#finished the game got so obsessed i immediately drew something

[corvigoth]

this isn't my worst moment. far from it.

it's the best one i'll ever make.

[ilikedesertduothe-normal-amount]

The much-requested incredibly long explanation from "Scar Discovers Grian's Wings!"

(Okay the post had nine notes but it was my first post so whatevs)

!!!Please read Part 1 if you want context!!!

"Grian. Are you trying to tell me you're...a god?" Grian nodded hesitantly, and Scar's confused face broke out into a wide grin. "We'll win easily at this rate! Why are we building a wall around the desert if you could just magic up a barrier or something? Think of the traps we could create!"

"Scar! Just listen to me for a second!" The man sitting across from the ex-Watcher paused his excited yelling for a moment, cocking his head to one side in a quizzical expression that so mimicked Jellie that Grian couldn't help but laugh.

"I have almost none of my powers. There's a reason why you've never seen my wings before. On Hermitcraft, I hid them with my magic. The Watchers deemed that our powers would be considered cheating in this game. All I had left was enough strength to hide-" Grian clapped his hands over his mouth before he finished his sentence, but the damage was done.

"Enough strength to hide what, Grian?" Scar asked teasingly. Grian's face paled and Scar immediately turned more serious. "Sorry. You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"It's fine Scar." Grian placed both his hands over his face. "Enough to hide these." He said dramatically, though the effect was somewhat ruined by his voice being slightly muffled. He drew his hands apart toward the sides, revealing what appeared to be a pair of smaller wings, one on each side of his face, in front of his ears. He wiggled them shyly, preening through them with nails that seemed longer somehow than they had been moments ago. Both the "ear wings" and the main pair upon his back were the bright red, yellow and blue of a parrot.

"Void, you've kept these hidden the whole time?"

"Yeah. I was a lot more powerful on Hermitcraft. I even had some small amount of power, slightly more than what I have now, on Evo."

"Evo?"

"Oh! I forgot I hadn't really told you about Evo. Too many questions, y'know?" Scar nodded, leaning forward with an eager smile on his face, waiting for Grian to tell his story as the sun sunk below the horizon and the peak of the mountain became a beacon, an island of light in the darkness. "Back before Hermitcraft, I was on another server called Evo. A few of the people on there are here now. BigB, Timmy, Martyn. I tried to get Pearl on, but apparently she was busy with things in another server."

"Wait, you got to choose people to come on?"

"Oh, yeah. Me actually playing was a last minute decision that I don't think they will be happy with that. But, anyway. Evo's whole thing was that we would move through different versions, from the really early betas forward. The Watchers helped us with that, though we had never planned for that. They created portals to the next version, and we had to follow clues and riddles. They seemed to like playing with us. I got their attention pretty early on in Evo, by...mildly vandalising one of their temples and taking more gifts than were meant for me."

Grian trailed off, embarrassed, as Scar burst out laughing. "Look at you, G! Even the gods can't stop you!"

"I think Evo was when my TNT obsession started. Anyway, as I continued to give the Watchers the metaphorical finger, I could feel, somehow, that they were becoming more interested in me than the others. I was their favourite...character, I suppose. We were going to fight the Ender Dragon, and the portal room was different. It had clearly been changed by the Watchers. We all entered together, but on the other side, I was alone. I could feel eyes Watching me. So many. Too many. I defeated the dragon, then all of a sudden, they were surrounding me. Eyes and feathers and glowing purple. They took me away from Evo. They made me Watch as the server fell."

"Oh, Grian." Scar shifted closer, hesitantly. Grian smiled and stretched one wing around to surround the other man.

"Well, the Watchers definitely seem like the type to throw a bunch of us into a death game because they were bored."

"You're right, Scar. But don't worry. I'll protect you as best as I can."

Note: Well...that got significantly longer than anticipated. Hope you enjoyed anyway. Also this entire thing was written while listening to Tongues and Teeth by The Crane Wives because I, like many Desert Duo fans, am EXTREMELY NORMAL about Cherri Fire's animatic.

[mydarlinginej]

read my full review of immortal longings by chloe gong here.

#1 New York Times bestselling YA author Chloe Gong’s adult epic fantasy debut, inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra , is a fiery collision of power plays, spilled blood, and romance amidst a set of deadly games.

Every year, thousands in the kingdom of Talin will flock to its capital twin cities, San-Er, where the palace hosts a set of games. For those confident enough in their ability to jump between bodies, competitors across San-Er fight to the death to win unimaginable riches.

Princess Calla Tuoleimi lurks in hiding. Five years ago, a massacre killed her parents and left the palace of Er empty…and she was the one who did it. Before King Kasa’s forces in San can catch her, she plans to finish the job and bring down the monarchy. Her reclusive uncle always greets the victor of the games, so if she wins, she gets her opportunity at last to kill him.

Enter Anton Makusa, an exiled aristocrat. His childhood love has lain in a coma since they were both ousted from the palace, and he’s deep in debt trying to keep her alive. Thankfully, he’s one of the best jumpers in the kingdom, flitting from body to body at will. His last chance at saving her is entering the games and winning.

Calla finds both an unexpected alliance with Anton and help from King Kasa’s adopted son, August, who wants to mend Talin’s ills. But the three of them have very different goals, even as Calla and Anton’s partnership spirals into something all-consuming. Before the games close, Calla must decide what she’s playing for—her lover or her kingdom.

my review:

At this point, you must know that I am a big Chloe Gong Fan, and I was absolutely dying to read her adult debut…Then I got an ARC and put off reading it for months because I was not emotionally prepared to actually start it. Once I did, however, I flew through it and now am desperate for the sequel. Set amidst a 90s-esque world, Immortal Longings introduces us to a story of love and obsession — and what one will do to free themselves.

Every year, the palace throws a set of games in the twin cities of San-Er. In this competition, eighty-eight people race to be the last one standing, either by killing or eliminating other contestants, in order to receive unbelievable riches. This year, Calla Tuoleimi, the last princess of Er and not seen in the last five years, enters the games, as does Anton Makusa, an exiled noble. Calla needs to win so that she can meet the reclusive and heavily guarded king — to kill him and finish what she started five years ago. When August, the king’s adopted son and her cousin, approaches her with a deal to throw the odds heavily in her favor, she soon rises in the ranks of the games, with Anton immediately targeting her as a threat. The two of them ultimately enter a hesitant alliance, but the tension grows into something more as mysterious threats to the kingdom arise.

The worldbuilding immediately drew me in. Gong has described this book as “Antony & Cleopatra meets Clove and Cato in a 90s Wong Kar-wai film,” which is the craziest string of words yet perfectly encapsulates the vibes of this book. It’s set in a world with 90s technology, so there are landline phones, televisions, computer cafes, and so on. There’s also a concept of “jumping,” wherein people can “jump” into other’s bodies in a flash of light. This adds an extra layer to the game, as players can jump from person to person and survive longer.

read my full review here.

[everythingfromdust]

What Homestuck is About

I don’t remember writing this, I never finished writing this, and I just found it in my drafts. If you asked me today to come up with what homestuck is about I would not be able to go into this level of detail at all. here you go.

the post;

As told by someone who hasn’t read Homestuck.

Before I begin, lets go over my Homestuck experience. At some point in like 2010 probably people got obsessed with zodiac symbols for some reason, and also candy corn horns. I saw them around and they did not affect me in any way. A few years ago I was commissioned to draw Homestuck fanart, I was linked a video of nonsense about some dude who controlled planets with his veins maybe. This was for inspiration for the drawing. I drew fanart, they liked it. After that happened I found out that I had been drawing other Homestuck fanart by commission, about a green planet or something, this was a surprise to me. I found this strange, told my friend who liked Homestuck and he told me to read it. I read the first few pages and got bored, I am sorry to your fandom, it just wasn’t my thing. What was my thing, was reading random-ass theories about Homestuck and looking at fanart as it came on my dashboard.

Now, with that in mind, here is what Homestuck is about...

Homestuck is a webcomic about 4 teenagers, Dave, Rose, Karkat (Online handle?) and Egbert. Egbert and Rose are the same age, they are friends by convenience but don’t have a lot in common. Dave is Egbert’s cool older brother who is also an asshole sometimes but only to hide his fragile ego. Karkat is a loner type who is sarcastic. Rose has a crush on Karkat but they have never met in person. Rose is also very sarcastic, but hers is more mean spirited while Karkat is just defensive with a kind heart. 

Karkat is way more into videogames than the rest of them, and ends up being the ‘leader’ of the group, ironically as most of her motivation is to be alone. However, Rose likes her, so she follows Karkat’s lead with regards to what games they play online, Egbert follows Rose because he doesn’t have other friends, Dave has to keep an eye on his little brother so follows them on their adventures reluctantly (but slowly learns to be part of the group). The first story arc establishes the characters and the world. The viewer interacts with these characters through the occasional videogame interface but mostly a webcomic format. The characters are very meta and self aware which is funny without getting into too much action before...

Suprise plot twist Karkat realizes they have been playing a game copy of their own lives within a webcomic/web-game thing. We find out later that she suspected this all along and only wanted to be alone because she thought everyone else was a simulation. 

Almost immediately Dave thinks that this plot twist is stupid, and the meta commentary on Homestuck itself reaches new sarcastic heights. The fandom takes this idea and runs with it, causing many fans to insist that Homestuck sucks. 

When they break into ‘reality’ Karkat is shocked to find that the other three have come as well. Thus begins her overarching subplot of learning to trust others and believing she can fall in love with Rose. Karkat and Rose question still if this reality is really the real one. Spoiler: It isn’t. While they try to discover the why and how of their situation Egbert is busy altering the code of the game to give himself insane powers and become ‘god tier.’ Dave is doing stuff to, but I think it’s mostly just fucking off and making jokes. 

There are monsters called trolls with candy-corn-horns at some point, but I’m lead to believe that they aren’t actually a big part of the story even though they are widely loved by fans. They probably happen early on in the story which is why they are fairly iconic for the series. The trolls are sentient too, each represents a sign of the zodiac, and each main character has a troll that is ‘them’ in an alternate game reality. So there are 4 trolls that represent the main characters, and this is symbolic somehow especially when you think about the 8 trolls who have no ‘main character’ components. 

Insane Clown Posse is involved somehow but I don’t understand if they are plot relevant or just a joke that the comic creator likes to fall back on. 

So anyway, eventually all the characters go god tier, they have to figure out their own personal way to get there and I bet it is really plot heavy and long. They can control the base code of the game, and they all start fighting with one another. 

The plot gets really huge in scope, as they find that their simulated reality 

[nightlychaotic]

Fanning the Flames

Robin dove to the side, narrowly avoiding a bright pink heart shaped blast. "Anyone know what this thing is!?" he called out into the mind link.

The chorus of nos was not reassuring as he readied a few birdarangs in his hands hearing the soft zip and the sound of someone landing in the alley he had taken cover in.

He peered around the dumpster, spotting the ladybug themed hero they'd seen fighting Eros. He let out a silent breath of relief, stowing the birdarangs away as a rapid beeping was heard. The bright flash of red drew his attention back to the spotted heroine to find her now in civvies.

"Oh, Marinette!" Eros called out.

The girl paled, reaching into her bag, pulling out a cookie and handing it to the red bug thing he saw sitting in her hand.

"Move!" he yelled, rushing out of his hiding spot to tackle her out of the way, as Artemis yelled in his mind.

"Guys, do not get hit!"

"Why?"

"Kid Idiot here got hit and now won't let go of me!"

"It's not bad being hit. It's relaxing and nice. You should let Eros whammy you. Feel the love."

"Disconnecting Wally."

He tuned out of the conversation as he focused on the girl in front of him. Her eyes glanced around quickly, taking in what was happening before trying to stand up. He quickly stood, helping her up.

“Are you okay?”

She didn’t answer him as she grabbed his wrist, shoving something, the bug thing?, in her bag before pulling him along behind her, avoiding the small side streets and going straight for the main road, putting as much distance in a short time between them and Eros.

“Don’t you think it’s risky running out in the open?”

“He knows I’d usually go for the alleys. He’ll be looking there,” she shot back, pulling off into the gardens coming to a rest in the covered tunnel created by rose-covered trellises before slowing to a stop, finally letting go of his wrist, catching her breath slightly, her cheeks rosy from the sprinting.

“What is that?” he asked.

“An akuma.”

“I need a bit more information than that, beautiful,” he replied, blinking as he heard himself say that last part. Where’d that come from? She was beautiful, yes he wouldn’t lie about that but he wasn’t trying to flirt. Not in the middle of hiding from Eros.

She leaned closer, eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at him, concern clear as her blue eyes as they met the lenses of his mask.

“Were you hit?”

“I don’t think so. I didn’t feel anything anyways,” he said, checking his suit and finding no signs of damage. “No sign of anything hitting me either.”

She let out a breath, shaking her head in annoyance at what he said, before launching into what sounded like both an explanation for him and thinking out loud for her.

“It’s not going to leave any noticeable effect. Love akumas, they're vague. It’s going to be something subtle. Acting out of character, extremely out of character singing, lip color, a small mark, eye color….” she trailed off, looking at him, eyes roaming as she studied him. “Eyes. It’s the eye color. Can I see your eyes?”

It didn’t even register to him that he was a half a second away from pulling his mask off for her, until he felt the slight pull from the mask. He grit his teeth quickly pulling his hands away from his face.

She frowned slightly as she watched. “A graze then.”

“What does that mean?”

“It’s going to be slow and gradual, not immediate like it would have been had you been hit directly. It’ll feel like a more natural progression instead of the instant obsession,” she said, pursing her lips before starting her next thought. “So-”

“So soon enough you’ll be the only thing on my mind. I should leave,” he finished her thought.

She nodded. “Thank you for taking the hit. It’s pretty much game over if I go down and unfortunately I’m the main target.”

So she was Marinette. A pretty name for a beautiful girl. He shook his head, taking a few steps away from her.

“I should go.”

The idea of leaving her behind felt wrong. She only nodded.

"Your team. Get them underground please. It'll keep them safe and out of my- Ladybug’s way."

"Out of the way? We can help."

"You are going to be useless to them within the hour most likely, and they were going for brute strength. You can't fight and win this without losing yourself. You need to use your brain and tricks and it'll be easier for me to do that if they aren't in the way. At least keep myself out of trouble until Ladybug shows up. Now go."

He nodded, taking off in the opposite direction, ignoring the soft tug in his gut for him to go back and stay with her.

“Miss M, disconnect me.”

“Robin, is everything okay?”

“I got grazed by a blast. Mar- Ladybug says I’m still hit, just going to take a bit longer for the full force to hit me. She wants you guys to get underground, take cover in the sewers. Safest place, she doesn’t want other heroes getting hit and in her way.”

"We can hel-"

"She doesn't want it."

"Okay. Stay safe."

With that they were gone, that was a mistake for him. Without the team’s talking in the back of his mind he found it harder and harder to keep his thoughts from straying back to her. Her blue eyes and pigtails, her freckles, her concern for him despite being the one Eros was targeting.

Eros was targeting her.

She was a target.

Why was he walking away from her when she was the main target. He could protect her. Why leave when he could stay close and keep her safe.

He didn’t know when he switched directions and started making his way back to the rose covers tunnel and that scared him. That was- that was disconcerting. He wasn’t in control, not fully. That was terrifying.

He stopped his path back to the rose trellises when he caught the spotted heroine swing by in his peripheral. He didn’t even think as he grappled up landing behind her as she scanned the city, heart racing as he got close, breath catching slightly.

“Marinette-”

She turned her eyes snapping to meet his, wide before they narrowed slightly, she taking a few steps back.

“I’m not sure what you mean.”

“I saw you detransform,” he admitted. “I wasn’t aware there was a hero in Paris.”

“Heroes. There’s two of us. We’re partners,” she informed him, a pang of jealousy shooting through him at the word partners.

She was taken already. Of course she was. She was amazing and beautiful and kind and a hero to top it off. Of course she was unavailable. He was too late.

“Then where’s your partner?”

“That is my partner,” she hissed, pointing out towards the city.

“Eros?”

“That’s what he’s going by at the minute isn’t it,” she bit out.

“Bit much for a lovers spat don’t you think?”

“No! We’re not- I’m single. That’s why I’m in this mess in the first place. Valentine’s continues to prove a pain to me and my life,” she muttered. “Love akumas everytime.”

He couldn’t help the grin that came with the wave of relief as she said that she was single. “We could change that.”

“I’m not going to date a stranger.”

“Hi I’m Robin. Also known as Dick Grayson.”

“Well that complicates everything,” she breathed out, cheeks growing pink.

“But we’re no longer strangers. No secrets now. Simple.”

“We’ll see how you feel about that after I take care of Eros,” she muttered.

“We.”

“We?”

“I’m going to help you. I want to protect you.”

“Protect- You-” She started but broke off as she looked at him. “How are you feeling?”

“Better now that I’m with you. Concerted,” he answered, crunching his face quickly.” No, scratch that, disconcerted. Struggling to focus on anything other than you. I don’t have a problem with that though, love.”

Her sharp exhale was the only warning that something was happening, before she’d grabbed him and pulled him out of the way of another blast. Into her. He didn’t hesitate in hugging her. This was right. He belonged here. In her arms.

The feeling of being right where he belonged continued as she tried to dive out of the way, rolling and narrowly missing the blast, letting out a small huff as Robin held onto her.

“Robin, I need you to let go.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I need to put everything right, and I can’t do that while you are hugging me.”

“Everything’s perfect right now though.”

“Well, almost,” Eros’ voice cut in. “Ladybug here still doesn’t believe that she deserves to love or be loved. What do you think, Robin?”

“She’s beautiful and strong and amazing and kind and sweet. She deserves the world.”

Eros laughed looking at the two. “I like how he thinks. I think I’m a pretty good matchmaker if I do say so myself, so if you would please just let me work my magic on you Ladybug. We’ll be all set,” he said before launching his attack, slowly growing more frustrated as his attacks continued to be blocked by the currently over affectionate hero hugging her as if there was no tomorrow.

“Sorry, Eros. Looks like you can’t get to me because someone already has,” she told him with a grin.

Eros grit his teeth, grabbing Robin and prying him off of Ladybug, not expecting the young vigilante to put up a fight, the two struggling mid-air as Ladybug threw her yoyo, hitting Eros smack dab in the forehead and knocking the rose tucked behind his ear out.

He yelled out in pain, dropping Robin, the vigilante barely having the time to feel the sensation of freefall before he saw Ladybug dive off the roof, catching the rose before angling herself towards Robin, sweeping him into her arms as she threw her yoyo, bringing to a safe landing on the ground and crushing the rose.

She wasted no time in de-evilising the akuma, giving Robin a quick once over before muttering a quiet, “Wait here please,” and rushing off, rose in hand towards the blonde boy sitting on the curb.

“I’m so sorry, Princess. I didn’t mean-”

“I’m the one who should be apologizing. I shouldn’t have dismissed everything as harshly as I did.”

“But I shouldn’t have pushed.”

She laughed softly, wrapping an arm around him. “It just means that you care. Now if I recall correctly you and Luka have a date that you need to get ready for?”

“What about you?”

She gave him a soft smile. “I have my own date with a little bird I have to get wrapped up and taken care of. Don’t worry about me.”

The boy who had been Eros looked over at Robin, sizing him up before grinning at him. “You two would be cute together,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.

Ladybug rolled her eyes, giving him an affectionate shove. “Get going you mangy cat,” she shook her head, as he ran off laughing, choosing to instead make her way over to Robin. “Mind if we go somewhere a bit more private?” she asked. He nodded, readying his grapple when he felt her lightly touch his back. “We’re going to travel via yoyo if that’s okay. I’m almost out of time and it’ll be a bit faster.”

“Go for it.”

She smiled, wrapping her arms around him and throwing her yoyo letting it extend and holy how far did that thing go- before giving a small yank and pulled the two of them through the air. He cackled in delight as she repeated the action a couple of times before landing on a roof, letting him go as her earrings beeped, and the bright red flash enveloped her leaving Marinette behind along with the little bug thing.

“Robin, this is Tikki, Kwamii of Creation.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” the kwamii said, flying up so it was eye level with him.

“Uh You too, Tikki.”

“Tikki, there’s some fresh macarons on my desk.”

“Are you sure?” the kwamii asked, looking at her wielder. Marinette simply flicked her eyes over at Robin, the small creature simply giving a hum in response and density shifted through the roof. He blinked, staring at the spot where it had disappeared.

“What was that?”

“Tikki? A kwamii. Think of them as miniature gods, representing concepts. Tikki is Good Luck and Creation, her counterpart Plagg is Bad Luck and Destruction. But kwamii’s aren’t the subject of this discussion. How are you feeling? What do you remember?”

Robin sat for a second before answering. “I remember the alley, watching you detransform and tackling you out of the way. The rose tunnel, almost taking my mask off, telling you- B’s going to kill me,” he groaned.

“So you remember sharing your identity?”

“Were you not going to say anything?!”

She shrugged. “I was saving that break out for later but if you didn’t remember it I wasn’t going to say it. I would have, and still will if you want, considered it forgotten. You weren’t in your right mind at the time. How are you feeling?”

“Back to normal mostly.”

“Mostly?”

“I mean my heart still races a bit when I look at you. You’re still there in my thoughts. THey’re just not overwhelming and invasive. I can focus on things other than you. How long will the lingering effects last?”

Marinette looked away, her cheeks turning red as she blushed. “Um. Those are not lingering effects. There’s only a few minutes of confusion after everything gets set back. Those are- um- those are your own,” she finished softly, refusing to meet his eyes.

Robin felt his own cheeks heat up. “Oh. Well in that case-” he reached up and pulled his mask off and held a hand out. “I think I established this earlier but Dick Grayson, Gotham’s Boy Wonder. And I developed a crush on you in an afternoon.”

Her eyes widened before she smiled softly, taking his hand with her own. “Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Paris’s own Ladybug. And I’ve had a celebrity crush on you for a while.”

“Is that so?”

She laughed, taking his mask from him, gently placing it on his face before pressing a kiss to his cheek.

“Goodnight Robin. I hope I see you again.”

“I’ll make sure of it. Good night, Marinette.”

He watched as she expertly climbed down before disappearing into her room, getting ready to grapple away as he turned, catching a cat themed boy landing on the chimney.

“I’m running late for this but wanted to make sure two things were made clear,” the cat told him, not giving Robin the chance to say anything. “One. If you hurt her in any way, no where will be safe for you and they will never find the body. Two. Her number and email. Don’t let her slip away,” he warned, handing Robin a delicate pink card with her name printed out in curling golden letters.

“Thank you.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Robin,” was the only response before the two boys split ways.

And if Marinette woke up the next morning to a bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates accompanied with the number and email of Bruce Wayne’s ward, well a slightly belated Valentine’s never hurt anyone.

[daydreamingleclerc]

hey i know that you asked for fluffy mason requests, and you can 1000% take however long you need because fics are *chefs kiss* but could i have a smutty mason request?

he’s playing war zone with some mates and reader is in the mood, so reader is teasing him and stuff. he ends up mouthing stuff he wants to do to her, and he ends up quitting the game and joining you in bed <33

first of all, i am so sorry this took so long, i know i said this was going to be a bit more of a longer ask but i really hated what i wrote first time around and i’m so sorry it’s not the full sexual shebang i hoped to write... this just seemed to fit! secondly.... i am obsessed with your name <333

focus on me - mason mount blurb

sexual themes: minors dni. 18+, teasing, fingering, squirting, pet names and dirty talk

mason was nowhere to be seen when you emerged from an unplanned nap after trying on all your new lingerie, but you found him eventually in the place he always told you he wouldn’t be when you woke up — his games room. he was sat on one of the luxurious, expensive bean bags that had been gifted to him from one of the many companies he works with, headset on and playstation remote in his hands, swearing at the television on the wall after he’d been attempting to fight but instead got injured.

war zone was one of mason’s favourite games to play, he could quite literally sit down and play it for the majority of the day if he could get away with it. you weren’t really a fan of it, the violence never really appealed to you, much preferring it when he played games like fifa or equally games that had a story behind them, like uncharted or resident evil.

“no no no, trevoh i was coming to save y — oh for fucks sake!”

you watched as your fiancé threw a tantrum, banging his foot on the ground and building up anger. you heard muffled shouts through the other end of the line, but nothing compared to mason. you still had one set of lingerie on, a bright orange lace set that left little to the imagination, covered over with one of mason’s black sweatshirts. as much as you hated him playing this game, you couldn’t deny how attractive it was.

“hey baby,” you cooed, sliding down next to him into the other beanbag, scooting it closer until your thighs were touching. he smiled at you and pressed a quick peck to your lips as his way of saying hello before he re-spawned. he barely paid no mind to you, too busy swearing and laughing at his teammates on the mic, which you wouldn’t have been so bothered by if you weren’t so horny. the thought of mason’s eyes bulging out of his head at the view of you in the orange lace when you took off the sweatshirt was something that made you clench your thighs together, and you hadn’t been able to let it escape you ever since you clocked how good you looked in the mirror.

“no no, no callum wa — fuckin’ hell!”

you began drawing shapes and doodles on his thigh in an attempt to drag his attention away from the telly in front of him, but instead he would just lean over and kiss you, mumbling a quick ‘give me ten minutes and i’m all yours’ as he pulled away. it would’ve been fine if you weren’t in the current state you are, needy and desperate, but you were in that state and it was hell. ten minutes seemed like an eternity, and so you did the only thing you could think of to grasp his attention and pulled the sweatshirt over your head, leaving you in just the lace set.

mason’s eyes drifted from the telly to you, and my god the reaction was just how you’d imagined it. his pupils blew wide, bottom lip coming between his teeth while he checked you out, an erection forming in his shorts almost immediately. his friends started calling his name through the microphone when they noticed him not moving on the map, and reluctantly he drew his attention away from your barely-there thong, and to the television, attempting to speed up the round so they could finish the game quicker.

you ran a hand up and down your stomach, stopping just above the line of your underwear several times to make sure mason could see what you were planning, and when you couldn’t take it anymore you wiggled your hand down and circled your clit slowly. your hands mimicked the way mason usually touched you when he teased, and you fought to hold back a moan. every so often he’d glance over, watching you touch yourself before he’d draw his attention back to the telly for thirty seconds at a push. you watched as he turned the volume of his microphone way down, and pushed it out of his face so the words weren’t picked up on.

you locked eyes for a minute before you opened your mouth to speak, fingers still circling your clit slowly, but mason cut you off before you managed to. “look at you,” he cooed, “so horny for me that you can’t even wait ten minutes for me to finish my game.” a whimper left your lips. “bet that pussy tases so good right now.”

“why don’t you find out?” you summoned up the courage to ask the question, knowing it would not only bring you closer to your orgasm, but that it would spur him on to stop playing his game altogether so he could have his way with you. his fingers snaked into your underwear, and his thumb began swirling at your clit, eyes torn between your pussy and his game. you moaned out, the feeling incredible after waiting for what felt like hours to have his fingers circling around it.

“oh kitten don’t worry, i will,” he replied, a laugh following his words. “you’re such a brat, y/n, teasing me like that, making me finger fuck you in the games room like a little whore.”

his fingers ran down until they met your wet hole, pushing them inside and curling them just right. you arched your back and bit your lip, desperately wanting to touch him but knowing he would swat you away, desperately wanting to peel the headset from his head and push it between your legs.

“it’s my specialty,” you muttered, breathy and desperate for an orgasm. you swirled a finger around your clit while he continued to finger fuck you, occasionally yelling down the mic at one of his friends. his fingers scissored inside you and you knew you wouldn’t be able to last much longer, “masey ‘m gonna—”

“quietly, now, kitten, we don’t want them hearing how much of a dirty slut you are, do we?”

you nodded your head, and your fingers moved faster on your clit as you chased the orgasm you’d been craving. mason’s fingers continued to scissor into you, despite the fact that he was close to cramping. your orgasm hit you like a truck, whimpering and whining as you squirted over his hand, soaking your thong right through and dampening the carpet underneath you. mason smiled to himself, satisfied, and pulled his fingers out of you, licking his lips.

“you’re such an arsehole,” you grumbled, the sight already making your pussy twitch. he couldn’t deny how hot that sight just was, and he smirked as you leaned in closer, lips hovering over his, “i’ll meet you in the bedroom.”

as you got up to leave, he grabbed you ankle, stopping you from moving any further. he switched his microphone back on and smirked into it, “lads, i’ve got to go, something’s come up,” his friends were teasing him through the mic, you could hear their wolf whistles and fighting talk from across the room, placing bets on exactly what had come up. “if i were you, i’d switch the volume off.”

his hand ran up your leg and his fingers circled your clit, the soaking wet silk making his dick so hard, it was throbbing. he looked up at you.

“if i were you, angel, i’d get into that bedroom pretty damn quick.”

[dizzydennis]

Sonic x Metal Sonic Cover Story!

Translator note: I am not totally fluent in Japanese so please understand that my translations are not perfect, but I hope you can enjoy this fun story. Any constructive criticism is appreciated.

Deep within Dr. Eggman’s abandoned, secret lab... a robot connected to a database booted up made note of the current situation. The evaluation was as followed:

[[Current status... "unfavorable"]]

While this robot was in rest for maintenance, Dr. Eggman was once again defeated by Sonic. Yet again, “he” was unable to rush to protect his master from crisis.

The same amount of bitterness stirred inside him... or perhaps even more.

It longed for the opportunity to defeat Sonic.

This mechanical piece of intelligence was known as “Metal Sonic” and it was created for the sole purpose of destroying Sonic. It continued to analyze the situation:

[[Current status is "unfavorable"]]

☆ ★ ☆

"Speed ​​Highway" is a super-three-dimensional highway that runs through a plethora of high-rise buildings.

It has many acceleration lanes such as the “360-degree rotating loop” that rises to the sky and a corkscrew that stretches into a large spiral. It attracts the souls of speed enthusiasts everywhere!

Sonic was running around in good spirits as he hummed to himself.

CRASH!!

Suddenly, something attacked Sonic head-on! He barely avoided it as the road just ahead turned into a pile of rubble from such a shattering impact. Sonic let out a gleeful grin.

“I’m worried. You didn’t damage yourself with that stunt, did ya, Metal?”

It was, in fact, Metal Sonic that stood up from the rubble.

Metal gave a piercing, sharp gaze towards Sonic. Within a second, he quickly closed the gap between the two of them while pointing his left hand to Sonic.

“Hey! Isn’t that--!?”

It was the flickering of a Chaos Emerald. Metal’s other hand pointed to the innermost parts of Speed Highway. It was unwavering.

Sonic instantly understood what Metal Sonic meant.

“You’re gonna bet that in a competition against me? That doesn’t seem very fair now, does it?”

Sonic then took out his all of the Chaos Emeralds he had on him.

“Alright, Metal! This is for real then. All or nothing!”

In an instant, two blue shadows dashed out onto the street, illuminated by the lights of the skyscrapers at dusk. The race that moved faster than the speed of sound had begun!

☆ ★ ☆

As the sound barrier was broken, the rush of wind echoed through the elevated roads that were cast as a valley between the buildings.

A corkscrew twisted down from a 360-degree loop as it curved to the right and then to the left. It then went into a spiral that took them up and down and all around.

Sonic lightly traced across the road’s surface as he felt enthralled by the difficult course of the Speed Highway. Metal Sonic was able to glide across the road with the use of a jet engine.

The race continued with the two hedgehogs barely gaining a step on each other, but a big change occurred in the middle of the course. A super long and sharp curve came out after a speedy decent. Metal Sonic decided to engage in some close combat before this area.

He boosted forward as his body entered this shocking, electromagnetic state. It was a sudden attack, but Sonic was able to avoid it. He must have read his moves. Metal Sonic’s energy output temporarily dropped at the end of the boost as he slowed down; just as planned. He could clear the curve with just the right amount of speed. Sonic had to slow down here too and Metal Sonic had nothing to lose!

Everything was going fine, but at that moment, Sonic was speeding up and approaching fast. Metal Sonic’s thoughts became fragmented if only for a moment.

[[......!?]]

Sonic, as he started to tumble off the side of the course due to his great speed, had put his hand out and grabbed Metal Sonic’s head, curved inward, and accelerated towards the inner-section of the course. He pushed Metal downwards and perfectly made the curve.

“My bad!”

Metal Sonic, who managed to regain his posture, raised his face, he saw Sonic running far ahead.

Metal Sonic tried to analyze the situation

[[Current status... "unfavorable"]]

☆ ★ ☆

Metal Sonic continued to analyze everything while giving chase. He had never won again Sonic ever since their first battle. He was built for the best performance and had a tireless, steel body. There were many factors of his creation that should have meant he was unbeatable.

But I can never win.

Why? Why... it’s just a hedgehog that runs fast...

Right at that moment,

A buzz of electricity rippled through the robot’s AI and it’s train of thought.

Is it because it’s not just “fast.”

 [[............!]]

Why was this robot made to resemble Sonic?

Perhaps, the creator, Dr. Eggman, created this body simply to not waste time creating it, but to also be a replacement to Sonic.

It was created for that specific purpose. There’s something that had to be done.

Metal cut all non-essential parts such as “fire control” and the “electromagnetic spark capacitors.” All systems were set on full power to “Speed.” Metal sharpened and gutted himself on the inside.

A moment later, a creature of blue steel, which had become the pure concept of a new “Metal Sonic” began to chase after Sonic the Hedgehog.

☆ ★ ☆

Meanwhile, Sonic had already taken notice that something had changed with Metal Sonic. The distance between them was gradually getting shorter.

Metal Sonic was purely a machine. There’s no way to know what it could even be thinking about. However, Sonic could sometimes tell. He could sense Metal Sonic’s joy, willpower, and unhealthy obsession towards victory.

“Looks like things are heating up!”

Sonic sped up even more, with a serious expression, muttered words of amazement while suppressing a grin that was continuously rising to his mouth.

“Heh, you don’t feel like you’re getting burned out?”

It was a straight line from the left-twisting, half-corkscrew to the goal. Below, you could see the surface of the city piercing upwards. The two blue streaks sped up the outside of a vertical skyscraper.

The goal was just around the corner. Sonic was in the lead.

Metal Sonic’s AI became fully aware at this point. It would not win at this rate.

How can it win!? Perhaps it could increase the output from the jet propulsion unit a little more, but where there even enough resources to do so...!?

☆ ★ ☆

"...?"

Just a few hundred meters from the goal.

Right then, Sonic couldn’t understand what happened.

Metal Sonic pulled out to Sonic at an impossibly fast speed! A dazzling seven-colored light erupted from Metal’s chest as a bright red flame with black smoke gushed out of the jet exhaust hole on his back. Parts and debris flew off of him in a violent roar.

“Metal...!?”

That’s right. Metal Sonic absorbed and utilized Chaos Energy! However, the power of the Chaos Emeralds was not stable and was very uncontrollable.

While speeding ahead, Metal lost his balance and collapsed.

Upon seeing this, Sonic tried to call out...

In a single moment, Metal was swallowed the the seven bright lights as they were then engulfed by smoke. Metal Sonic turned into a glowing red bulb.

The explosion sent an impact out that knocked Sonic back. As he looked up to the sky...

Against the backdrop of the night sky, Metal Sonic’s scattered body parts, which drew a trail of red flames alongside shimmering shards of window glass seemed to fly by in slow motion.

For a single moment, Sonic thought it was strangely beautiful.

Immediately after, Sonic got to his feet while being shocked at the explosion sounds that came soon after. When suddenly...

Metal Sonic’s upper body, which only had the torso, head, and right arm attached had crashed to the floor. As it made attempts to crawl towards the goal. The efforts proved too exhausting as he soon stopped dead in his tracks... just 10 meters away.

Shortly after, Sonic begrudgingly crossed the finish line; putting this little game to an end.

A Chaos Emerald flew towards Sonic. As he caught it, he looked back with a unique and serious expression. Metal Sonic had tossed the emerald with the last of his power.

[[......!!]]

Metal Sonic jumped to restrain Sonic as he approached with his fiery eyes.

Sonic felt as if Metal Sonic was saying that it’s impossible for two people to have crossed the finish line.

The damage that Metal Sonic had taken wasn’t as bad as Sonic had expected.

Sonic spoke in his usual tone, feeling uncomfortable with how relieved the situation felt.

“It was a good race.”

As Sonic let out his remarks, he never turned back and said,

“I’ll be waiting for a rematch.”

☆ ★ ☆

The defeated Metal Sonic was analyzing the current situation.

This time, it was an utter defeat.

Metal tried to re-calibrate all of his resources, but still couldn’t win.

Metal Sonic tried to sharpen his strengths, but it was all too late. In the end, he lacked a way to channel his resources and self-destructed.

....However,

it should be noted that an unprecedented performance was achieved this time.

 Even with the final Chaos Emerald, considering that the race would have been lost regardless, it wasn’t necessarily a bad move... but a more detailed analysis is to be postponed.

A rescue signal was already issued. Aid was available and recovery could be achieved at Eggman’s base. If Metal connected to the base’s main computer and analyzed today’s data, he can definitely win next time. There is room to not only improve speed, but also inhibitory behaviors and attack patterns.

I can still reach a tier of being and there will others who can surpass or fall victim to that tier!

At the moment, Metal Sonic was forced into a deep sleep mode due to a drop in his voltage energy. His ability to think dropped rapidly and Metal Sonic obtained an analysis result that was unbiased and unemotional.

 [[Status is... “favorable."]] 

[stopeatingwhales]

football hysteria x damon albarn

I LOVED THIS SM LMAO !!!!!!!! football obsessed damon is so cute

Pairing: 90s damon albarn x reader

Warnings: noneeee

Word count: 2.281

Requested by anon <3

༉‧₊˚✧

"Who you supporting?" Graham asked me, handing me a beer as he sat himself beside me on the couch next to me in the middle, Damon sat on the opposing side. Damon had dragged me over to Graham's house to watch the Man City and Chelsea game tonight, and knowing just how competitive Damon came to football, I knew it was better that I simply went along with things rather than moan about how much I really didn't want to spend two hours watching two teams pass around a ball for entertainment.

"Erm, Man City." I replied, quickly flicking the can open to taste the bittersweet barley flavouring of the heineken beer as it embellished the walls of my mouth.

"You don't support Chelsea?" Damon questioned, his eyebrows furrowed.

A small chuckle left my mouth. “Of course I don't, they're shit." I sneered, aware of the havoc that my statement was going to cause. Immediately, Damon's mouth fell agape; stunned by my malevolence, as well as partial shock from the new-found information surrounding my opinions on football.

Graham's laughter rang through the room and my ears as my eyes continued to burn into Damon's piercing gaze, him just as amused as I was. Nobody was as big a football fan as Damon had become. "They're anything but shit," he continued, eyebrows now raised as he scoffed. "You're telling me that you support Man City? Gallagher-brother-Man-City?"

"Okay I'm going to sit between you both,'' Graham announced, swiftly standing up, shoving my body to the side he had just accompanied, placing his body between me and Damon, a blockade to prevent either of us going at each other's throats. "Just so we can all be alive by the end of it."

“Well I wouldn't have fucking invited her over if I knew she supported those manic twats, Graham."

"Piss right off Damon, we're in Graham's flat, not yours." I bit back, completely unphased by his childlike behaviour. It had been made quite apparent to the media that Chelsea were indeed the band dominated by the south, as well as Blur, and Man City were celebrated in the north by Oasis. However, it was quite comical noticing the immediate flush of anger that filled Damon's face after my sly comment. Leaning back into the loveseat, my back adorned the soft feel of the cushion behind me. "Graham, who do you support?" I asked, curiosity laced in my words as the football pitch came into view on the television screen - initiating the beginning of the match.

My eyes were focused on Graham as I watched him toss his glasses onto the coffee table in front of us, which had been cascading with countless bags of crisps and other treats to keep us stuffed as the ninety-minute match played through. "In all honesty, I'm not that phased with football," he began, reaching over to open a bag of crisps. "It's Damon here who's completely obsessed with it."

As the match began, tensions were already built to a high degree between the three of us. Small but meaningless comments had been thrown into the atmosphere of the apartment, merely portraying our silliness and how neither of us had seemingly outgrown the competitive side of our personalities, something that would be more apparent during teenage years. Unfortunately however, very early into the game, Damon's supporting team had decided to skillfully snatch the ball from one of the players, eventually managing to get it into the goal - portraying the first goal scored subsequent to the game's start.

Damon instantaneously rose at the goal, shouting loud enough for the neighbours to hear every single word that rumbled out of his throat. "Told you we were bett-" he said, smugness intertwined between his words so effortlessly, though shamefully his words had been cut off by the sound of the cushion, once placed behind me, now hitting his face. I couldn't help but allow a tiny smirk to illustrate itself on my facial features as I admired his face dripping in absolute bewilderment towards my actions. “What the fuck was that for?” he scoffed, falling back into his side of the sofa, as I sustained the grin on my face, watching him. The atmosphere that was once overflowing with hostility was now completely serenaded with Damon's egocentric giggles, forcing my body to hunch into a sulk at how quickly my team had been warranting for a loss so early into the match.

Mid-way through the game, Graham had decided to go to the corner shop by his apartment to get more beers for us to share, due to us having run out to share between the three of us. I dreaded being alone in the room with the game ongoing with Damon present, full-well knowing that his upbeat jolliness would attempt to torment me upon the fact that he was winning, which, to my demise, was exactly what had occured. The air fell still in the room once the sound of the door slamming etched through the flat walls, my gaze focused entirely on the match following on the screen, attempting to focus my mind on anything but the room that I was currently occupied in - though my peripheral noticed Damon's head almost instantly turned to look in my direction once it was made evident that Graham wasn’t inside the flat anymore. As if reading my mind, he decided to shift his body weight, which was once adorned to the other armrest of the burgundy couch, right next to me, where he attempted to wrap his arm around my shoulders, warming me into an embrace. In spite of this, I could feel his intense stare on my features. Using all my strength to avoid connecting eyes with him, I wasn’t going to admit defeat so easily, my stubbornness proving a point.

Once Damon realised, he carried on watching the game, however his body had continued it's embrace with mine. At one point, I was thinking that the match was going to be a lost cause from the performance shown by Chelsea, However, things began to turn around, and Man City managed to score a goal, to Damon's consternation. The sudden win resulted in me lunging from my seat, swiftly detaching myself from Damon, my whole body cheering towards the goal as it replayed on the screen. What was amusing was that, after I had finished my applause, I noticed that Damon had moved back into his seat by the side of the couch, distancing himself from me. "Aw, you don't want to sit with me anymore?" I sarcastically questioned, not waiting for an answer as a small smile crept on my lips. It was very amusing, pissing Damon off. I must say, watching his ego deflate into nothing but a simple sulk at the corner of a room was really the sight.

"What did I miss?" The sound of graham's voice sounded through the room, paired with the clank of multiple beer bottles as he reached into the plastic carrier bag to place them on the table. Each and every one had an individual water-streak pattern, indicating that they had just been chilled - when they taste best.

"Man City scored!" I exclaimed, reaching out for one of the glass bottles as I got the bottle opener to unfasten it from its metal clasp, promptly taking a swig from the beverage. The intent was, of course, to provide Graham with the extra knowledge upon the events that occurred during the match whilst he was absent, however knowing myself, I had also wanted to remind Damon of said occurrences, to surge him to the edge of his frustration. Exclaiming it at the top of my lungs held just enough power to do just that.

A chuckle immediately left Graham's mouth from my enthusiasm. "Need me to sit between you both again?" He jokingly asked, yet an element of seriousness was laced between his words.

“Depends if Damon's gonna stop sulking or not.” I replied, focusing my view on the game playing on the screen.

"You're the one who was fucking throwing the cushions!" Damon shouted, reaching over to grab himself a beer.

"Because you were pissing me off!" I answered, shifting my gaze onto Damon, who was, to my surprise, staring directly at me. There was a certain look of annoyance glazed on his features, though the agitation seemed to subside as soon as we locked stares, as if he was longing for my eyes to bear their sight toward him, as if it was an examination, an analysation to confirm whether we were still on good terms or not; of course we were, while conflicting preferences drew evident tears between us during that moment in particular. After a few seconds had passed, Damon leaned back into the cushion, carrying on watching the game unfold, satisfied with his response from my eyes. Switching my gaze over to Graham, I took notice of a look of question illustrated on his features, to which I decided to mime that it was alright, in order to move myself next to Damon once again. It would've been a lie, and a mere understatement, to say that I hadn't missed his arms around me.

Bunching up next to him, enough space was made to allow graham to sit himself down next to me, though that thought was the last passing my mind; my body was shivering from nervousness, the close proximity between us, regardless of our romantic acquaintance, never failed to bloom butterflies at the pit of my stomach. Due to my body's weight pressing down onto the cushion next to him, it was obvious that he was aware that I moved to sit next to him - but at a cause of his stubbornness, him averting all his attention onto me, admiring me as if I was the only living being in the apartment, a home that hadn't even belonged to me, would never happen - it would take much more to result in his feign of irritation to melt away. Placing my arm around his shoulder, I granted my hand to reach up to his beautiful head of hair, my fingers caressing his strands gently as I brushed any parts that were sticking out on the sides of his head. His arms were wrapped around one another, like a child encompassed in an angry stupor at their parent due to them not allowing them a packet of sweets from the grocery store, though I was playing at his heartstrings, aware of just how much he adored me playing with his dirty blonde locks.

For a short sum of time, we both sat there, my hands never halting their actions. The next few minutes of the game played out of continuous dribbling and passing to other teammates, oftentimes resulting in the other team taking hold of the ball and running around with it for a while until their attempt to score. Randomly, Damon's arm had released itself from its shared embrace with the other, engulfing my body with his as he encased his left arm around my shoulders. We were in a sense of comfort with one another, though from Damon's avoidance of my stare it was made obvious that he was still in the least carrying a small element of annoyance, nevertheless, as I allowed my eyes to linger onto his delicate, paradisiacal features, holding back a grin was seen much easier said than done, a small curvature sneaking itself on his lips.

"Look who's won." Graham mumbled, his voice detaching me out of my trance that I was enamoured in.

A laugh rang itself out of my throat as I admired the lengthy team cheering as they enveloped one another in a massive embrace. "Told you they were better!" I grinned as I diverted my gaze onto Damon, the same look of frustration painted on his demeanour, still avoiding his eyes on me. "You want a kiss?" I asked, tilting my head in order to make sure I was the main thing in his sight, knowing he wouldn't be able to keep up his facade so easily. "Kiss kiss?"

I continued until his eyes met mine. It was as if, for a short segment of time we were frozen in place, momentary seconds passing of us merely marvelling at the view illustrated forth one another, my hands snaking their way around his neck as I leaned in slightly, noticing his blue orbs fall onto my lips, his teeth sinking into his bottom lip as his mind wandered through fields of appraisal. It was then where I couldn’t hold resistance for any longer, and I doubted that Damon could, bringing my head forward as I let my lips latch onto his, allowing time to flow as they lingered still before he kissed me back with gentle force, enough to notify me of his desire that encompassed him just as much as me. The kiss held innocence, portrayed adoration in its true beauty, nevertheless, also embodying eagerness, a yearning of lust.

"I'm going to be honest," I mumbled, removing my lips away from his, panting as I attempted to recollect my breath. "I don't actually support Man City."

"Of course you fucking don't." Damon laughed, our lips connecting once again as he perched his head forward, intoxicating me with the very thing that I desired most in that significant moment.

"If you're gonna shag, please go home." Graham groaned, causing our bodies to jolt at the sudden awareness that we weren’t alone together. Pulling away instantly, a wave of embarrassment covered my cheeks as we looked at one another, infatuation the single thing flowing out of our eyes.

“Sorry Graham.”

[lavenderlucy]

Bite Your Tongue

Hi everyone! Here's a little “truth serum” drabble loosely based on season four (Pre-Silas and Caroline and Tyler did break up). Bonnie and Caroline experiment with a truth spell and Caroline gets stuck with the consequences. I’m still pretty new at this so please be kind. Enjoy! 

.

.

Bonnie Bennett was at the very top of Caroline’s shit list today. Now she knew why vampires hated witches so much. Not that she truly hated her friend, but she certainly understood the sentiment. Ever since Bonnie started working with Professor Shane she had been practicing different kinds of magic that made Caroline more than a little uncomfortable. But never let it be said Caroline was unsupportive of her friends, so when Bonnie asked for a volunteer for a new spell, Caroline agreed and played guinea pig. Stupid, stupid, stupid. Caroline swore to herself that if she found a way out of this she would never get within spitting distance of magic ever again.  

When Caroline got to Bonnie’s house she listened to her friend explain that this spell would be a game changer when it came to dealing with the Originals that were still taking up residence in their town.

“Trust me, Care. This could really work.” If Caroline had a dollar for every time she had been bitten in the ass for trusting her friends, she would be a very rich woman.

“Is it safe? I mean you aren’t going to like accidentally kill me or anything are you?” Caroline asked, nervousness evident in her voice.

“It’s completely safe, Care. I promise.”  Bonnie’s answering smile didn’t exactly put her at ease.

Overly trusting, stupid bitch would be on her gravestone. Before Caroline could actually agree to the spell, Bonnie started chanting. Caroline found herself unable to move and she tried to tell Bonnie to stop, but by the time she could get her friend’s name out of her mouth, the chanting stopped and the spell was complete. Bonnie looked at her like she was examining her under a microscope.

“Well?” Caroline prompted, eyebrows raised. “Did it work?”

“Who really broke my Barbie when we were six?” Bonnie asked.

“What? What does that have to do with any- me!” Caroline threw her hands over her mouth and looked at Bonnie in shock, eyes wide.

“I knew it! And yes, it worked. It’s a truth spell. The subject of the spell can’t lie. Don’t you see, Care? We could ask Klaus or Rebekah or even Kol anything and they have to answer! We could find out straight from them where the white oak stake is or if there’s another way to kill them. Shane thinks this spell could be valuable.” Delight danced in Bonnie’s eyes.

“Oh of course Professor Creepy thinks it’s a good idea. Are you freaking kidding me, Bonnie Bennett?! All of this for witchy compulsion?” Bonnie knew how she felt about her mind being messed with. “How do you know it would even work on them? And how you know they won’t kill us all as soon as they realize what the spell does?” She was fuming. She could feel rage seeping into her veins and she knew she needed to leave before she could no longer control herself.

“Relax, Care. I’ll break the spell right now. Right after one more question.” Caroline’s body prickled with suspicion and she saw something she didn’t recognize in her friend’s eyes. Professor Creepy has got to be brainwashing her.

“Bonnie I swear to God, do not ask me-”

“Do you have feelings for Klaus?” Bonnie asked pointedly. From the calculated expression on Bonnie’s face Caroline knew she had been planning to ask this very question from the beginning. She wondered if Shane put her up to it. Shane had an unhealthy obsession with the Originals. Caroline wouldn’t put it past him not to know about Klaus’s soft spot for her. Caroline bit her tongue until she tasted blood and glared at Bonnie. She hoped she conveyed just how betrayed and enraged she felt through her eyes. “Yes,” she bit out lowly. “Now undo the spell, Bonnie. Right fucking now.”

Bonnie closed her eyes and started chanting again. Caroline waited for something to happen, but the feeling she got when Bonnie did the spell the first time never came. Bonnie’s chanting grew louder for a few moments before she stopped.

“What are you doing?” Caroline questioned. “Why did you stop?”

“I-I can’t undo the spell. It’s not working. I-” Bonnie looked panicked that her magic wasn’t working.

“Figure it out, Bonnie!” Caroline yelled. “Look, figure out a counter spell and call me when you do. I need to leave,” Caroline spat out before storming out of Bonnie’s house, the door slamming behind her with a satisfying smack.

Caroline let out a frustrated growl and continued walking away from Bonnie’s house and into the nearby woods. She needed to take out her anger on something living, and since killing a human was out of the question, a deer would have to do. She let her monster out and flashed deeper into the woods to hunt. She couldn’t tell her friends, but using her gifts was exhilarating. She loved how powerful and dangerous she felt. Within minutes she hunted down a deer and sunk her fangs in.

When she finished feeding she straightened and wiped her mouth, catching any stray drops of blood. She took a grounding breath and turned back in the direction of Bonnie’s house, calmer than before and ready to help her find a solution to her situation. She barely took another step before she caught a familiar blur speeding toward her in the corner of her eye. Klaus stopped in front of her, smirking and handsome. Why today of all days? Caroline tipped her head back to look at the sky, not believing her bad luck.

“Hello, sweetheart. Out for an afternoon stroll? Although by the looks of it you’ve been hunting. Back on the animal diet then?” He tucked his hands into the pockets of his designer jeans and took a step closer, eyes bright and mischievous.

“Yes! I needed to let off some steam so I came to the woods to hunt so I wouldn’t hurt a human.” The words came out of Caroline’s mouth before she could even think about trying to stop them. She rolled her eyes and swore under her breath. “Look, Klaus you need to stay away from me today. I mean it!” She backed away from him as she spoke, eyes wide and looking for her easiest and quickest escape route. She knew she couldn’t outrun him, but she could certainly try to put some distance between them.

Klaus took a step toward her and put his hands out like he was trying to calm a scared animal. “Caroline, love. What’s—“

“No!” Caroline shouted and closed the space between them and pressed her fingers against Klaus’s lips, effectively cutting off his question. His eyebrows rose in question.

“Please don’t ask me any questions. Please.” Her eyes bore into his, silently begging him to comply. After a few more seconds she slowly removed her hand from his warm mouth. In the back of her mind she wondered what it would feel like against her own mouth instead. Bad, Caroline. She shook the thought from her head while Klaus looked at her in silent confusion. Great. Now he thinks you’re insane.

Klaus gripped her upper arms and peered down at her, worry clouding his features. “Love, tell me what’s wrong. I can help you.”

Caroline shook her head and looked away from him. His proximity and masculine, woodsy scent was overwhelming her already heightened senses. Klaus moved one of his hands to her jaw and turned her face back to his.

“Come now, Caroline. It can’t be that bad,” he reasoned. He continued to scan her features for any clues of what she wasn’t telling him. Caroline’s face heated under his gaze. He took another moment to look at her before his face turned hard, eyes sharp, and asked, “Alright what did your little friends do now? What is going on?”

She knew he probably thought her friends were engaging in another plot against him. She bit her lip until she drew blood. Klaus’s eyes were immediately drawn to the action. “Caroline, tell me. What is happening?” He rasped. Caroline could see lust building in his eyes as he watched her lick away a drop of blood from her bottom lip.

“Bonnie worked with Professor Shane to make a truth spell and she tested it on me. They want to use it on you and your family to get information about your weaknesses. She didn’t tell me what the spell was or what she wanted to do with it until after she cast it.” Desire evaporated from Klaus’s blue eyes and was replaced by rage and wolf gold. His grip on her arms tightened almost painfully before he let her go. He walked backward a few steps and ran a hand through his hair in exasperation.

“Are you insane?” He yelled. He ignored Caroline’s whispered, “no” before continuing. “You let a baby witch who doesn’t even understand her powers yet experiment on you! You don’t have any idea of the possible consequences of what you’ve done. For fuck’s sake, Caroline!” Caroline was surprised by his outburst. She knew he cared about her, but he seemed genuinely upset that she put herself in danger. He wasn’t even focusing on the plot against his family. “Children,” he muttered under his breath before asking, “Did the witch say how long the spell lasts?”

“We-we don’t really know. Bonnie tried to undo it after I freaked out, but she couldn’t do it.” Caroline bit her lip again, trying not to think about how hot Klaus looked when he was angry. Totally not the time!

Klaus looked her up and down, eyes dark, before approaching her once again. He raised his fingers to her face slowly and pulled her lip from her teeth. He brushed his thumb across her lips before trailing his hand down her jaw and neck. Caroline tried not to let herself be affected by his touch, but it was impossible. All of her nerves were on fire and the heat was spreading. She’d been fighting her feelings for Klaus for months and she couldn’t do it anymore. Klaus didn’t look in any better shape than she was. He was breathing harshly and staring at the porcelain skin he was touching. He met her eyes and spoke, voice deep, “Do you like this?”

“Yes,” she replied, moving impossibly closer to Klaus.

“Do you want me to touch you more?” Klaus looked like he was barely holding himself back from ravishing her right there in the woods.

“Yes. I want you to touch me.” She tilted her head to look up at him before surging up and pressing her lips to his. Yes. Klaus quickly took control of the kiss and deepened it, his tongue licking the seam of her mouth. Caroline gasped and he took advantage of the opening and brushed his tongue along hers. She always wondered what it would be like to be kissed by Klaus. After all, he had a thousand years of practice. He definitely did not disappoint. She knew she would be ruined after this. No one could ever compare to the feeling of his lips moving over hers. Caroline bunched the fabric of his dark gray Henley in her hands before running them up to his shoulders and into his dirty blonde curls. Klaus circled his arms around her waist and pulled her firmly into his body. Caroline tugged on the ends of his hair making Klaus growl in his chest. She felt her nipples tighten in response.

Klaus broke their kiss to trail his lips down to her neck. He took his time nipping and licking a spot over her pulse that Caroline didn’t even know existed. She threw her head back to give him better access and let out a breathy moan that sounded almost like his name. Before she could form a coherent thought, Klaus dropped his hands to her ass and pulled her up, encouraging her to wrap her legs around his waist. She wrapped her legs around him, the skirt of her yellow sundress bunching at her hips. He flashed them forward to a tree and pressed her against it, hands moving her waist. The bark scratched her back and sent a shiver down her spine. He returned his lips to hers and stole her breath away. Caroline dropped one hand from his hair to grip his necklaces and pull him even closer. Her other hand went to the back of his neck and she dug her nails in. He groaned loudly and his hips jerked into hers in response. She gasped into his mouth at the delicious friction and rolled her hips against his. Caroline was determined to give as good as she got so she pressed her breasts against his chest and bit his full bottom lip before soothing the sting by sucking on his tongue. The growls and moans he let out traveled straight to her core. Klaus pulled the straps of her dress down her shoulders harshly and peeled the cups of her bra down to squeeze her breasts and roll her nipples between his fingers. Caroline moaned loudly and she could feel herself becoming impossibly wetter. Klaus broke their kiss and pulled back slightly to meet her eyes. His pupils were blown and ringed with gold.

“Klaus,” Caroline whined, trying to pull his lips back to hers. Klaus smirked devilishly at her before moving his lips to her ear.

“Do you want me, Caroline?” The way he said her name was downright sinful. “Do you want me to have you right here in the forest?” His lips brushed against her ear one last time before he bit her earlobe, making her cry out. His eyes met hers again as he waited for her answer.

“Yes. I want you right here.” Caroline eyes were glazed over with lust and she didn’t care that anyone could see them out in the open. She tried to lean in to kiss him, but he held her back. Klaus chucked lowly at the look of frustration on her face.

“What do you want, love?” He was teasing her, playing with her inability to lie to him. Under normal circumstances Caroline would be seriously pissed, but she couldn’t summon any feelings other than desire and lust in that moment. For some reason she found the power he had over her extremely hot. He could ask her anything he wanted and she had to tell the truth.  

“I want you to fuck me and make me come against this tree.” Caroline wasn’t typically this vocal during her romantic encounters, but she couldn’t help it. Even without the spell Klaus probably could have gotten her to make the same confession. Klaus smiled wolfishly at her before rolling his hips into hers, making her throw her head back and moan. She inwardly cursed her panties and his jeans. He’d been hard for her since the second she kissed him and right now she needed that hardness against her, inside her.

“When I have you, love, I want to take my time. I want to spread you out on my sheets and worship you until you can’t remember anything but my name. I want to spend hours between your thighs and brand myself along your body. I want to make you scream until your voice is hoarse and your body is so sated that your vampirism can’t help you. I want to fuck your tight little body right here and make you call my name to the skies, but the first time will be in my bed where I can ruin you for anyone else. I’ll make you so desperate for me that you won’t be able to even think of anything but my cock and tongue in you. But I’ll not deny you the orgasm your body is craving right now.” Klaus’s voice became deeper and his accent got thicker as he spoke. Caroline thought she might combust just from his words.

Klaus moved back from her just enough to get his hand between them. He ran his fingers over her soaking panties before moving them aside and slipping his fingers into her wetness. “Fuck, love. You’re so wet for me,” he growled. He brushed her clit once with his thumb and sunk two fingers inside her core, making Caroline cry out and moan his name. Klaus hoisted her up higher on the tree and began working his fingers inside her before taking her pink nipple into his mouth and laving it with his tongue. Caroline had never felt anything like this before. By no stretch of the imagination was she a blushing virgin, but none of her other lovers had left her as wet and desperate for touch as Klaus. She clenched her thighs tighter around Klaus as she rode his fingers.

“Klaus,” she bit out. Klaus released her nipple and began sucking and biting her neck with blunt teeth. “Tell me what you want, love, and I’ll give it you. Just give me the words.”

“Rub my clit and make me come. Please.” She begged. Klaus doubled down his efforts and put his thumb back on her clit before adding a third finger to her tight pussy. Caroline let out a strangled moan and moved her hips faster against his hand.

“That’s it sweetheart, give it to me. Ride my fingers. Come for me.” As soon as the words were out of his mouth, Caroline exploded around his fingers with a high-pitched moan and saw stars behind her eyelids. She lost track of time while she was coming. When she finally came down she met Klaus’s gaze and he looked like she was the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen. Her chest was heaving and his eyes dropped to watch her breasts move up and down.

“So beautiful,” he whispered. He removed his hand from her and brought his fingers to his mouth to lick away the evidence of her need for him. Caroline thought she might come again from the sight of him licking her off his fingers. She was about to try and persuade him to forgo his original plan of a bed and fuck her in the woods when he dropped her legs from his waist and righted her bra and the straps of her dress. The tree at her back was the only thing keeping her upright. Klaus pressed a gentle kiss against her lips before pulling back with a grin. He looked as wrecked as she did. She could still make out the hard line of his cock under his jeans and she sincerely hoped he wouldn’t make her wait once they got to his bed.

“Alright, love. Come with me. There’s a witch in Charlotte that owes me a favor. I’ll have her meet us at my place. She’ll be able to remove the spell.” Klaus grasped Caroline’s hand in his and began pulling her in the direction of his house. Caroline’s body finally caught up and started moving.

“But Charlotte is hours away,” She said, a smirk forming on her lips.

“I guess we’ll have to find a way to entertain ourselves in the meantime.” He looked at her over his shoulder and threw a wink at her before flashing off with her through the trees.

[savingyou]

the tugging

You feel it almost every day. The tugging.

Sometimes it’s a small movement, enough to only make you blink and realize it’s there. Sometimes it’s so big you have to stop whatever you’re doing and stand up, walk around. 

You’ve always felt it. Ever since you can remember. When you were little, it made you get up and leave rooms, go and be by yourself for a while. It led you to find board games and dolls to play with. It led you to the old tv in the playroom, with the shelves your mom built herself and the very first couch she bought. The tv was set in an old wardrobe, one that didn’t have a place anywhere else in the house your parents built. 

You would watch cartoons and movies and when they were finished you would make up games to play and animals to pretend to be and you would draw. When your family started to show you movies, old ones from before you were born first, and then ones that were still in theaters. The Dark Knight was your favorite movie for a time. You drew the Joker and Batman having playdates for ages. You didn’t even know it was a sequel until you watched Batman Begins. You would confuse the two for years, unable to figure out which came first until you realized they were years apart.

You went to school and made a few friends, some that seemed to be life-long and some that truly were -- until they weren’t. You were a child all the way up until you realized you weren’t supposed to be one anymore. At least, that’s what everyone said. 

You didn’t understand why all the boys were obsessed with asking girls out and why all the girls were experimenting with makeup and lamenting their lack of a woman’s body. You were confused by their desires to be treated like grown ups. You were jealous when girls started their periods and when boys got girlfriends. You felt like a lonely toddler. 

You were jealous when one of your friends, a girl who you were starting to have a crush on came out and said she was actually a boy. You were jealous when he cut his hair, when he changed his name, when he was able to be himself. You didn’t understand it, but you were jealous. 

At home, you always felt like a tomboy - that’s what your mom always called it. Your sisters both liked makeup and boys and dresses, and you never did. Your sister always tried to do your hair or makeup and you would say no. It never felt like something that was meant for you, like how tutus aren’t meant for men. At least that’s how it used to be. 

Your brother seemed like the manliest man he could be, considering he grew up with four women at home. He liked video games and guns and fishing and he had all the male friends in the world. He played sports, he killed things in video games. He made all the stereotypical jokes about sex and balls and farting. 

You never wanted to be like him. But every time he said “I always wanted a little brother,” something in the back of your mind would reply: But I am your little brother.

But he wouldn’t understand that answer. You didn’t even understand that answer. So you brushed it off. Forgot about it. Tried to immerse yourself in drawing and making movies and having fun with friends. 

And as you grew up you tried to lean more and more into makeup and dresses and even though it disgusted you and you hated wearing those things you tried. Because your mom said you would look so good with some mascara. You would look so good in this dress. You would look beautiful if you just put in some effort. 

And then you were in middle school and you saw girls and boys and you wanted to kiss them both. You wanted to be their friends and you wanted to hold their hands. But girls aren’t supposed to kiss girls. So you tried to ignore that part and just became their friends. You tried to kiss boys. You tried to be that girly girl but it wasn’t working.

You cut your hair. You cut it all off and wore it short. You immediately regretted it because no one looked at you the same. You couldn’t just stay you now that you look like this. It felt horrible. But there’s no hiding a huge change like that, so you accepted it and let your hair grow out and you liked it for a while. Then, as soon as possible, you cut it to be all the same length and decided to never cut your hair short again. This was probably the first time when the tug became an unbearable, un-ignorable sensation in your mind.

Then you moved two thousand miles. You left your small midwestern town to come to the Golden State because your parents wanted to retire somewhere with a view and year round summer temperatures. Sure, you liked it when you visited, so you agreed to go. But as soon as you got out here, you quickly realized you are the kid who everyone wither ignores, thinks is weird, or dislikes. You talk different, you have trouble being in the big groups that are commonplace here. At home, your entire middle school had 600 people. Here, your grade has 900. The scale difference is crushing.

You make friends. It’s difficult, because they find you weird or they dislike you because they assume you’re gay and that makes them uncomfortable. Or they push you away because you come on too strong and try to force your way in to their lives.

It doesn’t take long for you to give up. 

Then you meet someone nice. You try everything you can to get him to stay but he isn’t the right person. He just wants to use you as an escape, and you don’t realize that until it’s all over and you’ve decided to never speak to him again. You made yourself available to him at all times of day, because all you wanted was his attention. 

Then you make a friend and she seems just as weird as you, and she just moved here too. You both like to write and draw and you both decide to become wrestlers, because you’ve never done that before and physically fighting someone seems fun. 

But then that friendship falls apart too. You’re constantly clashing, constantly begging for her attention and she never gives it and at some point you realize you hate her. You hate her face and hair and body. You hate how she is always denying you and ignoring you and you hate that she assumes she knows what is best for you. You hate how she never follows through on things and despite her endless complaining, she never does anything about her problems. You hate that the more you try to get her attention, the more she pulls away from you. 

You thought you were both a part of a friend group with two other girls, but you soon realize they were just waiting for an opportune moment to kick you to the curb. When everyone was forced to stay home and everyone thought it was the end of the world, they found their moment. 

Then, you were alone. Of course you had one person left, One more person you were handcuffing yourself to because you couldn’t see any other way, and in your loneliness you kissed him and begged for his attention and you loved that he loved you but you knew you didn’t feel the same way. So you let it go on until you decided you had to break his heart. Because it wasn’t fair and you realized that.

Then you were alone. You hated yourself and you were sad, so sad you thought about paying the ultimate price. Paying it for absolutely no reason other than the thought of “I want to stop existing” wouldn’t shake out of your mind. But you didn’t do it. 

Because you felt that tug. It made you search out things. It made you discover things. Reasons. Explanations. It told you to ask why you felt the term “girlfriend” didn’t apply to you, even though that is literally what you were. It told you to ask why you wanted your voice to be deeper, why you would sometimes go without speaking even when you had things to say. It told you to ask why you always hid your chest under hoodies and sweatshirts and a thousand other things. 

So you went to youtube. You watched videos. You listened to people talk about transitions, changes, you watched them answer questions. You went online and looked things up. You found out the actual definition for “transgender”. you discovered gender-affirming clothing and binders and packers and you learned what a social transition is. You found out the difference between social and medical transitions. You learned that not everyone does those things. 

You realized what the tug is. You realized what it’s always been telling you. You finally figured out how to understand it. How to translate it.

You cut your hair and instead of horrible dread and regret afterwards, you found yourself unable to stop smiling. You felt masculine and it made you happy. Your parents didn’t really understand, but they weren’t exactly unsupportive. Just ignorant. Like you were. 

You changed your name. School was almost over, you were a couple months from graduating, and you didn’t have many friends, so you didn’t tell people. You told your family, and some responses were much more positive than others. Your parents went into panic mode, deciding to tell you about the trans suicide rate and the trans violence rate and they asked what pronouns were. Some of your family members said “We’ve been expecting this” and others said “I’m so happy for you” and exactly one said “I’m proud of you.”

You went from an aunt to an uncle and stayed there. It felt good. Your nephew was so little he doesn’t even know your birth name. He doesn’t remember anyone calling you his aunt. He’s probably the one person in this entire world who doesn’t see anything wrong with calling you his uncle. 

It’s hard sometimes. The tug, which can sometimes be gender dysphoria, is still rampant. Sometimes it’s your mother’s words in your head, because she is “accidentally” transphobic all the time. She has to pointedly state the difference between boy things and girl things in front of you. “I got you this shirt from the boys section,” she’ll say. It’s because the gray area between the genders makes her uncomfortable. She pretends it doesn’t exist.

“What is your shoe size in women’s? I don’t know if they make that small of a size in men’s.” This would be an actual concern if she wasn’t shopping at a store that sells only unisex shoes. Both men’s and women’s sizes appear on every shoe. It doesn’t matter your size in men’s or women’s because they have both. 

It makes you angry. It makes you sad. It makes you think sometimes that you should walk up to your mother and tell her you’re going to be her daughter again. But you’re terrified that she will sigh and hug you and say “Thank God.”

But because you are your mother’s child you want to do it to test her. To see if she actually cares about who you are and what you want. Part of you knows she would immediately go back to calling you by your birth name and call you her “baby girl” again. The rest of you hopes she wouldn’t, but thinks she would. There’s maybe one tiny part of you that hopes she isn’t lying to you all the time. But you know she is, because she always has. She lied about your dad cheating on her. (She still only says “He hurt me really bad” and says no specifics.) She lied about their problems. She lied about his problems and hers. 

You have a hard time trusting anything she says. 

You almost always feel a tug after talking to her. Because she always feels like she has something else to say but she never does. 

You feel it when she makes you feel like a girl. When she “accidentally” calls you she (you think, that when you’re not around, she calls you she exclusively. Thats why, after being out for almost two whole years, she still messes up.) 

You feel it on days when you wear a bra instead of a binder. You wear it on days when your binder feels useless. You feel it when you look in the mirror and see nothing but a girl. You feel it when you shower and look down at your curvy body, your hips and chest that are most definitely not a man’s. You feel it every time you’re reminded that your mental image of yourself does not match the reality. 

You feel it every time someone misgenders you at work.

Some days, it’s quiet. Some days you can wear a bra and still feel confident people will see you as a man. (You always wear a hoodie or an extra layer on those days, but still.) Sometimes you smile and stand tall and it is genuine. Sometimes yo can walk into the men’s bathroom with absolutely no anxiety or fear. You can talk to people and see in their eyes that they don’t care about your gender - meaning they don’t notice that you look slightly feminine, they don’t even question your voice or name and they call you buddy or sir. For a second you can almost bask in the feeling that you used to have, when you were a girl and people assumed you were, and didnt have to ask questions like “What pronouns do you prefer?” and they didn’t have that look on their face like they’re terrified to address you by anything but your name for fear of offending you.

For a second you get to just be. And the tug abates for a little while. 

[thebrightsessions]

Entertainment Spotlight: Ian McQuown

Ian is an LA based actor and producer known for the YouTube comedy group, Extremely Decent, as well as a voice actor in the popular audio dramas: The Bright Sessions, The AM Archives, StarTripper!! & Deck The Halls! His credits inclue American Housewife, Trial & Error, Better Things, and For All Mankind. Ian took the time to answer some questions for us. Check it out:

You’ve worked on multiple podcasts -- what drew you to the medium?

Well, to be honest, Lauren drew me to it because TBS was my first narrative podcast. We met at a Rocky Horror Picture Show show. Anna Lore is our mutual friend and I think Anna is just talented as all get out, so anything she’s involved I want to be in. And, I don’t know, it was just one of those lucky breaks you get where a door opens and takes you to all these cool places you never anticipated.

On podcasting though, I really appreciate how much more possible it is to tell engaging stories without the boundaries of having to afford a set and a camera and insurance and etc etc etc. Like, I grew up with Star Wars, The Matrix, Cowboy Bebop— so when I imagine the stories I like, I’m usually picturing other worlds, space ships, people with super powers and those types of stories used to have a lot higher barrier to entry to make than they do now, which is just awesome.

If you could give a character from The Bright Sessions a spinoff series, who would you choose and what would the series be called?

I mean, no surprises here, but I’d love to see Damien’s early years. And I’d be super clever and call it something like... Damien: The Early Years. I'm dying for that content a little bit actually: Damien, before he became such a bad guy. Maybe a love story that doesn’t work out and leaves him really scarred? Villains so bad they created a villain instead of a victim—  that moment where we see the two roads Damien has to choose between and it totally shreds us when he makes the choice we all know he’s going to make, I mean, come ON you can see that, right? It’d be like the Star Wars prequels but without all the youngling killing and “NOOOOOOOO”’s and I want it.

Can you share a fun story or anecdote from the making of The Bright Sessions?

Haha, ok well it’s not really anything of note BUT: I remember Lauren had this area rug in her room, which as you probably know is where we would record, and it was this really nice, I think, red sort of floral rug that took up pretty much all the floor space because it was covering up the older apartment rug-floor underneath it. And it was, as I said, really cool, except it wasn’t a rug on a wood floor, right? It was a rug on a rug so it was a bit taller than the people who designed the room had planned for— the result of which was that you’d walk in and the room had this really awesome little vibe with this cute rug, and it was all very cozy, unless you looked directly behind you at the corner where the door had just spent ages scraping the surface of it, catching the corner, tearing little pieces out. And I may be getting apocryphal at this point, but I feel like by the time I had started coming around Lauren had straight up duct taped it to the floor, which really didn’t help the problem. And, I don’t know—again it’s not really anything momentous—but I just remember giving Lauren a particular amount of shit about it one day and us all having a really good laugh. And I really love that— there are jobs where you show up, keep your head down, do your work and leave, but then there are jobs like The Bright Sessions where you all get to become friends, and even if you don’t see each other for a while you sort of just get to pick up where you left off. And then those jobs turn into other jobs and you get to keep hanging out with your friends and peers and just making stuff you like— I’m a big fan of that.

If your life was a choose your own adventure, what decisions would viewers have to make on an average day?

OKAY, you wake up...

Water your garden before it gets to be 110 today, you cannot skip this step. You may however:

A) Stay out in the garden for longer if you get inspired and check if the tomatoes and peppers are ripe for picking.

Great! Now let’s make breakfast:

A) Make eggs, toast, fried tomatoes, and hash browns? 

B) Make (A) But also with Bacon? 

C) Make a smoothie?

D) There’s no time today, run to Whole Foods and get their incredibly priced $6 Egg, Bacon Cheese Breakfast burrito.

Awesome! You’ve eaten and now you can think. What work do you have to do?

A) Prep your audition, dummy! It’s due this afternoon, go fix your hair. 

B) You have a zoom meeting with actor friends at 11 to play around with some new material, put on a hat.

C) There is nothing you have to work on so stare at your computer and wonder if there’s new project you could be working on. Try to find that project, leave your hair as it.

Wow! You really had a great (insert previous choice here), let’s get you a coffee and take a TV break. What should we watch?!

A) That new show you haven’t seen yet because you need to watch everything so you know how to work on it should you get an audition for it.

B) Harley Quinn (your favorite new cartoon).

C) Teenage Bounty Hunters.

D) Farscape.

E) Nope, you just got an audition for tomorrow, everything is off the table, start working on it (Level Complete).

Lunch Time!!!

A) Turkey sandwich with pickles from the garden?

B) Trader Joe’s Margherita Pizza with basil and peppers from the garden?

C) Are we going to start another loaf of sourdough you basic mf?

D) Yes we probably are, but also (A) and (B).

Cool! I’ve eaten lunch. Now what?

A) You haven’t finished that work from this morning. Riiiight.

B)…More Harley Quinn…?

C) Let’s make pasta from scratch!

D) Let’s make ribs! From…ribs!

F) You just got an audition for tomorrow, everything is off the table, start working on it. (Level Complete).

Bangarang! You probably chose to start cooking dinner immediately after eating lunch. You ate it (and it rocked), what now?

A) You just got an audition for tomorrow, everything is off the table, start working on it. (Level Complete)

B) DnD with squad.

C) Go on a run, dude— you’re getting a Jaba chin….

D) Bring on the chin! Let’s watch TV until 2am! Here are your options:

A) Harley Quinn (your new favorite cartoon)

B) Teenage Bounty Hunters

C) Farscape

D) Put The Office on in the background and clean your house.

Level Complete.

As you can see I’m a very food-focused person. Also, I’m going to be real, that is truly what most of my days look like and I’m low-key a little mortified that ’taking a shower’ wasn’t a game option... 

Can you share your favorite piece of Bright Sessions / AM Archives fan art?

I love all the fan art that people make for my characters but this one from Franartz has always been really special to me. It’s so GQ, I just love it — and some of my favorite early AG moments are with Damien, who looks a little like he stepped out of a Gorrilaz album here— big fan. I’m a little obsessed with fan art actually, I save everything I come across— there’s a freckled red-headed series of Owen by TheFigureInTheCorner that makes me really happy. Seeing that my work has inspired someone else to make something of their own is really what’s up, you know? It makes me think about all the art and entertainment that has touched me over the years and I get a lot of joy from being a part of that cycle.

Thanks for taking the time, Ian! Give I Can Die When I'm Done a relisten right here.

[makebank]

party foul

summary: you stir up trouble in disguise. @bricksatanakinswindow​ writing challenge!! 

jj maybank x reader

warnings: drinking, cussing, its a party folks

word count: 850 

a/n: sorry my third halloween fic will not be so flirtatious omg.

You giddily enter the chaotic house party. You scan the room taking inventory of all the teens taking shots, making out, and taking selfies. The music hit your eardrums from a block away, but was now at overload.

You had been longing for this night, ready to bust out your new costume. You were going for a fun yet flirty look. This year you were going as spider-man, which may have had something to do with your obsession with Tom Holland. The costume was kinked a little to be a smidge more provocative. You wore a simple eye mask in replacement of the full face. The legs were cut off short to display your voluptuous curves. You weren’t going to lie, it was a tad short, but all the better. The spandex material hugged your body, leaving little to the imagination. 

You’re out for the kill tonight and may have just found your next prey. JJ Maybank. The blond surfer whose allure was always on full blast drew in the masses with ease. It was comparable to watching a siren sound their seductive melody. To your dismay, he refused to be associated with any kook. His untouchable facade made him all the more desirable. 

Only ever admiring him from afar, he wasn’t too familiar with you except by word of mouth. Your mask may not have covered much, but you were hopeful it was enough to do the trick. You greet a few friends as you strut across the large figure 8 mansion headed to your target. 

You slip into the island barstool next to him while he nurses a beer. You give him a quick up and down to bait him and then start pouring your mixer. He immediately takes notice of your skimpy attire and finishes up his previous conversation quickly to focus his attention on you. 

You ignore his staring waiting for him to make the first move. This is too easy you reason.

“Hey. I’m JJ,” he introduces with a cocky smirk. You fake uninterest for a moment before being unable to help yourself. “Nice costume, star lord.” You snort at the irony of you both being a marvel character. It seems as if he put effort into it though, not missing a detail. 

“You actually know who I’m supposed to be? Finally. I’ve been explaining it all night,” he dramatically whines. You chuckle at his innocence for a moment. “Of course I know who you are. How could you not? You even got the t-shirt and necklace right.” He appears genuinely satisfied by your compliment. Keeping the ball rolling you start to tease him, “But where’s your groot?” “I tried to get my friend Pope to, but he refused. Something about the sith.” You shake your head knowing you had more in common with the nerdy pogues than your own peers. 

You come to the conclusion that you’re done with the jokes and ready to be serious. You knew what you came for. You down the tequila shot you just poured after already finishing your mixed drink. The liquid courage was all you needed. You slowly lick your lips savoring the last remnants of buzzing flavor left behind letting the alcohol heat you from the inside out. “Maybe I should’ve come as Gamora?” you wink at him suggestively. He slides backwards surprised by your behavior, but also trying to figure out your game. “So, what did you say your name was again?” You edge closer to him until your arm is brushing his. “I didn’t. But does it really matter?” You’re indiscreetly gawking at his plump lips making your desires known. 

He places two fingers on your chin and tilts it upward to him. “I guess not to do this,” he shrugs as he closes the space between you. 

He tastes of bitter beer and spearmint gum, and it sends chills up your spine. You had daydreamed of kissing the feisty boy before but never imagined he’d have a slight softness mixed in with his aggressive rhythm. He slips his tongue into your mouth heightening the taste of him. Lowly he moans at the sensation of you mimicking his actions. Just as the kiss is heading towards a place of passion, not meant for public you pull away. Your slight pants are drowned out by the party roaring around you. 

He quirks a brow at your haste to stop. Your devilish smile takes up your face as you move to remove your face mask. 

“I’m-,” you try to introduce but he’s already jumping out of his seat. “Y/n fucking y/l/n,” he yells over the music with a snarl. 

You feign innocence, “What’s wrong?” His eyebrows shoot up at your audacity. “What’s wrong! I just made out with a kook!” “It’s not my fault you couldn’t tell who I was from a simple mask. It’s not like we talk ever.” He sighs exasperatedly not knowing what else to say.

You smile smugly knowing you accomplished your goal. “Did you like it?” His eyes appear to almost fall out of his head at your salacious words. “What? That’s not even the point.” You huff loudly returning your mask to its place. “Well, when it is the point, find me. Happy Halloween, JJ.” As you saunter off with a swing to your hips, you glance over your shoulder at a stunned and starstruck JJ Maybank. 

jj maybank: @teamnick​

everything: @dpaccione​ @drewswannabegirl​ @outerbanksjjforever​ @diverdcwn​ @sunwardsss @sportygal55​ @rafej-cambanks​ @mdlyncline​ @jjbanks​ @jjbabyouterbanks​

send me an ask/messaged to be added!

[bl00dgutsgl0ry]

Yandere Michael, Pyramid, and Brahms

Request :  Could you make a picture of Yandere? From Prefenricia Michael, Pyramid Head and Brahms what would they be like if they were Yanderes? And how did they they met your S/O? (Ps: if possible it may be in the scenario of dbd in the case of Michael and Pyramid Head)

In all honesty I don’t really think they would be much different with their s/o if they were yanderes, but I tried my best to amp up their murderous possessiveness and or jealousy so I hope you enjoy this! These are also much longer than I am used to writing which I think makes them a little better. I also changed up Pyramid Head just a little with his Cage of Atonement so it doesn’t send you off and he an stand by it for as long as he wants.

Warning - Violence, murder, you know the basics for these babes ;)

- Michael Myers -

- You had just gotten into this unknown realm right after Laurie had gotten there, so you both stayed close together helping each other as newbies. She told you about her brother who she had a match or two with before you had come along.

- You had gotten into a match and unfortunately you hadn’t gotten paired up with Laurie this time, so you had to trust yourself and the three other teammates who you didn’t really know to get through this hell.

- When Michael had seen you, it was like everything for him had changed. He was so used to only thinking about Laurie, but somehow you had gathered all of his attention. This did not go unnoticed by the other survivors either. They had seen him once or twice but he never seemed to notice them.

- He was completely infatuated with you. He couldn’t care less about any of the other survivors who were in the game, he continued to only keep track of you and what you were doing as one after another the generators popped.

- There was nothing that could stop him from making you his, no one or thing would keep you from him.

- The entire match you couldn’t get him off you. It was like you could never loose this man; some how always knowing where you were, and where you were going. Finally, after what seemed like hours, the last generator popped and you might actually be able to get out and forget about this situation until the next match that you had with this thing.

- Right as you were getting to the exit gates where the loud ring sounded you saw the three others, Meg, Bill, and Quentin, waiting for you there. Relief flooded through you as you continued to get closes when you noticed that the others were getting progressively more frantic; as their waves and points got more anxious and sporadic.

- You could feel hi behind him chasing after you, you had felt it all game. You were just a few feet away from the others where they were trying to help body block for you and hopefully get between you and The Shape to slow him down, when you felt him grab you by the back of your collar and pick you up.

- The others screamed in protest but were forced out of the gates by Michael as he rapidly swung at the air hoping and successfully scaring them out.

- As he turned around to walk away from the gates, and you saw the backs of your fleeing teammates, you stopped struggling in his grasp knowing that there was no way of getting out of it, he had an iron grip on you.

- He had shoved you onto the hook as you screeched in pain. He had cut off the bottom half of your shirt and slowly began to carve something into your lower abdomen. You knew that the hook pierces never scared if you suffered a demise via hook, but “smaller” injuries such as cuts, scrapes, etc. scarred. You were in too much pain to look down while he was writing something, but once he pulled away you finally could see what he did to you.

- “MICHAEL M.” was written in big letters across your stomach, as your eyes widened in horror. Did he just... claim you in a way? A knot formed in your stomach as the realization dawned on you. You had become his obsession. Laurie had spoken briefly about what obsessions were and how almost everyone seemed to be the obsession to one of the killers. But wasn’t Laurie his obsession? I guess it no longer mattered now as you stared down at the pale mask with the soulless black holes atop his eyes.

- Right before one of the entity’s long pincers could come down to impale you and hoist you off, Michael grabbed ahold of your hand and flipped it so that your palm was facing up, as he slowly carved one more “M” into it. You had a feeling this was going to be how all of you matches with him were going to go.

- Pyramid Head -

- You saw him as you finished the generator in the clocktower causing it to go off, alarming anyone and everything in the immediate vicinity. He was lumbering up the stairs, his large knife cutting a slit into the floor before barbed wire and sharp metal erupted from it.

- You sprinted away from him, jumping down a hole hoping to get some distance or all together lose him, but when you landed a piercing pain shot through your feet as you realized you stepped on a cleverly set up slit in the ground.

-Your heart beat and pained groan rang through his head wrapping itself around his brain. He wanted to hear you again. Wanted to watch you try to limp as fast as you could away from him. He had never seen someone as skilled as you. Sure you made his once fairly easy job harder, but he had to give credit where credit was due.

- You fascinated him, and he wanted to know more, to see more, to hear more of you. He couldn’t let you leave. It would be far too long before the chance of getting you in another match with him.

- He had continued to focus on you, watching you continue to do generators, or help your fellow teammates. The was you focused on them enraged the monster. How dare they keep your attention, how dare you focus on them without even thinking of him.

- Slowly one by one the other three met their demise, The Executioner torturing them more than normal. Their punishment needed to be even harsher to make them learn not to distract what was his.

- You heard every single one of the pained screams of your teammates, flinched every time as they screamed out for help. You still had to do two generators, so it was no use since you were the last one alive; he could easily hear where you were. You continued to limp through the school, never getting the chance to have your teammates patch up your wounds from stepping over his trail.

- It didn’t surprise you when you heard the heavy footsteps and the screeching of The Executioners blade against the ground. You didn’t have much hope left in your body.

-Eventually Pyramid head put you to the ground and sent you to the Cage of Atonement, and then found you once again. There he stood in front of you just staring at you as you shifted painfully around in the cage.

- It shocked you when you felt his large hand come up to feel your face, watching you start to shift away as best you could. He pet you gently, and you could sense something changing on this inside of him, something scary, and possessive. You knew this wasn’t going to be good even after this match ended. You knew the next time you faced the large creature, he would find you. He would always find you.

- Brahms Heelshire -

- You had stumbled into what had seemed like an abandoned mansion with one of your friends after your car had broken down and miles away from any form of civilization. You knew it would be a while before any towing company could get to you guys, so you thought your luck had finally turned around when you found this newly abandoned big home.

- Brahms instantly gravitated towards you, looking for something to fill the giant hole that Greta had left in his chest. Everything about you drew him in. The way you sounded, the way you looked, the way your hips moved as you swayed to the old classical records that were left in his house.

-Your friend on the other hand? He needed to go. Now.

-Brahms hated the way that your friend looked at you. Hated the way that he laughed at your jokes, or put a hand on your shoulder. That was supposed to be him. He was supposed to be the one touching you. Talking to you. Existing with you.

- Late at night, Brahms quietly made it to the room your friend was sleeping in. He needed to make it look like he had just gotten up and left you there. So as quickly and quietly as he could, he smothered your friend with a pillow, suffocating him. Luckily for Brahms, your friend never really put up much of a fight, too deep in sleep and too weak from oxygen loss to push him off.

- When you woke up in the morning, it was odd not to see your friend sitting in the living room waiting for you to get up, and when you walked into his room, you found it to be completely empty, bed made perfectly, not a single on of his belongings in site.

- He watch you from the walls as your body shook in the living room, as you realized he must’ve left without you in the night. You had wondered what you did wrong to make him just abandon you, and that’s when you realized you were still not alone.

- “You did nothing wrong, he was just a big meanie.” You gasped and shot up as you saw the grown man standing behind you staring at you.

-The minute you sprinted for the door, was the minute Brahms had made up his mind. He knew that you weren’t going to stay with him, even if he did capture you and keep you there. He knew you would never stop trying to escape.

-If he couldn’t have you, no one in the world could have you.

[mollymauk-teafleak]

I can see in your face that you mean it

Guess whose back. Back again.

Yeah I had a bad anxiety day so dived back into some old comfort media and decided to finish off a fic I started back in my intital Nightrunners obsession phase.

It's fluff and smut and emotions and if you like it, please consider leaving a comment over on Ao3!

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

Oh Aura, he’s beautiful.

Seregil would have thought, hoped maybe, that after months of pining after Alec and everything they’d been through, after finally getting him into bed and opening his heart in a way he’d never done before, he’d be done with this. That there wouldn’t be moments when his lover’s eyes caught the morning light or he grinned in that way that showed the slight gap in his front teeth or he’d feel his soft hair run through his fingers and Seregil’s heart would drop like he was half a child again and didn’t recognise the taste of love. And in his mind he’d just sigh he’s beautiful.

Except now he got to feel the second heart throbbing behind his own with it’s own silly, dizzy, free falling love and Seregil would get to follow it with and he’s mine.

Five days since their first together and none had been exactly like any other. Each one had been unique as Alec’s confidence grew and he began to ask for more, push further, move into the spaces Seregil left for him. He was as quick a learner as he’d ever been though Seregil couldn’t remember ever being quite so delighted by it. Maybe as he’d watched him learn his letters and read his first books while delight dawned in his eyes, perhaps that would come a fairly close second.

But when he closed the door to their Watermead room behind him and flicked the lock across with a reassuringly heavy metallic thunk, turning to see Alec already sprawled naked across the bed, Seregil thought maybe it wasn’t that close at all. Because what could compare to this?

Gods above, he’s beautiful.

“Come on,” Alec stretched out a hand to him playfully, a needy whine in his voice that may have been part of the game and may not have been, “I’ve been waiting for ages, how long does ‘one last cup of beer’ take?”

“When it’s as good as Kari’s? Quite a while,” Seregil smirked with amusement, coming over and catching Alec’s hand in his own, “And besides, I was trying to make it slightly less obvious what we would be doing. Trying to save what little of your modesty was left after you tore up the stairs as soon as dinner was done.”

Alec blushed a little but not as much as he might have done a few nights ago, “Everyone in the house already knows...and besides, you promised me something new.”

“That I did, talí,” Seregil raised Alec’s knuckles to his lips, “I would add that it’s only if you're willing but judging by how you tripped rushing up here- everyone saw that, by the way- you’re more than willing.”

His cheeks now the bright cherry colour Seregil knew and loved, Alec shivered, “You said perhaps we could go a little further…”

Seregil nipped at the inside of his wrist before letting go so he could make short work of his own clothes. Wearing any scrap of material while his lover was so pleasingly naked was unbearable. As he did, Alec rolled onto his back, stretching like a contented cat as if to make absolutely sure there was no possible inch of him he hadn’t seen. They’d been repairing and painting fences that day, there were still scrapes on Alec’s palms and knees from their work, white wash on his hairline he’d missed as he’d scrubbed off the marks from their duelling with paintbrushes. Little imperfections, lingering traces of the time they’d spent together, like a map Seregil was eager to follow.

Gods, he’s just so beautiful.

Twice in one night, what was happening to him?

Now undressed, Seregil nudged Alec’s legs open enough that he could kneel on the bed between them, “Not so much further, my talí, I won’t be asking a lot of you. I just...well, offering you some more of me?”

Alec’s eyes widened at the edges, as he gazed up at Seregil, “Oh. Like, um...like the tavern board?”

Seregil grinned, he really owed some of his green lantern friends a drink if they were ever back in Rhíminee, “Well, not quite as athletic as all that. And strictly just the two of us. But in essence? In mechanics? Yes.”

There was a soft inhalation, a flush creeping down Alec’s neck, “So...me...me in you?” Just saying the words sent the flush bleeding down across his collarbone.

“That is the way I’m used to doing things though I’d certainly be interested in covering all of our options, as it were,” Seregil tilted his head playfully, “Another night. For now, I thought this would be a little less daunting.”

Alec’s teeth snagged his lower lip, his clever mind clearly working behind his bright eyes as they slid down the length of Seregil’s body. He’d be lying if he said he wasn’t rather smug at the look of hunger and want that swiftly gathered in them.

“I’m willing to try,” Alec murmured eventually, his smile coming back quick and coy and daring, “As long as you promise I won’t be hurting you.”

Seregil raised an eyebrow and let his own eyes wander shamelessly, focusing between Alec’s open legs, “Well...it’s your rather superior equipment against my experience, isn’t it?”

“Oh hush!” Alec snorted, kicking out at him lightly, “I’m serious!”

Laughing, Seregil caught him by the ankle, pressing kisses along the inside of his leg, “I promise I’ll tell you if I need you to slow down or hold still. Communication, yes? Just like we talked about.”

Alec nodded, melting into the touch, growing pliant and supple. He knew this, he’d grown pleasantly familiar with such attentions to Seregil’s joy. And where his lover’s limited experience ended, Seregil could take his hand and lead him.

So he took his time, devotedly ensuring Alec was boneless and purring contentedly, soft and relaxed everywhere but between the legs. Only then did he pull back and go for his pack, left carefully within reach just over the edge of the bed. He drew back, holding a small bottle of oil made in red glass and shaped rather fancifully into a heart, stoppered with black wax.

“What’s that?” Alec asked, now watching every one of his movements very carefully.

“Ah,” Seregil slipped easily into his instructing voice, naturally holding the same tone he would if he were introducing Alex to a new type of lock, “When people make love in this fashion, a little extra help is required to allow things to move easily. That’s what this oil is for. Very important, particularly from my perspective.”

“Oh, to his credit, Alec was blushing less ferociously each time, “And, um...what do you do with it?”

Seregil smiled indulgently, eyes sparkling, “Why don’t I show you, talí?”

He opened the stopper with his teeth, holding the bottle at a height so Alec could watch it ooze thickly onto his fingertips. In the low candlelight, it shone like glass fresh drawn from a blower’s oven, it moved like honey.

Immediately, Alec sniffed, eyes brightening, “It smells nice...what is that?”

Seregil chuckled, tilting the bottle back to stem the flow once he judged he had enough, “You’re not getting away that easily. You tell me.”

“I thought we were making love, not a lesson,” Alec wrinkled his nose but he wasn’t one to miss a chance for praise, “Um...roses. Vanilla. Oh, those yellow flowers that grow in the Oreska House park, I can’t remember their name…”

“Ylang,” Seregil supplied, beaming proudly, “Well done, my love. This is the finest stuff from the Street of Lights so it’s scented. I expect we’ll have some leaner times in the future but fortunately there are a lot of other cheaper options that work just as well.”

He worked as he spoke, working the oil between his thumb and fingers, warming it a little. In moments, the air was filled with that rich, floral smell, the kind of scent you could get drunk on. Alec inhaled deeply, watching closely so he didn’t miss a moment of what Seregil was doing.

“And that stuff goes where exactly?” he breathed, curiosity and lust making him a little impatient.

“Plenty on your cock before it comes anywhere near me,” Seregil hummed, “You may think I’m flattering you, talí, but I’m perfectly serious. You’re one of the more...physically gifted lovers I’ve had.”

“One of?” Alec muttered as Seregil shifted, lazily stretching out onto his back then propping himself up on one elbow, stretching his legs out across his lover’s. Alec took immediate advantage, running his hands up Seregil’s calves, enjoying the play of muscle there.

Seregil either didn’t hear or chose not to hear, continuing, “But first my body needs some preparation. Other times this can be your task, if you like, but for tonight...just watch and learn.”

Alec nodded hard, his attention now fully caught on Seregil’s hand, two fingers shining with the oil, and it’s path down between his open legs. He’d spent the last five nights exploring every inch of his faie’s body but he still felt a slight shiver when he was allowed to see these most intimate parts of him, when he was allowed to feel some sense of ownership of them. Five nights was not nearly long enough that Alec’s pupils didn’t widen, his breath didn’t quicken, his mouth didn’t dry at the sight of Seregil sinking first one finger into himself, then two. He wasn’t sure an entire lifetime would be enough.

“Gods…” he murmured, apparently unconscious of the naked awe on his face, “And that...that feels good?”

Seregil rather thought his rapidly hardening prick answered that question but he was charmed nonetheless, “Yes. There’s a spot a little deeper, hold on...ah, there, right there...not strictly the point of this but gods, yes, it feels good.”

His voice grew more strained and breathy as he brushed his sweet spot, as he coaxed his muscles into slackening, scissoring his fingers and chuckling at the expression that put on Alec’s face as he watched, enraptured and practically salivating. He’d started leaning forward, apparently not realising that he was now sat right up off the bolsters.

“That’ll do,” Seregil eventually sighed, drawing his fingers back, “If it were you, I’d give you a little more but I rather like when it has a bit of bite to it.”

“Now me,” Alec reached for the oil, still in Seregil’s other hand, clearly eager to progress.

But Seregil sat up quick, holding the red vial just out of reach with an amused smirk, “Ah ah. Sit back, talí.”

Alec swallowed hand but did as he was bid, hands flitting to his chest where they waited like anxious birds. He watched, wide eyed and breath coming in snatches, as Seregil poured oil on his trembling erection from a few inches above, giving a strangled moan as the cool liquid met his burning skin.

“I want to make the most of this,” Seregil purred, “The first time I get to have you share my body...I won’t rush this, talí.”

Alec’s youth flashed through for a moment as he stuck his tongue out but then fell quiet as Seregil’s fingers caught the oil dripping down the side of his cock, working the slick across the flesh. Both of them seemed to realise the importance this night had taken, maybe feeling it in the talímenios bond humming with love and need between them. They would have hundreds of nights together over their long lives, they would know each other in so many ways, but everything would have a one and only first. And that was cause to hold your breath, bare your heart and pay attention.

Seregil kept his attentions brief and light, remembering that Alec had the stamina of someone very new to sex. He stopped as soon as his lover’s cock was shining in the rapidly dimming glow of their bedside candle.

“How…” Alec murmured, pupils now wide enough that little of their blue colour could be seen.

Seregil smiled indulgently, “You lie back, talí. It’ll let me set the pace of things and I want to see your beautiful face.”

That made Alec chuckle as he slid completely onto his back, making room for Seregil to mount him, to bracket his hips with his knees. He didn’t sink down just yet, taking a moment to admire his young lover’s face, the anticipation and surprise at a new, unfamiliar desire. Seregil lightly touched Alec’s cheek and, there again, that thought.

Oh Aura, he’s beautiful. How can he be so beautiful and not know? How can he be so beautiful and be mine?

Alec just smiled, turning his head slightly and kissing the tips of Seregil’s fingers, tasting rose and vanilla. Either the thought hadn’t made it across the talímenios bond in its entirety or Alec had simply heard, he’d glimpsed the insecurity that lay not all that deep beneath Seregil’s crooked smile and had swept it into the pile of things he loved about him without a second thought. Like it could be so easy.

“I love you,” the words were rawer than he’d intended, bursting from his chest like a bird fleeing through a bent bar in its cage. He’d said it before and he’d meant it but this time it came from the very soul of him.

And Alec smiled, bright as sunlight, meaning it just as much but finding it so much easier, “I love you too, Seregil.”

Dark strands of hair falling in his face, Seregil had no answer to that but to reach back and take Alec’s cock in his hand, guiding him inside him as he slowly sank down. Any more words and he felt he might explode. But this he could do, he could give Alec his body and gladly.

Alec gave a strained moan as soon as the head of him pushed past the tight ring, face tensing, “Gods...oh gods, Seregil…”

Seregil took a deep, slow breath, allowing and not forcing his body to stretch to accommodate Alec. There was pain, just an edge to it, the kind he had always loved about this act. Eventually, inch by inch, he took him down to the hilt, shifting both hands to brace on Alec’s chest.

“You’re so tight, fuck…”

Seregil gave a trembling, breathy laugh, tilting his head back, “Just give me a moment, talí…”

Alec held obediently still, even as a low moan echoed through his chest. His blonde hair fanned about the sheets like a sunburst, his jaw clenched tight, his eyes fixed on Seregil’s face with such devotion. He looked almost godlike, something to be worshipped.

Finally, Seregil felt ready, moving his hips slowly and then gradually faster. Each time, Alec pressed against his sweet spot, direct and undeniable, pulling a high gasp from him at the peak. Eventually he felt his talímenios move too, angling his hips to meet Seregil’s movements, near lifting him clear off the bed. He could only express his approval in a broken, wanton cry, drawing his nails down Alec’s chest.

“Oh talí, my talí,” he gasped, high and wild, falling forward so his hair fell in a waterfall about them, pulling him into a desperate kiss that was lavishly returned. He bucked wildly now, body instinctively seeking release.

“Seregil…” Alec keened into his open mouth, “Fuck, I...I can’t…”

“Let go,” Seregil gasped, pressing their foreheads together, “I’ve got you, it’s alright.”

“I...Seregil...fuck,” he near screamed the last few words, whole body snapping taught and rigid, hands flying up to seize his lover’s hips hard enough to bruise, holding him in place as he flooded him with heat.

Seregil cursed in Aurënfaie as he fell, bare seconds behind, painting Alec’s chest and chin in spatters of white. Not just their bodies but their bond thrummed as if set alight, pleasure almost painful to hold like you weren’t sure your body could hold it. But finally, just at the point where it would become too much, it peaked and both men were left panting and shaking.

Somewhere in it all the candles had finally guttered, Alec and Seregil coming back to their own minds in darkness. Outside, an owl called out a sweet, lowing song.

Alec moved, catching their lips together again, kissing him now gently and sweetly. Sergeil was helpless in his hands and his tenderness, feeling small and soft and safe above all.

“That was...gods, that was incredible,” Alec eventually murmured, his voice raspy and fractured, “What in the name of the gods was I doing for a year when we could have been doing this?”

Seregil laughed, feeling Alec soften and slip out of him, letting him fully sprawl across his lover and fully give in to his exhaustion.

“We have hundreds of years to make up for it, my sweet. Don’t you worry.”

Alec sighed happily, that thought giving him so much comfort as he threw a leg over Seregil to press him closer, “I don’t know how you do it. How you make me feel so brave so I can do things I never thought I could.”

Seregil pressed a kiss to the underside of his jaw, “I don’t make you brave, talí. I just remind you that you are.”

Alec sounded like he wanted to argue but was too tired, just embracing Seregil all the tighter, “Do we need to bathe now? After all that?”

“We should,” Seregil admitted, sighing and forcing himself to roll onto his back, “Especially me. You’re running down the backs of my legs…”

Alec wrinkled his nose and groaned, throwing his arms over his eyes as Seregil made himself stand, “Why is making love so messy when it's two men?”

Seregil looked over his shoulder, intending to make some wry comment but it died on his tongue. Alec had let his arms drop, revealing his face. Edged in what moonlight could creep past the curtains, his face flushed from exertion, gloriously naked and open and honest. Smelling of roses and sex, conquered and triumphant. Everything Seregil had told himself he didn’t deserve and yet here it was.

“What?” Alec was looking back at him, a soft smile playing on his lips, “You keep staring at me.”

Seregil inclined his head, padding back over to the bed and kissing him again just because he couldn’t imagine doing anything else at that moment. When he was done, he drew back just enough that he could see his lover’s face, knowing Alec could feel his love just behind his own heart.

“You’re just so beautiful.”

[seriouslysam8]

For the ask game, would you please answer questions numbered 2, 8, 14 (all of your titles have such cool names), 18 (I hope Abditory isn't one of them as that story rocks), 21, 24, 29, 30, 33, 34, 44, 51, 62, 76, 82, 85, 88, 90, and 98.

Sorry for asking so many, but I love your work! Entombed gave me so many feels! I found your stories because author Breanie said to read them in her author's notes. Best rec ever! Thank you for answering.

Wow, that is a lot of asks! Thank you so much for wanting to know so much about little ole me. I think I hit them all in this and my apologies if I missed one. Let me know if I missed one. @breaniebree is awesome and my writing BFF. She is amazing, and I love her.

2) What fandoms do you write for and do you have a particular favourite if you write for more than one?

So, I’ve written for The X-Files, Supernatural, and Harry Potter. I currently only write for Harry Potter. I would say Harry Potter has always been the most fun.

8) Where do you take your inspiration from?

Random shit. Brontide came to me because I was browsing the HPFanfiction subreddit looking for a story suggestion and someone asked for a story where Harry was addicted to Felix. Only one unfinished dimensional time travel story was listed. It idea sparked me to write my own version. Entombed came to me because I was rewatching Buffy the Vampire Slayer where Buffy was buried alive. I knew I wanted to bury Ginny alive. As I stated in the author’s notes of last Kalopsia chapter, I drew inspiration from the Djinn storyline in Supernatural. I write about things I know, too. I have young kids at home so I like writing the Potter children as young because I can mimic their mannerisms in my writing. I’ve even asked my kids to say certain words to emulate their speech pattern in my writing if I’m writing that age group.

14) How did you come up with the title for the XXX? You can ask about multiple stories.

I HATE coming up with titles. My newest trend has been to literally Google “unique words”. There are a ton of Pinterest accounts who make fancy word and definition pictures. I scroll through all these little unique words and pick out ones I think fit a story. Sometimes I Google a unique word for BLANK and see if I can get a cool version of that name. @breaniebree actually helped me with Entombed.

18) Do you have any abandoned WIP’s? What made you abandon them?

Sadly, I would put Abditory in this category. Never say never though. I think about it from time to time. Honestly, I abandoned it due to such a negative response I was receiving and the lack of positive response. I became discouraged. It wasn’t even negative response due to my writing, it was literally a bunch of “why would you waste your time writing a story about the biggest plot hole in the books? JKR butchered the whole SK storyline and it’s unbearable to read.” So, basically, my reviews and PMs were filled with JKR hate over that plot point in the books. They heavily outweighed the positive reviews I received. Honestly, I think that’s why a bulk of stories get abandoned - lack of positive reviews or enthusiasm for a story. If I didn’t get so many great reviews for my stories, I don’t know if I’d be able to finish them or continuing writing new ones. Fanfiction is free, (as it should be) but it’s a lot of time and hard work. A little appreciation goes a LONG way. So, my advice, review everything you love reading and encourage writers to keep writing. I always say in my authors notes that reviews make me want to write and inspire me. That’s the truth. The moment I stop getting reviews will probably be the time I take a writing break again.

21) Tell me about another writer(s) who you admire? What is it about them that you admire?

@breaniebree. I mean she’s dedicated years to a single story with so many plot lines and characters that I’m amazed she did it. She’s a fantastic writer, and I definitely consider her my writing BFF. I feel like I’ve learned a lot from her and enjoy talking about writing with her so much. I’m so glad we’ve become friends.

24) How do you feel about writing smutty scenes?

Horrified. Anytime I get a little steamy in my stories, it goes immediately to @breaniebree who usually adds way too much smut and then I cut it down to still be somewhat PG-13 in order to appeal to a wider audience.

29) Do you have a story that you feel doesn’t get as much love as you’d like?

I feel like Kalopsia isn’t getting as much love as my other stories. I’m way behind in my normal review count per chapter. I wonder if it’s just the confusing storyline or if it’s just not as fun to read? But I was definitely worried it wouldn’t get the love I thought it deserved when I started writing it and it’s lived up to that expectation.

30) In contrast to 29, is there a story which gets lots of love which you kinda eye roll at?

Cronus Rising. People still recommend it occasionally and I still get random reviews. I’m like, “why????” Its horribly written and a stupid plot line. I literally was getting back into writing after not writing for a good five years, so it’s abysmal. I’ve often wanted to rage delete it.

33) What’s the biggest compliment you’ve gotten?

When someone tells me I should write an original novel and they’d buy the hell out of it. I do have some original novel ideas floating around (one I’ve been writing since I was like 15), but crippling fear of rejection from publishers have stopped me from ever actually finish an original novel.

34) What’s the harshest criticism you’ve gotten?

I got some criticism in Brontide for having drama for drama’s sake with no real purpose or goal for said drama. I felt my drama served a purpose, drove the story along, and I add a lot of fluffy and cute family moments. I feel like in real life, when you to your loved one is going through sometime, it feels like nonstop drama and bad news and like a dark cloud just follows you. I wanted to emulate that in real life. So Harry’s POV was often drab because HE was the one going through something horrific and it was all doom and gloom for him.

44) What is the last line you wrote?

“You never think I listen to your ramblings, but it’s kind of hard to block out, mate.”

51) From one to five stars, how would you rate your writing? (No downplaying yourself!)

Um... I’d say a 3. I think I have some good and unique plots for stories but sometimes I struggle on how to execute those on paper effectively. I struggle with descriptions, action, and showing rather than telling. But I do think I’m good at dialogue and capturing a character’s personality. So, 3.

62) Tell us about a WIP you’re excited about.

A lot! I have a Teddy/Victoire stalker story in the works that I’m excited about. I have (this is going to sound weird) but an outsider rom-com planned where Ron/Hermione breakup right before Hinny’s wedding and Hinny struggles to get them back together before the big day. I have a Potter family vacation fluff/comedy story planned. I have a game night one-shot planned. I have a short story about Luna’s wedding. So many that I want to write and don’t know which one to write first!!

76) Is there anything you’ve wanted to write, but you’ve been too scared to try?

I’d say no. I’ve always tried to write my ideas down. Some I’ve never finished because inspiration peters off and some I plan on finishing once my newest big project is done.

82) Summarize a random fic of yours in 10 words or less.

Harry goes through some shit, and Ginny is his soulmate.

85) Ramble about any fic-related thing you want!

I don’t understand why people don’t ship Harry/Ginny more. I don’t understand the Harry/Daphne obsessions (like just why???) or the Harry/Hermione ship at all. I always see people asking for story recommendation and they specific say “no Harry/Ginny”. They are literally perfect for one another and they are soulmates.

88) If you could ask one other fanfic author three questions about their writing, writing process, or works, what would they be and who would you ask?

@breaniebree .

1.) How do you organize all your charts? Send me the ALL the charts. Because I don’t understand how you keep everything straight!

2.) How do you write so much? You’re like a little writing machine in a cute little package.

3.) Where do all the ideas come from? In a dream? Just thinking? Driving? Do you write everything out in your head like meeee? Can I have some of your writing mojo?

90) How do you process and deal with negative reviews?

I obsess over them. I analyze them. I may get bummed out and not write for a few days. If you don’t like what I write, then don’t read or review. It’s a hobby. I do this for free. I’m not asking you to critique me. Give me a nice review or ask me a question, but don’t be cruel or mean because you can hide behind a keyboard and be a bully to make yourself feel superior.

98) If you had to give up either snacks and drinks during writing sessions, or music, which would you find more difficult to say goodbye to and why?

Music. I grew up with three older brothers. My house was always rowdy and loud and obnoxious. I need it to be loud. I can’t stand the silence or focus when it’s silent. I need music to help me think and write. When I’m home alone, I always turn on the TV or music, because I can’t stand when it’s silent. I think I’d go insane.

[thewayshedreamed]

Side Bar

An Elriel fic

This fic is set in the “This Time” Nessian AU— Starting with Elain’s birthday party from Part 3. Here’s the back story of those texts that haunted Elain, how the conversation with Azriel went, and mention of the eventual date that Nesta interrupted in Part 6 😉

You can catch up on This Time here!

A/N: It only took an eternity for me to finish this chapter. It’s the first thing I’ve posted that’s Elriel-centric, so I found myself deleting/re-writing to try and get it right. Eventually, I had to cut myself off and just put myself out there, so I hope y’all like how I’ve written them! Shoutout to @keshavomit and @acourtofmarauders whose comments inspired me to share this!!

——————————————————————————

Once Nesta dropped her off at her apartment post birthday breakfast, Elain drew herself a hot bubble bath. She hoped the warm water would ease her achy muscles and her unsteady nerves; both from the night before. It wasn’t that she had completely blacked out. She remembered the majority of the night, with only the time after her body started to succumb to exhaustion being a little fuzzy.

She lay back onto the back of the tub, taking a deep breath of eucalyptus scented bubbles and easing her eyes closed. She couldn’t help but reflect over the night, heart swelling with love for her family and friends who had truly made her 23rd birthday one to remember. It was increasingly rare that every one of them were able to get together on the same night, and she was feeling extra loved that they made it out just for her.

She had a few laughs to herself as the memories ran through her mind. She thought of her and Feyre dancing for hours, being joined by the others on and off throughout the night. Cassian grabbing her hand when Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” came through the speakers, spinning her around and singing loudly with her. Her friends keeping her drinks full and making her laugh. Being so excited that Nesta finally joined them for a couple of songs. Spinning into Azriel accidentally and hearing his deep laugh as he steadied her.

And just like that, her thoughts hanged on Azriel; like they always seemed to. She was no moron. She knew they had a natural sort of chemistry, but she always struggled to tell if he truly saw her that way or if he would ever be open to her. She was struck with a memory of him from the night before, something that hadn’t come back to her until now.

——————————————————————————

Somehow, she had ended up near the edge of the dance floor, semi-cornered near a table by Grayson. She remembered being so annoyed that he’d been there and even more annoyed that he was insisting on polite conversation. She wanted to yell at him that she knew he didn’t give a shit how she was doing and that he had no right to know after he’d wrecked her heart a couple of years prior. She wanted to swat at his hands when he would laugh and playfully touch her or reach for her. The alcohol in her system was begging her to do all of it, and she was almost completely convinced. Just one more touch or one more attempt at familiarity, and it was game over. She steeled herself, waiting, until a pair of arms wrapped gently around her waist from behind.

“There you are, love.” Azriel’s smooth, deep voice ran over her, and she relaxed immediately.

He was closer than usual, more affectionate. She realized the show they were supposed to be putting on, and she leaned into him. She rested her head back on his chest, and turned her chin way up to look into his face. He was looking down at her, mere inches away, with amusement sparkling in his hazel eyes.

“Hey,” she breathed, lamely, if she was being honest with herself. She felt the impression of cool glass in her hand and looked down.

”Sorry it took me so long to grab your drink. The bar was really backed up.”

She looked down at the half-empty glass in her hand. Definitely his existing drink. She decided to give him a little hell. Why not? They were pretending, anyway.

“Babe. It’s half-empty,” she pointed out through a laugh.

He narrowed his eyes at her playfully, telling her he knew she was being difficult. “I may or may not have gotten thirsty on my way back to find you.”

“Az, you remember Grayson.” She gestured toward her ex as she spoke. When he looked up, she noticed the tension in his jaw.

“Of course. How are you, man?” He released her waist with one hand, extending it toward Grayson. Grayson only looked at it, ignored it completely, and addressed Elain.

”Really? This guy? You’re better than that.” She felt Azriel tense behind her. Grayson gripped her upper arm, pulling her toward him. “You can’t be fucking serious, Elain. Guys like him are good for one thing. Maybe you can have a few good rolls around in the sheets, but you can’t honestly expect to settle down with a guy like him.”

All too quickly, Azriel’s large hand gripped Grayson’s wrist where he was holding Elain’s arm. There was a layer of darkness to his tone that Elain had never heard.

“Get your fucking hand off of her. Now.” He gripped Grayson harder in warning, but Grayson’s eyes stayed on Elain’s.

“Elain, come on,” Grayson said.

She was fuming. His company had been unwelcome from the beginning. He’d been far too comfortable entering her personal space. He had openly insulted Azriel on multiple levels. He was manhandling her. The words left her before she could stop them, the alcohol delighting that it finally got its way.

“Even if you’re right, he’s the best fuck I’ve ever had and has ruined me for anyone else. So allow me to indulge myself for as long as I feel like it,” she seethed.

Grayson’s eyes widened and quickly narrowed in anger. Nevertheless, his grip on her arm softened, and Azriel shoved his arm back toward his body. He shook his head and walked away, totally speechless.

“You okay, Ellie?” Azriel was in front of her now, looking down into her face. He was running the back of his fingers up and down her arms, and she cursed the goosebumps that erupted over her skin.

“Yeah. I really am. Thank you for coming over. You didn’t have to do that,” she said. She glanced up at him and watched his features soften when he realized she was serious. Shortly thereafter, he started laughing.

“Elain, you can’t just go around saying things like that about me. Word will travel, and I may not live up to people’s expectations,” he joked.

She groaned, feeling guilty that she had completed objectified him without his consent. She leaned into him, resting her forehead on his chest for a couple of seconds before looking at him again.

“I am so sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I don’t know what got into me. I just felt like humbling him a little, and I didn’t like how he was talking about you.”

Azriel laughed as he pulled her into a hug, his forearm braced around her neck.

“No apologies, Ellie. Come on. I owe you a drink; you know, a fresh one.”

——————————————————————————

Elain’s eyes popped open, and despite the heat of the bath water, she felt herself flush further at the memory. He hadn’t seemed bothered, but holy shit. Who would take it upon themselves to call someone “the best fuck they’ve ever had” when they’d never so much as hugged long enough to be considered intimate? Gods above.

She was obsessively thinking about her deleted messages again. She grabbed her phone off the side of the tub, hoping that when she opened her messages app, all of her texts would magically reappear. They didn’t, just as they hadn’t the other 15 times she’d done it that day.

She removed the plug from the bathtub, letting the water out and begging it to take all her memories along with it. She toweled off, put her lazy Sunday clothes on, and padded out of the bathroom.

She was startled by her phone ringing and dragging her back to the present. To her absolute horror, Azriel’s name flashed on her screen.

She steadied herself before she answered. She was glad to hear that her voice sounded as if she were a perfectly stable person.

“Hello?”

”Hey, Ellie. How you feeling today?” he teased.

Hungover. Fucking mortified.

”About how you would imagine,” she laughed. “What’s up?”

”I wanted to check in on you. And I wanted to see when you would have some free time to meet up. I still have your gift,” he explained.

Of course he’d gotten her a gift. Because he was wonderful. And she’d treated him like a glorified escort. She answered him before she lost her nerve.

”Oh. You didn’t have to do that, Az,” she paused. “What about now? You could come by?”

It took him a couple of seconds to respond. “Um, sure. Yeah. You know, it doesn’t have to be today, though. I didn’t mean to impose or anything.”

Shit. Was she too eager? To hell with it if she was. Waiting would kill her.

”You’re not! Really. I’m just being a bum on my couch today. I’d like the company,” she replied.

——————————————————————————

After about thirty minutes, Elain was convinced she was being stood up. Maybe he didn’t have the heart to tell her he wasn’t wanting to see her today. She was about to draft a text to him before she heard his knock on her apartment door.

“Come in!” she called. She had unlocked her door during her fitful pacing minutes ago.

He poked his head in before opening the door and stepping inside. The sunshine flowed into the apartment behind him, and for a second, she was almost convinced that he was superhuman. His dark hair was damp and brushed haphazardly to the side, and she couldn’t help thinking about how unfairly attractive he was. He was wearing a black v-neck with black jogger sweats, and his scent of cedar and mist washed over her as he plopped on her couch.

“You look way too alive and well today. Seems a little unfair,” she pouted.

He breathed a laugh as he turned toward her. “Some of us drank water throughout the night, birthday girl,” he teased as he tapped her nose with his index finger.

“Hey!” she exclaimed in faux annoyance. “I drank water. Maybe it was today, but I did.”

He tapped her knee with his hand, and she swore she felt it throughout her entire body.

”I’ll be nice. I’m here bearing gifts, after all,” he replied.

She thought back to the night before. The memory of their bit with Grayson, her deleted texts. She thought of Nesta’s words of advice that morning to ask him about the only remaining text she had: his reply. It was now or never, she supposed.

”Before you give me my present...” She bit her lip. “...can I talk to you?”

She watched his eyes land on her lips and jump immediately to her meet her stare. His brows furrowed in concern.

“Of course, Ellie. About anything. You okay?” His words, so similar to those he asked her last night, flooded her nerves all over again.

“I woke up this morning to a really confusing text from you. Not that what you said is confusing necessarily, but apparently, I deleted all of my texts last night. I must have done it right before you responded, so I have zero context to our conversation.” She could feel the heat of her blush on her chest, her neck, her face. She wanted to be literally anywhere else. She showed him the text for frame of reference.

Azriel: 😂 Not cool. You had me worried there for a minute, Ellie. Goodnight. Hope you enjoyed your birthday.

She watched his eyes scan the text, his lips spreading into a small smile. He wasn’t speaking soon enough for her liking.

”Oh. That. We had been texting a little at the table right before you left, but at some point between you standing to leave and getting home, you sent me this.” He scrolled through his phone until he landed on her message. He turned it to her so that she could read it for herself.

Ellie: I’m v mad at you Az

Another one, several minutes later.

Ellie: Nvm talked to Nessie. We’re good. Night 😘

Cauldron, Elain. Kiss emoji, really?

The only other message was his response that she’d already shown him.

She shook her head. “I have no idea what that’s about. What was I saying before that?”

Now it was Azriel’s turn to blush, the tips of his ear turning a faint pink. “Oof. I don’t know if sober me feels as bold as the drunk me in those. I think I’ll just keep those tucked away.”

She blinked at him and his nerve to insinuate he was going to keep them from her.

“Azriel Spion. You better show me those texts.”

”Mm. Don’t think I will, Elain Archeron.” His blush spread to his cheeks.

She lunged for his phone, but he dodged her at the last second. He lifted it into the air out of her reach, her body sprawled across his lap. Elain with less adrenaline would have been mortified to find herself there, but this was critical information. She pushed herself back onto her knees, reaching for the phone in his outstretched hand. He evaded her yet again.

”Why are you so giant? For the love of the Mother, just let me see!” she exclaimed.

”No! It’s not my fault you deleted yours,” he retorted.

She knew she would never be able to overpower him, and he was too stubborn for her to talk him into giving in. She landed on torture, hoping it would work in her favor.

She stopped reaching for his phone and instead turned her hands to his torso. His position left his underarms wide open, and she took her chance, hoping he was ticklish. Otherwise, this would only be even more awkward than it already was.

To her absolute delight, Azriel yelped in surprise. He immediately snapped his arms to his sides as he tried, and failed, to hold back his loud laugh. He tried to move away or grip her hands, but doing so would mean he would have to shift his arms. His body wouldn’t allow it.

“Elain!” he bellowed. “Stop it. I said STOP.” He let out another loud belly laugh, and Elain fell a little bit harder at the sound. It was one of the most precious things she had ever seen. Azriel, who was always so reserved, so dry, letting out such a loud, deep laugh felt like an honor to witness.

”Not until you show me those texts! They’re just as much mine as there are yours!” She had to raise her voice over his laughter, the words coming out through laughter of her own.

“You didn’t keep yours,” he said through clenched teeth between laughs. “Not. My. Problem.”

She pushed her fingers in a little harder, and he yelped again, dissolving into laughter once more.

“Fine! Alright!” he yelled. “You win!”

He tossed his phone on the cushion behind her. She stopped immediately to retrieve it, leaving Azriel spent and gasping for breath next to her.

“You tiny, brutal woman,” he breathed, eyes locked on her.

She waved him off, scrolling up through his messages to the beginning of last night’s conversation. The first messages were mild enough. She thanked him for her birthday drink, for saving her from that conversation with Grayson, for humoring her with a slow dance despite the fact that he wasn’t one to dance much. His responses were polite and friendly, barely on the flirtatious side. She was about to toss his phone into his lap and call him dramatic before her eyes landed on a message that sent her pulse through the roof.

Ellie: That feels nice. Thank you 😊

A: Anything for the birthday girl.

Ellie: I mean, I can’t believe everyone hasn’t offered to play with my hair. Seems a little rude.

A: Very. I guess you’ll have to get new friends.

Ellie: Except you. You have to stay 💕

A: Like I said, anything for you.

She shot her gaze up to look at Azriel. He was watching her with the focus of a surgeon, scanning her face for any reaction. She was doing the same to him. She had a vague, fuzzy memory of sitting next to him in their booth for a portion of the night and assumed that’s when these had occurred. They had likely resorted to texting considering their friends’ nosiness. There were more messages, the time stamp about thirty minutes later.

Ellie: Stop being so nice to me. I’m going to fall in love with you.

A: Promise?

Ellie: 😅 Very funny. You’ve been warned.

The rest were the ones she’d already read about how she was mad at him, whatever that meant. She could hear her own heartbeat; feel her blood pressure in her gums. She knew her blush was at an embarrassing level, and she had to take a couple of deep breaths before she looked at him again. He was still looking at her, an almost pained expression on his face.

She cleared her throat. “So. Did you?”

”Did I what?”

”Stop being nice to me,” she murmured.

”No.”

She locked his phone and handed it back to him as she settled into the cushions. She wanted so badly to close the distance between them, but she knew she’d already pushed him beyond his comfort zone. His answer spoke volumes if she was interpreting him correctly, but she was terrified to find out. She decided to stay the course, keeping the focus on her deleted messages.

“I guess I should check in with Nes. Just to see what I was mad about,” she said quietly.

”I talked to her this morning,” he murmured.

Her eyes locked on his yet again.

”And are you going to tell me?”

”Do I have a choice? You’ll torture it out of me otherwise,” he joked. She was grateful for the laughter as a break in the tension. He cleared his throat.

“You told Nesta you were mad at her, too. When she asked why, you told her it was because she and I are such close friends,” he said. He glanced at her, giving her a chance to react.

“Why would I care about that now? I only know you because of your friendship.” She was so tired of being lost, of being the only one who didn’t know what was happening.

His voice remained quiet and even, as if speaking any louder may scare her away. “You told her it was because I would never look at you. Because you’re her little sister and I was considerate and wouldn’t want to make her mad.”

She swallowed thickly, hoping she looked more put together than she actually was. “And what did she say that made me so quick to drop it?”

That evoked a small laugh and the sound of it made her want to curl into him. “That I’m not scared of her in the slightest,” he began. “And that I was basically the only person she would find worth of you.” His blush deepened as he finished.

She nodded, processing his words. Her mouth was dry, and she was totally speechless. The distance between them was almost painful now, but she was so terrified to make him uncomfortable and potentially ruin their comfortable friendship.

He shifted on her couch, scooting a little closer to her. She was still facing him, her legs curled under her and her elbow settled on the back of the couch. She propped her head on her fist and fixed her gaze on his thigh, an inch away from her knees.

“When I told Nesta that I’d deleted my texts, she told me to talk to you. That you would be understanding.” She glanced up at him. “I basically bit her head off. But it’s because she knew without a doubt that you would understand, isn’t it?”

”She’s known for a long time how I feel, Ellie. Without me having to say a word.”

All she could do was nod. He shifted forward, turning his attention back to the reason he’d come over.

”Az, you really didn’t have to—“ he interrupted her my lifting a scarred finger.

”None of that. I wanted to, and I did.” He placed an envelope in her lap as he ran his hand through his damp hair.

She opened it, scanning small documents inside to figure out what he had gifted her. Two tickets to see the Velaris Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the first true conversations they’d had, she shared with him that she wanted to go one day. With the hustle and bustle of life and the expenses that came with it, she’d never gotten around to it.

True to her sensitive spirit, tears brimmed her lower eyelids. She was so touched that he remembered but simultaneously felt guilty that he’d spent so much on a gift for her.

“You can invite who you want to. I know Nesta has wanted to go, but you can bring a friend, too. I just wanted to make sure you had company. It didn’t feel right to give you a gift where you’d have to go alone.” Her heart melted at his rambling. Azriel never showed his nerves, and he had let that wall down for her several times today.

“Azriel.” She glanced at him, willing him to look at her again. His elbows were resting on his knees and he’d been staring straight ahead as he spoke. He finally turned his head toward her, his onyx hair brushing across his brow. She leaned forward, resting her chin on his shoulder as she took in his elegant bone structure.

“Thank you. I love it more than you know,” she whispered.

His eyes lit up at her words, and her chest squeezed at how much joy it brought him to make her happy. His eyes fell to her lips, and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth as she watched him wet his own. He brought a scarred hand up to cup her cheek and pulled her face even closer to his, using his thumb to pull her lip from her teeth. She gasped softly, and he pressed his full lips softly to hers. She leaned into him, letting out a small whimper when his grip tightened slightly on her cheek.

Something shifted in him at hearing her whimper into his mouth, and he sat up to orient his body toward hers. He deepened the kiss, then hooked his hand behind her knee to pull her over his lap. She settled into him, moving her hips against his, and he let out a low groan as she moved.

She pulled back from his kiss to look at him, still a little in disbelief that this is where their day had taken them. She ran her fingers through his hair and watched as his eyes fluttered shut. He let out the most indecent moan, and it took everything she had not to slant her mouth over his again.

“What are you doing Thursday?” she asked.

His eyes popped open, still a little glazed over from the heat between them. His hands were under her sweater, thumbs tracing small circles over her ribs.

“No plans, why?”

”A very dear friend of mine gifted me two tickets to see the orchestra, and I’d really like to take you on a date, if that’s okay.”

He smiled at her, his eyes turning up at the corners as he looked at her. “I would say I feel bad for the guy, but there’s no way I’m missing that,” he replied, his lips brushing hers as he spoke. “I’ll be sure to pull out my best suit.”

Her returning smile was so broad, it almost hurt. “Perfect. I can’t wait,” she whispered as she started to rock her hips once more. His lips crashed into hers then, their conversation over for the time being.

Before she lost herself in him completely, she had one fleeting thought as she reflected over their earlier words. “So, did you?”— “Did I what?”— “Stop being nice to me.”— “No.”

It looked like he was hell bent on keeping it that way, and she knew she was beyond screwed.

She was already in love with Azriel Spion, and even still, he was never going to stop being nice to her.

——————————————————————————

Well, there it is! A brief timeline note: Nesta’s phone call falls on that Thursday, during their post-date sleepover. I hope y’all enjoyed it!

Tags (This Time taglist + masterlist):

@polireader // @lord-douglas-the-third // @justgiu12 // @notyournymphetish // @sjm-things // @strangeenemy // @iammissstark // @keshavomit // @sjmships // @cookiemonsterwholovesbooks // @dusty-lightbulb // @texas-shaped-waffle-maker // @julemmaes // @charincharge // @superspiritfestival // @awesomelena555 // @sleeping-and-books // @hizqueen4life // @maastrash // @bookstantrash // @rhyswhitethorn // @grace-k-sterling // @sayosdreams // @sis-it-dont-add-up // @b00kworm // @courtofjurdan // @sannelovesreading // @acourtofmarauders // @candice-dick-fit-in-your-mouth // @gisellefigue08 // @girl-who-reads-the-books