#feel free to assume connections + no need to match length :3

[kmadrigalsoto]

❛ ☾ ◟━ LOCATION: nash's supermarket

❛ ☾ ◟━ TIME: mid-afternoon

❛ ☾ ◟━ STATUS: open to anyone

Coming from a place of privilege, Kimberly didn't have to learn independence. The heiress had her fair share of help, whether it be her driver, nanny, maid, etc. However, when she went abroad for her studies, that's where she willingly learned how to do things on her own. As she got older, the concept of adulting wasn't something she could relate to with someone outside of her tax bracket. However, as soon as she ran away from the Soto Legacy, she knew that it was crucial to adapt on her own—especially in a new country. Out of her day to day chores, there were a few things she despised. One of them was figuring out what to eat. She didn't want to heavily rely on food delivery apps, takeout, or dine-ins, when she's well aware that she has a kitchen that needs to be used.

Currently in Nash's Supermarket, she had been making laps around the store with her grocery cart trying to figure out what to meal prep. By the fridge area, she watched as the last carton of egg was taken from the non-existent pile and it was there that Kimberly was ready to admit defeat. "Maybe this is a sign." she said aloud. "Is there even a point for me to flag someone down when I don't even know what I want?" Turning to the nearest person beside her, she wore a sheepish smile and added, "Apologies, it looks like talking to yourself is a clear sign of hunger...Hm, off the top of your head, what's the easiest meal to make that leaves you satisfied?" Clearly she was looking for quick food-spiration.

[wcrsening]

𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑 !! 𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 : a dive bar in velaris

𝑭𝑰𝑳𝑶𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑨 𝑾𝑨𝑺 𝑰𝑵 𝑹𝑨𝑹𝑬 𝑭𝑶𝑹𝑴. the emissary was more than used to taking disaster in stride, but to her own dismay, she has always very much been a creature of habit— or, moreover, of organization. it wouldn't necessarily appear that way to a passerby, given her general partying, fighting, and debauchery, but she's always had a firm head on her shoulders. after all, she didn't earn her title — nor her current state of survival — by being messy.

stranded in the night court with all of her technology, research, and the majority of her weapons back at the dusk court, filomena was damn near panic. she knew she needed to get to the rift, but she needed to be prepared— as did everyone in the city that bustled around her, if her worst fears were coming to light. her usual cool demeanor was frazzled and almost frantic.

" — what?" someone nearby had been speaking, and she'd been completely tuning them out. filomena slid her half-full beer to the side in order to make room for another book, pulled from the large stack that sat beside her on the booth. she'd checked out everything she could find in the vicinity that might help her research.

finally she looked up, reaching for her beer as she spoke. "listen. before you go on, i don't have time to answer questions. or to apologize for being rude."

[dujour13]

For the couple asks, #1,3, 13, and 30?

Thank you Starlightcleric!! I went and wrote essays again, sorry

1. What, specifically, was the catalyst for their physical attraction (if applicable) to the other character? In other words, what in particular had them like “Oh, they’re…hot…”

It was like Woljif hit every single button at the same time when Siavash went down the stairs to see about this thief situation. I’m surprised he didn’t short circuit and pass out. What’s this? An exciting funny exotic twinky wet rescue puppy with clever golden eyes who literally needs to be freed from his chains? And then he stood there and watched him pick locks and disarm traps with those… incredibly dexterous hands. And don’t forget Sia was on a 2-year dry spell at that point. That said, Sia needs there to be an emotional connection, and that took more time. For Woljif it was that sweet soulful voice, and then the vision to match it coming down the stairs. Someone so different from his world, kind of golden-hued and soft and warm-looking. And that smile. All the carefree joy and affection he’s been hungry for all his life, like looking in the window of a fancy pastry shop and seeing a cake you didn’t even know existed.

3. By contrast, what was the moment that first made their ~heart~ Soft for the other person? Not necessarily a conscious realization of “I love this person,” but a moment that had them like “Oh…I adore them…”

The many little signs of Woljif’s gentle, bruised heart showing through the cracks. Especially when he told him the story about being found in a basket with a royal coat-of-arms on his blanket. “Makes people look at me different.” Because Siavash’s thing is comforting the suffering. Part of that may be narcissism—he does love to be adored—but part of it is sincerely just wanting to spread joy and love in the world. It’s a nicer place to hang around in that way. His whole goal in life is to make people see that vision. He has his own version of Woljif’s little quip: “I don’t manipulate people. I just get them to reconsider what’s in their best interest.” Always with good intentions: evil is enslaving and no fun. There’s nothing he wants more than to liberate Woljif from his chains, literally and figuratively. So Woljif was going to be a project of his, whether they ended up lovers or not. That doesn’t sound good, I know, but it wasn’t out of condescension. Siavash really respects Woljif—listens to his advice, admires his competence, enjoys his company. It’s not a pity project so much as wanting him to realize his potential and be free and happy. Running away made him fall for him even more. Like, the stuff this guy is up against. The things life has taught him. I want to teach him it can be different. For Woljif, it was the first time he was forgiven. In my hc he pulled a little shenanigan with the Moon of the Abyss that could have put Siavash in hot water with the Thieflings, and he really actually felt bad about it afterwards. Or a little bit bad at least. But Sia was nice about it, without being an easy mark. He said “Clue me in next time, maybe I’ll help,” and Woljif was presented with the prospect of a partner in crime for the first time in his life.

13. What is their go-to for making a partner feel loved?

Woljif gets embarrassed by how much he adores Siavash. He knows he’s shown his cards, so he doesn’t always feel he needs to go the extra step of saying it aloud. He looks out for Siavash and he’ll go to enormous lengths to do nice things for him, but the L-word does not come easily. So the answer is he just assumes he knows, because he’d do anything for him. I think I’ve said before that Siavash is a love-language polyglot. He’s attentive and affectionate, loves making romantic gestures and gives out compliments like candy. If there’s one go-to, it’s that he listens to Woljif. He respects his opinion, loves his stories and relies on his advice. And when something’s bothering him he validates his feelings. Woljif feels heard, which is a big deal for him.

30. What completely petty topic (music taste, favorite food) do they find themselves completely at odds with their partner about?

Spending money!

[nicolos]

Hi, this is very random but I LOVE your edits!! SO SO much!! And I wanted to ask (if you feel like elaborating but no pressure!) about your editing process (I am a complete newbie). I am in awe of the connections you draw in your edits - do you first choose a song and then try to match the content to it or the other way around? And if you don't mind me asking which program do you use? And how do you get clean audio without the background music? ((I would greatly appreciate your advice if it wouldn't be too much of a burden, wishing you the loveliest of days<3))

hi there!! first off this is so sweet, and I really appreciate hearing that you like my edits!it's always so exciting to get that kind of feedback, esp since video edits arent smth ive done a Lot of or my primary form of fanwork, i guess

For some elaboration - I assume you mean the black sails edits (?), so I'm going to be answering for those. On the whole, I don't have a super well-defined process, so it definitely varies edit to edit, but in general, I tend to work off themes or ideas rather than audio! Especially since I'm not usually working with lyrics, in which case it would be a totally different story.

A lot of my black sails edits specifically are about highlighting a specific theme and how its paralleled over the show, so finding parallels usually is just me trying to remember different scenes which demonstrate the same concept, kind of. I have a file of the whole shows subtitles pasted into one place, so I do a lot of Ctrl+f with keywords (the 'you and i' video was built off literally just that) - and then try to arrange it in a way that makes sense for the BS narrative as well as the point im trying to make in the video. i also really love finding completely different conversations that feel like call and response, and setting them up against each other. Parallels! Contrasts! Etc

I try to work with an audio already in mind, though, generally, just because the flow is kind of determined by that. I didn't for the partners video, and I think it's a bit weaker for it, though i did adjust the music to suit it later. Picking a song if I have a theme in mind is really just going thru my soundtracks playlist, which is like 30% of all music I listen to, and picking smth with a vibe that fits + a pace and length that I think the video will match. (Sometimes I will also just cut the song down a bit)

The program I use is kdenlive, which is an free and open source video editing tool! It's not got quite as many features as smth like davinci resolve, but I find it works for my purposes, which are really just cropping, pasting, and a tiny bit of sharpen/recolour. that said kdenlive has a bunch of other features and options that I simply don't use and also don't know how because I haven't experimented, so its not like snip and move clips around is All you can do with it.

re: the background audios... this one is actually a process lol. i have high qual versions of all the BS eps with 6 channel audio, and ive made versions of each episode where ive isolated the central channel which usually has dialogue. however this channel also will have some slight background music or ambient sounds, so it's not really just the dialogue - but it works for the purposes of the video, where lower sounds like that may get hidden by music anyway. ymmv, it depends scene to scene, but I don't need it to be perfectly clean so it works for me. Ive isolated these channels through ffmpeg, which is a command prompt based editing thing, and isn't difficult to learn but isn't exactly the most user-friendly thing, i guess? However I understand ( @dykementality confirm?) that davinci resolve lets you just isolate audio channels of any clip you're editing, so like, that's an option. i Can give more detailed instructions on ffmpeg, or at least on the code that I use to make files w isolated audio, though honestly I've forgotten how to install ffmpeg (though it can't have been too difficult or I wouldn't have bothered)

I hope that helped you a little, pal! If you have any further clarification I'd be happy to help w/ what I know! And I hope you have a wonderful day also!

[freddiewilliams]

OPEN STARTER.

location: wolfeton library time: before sunset

in the past few weeks, freddie had grown increasingly interested in space. not really the physics part of it, but rather all things mystical and fantastical. it had started with an overheard conversation about astronomy at delia’s cafe. that night, freddie had had a very intense dream which had instantly sparked inspiration for a new painting. freddie didn’t have many books on the subject, and so he had found himself sitting in the library until dark for the last few days, chasing the high of that inspiration.

their table by the large window was stacked with piles of old books and scattered pages of notes, as well as a few pencils and pens which they were using to doodle in their leather-bound sketchbook. deep in thought, freddie abruptly moved his chair back as he stood up to find a book on lunar deities, but as he did, he heard a yelp from a behind him. once he realised they had bumped into someone, their face immediately turned burning hot. “ oh shit ! I am so sorry “, he mumbled sincerely. increasingly embarrassed, he turned around to look at the person in the eyes with a worried look. “ are you okay ? “

[candifms]

candi, bored, was swiping through her options on tinder. at best, she found herself a hookup and at worst, a laughable profile. like the one she’d just stumbled across: a clearly older man attempting to photoshop himself three decades younger. “look at this photoshop job. looks like if that guy who played peter pettigrew tried to photoshop himself into a backstreet boy. i should send him a pity nude.” her wild laughter echoed. she was a few glasses of wine deep. “i doubt i’ll find anyone good on here...you wanna do something tonight instead?” @cougarstarters​

[xoxohechavarria]

“Ohh...erm, Thank you. That’s very sweet of you to say, but I already have a fiancée. It was nice meeting you in there though, but I really have to go,” Ashlei tried to muster up an appreciative smile. 

Her body tensed when the ‘friendly’ stranger who had been so charmingly chatting with her in the pub/bar/diner earlier suddenly grabbed her wrist. “But he isn’t here right now, is he?” the man smirked before continuing charmingly. “ We can go over to your place if you feel more comfortable there, gorgeous. I’m not looking to do anything you don’t want to. I just want to get to know you better and grant you some great entertaining company. I hate to see you waiting around all alone, for your fiancée to get home.”

“No, I really think we shouldn’t. And I’ll be more than fine by myself. I have my own hob--What are you doing??” she cried out in shock and alarm when he suddenly pulled her against him and kissed her. She shoved him away, but he only gripped her wrists tighter. “Let go of me!!”

“Oh but I find it hard to believe that you really are that devoted to your fiance, Ashlei. If you were you wouldn’t have spent an hour talking and flirting with me,” he leered, licking his lips, as his lecherous eyes raked over her body. Ashlei gasped in horror. She hadn’t been flirting, had she? She was just making nice conversation with a seemingly generous man who had even insisted that he buy her a drink and a dessert when he saw that she was eating alone.

“No. No, I was just being friendly. You--you let go of me this instance,” she struggled against his grip, while her entire being panicked and she stomped on his foot. The man then cursed loudly and for a moment, his grip slackened and Ashlei nearly broke free but unfortunately for the terrified woman, he managed to grab her back and smacked her head hard instead as she screamed in fright.

[nickdern]

running into your twice ex-wife was nothing new in the small area of queens, or that’s what nick thinks when he runs into her in the coffee shop he so often frequents after work. his hand had been on the handle, his entire being ready to leave when she had grabbed him by the shoulder and hopped into a loud, prolonged hey to greet him. he returns the smile politely even if hers is sugary sweet and exaggerated, and not they stand on the side of the shop. she’s doing the chatting and he replies where it’s necessary. she touchy, and smiley, and he fiddles with the cup in his hands while looking around the shop. there’s a tingle in his arms that remind him he should get home soon, to relax and wash away all the stress from today but she keeps talking. what is she talking about? our kids. grown up. work. back together. love. better for them. he doesn’t listen but nods along until he feels her slender fingers grab him and it’s too late to pull away by the time she’s already giving him a big old smooch. 

“ why can’t we work this out? we did it once before, i’m sure you’re reasonable. for the kids. ” nick stares at her, wide eyed and blurts out something along the lines of “ i’m seeing someone else. ” his voice cracks and goes way too high and he feels her skeptical eyes on him before, a perfectly arched eyebrow accompanying her silent accusations. her hands pull away from his skin, leaving behind something akin to icicles and it stings, makes him tense, but nick keeps up a forceful smile just to keep the scene any other emotion would cause. he grips his coffee with he ferocity of a man in pain until his ex goes to dig through her bag, clearly not believing a word he’s spouting and perhaps looking for evidence now. the shop around them is bustling and her eyes are still on her belongings, so he scans the room for someone he might know and his focus lands on someone who happens to look right at them. it’s a risk but he mouths ( help me please ), glances at his ex and then back at them, hoping that his weak pleading expression does anything, anything to have someone save him from a situation he would never win.

[connieshusband]

Fucking hate you, love to fuck you

Hate sex

Oikawa x fem!reader

"fuck you!" "Is that a promise?"

4k

reader was the captain and ace of the girls team, reader goes to Aoba Josai, reader is also Kag's cousin

Degradation, Slight Feminization Kink, Praise Kink, Fluffy Ending, Fluff and Angst, I'm not very good at writing smut, I also got tired while writing so its short... sorry, Sir Kink: but very minor, no beta we die like men

-cross posted on my ao3:  https://archiveofourown.org/works/31932412

MINORS DNI

Summary:

You hadn't registered that you'd slapped him until he look at you holding his red cheek with his large hand.

And you certainly hadn't registered that he had his tongue down your throat not a moment later. An honest to god moan leaving your lips which he smugly ate up.

___

Degration as well as any kink should have the full consent of all parties involved every time!!

I'm not very good at e2l so be gentle 🤩

I'm such a simp lmao

Oikawa could never figure out why you hated him when you both entered your first year of high school. Having come from a different middle school than you, he figured you'd be like the rest of the people in your grade level and fall all over him.

He wanted to ask why you had such a large stick up your ass during your first group project but chickened out. He assumed you'd at least get along as you were captain of the girls volleyball team and known for your powerful spikes. The setter in him really wanted to find out your perfect toss.

But it wasn't until your 3rd year when he came to despise you too.

He'd overheard you telling your best friend that your cousin made it onto his high schools volleyball team. Being the nosey Nelly that he is, he made the mistake of asking which school your cousin attended.

"Karasuno," you said, your chest puffed out.

It clicked: the black hair, intense expression, the last name even. He could practically see his protégé in the reflection of your eyes. He mentally slapped himself for not seeing it sooner.

His eyes narrowed, matching yours as tension of your silent beat down had to be cut by Iwazumi.

_____

You set down your suitcase, giving your aunt a big hug as she greeted you in the doorway. You give Tobio a fist bump as he helps you carry your things into the spare bedroom.

Your aunt had graciously allowed you to stay with her so you could be closer to school for your final year.

"I can't believe you're dropping volleyball club just as I'm about to join," Tobio whined, setting a suitcase on a chair in the corner of the room.

"I know," you said sullenly. You hadn't wanted to, but being captain and a 3rd year just wasn't going to be practical. Not being the best student, you thought it would be a wise decision.

Having always been close your your cousin on your dad's side came with its perks, including but not limited to drama. Ever since Tobio had joined volleyball in middle school he'd talked about Oikawa, usually brushing off some of the down right nasty things he'd said. But you hadn't. You took it upon yourself to help him train harder and harder to be able to defeat his bully when he'd found out he couldn't attend Aoba Josai with you.

Being an ace had its advantages when teaching Tobio about different techniques on how to set up a spiker best. Often gossiping about the smug bastard as you worked.

Of course, there was no escaping the pretty boy at school either. When your best friend, Ryu, had started dating his best friend Iwaizumi, being the 3rd and 4th wheel at hangouts became increasingly awkward.

And even worse when she mentioned your current math grade. Damn that ginger setter. And Mr. Perfect boasting about his grades to you. Which had lead you to your current situation.

Sitting in his bedroom.

Listening to him drawl on and on with rapidly decreasing interest.

While he looked hot as fuck.

What?!

With new found annoyance you scoffed at him snapping his fingers in your face.

"earth to y/n, I know I'm ravishing, but now it's math time." He said, a smirk decorating his lips.

“I ignored you on purpose, dumbass. Don't you get that I hate you?"

"I'm not asking you to stay, besides this has nothing to do with me?? Its calculus..."

"narcissist," you mumbled under your breath.

"must be your type," he shot back, "gawking at me for the last hour."

"aren't you dating whats-her-face from English?" You retorted, feeling your face heat up.

"yeah??" he said, confused.

You mocked his confusion, ""yeah" God, then stop flirting with me."

He scoffed, an eyebrow disappearing into bangs, "you must be a narcissist if you think I'm flirting with you because wow, it almost like I can't stand the sight of you, y/n," he rolled his eyes in disgust, sitting up in his chair indignantly.

You push him back into his chair, turning on your heels, saying nothing more.

"good!! I was going to kick you out anyway!"

____

You notice his current girlfriend wasn't hanging out with him at lunch nor sitting in his lap during English. In fact. He hadn't found new arm candy by the time your next session rolled around the following week.

___

After begrudgingly agreeing to do another tutoring session and making him promise no funny business, that rule was broken when he had his sleeves rolled up of his blue silk shirt, he glasses laying forgotten on the table, fingers rubbing his tired eyes as he tried to explain a difficult problem to you.

How could Tooru Oikawa be so fucking sexy and such a fucking dick at the same time?

Asking myself this a lot while writing

"fuck you, Oikawa! I don't need your bullshit!"

"fine! Fucking go then!" Giving you a light shove towards the door.

You hadn't registered that you'd slapped him until he look at you holding his red cheek with his large hand.

And you certainly hadn't registered that he had his tongue down your throat not a moment later. An honest to god moan leaving your lips which he smugly ate up.

You shoved him against his bed, your own smugness drinking up his moan.

You pulled your tank top off as you climbed on top of him. "You have condoms?" You asked, cringing at your breathless voice.

He flipped your position, hot breath fanning your ear, "don't you want to be filled with my cum, baby?"

Rolling your eyes, you flipped the position again, "the last thing the world needs is more of you running around."

He considered it before saying with a shrug "top drawer."

Leaning over, your legs still gripping his hips, you pulled out a condom wrapper and tossed it at his face. His nose scrunching cutely.

"pull some weight, lazykawa," you said, yanking his pants and underwear to his ankles. He was already fully hard and you took great satisfaction in wordlessly teasing him.

Trying to ignore you, a blush creeping up around his ears as he hurriedly rolling the condom onto his thick length, as you remove your bra. He flips your position once more, hovering over you, a taunting smirk plastered over his lips.

"can't go 10 minutes without getting your greedy pussy fucked?"

"Can't that mouth do anything besides half-assed insults, Shittykawa?" You mocked, he raised a cheeky eye brow at you.

He lowered his face to you heat, "want to find out?" You grip his hair harshly and shove his face between your thighs.

He rips off you panties and eagerly laps around your cunt before catching himself, slowing his ministrations.

He gripped your thighs as he buried his face in your heat. Alternating between sucking in your clit and finger fucking you, never letting you get both at the same time.

You bit your tongue, doing your best to avoid begging for more - a futile endeavor.

"C'mon babygirl, I know you want it," he sing-songed

You swallowed your pride, "please Tooru."

"sorry couldn't hear you, your legs were busy clamping around my ears.

Your legs shook in frustration and pleasure as he lazily drummed his finger on your sweet spot.

He leaned overtop of you, sucking harshly in your neck as his other hand massages your ass.

"please, Tooru! Please sir!"

"oo~" he remarks, returning between your legs, 3 fingers entering you suddenly as he nibbled along your thigh, quickly returning to sucking on your clit.

You come hard and without warning.

"delicious," he remarks, sitting up and licking his fingers clean, "and so many lewd noises too."

"You have a knack for bringing out the worst in people," you attempt to sound threatening but only succeeding in boosting his ego.

"Oh no~ I hate to find out what the best would be..." He unbuttons his blue silk shirt, allowing you to drink up the full show of his abs. "Not talking so big now, eh, Kageyama?"

You scowl at him before grunting a "just fuck me already".

"don't mind if I do."

You connected your lips with his, enjoying the noises he made as his neglected cock became engulfed in your warmth.

Neither of you lasted long.

He emptied himself into the rubber with a sexy grunt lining up with your moan.

After care he collapsed on top of you, his deep breaths matching yours.

Your hands still resting on his back, feeling scratches from your nails decorating his skin.

He had pressed his forehead to yours, you looked up to meet his eyes which were flitting between the purple marks on your neck and your eyes.

He hadn't held your gaze for more than a second when the realization of what just happened hit both of you at once. Pushing your bodies apart, you shamefully picked up your clothes from the floor leaving the room quickly.

____

It had been weeks since that day. You hadn't gone back for another tutoring session, claiming to Ryu that your grades had improved.

The free time had allowed you to be a better supporter for your cousin, getting a chance to meet his teammates and his friends.

You meet Karasuno's Ryu and think to yourself how well he and your Ryu would get along

While hanging out with your cousin at the spring tournament, you were enjoying a lunch break with a vibrant ginger, his best friend Hinata and a mutual friend with spiky hair. Bokuto, you had learned, was in your year and had a ton in common with you.

Maybe you'd gotten carried away returning his flirty looks and laughing a little too hard at his jokes. He remarked often how different your personality was from your cousin. After exchanging numbers to practice volleyball sometime (him being excited to practice with another captain/ace) an unfortunately familiar voice pulled you away from your fun.

"y/n?"

"what?" You roll your eyes, at Oikawa. You knew he had been watch you and the rest of Karasuno after they had win their first game. Beside you, you can feel the 3 boys, especially Tobio fuming.

"I have a question about the math assignment."

"I'm busy."

"too bad."

Recognizing that he wasn't going to go away until you give in, you stand up, brushing the dust from your bottoms. He leads the way out of sight from your new friends.

He harshly pushes you against the wall, "what do you think you're doing princess?"

You flip your position, he winced as his back connects with the concrete wall. "You ask you the same thing, princess."

His hand instinctively wrapped around your muscular arm submissively.

"you like that don't you?" You asked.

He nervously glanced around him for on lookers. Luckily he'd chosen a pretty secluded spot

"wouldn't want your fan girls to see you being treated like the pretty white you are?" You smirked.

He nodded shyly.

You grabbed his ass, earning a submissive squeak from him.

"such a good princess, getting his flat ass groped," you smile, you see him swallow a moan as his eyes flutter shut.

You begin painfully slowly palming him through his shorts, feeling him grow under you.

"I hope you lose," you whisper sensually into his ear.

He scowls at you as you pull away completely. Leaving him hard, exposed, and blushing as you return to your new friends.

______

The cheers from Karasuno's supporters hadn't quieted down as the team packed up. Still high on adrenaline and pride for your baby cousin, you took the time to use the bathroom before the long drive home.

Rounding the corner you heard voices, recognizing one to be Oikawa and the other belonging to a deep voiced man.

Sneaking a peak your eyes go wide. He was face to face with Ushiwaka. The former not fairing well in the conversation. You didn't think a man could look for upset than the way Oikawa looked right now.

As the conversation comes to a close, you wait until Oikawa has gone out if sight to chase after him. Accidentally running into Ushiwaka.

"sorry" you mumble, attempting to move past.

"you're with karasuno, yes?" Ushiwaka asks.

Your mind didn't really register him, instead giving him a quick pat on the shoulder and a "that's great, buddy," as you run after the brunette.

Hearing an "I look forward to playing them." In the distance.

"Hey!"

He was too far ahead to really hear you, pushing past the front doors.

"HEY!" You yell, nearly at his heels. You stand in the doorway breathing hard, "TOORU!"

He turns to face you, Iwaizumi annoyed that he can't convince their captain to just get on the bus already.

You beckon him over and he skeptically approaches you.

"here to gloat?" He asks, his voice lacking the usual sharpness.

"Tobio is staying at Hinata's tonight and my aunt is out is town for the next two days," you say.

You see the cogs working as he pieces together what you're offering. His mouth forming an 'o' shape as he realizes.

You smile smugly before running back to where Karasuno's bus is parked, giving Tobio a running jump hug, which he awkwardly returned.

__

If nothing else, Oikawa was punctual. Arriving at exactly at 7:30. You hadn't done anything special, just heated up 2 frozen pizzas that your aunt had left. Watching his form as he quietly ate his 3 cheese. He hadn't said a word besides "thank you" after you'd served him. While yes, apart of you meant when you'd said that you hoped he lose but the guilt of seeing the cocky bastard looking so small on the other side of the table, nibbling on the crust. Pity maybe?

"You played really we-"

His eyes were red, his pride keeping him from crying in front of you. "I don't want to talk about it."

"You want to have sex?"

he hesitated before asking, "can we be nice?"

You nodded. Making your way to his chair, straddling his hips and cupping his face. You kissed him slow and deliberate. You don't kiss long before you start to feel his dick springing to life. You stand up pulling him, walking backwards, towards your room accidentally walking into the partially open door.

"Graceful," he commented, a hint of his salty tone under his words as he resumed kissing you.

You grinded against each other for a few moments, drinking in each others moans. You pulled away momentarily, his cheeks dusted pink, breathing heavy, his dick straining in his pants.

"You're so beautiful," you said. He blushed harder, his cock twitching in it's confines. Your fingers dip under the waistband of his pants and pull them down, licking your lips when his cock hits his stomach. You're about to press your lips to his tip when you feel pressure on your forehead.

"y-you don't have to..." he says. You cock your head to one side, your lips parted as you gaze up at him. "I-I get it you know... I don't hold it against you..."

"I want to," you say, "if you want me to."

He nods slowly, his eyes fluttering shut as he enters your warm mouth.

Out of all the sex you'd had, this moment with Tooru didn't feel like sex. It felt like making love.

After he got close, you popped your mouth off and had ridden him. His muscles still sore from his games. Your lips danced with his as his hips met yours. Both of you reaching your climax simultaneously.

Tired in the best way, you cuddle up to his bare chest, kissing his cheek, "don't think this means I like you, flatass."

"of course," he says, relaxing into your touch.

"good."

"it was the fact that my dick was down your throat that made be think that."

You punch him in the ribs, earning an 'ouch' followed by a quiet, "let me have one win today." Followed by an even quieter "sorry" from you.

You place a gentle kiss on his cheek again before returning to your snuggle position. He wraps his arms around your waist as you both drift off to sleep.

______

It's been a number of days and neither if you had spoken about it. You wanted to text him a simple 'good morning' but the image of him quietly shuffling out of your room at the crack of dawn when he thought you were still sleeping, placing a gentle kiss on your temple. You didn't want to seem too eager or somehow let on that not only were you awake but had enjoyed when he'd done it.

After the girls had lost to Fukurodani's girls in the semi finals, Ryu had insisted on dragging you out to play volleyball with her and some 'friends'. You secretly hope it's the other girls from your team. You find yourself not disappointed that it's Iwaizumi and Oikawa.

"Warm up 'Yama!" Oikawa yells at you, serving the ball in your direction as you and Ryu approach.

Caught off guard for a moment, you return the ball back at him, hitting his face lightly with an oof.

Of course, Ryu wanted to set for her boyfriend, leaving you with Oikawa.

You made a pretty good team, he picked up your style quickly, the ball exactly where you wanted it without having to tell him anything. Not to mention that Oikawa had racked up a third of the points on service aces alone, Iwaizumi finally adjusting to being on the receiving end on them. He and Ryu had made a magnificent comeback, clearly having practiced with each other before. You were lucky if you could get a piece of one of Iwa's spikes, Tooru faired better but they quickly took the lead. You grab Oikawa's arm, causing him to look at you curiously.

"set it to me, but I'll set it back. You spike it," you said, finishing your sentence by looking at him.

He considers it.

"break it up love birds!" Iwa shouted at you. Ryu making obnoxious kissing noises behind him. You quickly let go of his arm to flip her off, causing her to burst out laughing.

Iwa serves.

"it's mine!" Tooru yells. Mid jump, he faces you, the subtlest of winks as the ball flies into the air.

Smiling, you angle your body for a spike, Ryu taking the bait, but at the last moment, your hand sent the ball perpendicular to the net, straight into Oikawa's hand. The ball whizzing past Iwa's ear.

The adrenaline getting the better of you as you both embrace, celebrating a successful kill.

You revel in you best friend and her stoic boyfriend exchanging a bewildered look.

At the end of the game Oikawa offers to drive you home, when out of the way of prying eyes, he leans against his car. "Before your cousin goes to nationals, he and shorty should play against us."

"Yeah and maybe Tobio can set for me one round," you say, playing with the hem of his shirt, "but if there's any funny business from you, I'm calling it off."

"Who, me??" he jokes, aware of his history with your family.

You don't respond, opting to gently press your lips to his. He returns the kiss, cupping your face.

________________

Did I write myself into the story? ┐( ∵ )┌ Maybe a little...

I'm also not opposed to doing a part two, so lemme know in the comments ( ꈍᴗꈍ)

Also not me writing my first Haikyuu fic be Oikawa when I wanna break his knees 🥴🤚 (couldn't resist tho he's been on my mind, especially with glasses 🥵🤒)

Also also not me writing this from 1:30 am to 8am then had half my work deleted so I had to redo it the following night 🤪👈

[unfortunatetrash]

i've never posted about litg on here before so feel free to ignore whatever hellish word vomit comes out of my mouth, i just needed to put some things down after reading new spoilers

so like, spoiler warning for scripts 17-25

as of the eipsode 25 spoilers, i'm team suresh unless some other better boy comes along in casa amor

i wasn't originally gonna go on the suresh route but eddie is too sketchy and nosy, i unfortunately made my s5 mc straight so dana is out, arlo too but after the bedroom blowup i'm fine keeping her at arm's length, finn obviously wasn't going off kat for mc, and alfie's instalove is too much to handle.

i am also kind of a sucker for will-they-wont-they ex-lovers in fiction and suresh being a cocky bastard with vulnerability issues makes it more fun - i can fix him

my interpretation of the suresh/mc relationship: they were together for at least 2 years, the foundation was physical attraction and intimacy rather than an emotional connection, eventually they both fell hard in love but suresh hadn't experienced that before and wasn't sure how to communicate on an emotional level -- he seems to have a problem being vulnerable in front of others, why he blows up when the villa talks about his past but seems more genuine though clumsy when in private -- so when they started arguing it was over mundane shit instead of talking about underlying problems; if mc was planning on proposing maybe she started expecting him to be more dependable and he picked fights and everything snowballed into his walking out and seeking something familiar instead of facing a difficult hurdle -- man probably doesn't hear no very often.

which leads me to cherrygate 2.0 (or is it 3?): alfie is pushed as a love interest very hard from the beginning of s5. he's nice, he's good company, he's goofy, total 180 from suresh right? not really. he goes head over heels quick, he says so himself. kat even spills the beans about him committing to her on the first night, even if he recognized it wasn't true. this boy doesn't hide his cards just disguises them with self-awareness and jokes.

what makes being coupled with alfie worse is if you actively friendzone him. he seems fine being friends and i suspect if he wasn't forced into a couple with mc by the story his route would be a good slowburn, too bad.

so mc gets to encourage friendzone alfie to pursue meera. they seem like a good match. i really was hoping they'd stick it out but fusebox decided to be cowards and write themselves out of the corner by having alfie choose mc over meera -- and this is fine if you want him to do so, but an mc who encourages him to choose meera and expects to go home getting picked over another girl he seems to have a really good spark with might be infuriating.

an mc who isn't interested in pursuing eddie, finn, suresh, or alfie and would rather leave than get in the way of a genuine connection or stick around to be underwhelmed or the constant center of gossip and shit stirring -- what does it say when her friend goes back on his word and doesn't listen to her request?

like you really can't get these boys to move on already.

i've only played s2 once and i fell into gary's route by accident and my favorite thing about gary's route was how often he and mc could touch base and have conversations. if s5 mc was allowed to have conversations like that -- which canonically makes since she would considering her last serious relationship ended in a big lie and heaps of dishonesty -- there'd be less drama, antithetical to the game but at least mc would have some type of agency over her relationships.

which brings me to the episode 18 script. idk if dana always confesses to mc even if mc flatout states she isn't interested earlier on, but if she does it makes alfie look even more like an asshole even when mc decides to stay with him. assuming mc is either on the fence about alfie or uninterested in him, everything following the recoupling is a nightmare.

mc can choose to only makeout or not at all, to sleep alone or share the daybed without having sex, to stay dressed or sit on the poolside, give him a chaste kiss or reject him outright -- mc can choose to take it real slow or put on the brakes. ALFIE AGREES WITH MC and proceeds to push for intimacy later on anyway.

which leads to suresh: mc can choose to be as civil as possible, blatantly ignore his quips and reassure others she doesn't have any insight into suresh is thinking in terms of "winning" her back. mc can choose to encourage him to stay in the game because he deserves to move on too. mc can be played as wanting to move on and focus on other LIs without being a shit to her ex.

when the double date comes around mc can entirely ignore suresh and arlo, focus solely on alfie and actually commit to their coupling and tell arlo suresh was flirting during the date. mc can do everything ethically sound and still gets shafted.

finally, there's episodes 23-25. suresh gives a genuine apology 👏👏👏! and no matter if mc rejects his advances and is honest about the chat she's still on the chopping block because girl code only ever applies to the girl who initiates it not the entire group.

now finn. he's a flirt and doesn't really do attachments. he likes kat but is unsure if she's the right fit because in addition to his own hang ups she has insecurities he isn't equipped to handle. he seeks out advice and chill chats with mc instead of talking with kat himself. so he's maybe feeling stifled by kat, maybe doesn't care for her shit stirring, maybe realizes not having an emotional connection with her makes coupling difficult.

so he flirts with arlo and openly admits to having a sex dream about mc and does a good old fashioned apology performance where he ropes everyone in so it seems more romantic and grand.

kat empties the bag and says mc has been cracking on with suresh when she hasn't. and alfie does what? he storms out without listening to mc and the next time mc sees him alfie's tongue deep with another islander -- you know, like suresh did -- because he's always had a doubt mc would go back to her ex no matter how hard mc worked to show him otherwise.

and this all hits different if your mc chose alfie over dana.

finn asking mc to couple with him is a bold move considering alfie and kat were "cheating." is finn serious or is it a spiteful move? is he honestly wanting to step away from physical chemistry as a basis for a relationship for something emotionally deeper? is he hurt by his partner and bff going behind his back? or is he worried about losing out and can't go back to kat or arlo and isn't interested in dana, leaving mc as the only golden ticket?

all of this leaves me curious about casa amor. i think suresh will probably still flirt but if he doesn't get a chance for an answer before he leaves he'll not go further than that. finn on the other hand, don't trust him but i also want to see him blindsided by love.

the final curiosity being the girl with the turtle tattoo. is she dana's/alfie's ex and the girl suresh slept with? there has to be at least one more bombshell who's an ex to one of the og islanders.

[beatricethecat2]

"This is nice," Myka says, sipping her beer while surveying the bar.

"Consuming alcohol in a public house?" Helena asks.

"Yeah," Myka says, eyes angling down as she picks at her label. "Working with Pete...this wasn't a thing I could do much. Then Steve and I had a drink here, and I remembered what it was like. I used to go on my own in DC just to unwind. Feels like a lifetime ago."

“In many ways it was," Helena says, idly stiring the ice left in her drink. "Could you ever have imagined the company you now keep?"

"I don't think so," Myka says, shifting closer to Helena. "But I like it, a lot. Doing this with you feels...normal. Two people, spending time together, not a care in the world."

"You care for nought?" Helena says, fingers tracing a line from Myka's thumb to her wrist where her hand rests on her thigh.

"Ok, one care," Myka says, eyes flicking up to meet Helena's. "Hey, I know that look. We said we'd stay for the band tonight, not just hole up in our room."

"Is there not another band tomorrow?"

"Yeah, but we said we'd stay for this one." Myka slips her hand from Helena's.

"As you wish," Helena says, settling back on her stool, frustration evident in her tone.

"More drinks, ladies?" the bartender says. "The band's about to start."

"I shall need one," Helena grouses.

"Stop being dramatic," Myka snips.

"Fine," Helena snaps. "Bourbon. Neat. Top shelf, please," she instructs the bartender.

"Comin' right up." The bartender steps away to complete the order.

"Oh, we're getting drunk now, are we?" Myka quips.

"When in Rome..."

"I'd actually like to see that, a drunk H.G. Wells," Myka says, poking Helena in the arm.

Helena flinches. "You may very well if you keep behaving as such."

"Seriously though, when's the last time you drank enough to let your guard down, even a little."

"In the company of others? Not in recent memory. And you?"

"Same."

"Here you go," the bartender interrupts, setting the tumbler on a napkin in front of Helena. "Another beer?" she asks Myka.

"You know what? I'll have the same." Myka waves her bottle at Helena's drink.

"Cavalier, Ms. Bering."

"We'll keep each other in check. We deserve to get super tipsy, at least."

"Color me intrigued."

The band strikes its first cord just as Myka's drink arrives. She tugs Helena's arm, and they relocate to a table near the stage.

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

The Adventures of Bering and Wells ("Warehouse 13" Season 5 replacement) Season 1: Episode 4 Title: New Orleans: Laissez les bon temps rouler!

Summary: Myka and Helena follow whim rather than duty, driving south, detouring around Washington DC, avoiding a second emotional rabbit hole so early on. After a wi-fi-free week in a cabin, deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, they feel ready to tackle urban density again. ("The Rockies are better," Myka declares. "We'll go there, too.) Vowing to stay as touristy as possible, the pair head towards history-filled New Orleans. But far too soon their carefree trip hits a snag and they're in need of Warehouse help.

Previously: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3

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

***BONUS SCENE***

"Exactly how touristy have you been?" Abigail asks.

"Pretty touristy," Myka answers.

"Practically flâneurs," Helena says, grinning as Myka looks up at her with sparkly eyes.

"Well, that narrows it down," Steve mutters, typing into the keyboard. "Let's start with your hotel. Why'd you pick the carriage house?"

"The lack of adjoining suite and the king-sized bed."

"Helena!" Myka smacks Helena on the arm. "Because it's cute and charming."

"So this ghost isn't listed on their website? Wedding dress woman, Civil War soldier, dancing patio woman?" Steve asks.

"No. And the manager hadn't recognized the description I gave," Helena explains.

"So not all ghosts," Abigail says.

"If seeing them is normal," Myka says.

"Let's say the ones on their website are but H.G.'s isn't," Steve says.

"Are we to assume I've been 'whammied' then?" Helena says.

"You freeze in place. I have to shake you out of it," Myka explains.

"Perhaps I'm studying the phenomenon."

"You're never that still. It's creepy."

"Then I think we should consider it," Abigail says.

"Where else have you been?" Steve asks.

"Um, everywhere?" Myka answers. "That blacksmith's bar you and I went to. And The Gas and Lights Museum--"

"Such memories. So many details wrong," Helena gibes.

"On a carriage ride--"

"Highway robbery! Sixty-five dollars for a turn around the park. And not in the least authentic."

"You said it was nice!"

"I said it was familiar. The sound of it took me back," Helena says.

"I thought you'd like it." Myka leans back and looks up at Helena questioningly.

"I enjoyed the company quite thoroughly," Helena says, laying her hands on Myka's shoulders and grinning down at her fondly.

"Aww," Steve coos.

"Did anything about the carriage ride scream 'lady ghost will now appear at will?" Abigail asks.

"Not to my knowledge," Helena says.

"We also went to the Pharmacy Museum. And on a steamboat ride," Myka adds.

"Not that I'd have stepped foot on that death trap without proof of modern safety precautions. In my day, they exploded frequently," Helena explains.

"Ok...let's start with the Pharmacy Museum," Abigail says as Steve types. "Could this woman have afforded a doctor?"

"She often appears in her Sunday best, but also in, shall we say...less. She didn't strike me as particularly monied."

"Did she look sort of vampire-ish?" Steve asks. "I'm reading that people with consumption were rumored to be vampires due to how the disease aged them."

"I'm familiar with that premise, and no, this woman was not withering away."

"Could she have died on a steamboat?" Abigail asks.

"She doesn't give off that sense. There's a calm about her. She's not in danger."

"Let's try another angle. The neighborhood you're staying in, Storyville, claims to be the birthplace of jazz," Abigail says, reading over Steve's shoulder. "Maybe she's related to that?"

"Myka took me to hear this 'jazz,' and I can't say I was at all impressed."

"I like it. Steve does, too. You really hated it?" Myka asks.

"The bleat of the saxophone evokes vaudeville for me."

"Play her some Charlie Parker. Or John Coltrane. That might change her mind," Steve suggests.

"Does this relate to our ghost?" Abigail presses.

"I don't see a connection," Helena answers. "Her dress is previous to that of jazz, of an age closer to my own."

"Storyville was once a legal bordello district," Steve explains. "The whole neighborhood was shut down in 1917. So maybe she's from then?"

"That makes sense," Myka says.

"Do you see her inside or outside?" Abigail asks.

"Thus far, outside."

"But," Myka protests, "last night, when we were...t-the blindfold, you said 'just in case.'"

"Did that not heighten our activities?"

"That's not the point. I can't believe you--"

"Punish me later, darling--"

"Why don't you two hash this out, and we'll get back to you," Abigail suggests.

"Wait, is this her?" Steve asks.

Steve shares a black and white photo of a woman, seated outdoors, in front of a makeshift white backdrop, her hair styled into a modest, shoulder-length coif. Her linen top, trimmed with lace, hangs off one shoulder, and a string of pearls adorns her neck. Her lipstick, rendered as a middle grey, matches the kohl lining her eyes, giving her a soft, silent movie-era look.

"Hm, possibly."

"Here's another."

Helena leans further over Myka's shoulder, looking closely at the image. "Yes, I believe that is her."

"That's, um, really off the shoulder. Shoulders..." Myka says. "Isn't that kind of racy for the time?"

"Quite tame compared to some. Her expression is unusual, contemplative almost, recalling solemn greek statues rather than the usual fodder meant to titillate men's desires."

"How would you know?"

"One encounters all sorts of materials as a Warehouse agent," Helena says with a smirk.

"As an agent. Uh-huh."

"Listen to this," Steve interrupts, "these prints were made from a stash of glass negatives found locked in a desk drawer years after the photographer died. Many are of Adele, the woman you're seeing, but there are other women, too. They were shot in the 1910s, but these prints were made in the '60s. If there were any original prints, they were never found."

"May I see the images again?"

Steve cycles through and adds a few more, one depicting a roll-down desk with a shrine of photos arranged above, all of women, vignetted portraits and romantic depictions of the female form more typical for the time.

"Not sure if that last one is related. But it says it's by the same photographer."

"Could you send that one over? I'd like to look more closely."

"Sure."

Myka trades places with Helena, and Helena clicks the link. She enlarges the photo and inspects the array of images.

"I vaguely recall flicking through a basket in a shop with ephemera such as this. Perhaps this ghost woman was amongst it, but printed in a manner such as the images depicted here."

"So you're saying the photo in the shop might be a photo from this photo?"

"That is what I'm hypothesizing."

"So when you see her, you freeze like you're her photograph trapped in this photograph."

"Or perhaps I am her, caught in the decisive moment of the image being captured."

"That's really meta," Steve says.

"No matter what, neutralizing that photo should do the trick," Abigail suggests. "Heck, neutralize everything in the basket, just in case."

"Do you remember which shop you were in?" Steve asks.

"My recollection is hazy at best due to the copious amount of drink someone encouraged me to consume the evening previously."

Helena looks at Myka and scowls. Myka looks back, endearingly.

"I don't get hangovers."

"Lucky you," Helena quips.

"I hope you find it soon," Steve says, "because being happy looks good on both of you. You should get back to that."

"Thank you, Steve. And thank you, Abigail, for all your help," Helena says.

"Anytime," Abigail says.

"Have a great trip. Send some postcards!" Steve says.

"What a marvelous idea," Helena replies.

"Isn't flicking through postcards how we got here?" Myka warns.

"Shall you pre-screen everything I touch from now on?"

"Maybe I should--"

"We're hanging up now," Abigail says.

The screen goes blank as Myka and Helena devlove further into playful bickering.

*End Scene*

-TBC-

NOTES: "Laissez les bon temps rouler!" is Cajun French for "Let the good times roll." In season four, Steve and Myka go New Orleans and both say they like jazz, so I'm not making that up. I see Myka as more of fan of popular tunes - Billy Holiday, Duke Ellington, Nat King Cole, etc., whereas Steve would know the genre through and through (and try as he might, never gets Claudia quite on board with it all). The photographer is E. J. Bellocq - I was going to incorporate that more, but the politics behind photos I mentioned is...complicated. I want this B&W show to focus on our ladies journey, artifacts are side-plot motivations. But if you're interested, look him up, and I suggest reading both Susan Sontag and Nan Goldin's essays for some clarity on why the images hold the status they do. From the research I've done, his images are plastered all over Storyville businesses, so if you've been there, you've seen at least one. Oh and I had a roommate once who could drink anything and never got a hangover. Some people are lucky like that.

[thedaddie]

Hello Abbie!! I saw that your matchups are open and i was wondering if i would request one :)

My name is Elena (she/her) and though im bisexual id like to be paired with a boy. Im a taurus, an infj, im also 175cm tall and have brown eyes, i too have brown shoulder length hair and have an athletic body type (but i only occasionally work out) im the girl on my profile pic for reference

I love travelling a lot, im actually a tourism student, and my dream is to travel to as many places as possible, i also love baking, going on walks, visiting museums and galleries, playing card games, petting animals, learning about history and art, trying different foods and laughing. Im a very sensitive and empathetic person who is always trying to make those around her feel happy and nice, im very independent too but i like spending time with people, i also have a huuuge crackhead side and love memes and jokes, i too have a deep sense of justice and id say im an ambivert because my way of acting changes on the vibes of the environment

Neway, i hope this was enough for the matchup but if not please feel free to message me!! Im also open for chatting anytime :) i hope you have a great upcoming weekend and please hydrate yourself and stay safe <3

hi elena! you are so sweet 🥲 thanks for requesting! i match you with…

NISHINOYA YUU

this pairing 😍😍😍😍😍

ok so you guys met in high school

it was total love at first sight on noya’s part

for you it… took a bit

yknow you can be loud too but noya is LOUD

so you kinda brushed him off at first, assuming that it was a school crush and it would die out

and it obviously never did 😃

he would walk you to class, offer to hold your bag, buy you snacks

he just adored everything about you from your height (considering you’re taller than him you know he is OBSESSED) to your eyes

and eventually he convinced you to come to his game

needless to say you were impressed so you asked him if he wanted to hang out after and the rest is history :)

once you guys graduated, you traveled all around the world together!!

from other parts of asia to north + south america, there was almost no place you guys haven’t been

but noya’s favorite place has always been europe :)

he considers you his perfect travel partner, as you always immerse yourself completely in your destination

and you consider him your perfect travel partner because he always stops to let you pet cats in the streets </3

he cherishes quiet walks throughout museums and art galleries, when he can calm down and just appreciate being there with you

the second you turn your back, he’ll always immediately eat up whatever you bake

you’ve never seen a dozen cookies disappear so fast 😟

plus he’s surprisingly a master at card games??? like he beats you almost every time (and you know that mf brags)

no one can be around you guys and NOT laugh, it’s impossible

so now onto your zodiacs and personality types

as an INFJ, you are generally more reserved and organized while noya, an ESFP, is not.

despite your differences, with proper listening skills (noya) and open mindedness (you), your relationship will work out perfectly!!

now with a taurus and an aries, you guys have the ability to form a stable and trusting connection with one another. because of your zodiac combination, your relationship has a lot of positive energy and you share an open agreement on honesty

however if you want to succeed as a couple, you need to put aside your differences and make the effort to understand one another

in the end, you really gave him an appreciation for the little things. you can both be loud and rowdy, but the quiet moments sitting in a rented house in some random countryside, playing cards and eating home baked goods, nothing else can compare 😌

—

moodboard:

“two,”

a windchime twinkles just outside the window. a cool breeze blows the thin curtains inside the house, flowing air causing goosebumps to rise on your arm.

“go fish,”

noya sighs, grabbing another card from the deck between you. his face flashes with excitement quickly and you snicker; he has a terrible poker face.

obviously, there were more complicated card games to play, but right now, after a day full of wandering around the little italian town you were staying in, both of you wanted the simplicity.

you take your turn, collecting yet another 7 when he says go fish. just one more to complete a set!

noya scans over his cards, his brown eyes meeting yours with a quirk of his eyebrow.

“seven”

you tut, collecting the valuable cards from your deck and sliding them over with a groan.

noya leans back in his chair, sweeping up his glass of wine. you roll your eyes as he slaps down all four 7 cards onto the table, a cocky smirk on his face.

“keep up that confidence,” you say, scowling playfully. “i will destroy you.”

—

song(s) for your matchup :)

thanks again for requesting Elena!! you’re so beautiful btw! hope you enjoyed and have a nice day 😊

[galgadot123-blog]

“So, I’ve just found and met up my baby daddy aka former one-night-stand and broke the news. Let’s just say he did not take it very well and what I’ve partly been fearing has come true. He doesn’t want anything to do with his child at all, can you believe it? I even told him that he doesn’t even need to pay for child support or even do anything major. All I wish is that he  be a presence in her life, like see her once a week or something. At least it’ll show my baby girl that her dad wants her, loves her and will be there for her even if we’re not together. All he has to do is just spend like a few hours of his time with her, at the very least ,once a week. She doesn’t need to know anything else. but he..”here, her voice broke a little. “Now, my baby girl will never know her dad. She’ll grow up thinking her dad doesn’t love her and doesn’t want her, and it’s all my fault,”she stopped her long speech then, unable to continue any longer, as she then buried her face into the palm of her hands, not wanting the other to see the tears she was desperately trying to keep at bay, but could now feel a slight misty liquid forming at the corners of her eyes.

[msbarrows]

Cataracts - What Surgery Is Like

As previously mentioned, I’d developed cataracts and am now going through surgery for them, and have elected to document a bit about what it’s all like from my viewpoint. Mostly because I think it’d make a nice reference for anyone wanting to write with some degree of accuracy about what it’s like from the inside.

This post contains a description of the surgical process involved and what that actually feels like, I’m trying not to be overly graphic but I’m also not elliding over any of the grosser bits (thankfully and surprisingly very little).

First off, a descriptiong of the preliminaries. This started for me with my vision going blurry over the last couple of years, and finally getting around to visiting my old optomitrist when I happened to be in Toronto over last Christmas (as my one up north just retired a couple years ago, and I hadn’t replaced her yet). Of the several potential causes for the vision loss I was experiecing, what I had turned out to be cataracts, of the variety that occurs at the back of the lens and therefor doesn’t cause easily-visible clouding. Which I actually said “Oh, thank god!” to when the optomitrist told me, since they are the absolute easiest thing to fix, while some of the other options (detached retina, or diabetes-related macular degradation, to name a couple) are much less so. Then he gave me a reference to an opthamologist. Thanks to COVID-19, it was this fall before I was finally able to actually get to the clinic and see her.

From my point of view, the process then went pretty quickly. Note that I was at an eye institute that specializes in cataract treatment; everything is contained in one building (a nicely renovated Victorian brick house in the Annex area of Toronto). So all tests and surgery are done on premises.

First appointment there, they did the same sort of vision tests my optomitrist generally does, plus some extra inner-eye photography to get a good look at what was going on. This was done by two different people, one doing the eye-chart related tests and a different one doing the photography. Then I met briefly with my doctor, who looked over my questionnaire (which included questions like whether near, mid, or distance vision was most important to me, and was there a focal distance I particularly needed to be glasses free for, etc.), and that I didn’t need nor have interest in a lens replacement that wasn’t covered under our provincial health care.

A week later I returned for them to perform eye measurement tests, which are used as a basis for manufacturing the replacement lens. They measure the size and shape of the eye, and mostly just involved staring into various machines while photos are taken. The weirdest one, which they did last, involved dripping numbing drops into my eyes, and then lightly pressing a small sensor to multiple places both directly on the eyeballs and then on the closed lids. Something to do with viscosity I’d assume.

And now for a description of the general surgical process, which you can also find summarized (or in more detail) at a number of medical web sites. In my case, it was a pretty basic surgery being performed; the opthamologist needed to make a small slit in the outer layer of my eye, used a tiny probe to break down the lens using ultrasound waves, vacuum out the broken down lens, then use a largish needle to insert a folded plastic lens into the eye, where it would unfold within the capsular space and could be tweaked as needed into the correct position. The cut in the eye is tiny enough that it usually doesn’t even need stitching, apparently.

I was asked to arrive at a specific time, and had to start applying dilating drops to my eyes an hour, half-hour, and five minutes before leaving for the clinic. No nail polish or facial makeup. Preferable wearing comfortable pants and a loosely short-sleeved button front shirt without any undershirt or long underwear beneath it (which turns out to be a “just in case things go crazily sideways��� measure; they didn’t actually need to access anything on my torso).

The first step after I arrived at the clinic was being dressed in PPE - one of their own disposable masks to be sure I was wearing a good enough one (that wasn’t coated in whatever mine had picked up outside), a hair cap, a long-sleeved thigh-length blue plasticized robe (it had thumb holes to prevent the sleeves from slipping), and booties over my shoes.

Then I was taken to their surgical floor, where a nurse began a series of eye drops. These included more dilation, an antispectic, and an antibiotic, that I can remember - multiple drops of all. She also gave me a teeny tiny pill to place under my tongue and let dissolved, which contained a small dose of a relaxant/anti-anxiety med (Sorry, she told me the name of it at the time but it’s dropped out of my memory). I didn’t notice any particular change in my mood, but then I’d been counting slow deep breaths since arriving (4 seconds in, 4 seconds out...) to help keep myself relaxed and give myself something to focus on that wasn’t omfg I’m going to be awake during this! Because yeah, not having a clue what it was going to be like was stressful. Nurse also took my blood pressure to be sure I was fine in that regards, and put a sticker on the gown to remind the doctor that it was my right eye being done that day.

After a brief wait, I was moved into one of the surgical theatres, where there was a dentist chair they sat me in, then connected a blood pressure cuff, fingertip monitor (hence the no nail polish rule) and sensors on the backs of both hands and one ankle (I’m assuming those were measuring a mix of blood oxygenation and heartbeat, with the ankle one making sure my feet were still getting blood when I was spending the surgery in what ended up as a tipped-over-backwards with head lowest position). They then rinsed my eye and the orbital area with bactine (very yellow vision while that happens), then patted the area around the eye dry.

The doctor sat at my head, and applied a medical drape with a pre-cut adhesive-edged opening over my eye, then peeled off a translucent applique that was over the hole. Then they applied medical clamps that held my eyelids in the open position (which thanks to the numbing drops, I didn’t feel at all). A brightly lighted microscope was then positioned over the eye, and I was told to stay as still as possible and stare at the red dot in the lighted area. The doctor then did the surgery as described above. From my point of view, there was very little to feel; occasional dull pressure, some random coldness that I believe was the eye being irrigated. I could hear the occasional very quiet noise the probe made as the lens was sucked away, but mostly it was just staring at the red light as well as I could while my vision distorted oddly and I continue counting breaths. Within what felt like no more than 5-10 minutes (if that), it was all over with.

They had me continue to lie there for a couple minutes while they peeled off the drape, wiped the eye area clean, and removed all the sensors, then a brief rest before having me sit up.

I blinked once or twice, and... DAMN! Sudden near-perfect vision in an eye that hasn’t seen clearly without help since I was in single digit ages. And the saturation. The detail.

Now, my left eye of course still has a cataract (it gets treated next week). I’d been telling people for a while that basically all my right eye was seeing was blur, so my left eye was doing most of the seeing, and I thought my left eye wasn’t anywhere near as bad as my right. With my right eye now seeing perfectly, I could now alternate opening eyes from side to side, and see just how badly (and irregularly) blurred and yellowed the left lens actually is. To which I can only saw, WTF, how was I even seeing anything at all!?

Then they had me sit for a while in the waiting area, where the doctor came and double-checked I was fine, and gave me a kit in a plastic bag of a card that identifies that I have an interocular lens (and info about it), a prescription for two different eye drops (antibiotic and anti-inflamatory) which was enough for both this eye and the eye getting operated on next week, and a shield to wear at night for the first five nights, to be sure I don’t accidentally rub it or put pressure on it.

Then I put on sunglasses (because hugely dilated eye) and walked out.

Side note - they won’t do your operation unless you have a ride home arranged; because that tiny pill means you’re in a slightly altered state, among other reasons. Good thing it was my brother and not, say, a taxi, since among other things it took us three drugstores to find one that actually had both kinds of eyedrops in stock, yay super fun.

Also, remember me talking about the starburst rays I was seeing around lights due to cataracts? While my eye was still dilated (which lasted until after midnight) I was seeing what I can only describe as ‘Ferris wheels’ - a burst of  rays expanding out like the spokes of a wheel, and ending in an uneven ring of dots of bright light, each wheel matching the colour of the light causing it. Looked wild at night. Thankfully that effect has now gone away.

Had a follow-up appointment this morning where they did an eye chart and the rebounce test where they puff air at your cornea, and the opthamologist says the vision in that eye tested as 20/20 (WOOO! Finally something good with that number). I can see sharply and clearly for blocks from the mid-range on out. Sadly when I try to use my computer, tablet, etc (near-range and close vision) the eye can’t focus down far enough; some of that may improve over the next month or two as the eye continues healing, and adapting to the lens. In the meantime my sister suggested I try a pair of her reading glasses and, yay, that worked. I am now planning that after my follow-up appointment for next week’s surgery on the left eye, I’ll run around and pick up 2-3 pairs of reading glasses of various strengths (which I will get will depend on what seems to work best with arm’s length and close-in viewing), to carry me through until I go back to an optomitrist in a month or three, and get my vision evaluated to see if I need actual prescription reading and/or far distance glasses.

In the meantime, apart from computer/tablet use, I am glasses free. I can’t even remember ever having such sharp, clear, and saturated vision (since I’ve been in glasses for such a long time). You know the “oh, trees are made of leaves!” effect? I am getting that with every single thing I look at. Oh, that’s how much grey is in my hair? Weird, I never noticed this wall was textured before. Oh geez, that text over there is so small and yet I AM READING IT. I mean, even with glasses I probably was never able to read that from this distance! Etc ad infinitum.

It’s just so, so nice.

And that’s with just one eye finished. I am now really looking forward to next week’s surgery. Stress? What stress!?

[aphrodites-law]

My Favorite

Trope: Soulmate marks. Twist: Lexa doesn’t have one. Clarke does.

7/7 - (Part 1 - Part 2 - Part 3 - Part 4 - Part 5 - Part 6)

~

It wasn't the sunshine that woke her up or even the breeze from the window that was cracked open. It was the soft press of kisses on her neck and the brief flutter of eyelashes against her jaw. Lexa awoke with a smile, fingers already lost in blonde locks. She kissed back the sweet lips that brushed against her mouth, teasing with a swipe of tongue before they were gone again.

"Hmm don't stop," Lexa mumbled.

Her body was still so tired by the night's events that she was happy to lie on her back all day if it meant Clarke would remain atop her like this, half-nude and warm and soft. Lexa's hands traveled to her waist until she finally opened her eyes.

"Good morning," she sleepily said, relieved that she had not dreamed this up. It was unlikely any dream could match up to this reality.

Clarke shook her head.

"It's not a good morning?" Lexa asked with a mild frown.

Clarke pointed toward the clock on the nightstand, which read 12:04pm.

"Oh." Lexa couldn't remember the last time she'd slept this late, but as Sundays went this one was the greatest in a long time.

"Have you been up long?" she asked, pouting when Clarke nodded. "You should've woken me up."

Clarke ran her hand over Lexa's jaw and kissed her again. Lexa smiled, hands going beneath her sleep shirt.

"You know, I'm very naked."

Clarke arched a brow, clearly not seeing the problem.

"And you're not. I thought I took care of that serious mistake last night, but if it's a reoccurring problem I'll be happy to-"

Clarke laughed and then kissed her again. Lexa ran her hands up her bare thighs and managed to sit up. She wrapped her arms around Clarke's waist and lost herself in their embrace, wondering if it would be at all possible to simply do this all day long. When Clarke pulled back and grabbed something on the nightstand, Lexa still felt slightly dazed.

The room finally came into sharper focus when Clarke presented her with a piece of paper. It was a handwritten letter, one that Lexa guessed had been penned while she slept. Clarke sat back and bit her lip.

"Should I read it now?" Lexa asked.

Clarke nodded.

Lexa sat up against one of the pillows, brushing a hand over her eyes to ensure she didn't miss a single word.

Dear Laxe,

Lexa looked up and noticed Clarke's cheeky grin. "One day I'll get you back for that one."

I wish I could tell you these things differently, but amazed as I am by your progress in sign, I'm not as patient as people believe me to be. I’m excited for the day you and I can discuss what has led us both here at length; just the two of us in bed without phones or notes or friends acting as translators. But until that day, here goes:

When I was ten, a car slammed into my bicycle on my way to school. I was thrown off so hard that my helmet cracked in half when I hit a tree head first. When I woke up in a hospital room, my entire body felt broken. My parents asked me if I remembered anything, but I didn't. So my mom asked me if I could tell her my name. When I said it out loud, her face went pale and my dad started crying. I realized whatever had come out wasn't right. Simply put, I know what I want to say, but my brain and my speech muscles just can't relay the message right.

In spite of that, I was lucky. I had a lot of people helping me and I made it out okay. With time I managed fluent ASL and speech therapy helped me relearn how to mouth out some words, though with long sentences I usually end up mouthing something that doesn't even look like the same word. I'm sorry if that confuses you one day.

Lexa shook her head. "Don't be sorry for confusing me. I'll just have to learn faster."

About a year later, I noticed that my mark looked weird. Like someone had rubbed their finger over it and it wasn't as sharp anymore. I should've probably been more concerned, but… Deep down, I always knew my mark fading had to do with you. I can't really explain how I knew it was connected to you - to how you felt about it. I just did. So even if my own parents panicked, even if some strangers raised their concerns, I was always calm about it.

When I heard you speak to me for the first time, I realized I had to think carefully.

I wanted to answer you so badly. I think you noticed that - you looked so disappointed when I didn't. The truth is, I understood that if I did, my mark would stop fading for good. And maybe we could have been happy for a while, knowing that you and I are destined to be together, but… I think at some point in these past few days you finally set yourself free.

Lexa, you don’t believe in the mark. Even if I told you what words used to be on your wrist, even if you recognized them, I don't think you would place your faith back in the system. I don't think you will ever allow anything or anyone to tell you who to trust your heart with. When my mark started fading, I understood that it was you renouncing the system for your own sake. And I don't want to be a part of something that has caused you so much pain.

I think my mark faded because you don't want to be inevitable. You want to be a choice. A choice someone makes because they want you, not because they need you to feel complete. Not because the world has told them you're theirs. Not because fate has decided for them.

All I've ever wanted, too, was for someone to choose me for who I am. For someone to accept that they'll never hear me say their name. That communication will be hard and that sometimes we will both get frustrated with each other. That I look odd when I laugh.

"Your laugh is my favorite," Lexa murmured absentmindedly, not noticing when Clarke's eyes widened and then she smiled.  

You gave me all of that when you chose me without even knowing I was already yours. So please be sure of the same:  

I choose you. I choose you because you make me happy. Because you're trying to learn a new language for me. Because you have such a big heart. I choose this life with you because I know it'll be worth everything. I know what I wanted my response to be, but I don't know if it matches whatever was once on your wrist. It doesn't matter to me if it did or not. I think there are other ways of knowing when a person is right for you. There are so many ways that these marks have made us forget. That’s what I want to give you: my heart’s conviction that you’re right for me and I’m right for you. We don't need fate, Lexa.

But I understand that it's more difficult for you. Your mark was taken abruptly and this world treated you differently because of it. I understand if you want to know what my words were going to be. And I'll tell you in a heartbeat if that's what you need. I imagine that we'd be able to scrub your name from the registry. That we could be a part of the system again. I'll give you your words back, whether it means closure or a new beginning for you.

Do you want them back?

The letter ended with the simple question, but Lexa found it impossible to look up. Her eyes had filled with tears and she had started trembling. She felt Clarke's hand gently nudge her chin up, her touch so caring that Lexa knew she was safe. When she looked up, she saw that Clarke had grabbed a marker and written the mark back on her own wrist: I love that tomato.

Lexa held her breath. She ran a finger over the words, her heart clenching painfully. Her first reaction was to be angry - angry that she'd been a part of this system all along, yet it had not recognized Clarke's voice. Or perhaps it had - perhaps it had known all along that Clarke would not speak the words she would have if the circumstances had been different.

It wasn't something Lexa could pretend to understand. She looked up into Clarke's eyes and noticed her still holding the marker. Clarke then took her wrist and pointed the marker at it, silently repeating the question she had asked.

Did Lexa want her words back?

It had been so long since she'd seen them. Just two words, short and sweet. She had dreamed about them as a child, questioning what kind of situation might lead to them. She had wondered if they were in response to her own words, or if whatever she replied back would be her soulmate's mark.

And then they had vanished. Dreams turned into nightmares. Questions never answered. Her life had changed because of a simple mark on her skin. Now, Clarke was offering to give it back. But Lexa had everything she needed. Clarke had already given her the certainty that the future was theirs to shape. She took the marker and wrote a simple word on her wrist: Clarke.

"There. Marked."

Clarke smiled and joined their hands together so that her mark pressed against Lexa's. It wasn't lost on her what Clarke was giving her wholeheartedly. Clarke had her family and friends in Polis, but they had yet to know the impact of her being on the registry for the Markless. Lexa had lost work because of it. Lost valuable time and energy. But she knew how to navigate this world now. Nothing would get in the way of Clarke taking it on - she would make sure of it.

She leaned forward and kissed her, whispering thank yous as she clutched the letter close to her heart.

~

After a few hours, Lexa finally agreed with Clarke insisting they needed food and coffee. Though she had assumed they would stay at the hotel, she was happy to follow Clarke when she suggested Coffee on the Moon instead. There, Clarke made a beeline for Raven at the counter, tugging Lexa with her. But Lexa stopped when she noticed someone very familiar coming out of the restroom.

"Anya?" she called out, incredulous. "What are you doing here? Is Tris with you?"

"Uh… Hey. Tris was invited to a weekend at the beach for this rich kid's birthday. It's a whole ordeal."

"Right." Lexa glanced toward Clarke, who was already signing something quite quickly to Raven. When Raven looked her way and gave her a smirk, Lexa felt her cheeks redden. She focused her attention back on Anya, who was looking more and more like she’d been caught doing something she’d vehemently deny. 

"So you decided to drive two hours north for… the coffee?"

"They're good grinds."

"Hm. And that's not a hickey on your neck, is it?"

Anya glared at her. "You know, maybe I wouldn't have ended up on someone else's couch if my friend had answered her phone last night. Or opened her door."

Lexa arched a brow. "I gave you the spare key."

Anya plopped herself down on the chair she had clearly been occupying for some time, if judging by the already two empty coffees on the table. "You're insufferable."

"Feelings aren't poisonous, Anya."

"You're not your usual bitter self - I take it you got laid."

Lexa glanced at Clarke again, who was still chatting while Raven made their coffees.

"Oh, so the whole mark thing got cleared up, huh?" Anya asked with a chuckle.

Lexa's eyes widened. "You knew?"

"Well of course I knew, she's the one who showed me. I figured no one else but you could've said such a weird string of words."

Lexa scowled in disbelief. "You told me-"

"Yeah, yeah, I lied. But I saw the look on your face when you saw her. Knew right then you'd try to figure out if she had a mark and would run the other way when you did. Friends don't let friends fuck up their shot at happiness. Guess it paid off."

Lexa pretended to be upset for just the necessary moment. Anya was right, undoubtedly so. "I guess that makes me the guardian of your own happiness."

"Don't."

"You like Raven."

"Shut up."

"Are you curious about her mark?"

"Her mark is her shop and mine is my kid. I'm good with that."

Lexa nodded in understanding. "You know, I think Tris would like this place a lot."

Anya mulled it over. "Yeah?"

"Great schools, lots of parks, lower rent. I know you want to get her out of that neighborhood."

"Hm."

"And there are opportunities for you too. You're the one who coached me through my interviews - you'd get a job even faster."

“You sure you’re not just sick of being so far from me?” Anya asked.

Lexa smiled. “That too.”

~

While Clarke and her made their way toward the heart of the city, Lexa found herself comparing it to their first date. She had been so full of hope then, but it had still been so new. Now, with Clarke’s name well hidden beneath the sleeve of her sweater, and with Clarke’s hand in hers, there was nothing unsteady about her hope. Clarke was right: they didn’t need fate. 

It would not always be as easy as strolling down the street hand-in-hand while they sipped on their coffees. It wouldn’t be easy to always make each other laugh in moments of doubt. 

But whatever the world told them, what they shared was not settling. Their feelings were not pale imitations of what others had. Lexa had never felt stronger, knowing that they were embracing the uncertainty of the future with their trust firmly placed in each other.  

[pkmnsdarkqueen]

The Young group, and the main plot

(I’m doing a lore wrap up at the end, and since some people have kids I gotta bring them into the fold)

part. 1 

part. 2 

part. 3 

part. 4 you are here

It starts when Janine, a shadow monk yuan ti, is told why her dad really went missing. She figured out that he was a part of the mafia a while ago, and befriended the son of the mafia leader, Silver, a rogue thief shifter, as they grew up together. He’s the one who tells her that her father deserted the mafia, so his father sent hers off to fight int he gladiatorial pits of some kingdom. Furious she decides she’s going to find him convincing Silver to come with her knowing he doesn’t want to be in this mess either. 

As they travel they meet an experienced shadow sorcerer feral tiefling, Marnie who they ask to come with them as she is looking for her brother who apparently left the town he supposed to be running. the last lead she had was that he was at this college helping people study before suddenly leaving with some tabaxi and high elf. (Grimsley and Elsa)

They make it to the kingdom run by Triton’s (specifically Alaric’s kingdom) by way of some pirates who apparently are under new leader ship as their past captain a wood elf betrayed them, per the crew. (This will later be revealed to be Archie) The captain though currently is on another ship.

Also on board is another group. 

This group consists of a circle of the Shepard druid named N, an aasmir berserker barbarian named Gladion, and an aasmir unity cleric named Lillie. The groups talk some but each group seems to want to keep to themselves. However while in town both groups are lead to the same place seeing each other again at the gladiatorial pits hearing about a minotaur (Bruno) breaking their opponent a yuan ti (koga) out of the pit. Realizing they maybe useful N and his group explain their story. N starts by saying he used to be in an adventure group with his adopted father, ghetsis. He had been ripped from his plane to this one waking up to find Ghetsis open to take him in. However on that journey the party realized that Ghetsis served an evil god, and was in fact the one that used a machine his god instructed him to make that could shift planes which ripped N from his home. When they accused Ghetsis he attacked and killed them all, but N heard the whole thing running away. He now is back stronger than before wanting to stop his father. 

Gladion and Lillie were happy with their mother and father, till an experiment, plane shifting caused their father to disappear. Realizing their mother was loosing it Gladion ran off getting brought in by a bug bear Guzma who ran a place for races that were looked down on though secretly was working with the mother as well. He found out in her grief she made a deal with some god to merge all the plains into one through Lillie who stayed at home. However when he tried to tell Lusamine she was going too far she used him in her latest experiment which sent him spiraling into the fey wild for too long making his mind scattered enough for the the patron to give Lusamine something to control him. She and gladion later teamed up, gladion to get guzma back, and lillie her mother. They and N both suspect the same planar god is working them both against each other. 

They find out yes Janine’s father was the yuan ti but apparently this minotaur was oddly more sentient than any others, N figures it’s another planar shifter brought over by another test. 

Now since there is alot here let me just explain the other connections that will happen before the climax. 

Kanjo group will run into villain group. Koga will recognize Giovanni and a fight will break out as it is revealed his old boss was Giovanni who sent him to die. Eventually fighting will cease as Giovanni brings up that he doesn’t know where Janine is since she ran away with his son. He wants to find them, but has ceased leading Rocket. The groups go on one adventure together thinking they have a lead on the kids, but it is a bust, and Koga insists the groups split back up. The groups do discuss the children though.

Unknown to Cyrus the tech he’s investigating is old tech that was the god’s first attempt to merge the planes of existence together. Lusamine being there is able to now what is important due to her experiments with making a plane merging machine on a small scale. She was the brains and ingenuity the god needed having failed the first time around. She is able to inform her patron who informs Ghetsis to tell the person gathering up the needed tech where to look for what they need to grab. Ghetsis also tells of other locations Cyrus knows about for other agents to investigate.

That other agent is Piers who has no idea the kind of people he’s wrapped up in however he is following what his patron says occasionally telling the party he has a lead on his father when in reality it’s to go to these places the villain group hasn’t gone to grab what his patron says is important. 

The next group Kanjo runs into is this main group who they run into rather often as the journey progresses. Florie and Bruno hit it off well as Florie admits to not being from this plane either and ripped from her home. Alaric recognizes Bruno as one of the fighters from the gladiatorial pits in his home kingdom but keeps this quiet. They also inform Piers they’ve seen other people with his patrons insignia telling them where they are. 

The main group meets up with villain group. All is going fairly well until Ghetsis pull Piers aside to reveal they follow the same patron and begins discussing the items he was told to gather. He gives them over, but is suddenly feeling that something isn’t right, later rejecting the patron that night. Fiore is feeling the same suspicious of why Lusamine seems interested on when she got to this plane recognizing as her not from it. Meanwhile Maxie and Rose talk to Willie in great length as Willie’s land is interesting in nature for maxie and also lacks magic which interests Rose. The god confesses to Lusamine and Ghetsis they’re following the same patron, and that Piers is no longer trustworthy. He gives them the means to frame the other group for a serious crime as the Piers and Fiore tell the group that these people aren’t trustworthy.  The rest of the villain group being tricked to think these guys cause heinous crimes fight them only to have the group run away. Piers now bent on righting what he did takes up being a wizard to right his wrongs. 

The next group they run into is the young kids group. Piers and Marnie are delighted to reconnect, and Marnie is able to help Piers unlock his sorcerer abilities becoming a sorcerer of rock instead of shadow like his sister. Meanwhile The groups are able to talk about what they’ve learned and seen mentioning the other plane shifters they’ve seen such as Bruno and Sofia. Lillie recognizes the centaur and minotaur as people her mother brought over while experimenting bringing one person at a time over. At this point this party is has figured out the patron wants to bring all the planes together to absorb all of their magic. The first location of this happening was in Willie’s land which is why it lacks magic. However this was done by a ritual which wasn’t strong enough so they’re crafting a machine to make it strong enough to work. The timing of this happening matches up when N along with other genasi were suddenly brought into this plane, and when Gladion and Lillie’s father had that accident. Thus the ritual was only able to bring part of certain plains over, earth, water, fire, and air which is about all that the land has where Willie is from. It also explains why N seems to be made up the same rock of Willie’s home. Horrified as they realize that Piers may of just given the last pieces over to Lusamine and Ghetsis they want to hurry and find them. However Alaric at this point is fed up that things have traveled so far from finding his wife, and is worried for his kingdom deciding to go home wanting to be with family if the world truly does end. When he leaves Elsa’s god finally tells Elsa who she is, the run away wife of Alaric who was terrible and tried to imprision her. Though Elsa now wants revenge she agrees the fat of the world is more important. 

While this is happening Kanjo team has some of this plot together doing random adventures knowing some ancient god wants to absorb all of the magic. They know artifacts of tech keep being stolen from temples, they finally manage to follow a culprit who turns out to be Piers’s dad, Karen being a blood hunter can recognize the scent. Another thing they have been looking for is Will’s brother who apparently has been missing for some. They find the bard wizard with pier’s father who is operating Archie’s old crew as those transporting the tech for the machine. Archie had not told them the full story about being framed, but did recognize the symbol he had on him as the one these pirates have now thinking that Archie is in on it, Koga already not trusting them feels this is some mafia plot to gain magic power, and also what with Rose’s comments on original power they assume all of them in on this. 

They arrive to the machine first, and begin taking out people. That’s when the villain group arrives who they attack convinced their the bad guys while Lusamine and Ghetsis spur it on while finishing up the final parts to the machine. The battle is tight with kanjo loosing but the young group, and main group all arrive in time to help very quickly the physical fighting becoming tense talking as many strings are all coming together. Grimsley recognizes Ghetsis as the man to curse him, and Ghetsis admits he had used disguise self to get Piers to sign the contract which is why he didn’t recognize him when they first met. Gladion getting the thing controlling Guzma away from his mother, and breaking it, freeing the bug bear who makes the villian group realize they’ve made a terrible error. Archie explains his story about being framed for Piers and Marnie to recognize that was their father. N explains everything else recognizing Marnie and Piers’s father as one of the original party memebers. Lusamine now realizes she’s been helping the being who took away her husband, and is furious however it is too late. Cyrus is realizing how dangerous this tech was. Rose has learned magic is technically infinite but it won’t be if this guy takes it all. Maxie realizes what happened to Willie’s land and. Giovanni and Lysandre are PISSED to of accidentally helped evil again. Bruno and Sofia are angry this God dragged them from their world. Karen, Lance, Grimsley, and Elsa along with personal connections to party members are here cause well they want to live thanks.

Ghetsis has gone to do the ritual, using Will’s brother to read the first part of the ritual. Unknown to Ghetsis this kills him so that the god can over Ghetsis  claiming humans were the easiest vessels to operate. With that they start the machine as the ritual has been activated. As the planes  begin to collapse in on themselves the magic energy congregating the various parties now fully teamed up have to all fight essentially a massive god to stop it.