#he does hold back! I see it so much so much of his character is being the support being soft and nonthreatening!!

[requiemforthepoets]

it’s you that i’ve been waiting for, all of my life ⟢ LN4

final part of the crazy rich asians au ⟢ part one part two

PAIRINGS: lando norris x asian!female!reader

SUMMARY: with a lot of your family and friends are either getting engaged or married, it made you think about a lot of things—well, mostly marriage.

REMINDERS: this is purely fiction, the way how the character is portrayed in my story does not reflect the person that is portraying my character in real life. always separate fiction from reality, and do not repost or copy my work in any way.

WARNINGS: non-use of y/n, reader is asian, foul language, traditional family, asian culture & tradition, food, crazy rich asians inspired + plot, heiress reader, named characters (except reader, names are mostly taken from CRA), social status, high society, mentions of marriage, reader having a wedding fever, fluff, and minor typographical errors.

WORD COUNT: 9.6k

AUTHOR��S NOTE: finallyyyy, this is the last part of my crazy rich asians au. the rest of the updates for this series is already smaus—which will be updated sporadically. to all that read, commented, and reblogged, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. tbh, i wasn’t even sure/confident with this three part series bc it was literally my first time writing this kind of fic, so thank you so much. as always, your reblogs/comments are highly appreciated, and i hope that you’ll enjoy this last part! also, happy new year, guys! 🥺❤️

You and Lando had just finished settling into your hotel, when your phone buzzed with an incoming facetime call from Nick. Surprised but not entirely shocked by his timing, you answered the call and held your phone up as you sat on the edge of the bed. Nick’s face appeared on the screen, expression tense and unusually serious.

“Hey, is Rachel with you right now?” he asked without preamble, tone laced with urgency.

You frowned, confused by the question. “No, she’s not,” you replied, glancing at Lando, who was sitting on the edge of the bef watching your conversation. “Lando and I already left Singapore earlier, we’re in Malaysia right now. Why? Is everything okay?”

Nick ran a hand through his hair, exhaling heavily before diving into the whole explanation. He told you and Lando about how your Auntie Eleanor had hired a private investigator to dig into Rachel’s background. Your stomach sank as he laid it all out—the dossier that your Auntie Eleanor had compiled, which included several Chinese news articles and missing person reports with Rachel’s mother’s photo. All these revelations had been shared with your Ah Ma at the wedding reception, and things had escalated from there.

You can slightly hear Nick’s voice trembling as he recounted how your Ah Ma had become mad and forbid Rachel from continuing her relationship with him, declaring that Rachel’s family background poses a threat to your family’s reputation. The words made your chest tighten, and you felt a mix of anger and sadness bubbling inside of you. Then it all started to make sense now—Rachel’s disoriented state, the way she fled from the reception without looking back.

“Wait,” you interjected, still processing everything. “Ah ma was at Colin and Minty’s wedding? I didn’t even see her, she rarely goes to events like that unless her presence is absolutely necessary.”

Nick nodded, confirming your thoughts. “She was there. It wasn’t planned for her to come, but I think Mom had managed to convince her.”

You sighed. “Well, that explained a lot. No wonder Rachel was running off like that, she must’ve been completely blindsided.”

He paused before continuing. “I’ve been trying to get a hold of her, but she’s not answering my calls or texts. I just—” he trailed off, his frustration evident.

Thinking quickly, you remembered something Rachel had mentioned in passing. “Maybe she’s staying at her best friend’s house? She told me once that she has a close friend in Singapore.”

Nick’s eyes lit up slightly. “That's a possibility. I’ll try to find out where her friend lives.”

“Do you need me to come back?” you asked, words spilling out before you could second-guess them. “Lan and I can fly back to Singapore tonight if you think it’ll help.” you glanced at Lando, who nodded in silent agreement.

He shook his head quickly. “No, no, don’t worry about it. I think I can handle it for now. But if Rachel answers your texts or calls, can you let me know right away?”

“Of course,” you said firmly. “I’ll text her again and keep you updated.”

“Thanks,” Nick said with a small, grateful smile.

“But hey, listen,” you said carefully, “if you find Rachel—in which I know that you will, you have to give her some time. Don’t push her, and don’t force anything.”

Nick was quiet on the other end, so you took it as a queue to continue. “She’s been blindsided, completely blindsided by all of it. Think about it, the information that Auntie Eleanor dumped on her, how it was thrown at her, none of it was easy for her to process. She didn’t even see it coming, and honestly, no one would’ve been ready for something like that.”

“I know,” Nick murmured. “But I just want to fix it. I want her to know that none of this changes how I feel about her.”

“I know you do,” you said gently. “But right now, Rachel needs space to process everything. Imagine if you’re in her shoes—finding out things about your family’s past in such a public and humiliating way. That kind of betrayal isn’t easy to shake off, especially when it comes out of nowhere.”

You paused, choosing your words carefully. “You have to be patient with her, Nick. Let her come to you when she’s ready. If you try to force her to talk or rush through it, it might just push her further away.”

There was another silence, then a resigned sigh from Nick. “You’re right,” he admitted. “I hate it, but you’re right. I just feel so useless sitting here, doing nothing.”

“Nicky, you’re not doing nothing,” you assured him. “The best thing you can do right now is respect her boundaries and be ready when she’s ready. Let her know you’re there, but don’t overwhelm her, and Nick…” you trailed off.

You briefly hesitated before adding, “Rachel was thrown into a pit of wolves. Our family, for all its grandeur and well, admit it or not, can be really cruel. She wasn’t prepared for it, but that’s not on her—it’s completely on us, and if you love her, you’ll help her navigate through it when she finally comes around.”

Nick’s voice softened. “I do love her, more than anything.”

“This might sound very cliché, but trust the process,” you said. “She’ll come back to you when she’s ready, and when she does, you’ll be there for her.”

“Thanks again,” he said quietly. “I really needed to hear that.”

“Anytime,” you replied. “Just keep me updated, okay? Don’t lose hope.”

“I won’t,” Nick promised.

“Alright, take care.” you said before ending the call.

As the screen went dark, you tossed your phone onto the bed with a sigh, staring at the ceiling in frustration. Your call to Rachel had gone straight to voicemail, and though you had sent her a message, you couldn’t shake the knot of worry in your chest. Flopping down beside your phone, you exhaled deeply. The fact that your Auntie Eleanor had gone so far as to hiring a private investigator made your blood boil. It was not just meddling—it felt invasive and cruel.

“Why?” you muttered to yourself, running a hand through your hair. “Why did she have to go that far?”

Lando glanced over you from where he was sitting, watching you silently for a moment before he laid down beside you on the bed.

“Hey,” he said softly, placing a comforting hand on your shoulder. “What’s on your mind?”

“It’s just…Auntie Eleanor. Why would she do something like that? Nick and Rachel were happy, and Ah Ma already liked Rachel, so why did she have to ruin it all? What does it even accomplish?” your voice wavered slightly as you spoke, your emotions bubbling to the surface.

Lando listened patiently, letting you vent. When you paused, he gave your shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I get it,” he said gently. “It’s frustrating, and it’s not fair to Rachel. But you know Nick, he’s not going to give up on her just because of this. They’ll figure it out eventually.”

You looked at him, brows furrowed. “But what if they don’t? What if this just ruins everything?”

“It won’t,” he said firmly. “They’ve come this far, haven’t they? Something like this might take time to work through, but if they’re meant to be, they’ll find their way back to each other. You’ve got to believe in that.”

His words were calming, and you found yourself nodding slowly. “You’re right,” you said, though the knot in your chest didn’t fully loosen. “I just want them to have the happy ending they deserve.”

“And they will,” Lando assured you with a small smile. “But right now, you’ve got to focus on what you can control. We’re in Malaysia, come on, let’s enjoy our time. Relax, and take a breather from all the chaos back in Singapore.”

You gave Lando a weak smile, appreciating his efforts to make everything better. “Yeah, you’re right. We should make the most of it while we’re here.” pushing yourself off the bed, you glanced towards your suitcase. “We’ve got dinner plans later, don’t we?”

Lando grinned, standing up and holding out his hand to help you. “We do. Let’s go have a great night.”

You took his hand, letting him pull you to your feet, and smiled at him. “Alright.”

The first day in Malaysia began early, with the rising sun casting a soft golden glow as you and Lando set off for George Town in Penang. The drive was long, roughly about four hours from Kuala Lumpur, where you’re staying, but the journey was as much a part of the adventure as the destination. Lando was behind the wheel, where one of his hands was steady on the wheel, and his other free hand was laced on your fingers. His eyes occasionally darted towards you while you admired the scenery as you passed by.

“So,” he started, glancing at you with a teasing smile, “are you going to be my personal tour guide for the day?”

You grinned, looking at him. “Of course.”

When you arrived, George Town immediately swept you off of your feet. The streets were alive with so much color and culture, with the British colonial buildings standing gracefully alongside vibrant Chinese shophouses and intricate mosques. The air smelled of spices and street food, and the chatter of locals filled the space with a sense of warmth and energy.

“Look at that one,” he said, pulling you gently toward a painting of a little boy riding a bicycle. “We have to take a photo here.”

Lando pulled out his camera and posed next to the mural, with a wide grin on his face. “Your turn, come on,” he said after snapping his photo, motioning for you to take his place. “Hold on,” he gestured for you to pose in front of the mural. You rolled your eyes playfully but obliged to his request, striking a simple pose.

“Perfect,” he said as he snapped the photo before lowering the camera. “Though the real thing’s better than the photo,” he added cheekily, leaning in to plant a quick kiss on your cheek.

“Smooth,” you teased, shaking your head but smiling nonetheless.

You wandered through the streets hand in hand, occasionally stopping every so often to admire the architecture of the small shops selling everything ranging from antiques to handmade crafts. At one point, Lando pulled you into a quiet alley where a local artist was painting a new mural. He tilted his head, examining the work.

“Think I could pull something like this off?” he joked, referring to the mural’s intricate design.

“Absolutely not,” you replied, laughing. “But I’d pay good money to watch you try.”

The day would not have been complete without food. You introduced Lando to char kway teow, a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish. He took his first bite, his expression shifting from curiosity to delight.

“Okay, this is incredible,” he said, nodding enthusiastically as he went for another bite.

“You have a good taste,” you replied, stealing a noodle from his plate.

“You mean you have a good taste,” he corrected.

The day continued like that—strolling, laughing, stealing kisses, and taking photos. Every corner of George Town seemed to hold a story, and every moment felt like it was just for the two of you.

As the sun began to set, the sky turned a warm orange, and Lando snapped one final photo. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget today,” he said softly, looking at you instead of the view.

You smiled, squeezing his hand. “Me neither.”

The second day began with the sun streaming through your window, casting a warm glow over the start of what you knew would be an unforgettable day. After breakfast, you and Lando set off for Paradise 101 in Langkawi, a private island that promised a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, and just an hour away.

As soon as you stepped onto the island, the soft sound of the waves lapping against the shore and the salty breeze filled your senses. Lando reached out for your hand, giving it a light squeeze he looked out at the clear blue sky.

“Ready for some adventure?” he asked with a contagious smile.

“Always,” you replied, already feeling the excitement bubbling up.

The first activity on the list was parasailing, something you had always wanted to try. Strapped into the harness side by side, the instructor began counting down, and then, the boat picked up speed, lifting you and Lando off the ground, soaring above the waters. The world below looks so tiny, and the ocean stretches endlessly beneath your feet.

“This is insane!” Lando shouted over the wind.

You turned your head to look at him, his expression lit up with excitement. “Right? Look at that amazing view!” you replied, pointing towards the horizon where the ocean met the sky.

“Look something out of the painting,” then glancing at you, there was a mischievous glint in Lando’s eyes. “Though the view isn’t half as good as the one next to me.”

You laughed, swatting at him lightly. “You’re such a cheeky little shit.”

When your feet touched the sand again, Lando was already pulling you toward the ziplining station. The zipline took you across the island’s canopy, and each time you landed, Lando was there waiting, stealing quick kisses before moving to the next line.

“Race you to the bottom,” Lando challenged, a mischievous smile lighting up his face.

“Oh, you’re on,” you replied, determined.

As the two of you zipped down, the wind whipping past, the sound of your laughter had filled the air. Lando had beaten you to the bottom, of course, but he immediately pulled you into a hug when you joined him, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

The afternoon was reserved for a private yacht cruise, just the two of you. As the boat glided through the calm waters of Langkawi’s northern coast, you couldn’t help but marvel at the picturesque coastline, with the emerald-green water shimmering under the sun.

“Perfect, isn’t it?” Lando asked, leaning back beside you, his sunglasses perched on his nose.

“Perfect,” you agreed, reaching out to intertwine your fingers with his.

“You know,” he began, “we should bring the others here sometimes. They’d love this.”

“I was just thinking the same thing,” you replied, looking at him. “Though I kind of like it being just us right now.”

“Me too,” he said, voice soft, brushing a kiss on your forehead.

You decided to give kayaking a try, but knowing Lando, it probably would be a chaotic one. “You’re paddling the wrong way, babe!” you exclaimed as Lando’s oar splashed water everywhere. “Are you sure you know how to paddle?”

“Of course I do!” he argued.

Lando was just kept on paddling in circles, the kayak even refused to cooperate—or so he claimed.

“Babe! You’re just steering us into circles. You’re doing it wrong!” you called out, grinning mischievously.

“I’m not—hold on, are you gaslighting me right now?” he accused, realizing your game.

“I would never!” you said, feigning innocence.

Lando almost toppled over the kayak trying to adjust, and you couldn’t contain your laughter. But eventually, you found your rhythm, paddling side by side through the tranquil waters.

“Okay, maybe this teamwork thing isn’t so bad after all,” he admitted, voice softer now.

“You think?” you teased, glancing at him with a smile.

The highlight of the day came with the private UNESCO Geopark mangrove cruise. You and Lando had been transferred to a small explorer boat, where you were taken through a landscape that felt almost otherworldly. Sheer limestone cliffs rose majestically from the water, their forms resembling ancient temples.

“This is incredible,” Lando murmured, voice tinged with awe as he leaned over the side of the boat.

You nodded, eyes fixed on the towering cliffs. “It feels like we’ve stepped into another world.”

The guide led you through the Tanjung Rhu River, Kisap River, and Kilim River, each stretch offering breathtaking views. At one point, you visited a fish farm and even ventured into the crocodile and bat cave, marveling at the natural formations.

When the cruise ended, the day slowly gave way to evening, and you returned to the resort. Lando had made a reservation for an outdoor dinner at the resort’s restaurant, with the table set against the backdrop of the sparkling Andaman Sea.

You were sitting right across from Lando, the soft glow of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. “Today was really perfect,” you said, voice warm.

Lando reached across the table, taking your hand in his. “Well, that’s because I spent it with you.”

“To more days like this,” you said, raising your glass with your free hand.

“To more days with you,” Lando replied, raising his glass as well.

The waves whispered against the shore as you clink your glasses together, ending the amazing fun filled day in the most serene and beautiful way imaginable.

On the third day, which is your last day in Malaysia, felt like the perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy a more relaxed pace with Lando. After having your breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, you decided to explore Kuala Lumpur together and do some shopping, mostly picking out Christmas gifts for family and friends. Your first stop was Cartier, where the staff immediately recognized you and Lando as you entered the boutique.

“Welcome back,” one of them greeted warmly. “Please, follow us to the VIP room.”

The room was elegant and private, with plush seating and pristine glass displays showcasing Cartier’s finest collections. You scanned the displays carefully, selecting gifts that felt personal and meaningful. From time to time, you would turn to Lando for his opinion, holding a piece to show it to him.

“What do you think of this one, love?” you asked, turning a bracelet in your hands.

Lando leaned in to get a closer look, studying it for a brief moment. “It’s nice, but maybe this design suits them better,” he suggested, pointing to another piece that has more classic finish to it.

His input was reassuring, and you found yourself smiling more with every choice you made. So piece by piece, you finalized your selections and decided to have each of it engraved with the names. While the staff began the engraving process, you took the opportunity to explore the display cases further.

Your eyes fell on the iconic Love rings, their sleek designs catching the light. The delicate design, with its understated elegance and signature screw motif had drawn you in immediately. You paused, gazing at them a little longer than you had intended. They were very stunning, and the thought of having matching ones with Lando crept into your mind.

For a moment, you let your mind wander. The thought of having matching Love rings with Lando made your heart flutter. It would be such a sweet symbol of your relationship, a quiet nod to the love you shared. But as quickly as the thought came, doubt crept in. Would he even want to wear something like that? You had only been together for a year, and while your relationship felt deep and serious, you weren’t even sure if he’d see it the same way.

“Miss?” the associate’s voice gently pulled you back to the present. “The items have been engraved and wrapped. Would you like us to send them directly to your hotel?”

You smiled, nodding. “Yes, please. That would be perfect. We still have some plans for the day.”

The associate assured you that everything would be taken care of. You thanked them again and turned to Lando, who was casually leaning against the counter, watching you with an easy smile. What you didn’t realize was that he had caught the way your gaze lingered on the Love rings earlier. But he decided not to say anything, only offering you his hand as the two of you prepared to leave.

“Ready to go?” he asked, voice gentle.

“Yes, let’s go,” you replied, sliding your hand into his.

As you both left the store hand in hand, the shopping bags destined for your hotel, Lando’s mind was already working, his thoughts drifting back to the love rings and making a mental note.

Finally, Dior was your final stop, and as you stepped into the elegantly designed VIP room, the ambiance felt as refined and luxurious as always. The staff greeted you warmly, offering refreshments and giving you a moment to settle in before showing you all of the latest collections.

You browsed through the items thoughtfully, then occasionally turning to Lando for his input, yet again, on potential gifts and personal picks. He followed you closely, hands tucked casually in his pockets, his easy demeanor adding a comfortable balance.

As you admired a pair of beautiful heels, Lando leaned in slightly, tone light but teasing. “You know your luggage is already packed to the brim, right?”

You paused mid-reach, blinking at him as his words sank in. “Wait…really?”

He nodded, trying to suppress a grin. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure you’d have to sit on it just to zip it up.”

With the sudden realization, you glanced back at the shelves, and you turned to the sales associate with a smile. “Do you have any luggage available in stock?”

The associate’s face lit up. “We do, actually! Let me bring it out for you.”

As the associate disappeared into the back, Lando let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head slightly. “Only you would come shopping for gifts and leave with luggage to carry it all.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, nudging his arm. “Well, if you’re going to go shopping, might as well do it properly.”

The associate soon returned, rolling out a sleek Dior luggage piece in a design you hadn’t seen before that caught your attention immediately. Its understated design and impeccable craftsmanship stood out, and you took a moment to examine it closely.

“This is perfect,” you said decisively, a satisfied smile spreading across your face. “I’ll take it. I don’t have one in this design yet, so it’ll be a great addition.”

Lando chuckled softly beside you as you made your way to the counter. When the associate had totaled the purchase, he casually pulled out his black card and handed it over, placing it on the counter.

“Here, I’ve got this,” he said smoothly, the corner of his mouth lifting in a small grin.

“No,” you reached into your bag without hesitation, pulling out your own black card and handing it to the associate directly. “I’m paying for this, please. It’s my shopping.”

The associate glanced between the two of you, clearly confused and trying to decide whose card to take. You were sure that the associate would take your card, so you focused briefly on a nearby display of handbags, thinking which designs might fit into your collection. While you were distracted, Lando seized the opportunity.

“Swipe it on mine,” he said quietly, giving the associate a quick, reassuring nod.

By the time you turned your attention back, the transaction was already complete, and the staff were carefully packing the luggage and other items into Dior’s signature paper bags.

“What just happened?” you asked, narrowing your eyes slightly as Lando smiles cheekily at you.

“Nothing, babe,” he replied, tone far too innocent to be convincing. “Just making sure you’re not overworking your card today.”

You sighed, half-exasperated but mostly amused. “You’re impossible.”

“Just making sure your new luggage is properly christened,” he teased.

Shaking your head with a small smile, you turned back to the associate and asked, “would it be possible to have everything be delivered to our hotel? We’ve got a dinner reservation coming up, and it would be easier if we didn’t have to carry all this.”

“Of course, Miss,” they replied, nodding. “We’ll ensure everything is delivered promptly.”

“Thank you,” you said warmly before turning back to Lando. “Ready to go?”

Lando placed a hand on the small of your back, guiding you towards the exit. “Let’s go.”

By the time you stepped out of Dior, the soft glow of dusk had already begun to settle over the city, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. The streets were alive with the hum of evening traffic, but your thoughts were focused on the dinner reservation at Akar Dining.

The drive to the restaurant was peaceful, with Lando’s hand resting on your thigh as the car navigated the streets. You arrived just in time, the warm ambiance of the restaurant immediately wrapping around you as you stepped inside, the host greeted you and guided you to your table. Lando, ever the gentleman, pulled out your chair, his hand lingering briefly on the back of it as you sat down.

“Thank you,” you murmured with a small smile, adjusting the hem of your dress as you settled in.

Lando took his seat across from you just as a waiter approached your table with the menus. The dimly lit atmosphere, paired with the sophisticated decor had made the evening feel intimate and special. As you scanned the menu, your eyes immediately caught a few dishes you knew you would enjoy, while Lando appeared slightly less certain.

“So, what are you thinking of getting?” you asked, glancing up from your menu to find him frowning slightly.

“Honestly?” he set the menu down for a moment, leaning back in his chair. “Most of these seafood dishes aren’t really my thing.”

You couldn’t help but laugh softly, shaking your head. “It’s fine, just pick something else. You don’t have to love everything on the menu.”

Eventually, he decided on the braised aged duck, and you ordered a seafood dish that intrigued you. As you waited for the food, you took a sip of your water, your gaze lingering on Lando. The memory of what happened at Dior earlier was still fresh in your mind, and you decided to address it.

“By the way,” you began, setting your glass down. “Thank you for paying earlier at Dior, but you really didn’t have to, Lan.”

Lando shrugged casually, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Of course I did. You shouldn’t have to pay for something when I’m right here.”

You sighed lightly, tilting your head at him. “Lan, I can pay for my own things. I don’t want to rely on you all the time, especially when it’s my shopping.”

“I know you can,” he replied, tone soft but firm. “But that doesn’t mean I want you to. It’s not about whether you can afford it—it’s about me wanting to take care of you.”

You opened your mouth to protest, but he cut you off with a playful grin. “And before you argue, I’m not budging on this.”

“Well, if you’re so insistent on paying for everything,” you said, leaning forward slightly, “then at least let me pay for dinner tonight.”

“Not happening, love,” he said simply, leaning back in his chair with an air of finality.

“Lando,” you started, but the waiter returned just then with your food, momentarily halting the conversation.

As you both began to eat, you couldn’t help but glance at him occasionally, trying to come up with a way to outmaneuver him when the bill comes. Lando seemed thoroughly engrossed in his braised aged duck, nodding approvingly after the first few bites.

“This is actually really good,” he remarked, gesturing to his plate with his fork.

“It was worth the try,” you said with a satisfied smile, enjoying your own meal.

When the plates were cleared, the waiter had returned with the bill, and you reached for it instinctively, smiling as you’re about to get a hand on it, but to your dismay, Lando was faster. He snatched it from the waiter’s hand with a smoothness that left you momentarily stunned, his card already out and ready. Without a word, he placed it on the bill and handed it back to the waiter before you could even blink.

“Lando Norris!” you hissed, voice a mix of exasperation and disbelief. “I told you I was paying for dinner.”

“And I told you that you’re not,” he replied, tone calm and unbothered.

You stared at him, incredulous. “You can’t keep doing this. I have my own money, you know. I don’t need you to pay for everything, my love.”

“I know you don’t,” he said, leaning forward slightly. “But I wanted to. A gentleman never let his woman pay. End of story.”

“But—”

“No buts,” he interrupted gently, gaze soft but resolute. “I know that you’re independent, and I love that about you. But letting me take care of you every now and then doesn’t make you any less independent.”

You sighed, leaning back in your chair. “At some point, you have to let me pay too. I don’t want to feel like I’m relying on you for everything.”

“I get that. But tonight isn’t the point,” he said, as his thumb gently caressed your knuckles and brought it to his lips, kissing it softly. “Letting me take care of you once in a while doesn’t mean you’re relying on me. It just means that I love you.”

Your heart softened at his words, the sincerity in his voice melting away your objections. “Fine,” you murmured, though a playful edge crept into your tone. “But one day, you’re letting me pay for something. Mark my words.”

Lando chuckled, leaning back in his chair with a wide grin. “We’ll see about that.”

After an amazing dinner, you were finally back in your hotel. The moment you stepped inside the room, the exhaustion from the day’s adventures hit you like a wave. You slipped off your sandals with a sigh of relief, placed your bag on the vanity, and immediately collapsed onto the plush bed, letting the softness swallow you whole. Lando was not far behind, shutting the door with a soft click before walking over to where you lay sprawled out. He chuckled as he kicked off his sneakers, tossing them aside without any care.

“You look absolutely done,” he teased, voice laced with affection.

Without another word, he climbed onto the bed beside you, his arms snaking around your waist as he pulled you close. You didn’t protest, in fact, you just melted into his embrace—his warmth and familiar scent of his cologne instantly soothing your tired muscles.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” you murmured lazily, though you made no effort to move. “We still need to pack for tomorrow. I need to arrange the things we bought today inside the new luggage.”

Lando nuzzled his face into your neck, his breath warm against your skin. “Mhmm…packing can wait.” he said as he kissed your collarbone. “I just want to stay like this for a bit. It’s been such a good trip.”

You smiled faintly, tilting your head slightly to rest against his. “It really has. I think this was exactly what we needed, huh? Just us, no distractions.”

“Uh huh. No meetings, no interruptions…” Lando added with a sigh, tightening his hold on you. “I wish we could stay longer. Feels like I’ve barely scratched the surface here.”

You laughed softly. “You’re the one who extended our stay by an extra day. If we keep this up, we might not even make it to the UK in time for Christmas.”

He groaned dramatically, pulling you even closer. “Fine, you win. We’ll leave tomorrow, but I’m telling you, we’re coming back here next year.”

“Alright,” you replied, voice muffle as you buried your face in his chest.

For a few moments, neither of you spoke, content to lie tangled in each other’s arms as the city lights outside cast a faint glow into the hotel room.

“Okay, okay,” you finally said, breaking the peaceful silence. “We really need to pack, babe. I’m not about to start throwing things into a suitcase at five in the morning.”

He groaned again but rolled over, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked at you with a mischievous glint in his eye. “How about I do the packing, and you stay here looking all pretty?”

“Absolutely not,” you replied, swatting his arm lightly. “If you pack, I’ll end up with half my things missing and thrown with wrinkles.”

Lando laughed, sitting up and pulling you up with him. “Alright, fine. Let’s get it over with, but you owe me cuddles afterwards.”

You rolled your eyes playfully as you slid off of the bed. “Deal. Now, let’s get moving before you start whining again.”

He grinned, grabbing his suitcase and tossing it onto the bed with enthusiasm. “You know me so very well.”

As you were neatly folding a dress and placing it neatly in your suitcase, your phone rang, cutting through the quiet hum of activity in the hotel room. You glanced at the screen and saw Nick’s caller ID flashing. Your eyes immediately widened, and your stomach sank slightly—you had completely pushed aside the chaos from earlier in Singapore.

“Nicky,” you murmured, picking up the phone and quickly answering. Lando glanced up from his own packing, curious.

The moment the call connected, Nick’s face filled your screen, grinning from ear to ear. Before you could say anything, he shouted out, “WE’RE GETTING MARRIED!”

Your jaw dropped, and your heart leapt. “WHAT?!” you screamed, startling Lando, who immediately moved closer to check. “Oh my god! Nicky, are you serious?!”

Nick nodded excitedly, his smile growing wider. “Yes! I proposed to Rachel earlier, and she said yes! We’re getting married!”

A loud scream of happiness escaped you, and grabbed both Lando’s hands and jumped up and down, causing Lando to follow your lead, with you chanting ‘Nick and Rachel are getting married’ a couple of times. Both of you jumping like you’re in a cult, chanting to summon something.

“Nicky, this is amazing news! I’m so happy for you and Rachel! Oh my god, I’m going to cry!” you said, nearly dropping your phone in the process.

Lando laughed and leaned into the frame, resting a hand on your waist. “Congratulations, mate! That’s incredible news!”

“Thanks, man!” Nick said, grinning even wider. He turned back to you, clearly eager to share more details. “Mom finally came around, and she gave me the emerald ring to propose with. I actually chased Rachel to the airport, it turns out she was about to leave, already inside the plane and I just dropped on one knee and proposed to her. You should’ve seen Rachel’s face when I pulled out the ring, she was so shocked.”

You clutched your chest dramatically. “Nick, that’s so beautiful. I’m so, so happy for you both.”

Nick chuckled, his excitement very evident. “But wait, there’s more. I’m throwing a surprise engagement party for Rachel tomorrow night, and I need you both there. Please say you can come.”

You glanced over at Lando, your eyes silently asking if he was okay with changing plans. Lando, ever the supportive boyfriend that he is, nodded without any hesitation.

“We’re both in,” you said to Nick. “We’ll fly back to Singapore tomorrow.”

Nick let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you! I can’t wait to see you both, and don’t worry, it won’t be a massive party, just a small gathering of close friends and family.”

“We will not miss it,” you assured him. “But just so you know, we’ll have to leave right after the party. We’re expected in the UK before Christmas.”

“Fair enough,” Nick said, still beaming. “I’ll see you guys tomorrow then, and thank you, both of you, for being there for us.”

“Of course,” you replied, voice soft with emotion. “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

After ending the call, you turned to Lando, who was smiling at your obvious joy. “Looks like we’re making another detour,” you said with a laugh.

“Well, wouldn’t have it any other way,” Lando replied, pulling you into a quick hug before returning to his packing.

The flight from Malaysia to Singapore passed quickly, only an hour long. You and Lando had decided to leave in the afternoon to allow yourselves some extra time to relax before the engagement party. By the time the private jet touched down at a private tarmac in Changi Airport, the sky had shifted to a warm, dusky hue.

You were already dressed for the event, adjusting the hem of your dress as you prepared to disembark. Your outfit for tonight complimented Lando’s outfit perfectly, a choice you both had coordinated without much effort. Deciding not to take your belongings off of the jet since you would be leaving Singapore immediately after the party. Taking one final glance at the jet’s sleek interior, you then stepped out.

Lando walked beside you, his hand firmly holding yours as he guided you down the steps of the jet. The heels you wore, though elegant, weren’t exactly forgiving, and his grip gave you the balance you needed. Once you reached the car waiting on the tarmac, he moved ahead, opening the door for you.

“Careful, love,” he murmured, holding out a hand to help you inside.

You gave Lando a small smile as you slid into the seat, careful not to wrinkle your dress. He followed right after, shutting the car door behind him. The soft hum of the car engine filled up the space as the vehicle pulled away, heading towards Marina Bay Sands. You then leaned into Lando slightly.

“You know,” Lando began with a playful smirk, “I think we’ve spent more time in Singapore lately than in Monaco.”

You laughed softly. “Tell me about it. It looks like we’ll be back here again sooner rather than later for Nick and Rachel’s wedding.”

He tilted his head in mock resignation. “I guess I’d better get used to the humidity then.”

“Oh come on,” you gave him a teasing nudge. “You’ve survived it so far. Besides, you look so good here, very tropical chic.”

Lando chuckled, resting his hand on yours. “Thanks, love. But seriously, it feels like everyone’s getting married or engaged all of a sudden. What’s with the December air.”

You sighed dramatically. “Tell me about it. First Colin and Minty, now Nick and Rachel, also don’t forget about my friend from Parsons! She’s getting married in Moscow next year and has already sent in the invitation.”

“Moscow, huh?” he mused. “Another flight for us?”

You glanced at him with a small smile. “If you want to come with me, that is. I don’t want to pressure you into attending all these weddings, I know that it can be really tiring.”

Lando tilted his head, pretending to think it over. “Moscow, a wedding, and a chance to see you again in another dress? Sounds like a total dream, so it’s a yes for me.”

You rolled your eyes playfully, nudging his arm. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love every bit of it,” he quipped, grinning.

As the car drove on, your thoughts began to drift. Weddings, engagements, proposals—it seemed like everyone around you was taking those big steps. You didn’t want to admit it, but that idea of marriage had been creeping into your mind more and more lately. It was not something you wanted to bring up, not yet, but still, it is a topic that had been occupying your mind.

You shook off the feeling, focusing instead on the city lights beginning to twinkle outside the car window. “Yeah, and I think that we’re going to need a bigger calendar,” you joked.

Lando laughed, resting a hand on your knee. “As long as you’re on it, I don’t mind.”

The car rolled to a smooth stop at the grand entrance of Marina Bay Sands, with the city lights reflecting off the sleek glass facade. The chauffeur had exited first, circling around to open your door, and before you could step out, Lando was already at your side, extending a hand to help you out of the car.

“I’ll be here at the agreed time to take you back to the airport, ma’am.” the chauffeur said as he tipped his hat.

“Thank you,” you replied with a polite smile.

Lando intertwined your hands, and you both began walking towards the entrance. The evening air was warm, and the energy surrounding the iconic building was palpable. A few people by the lobby immediately recognized Lando, and their eyes widened when they noticed you by his side.

“Excuse me,” a young woman asked hesitantly, clutching her phone. “Would it be alright if I can get a quick photo with you both?”

Lando exchanged glances with you and nodded warmly. “Of course, just a quick one.”

You stepped aside with him, pausing for a few photos, each person thanking you both profusely afterwards. Once the small crowd dispersed, you and Lando resumed your walk, making your way to the elevators that would take you to the sky deck. The elevator ride was smooth and swift, and when the doors opened, the familiar faces of your family, Nick’s closest friends, and your cousins scattered throughout the beautifully decorated space.

As your eyes scanned the crowd, you spotted your mother first. She stood near one of the seating areas, speaking animatedly with one of your aunts. You guided Lando over, and her expression shifted to surprise the moment she saw you both.

“Darling!” your mother exclaimed, pulling you into a tight embrace.

“Hi, Mom,” you greeted, smiling warmly before stepping aside so Lando could greet her.

Your mother opened her arms invitingly. “Lando, come here.”

Lando hugged her briefly but warmly, a soft laugh escaping him. “Hello, Auntie. It’s good to see you again.”

“Likewise,” your mother replied, taking a step back to look at you both. “I thought you’d already be in the UK by now.” she said, raising an eyebrow at you.

“We were supposed to leave after the day after the wedding,” you explained, “but we decided to make a quick stop in Malaysia for a few days. Then Nicky called last night and asked us to come, so here we are.”

She smiled knowingly. “Always the supportive cousin. But you’re leaving tonight?”

“Yes, the jet is on standby at the airport,” you confirmed. “We’ll head straight there after the party.”

Your mother nodded in satisfaction, and gave Lando a pat on the shoulder. “Well, you enjoy yourselves tonight. It’s a rare sight to see you two so relaxed.”

You and Lando exchanged a small smile before moving on to greet Colin and Araminta, who were just chatting near the champagne table.

“Hey!” Colin greeted, giving you both a hug. “I didn’t think we’d see you two again so soon.”

“Neither did we,” you replied with a laugh. “But here we are.”

You turned to Araminta, who hugged you warmly, then stepped back, smiling brightly. “It’s so good to see you again, and Lando, of course! You’re becoming quite the fixture at family events!”

Lando grinned. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Colin smirked. “At this rate, uncle’s going to give him the talk soon, if he hasn’t already. Then we all know whose wedding we’ll be attending soon after Nick and Rachel’s.”

You laughed, shaking your head. “Too late, Dad already gave him the talk, and even Ah Ma had given her blessing.”

Lando grinned, playing along. “Proud to say that I’ve passed all the tests by now.”

Araminta gasped dramatically, nudging Colin. “See? It’s official now. We’ll start saving the date!”

The four of you exchanged pleasantries and some laughs for a few moments before your attention was drawn to a surprising sight. Standing by the bar were none other than Bernard and Kitty, a pair you had not expected to see here at all. You caught Lando’s eye, and he gave you a subtle shrug, clearly just as a surprise.

Shaking it off, you turned your focus back, making your way toward your aunts. Auntie Alix, Auntie Eleanor, and Auntie Jacqueline, who were all chatting in a tight circle. You approached with Lando by your side, greeting each of them in turn with a polite kiss on the cheek and a warm smile.

“Ah, you’re here!” your Auntie Alix smiled. “I thought you were in the UK already.”

“Nick called,” you explained with a smile, “so here we are.”

“Well, we’re glad you made it,” your Auntie Jacqueline chimed in, “and you’re glowing tonight.” she added, her gaze flitting between you and Lando.

“Must be the Malaysian sun,” Lando jokes, earning a soft laugh from the group.

Your Auntie Eleanor gave Lando a sharp but playful look. “You’re certainly making yourself comfortable with this family, aren’t you?”

Lando smiled politely. “I’m just trying to keep up,” satisfied with his answer, your Auntie Eleanor waved you off with a chuckle.

Nick and Rachel hadn’t arrived yet, so you and Lando decided to take the opportunity to mingle with other guests. The evening was lively, with laughter and champagne flowing freely.

Several guests had approached you and Lando for photos, and you obliged, posing with ease. Lando kept a hand on your lower back, guiding you smoothly through the crowd as you moved from one group to another.

From across the room, you noticed your cousin Oliver weaving his way through the crowd, a bright smile on his face as he head towards you. As he approached, you and Lando turned to greet him.

“Oliver!” you said warmly, pulling him into a quick hug.

“Hey you two,” he said, giving you both a smile before continuing. “I want to introduce you to Rachel’s best friend. She’s dying to meet you.”

Curious, you exchanged a glance with Lando before agreeing. “Of course! Lead the way.”

Following Oliver, you navigated through the elegantly dressed guests until you stopped in front of a small group of people.

“Here we are,” Oliver said, motioning toward a striking woman with a vibrant smile. “This is Rachel’s best friend, Goh Peik Lin.”

You extended your hand toward her. “Peik Lin, it’s so nice to meet you!”

Peik Lin shook your hand warmly. “And it’s so nice to meet you as well!”

Your gaze traveled briefly over her outfit, a beautifully tailored dress that exuded elegance and sophistication. “I have to say, your outfit is incredible. You have such impeccable taste.”

Her smile widened, excitement evident. “Oh stop, you’re going to make me blush! But thank you, it means a lot coming from someone as stylish as you.”

Oliver then turned to the older couple standing beside Peik Lin. “And these are Peik Lin’s parents, Goh Wye Mun and Goh Nenna.”

You offered a polite smile as you greeted them. “It’s a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Goh.”

Nenna’s eyes sparkled as she took your hand. “Just call us Auntie Nenna and Uncle Wye Mun! And my goodness, you’re even more gorgeous in person! I’ve seen photos of you, and they don’t do you justice! You’re very stunning, my dear!”

You laugh softly, feeling a light warmth rise to your cheeks. “You’re too kind, Auntie Nenna. Thank you so much.”

Then you turned to Wye Mun, whose expression shifted slightly as recognition dawned on him. He tilted his head, studying you for a moment.

“You’re one of Harrison Sr. and Elizabeth Young’s children, aren’t you? Their only daughter,” he said, tone a mixture of surprise and admiration.

You nodded, smiling. “That’s right. I’ve heard of your family before as well. If my memory serves me right, you’re the owner of Goh Developments, correct? One of Singapore’s most successful real estate companies?”

Wye Mun chuckled, clearly pleased. “Yes, that’s about right. I’m flattered you know about us.”

“Of course!” you said. “Your company’s work is extraordinary. Some of your developments are architectural masterpieces.”

The brief exchange shifted naturally into a short discussion about real estate, with Wye Mun enthusiastically sharing tidbits about recent projects. Peik Lin listened intently, Oliver and Lando conversing with each other, while Nenna just watched the whole conversation with a smile.

You then gestured towards Lando afterwards, who had been standing quietly beside you. “Allow me to introduce to you my boyfriend, Lando.”

Lando extended his hand towards Wye Mun, who shook it firmly. Wye Mun’s eyes lit up in recognition. “Ah, Lando Norris! I watched you win the Singapore GP last September. Quite an incredible race, I must say. You’ve got some serious talent.”

“Thank you so much,” Lando said with a polite smile. “It was an unforgettable race for sure.”

“And I didn’t know that you were dating the darling of the Singaporean social elite!” Wye Mun added with a playful tone, eyes twinkling.

“Oh Wye Mun, look at them!” Nenna interjected, her gaze moving between you and Lando. “They look so good together, a very beautiful couple. Perfect match!”

Wye Mun nodded in agreement, tone light. “Quite the power couple, I’d say.”

You couldn’t help but smile at their comment, glancing at Lando, who was already looking at you with a soft expression. “Thank you,” you replied simply.

The conversation continued easily, with the group exchanging stories and laughs. The atmosphere was warm, and you felt genuinely pleased to meet Rachel’s best friend and their family.

As the buzz of conversation faded into hushed whispers, Araminta stepped forward with a smile and announced, “Nick and Rachel are on their way up now! Everyone, take your positions.”

You and Lando stood slightly off to the side, his hand on your waist, caressing it softly and tracing shapes. The elegant lighting of the sky deck reflected off the cityscape, casting a soft glow over the gathered guests.

Lando leaned in close, his breath warm against your ear. “You know,” he whispered, tone teasing, “it was so hot watching you talk business with Wye Mun earlier. You looked so serious and confident.”

You glanced at him, barely suppressing a smile, and gave his chest a soft slap. “Stop being cheeky right now, Norris,” you muttered, keeping your voice low to avoid drawing any attention.

But it looks like Lando was not done yet. He grinned at you mischievously, his voice dipping lower. “I mean it, baby. The way you talked about developments and projects? Very impressive, very attractive.”

You rolled your eyes, though your cheeks warmed slightly. “Lando,” you whispered warningly, “behave. This is not the time.”

He bit back a chuckle, amusement evident. “Fine, fine. But you should know, I can’t help it when you’re like that.”

You shushed him quietly, your finger briefly brushing his lips. “Quiet now,” you insisted softly, glancing around to make sure no one was paying attention.

As you returned your focus to the party, your thoughts flicked back to your earlier conversation with Wye Mun. Real estate development has always intrigued you—the intricacies, potential, and stories behind every project. It was not just a polite conversation, it was a chance to learn and build connections.

“Besides,” you murmured to Lando, keeping your tone casual, “it’s always good to broaden your network. Even if I already have so many, there’s no harm in widening the circle.”

Lando nodded, his expression now a mix of curiosity and pride. “Well, you’ve got a point,” he said softly.

You let your eyes wander across the crowd, noting a few familiar faces mingling among the guests. “This place is full of businesspeople—major players in the industry, tonight,” you whispered to him. “I can recognize a few who could even be potential sponsors for McLaren.” Lando raised a brow at you, intrigued.

You turned to him, giving him a playful wink. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll help you land a deal or two.”

Lando smirked, leaning in closer to you again. “Now that,” he said, tone low and teasing, “is a kind of teamwork I can get behind.”

The sky deck fell in a hush as everyone stood in their positions, waiting for Nick and Rachel’s arrival. The atmosphere was buzzing, a mix of excitement and happiness among the crowd. The distant hum of the elevator announced their approach, and then, with a soft chime, doors slid open.

Nick stepped out first, his hands gently covering Rachel’s eyes as he carefully guided her forward into the middle of the crowd. Rachel, her posture both curious and expectant, laughed lightly, clearly amused by the surprise. The whole crowd held its collective breath, watching as Nick finally removed his hands from Rachel’s eyes.

The second her eyes opened, the silence of the crowd was replaced with an eruption of cheers and applause. Screams of happiness echoed across the sky deck, led enthusiastically by Colin and Araminta. Rachel’s expression had transformed into one of pure, radiant happiness as she took sight of everyone gathered for her. Overwhelmed with emotion, she raised her hand, showing off the stunning emerald ring that sparkled under the lights, then pointing to it with a grin.

People surged forward, surrounding Nick and Rachel with hugs and congratulations. You and Lando joined in with the crowd, your laughter blending with everyone else’s as you approached the newly engaged couple.

“Congratulations!” you said, beaming as you hugged Rachel tightly. “I’m so happy for you both.”

Nick grinned, pulling you into a quick hug as well. “Thank you for being here. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.”

Lando shook Nick’s hand before giving Rachel a warm hug. “You two are perfect for each other.”

Nick, ever the joker, glanced between you and Lando, a teasing glint in his eyes. “You know,” he began, tone playful, “I have a strong feeling you two might be the next one.”

Rachel, catching on, nodded enthusiastically. “Oh, absolutely! We’ll have to start planning your engagement party real soon.”

You and Lando exchanged amused looks, chuckling. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” you replied, though your heart skipped a beat at the thought.

As much as you adored Nick and Rachel, you did not need them adding more fuel to the fire—you were already simmering with wedding fever.

After the flood of congratulations, Nick took Rachel’s hand and gently guided her attention towards the infinity pool, where a group of synchronized swimmers began an elegant performance, their movements perfectly timed to the music. Rachel gasped softly, her eyes lighting up with wonder as she watched.

Then, from the corner of our eye, you noticed Rachel spotting your Auntie Eleanor standing a little way off. For a brief moment, the noise and excitement seemed to face as the two women exchanged a look, one of understanding and newfound respect. The warmth in Rachel’s smile and the subtle nod from your Auntie Eleanor spoke volumes. It filled your heart with joy to see that your aunt had finally come around, embracing Rachel in the way she deserved.

Nick then pulled Rachel into a tender kiss, earning a round of applause and cheers again from the crowd. Lando stepped behind you, wrapping his arms securely around your waist, holding you close. His chin rested lightly on your shoulder, and you could feel his warmth radiating through you.

The sound of fireworks exploding above pulled everyone’s attention upward. Bright colors lit up the sky, reflecting off the glass and water, painting the moment in vibrant hues. The cheers grew louder, people pointing and marveling at the display. You stayed like that, wrapped in Lando’s arms, watching the sky.

With fireworks still illuminating the sky and Lando’s arms wrapped securely around you, a quiet realization settled in your heart. It was not something sudden, it was something that had been building over time, piece by piece, moment by moment. The depth of love that you feel for Lando was staggering, overwhelming even, and yet it felt so natural.

You had dated before, countless boys who had seemed charming or interesting at the time, but none of them had ever come close to Lando. They never understood you the way Lando did. With him, there was no guessing, pretending, or effort to mold yourself into someone else’s idea of what love should look like. Lando saw you, truly saw you, in a way that no one else ever had. To be seen was to be loved.

This was what set Lando apart. With him, you never had to explain your silences, quirks, or the way your mind wandered to far-off places. He did not just tolerate those things, in fact, he cherished them. He loved them. With Lando, you felt understood in a way that words could never fully capture.

You thought back to the other relationships before Lando, the boys who had come before. They had their moments, but they always felt…incomplete. There had been a disconnect, a lingering sense that you were only partly there, only partly understood. They never have you the feeling that Lando did—feeling of being wholly, entirely loved. Lando was the man that you had been praying for, and for once, God had led Lando to you.

Sure, the way he loved you was not perfect, but it was honest. It was raw and real, and it made you feel more like yourself than you ever thought possible. Lando had this way of making you feel like you were the only person in the world, like his entire focus was only on you and no one else. That was the truth of it, wasn’t it? You had never felt this way with anyone else, and you knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that no one else could make you feel the way he did. Lando was not just someone you loved—he was the person you wanted to spend your forever with.

The thought settled deeply in your chest, filling every corner of your heart with an indescribable warmth. It was not just that you loved him—it was that he was home.

“I love you,” you looked up at him, smiling.

Lando looked at you, smiling. He then whispered, “I love you too, so fucking much.”

taglist : @sheblogs

[taintedtort]

" #NEEDTHAT! "

summary. how long they last during NNN

characters. kenma, akaashi, iwaizumi, kyotani, nishinoya

warnings. afab!reader, post!timeskip, SMUT!!!

a/n. my yearly NNN prompt, but with hq this time (and it’s december)

KENMA

☆ a week and a half

he tried, though only because you asked. his stamina and libido aren’t too high, so he didn’t have much issue at first. however… you started purposely teasing him after a week; wearing short shorts, wearing tight shirts, or just prancing around in your panties. he wasn’t too interested in beating the challenge, so he doesn’t really attempt to deny himself. it’s too much of a hassle, especially with the way you’re practically begging to be fucked. so he does just that. lays you on the bed, and takes a bit of time fingering you open and making you cum on his fingers first, just because he can. it’s such a power trip, seeing you fall apart all thanks to him, he can’t help but fuck you silly after that. getting you to cum is better than beating a stupid little challenge.

"don’t be surprised, you’re the one teasing me."

AKAASHI

☆ he distracted you!

similar to kenma, he isn’t too interested in actually winning, or even participating in general. he isn’t worried about himself, he’s more concerned about you not being satisfied for the entire month. what is he if he can’t please his woman? his fingers alone aren’t enough for your greedy little pussy, he knows that. it’s that argument that he uses when he’s trying to refuse the challenge, cooing about how much he knows you’ll miss him inside you. just think about it, love, is something like that even worth it? ends with you sprawled out under him with his cock shoved inside you, scrambling your brain and making you forget about the conversation.

"how will i please you if i can’t fuck you? don’t deny yourself pleasure just for a silly challenge."

IWAIZUMI

☆ two weeks

only lasted that long out of sheer will. he practically lives in your pussy. he wakes up with gentle morning sex, and sends you to bed by fucking your brains out until you’re all sleepy and pliant. it’s a routine at this point, something you decided to interrupt just because you saw the stupid challenge online and got curious. you just wanted to see how long he could last! you didn’t expect him to come home all frustrated because he’s been thinking about your little cunt wrapped around him all day. you whined when he bent you over the couch, but he didn’t let you complain too much before he’s stuffing you full.

"bet you missed this too, didn’t you? nasty girl."

KYOTANI

☆ a week

he didn’t even want to do it in the first place, he only agreed so you’d shut up about it. he was pretty sure you’d end up crawling back to him anyway, since you really can’t go that long without his cock inside you. you’re spoiled, after all. after about a week, he can tell you’re getting whiny, so he decides to throw in the towel and give you what you need. you tease him, of course, so he decides to stuff your mouth first. he ignores your furrowed brows and cute pout when he forces you to your knees.

"bratty girls get their throats fucked first, or did you forget?"

NISHINOYA

☆ four days

he's confident at first, but then he remembers that nearly everything you do turns him on. knowing that he isn’t allowed to cum makes it worse somehow, and he forgets about the challenge most of the time. you have to cheekily remind him, only for him to groan and have to excuse himself to calm down his boner. he really wants to win, just to say that he did, but he knows he won’t be able to hold out. it’s almost pathetic how quickly he comes back to you, begging about 'just the tip'. he ends up fucking you like a rabid animal, nearly drooling over how good you feel.

"no no— i won’t cum… promise." (he did)

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

Squeaky Clean 4

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: Steve Rogers

Summary: You start work as a maid but you’re not prepared for the mess your client brings with him. (maid AU – plus!reader)

Note: yeah…

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

A yawn strains your cheeks but you lock it behind your lips. Your eyes water with the constant glaze of fatigue. It could be the work; it’s a lot more physical than you expected, or it could be your usual insomniac tendencies. Whatever it is, doesn’t matter. You just need to get through the day. 

You drizzle the tub cleaner around the brim of the porcelain and watch it trickle down. There’s a hint of something scented still in the air. You note the bag of epsom salts on the little shelf. You guess Steve took your advice. 

As you wait for the grime dissolver to do its thing, you turn and wipe down the thing, working methodically around the toothbrush holder and the white cup. You even clean the mirror, making sure not to miss a single inch. If you keep your hands moving, you don’t fixate on how dull this all is. 

You grab your sponge and turn to crank on the faucet. You bend over the tub and set to work. Your shirt presses to the brim and you feel the moisture seep through to your stomach. You use the running water to scrub the cleaner to suds. The scent roils in the air. 

You reach to the other side, one hand on the edge as you strain. You push your toes into the bathmat to extend further. As you feel you might tip into the deep basin, a firm weight settles along your hips and keeps you steady. You kick your feet into the floor as your head snaps up. 

You squeeze the sponge in your fist and lean it against the opposite wall. You twist to see over your shoulder, squirming as Steve stands behind you, holding you as you sputter dumbly. What is he doing? 

“You looked like you needed help?” He grins. 

Your mind and heart race, competing to the panic line. What the hell? You want to yell at him to get off but your caution chokes the protest from you. As much as he’s overstepping, you need the job. Your landlord doesn’t care that the market is shit, he just wants his money. 

“I’m... fine,” you eke out. 

“You sure?” He asks. 

“Yeah, er,” you nudge his fingers with your yellow glove as you turn back to your task. “I’m sure.” 

“Well, let me know,” he loosens his grip and drags it around to your lower back. His touch sends a shiver through you. He draws away and the warm lingers there, another spatter as suddenly a clap stings across your ass. 

You grunt and keep yourself steady with the hand pressed to the wall. Your eyes widen in disbelief. Steve hums as his footsteps softly retreat. You shudder as you stare at the ivory tile embossed with lilies. He didn’t just... 

You scrub in circles as you wade through the shock of the encounter, trying to convince yourself it didn’t happen. You still feel the impact hot against your jeans. You rinse the tub out and stand. Maybe it’s from bending over for so long or the cleaner but you’re dizzy. 

You finish up the bathroom but can’t make yourself leave. Where is he? Is he hiding? Does he realise what he did? Is he embarrassed? 

Alright, you guess you can talk to Jan at the agency and get this sorted out. Yeah, you need a new client. This one isn’t working out. You gather up the cleaners and tiptoe out of the room. You stop short as you near your kit by the shoe mat. He can hear you. He has super hearing, right? 

You’re further shaken by the reminder of his superiority. Before, you only thought of the disparity of your bank accounts, you hadn’t even considered the most obvious disadvantage. More than just the physical. He is Captain America. 

Would he notice if you left early? He could report you first if he did. Then you’re the one getting dumped, not him. Between the two of you, he’d be the one they’d want to keep. You’re just another cleaner. You can be replaced. 

So get through it and hope you can get a new placement. Hopefully closer to home. Or maybe further. Anywhere, really. 

You wade through the townhouse warily. You wipe down the dining table as your mind wanders away. The table presses into your tummy. You look down and retract. Would anyone believe you? You’re nothing special. Steve Rogers wouldn’t waste his time on you. I mean, he works with Black Widow and have you seen her in a body suit? 

Stop. Focus. Just get it done. 

You continue your usual path through the house. Knocking on each door, checking that each room is empty before you tend to it. As you find each vacant, your dread builds. You’re not so sure he’s hiding from you out of shame now. It’s starting to feel like a game. Like he’s taunting you. 

As you return to the entry way to grab your vacuum and do your final walkthrough, you stop just before the banister post. You stare at the broad set of shoulders as they slowly turn to you. You swallow and clutch the cloth in your hand tight as Steve turns to you in full regalia. 

Cowl, suit, shield. He’s dressed to the nines in his Cap attire. It doesn’t look as campy as on the television. You can see the intricacy of the armour along his gauntlets and the way it lines his ribs just so, alluding to the wall of muscle beneath. That's what he is in that moment, a barrier. The door is behind him. 

“Hey, sweetheart,” his jaw looks sharper as the top of his face is hidden under the cowl. “Looking for something?” 

You shake and point to the vacuum. He turns and looks around, grabbing the vacuum by the hose and dragging it around. He raises the flat end and wiggles it toward you. 

“There you go,” his eyes shine through the cowl. 

You shuffle forward and reach for the body of the vacuum. You squeak as he stops you by poking the vacuum nozzle against your chest. You flinch and reel back. He jabs until you’re walking backwards. You squeeze the cloth in your hand until your knuckles hurt. 

You hit the banister post and stare at him dumbly. He pushes the flat attachment down so you feel your chest bulge around it. His eyes follow and he lightly jiggles you with the plastic end. You grab it instinctively to stop him. 

“Steve,” you hiss. 

He chuckles and flips the end free of your grasp. He taps your chin, just enough to make you flinch, and you recoil, showing your hands defencelessly. The cloth drops to the floor as he raises your head with the firm prod of the vacuum. 

“They won’t believe you. Captain’s got a lot more going on than whoever’s scrubbing his toilet,” he steps closer, towering over you. You glower up at him, stomach roiling with disgust. “But hey, Stark’s got attorneys on retainer. He owes me one.” 

Your lip trembles helplessly and you shake your head. “Why--” 

He tuts and taps your chin again, quieting you. His smile remains as he leans in and brings his other hand up, tugging at the top of your shirt until he exposes your cleavage. You press yourself against the banister and whimper. 

“Because I can,” he snaps the tension in your collar before letting go. “But the good cap’s gotta go save the world before he gets his prize.” He backs up and once more offers up the vacuum hose, “and you gotta make sure he comes home to a nice clean house. Like a good girl.” 

You grab the hose and he keeps hold of it. You hold his gaze as the urge to rip it away and swat him shakes in your grip. He snickers again. You won’t win this battle. 

“Tell Jan I say ‘hi’ and I’ll have that client survey done soon,” he lets go and turns away with a sigh. He turns to the door and puts his hands out, cupping them emphatically as he looks from one to the other. “You sure are a handful.” 

[twrk11]

NSFW Jabberwock member headcanons + small explanation | 18+ minors dni

A/N : Hello!!! I’ve been quite busy, I have a few things in the works. Sorry it’s been a hot minute! I’ll try to be more active and post , for now have this <3 + sorry it’s kinda short </3

Content: Haru Sagara x reader, Towa Otonashi x reader, Ren Shiranami x reader. Readers gender not specified (Though breeding is brought up). Intercourse, masturbation, just generally what they’re like during sex.

words: 842

Read under the cut!!

Haru Sagara -

-Starting out strong, I firmly believe he has a breeding kink. Though.. He doesn’t actually want a kid. Primally, yes. Logically, no. He has too much on his plate! Besides he’s spending so much money on the anamolous animals, so the actual act of impregnating you will have to wait! (Even though he desperately wants to fill you until his cum oozes out of you).

-I think during sex he loves to touch you. I feel that he’d be very verrrryy handsy, rubbing on your stomach, chest, hips, thighs, anything he can really grab onto. You’re in missionary? He’s hugging you with his body pinning yours. He’s fucking you from behind? Same thing. He loves any position he’s able to hug you while rutting into your holes.

-While he does LOVE to hold you and hug you during sex, he does absolutely adore when you ride him. He’s a tired man, he has so much to do! He’s exhausted and needs to save his energy.. so seeing you bounce up and down on his cock makes him and his dick happy. Oh, but you best believe he has his hands all over your hips, thighs, waist, anything they can really hold.

-Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he enjoys foreplay and long sessions. But, harping back on the fact he’s busy, he really enjoys quickies. When he doesn’t have the time to go all out and have a night where you can each savor each other(which is pretty often.), he loves a good quick fuck.

-Probably a switch!!

Towa Otonashi-

-I imagine Towa would be a mixed bag. He’s probably interested in a couple things. He’s definitely read or seen sex scenes in the romantic media he consumes. And because of that.. there’s a wide range of what he’s seen. He surely would ADORE more romantic, loving sex.

-Adding onto that thought of him enjoying romantic intimacy, he’d be a bit like Haru with wanting to hug you. I’m sure any position that allows you both to be as close as possible makes him very aroused.

-As well as that, he’d love to kiss you while thrusting into you right where it feels best.

-He really does find delight in making you feel good. He puts your pleasure FIRST, he wants to be the best lover he possibly can be. Because after all, you are soulmates!

-He’s most likely a switch, whatever makes you most happy he’d love to do whatever it takes.

-If you’re interested in more rough, and carnal lovemaking, he will do it! He’s read and watched plenty of smut, though he probably would be a bit nervous to hurt you too bad. He loves you after all. Definitely enjoys more sensual intercourse.

-He does however love pinning you down and restraining you, feeling overall stronger than you. During the story he seemed to enjoy the fact that you were weaker than him.

-He does like when you’re desperate and needy. In the game he does seem to enjoy being needed by you!

Ren Shiranami-

-Unlike the others, I doubt Ren would be handsy. Infact- it would definitely take a while before he’d feel comfortable fucking you.

-That does not stop him from masturbating to you however.

-He’d probably save any voice note he could and any pictures you’ve posted, and when he can he’ll rub one out. Of course with the door and window padlocked - and he’d pray Haru wouldn’t pick the lock.

-While playing his games, he’d definitely choose a character that looks most like you or acts like you and immediately makes them his favorite. (He loves when there’s fan service for them or whenever someone makes nsfw art of them, and strokes his dick while imagining it’s you.)

-Though when he does finally feel ready for sex with you, in the mood, and is accustomed to doing so, he’d love teasing you. He’s so rude in every other situation, of course he’s gonna be mean during sex!

-He’d edge you sooooo much, he would take forever to let you cum. (Although.. not too long depending on what Haru is doing. Doesn’t want to risk him walking in on this! He’s embarrassed he’s doing something ‘normies’ do.)

-Probably likes degrading you.

-Though I will say, anything during sex he’s very embarrassed to do. Degrading you, teasing you, it’s really gonna be hard for him to jump that hurdle. So do expect that it’s gonna take a while before he has sex with you, and even then it’ll be awkward when you do until it comes more naturally.

-Ontop of that, adding on that he’s not handsy, and hesitant. He’d like any position that makes it so you and him don’t touch too much. Just your ass and his hips touching are enough for him.

-Probably dominant, he needs to be in control of how much contact is made and since it’s so new to him and most likely makes him nervous he needs to be able to go at his pace.

[dollsome-does-tumblr]

i've been rewatching wwdits in order (i can't let go yet, okay!) and am currently in season three, and it got me thinking about how i think the end of s6 is such a rewarding happy ending for nandor that really resonates with the rest of the series. i know that in the finale, the characters are making the argument that nothing ever changes and the ending's not significant, but i think what we actually see with nandor, especially in his relationship to guillermo, is really the opposite.

disclaimer: i would have loved overt canon nandermo, so i definitely understand the pain of us not getting that. however, this post just focuses on what actually happened in the last few eps rather than what wwdits could have done instead!

some thoughts on why i love this ending for mr. de laurentis so much--

so, from the start of the show, we sort of have the two "couples" in the house with laszlo/nadja and nandor/guillermo. we can see that nandor has an unusual attachment to guillermo as a familiar even from the start, because laszlo and nadja go through familiars like kleenex, whereas nandor and guillermo have their funny little bickering marrieds thing going. however, nandor can't admit how much he cares about guillermo or how much his companionship means, because guillermo is his familiar and that's humiliating!

we also see nandor struggle a lot with a sense of purposelessness (especially after colin breaks his world view in 3.04!) and we see him missing his warlord life constantly even though it's been centuries since that was his reality.

and he usually decides he's going to fix his guillermo crises and his existential crises by going all in on some new love interest!!!!!!

then the guide gives him the talk where she points out his pattern, and even though he ostensibly wasn't listening, maybe it managed to permeate his single brain cell on some level, because his commitment to guillermo at the end of 6.10 isn't about the chase, it's about a long-term commitment. "an unbreakable alliance." (and then they seal it with a hand clasp that really just smacks of ~victory~ to me as a gesture!)

charmaine's advice (telling nandor to tell his crush who he has new feelings for how he feels) doesn't work out with the guide ... but it does work out when he ✨proposes✨ his plan to guillermo and tells guillermo he's the thing that nandor holds in the highest esteem possible: a warrior. (and this after guillermo told nandor that nandor made him never feel good enough. nandor does not like to listen when his patterns are pointed out to him -- see aforementioned scene with the guide -- but he did this time, and tried to make up for it quickly!)

nandor also manages to find a middle ground where he and guillermo can meet: fighting bad guys together. and we see from "nandor's army" that he still has epic warlord skills, just like guillermo has epic slaying skills, and this gives them the space to both be thriving in a shared purpose, after having purpose-related existential crises all season!

guillermo is skeptical that nandor's really going to commit and change, as expressed in the shared talking head in 6.11, and he figures he'll be saddled with all the work, but we find out at the end that nandor has committed so hard that -- in addition to all his drawings and diagrams and his silly costume shopping -- he somehow managed to make that two-person coffin elevator into a secret underground lair a reality?!?!?! (i like to think maybe guillermo will be more into the idea of their partnership in a post-"omg the coffin elevator actually exists" world.)

"you can call me nandor." that is all. <3

nandor's also, ultimately, willing to let guillermo go after a season that was full of pain over letting guillermo go, and he does it calmly and simply and without flinging any guilt-tripping guillermo's way. it is a peak "if you love something, let it go, and it will come back to you" moment. and then, of course, guillermo comes back like immediately. :) and is welcomed into the coffin, and the future adventures that the camera won't be there to catch!

anyway! this is all just a bunch of nonsense rambling, but my point is, i think the recurring loneliness and dissatisfaction that we see nandor grapple with throughout the series is something that is finally over once he commits proudly to a life with guillermo fighting the good fight (whatever shape that might take in the future, since who knows how long the superheroes thing will be the vibe). he needed to overtly acknowledge what guillermo meant to him, to himself and to guillermo and to everyone else, because pushing it down was part of what was keeping him consistently miserable, and once he's done that, he doesn't have to go looking for purpose in a cliche romantic happily ever after (and indeed, he seems totally checked out when the gang talk to him about being in love with the guide toward the start of 6.11). he has it in his unbreakable alliance, wherever that may go! 💘

[typellblog]

Hitagi End - An Analysis

Well, that’s it, folks. We’ve finally reached the end of the Monogatari series. It’s even right there in the arc title.

Hold on, I’m being told that there’s another whole season. What the fuck, I’ll be well into 2025 by the time I’m done with this.

But yeah, as usual with the naming scheme the second word seems to be the thing our title character has to confront - Hitagi is in active resistance against the End, and whether in the abstract form of the conclusion of the series itself, or the more literal threat of Sengoku Nadeko, there’s one common feature. Graduation.

One thing I remember vividly from Koimonogatari - from the first time I watched Koimonogatari, several years ago - is Kaiki’s offhand statement that Hitagi and Koyomi will probably break up in college. He says it so matter-of-factly, but it’s not something I ever considered, watching the rest of the series. I was fully immersed in the teenage perspective, convinced that nothing would ever end. It takes the perspective of a washed up older man to break the illusion, I suppose. You always hear the same complaint about romance manga - there should be more focus on after they’re already in a relationship. Getting together shouldn’t be the story’s end. 

One reason why it might be the story’s end is because as long as it ends there you can convince yourself it will last forever. Their relationship will never sink to the level of mundanity, of lovers’ quarrels - there will never be the possibility of being interested in someone else, finding someone else, being replaced. 

That is the kind of idealistic, indulgent, static ending that Sengoku Nadeko desires, and as a result is the kind of ending that Senjougahara Hitagi fights against. 

This is where I say something about Kaiki Deishuu. Something to make sense of what he’s doing in this story. He’s a man in search of an ending, I could say. Ever since the death of Gaen Tooe, he’s been looking for a way to move on. Perhaps this is why he tells Nadeko the same cause of death - the person you have a crush on died in a car accident. So mundane, so unexpected, so implausible. He thinks she will accept it. Does he?

He’s a man who’s already met his end, I could say. Such is the fate of the specialists. They’ve already graduated, already long since handled their personal agreements and disagreements. They’re stuck, now, bound to their own nature, their own rules. They appear only as supporting characters, never the protagonist. Well. I guess that’s a lie. 

In adopting narrators other than Koyomi, Second Season shifts the focus away from his obsession with helping and connecting to others. Koyomi’s interactions with and idealization of women results in a sense of distance - he struggles to see himself in them and their problems. How much of his attempts to cross that distance are really just attempts to help himself? 

This dynamic collapses when the female cast, facing their own issues, are made protagonists in their own right. They experience themselves as the Other, & Koyomi’s standard process of understanding the girl by first understanding the oddity becomes in these cases a process of self-exploration. 

And yet here we are, back to seeing a male protagonist confronted with the issues of women that he struggles to understand. 

I don’t mean to rag on men, exactly, I just think back to how there tends to be less distance between Koyomi and other men, how he’s more capable of seeing them as another version of himself, and I think that the best explanation for Kaiki’s presence here is that he’s filling in.

He himself thinks so, although it’s Oshino, and not Koyomi, that he considers. 

Regardless, the parallels to Koyomi are established firmly enough by the ending. Kaiki was poison to Hitagi but a surprising help to Nadeko, while Koyomi is the opposite. Put that way, their differences and similarities seem readily explicable. Koyomi saves people. He forgives the harm they do to him. It works for the prickly Hitagi, who needs a pillar of support, but not Nadeko, who needs to be told that she isn’t a victim.

Kaiki lies to people, but that doesn’t mean he’s trying to hurt them. Ononoki proposes a reading of his involvement with Hitagi where he had no ill intentions whatsoever. He didn’t try to free her from the crab simply because he didn’t think it would help her to regain what she had lost. He caused her parents’ divorce to keep her from under the thumb of her mother. He even swindled the cult, although more as an act of revenge than anything. Perhaps there was some impropriety in their relationship, perhaps he exploited her feelings for him, but our understanding of the events is vague enough to give him the benefit of the doubt if we really want.

Kaiki fails to help Hitagi, not (just?) because he’s trying to scam her, but because he’s fundamentally incapable of being honest with her. All his actions move around her and ignore her wishes.

When it comes to Nadeko, on the other hand . . . I mean, it doesn’t initially seem like he’s doing much better, does it. He has no luck with his manipulations, with currying favour, with bold untruths. In the end though, the way he helps Nadeko is a lie that they both know is a lie. Really, it’s more like telling her a story. 

And I’ve written before about how Nadeko needs stories.

Kaiki doesn’t tell her anything that another person couldn’t have. Koyomi, Hitagi, even Nadeko herself is probably aware of similar advice on some level. Don’t throw your life away pointlessly. If you want to do things, then you should do them. You can’t succeed unless you try. 

Kaiki’s talent is simply in recognising that Nadeko needs to hear it. Koyomi wouldn’t have thought to say it, because he doesn’t know why she became a snake god. She doesn’t want to tell him either. He’s stuck. 

But it’s not as if Kaiki has some unique insight into her psychology that lets him work this out. As he puts it, he’s not like Oshino. He didn’t ‘see through’ Nadeko, he just straight up ‘saw’ it. He broke into her room, twisted open the lock to her closet with a 10 yen coin and fucking looked. Her parents didn’t know what was in there, Koyomi didn’t know what was in there, Tsukihi didn’t know, Oshino didn’t know, even Hanekawa who heard about it from someone else and thought it might be an important detail couldn’t possibly know without opening the god damn closet.

This is where Kaiki’s habit of working around people becomes useful. Because more than anyone else, he recognises that Nadeko might be fine as a god, just as he thought Hitagi might be fine staying weightless two years ago. He’s not trying to save her. He’s not trying to do what’s best for her. He’s simply trying to scam her, with all the lack of respect for her personal belongings that implies. 

This establishes, perhaps, an important difference between Koyomi and Kaiki, but it also establishes a similarity. In dealing with oddities - in dealing with people - the key is getting to know them. 

This is something Koyomi struggles with, out of a fear of being too forward, a fear of hurting them, a lack of appreciation of his own value, as a kind of half-person, a fake person, that could only weigh others down. Kaiki embraces his nature as a fake and adopts only the most rational and most unscrupulous methods of approaching others.

The question, I suppose, is why? What does Kaiki get out of playing a character that informs all of his actions without explaining them? What does he get out of remaining unknowable even to himself, reacting with surprise to his own feelings and motivations? What does he get from acting without thought, tossing away caution, tossing away patience, and tossing away money in an attempt to toss away the past?

Kaiki values money for its endless acceptability, its exchange value. He doesn’t wish to have money, he wishes to use it, and in keeping with this philosophy, he considers nothing irreplaceable, not even himself. The person named Kaiki Deishuu is deliberately false, deliberately contradictory, and he’s long since given up on getting to the bottom of that particular well.

I begin to understand why he comes up, now, in relation to Nadeko, who is lost in a web of her own identity. 

Sengoku Nadeko is telling herself a story. She has to, in order to not hate herself. She is, and will continue to be, in love with Koyomi-oniichan. This isn’t something that motivates her actions in the conventional sense so much as a wall to keep out the world, to assert that she is normal. So why does she still hold onto it, in this situation where it has become so far beyond normal? 

Because she considers it part of herself. She is still playing the role of Sengoku Nadeko, and she can’t cast aside the most Nadeko piece of herself, the piece that she has spent the most time and effort showing off to other people. It would call her existence into question, make her look fake, make her feel empty. The sense of normalcy she’s trying to achieve is not in how other people see her, it’s in how she sees herself. She takes the pieces of herself that are left, the pieces of herself she’s been given, and pulls them together into a story that makes sense. To her, loving herself means never changing, never throwing parts of herself away, never identifying a problem in her own behaviour. 

She’s happy, Kaiki thinks. It feels a little different from the end of Otori, where Kuchinawa was still presented as a separate existence. He no longer pokes at Nadeko’s insecurities, at least not obviously. In recognising her own role in the whole affair, Nadeko is no longer worried about hurting others, of being seen as a victim, because she fully acknowledges herself as the one with all the power in her interactions. Godhood is an unusual role for her, but she seems happy to take it up, viewing her job as responding to the prayers of worshippers. It's a much simpler, more transactional view of social relations than she had to navigate as a human. She likes people who are nice to her and doesn't like people who aren't.

Ultimately, though, she's still playing a part, putting on a performance for Kaiki’s benefit. Her cutesy habits as a god are a far cry from the more genuine rage she expresses in the classroom in Otori. But then again, she doesn't have to worry about that, because she's not a human. She's no longer a part of society, with all the freedom that entails. An entirely negative freedom, of course. She doesn't have to do anything and thus there's nothing for her to do, besides play games with Kaiki and drink the alcohol she could only sneak sips of behind her dad’s back at home.

She’s happy, but does that matter?

Kaiki doesn’t think so. The other parallel established in the ending is between Nadeko and Hitagi. Compared to Nadeko as someone who never throws anything away, Hitagi is someone who rejects unnecessary things, rejects convenient narratives of victimisation, rejects divine assistance.

Nadeko is broken, thinks Kaiki. Like Hitagi’s mother. Like Hitagi almost was. And being broken has a specific meaning for him - it means no longer accurately recognising the value of the things you have. Nadeko overvalues the things that play an important role in her delusions and ignores everything else. In comparison, think back to Hitagi listing out everything she has to Koyomi back in Bakemonogatari. She has so little, but it’s all precious to her. Not only that, but she manages to offer it to another person. It’s only in recognising the value of herself and also someone else that they can form a mutually beneficial ‘exchange’, a real connection.

In Bakemonogatari, Hitagi’s self is framed as a series of external objects. You are the people around you. In Koimonogatari, Kaiki’s self is found in his money. Endlessly exchangeable, never unique, always mercenary. He offers himself up to Nadeko and gets nothing in return, because she fundamentally doesn’t value what he’s bringing her. Donating to a shrine at New Years’ is a sucker’s game, Kaiki thinks at the beginning of the novel, and he’s proven right enough.

For Kaiki, you could say that the money he spends is spent on himself, on presenting a certain image of himself. So what of the money he takes from others?

He accepts Hitagi’s woefully low payment for the job. He accepts it as a job, because if it’s not a job he’d have to start thinking about what his relationship to her is, if not client and employer. It would become unique, no longer exchangeable for any of the other half-dozen scams he’s running. 

He accepts Izuko’s 3 million severance fee. He accepts it and goes on working. It’s unlike him, Yotsugi says. He’s contradicting himself. The money isn’t being exchanged for anything, he’s just taking it. But isn’t that the job of a scammer? To get as much money for as little effort as possible? Then why does he keep doing the job? 

He’s acting unlike himself. Throughout the novel, he’s constantly pointing out new sides of himself. Phrases he’s said for the first time. Actions he’s never done before. After a certain point, I have to conclude he’s lying. Kaiki acts unlike himself in Koimonogatari because acting unlike himself, unlike the persona he deliberately acts as, is one of his most characteristic actions.

Being a specialist is about balance - or at least so we would assume from the actions of Oshino Meme. It’s about give-and-take. But Kaiki is a fake specialist, a conman. He should only want to take. It’s not a coincidence, then, that he keeps giving. 

I understood it on an intellectual level, but now I get it. I really fucking get it. He’s just, so, Araragi Koyomi. He’s so thoughtless and impulsive, so concerned with appearances, enamoured with his own edginess, stubborn, self-deprecating, cowardly, dense, inconsiderate, self-sacrificing, willful, proud of outsmarting children, reluctant to commit to anything, and most of all half-assed.

That is the characteristic trait of Araragi Koyomi as I understand it. He’s trapped between worlds, vampire and human, but doesn’t seem particularly inclined to choose one or the other. He doesn’t just look to the future, but the past too. In reaching towards what he wants, he’s immensely reluctant to give up what he already has. 

All the way back in Nekomonogatari Kuro, he characterises Hitagi and Suruga as different to him, more forward-looking, prefiguring Kaiki’s comments about Hitagi as someone willing to throw aside the most important things to her to get what she wants. 

It’s funny, because in doing so he also talks about Tsubasa as someone who’s the same, who also looks for solace in the past. Tsubasa, who in Nekomonogatari Shiro we come to understand will casually cast aside the past if it doesn’t suit her. 

She has a different perspective, you see. She thinks Koyomi is different from her. He’s ‘unshakable’, in her words, not concerned about losing his identity. Precisely because he keeps looking back, because he keeps confronting his past, he’s able to accept all of himself, unlike her. 

Despite Monogatari being a series about people changing, several times characters espouse the idea that you can’t change, not really.

The thing is that while change is obviously possible, what this idea cautions against is ignoring and forgetting about what you used to be like. Tsubasa can’t just make a new version of herself whenever things start getting difficult, she has to understand herself as a continuous person composed of everyone she’s ever been. 

The Rainy Devil teaches Suruga something similar, as regardless of the kind of person she wishes to become, the arm can’t fundamentally transform her. It simply shows that she was already the kind of person who could learn to run fast, already the kind of person who wanted to brutalize Hitagi’s new boyfriend. Koyomi’s idea that she’s somehow more forward-looking than him seems laughable when she feels as though Hitagi and her issues are something that she ran away from.

It’s a fundamentally half-assed application of Numachi Rouka’s methods - for running away from your problems to work you have to remain detached, and the devil’s grasping arm is evidence both of Suruga’s failure in that regard, but also of the attachment to life itself that Rouka lacked. No wonder it felt off when it suddenly disappeared in Hanamonogatari. 

At the same time, though, losing the arm is evidence of her change throughout that arc. Her running no longer isolates her, but instead can be seen as a way to connect with others. It’s no coincidence that’s how she ends up meeting Koyomi near the end. It’s his advice that gives her the confidence to get over the finish line, but the first step is abandoning everything and just running - not trying to beat anyone, not trying to hold back, with no particular goal or attachment to a wish. It’s the first time she really can since she started using the monkey’s paw.

Notably it’s Kaiki that offered her an alternative and advised her to just let Rouka have the parts. Kaiki, the one who seemed to be collecting them himself. Isn’t the concept of him possessing what is in a very real sense the remains of Gaen Tooe so fascinating? But it’s the yet-living Suruga that he calls her legacy. It’s hard to say if meeting her, in some way, helped him move on. 

Once again, we see a difference from Koyomi, who advises Suruga to act like herself and do what she wants. Kaiki tells Suruga to do what’s easy, what would cause less difficulties for her, in a similar way that he seems to understand Nadeko is much happier as a god and Hitagi wouldn’t have to confront her memories of her mother as long as she remains weightless.

By regaining her weight and her emotions, nothing will change, Oshino cautions Hitagi. She won’t suddenly make up with her mother. But it does allow her to move forward, to value her memories correctly, not allow her missing weight to weigh on her so much that she will never be able to become close to anyone else.

“She’s different now, more so than if she were a different person” Kaiki says, and it’s so easy to read him as relieved that she’s not stuck as she was when he fucked her up. That she’s still always in the moment where she truly fell in love for the first time. That she was able to remain the same person while still loving someone else. 

Tsubasa’s immense righteousness is subverted in Nekomonogatari, Suruga’s seeming single-mindedness is deconstructed in Hanamonogatari, and despite the effusive words of praise they both have for Koyomi Araragi it’s evident from his internal narration that he’s more pathetic and wavering than anyone else - and perhaps that’s how one ought to be, here. Never able to make a decision on what’s most important. Always most invested in whatever you’re doing right now, whatever person is right in front of you.

Hitagi is a character that we never see from the first person. Koyomi’s view of her as a titan striding headlong towards her goals is never really contradicted in the story, because despite her immensely evident vulnerability, she’s shown as making a more active effort to move on than anyone. 

The shadow of her past relationship with Kaiki hangs over Koimonogatari like a specter.

In Nisemonogatari it’s mentioned that her animus towards Kaiki probably comes from the fact she wasn’t able to hate him in the past. While she was still under the influence of the crab, her emotions regarding her mother were dampened. Kaiki’s acts of splitting her family up likely wasn’t something she was capable of expressing her resentment for at the time. 

If you think of that hatred as a final remaining regret, her kidnapping of Koyomi and confronting of Kaiki in Nisemonogatari the expression of such, then it makes sense that Nisemonogatari also marks the start of her mellowing out, never again reaching the heights of violence she demonstrates at the beginning of that novel. 

An interesting thing about Kaiki’s role there, looking back, is that he’s clearly aiming for that outcome. As soon as Hitagi confronts him, he leaves. He tells her to stop worrying about the past, about the fact that she once had a relationship with him, because he’s thoroughly uninterested in her as she is now. He provokes her into affirming her current self and relationship with Koyomi. And he says that the man who tried to violate her died in a car accident. 

Is he lying? Is it just a coincidence, that he goes with the same manner of death as Gaen Tooe, the same line he feeds to Sengoku Nadeko? 

Either way, the purpose of the line becomes a little clearer. He’s trying to get her, both of them, to move on. To understand that the people who seemed so important to you are mundane, the events that shaped your lives don’t mean anything in the big picture, and your past is just that. It’s over. It’s the end. 

He almost embodies the concept, in Koimonogatari. We see from his perspective and he is indeed far less ominous, far less portentous, far less important, than he seems from the third person. 

He’s also really bad at it. Despite his exhortations to ignore the past, he himself clearly still cares a lot about Hitagi. She as well can’t quite avoid falling back into old patterns of banter, admiration, reliance. 

And his ideology isn’t enough for Nadeko. He can’t just deny what she’s clinging onto now, he needs to give her something new. They called Osamu Tezuka a God, she says, hesitantly forming a bridge between her current self and the future she wants to inhabit. Telling herself a convenient story that patches it all up. 

It results in an oddly ambiguous message. Nisio loves his tricks, revealing something the narrator was mistaken about at the very end, but when Hitagi says she never loved him and hangs up it’s hard to tell which one of them came out ahead in that little back and forth. Maybe Kaiki, the eternal washout, was so enamoured of his own unique subjectivity he never considered the schoolgirl he was scamming wasn’t so enamoured of him. 

Who am I kidding, it doesn’t feel that way at all. Her rejection of the idea that she ever liked him was unconvincing in Nisemonogatari and it’s unconvincing here. And the novel frankly endorses that wilful self-denial. Perhaps it’s important to always act like you’ve fallen in love for the first time. Perhaps it’s important to believe that you’ll never break up with your boyfriend. 

In this seeming endorsement of Kaiki’s ideology, I have to wonder what kind of End Hitagi is even fighting against. 

Nadeko asserts that a single failure is the End, it’s Nadekover, she has no choice but to kill everyone and then herself. In resisting her, Hitagi asserts her right to change, to move on, to love Koyomi even after her life was destroyed by Kaiki. 

On the other hand, Kaiki asserts that failure means nothing, he doesn’t care about anything that has ever happened, after this he’ll just move on and start another moneymaking scheme, same as the last. Hitagi also resists this. She must, if she is to believe her relationship with Koyomi matters in the first place. Her denial that she ever liked Kaiki ends up an odd sort of validation for their relationship. If she did crush on him, that would be important to her, therefore it didn’t happen.

It perfectly mirrors Kaiki’s refusal to admit he ever cared about her. It puts the lie to his whole persona, but, like, it’s supposed to be a lie anyway, I think. They’re both lying to each other and themselves all the time, so much so that they fail to understand even the most straightforward exchanges between them. It’s fine, honestly. They don’t need to be true to each other as long as they’re true to themselves.

One thing that I never really mentioned is the other way you could take this arc title. Hitagi End as in the end of Second Season - the end of the series as a whole, potentially, if you take Nisio’s afterwords seriously (he doesn’t, as evidenced by the several previous times he’s pulled this exact gag). 

Astute fans of the anime airing watch order will note that placing Hanamonogatari, an arc set well in the future, before this one robs it a little of that sense of finality. Nadeko is not so much of a threat, knowing our protagonists survive. This is of course the twist, the lie, the joke of this arc. Life goes on, almost interminably so. The idea that graduation would be the End for Hitagi and Koyomi is as ridiculous as the idea that making some mistakes at fourteen would be the End of Nadeko. 

Even Kaiki’s attempt to escape the narrative, put a pin in the whole thing by killing himself off, is neatly and instantly subverted by remembering his presence in Hana. It’s not supposed to be a reveal, exactly, that this man is a liar. It’s just there, from the first page to the last. 

After Ononoki cautions Kaiki that he’s acting unlike himself, before he goes to talk to Nadeko for the final time, she spends a bit of time telling him what Kagenui’s been up to. Sounded like she was the same as ever, he thinks. I think of this, amongst all his attempts to dramatize his own life, differentiate himself from himself, craft his own ending. His life keeps going on, and Kagenui’s still marching to the beat of her own drum, same as ever. 

Happy New Year!

[urdreamydoodles]

DC Comics Characters x Fem!OC

You confess your feelings to them

Characters: Bruce Wayne, Kal-El (Clark Kent), Barry Allen, Diana of Themyscira, Arthur Curry, Hal Jordan, Oliver Queen, John Constantine, Roy Harper, Koriand'r (Starfire), Kara Zor-El (Supergirl), Slade Wilson, Kent Nelson (Dr. Fate), Rachel Roth & Zatanna Zatara

Bruce Wayne aka. Batman

- Bruce Wayne’s love is as complex and guarded as the man himself. To the world, he’s Gotham’s enigmatic billionaire; to you, he’s something far more vulnerable. You see the cracks in his carefully constructed facade—the moments when his brooding intensity gives way to tenderness, when his relentless drive falters in your presence. You’ve always known he’s a man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, but with you, he dares to share that burden, even if only a little.

- When you confess your feelings, Bruce’s initial reaction is silence. His piercing blue eyes search yours, as if trying to determine whether this is a dream he’ll soon wake from. “You shouldn’t…” he starts, his voice a whisper edged with guilt. But when you press forward, your words cutting through his walls, something in him breaks. “I’ve wanted this,” he finally admits, his tone raw and unguarded. “More than I’ll ever deserve.”

- Bruce’s love is protective to the point of obsession. He’ll memorize every detail about your life—your routines, your favorite places, the things that make you smile—and use that knowledge to ensure you’re safe and happy. He’s not the kind to shower you with constant affection, but his actions speak volumes. Whether it’s placing a cup of tea on your desk without a word or standing vigil beside you on sleepless nights, Bruce’s love is steadfast and enduring.

- Yet, beneath his stoic exterior lies a man deeply afraid of loss. There will be moments when he pulls away, his fear of putting you in danger outweighing his desire to hold you close. But every time, he’ll come back, his apologies spoken in quiet, heartfelt gestures. He doesn’t love lightly, but when he does, it’s with a depth and intensity that feels unshakable.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s almost reluctant, as if the words themselves are too dangerous to utter. You’re sitting in the dim light of the Batcave, his hand resting over yours, when he finally speaks. “I love you,” he murmurs, his voice barely audible but filled with conviction. In that moment, you realize that Bruce Wayne’s love is a rare and precious thing, something he’ll fight to protect with everything he has.

Kal-El (Clark Kent) aka. Superman

- Clark Kent’s love is as warm and comforting as the Kansas sun. He’s the kind of person who makes everyone feel like they matter, but with you, there’s something extra in his gaze—a softness, a reverence, as though he can’t quite believe someone like you could exist. He sees you as his equal, his partner, and his home, and he never hesitates to let you know how much you mean to him.

- When you confess your feelings, Clark’s reaction is pure, unfiltered joy. His smile lights up the room, and his eyes shine with a mix of relief and happiness. “I was hoping you’d say that,” he admits, his voice full of warmth. He pulls you into a gentle embrace, his touch as careful as if you were made of glass. “I’ve felt this way about you for so long,” he says, and the sincerity in his tone leaves no room for doubt.

- Clark’s love is boundless and nurturing. He’s always there to support you, whether it’s offering a shoulder to cry on after a tough day or helping you chase your dreams. He believes in you wholeheartedly and never misses an opportunity to remind you of your worth. His affection is unassuming yet profound, rooted in a deep understanding of who you are.

- He’s not afraid to show his love, either. Clark is a romantic at heart, and he’ll surprise you with flowers, handwritten notes, and spontaneous trips to breathtaking places. But what truly sets his love apart is its unwavering consistency. No matter what challenges arise, you can always count on Clark to be there, his love as constant and dependable as the rising sun.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s in the quiet of Smallville, under a canopy of stars. He takes your hands in his, his thumb gently brushing against your skin, and looks at you with an expression so full of love it takes your breath away. “I love you,” he says, his voice steady and sure. And in that moment, you know that Clark Kent’s love is the foundation of a life you’ll always cherish.

Barry Allen aka. Flash

- Barry Allen’s love is like the speed he’s known for—fast, exhilarating, and impossible to ignore. He’s a whirlwind of energy and humor, always ready with a quick quip or a charming smile. But with you, he slows down, his usual frenetic pace giving way to a quiet attentiveness. You’re the calm in his storm, the person who makes him want to take his time and savor every moment.

- When you confess your feelings, Barry is caught completely off guard. “Wait—what?” he stammers, his mind racing even faster than usual. But when your words sink in, his face lights up with a grin that could rival the sun. “Are you serious? Because if you’re serious, I might actually explode from happiness right now.” He pulls you into a tight hug, his laughter ringing in your ears. “You have no idea how much I’ve wanted to hear that.”

- Barry’s love is playful and full of life. He’ll make you laugh when you’re feeling down, whisk you away on spontaneous adventures, and remind you of the joy in everyday moments. He’s the type to leave you silly notes, bring you your favorite coffee, and memorize all the little things that make you smile. With Barry, love is a constant source of joy and excitement.

- But his love isn’t just lighthearted; it’s deeply loyal. Barry has a heart as big as the universe, and once he’s given it to you, it’s yours completely. He’ll stand by your side through thick and thin, always ready to fight for you and with you. His love is a promise—a commitment to always be there, no matter what life throws your way.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s during a quiet moment after a day of chaos. You’re sitting together, his hand entwined with yours, when he suddenly blurts it out. “I love you,” he says, his voice soft but filled with certainty. He looks at you with a mix of excitement and vulnerability, and in that moment, you know that Barry Allen’s love is as boundless and beautiful as the man himself.

Diana of Themyscira aka. Wonder Woman

- Diana’s love is as timeless and powerful as the gods themselves. She carries herself with a grace and strength that leaves everyone in awe, but with you, there’s a tenderness that softens her warrior’s heart. She sees you as her equal, her partner, and her confidante, and she never hesitates to tell you how much she values and admires you.

- When you confess your feelings, Diana’s reaction is both calm and profound. She listens intently, her piercing blue eyes locked on yours, and when you’re done, she smiles—a radiant, genuine smile that feels like sunlight breaking through the clouds. “I have loved you for some time,” she admits, her voice steady and sincere. “I was simply waiting for the right moment to tell you.”

- Diana’s love is deeply romantic and rooted in respect. She’ll write you letters in ancient languages, take you on walks through breathtaking landscapes, and share with you the stories and traditions of her people. Her love is both a celebration and a commitment, a promise to honor and cherish you for as long as the Fates allow.

- She’s fiercely protective of you, not because she doubts your strength but because her love for you is all-encompassing. Diana believes in the power of partnership, and she’ll always stand beside you, ready to face whatever challenges come your way. Her love is a source of strength, a reminder that you are never alone.

- The first time she says “I love you,” it’s in a moment of perfect stillness. You’re standing together, the world quiet around you, when she takes your hand and looks into your eyes. “I love you,” she says, her voice as steady and unyielding as the tides. And in that moment, you realize that Diana’s love is a gift as eternal and unwavering as the Amazon herself.

Arthur Curry aka. Aquaman

- Arthur Curry’s love is as vast and untamed as the ocean he calls home. He’s bold and confident, with a wit as sharp as his trident, but with you, there’s a gentleness that balances his wild nature. You bring out a side of him that few get to see—the man behind the king, the heart behind the warrior.

- When you confess your feelings, Arthur’s reaction is immediate and heartfelt. “Finally!” he says with a grin, his deep laughter echoing around you. He pulls you into a bear hug, his strength evident but his touch careful. “I’ve been waiting for you to say that,” he admits, his tone teasing but his eyes filled with emotion. “You just made my day, gorgeous.”

- Arthur’s love is passionate and all-encompassing. He’ll take you on adventures to the most breathtaking places, showing you the beauty of the world above and below the waves. He’ll teach you about his culture, his people, and his life, sharing every part of himself with you. With Arthur, love is a grand, sweeping tale of romance and adventure.

- But beneath his bravado lies a man deeply devoted to the ones he loves. Arthur is loyal to a fault, always ready to fight for you and protect you. He’s not afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve, and he makes sure you know just how much you mean to him every single day. His love is as vast and enduring as the ocean itself.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s during a sunset by the sea. The waves crash gently against the shore as he turns to you, his expression serious but his eyes filled with warmth. “I love you,” he says simply, his voice carrying the weight of his feelings. And as he takes your hand in his, you realize that Arthur Curry’s love is as deep and infinite as the waters he rules.

Hal Jordan aka. Green Lantern

- Hal Jordan’s love is electric, a thrill ride of passion and adventure. He’s the type of man who lights up a room with his confidence and charm, but with you, there’s something more. You notice how his cocky smirk softens when he looks at you, how his bravado falters ever so slightly when you’re near. For all his boldness, Hal’s heart is surprisingly vulnerable, and with you, he’s willing to let his guard down.

- When you confess your feelings, Hal’s reaction is immediate and full of his signature flair. “I knew it!” he exclaims, his grin wide and mischievous. But then, as he takes in the seriousness of your expression, his tone softens. “I mean… I hoped. God, I hoped.” He reaches for your hand, his touch firm yet tender. “You’ve made me the happiest guy in the galaxy,” he says, his voice low and sincere.

- Hal’s love is bold and unrestrained. He’s the type to sweep you off your feet—literally, if his ring is involved. Whether it’s a romantic dinner under the stars or a spontaneous trip across the cosmos, Hal’s affection is as grand and uncontainable as his willpower. With him, life is an adventure, and you’re his favorite co-pilot.

- Yet, beneath his larger-than-life personality lies a man who fears losing the people he loves. Hal will go to great lengths to protect you, even if it means putting himself in danger. His love is fiercely loyal, and he’ll fight tooth and nail to keep you safe and happy. He might not always say the right thing, but his actions leave no doubt about how much he cares.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s during a quiet moment after a whirlwind day. You’re sitting together, the glow of his ring casting a soft light between you, when he finally speaks. “I love you,” he says, his voice steady but tinged with vulnerability. And as he looks at you, his usual bravado replaced with raw honesty, you realize that Hal Jordan’s love is as boundless and bright as the stars he soars among.

Oliver Queen aka. Green Arrow

- Oliver Queen’s love is as intense and passionate as the man himself. He’s a natural charmer, his wit and charisma drawing people to him, but with you, there’s an undeniable depth. You’ve seen past the swagger and the quips to the man underneath—the one who fights tirelessly for what he believes in, the one who loves with every fiber of his being.

- When you confess your feelings, Oliver’s initial reaction is a playful smirk. “Took you long enough,” he teases, his green eyes sparkling with mischief. But then he sees the emotion in your gaze, and his expression softens. “I’m kidding,” he says, his voice dropping to a tender whisper. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for longer than I can say.” He pulls you into a heartfelt embrace, his touch reassuring and warm.

- Oliver’s love is all-encompassing and unapologetic. He showers you with attention, making you feel like the most important person in the world. Whether it’s surprising you with your favorite flowers or planning elaborate dates, Oliver goes out of his way to show you how much he cares. With him, love is a grand gesture followed by quiet moments of pure intimacy.

- He’s fiercely protective of you, sometimes to the point of stubbornness. Oliver’s past has taught him the value of the people he loves, and he’s determined to keep you safe, even if it means butting heads with you from time to time. But his love is also deeply respectful—he admires your strength and independence, and he’s always your biggest cheerleader.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s during a quiet evening in his loft. The city lights twinkle outside as he takes your hand, his thumb brushing against your knuckles. “I love you,” he says, his voice steady and full of emotion. And in that moment, you know that Oliver Queen’s love is as fierce and unrelenting as the man himself.

John Constantine aka. Hellblazer

- John Constantine’s love is like the magic he wields—dangerous, unpredictable, and utterly captivating. He’s a man haunted by his past, his cynicism and sharp wit serving as armor against the world. But with you, there’s something different. You see the cracks in his facade, the moments when his sarcasm gives way to vulnerability, and it’s in those moments that you realize how deeply he feels for you.

- When you confess your feelings, John’s first reaction is disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” he mutters, running a hand through his messy blond hair. But when he sees the sincerity in your eyes, his smirk fades. “Bloody hell,” he says softly, his voice tinged with something akin to hope. “You’ve no idea what you’re getting yourself into.” But then he steps closer, his gaze locking onto yours. “And yet, here you are.”

- John’s love is messy and complicated, but it’s real. He shows his affection in unconventional ways—charming you with his dry humor, slipping protective wards into your pocket, or staying up all night to ensure you’re safe. He’s not the type for grand romantic gestures, but his devotion is unmistakable. When John Constantine loves, he loves with every shattered piece of his soul.

- He’ll try to push you away at times, convinced that he’s bad news and that you deserve better. But your presence becomes his anchor, your belief in him a light in his darkest moments. He’ll fight his demons—literal and metaphorical—for you, and he’ll do it with a determination that surprises even himself.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s during a rare moment of vulnerability. You’re sitting together, the scent of cigarettes and magic lingering in the air, when he finally speaks. “I love you,” he says, his voice barely above a whisper. He looks at you as if you’re the only thing keeping him from falling apart, and in that moment, you know that John Constantine’s love is as dangerous and beautiful as the man himself.

Roy Harper aka. Arsenal

- Roy Harper’s love is like wildfire—intense, passionate, and impossible to contain. He’s got a cocky grin and a sharp wit, but with you, there’s a softness that no one else sees. You bring out the best in him, grounding him when he’s lost and lifting him up when he doubts himself. With you, Roy feels like he’s finally found a place where he belongs.

- When you confess your feelings, Roy’s initial reaction is to laugh nervously. “You’re messing with me, right?” he asks, his voice tinged with disbelief. But when he realizes you’re serious, his grin spreads wide, and he pulls you into a tight hug. “I can’t believe this is real,” he murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted.”

- Roy’s love is full of energy and affection. He’s the type to surprise you with spontaneous road trips, serenade you with his guitar, or stay up all night talking about anything and everything. His love is raw and unfiltered, a reflection of his vibrant personality. With him, life is never boring, and every moment feels like an adventure.

- But Roy’s love also comes with a deep sense of loyalty. He’s been through hell and back, and he’s determined to protect the people he cares about. He’ll stand by your side through thick and thin, always ready to fight for you. His love is a promise—a commitment to be there, no matter what life throws your way.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s during a quiet moment after a day full of chaos. You’re sitting together, his arm draped around your shoulders, when he leans in and whispers it. “I love you,” he says, his voice steady but filled with emotion. And as he looks into your eyes, you know that Roy Harper’s love is as fierce and unyielding as the man himself.

Koriand’r aka. Starfire

- Koriand’r’s love is as radiant and warm as the star that gives her her name. She’s a being of pure emotion, unafraid to express her feelings and embrace the beauty of life. With you, her joy seems boundless, her golden eyes lighting up whenever you’re near. Koriand’r loves openly and without reservation, her affection a beacon of light in your life.

- When you confess your feelings, Koriand’r’s reaction is immediate and enthusiastic. “You love me?” she exclaims, her voice filled with joy. She wraps you in a tight embrace, lifting you off the ground with her otherworldly strength. “Oh, this is wonderful news!” she says, her smile as bright as the sun. “I, too, have been experiencing the feelings of love for you.”

- Koriand’r’s love is as passionate as it is nurturing. She’ll shower you with affection, from tender kisses to heartfelt words of admiration. She’s not shy about expressing how much you mean to her, whether it’s through grand romantic gestures or the way she holds your hand as if it’s the most natural thing in the world. With Koriand’r, love feels like a celebration of life itself.

- Her love is also deeply protective. Koriand’r is a warrior, and she’ll go to great lengths to keep you safe. But her protective nature is balanced by her respect for your strength and independence. She sees you as her equal, her partner, and she’ll always stand by your side, ready to face any challenge together.

- The first time she says “I love you,” it’s in a moment of pure sincerity. You’re standing under the night sky, the stars reflected in her glowing eyes, when she takes your hands in hers. “I love you,” she says, her voice filled with unshakable conviction. And in that moment, you know that Koriand’r’s love is as eternal and brilliant as the universe she comes from.

Kara Zor-El aka. Supergirl

- Kara Zor-El’s love is as vibrant and hopeful as her spirit. She’s the type to wear her heart on her sleeve, her emotions shining as brightly as the sun that fuels her strength. With you, her usual confidence and determination soften into a radiant tenderness. You are her constant in a world she’s still learning to navigate, and she treasures you for it.

- When you confess your feelings, Kara’s reaction is pure, unfiltered joy. Her face lights up, and she lets out a delighted laugh before pulling you into an exuberant hug that leaves your feet dangling off the ground. “I was hoping you’d say that!” she exclaims, her cheeks flushed with happiness. She’s practically glowing as she sets you down, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears.

- Kara’s love is enthusiastic and heartfelt. She’s the kind of partner who will go out of her way to make you smile, whether it’s through a simple gesture like bringing you your favorite treat or flying you to the top of a mountain to watch the sunrise. Her affection is limitless, her joy in loving you written in every action and word.

- Beneath her cheerful exterior, Kara’s love carries a profound sense of responsibility. She’s lost so much in her life, and she’s determined never to lose you. She’s fiercely protective, and her Kryptonian strength is matched only by the strength of her devotion. You are her beacon, her anchor, and she will do everything in her power to keep you safe and happy.

- The first time she says “I love you,” it’s under the night sky, the stars above reminding her of Krypton and the new life she’s built on Earth. She takes your hands in hers, her grip firm but gentle, and gazes into your eyes. “I love you,” she says softly, her voice steady and full of emotion. And in that moment, you realize that Kara’s love is as boundless and beautiful as the universe itself.

Slade Wilson aka. Deathstroke

- Slade Wilson’s love is a storm—dangerous, intense, and undeniably captivating. He’s a man of contradictions: cold and calculating in the field, yet deeply passionate and fiercely protective in his private life. With you, his sharp edges soften just enough to let you see the man beneath the mask. He doesn’t say much, but his actions speak volumes, showing a loyalty and devotion that few would ever suspect.

- When you confess your feelings, Slade’s reaction is understated yet deeply impactful. He raises an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. “You’re braver than I thought,” he murmurs, his tone teasing but his eyes serious. After a moment’s pause, he steps closer, his voice dropping to a low rumble. “I feel the same way.” It’s not much, but from Slade, it feels like the world.

- Slade’s love is protective to the point of obsession. He keeps a close eye on you, ensuring you’re safe at all times, even if it means using his vast network of contacts to do so. He’s not one for grand romantic gestures, but his love is evident in the way he ensures your every need is met, often before you even realize you need something.

- He struggles with vulnerability, but with you, he’s learning to let his guard down. There will be moments when he shares pieces of his past, his voice tinged with regret and longing. These moments are rare, but they are raw and genuine, a testament to how deeply he trusts and values you.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s in the heat of a dangerous situation. You’re both caught in the middle of chaos, and he pulls you close, his voice low and urgent. “I love you,” he says, his words carrying a weight that leaves you breathless. And in that moment, you know that Slade’s love, though complicated and intense, is utterly unbreakable.

Kent Nelson aka. Dr. Fate

- Kent Nelson’s love is as mysterious and timeless as the magic he wields. He’s a man caught between two worlds, the mortal and the mystical, but with you, he feels grounded. You’re his sanctuary, the one who reminds him of the beauty of the human experience amidst the chaos of his responsibilities. His love is quiet, contemplative, and profound.

- When you confess your feelings, Kent’s reaction is thoughtful and deliberate. He listens carefully, his piercing gaze never leaving yours. When you finish, a soft smile graces his lips. “I’ve known,” he says simply, his voice like a soothing melody. “And I’ve felt the same for longer than I care to admit.” He cups your face in his hands, his touch warm and reassuring.

- Kent’s love is expressed in subtle, meaningful ways. He’ll leave you protective charms or enchantments, quietly ensuring your safety. He’ll share with you the wonders of the mystical realms, guiding you through breathtaking landscapes that most mortals can only dream of. His affection is a blend of earthly passion and otherworldly awe.

- He carries a heavy burden as Dr. Fate, and there are times when his responsibilities pull him away. But he always returns to you, his love for you a constant amid the ever-changing tides of his life. He sees you as his anchor, the one who keeps him tethered to humanity when the weight of the Helmet threatens to consume him.

- The first time he says “I love you,” it’s in a moment of stillness after a harrowing battle. The two of you sit together, the air thick with the lingering scent of magic, and he takes your hand in his. “I love you,” he says softly, his voice carrying the weight of eternity. And in that moment, you know that Kent Nelson’s love is as eternal and enduring as the forces he commands.

Rachel Roth aka. Raven

- Rachel Roth’s love is quiet, introspective, and deeply transformative. She’s a woman who guards her heart fiercely, her emotions kept under lock and key to protect both herself and others. But with you, she feels safe enough to let those walls crumble, revealing a depth of feeling that’s as beautiful as it is overwhelming.

- When you confess your feelings, Rachel’s reaction is a mixture of surprise and trepidation. Her dark eyes widen, and she hesitates, as if unsure whether she deserves the love you’re offering. But when she sees the sincerity in your gaze, her lips curve into a small, genuine smile. “I feel the same,” she whispers, her voice barely audible but filled with raw emotion.

- Rachel’s love is understated but deeply meaningful. She’s not one for grand declarations, but her actions speak volumes. Whether it’s staying up late to comfort you after a bad day or sharing her favorite books and music with you, her affection is woven into the quiet moments you share together.

- She struggles with the darkness inside her, but your presence is a light that helps her keep it at bay. You give her hope, reminding her that she’s more than the sum of her fears and doubts. With you, she feels understood and accepted, and she cherishes you for it.

- The first time she says “I love you,” it’s in the sanctuary of her room, the air filled with the scent of incense and candlelight. She looks at you with a mixture of vulnerability and determination, her voice steady but soft. “I love you,” she says, her words a rare and precious gift. And in that moment, you know that Rachel Roth’s love is as profound and enduring as the soul that carries it.

Zatanna Zatara aka. Zatanna

- Zatanna’s love is as enchanting and dazzling as her magic. She’s a performer at heart, her charm and charisma lighting up every room she enters. But with you, there’s no need for stage lights or illusions—her love for you is genuine and unadorned, a reflection of her true self.

- When you confess your feelings, Zatanna’s reaction is theatrical in the best way. Her face lights up with excitement, and she immediately conjures a flurry of sparkling lights around you. “You love me?” she exclaims, her voice filled with delight. She takes your hands in hers, her expression radiant. “Good, because I’ve been in love with you for ages.”

- Zatanna’s love is playful and full of wonder. She’ll surprise you with magical displays of affection, from enchanted flowers that never wilt to whispered words of love spelled out in the stars. With her, every day feels like a fairytale, her magic infusing even the smallest moments with beauty and joy.

- Beneath her dazzling exterior lies a woman who feels deeply and loves fiercely. Zatanna is fiercely protective of you, using her magic to shield you from harm and her determination to ensure your happiness. She’ll stand by your side through every challenge, her love unwavering and steadfast.

- The first time she says “I love you,” it’s during a quiet moment after one of her performances. The two of you are alone backstage, the glow of the stage lights fading into the distance. She takes your face in her hands, her gaze soft and full of emotion. “I love you,” she says, her voice steady and sure. And in that moment, you know that Zatanna Zatara’s love is as magical and eternal as the spells she weaves.

[kaiserin-erzsebet]

So, here are my long thoughts on The Last Voyage of the Demeter because I'm jetlagged and trying to keep myself awake.

I'm going to organize it from my biggest issues to my smallest nitpicks. Because I am aware that some of the things that bother me are nitpicks. Also this movie is old enough that I don't think spoilers are out of line.

Anyway, here are my thoughts:

I don't think I can fairly judge the movie as an adaptation of Dracula. This would be a short review if that was my standard, because it is a bad adaptation. There's a laundry list of reasons why, and I'll get back to one of them because I think it is indicative of how this movie fumbled the story. It takes a very loose approach to the book, and that wouldn't be entirely fair to fixate on. But I will point out where I think the book executed a theme or tone element more effectively.

I fully went into the movie ready to judge it on its own merits as a self-contained horror story. That's why I was surprised that I disliked it so much, because it doesn't hold up as a piece of horror media. I think the core issue is that the screenplay fundamentally was thinking of itself as a movie about people fighting a monster.

In that respect, it does away with something that makes the Captain's log such an effective part of the original book: The mystery.

The original section is an exercise in dramatic irony. You, as the reader, have already seen the thing making the crew vanish, because you read Jonathan's diary and know what is in the boxes (even if you were reading it for the first time and didn't have the cultural osmosis of knowing who Dracula). You know why they are in danger. The captain doesn't. He spends most of the log trying to figure out what is going on and if it is misfortune or something really on board with them. He only sees Dracula at the very end of the log, when there is little he can do except tie himself to the wheel.

The book answers the question of "why don't they make port or throw the boxes overboard?" with saying that the captain doesn't know for sure if it is actually something malicious related to the cargo. The Romanian first mate has to slowly come to the realization that he does know, because he's resisting believing in superstition. Only when the knife passes through Dracula without harming him does he panic because it's undeniable that he's facing a folklore monster.

That build up is entirely absent from The Last Voyage of the Demeter. Anna just tells them within the first half hour of the movie (she's also a very inconsistent character, but I'll get back to that), and within days the crew has literally seen Dracula multiple times. People aren't mysteriously vanishing; they've been killed pretty clearly and there are survivors with bite marks. The deck is littered with body parts at points. It makes the voiceovers about "some doom" being on the ship seem comical, because the captain has seen with his own eyes what is going on.

The only reason given for why they can't make port to deal with the issue is that they're too far away, I guess? Which is also not the case for a ship sailing that route. This isn't an open sea voyage.

While the pacing of a movie and the pacing of a show are different, The Terror did this so much better. You don't get to see the Tuunbaq clearly until quite late in the series. People just vanish or get mauled by...something. That sense of mystery is just gone in The Last Voyage. And it is disappointing because that was a huge opportunity to nail the tone.

If I had to come up with the key elements of what the Demeter section is, it would be: A Horror Story about a ship with a tragic ending.

They didn't nail the horror, but what about the other two?

There's also a puzzling lack of understanding of the dynamics on a ship throughout the movie. One glaring example is that the First Mate and Clemens make the decision to sink the ship without even asking the captain first. I know this is the merchant navy and not the navy, but that is still a galling lack of discipline. The captain is in charge and his duty is to the whole ship and the crew.

The original captain's log makes use of this. Dracula more or less kills his way up the chain of command because he's a sadist. He's forcing the commanding officers to feel more desperation as they fail in their duty to protect their crew.

The Last Voyage makes the captain a very minor character, which at least to me reveals a misunderstanding of how hierarchy works in a ship. While I don't think including new characters is necessarily bad, Clemens and Anna make most of the important decisions, and neither of them particularly have standing with the crew. It undercuts the idea of responsibility and letting people come to harm under your care (which carries through later to Lucy and Mina).

I'll return to other ways the ship setting feels incorrect later, because those are closer to nitpicks.

So, third element: is it a tragedy? Does everyone on board die by the end?

The opening scene may make you think so. But no, actually they don't. Clemens escapes and ends the movie vowing to hunt down Dracula. For one, this is where it is a bad Dracula adaptation because that simply cannot happen and maintain the plot of Dracula. Unless he was rather dense when he read about the Bloofer Lady in the paper and decided that wasn't related. But additionally, the tone of the ending radically changes. It isn't a tragedy where the last act of a brave man is to stay at the wheel, because he isn't the lone survivor left to be battered to death by either the storm or Dracula anymore. In fact most of the crew is still there for the multiple people vs Dracula fight.

This is where the tone really failed for me: the story has a winner, a hero, someone who can make it out alive. And it's the new character. That just did not sit well with me when the original is such a poignant tragedy.

The First Mate, who is the character most primed to come to a realization, hardly has an arc in The Last Voyage.

The insistence that they can fight and maybe even win also makes both Clemens and Anna incredibly inconsistent characters. She especially suffers from this, because she should in theory have the knowledge of how to repel a vampire (the villagers certainly have some idea in the book), but then she says things like "do you think I have the faintest idea how to kill him?" and in the next breath is urging the crew to kill him before he reaches London. She also says Dracula is going to London because "there is no one left in my home country to feed on" but her backstory is that she's on the ship as a deal so Drac can have a snack. So, clearly, he can get people to feed on if he wants.

Clemens is the "too smart and rational" character. But he also never thinks maybe they should expose the boxes to sunlight even after seeing people combust in sunlight after turning. It's all terribly inconsistent.

The decision to not write the story as a tragedy ends up cascading, and that's the root of the issue. They can't win and kill the monster without completely changing the story of the novel, so they are only competent to a point. It makes it a worse horror movie, even disregarding it as an adaptation.

Now for the nitpicks, including quite a few about boats that probably only I noticed:

The aesthetics are all over the place in terms of period. Clemens spends a large part of the movie (which is set in the 1890s) running around in a lace up pirate shirt. No one on this ship owns a period appropriate boat cloak. None of their shirts have remotely the right collars, giving the sense that nautical fashion was sort of vaguely consulted over the long 18th to 19th century-ish.

Please look at this and tell me that it is even remotely late 19th century:

Here's Olek from 1899 for comparison (note the correct high collar and undershirt):

The dialogue suffers from this too. More than one person uses the word "heathen" which just feels wildly out of place in something that is supposed to have rationality and superstition as the key touchpoints (at least if it wants to be like Dracula). It sounds weird coming from a time period 20 years before World War 1. Sailors especially were more likely to be vaguely Christian but mostly superstitious, not zealots using terms like "heathen."

Additional aesthetic nitpick: The ship looks way too old for the period. That is an early to mid 19th century ship sailing in the 1890s without any retrofitting. There's a throwaway line about the captain not wanting a fancy new steamship, but that doesn't account for how antique the captain's quarters are or the lack of metal on the hull. Again, the nautical aesthetics are all skewing too early. If this ship was still a Russian ship like the original, an older sailing vessel might have said something about the lag in Russian shipbuilding, it works less with an English merchant ship.

There's some functional issues about understanding sailing: The ship is way too spacious inside. Really tall men are standing up straight and walking around the hold with no trouble. That may seem like a small point, but imagine what actually exploiting the claustrophobic feeling below decks could have done for the ambiance.

The ship is definitely undercrewed given the number of masts they are showing. That many men would really struggle to reef all of the sails in a timely manner (which would matter in a storm). The writers put a crew of a small fishing vessel on a ship that is much larger and requires more hands. And it is puzzling because more people would mean: more kills and disappearances as well as giving a progression of being unable to raise and lower the sails and also keep someone at the wheel. Which, I will note, the original log does.

My first red flag about this movie was having seemingly no Slavic characters on a ship that was Russian in the original. But now that I've seen it, I'm even more annoyed that the one Russian character exists to: call a woman a slur, call a black man a slur (a rather British one imo), and then immediately be murdered on screen. Can't have nuance in how we portray Slavic people in Western media, huh?

I also get the sense that the screenwriter didn't know the difference between Romanian and Romani, because the first mate is vaguely hinted to be Romani (the kid mentions "Wojchek taught me some words in Romani") and has a Western Slavic first name, not a Romanian one. When in the book he is explicitly Romanian.

Rapid fire ways the movie gets the book wrong on a nitpicky level: Dracula doesn't get more human looking as he nears London, a vampire who prides himself on being aristocratic isn't going to drink from pigs or rats, the vampires in the book can go in sunlight but are weaker, religious artifacts are way more powerful deterrents in the book, and Clemens is way too casual about transfusions. It makes Van Helsing doing it seem less like an act of desperation. Anna gets Mina's ability to sense Dracula without putting in the effort to reverse engineer the connection.

Someone please tell me that Nosferatu is better. This was honestly very frustrating.

[homestuckreplay]

🏡 Nine Best Homestuck Moments of 2009 🏡

It’s the end of 2009, and Homestuck is currently sitting at 1088 pages – pretty huge for something that hasn’t even been going for a full year. So as we close out the year and enter what’s sure to be the Homestuck Decade, I thought I’d count down my favorite Homestuck moments of 2009. I’ve loved it all, so it was really hard to narrow down, but when I reflect on this first year of the comic’s existence, this is what sticks in my mind.

9. Rambunctious Crow. (p.350-356)

This is my favorite Dave moment because it’s his irony in action, turned against him by the narrative now that things are getting real. Already knowing that Dave’s losing the betas is a ‘stupid’ and ‘embarrassing’ story (p.294), it still comes as a surprise just how stupid, embarrassing and out of nowhere the reality is. I’m on the crow’s side – it saw something cool and colorful in a grabbable position, and it went for it. It had no idea it was going to get accidentally sylladex-murdered, and I can’t wait to see its new life in Dave’s kernelsprite.

8. Peregrine Mendicant Delivers Justice. (p.844; 892-897; 921-925)

This one is cheating because it’s really ‘everything about PM’. I will give my heart to a paladin character with a big sword and strong ideals, any day – she will kill without a moment’s hesitation if it helps her fulfil her oath to the mail, but she’ll also reward a loyal follower who helps her cause, and this applies to robotic worms as much as it does to other people. She’s a minor character who’s out here behaving like a protagonist and one of her packages could be the thing that saves all the kids.

7. John’s Clever Disguise. (p.45-89)

I wish he was still wearing it. I really do. John acknowledges on page 46 that it’s a really shitty disguise and continues to wear it for several dozen pages. He adds the pipe, switches out the hat, considers a second pipe, and overall tries to perfect it. And he does it all the time too, because Rose calls him out on it! Whether he likes it or not, the spirit of the clown is within John, and I love this section as both a funny surface level gag and when thinking about the deeper meanings of a kid disguising himself in his own home.

6. Rose-Jade Flashback. (p.441-442)

This is my favorite Pesterlog in the comic so far, and sets up a really cool dynamic between Rose and Jade. They’re both talking circles around each other, Rose because she has to sound smart, detached, and in control, and Jade because she has to sound sunny, cryptic, and also in control. But Rose clearly has a lot of respect for Jade, and Jade clearly has a deep understanding of Rose, and those things are surprising – I expected Rose to be more skeptical of Jade’s powers, but instead they’re like light and dark counterparts with similar values of understanding the world around them.

5. Zazzerpan the Learned. (p.358-359)

This might be the one thing that holds Rose back from being my favorite character. How can she possibly ‘find this grisly abomination utterly detestable’. It’s a 20 foot tall statue of a mighty wizard and if you don’t think that’s the sickest shit in the entire world then WHAT is even the point. And the glimpses on page 715 and 757 showing the broken, future Zazzerpan indicate that something is going to happen to him; probably Rose with a giant bludgeoning weapon. Unless I cause a time paradox by appearifying him and putting him in MY house. (He would not fit).

4. Act 1&2 Title Cards. (p.82; 307)

The jokes are excellent, but to me Homestuck is at its best when it lets itself be serious, and page 82 is our first real glimpse of this. These pages let us sit with John and Rose’s mental states for a moment, and they let Hussie stretch their writing skills and play with words. My hope is that these pages will age really well and have a lot of foreshadowing in hindsight, but even if not, they create atmosphere better than any other moments in the comic so far, and they read like prose poetry.

His riddle is Absence itself. It is a mystery dispersing altogether, like the moon's faint reflection, with even one pebble of inquiry dropped in its black well.

Somewhere a zealous god threads these strings between the clouds and the earth, preparing for a symphony it fears impossible to play. And so it threads on, and on, delaying the raise of the conductor's baton.

3. FreshJamz and the Beta Kid Band. (p.77; 222; 337; 822; 830)

All four kids being musically gifted in a comic that incorporates sound is a great move, and the reveal that John can play piano beautifully after he’s spent 76 pages messing up his sylladex and house as he struggles to pick things up was a huge surprise at first. The four kids sharing an interest in video games would have been too obvious, but all of them loving music pokes at the fourth wall and gives them a way to connect on a deeper emotional level even while they are all hiding parts of themselves. It’s a big act of trust to share creative work with people, and seeing all the collaborations on Jade’s FreshJamz page is the best evidence of how close they all are.

2. Rose Adopts Vodka Mutini. (p.926; 1002)

Alright, I love cats. And I know that introducing a cute animal character is a cheap move for getting an audience to fall in love, but cmon, THIS kitten has FOUR EYES that BLINK SEQUENTIALLY and was made in a SLIME CHAMBER as a failed PARADOX CLONE. They CURL UP AND SNOOZE on Rose’s desk and become a TINY VOID CREATURE. I can’t be cynical about this. I am not immune to a tiny sweet face blinking up at me from an anachronistic teapot. I am screaming and crying with how badly I want this cat to curl up with me.

1. [S] WV: Ascend and [S] Jade: Pester John. (p.757; 1073)

I know I’m not alone in loving ‘WV: Ascend’; I’ve read several forum threads where people wax as rhapsodically about it as I do, and I was sad not to see as much love for ‘Jade: Pester John’ (maybe because it does similar work, so isn’t as unexpected). Both these pages are an expansion of what webcomics can do, they perfectly tie up existing plotlines, they’re really well scripted to the music, and it’s both rewarding and enjoyable to watch them several times in a row. ‘Explore’ is one of my favorite Homestuck tracks so far, and Skaia/Prospit during the eclipse is my favorite location visually. I know there’s a lot of skill and technique that goes into creating animations like this and making them feel emotional and satisfying to watch, but sometimes I don’t want to analyze them, I just want to sit and watch and let the Flash Magic roll over me.

Honorable Mentions. A few that were on the shortlist but didn’t quite make the cut because I made myself keep it to nine: the very first page (p.1), Rose putting the bunny back in the box (p.146-147), [S] John: Take bite of apple (p.246), Rose exploring her grimoire (p.301-305), John figuring out alchemy and successfully creating the pogo hammer (p.630-635), Rose attempting to send John the Sburb server CD (p.645-647), WV becoming the Mayor of Can Town (p.685), WV drawing the Skaian cosmology on the bunker walls (p.702-704), and the Midnight Crew’s Homestuck intermission (p.831-832). Yeah, I notice the blatant favoritism towards Rose and John in this post.

If anyone has a favorite moment so far that I’ve missed, send them in!!

[floatingseaotter]

Old, New, Ballroom, and Blue

or Fire and Rain

Song - Jackie and Wilson by Hozier

"...at length" count - 55

- we are so backkkkkkkkkk

This wasn't going to be weird. Really—he wouldn't let it be weird. He gad a girlfriend now, and he could be over Evans, who obviously had no romantic feelings for him, She was a girl—a lovely, insane, completely fantastic girl, but, all the same, just a human being. And, from an evolutionary standpoint, humankind was built to handle rejection from others of the species (even from lovely insane, completely fantastic ones). It wasn't going to be weird. He was completely over Lily Evans. He rang the doorbell. A short eternity later, Lily opened the door. She wore a blue bathrobe and a giant yellow t-shirt covered the essentials and not much else. Her eyes grew wide at the sight of James, and she moved to close up the bathrobe. "Nice shirt," said James almost automatically. "Nice hat", she retorted, without missing a beat. And thats when he knew it. Namely, that this was going to be a lot trickier than he'd thought. Damn it.

- they are so silly!!!!! JUST KISS for heavens sake.

I have forgotten so much about this. I thought Lathe found James and Lily in the corridor but my memory appears to have missed an entire chunk of this chapter!

"Girlfriend, eh?" scoffed Falstaff to James. "Personally, I thought you looked better with the ginger."

- LMAO PLEASE the way everyone and their mother ships James and Lily in these two chapters from the reporter to the random hit-wizard!!!

hehe Lily got stunned and she was just worried that James remembered to act as though his arms were still bound hehehe

Lily stirred, and James let out a heavy sigh of relief. "Thank Merlin," he muttered, as her eyes fluttered open. "Are you okay? Agrippa's sake—what was he thinking, stunning someone at that range? You could have been seriously..." "Your hands," Lily muttered hoarsely, for James was—gently as possible—helping her into a sitting position. He leaned her against the desk

they are both just worried about each otherrrrr <3<3<3<3

Ooooooooh I JUST realise that James used the name Tom Baker because Lily had mentioned earlier on that it was Tom Baker on the tele! There is definitely some subconscious level of him that did that because Lily said she fancied Tom Baker 😌

They are refusing to acknowledge their ALMOST KISS and it's annoying me!!

But HUZZAH! Secret 1) James is Head Boy, has been revealed!

"You're stronger than I am, aren't you?" James rolled his eyes. "Have you seen yourself, Twig?" "None of that, now," Lily retorted. "I dislocated Nick Mulciber's jaw once, if you remember." "Don't be cute," replied James cooly.

- heheheheheheheh CALL BACK

James just said to Lily, "God bless him" in relation to her dad and i think that is a wee call back to their conversation about believing in God in The Art of Walking?

HAND HOLDING KLAXON🚨

ahhhhh here is the Lathe finding them in the corridor :) I love him!! Did Alice send him? DID DONNA?

Alice "spilling the tea" both literally and figuratively to Caradoc there lol

Alice is actually the queen of stealth right now, and I, like her, currently have no idea where Frank is or what happened to him? Like, what do you mean he was tied up in an office, I am so confused! OOOOOOOH, I see what's happening here, she is reuniting with James and Lily!

Frank is confirmed missing™️ by King Lathe but we already knew that because I cannot remember a damn thing about this.

Every character in this fic loves correcting peoples grammar? Lily does it often, so does James, and now Lathe is doing it too! its such a funny little quirk. Especially in the way that it is always the most formal correction too because it's stuff I am realising i likely say wrong too LOL

Frank has been found!

"Apparently, he didn't think it was professional to let a captive sit on the sofa, so we put him in a cell. No worries—Moody's back there with him." James noted the article of furniture in the corner. "Why do you have a sofa in here?" "Thats the question you choose to ask?" Lily murmured, raising her eyebrows. "It's quite comfortable," said Lathe casually. "I'd let you sit on it, but apparently that's not professional. What shall we do with you lot, then? "We could put him in the cell," Halliday, the with, suggested, referring to Lily, James and Alice again. "I hear it's quite the professional thing to do."

- they are so funny lmao gimme a sequel of this auror trio

ahhh Moody really borderline poisoned a four year old James and said CONSTANT VIGILANCE lmaoooo

"Test Miss Evans, Potter. I don't know her; you'll have to do it." "Oh." Lily folded her arms, while James ran an awkward hand through his hair. "I suppose I can..." (Frank and Alice exchanged meaningful looks that Lily had no interest in interpreting), 'Last Halloween," sid James, recollecting something. "What happened?" "The witch though back; several things had happened. She had been partnered with James in Defence class, she had confronted Frank about telling Alice the truthm she was pretty sure it was rainging that day—but, all of that aside, Lily knew the incident James reference. "We became friends," she said smiling. "Potentially." For an instance, James matched her smile, and then he turned to Moody nodding.

-- I love them your honour!!!

Frank tested Alice on her favourite song lyric, and then moody was satisfied. "Well this has been fun," said Lathe.

-- I LOVE HIM YOUR HONOUR

"Alright, lad," said Moody to Lathe; "Now we'll see if you're really up for this job." "Three years hasn't proved me capable?" "But I'll be old." "Watch it, lad."

- Noooooo because in my head I have just compared Lathe to Tonks in that Moody took them both under his wing and now I am upset! In my head—even though it gravely upsets me to think it—he and Donna died together at some point before or after the 1995, and so he never actually got to grow old (like Tonks) and Moody lost his prodigè. Oh no what if Moody saw Lathe in Tonks after he lost him😭 But also, a part of me hopes that Donna and Lathe they moved away together to travel the world and lived happily ever after😌.

HAHAHA James and Lily locked in a cell with Frank and Alice snogging lmaoooo but they are so in love 🥹

"What, Longbottom?" the Marauder asked dryly. "No kiss for me?"

-- HAHAHAHAH

James proud of Lily for taking the door of its hinges!!!

my feeling that Donna that contacted Lathe continues...

Not Lily saying James and Alice had an affair because she kissed him on the cheek hahahahaa I love stirring the pot she said double double toil and trouble

I love reading James' stubborness and also the way Alice was able to get Moody to go with Lily into Dearborns office, like go girl! I have no memory of this bit either though! Lily Evans my Queen!

Add Alice to the James and Lily shipping list!

Everyone but James knows Lily is going to be hurt that he hasn't told her and I just remember what happens on the train I hate this plot so bad!!!! (I still love you fic) But get him Alice!!!! ...Does everyone believe that Lily has feelings for James that she just hasn't recognised herself? Because Sirius made a comment earlier on and now Alice is saying this to James and it's all just pointing to Lily and James being dumb about each other and everyone is just having to watch on!

"Wait here one moment" James in a cell: "Where would we go?"

- Admittedly, i cackled.

The door to the office once more swung open, hitting the wall behind it with a bang and admitted—not another auror—but Sirius Black. "Padfoot?" "Sirius?" The two in the cell rose, while Sirius strode inside, quite casual, grinning at the sight of them. "Oh, fantastic, you're both okay. I nearly didn't believe them, you know."

- This entrance is so on brand for Sirius Black and I am obsessed with it!

James Potter stubborn toddler™️

I do not like thought that Lathe saying he has had all sorts of training to withstand many, many different kinds of persuasion was some kind of foreshadowing of torture! We are so blessed to have never had to read that.

"I'm journaling about it the moment i get home," said Lily dryly. "A diary sort of bird, are you?" "It's my fatal flaw, I'm afraid."

- You and me both, Lily girl. You and me both.

Also, Sam, my love who I have not screamed about enough<3

DONNA ABSOLUTELY CALLED LATHE!

First Order of the Phoenix mention by Frank and Alice there hm? They are SO CUTE!!!!!!!!

"No, a pair is always two," agreed Lily. "It's like 'couple.' Always two." "Unless she's into it," said Sirius. "Oh, don't look so sour; that was funny."

- AHAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH

Lathe smiled, scratching the back of his neck. "I received an owl last night," he replied slowly and deliberately, "from a mutual friend, relaying a very strange and garbled message that I had to translate, Merlin knows how but, which ultimately made it quite clear that if anything were to happen to either you or Potter, I would no longer be welcome in the Leaky Cauldron."

IT WAS DONNA MWAHAHAH JACKLEBOLT NATIONE RISE! Also, was Lathe also referring to his orders from Donna when he found Lily and James?! I love them so bad!!! And I fully forgot about the mirror aspect of how Donna knew they needed help. But the fact that Lathe went for her!! IM SQUEALING!

"Actually, I feel alright." Sirius said cheerfully, "I say we go to Prongs' house." "Why do you want to go to my house?" asked James. "Because I miss your mum." "Don't be weird." "Can't help it—she has that affect on me."

- hhhaahahaahahaahahah

"What?" asked Frank, chuckling. "Why are you smiling at me like that?" She paused. Then— "Marry me." Frank's eyes grew wide. Nonetheless, almost immediately, he replied: "Yes." Then he shook himself. "I mean, no. I mean—yes, but... you weren't supposed to ask me. I'm supposed to ask you ! Look, look, I've..." He pulled away, disappearing into the adjacent bedroom for nearly a minute. When he returned to the kitchen (a bewildered Alice had removed the now empty kettle from the fire), Frank carried a small black velvet box, wrought with potential. Alice grinned. "That's not earrings, is it?" "No," mumbled Frank. "I was waiting for September first, because that's the eight year anniversary of when we met, and..."

[....]

"Well, then, it's your turn, Francis. I proposed last time." He grinned and opened the case. For a moment, Alice did not say anything. The ring that sat there had a gold band and a round, un-mounted diamond that winked at Alice in the orange lamplight. She smiled and held out her hand expectantly. "Alice Griffiths..." "Yes, dear?" "Will you marry me?" "Yes, dear." Frank slipped the ring onto her finger...

Oh Amaryllis is Grace's favourite flower? You mean the flower—that I learned after a quick wee google—is ...not a type of lily which i really hoped it was.

Also, Lily is in love with the Potters' house and girliem that's gonna be yours in like one year!! I like the idea that Sam is fully aware of this and is showing Lily what she will be marrying into 😌 Dammit, he just said Grace was selling them off so don't think about marrying him for his money lmao but the only house James is getting is Godric's Hollow (and this house) and in chapter 24—Contra Mundum—he said he usually gets bored there but I like to think that once it was considered his home with Lily, he no longer got bored there because they were so happy there together🥹

"That's it, there," said Sam, leading the way to a picture hanging further away. It was what Lily imagined they might have called a cottage two hundred years ago, with its beige stone walls and picturesque gables. Still, it was a lovely house: the yard was green, especially against the grey sky (the little black outline of birds could be seen, soaring across the back of the canvas), and there was a certain air of romance to the whole thing. "I like it," she decided. "Why? The town's dead boring." "It has soul." "Merlin, you sound like Gracie."

- I love that she loves it so much but now I am sad because thats where they die and of course its got soul, a piece of voldemorts too soon enough I need Lily to meet Grace NOW.

THE ELVES KNOW LILY'S NAME MWAHAAHAH

"Very funny," said Lily. Marlene raised her eyebrows inquisitively. "Just ogling Pemberley," Lily explained lightly; the blonde—as the only one there to catch the reference—looked more interested still. "Is that right, Lizzie dear?" "Who said anything about Lizzie? I'm Aunt Gardiner."

- No you're not Lily!!!

The Potter elves loving Sirius🥹

"Of course, you know most of us. I'm James, your sole progeny." "Yes, unfortunately," "Sole progeny of which I am aware, at any rate. That's Sirius—he's a git—and that's Remus, the son you wish you had..." [...] "This is Mary Macdonald and Marlene Price—they're in my house and year," James went on, "And... oh, well, I suppose..." he faltered almost imperceptibly, "...this is Lily Evans, same story. Everyone: my mother."

- First of all, LMAO! Second of all, the floundering at introducing LILY!!!

Sirius—draped over the chaise lounge like a cast away cloak

Alice smiled, raising her eyebrows in amusement. "Donna, that's the plan. Dying tomorrow isn't what we want; it's a possibility—honestly, it's the possibility we don't think about often enough. But the point of getting married is to live together, not just to die together."

- <3

One day, in the not too distant future, Sirius Black would serve as the best man in his best mate's wedding. In the mean time, he received ample practice with Frank Longbottom.

- JULES CAN YOU NOT

And now I present, lines and snippets from the wedding that hurt my feelings:

James forgot to knock.

That dress must have been crafted by satan himself.

And, for the first time since he had gone to the coast, James questioned his assumption. They hadn't kissed. She had said that she couldn't. She didn't want him. He had known this. He'd been so convinced. But was there any chance that he was wrong? And, if he had been wrong, would it make a difference?

"Thank-you for checking in on me, but I'll be alright." He wanted to argue, but she added: "Really, I'll be just fine." "And what if you're not?" he asked. Because the last thirty-six hours had been a small battle compared to what seemed to inevitably lie ahead.

Hehhehehh James pretending not to hear her when she asked how the house elves knew her name

The wedding is so beautifully written. I am crying!

He stole a glance at Lily again, who met his hazel eyes with her own teary green ones, and he grinned at the sight of her. She made a face—probably thinking he was mocking her for her sentimentality—because, of course, she had no idea how she looked there... what the tears did for the color of her eyes and in her cheeks... how he wanted so desperately not to care... not to want her at all... He would try (because requited fancy might be nicer than unrequited love). He wouldn't think himself doomed to failure (even if he was). He'd do his best (it was only fair).

- the way this fic contains these moments which are so gorgeous and romantic and just present a relationship so brilliantly, written so vividly is genuinely such a gift... we are so lucky. THANK YOU JULES!

"Husband and wife," said the little wizard, and everyone clapped, and James joined in when Frank and Alice kissed. Lily laughed tearfully with the others, grabbing and squeezing the nearby Marlene's hand. James tore his eyes away and found Sirius watching him. "What?" "Nothing," said Sirius, shrugging (and looking obnoxiously knowledgeable). "Nothing at all."

- Sirius is all of us actually

The end of this chapter feels like the end of a coming of age movie. I would almost feel fulfilled if the credits started rolling there because that's exactly what it feels like! It is so romantic and hopeful and joyous with Alice and Frank—who i adore, they are so in love and so sweet—and them all just having so much fun! (I would obviously require a sequel though because James and Lily, Marlene and Adam, and Donna and Lathe, and the war plot were obviously not complete but you know what I mean) It is potentially one of my favourite scenes in the entire fic i think🥹

"Thank-you," she said loudly, over the din of the rain and the voices of the others. Additionally, other Diagon Alley residents, shopkeepers, and shoppers stepped out to marvel at the first rain in months. "For what?" he asked, confused. "For coming to get me yesterday." "You're not angry with me for getting you kind of arrested?" Lily shrugged. "I dunno. It'll make a good story, I reckon." James shook his head. "You enjoy this too, don't you?" "What?" "Battling beaurocratic injustice." Lily smiled. "Well, I guess it was inevitable." "What was?" "That eventually we'd end up picking the same battle, you and I." She was right, too. "I suppose so," James agreed, grinning. "It's about time, isn't it?" "It certainly is."

I am re-reading The Life and Times

And it is getting documented. Purely for my own benefit.

The Life and Times by Jewels5

She was dramatic. He was dynamic. She was precise. He was impulsive. He was James, and she was Lily, and one day they shared a kiss, but before that they shared many arguments, for he was cocky, and she was sweet, and matters of the heart require time.

[lokh]

also i think if roleswap laios and canon laios met theyd immediately start fighting.

[dykedvonte]

I hate the stretch lines in the front of Curly's uniform because that means the devs rushed to make a model in like a month or so and thought "They gotta at least know he has huge knockers, gotta know he's got back pain." Cause like what is the thematic importance of his tits having overhang?

What responsibility is that representing? Breast reduction? It shows an inherent greed in his character due to the excess and heshouldletmeholdone and that he clearly is blinded cause if he tries to look down his damn ladder all he's seeing is his own cleavage.

[al-luviec]

still haven't moved on from zane in this episode (aka I hit tag limit again and am unhappy about it)

[darkficsyouneveraskedfor]

What a Mess 2

Warnings: non/dubcon and other dark elements. My username actually says you never asked for any of this.

My warnings are not exhaustive but be aware this is a dark fic and may include potentially triggering topics. Please use your common sense when consuming content. I am not responsible for your decisions.

Character: thick!Bucky Barnes

Summary: Your new job isn’t all that you expect. (maid AU – short!reader)

Note: hate me, baby.

As usual, I would appreciate any and all feedback. I’m happy to once more go on this adventure with all of you! Thank you in advance for your comments and for reblogging ❤️

Stevie Nicks drones in your ear, her tones added to the airiness of the condo space. The melody guides your diligent work along with the list on your phone. The shelves should be done before the counters, so as to not do the same job twice. 

You look around for the step stool. There was a collapsible one there, nestled by the pantry. It’s not there that day. You guess Bucky wouldn’t have much use for it. He can probably reach everything just fine. You don’t want to be nosy by going on a full-blown search. You’ll just have to do your best. 

You stand on your toes and reach up blindly. Great. You’ll not get close to even the second highest shelf. Instead of cupboard doors, the plates are stacked openly on the shelves that line the brick. You like the look. Simple but tidy. 

You are going to have to find the stool if you want to do it right-- 

“Oop!” You exclaim as pressure clamps around your hips and suddenly, your feet are off the floor. You wriggle and grab onto the shelf to keep from flailing. 

You crane to see over your shoulder, looking back at Bucky as he holds you aloft. There’s no effort in the act. You’re nothing but a feather in his hands. You feel powerless in his grasp. You don’t dare to tell him to put your down or ask why he snuck up on you. 

“You can reach?” He asks. 

You nod and turn away from his stern expression. Despite the helpful act, he remains stoic and unreadable. You hate the sensation of having nothing between your feet and the height makes you slightly woozy. You’ll just have to be quick. 

You wipe along the top of the shelves as he sidles you along the length. An awkward tension crawls up your body from beneath his hold on you. His fingertips dip into your flesh as he keeps you steady. 

You do the next shelf, moving the plates to wipe beneath them before placing them back. It’s a delicate balance. Once you get to the third, you find your voice. You pause your music as you eke, “I can reach the rest, sir.” 

“You sure?” He checks with you. 

You nod. He puts you down gently, crowding you against the counter for a moment before he moves away. He turns and opens the metal fridge. You focus on your task, peeking briefly over as he pivots back to the other end of the counter. 

His hair is pulled back behind his head but several strands hang loose around his face. He has a black tank on, his thick arms exposed, flesh and metal, and a pair of shiny track pants on the bottom. He doesn’t acknowledge you as he loads the blender. He clears away the scraps and rinses off the spoon and knife he dirtied in his task. 

He hits the button and the blender whirs loudly. He angles to lean on the arm of the counter and reaches into his pants pockets. He takes out a long strip of fabric and stars to wind it around his wrist and hand. You’ve seen those. The things that boxers wear. 

He does only his real hand. The blender stops and he turns to fill a shaker with the smoothie. He goes for the sink and you clear your throat. 

“I can get that,” you offer. 

He glances over and shrugs. He grabs his shaker and doffs it at you with a nod. He passes you and heads for the stairs. You peek after him then move to rinse out the blender. That wasn’t terrible. You hope.  

You’ve done your best not be in his way since that first day. You’re still paranoid by his cryptic stares and long silences. You never minded quiet but this is the sort that gnaws at you. Aside from that, the job is manageable. 

You shiver as your hip brushes against a draw. You’re reminded of the weight of his hand there. Both his hands, around you, so easily holding you up. And what did you do but let him. 

The first heavy thump makes you wince. You spin and look up to the open hatch. He must have a bag up there or something. That makes sense since he wrapped his hand. He looked ready for a workout. It must be good stress relief to just punch something you can’t hurt. 

You tap play on your music. Heart starts to play. Your taste is a bit out dated but there’s no one to judge you. At the same time, you don’t have anyone to share it with. Sadly, most of the artists you love, you can’t even see in concert anymore. If you could ever afford that. 

The steady pounding of the punching bag continues from above. After a while, it’s almost comforting. You finish the kitchen and move on to the front room. As you fluff the couch pillows, the beating stops. There’s a hiss and Bucky snarls as he comes down the stairs swiftly. 

“Shit,” he hops past the last few steps and marches into the kitchen. You watch him in confusion as he raises his metal arm. He holds it up as he looks down and touches his side. He curses again as he swipes paper towel from the roll mounted to the wall. 

“Some help, doll?” He tosses over his shoulder. 

He’s talking to you. Right? You drop the pillow and take your earbud completely out. Something’s wrong. 

As you come around the arm of the counter, he turns to you, revealing the wet stain on his tank top. He holds out the paper towel with his other hand. “Pressure.” 

He gestures to his ribs. You take the paper towel with a tremble and push it against his middle. He puffs behind his teeth and reaches to his extended metal arm. You see the panel sticking out. It must’ve cut him. 

“Damn thing.” He growls. 

You blink and look at your hand. His blood seeps through and stains your fingers. You can smell the iron. You gape at the crimson smear as your heart pumps wildly. He pushes the panel flat and lowers his arm. He puts his hand over yours, spreading his thick fingers to completely cover yours. 

“You don’t like blood, do you?” He says. “I can hear your heart.” 

You slip your hand from beneath his as he takes the paper towel. He crumples up the sopping square and tuts. You turn and rush over to your kit. You fish out the pouch you keep tucked behind the sponges. You unzip it and return to him as you pluck out the roll of gauze. 

He considers the offer before he accepts it. Your eyes meet as his fingers brush yours. You quiver as his gaze bores through you. 

“You should wash your hands,” he takes the pouch too. “I got this.” 

He turns and stirs through the contents. You look at your hands then the sink. You go to the counter and twist the faucet on. What an unusual day. 

[the-moon-pal]

You mentioned Gus is a bit of a lonely guy- how come? Does he have any close relationships? How's it going for him regarding family, friends, love? Holds him gently I hope his feelings of solitude untangle into well-earned warmth ♥

Well Gus by all he knows it's the only one of his moth species, as well as he grew up v much dealing with the fact that he wasn't human and was seen as a monster/cryptid [he does recognize his title being the "mothman" as his last name]

While Gus does end up able to talk and very much learned how to be a "person" per say- he kinda had to push himself to understand it! And to get what human customs were! which i imagine having to just try and copy it from people who are legit afraid of you its gotta be a bit hard to work with HJDFHJHD but he was never the giving up type

He only got really close to people at the age of 16 and finally gets the chance to interact with em much Much closer, eventually getting a best friend and a few more access to a few things (I don't have much specifics on this part of his life but! He does have a best friend called Jackie!)

When he finally meets more creatures n monsters like him it (possibly this being Scott n Don) happens once he's in his 20's but by then he already worked a few stuff out!

[microwaving-tesilid-argente]

canon divergent AU where OG! Bianca and Ailette's deathdates were later, so Cardinal Cartelyena only visits the Gilette Mansion and brings Ailette to the Vatican some time after the Day of Sacrifice, after the mess caused by the Toy Mansion is settled.

There's two ways this AU can go:

1. Ailette meets a heavily traumatised Tesilid who watched his roommate kill everyone else and then himself.

2. Ailette doesn't cross paths with Tesilid. When the 17th starts, they do not have the pre-established trust that they have in canon. Ailette is playing on ultra-hard mode, as if being in an SS-class world wasn't already hard enough. Tesilid also has no reason to pretend to be nicer than he actually feels like being, so their dynamic is also very different.