#give me an excuse to avoid the family drama

[helenazbmrskai]

Guide on how to not marry the Northern Duke. [1/2]

Title [Guide on how to not marry the Northern Duke.]

Pairing [Northen Duke! Yoongi x Reincarnated! Reader]

Genre [Fantasy Romance, Reincarnation, World in a novel AU, future smut and angst]

Summary [You need to make an elaborate plan so you can avoid your impending death at the hands of your favourite character so you can’t just sit around and wait for something to happen – no matter how distraught you wake up one day in an unfamiliar bed.]

Words [11,5k ; part 1 out of 2]

Warnings [mistreatment and negligence, period drama, slow burn, mention of blood and drugs, tiny sexual tension]

Rating [+18 overall but this part is a tame +14]

A/N: Guess who’s back again? ME. I’ve been working on this for a lot and I know I already have a similar story on going but I just couldn’t get over this idea in my head. So enjoy! And as always excuse me for the typos.

Masterlist // part 2 (end) // I don't do tag lists anymore I'm sorry!

Every story needs a good start, and this one starts now with an old tale, much older than you.

There’s an ancient fairytale that tells you about the funding of the Empire and it all starts when God left.

Tired of human foolishness and deeply rooted malice he left the world he created to turn around its axis and burn down on its own; famine started to scavenge the continent as war broke out in every corner of the human world. Each kingdom perished one by one until only one was left.

It seemed like humanity would be wiped out permanently in no time but then just when they all thought there was no turning back, a saintess appeared among the rest and divided the continent into four regions with the help of the received divine power. That’s the birth of the empire’s central city where the empress Hyeri ruled over the four divided territories.

To prevent war from breaking out again the saintess turned to the heavens and pleaded while crying out to their maker and hearing her prayers the God who left decided to give them one last chance at redemption seeing the pure heart in front of him.

That’s when the holy prophecy was made.

Each chosen duke was granted unique powers to rule over their territories. However great powers come with great responsibilities. In the end, there’s always a price to pay but that’s the tale of another story.

This is how peace finally settled over the world once more. In exchange for the powers, the dukes wrote a blood oath that prevented them from stealing each other’s powers or waging unnecessary war. However just like every pact it wasn’t perfect. Loopholes could be taken advantage of but momentarily peace was forged.

This is the short version of the founding tale of the originated Kingdom that was taught to the people of the empire throughout generations. You particularly remember these starting lines from the novel you read in your previous life. The introduction is something you often skip through but thankfully you didn’t do that with this one.

The four families who inherited great power were Kim, Jung, Min and Jeon. When you first read the story introduction you thought that it’s quite lame and generic to base the family's attributes on the four seasons. However, seeing one of the duke’s illustrations you decided to read it all.

When choosing a book to read you only pay attention to the hotties. In this case, it wasn’t any different either.

A mysterious and cold duke of the north is something that a girl cannot ignore to save her life.

Each duke possesses an artefact which comes in the form of a ring and different precious gemstones that fit into the depression are named after the four seasons using a dead language.

Nix - means snow, which makes the wearer the lord of winter. The most handsome guy throughout the entire book in your opinion. Next, Saltus - translates to forest which is the symbol of spring. Umbra is shade and Calor is heat. The last remaining ones are autumn and summer. Each duke is the epitome of beauty, and their descendants are no exception.

This is a fantasy romance novel you read before you died in a sudden hit and run accident.

The original story is about an orphan girl Hyo who is the lost daughter of the king. After she’s found – the plot starts as she meets the four archdukes at the annual imperial ball and falls in love with the lord of Spring. Kim Taehyung. A handsome man with good manners and unmatched beauty as he’s described in the book. She’s captured by one look of the male lead’s brown eyes and shiny blond curly hair. Despite their fairytale-like first meeting, their love is not exempt from hardships. Their first obstacle is the villainess Kim Y/N who falls in love with Taehyung at first sight at the same ball and sets her eyes on marrying him but in the end, she fails to murder Hyo and gets beheaded by the second male lead Min Yoongi as an imperial order.

Hyo and Taehyung then live happily ever after and the novel ‘Flowers bloom in the heart of the Lost Princess’ ends there.

You see, dying a second time is not an option even if the one you possessed is Y/N.

You need to make an elaborate plan so you can avoid your impending death by the hands of your favourite character so you can’t just sit around and wait for something to happen – no matter how distraught you wake up one day in an unfamiliar bed.

Even though there’s no chance you will fall in love with the Duke of Spring like in the original novel – things can still go wrong if you make changes in the natural flow of the story, so you need to think this through carefully. You need to think about the plot holes and that the characters you see can be different from what you read in the book as that only tells you one side of the story.

The first thing you need to change gradually is the way the servants and the Duke see you.

The first week when you reincarnated as Y/N you spent your days with a high fever bedridden, you’re not sure if the pain came from the strain of absorbing the real Y/N’s memories or if something else is behind it. Your health is very poor as your medical history suggested, but you get accustomed to the villainess' body step by step. After another week your probation ended so you were able to leave the estate freely again. There were days when sudden headaches interrupted your day and, in the morning, you often coughed up blood.

You ignored it at first because the symptoms seemed to get better with time, and you had no way of knowing if it was normal. You didn’t ask in case someone found it suspicious. The most important thing right now is that you need to focus on staying alive and avoiding your death at the end of this novel – this is what you thought without knowing anything at that time.

As the plot thickens when you least expect it.

It’s not just your weird health conditions your head hurts just from thinking about the actions of the real owner of this body.

You just can’t grasp why a beautiful woman like Y/N would do those cruel things when she has everything she could’ve asked for. She’s a rich girl born with a golden spoon in her mouth, and she gets crazy just because she can’t have a man. It feels unnatural. If someone asks you to choose between life and a man you would choose life without hesitation.

You can have another man but not another life. Er, well – in your case, you do get another one thought but that’s beside the point.

Even before that incident happened with the female lead, she had a terrible reputation among the nobles.

Well – you can’t do anything if you’re not well rested so you will just think about this a bit later. You can’t possibly pull another all-nighter to study how this novel works. You close your eyes to finally get some shut eye when some woman barges into your room without knocking forcefully parting your curtains to let the early rays of sunshine in. The sound of her voice makes you freeze. This uncomfortable feeling suddenly ripped through your body as if a pile of rocks were sitting on your chest not letting you breathe. While you gained some of Y/N’s memories there are still holes in those fragments that you’re unsure of. However, her feelings are so intense sometimes that your body reacts like clockwork.

What you feel after hearing her voice is sheer terror. Who is this woman that even a villainess like Y/N is even afraid of? You can’t open your eyes as if your body is doing it unconsciously, unmoving like a doll to protect itself. Someone is coming closer.

You feel a prick on your forearm and your eyes fly open due to the pain. Her name appears in your mind as soon as you see her face and some of Y/N’s memories flood your head regarding that nasty woman. She triggers something dark in your eyes to appear.

Your nanny, Biwon.

“Wake up. Are you planning to sleep till the afternoon?” Biwon lets out a fake troubled sigh and her eyes are full of arrogance when you meet them you freeze completely at the sight.

“I’m sorry nanny.” Your mouth moves on its own like a broken record. It feels like this is not the first time she wakes Y/N up with a prick of a needle and the apology comes to her like second nature. Y/N’s attitude shows all kinds of trauma of being abused. How is it that this was never mentioned in the novel? While not much was mentioned about how she grew up you would think this is a piece of important information to have.

“Wash your face the duke requested to have breakfast with you for some reason.” She left without giving you any kind of assistance like a maid should do. At last, the water in the basin is ice cold to the touch and murky it manages to wake you up completely from shock.

You’re not just imagining it. Biwon has complete power over Y/N even though she’s the lady of the house.

You knew that the other maids avoided Y/N because of her temperament but to think that she’s been through manipulation and abuse by someone so close to her. Because Biwon is the one who spent the most time next to Y/N ever since she was a child everyone buys her lies. No one pays attention to Y/N, not her father or her brother.

She has no one to rely on in this household.

Biwon deliberately made her isolated in her own home so she could control and exploit her. Her malicious plan is clear to you after observing the situation objectively. What else is there that was not mentioned in the novel? Things might be more complicated than you thought.

However, this is not the time to ponder over this. You need to get ready alone. It didn’t take you long to realise Biwon forbids the maids from helping you so you can embarrass yourself in front of your family. While the real Y/N would have problems with getting dressed and being presentable without help as she’s a noble – there’s one tiny fault in your nanny’s plan – that she has no idea that you’re a modern woman who can wear her own fucking dress and get ready all by herself. She has a lot of extravagant dresses, so you had a hard time choosing but then something caught your eye. This dress has been buried deep in your wardrobe, a solid light cream-coloured dress with an elegant bow in the front. This is the perfect dress.

You do light makeup to match the dress and leave your long hair down after brushing it. While you were getting dressed you saw the countless bruises on your skin and your right arm was full of holes from the needle your nanny used to stab you with to wake you up. It’s good that the dress is long-sleeved. There’s no way the maids don’t know about your abuse since they bathe you. So, your guess is they are either the nanny’s people or they just simply don’t care enough to tell the duke. It’s clear the duke doesn’t care about Y/N so it wouldn’t benefit them to tell him when they could face the wrath of your nanny if she finds out. They think he wouldn’t do anything about it, and you think so too.

You feel compassion for Y/N. She was made to be a villain even if it doesn’t excuse her actions in the end. It’s only been two weeks for you, but she had to endure this for a lifetime.

You’re determined to change her future even more now that you know the truth. You’re going to live for her as well.

Opening the door to your room you find a maid waiting for you to lead you to the dining room as per the duke’s request. She looks taken aback by your neat appearance but doesn’t say anything and just shows you the way.

She dares to walk ahead of you. Even if you want to give her a piece of your mind you hold yourself back, you can’t afford to create a ruckus and be sent back to probation. It’s not that you care about who walks in front of you it’s the meaning of this action that angers you.

You hold back by creating a fist the pain of your nails digging into your palms in half-moon shapes keeps your head clear and controls your bubbling rage. You’re going to show everyone how Y/N won’t bow down anymore. You’re not a doormat that everyone can just walk over.

You’re not going to let everyone disrespect you ever again but to achieve that you need to make a plan and be more patient.

First thing first you need to make the duke care about you to an extent so he will listen to you. Good thing that you know the novel. You might be able to use that information to get what you want. You’re not going to make him like you, you just need to be useful for him to look at you. You’re not sure he would be even capable of liking you in the first place – not that you would want that after he neglected Y/N like that. Talk about loving family, this is just another example of being blood-related sometimes does not matter.

It's not like he’s your real dad anyway.

The dining room is just as fancy as the rest of the mansion. By the time you arrive the duke and your brother are already seated and chatting. The duke is sitting at the head of the table and Seokjin is sitting on his right.

Your tableware is set away from them probably a scheme made by your nanny to keep you isolated.

She must be afraid of why the duke suddenly wanted to dine with you when he usually never bothers to see you. You can’t let this golden opportunity pass like that. You’re going to make the most of it.

“Good morning, Father, Brother. Sorry for being late.” You give them a little courtesy. You’re careful to get your posture nice and graceful like you read in the etiquette book. The nanny purposefully discouraged the young Y/N to skip classes and remain a dumb doll for her to exploit but you’re not going to let her continue to do that.

While your posture is not perfect this will at least show that you’re trying to be as polite as possible.

You stayed up all night for an entire week to study about this new world’s etiquette and history to play your part more convincingly who knew that your knowledge would come in handy in a situation like this? You’re thankful that you decided to study even before you realised the nanny’s schemes.

You school your features to remain passive as you look at the grand duke’s and your brother’s dumb expressive faces. It looks like they are seeing a ghost. Even though you’re annoyed to be bent like that you keep the position until you receive the acknowledgement like a lady should. How annoying that you must bow like that until you are recognised by a man.

“It’s alright. Sit down, Y/N.” The duke gives you a curt nod seemingly flustered that he stared at you for so long. You remind him of his late wife a lot dressed like that. To everyone’s biggest surprise, you take a seat directly on his left side facing your brother.

You remain silent in your seat knowing that the duke’s pride will take a hit if he doesn’t correct the mistake that he didn’t even notice until you sat down. Usually, they wouldn’t care if you sit far away, they would probably think that you were the one who wanted the seat away from them in the first place as a sign of defiance but they can’t deny that you’re the lady of the house so to assume you would sit far away is an arrogant mistake on the servants part.

“What are you waiting for give my daughter a set and bring the food.” Thankfully the duke is just like you expected. He looks annoyed at the servants. His authority is absolute so the maids scurry to bring you some new tableware and bring out the food. The lonely set is forgotten at the rear end of the table. This is the first time you see something so mouthwatering in a while since you were forced to eat in your room and the food, they brought you was not even close to this. Now that you think about it, it was probably some leftover from the kitchen. No wonder Y/N is this thin.

It probably wasn’t even part of her punishment so someone must be stealing the food that is made for Y/N.

It’s hard to control your expression or your body language that is burned into your body by nature. You’re feeling uncomfortable all over that you can’t enjoy the food at all. It’s sad to see how rigid you are in the presence of your supposed family members. You don’t have any appetite even though you feel like you’re starving.

“How are things with Gold Wing? Did you manage to get them to agree with our terms?”

The Gold Wing is under the jurisdiction of the House of Summer. The old man Jung Jeyhun is a greedy man who keeps delaying his son’s succession because he wants to keep his title as an archduke. He’s the hidden boss of this novel. Y/N can’t compare with an evil villain like him. There’s probably no one else who knows he’s backing that trading company. You’re an exception only because you read the novel and know everything about how he wants to be the sole ruler of the Empire. He’s behind many unfortunate events that happen in the novel that no one finds out about until it’s too late.

“No. They’re trying to sell their stones for double the price. Knowing that none of the other companies have that much supply since they bought the rights to the mines.” Your brother looks irritated as if he recalls the meeting with the head of the company vividly.

No wonder they are cocky, they have the backing of House Summer, and they cheated the other rival companies out of the right to produce this type of stone that’s particularly high priced in the first section of the book. This stone is called Stelar which is steel but it’s a novel, so they had to give it a fancy name. Swords here are mainly made from two important ingredients iron or steel, but steel has a longer durability and is easy to craft to different shapes, so they tend to use that instead of iron which is way cheaper because of this fact. The knights used swords made with Stelar but because of the high price, it was hard to come by after the Gold Wing trading company monopolized the rights.

Their goal is to weaken the other three houses’ military power by selling the stones at a high price and getting funds for their territory but it’s not the only reason. The swords they sell are not simply made of Stelar. Steel is an alloy of iron. Iron needs to be mixed with carbon to make steel. They use some steel and put more iron to degrade the quality of the sword which breaks more easily than it should. You remember learning of it in school in your previous life, but these people don’t know of it because the novel has plot holes here and there. Since the novel focuses on the main characters things that are not related to them too much have more freedom to change, and things may differ as the author cannot mention every little thing. This could be what you need to make changes.

The truth that they tempered with the swords that got imported only comes to light when Yoongi investigates the company when he almost loses the battle with the barbarians but that battle only happens when you reach nearly half of the novel. He could tell that there was a difference in quality when he saw the sword break too easily. He made an assumption just by that and the fact that the new sword became heavier due to the added mass of iron.

Even if you feel bad for taking credit for his discovery you need to use that information, he finds out later so you can survive in this household.

“May I speak up, father?” You heard enough to grasp the current situation. You need to speak up before you lose your courage.

“What can you even contribute to this conversation?” Your brother looks angry that he got interrupted. In your eyes he’s not scary he’s just a big child throwing a tantrum when things don’t go his way. You decide to calmly face him even if you have to hide your nervousness by clasping your hands together under the table for comfort. Still can’t control the original Y/N’s physical reactions.

“I don’t think I asked brother.”

The duke raises his hand to silence Jin before he can spit out angrier remarks. The moment you appeared and gracefully bowed wearing your mother’s dress the duke could tell that something about you just became different. The air around you is filled with determination.

He got reports of you acting unusually tame so he asked you to dine together and see it for himself.

Your eyes that only reflected the world around it suddenly became full of will to live.

He’s curious to hear what you have to say. Usually, you wouldn’t speak unless you were spoken to. “Do you perhaps have a good idea of how to deal with them?” He proposes fully giving you his attention.

“The problem is that we don’t have Stelar to make swords for the knights, right? I suggest we find a mine suitable to harvest the stones we need that way we don’t have to depend on the trading company.”

“Are you a fool? Do you think if we could produce it, we would continue to make this ridiculous deal work?” You’re getting tired of your brother always cutting in. You can’t get angry though. The first thing you need to change is how people see you and you can’t get angry because the people around you will call you a temperamental child even if your anger is justified. They wouldn’t care either way they just want to belittle you. You just need to not allow them to do so.

“We have a place like that in our territory that could be suitable. I can mark it on a map if you’d like.” Even though the duke might be suspicious of how you know of a place like that he will investigate either way. This deal is too good to pass up on.

In hopes of discovering a new mine, he will even accept the flimsy lie of you just discovered it by reading some book and looking at maps.

“Alright. I will instruct the knights to check it out. If what you said is true, I will reward you.” You nod your head pleased with the outcome of this uncomfortable breakfast.

In the novel the imperial prince comes across the mine in your territory when he’s running away from assassins and due to his discovery, he gets praised by the king for solving a big problem. However, if you find the mine first that puts you in a favourable position with the other houses and even the king if you give the stones at a lower price making the Gold Wing trading company lose its base customers by making better deals.

Thankfully that painful breakfast comes to an end soon as father’s aid whispers something into his ear. He leaves in a hurry which makes you think it’s about something important and work-related.

Your brother leaves without saying a word so you can finally enjoy your food alone.

Ever since you came to this place you’ve never been this full before, it puts you in a fairly good mood. You even managed to grab the duke’s attention and for once got something more filling than stale bread.

All you need to do is wait until the mine is discovered and now that one thing is out of the way you need to start with disciplining your maids and get your nanny kicked out. Biwon had a good life here up to this point because now that you’re here you will make it a living hell for her, and that’s a promise.

“What did you talk about with the duke?” You’re not surprised to find your nanny in your room when you get back. She looks anxious you can see how her nails are bitten and she slightly thumps her foot. You got back early so if you tell her some half-truths, she won’t suspect you that much.

“He didn’t talk to me at all. He only talked with my brother about work that I don’t understand. I don’t know why they keep ignoring me. You’re the only one who cares about me, nanny.” Good thing that the maids left after serving the meal, you would be in trouble if someone overheard you and you were caught lying. You bury your head in her apron to conceal your disgusted expression when she caresses your head.

You need to act like usual, so she won’t suspect a thing. If her guard is down, it will be easier for you to make your move.

You can easily produce some fake tears for the greater good.

“That’s right, only I care about you. Who else would love a useless child like you.” You bite your tongue to hold back when Biwon hugs you. You agree with her even if you want to break her arms that hugs you like a shameless person.

Biwon doesn’t use needles on you again to erase her marks since you started to dine with the duke. Thankfully she doesn’t realise what you’re planning.

The mine you talked about last time turned out to be true and the duke was very happy to get back at the Gold Wing trading company. He started to make a profit thanks to you, and he even listened to your suggestion of lowering the price to sell it to the other houses. Developing the mining ground consumes a lot of money at the moment but the profit will be greater than ever if it’s finished. You asked to have dinner with them every day as a reward which made him look surprised. He reluctantly agreed when you asked to make your contribution a secret for now you can’t let your nanny hear about it just yet. The duke probably thought he would buy you some clothes and accessories and you will be all set. Unfortunately for them, you don’t care about luxuries especially if it comes from them.

While you would prefer to not eat with them you need to show the staff that you’re indeed the lady of the house. Now they are giving you the bare minimum of respect after the maid got scolded by your father after the tableware incident.

You didn’t think Jin would come after you excused yourself from the meal. Right when you leave the dining room your brother appears halting you in your step and grabbing your hand forcefully to stop you in your tracks.

“Where are you going in a hurry so dressed up?” Your wrist throbs in his hold. That bastard how could he grab the hand of his sister so hard? Compared to him your body is so small you look like a child next to him. You’re not surprised since you were malnourished before. You’re sure it will bruise badly but you refuse to show him that he’s hurting you.

“I believe it’s none of my brother’s business where I go in my free time.” You look into his eyes with confidence. Y/N was always longing for her brother’s love but you’re not the real Y/N and you will never consider him your brother, so his attitude doesn’t bother you at all emotionally. He simply became a person you’re forced to live with and tolerate for now.

If everything is over you will cut ties with them for good.

“You’ve been acting weird ever since your probation. If this is your way of seeking attention from father or I, that will never happen no matter what you’re scheming.”

Using the moment of his surprise you get out of his hold and get farther away from him. Your smile says it all. ‘I don’t consider you a brother so go to hell’. You’re getting angry but you refuse to show him any reaction even if you can’t exactly control the fire in your eyes.

“You don’t have to be afraid of that. I don’t consider people who neglect and belittle me my family at all. I don’t need your love or attention anymore.” You show him your back confidently as you walk away from his frozen form.

“Gaon prepare some indigestion medicine for me. Is the carriage ready?” Jin catches your voice talking to your maid still frozen on the spot you left him.

Your eyes looked different. When you were young you used to beg for his affection always clinging to him but now. Why does it look like you despise him and why does it bother him?

He never felt anything for you for a very long time.

“Yes, my lady everything is like you instructed.” You nod satisfied by the way things progress.

Now there’s only one thing left to do.

You’re on your way to meet with the head of the blacks information guild. The only one who could top the Gold Wing trading company by power would be them. The blacks is one of the largest information-selling guilds – trading only to deceive people and hide the fact that they know everything that can be known throughout the empire.

They have men everywhere. The head is conveniently the second young master of house Autumn who currently stays in House Summer territory. Jeon Jungkook is clever enough to know that information is the most important thing to have the upper hand this is how he was able to survive the battle for succession.

It will be probably dangerous to meet him but you will have to take this gamble on if you want things to work out you need the backing of the most powerful guild in the empire.

Convenient that the duke doesn’t care about Y/N’s safety so you don’t need to play hide and seek with the guards you can do your business without getting interrupted. If you say you don’t need an escort, they back off immediately and let you leave.

Following the novel’s description, you look for a house with a red chimney and a black door away from the main streets. Once you find it you have to knock two then three times until someone asks, “Are you lost?” and you have to reply with “Yes can you tell me where can I find black paint?” - and you’re in.

It’s only a select few that know about this code so Jungkook will be suspicious of how a lady with a bad reputation knows about it, but you came to make a deal that he can’t refuse. You can talk around the fact of how you know about their secret entrance.

As you expected Jungkook came himself to greet you, you could recognise that brown hair and emerald eyes anywhere.

“Please have a seat. I prepared some tea.” His smile is pleasant but calculating. His intentions are clear unlike when you talk to your blood relatives, so you’re surprisingly relaxed in his presence. Jungkook is intrigued by your body language. Usually, people are distrustful of him because of his mask. Your eyes tell him that you know more than you look.

“I have a request to make. I would like to know what this liquid is and any information that you can get on it or the bottle.” Jungkook is said to like straightforward people, so you try to be confident.

Jungkook laughs seeing your confidence. You exceed his expectations he heard that you’re stupid and extravagant with a bad temper, but it seems like his information is outdated. That needs to change he smirks.

He gives you credit for realising he wields information. Usually, people come to his guild to do business. Not many know that the purpose of the blacks is different.

“How much will you pay me for the information?”

“I heard I can pay with information for information. I have something important to tell you anyway.”

“Oh.” People rarely have any information that he doesn’t already know but you look so confident that he has to humour you. “Please enlighten me.” Taking a relaxed laid-back pose he awaits your answer.

“The head of the Gold Wing trading company is the current Duke of House Summer and he has a spy in your guild.” The only reason the blacks are not at the top is because of the upper hand they gain from the spy. No one would suspect that Jungkook’s right-hand man is a spy. He causes the guild’s destruction near the end of the novel. Heartbroken from the betrayal Jungkook is stabbed by him in the end.

Jungkook grips the side of the sofa after hearing your daring words until the wood slightly splits. He doesn’t usually trust people so to think that someone betrayed him feels impossible.

“I’m not saying that without evidence. There’s a tree in the back looking directly at the alleyway if you dig the dirt near the roots, you will find a letter with a coded message it was placed there this afternoon so you have to look for it before sunrise. I swear on my life that if I lie to you, you have the right to kill me.” The only way he will believe you is if you match the sacrifice for your accusation. Your life is on the line, but you know you’re right.

Or that you hope it’s the same as in the novel.

Jungkook instructs one of his men to look for the tree. He visibly pales when he sees the man come back with a dirty envelope. He reads the letter with a face of indifference, but you know he is furious deep inside and somewhat sad. Trust is not easily given away by him.

“Who— ” Jungkook closes his eyes to compose himself. “Who is the spy?” He appears distraught which is normal considering the fact you just dumped on him suddenly.

You hesitate for a moment. You know this information will hurt him, but he is entitled to the truth – and you do this to save his life in the end. “It’s Sam.”

You can tell it hit him hard but you don’t think he doesn’t believe you. He might get angry and it’s really not your place to intervene. However, you know this feeling very well. Being betrayed by someone you trusted. If nothing else you can sympathise with that feeling.

“Please excuse my rudeness.” You tell before you impulsively side-hug him. He’s so surprised by your embrace that he doesn’t try to push you away immediately. You’re so warm and your hand is comforting on his back. He doesn’t know you, but it feels like you understand him to some extent.

He closes his eyes and lets this moment pass by. Hidden from prying eyes it’s just – you and him for this moment.

At last, he composes himself and accepts your request. He even gives you a pendant that’s only given to the highest-ranking customers saying that your information is worth that much.

It’s a pretty pendant with a black snake on it. Looks like a masterpiece.

Thankfully nothing out of the ordinary happened while you were out. You were able to enjoy some snacks when you got back in peace as your nanny was on vacation.

You need to make your move while Biwon is away your plan needs to be done by the time she gets back. Thanks to the blacks information guild – you were able to identify the liquid your nanny made you drink every day — you only had to wait two days to hear from them.

Your discovery is enraging and liberating at the same time.

It helped you put the pieces together and even gave you an advantage to work with. To finally know the full truth of what happened to Kim Y/N. This could be a good explanation for why you couldn’t access all her memories or why some things become hazy the longer you thought about it.

Life was way too cruel for a girl like Y/N.

Now that you’ve set up the stage you just need to wait for the protagonists to arrive.

Biwon seems relaxed after her vacation; she probably enjoyed a luxurious life out of the jewellery she stole from you. You’re getting sick just from seeing her smile. It must have felt good to be able to look down on a noble lady and make Y/N cater to her all this time, exploiting a poor young lady. To think that all those rumours come from her to isolate and degrade her. She should smile while she can you think smirking through the rim of your cup.

Now’s showtime.

The taste of tea is familiar in your mouth. Due to double the dose of the liquid she made you drink each morning the symptoms came earlier than you anticipated. Suddenly getting on the drug after you stopped taking it is a huge risk, but you need to prove her involvement in the crime.

You didn’t think it would hurt this much though. Your head clouded over soon, and your body collapsed on the floor in tremor.

Gaon called the doctor immediately as you instructed and while you were getting examined your other trusted maid planted the evidence in your nanny’s room. It didn’t take long to see Biwon try to escape your trap, but it was too late when the knights found the medicine bottle.

She had nowhere to run to.

You regained consciousness but it was hard for you to open your eyes yet. The pain you felt in your abdomen felt unbearable, but you need to see this through till the end.

“I can’t believe I didn’t notice this. To tell the truth, the lady came to me often to ask for headache medicine.” You could feel the worry in the doctor’s voice. You feel bad for suspecting him at first. He might be the only one to actually care for Y/N in this forsaken house.

“This drug is called blackroot it’s made from a rare flower that was used in a war experiment in the past. The characteristic of the flower is that it can manipulate the mind – it makes the user unable to control their temper and creates hazy thoughts. While it works as a brainwashing technique it has all kinds of side effects such as explosive temper, haziness, headaches, loss of appetite and memory loss. The longer someone takes it the more fragile that person will become.”

No wonder Y/N is this thin. When you first heard about this drug you felt incredibly furious to make her take such a dangerous drug just because Biwon was greedy for things she couldn’t have.

Once the dizziness subsided you were able to open your eyes it seemed like the medicine the doctor gave you had some effect. The pain is still there but your head is clearer.

“I- didn’t do this! I was framed!” Biwon begs on her knees in front of the duke and young master but seeing their reactions no one actually buys that half-hearted accusation. Serves her right.

You made sure to get solid evidence of her crime.

You’re able to sit up thanks to Gaon’s help and you look down upon your nanny with a hard expression.

You cannot believe this is finally over.

Now no one will dare to take advantage of you after this incident comes to light. It won’t make your reputation restored to how it was before but at least it will provide you with a good opportunity to show the people around you that you’re different without having to fear someone figuring out you’re not the real Y/N.

“Have the witnesses come forward.” The maid who is questioned is shaking like a leaf in front of the duke.

“Who served Y/N tea?” Jin comes forward to interrogate the maids. For some reason, he looks livid. It’s probably because of their pride. How dare they manipulate the duke’s daughter a mere maid. – they probably think like that.

“The nanny always prepares the tea for the lady in the morning. No one was allowed to touch it I swear I didn’t know that the lady’s tea had blackroot in it.”

“That’s right, we were never allowed to serve her tea or be present when she made it we would be only called when the lady was about to get dressed.” If they were present at all you think for yourself as you roll your eyes.

“N- No! That…” Biwon looks around like a cornered animal. It’s nothing compared to what you’ve been through. No, you promised the real Y/N that you would not let her go so easily.

“I’ve heard enough. Drag her to the underground dungeon.” After hearing the duke’s command, the knights drag Biwon out of the room. Finally, some quiet. Your head is killing you.

“Everyone leave, now. My daughter needs to rest.” As if seeing it on you that you’re nearly at your limits the grand duke instructs everyone to let you be.

Everyone leaves except for one person. Jin looks torn as he contemplates what to say to his sister.

You know the reason why Jin treated Y/N with contempt is because of that incident in the past. Y/N mad because of withdrawal symptoms from the drug called him a monster. She told him that because of him their mother died, and she even threw a teacup in his face that made him bleed. In reality, she partially blamed him for being forgotten and emotionally abused. After that Jin ignored her altogether. While saying those things are hash and not justified because of the drugs the behaviour of her brother is not something that you can overlook either. There’s no clear line to determine what’s right or wrong. You can’t simply judge if someone deserves forgiveness as it entirely depends on the person who’s granting it.

There are no right or wrong answers.

Their relationship was probably a bad fate. You’re not his sister so you have no intention of making up with him even though he’s wearing that pitiful expression. You feel bad for Y/N but you’re not going to live as her shadow forever. Once this story ends you will leave this kingdom and live as yourself. To make that happen you need to keep your relationship with Y/N’s family distant just like before so you could leave without problems in the future.

“How are you feeling?” Y/N has memories of when her brother spoke to her softly like this. Too bad it’s too late for Y/N to see this. You pull your hand away when he tries to hold it.

“This doesn’t change a thing between you and me. I would appreciate it if you could ignore me like before.” You turn away not inclined to see that pitiful expression on his face anymore.

Thankfully he leaves without a fuss this time.

Things are only growing more awkward as time passes. You made the suggestion of dining with them every day to avoid being punished by Biwon, but it comes back to bite you in the ass now that she’s gone, and no one dares to bother you anymore. You ignore the looks of pity you receive from the staff. They were the ones who ignored and badmouthed you. They have no right to take pity on you at all.

Those who did not try to see the truth don’t deserve to feel regretful.

It's annoying to see the duke and your brother try to get closer to you. They have no idea what Y/N had to go through while they were living in their blissful ignorance.

You wonder if things would have been different if she had been born as a boy in this period. Women are often ill-fated. How tragic.

“Your birthday is coming up in a few months. Do you have something in mind about how you want the celebration banquette?” Your fork freezes in the air when the duke calls you.

While you don’t want a party it would be good to build your reputation. You have no choice but to have one.

“I’ll prepare for it. Thank you for your concern.” You keep your eyes on the food. After taking that double dose your appetite seems to be worse than before. You need to gain some weight, you’re too thin as it is.

“Don’t worry about the budget just prepare how you like.” You’re getting dizzy this is getting bad you overestimated and thought some rest was all you needed. You need to take better care of yourself if you want to beat the final boss of the story. This is about time you meet with your favourite character as well. You need to look your best even if he only glances at you for a second. You’re getting excited just thinking about him.

“Alright. Excuse me I’m full.” You step away from the table to leave and prepare for the upcoming events when you lose your sight for a moment. Thankfully the head butler catches you in time that you’re not faceplanting the floor this moment.

“I’m fine. Thank you.” You push the old man away with reddened ears. This is so embarrassing.

“I’ll carry you to your room.” Your hand automatically holds onto your brother when he suddenly picks you up, to keep your balance. Now you’re really getting tired of their sudden act of affection.

“I said. I’m fine.” You pursue your lips in a frown when he keeps ignoring you to let you down.

“You can hate me all you want. I deserve it but I’m not letting you down.” You’re speechless. At least he knows. It doesn’t matter if he has regrets now that you solved everything.

If it weren’t for your effort and sacrifice things would have been left alone and you would be still suffering without anyone to rely on at the hands of your greedy nanny.

They can feel guilty all they want; it doesn’t change a thing. If anything, you’re feeling angrier about how they think they have the right to make things right after everything that has happened.

It’s bothersome.

“It won’t change anything. No matter how hard you try I’ll never consider you as family again. Not after you and father abandoned me. You don’t know anything about me or how much I suffered. If you didn’t care then don’t care now.” It’s probably hard to hear and somewhat you feel guilty for saying that since you don’t know what Y/N would have wanted but this is how you feel.

You’re torn about what you should do.

This is supposed to be your home when you feel the safest.

However, you can’t remember a single good memory or a time when you felt relaxed in this place. It just makes you sad.

“I understand.” His hand around you tightens just a tiny bit before he relaxes his posture and the hands that hold you gently. At least he’s not trying to come up with excuses. He knows fully well that what you told him was the truth. They have no idea how much you had to suffer since they kept ignoring you. His heart is getting heavy when he realises how light his sister feels in his arms. A woman in her twenties should weight a lot more than this. He’s carrying you with care and gently places you on top of your bed. You have no intention of getting closer to him, but it’s been bothering you for a while ever since you saw that memory. You feel like they don’t deserve your kindness. You wonder if Y/N would be forgiving. If she would be able to embrace them and trust them again. You know you can’t.

“You’re not a monster and I’m sorry for saying that so stop thinking about useless things.” You impulsively grab his hand before he can leave. This is all you can give him as an apology – you know Y/N probably would have wanted him to hear that at least. Something wavers in his eyes. You didn’t think such a small gesture would make him cry. Now that you think about it probably no one said such words to him before. His biggest fear. From an early age, he always heard that his mother died because of him. It shouldn’t be a small child’s fault. It makes you feel like this whole family is just unfortunate.

“I’m sorry Y/N.” Jin holds your hand with shaking fingers. You can clearly feel his tears fall as he pushes his face into your palm seeking some comfort. You don’t know how but you can feel that this apology is sincere. You don’t have the heart to push him away this time.

Just this once you will allow it.

“The captain of the imperial guards shouldn’t cry like this.” You pat his head while he cries. Seeing such a powerful figure crying into your skirt on his knees feels weird.

He hadn’t left for a while and even when he did, he looked reluctant. You could tell what he was thinking without having to hear him say it. He’s afraid that the next time you see him you will push him away and avoid him. Your hand on his head and your words comforted him. He’s the one who did wrong but, in the end, you helped him instead deal with his biggest fear a little better.

He realises that he doesn’t deserve such a good sister as you.

His sudden resolve and earnest eyes make you bite your lips in worry. You know it won’t be good when he suddenly turns around with fiery passion. “I, Kim Seokjin give my oath to Kim Y/N that I will protect you for as long as I live. If I break my promise, I’m willing to die a miserable death.” This is your first time seeing someone give their knight’s oath. His hands are elegantly placed over his heart in a kneeling position and his eyes are fierce and honest. Stupid brother, you’re not the one he should give his oath to!

That was not your intention to make him so motivated. You should really learn how to ignore things in the future if you want to avoid bothersome situations like this. It’s not like you can reject him now either.

After he finally left because of work called you collapsed on your bed.

You can’t believe he gives you the knight’s oath instead of the female lead. He’s supposed to fall in love with her and be the miserable second male lead. You expect that things will be different if you change your destiny, but such drastic changes make you anxious for the future development of the plot.

Thankfully your favourite character was not caught up in the love triangle since his territory is the farthest away from the capital. He doesn’t frequent gatherings because of his inability to fully control his powers, and he has a bad reputation overall because of his war achievements and fearful power. Throughout the novel, he is described as someone who doesn’t care about women and is only fixed to find a way to control his abilities.

Min Yoongi you can’t wait to see him at the upcoming hunting festival.

Everything becomes normal and quiet.

Your daily life is better except for the torturous dinners with your family. Thankfully Jin is busy with imperial work and your father manages his new business and duties as a duke, so you don’t have to run into them too much inside the house.

In two or three days you make a trip to see Jungkook and get useful information and sometimes chat over some tea.

What’s next on your list is to gather personal intel on people who will attend the hunting festival. The fact that this is organised by the Duke of Summer is making you anxious. You remember some crazy shit happen around that time and his main target will be your favourite character. Min Yoongi.

Trying not to look too obsessed with a man you’ve never met before you decided to look over his information last.

There’s not much that could be gathered on him (even by a professional information broker as the North keeps their gates locked skin-tight) in the first place the info that your eyes skim through is less than you expected even with the additional stuff that you know because of the novel is limited mostly to his childhood and main events which is not much at all.

He wasn’t present in all the episodes but when he’s involved – well, things were never good.

You don’t know all the archduke’s special abilities which is a concern. You know Min Yoongi can read minds. The limitation to his power is that he has to touch the person to hear all the thoughts but with malicious intent, it doesn’t even need that.

It makes him the second most powerful ability user since he can detect lies and see one’s true self. Someone has to be well aware of his ability to hide something from him.

His special skill is to tell what the other person is thinking good or bad but that means that he could hardly hear his own thoughts. The world is never silent for his ears and that has its consequences. What little is known of them in the outside world is that all the Min descendants had gone mad at some point in their lives and chose to kill themselves when there was another person that could take over the Ducey or their son became of age if they were lucky to hold on until then. Min Yoongi’s tragic childhood is summarised in a few sad lines in the novel it was not overly detailed, but you remember feeling sad.

Whilst your survival is the priority you want to change Yoongi’s fate as well if it’s possible. Even if he’s not going to madly fall in love with you. You want him to have a happy life and not end as tragically as in the novel. You liked his character a lot. Even when he was faced with such hardships, he never gave up he would never succumb to the same fate as his father, and he held on until the last moment of his life.

You admired his determination to live.

You want to do the same with your second chance and hold on until the last moment trying to change your fate.

Who knows maybe you could overcome it together.

So many scenarios run through your head imagining how you will greet him when you finally meet him, what you will say to him. All of those restless nights couldn’t have been wrong when you’re finally faced with him. None of them could get you ready for that hard cold stare that he shows you.

You practically burst open the carriage door after the chaperone states that you’ve arrived.

Being in the same space as your brother and father acting all cute and considerate for almost four full hours made you want to let the ground swallow you whole and never want to see the sun again.

This is when you first make eye contact with him – or so you think. His eyes visibly slip over your face as if he’s not even seeing you just looking through you like you’re one tree of the dozens curving the landscape. It hurts your pride a lot to be invisible to your favourite character, but you gulp it down and hold your head high when you exit the carriage.

You knew it well that he was that type of person, but it didn’t mean it still did not hurt you to see it with your own eyes. There’s one thing to say he’s not interested in women but in reality, it felt like he’s not into humans – not just women. Hearing everyone’s thoughts might be a reason why he would be so over humans that he doesn’t even want to acknowledge them but damn.

Now that you see him and not just read about him you can tell two things already. One, he’s crazy handsome. The lines that describe how good-looking he is does not give him justice. Two, the lines in the novel are too tame to describe how much he loathes to see and interact with anyone. It’s almost comical how disgust is written all over his face when he has to shake hands with nobles or greet the young ladies.

That face still has many admirers even when his expression is a permanent frown all the time. Most likely to his greatest disapproval, he’s very popular with the ladies despite his bad reputation.

You can imagine how annoying it must be for him. Forgetting how you felt hurt before you even started to feel bad for him. His circumstances are unique and, in fact, no one knows what he has to deal with every single day. Even though you know you don’t really know what it feels like.

You’re contemplating how to approach him to not get immediately shut down or seem too suspicious when some of the ladies have you locked in a circle. Seeing their arrogant expressions, you could already tell what would happen when they finally opened their mouths.

“What a surprise to see you attend this year. Are you even allowed to be outside yet?”

You grit your teeth and smile at them.

It’s a waste to argue with them and you’re not here to let them bully you. You came here to see your favourite character and they are already dampening your mood.

“The ladies might need to check their eyesight soon. I arrived here with my brother and father so if you have complaints about me being here you could always go to them.” You speak with a permanent smile but there’s nothing friendly in your expression as you cross them leaving the circle of hyenas behind you.

They’re lesser nobles of course they wouldn’t dare complain to them. Your family is powerful after all one of the four most powerful people in the kingdom is your father. They targeted you specifically because you were an easy target so far too dumb to attack them with words like they do, and Y/N's violent temper just served the right purpose to belittle her and make her the most hated woman in high society. You’re not going to give them the chance to humiliate you anymore. They are just extras in a novel.

The thought alone makes you smile. Right. You’re the main villain in this novel but you’re going to turn it into your story so that you can be the main character in your life.

Something that you always wanted to try.

The first day goes by without incident. After the second day of the hunting festival starts the hunting begins and activities for both the ladies and men begin slowly but surely following the original plot of the novel.

Until there’s a big error occurring in the middle. You don’t remember any banquet happening to welcome the most influential families. This could mean that it wasn’t relevant to the main plot to mention, or things changed somehow and now there’s a sudden dinner plan made by someone.

There’s a banquet held for the four archdukes and their families and while you’re thrilled that you’re seated right across from your favourite character you were not expecting him to death glare you right in front of your salad.   

To your best knowledge you haven’t even greeted him yet so why does he look like he wants to murder your entire family? You’re unsure.

At some point, you stop avoiding him and look him in the eye but still, you can’t read his expression at all.  

You feel like you don’t have to emphasise that you couldn’t eat a single thing at that dinner in peace.

You jump when a man approaches you in the empty hallway and when you look at him something clicks in your mind, now that you think about it you can recognise this man from anywhere. He’s Namjoon his right-hand man the only person that he tolerates.

“You scared the living shit out of me.” You’re so surprised that you don’t check your language before it’s already out in the open. Your eyes are wide as you look at the man probably thinking that you’re a weird person. Shit. Now you’ve done it. You tried so hard until now to remain in character and not use slang words or bad language.

Which is hard on their own as you breathe and live with words that end in fuck most likely than not.

The struggles of a modern woman. Haah.

“I mean you should not hide in the shadows like an assassin ready to strike Mr. You scared me.” You try to put the blame on him entirely so he would forget your previous words and it seems to work as he’s quick to apologise and state his business.

“Duke Min would like to speak with you. If you could please follow me, I will lead you to him.” You narrow your eyes after Namjoon finishes his sentence. Him wanting to see you is very weird.

Why?

“Does this have to do with him glaring at me throughout dinner?” You take a step back narrowing your eyes suspiciously at the man. Even though he’s just the messenger you can’t help but ask. You and him being alone after you witnessed his personality might not be the best idea even if he’s still your favourite character. You don’t want to die by his hands either.

“He.. the duke has a difficult personality but he’s not a bad person. I’m sure he’s just interested in the lady.” You can tell that Namjoon really believes that but for some reason you can’t picture him being interested in you. Y/N might be pretty but the duke is not that kind of person to be captivated by something so shallow as that. That has to be a different reason why he wants to talk with you in private and while you’re anxious.

You decide its best to see what he wants.

Also, he’s not someone that anyone can just say no to. He will most likely force you to meet him. It might be your best option to get this over with and see where this conversation goes. If it even goes anywhere. He’s a practical person like that.

You’re anxious and excited at the same time as you follow Namjoon just a step behind.

“Who are you?” You’re perplexed to meet with this type of question. He cornered you without warning, both his hands were caging your hip, your backside digging into the edge of the table.

You’re scared and strangely excited to be this close. Your heart is beating heavily trying to break out from your ribcage.

“Kim Y/N.” You reply dumbly while still trying to process this sudden change in his behaviour and his closeness to you.

You were greeting him first and suddenly you’re completely caged in.

“Kim? Is Duke Kim your father?” You would find his furrowing brows adorable if you weren’t so close to witnessing it. His scent is overpowering your senses, and your faces are just a hair's breadth away from touching – your favourite character makes it hard for you to think straight. Air is caught in your lungs when he holds you by your chin tilting your head up to meet with his eyes.

“Y-Yes.” You’re unsure what he wants to hear from you. From the moment you stepped into his office, he kept questioning you without answering any of yours in return.

“Am I interrupting something?” Both of your gazes turn to face a surprised Kim Namjoon standing by the door. He looks exactly like he just got here and witnessed something weird happening. You can’t blame him for it, you’re surprised as well. Min Yoongi keeps acting weird. He looks somewhat bewitched as he keeps looking between you and Namjoon almost bordering to look crazy in your eyes for a moment.

As if he’s in a deep thought about something mind breaking discovery.

Yoongi didn’t hear his right hand man coming at all but what’s even weirder than that is he can’t hear his thoughts at all.

It all started when he tried to read this woman’s mind throughout the dinner celebration but failed while everyone’s else mind spoke to him clearly. He found it strange for her to be the only exception. As if she has a shield around her mind that doesn’t allow his power to penetrate. The Kim family’s power is to neutralize other powers (everyone is aware of it as the family never tried to hide it) but that can’t be the answer since he could hear their thoughts all the same as you have to be aware of the power you’re trying to block but no one knows that he can read minds.

But now upon making contact with her, he can’t even hear what others are thinking. Which could mean her power is even more rare compared to her family. Everything is quite like it was never before. It’s unsettling but on the other hand, it’s quiet and peaceful.

A realisation draws on him that Kim Y/N might be the key to finally learning to control this power of his that has been plaguing his generation of heirs and forcing them to live a miserable life until they either take their lives or become insane. Her power acts like a tranquillizer almost. Tasting this peaceful silence Yoongi’s hand curves around her waist more protectively. Protective of this silence he’s experiencing for the first time in his life.

He will do anything to keep this woman by his side from now on. He comes to a firm resolution on the spot.

“Be my wife.” To say you feel shocked after hearing that would be an understatement. This is not your usual love confession, and you know it. There’s nothing tender in his words or expression if anything it feels like a business transaction to you.

It’s clear he’s proposing an arranged marriage kind of deal where you both get something out of it but you’re not fond of the idea. In your previous life, you never had a real boyfriend whilst you dated here and there. Someone you could say is the love of your life you never once experienced that feeling, and you don’t want a marriage in your second life without love. You decided to do anything you wanted from now on.

“I’m sorry but I have to refuse your proposal. I won’t marry a man I know is not in love with me and I don’t love him either. This is not something I want.” Too shocked to reply you use that time to get out of his hold and get away before he regains his senses after getting rejected. He probably didn’t think anyone would dare to say no to him as he was aware to be popular with the ladies. This just makes you even more unique as it was anyone else, they would have said yes immediately to an offer like that. Namjoon gets out of your way as you leave, his mouth hanging open still trying to process that the man who notoriously hates women suddenly asked for a lady’s hand in marriage and getting brutally rejected by one at the same time.

The door shuts behind you abruptly and Yoongi massages his temple with his hands trying to figure out what he did wrong for you to storm out like that. Was his proposal not to your liking? What does it even mean to marry the person you love is beyond his comprehension.

[madhatterbri]

Tag Team | D.P.

Summary: Fem!reader is part of the TJD 2.0 & has been giving attitude towards her family since Raquel joined in. After a disagreement Liv suggests reader to take a walk, Reader then bumps into Tiffany Stratton who doesn’t have time with a reject. When reader demands a match with Tiffany from Pearce, Damian comes in asking for a match with Ludwig. Adam Pearce decides to do a mixed tag instead. Reader & Damian refuse to team up but realize they have no choice. After reader & Damian win, reader looks at Priest with dark eyes & kisses him. Backstage; TJD 2.0 watch with their mouths hanging open.

Requested by: Anonymous

Happy Friday Night Smackdown, babes. ❤️

Damian Priest Masterlist

WWE Masterlist

Taglist: @theworldofotps @smallestsnarkestgirl @mrsarcherofinfamy @terrortwinunicorn @brideofinfamy @miss-kuki-nz @hotwheels1108 @new-zealand-chic @magicalbuttertarts @keytothewardy @missbmc94

Anyone who had the misfortune of walking past Y/N knew to move out of the way as fast as they could. Nostrils flared, face hotter than the sun, and her chest heaving, she needed to avoid anyone and everyone at all costs. Apparently, Tiffany Stratton didn't get the memo.

"Awww, did your new family kick you out already?" Tiffany Stratton pouted. Y/N tried to push past her. The blonde wrestler stood in her way.

"I don't have time for this. Move," Y/N growled.

Tiffany didn't move a muscle. "It's Tiffy Time. Everyone has time, but it's me who doesn't have time for a little reject,"

Y/N balled her fist but stopped. Nia Jax was probably lingering somewhere in the shadows. The disgruntled wrestler currently had no allies with her since Liv and Raquel were now best buddies. She shook her head and walked away. There was only one person who could resolve this.

"I want a match with Tiffany. Tonight, next week, I don't care. The clock has struck midnight on that little bi-"

"I want a match against Ludwig, Pearce," Damian interrupted.

"Excuse me. I was here first," Y/N pointed out. Damian rolled his eyes and put his hand in her face.

"As I was saying. I need a match against Ludwig,"

Adam Pearce looked between the two wrestlers. An idea popped into his head.

When he saw Y/N slap Damian's hand out of her face, he knew this was the perfect plan.

"You want a match with Tiffany," Adam started and looked at Y/N. He turned to Damian. "And you want a match with Ludwig. Looks like we got an intergender match next week on RAW,"

"No, no, no, no, hold on. I'm a former champion. I don't need someone that'll slow me down," Damian insisted.

"I'm a former champion," Y/N mocked. "Congratulations, you lost it when you acted like a bully to your friends,"

"You two play nice and get your matches or not. What is it going to be?"

Damian and Y/N stared at each other. With hate filled eyes, they knew they had no choice but to accept the conditions.

"You will be hearing from my lawyers," she spoke. With a stomp of her foot, Y/N stormed away.

Damian sighed and rubbed his face in his hands. "Women,"

"ADAM!" Chelsea Green's shrill voice screeched.

The RAW general manager pinched his nose. "Tell me about it,"

Y/N stared in shock when the referee raised her hand along with Damian. They beat Ludwig and Tiffany clean. No outside interference or drama. She had been on a losing spree, and she couldn't believe it. Her tag team partner hadn't been as annoying to work with as she thought. Damian was an excellent partner and sometimes even sweet.

Her eyes worked their way up the Archer of Infamy. His bare chest heaved while trying to catch his breath. He just performed South of Heaven on Ludwig to seal the win. Y/N shook her hand out of the referee's grasp. She walked over to Damian.

With dark eyes, she wrapped her arms around his neck. He leaned down to hug her. She kissed him. A sweet peck with her eyes closed. She pulled away before Damian could process what happened to him.

As the audience roared, Y/N rolled under the bottom rope. She sat on the apron of the ring. Her head was in her hands as she thought about what she had just done. Damian was public enemy number one to her group.

Y/N slipped off the ring. She started to walk up the ramp. Her eyes avoided looking into the camera and the towdy crowd.

Meanwhile, in the back, the new Judgment Day stared. Their mouths hung open in shock.

[flamingpudding]

Part 8 of Ghost Kid in Gotham

>>Masterpost

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Ghost Cult Guides and Light Silhouettes

Duke had avoided the family drama that was brewing in the manor all day. In the morning he had been too tired to deal with the families usual drama when he had walked in on Dick having gotten bitten by a child that Damian appeared to take care and shined way to bright for him who had just gotten out of a sleepy daze, while Tim and Jason were laughing at the eldest expense.

Lunch he had the excuse by being in the library studying but now that it was dinner time he knew he couldn't avoid it any longer. It was time to see and face whatever craziness this family has gotten themselves into. He knew Bruce was home already but according to the group chat message from Dick the man had locked himself into his office and was brooding again.

The eldest made sure to tell them not to worry and that the reason would be explained by the family dinner Alfred was organizing and had invited everyone too. A must attend event and probably the reason why Dick was going to stay longer in Gotham than he had originally planned.

Well, that was going to be a whole other dinner to go through once everyone was available. For now, he was hopeful in for a nice and calm dinner.

Sitting down at the table he was sort of surprised to find that he was the only one there yet.

"Alfred?" He asked carefully as the butler placed down plates for the others. "Where are the others?"

"Master Jason is attempting to avoid Master Tim, who is very insistent in finding out Master Jason's connection to an occult. Master Damian is currently showing Master Danyal the barn, and Master Richard is still talking to Master Bruce."

Duke nodded. Okay, that's fine. Wait Danyal? Was that the kid he had gotten a bright glimpse of this morning? "Who is Danyal?"

Alfred only smiled softly and Duke couldn't help but wonder, not realizing that Alfred didn't answer his question at all as Jason made his entrance and unceremoniously plopped down in a chair by the end of the table looking like a mix between annoyed and tired.

"Jason! You did not just walk out on me like that! I need to know why you can read these occult sigils!"

Tim stormed in right after aggressively pointing at an open page in the book he was holding. So that was the occult thing Alfred mentioned. Looked like Tim had been pestering Jason all day about that considering how obsessed the other could become with cases.

"For the last time I have never been in a ghost cult!" For a second Duke wondered how many times 'last time' had been said considering the tired and frustrated look Jason was giving Tim. It was strange anyway to see Jason still in the manor if he was this frustrated with the other and Bruce was home too.

Their arguing was sort of amusing so Duke kept quiet and listened to them arguing, wondering how long it would take for them to notice him. Considering, Tim even took the seat right next to him. At least this way he could get a sneak peak of the book Tim was referencing here.

[...Ruler of the realm connecting the universes together supported by the ghosts of ancient time. The sigils covering the artifacts are what keeps their presence in our dimension. A circle created from chalk with the sigils spelling in our known language 'Oh Ruler of the other side, Soul of the old, Ancient of War, King of the Realms. I plead to you to hear my calling' will have a summoning success of 40% and sacrifices no longer… ]

Duke side eyed Tim and decided Steph was never to find out about that book. It was bad enough that whatever the other was working on had him reading a book like that. Duke didn't need Steph to read it and to decide that they all try one of the summoning the book apparently listed. Worst case Tim would go fully along with this in support of whatever he was working on. What did get him this obsessed with…. Duke eyed the book title… 'Ghost Cult 101 How to properly communicate with the other side'.

Yea, he did not want to get involved with that but knowing his luck he would anyway. Just as Duke looked away ready to focus his attention on something else, since the two arguing still hadn't noticed his presence, he had to cover his eyes as a freaking brightness entered his vision of the dining room that had him groaning.

"I need sunglasses." He muttered apparently loud enough for everyone to notice as he covered his eyes with his hands and desperately blinked at the darkness they provided.

"Dude you okay?"

"No."

"Danyal, wait!"

He heard someone chirp and for a second he wondered if the others were pulling a prank on him or making fun of him until he felt a small hand pulling on him. Carefully he peaked through his fingers and blinked.

The brightness was reduced and not as strong as it had been earlier. He looked at where a small hand was pulling on him and came face to face with a mini version of Damian with glowing green eyes and also noting the dimmed glow around the kid. Before he could even ask who that kid was, he noticed the light forming a silhouette behind the kid.

"What?" Unconsciously he patted the kids head as he stared at the light silhouette that definitely looked like the Damian he knew. The Silhouette sort of looked sheepish and seemed apologetic to him.

"Thomas?" / "Duke?" He ignored Tim and Damian too focused on the figure. Not even noticing how Damian was next to him looking every bit ready to pull the kid away, he was still patting uncousciously, eyeing him carefully. While Tim was closely observing them.

"How the hell is that kid not hissy with him? Or even attempting to bite him?!" Jason on the other hand complained loudly standing and leaning with his hands on the table.

"Duke, what do you see?"

Before he could even answer, the silhouette made a shushing sign and grinned before disappearing. The light it formed returned to the kid that blinked at him now with blue eyes and Duke blinked back at the kid stunned.

"Um, who is that kid?" He asked in return very confused by what he just saw turning to look at the others for answers. Ignoring that he did not answer Tim's question earlier. Whatever that was, it wanted him to stay quiet about it by the looks of it.

Duke would wait for an explanation of who that Damian look-a-like child was, before deciding if he should tell the others or not.

Suddenly he felt a sting on his fingers and he yelped attention returning to the boy he had been patting and finding the kid nibbling on his finger with sharp teeth giving him an annoyed look.

"Danyal! No, what did I tell you about biting others?" Damian was instantly by the kids' side taking them away from him and seating the boy on the other side of the table.

"What the fuck?! That wasn't even a full bite? Where is the hissing and biteyness?!"

"What?" Rubbing the finger that got nibbled at he stared at the others. "He bites?"

"Normally yes. Maybe he just finds Jason to be the tastier chewtow. We should test it out if he will bite you again." Tim seemed interested and amused at the same time as he studied the kid that now sat quietly on the opposite of Duke. The kids sole focus was now on Jason with a strange clint again, was the boy even blinking?

"Drake, stop wanting Danyal to bite others or suggest them as bait for my brother."

"Wait Brother?"

All three turned to him and Damian opened his mouth to say something as Dick entered the room looking exhausted but smiled when he saw them. Wasn't he supposed to just have a talk with Bruce? Did that art out into one of their famous fights?

"Oh hey Duke. Looks like you meet our youngest brother teethling Danny already!" The eldest walked over to them and reached out a hand to pat the kid sitting next to Damian. Duke watched with a sweat drop how the boy's head instantly turned to Dick hissing and bearing his teeth and snapping them in his direction and causing the oldest to pout.

"I guess I have." He slowly offered as an answer, still very much confused, knowing that he needed a little bit more of an explanation from them. He heard a sigh next to him and turned to Tim.

"You were asleep by then. But Jason got attacked by a child-"

"I did not."

"-last night and that child turned out to be Damian's brother."

"So Bruce has another blood child." Well that also explained why the kid looked so much like Damian and most likely also why Bruce wasn't here but, according to Dick, was brooding in his office.

"So is the kid a meta?" He tried to ask carefully but that was not very easy and considering the light show he had gotten earlier it was either that or the boy harbored some other big secret.

"Why do you ask?"

His eyes went to the boy that was still hissing at Dick sitting at the edge of his chair closest to Damian not paying any of them any attention at all it seemed.

"The kid glows or it had a pretty bright glow earlier now it's more dimmed. Easier on my eyes too." That was probably the safest to say, he still wasn't sure if he should tell them about the Damian look-a-like light silhouette.

"Well…" Tim started carefully, clearly looking for the right words.

"Danyal died when he was eight and apparently got revived and severely contaminated by Lazarus Water." Damian stared at him and Duke couldn't help but straighten under the stare and gulped. "Thomas, what did you see earlier?"

There was really no hiding anything from this family, well he didn't put that much effort into it either. He mentally apologized to the light silhouette as he glanced at the still hissing child before turning his attention to the others.

Not noticing the small flicker of green as Danny's eyes looked at him just as quickly before turning back to Dick and his offending hand that still tried to pat him.

"There was a light figure right behind the little guy. It looked exactly like Damian, though thinking about it now its hair had a different cut and they looked like they were wearing a hazmat suit with a logo on the front."

"Just to clarify. The spirit looked the same age as Damian?" Tim further questioned and Duke nodded.

"Do you think that could be a manifestation of Danny's actual age?" Dick asked withdrawing his hand from the boy who in turn finally stopped hissing turning his attention to the food that Alfred placed down before the child.

"His actual age?"

"As I said before, Thomas. Danyal died at the age of eight. That was eight years ago. If he had lived he would be the same age as me right now." The formerly youngest explained, his attention split between watching the child next to him and their discussion.

Duke gapped, ready to ask more but then Alfred placed a plate before him and smiled at them all, the kind of smile that had all of them stiffening.

"I believe further discussion in regards to Master Danyal's situation can wait until after dinner, yes?"

They all agreed and focused on the meal that had been prepared for them. Well Duke guessed any further questions he had, could wait until after dinner espacially with the way Alfred was making sure they ate.

[dbnightingale24]

React

A Stepcest Love Story About Jim

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Chapter 1, Chapter 2

Trying to decide if I should do one update or two this weekend. Either way, I hope you all enjoy it!

Word Count: 4,963

Warning(s): SMUT (MINORS DNI), Swearing, Family Drama, Infidelity, Step-Daughter/Step-Father relations, Emotional Cheating, Drinking, Arguing, Forbidden Love, Lying, Self Loathing, Sneaking Around...I think that's it.

Summary: This is the final straw that breaks the camel's back.

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I do not give permission/consent for my stories/works to get posted elsewhere. I do not condone this type of relationship/behavior, this is for entertainment purposes only.

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Chapter 3

2 Weeks Later...

Ever since you and Jim fell asleep holding each other close on your bed, you’ve done your best to stay away. Coming up with any excuse to reject any invite your Mother extends. It was silly of you to think that she wouldn’t ask Jim to text you on her behalf. 

Unknown Number: Y/N?

Y/N: Who is this?

Unknown Number: Uh, it’s Jim.

Y/N: How did you get my number?

Unknown Number: Your Mother.

Y/N: Of course. Of course.

Unknown Number: She thinks you’re mad at her because you won’t come over, and thinks you’ll talk to me.

Y/N: I’m not mad at anyone, it’s just better for me to stay away.

Unknown Number: We don’t think so.

Y/N: Jim...don’t.

Unknown Number: Nothing happened.

Y/N: Did you tell her?

Unknown Number: No, because there’s nothing to tell her.

On the one hand, you know that the both of you know that’s total bullshit. On the other hand, technically, nothing did happen. Plus, you know the more you stay away, the more she’s going to bother you and Jim which wouldn’t be good either. So, you explain everything to Ciara, and while she gives you a stern talking to, she agrees to accompany you to whatever your Mother invites you to.

“So, are you two a thing now?” she scoffed once she poured the both of you a cup of coffee.

“That’s not funny.”

“You’re the one who cuddled him-”

“We were both just drunk and overwhelmed. You know how I get when I’m drunk, and you know I only drink like that when I’m around her, Rose, or the both of them at once.”

“Fair point. Well, how do you feel about him?”

“I don’t know? Nothing. He’s my stepfather-”“Yeah, cause that matters.”

“Ci, I’m sitting here asking you to be my decoy. I’m very much aware of what can’t happen.”

“It’s not like you need someone to play devil’s advocate in this situation, but she did go out of her way to keep him a secret and make you the bad guy.”

“He’s good for her and I don’t need her thinking I took someone else from her-”“You’ve never taken anything from her.”“You and I both know that’s not how she views any of it. She had no problems until she got knocked up with me.”

“I hate your Mother.”“Yeah, I know,” you laughed. “Just gotta get through the Summer,” you smiled weakly.

The plan worked well enough, because whenever Ciara didn’t feel like being there or could sense that you were feeling uncomfortable, she could easily say- 

“Darragh needs help with Nora, she’s become really fussy lately. I’m sorry, but we have to go. Y/N is always our last hope if we can’t calm her ourselves.”

Well, apparently that excuse was working too well, because two nights ago you got a call you’d been praying to avoid.

“Jim’s children are coming over this weekend! You’ll be able to make it, right?” your Mother beamed as soon as you picked up the phone.

Jim had to be standing right next to her. 

“Oh...why would I be coming?”

“To meet them! They’re your step-siblings!”

“Uh...Ciara and I made plans with Darragh, cause he’ll be dropping Nora. We figured we all go out.”

“That’s even better! We can all hangout together!”

“Mum, why not-”

“Y/N, it’ll be good for everyone. They need to meet you. We’re all a family now.”

How the fuck is this your fault?

“Yeah, you’re right. Fine.”

“Why are you upset?”“I’m not upset about anything. I’ll see you then-”

“You don’t know the time-”“Just text it to me,” you bit before hanging up.

All of this leads to why you’re currently pacing around in your childhood bedroom. You don’t even know why you’re flustered. You already knew he has children, so why does it matter so much? Why do you care if they like you? It shouldn’t make a difference whether they like you or not. It’s not like you’re going to be hanging around much, especially when you go back to school, so why it driving you mad now?

“Hey, you okay?” Jim asks softly as he makes his way into your room, closing the door behind him.

You just glare at him as you continue to pace.

“What? This wasn’t my idea. We got to talkin’ about doin’ somethin’ small for the weekend, and she realized that my children haven’t met you, and decided to put this together.”

“You don’t want me to meet them?”

“It’s not that.”

“Well, what is it, then?”

“I don’t want them to meet you like this. All flustered and mad-”

“I’m not mad.”

“Don’t be a liar.” “I shouldn’t even be here. What the fuck?!”

“Calm down,” he begs softly, placing his hands on either side of you.

God, you hate how much you’ve missed his touch.

“They’re going to love you, today is going to be fine, and it’ll be done with before you know.”

“How do you know they’ll love me?”

“I know my kids.” “Jim-”

“Don’t stay away anymore.” “God, I can’t have that talk right now.” “What talk?”

“Don’t make me feel stupid on top of everything else!”

“We didn’t do anything-” “Jim, you flirted with me that night. We were standin’ outside my room, you flirted with me, and I liked it. I liked it a lot. Then, we stayed up talking and fell asleep holding each other...I shouldn’t be here.”

“Angel-” “You’re married to my Mother, Jim! My Mother! I can’t...we can’t-”

Taking a deep breath, he releases you and looks down at you. His eyes search the features, while you get lost in his ocean blue eyes.

“I don’t want...we just get along,” he smiles softly at you. “Aren’t we supposed to? I’m not trying to be some sort of father figure in your life, because you clearly don’t need one. If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll only speak to you when you’re here-”

“It won’t, Jim. That’s the problem. It will just-”

“Here you two are!” Ciara whisper yells as she makes her way into your room. “Lover boy, I’m gonna need you to get down there and rein in your wife.” “What do you mean?”

“Her nerves are winning the battle and shes started drinking.” He scowls as he storms out, “fucks sake!”

You finally feel like you can breathe again. 

“What the fuck was that?!”

Shaking your head, you make your way over to your bed and sit, “I shouldn’t be here.”

“You tried to get out of it-”

“Ci, I shouldn’t be here. I should be as far away from him as possible, and-”

“Why...you don’t...Y/N-”

“It’s just a crush,” you quickly defend, but the scoff that leaves her mouth lets you know that she doesn’t believe you at all. “It is!”

“Your stepfather?”

“I haven’t even known him that long! Okay, this is exactly what I mean. I shouldn’t be here.”

“Alright, his kids aren’t here yet. Darragh is already fed up with your Mother, so it shouldn’t be hard for us to get out of here.” Grabbing your hand, she quickly leads you out of the room, “lets go.”

Ciara and Darragh exchange a look as he bounces Nora in his arms, and as  soon as her foot hits the bottom step, and he’s instantly getting up, Nora giggling at his fast movement. They decided to bring her last minute, and it honestly brought you more comfort than you thought it would. 

“Y/M/N I just remembered, I told my parents we’d come by today with Y/N, and it’s too late to cancel-”

“Nonsense!” your Mother slurs as she appears with a smile painted on her face, as an exasperated Jim follows behind her. “The kids are excited and almost here-”

“I figure we can leave now and just come back tomorrow for lunch or something. They’re here for the-”

He’s cut off by the doorbell ringing, and you close your eyes in defeat. Fuck.

You muster the best smile you can as you make your way to the front door, “Hi, I’m Y/N.”

His ex-wife has mixture of irritation and anger on her face, but she does her best to hide it with a smile. 

“You must be the stepdaughter,” she smiles bitterly, and you force yourself to swallow down your irritation.

You still don’t even know how you ended up in this situation.

“I’m Y/N,” you greet as the two children run towards Jim, who’s more than happy to greet them and give them bear hugs.

You hate how much it pulls on your heartstrings.

“Hey Danielle!” your Mother slurs and Danielle looks completely taken aback.

It’s not as if you can blame her.

“It’s been a while!”

“I’ve been so busy,” your Mother laughs, engulfing her in a hug.

You just want the ground to swallow you whole. 

You shake your head and offer a kind smile towards Danielle before telling her, “my best friend, her boyfriend and child, and I will be here all night.”

“Glad to hear it,” she laughs awkwardly, once your Mother finally lets go of her.

“Thanks for bringing ‘em, Danielle,” Jim offers softly as he comes up behind you, mindlessly resting his hand on your shoulder.

The look on her face lets you know that she thinks this is Peyton’s Place, or something close to it. Once again: you can’t blame her.

“You’ll give me a ring if something happens, yeah?” she asks Jim.

“Of course,” he promises with a small chuckle.

Danielle gives your Mother one last look before looking at you and nodding, turning, and leaving.

“Who’s up for a movie?!” you ask excitedly, turning around and making your way back into the house, being met with cheers.

God save you from the hell that’s about to reign down on you.

**

“It’s like your Mother constantly goes out of her way to be a bitch,” Ciara scowls and you laugh.

You’ve done your best to keep your Mother at bay, but it’s been useless. You gave the children (your “siblings”) a choice between ‘Shrek’ and ‘Robots’, and you were so happy they chose ‘Robots’. Your Mother always hated Shrek (for reasons forever unknown to you), and you were afraid it would’ve pushed her further into whatever anxiety depressed state she was in. Turns out, no matter what, she was determined to push herself further into her stupor.

“They really seem to fuckin’ love you,” she slurred as she plopped herself down on one of the kitchen chairs, drink in hand. 

“Mother, stop,” you snapped, “these are your stepchildren! Get it together!”

“Why did ya even have to come home?”

“You invited me for the Summer!”

“Ya just had to-”

“Go to bed,” 

“Is everythin’ okay in here?” Jim asked softly as he made his way into the kitchen. 

“As if you give a fuck,” she mumbled before she took another sip of her drink.

“Stop it!” you snapped again in a hushed tone. “Go upstairs and sleep it off.”

“I’m your Mother!”

“It’s a shame you’ve never acted like it. Now go!”

She mumbled something incoherent as she grabbed her glass and got up. She glared at you before got on her tiptoes and kissed Jim on the cheek, then finally made her way upstairs. You wanted to throw the bottle against the wall, but you knew it would only make things worse for everyone involved.

“Angel-”

“You sure picked a real fuckin’ winner,” you scoffed humorlessly as you started to pace.

“Just calm down-”

“Are ya okay?”

“I’m fine, just take a moment,” he begged as he stood in front of you.

“This was her idea and...I’m leaving tomorrow.”

“Don’t do that.”

“Why not? Me being here only makes things worse. Only makes her worse.”

“I want you here.”

“Once I’m gone, she’ll be back to the way she was before. You’ll be living in wedded bloody bliss again in no time.”

“Angel, you don’t get it,” he chuckled humorlessly as he cupped your face and looked down at you.

“Fuck.”

“Yeah.”

“Jim...no. If anything, that means that I really need to leave.”

“I won’t...I can’t. We can’t...right?”

“Of course!”

“Then why are you lookin at me like that?” he asked softly.

You should’ve moved away from him. You should’ve said ‘no’, but you just stood there like deer stuck in the headlights.

“Tell me you’ll stay.”

“Jim I...”

“Say it, Angel.”

“It’s not right.”

“I know, but I can’t stop it. I don’t want to.”

“I’m your stepdaughter, Jim. This can’t happen.”

“Do you really feel that way? Do you look to me as a Father figure?”

“You know I don’t, but...you’re married. To my Mother.”

“Angel, I have tried so hard, but this...this feels right. Doesn’t it feel right to you? Like it should’ve always been like this?”

“Jim-”

“Doesn’t it feel right?”

You inhaled deeply before you closed your eyes, “yes.”

“I want to be yours, Angel.”

“Jim...stop it. We can’t do this. You’re just mad at her right now, and you have every right to be. You’ll feel differently in-”

“It’s never felt like this with her. Even before you, I’ve never felt the same towards her as I do for you, or for anyone for that matter. I didn’t know I could.”

“Please don’t tell me this. I can’t hear it, Jim.”

“Then let me show you.”

He didn’t give you a chance to even think before he crashed his lips into yours. You hated how natural it felt, because it was wrong. It was wrong on so many levels. The kiss was gentle, but desperate, like he knew it wouldn’t last long. Like he knew it couldn’t last long. Instinctively, you wrapped your arms around his neck and pulled him closer, loving the way your bodies meshed together as you tried to sear this moment and feeling into your brain. 

You knew this could never happen again.

He backed you against the kitchen wall and gripped your ass tight, before he hoisted you up and you wrapped your legs around his slim frame. The man didn’t look it, but he was stronger than you imagined.

And you’d imagined a lot.

You moaned as he started to kiss down from your jawline to your neck, “Jim...please.”

“I’ll do anything you want, Angel. Just tell me what you want.”

“You,” you whimpered as you ground yourself against him.

“Fuck!”

“I just want you!” you assured him as quietly as you could. “I just need you!”

“Can’t wait to-”

“Dad! Do you need help with anythin’?!” his son called from the living area, and it pulled you both out of your trances.

“No, I’ll be back with the popcorn soon!” Jim called as he looked up into your eyes. 

When the hell did he even start making popcorn?

He slowly put you down as he let out a heavy sigh, “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t...we shouldn’t keep dancing around this.”

“I’ll leave in the morning-”

“I don’t want that at all. Stay tonight and we’ll figure this all-”

“Jim, this can’t happen again. Ever again.”

“We both want it to-”

“This will fan out before it even has a chance to turn into anything-”

“I love you.”

“Stop it, Jim.”

“I love you. I’m in love with you.”

“I’m just a nice vacation from my Mother, and you’ll-”

“You think that’s all I want? Close your legs to me forever, I’ll still want you, Angel.”

“Jim-”

“We can figure this out.”

“We have! We can’t do this ever again.”

He chuckled humorlessly as he pressed himself against you, “is that what you truly believe? That this is the end of it?”

“Jim-”

“Dad!” his son yelled, which only made him chuckle softly.

“I’m comin’” he called back. “This isn’t done,” he promised before he walked away.

Since that little incident in the kitchen, you’ve avoided all eye contact with Jim, as well as any close encounters. You feel like everyone will know if you two lock eyes, and you truly can’t deal with that right now. You can’t deal with any of it. How the hell did it even get this point? Just this morning, he told you that there’s nothing to be worried about, and now...?

You can’t do this. You can’t fall for this trap. He’s just hurting, and it’ll all go to shit. How can he be in love with you? He barely even knows you, but he claims to be in love with you? How would it even work? It can’t. Your Mother will hate the both of you, and she’d have every right. This is so-

“Babe, did you hear me?” Ciara laughs softly, pulling you out of your thoughts.

“I’m sorry, no, I’m so drained,” you chuckle softly, shaking your head.

You’ve got to stop.

“Are you sure you don’t wanna stay over tonight?”

“I should stay. Who knows what she’ll be like in the morning, and I don’t want the kids dealing with her with just Jim. If the day needs to be saved, I’ll be here.”

“Well, aren’t you noble? Well, that and I’m sure you want to continue what you and Jim started.”

You can feel your blood freezing.

“What...how...?”

“Besides the way you avoided him like the plague, I was going in there to check on you, and saw you up against the wall, and him being the reason for it.”

“Oh my God!”

“I’m not going to say anything and I’m not going to judge you. However, you two do need to figure this out, and figure it out soon.”

 “I don’t even know how it got to this point. He claims he’s in love with me, but how can that be? Besides, there’s no way we can actually be together,” you groan, dropping your face into your hands. “The smart thing to do is to leave, isn’t it?”

“It is.”

“Then why is so damn hard for me to agree to leave?”

“Because you like him...a lot.”

“I’ve barely even spent time with him.”

“But the time ya have spent with him has been intimate. You both got to know each other in a personal way.”

“He’s my stepdad!”

“It’s not like you’re a child. You’re a grown woman.”

“He’s married to my Mother.”

“Because that’s goin’ so well.”

“She was fine until I came home.”

“She invited you home for the Summer! She has no reason to act like this, besides, if you didn’t set her off something else would have. She can only hide her real self for so long.”

“What if he’s actually good for her?”

“You think she can come back from this? Babe, even if he doesn’t end up with you, he’s never going to stay with her. Especially after that spectacle tonight,” she scoffs while placing her hands on her hips. “In case you forgot, she didn’t tell you that she got married.”

“C, this isn’t right.”

“I never said that it was. It’s backwards as shit, but I’ve seen the way you two look at one another. The way you both try not to look at one another. There’s something between the both of you.”

“There shouldn’t be. There shouldn’t be for so many reasons,” you sob as tears fill your eyes.. “God, maybe I’ll just head back early-”

“And go where? Do what?”

“C-”

“Just talk to him. He clearly has some things he needs to say so, at least, clear the air.”

“I can’t think when I’m around him.”

“I don’t think he’s much better, love,” she giggles softly as she gives your hand a gentle squeeze.

“I shouldn’t be this torn up about this.”

“The heart wants what it wants. Like I said, just talk. See what happens,” she smiles reassuringly before wrapping you in a tight hug. “It’s gonna be okay.”

“I don’t see how it can be.”

“Just give it time. Everything in life requires time,” she assures you, letting go as both Darragh and Jim walk in. “Tell me how it goes.”

She gives you a quick kiss on the cheek along with a reassuring nod, before making her way over to Darragh, taking his hand, and walking out. You hear Nora coo softly when Ciara lifts her up, and a small smile comes to your face.

You’d choose her life over yours any day, honestly.

The door closes and you know you’re alone with Jim which, in some ways, is the last thing you want.

“Where are the kids?” you ask softly, avoiding Jim’s heated and heavy gaze.

“Everyone’s asleep, Angel,” he promises as he corners you.

That nickname is gonna drive you insane.

“Then we should be too.”

“We’re not done-”

“Jim, I’m just a welcomed distraction. You’ll get over this. Over me.”

“I don’t want to-”

“Jim, we can’t-”

“I know your heart rate speeds up when we’re alone, Angel. Mine does too. You want me the same way I want you.”

“Sex and intimacy are not the same thing.”

“And I never said that’s what this is.”

“Jim, this can’t happen anymore-”

“You don’t think about me the same way I think about you? You don’t want me in the same way I want you?”

“She’s my Mother, Jim.”

“Do you think of me as your Stepfather? As your Father?”

“You know I don’t.”

“Then what’s wrong?” he asks as he cups your face.

“This can be the only time we do this,” you breathe as he closes the space between the both of you. “Fuck.”

“There’s my good girl,”

“Jim...we can still stop.”

“We don’t want to.”

“We shouldn’t in here,” you breathe, mind foggy as you feel his breath on your neck.

“Anything and anywhere you want,” he husks before planting feverish kisses along your neck.

Fuck, is this really going to happen?

“Maybe...maybe we should wait-”

“I can’t wait anymore, Angel.”

“What if she wakes up?”

He’s quicker than you ever imagined as he stands up straight and leads you through the house. Almost in an instant, he’s leading you downstairs and into the spare room your grandparents had made for you to hide in when their arguments with your Mother got to be too much for you.

“Problem solved,” he husks before crashing his lips into yours.

It’s wrong, on so many levels, but it feels so good. He feels so good.

“Tell me this isn’t just sex,” you moan while he kisses down your body.

“Angel, this is so much more to me,” he promises, unbuttoning your shorts and pulling down. “I love you so much,” he groans, taking in your scent.

“Jim!”

“Been dreamin’ of this cunny, Angel. Let Daddy have a taste.”

You bite down hard on your bottom and swallow down your moan as he starts to suck on your clit. Lulling your head back, you close your eyes and grip his hair tight, quickly forgetting about all the guilt you felt only moments ago.

You gasp when you feel two slender fingers push their way inside, “fuck! You’re so....ahh fuck!” you whimper as quietly as you can.

Feeling the vibration from his moaning, has you ready to cum on the spot, but you’re not ready for it to end so fast.

Jim isn’t having that.

“Don’t make me beg, Angel,” he growls, looking up at you, fucking you faster with his fingers. “Give it to me.”

“I fucking...don’t wanna...fuck!”

“C’mon, Angel. Give me what I need,” he begs, using his thumb to massage your clit. 

“Fuck!”

“You sound so beautiful,” he groans doubling down on his efforts .

Your legs almost buckle as your orgasm washes over you, your desire soaks his wrist, and he fucks you through your high.

“You’re really somethin’ else,” he smirks as he slowly stands up, looking down at you with love and adoration in his eyes, while he slowly removes his fingers. “So lovely and all mine,” he whispers before delivers another soul stealing kiss.

You can taste yourself on his lips, and it only turns you on even more. Wrapping your arms around him, you let yourself get lost in him, almost completely oblivious to the fact that Jim is moving you both back towards the bed.

“Stop,” you breathe, forcing yourself to let go of him once you feel the back of your legs against the bed. “Take your shirt off.”

Lust floods his eyes as he takes a step back and slowly takes off his shirt. 

If you’re going to Hell, you may as well enjoy the ride.

Your hand lightly traces over his chest as you marvel, “you’re beautiful.”

“You’re one to talk,” he chuckles softly, caressing the side of your face. “If you want to stop-”

“We’ve already started,” you giggle softly.

“I love you, Y/N. I don’t want this to be over after tonight.”

“Lets just be here tonight, my love,” you smile weakly.

It’s not like you can blame alcohol, because you haven’t had a drink all day. This is a choice you’re making all on your own. You can’t even find it in you to feel bad right now because, with how he’s looking at you, the only thing you feel is love.

“Show me how much ya love me tonight,” you whisper as you undo his jeans. “Show me how much you need me.”

In no time at all, you’re both naked and under the covers of your long forgotten “emergency” bed. A very small part of you is still in shock over what’s about to take place, but as worships your body with his tongue, you instantly realize that it’s not enough to call it off and pretend it isn’t happening.

When you feel his tongue massage your right nipple while he sucks on it like it’s the world’s best lollipop, all regrets and guilt go out the window. 

“Angel?” Jim breathes, propping himself and looking down at you.

“Yeah?”

“Say it,” he pleads, slowly spearing into you.

“Oh fuck!”

“Please...fuck!” he grunts, gripping the sheets a bit tighter. “Please...please fuckin’ say it!” he begs desperately as he starts to pick up his pace.

“Fuck, I love you! I love you so...oh God!” you groan as he starts to pick up the pace. 

“You’re perfect.”

“Jim!”

“I know, Angel...just...Jesus, ya grippin’ me so tight!”

“Fuck...so close!! Right there...ahht!!”

“C’mon, Angel!”

“Jim...oh...OH!!”

You both go right over the edge at the same time, with Jim dipping down to kiss you in a weak attempt to silence your moans.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

“Give me a second,” Jim laughs softly, resting his head in the crook of your neck, while softly resting his body on top of yours.

“We’re fucked. We’re so fucked,” you laugh humorlessly.

“Angel, we’re going to be together-”

“Jim, it’s not like this is some regular affair. You’re married to my Mother. You’re my Stepfather. No matter what happens, this can only end poorly.”

“Then why did you do it?” he questions, pushing himself up a little.

You cup his face and caress the right side softly, “because I love ya, Jim. I’m in love with ya.”

Jim says nothing, he just dips down and kisses you passionately, and you feel him come back to life fore you.

His thrusts start off slow as a smirk comes to his lips, “I think we should have one more go, yeah?”

You dig your nails into his shoulder blades as you arch your back, “please!”

You and Jim spend the next hour or so getting tangled in your sheets, with you two mainly telling each other how much you both love and need one another. Yes, you don’t know much about the man, but you know that you’re drawn to him in every way that a person can be drawn to someone. Your heart, soul, and mind, has never reacted to someone in this way.

He is the missing piece you’ve always been looking for.

“Jim?” you question softly, laying your head on his chest and softly playing with his chest hairs.

“Yeah?”

“We can’t do this ever again. Ya know that, right?”

“We’re gonna figure this out-”

“Jim, ya married her. My Mother. Ya can’t-”

“I’ll figure it out-”

“There’s nothing to figure out, and you know that. You’re married to my Mother and this...this is for tonight only. She may not be a good Mother, but she is my Mother. At one point, you loved her and when I’m gone, you will again. You’ll see-”

“I loved a version of her. This isn’t just some fling with you-’

“She’s my Mother, Jim! I know that I love ya, and I believe that you love me, but this can’t happen. She’d never forgive me and I wouldn’t blame her. God, if she had any idea...Jim, it can’t happen again.”

“I don’t want that.”

“I don’t either, but it’s for the best.”

“If it’s what’s best, I’ll do it,” he sighs heavily, pulling you closer to him.

“I love you, Jim.”

“I love you too, Angel.”

“You can’t be here in the morning.”

“Just let me hold you a bit longer,” he begs softly.

You nod your head softly as you blink back tears. You know that this is the right thing to do. Yeah, your heart is breaking, and you know this isn’t something you’re gonna get over over night, but it’s what needs to be done. Tonight is all you two have, but what a night it was. As you slowly start to drift off to sleep, a small smile comes to your face. For just a moment, you two had each other. You had it all.

Tomorrow, you’ll wake up and all of this will be a distant memory, and you’ll be strong enough to move on.

...right?

~~

[sylvienerevarine]

Sylvienerevarine.tumblr.com's Extremely Sexy And Glamorous Fic Rec List

2024 was a banner year for me specifically in terms of both reading and writing a boatload of TES fanfic. With the New Year fast approaching I wanted to give a little love to some of my favorite writers on here (many of whom have also been unbelievably supportive of my own work as well because they're just great people). This list is not 100% comprehensive because I read a lot this year but is a broad overview of some of my faves!

So LET'S GET INTO IT! First, a couple of series-es:

the Every Star a Sign series by @wispstalk

this series makes me feel more emotions than there are emotions to feel. I would kill and die for Tanis Irathi and I'm heartbroken he and Marty didn't get to settle down in a nice cottage with a few cats. That said, Tanis' trip to the Shivering Isles was pretty sick (good sick)

The Seasons of WinterCloak series by @thequeenofthewinter

I'll confess to having been an Ulfric Stormcloak disliker in my time. This series did so much emotional labor to fix that in me. Winter's Dovahkiin Dahlia is a relatable queen, and Ulfy is astonishingly sympathetic (and a little sexy, rowr). I adore that this series takes place AFTER the main events of Skyrim as well!

The Threads of Blood series by @oblivions-dawn

Like every sane person, I love Serana and want her to be happy while also going through plenty of drama first. This series scratches that itch in my brain so beautifully. And I know our other heroine Vigdis would hate my guts (because I'm a person who is not Serana) but I love her anyway. Sorry Viggy!

The Ebonsong series by @stormbeyondreality

Our loveable bard hero flees an arranged marriage in High Rock and boops around all of Skyrim while meeting scary vampires, Maran priests, wacky theater kids, and family ghosts. Utterly delightful, no notes.

The Illusionist series by @dirty-bosmer

Nim, a delightful Bosmer urchin, avoids solving the Oblivion crisis and rises to the top of the Mage's Guild while also joining every criminal organization in sight. If that doesn't make you squeal with delight I'm afraid there is no hope for you. I love you Nim.

And some individual fics that made me laugh, cry, and explode:

Fire and Blood by The Severed. If I had a nickel for every time a Serana/angry redhead story made me cry this year I'd have three nickels.

The Imperial City Irregulars by @nostalgic-breton-girl. Everything this author writes is amazing, actually, but ICI made me laugh like a banshee at the dentist's office so it wins.

Age of the Dragons: Blood Upon the Snow by @spinchboli. The Dragonborn DLC meets marine biology documentary meets terrifying existential rom-com that we all want, nay, deserve. I love it so much.

Thicker than Holy Water by Vhokken

Werewolves. Vigilants of Stendarr. Forbidden tragedy-gay romance. I'm sobbing already, excuse me.

There are probably quite a few more I'm forgetting but for now, this is your 2025 reading list. Get to it, darlings!

[libraryraccoon]

If I was at NRC as a normal student (not Yuu)

If I was in the NRC, i will be a Ignihyde Student (bc the official test tell me I was a Ignihyde student), the extrovert or ambivert of Ignihyde.

Aka the Ignihyde student hated by all the other Ignihyde student :DD

I will try to adopt Ortho.

Raccoon : Sign just here.

Ortho : isn't it a adopt pap-

Raccoon : shhh, you don't need to know or say what it is. Sign just. :)

Idia seeing me trying to adopt legally his little (dead and robot) brother : What the fuck-

I will be here for the Overblots.

But not for help, oh no no !

Ace : What is it ?

Raccoon : pop corn.

Deuce : Why are you eating pop corn when there is an overblot in front of you ?!

Raccoon : because it's better to watch with pop corn ? I thought everyone know that.

I would be absent from sports class. Vargas met me once in the corridors but that's it. I would never have shown up to this (torture) class.

I'm pretty sure Vargas won't even know I exist.

Vargas : Raccoon ? We have someone here who have that name ?

Jack : it's maybe the raccon that is in the trash at the back of the school ?

Ace : Oh yeah, I have seen that little guy once. But why he will be on the call list ?

(They are talking about a real raccoon, not me-)

I will doxx people for money. It's said.

Hey, I need to make money you know ? And I don't have a Leona for that like Ruggie-

Oh yeah because Ruggie will be my best friend here.

(We are the NRC cleaners, Crowley pays us to do all the cleaning)

I have seen a post saying that some beastmens and faes are awake the night and go see each others, even if I will be a human, I will join them.

Like that I will meet (and have informations) on a lot of beastmens and faes.

(Me ? Later blackmail them about this ? Please, be realistic, I care about my life ! But for a little money....)

I will be the only Ignihyde student and maybe human that will be at that "night party" (we will call it like that), and it's because I was invite by Ruggie (bestfriends benefits).

Now, for some of my hc as Ignihyde students, I headcanon that all the Ignihyde student have one time by months a party on a game with all the dorm.

And during that party, they do a lot of challenges. And that leads to some Drama and rivalry.

I'm pretty sure it's at that party that we decided who will be the Housewarden and Vice Housewarden.

The Housewarden being the 1st and vice the 2nd.

And some others things :

•I will be the NRC therapist.

I'm a good listener and I give good advices.

Pretty sure Crowley tried to hire me after finding out.

That mean I will be the therapist of all the overblotter (oh look ! I have now a lot of ennemies because I talk bad about their family/what they think-).

I would use the excuse of being a school therapist to avoid doing sports. At least I have an excuse and I won't have repercussions for (skipping) being absent from sports class.

Bye bye Vargas ! Seeing you one time in the corridors was enough for me !

•I probably would have made a contract with Azul and I would have taken Ruggie to do one too (well, that's if he and I are in first year at the same time).

Why ? For money ofc.

We will work for the Mostro Lounge only for the money.

•I will avoid the Leech (well, try to avoid them).

They scared me.

How people can not have scare of them is a question without answer for me.

•I will be hate of Vil and Riddle (even if we don't count the therapist part).

I have a bad memory, i don't care about my physic.

I can easily forget the rules, so Riddle will hate me for forget all the Queen rules but also all the NRC rules in general.

And I can literally go shopping in unicorn pajamas. Vil worst nightmare.

•Rook 🤝🏻 Me : watching people.

Nothing else to say here. It explain all by itself.

•Unexpected friendship : Me & Idia & Rook.

Every Sunday evening at the end of the week we would meet up at the Pomefiore or Ignihyde dorm and tell each other all the NRC gossip. We would have tea, cookies, popcorn and hot chocolate, and lots of gossip to be told.

Nobody in the NRC know how much we know or how we know it. They don't want to know.

•My magic.

I will have an healing magic or a anti-magic. That's all.

I don't need more magic than those two.

•I will try to adopt Grim.

Maybe Yuu too. I just want to adopt them + Ortho because they deserved all the love.

I will have a gun.

I love gun.

•Knowing too much.

If I go at NRC, even with magic, with all I know of the game and the theories ? Man, I will be the more suspicious of the all NRC, more than Rook !

I will say things like that :

Raccoon : Man, you really is an overblotter now that I see you that often !

Crowley : ??? How do you know-

Raccoon : you're dad, Levan, is Crowley. Good chance bro, we're not together in that shit-

Malleus : The fuck child of men-

Raccoon : what that feel like to be a general ?

Lilia : kid, why that question and how do you know ? I don't remember saying it to you-

Raccoon : when will you accept that you are Silver, Sebek and Malleus parental figure ?

Lilia : ... i'm not-

Raccoon : wait- we are before Malleus overblot, so that mean you are still in the denial right now.

Lilia : by the great sevens.. WHAT THE FUCH RACCOON ?!-

Me, Idia and Rook the Sunday.

[sophistired18]

Kryk ficlet about something something nail clippings, romance, dragons, and estranged family. Pt. 1/2(?)

Let me cut your nails.

"I wanna meet your sister one day." Yaku says offhandedly as he clips Kuroo's nails on their sofa.

"What??" Kuroo jolts, moving his hand suddenly.

"Hey stop moving!" Yaku grumbles as he yanks Kuroo's hand back.

"Why did you ask that??" Kuroo asks with a mix of confusion and shock.

Yaku pauses from Kuroo's nails and lets out a sigh like it's so obvious. It's always so obvious to Yaku.

"Well, isn't it kinda like a formal standard to get to know your partner's entire family before marriage or something?" Yaku says. Like it was obvious. As if it was obvious that he was reflecting on marriage and a future with Kuroo while doing something as mundane as clipping his boyfriend's fingernails. It was obviously, obvious.

Kuroo inhales. "Yakkun. Morisuke. What the actual fuck."

"What??!" Yaku lets out defensively. Because for some reason Kuroo is the unobvious one here. "Am I wrong though?" Yaku says like he's right. He is right.

Kuroo exhales. "No, you're not wrong." Kuroo grins in a stupidly sappy way. "You're just, so unromantic."

"Excuse me? Is doing my boyfriend's manicure because he needs one, badly I might add, not the most romantic deed ever?" Yaku huffs, but his smile grows wider. "Did I need to slay a dragon to prove worthy of your love and ask for your hand, your majesty?"

"And you say I'm the drama queen." Kuroo rolls his eyes. "And honestly, you're probably one of the only people I know that could kill a dragon, so maybe yeah, that'd be very romantic of you. That'd be really hot to see now that I think about it."

"Oh so I guess I'll just find a dragon then." Yaku remarks sarcastically. "But besides that, you're avoiding my question."

"Which one? The hot dragon slaying one or the manly manicure one?" Kuroo replies with a stupid question with an equally stupid grin.

"Neither, you dumbass." Yaku gripes, before jabbing Kuroo in the side of his torso. "I'm serious. I wanna get to know your family."

"You have met my-" Kuroo starts.

"ALL of your family! Besides Kenma doesn't count." Kuroo just gives him a look. "Okay, you're right, Kenma counts, but still! You know what I mean!" Yaku finishes.

"I know.. it's just, well, it's my sister, Mori." Kuroo groans.

"Look, I know you guys aren't close, but that doesn't mean I can't meet her! I want to know this part of your life." Yaku explains. "You've met all of my family, and they love you. Don't I deserve to get to meet yours too? I'm not asking for her approval or to love me, but.. I just think it'd be nice, you know?"

"Yes, you're right." Kuroo admits. "It's just that, she wasn't really a part of my life, Yakkun. I barely know a thing about her besides the Christmas photos my mom used to send. I mean you already know how I feel about my mom, and she is well, my mom. On the otherhand, my sister?? We're like practically strangers." Kuroo huffs.

"You guys don't have to stay that way." Yaku adds.

"Mori, I can literally count on my two hands how many family dinners I've had. I can count on one hand how many family dinners I've had with her attending them." Kuroo spits.

"And I still mean what I said." Yaku spits back. "You're a grown ass man now, and she's a grown ass woman! I'm pretty sure it's not impossible for the two of you to talk to each other! Besides! For someone who's managed to connect with volleyball maniacs from all over the world that you've barely met before, I'm sure connecting with your sister is absolutely doable."

This sucks. This sucks because Kuroo knows Yaku has a point. And Kuroo knows he should stop fighting on this because it's true. He does want Yaku to meet his family. He just never really felt like he ever received any kind of approval from his sister. And for some reason, he's afraid that Yaku won't get that approval because of him. And that's not fair to Yaku. But he's also not being fair to Yaku either.

Kuroo huffs. "I'll give her a call and see when she's available."

Yaku's lips form a wide smile. "Thank you, Tetsu." Yaku sets down the nail clipper and crawls onto Kuroo's lap. "Y'know, if you weren't being such an ass about this, I might be tempted to kiss you."

"But I'm an ass about everything and you still kiss me regardless." Kuroo smirks.

"Only to shut you up, jerk."

"Then shut me up. Or I could keep goi-"

Yaku shuts him up, and Kuroo can't help but think that it's the most romantic thing.

[beanghostprincess]

Why do you think in shuggy break up Luffy would be on buggy side?

I think it's obvious, isn't it? The core purpose and inspiration of Luffy are dreams and freedom. Luffy's character quite literally is just about that (and more, but those are his main character traits). As the story progresses, we see him helping others, not because he wants to or because he's nice like that (he isn't. He is a fucking menace to society) but because those are the specific buttons you have to press for him to be empathetic or resentful. Luffy is pretty much a selfish person. He's not helping others just because he can, but because of the unfairness of the world or how they treat others. If he doesn't get along with you, he gives zero fucks about what happens to you UNLESS a dream or freedom is involved. Because it's not really about you, then, but about this precious concept he has of life and freedom and how everyone should be able to choose and live however they want. He isn't selfless but he does fight for what he thinks is right. And what Luffy perceives as something everybody should be able to have is both dreams and the freedom to achieve them. So, basically, Luffy is empathetic and helps if he likes you (basically if you're cool or show signs of being a nice person) or if there's something keeping you from being free.

Anyway, why am I telling you all of this? Because I think that, if Luffy knew about what really happened between Shanks and Buggy from Buggy's perspective, he'd side with Buggy without any hesitation. Well. Maybe a little hesitation. Maybe a ton of hesitation because of Shanks. Let me explain-

Let's just make a hypothetical situation in which the three of them are together and Shanks and Buggy start arguing about what happened that day. Yadda yadda yadda, it doesn't really have to make sense for me to explain this. The thing is, Buggy tells his side of the story, and Luffy hears it. I think his first reaction would be about Shanks. He would have SO many questions about his decision. "Why didn't you go for the One Piece right away, Shanks?! Why did you hesitate?! Why did you let Buggy run away and not run after him?!" Because, due to his impatient and overly protective nature (and abandonment issues, cof cof) of the ones he loves, Luffy would instantly ask himself these things. Because Luffy wouldn't have done it this way. Luffy wouldn't have hesitated. He makes impulsive decisions on the spot. If he wants something, he's gonna go take it. And if his best friend leaves without explaining anything (WATER FUCKING SEVEN) he's gonna run after them (STRONG WORLD!!!!!!!) and make them come back to him because he knows something's wrong (WHOLE CAKE ISLAND MY BELOVED). So I personally think he'd be defensive at first with Shanks and Shanks would look away with the most painful of stares and avoid Luffy's hurt eyes. You know when he gets angry at him for what happened to Uta because he can't understand anything and Shanks can't tell him what happened and Luffy has to learn to be mature and accept that sometimes he just won't understand/agree with some of Shanks' decisions? Well, that's him right now. Shanks tells him there was something deeper going on (because of fucking course Oda is gonna go full drama and turn Shanks' hesitation at the time into something extremely painful). Or maybe he just says they weren't ready yet and Luffy just has to understand that patience is a virtue (something that Shanks has actually been teaching him for a long time). Yadda yadda yadda, I think Luffy wouldn't be mad at Shanks for a long time but he wouldn't really truly get it. And besides, the Buggy thing has no excuse. He should've followed him. That's it. End of the discussion. Because that's Luffy's mentality and he'd rather starve to death than let his family go.

Then, I think Luffy would have mixed feelings about Buggy's POV. Because he doesn't understand it, but he gets the important stuff. He doesn't understand why Buggy wouldn't follow his dream even if he feels inferior. He could've just told Shanks. Or maybe just?? Idk. Not feel inferior in the first place (such good fucking advice from somebody like Luffy who gives zero fucks about that sort of thing). But I think he would remember Water 7, too? And Usopp in general? And also all the times he has felt weak and powerless? And I think he doesn't quite understand Buggy's reasons for staying in Shanks' shadow, and that makes him furious and angry at Buggy for giving up so easily, but he would also be kind of sad. I think he'd get the important stuff. Like. The simpler way to put it is that Luffy sees Buggy with this new POV and just sees somebody who lost his hope for X thing and gave up on his dream. The inferiority complex took away his freedom. In fact, the devil fruit and losing the map? That actually was what took away his freedom. Metaphorically and literally. And Luffy sees this and says "Well, it's never too late! You might be a coward and a whiny loser but nothing can take your dream away from you and I'm sure you'll make it! Cheering for you but not much because I'm the one who's gonna be King of the Pirates, but yeah! Good luck! You can do it!". And Buggy takes it as an insult, but I'm pretty sure Luffy would get serious about this at some point and say "Shanks should've run after you... But you were the one who gave up first. There's nothing stopping you now, though!". And... Turns out the damn kid is right?? And Buggy is never going to say that out loud but damn.

I think he'd get along with Buggy, then. Luffy would want to help him achieve his dream all he can. Or at least encourage him and see him as a fair opponent and enemy, which is the most respectful thing he can do as a pirate. He'd be on Buggy's side in the sense that "both parties were acting silly and stupid and should've done things differently but the world has treated Buggy poorly and that is unfair and Shanks should've been the one going after him instead of doing nothing" because he sees himself in Shanks' shoes and it just seems odd to him not to go after the ones you love when this happens.

And also, to put ALL OF THIS in an easier, simpler way: If we're talking about romance exclusively here. About an actual breakup and not just these two parting ways. I think Luffy would be on Buggy's side without hesitation because you don't let go of somebody you love that easily (he's having WCI flashback. Lusan moment. Or Water 7 Lusopp moment. Just choose whatever). Imagine explaining this to Luffy like "Shanks and Buggy had a huge fight about going after the One Piece and Shanks hesitated and Buggy ran away and they broke up" what do you expect him to say?????? Of course he would get angry at Shanks. Even if Shanks had his reasons, Luffy is just fundamentally different in some stuff, even if there are parallelisms between these two. They're different, and Luffy often doesn't agree with Shanks' decisions. Like letting Buggy break up with him. Luffy didn't go through Water 7 and WCI for him to not side with Buggy, honestly.

[xkaidaxxxx]

Eligible Bakugou x Eligible Reader

2.6k words

“ Go on and mingle sweetie.” Your mother said fixing your sleeve. Your father gave you a look that said behave for you need a suitor. You nodded and ran along. As soon as you were about to have a cup of tea a man went up to you. “Hello beautiful maiden. I’m Eijiro Kirishima.” he pressed a peck on your soft hand. “ I’m Ms. Y/n L/n. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” you replied with a pretty smile. “ Hello, I see Kirishima beat me to it. I’m Denki Kaminari.” he introduced himself by pecking your hand as well. You giggled. - he's so cute- you thought. “ Would you like to dance with me?” Kirishima asked you, which was Denki’s que to leave. “ Of course.” you replied and as you started dancing you noticed many other men were watching. “ “They had every right to do so””  after all you were beautiful, young, and single. Oh and on top of that your family is the most wealthy. You were the only daughter as well. “You’re a lovely dancer. We’d dance everyday if you’d be mine. I promise. I’m the best suitor for you darling. I’d like to speak with your father.” he said. “You’re not suitable for me. You’re so full of yourself if you think you're what’s best for me. Now excuse me sir.” you replied leaving the dance floor. Minutes later your best friend walked over to you. “Oh thank goodness you’re here.” you said giving her a hug which she returned. “ Oh god whatever you do avoid the blondie. His name is Aoyama. 2 o clock He’s so in love with himself you’d be the 2nd best.” Mina said. You turned to see him then looked back at her. “5 o’clock Ida. He’s the most strict and boring person. Not your type.” she said. Mina knew everything about you and vice versa. “ What about denki? Have you talked with him enough? He seems like such a kind man.” you said, taking him into consideration. “ He is a good man. He seems like he has no care in the world but the truth is, he's very smart and strong. He is someone you should try getting to know more. Plus you’re already interested.” she replied, fixing your hair. “ I have to go. I need a break so I’m going back to my parents.” Mina said leaving you. 

“ Ms. L/n. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. Izuku Midoriya.” He said bowing. “ You better go introduce yourself , Katsuki. I won’t take no for an answer. Do you understand?” Katsuki's mother ordered him. “ Yes ma'am,” he replied. He looked over at you with Deku. “ You look tired and irritated. How about I set up a date with permission from your father, If you’d like?” He asked sweetly. You were impressed he cared enough to set up a meeting and take your feelings into consideration. “ Yes sir. I’ll be on my way.” You smiled leaving. “ Go on now, Katsuki.” Mitsuki said. He nodded, walking over grabbing a glass of champagne for you both. You played with your dress.

 “ Ms. Y/n L/n. How are you doing tonight?” Katsuki asked. You turned around. “Ah Mr. Bakugou. It’s so nice to meet you sir.” you said smiling. You’ve heard of Katsuki Bakugou from your girlfriends and your father finds him good to make business with, however he never told you about him. You saw a glimpse of him entering your fathers office once. “I’m doing well tonight although speaking to eligible suitors is tiring.” you replied, taking your glass of champagne and drinking a sip. “ I should go. I don’t want to make your night exhausting.” he said. You grabbed his arm and said desperately, “N-No. You’re okay sir.” You immediately let go of his arm not wanting to cause any type of drama. “ Good to know. I am sorry I didn’t introduce myself sooner, as you know I’ve gone to speak business with your father.” he replied. “ Yeah I um saw you once but by that time I should’ve been asleep. I had a big day the next morning.” You replied. “Your birthday, He invited me but I had promised my mother I’d have a relaxing day with her.” he replied smiling. Katsuki Bakugou smiled and hasn’t exploded yet. “ It’s sad you couldn’t make it, sir.” you said. He placed out his hand and you gladly grabbed it. He led you outside to the garden, you guys crossed a beautiful bridge. You were confused on how he knew where he was going. You reached the gazebo. “ It’s nice and quiet. I figured you’d need it with all the mingling and music going off.” he said. You blushed. 

Mina gasped, “ Momo, Jiro, Kagakure. I saw her walking outside with Mr.Bakugou. She’s in trouble. Formation B, No No, Formation C.” She said, “ I’ve heard he has a shitty personality. Always exploding at his parents and even his employees.” Momo said, worried about you. “ Thank you for being considerate. I know you’re being kind due to wanting to marry Mr.L/n’s only daughter. Interest is all this is about.” you said being honest. His face went red. “Look, my mother sent me over, which is stupid! She didn’t tell me to be nice, you idiot! I know what it’s like to be bombarded with stupid shit coming your way. I’m genuinely being a nice person! I’d like to take you on a date…dumbass. I’ll get permission from your dad and then show up with stupid cliche roses and a necklace on our date. Yes or No?” he asked. You were shocked, struggling to understand if he was being an asshole or not. “Today Y/n.” he said snapping his finger at your face brings you back from your thoughts. “U-Uh? Um? Okay yes I’d like to go on a date with you. Dumbass?” you replied trying to match his energy. “ HUH!? You’re the dumbass you asshole. Let’s go back inside.” he said. As you walked inside the party was ending and more than half of the guests were gone. 

You looked around for your girlfriends. You had dropped your drink as you bumped into a man with red and white hair. He also accidentally spilled his drink on you. “ Oh god. I am sorry.” He apologized, taking out his handkerchief quickly. You knew this man. He came over for dinner a few times. You were caught staring at him and your brother would kick you under the table and tease you about it once Shoto had left.“ Mr.Todoroki it’s alright. Only an accident.” you replied. He wiped some of the drink off your dress. Shoto was a strong, powerful, and smart man. Also one of Bakugou’s frenemies. He was insecure about many things. He doesn’t know how to be social unless it's about his job, he found his eyes odd just as some people, he also disliked his hair. “ Your dress.” he replied, handing you this handkerchief. You grabbed it, cleaning your hands . “ It’s a dress, nothing more.” you replied. He took off his blazer and covered you up. Katsuki moved the few strands of hair that bothered you out of the way. You were blushing like crazy.  You crossed off  Denki and Deku out of your list and now you’re struggling on how you are supposed to choose between Bakugou and Shoto. 

The following day your father called you to his office. “ Am I in trouble? I swear I didn’t mean to explode the tree outback.” you said hoping he’d let you off on it. “ Now that I’m aware of it, we will talk about it later. You’ve got 6 requests last night. I’m glad you behaved yourself. Kirishima, Denki, Midoriya, Bakugou, Shoto and Shinso.” he said. “ Forget about Kirishima, Denki, Deku, and Shinso.” you said crossing your arms. “ I expect you to meet with them.” your father said sternly. “No! I want Bakugou and Shoto! End of story!” you yelled and stomped your foot like a child, but you knew you’d get whatever you wanted after that stomp. You aren’t a spoiled brat but when you needed or wanted something so desperately it helped. “Alright sweetie. I’ll send out emails to them. Now about the tree. It will be removed but you will plant a new one.” he said. You nodded and finally left his office. Your brother was waiting outside. “Katsuki Bakugou and Shoto Todoroki. You’re a smart little sister.” Kousuke said, patting your head. “ What the heck is that supposed to mean?” you asked, smacking his hand away. “ They’re both very wealthy right behind dad. Choose carefully. Marriage isn’t easy. It’s not always about love. Some people get lucky. Like me.” he said. Kousuke is one of the older brothers you have that teases you the most but he cares just as much as the others. You nodded and hurried on to help your mother wash her paint brushes. 

“ Katsuki, she's a smart, passionate young lady and so she won’t just choose immediately regardless of what she told you yesterday.” Mitsuki said, turning off the tv. Katsuki let out small explosions from his hand. “ You think I don't know that you hag!?” he yelled in response. “  Then stop being impatient and pacing back and forth like an idiot!”she said, smacking his head hard. 

Shoto put on a beanie as he went to visit his mother. The words she said when he was a kid never go away. “ Hey mom.” he smiled, closing the door behind him. “ Hi my little Shoto.” she replied sitting up. “ so..remember how Mr.L/n has invited me to have dinner with him and his family. Well I’ve asked if I can take his daughter out on a date.” he said playing with a bracelet he had on. “ Wow you have a crush. I hope everything goes well for you.” “Yeah I’m eager for a response soon. It’s killing me to be waiting this long. I’m hoping it happens..although I did spill my drink on her and hers along with it.” he replied a bit bummed out. His mother giggled covering her mouth. “ Hey, I'm serious,” he said. He spent time with her for the rest of the afternoon. 

Yesterday they received their email from your father. “ ALRIGHT LET'S GO!!!! I’M A TOTAL BADASS!!!!” Bakugou yelled. He won a date with a gorgeous and lovely young lady. “ Yes! I need to plan it out already.” shoto said. Those two opposite men replied within an hour on all the details they had planned out for the date. When your father told you the news you tired to compose yourself but fuck it. “ They're so blessed to have a chance with me.” you said with a smirk. “ Oh shut up y/n. You were so shy at the party. It took mom and dad to tell you to mingle.” Kaiji said smacking your head, ruining your hair. “Shut up I pulled 6 men in one night. You only got 4 women from the party. I win, sucker!” you replied. “ Don’t rub it in.” he replied smacking your head again. 

The following week Bakugou showed up at your doorstep and instead of roses and a necklace, he was holding Taylor swift Vinyls and Cassette. “ How do you know?” you asked to take the gifts he bought for you. “ After the party..you took out your phone. I saw your wallpaper, roses die within days and a necklace only fits some outfits. I'd rather buy you something you’d really like so here I am with merchandise.” he replied with a blush on his cheeks. He helped you set them on the table. “ I love it. It’s perfect.” you replied. - Yes. Hell yes. Nailed it.- he thought. He took you out to dinner. It was the best. Private rooms= eat however the hell you want and in comfort. “ You do eat a lot..” he said with his cheeks stained. You giggled and nodded pointing at his face. He was well aware his face was messy. “ You’re a messy eater.” you said. “ Yeah, well so are you dumb ass!.” he replied in anger. You both felt comfy. Normal. You guys can just be comfortable without judging each other. Once dinner was over you made sure your face and chest was clean. “ mhm your nose.” he told you and then cleaned it for you. You thought the day was over for you. Dinner was the only thing planned but what would you like to do?” he asked, turning on the car. “ There’s…an adoption center for animals about an hour away. They close late there.” you replied and he took the back roads to get there quickly. “ Do you like animals? Which ones?” he asked, making conversation. “ I love cats and snakes. They’re so adorable.I donate money every month to many adoption centers,people who need money for their sick pets and I visit a lot.” you replied. He smiled. You’re passionate about something and he liked that. “ I think that’s wonderful of you. I’d like to visit with you whenever I have the time. Is that alright?” he asked. “Yes. I’d love that Bakugou.” you replied leaning over as he pulled over and pecked his cheek. “Thank you for that gift,” he said. The time went on so fast that you arrived late. “ I said. 11pm. Not 2:34am.” your father told Bakugou sternly. “ Don’t dad. It’s my fault. I wa-” Bakugou cut you off. “ Yes sir, we got carried away, I’m sorry. I should’ve brought her home on time. I couldn't because she was so happy and so was I. I promise it won’t happen again.” he replied not really feeling sorry. “ 1st warning.” he replied walking back to his room with your mother. Kaiji, Kousuke,Kenshin and Kazuma were watching silently and discreetly from upstairs. Your brothers are stupid for doing that. “ You’re definitely planning our next day. I had so much fun where you wanted to go.” he said putting his number in your contact list. “ I had a great time with you Baku-” “ No. Katsuki.” he said. “ I had a great time with you Katsuki.” you said. He knew your older brothers were watching but he didn’t care if they were going to see what he’s about to do. He leaned in, taking a hold of your waist and kissed you. This is your very first kiss. You just relaxed yourself and followed him. Making out with him was sweet. He hummed as he pulled away. You giggled seeing your lipstick stain on him. “ Bye Beautiful. Sleep well.” he replied. “ Goodnight Katsuki. Sweet dreams.” you said. You closed the door and locked it. “ I cannot believe you made out with him on the 1st date!?” Kenshin said. “You guys saw that!!?” you asked loudly. “What about your other prince charming?” Kazuma  asked, crossing his arms. “ After the conversations in the car and at the beach..it's him. He’s the one.” you replied. “Oh please after one date.” Kaiji said, rolling his eyes. Kousuke the eldest and only married on understood. He saw the look in your eyes and the softness in your words. “Leave her alone and everyone go to bed.” Kousuke ordered. The rest of the brothers stayed silent. Kousuke is basically always teasing you so defending you like this is rare, so they took it into consideration that Bakugou is the one for you. 

Text Message

Y/n : Hey it's y/n. Thanks for tonight. You have your own ways of being such a kind, considerate, sweet man. Do you want to go on a date tomorrow? Well today?” 

Kats: Whatever…and yes I'll pick you up at 12pm. We will have more time to do anything. Now Sweet dreams.

Y/n: Sweet dreams. Ps. That was my 1st kiss/ Make out session. <3

Kats: glad to be your first. 

Lights out.

[thedepthsoffandomminds]

Untold secrets part five

Previous

It was easy to be alone when everyone was so wrapped up in Kitty’s drama. Every day it seemed to be something else and you found it hard to keep up with it. So, you decided to completely stay out of everything. Well that wasn’t entirely true, you were kept up to date by Madison. She would come home and tell you everything, even if you didn’t want her too. After you left the dinner, Minho had been supposed to go on a date but Kitty’s lactose filled mashed potatoes had sent him to the bathroom all night.

You tried to ignore the way Madison would gush about Minho every time he came up. You had no right to feel jealous about her spending time with him. You had stayed away from him and the others for a reason. Though you hadn’t received any more messages from Luke, you knew he was still a threat to you and to them.

Walking through the school halls and corridors only made it clearer to you that you were alone. Seeing your friends laughing and happy together whilst you hovered on the outside.

“Hey,” Kitty appeared beside you. “you’re avoiding us all and we’ve noticed. Come to Minho’s party tonight with me! Please? Q has convinced me to get over Dae and find someone to kiss tonight, I need you there with me.” she pouted at you.

“Oh, Kitty, I don’t know. I really should be studying.” you try to find an excuse.

“No, stop avoiding us, y/n. Come and have some fun.” She pleaded with you

You don’t know what it was that made you agree but soon enough you were dressed up in a skin tight purple and black dress, with high heeled platforms strapped around your feet. Kitty beside you in a black dress with part of the waist cut out. You walked down the stairs together, every person you passed watching you both. Q and his new boyfriend Florian came waltzing over to you.

“Y/n you came!” Q beamed at you.

“Not for long, I just came to give Kitty some support, I’ll be going back soon.” You said, folding your arms over your body to keep yourself as small and out of view as possible. Florian poured vodka from his hip flask into everyone’s glasses, handing you one of the cocktails. BEing English you were not shy when it came to alcohol so you thanked the French teen and took a big gulp of the drink, savouring the sting in your throat.

When Dae started walking toward the group, Kitty quickly pulled Q and Florian away to the dance floor. You stayed back, resting against the bar. The party reminded you of home in a way. You had always enjoyed watching people have fun at parties.

Each time you picked up a new drink Florian would slide up to and pour in some alcohol and pretty soon you were feeling that telltale sign that you were getting drunk. Needing to sit down you began walking toward a booth not too far away from the bar. Your heeled feet felt heavy, there was something wrong and you knew it. That last drink you got from the barman, it had no alcohol in it but the taste. There was something different about the taste. You placed your hand on your forehead trying to suppress the strange fuzzy feeling.

“Y/n? Y/n? What's wrong with you?” Minho’s voice felt much further away than the closeness of his body. His hands held onto your arms and you started to feel yourself slumping.

“Something isn’t right.” you tell him.

“Yeah I can see that, here sit down I’ll get you some water.” Minho led you over to the booth and helped you to sit down. As he rushed toward the bar he ran into Professor Alex. the teacher was trying to stop the party and Minho couldn’t be happier to see him.

“Alex, thank god you’re here, help me stop these barbarians!” he pleaded with him.

“You don’t think I’m trying?” Alex replied.

“Last year an idol’s family was ruined because of an underage drinking scandal. I refuse to put my mother, and other people through that. I’ll take the left side, you take the right.”

The two split and continued to try and stop the party. Minho grabbed a bottle of water and leaned across the bar, telling the server to stop serving immediately and tell people to go home. Running back to you he opened the bottle of water and helped you drink some.

“You okay?” he asked, trying to get your half closed eyes to look at him.

“No, Minho, you have to stay away from me.” you push his hand away.

“What are you talking about? You need to get home.” Minho tried to pull up but you pushed him away again, falling back on the chair for a moment before pushing yourself upward.

“Minho, stay away from me. I don’t want to be friends with any of you.” you growl at him. Stomping away you don’t really pay attention to where you are going until another hand is sliding into yours. A large, rough hand that you knew.

“No.” you reel backward and stumble into a small group of people. Without looking back or apologising you run back into the crowd, passing the school principal and Professor Lee. The latter watched you, curiously.

Your spinning mind completely stopped when you looked up. In the distance you could see Dae and Kitty talking, between you and them Minho stood with Madison, their faces closing the gap between them until they were kissing.

The heavy music abruptly stops and you see the principal standing on the stage not far from Yuri who had been Djing. Students everywhere started running in all directions, knocking you side to side. The swaying of your mind began to take over and you could see Luke at the doors, his arms crossed as he waited for you. Stumbling backward your shoulder bumped into a hard chest and two hands gripped you, turning you round.

“Miss y/l/n, what are you doing?” Professor Lee appeared in your eyeline and you sighed in relief.

“Professor, something is wrong. I don’t feel right,” you barely managed to finish your words before you were dropping to the ground.

Next

All interactions welcome 🤗

[annebrontefanclub]

The Real Emotional Heart (Potentially) of My Life With The Walter Boys.

Hear me out.

I just watched My Life With the Walter Boys, and while I do not think it is very good, I do think this show has the opportunity to do something really unique and subversive for a teen love triangle type show. There’s no way they'll actually do it, but I think if they did do it, it would place it slightly above its contemporaries, in terms of story and characters.

The premise of the show is Jackie, a teenage girl from New York, loses her entire family in tragic accident, and goes to live with her mother’s close friend and her family in Colorado. Hijinks ensue, mainly, a love triangle develops between Jackie and two of the brothers, Cole and Alex, and drama follows. These relationships are the focal point of the show, but the show hinted at one that has the potential to be far more interesting, subversive, and healing for both parties involved. I am, of course, talking about Jackie and Erin.

Now, hear me out. This starts off as an antagonistic relationship, with Erin being Cole’s situationship/object of degradation, and Jackie being Cole’s new object of interest. Erin is framed as the jealous girlfriend/mean girl/bully character, and a big hindrance to our main couple getting together, but we quickly learn things about Erin that soften our perceptions of her. We learn that her mother is quite hard on her, and she feels a massive expectation to be perfect and to succeed. And we learn that Cole is actually quite terrible to her; not willing to give their relationship a proper label, not really learning about her interests and struggles but instead using her for comfort and as a distraction from his, and also SLEEPING WITH HER BEST FRIEND, Olivia. Just, terrible behavior, to the point where you don’t really want to blame Erin for her anger and defensiveness.

Jackie’s struggles, on the other hand, are much clearer. Its the whole premise of the show. Her entire family dying has left her completely changed, and not to mention that she is now living in an environment where, not only did no one else know her parents and sister (Kathrine knew her mom, but I don’t think she had a real relationship with her dad and sister), but no one can really understand what she is dealing with, and certainly not to the extent that she is feeling it. The show tries to put up Cole as the “person who gets it”, but I’m sorry, getting injured and losing a scholarship (which I am sure is very difficult, demoralizing, and a terrible thing to go though) is not the same thing as losing everyone you love in one fell swoop. And it certainly is not an excuse for his more questionable behavior. Also side note: there is not way in hell that that Cole Walter was getting a scholarship to play QB at Alabama, for NICK SABEN’S TIDE, but I digress. There is no one else Jackie can really confide in. She doesn’t want to be pitied or seen as weak, given all of her insistence that she’s fine, and opening up to others can be very difficult for her because of that.

This culminates in what is my favorite scene in the show. During thanksgiving, Jackie and Erin are delivering meals to people, and both are trying to avoid going home. It is here that we get an the first moment of honesty between them. Erin asks Jackie what the situation between her and Cole is, and Jackie gets annoyed. As this conversation continues Jackie becomes very complementary of Erin, telling her that she’s a catch, and deserves better than the way Cole is treating her. Jackie even tells Erin that she reminds her of her sisters, which is a huge complement coming from someone who has just lost said sister. After this they continue talking and Erin mentions that her mom isn’t a fan of thanksgiving, and when Jackie asks about her dad, Erin tells her that he died when she was ten and that “holidays suck now. But you’re just figuring that out, aren’t you?” She says this, not as a jab or full of pity, but from a place of empathy and understanding about what Jackie is going through. And Jackie, looking at her, gives a small smile.

She continues on this path, perfectly articulating what Jackie is feeling and also acknowledging that it is “three times worse for her.” You never get the sense that Jackie is put off or uncomfortable, if anything she seems genuinely relieved and, almost excited, that someone else understands even one-third of what she’s feeling. She then invites Erin to spend thanksgiving with the Walters when hearing that she’ll be spending the holiday alone, and says they can keep each other company.

The girls don’t meaningfully interact for the rest of the season, and I think this is a real shame, because this friendship could be a standout aspect of a show that can feel so tropey and formulaic at times that its makes one question its existence. For one, neither of the other female friendships in this show reach this kind of depth. Erin’s long time best friend is Olivia and Jackie’s main girl friend is Grace. For Erin and Olivia, they seem to have a long lasting friendship, that takes a turn once Erin learns that Olivia slept with Cole. This is huge betrayal that causes Erin to end the friendship, and while she does forgive her in the end, I don’t think they can ever truly come back from it. For one, Olivia just seems leagues behind Erin in terms of maturity. She thinks its initially fine to sleep with Cole because the two (Erin and Cole) were just “hooking up” (which is wild, because why wouldn’t she be able to tell her BEST FRIEND was actually into him), and says that she only thought about how it would make her feel when she did it, and then proceeded to lie about it. Even though Erin certainly has her undignified moments, she seems to act out a place of insecurity and a lack of real connection, while Olivia seems more vapid and careless. You also get the sense that Olivia holds Erin back when it comes to Erin being her truest self. She encourages Erin’s poor behavior and treatment of Jackie and she makes fun of people who participate in theatre, something we know Erin is interested in (strange how Olivia never knew this about Erin seeing as they were friends for so long, huh, maybe they've never been very honest with one another). And when Erin drops both Olivia and Cole, she seems somewhat happier. She lands a role in the play, she’s standing up to her mom, and she’s fostering her connection with Danny (my favorite character, and I could talk all day about how much I love them and want them to get together). And as close as they seem to be, we don't ever hear Olivia build up Erin the way Jackie does, telling her that she is smart and pretty and worth more than being in Cole's lineup. If anything Olivia encourages this behavior, that is both destructive and unhealthy for Erin. I don’t think Erin is wrong for forgiving Olivia, I think is shows maturity on her part to be the bigger person, but I don’t Erin should let her back in to the extent that she once was. I think Erin needs a female friendship with someone who understands her on a deeper level, encourages her to be better and stand up for herself, and matches the maturity and intellect that she is beginning to foster.

Meanwhile, Jackie needs someone who doesn’t pity her, understands her on a deeper level, and matches her maturity and intellect, and encourages her to stick it out with the Walters. Now, I don’t dislike Grace. To me she’s a funny character, and I understand her function as Jackie’s more objective guide to her new town, and also a sounding board for her. Someone to talk to and let the audience in on what she’s thinking and feeling. However, as a character there isn’t much to Grace. She seems kind of one-note and we don’t ever get to see a moment of real connection between the two of them. She lets her borrow her sister’s dress, but I don’t think that’s getting at any deeper connection on their part. Not like the one she had with Erin. She has had similar moments with Cole, but rarely is he able to articulate what she’s feeling, tell her just what she needs to hear, and empathize with her from a place of genuine understanding, not pity or uncertainty. Erin truly understands her, doesn’t pity her, and seems to be well ahead of Grace maturity wise. Again, I don’t dislike Grace, but she can a bit shallow at times and she instigates drama. I also acknowledge that Erin has some growing to do, but her growth in season 1 is already one of the best and most compelling plots of the show, and I think I would be worthwhile to explore it further in season 2, through a stronger friendship with Jackie. It would also cut down on the amount of subplots, the amount of which is a pretty big problem for the show as a whole. Grace’s existence in the show is purely for Jackie to have someone to talk to who isn’t a Walter. Someone who can objective and give her advices. If Erin filled this role instead, then her plots could becomes for central to the main plot giving it more room to breath and negating the need for unnecessary subplots for Grace and Olivia. I also think that this relationship would be more fulfilling for Jackie, being based on something more intrinsic rather than your best friend just being the first person at a new school who was nice to you (which is exactly how she and Grace became friends in the first place; a perfectly valid way to meet people but for a show with so many characters I think it makes sense to consolidate some of these character functions). We already have hints that Erin would be really good at this. During the thanksgiving episode we learn that Jackie’s uncle might file for custody and Jackie is conflicted whether she should stay or go. After hearing this Erin encourages Jackie to stick it out here telling her that the Walters are a great family and to hold onto them. This is advice given to Erin’s own detriment. If she wanted, she could have encouraged Jackie to leave and then she would’ve had Cole to herself again. Instead, she is telling Jackie to stay. All of this in addition to the fact that Erin reminds Jackie of her late sister, giving Erin the potential to fulfill a huge emotional need in Jackie's life. I think Jackie and Erin could have a really compelling enemies-to-best-friends kind of relationship that would far supersede their current friendships, and even has the potential to be the emotional heart of the show.

Another story this reminds me of is the 2022 movie Along For The Ride, also produced by Netflix. Its a story about a girl who is spending her last summer before college with her estranged dad. Here ,she meets a boy, makes new friends, goes on wacky adventures, and I’m the only person I know who has seen it. Its a fine movie-nothing crazy-but one thing they did that I really liked was in how they subverted expectations in the mean girl character. The main character, Auden, gets off to the wrong start with the popular girl, Maggie, and while the movie could have kept them enemies, they instead have Maggie take Auden under her wing and incorporate her into the main friend-group. While this movie obviously wants to keep the attention on the love story, you kind of get the sense that Maggie is the one relationship Auden will take with her beyond the summer. The movie ends with the pair staring their freshman year of college as roommates.

Even though the movie is a romance—and the friendship is given much less time—there is still room for both, to the point where the female friendships feel much more compelling, long-lasting, and necessary. I think there could be a similar situation in MLWTWB, where even though much more time is given to the romantic relationships, the show ultimately makes the cases that female friendships are the relationships that see you into the rest of your life. A friendship between Erin and Jackie could even be a nice parallel to the relationship between Jackie’s mom and Katherine.

Its almost......as if......two girls who start out hating each other........only for them to later become best friends is..........a really compelling story that......people like to watch and engage with. its almost like.........the biggest movie of the year was able to do this while still holding space for a love story

Is it possible that this formula could.......be successful?

I mean, they're even wearing pink and black for crying out loud!

How perfect could this be?!

Ultimately, I don’t think the show runners will do this. This would be a hefty arc that if done right has the potential to distract or take time away from the main love triangle, and they are never going to to that. Which I think is a shame. At this point its perfectly set up, and I would go as far to say that it would make the show good, and worth watching. But, all and all, I am not holding my breath. I will watch season 2 to see, hopefully, Danny and Erin get together, and to latch onto any JackieErin friendship crumbs I can find. If you got this far, thank you so much and let me know if you agree because I am dying to know if other people feel this way.

[sergeantcowboy]

What does Crow think of the Main Three and each of the clique leaders?

Oh boy this is gonna be a long one. Buckle up.

Jimmy: Crow likes Jimmy. He'd probably still sell him stuff even after he loses all the cliques respect. (That's the neat part about him being non-clique, he doesn't let the clique drama influence him as much) He'd also give Jimmy some quests mostly relating to his side business and split the paycheck with him. He doesn't take Jimmy's tough guy attitude that seriously and he doesn't think he's especially smart but he still respects him. Also he would encourage Jimmy to ask for more payment when it comes to doing stuff for the preps. He'd say something like "come on, there's no harm in leeching a bit more cash off of rich people. I mean they're the real parasites." And then go off on a tangent about why rich people should pay more taxes and Jimmy's there like "uhuh can you give me my money now?" (Also he calls him Jimothy 90% of the time)

Gary: He doesn't like Gary much but has no real beef with him. He will still sell him stuff unless he has a real reason to suspect Gary's going to do something that's against Crow's own morals. While Crow is by no means a manipulator like Gary he's still a good liar and recognizes Gary as one too. He's not 100% immune to his manipulation but he's wary of him and always takes everything he says with a grain of salt. On the other hand he also feels bad for him because he clearly has a shitty home life and antisocial behavior and no one around to really support him or be a positive influence. Of course that doesn't excuse his behavior but Crow can still pity him about it. He would still give him some harsh words for his choice of halloween costume though.

Pete: He's not exactly friends with Pete but he's friendly with him. He acknowledges him when he's in the room, gladly sells him stuff for cheap (although I doubt Pete uses his services much) and will stand up for him if he sees him getting bullied. But when that happens and Pete thanks him he just goes "don't mention it" before leaving. You can have your own interpertation of Pete's orientation but he gets teased for "liking boys" too much for it to not be at least somewhat true (whether that's gay or bi or pan) and since Crow is open about liking boys he's kinda looking out for Pete in that sense despite them not being friends. Though he wouldn't say that part out loud. He's not interested in Pete like that but he feels a certain responsibilty to look our for him as one of Bullworths few out and proud guys.

Now for the clique leaders.

Earnest: Crow thinks Earnest is weird and pervy and doesn't like him. He used to deal him some dirty magazines before he started asking him to do a panty raid. Crow kept refusing until he had enough and told Earnest he's no longer doing any business with him. Other nerds are still welcome though. Crow might just be a bit suspicious whenever one of the nerds approaches him, just in case Earnest sent them in his place. In general he tends to avoid Earnest. It's kind of a shame because I think Crow would like to play some Grottos and Gremlins.

Russell: If Russell wasn't the leader of the bullies I think Crow would like to have him as a body guard. He'd like having some big dumb guy as the muscle for those moments where brains can't help you out. Crow can fight but he's still better at talking his way out of stuff. He tends to like Russell and gladly does business with the bullies. However, if the bullies are planning on something that he finds unethical he will politely try to negotiate or simply tell them he doesn't want to be involved in that. He would never admit it out loud but he is a little afraid of Russell and the other bullies.

Derby: Scum of the earth. Spoiled, snobby, inbred brat. Privileged egomaniac. Crow thinks his family is destroying the earth for pure financial gain and that makes him angry (you know, Harrington oil). Crow will usually maintain his chill persona around Derby just to not give him the satisfaction of getting under his skin. He likes to pretend to be unbothered and often gets annoyingly smug about it whenever Derby needs his services, but if there's one person who can get the rise out of him the fastest, it's Derby. He's the one person in school Crow's most likely to get into a random fist fight with. If they're outside it's also pretty common that Crow spits on the ground whenever Derby and the preppies walk past him. If he gets called out for it he usually maintains innocence and claims he just "happened to spit on the ground at that time" and "god you think everything is about you"

Johnny: Johnny and Crow are basically friends. Not the worlds closest friends but still friends. Crow often hangs out with the greasers and he very gladly does business with them as well. He is very confused by Lola though and doesn't think her and Johnny's relationship is good for them, but he doesn't see it as his place to comment on it. Lola has probably tried to hit on Crow which Crow rejected and later told Johnny about like "hey your gf is cheating on you again". Instead Johnny got mad at him and that was probably their only actual argument. Now they're chill though. Lola's still a bit mad at him but they still hang together with the rest of the group.

Ted: Crow does business with Ted and the other jocks, but he doesn't have much respect for them. Not only does he dislike authority and the jocks are at the top of the school's food chain, but he also dislikes the way they put brawn over brians. He has no personal beef with the jocks, unlike the preps, but he might often refer to Ted as "the missing link" and the other jocks as "neanderthals". He doesn't like them, but he doesn't bother to mess with them. He also dislikes Ted's womanizing behavior.

Idk enough about Edgar to give you Crows opinion on him. He doesn't have that much screen time but being a townie Crow probably has him as a contact for any of his smuggling.

[bengiyo]

Shadow Ep 4 Stray Thoughts

Last time, GIRLS. Girls from their sister school visited to workshop and then held auditions for Hamlet. A girl named Cha-aim took a shine to Dan, and Nai noticed! I like Cha-aim; she knows herself and told Josh to take a chill. Earlier, Nai took Dan with him to see a monk, who gave us some lore about defunct practices to float bodies down to the lake to help manage wild ghosts. The monk also taught Dan about lucid dreaming, giving us all new horrors to consider including domestic violence, institutionalization, and drowning. We left at Dan seeing the ghost of his father, which Nai confirmed, and the drama teacher told Dan that his father was in a coma.

Lots of trigger warnings for this episode including domestic violence, guns, institutionalization, suicide, child abuse, and cancer.

Oof, Dan definitely does not care for his father.

Let me just say that I greatly appreciate how they aren't lightening everyone's skin in this show.

Episode 4: Chess

Of course they put Nai in a closet. 🙄

The Brother really believed that excuse? More likely he just wasn't concerned.

Oh, here comes the terrible backstory. Bracing.

We've seen Took quite a few times around GMMTV, Dee Hup House, and such. She worked with Singto a bit on Friend Zone. I haven't seen Kik myself before, but he's experienced.

Thankfully, Dan wasn't hit by that bullet, but of course the mom was institutionalized and not the dad who's drunk and beating his family.

Incredible lighting choices on this hospital scene where the mom is unwell. She's in the blue, and Dan is in orange.

I am a person who believes in forgiveness, but I wouldn't spend my energy trying to make Dan forgive his dad.

Oh, interesting. Why is Anurak addressed as a priest in the past but only as a brother now? I've never heard of someone giving up holy orders but maintaining his vows. Tempted to view this as a means of avoiding cultural confusion with the dad.

Man, this dad is insufferable.

I don't like this goodbye at all. She's going to hurt herself and she knows it.

I'm so sad that Dan is the one who found her.

When he says he met someone at home and such... I hope this isn't a different kind of abuse.

Dan spends years alone with a drunk, abusive dad.

Holy fuck. Is Dan allergic to shellfish and he forced him to eat shrimp? He tried to kill his own son. What the fuck.

Whose identity is hidden in this shadow, and are they the person who potentially abused Dan?

Okay, I do love when a supernatural element lets us have moments like this. This was so ugly and foreboding, but it is one of the most stylistic and impactful things I've seen all year.

What the fuck happens to Dan every time he goes into the water, and why is he seeing Trin again??

I'm so heavy after that episode. That was so ugly. The implications of abuse surrounding Dan are so worrisome, and I'm also worried about that last gross line about becoming like his father before he died. I suppose if we had to start doing horror BL, I'm glad it's as emotionally nuanced as this and reckoning with the reality of this kind of trauma.

[ourladyofomega]

Brentwood / Plainview era. After three weeks of making it official and many missed opportunities in-between, Donna and I finally meet up again along with her intrusive Orwell-in-training best friend Julia and her new boyfriend Chris. The four of us started the day at Adventureland in Farmingdale. Warm Sunday sunny skies, passing clouds. No arcade games, no abrupt exits, no bullshit. Families, kidfs, and couples holding hands all around. We all enjoyed ourselves - kind of. Julia and Chris got on most of the rides with no problem, with half of those rides I had to side-line because Julia’s best-friend / pin-cushion Donna was too scared to go. The other two blew most of their nonsense money on losing carnival games while Donna and I kept to ourselves, walking down a crowded path with “No Excuses” playing on the p.a. alongside all the spinning lights, screams, colorful parlor games and the roaring distortion of the roller coasters.

Things were going well until we headed to Chris’ house in Wantagh later that night. Donna wanted to talk party alignments and politics and I wasn’t having it. I had a make-out session in mind with Donna but she wasn’t having that. Julia and Chris were coasting through and Christ knows what else we were discussing about that night. At one point I lost my patience, so Donna and I took it out in the street in front of Chris’ house. Not for talking politics or making out, but to yell and argue at each other at 9PM on an August Sunday night for all of the neighborhood to hear, because it was three weeks since I seen her and all I wanted was to have her in my arms. That was the one point I wanted to get across to her. Instead, we broke up and called it quits; dead on valueless high-school logic and drama. A pointless relationship built only out of necessity and pity because some girl back in my high-school really slung my heart out.

**********

I recently revisited my entire entire personal cassette archive when I decided to check through one of my radio dubs.I had the urge to go back for a few moments in time and - you guessed it - reach for “No Excuses”. 

Every listen returns me to that exact moment when all four of us seemingly got along. Those were the days of staying in good graces and avoiding drama because it was too good to give up. The days of not worrying about being without plans because you were never alone and always had a friend, relative, or cousin within reach to back you up. The days of meeting girls and having instant attraction at any given moment. Back then, I took it all for granted because opportunities were in unlimited supply.

I’ll be totally honest and clean here, but there’s moments when I wish I still had some surviving contacts in that circle with good standing. That wasn’t possible. To this day, there’s not one single person who stayed in touch with me. Constant finger-pointing, judging, rudeness, cancelled plans, dirty looks, and scene politics killed it for me. We all moved on and forgot each other. Donna’s in New England, married with children and living a life of on-the-road traveling and adventure. She’s cut me off for good and refused to respond to me. I still stayed friends with Julia for another year or so. But, after dealing with her constant game-playing, gossip, and constant lying, I crossed her out of my life. She’s never left the neighborhood. 

So much has happened between the then-and-now that a once-magical time that once existed is indistinguishable to what it is now. I still can’t wrap my head around it. There’s no real way to explain it. Time takes its natural course and you don’t know why you’re digesting those hard-to-swallow pills. In a more reasonable, less complicated world, we’d all still be friends and keep in touch. Tough luck that you can’t ever go back.

[alyjojo]

August 🥵 2024 Monthly - Gemini

Preshuffle: Justice is coming in love, someone you care deeply for is doing the right thing either with family or regarding work, or more likely - you are, and clearing the way for love to take center stage. You could just be making more time for family this month, work will be there when you get back to it.

Meditation: Sitting outside at a bonfire with a bunch of people you love, you are getting eaten alive by mosquitos, which is taking away from the fun. After far too long, you finally spray on some repellant and when they leave you alone, you wonder why you didn’t do that sooner. Back to celebrating 🎊

Main energy: The Hermit rev

Oof. You could be the sign with the ex coming back around, there’s always at least one during a retrograde, and being squared your sign I suppose Gemini makes sense. Saturn is retrograde in Pisces as well, it’s a double whammy where the past is concerned. Ultimately for the purpose of moving on, letting go (which is at the bottom of the oracles), seeing how far you’ve come…you don’t have any interest in that though, it’s a bother to you. Getting in your feelings was not on your bingo card, it’s a mosquito 🦟 you’d like to spray away. It’s possible there’s some bitterness because you don’t want there to be closure, you don’t want something to end in the first place. The ex could be distant or fresh and you’re trying to heal a connection that someone else may be returning to talk about, but ultimately move on from. Manipulation and Drama being the oracles with Struggle isn’t a good time but…you wish it was.

What’s going on in August:

3 Swords rev:

You’re over it from what I see, if not you then the other person. Someone walked away from conflict and drama altogether, abandoned the situation, and continued living their life without speaking to other parties involved. It could be someone you have kids with, The Emperor rev at the bottom could show a baby-daddy that ain’t shit. Or your own dad even, doesn’t have to be a romantic story. Or just not taking control of the situation (or ending), not setting necessary boundaries and acting grown - immaturity is being made clear with Page of Cups rev, and that could be a child too. Bailing on a family, not speaking to any kids, not being there for anyone, maybe not even paying child support which would be showing up as well with 6 Pentacles. Some of you are or are dealing with someone that’s trying to escape the legal system, and that’s probably what the Manipulation is regarding. Especially where finances or debts are concerned, that could be what’s making a return and it’s not a person at all. Or it was accrued with an ex, something that’s their responsibility but it’s in your name, so you’re back at their door like “pay this bill”. Some of you may be at the tail end of a relationship and are finalizing divorce, custody, and any other legal/financial ties, because you’re not paying some $800 electric bill and fk them, that’s the vibe. It’s like you’ve healed the emotional parts but the rest is still kind of a mess.

Ace of Swords rev:

The Empress at the bottom, the strongest story coming through is dealing with someone that’s bailed on their kids/spouse/co-parent and they don’t want to be held accountable or pay child support. Could be lying and bs’ing their way through with excuses on why they can’t, trying to draaaag something out longer than it needs to be, because the hope is that the other person will just give up and stop trying. If it’s avoided forever, surely this person will stop bothering me about it. You could be dealing with someone very immature, and for some crosswatcher, it’s probably the Gemini. You just want it over, or someone does, I can hear someone saying “go away.” There is a lot of Taurus in this reading, you could be dealing with one, have that in your own chart, or the issue itself is financial. Creditors harassing you possibly. Someone on your case about what you buy or don’t, could be a parent or romantic partner. One person is acting shady when it comes to finances, if this is an active relationship. I’m also seeing like…you know those people that abuse government assistance? That 💯 Now that’s not saying everyone does or anything political, it would literally be that story if it applies, and known, the person is fine and they take advantage of anything they can. I’m also seeing workers comp. Resourcefulness at the bottom of the oracles would show that being the mindset, who turns down free help? But then also may be dodging other legal crap with excuses & bs. Whew, this one is involved.

6 Pentacles:

Mutual give and take, reciprocity, gifts, giving back perhaps - this isn’t part of the plan. 4 Cups clarifying shows this is an irritant to someone that wants no part of this operation because it’s not part of their plan. If someone wants an apology, it’s not coming. If someone is trying to makeup, it’s not happening. If someone is being hounded for money, debts, step in and be a parent tf, the other person can’t be forced to care and it’s irritating. Or immature, that’s what’s showing up, this person is childish and uninterested in being equal anything. Someone could be attempting to dodge a contractual agreement and you’re going to have to hold their feet to the fire, or someone’s doing that to you and it’s pissing you off. You’re/They’re trying to plan your way forward logically, but manipulatively, because the goal here is: how to get out of something.

Page of Cups rev:

If these are children then you’re dealing with sad children. If you’ve had a coparent bail on you and act like they don’t give af, it’s because they’re childish and opportunistic, they’re not thinking of anyone other than themselves. But you could have broken hearts to deal with, which just irritates you more because your own heartbreak is healed, you just want someone to cooperate with you and they not only won’t but won’t even talk to you? Or they’re full of shit, Page of Swords rev is a liar. Ace of Swords rev is a lie. This whole situation is one that is very sad for someone, probably you - or crosswatcher because I’m getting clearly that this is the Gemini for someone. Are they sorry? No. Will they communicate with you? No. If they do it’s excuse excuse, duck, dodge, gotta go ✌️

6 Cups rev:

Healing the past, getting over the heartbreak, drama, manipulation, and everything else that’s gone down in this chaos. Queen of Pentacles is you, for those of you holding the bag and maintaining life for you and anyone else you’re caring for. You’ve got this 💯 because she’s got this. This Queen cooks, cleans, works, raises kids, hand makes her own socks from yarn, has a perfectly white house and doesn’t even break a sweat (on the outside.) You may be a single parent, because she can be, and her other half is nowhere to be seen in this reading. You could be chasing someone legally for child support or something they owe you, someone has a bill to pay and they aren’t doing so. The Justice in the preshuffle with this World and not wanting to may simply be you’ve had enough of someone’s bs and it’s time to take legal action. You didn’t want to but they want to play games. The focus is heavily on money and needing to watch your spending, budget, and think ahead as much as you can, because whoever around you is unreliable and you never know what bs excuse you’ll get for why they can’t do whatever they’re not doing. In fact the only thing you can probably rely on with them - is that they’re going to act like this.

Advice: The Hanged Man & Wheel of Fortune, you’ll get perspective with time. You might end up very glad things went the way they’re going now, there are things you may not know or understand yet - but you can have faith Spirit has your back, and you’re on the right path. The future is like “you’ll see”, and the Wheel upright brings blessings. It’s destiny, there’s karma involved with this, and someday you’re going to look back and see this completely different than you do right now, hang in there 🩶

Signs you may be dealing with:

Taurus, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Pisces & Capricorn

Oracle: ✨

32 Struggle 🥴

Struggle is a part of life - so much so that you probably know people who seem to constantly attract one struggle after another into their lives. This is their comfort zone. While struggle is natural, it is natural only so far as it lends itself to learning lessons and overcoming inner personal challenges. Beneath every one of these struggles is the gift of enlightenment. The satisfaction of a lesson learned. Use this knowledge as the light at the end of your dark tunnel. What lesson is this struggle teaching you? Alternately, after a brief setback, this situation will start to right itself.

Jupiter Scorpio - Manipulation 😏

Mercury Leo - Drama 😫

Jupiter Scorpio uses their power of manipulation in a way that’s usually beneficial for them, and they tend to get away with a lot. Where other Scorpion placements may get in trouble for sneakiness, and it’s a means of self-sabotage, Jupiter makes it an attractive quality and people find them to be magnetic, cute & clever, because they’re always up to something. To them it’s a gift. This placement also comes with drama as people don’t like being manipulated, it’s a Scorpion struggle and one not easy to control…because again, they get away with it. Charm, lying, it can go many ways and all of them bring dramatic - especially in how it’s been presented verbally or the reactions - and I’m getting that’s who this person is. Born that way. And the message that’s here is…you always knew that.

We enter into August as:

Ivory Tower 👨‍🎨 :

“They won’t use me.”

Ivory Tower reflects the way we function in a world with values that are different from our own. While we might not fit into the world as it is, we are aware of it and accept the differences, for those differences also benefit us on some level. If you are considering moving away from “the norm” you will not be unhappy. Like the artist that chooses to express himself with paint, you too must express yourself, even if it means “they” won’t use you. Rejection is Spirit’s way of protecting us. Whether or not you are accepted, you must do it anyway. This card can also represent a teacher or mentor being sent to you by Spirit, they may not be who you would’ve thought, or even picked, but they will teach you a lot. Hold your judgement.

What is to be learned in August:

Shadow Grey Storm ⛈:

“I can no longer hold your secrets.”

In the most direct way, Shadow Grey Storm is about taking responsibility and not blaming others for your situation in life. This Storm was created to clear away the debris preventing us from moving forward. It could be something you are angry about (but have chosen to bury) is about to be re-revealed to you. This is an inevitable awakening, whether by conscious choice or not, you cannot hide and move forward at the same time. While this comes without judgement, it brings judgement day. Whether it is a pleasant experience or not, you will feel an awakening, a refreshing release from your bonds. This is a blessing. No matter the background, we all have secrets we hide. Your best protection is honesty. The rays of light in Shadow Grey Storm are piercing knowledge and hidden truth, and there is a great discovery coming to you too.

Gray may be a lucky color 🩶

[sukirichi]

SUKI SUKI SUKI !! good evening, cly’s here, y’know what that means: PART 3 of my rambles <3

disregarding the ending, this chapter made me really happy :(( it made me feel a little spark of hope that maybe all will be alright, you know? it gave me some sort of peace after this incredibly stressful weeks of mine 😭 to be fair, the whole story just gives me sanctuary for an hour or so as i take my time reading it. whether i’m outside or sitting in the comfort of my home, your writing never fails to let me escape a reality i’d rather not face 🥹

ANYWAY regarding the ending tho, i was already thinking that rin was too good to be true omfg 😭😭 it was stressing me out like girl pls look under his bed or something because i cannot be trusting his ass after all the shit he put our girl y/n thru 😒😒😒 i can’t rly complain much about the start and middle tho bcs it all really made me happy </3 i js kept thinking like WHAT IF there was an alternate universe where everything was so peaceful and dtd was js pure fluff 🥰 BUT no suki said no 💔

&& excuse me i initially suspected that the pastries were messed with but ig we’ll never know

i already had a weird feeling that something was up when the housewarming party started bc hello, wdym she’s looking sick and having cravings AND I KNEW I WAS RIGHT!!! IM NEVERRRR WRONG oh god i want to see rin’s face after all this, then i just want to slap him sort of idk ACTUALLY I HAVE A THEORY!! HEAR ME OUT (i’ll sound delusional for this but idc 😞), what if rin and iris actually DID broke up,, ig a little farfetched but what if rin avoiding iris for y/n made him wake up a bit and yk, he fully committed to it,, so what if the father ISN’T rin and maybe it’s iris’ way of trying to stay in the royal family? either pretending that it was rin’s or omi’s 🤔🤔 LIKE THAT’S THE FUTURE HEIR RIGHT THERE!! EITHER ONE’S CHILD ARE VALUABLE OMFG?!? like the obvious conclusion here is that rintarou’s the father, but what if he isn’t and she’s pregnant with another man OR WHAT IF SHE’S PREGNANT AND ANOTHER BROTHER IS THE FATHER OH MY GOD cly galaxy brain frfrfr

i need to see what’s next n i hope y/n can still find peace in that house, i don’t want it to be short lived sigh 😞 anw THANK U FOR THE CHAPTER SUKI I ATEEEE IT UP 🙏🙏🙏

hi hi, always happy to hear your rambles !! and aaww wait that’s so sweet ! ik dtd can be a heavy read because it has angst and lots of drama but to hear you say my writings feel like a sanctuary... i can’t think of a bigger compliment, i’m a little in awe 🥹🫶🏻 ALSO OMG i think about this a lot too like what if in an alternative universe, tobio has become a pro volleyball player and let go of his title to pursue his passion, akaashi has also dropped his titles to live a simple life in the kingdom helping the people, iris never existed LMAO and kiyoomi is happily curled up in the swings on his porch at itachiyama while he reads a book and rinyn were happily married 🥹

YES couldn’t have said it better myself but either one’s child would be just as valuable bcos they’re both princes so if iris really did use her pregnancy as leverage, she’d have secured her future alr 🥲 OH NO ANOTHER BROTHER? i can’t see any of the other princes wanting iris like that but... i think if atsumu had like seven shots and was drunk out his mind, he might give it a go. anyways thank you so much !! i appreciate the time you took to send me this message and am always looking forward to hearing everyone’s theories + thank you SO MUCH for the support and kind words. means the world to me, truly 🥺🌷