the atmosphere. There was music being played, people dancing, and a little off to your left you could see Bucky. AJ and another kid were comedically hanging from his metal arm. Playful smiles were adorning all their faces. Who knew the worlds deadliest assassin had no issue with being a jungle gym if it meant making kids smile?

"I told you. Didn't I tell you?"

You turned and found Sam grinning behind you. He motioned to you and then Bucky.

"I've never seen him like this, so happy. Feels like I'm looking at the old Bucky Steve use to talk about." He said and you beamed.

"Yeah. He's come so far, crossed off every name in his book. I guess he finally feels like he can move on now."

Sam's elated expression softened as he glanced between you and Bucky again.

"I guess we've got you to thank for that, huh?" He playfully elbowed you in the side but his voice was nothing short of genuine. You laughed and shook your head, pushing back into him.

"I didn't do anything, it was all him. I just stood by."

"That's exactly why it's you I should thank." Sam smiled. Both of your gazes fell back on Bucky who seemed to have started a rather competitive game of tag among the kids he was surrounded by. "You stood by him no matter how bad it got. Not a lot of people would do that. Hell, not a lot of people have done that for him. I don't want to think about what could have happened if he didn't have you."

You nodded solemnly, eyes not leaving Bucky.

"Well, I'm not going anywhere so you don't have to worry about that."

Sam nodded with a grin, clasping a hand down on your shoulder. "Glad to hear it. But we should probably stop staring at him now, it's getting creepy, people are going to start asking questions."

You laughed at Sam's comment, muttering a quiet 'Copy that, Cap' as he headed back over to Sarah. As the sun began to set beneath the waves, most of the guests began to take their leave and head home. However, you and Bucky strayed away from the main party for a little time alone. You stood on the dock overlooking the water, Bucky behind you with his arm around your waist and planting kiss after kiss to your neck.

You couldn't explain the warmth that spread within you as you both watched the sun go down. But this was all you'd ever wanted. Bucky pulled you closer against him, opting to use his new vantage point to gingerly kiss your cheek.

"I love you," he sighed, resting his chin against your shoulder. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."

You grasped his hand and laid back against him, counting your lucky stars that you'd both made it to where you were at that moment.

"I love you too."

He grinned at your words and held you close as he looked out over the golden waves and setting sun. He was finally home.

tag list: @bakerstreethound​ @doozywoozy​ @miraclesoflove​ @the-queer-dungeoneer​ @kealohilani-tepise

[vs-redemption]

hii! i swear i read your request rules but i’m still worried this doesn’t follow them. anyway i figured i’d ask and you can obviously decline ahahah. i just read Gray and it’s so well written and makes my heart shiver and i wanted to ask if you’d write a part 2 or a one shot/scenario of having levi as a soulmate in the same eye color soulmate au as Gray? thank you !! :) (^･ｪ･^)

From Cindy: I apologize for taking so long to get to this! It took me a while to get an idea I liked, and then I had trouble getting into the mindset to write it. Inspiration finally struck though, and this is the result! I hope you like it!

Soulmates (Levi x GN!Reader)

Based on the same AU as Gray (Levi x Gn!Reader)

⚠️angst and hints of sex work (Levi’s Mom)⚠️

Levi loved safety

Being born in an extremely run down and sketchy part of the city was one of the worst fates a person could experience. Ever since Levi could remember, he’d been burdened with warnings from his mother who had learned most lessons about living amongst the dregs of society the hard way. He never stepped a foot outside their tiny one room home without hearing her voice expressing concerns about who he talked to, which streets he went down, how late he stayed out, and which shops he visited. There was danger everywhere and no one to protect him.

“Levi, stay close to me,” the woman would say to him when he was younger. Even going out in the middle of the day was a risk for them because his mother had a reputation. In order to feed him and keep the roof over his head, she’d reduced herself to a line of work that garnered an uncomfortable amount of negative attention. In a world ruled by the existence of soul mates, everything about their lifestyle was wrong and all it took was seeing a woman with duel colored eyes and a child for someone to know she’d committed the biggest taboo.

At first, Levi didn’t understand why anything about his mother’s appearance would cause such a stir. He’d seen plenty of people with two colored eyes, including himself. As he got older though, his curiosity grew and one day he made the mistake of asking about his father. The pained look on his mother’s face filled him with regret immediately, but he sat and listened to her intently as she explained the ways of their harsh reality.

“Your eyes are a promise,” she’d told him as delicately as possible. “A promise not to share yourself with anyone until you meet the person who you are destined to find and be with forever.” Levi had been filled with sadness for his mother when she admitted to breaking her promise. It was clear that she’d only committed such a disapproved act out of absolute necessity. People were judgmental though and could only see the fact that Levi’s father had not been the woman’s soulmate, which is why her eyes remained mismatched.

“You can still find them,” Levi had tried to hold on to a glimmer of hope for her, but she just smiled sadly and shook her head. The likeliness was low at her age, and even if they happened to cross paths, her past and status as a single mother would drive any respectable person away.

Levi loved stability

After learning about and coming to terms with the truth of this mother’s situation, Levi became determined to help her out in any way possible. He didn’t want the woman sacrificing herself for him any longer. And once he got older, he begged her to start staying home while he did what he could to provide for them both.

“It’s not your job to take care of me, Levi.” She’d smiled at this thoughtfulness while cupping his cheek in her delicate hand. “Everything I’ve done will have been worth it as long as you can have a better life than me.”

He understood her sentiment, but was too stubborn to give up. It was hard to find honest work in a town full of desperation and poverty, but Levi did his best. He took odd jobs here and there, and tried not to get mixed up in any of the bad business that ran rampant in the area. The money he earned wasn’t nearly enough to cover the cost of his small home though. After a handful of threats from the landlord to toss them out on the street, Levi knew he had to do more.

Levi loved familiarity

Resorting to petty theft went against everything Levi’s mother had taught him, and he knew it would probably break her heart if she ever found out. Still, he couldn’t allow their home to be taken away, or worse, his mother to return to the work she’d done before.

He had to be smart though. Being caught stealing in his neighborhood could get him killed. Going into the nicer parts of the city would be a better bet. He didn’t know the area as well, of course, but there was the benefit that he wouldn’t be recognized if anyone saw him. If he did happen to get caught by law enforcement, he’d end up in a jail cell rather than a cold ditch somewhere. Neither option was ideal, but stealing from the rich would have to do until a better plan presented itself.

Things went decently for a while, and Levi was a quick learner. He figured out what worked and what didn’t without having too many close calls. He made sure only to take enough to get by since the thought of being too similar to the criminals he’d grown up around made him sick to his stomach. It was only a matter of time though before his luck ran out. Rumors of a pickpocket spread and people began to act more cautiously about carrying their valuables out in the open, forcing Levi to get more reckless with his stunts.

It was on a particularly frustrating day that Levi caught a glimpse of you. More accurately, he caught a glimpse of the leather purse filled with coins hanging from your hip as you chatted away with a friend outside a popular confectionary. With practiced movements, he slipped into the crowd and made his way in your direction, thinking that snatching up the money would be simple and easy. He’d made a mistake though. Your pouch wasn’t tied up like he was used to, but secured with a metal ring designed specifically to prevent the very act he was trying to pull.

You begin to turn around as soon as you feel the tug on your belt and Levi freezes for a moment, trying to think of a way to get out of the situation. One word from you and everyone in the vicinity would be on him. As soon as your duel colored eyes met his however, something happened that put all other thoughts out of both of your minds. Levi watched in shock as you blinked once, twice, and then suddenly your left eye changed color completely to match your right. The look of initial alarm on you face softened and Levi knew he had to get out of there. He turned on his heel, ducked his head down, and walked away as quickly and as naturally as his legs would allow. He waited for any sign that he was being pursued for a moment or two and then broke into a run.

Levi loved certainty

In his panic, Levi didn’t even greet his mother as he rushed past her once arriving at home. His heart was pounding and a light sweat covered his forehead uncomfortably. He went straight to the bathroom to stand in front of the cracked mirror above the sink. It took a few seconds to muster up the courage to look into his reflection and find that everything that had happened was real. The two colored eyes that he was so used to were gone.

“Levi, sweetie, are you all right?” his mother appeared in the doorway, looking scared. “Did something happen at work? You’re not usually home this early!” He turns to look at the woman who notices his matching eyes immediately. Her hands come up to her mouth which spreads into a smile and tears spring into her eyes. “Congratulations! Who is it?”

The question makes Levi feel ill. Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine he’d meet his soulmate while trying to rob them. And if his mother found out, she’d be so disappointed.

“It doesn’t matter,” He tells her stiffly. “I can’t be with them.”

The words were far from enough to satisfy his mother though, and she nagged him the rest of the evening with questions about what you looked like and where he’d saw you. He kept his lips sealed until he’d had enough of the interrogation.

“Please, my obligation is to you and nobody else,” he tells his mother. “I don’t know anything about this person. Not only do I have no interest in being with them, I’m certain they have no interest in being with me either.”

“Levi, this is all I’ve ever wanted for you,” his mother begs, taking his hands into her own. “Do not live your life feeling empty and alone. Take this chance and find your happiness.”

Levi shakes his head, refusing to even consider it. His only focus had been himself and his mother for so long that it seemed ridiculous to add a third person into the mix now. It was better to pretend he’d never met you, and he imagined you would feel the same way. How disgusted did you feel knowing your soulmate was the infamous pickpocket? It would be even worse once you found out where he lived and about his mother. Surely you were both better off without each other.

Levi hated the thought of a life without you

Despite his resolution to continue on with life as normal, it only took a few days before Levi caved and went back to the spot where he’d encountered you. The image of your face had never once left his mind, and there was an incessant need to see you again that he could not ignore. He thought perhaps one more look couldn’t hurt, and he had to go back anyway if he wanted to collect enough money to pay his landlord that month.

“I hoped you’d come back.”

Levi had been sure you wouldn’t recognize him after only getting that small glimpse, but apparently fate had engrained his face into your memory as well. He whirled around, his gaze immediately locking with yours. It was wild to see the familiar color of your eyes looking back at him. He had no idea why you’d be here looking for the person that tried to steal from you. The cautious smile on your face as you introduced yourself put him on edge as well. “What’s your name?”

“Levi.” He hadn’t meant to say it, but part of him already felt an attachment to you. What was more, hearing your name for the first time felt like a fire had ben lit inside of him. He shakes his head to get his mind straightened out. “I shouldn’t be here.”

“No!” the panic in your features makes him falter, “Please stay. Can’t we talk for a moment?”

“I’m sorry,” Levi backs away, trying to fight off the instincts rising up inside of him. He didn’t want you to be sad and he didn’t want to disappoint you. He knew though that it was inevitable that he would.

“Levi…”

Hearing his own name spill from your lips was enough to have him second guessing everything. Would he really be able to go the rest of his life without hearing it again? He wasn’t sure he was strong enough to stay away. He’d already come crawling back once already after all. As a last resort, he knew what he had to do. He had to tell you everything. And he did. He revealed his entire life story to you without hardly pausing to take a breath, knowing that every detail would drive your further and further away. Having so soulmate at all was much better than having a soulmate like him.

By the time he finished talking, tears had welled up in his eyes as well. His mother had told him to take the chance for happiness, but instead he’d violently thrown it away. A few seconds passed and suddenly you were slipping your hand into his. It was the wrong reaction to the story but he can’t help but tighten his grip around yours anyway, wanting the comforting feeling you brought to last forever.

“I’m so sorry you and your mother have had to fight so hard just to survive,” you tell him softly. “But you won’t have to live that way any longer, or at least, I want to join the fight with you.”  The genuine kindness and determination in your voice was overwhelming for Levi. Somehow he knew you meant every word, and the image of a brighter future for all three of you began to take shape in his mind. He had no idea if such a future was actually possible, but with you at his side he knew he’d definitely be willing to try. Being born in the roughest and seediest part of town had to be one of the worst fates a person could experience. Levi knew that first hand. He also knew he wouldn’t trade that fate for the world if it meant having you as a soulmate.

[sapphic-sasuke]

Hello, how are you doing these days? I'm back with another ask. Since we see the term 'potential' being applied to characters a lot now, do you think Itachi had any 'potential' to be an interesting character? It is a bit later that he became a mess of theme- and plot-related mistakes, but do you think in there's any basis in canon for him to have been a decent character? One that, if not complex, at least made sense? Thank you and have a great day!

OMGG HIII FAV MUTUAL i been okay these days so busy w my new job but good. howre u? 

I think Itachi had the potential to be an interesting character. Itachi’s character could have been extrapolated in so many different ways that seeing him shoved into a corner just ARGGH. there’s not much depth to him despite popular belief.

It’s crazy to me because part 1 Itachi HAD SO MUCH POTENTIAL ARGGH. It’s like.. man the fear? The way all of the jounins and konoha just couldn’t match him at all! That build up was so nice. His confrontation with Sasuke where he chokes him. It’s so good!!!

I think the reason Itachi’s character fails so spectacularly is because of how the narrative wanted to warp him into someone who “wasn’t that bad” or “had good intentions to save the village but his method of action was flawed” (i see this argument a lot honestly) this argument is reiterated by obito and later naruto and kakashi. because itachi committed genocide to save konoha, he’s seen as morally grey despite the fact that the village he’s saving is highkey fascist and fucks over so many smaller, weaker villages (case in point, NAGATO!) konoha is LITERALLY a military dictatorship. there’s absolutely nothing good about that awful village and itachi killed his family for it

okay now back to my initial point, itachi killing the uchihas for konoha is fundamental to his character, it shapes him... but my god he would have been sooo much better as only an antagonist instead of someone in the middle. I understand that he was manipulated by the elders but Itachi as an antagonist would have still worked even after the plot twist of killing for konoha. He fails because his character sort of stretches out to shadow over everyone else. he’s painted out to be unbelievably strong and infallible even in death to the point it’s just laughable and it isn’t done well either because there’s no purpose to it. it does not forward the plot, it just feels like fanservice. he doesn’t fit into the story with the characters at all. it feels so forced, grating and awkward. suddenly these characters established to be the best of the best are tripping over their feet over a sick shinobi with eyes that are almost blind

His character isn’t that developed; his persona of being strong, deadly and calm is never questioned or challenged. He’s either this loving brother full of guilt or a perfect shinobi. It’s boring! Sasuke loves him when he finds out the truth, the hokages call him a hero and... that would have been a really good point to show how corrupt and horrific the shinobi system is but Itachi’s actions are never questioned! there’s nothing in the narrative in shippuden to make you believe that Itachi was wrong other than his regret (this is mainly because of how the Uchihas are viewed by everyone) And his regret is targeted more at making sasuke suffer than the killing of his clan.

Making Itachi a compelling character could have been done in so many ways so long as there wasn’t this suffocating attempt to justify him in the manga.

And I guess properly flesh out his motives. He kills his clan for konoha for Sasuke. Okay. He joins the Akatsuki to spy on them for Konoha. How would that have worked? If we’re going along with him being a spy, maybe we can be shown how he gradually loses all his morals, finds killing easier. Maybe there’s a moment where he’s surprised at how easy he finds it to fit in with Akatsuki. It would explain his torture of Sasuke more if his default reaction to anything that isn’t entirely numbing is violence. Maybe instead of everything being some greater manipulative bullshit, moments where he harms Sasuke are genuine lapses in control. He’s so obsessed with Sasuke he can’t even rationalise his actions.

(I’m still of the belief that him joining the Akatsuki as a spy was an awful plot point. It would have been better if he only joined the Akatsuki to amplify his villainous persona so Sasuke feels even more inclined to kill when he’s going around terrorising people. I feel like Itachi after killing the clan no longer caring much for Konoha, only Sasuke and a weird obsession for peace because that’s what he also did all of this for, would have been a far more interesting twist. He’s a very selfish character that gets interpreted as selfless for the “sacrifices” he makes because the shinobi think he’s right.)

We need to be shown just how horrific Itachi’s actions are the same way we were shown in part 1 Naruto. And other than the physical consequences, the mental ones too.

I guess what would make Itachi more interesting as a character if we went along with his canon actions would be to see his thought process more. This guy killed his entire clan—show us how twisted his mind can be. Show us how the guilt/self hatred/anger/apathy destroys himself until he’s quite literally begging Sasuke to kill him in his mind.

Rather than having his machinations work out, what if he fails? What if it goes wrong? We need more moments where he’s failing. Not beating legendary characters like Orochimaru. There’s no satisfactory release to Itachi, even in his death. It’s very bland.

I don’t think the plot twist of Itachi killing for konoha in itself was bad, it’s more the execution that was bad. Because we’re already shown in part 1 that Konoha is corrupt. The plot messes come from 1) the urge to make Itachi out to be infallible and righteous but deeply troubled and 2) the narrative trying its hardest to paint the uchihas out to be inherently evil and 3) the lack of accountability placed on individuals and more on “the cycle of hatred” ignoring that it’s these Kages in power who were perpetuating that system.

Okay so I will forever be salty at the direction Itachi’s character took. They took a mysterious older brother and turned him into a plot convulted mess with the worst fake deep quotes and annoying op attacks pulled out of his ass. almost damn well ruined Sasuke’s character too smh. So yeah bestie Itachi had sooo much potential. He could have properly been used as an instrument to show shinobi like the protagonists that Sasuke’s anger is valid and that the village they fight for is evil and not worth it or to properly allow the Uchiha to receive justice but nooooooo guys he felt bad :( and he loves sasuke :( and he was a spy for the village all the protagonists are from fighting terrorism in the shadows :( and the uchihas deserved it for rising up against the village that was discriminating against them :( clearly state sponsored genocide isn’t that bad :( yeah he tortured his brother and his spying did nothing to stop akatsuki but he tried :(

[aio-rya]

"Iris" — Malleus x f!Reader

「Requested by: Anon」

『This is the Iris version I used for this songifc, I felt it was perfect』

ー・Φ・ー

And I'd give up forever to touch you

'Cause I know that you feel me somehow

You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be

And I don't want to go home right now

Once again, his path brought him to the human child's dorm. It looked so different by daylight, the view of the old building was not that bad but night in that place had another meaning: his encounters with his little mortal. He was unbelievable about his thoughts, flying around her, as if he could smell her sweet perfume and feeling the tip of her fingers grabbing his coat. A little laugh scaped through his lips as he turned around, taking his leave —unexpectedly, he spotted someone sleeping under a tree near the path that led to main street.

As he walked by, he realised it was his little human friend. She was so peaceful and quiet while sleeping, her pale eyelids and her pink lips made her look so innocent, like a porcelain doll. Avoiding any kind of noise, he sat down next to her, under the fresh shadow of the tree. He remained there the whole afternoon, watching over her sleep and even humming a lullaby he remembered Lilia used to sing for Silver.

Malleus was fighting with the impulse of caressing her soft skin, startled when she, still sleeping, moved her head near to his legs. Babbling quietly on her sleep.

"Tsuno-chan..."

As the sun was setting on the horizon, on the opposite side to where he and his beloved girl were facing, she woke up —even then, sleepy, she was beautiful.

"You look like an angel" he whispered, putting his book down on his legs while she sat down.

"How long have you been here?" she asked with drowsy voice, yawning.

He chuckled, "long enough to take care of you."

"Then, you are my guardian angel" she answered, getting nearer.

"I am no angel. I have lived in a cold, enormous and empty castle for centuries. But having a friend, loving someone like you... That is the nearest thing I have to heaven" he muttered, as if he was afraid of those words.

She smiled and his heart beat increased.

"Should we get inside?" she asked, standing up as he pulled her arm. Her tiny body landed over Malleus' legs.

"I'd rather stay here with you" he said, lifting her ching with a finger. "Do you feel it? The cold shiver running down your spine?"

She remained quiet as he started getting near, mixing their breathing. Is he going to...

"What are you thinking about?" he whispered almost against her lips.

She stared at his beautiful green dragon eyes, then at his lips, lightly blushed.

"You."

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

And sooner or later, it's over

I just don't wanna miss you tonight

They saw stars shining in the distance as night covered the sky, cold wind caressed their skin as moonlight witnessed their long unspoken love. Life was so different before, without him, and for the great prince, it was too without her. Everything he knew was loneliness as he only had Lilia by his side, for eternity, while the human lifes passed by in the blink of an eye. He never really cared about them, the sons of men, since there were millions and almost everyone of them were similar.

But she. She was an exception. He was condemned to the hell of a life that would last eons, such as Lilia, he will live as the people he loved died —and now, he was afraid of losing her, the young lady who laid down on his chest, the one who never feared him, the so daring and brave human he was holding between his arms.

"What is it, Tsunotaro?" she whispered, tightening her hold over his waist.

"You will never learn, won't you?" he laughed, kissing her forehead. "What should it be?" he answered, trying to keep the mysterious atmosphere.

"You hold your breath when you're worried" she stated, burying her nose on the collar of his shirt.

"How would you know that?" he asked, giggling. Oh, how happy she was, since no one but her coulg listen to him like that. So... Tender.

"I was told by a little bird~" she crooned, lifting her head.

"A silver one, pheraphs~?" he followed her tone, mischievously.

"Pheraphs not" she laughed, laying over him, looking straight into his beautiful emerald eyes, "What is worrying you, my king?"

My king, he taught. You only called him like that when you were serious.

"Human life is... Ephemeral. It has and end, sooner or later. That's why you live every moment with such intensity, so you can leave this life without regrets" Malleus started explaining, caressing her plum lips with his cold finger, "You treasure every important memory, every true love's kiss, every reward earned after taking a risk... And yet, we the faes live long enough to remember our humans with love and pain."

"Is... Is this some kind of... Farewell?" the young one asked, with some tears stuck on her throat.

"It is not. If fact... I want to do as you" he smiled, holding the back of her head, getting near to her face, "I want to engrave this moment with fire on my heart. Your smell, the smoothness of your skin, the taste of your lips..." his voice was deeper, not sad but nostalgic, his lips dangerously close to hers, "Breathing the same atmosphere as you."

He leaned forward to catch her between his lips, cold but sweet, tender but needy, fragile as strong. She was breathless, speechless —it was a feeling none of them had experienced ever before.

"I want to remember this night, so I won't ever miss you again. I want to remember every inch of you forever."

And you can't fight the tears that ain't coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

Yeah, you bleed just to know, you're alive

"If that is what makes her happy, I'm willing to sacrifice my own happiness" he stated with powerful but polite voice, staring blankly at the letter on the table aside him.

"You have surely grown up, Malleus" certain ancient fae answered with a gleam of proud on his voice, leaning forward, putting his hands over the prince's shoulders. "But you will not be happy with her choise, you can lie her. But you can't lie yourself."

"I--"

"I know. Life is not as fairytales, you may feel you are near your 'happily ever after', but fate is unpredictable" Lilia spoke before his ward could, trying to understand how he must have been feeling about losing her, his beloved human child.

"I'm fine" Malleus stated once again. "I can't allow myself to break down, it is not proper of the Heir of the Valley of Thorns". He was lying to himself and he was clearly aware of that, not even his guardian, who knew him as the hilt of his very own sword, could be fooled by his unconcerned visage.

"Malleus... If you need to release those feelings, I--"

"It's fine, Lilia. I'll be fine. There's no need for crying nor overthinking the situation" he stood up from the chair at the Diasomnia's dinning room and made his way toward the door. "I'll take my leave. I need to prepare a farewell gift for the Child of Men. That is proper from a Prince."

I never mentioned crying, my dear. The short fae thought with a sigh , taking the letter between his fingers while walking towards the main door of the castle.

And I don't want the world to see me

'Cause I don't think that they'd understand

When everything's made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am

"What is this?" she asked, taking the black velvety box Malleus handled out to her.

"A gift. A farewell gift" he said bitterly, also tenderly as the eyes of her human watered.

"F-fare...wel..." she whispered as a tear rolled down her cheek. "So it is true? Are you willing to sacrifice your own happiness for letting me go, then? I... I can't. An eternity thinking about this moment, heavier than our memories together..."

"We have to fulfil our own duties. And you have a world waiting for you" he insisted, taking a few steps back.

"I have a world waiting for me, but it is not in the other side of the mirror. It is here, with you" her voice was shaking.

"You are a human. Your life is as fragile as a leaf... It is made to break, you are made to die."

"That's how life works."

He suddenly felt her hands trying to reach his face, tip toeing because of the height difference. She lifted a black hair strand from his forehead, revealing his birth marks and caressing them with her thumb; he was astonished.

"You truly are a fearless human" he said, recovering from the initial shock. Leaning forward for her to touch his whole skin.

"I don't have to fear you" her eyes were now closed, as he made possible to touch each other forehead, "I know you. I've walked with you... Even in my dreams."

Her arms surrounded Malleus as she held him tightly, burying her nose on his neck.

"Even if the world doesn't see what I do, I will still love you. And if you ask me, I will stay. I don't care if they never understand, I don't mean they do--"

She was silenced by a sudden kiss. Something she never expected to be so rough yet too careful.

"And this is my gift to you: I will always love you..."

"Until my last breath."

ー・Φ・ー

It has been a while since my last songifc. So... It's up to you guys, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.

[giuliafc]

Moonlit Tears

https://archiveofourown.org/works/30020268

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13839874/1/Moonlit-Tears

A confused and heart wrecked Chat Noir finds a Ladybug in tears atop the Eiffel Tower. But when the two heartbroken heroes compare the shattered pieces of their hearts, they realise that those pieces look very similar. In fact, they're right the same. LadyNoir/Adrinette.

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

The low humming of sobs was the only sound that reached his ears as he landed gracefully at their usual spot atop the Eiffel tower. He gasped and didn’t move, unsure of what to do. His heart was already heavy with chagrin. He had transformed and ran across the rooftops for the last two hours trying to calm himself down. Trying to avoid being the next akuma victim. He couldn't bear the thought that his Lady could possibly have had her heart broken today too.

He sat with feline elegance next to her. She didn’t even acknowledge him, inwardly looking as she was. He didn’t blame her. She was always so open, so generous, so ready to help everyone. She had the right to be upset for once and to not bother to say hi. He didn't want her to think that he had been there all that time without letting her know, though. That would be plain rude.

“Little kitty on a roof, all alone beside his Lady,” he started singing, changing the words of the song on purpose. He heard her gasping, then she stopped sobbing. She slowly stretched her legs and hung them down from the metallic structure they were sitting on. She straightened her back, trying to wipe her eyes dry with her fingertips, but failing miserably. New tears rolled out, renewing the dampness on her cheeks.

“I thought it was ‘ without his Lady’,” she pointed out, sniffling loudly.

He smirked with a concerned look. “And you’re right, Buginette. But I felt lonely even sitting beside you tonight. I’ve been here for a while and you haven’t even noticed.”

She sniffled again. “Sorry, Chat Noir. I had a really bad evening. I transformed and ran across the rooftops for a good couple of hours, but I still didn’t feel better. I came here to be alone, safe from prying eyes.”

“Oh.” His ears drooped. “Do you want me to leave?”

A shadowed smile popped on her lips. “Not at all. I just didn’t expect you to be patrolling tonight.”

“I wasn’t patrolling,” he said, “I had a bad evening too. A bit like you, I needed to vent, so I ran for a while, ending up here. I was surprised to see you. And even more surprised to hear you crying.”

She wiped her eyes one last time and finally they came dry. “Care to tell me what upset you?” She saw him tense, so added quickly, “If it won’t reveal your identity of course.”

He sighed. “I don’t mind telling you, Buginette, but I think you need to vent more than me. I hate seeing you so upset. Who do I need to beat up?” He faked a scowl and posed like a boxer.

She looked at him in amazement and then erupted into a crystal laugh. “Oh thank you, chaton. I needed it. Thank you so much.” She hugged him tightly and kept laughing. But the more she laughed, the more her laughter lost its light. It darkened, until she sobbed again, clenching her fists against the spandex material of his suit on his chest. He tentatively hugged her. When she didn’t react by rejecting his touch, he tightened his hold and held her closer, patting her hair in a soothing rhythm. A quiet purr began rumbling into his chest; after an initial gasp, Ladybug hugged him back and his purr renewed.

“I told him tonight,” she whispered eventually.

“Him?” he asked, carrying on with his purring and gentle rhythm of his hand over her hair.

She sniffled again. “Yes. The boy that I love. You remember? The one I told you about when we faced Glaciator.” She paused, happily lulling herself in the cathartic feeling of the purr. “I’ve never been able to tell him up to now. And I knew I was setting myself up to fail, because he’s told me before that he loves someone else. But I drank a couple of drinks too many; he was so kind to drive me home, and was being nice with me. So I just... told him.”

A sense of déjà vu hit Chat Noir. He gasped almost too loud, causing Ladybug to look at him with a puzzled frown on her face. He put a hand on her shoulder and with the other, he lifted her chin so she would look into his eyes. “What did he say? Did he reject you? If he made fun of you in any way, tell me his name and I’ll haunt him in his sleep forever.”

Despite the pain that he could read in her eyes, Ladybug genuinely smiled at the remark. “Thank you, Chat Noir,” she said. “But no, he didn’t reject me.”

Now it was his turn to be puzzled. “Then, why are you crying?”

“He didn’t say anything , minou. He just sat there in his car in silence until we reached my house. I even waited a couple of minutes before getting out. I said bye to him and he didn’t respond. I ran inside feeling horrible. I… feel as if I’ve ruined not only my chances of being with him but also our friendship, which I have cherished for the last four years. All because I drank too much. I’m so stupid.” She looked down and moved away from him. Sniffling some more, she stared out at the twinkling lights of the City of Love .

“That’s funny,” he said bitterly. When he said that, she gasped and looked at him shocked.

“What do you find funny, Chat Noir?”

He stretched his arms behind him and leaned back, allowing his gaze to get lost admiring the beautiful full moon that towered in the dark sky. “Today I went to a birthday party organised for one of my friends. We drank a little too much and it had become very late, so I offered one of my friends a lift. God forbid that she walked home as tipsy as she was and someone took advantage of her. She’s too dear to my heart to allow it to happen.”

“Oh,” she said, “o-okay?”

“I was driving her home. Well, my driver was; I was sitting with her in the back.” His hand reached for the nape of his neck and his gaze darted down. “She was telling me how grateful she was that I gave her a lift and suddenly, she told me that she loved me. A-and I didn’t know what to do, or what to say, so I kept my mouth shut.”

She gasped at his words. His gaze darted to her briefly, and the intensity in her eyes made him sweat. She stared at him as if her life depended on his next sentence.

“And…?” she pressed.

Was it getting hot here, or was it only him? He dared another peek at her face; she was still looking at him intensely. “And… nothing. The car stopped in front of her place. I waited until she had gone inside before asking the driver to go. When I got home, I had to transform and get out because I didn’t understand what was going on with my feelings.”

“Why?” she asked in a choked whisper.

He could hardly breathe. “Be-because I was confused. I’d never thought she liked me. She always acted as if I was intimidating her. When we met, we started off on the wrong foot. So I really thought that she hated me, and probably only put up with me because of our friends.” Ladybug gasped loudly and looked up at him, her eyes as big as saucers. “I couldn’t believe that a person as amazing as her would think anything at all of one as insignificant as me.”

He turned around and looked straight into her eyes. “She was my first friend. I didn’t want to ruin that friendship. I messed up badly enough with my first girlfriend, being so indecisive and never letting myself go, until she got fed up and told me she had found someone else. I didn’t want to ruin my friendship with her too, because—” His mouth went dry; he gulped awkwardly and licked his lips.

“Because?” He could hear the breathlessness in her tone. He could see how hopeful her gaze was as it met his, how tense her back was as it straightened. He internally screamed. God, he couldn't believe it. This woman loved him. For real!

“Be-because she was important to me. I didn’t want to lose her.” He grabbed her hand, a tinge of pink dusting her cheeks as he locked his gaze to hers. “The truth is that I love her. I’ve loved her all along. Only, I was too blind to see it. I’m such a fool, Marinette .”

The sound of her gasp resounded in the silence of the night like a slap in the face.

“The girl who didn’t like my jokes, the one I told you about the day we were coming back from the wax museum. That girl was you .” He gulped seeing the tears staining her cheeks once again. She stared straight through to his soul in silence, crying quietly for a time that felt endless. Why wasn’t she talking?

“We’re idiots,” she eventually said, the shadow of a smile curling the corner of her lips.

“No, Buginette. I’m the only idiot I can see.”

The smile that had been curling her lips widened. “Silly chaton. There’s an even bigger idiot sitting right in front of you.” She took a big breath, exhaling slowly. “Be-because the boy I rejected you for the day we fought Glaciator—”

“Yes?” His ears perked up and he couldn’t help but lean towards her.

“Th-that b-boy… was… Adrien Agreste .” She looked up from behind her eyelashes, a deep blush dusting her cheeks when she saw the massive grin that spread on his lips. “I-I’ve loved you from the day you gave me your umbrella. I tried so hard to let go of you, b-but I’ve never been able to.”

His eyes widened as his mouth opened in a small o. “Y-you mean my first day at school?

She nodded, her red cheeks almost glowing in the darkness. He gawked at her beautifully flushed face for a long time, admiring how her porcelain skin shone bright in the pale light of the full moon. The stain of her tears like crystal reflecting the moonlit night. He looked at her for so long that her redness changed to pallor and her eyebrows furrowed into a frown.

“What’s wrong, minou?” she asked.

“Nothing.” He gulped and closed his eyes, taking a shuddering breath as he reminded himself to breathe. “I’m so happy.”

She smiled softly seeing the way his lip trembled. “C-can I kiss you?” she asked.

He nearly jumped out of his skin. His eyes sprang open; he smirked, and his tone turned teasing as he tried to hide his shock. “I always thought I was going to be the one to ask you .”

The soft smile never left her lips; she inched closer to him. Her arms wrapped around his shoulders, taking in the soft shaking under her touch. Her hands held his neck by the nape, pulling him in until there were only millimeters between them. They could feel the tickling of each other’s breath on their lips, both hesitating to close the gap.

“And tell me, minou.” Her nose brushed his, his heart clawing against his chest as her whispered words caused wild fluttering in his stomach. “What answer did you expect me to give you?”

His senses were overwhelmed with the scent of hot chocolate and sugary treats in her breath, with only the smallest tinge of alcohol.

He was still pondering on an answer when their lips met, and any residue of coherent thought dissolved from his mind. He would think about what to say later. Right now he was finally kissing the girl he loved.

Nothing else mattered. Nothing at all.

Fin

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

Author’s Note:

Hi! I know, I know, I will end up with not one. Not two. But THREE updates today. I’m definitely spoiling you, don’t expect this every week (I would die LOL). But I had written this story a little while back prior to my submission for the New Beginning zine (they were asking for a piece of less than 2000 words and i had never written one before, so I had to see if I could write something that short before committing to a submission!). Unfortunately I wasn’t selected, which means that you get this story now and not in January 2022, are you happy? ^-^

Hope you’ll like it. Again, a bit different from what I’ve ever written, but more my style than the Visiting Hours one. Please let me know your thoughts! Any kind of comment (or kudos, favs, follows, bookmark… anything) is very welcome.

Last but not least, if you read this and you’re not part of our wonderful Discord server already, but you enjoy reading, writing and talking about Miraculous, please join our Discord server, Miraculous Fanworks . See you there soon!

[ladykissingfish]

Under The Mistletoe with the Akatsuki // Part Three //Sasori

Sasori

Why must he do this? Why must he comply with such an inane human “game”? Things sure have change since he was a child; it used to be that kisses were an expression of intimacy shared by people who loved each other, not public fodder for critique and criticism. Regardless, here he is, so he prepares himself for the inconvenience.

Kisame

Kisame is one of the taller members of the group, so he has to bend quite a ways to bestow his kiss on the minuscule redhead. He chooses to go with a kiss on the forehead, which slightly annoys Sasori; he’s NOT a damn child, for God’s sake. But perhaps it’s for the best, because even from this angle Sasori can see the shark-man’s incredibly sharp and pointed teeth. A kiss on the lips may have caused damage to Sasori’s wood (which was made from softwoods so as to present a more human look than the rest of his body). Kisame tells him he’s a good sport, to which Sasori nods and smiles. If he ate food, he’d join him and Itachi for tea later. As it is, he says that when his time here is done, they can enjoy a game of Shogi later, as both of them are avid, excellent players.

Itachi

This child always looks so timid before he has to do things like this. Itachi presents one of the most interesting case studies for Sasori within the Akatsuki; he’s unique even among this unique group. Itachi and Sasori have spoken in-depth before about the sharingan; it’s techniques, the different levels. One of Sasori’s ultimate goals is to find a way to replicate the sharingan into one of his puppets, thus making it the ultimate weapon. Itachi often says that when he “finally dies”, Sasori can just take one of his eyes and transplant it into one of his creations. A “joke”; but this kid sure jokes about death a lot. Anyway, Itachi leans down and lightly kisses Sasori’s cheek. Sasori is once again struck by that powerful feeling of chemical imbalance, of chakra that’s rotting and a body thats just barely holding on. This kid; Sasori is a talented medical jutsu user, and could surely help him in no time at all. But once again, this is the path Itachi has chosen. Even if Sasori doesn’t understand it, he will always respect Itachi and his choices.

Hidan

Expectedly loud and unpleasantly crude. “I’m probably gonna be picking fucking splinters outta my damn lips!” “He’s so goddamn short I’m gonna bust my back just bending down!” Eventually he shuts up, puckers up, and delivers a dry kiss to the redhead. Very dry. Dry even to the one made out of wood. When the kiss ends Sasori tells Hidan that he’s clearly dehydrated, and should make it a point to drink more water. “Ah? So you wanted a wet kiss, eh? Always knew you were gay!” Keeps berating Sasori until Kakuzu comes up and drags him away, much to Sasori’s (and everyone else’s) relief.

Pein

Although he and Sasori only have about a four year age difference between them, as with everyone else, he looks at the puppet master in a very fatherly way. However he hold’s Sasori’s maturity level to be a bit higher than most of the others, and their mutual respect for one another is in a different league. Pein asks if Sasori desires a kiss, and Sasori responds by saying that it’s unnecessary. Pein nods, and continues on to whatever tasks he was engaged in before.

Kakuzu

Is really starting to think that instead of playing childish games like this, the Akatsuki’s free time would be better spent trying to earn the organization some much-needed money. Still, the others are playing along, so he may as well. He goes to kiss Sasori’s forehead but, being without his glasses, misjudged the distance and ends up kissing the bridge of his nose instead. Sasori thinks to himself, Kakuzu may be a gruff S.O.B at times, but he’s really not such a bad person. He’s calm, smart, and conscientious. Sasori’s intention of turning himself into a puppet was so that he would live forever, and if Kakuzu truly was immortal, then Sasori would be in good company once everybody else died out. Well, IF they could find a way to do away with Hidan, anyways.

Konan

Konan always smells good. Incredibly good. Does she wear some sort of manufactured scent, or is that her natural odor? Sasori wants to ask, but is hesitant; he doesn’t have much experience with women, and therefore isn’t aware of what may or may not be deemed an offensive question to them. Konan gives him a very soft butterfly-touch of a kiss to the lips, but Sasori barely notices it, he’s so focused on her aroma. This actually presents an interesting chemist challenge for him; to try and replicate her smell using no data other than his olfactory senses. He’s always grateful for an opportunity to try something different, so he thanks her; the fact that she thinks he’s thanking her for the kiss is completely irrelevant, as she goes away smiling.

Tobi

This kid ... or is it man? How old is he, exactly? Sasori has no idea. Almost everything about Tobi is a complete mystery, and that bothers somebody like Sasori, who strives to find the truth in all things. Underneath the mask, past the voice and the continued ridiculous antics, Sasori often gets the impression that there’s more to this individual than meets the eye. Absurdly, something about him reminds him of Itachi, although the two act like compete polar opposites. For the kiss, Tobi doesn’t take off his mask; instead he just presses the object against Sasori’s left cheek, and then his right, telling him that this is how they kiss in other countries. An interesting tidbit, if true ... and how would this guy know something like that? How extensive were his travels, before joining this group? How much does he actually know? Well, regardless, Tobi’s turn has ended, so Sasori shelves his musings for another day.

Zetsu

Zetsu approaches Sasori and asks if he can kiss his neck. He explains that in humans, their strongest scent comes from that area, and he wants to see if it’s true for Sasori. Sasori consents, and Zetsu leans in and delivers a peck to the arc of Sasori’s throat. He stays there for a long time, sniffing, and when he emerges, he informs Sasori that he smells much like a tree, although the scent isn’t any stronger from that area than at any other point. An interesting observation, maybe, but not really one that Sasori has any use of.

Deidara

The young blonde artist is so crimson that he rivals the best tomatoes out in the garden. Sasori wonders if he’s seriously that angry that he has to kiss Sasori. After all, he doesn’t think that Deidara exactly likes him; he’s always complaining about the way Sasori leads their missions, and the arguments about what “true art” is were never-ending. But when Deidara gets close to him, Sasori can see a different reality; Deidara is scared. Sasori can see the throb of his temple as his heart pumps, he can hear the harsh breathing that Deidara is trying (but failing) to keep hidden. What in the world is this brat scared of? He’s not speaking (for once), but now Sasori is concerned that the kid might be nearing a stroke. He figures the only way to calm him is to take the initiative himself. So he steps out from under the mistletoe, cups Deidara’s cheeks, and pulls his face down into a kiss. Immediately, there’s a change. Deidara’s body temporarily goes completely limp in Sasori’s grasp, making the redhead think that he’d actually fainted. He goes to break the kiss to administer aid to him, but before he can move, Deidara suddenly grips Sasori’s face, and his lips are no longer bystanders but aggressors, exploring his older partner’s mouth. Sasori stands still, feeling a twinge of surprise. This kiss feels ... different, from the others. Are humans always this soft, this warm? He hasn’t noticed these things as strongly with the others as he is with Deidara, although that could be because the latter is much closer than the others were. After what seems like an eternity, Deidara breaks the kiss, and smiles. Another rarity; Sasori doesn’t often see an expression from him that isn’t a smirk or a sneer or a scowl. He smiles ... but then he promptly tells Sasori that he’s “a terrible kisser, hm!” and goes back to his room, leaving Sasori ((and everybody else)) staring after him in confusion.

[sneakydraws]

Well, here it is - a lengthy explanation of each card in my mdzs major arcana deck and what I meant to convey/what i would have changed in retrospect/what alternatives i considered! It’s a bit messy and my typing style is lazy but hopefully it will be an interesting read to some of you :)

And so you don’t say I didn’t warn you - jiang cheng’s section (11 justice) is absurdly long lmao

0 the fool  I elaborated on this in the post itself but yeah basically jin ling is kind of representative of all the damage and trauma caused by the past, and there’s a kind of danger there of him falling victim to the same vices as the older characters and repeating the same mistakes and perpetuating the cycle of war and misery (the cycle that we already see with how the jin sect became the new wen sect, and later with how jgy became the new wwx) and he has a lot of room to grow! He grows so much over the course of the novel, comes to realise the complexities of the past and gets a harsh life lesson in how nothing is as black and white as it seems. But ill save talking about his progress for the end, for now whats important is that he has room to grow and also a dog. I don’t really have a justification for the sun, i mostly just thought it looked sick? It made its way to the next card as well, where it makes a bit more sense, but then i realised it was a dumb motif to include 1 the magician I still very much like wwx for the role, and that illustration would have probably had him raising a corpse on his left and pointing threateningly to the sun on his right. I considered including the table as well, with some mdzs relevant items replacing the card suits. Anyway, like i said wwx got a few cards to himself already so i went with the alternative wq design, since i think she fits the card as well. Both she and wwx are highly skilled people, extremely driven once they set their mind to something. The card to me symbolises the creative mind as well as a general drive for action, which fits them both - wwx was famously a prolific inventor, and wq came up with a previously unheard of surgery, after all. This card strays pretty far from the rider-waite deck design, largely because i was still figuring out how i wanted to approach this series, but you can still see the influence. 2 the high priestess I was actually going to skip this card at first because I couldn’t think of a fitting character, but once i considered a qings character post death, it all fit pretty well. She was already a highly intuitive person in life, and in sharing her memories with wwx she is, in a way, relaying a kind of secret knowledge. Anyway she’s one of my fav characters so im glad i got a chance to include her. The coffins could be interpreted to be xxc and sl or xxc and xy 3 the empress Theres other mother figures in mdzs who got to be mothers for a longer time, but jyl definitely embodies the positive aspects of this card the best. She’s nurturing, kind, emotionally supportive, she already mothered wwx and jc quite a bit when she was young. Plus i liked that the rw card had both water and flowers, making an easy lotus connection. In retrospect the stars look kind of out of place and i should have replaced them with something more relevant... Also, i should have had her hold a lotus seed pod instead of a flower, haha 4 the emperor Like i said I considered jc for the role but hoching bullied me into admitting that nmj was better… they’re both more of an inverted emperor than an upright one but then again theres hardly any character in mdzs who would fit upright emperor so. Jgs was also considered but he’s even uglier than nmj so i couldn’t bear to draw him 5 the hierophant It was pointed out to me that lqr would have fit this card better and the truth if that statement haunts me to this day. Unfortunately I have no space in my brain for lqr so lxc got the role instead. My main reason was his role during the wen destruction of gusu lan, when he ran away with the contents of the library - this is why there’s bookshelves behind him. The keys, take, from the rider-waite deck, are meant to represent the gusu pendants that allow you to enter 6 the lovers Im sure many people would have chosen wangxian here but I uhh don’t really care abt wangxian personally? And also their love story is so convoluted that jyl and jzx seem idyllic by comparison lol. Also i didnt really have an idea for who to put in the angel’s place for wangxian… mme jin certainly did not get these two together in the end but undeniably she and mme yu did initially give them a chance to fall for each other so. Thats something i guess. Anyway the trees became their sects’ flowers and the mountain became the burial grounds - an omen of their tragic fate, basically 7 the chariot There might have been other characters who fit this card better but i couldn’t really think of another card for lwj and i thought it would be weird to not include him… anyway i don’t really care for current timeline lwj BUT i do like that he was clearly influenced by wwx to walk his own path in life based on his moral convictions rather than follow his sect’s rules blindly. The chariot is to me a card of self control, self determination and focused action, so it seemed fitting. The composition felt kind of empty without the actual chariot so i padded it out with the guqin, the cloud recess in the bg (it doesn’t look great but i tried to replicate the drama design….) and the bunnies which conveniently fit the colour scheme of the sphinxes in the rider-waite design 8 strength Like i said before, my interpretation of this card is more… morally ambiguous than the quote unquote official meaning, so i thought about manipulative or duplicitous characters more than kind characters whose strength is expressed through gentleness (though i did consider jyl briefly for the latter interpretation). As such, i considered both jgy and nhs, but ended up going with jgy largely because i couldn’t pass up the opportunity to put the nie sect’s beast as the lion. 9 the hermit My thoughts immediately went to bssr lol. It may be an overly literal interpretation but whatever, i like it just fine. And i like that i managed to echo the rider-waite silhouette in the mountain and the tree (and even in bssr herself) 10 wheel of fortune God i love the parallels between these 2… this card to me is about how you cant trust your current situation, good or bad, to last forever, and these 2 embody that perfectly imo. Wwx went from son of a well off servant and a powerful cultivator, to street rat orphan, to adopted son of sect leader jiang, to double orphan, to MIA, to terrifying but admired warrior, to terrifying and despised traitor, to dead, to, at the very end, suddenly respected and trusted again. The dishonesty and cheapness of whatever the public’s current opinion of him is is portrayed beautifully as far as im concerned. And jgy of course claws his way up to power only to instantaneously become public enemy number one, to the point that he’s probably blamed for stuff there’s no reason to believe he had a hand in. Wei wuxian’s silent astonishment at how quickly the cultivation world turns against jgy and towards him again is a delicious moment of thematic resonance.  11 justice I settled on this card for jc after he got booted from the emperor seat but i do think it fits, in a somewhat convoluted way. I turned both the sword and the scales into visual representations of the golden core transfer (can you tell im obsessed with it). According to biddy tarot, the justice card is partly about searching for the truth, and the scene where jc finds out about the transfer is of course a big deal. I was also very influenced by the reversed meaning again - which is about being reluctant or unwilling to face or accept the consequences of your actions. I feel on an intuitive level that this fits jc but I’m not sure how well i can explain it - it’s something about how he’s a little too comfortable scapegoating wwx for things that were also, if much less so, influenced by his actions, and also something about the way he keeps wwx at an arm’s length emotionally but still leans on him and accepts his support when he really needs it, and somewhat hypocritically expects wwx to put the needs of him and the jiang sect before the needs of others. And also something about the core exchange is the consequence and proof of wwx’s deep - terrifyingly deep, even - love and care for him, which is something jc doesn’t seem to let himself acknowledge. Maybe even something about how you could argue that the way all of the jiangs acted around wwx - jfm’s favouritism that left him with the feeling of a debt he needs to repay, mme yus insistence that he be a servant more than a brother to jc, prepared to give his life for jc, and jc’s own unwillingness - or inability, he was a child after all - to clearly acknowledge wwx as an equal to himself, enabling wwx’s self sacrificial and protective tendencies - that all of this was what caused wwx’s complete and unquestioning willingness to do whatever it took to protect jc, and therefore paved the way to the golden core transfer. And i don’t mean this to be scapegoating jc - especially considering how young he was when this all went down, it wouldn’t be fair to expect this level of emotional perceptiveness, awareness and maturity of him - but i think adult jc has to grapple with the fact that the chain of cause and effect was not as simple as wwx fucking everyone’s lives up to be a martyr, and that both jc and his parents had a role in that story as well. I don’t even necessarily think this is something that jc only realised in the current timeline - i think it’s something he felt on some level this whole time, and it probably led to a lot of feelings of guilt - but the suibian reveal definitely puts it in sharp focus, and i think he’s now better equipped to handle this introspection than he was as a recently orphaned, traumatised teenager, lol. ANYWAY the window with the fabric is both a nod to the rider-waite design and a reference to the destruction of lanling - i actually did some basic ass research for this, and it seems that in ancient china fabric would indeed be hanged in a window if the normally used paper was damaged. The design of the window, as well as the very idea to use it to imply the reconstruction of lanling, was taken from this great piece of jc angst by my pal moroll1! Oh yeah also the covered window kind of works as a denial of forgiveness for jc because it’s like a halo but covered up... Also I completely forgot to put a blindfold over his eyes which would be perfectttt because blind justice and the core exchange......... ok moving on 12 the hanged man I always have issues with this card because i cant find a satisfactory summary of what it’s really about. Best i can tell it symbolises a need to hit pause, surrender or let go of something… ive also seen it tied to sacrifice? So mo xuanyu doesn’t fit perfectly, but sacrifice is definitely there in a surface level reading kind of way, and the idea that you have to surrender or let go in order to achieve your goal does fit the whole deal of getting revenge but giving up your life in exchange and not being there to see it 13 death This is probably one of my favourite cards, definitely not because I have huge issues with change or anything…. I see this card as signalling the necessity of change or putting an end to something / leaving something in the past in order to start anew? At first i considered putting past wwx, mxy and current wwx here as a kind of transformation and one cycle flowing into the next... But firstly, I’d already used mxy in the very previous card, so putting him in again would feel like overkill, and secondly, the longer I thought about it the less convinced I was that this would even fit with the card’s meaning? Because coming back from the dead doesn’t like... trigger an internal transformation within wwx or anything? Anyway, fun fact: the design I ended up going with was actually originally intended for judgement! I thought I was being very clever with the whole “figure plays an instrument and the dead rise” parallel, but apparently I’d just completely forgotten that the judgement card had a completely different composition... Truly I was boo boo the fool... But yeah anyway at the end of the day I figured the design would kind of work for death as well, with Wen Ning and the theme of transformation, (since in his case coming back as a fierce corpse does actually mark a certain transformation in behaviour) and Wei Wuxian’s protection of the Wen people essentially signifying an attempt to break the cycle of oppression if that makes any sense? Like, wwx is trying to revolutionise the way the world works a bit, if you catch my drift 14 temperance  The centrist card! Again this is probably going off track from the “official” interpretation, but to me this card has a certain “don’t commit fully; do everything in moderation; don’t take either side” flavour to it that i personally find infuriating irl and that i very much assign to lxc. It’s entirely possible that I’m misinterpreting his character because i didn’t really pay him (and the 3zun in general) much mind while reading, but hell, I’m allowed to pick favourites and choose who i want to interpret deeply vs shallowly. Again, i wish id chosen lqr for hierophant because its so annoying for a character i don’t care about to get two cards…. But oh well 15 the devil My alternative idea for this was jgy as the devil and lxc plus nmj as the figures, but since all three had been featured already (multiple times, even!) i figured I’d go with xy instead, especially since he’s among my faves lol. I think the devil signifies something along the lines of unhealthy attachment, obsession or addiction, which isn’t 100% accurate in the case of xxc and a-qing, but if i stretch it a bit to cover toxic relationships in general, and especially manipulation or negative influence, i don’t think it’s half bad. My main struggle here was to choose who amongst the xxc/sl/aq trio to choose for the human figures. 16 the tower Arguably jin zixuans death and the following massacre of nightless city were the final and most direct reason for the siege of burial mounds, and the tiger seal is good shorthand for wwx’s loss of control over his powers, which led to the deaths of jzx and jyl. When reimagining major arcana i like to feature some kind of building in this card (spoilers for a possible future project but in my rose of versailles major arcana set the tower is bastille) and even if it’s not a tower, the image of wwx looming over the gathered crowd from atop a rooftop is so good i couldn’t resist 17 the star Struggled with this one - considered both jin ling and lsz for it, as symbolising a hope for the future, but that was kind of covered by the world so it wouldn’t make sense to include here as well... As usual when I struggle with interpreting a card (as opposed to understanding it but struggling with matching a character to it, like with death or moon) I went to biddy tarot and read all the details about its meaning. What i got was that this card signifies an incoming period of introspection and inner peace following a time of turmoil, as well as a general moving on into a new, better phase of one’s life or finding new meaning and purpose. The figure also suggests someone vulnerable, but possessing a keen sense of intuition as well as a good degree of practicality and common sense. Given all those, I settled for mianmian because IM LOVE HER..... I also kind of see her as a prelude to the “just one person is enough” theme present in tgcf!! And i think her decision to abandon her sect because she saw the toxicity and corruption in it is a very inspiring action - even if it didn’t make a large visible impact, i think the appearance of her and her idyllic family at the very end of the novel - paralleling and mirroring wangxian - implies that at the end of the day, it was a meaningful one 18 the moon Another card i ALWAYS fuxking struggle with - this time less because i can’t grasp its meaning and more because I can never find a character that fits it well. I usually get fixated on the “dreams and subconscious” part, but if i lean more on the “disguise, deceit, anxiety and fear” part, i eventually figured the whole yi city arc wouldn’t be a bad fit. I say the entire arc because it really does encompass all those themes if you include both the past and the present - xue yang’s disguise, his tricks with the villagers, a-qing’s lies and even xxc’s reluctance to talk about his past as well as xue yang pretending to be xxc all fit the disguise and deceit angle, and the general mystery and creepiness of the current timeline yi city work well with the anxiety and fear - the mist, the slow uncovering of the past, even a-qing being revealed to be an ally after scaring the shit out of the protags. I definitely struggled with including all the elements and characters, and even moreso with making them vaguely fit the rider-waite composition, but i think it ended up okay ish. OH and i completely forgot to draw mist swirling around them :( 19 the sun I was considering mianmian’s family for this one, but since I used her for star, I ended up with wwx and his parents instead. Once again I’m reinterpreting the card a bit - normally I think it symbolises incoming times of pure happiness and abundance, as well as a connection with the inner child, but I gave it more of a nostalgic or sentimental twist - wwx looking back at the brief glimpse of his happy childhood. 20 judgement another card that i struggle to interpret a bit... Here i actually used the tgcf tarot zine as a reference! In it judgement is summarised as “rebirth, following duty, absolution” SO i figured that nhs, mxy and wwx all together would fit pretty neatly... wwx achieving (public) absolution through clearing his own name after being reborn, and nhs sort of calling on wwx to expose jgy’s crimes... It’s a bit messy but not bad I think! 21 the world This ties very closely to my read on mdzs as a story - which is that it’s, at the end of the day, largely about cycles, and about how hard it is to break them, but how we gotta keep trying and have hope anyway. Or maybe more precisely, that the people directly involved with and influenced by the trauma of the past might not be able to get over said trauma and that the hope for healing from it will be shouldered by the new generation. Or something like that… Basically what i mean is that jc and wwx and lwj and lxc and nhs and jgy and all these people who were in the thick of the sunshot campaign and the siege are so profoundly affected by it that it genuinely feels by the end of the story like there is little hope for them to ever truly overcome that trauma and build a better future without repeating the same old mistakes - but there is a glimmer of hope in the new generation, specifically in jl and lsz. And it’s a bit paradoxical, because they have also been directly impacted by the past tragedies - lsz having his entire clan wiped out after wwx failed to protect them, jl losing both his parents to wwx’s mistakes - but despite that loss, and despite coming from arguably the two opposing sides of the past conflicts, they are both, in the end, capable of moving past that tragedy, of recognising the complicated nature of those conflicts (jl’s moment of clarity at the end is both heartbreaking and hopeful) and forging friendships between clans in the process. I honestly think that the extra where jl is struggling to assert his authority as sect leader, to treat his subjects well and to cooperate with other sects in a truly amicable way is the single hopeful ending note for the larger themes of the novel - it allows us to imagine that maybe these kids can learn from the mistakes of their elders rather than getting sucked in by resentment at those mistakes, and actually build a brighter future for the cultivation world. And sidenote, this is also why i have a soft spot for jin ling and lan sizhui as a ship... speaking of which their poses were directly referenced from the lovers card ehehe

Looking back, I’d like to add some symbol of jin ling’s trauma so that it mirrors baby wen yuan in the tree stump... maybe his father’s sword? 

[capri-ramblings]

Hello! Can I ask for hcs for Malleus, Leona, Jamil, Azul and Floyd playing pocky game with MC uwu and if possible to make it slightly spicy?? 🥺👉🏻👈🏻

The format is weird in this one but I still like the outcome of this ask and I hope you do too! Thank you for waiting this long! 💖 Also,I had to take out Leona cause my brain couldn't work out a scenario without him feeling a bit... off? I'm sorry! 😔

Requests are in the works,both old and new. Your patience is greatly appreciated!

[ "Kiss Kiss Fall in Love?" ]

Malleus Draconia

- Malleus didn't even know what a Pocky was at first and MC had to tell him thus the purpose of the game itself

- He's amused, and the way the green in his eyes spiral against the speck of rare mischief in them makes it a little harder to not be nervous

- But he welcomes the invitation, perhaps a bit too eagerly

"You know,you don't have to do this if you really don't want to..."

Malleus's dark brows arched, a slight smile on his lips as he looked to them.

"You make it sound like you're some kind of beast that's held me captive" He let out a laugh,deep and full as if the walls of the room had suddenly turned into caves echoing back the sound of Malleus's voice.

It wasn't unsettling to be with him, more like it was always an odd situation to be in. No one other than his usual entourage surrounded him after all.

"Well, Whatever you think I am, I'm just saying that we don't have to try the game if you don't want to. I told you cause Ace and Deuce were talking about games they played back in their neighbourhood, and I just happened to remember mine when I saw you."

"Oh?" Malleus's smile widened even if it was brief, and the way the hues in his gaze shifted then spoke of an intent they'd wish they noticed earlier.

"I don't mind." Malleus said simply,though the undertone of his voice rang with a hint of laughter that had the other agreeing with confusion.

- MC has to tell him there's different flavours cause he'll get sulky if he finds out afterwards from anyone else

- He'll probably stick with chocolate though

- His lips won't stop grinning at the closeness he and MC have and once he sees them closing their eyes as the pocky stick gets shorter he gets flustered as well and instead of pulling away he just watches them bite off the snack until their lips touch his.

- His eyes grow wide and the sensation of Someone else's lips on his gives him an odd sensation he's never felt. It's like his heart momentarily stopped

- And before MC has a chance to open their eyes, Malleus leans into the kiss, hands grasping the small figure in front of him.

- He's never had such an urgency to initiate something like this with anyone but the way they seemed so shocked and vulnerable had his insides stirring

- The kiss goes on until MC is gasping for air, squirming meekly in his grasp as soft mewls escapes them and once Malleus pulls away,his eyes are glistening.

- "How about another round?"

Azul Ashengrotto

- He's kinda baffled at first.

- Truth be told he has heard of the game but no one ever came up to him and ask him to play

- Azul will try to play it off smugly though, making it seem that he's done it a thousand times but then he sees how you beam and take out three different pocky flavours

- And his mind does this thing where it blanks out before it whirs back to life and he's pushing up his glasses to assert some sort of assurance for himself.

"You're like a small kid, aren't you? So many flavours..."

You look up curiously to peer at Azul's face, the smile on your lips lightly fading as you tilted your head to the side.

"You don't have to do it if you don't wanna? I just got this snacks from Sam so I thought I'd share with everyone and since you're the first person I stumbled on..." You felt somehow shy by the end of your sentence,what with how Azul was looking at you sternly but with the pockys in hand you let your shoulders shrugged and pushed the packets in front of him.

"Which flavour do you wanna start with?"

"S-Start with? You mean you want to do all of them?" Azul sounded so dumbfounded and if you didn't know any better you would've thought he was being bashful, but seeing how you noted the speck of determination in his gaze, you didn't want to suddenly back out.

Azul was a hard person to genuinely like unless you're willing to make a deal with him, but you knew from experience that he wasn't an extremely terrible guy to hang around with. With his past of being bullied and wanting to be better than everyone else, you thought it was admirable he used his trauma to build himself up.

Plus, if he did end up a blushing mess, you'd have something priceless to blackmail him with.

"Come one, Azul! Pick!"

"Can't you wait—Hey! Don't shove them into my face like that!"

You're laughing when he lightly nudges you away from him with his finger before snatching the strawberry flavoured one.

"Ooh, you're into sweet things,aye?"

"What are you? Five years old?"

"I'm joking, Sheesh! Loosen those bones of yours,Mr.It's-A-Deal!"

He's frowning again and you start thinking if he's really the bad villain he acts out to be if all it took to annoy him was teasing his preferences, a sudden spur of softness playing in your stomach at the thought it being true.

When you take one from the packet and place it in your mouth,Azul's jaw stiffens before he leans in to do the same. You're both staring at each other for a solid minute before you decided to make the first move.

It was funny,seeing his eyes widened a fraction as he watches you inch closer to him. You wanted to laugh and tell him to move as well but instead you go faster, and before he has the chance to pull away, you grab his face with both your hands and pull him into a kiss. The taste of strawberry melting onto your tongue.

Azul lets out this small muffled whimper, awkwardly trying to pull away but failing to do so as he feels your tongue entering his mouth and intertwining with his. The warmth of your body as you climb onto him makes his head dizzy but his hands aching to grip at your clothes.

He leans into the kiss almost immediately afterwards, eyes closed and cheeks flushed as he drinks up the sweet intimacy you were giving him. He doesn't even know what the hell happened to the pocky and he doesn't really care.

All he wanted was for the kiss to last forever. And maybe with the other packets you had, it could.

Floyd Leech

- Floyd laughs when you come up to ask him, his toothy grin glistening as he stares at the pocky box in your hand.

- He starts humming a small song when you began explaining to him the game and how it was popular back in your world.

"Hmm? That so,huh? Well, then why do you wanna do it with me, shrimpy?"

The lilt of amusement in his voice makes you lift up your head to look at him. Suddenly feeling conscious of how he loomed over you like an ivory tower.

You knew how a lot of people tended to avoid Floyd seeing how unpredictable and at a times unstable he was, but a part of you was more intrigued by him rather than scared, and so you only thought it was natural to want to be with him as much as you could.

"Well,cause I like you?"

The words stumble out of you lips faster than you could process any thought and Floyd looks at you blankly at first. His brows slumped and eyes dull, but then the sides of his lips twitches and he bursts out laughing.

High pitched and nearing a squeal, his eyes glimmer with excitement when he drops his head low to yours, teeth aligned as if ready to bite out your throat.

"You're incredible, Shrimpy!" He says, giddily as he looks to the packet and back to you.

You're half wondering if you just dug up your own grave, but also wondering why you felt the same amount of excitement he did in your bones at the thought of Floyd agreeing to play.

"You like me,huh?" Floyd asked this with a cheery tone, the kind he has when he's ready to knock the world off its feet.

You blinked your eyes twice, then nodded.

"Yeah, I do".

Floyd's smile grew.

"Let's play then, Shrimpy"

- The flavor you originally bought was vanilla but Floyd pulled a face and said he didn't feel like vanilla and proceeded to drag you back to Sam's shop and switchec it to green tea

- "I never tasted this one! Let's try it,okay, Shrimpy?"

- You agreed, and the both of you set out to the courtyard.

"Shrimpy,are we going to make this into a contest?" Floyd dragged out the last few words in a musing tone, the grip he had on your wrist firm but lax as he dragged you to the nearest bench.

You arched your brows and looked at him questioningly.

"A contest?"

"Yeah,yeah, like a game of tag"

Was he going to make you chase him to get the Pocky? You hoped not. Floyd was light on his feet, and when he ran he could do it for hours.

You took a while to answer and in the meantime,Floyd had already unpacked the pockys and even took one into his mouth to eat.

He beamed when he chewed it down.

"I don't know where you're getting at, Floyd. Do you mean we're going to have to chase eachother?"

"No,no, like this"

He takes one Pocky,slips it into his mouth and grabs you into a kiss.

The sound of the pocky stick breaking in two while Floyd presses into the kiss, has you gaping your mouth slightly,scared you'd bite either his or your tongue by accident. But you don't and when Floyd pulls back he's laughing.

"That's one point for me, Shrimpy!"

You stare at him, dumbfounded and Floyd frowns.

"Don't you get the game now?" He said,head tilting as he watches your expression shift from shock to confusion. It was kinda annoying since you were still so slow about it but Floyd didn't want to get too angry at you, after all, you were kinda cute when he kissed you just then. He wanted to do it again.

So, he explains it to you and none of it makes any sense really. Near the end you realized that all the two of you were doing was eating the the pocky via kissing.

Sure, it was rather sudden and Floyd had a tendency to bite but you weren't complaining, nor did you really have a chance to.

Floyd seemed pretty damn adamant about eating the pockys that way, and when he was that persistent, nothing could stop him.

Jamil Viper

- Jamil's eyeing you with this look that says you're probably half a braincell if you think he'd agree to it, but then he sighs and puts his pencil down and just shakes his head.

- It's a confusing reply,but the fact that he isn't continuing with his studies meant that he was waiting for you to do something.

- So, you took one Pocky out and held it in front of him.

"Is that going to turn into a sword or something?" He asked, a hint of annoyance lingering in his tone. You went and gave him a frown, rolling your eyes and stuffing the snack in your mouth. The crunchy sound of it snapped making Jamil frown as well.

"What was that?"

"You didn't look like you wanted to play."

"So, you pestered me the whole day about it and now you're just going to sulk like a five year old because you just realized your crush finds you annoying?"

You sputtered at the last few words. Cheeks growing hot as Jamil smirks darkly at your reaction.

"So honest." He cooed " You really can't lie through your facial expression,huh?"

You balled your fist, the insides of your stomach doing flips at the nervous thought of Jamil knowing you liked him. He probably did, like half of the boys had but it didn't mean you wanted him to say it out loud. More so in front of you.

"You're not my crush! Who said you were my crush? I have nothing for you!"

You really did try to sound stern. To make your words hurtful but Jamil laughed and cocked those dark brows of his and had you oozing admiration from the way you stared at him.

"That so?"

"Y-Yeah! I don't like you at all! Not one bit!"

You clenched your jaw, arms crossed as you stared him down, but then swiftly Jamil grabbed your chin in-between his forefinger and thumb and pulled your face towards him,so close you almost felt his lips on you.

"H-Hey...!"

"Shut it." He drawled,hot and dark as his breath grazed the plump surface of your lips.

He kept his gaze on you and made it near impossible to look away without having those dark eyes follow you like a serpent seeking it's prey.

The slight sound of rustling caught your ears before Jamil took out one of the pocky and slipped it into your mouth.

"Keep it there" He ordered,smooth and languid it seemed more like a spell rather than mere words.

You complied, and Jamil smiled. Genuinely.

"Good girl."

Then he lowered his eyes to your lips, licking his lower half ever so slightly before he bit the other end.

You felt your heart dropped to your stomach at the sight of Jamil staring directly into your eyes, the thought of him kissing you making you faint.

But just when you thought he was going to do just that, Jamil clenched the pocky with his teeth and pulled it away from your mouth.

The loss of closeness had you frowning almost immediately, but before you could say anything about it, Jamil sent you a rather coy grin, his hand coming up to hold the pocky as he bit into the top half of it.

"What? I thought you said you didn't like me,___."

[angelofthebau]

The Briefing After

Spencer Reid x Reader

The heat of the moment can cause actions to last a lifetime

Warnings: mention of smut, language Category:  no idea bro ok Word Count: 1220

A/N: Hello my beautiful angels and CM souls. This fic was inspired by the amazing @hopebaker‘s commentary on CM GIFS - specifically, this post here: [hyperlinked] I hope you all enjoy it, my requests are empty and open for Hotch or Reid. Could probably do a cheeky Prentiss too. Also, I’m aware that all of my fics are female reader, if anyone wants to request a gender neutral feel free to do that! This is pretty gender neutral I think. - Marley

     You knew you both weren’t thinking straight when it happened. You knew that you could never handle that second bottle of wine and Spencer couldn’t handle talking about anything to do with sex in front of you. But you still drank that second bottle of wine, and he’d still managed to bring the conversation to sex after beating you for the eighth time at poker. Well, it wasn’t exactly him creating that conversation - you were known for your innuendo-counter kind of humour and the doctor couldn’t help but rattle away statistics on whatever you’d said...and you managed to make that personal. Talking made him curious, wine made you horny.        That left you waking up in his bed the next morning, far earlier than you’d usually flutter your eyes open. Five a.m. called you, your eyes snapping open and immediately closing again with a soft wince trickling out of your lips softly, the early morning sunrise casting straight into your face and bringing a hangover forward with thunderous beating in your temples and a thirst of a desert dweller. You managed to drag yourself out of bed, barely noticing that you weren’t in your own room until you saw his clothes strewn by the bedroom door. You cast a quick glance behind you, catching him curled up in the bed. His arm cuddled his pillow from underneath, the blanket tucked under his chin but falling away from his bare back and his hair collected itself in a messy pile of honey waves just above his head.       Everything from last night flooded back to you as you crept around to gather up your own clothing, quickly pulling it on and leaving the bedroom to find water. You could hear his growls in your ears as you held a glass and filled it with water. You swore that, just for a minute, you could still feel how his skin felt against yours as you watched the sun rise higher through the window, chasing the water down to calm your flushed self.       You couldn’t stick around to see him wake up. You didn’t want the awkward conversation - or the awkward ignorance as to what happened, either. Sure, you’d see each other at work, but you wouldn’t be able to spend much time dwelling on last night’s antics if you were solving a case or drowning in paperwork. So you left, locking the door and slipping the key back under the door. You walked back to your apartment, catching small fragments of his scent that lingered on your clothes as the early morning breeze whipped through your shirt, your mind still replaying last night.        You hadn’t expected him to be the way that he was with you. You hadn’t expected him to be so...good? The man was shy, awkward, sometimes a little lost in the world as if he was barely keeping his head above the water and other times he was floating above the water itself, in his element and full control, but still a complete oddball. Truthfully, you couldn’t have imagined him in sex, he never gave anything anyway. Maybe it was the surprise of it all...or maybe, just maybe, he was just that good - that was a problem. You’d never be able to forget it if you tried. The bitter, uncomfortable truth was settling in: you wanted it to happen again. You’d never be able to look at Spencer Reid the same way ever again.       The hot shower brought you back to reality. You made your way to work, dressed and fresh with a coffee thermos in hand, loaded up on painkillers that kept the pulsing hangover at bay. You arrived an hour earlier than you were usually expected to show up, but you couldn’t distract yourself at home. For the first time ever, you desperately wanted a pile of paperwork on your desk to keep you occupied all day.       You never got that paperwork pile, but instead graced with a case file from Hotch as he caught you trailing into the bullpen, the paper fresh.        “I was just about to call you, I didn’t expect you to be here already,” He spoke, before softening his voice a little. “Are you okay, Y/L/N?”        For a small second, you almost told him.        “I’m fine, I just woke early,” You said, truthfully, but his eyes were still a little narrowed.        “How was your poker night?” Hotch asked, and you pulled a small smile to your face to recover your initial surprise at his question. Of course, everyone knew about your plans. It was the god-damn BAU.        “It was fun,”        Again, that was the truth and Hotch knew that, so he nodded and left you alone, calling in the rest of the team as you made your way to the conference room. Luckily, you didn’t think that Hotch knew what kind of fun you’d had last night.       “Stop it, Y/N,” You muttered to yourself, shaking away the image of Reid’s face in between your legs, turning your attention to the file. It was a bad one. You’d memorized every detail by the time everyone began trickling into the room, only one person missing.       “Where’s our genius?” Prentiss asked, her eyes landing on you as you shrugged, holding every nerve in your body still although you desperately wanted to squirm away from the gazes of the team and the scrutiny smothered on Morgan’s face.       “I called him and he’s on his way. He can catch up on the plane, we haven’t got time,” Hotch said, thankfully cutting off the team’s looks.        A few minutes into the briefing, the shuffle of familiar footsteps caught everyone’s attention as Reid appeared in the doorway, a little disheveled, his trademark dark circles a little deeper than usual and his shoelaces trailing. He made his way into the room, ignoring the stares from the team and keeping his eyes on the board in front. That was, until he sat down, making eye contact with you and giving an awkward smile.        You almost burst out laughing. The image of the man that had completely ruined you last night; the image that had replayed in your head all fucking morning shattered apart, the imprint of that awkward smile taking over.        Things felt more comfortable for some reason as JJ carried on the case briefing quickly and allowing us to dissipate to grab our go-bags. You pulled Reid to the side as he filed out of the door, Hotch’s gaze lingering on you both as he walked past silently.        “There really is another side to you, Reid,” You began, and he chuckled lightly.        “I didn’t know about it until last night,” He mumbled, smirking lightly.        “Do you need to explore it?” You almost bit back your words, but allowed them to freely drip from your lips as he sank his eyes straight into yours.         “If that’s okay with you?”         “You can fuck me forever and I think I’d be okay with it,”         Your hand sneaked upwards, pulling lightly on a strand of his hair. His tongue slid across his lips, pausing for a moment in thought. The presence of familiar nails digging into your hip suddenly graced you for a second before he walked away, a smile dancing on his mouth as your moans played on a loop in his head.

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Angel List: @mortallythoughtfulgurl @ladydansblanche@guessthatswhyiliveinhell @todaynotseen  @reidandweep@101donuts @thanatosisthegodofdeath @hopebaker @snitchthewitch @psych0crybaby @rachelxwayne @itsmyblogandillreblogifiwantto​ 

[basilisklist]

harry/draco (m/m)

“Mutatum” series by Vichan

-evitative (222,452 words) complete

harry/draco

“In the summer before his fifth year at Hogwarts, Harry is drawn to a room in Grimmauld Place. Like the Gryffindor he is, he enters the room without fear. The room is a library, and Harry is surprised to find that he’s eager to learn.”

“Then he gets the bad news: he’s been accidentally expelled from Hogwarts, and he needs to be sorted again. Everyone is confident that he’ll go straight back to Gryffindor, but with what he's been learning, Harry’s not so sure.”

Mutatum - Vichan - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“On the Precipice” by Jayel

(103,736 words) in progress

harry goes to azkaban

harry/draco

“Under criticism from the public, the ministry wants to show they’re cracking down on crime. So, they send Harry to Azkaban for casting an unforgivable on Bellatrix in their entryway. In a cell surrounded by Death Eaters, dementors stopping by to watch him for far too long, and one guard in particular showing a little too much interest in Harry, Harry’s bound to come out of the situation very changed.”

On the Precipice - Chapter 1 - Jayel - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Tea and No Sympathy” by who_la_hoop

(70,045 words) complete

harry/draco

“It's Potter's fault, of course, that Draco finds himself trapped in the same twenty-four-hour period, repeating itself over and over again. It's been nearly a year since the unpleasant business at Hogwarts, and Draco's getting on with his life quite nicely, thank you, until Harry sodding Potter steps in and ruins it all, just like always. At first, though, the time loop seems liberating. For the first time in his life, he can do anything, say anything, be anything, without consequence. But the more Draco repeats the day, the more he realises the uncomfortable truth: he's falling head over heels for the speccy git. And suddenly, the time loop feels like a trap. For how can he ever get Harry to love him back when time is, quite literally, against him?”

Tea and No Sympathy - Chapter 1 - who_la_hoop - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Beginnings” by magicweb

(60,723 words)

harry/draco

“Follow Harry Potter as he finds his true calling in the Wizarding World. Follow him as he carves his own path and proves that he is the most powerful wizard that will ever live. This is a Dark Harry Story. This is a SLASH fiction. If you are not into that sort of story, that is fine but you might not like later parts of this story.”

Beginnings - Chapter 1 - magicweb - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Stages of Friendship, Love, and Kisses” by babyvfan

(322,346 wods)

harry/draco

“Every story begins with a stage. Every stage begins with a moment. For two young boys, their story began with a snake and a kiss. A kiss that would act as a ripple in the water, sinking deeper and deeper as the years go by and the boys go through moments and stages that strength and test their friendship.”

Stages of Friendship, Love, and Kisses - Chapter 1 - babyvfan - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Memories of a Nobody” by RukiaKiryu

(49,648 words)

harry/draco

“‘I don't want your help Potter and I don't need your pity! Stay out of it!’ But there was a sadness in those silver eyes… An emptiness that betrayed the blond's words, and Harry understood now what he should have known all along. ‘You want to go Azkaban…’ Harry muttered. ‘You mean to die... don't you?’”

Fanfic: Memories of a Nobody Ch 1, Harry Potter

“A day Unlike Any Other” by HerLoyalShipper

(51,944 words)

harry/draco

“Harry is left broken after the war and finds that maybe the only things that can save him is the very boy who despised him. Draco is more so and finds he needs Harry's strength to guide him from the darkness.”

A Day Unlike Any Other - Chapter 1 - HerLoyalShipper - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Black Wings” by Harpy Wings

(111,915 words)

harry/draco

“as the clock struck midnight Harry Potter came into his inheritance, with this new development came a life mate, but if Harry doesn't find and bond with his mate by his 17th birthday...they'll both die..”

Fanfic: Black Wings Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Cute as a Kitten” by xXRon-luverXx

(54k words)

harry/draco

“Harry Potter, locked up at the Dursleys, finds Draco Malfoy as a cat. Utterly confused and wanting information, he decides to help him.”

Fanfic: Cute as a Kitten Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“Not Romeo and Juliet” by silverblondhairedlover

(88,271 words)

mpreg

harry/draco

“Draco Malfoy and Harry Potter, tried to fight for their love between their Houses' heavy rivalry and their Inheritance.”

Fanfic: Not Romeo and Juliet Ch 1, Harry Potter

“All The World’s Treasures” by ArtEnchanter

(45k words)

harry/draco

“The Horcruxes were destroyed before the attack on Godric's Hollow - leaving Voldemort dead for good. Harry still became the Boy-Who-Lived, although he was blessed with his parents staying alive. What difference did having his parents with him make as he grew up? Well, he refused to go to Hogwarts for a start…”

Fanfic: All The World's Treasures Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“Black Wings” by amsuter34

(107k words)

harry/draco

“as the clock struck midnight Harry Potter came into his inheritance, with this new development came a life mate, but if Harry doesn't find and bond with his mate by his 17th birthday...they'll both die..”

Fanfic: Black Wings Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“It Was All Just a Game (OLD VERSION)” by write_me227

(364, 435 words)

harry/draco

“When Draco comes up with an idea to mess with Harry during the Triwizard Tournament, will he be the one who will get burned in the end?”

It Was All Just a Game (OLD VERSION) - Chapter 1 - write_me227 - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Harry Potter and Life” by aspiringSatan

(72,046 words) complete

harry/draco

“After the war Harry deals with nightmares and shit. he goes back to finish his schooling as an 8th year. Hogwarts has been restored, but not the mindset of students. Harry is still the Gryffindor we know him to be and doesn't even notice the impact he has.”

https://archiveofourown.org/works/8003191/chapters/18322543

“Harry Malfoy’s Trials” by Madriddler

(109,301 words) complete

harry/draco

harry/blaise

“At 4 years old Harry Potter runs away from the Dursleys to find himself at Malfoy Manor. Adopted by the Malfoys, Harry now grows up as Draco's brother surrounded by pureblood society and dark arts. Easily befriending Draco and Blaise Zabini, Harry grows to be a completely different boy than Dumbledore planned, embracing his Slytherin roots and isn't afraid to show his green colors.”

Harry Malfoy's Trials - Chapter 1 - Madriddler - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Harry Riddle: Son of Voldemort” by Madriddler

(71,955 words) complete

harry/draco

“Instead of trying to kill Harry on that fateful night, Lord Voldemort has decided to steal the child away and raise him as his own. With plans to turn the boy into Dumbledore's downfall, the Dark Lord soon finds out that raising Harry and not developing a bond with the boy is impossible. Especially when the boy consistently calls him Daddy, and proves to be more loyal than any Death Eater. Will Voldemort keep to his plan? Or will raising Harry awaken something in Voldemort that both he and Dumbledore thought long since dead?”

Harry Riddle: Son of Voldemort - Chapter 1 - Madriddler - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“A Summer of Refuge” by xForeversEndx

(41k words)

harry/draco

“It's the summer between 5th and 6th year. Rather than accept the task set to him by Voldemort, Draco rejects the Dark Lord. In an effort to keep him safe, Dumbledore sends him to stay with the Dursley's. During Harry and Draco's forced time together, secrets come out that will change their lives forever.”

Fanfic: A Summer of Refuge Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“A Year’s Temptation: by Lomonaaeren

(118,117 words) complete

harry/draco

“Draco isn't best pleased to discover he's a Veela at twenty-four...especially since both he and his mate, Harry Potter, are married. Harry suggests a compromise that might work, if everyone agrees. But the compromise is fragile, and stands the chance of only making everything monumentally worse than before.”

A Year's Temptation - Chapter 1 - Lomonaaeren - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Til Death Do Us Part” by Kitty Smith

(44k words)

harry/draco

“Harry and Draco have an odd affliction... They must remain in contact or suffer fates worse than death! And now they have to survive the Triwizard Tournament?”

Fanfic: Til Death Do Us Part Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“His Own Man” by Crunchysunrises

(147,481 words)

master of death

harry/draco

“In the station between Life and Death Harry makes a different choice. Now he is eleven again, nothing is going the same as before, and people are starting to ask questions, especially the Malfoys, the Hogwarts professors and, most worryingly, Mad-Eye Moody. Harry is beginning to suspect that he might not be up to this Master of Death business and everything that goes along with it.”

Fanfic: His Own Man Ch 1, Harry Potter

“A Change in Plans” by GoldberryGal

(101,623 words) complete

harry/draco

“When an eleven year old Harry Potter is left alone in Madam Malkin's shop, the Malfoy family are the first ones to step in and take care of him. It doesn't take long for Harry, an orphan with little affection in his life, to begin to love them. But will they love Harry?”

“Follow Harry & Draco through Hogwarts to see how many plans their initial meeting can change.”

Fanfic: A Change in Plans Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Sense of Doubt” by Reginalivesagain

(240,657 words) complete

harry/draco

“Normalcy is driving Harry insane, and just when he thinks it can't get any worse, he's invited to Draco Malfoy's hearing as a witness.”

Sense of Doubt - Chapter 1 - Reginalivesagain - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Greater Inheritance” by EverWinter

(68,712 words) complete

harry/draco

“Over the last summer holidays, Harry discovers his heritage. He's Rich, Powerful, and now a Slytherin. But will people still trust him to vanquish the Dark Lord?”

Fanfic: Greater Inheritance Ch 1, Harry Potter

“But, He’s Mine” by CompleteGeek

(44,838 words)

harry/draco

“My attempt at a Draco is a veela storyline. Kind of slow to start, but I think it gets better!”

Fanfic: But, He's Mine Ch 1, Harry Potter

“The gift of the shadows” by Blue Lycan

(73,698 words)

harry/draco

“Harry's great grandfather wasn't human, and although it skipped two generations Harry changes the second he reaches 16. Harry's a shadow veela, and there is only one person that can withstand his charm.”

Fanfic: The gift of the shadows Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Saving Harry” by Morpheus9

(75,378 words) complete

harry/draco

“The war is over. Harry is now a hero. But some people don't handle being a hero well.”

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/2787604/1/Saving-Harry

“A Panther's Heart” by Copper Vixen

(80,552 words)

harry/draco

“Harry gets caught while in his animagus form and is purchased to be a familiar to his worst enemy.”

Fanfic: A Panther's Heart Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Refuge” by LRWrites

(90,951 words)

harry/draco

“After failing to complete his task, Draco Malfoy cannot return to the Dark Lord. Instead, he seeks refuge from the one person he least wants to see.”

Fanfic: Refuge Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Dragon Inheritance” by Dragon Ruler 06

(45,933 words)

mpreg

harry/draco

“Inheritance was usually a time when young witches and wizards get a massive power boost and an enhancement to their abilities on their sweet sixteenth birthday. Of course, Harry Potter wasn't a normal wizard.”

Fanfic: Dragon Inheritance Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“Saving Harry” by Voldyismoldy

(44,741 words)

harry/draco

“Harry is the only hope to save the wizarding world from Voldemort but who is going to save him?”

Fanfic: Saving Harry Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Lines of Misery” by xXForeversEndx

(37,642 words) complete

harry/draco

“Draco is alone, and somewhat lost. He stumbles across a boggart one day and someone saves him. Draco's life will never be the same.”

“Rise of the Dark Angel” by mykkila09

(386,315 words)

harry/draco

“When Sirius dies in the battle in the DOM, Harry decides to drop the act of being the naive Golden Boy. What happens to the Light when their Saviour is now on the Dark side?”

Rise of the Dark Angel - Chapter 1 - mykkila09, Tonks_is_cool - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Face Down” by nekluvshp

(44,147 words) complete

harry/draco

“For two years, Harry has endured the abuse of someone he trusted, loved. With the help of someone new and unexpected, can he overcome the trauma and learn to trust again?”

Face Down - Chapter 1 - nekluvshp - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Mind’s Eye” by Galadriell

(57,978 words) complete

harry/draco

“After five years of silence in a mental institution, Harry speaks. "Malfoy," he murmurs. Why would he speak the name of his Slytherin counterpart? So begins the treatment with Draco in the forefront of it all.”

Fanfic: Mind's Eye Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Denial and its Side Effects” by AmberMX

(50,691 words)

harry/draco

“Shortly after returning to Hogwarts to complete his education, Harry begins to suffer from nightmares. At the same time, he begins to form some sort of friendship with Draco Malfoy, the disgraced heir of the Malfoy family. His friends don't approve of this, but Harry insists that everyone deserves a second chance.”

Fanfic: Denial and its Side Effects Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Growing Pains” by SensiblyTainted

(190,497 words) complete

harry/draco

“The summer after Sirius' death: the abuse at the Dursley's leaves him broken. Snape is asked to try and help, and discovers that the key to saving Harry may be Draco, who has returned after his own difficult summer.”

Fanfic: Growing Pains Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Unconditionally” by TheSiner

(82k word)

harry/draco

“Harry secretly keeps Draco locked in his attic and hates himself for that, but can't help it and Draco hates Harry. Complications ensue. A somewhat disturbing love story.”

Fanfic: Unconditionally Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“Life Renovations” by Windseeker2305

(288,592 words) complete

mpreg

harry/draco

“At times people are forced to evolve in order to survive. Sometimes people must be free in order to thrive. After a summer of torture with the Dursleys, Harry falls into a self induced magical coma. Draco-who holds a hidden torch for him-jumps in to help. There they meet and decide many things that could very well change the Wizarding World forever.”

Life Renovations - Chapter 1 - windseeker2305 - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“A Vampire and his Veela” by puffin

(45,126 words)

harry/draco

“What would happen if Harry had to live under lies and hide his true self. What if Harry Potter wasn't the golden boy everyone thought him to be? Come and read to find out.”

Fanfic: A Vampire and his Veela Ch 1, Harry Potter

“There’s a Pure-Blood Custom For That” by Lomonaaeren

(105,549 words) complete

harry/draco

“The day that Harry stops Draco Malfoy and his son from being bothered in the middle of Diagon Alley starts a strange series of interactions between him and Malfoy. Who knew there was a pure-blood custom for every situation?”

There's a Pure-Blood Custom For That - Chapter 1 - Lomonaaeren - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Bond” by Anna Fugazzi

(173,499) complete

harry/draco

“So this starts around the end of September of an AU seventh year. I was also assuming that Lucius Malfoy wouldn't be in prison very long, what with his various connections with influential people, so he's here too.”

Bond - Chapter 1 - AnnaFugazzi - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Draco’s Boy” by empathic siren

(186,063 words) complete

alternative universe, no magic

harry/draco

“A mysterious little boy named Harry moves in next door to Draco Malfoy, and he's determined to make him his friend and learn all of his secrets. Years later, he's determined to make Harry more than a friend.”

Fanfic: Draco's Boy Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Desperate Measures” by vvc

(196,164 words)

harry/draco

“Harry may be a half-Veela, but there was no such thing as a destined mate. If somebody wanted him, they would have to prove their worthiness. And Draco’s chances don't look so good when Harry guts him at the welcoming feast…”

Fanfic: Desperate Measures Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Uncertain” by unicornball

(136,364 words) complete

harry/draco

“Harry and Draco meet again years after a rough breakup. Draco is in for a big surprise…”

Uncertain - Chapter 1 - unicornball - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Pure” by sweetrosey

(48,569 words)

harry/draco

“Harry Potter has always been the Golden Boy. But is he as pure as they all think? Or is there something that lies deeper?”

Fanfic: Pure Ch 1, Harry Potter

“The Challenge of being a Veela’s Mate” by Triola

(44,066 words) complete

harry/draco

“Harry wakes up looking like a girl, Draco is possessive, yet oddly sweet, Hermione squeals like the girl she is, and Pansy is rather likeable. A tale of a Veela and his mate. Or was it a mate and his Veela?”

Fanfic: The Challenge of being a Veela's Mate Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Midnight Sun” by Herald-MageAnduli

(64,303 words) complete

harry/draco

“The 'Boy Who Lived' is Harry's older twin. Neglected by his family, intelligence constantly underestimated, his placement in Slytherin house is a shock. Disowning him was their worst possible mistake. Along with his friend Draco Malfoy he faces the challenges of the Triwizard Tournament.”

Fanfic: Midnight Sun Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Through the Fire” by Song Angel

(201,186 words) in progress

harry/draco

“Minerva McGonagall checks up on little Harry Potter and finds that not all is as it should be. She makes a decision that will change everything for the Boy Who Lives”

Through The Fire - Chapter 1 - SongAngel - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Tough Act” by The 1224

(21,243 words)

harry/draco

“At the age of six, Harry runs away from his abusive family and is considered dead to the Wizarding World. Suddenly, at the age of 13, he reappears.”

Fanfic: Tough Act Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Harry Potter and the Voice of the Obscurial” by anonwriter64

(46,665 words) complete

harry/draco

“Harry arrives at Hogwarts and is proven to be a capable and intelligent young wizard, but what will happen as things get worse at the Dursleys? Will Vernon fulfill the promise he made to Harry on his 11th birthday?”

Fanfic: Harry Potter and the Voice of the Obscurial Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Turning the Tide” by DanniCat

(105,720 words) complete

harry/tom

harry/draco

“Harry becomes doubtful of Dumbledore's side of the war. Things are no longer how he remembers them. When he listens to Draco's side of the story how will his own path change?”

Fanfic: Turning the Tide Ch 1, Harry Potter

“the Price to Pay” by doyou000me

(31,486 words) complete

harry/draco

“Voldemort is gone and the war is over. Harry has returned from the dead. But when making a deal with Death, there is always a price to pay.”

Fanfic: the Price to Pay Ch 1, Harry Potter | FanFiction

“Sanguis Vita Est” by Shigure-san

(312,888 words) complete

harry/draco

“Whilst Voldemort’s prisoner, Draco is made a vampire and forced to take Harry as his first meal. With Draco managing to resist the temptation to drain him, just barely, in a moment of blind rage at what he has been forced to become, he aids Harry in the destruction of Voldemort. But even with that threat vanquished, once back at Hogwarts, Draco finds himself disturbingly addicted to Harry’s blood. And amongst all this, a dark shadow looms ominously on the outline of the forest, watching them closely.”

Sanguis Vita Est - Chapter 1 - HyperLittleNori (Shiguresan) - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Slip” by Khashana

(24,833 words) complete

harry/draco

“In an alternate universe, Draco's fingers slipped on his wand that day in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom, and everything changed.”

Slip - Chapter 1 - Khashana - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“For Love of a Slytherin” by StormyFireDragon

(107,678 words) complete

harry/draco

“The battle in the Department of Mysteries is over. Harry receives his inheritance and things change rapidly for him. Love appears to him with the most unlikely of person. The forces of light must prove love conquers all.”

Fanfic: For Love of a Slytherin Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Shake My Hand” by Kitty Smith

(88k words) abandoned

harry/draco

“What would have happened if Harry had accepted Draco's overtures of friendship? How one relationship changes a world's fate.”

Fanfic: Shake My Hand Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Not While I’m Around” by thilia87

(24k words)

harry/draco

“On his first day as a Healer at St. Mungo's, Draco is introduced to Harry, who has been a patient at the hospital his entire life, and he forms an unexpected attachment…”

https://m.fanfiction.net/s/4729741/1/Not-While-I-m-Around

“For The Life of Our Hero” by iridescentcloud

(27,984 words)

harry/draco

“All the causes Harry has been fighting for are all a lie, Dumbledore has been the cause of this since Harry was a baby. What will Harry do now that he's in control?”

Fanfic: For The Life of Our Hero Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Background Secrets” by Calai’di

(172,733 words) complete

harry/draco “What if Harry and Draco were really friends behind all the insults and fights with each other? When would it have started and where would it end?”

Fanfic: Background Secrets Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Dear Rival” by Bittersweet Revenge

(84,115 words)

harry/draco

“Bored, Harry and Draco start a correspondence which brings them to spend time together and get to know each other without forgetting they are rivals. But, against their own will, their feelings start growing into something more…”

Fanfic: Dear Rival Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Like Glass” by Penguin

(24,018 words) complete

harry/draco

“War is over and Voldemort has been defeated; Harry has been used and thrown away. He lives in Muggle London, lost, confused and destroyed. But Lupin and others want him to return to the wizarding world, and Draco Malfoy is sent out to find him.”

Like Glass - Chapter 1 - Penguin - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

“Black Truth” by InferiorBeing

(104,304 words) complete

harry/draco

“And, with bated breath, Draco traced the silver line down one more step in the family tree. Draco Lucius Malfoy... the third full blooded Veriae in the Malfoy family... and future life mate of Harry Potter.”

Fanfic: Black Truth Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Life From the Start” by LunaParvulus

(74,080 words) complete

harry/draco

“A botched up de-aging potion and Harry suffers from the results. Now, Draco is hands full of one adorable Harry. What if Draco came to like Harry in his baby-state? Can both pretend nothing happened when Harry is back to normal?”

Fanfic: Life From the Start Ch 1, Harry Potter

“DragonKin” by Fyreheart

(157,154 words) complete

harry/draco

“During the summer between Harry's 5th and 6th year, an ancestor of Harry's discovers the last of the line has been mistreated and decides it's time to intercede.”

Fanfic: DragonKin Ch 1, Harry Potter

“Two Sides of the Same Coin” by noiselessheart

(117,277 words) complete

harry/draco

“Harry and Draco find out the hard way that the line between hate and love is a fine one, and that somewhere between the Battle of Hogwarts and being thrust back together as Hogwarts eighth years, they may have just crossed it.”

Fanfic: Two Sides of the Same Coin Ch 1, Harry Potter

“White Lies” by Cassis Luna

(171,013 words) complete

harry/draco

“Draco drinks a potion that makes him know if a person is lying, and Harry, apparently at fault that Draco is this way, is forced to 'help' him with the effects of the potion. For the first time, they deal with each other with no lies to hide behind.”

White Lies - Chapter 1 - cassisluna - Harry Potter - JK Rowling

[mikauzoran]

Adrienette/Lila Fake-Dating/Emotional Blackmail: Betting Against the House: Chapter Eight

Read it on AO3: Betting Against the House: Chapter Eight: Revelation

Adrien woke a little before sunrise with strands of hair in his mouth and Marinette’s pointy collarbone probably leaving an imprint on his cheek.

He was a little too warm, despite the fact that they had fallen asleep snuggling on top of the covers, and his street clothes felt stiff and uncomfortable.

Even so, he couldn’t bring himself to move. He wanted to lie there with Marinette forever, memorizing her scent and tracing constellations out of the moles on her arm. He didn’t want to return to the rest of the world…reality…Lila.

Marinette breathed in deeply, shifting beneath him and blinking heavy eyelids open.

Reluctantly, Adrien lifted his head and smiled down at her in awe.

“Good morning, My Princess,” he whispered, his breath causing her hair to stir ever so slightly.

She grinned up at him, barely able to contain her joy at this proof that it hadn’t all been a dream.

“Good morning, Chaton,” she chuckled, reaching up to run her fingers through his hair.

He let himself float in that moment, indulging himself just a bit before he forced himself to look up at the alarm clock on the shelf above Marinette’s bed in order to confirm what he already knew.

“I should go,” he sighed, already missing her. “I need to get back before they come to wake me.”

“Okay,” she unwillingly agreed, even though if she could have had her way, they would never have to be separated.

She lifted her lips to his in a quick, bolstering kiss. “Come pick me up on your way to school. We’ll go face this together.”

“You’re not going to make me late, are you?” he snickered teasingly.

She rolled her eyes and batted him on the arm. “I’ll be early.”

“Mmhm,” he hummed with a smirk that revealed how little faith he had in her ability to get up on time.

“I will,” she insisted. “Now go, you silly cat. Don’t get caught…. I’ll be waiting for you.”

He stole another quick kiss, assuring, “I’ll look forward to it, My Lady.”

He transformed with a wink and escaped through the skylight.

 When Adrien returned a few short hours later, he didn’t expect Marinette to be ready.

He came in through the bakery and noted how slow it seemed for a Monday morning. Perhaps the first wave of the rush had already hit and this was just the lull between periods of manic chaos.

Adrien waved to Théo Barbot at the register (that man seemed to have part-time jobs everywhere) and wondered if he still had a crush on Ladybug.

Théo gave a polite nod back and bid him good morning.

Tom came out from around back just then with a fresh tray of baguettes and stopped when he spotted Adrien.

He turned to Théo, handing him the tray. “Can you man the ship alone for about ten minutes? Thanks. Call up if it gets too crazy.”

Without waiting for Théo to respond, Tom turned to Adrien and motioned for him to follow.

“Marinette is shoveling down her breakfast at the moment, but she should be finished soon,” he informed as he led Adrien through the back and up the stairs to the apartment.

“No worries,” Adrien assured with a fond chuckle. “I figured she’d be at least a little late, but I don’t mind. We’ve still got plenty of time.”

“This is actually a record for her,” Tom hummed distractedly.

It was then that Adrien noticed the lack of the usual joviality in Tom’s voice and the tension knotting up his broad shoulders.

Adrien gulped. “…So…what exactly did Marinette tell you about why we’re friends again now?”

Tom sighed, opening the apartment door for Adrien. “She told us the truth.”

“Oh,” Adrien breathed, voice tight, throat dry.

His insides twisted up when saw the tormented look in Tom’s eyes.

Adrien looked away and slunk inside of the apartment, muttering, “It’s not a big deal. I’m fine.”

He could see in Tom’s eyes that he was blaming himself, beating himself up for not knowing, not realizing something was wrong, not helping.

Adrien appreciated that Tom cared so much, but, at the same time, it was painful. It poked at the old, infected wound in Adrien’s heart that knew that his own father’s reaction would be so far divorced from Tom’s. It just reminded Adrien of what he should have…what he didn’t have…what he would never have.

“Adrien!” Marinette cried through a mouthful of granola and yogurt, scrambling up from the table and nearly upsetting her chair and her drinking chocolate as she rushed towards her boyfriend.

Adrien’s mood immediately lifted as he caught her in his arms and spun her around.

“I missed you so much,” he chuckled into her hair, squeezing her just as tightly as she was squeezing him.

She pulled back with a laugh. “You just saw me.”

He shrugged. “So what? I bet you missed me too, didn’t you?”

She averted her gaze in an attempt to hide her blush, claiming, “Lucky guess,” as she poked the tip of his nose, making him smile harder.

“Marinette?” Sabine called from the kitchen. “Why don’t you finish your breakfast, Dear? You don’t want to make Adrien late.”

“Coming,” Marinette called back, giving Adrien a quick kiss on the cheek before returning to her meal.

Sabine stepped out of the kitchen wearing a serious expression that made Adrien shudder. She was angry, and Adrien had seen her use a bread peel as a weapon before, so he was concerned for the safety of whomever she had in her sights.

“Adrien, may we talk to you?” It wasn’t so much a question as a politely disguised pronouncement. They were going to talk whether he wanted to or not.

He wondered if this was what it felt like to have a real parent, one who took an interested, hands-on approach to raising a child.

Suddenly, he wasn’t sure if he liked it or if what he had seemed better.

“Can we…not?” he pleaded through a grimace.

Sabine shook her head, closing the distance between them and pulling him into a hug.

And then Tom was there too, and they were both holding Adrien and petting his hair and his cheeks and swaying from side to side, and Adrien was trying not to cry and failing pathetically.

Silent tears dribbled down his cheeks as he sniffled and tried to protest, “I’m fine”.

“It’s all right, Son,” Tom soothed, giving Adrien’s back a supportive pat. “It’s going to be okay.”

Sabine pulled back just enough to look up at Adrien while still keeping her hands on his arms. “Adrien, Honey, what’s been happening to you isn’t okay. This is very serious. Now, have you told anyone about this? Your father? A teacher?”

Adrien shook his head, keeping his eyes averted. “No one would believe me, even if I did tell them. I mean, I told Nino last week, but I made him swear not to say anything because everyone would be on Lila’s side, and then she’d find out I told, and she’d hurt Marinette, so…”

He looked back up at Sabine with entreating eyes. “I’d really rather we just deal with this privately. I really am fine. I don’t want this to be a big deal because it’s really not.”

Tom and Sabine exchanged a look, having an entire conversation without words.

“Adrien, it really is,” Tom stressed, placing his hand on Adrien’s shoulder and giving it a squeeze.

Sabine nodded in resolute agreement. “I personally think this is a matter for the authorities, but we’re at least going to talk to your father.”

“Good luck getting an appointment,” Adrien snorted darkly.

“Oh, Adrien,” Sabine sighed, pulling him back into a hug. “It breaks my heart that you didn’t feel like there was a single person you could trust with this.”

“You should have told someone,” Tom added gently. “This is a problem for adults to deal with. You shouldn’t have had to go it alone for so long.”

“How could I go to an adult when the adults were initially the ones causing the problem by believing Lila over Marinette?” Adrien wondered bitterly. “There wasn’t anyone to trust.”

“It’s okay now,” Marinette cooed, sliding back in on Adrien’s left to loosely slip her arms around his waist. “We’re going to be okay, and, going forward, you know you can come to us with anything, right?”

“We’re here for you, Son,” Tom promised, giving Adrien’s shoulder another squeeze.

“Whatever you need,” Sabine insisted with a soft, affectionate look in her eyes that reminded him of when he was small and believed nothing bad could ever happen to him so long as his mother was holding his hand.

“Thanks,” Adrien hiccupped, feeling completely out of his element.

He didn’t know what to do with so much unconditional love and support, and he wasn’t exactly sure he trusted them yet.

A lot of people had let him down spectacularly over the years. He wasn’t sure that Tom and Sabine would be any different…but he was willing to give them a chance.

 “Please let me handle this,” Adrien begged after he’d cleaned his face up and he and Marinette were walking the block to school.

Marinette gave his hand a squeeze even as she snorted in discontent. “Fine, but know that I’m conscientiously objecting to this. I’d rather rip her face off and expose her as a fraud and a predator in front of the whole school.”

“Ladybug can’t go around ripping people’s faces off,” Adrien snickered softly into her ear as he pressed a grateful kiss to the side of her head.

“No, but Marinette can,” she countered.

“No,” he chuckled. “Marinette can’t either.”

“Don’t think your lawyers could get me off on the charges?” she hummed teasingly.

He rolled his eyes. “Seriously, though. I don’t want this to be a big deal. I don’t want a scene, and I don’t want her to turn into an akuma. I just want this to be over as quietly and painlessly as possible.”

“…Okay,” she agreed in earnest as they climbed the school steps. “I know. I get it. I just…want her to suffer like she’s made you suffer.”

Adrien shook his head. “Taking revenge never ends well. Besides, she’s not going to change for the better if you expose and humiliate her. Have you ever heard of ‘kill them with kindness’ or ‘malicious compliance’?”

Marinette arched an eyebrow. “I’m guessing you’re a master at both.”

“I am, indeed,” he affirmed as they went through the main entrance and began their trek across the courtyard.

Most of their classmates were gathered off to the side, clustered around one of the benches upon which Nino was standing, addressing the crowd.

“Wonder what they’re up to,” Marinette hummed.

Chloé was the first to spot them, and, when she did, she made a mad dash for Adrien, leaping through the air so that he had to let go of Marinette’s hand and catch her.

“Adri-chou!!!” she cried. “Why did you never tell me?!”

“Tell you what?” Adrien responded, totally perplexed.

“I can’t believe this,” Alya declared, shaking her head.

Others were shaking their heads too, and their faces all showed anger, distress, or shellshocked expressions.

“That doesn’t sound like something Lila would do at all,” Kim agreed, looking around at the others for confirmation.

“I always knew I hated that witch,” Chloé seethed as Adrien put her down. “I’m going to have Daddy throw her in prison for this. She’s not going to get away with it.”

All the blood drained from Adrien’s face as he turned a look of befuddled, betrayed disbelief on his best friend. “Ninoooo! How could you?! You promised not to say anything!”

“Mec, I just couldn’t stay silent and watch anymore. I’m sorry.” He shrugged his shoulders helplessly, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.

“I told you they wouldn’t believe me,” Adrien groaned, looking to Marinette who took his hand back in hers and gave it a squeeze in solidarity.

“Adrien,” Alya begged, “is Nino for real? Tell me that this is a joke.”

“Of course it’s real!” Chloé snapped, stepping protectively in front of Adrien. “How could you doubt Adrien like that?! I’ve been trying to tell you all along that Lila was garbage, but you all didn’t listen. Now just look what she’s done to Adrien.”

Marinette stepped in to back Chloé up and add some credibility to her outburst of temper. “It’s all true. Lila’s been a liar from the very beginning. All the things she’s said she’s done, all the people she says she knows…it’s all a lie.”

The class stared, dumbstruck, and then, as one, they turned to Adrien.

He took a deep breath. “I know it’s my word against hers, but what Nino told you is true. Lila’s been blackmailing me for years so that I’d be friendly with her in exchange for her not trying to hurt Marinette or spreading malicious rumors about her. Lila’s latest price increase was for me to pretend to date her.”

Confused whispers began to buzz amongst the class as they each grappled with this perspective-warping information.

“There you have it,” Chloé snorted as if the matter was settled. “Now, what are we going to do about it?”

“Nothing,” Adrien objected, moving in closer to address his classmates.

“Nothing?” Nino demanded incredulously. “Adrien, I’m not gonna let Lila continue to walk all over you. I’m done. I can’t take anymore.”

“Look. I have a plan, but you’re all going to have to play along, okay?” Adrien motioned for them to gather in closer.

Some remained skeptical but did as asked, hearing Adrien out and reserving judgment for later when their heads weren’t spinning.

“I just want this to be over,” Adrien explained. “Lila’s not going to magically become a better person if we all turn on her and treat her like crap. She’s only going to change when she finds that her old tactics no longer work, so what we’re going to do is pretend that nothing is wrong.”

“How is this going to help?” Chloé huffed, pursing her lips like a duck and crossing her arms sullenly.

“One, it hopefully won’t get Lila akumatized,” Adrien pointed out. “You all know she’s a manipulative liar now, so you can be on the lookout when she tries to deceive you in the future.”

“So…we what? Keep being friends with her?” Rose sought to clarify, feeling utterly lost.

Adrien nodded. “Just keep acting like nothing’s changed. Only, when she says something, take it with a grain of salt. Fact-check her. Maybe when her lies stop having the desired effect, she’ll stop lying all the time. Maybe she’ll learn that she doesn’t have to lie to get people to be friends with her.”

“Maybe she’ll turn into even more of monster than she is now if we let her get away with this,” Juleka grumbled.

Adrien winced. “Maybe. You’re right. This plan could totally backfire, but I’d much rather try it and give her a chance to get her act together than back her into a corner and ensure that she becomes a monster,” he stressed, trying desperately to convince them. “There has got to be something salvageable inside of her. I don’t think she’s actually a bad person.”

Chloé snorted. “I think she’s a bad person. I’m an excellent judge of character. I can tell these things.”

“She’s definitely a bad person,” Marinette muttered, reluctantly agreeing with her rival.

“Marinette,” Adrien whined. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

“I am on your side,” she assured. “I don’t have to subscribe to your ideology in order to go along with your plan and support you. That menace has been threatening me and giving me grey hair for years now. I’m allowed to think she’s a bad person.”

“Hold up,” Alya growled. “She’s been threatening you?”

Sadly, Marinette nodded.

“Oh, Girl,” Alya breathed mournfully as she pushed through the crowd to wrap her best friend in a fierce hug. “Marinette, why didn’t you ever say anything?”

“You believed Lila’s lies,” Marinette whispered. “You wouldn’t have believed me.”

Alya pulled back with a stricken look on her face. She opened her mouth to insist that she would have believed her best friend…but then a little tendril of doubt wriggled into her mind.

Would she have believed Marinette? She was having trouble believing what Adrien was telling her to be true, and she knew that Adrien had no reason to lie.

How deluded had Alya been over the years? She liked to think of herself as a good judge of character, but…she considered Lila a close friend. If all of that was a lie…what else had she been missing?

It was clear that some serious reflection would be necessary once she got home that evening where she could sit and think things through.

“I’m…I’m sorry,” Alya whispered, knowing that it wasn’t enough but hoping that it was a good start.

Marinette’s lips pulled into a weak smile, and she rested a hand on Alya’s arm. “It’s…okay.” The words were difficult for her after everything she’d suffered, but she wanted to say them. She wanted to start to heal the rift between her and her best friend. “You’re a victim of Lila’s lies too.”

“Adrien, I’m pretty sure Lila is evil,” Juleka jumped in, putting them back on task as she tucked her bangs back out of her eyes.

Adrien groaned in defeat. “Okay. Fine. Maybe, but maybe she’s not, and, if she’s not, the right thing to do would be to help her realize her potential to be a good, functioning member of society, right?”

The class seemed unsure.

Nino stepped in and slid an arm supportively around Adrien’s shoulders. “Come on, guys. Adrien’s the biggest victim in all of this. Let’s do him a favor and live in his optimistic fairytale world for a bit, yeah? Happily ever after and all that.”

With a chorus of shrugs and grumbles, they all seemed to agree.

“I’m only doing this for Adrien,” Chloé loudly informed them.

“You and me both,” Marinette snorted.

“Guys, I don’t think Lila has ever had friends before,” Adrien tried to appeal to them once more. “I kind of know what that’s like, and I also know how intimidating it can be meeting new people, hoping that they’ll like you. Maybe lying was her way of trying to get people to like her, but it got completely out of control. Maybe she just needs to see that people can like her even without all the lies.”

“Or maybe she’s just evil,” Chloé hissed. “I don’t know how you can defend someone who’s put you through so much.”

“It’s because he has a truly good heart,” Marinette informed as she sidled up beside Adrien, wrapping her arms around his waist. “He’s a hero. Our Everyday Chat Noir.”

“I try,” Adrien chuckled, blushing as Marinette placed a gentle kiss on his cheek.

“Whoa!” Alya exclaimed. “Hold on! When did this happen?!”

“Last night when I found out what he’d been doing for me all this time,” Marinette hummed happily.

“Oh my gosh!” Rose trilled. “Details! Details!”

“Details later,” Adrien assured, separating from Marinette with a gulp. “Lila’s here. I’m going to go break up with her, and I need you all to act like you feel really sorry for her and to comfort her so that she doesn’t get akumatized and kill me and Marinette. Okay?”

“Oh, we’re going to comfort the tar out of her,” Juleka promised, slipping her hand into Rose’s and giving it a squeeze.

“On it!” Rose cheered. “For the sake of friendship and true love!”

“She’s not getting through us,” Alya assured, looking like she was ready to fight a pack of wild bears with her bare hands.

“Wish me luck,” Adrien sighed, striding forward to meet Lila halfway for the final showdown.

“Good luck, Man,” Nino encouraged, giving Adrien a pat on the shoulder as he passed.

[zoryany]

Hi! I REALLY liked that Skysolo AU where Han has to meet the royal family, if I prompt you ‘8. I know of your reputation all too well.’ could you possible continue it so he meets Vader? 🥺 (totally understand if not, great AU either way!!)

I’m glad you enjoyed it and I ABSOLUTELY can continue it with that prompt, thank you !! (I’ve definitely blurred the line between “ficlet” and full-blown fanfic at this point tbh…)Imperial Royal Skywalker Family AU Pt 1 || send me ficlet prompts – optionally include characters

After they’d finished their tea, Luke was quick to excuse himself and Han, ushering his guest towards the suite he’d prepared earlier. A wave of relief rolled off Han the moment they left the parlour, and Luke couldn’t help but share the sentiment. Everyone had been civil enough for the duration, but Luke had felt the tension that lingered beneath the polite conversation. Mother and Leia were both furious with him, he could tell, and though both would maintain a proper amount of decorum in front of their guest, Luke knew exactly what he was in for once Father returned.

That was not something he was looking forward to.

As he led Han through the corridors between the parlour and the guest room, Luke tried to stay relaxed and exude as much nonchalance as possible. “Well, that wasn’t so bad, was it? I’d say you’ve won over two out of three already. Probably helps they’re both so upset with me that it’s easier for them to speak to you without snapping right now. Though I will be getting an earful later…”

“Gee, that makes me feel real great about this whole thing,” Han grumbled. Luke couldn’t help but feel sheepish at that, which Han instantly noticed and grimaced in response. “No, I just meant that – look, I’m sorry you’re in this mess, and I’m sorry if it’s ‘cause of me…”

“Hey,” Luke said sharply, “none of that. You didn’t make me leave home in the first place, and while I’ve definitely been enjoying our time together, don’t flatter yourself into thinking you’re the reason I’ve stayed away this long.” Chuckling lightly at the look of offense he was getting from the smuggler, Luke continued. “Don’t get me wrong, there’s no way I would’ve stayed on Ord Mantell as long as I did if not for you, but truth be told… well I actually would’ve stayed away longer if we hadn’t met – just on some other planet.”

He could feel the curiosity burning within Han. They never really talked about why he ran away or what he was doing on Ord Mantell. That was part of the reason the two of them had gotten along, initially – no obligation to speak about their pasts, just focus on the present and the future. Even now, Han wasn’t pushing him despite his clear curiosity, but Luke couldn’t avoid his responsibilities forever.

Reaching the door to the guest room, he let out a sigh as he pushed the door open and gestured for Han to enter first. The smuggler hesitated slightly before breezing past the threshold and into the suite. It was not nearly so resplendent as the Royal Rooms, but it was still the height of luxury. Luke had been sure to select one of the smaller rooms and furnish it modestly enough so Han wouldn’t be overwhelmed, but he was all too aware of how extravagant it was. Simple yet tasteful artwork lined the walls, a large window revealed a magnificent view of Coruscant’s upper levels, and the bed that dominated the space was a plush four-poster with a dreamsilk canopy draped over it. Most of the bedding in the Palace was expensive and made of some form of soft, silk-like material, but Luke had managed to dig up a set of lighter sheets made of Alderaanian cotton that would better suit Han’s comfort level. And, sitting on top of the bed was –

“Mother…” Luke groaned as Han held up the finery and examined it. “She wants you to dress for dinner. Probably sent Threepio to set these out for you while we were distracted by tea, and I’m willing to bet my lightsaber that those will fit you perfectly. I’ll throw in my speeder and guess that I’ve got an outfit set out, too.”

“She seriously expects me to wear this?” Han was holding the dark-coloured suit as though it was made of tissue and would shred if he gripped it too tight. “I’m pretty sure the shirt alone cost more than I’ve made – or ever will make – in my entire life.”

Grimacing, Luke felt a pang of embarrassment, knowing full well that he couldn’t deny that. It was part of the reason he’d left in the first place. He’d never felt comfortable with his status, preferring instead to tinker with mechanics or get to know the people or practice flying over the city. Being a prince just never sat quite right with him. But his parents insisted on nothing short of the best for their children, and nothing quite surpassed their desire to keep the twins safe. They meant well. Luke knew they meant well. They were just… stubborn.

He wasn’t ready for that conversation with Han yet, though, so instead he just let out a breezy laugh and shook his head. “I think you’ll look dashing in it. Mother does have impeccable taste, after all. You don’t gotta put it on yet, though. We still have a bit of time before dinner. I can give you a tour, show you all the places I hid and the secrets I discovered growing up.”

***

Tugging lightly at his collar, Han shifted in his seat, hoping he didn’t appear too awkward as he tried not to stare at Luke sitting across from him. When the two had met, he never would have guessed that the scruffy blond with grease on his cheek and dirt under his fingernails could possibly be anyone even remotely noble. He looked like just about every other down-on-his-luck scoundrel just trying to scrape by, even if the kid had a lot more enthusiasm than most. But if Han thought the difference in his voice when speaking to his mother was jarring, seeing Luke dressed up and put together was staggering.

Though his hair wasn’t quite slicked down – Han wasn’t sure if that was even possible, anyways – it was obvious that Luke had at least put some effort into making it presentable, and it lay a lot smoother than usual, framing his face. A white shirt was visible beneath a black tunic, and he wore matching black trousers, all made from the same, expensive-looking material. The real highlight of the outfit, however, was the deep blue cape secured around his neck with a bright golden clasp and a silvery pattern woven throughout the material like constellations. Luke wore the night sky, which only served to make his features appear even more like a radiant sun.

Han had been mostly quiet through the meal in an effort to keep himself from saying anything overly foolish, sticking to polite acknowledgements and general courtesies. He was so caught up in maintaining decorum that he didn’t even really hear much of the conversation around him, catching only snippets here and there.

Luke looked much more at ease than Han was, and he even appeared to have relaxed since the tense tea session they’d had earlier. He was sharing lighthearted banter with his sister (who kept shooting Han suspicious glances, albeit less frequently than before) and chatting pleasantly with his mother (who seemed far warmer and more genuine than earlier). It was clear that, despite the conversations the family still needed to have, they maintained a strong bond and genuine love for one another.

(Han was decidedly not jealous of that. Not at all.)

The pleasant air in the dining room carried on into dessert, by which time even Han had relaxed a bit and would make the odd remark or share the odd barb with the Princess. They had almost finished working their way through the decadent assortment of cakes and pastries when the atmosphere suddenly shifted.

The change was most obvious in Luke, whose eyes blew wide and a shudder rippled through him as he stiffened in his seat. Gasping with a shaky breath, he lifted his gaze and fixed it on something behind Han’s chair.

“Father.” Oh. Kriff. He probably should have been able to guess that. “I, uh – you weren’t due to return home until after dinner.” It was incredible how quickly the kid’s composure could crumble, switching instantly from the picture of Imperial Royalty to the naive, stammering vagabond who could not lie to save his life.

“No, I was not.” The basso tone produced by the vocoder seemed to fill the entire room, and Han had to suppress a shudder as the towering dark form crept into his field of view like a shadow. Darth Vader loomed over Luke, who looked absolutely tiny next to him, and Han had to give the kid credit for not cowering when a gloved finger was pointed between his eyes. “I do, however, have every right to alter my schedule when matters arise concerning my son.” Luke did cringe a little bit at that. Vader wasn’t done. “My son, who I have not heard from in several weeks, who has returned home with… company.”

Han could not say he deserved the same credit as Luke as he cowered the moment that death mask turned to face him. “Ah yeah, hi, that’s me, uhh nice to meet you, Mr. Vader, sir, I’m –”

“Captain Han Solo.” His jaw dropped and he gaped at Vader as he cut him off. “Yes. I know of your reputation all too well.”

Luke’s eyes had gone wide again, and his jaw dropped down as well. Even the Princess seemed taken aback, though the Empress seemed unfazed.

“You – you know who I am?”

“I make a point to know who the Hutts choose to have dealings with.”

Oh. Kriff, he’d forgotten about Vader’s vendetta against the Hutts. “Hey, hey, I don’t go makin’ a habit of it or anything, just a few jobs for Jabba – who didn’t even like me, anyway. Put a bounty on my head when I dropped a job after realizing the cargo wasn’t spice. I don’t smuggle people. Far’s I’m concerned, the galaxy’s better off without him.”

Vader inclined his helmet slightly while keeping his gaze fixed on Han. The dark, deep crimson of the eyeplates felt like they would burn twin holes right through him. “I must admit,” Vader finally said, “that I can agree with you in that regard, at the very least.” For the briefest second, Han got the impression of amusement before the temperature in the room plummeted again and he had to work to keep his composure. “That does not, however, change the fact that you are still a criminal, nor does it excuse the rest of your misdeeds.”

“Well,” said Han, silently cursing his uncontrollable disregard for his own wellbeing, “ya got me there. But I’m a changed man, honest. I’m pretty aware of your reputation, too, and I got no interest in experiencing it firsthand.”

From across the table, he caught a glimpse of Luke’s expression, which was a confused jumble of amusement, horror, mortification, disbelief and resignation. Beside her brother, the Princess concealed a snort, passing it off as a cough. Han was pretty sure he was done for when Vader took a step forward, his arms uncrossing from his chest as he reached a hand towards him, but the Empress had fluidly risen from her seat and appeared at his side.

Resting her hands delicately on his arm, she gazed up at him with a gentle, soothing expression and whispered something that sounded like “Ani.” Her next words were clearer while still remaining gentle and placating. “Captain Solo here is Luke’s guest, and I have personally offered him our hospitality. Please refrain from terrorizing him tonight. You know how our children feel when you frighten off their company.” Luke and Leia both flushed pink and sunk in their seats.

On the surface, it was a standard family interaction, mother holding back father, father upholding authority, children doing all they could to mitigate their embarrassment, but Han could not think of anything more surreal. The mother in question was the most politically powerful person in the galaxy, dressed in resplendent garments of deep crimson as she looked lovingly up at her husband. The father was the most dangerous man in the galaxy, cutting an intimidating figure and dwarfing his wife while still, somehow, managing an unexpected level of tenderness. The children were set to inherit the galaxy, twin Highnesses -- one of whom he was involved with -- and no less dangerous than their parents.

And Han... had no idea what to do with himself.

Far more gentle than he would have ever expected possible, Vader rested a hand on his wife’s cheek and the two shared a brief embrace, seeming to exchange something entirely private and intimate. In their seats, Luke and Leia flushed deeper, and Han found himself wishing he was anywhere else. Withdrawing his hand, Vader seemed somewhat reluctant as he took a step back. 

“Very well. This is clearly not a conversation for the dinner table. I shall retreat to my study to tie up what loose ends I can while you conclude your meal. However,” Vader turned to face his son, “your mother and I have much to discuss with you, boy. Do not attempt to needlessly delay this discussion.”

Luke, who had slid about as far down in his seat as he could without falling right off, grimaced and looked up at his father with an expression of contrition. “Yes, sir,” he mumbled before stuffing a small pastry in his mouth.

Vader turned on his heel and swept out of the dining room, leaving it in a thoroughly uncomfortable silence. The Princess was resting her hand on Luke’s shoulder and giving her brother, who appeared mortified, a sympathetic look. The Empress had returned to her seat, looking nonplussed, though she had regained some measure of her former severity. 

Once again, Han shifted in his seat and avoided everyone’s gaze. He was starting to get a clearer picture of what he’d gotten himself into. Now he found himself wondering if he’d finally manage to get in over his head.

[takeiteasypeasybaby]

Save Me: Chapter 16 - An End or A Beginning

~Hey Guys! This is Chapter 16 of ‘Save Me’ ❤️ Molly confides in Sherry about her relationship with Negan which progresses to new heights 😉 I hope everyone enjoys this chapter, it’s pretty long! Chapter 17 will be out on Sunday🤟🏻~

Molly has built up walls around her ever since her sisters died. She thought Negan would be the man to break them, but would he break her instead? Tonight would be the night that changed Molly's life forever, for better or for worse. From here on out, whether or not she had fully accepted it, she was Negan's.

Walking out of the armoury, I felt deflated. I went from belonging at to two places to feeling like I didn't belong anywhere. I couldn't trust anyone and my family meant nothing to him.

Eugene seemed to be adjusting better than me. I guess it's true what they say about getting too close to power.

As I was in my own thoughts, walking down the hallway, just as I passed the doors to the main hall, the doors swung open to reveal him.

I looked at him briefly with no emotion as I carried on walking to my room.

'Molly' he said softly.

I stopped suddenly, still not facing him.

'We need to talk' he said exhaustedly.

I turned around slowly.

He looked tired, like he hadn't slept after yesterday.

'I think I'll skip the excuses thanks, you'll probably just give me more of the same bullshit you spouted yesterday' I said sternly before I spun back around and carried on walking.

'I did what I had to do' he said softly.

'The hell did you just say?! You promised me one. One person and you lied to me, never mind the fact that you actually enjoyed it' I yelled as my eyes started to well up again.

'It would have just been your boy Spencer, but that girl tried to kill me! Or have you forgotten about that?! I told you, every time they resist, there has to punishment. They brought it on themselves' he shouted back.

'Why the hell do you think they resist?! You acted like a complete asshole at Alexandria' I yelled back.

'Alright, fine darlin, we're doing this. Yeah, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed every goddamn minute. What do want me to say? Seeing the people who killed an absolute assload of my people squirm makes me happy. But what about you doll? You don't think I noticed you step in front of that girl? She your little girlfriend?' he said sternly as he walked slowly towards me.

I broke eye contact with him when me mentioned Tara.

'Oh, darlin. Looks like I've touched a nerve' he whispered mockingly. 'You can pretend that I'm the bad guy if that's what will help you sleep at night, but you know the truth, just like me' he whispered edging closer to me.

I scoffed. 'You're right. I lied. But that girl I protected is my sister, Tara. So if you or any of your 'Saviours' ever threaten her again, I won't hesitate to kill you' I whispered in his ear.

I shot him a scowl as I walked away. He just stood there in awe as I walked away.

Once I got back to my room, I shut it behind me and leant back against it with my eyes closed.

I hated him but I wanted him.

I heard footsteps outside my door which was followed by a hasty knock. When I opened the door slowly and saw Sherry standing there, her eyes filled with hurt and anger. 'Are you and Dwight together?' she asked breathlessly.

I looked at her wide eyed. 'What?' I said almost chuckling.

'I'm serious. Frankie told me you kissed him and you've been going out on 'runs' together so cut the crap', she said now scowling.

I sighed, 'Sherry, you better come in' I said as I opened the door wider.

She hesitated before stepping in. A saviour who was her guard stood outside.

'Sherry, there is nothing going on between me and Dwight. To be honest he's not my type. But he's been a surprisingly good friend to me and he gets what I'm going through. I kissed him because I wanted to make Negan jealous and I've asked him to come with me on a couple runs but we just sit in silence in the sun. We both just needed space from this place' I said calmly.

She took a moment before sighing in relief. 'Thank god' she said smiling.

'You honestly think I could do that to you?!' I said smirking.

'Oh god I'm sorry!' she said pulling me into a hug.

'Wait wait wait, you wanted to make Negan jealous?!' she said frowning.

I looked down before looking back at her. 'Ah, yeah. Trust me, as far as I'm concerned that is completely over' I said sorrowfully.

'Are you sure he knows that?' she asked.

'What do you mean?' I asked anxiously.

'Well, Negan hasn't visited any of us for months now, I kinda assumed it was because you guys had a thing. But don't worry, none of the girls know, it's just me. They just think he's been busy' she said nonchalantly.

I looked at her, my jaw dropped almost to the floor.

She rubbed my arm, bringing me back to the present situation. 'Are you okay?' she asked softly.

'Oh my god. So wait, he hasn't slept with his wives since-' I said softly, stopping myself as the realisation hit. He hadn't been with his wives since our kiss.

Sherry's gaze still focussed on me, she was nervous now. 'Since?' she asked slowly.

I looked down before looking back up at her 'since we kissed' I whispered, in utter disbelief at myself.

Her eyebrows rose, 'you kissed him?' she asked calmly.

I just slowly nodded. After everything that had just happened, I was full to the brim with confusion.

She started to stroke my back in comfort, 'and now?' she asked softly.

I shook my head. 'I have no clue. I mean what am I doing?! I mean who am I right now?!' I shouted.

She sighed looking up at me as I paced around the room agitatedly.

'Do you love him?' she asked hesitantly.

I spun around immediately in shock at her question. I glared at her for a second, 'I-I, well, I' is what came out of my mouth.

She nodded slowly, clearly knowing what my answer was without even saying it.

'Just be careful, he's not-' she said strained, she sighed at finding it difficult to gather her words.

'He's not what, Sherry?' I asked folding my arms.

'What i'm trying to say is that...if he hasn't hurt you yet, he will soon. That's just who he is, and there's no changing him' she said in a hushed tone so no one outside could hear.

I avoided her gaze and turned slightly to the side. She knew exactly what I was avoiding.

She tried to meet my gaze by walking over to me and holding me by the shoulders, 'has he hurt you?' she asked worriedly.

I sighed, 'yeah' was all I could manage to respond.

She didn't pressure me to talk about it anymore but all that I could think about were Olivia, Rosita and the brutality of Spencer's death.

She looked at me, her eyes heavy with pity. 'I know what you're thinking' I said frustratedly.

'I don't wanna say I told you so but...' she said softly.

I smirked, 'yeah, thanks for that. I'll be fine' I said reassuringly.

Sherry smiled for a second before it disappeared. She needed to tell me something.

'Molly...I have to tell you somethin-' , the door swung open and the guard interrupted Sherry.

'Time's up' he said scowling at her.

He ushered Sherry out as she looked back at me apologetically. I frowned confused by the whole situation.

The way he had just acted right now, they way all of the Saviours did, Negan must have been hiding something from me and I wouldn't rest until I found out.

Sherry's POV//

As soon as that asshole had ushered me back to the room, I shot him a scowl as I went to sit back down.

He checked the room before leaving to go on a break. I made my escape.

I walked back out and took the back stairs down to the basement where the cells were.

I wanted to tell Molly about Daryl but Negan would kill me. So I had to take matters into my own hands.

I found his cell and whispered to him, standing outside the door, 'Daryl? It's Sherry'.

I slipped out the key from my dress that I'd hidden ever since I stole it from the guard when he was sleeping last week.

I opened the door slowly as Daryl stood up sharply.

'Follow me down the hall, once we get to the back doors, take a motorbike and drive home. I'll cover you' I whispered.

He hesitated before he followed me out. He was in a yellow jumpsuit they had given him, he looked terrible. But he had helped us before so I had to do this, whatever it cost me.

When we got to the back doors, I looked outside. It was clear, Daryl ran out, grabbed a motorbike and drove away.

Two Saviours yelled as they saw him from the top window.

I snuck back to the room, just in time for a guy to come round and check on us. I should have gone too, but I couldn't leave Dwight.

At least I protected one of Molly's family members.

Kingdom - Carol's POV//

He called himself the King. King Ezekiel, he had a tiger on a chain as Morgan wheeled me into the auditorium.

He said she was called Shiva but I had no idea what was happening anyway.

It was like a fairytale town. An actual Kingdom. Everyone was working away, planting crops, making weapons, training with each other.

People called the Saviours came to the Kingdom every week to take half of the supplies. Ezekiel was okay with that. He seemed like a reasonable enough man.

All I wanted in the beginning was to go back to Alexandria, but Ezekiel wouldn't let me leave.

He came to a compromise, I would live in the small house outside of the main area of the Kingdom but still within the walls.

Every morning he would come and bring me fruit and sometimes he would bring Shiva. She loved me.

Morgan had stayed for a little while at the Kingdom to make sure I was okay, then he left. He wanted to be alone.

I understood, I wanted that too initially.

One morning, I got a knock at the door. Thinking it was Ezekiel, I opened the door smirking. It was Morgan, he had came back.

'Do you really wanna know what happened in Alexandria?' he said hastily.

'What happened to you?' I asked.

Morgan paused with hesitation, pondering over his killing of a member of the Kingdom before he spoke.

'I killed Richard. Strangled him with my bare hands. Negan killed Glenn and Abraham' he said looking down.

I froze, processing what he just said. Tears began to roll down my face. I didn't want to fight anymore. I had come here because of that.

But I know knew that no matter what happened, I always would have to. Ezekiel had to resist them. We would no longer comply. This was our fight.

The next day...

Molly’s POV//

I could sense it. Negan was keeping something from me and what made it worse was the fact that Sherry knew.

But, I had to be smart, I had to play the long game.

I wanted to just trust him, but after Spencer and Olivia, I just couldn't, no matter how much it killed me inside.

I had plans for today, I was gonna check on the crops, talk to some of the families, help out in the kitchen but I was frozen in place.

My mind was reeling, thinking about what else he could be keeping from me. But surely it couldn't be that bad since Sherry also knew and kept the secret? If it was bad, she would tell me because I know her.

I spent hours pondering endlessly, looking out of my window to see people outside talking and transporting stuff.

I could just ask Sherry to tell me, or even Negan but it was safer for them not to know that I knew.

I threw myself back onto my bed, sighing as my head hit the pillow. What could it be?

There was a sudden knock at the door which made me jump up agitatedly.

When I opened the door, a Saviour was stood there with a vase full of wild flowers which held a single note card in between them.

I looked at him confused just as he said 'delivery from Negan' and put them into my hands and walked away.

I stood there for a moment, stunned. He gave me flowers.

I nudged the door shut with my hip as I went to place the flowers by the window. They were lavender with some tulips mixed in and smelled sickly sweet.

I picked up the card and unfolded it gently, it read:

                       Forgive me - N

Was he serious?! He expected me to forgive him immediately after he killed two of my friends?! I asked him to kill Spencer, but still! And with flowers, does he really think that I'm that type of girl?

The slight smile on my face vanished as I crumpled them up in frustration and chucked them into the bin outside my room.

I'm not a girly girl, I don't wear dresses, I'm not like his wives nor will I ever be and if that's the type of girl he wants, then he definitely doesn't want me.

I'm so conflicted. I want him, I want to be with him and I know how crazy I sound because of what he's done and what he's capable of, but theres a part of me that believes in him. But I can't take that leap if he's not serious, because if I'm betraying my family, it should be for a damn good reason.

I couldn't stay cooped up in here any longer. If I was left alone with my thoughts anymore, I'd go insane. I sighed, put on my jacket and combat boots and was ready to head out the door. 

I swung the door open, to find Negan standing there just about to knock on my door with Lucille like he usually does.

'What do you want?' I said tiredly.

'You didn't like the flowers huh?' he said with annoyance.

'Of course not. What kind of girl do you think I am? I'm not one of your wives, alright I don't want pretty things and I'm not gonna fucking forgive you just because you decide to buy me a gift' I said sternly.

His frown turned into a smirk slowly as his eyes lingered over mine. 'You're a goddamn angel you know that' he said smiling.

I frowned in confusion and asked 'what?'.

'I knew you wouldn't want the flowers, I just wanted to make sure I was right about you darlin' he said smirking.

'Right about me?' I asked now intrigued.

'Uh huh, figured you'd like this more' he said smirking as he pulled it from behind his back and handed it to me.

My eyes widened. 'My gun?' I said in astonishment.

'Yup. I got your buddy Dr Smartypants to revamp it a little. I have no fucking idea what the hell he did but I tested it and it sure as shit is cool' he said proudly.

I checked over the gun, it now had my initials engraved and a little button on the side which released a mini bayonet. It was fucking awesome, but I couldn't let Negan off easy. 'Thanks' I said cooly, putting it back into my holster and squeezing beside him to walk down the hallway.

'Wha? Thats it? I change my schedule to make things up to you and all you got is 'thanks'' he said charging after me.

'You lied to me' I said calmly.

'You lied to me! Let's not forget that you, alongside Rick and his merry band of pricks, took out over thirty of my men! You can't be mad at me for killing two, one of which you chose! Oh and your sister, you told me she was dead!' he yelled.

I hated when he was right. I yelled back 'I was protecting my her!'.

He scoffed, 'so you don't trust me?'.

I threw my arms in the air and said 'would you trust me if the roles were reversed?!'.

'Darlin...' he whispered as he put Lucille down and reached his arms out to me which calmed me.

'I'm not mad at you. I am angry, at myself. Because as much as I want to blame you, for everything, it's all on me. And every minute of every day that we spend together, is another where I feel guilty because the people that I love are suffering because of you, but I lov-' I stopped myself, but he knew what I was about to say.

His eyes looked as though they were on fire, amber highlights swirling through dark space.

He lingered on every word and as soon as I stopped myself from saying too much he didn't smirk or shoot me a mocking or pitying gaze, he wrapped his arms tightly around my waist and pulled me into a gentle kiss.

This time it was meaningful. It wasn't about lust or longing, it was about two people that cared so incredibly deeply for each other and just wanted to comfort each other in that moment and feel so connected that they felt like one.

I pulled away and whispered 'this doesn't mean I forgive you'.

He nodded and said sweetly 'I know. I know that I hurt you, but I promise I'll make it right'.

He placed one last kiss on my lips before he pulled away. Looking up at me, he smiled as his hands traced the curve of my back.

'I have to go, but meet me tonight at 7:00pm, my room' he whispered smirking as his lips were centimetres away from mine.

I sighed but nodded.

He smirked at me before picking up Lucille and sauntered off, whistling happily with a hop in his step, every once in a while turning round to look back at me.

I smiled back at him before I carried on down the stairs to go outside.

Little did I know then that Simon had been watching us the entire time, and had been doing so for weeks now.

Ever since I had made suggestions in the last meeting, he saw me as a threat. He wouldn't have minded if I was one of Negan's wives or a regular Saviour, but I represented the unknown for him.

Negan couldn't place me, so neither could he and therefore I threatened his position as Negan's second in command which was already made precarious by his public challenge of Negan in the meeting.

He hated me and would all the while be predicting my demise.

Several hours went by after Negan and I had somewhat reconciled. I had helped to plant some new crops, taken the food inventory and now was moving boxes of meals into the canteen.

I was just minding my own business when a couple of Saviours were sitting talking at a table as I walked by.

They spoke in hushed tones as I walked past but I could still hear what they were saying.

'I know, how could he do that to us? We needed that food. We better get some from Hilltop or that asshole Gregory's gonna get it' he whispered while he sharpened his knife.

They were talking about Alexandria, about Rick. Had Negan been going easy on them after our argument? I smirked slightly while I unloaded the boxes.

The Saviours all looked at me as I walked out, each of them nodding to me as I went past. That was weird, like they actually had respect for me or something.

I looked up at the clock in the corridor. Ah shit it was 7:05pm.

I hurried back to my room and changed into less dusty and worn clothing, choosing tight black jeans and a black tank top with my leather jacket. I took my hair down and fluffed it up a little, I looked like a damn badass in my all black ensemble.

Negan hated when people were late so I jogged down the hall to his room, catching my breath at the door before knocking.

He swung the door open, he looked relaxed and fairly happy despite what the Saviours must have been saying about him.

'Began to think you weren't coming doll' he said smirking.

'Well, you would have waited for me anyway' I said smirking back and waltzing into his room.

'Can I ask you something?' I said hesitantly as I shrugged off my jacket.

'Sure darlin' he said as he went over to sit down.

'Did something happen with my group?' I asked softly.

'What?' he said, almost panicked.

'It's just that people have been talking about the food situation' I said worriedly.

He relaxed now. 'Oh, that shit. Well, I thought I'd lay off Rick for a few weeks, give em time to get us some really good shit' he said while he fixed us some drinks.

I was so happy that he did that for me. I couldn't help it, I bounded over to him and turned him round to face me before I wrapped my arms around his neck.

'Did you do that, for me?' I asked sweetly.

'What do you think doll?' he replied sarcastically.

'Thank you' I whispered against his lips as he smiled.

'You're welcome darlin' he said smiling.

I just smiled wider as I pressed my lips against his.

He growled softly as I pressed my lips further into his, his hand wrapped gently around my neck as he attempted to dominate the kiss.

His other hand wandered down my ribcage before landing on my hip bone which he pressed against firmly as my hands stroked his torso playfully.

As soon as my fingers caressed the hem of his t shirt I lifted it slowly over his head and pressed my body closer to his, he groaned at the amount of layers still covering us, mainly me.

His fingers traced down my arms, skimming lightly over my breasts as he did so. A wave of electricity flowed through me just at the lightest of his touch.

He kissed me gently as he fingered the hem of my shirt, drawing circles with his thumb on my skin underneath.

His hands drifted under my shirt stroking gently up my naked torso, stopping just below my bra line.

I moaned softly at his touch making him chuckle slightly. 'You want more doll?' he whispered, I just responded with a whimper.

At seeing the effect he was having on me, he smirked and kissed gently across my cheek to my ear, nibbling and sucking my lobe as his hand grazed teasingly around the edges of my bra.

A wetness was starting to pool inside of me just as his hand finally grasped my breast, rubbing his thumb over my nipple over the cup.

I couldn't take it anymore. I yanked my shirt over my head and started to kiss him much more needfully now.

He smirked as I deepened the kiss, but seeing it as a strive for dominance, he spun me around and wrapped his arms around my waist as he started to kiss along my shoulders.

He delicately moved my hair aside as he kissed along my neck. Even though he couldn't see my facial expressions, he knew exactly what he was doing to me, knowing exactly where my sweet spot was.

As he did this, his hands trickled up my back once more and undid the clasp on my bra and pushed it down over my shoulders.

The cool air which touched my now exposed nipples mixed with his warm breath on my neck in between gentle kisses was enough to send a ripple of heat to course through my veins.

His warm hands now moved over my shoulders, massaging them gently as he did so, and travelled down to my breasts.

He lightly skimmed over them, brushing against my nipple teasingly before he cupped my breasts with both hands and pulled me backwards into him until I could feel his warm torso against my back.

My eyes closed lightly and I bit down lightly on my bottom lip as he massaged me gently.

He chuckled softly as his hands drifted down over my stomach, stopping at the waistband of my jeans.

'Uh uh' I mumbled. It was his turn now.

I pulled myself off of him and turned around to face him as his face started to form a frown. He was about to say something before I rendered him speechless by touching lightly against the buttons of my jeans.

I turned back around and undid the zip, pulling them down excruciatingly slowly, revealing my black laced underwear underneath.

He was speechless and I heard a low growl escape from his lips as my ass was now in full view.

I turned back around sweetly and glided over to him, running my hands over his chest.

Just as he started to lower his head to kiss me, I lowered myself to my knees and kissed down to his naval as I did so.

As I undid his belt buckle, his eyes darkened as a smirk sprung across his face.

He moaned softly as I felt against the bulge in his jeans, lightly touching my lips against the area as I undid his zipper.

His eyes were fixed on me as he stroked my arm while I pulled down his pants slowly.

As soon as I got them down around his ankles, his impressive member sprung up and rested against his torso. He was hard already.

My eyes widened as I saw the length of him, and just to tease him more I left light kisses up his thighs, each time edging closer to his shaft.

His smirk had now disappeared and his mouth was parted slightly as he breathed heavily in anticipation.

I smirked at the effect I was having on him, feeling satisfied that now I had the upper hand...literally.

I wrapped one hand around his length and began to pump back and forth slowly as I kissed him gently on the tip.

Swirling my tongue around the tip as I pumped him and licking along the length of him made him tilt back his head and let out a less controlled moan than before.

'Fuck', escaped his mouth as I started to take the full length of him in my mouth. His eyes were tightly shut and his mouth parted slightly as he was in my full control.

His eyes were tightly shut and his mouth parted slightly as he was in my full control. Just as a smile grew across my face, he looked back down at me and pulled me back up towards him.

He picked me up and I wrapped my legs tightly around his waist as he lustfully pushed his lips against mine.

He walked over to the bed and rested me down gently as he hovered over me. Leaning down, he left kisses along my body, nibbling and sucking against my nipples teasingly before moving down towards my navel.

His hands rubbed against my inner thighs as his kisses got closer and closer.

Suddenly, one hand rested on my mound as his other grazed over my folds.

I grasped at the sheets in reaction and my head flung back onto the mattress at the touch of him.

He smirked as his fingers danced over my entrance.

I was glistening already. 'God you're so fucking wet already darlin' he growled.

At this he readied two fingers at my entrance while his other hand glided downward over my clit.

I let out a soft gasp as he massaged circles with his thumb over my clit and plunged his fingers inside of me.

'Mmm' escaped my lips as my body riled and contorted with his every touch. Heat rose to my face as a rush of warmth and electricity flooded my body.

He chuckled against my thigh at my reaction and he knew then that I wanted more. I needed more.

He released his hands from me and edged his mouth closer to my entrance. Just the feel of his hot breath against me sent tingles up my spine.

'Tell me what you want darlin' he said softly, as his beard grazed my skin.

My head rocked to the side as my eyes opened to look at his dark orbs, 'I wanna feel your tongue inside of me' I whispered seductively.

He edged closer, his lips over my clit, 'you want me or you need me?' he whispered teasingly.

'Fuck, I need you Negan! I need you!' I expressed breathlessly.

At this his lips came crashing down to my clit as his tongue swirled and flicked around it, rolling his tongue back and forth along my folds.

I moaned loudly as he picked up the pace. Negan sensed that I was coming close and straddled me as I wrapped my arms around his neck, bringing him down into a passionate kiss.

I felt his length against my entrance which made me dampen with anticipation.

He pushed slowly inside of me and at the size of him I gasped audibly and wrapped my arms around him tighter.

He picked up the pace as my walls began to accommodate his size.

His eyes remained fixed upon mine as waves of pleasure rolled through both of us, and his hands rested either side of my head, gently caressing my hair with every movement.

I wrapped my legs around his hips tighter to bring him further into me which made us both quiver with satisfaction.

I could tell Negan was coming close as his eyes shut tightly and he pressed his forehead against mine so we were connected as one.

'Fuck i'm gonna cum' he growled.

This sent me over the edge as a final wave of pleasure rushed through my veins.

'Me too' I said breathlessly.

Negan moaned and grunted loudly as he came inside of me.

My eyes slowly opened as he pressed a deep kiss against my lips and stroked my hair.

My eyes locked on his, I couldn't help but smile at him. He was still serious like a thousand thoughts were running through his mind. He hesitated for a moment before he looked at me with that rare meaningful look where it was like he was nervous but also never more certain of anything in his life.

'I love you Molly' he said softly as he wrapped his arms around me.

I looked at him for a moment, almost in disbelief and shock. He loves me. HE LOVES ME. HE. LOVES. ME.

I ran my fingers through his hair before cupping his cheek and rubbing it gently.

'I love you too' I whispered against his lips before I pressed a gentle kiss against them.

He smiled down at me before he rolled over and opened his arms to cuddle me.

I smiled back as I nestled into his warm comforting arms and he pulled up the covers over us.

Our bodies intertwined, my head buried in his chest as he held me against him, everything was perfect. He was perfect.

At that we drifted off to sleep in each others arms and for the first time in my life, I felt safe.

[cherishtaengs]

I Hate That I...

Pairing: Taeyang x Reader (Y/N)

Warnings: Slight cursing .

Summary: It’s never been a secret that you hate Yoo Taeyang. It seemed as though every one of his snarky comments, every snide look, and every smirk was an insult directed straight at you. But despite how hard you tried, it was difficult to ignore him when a dare makes him the only thing you can think about. As always, one bad decision leads to the next, and you find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place.

pt. 2 | pt. 3 | pt. 4 | pt. 5 |

There he was, just sitting. Minding his own business.

Ignoring you like nothing had happened, the arrogant motherfucker.

Anger burning in your chest, you had half the mind to go up to Taeyang and remind him exactly how you felt about him just in case he’d forgotten. But you didn’t; as much as you hated his entire existence, you also didn’t want to be anywhere near him. You couldn’t bear the thought of having to be caught by the knowing look in his eyes again. Just thinking about him made you want to heave, and you hated that you couldn’t stop thinking about the night before.

You really did regret going to last night’s party. At first you thought you’d just go and have some fun. You thought you’d get your mind off studying for a bit, let out some of the stress you were bottling up since the start of the semester. You’d been excited to go- you missed the feeling of having no responsibilities for a few hours. But the night had soon turned sour once you’d gotten there.

Well, not right away. Everything went wrong after you got drunk.

“Are you just going to keep staring at me, or actually come over here and say what you need to say?” Taeyang’s voice snapped you out of your thoughts. You felt an angry flush spread across your face.

Slamming the notebook that you weren’t even writing in shut, you were aware of at least fifteen pairs of eyes on the two of you, clearly watching even though they pretended not to be interested. But how could they not be interested; Yoo Taeyang was speaking, and he was speaking to you. If any of them had been at that party last night, they knew exactly what he was talking about, and you knew most of them were. “I have nothing to say to you,” you snap, voice louder than you’d intended.

He’d come into the library a few minutes after you did, pretending not to notice you and had deliberately sat down a few seats over, close enough to know that you were there but he hadn’t said anything, or even looked in your direction. Which was a good thing, because you were trying to ignore him, too, but maybe you weren’t trying hard enough.

Taeyang angled himself toward you, leaning his head into his hand. He gazed at you with a mockingly dreamy look on his face. “Are you sure? Your expression tells me otherwise.”

You gripped your pen tighter, blood boiling. One day, you really would punch that smirk right off his pretty face. “I’m not gonna waste my breath talking to you. You disgust me.”

You didn’t care that you’d said that out loud, in front of everyone else in the library. It honestly wasn’t a secret that you loathed him, and you never made it difficult for him to get that. But for some reason, Taeyang got off on pushing all your buttons at the same time.

“That’s not what you thought last night,” Taeyang raised a sharp eyebrow, clearly pleased to have earned a couple of suppressed laughs and gasps from the eavesdroppers. Your entire body burned and you had to clench your hands into fists to hide the slight tremble. “You seemed like you enjoyed-“’

“Taeyang,” a new voice joined the conversation, stopping him from further embarrassing you. You looked up and saw one of Taeyang’s best friends, Inseong, set a warning hand on his shoulder. “That’s enough. Leave her alone.”

Inseong, unlike most of the guys in Taeyang’s friend group, you could stand. He’d always been nicer to you than the others, never teasing you the way Taeyang did or egging Taeyang on like Sanghyuk and Youngkyun. Inseong was always thoughtful with you, making sure the boys never got too far out of line.

“What did I do?” Taeyang grinned up at his friend. “We were just having a nice conversation.”

“You know what you did,” Inseong glanced over at you, an apologetic smile forming dimples at the corners of his lips. You felt the anger melt away with just that look. That was the magic of kind, handsome older boys. “Everyone knows what you did.”

God, you were starting to think you’d never live this down, last night’s mistakes would haunt you for the rest of your life.

“In my defense, no one forced her,” Taeyang shrugged, standing up from his seat and slinging his bag over a shoulder. “The bottle chose her and she went for it. I asked if she was sure. I’m innocent.”

Rolling your eyes, you push your books into your bag and stand. With as much hatred as you could muster into your glare, you turned to Taeyang, staring him down even though he was several inches taller than you. “I was drunk, Taeyang. And trust me, I’ll never make the mistake of kissing you again.”

As you pushed past the boys, you heard Taeyang’s voice by your ear, low and testing. “But it wasn’t just a little kiss, was it?”

You could have knocked him down with one punch, you knew you could. But you didn’t. You didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of a response. So you walked away as if you hadn’t even heard anything, fighting the urge to turn around. Karma would get to him one day if you didn’t first.

You’d been avoiding even thinking about the situation so you didn’t have to admit it to yourself, but honestly, you hadn’t been that drunk. Maybe you were a bit buzzed, but you knew you hadn’t drank enough to have completely lost your mind. Though you didn’t even want to think it, you knew Taeyang was right. You knew that you had initiated the kiss, and you’d been fully aware of what was going on.

Everything else about last night was a blur to you, but the memory of the kiss would forever stick with you like an incessant itch, resurfacing at the worst possible times. All you remember clearly from before that was that it was Taeyang’s turn to spin the bottle during a crossover game of Spin the Bottle/Truth or Dare/Seven Minutes In Heaven, and it had unfortunately landed on you. The situation was kind of ironic- everyone there knew how you hated Taeyang. They knew you despised him for ruining your senior year of high school. They knew you couldn’t stand the way he worked to make every day a living hell from freshman year of college to now. Your closest friends had told you it was all in your head, but you were sure he hated you just as much.

But at the time, you were being hit by the courage and carelessness that comes with drinking and when Taeyang grinned, eyes dark as coal, and asked you what your pick was, you weren’t nervous at all.

“So what���ll it be?” You clearly remember him asking, eyebrow quirked up in that annoyingly confident way of his. “Truth, dare, or will you take the Seven Minutes?”

You knew your best option was truth. There was no real way he’d be able to embarrass you with truth- he didn’t know enough about you to ask a dangerous question. And even now, you couldn’t understand why you didn’t just pick truth.

You’d chosen dare, not knowing if you could physically take seven minutes alone with him. But you’d realized that dare was just as bad.

“Dare,” you said, challenging him with a glare. He seemed so calm, and that irritated you even more.

Taeyang took a second to think about it, but in retrospect you wondered if he knew exactly what to say to you. “I dare you to... do one thing right now that you’d never let yourself do fully sober.”

It was a stupid dare, you thought. Couldn’t he come up with anything better? You looked around the room, trying to decide what it was you’d do. The alcohol didn’t interest you- you’d drank enough. The people didn’t interest you either, they were all in their own groups. But the eight other people playing, including Taeyang’s friends, were staring at you expectantly. And suddenly, you wanted to give them a show. If they were going to stare, you’d make it worth their while.

And now you understood that that was entirely the alcohol you already had in your system talking. Your friends had always teased you about not being such a great drinker.

So you got up and placed yourself right next to Taeyang, who turned his face toward you and studied you with an unreadable expression. You didn’t care enough to think about what it meant.

“Are you sure?” You’d heard him ask as the others collectively held their breaths. Hands steady, you firmly held his jaw and tipped his head up, not bothering to answer, and slowly leaned down. You closed your eyes so you didn’t have to see his expression.

Taeyang was right, it wasn’t just a little kiss. From the moment your lips connected, it was heavy. You honestly didn’t think you meant to, but one second you were just kissing him and the next you felt your hand slip to his chest, gripping his thigh with you other to support your weight against him. And he didn’t stop you. Instead, he shifted his body so that you were better positioned against him, hands finding their way to your neck and your waist. You remember only focusing on how warm he was, how his lips were so impossibly soft against yours, and how comfortable he felt as you pressed closer to him, forgetting for a moment the setting and all the eyes.

It had felt good to let go.

But when he pulled back, you became acutely aware of all the attention you’d called to yourselves. You noticed that you were basically draped over Taeyang, your cheeks and neck burning as you noticed it wasn’t just your little group watching you, it was everyone in the same room as you. And others had been called over to witness the apparently steamy scene.

But none of that embarrassed you as much as watching Taeyang’s features change. Excruciatingly slow, his slightly swollen lips pulled back into a grin, not unlike how a wolf bares its fangs, and his eyes narrowed. They looked like polished black stones up close. The realization set in that he knew only one person would suffer from this, and that was you. He knew, and he loved it. And that pushed you past irritation, straight into fury.

The only reason you hadn’t left the party right then was because you couldn’t just let him win like that. So you stuck around, acting like you didn’t desperately want to flush every last memory and lingering sensation away with more drinks. You didn’t run into Taeyang after that.

After leaving the library, all you could think about was the overwhelming urge to scream your lungs out.

- - -

“Listen,” your roommate said to you that evening. “Think about it like this. What if Taeyang doesn’t hate you the way you think he does?”

You rolled your eyes, not even bothering to look up from the book you were doodling in. “Then in what way does he hate me? Because he definitely hates me.”

That earned you an irritated sighed. “Y/n, he doesn’t hate you at all!”

Ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous. You couldn’t think of a single reason why Taeyang wouldn’t hate you. He’d been trying his best to annoy the living hell out of you since high school, and he refused to leave you alone in college, too. It was almost like he would go out of his way to pick on you. And all you ever did was go out of your way to avoid him, but the asshole was everywhere.

“Right,” you stopped to study your drawing. It was an eye, a very familiar looking eye. Frowning, you run your pencil over the drawing, refusing to let him in your head. “We’re actually hopelessly in love with each other. We’ve been fooling everyone all this time, you caught us.”

“From what we all saw last night,” your roommate shrugged. “I’m starting to think that’s really the case.”

You flung the book away from you, onto the bed. “I don’t like Yoo Taeyang!”

Met with the click of your lights turning off and then hard silence from your roommate, you sank under your blanket and shut your eyes.

There was no way that could be possible.

- - - 

The next morning, you woke up with a headache. You were dreading the day ahead, and even before getting out of bed you’d decided to not even look at him. You wouldn’t let him get in your head; he wasn’t allowed to have any kind of power over you.

But that was a lot easier said than done when everywhere you looked, Taeyang and his friends were there. It was almost like they were following you, but so far none of them had even spared you a second glance. They didn’t seem to notice your presence, and that was a good thing.

Of course, your good fortune didn’t last too long.

You had an hour to spend before your last class, so you decided to head to the library to find some books to help with a paper you had to write. You thought that was safe enough since no one really stayed around the library’s topmost floor, where you’d be.

You were by yourself there; the whole floor was empty and silent, just how you liked it. Libraries were almost sacred for you, and they felt almost like home. You didn’t have to be doing anything, just sitting in silence for a while relaxed you. You’d gotten so caught up in the quiet that you hadn’t heard the muffled footsteps behind you as you searched for your books.

You only realized you weren’t alone when a hand wrapped around your arm, firmly pulling you into an aisle between bookshelves. You didn’t even have time to get a noise out of your mouth, but you clearly saw who the person was.

“Taeyang,” you hissed when the breath returned to your lungs and the surprise subsided. You fought the urge to shove him away from you. “What are you doing?”

“Y’know,” Taeyang ignored your question. “I’ve been thinking really hard about something lately-”

“Wow, I hope you didn’t hurt yourself.” You couldn’t help the snarky comment, rolling your eyes so you didn’t have to look him in the eyes. He was very close, and it was difficult for you to not look at him.

“Listen,” Taeyang shook his head slightly, loosening his grip on your arm. “I’m actually serious right now. I know, you probably don’t think I’m capable of that either, but I need to ask you something.”

He did sound serious. He didn’t have his usual arrogant grin, and his eyebrows were furrowed instead of challengingly raised. For a moment, you wanted to believe him, but you quickly remembered not to drop your guard. It could be an elaborate joke for all you knew.

“Can you ask me whatever from at least a foot away?” You try to move out of his grasp, but he didn’t give you room.

“Y/N, do you actually hate me?”

The question took you by surprise. What was that supposed to mean? You thought it was obvious enough just how much you disliked him, so you paused, just staring at him.

“I know we tease each other a lot, but, I need to know,” Taeyang continued, eyes searching yours for some kind of answer. You were starting to get confused. “Do you hate me?”

You shrugged. “You hate me. You always have.”

At this, Taeyang pulled back. He looked genuinely shocked by your answer. He shook his head slowly, hair swaying in and out of his dark eyes. You wondered if you were imagining the faint color on his cheeks. “No... but that kiss the other night. You didn’t feel anything?”

You didn’t mean to laugh, it just came out of your mouth. “I was supposed to feel something? Taeyang, I was drunk. It was a dare, and I just did it.”

“So it didn’t mean anything?” A shadow seemed to fall across Taeyang’s face and you found yourself second guessing yourself. Did it actually mean something to him? Should it have meant something to you?

“Did you expect to feel something?” you countered, frowning. This was becoming too confusing and you were getting tired. “Because I’m positive you knew exactly what I’d do when you gave me the dare. I’m not sure how, but you did.”

Taeyang shook his head again, eyes widening as if to prove his innocence. “I really didn’t, I swear. You caught me off guard.”

Yeah, that makes two of us. “So what do you want me to do about it? This just sounds like a personal problem.”

You honestly couldn’t figure out what the change in his entire demeanor and attitude meant. He was suddenly acting so harmless and nothing he said sounded ambiguous. He seemed to be genuine about what he was saying, and that threw you off completely. It was out of character and you were suspicious.

“Can we... try it again?” Taeyang’s voice was quiet, verging on unsure. 

That was it, you had to have been dreaming- there was no other explanation as to why your unofficially official enemy was asking you to kiss him for a second time. You stared for a moment, completely baffled. There was no way he’d actually asked you to do that.

“Are you out of your mind?” you asked, ready to run from the situation if he tried anything stupid. “Like, did you finally lose it?”

Taeyang sighed, running a hand through his hair and shifting his gaze to the bookshelf behind you. His sharp brows were pulled together in a frown. “I think I will if I don’t find out soon. Can you help me just this once?”

“No,” you shrug, about to shoulder past him, but he stepped in your path. “Taeyang-”

“Please?” you couldn’t believe it, but he was really begging. His eyes were wide and all that was missing was a pout. You felt a strange surge of satisfaction at the sight. “No one will know. It’ll stay between us. I swear.”

You paused, looking up at into his expectant eyes. With a mental start, you understood that he wasn’t joking. He wanted you to kiss him again, and was more serious than you’d ever seen him, but for some reason that made you even more uneasy. What was he playing at? You weren’t sure, and you knew- you were certain- that you shouldn’t listen to him. Sober, you began to understand the pull of Taeyang’s aura, the sheer enchantment of looking into his eyes. Frustration built inside you; he was a siren and the lights were violently blinking inside your head. You should just walk away, keeping your dignity intact.

You should have, but you didn’t. Because try as you might to repress the thought, you remembered how the first kiss had felt. It was a taste of freedom, of weightlessness, and as much as the realization repulsed you, you knew you wanted to feel it again.

“God, this is so dumb,” You muttered, lifting yourself onto the balls of your feet. You gently placed your hands on his shoulders for balance and tipped your head up, once again feeling the warmth of his hands resting against your waist. You couldn’t believe you were actually doing this again, and being so close to him had you shutting your eyes tight, ignoring the blazing heat creeping up your neck.

The moment your lips touched his, memories from the other night came flooding back, but it was different. You were completely sober this time, and the kiss was unsure, with hesitation from both of you. A moment later, you pulled back.

“Was... was that good enough?” Your voice came out a lot smaller than you’d hoped, and you found yourself unable to make eye contact again.

“Do you think so?” Taeyang asked, voice low.

You hated the decision your mind was making, absolutely despised what you knew you were going to do next. It wasn’t a shot of courage making you do anything; you knew it was your own stupidity. And you knew you’d pay for it, soon. But, still, you guessed you didn’t care.

So you pulled him down by the neck, fingers finding their way into his hair. Taeyang pulled you closer against him, strong arms holding you in place. This felt exactly like the first kiss, deep and slow, like you were both exploring unfamiliar territory. It was a strange effect Taeyang had on you, how he made you completely block everything else out so you could only focus on him- his gentle hands against your side and neck, the flutter of his pulse under your fingertips, the softness of his lips moving against yours. It was both disturbing and intriguing at the same time.

You realized it before you could stop yourself- you liked it.

Taeyang pulled back first, a slight smile lifting the corners of his slightly swollen, pink lips. Usually, you wanted nothing more than to wipe every smile off his face, but this one was different, you thought. It was softer, not at all the arrogant one he often wore around you. And when you finally looked into his eyes, you noticed that they looked less like the coals from the other night and more like... polished obsidian.

Slightly breathless, you opened your mouth to speak, but Taeyang cut you off. “I guess Youngkyun owes me,” he said, quirking an eyebrow.

That made you pause- had you heard him correctly? “What?”

Taeyang let go of you and stepped away, a satisfied look on his face. “He said I’d never get you to kiss me again. It was a bet.”

Of course. Of course that was why he made this whole scene with you. Your brain warned you, but you didn’t listen and you’d gone and made a fool out of yourself. You’d been right to suspect him at first, but something twisted in your stomach, and you didn’t exactly understand why. After all, Taeyang wasn’t known for being nice to you. You’d expected this from him, and you were, in a way, relieved he wasn’t serious as he’d claimed to be.

So why the hell were you also disappointed?

“Right,” you nodded, shoving your hands into your sweater and clenching them into fists. “You didn’t mean it.”

Taeyang ran a hand through his hair, disheveling it. “Did you believe me?” He glanced at you sideways, eyes flashing with amusement.

“You’re terrible,” you hissed, eyes narrowing in anger. There it was again, that insufferable smirk. He knew exactly how to rile you up. You moved to push past him, abandoning the books for your paper. He let you storm away, trailing out from between the shelves behind you.

You were too impatient to wait for the elevator, so you headed for the stairs. A strange tug in your chest made you stop. You knew you should’ve just kept walking, not giving him the chance to know that you were in any way affected by him. You fought with yourself for a moment, but you couldn’t help it. Quickly, you turned your head and saw him leaning against the book cart, chin resting in his palm. He had the same dreamy expression from yesterday, the one that made you think he was mocking you. Which he probably was.

“You should believe me,” he said with a wink, sly grin lighting his eyes. “Consider it.”

As you marched down the stairs, you felt a peculiar thing, like bubbles filling your stomach. You knew that Taeyang won this round, and he would make sure to gloat in the victory until your next encounter. But the little devil on your shoulder laughed, and you made a mental declaration of war. After all, Youngkyun had only been talking about a second kiss. It was Taeyang who asked for the third.

You let a smirk creep across your lips. You didn’t know if you would call it “love”, you probably wouldn’t have even called it “liking”, but if it was a game that Yoo Taeyang wanted... Well, you were more than happy to beat him, and you’d make sure you did a thorough job of it.

[ladyanatui]

Daiken Ultimate Playlist, Pt. 3

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

This is the abridged version of my Spotify playlist for all things Daiken, organized from the start of 02 to…eventually.

Part 3 specifically covers from not long after XV-mon and Stingmon first Jogress-evolve through Christmas.

TRIGGER WARNING: This post discusses depression, suicide, emotional abuse, and PTSD quite a lot. Take care of yourself, folks!

Spotify Playlist

Click the song titles for YouTube links (apparently you can’t have more than five videos in a post), and otherwise, enjoy me rambling about Daiken.

One final note: Within the lyrics, I’ve emphasized meaningful words, such as night/nightmare, dark/darkness, miracle(s), kind/kindness, courage/bravery, friend/friendship, sun/star/light, fire/burn/ignite, angel(s), and words related to water/drowning.

“Carry On” by fun.

Though I've never been through hell like that I've closed enough windows to know you can never look back

If you're lost and alone Or you're sinking like a stone Carry on May your past be the sound of your feet upon the ground Carry on

And in the meantime, he knows that for Ken to feel better and move on, Ken needs to come to terms with his past while also not dwelling on it. Even by the end of the season, though, Ken still has a long way to go.

“Skin” Sixx:A.M.

When they start to judge you Show them your true colors And do unto others As you'd have done to you

Just rise above this Kill them with your kindness Ignorance is blindness They're the ones that stand to lose

One of Ken’s worst hangups about joining the team, though, is the fact that most of them still hesitate. Worst of all, Iori blatantly doesn’t want him there, though he does feel obligated to help Ken after Ken and Stingmon save his life. But Daisuke knows that as the others spend time with him and get to know him, they’ll love him just as much as he does.

“On My Own” by Ashes Remain

Every little thing that I've known Is everything I need to let go You're so much bigger than the world I have made So I surrender my soul I'm reaching out for your hope I lay my weapons down I'm ready for you now

And then, of course, there comes a time when Ken finally starts to come to terms with the fact that he can’t do this alone, that he needs their help and, more importantly, their friendship. This moment is difficult to pinpoint because it’s a slow process, but it’s probably right around episode 30 when Arachnemon creates BlackWarGreymon. Daisuke and Miyako trick him and Iori into working together in an attempt to get them to become friends, but the plan backfires when neither Ken nor Iori are fooled. But a few episodes later, by the time they’re defending the Holy Stones from BlackWarGreymon, Ken is working with the team.

And we can’t forget episode 35, where Daisuke invites Ken over for dinner to brainstorm about defeating BlackWarGreymon, and then suddenly it’s the next morning and Ken spent the night, which was definitely not part of the initial plan (they altered this in the English dub so that Daisuke asks him to spend the night after asking him over for dinner). The look on Ken’s face the following morning, when he wakes up to having spent the night at Daisuke’s home and watching their Digimon laugh and play together...it’s utterly heartwarming. He finally knows what it means to have a friend, and you couldn’t possibly find anyone more grateful.

“Doubt” by Twenty One Pilots

Temperature is dropping, temperature is dropping I'm not sure if I can see this ever stopping Shaking hands with the dark parts of my thoughts, no You are all that I've got, no

But that’s not to say that Ken doesn’t continue to have doubts. There’s still a darkness in him he cannot shake, and he still struggles to believe he deserves to have friends, especially friends so wholly devoted and affectionate like Daisuke.

“Slip the Noose” by The Maine

Break down, hysteric and young Uncomfortably numb Then you sent my pain into oblivion I was on the verge of breaking down Then you came around And not a second too late

It’s pretty safe to say that, by this point, he understands how important Daisuke has become to him, even as he tried to prevent it. This song especially points to Daisuke helping him fight off his suicidal ideations (it’s all in the title).

“Anchor” by Skillet

When I get tired of finding All of the fears I've been hiding You gave me a breath and tell me to rest You never left

This is another song that focuses on the supportive nature of their friendship. Daisuke spends the entire second half of 02 being exactly who Ken needs him to be. He’s the supportive friend who isn’t afraid to tell him the awful truth if the moment calls for it.

And although it’s rarely talked about, Ken is also exactly who Daisuke needs in his life. Ken probably doesn’t realize how important he is to Daisuke, but the goggle boy seriously needed someone who actually listens to him, who respects him, and who loves him--and that’s exactly who Ken becomes as their friendship develops.

“All You Did Was Save My Life” by Our Lade Peace

I'm not dying All you did was save my life Pulled me out of that flat line Put the heartbeat back inside I'm not dying

And overall, it’s not an exaggeration to say that Daisuke legitimately saved Ken’s life. He was the one to activate the Digimental of Miracles, he (and Magnamon) was the one to defeat the Digimon Kaiser, he was the one to prevent Ken from potentially killing himself to stop his base from exploding, and he is constantly the one there to remind Ken of who he needs to be and what he needs to do to overcome his past.

“Picking Up Pieces” by Blue October

How long will I be picking up pieces? How long will I be picking up my heart?

Listen, I'll be as honest as I feel I feel like I'm getting more paranoid and I'm hearing things And they never turn out real It feels like my heart is made of pure steel It's just so heavy all the time

These things take time. Lots of time. To the point where it feels like it will go on forever. Despite the phenomenal progress he makes in 02, even by the end of the season, he still has a long way to go.

“Midnight Thoughts” by Set It Off

Here I am, 12 a.m. Sunken deep into my bed Kept alive by the light of the moon Close my eyes, but my mind's got its own plan tonight And it keeps rubbing salt in the wound

I know it's too late As night turns to day Now there's no escaping the ghost

Throughout this period, Ken is also suffering from nightmares--reminders of his past, including the moment the Dark Seed bored into the back of his neck and changed everything. I’m sure, to him, it feels like no matter how much he tries, he will never be able to move past the pain he’s caused the Digimon and Digital World.

“A Bad Dream” by Keane

I wake up, it's a bad dream No one on my side I was fighting But I just feel too tired to be fighting Guess I'm not the fighting kind Wouldn't mind it If you were by my side

First off, a big thank you to @molkschatz​ for introducing me to this song--it’s perfect for Ken.

Obviously, this song too references his nightmares, but it has far more to do with his loneliness and fear of losing himself than the actual bad dreams. Ken isn’t your typical fighter--he’s not courageous and spirited the way Daisuke and Taichi are, but he has a strong sense of justice and of right and wrong, which is really why it’s so important for him to help the Digimon and fight against evil. And although he may not be a tradition example of passion, he’s passionate in his own subtle way, and having Daisuke and the other Chosen by his side allows him to explore that side of himself.

“I Don’t Belong Here” by I Prevail

Looking back on the past, all the time I wasted Running from everyone that tells me that I'm fading out Must be mistaken 'cause I, I, I don't feel anything You know I got this brain, it drives me insane Some days I feel I can't take the pain, I'm gone I can't explain it 'cause I, I, I don't need anything (no)

Even as he learns to get along with all the Chosen, Ken struggles most with feeling like he doesn’t belong with the group. This is emphasized, of course, by the fact that he is the only one who doesn’t live in Odaiba, aside from Jyou.

This is most apparent in the Christmas episode where Ken has a holiday party and invites the group. He’s absolutely terrified to invite Iori because he assumes he won’t want to attend, but to his surprise, Iori has accepted him and is pleased he received an invitation because he didn’t expect one. Later, after they send the Digimon who ruined Yamato’s concert back to the Digital World, Ken has to go back to Tamachi and this adorable little exchange happens:

Sora: Ichijouji-kun sure has changed, hasn’t he? Hikari: He sure has. Daisuke: Really? I haven’t noticed anything...

While everyone else is still getting to know Ken as Ken and figuring out how he fits in the group, Daisuke has always seen him this way and has always felt like he belongs.

“Without You” by Breaking Benjamin

Say something new I have nothing left I can't face the dark without you There's nothing left to lose The fighting never ends I can't face the dark without you

There are so many moments throughout the show where Ken forces himself into situations where he is trying to deal with his problems on his own, facing the darkness on his own. But he quickly learns that he needs Daisuke and, to a lesser extent, the others there to help him, and more importantly, that having them fighting by his side doesn’t make him weak.

“Secret Smile” by Semisonic

Nobody knows it but you've got a secret smile And you use it only for me

I associate this song a lot with the Christmas episode because of how big of a deal everyone makes about his laughter but also the episode where Daisuke invites Ken over to his house and Ken just has the most beautiful peaceful smile on his face (mentioned earlier). The truth is that Ken is decidedly different around Daisuke than the rest of them. He’s more relaxed and happy, and once he starts calling Daisuke by his first name, he only does so privately. If other people are around, he still refers to him by his family name even as Daisuke calls him Ken all the time. Their relationship is precious and special, and calling him Daisuke publicly ruins the intimacy of it.

“An Act of Kindness” by Bastille

An act of kindness Is what you show to me It caught me by surprise in this town of glass and eyes Kindness, so many people pass me by But you warm me to my core and you left me wanting more

As the bearer of Crest of Kindness, it’s kind of a big deal for Ken to look at Daisuke and see all the wonderful and utterly kind things that he does. Extending his friendship when he had absolutely no reason to (don’t tell Dai that), defending him and helping him without any expectations in return--Daisuke shows Ken true friendship, and to Ken, that is the biggest act of kindness he ever could have performed.

And again, there’s a reference to Daisuke as a source of heat, much like the sun (plus, you know, the Crest/Digimental of Courage is associated with fire).

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4