#he really said it with no malice i was just kind of stunned that he felt it was an appropriate thing to say to someone's face

[zippers]

i'm not mad at my boss for saying my outfit today looked like pajamas (though I am going to email him letting him know it came across as a sexist comment, only because I just attended a training about workplace microaggressions yesterday) BUT i have decided that since he did not appreciate my super cool (and industry relevant) Dada art print shirt, leopard print slacks, Willie Wednesday braids, and silver necklace (and, okay, hiker crocs and no bra, but those are just... natural parts of my anatomy that i will not be shamed for!!! plus he knows I'm trans???) tomorrow I will wear into the office:

-Shirt of forum post screenshots arguing over whether or not metal gear characters are gay, which is literally in a museum

-Oversized, bubblegum pink Pantsuit pants

-Vintage flower-print blazer that I wore as Master Shaggy

-Camo print @shapeshiftersinc binder (check them out!!!!) that may or may not be visible through the MGS shirt

-Every single piece of jewelry my step-grandmother has ever bought for me

-Roman emperor belt

-Can't decide between my elk skin and my eel skin boots, will update when the time comes

-I will also make myself some big earrings tonight, haven't decided what, maybe whole clementines? (I think it would be funny to wear a pair of old crocs as earrings but I think that might be going to far.)

Hopefully this all goes over well and I don't dig myself into a deeper hole than I'm already in!

[ismastfs]

Something About Him

There's always been something about Ryan. At least, Liam used to think so.

He never knew if it was his bright and fun personality, his gorgeous face or his top-notch body. I mean, really. Almost 6'2, with arms the side of his own head, pecs that hung out of his chest like tits, rock-hard abs, thighs that could crush a skull with ease and an ass that could put any of the Kardashians to shame. There wasn't anything else to expect, really. Ryan was one of the main jocks on campus.

And to be honest, almost everyone had a crush on Ryan. Even those who weren't really attracted to men, and the guy truly knew it. He was a total show off, parading himself around the halls in the shortest shorts possible, and when he wasn't wearing tight tank tops or compression shirts, he went shirtless, leaving his incredible physique on display all the time.

Still, it was weird for Liam to have a crush on him. He'd never been attracted to jocks or really built guys. His type was people like him; skinny, nerdy and shy guys. He found jocks and gymbros kind of annoying. They were always loud, smelly, dumb as bricks and with egos the size of a planet.

But even with all of that, he could never shake the feeling he would get every time Ryan would walk by him. He was so drawn to him. Always wanting to be near him, look at him. And very recently, he actually wanted to try hanging out with him, which was a crazy thing to think about. A little nerdy nobody hanging out with one of the most popular jocks? Complete and utter madness. However, he overheard a conversation between Ryan and one of his 'bros'. Ryan needed help with a literature essay. And now Liam was walking directly to his direction to offer him exactly what he needed.

"H-hi" Blurted out Liam awkardly, cursing to himself for sounding so embarassing. "Uhh, do I know you, bro?" Ryan looked away from his phone to look at the scrawny kid talking to him. "No you d-don't know me, but I was sitting by you in literature when I heard you say you needed help with your essay. I can help you if you'd like it" He said, starting to get that feeling again, like being close to him was making him lose his mind. "Really, bro? That would be so nice of you, what was your name, bro?" Ryan's eyes lit up. "It's Liam, nice to meet you" He extended his hand to Ryan without thinking, regretting it immediately after.

Ryan grabbed his hand and in a swift motion, he pulled him into a bro-hug. When he touched him, his mind went wild with desire. His skin seemed to burn with every second it touched Ryan's. He felt himself getting hard. Embarrassed, when Ryan let go of him, he covered himself with his bag, and sat down next to him to talk about the essay, trying to get his mind off of his unusual thoughts.

They agreed on meeting up in Ryan's dorm after classes so Liam could tutor him, or end up writing the essay for him, he wouldn't mind. As long as he could get to hang out with him, he could write essays for him for the rest of his life. He would give everything to be close to Ryan. And that wish, as he would soon find out, would be granted.

Liam was restless the whole day, counting every second of every minute of every hour until he could see Ryan again. When the day was finally over, he ran to his own dorm to clean himself up and grab some stuff that he needed for the essay. He ran to Ryan's dorm as fast as he could, wanting to spend the longest amount of time with him as possible.

When he arrived and knocked on the door, the door opened almost immediately after he knocked, almost like Ryan was also eager to see him. He was shirtless, wearing only some short shorts that left little to the imagination. Liam couldn't help but stare for just a second, just enough for Ryan to notice.

"You don't mind me being shirtless, do you bro?" Liam just stood there stunned, not knowing exactly how to answer, opting for an awkard "N-no, not at all. If you're comfortable like that, I don't mind" Ryan smiled with a faint malice, one that Liam didn't pick up on. "Come on in, bro. Mi casa es su casa or however it goes".

When he walked in to the jock's dorm, he saw the absolute mess that the guy lived in. Clothes hanging around everywhere, none of them looked particularly clean. His kitchen sink was filled with dirty dishes, and the kitchen itself was a mess of various stains, presumably from meal prep and even more dishes. After a second of taking what would be his work environment in, he started getting that weird feeling again. His mind started racing and going places he really shouldn't right now.

"So, should we start with that essay of yours? The faster we finish the earlier you can send it in, right?" He hurriedly asked to try and get those thoughts away as fast as he could. "Uhh, sure bro. We could work on it on the couch, it's the most comfortable place to work, I think" Ryan answered, sitting down and signaling for Liam to sit down right by him.

The nerd's heart skip a beat, the idea of being so close to the Adonis of a man in front of him making him go wild with joy. He sat down right there next to him and pulled his laptop out of the bag he brought with him and started talking to Ryan about the assignment and what exactly he needed to write about.

They (actually, mostly Liam) got to work on the essay. With the jock just watching Liam write down idea after idea in the form of fancy and long words. Honestly, the work would have been much easier for the nerd if the beautiful man in front of him would stop being so attractive for a second. He would get distracted from time to time looking at the guy's incredible body. And his mind could not stop thinking about him in every inappropriate way possible, and Ryan noticed this, knowing soon would be the time to strike.

Almost two hours went by when Liam announced that the essay was done. "You're done already, bro? It would've taken me weeks to write that on my own, huhu" Ryan chuckled dumbly, turning around to face the guy who just gave him an A+ and lifting his arm up to reveal a jungle of wiry dark hairs in his pits. Liam immediately locked eyes on the jock's pits and felt his mind go absolutely crazy with want, desire and need. "It really was n-no problem at all" He stumbled on his words, trying to hide the thoughts he was having.

Ryan smiled maliciously, knowing exactly what was going in the nerd's mind. "You're tripping over your words, is everything okay, bro?" He lifted his arm further, scratching his back. "Y-yeah, I'm fine. I s-swear" Liam's eyes were glued to the dark and damp paradise that was just in front of him. That's when he noticed the smell: sweet and appealing, yet kind of musky and salty. The same smell that, unaware of it, he'd been inhaling since the first time he came close to Ryan.

"You finally figured it out, didn't you bro?" Liam was startled, but still unable of doing anything but stare at the jock's pits "W-what? What do you m-mean?" Ryan just chuckled dumbly again "That little feeling you've been having all day? That would be my smell, bro. It has a special effect on everyone around me, it makes me completely irresistible to those who inhale it" The nerd's mind was steadily fogging up, leaving him confused about everything he was saying to him.

"You can't even think anymore, dude!" Ryan cackled loudly "It normally just makes you attracted to me for a couple minutes, maybe hours. But you've been taking it in for more than two hours, that's where the other part of it comes by. Your intellect is melting totally, bro!" Liam could barely understand anything the jock was saying to him, his mind focused totally on his pits.

"I think it's time for you to take it straight from the source. Come here, bro!" Ryan grabbed the back of Liam's head and pushed it towards his pit, successfully drowning the latter in his scent. In his dazed state, Liam could do nothing to stop him, he just inhaled every bit of the man's smell. His mind melting totally into a sea of pure want and desire for him, leaving no room for any other thought other than pleasing the jock.

His body started heating up, continuing the process further. "Woah! Already at the physical changes then?" He felt hot all over, like in an oven. Suddenly, a pressure appeared on his entire body, pushing it outwards like a balloon getting inflated. Only he was being filled with pure meat and muscle all around. His arms grew, filling up nicely with hard muscle to impress anyone he wanted to. His pits became sweaty and hairy like Ryan's, producing his own musky scent. His hands became big and callused from his time at the gym, veins spreading from them out to his upper arms.

His chest grew heavy with soft muscle that would work like pillows for anyone who layed on them. His nipples growing sensitive and perky, perfect for playing with. Ryan took a handful of the muscle-tits he just gave him, getting a nice moan out of the former-nerd that got muffled by his pits still covering his face. His core grew strong and wide, abs popping into existence until he had a nice and hard six-pack to show off.

Above, his face reshaped to that of a hot jock, becoming sharp and beautiful. His hair grew messy and fluffy. Like the one you would see in a popular influencer, perfect for grabbing attention everywhere and from anyone.

Below, his legs grew into tree trunks ready to pull, carry or push any weight necessary. His thighs turning into the ones of a guy who never skipped leg day: wide, strong and incredibly sensual. His ass started inflating with soft muscle that lifted him up of his seat, making the task of getting as much of Ryan's scent easier. His calves looked like the ones you would see in a football player, and his feet grew into size 13 soles to match the size of his new body.

Finally, his junk grew to incredible sizes. His balls filling with powerful seed worthy of a jock, and his cock grew harder and harder until it started growing longer and wider. He reached a nice 9 inch monster the width coming close to that of a beer can. Ryan grabbed onto his cock and drew another moan muffled in the jungle of his pits. He started stroking it, coming close to the climax of Liam's transformation.

Memories of straight A's and studying were replaced by evenings in the gym, making his body as desirable as possible. Nerdy friends and interests became nights drinking with his bros, watching sports and talking about their recent conquests and affairs. And finally, any attraction he had towards any skinny guys disappeared, turning into desire for other big guys like himself. Specially for his lover, Ryan. Who he'd met in the beginning of college and with whom he had hit it off right away.

He spent every moment of every day possible with him. Going to the gym with him, sharing classes with him. Practicing football with him and enjoying themselves in the showers after evey game and every practice. Actually, enjoying themselves at every opportunity they could, in the car when they went out to eat. In the college's bathrooms, in their dorm every night after a long day of getting buff for his man. Leaving messes everywhere they were, none of them cared enough for cleanliness or being proper. He was absolutely devoted to him, caring only for what Ryan thought of him and needing to please him in every way possible.

The thoughts of pleasing him made him tip over the edge, finally coming in his new jockstrap and gym shorts. The remainder of his old clothes torn and destroyed around him. Finally lifting his head up from Ryan's pit, to look directly in his eyes and smiling dumbly. "Had fun, dummy?" Ryan spoke first, giving his jock a loving and mischievous look. "Well what do you think?" Liam signaled to the mess in his jockstrap, getting a laugh out of his boyfriend.

"I could still do one more round, though" The former-nerd said, getting up from the couch and walking towards their room, letting his laptop fall to the ground. He was shortly followed by his boyfriend in a fit of dumb giggles and chuckles. He's sure now that there's something about him, and it's everything about him.

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

Hello hello! this is my very first story, i've been lurking in the shadows in the community but never dared to get into writing myself until now. I don't know if i'm going to upload regularly or if i'm even going to continue posting, but I wanted to at least give it a shot.

All constructive feedback is appreciated, if I do continue writing I want it to be as good as possible. Hope you enjoyed!

[miley1442111]

fix it-a.hotchner

a/n: i imagined a fem reader but as per usual, imagine what you like :)

please don't read if you have emetophobia!!!!

summary: aaron says some horrible things, can he fix it?

pairing: husband! aaron hotchner x wife! reader

warnings: mad angst, aaron is so mean, reader believes she is a bad mother, heartbreak, feelings of disappointment, jack is so sweet, reader is pregnant, talks of pregnancy, talks of vomiting and morning sickness, no happy ending :(

part 2- fix it together

It was all coming down to this. It was Jack’s birthday and as his step-mom, you had been party planning all week. He was having a dinosaur themed birthday with a bounce house and watching a movie in the backyard, like a little drive in movie. You were excited for him. Aaron hadn’t really been around much that week, he was busy dealing with some legal battle the FBI was up against, meaning the rest of the team, including yourself, had the week off. It was Friday night, Jack’s actual birthday and he was asleep in bed as you waited for Aaron to get home. You were reading a book Spencer had recommended you as you nursed a cup of tea, getting sleepier by the second. 

The front door opened and there Aaron stood, briefcase in hand, handsome as ever. You smiled and got up from your spot on the couch, ready to greet him. He smiled softly as you hugged him, running a hand through his hair. “How did it go?” you asked, your voice just above a whisper.

“Oh it was fine, nothing too jarring. How was the week?” He asked, walking further into the house. 

“Fine. Nothing to report. Jack’s asleep but-”

“Did you do something for his birthday?” He asked, cutting you off. 

“Yeah, of course. I picked him up from school early and we went for lunch and to a film. He really enjoyed himself,” you smiled and he sighed. “Is everything ok?”

“Yeah, fine,” Passive aggressive. Aaron was being passive aggressive.

“Aaron,” You said, worry coating your words. “Is everything ok?”

“Yes! Everything is just fine,” He sighed again, sitting on the couch. “Just one thing though- you didn’t think to offer him to see his mom?” He asked, malice behind every word. The accusation cut you deeply. Of course you’d asked, but he’d said no. He said ‘I don’t want to go without dad’ because of course he wouldn’t. He didn’t want to go to his moms grave without his dad, and not on his birthday either. You stood there, stunned at his words. He continued. “Y’know, you promised me this wouldn’t be an issue, so tell me now, is this an issue Y/N? I need to know because we can still get an annulment.” 

You gasped at his words. “Aaron stop-”

“No, you stop. You are not his mother. She is. She still is, even if she’s gone. You’ll never be his mother. You’re doing a good job of parenting but nothing compares to Haley. Thank god you’re not his actual mother.”

That was venomous. He was going straight for every insecurity you had around your relationship with Jack and throwing it in your face. He was hurting you. 

The silence was heavy. Aaron finally looked at your face and saw the disgust written all over it. The worst part was the fact that he knew it wasn't disgust at his actions, it was disgust directed at yourself and your parenting. You loved and adored Jack, he knew that. He knew, though he’d never admit it, that Jack liked you more than him, or maybe it was just his insecurity speaking, he wasn’t sure. He knew you gave everything of yourself to the both of them. And he knew he’d just done irreversible damage. 

“I offered,” you muttered, your eyes trained on the floor as you wrapped your arms around your chest, pleading with yourself to not cry. You felt silly, standing there, in his hoodie, his home, and seeing his child as your own. “He said he wanted to wait for you. I said we’d go on Sunday.” 

Aaron’s stomach dropped at the tone of your voice and the words being spoken. He was making you cry. He was hurting you. And all you’d ever been to him was perfectly kind. You’d always been so supportive, so loving, and so caring. As he came in he saw a love note on the fridge, he’d seen one of his favourite chocolate bars on the counter with a note beside it, a little wrapped gift beside it too. There were multiple reminders on the fridge for yourself, ones telling you to pick up things for the party, pick up Jack’s big birthday gift (a new bike), and call Jessica. You cared so much about the both of them, and he’d just said some of the worst things he could’ve, just because he was stressed.

Imagine how stressed you were, planning an entire party on your own while simultaneously working through hours and hours of paperwork (courtesy of your job, you were still working from home even if you weren't technically working), and parenting all week, all alone. 

“There’s dinner in the fridge, I-I’m going to go to bed,” you mumbled, walking about and leaving him alone with his thoughts. He heard your footsteps retract, walking up the stairs and in the opposite direction of your shared bedroom. Shit. You were sleeping in the guest room. 

He got up, irritation and shame barely allowing him to get to the kitchen to eat the meal you’d made him. Why was he like this? Why couldn’t he have just listened to you? 

He sat alone eating, his eyes drifting to the gift on the counter the entire time. I don’t deserve it. He thought, but caved once he finished his food and cleaned up. He pulled the small bow off and unwrapped the colourful paper to reveal a positive pregnancy test. His heart broke again. Inside beside it was a note, in your beautiful handwriting. 

To my dearest Aaron, 

I wanted to tell you the second I found out but I also didn’t want you to come home too early when you were still needed in Washington. We’re pregnant! I’m so excited and nervous and happy and scared all at the same time. I didn’t want to upstage Jack’s birthday but I obviously needed to tell you :) 

I love you so much and I can’t wait for this next chapter! No more guest bedroom I guess :) 

P.s I’m almost sure Jack knows, I’ve been having horrible morning sickness :( but at least this fulfils his christmas wish last year, remember ? 

Anyways, I love you so much and I’m so excited. 

Your love, Y/N

Xxxx 

He felt sick to his stomach. You were pregnant. He’d just been evilly cruel to you and you were pregnant. He’d said some of the most vile things on planet earth to you, he essentially called you a bad mother. And you were pregnant. He hadn’t even realised he was crying until he saw the splotches on the paper, ruining one of the cute doodles you’d done. He immediately put it down, not wanting to damage it further. 

He took a deep breath, then went into his study and allowed himself to cry. He’d been mean. He’d hurt you in the one way he promised he wouldn’t, all because he was overwhelmed. All because he was stressed. 

“Dad?” He heard Jack’s voice and straightened. He wiped his face. “Why are you upset?” Jack walked into his office, pyjamas and a teddy in hand. 

“I did something mean to mom,” he admitted. “And I hurt her by accident,” he wasn’t sure if it was by accident. He was sure some deep part of him just wanted to self-sabotage himself. “And I feel bad about it.”

“It’ll be ok. Mom’s been sick this week, maybe you have the same tummy ache and it’s making you mad?” He suggested and Aaron let out a pathetic chuckle. 

“Maybe bud, maybe,” he agreed. “How about we get you back to bed, huh?” 

“Can I say goodnight to mom again?” He asked and Aaron’s heart broke again. He lifted him up and nodded, walking them down the hall. “You go into her and I’ll get your bed ready, yeah?” 

“OK dad!” Jack exclaimed as he was let down to the ground, and went running off to your shared bedroom. Aaron shook his head. 

“She’s in the other bedroom,” he pushed down another wave of tears at Jack’s confused face. 

“Why?” He asked, confused. 

“I was really mean,” Aaron sniffled. “Say goodnight from me too?”

“Ok dad,” Jack said, walking into the guest room. 

Aaron heard your voice, wishing Jack good dreams. You’d been crying. 

He was the worst person in the world. 

Jack came into his bedroom a few minutes later. “Mom’s still sick, she said goodnight and to tell you that she loves you.”

Aaron almost started crying again. You were so caring. You always put him above yourself. “Thanks buddy.” 

Aaron tucked him in and closed his door over, wishing him a good night. The tears came shortly after. He tried to sleep in your shared bed, but it wasn’t right. You weren’t there. 

Sleep evaded him that night. 

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

The next morning, the morning sickness hit you like a truck. You had your head in the toilet for an hour, at least. You didn’t come out of the guest room until about 9am. You could hear the usual sounds of Jack and Aaron playing outside, probably soccer. You walked downstairs and got yourself a glass of water, the only thing you could actually stomach at the minute. You looked out the window that led to your garden and smiled when you saw your boys playing, then the nagging voice that you thought you’d gotten rid of all but screamed in your ear You’re such a terrible parent. Aaron’s just been trying to conserve your feelings this entire time. Jack probably hates you. You shouldn’t be having another child. 

You looked away. Focus on the party. You told yourself. Get through today.

You had a long list of things that needed doing before the party at 3. You had to pick up balloons, pick up the cake, pick up Jessica and her kids, pick up Sean from the airport (as a surprise for Aaron and Jack), and set everything up. You left a small note on the table explaining where you were, and left. You ran all your errands, leaving picking up Jessica, the kids, and Sean till last. When you walked back in, the house was set up and Jack was immediately excitedly by Jessica, his cousins, and Sean which gave you a moment to slip away from Aaron.

Soon enough, the party started and you were bombarded with around forty children and a party to have. You felt Aaron's eyes on you constantly, checking in on you or just watching you. Once the outdoor film started, Penelope, Emily, Jj, and Spencer came over to ask what was wrong with you and Aaron, saying it was strange to not see you all over each other. You told them about the fight (not the pregnancy) and they were shocked at his behaviour. How could he be so mean? How could he treat you like that?

—----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Aaron had been trying to talk to you for hours. Whenever he tried, a kid or one of the team would stop him with a dumb question, or needing help. You had Emily, Penelope, Jj, and Spencer crowding you the entire night, sending him the dirtiest of looks. That’s how he ended up at the end of the garden with David and Derek, who were both giving him a lecture about how what he’d done was wrong. 

“You can't say anyone is a bad parent!” Derek stressed. “That’s a very clear no-go!”

“I’m aware,” Aaron said, his lips tight in a frown. “I know what I did was wrong.”

“Then why aren’t you apologising?!” Derek exclaimed, loud enough that a few kids turned around to shush him. 

“Because,” Aaron sighed. “Those four haven’t left her side in hours.” 

As the movie came to a close and the children left, you were left with just the team and family. 

You all sat down to dinner, chinese takeout- Jack’s favourite. There was laughter and true joy, especially at David’s insistence that he could make the meal much better than Jack's favourite take-out, considering he was a ‘chef’. 

You all sat down to watch Jack open his gifts, individually thanking each person who gave him something. He was especially taken by the gift Spencer got him, a book on dinosaurs, and he adored the bike. You’d gotten one that you'd made look similar to Sean’s motorbike, Jack was always obsessed with Sean's motorbike. You’d even drawn on specific details that made it even more unique. Everyone eventually trailed out and it was just you, Jack, Sean, and Aaron. Jack asked Sean to read his bedtime story. That meant you and Aaron were left to clean up together. You got up to start picking up plates but Aaron stopped you. 

“Can I?” He offered and you nodded, sitting on the couch. You hadn’t eaten at dinner, all food just meant more vomiting in the morning and you were not up for that. “Can we talk?” He asked. 

“About what?” You sighed, looking over at him. “I think we’ve both said enough.”

“I’m so sorry about last night,” he sighed, coming over to you and sitting beside you. “I was awful. I was disgustingly mean just because I was overwhelmed. You’re an amazing mother to Jack, while you’re not his biological mother, you love him as such and he loves you. You’re a great parent. I was just being reactive and mean. I was so cruel and I'm sorry. I don’t want an annulment. I want to be with you forever. I know that it isn’t a problem. I know how much you love Jack and me,” he chuckled humorlessly. “I know how little I deserve it.”

You took his hand. “What you said… it was probably my worst nightmare,” you chuckled flatly. “And what you said was pretty damaging, Aaron. I just… it completely restarted the voice in my head that says I’m a terrible parent. It made me scared to think about what’s going to happen when we have our baby. I was already terrified about being pregnant, and this was just…” you trailed off as Aaron’s heart broke. Your voice was raw with emotion. You were so hurt. 

“I will spend the rest of my life proving to you that you are the best mother our children could ever have,” he promised and you smiled, but it lacked the regular spark your smiles usually contained. 

“The best mother Jack could have is Haley. We both know that.”

Fuck. Now you were comparing yourself to Haley again. Aaron had quite literally set you back about 4 years in your confidence as Jack’s mother. “Honey-”

“I know it sounds bad, but we both know it’s true. I’m good, but as you said, I’m nothing compared to Haley. Which is fine Aaron. I understand my place.”

His heart broke for what felt like the millionth time. He’d hurt you so badly. “Honey please, I was stressed and overwhelmed and I took it out on you. I meant nothing I said. You’re the best mother to Jack and our unborn child. You are the love of my life-”

“I’m the second love of your life,” you smiled sadly at him. “I’m going to bed, goodnight Aaron.” 

You walked up the stairs with a heavy heart. No matter what he said, you’ll always remember the look on his face when he told you that you weren’t enough, that you weren't Haley.

You fell asleep on your side of the bed, since you couldn’t exactly sleep in the guest room when Sean was in there. 

Aaron leaned against the counter as he washed dishes, thinking about how he could fix this. 

Could he even fix this?

——————————————————————————-------------------

criminal minds masterlist

[sonics-atelier]

𝐈 𝐥𝐨𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 !

For @lucienweekofficial Day 7 : AU

AN : Was going through my wips and found this which was perfect for AU day. Princess Diaries + Elucien = Perfection. Have fun reading <3 WC : 720. Read Below or on Ao3

The sun was setting over the Summer Court, casting a warm golden hue across the lush gardens. The soft murmur of a nearby fountain filled the air as Elain and Lucien strolled together, their steps slow and unhurried. The day had been long, filled with endless meetings and discussions about court alliances, and both were eager for a bit of playful escape.

Elain twirled her delicate lace fan in one hand, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she glanced at Lucien. He caught her look and raised an eyebrow, the corners of his lips twitching upward in a smirk.

“What’s that look for?” Lucien asked, his tone teasing.

Elain’s smile widened. “Just thinking about how much I loathe you,” she said dramatically, her voice dripping with mock disdain.

Lucien placed a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. “You loathe me? That’s funny, because I was just about to say the same thing to you.” He leaned in closer, his grin widening. “I loathe you too, Elain.”

She let out a gasp, raising her fan to swat him on the arm. “How dare you! You infuriate me more than anyone I’ve ever met.”

Lucien chuckled, catching her wrist gently before she could swat him again. “Likewise. You’re impossible, Elain.”

Their eyes met, the playful banter crackling like electricity between them. There was something intoxicating in the way they sparred with words, both knowing full well that there was no real malice behind their teasing. It was a game they both enjoyed far too much.

“Oh, really?” Elain challenged, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. “You loathe me that much?”

Lucien’s gaze darkened, his grip on her wrist tightening slightly as he pulled her closer. “More than you can imagine.”

Without warning, Lucien’s gaze dropped to her lips, and in that instant, Elain’s breath hitched. The tension between them snapped, and in the next breath, Lucien’s lips crashed against hers.

Their lips met in a heated, desperate kiss, the kind that spoke of months of unspoken feelings, of a bond neither of them fully understood but could no longer deny. It was wild, fierce, and utterly consuming. Elain’s fan slipped from her hand, forgotten as she tangled her fingers in Lucien’s hair, pulling him closer.

They stumbled backward, neither paying attention to their surroundings until they collided with the edge of the fountain. With a surprised yelp, they both toppled over, falling into the cool water with a splash.

For a moment, they were both stunned, sitting in the shallow fountain, drenched from head to toe. Then, as the shock wore off, Elain burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the garden. Lucien joined in, the rich sound of his laughter blending with hers, their earlier playful tension dissolving into pure joy.

“You… you really are impossible,” Lucien managed between laughs, his hands still holding onto her waist as they sat in the water.

Elain leaned her forehead against his, her laughter softening into a warm smile. “And you’re infuriating,” she murmured, her eyes shining with affection.

He brushed a wet strand of hair from her face, his thumb gently caressing her cheek. “Maybe, but I think you might just like that about me.”

Elain pretended to think about it, then nodded with a grin. “Maybe I do.”

Lucien smiled, leaning in to kiss her again, this time softer, more tender. The water rippled around them, but neither cared. The world outside their little fountain seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them, tangled together in a perfect moment of playful romance.

Eventually, they pulled apart, breathless and still smiling. Lucien helped Elain to her feet, both of them dripping wet and looking thoroughly disheveled. But neither minded. If anything, the unexpected dip had only added to the delight of the evening.

“Shall we call a truce?” Lucien asked, offering his arm.

Elain looped her arm through his, her smile still wide. “For now. But don’t think this means I’ve forgiven you for all your infuriating ways.”

Lucien chuckled, pressing a kiss to her temple as they began walking back to the manor. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

As they walked away from the fountain, their laughter still lingering in the air, Elain couldn’t help but think that perhaps there was nothing quite as wonderful as loving—and loathing—Lucien Vanserra.

- @sonics-atelier 2024 ( do not repost or reuse in any way, shape or form )

Dividers by @cafekitsune <3

[anony-mouse-writer]

Okay okay okay. This is literally gonna chew on my brain, so.

Here I list the tenets that guide the blooded sword:

I. May all that you face have a fighting chance. Any sword raised to the innocent or unarmed in cruelty is blackened by its shame.

[If he won’t move, move him. This must be done.]

[He could shove Tanguish back against the wall, stun him with the blow, and his sword would be in his hands before Tanguish knew what happened.

II. May your wrath be stoked only by the Saint's wrath, tempered by the Saint's fire, and quenched by the Saint's blood. A fool are they who, gifted the Saint's power, use it in wrath or malice alone.

His body still shook like the innervated sparks of a kicked campfire, but the parts of him that mattered, that controlled his voice and his will, felt so near to nothing it was startling. Transcendent. There was just a simple surety: he was going to make Wels pay for this.

[Do something.]

III. May you meet every adversary with honor, nor despise them for their challenge. May every battle prove your glory, and every accepted challenge prove their equal.

“He’ll make you kneel like that t-too and he’ll kill you, and you won’t be able to do anything to stop him!”

“Then I won’t give him the chance to command me.”

IV. May you be steadfast and know no retreat, for the back turned is once wounded and twice deserving. May every wound won show no proof of running.

V. May you meet every obstacle with courage, for just as all that emits light must endure burning, all the courageous must make a brother of their fears.

Helsknight felt his breath begin to heave, the silent determination of his wrath giving way to something nastier and more desperate.

VI. May your word be law, as binding as chains, and as chains may it drown you when bound in deceit.

“I didn’t promise that.”

“You did!”

…

“Then it's a promise I’m breaking.”

VII. May you seek the counsel of your elders, those more versed in the order and its ways, and respect their word once given, for their communion with the Saint is long, and their wisdom earned.

VIII. May you persevere to the end of any enterprise begun, for the folly is theirs that, through unfinished business, never gain wisdom from deeds done.

“You said we were in this together,” Tanguish said quickly. “Keep your promise and stay.”

IX. May you respect the honor of your fellow helsmet, that none may know you cruel or slave to vice. For no creature, be they sibling of order or beggar or king, is ever deserving of dishonor or pain.

Tanguish was so small, and so fragile. And he was so scared of pain, maybe all he really needed to do was turn around and grab the knife off the table, and then Tanguish would run.]

X. May you treat all siblings of sword and order as your own, held accountable as you would so hold yourself. A villain are they that stray from their tenets, and a villain they that allow it.

- Redstone and Skulk, @silverskye13

…

okay, so now that we’ve gone through all the ways Helsknight broke his tenets this chapter, lets talk about the WoG confirmation that the red text is the will of the his Saint and his accusation that Tanguish is twisting his tenets.

…… yeah I mean, he kind is. He’s admitted to it in the past too.

Like, obviously I am deeply unwell about this series in general, but Helsknight’s devotion to his Saint is so fucking fascinating to me personally. Holding to a code no one else has to is hard as shit and the Saint’s code is pretty vicious. But part of the code also addresses getting help from others and I don’t even know if there are others of the order?

BUT what there are others of, is the champions of the arena. And Helsknight has been forgoing their help for a while and the Hand calls him out on it. Helsknight just now realizing that he doesn’t have a lot of things grounding himself to him instead of Wels (and self-admittedly ignoring several of those things of late) isn’t healthy and he needs to reach out and he needs someone to hold him accountable, either to his tenets or whatever internal logic he decides to replace them with, and I don’t think it can be Tanguish, because I love him, but he’s absolutely a manipulative little shit who will use Helsknight’s code to his advantage in tense situations.

Hels doesn’t get much in the way of happy endings and I’m not entirely convinced that the ideal scenario for Helsknight to follow his tenets to the letter at this moment would be to muster up his allies and a battle plan and then march on hermitcraft to duel Wels or something. Which would be lowkey highkey horrible for everyone involved, not gonna lie. But I also have to wonder reallly strongly about how the red text of the Saint’s will directly violated several of the tenets and what that means for Helsknight going forward.

[onestormeynight]

Meeting The Canales

It was one of those rare days where everyone's schedules aligned and Rosie took the opportunity to take the twins to Oasis Springs to meet their grandfather, uncle and aunt. Rosie was nervous about how Ellie would treat them, but she steeled herself to follow through. Despite her efforts, Ellie just wasn't interested in a relationship with her except on the most surface of terms. Rosie suspected that if Ellie didn't adore Penny, she herself would not have been tolerated.

Uncle Sam, however, was more than happy to meet the girls now that they could properly remember him. He wiped at his nose and sniffed, hoping no one would notice.

"Hey Nellie, Ida," He said, nodding to each one.

"You got it backwards," Nellie said. "I'm Ida."

"I'm Nellie," Ida said.

"You're both tiny liars," Sam laughed. "I've known you your whole lives, I can tell the difference."

"Drat!" Nellie said.

"Come on, munchkins," he said ushering them towards the playground.

Rosie greeted her brother with a quick kiss on the cheek as he took her girls over to the space ship to play. Ellie gave him a judging look over her glasses as he went past.

"It's so good to see you," She said, grabbing Ellie's attention back. "It's been so long."

"Uh, yeah, I guess," Ellie said.

"Ellie," Ricky hissed. She rolled her eyes with a sigh.

"And how are you, Rosalie?"

"I'm good," She answered, slightly nervous now. "How have you guys been? How's school and work?"

"It's like, fine, or whatever." Ellie pulled her phone out and started typing away to someone.

"Things are going well," Ricky said, taking over the conversation. "I got the corner office I wanted last week."

"To our left, General!" Ida shouted to Nellie.

"That's your right, Captain!"

"No, that's left."

Sam jumped up with a roar and both girls screamed in glee. He pretended to shear off part of their ship and hustled off to "hide" in the bushes while they repaired. Captain Ida left her post to brave the outside of the ship, repairing the arm that held one of their engines.

"Oh, you don't really play chess?" Rosie said. "That's okay, I can teach you. I learned from my Grandfather Darion."

Ellie made a choking kind of laughing sound. "Um, like, okay? This is like, nerd shit, though."

"It's actually really good for your brain. I play with Sam when we hang out, too."

"Yeah. He's a nerd."

Rosie dropped her cheery demeanor. Minding the mean streak her husband and mother so recently pointed out to her, she stayed firm but without malice. Very calmly she moved one of her pieces.

"You don't like me," she said.

Ellie looked stunned to be called out so directly. "You're just not my vibe," she offered.

"That wasn't a question. You don't like me."

"Fine. You're right. I don't like you."

"Can you even give me a valid reason or is this your mother still talking?"

"Her reasons are valid. You more than likely are not Dad's. You're not my sister. You and your mother just wanted their relationship to fail and you got what you wanted."

"So," Rosie said, sitting back. "To be just perfectly clear, it's me and my mother's fault your mom decided to pick up strange and throw her marriage out the window? It's our fault that she said with her own mouth she hated being a mother and wife?"

Ellie paled under the bright sun. Clearly, Ricky had never given her the full story. Why would he? She wasn't an adult. It was complicated and heavy stuff. There was a way her body language changed, like Rosie had found the soft spot in her armour.

"Oh, I see. Well, I will say, that was really kind of Dad to spare you from," Rosie continued. "But, since we're having a heart to heart, I'll tell you. Your mother abandoned Sam because she didn't want the responsibility. My guess is that she favored you while you were small and malleable, but now that you have your own mind, she doesn't like you quite so much. She liked having a doll, she does not like having a daughter. Did I get that about right?" She looked her sister up and down. "Yeah. I think I did. One last thing, Ellie. It's fine if you want to be a heinous bitch to me, but if I see so much as a fucking sneer in my children's direction..." At this, she leaned over the chess table and made direct eye contact with Ellie. "I will solve the problem. "

"Are you threatening me?!"

"Directly."

((prev)) ((next))

[criminal-sen]

Oh shit omg I FINALLY got to watch a few episodes of Scavenger's Reign and it is 100% My Kind Of Shit, there was even a fucking Akira reference, I do NOT miss the Akira references no matter how subtle lol (it's when the lady hallucinates her guts spilling out, which i wouldn't really call subtle tbfh). Anyway yah im probably not gonna see anymore for a while (as I've said before, I don't pay for streaming services and I also don't know how to pirate without fucking everything up) but it is marked and highlighted in my brain as something I REALLY want to finish watching *deletes rant about the Good Old Days of physical media* and yah, like everything about it is fucking stunning, equal parts intriguing and horrific, I love that they so accurately convey the feeling of nature as like.. well, uncaring, just like it can be on Earth? There can be good and beautiful and useful things, but just as easily, there can be things can hurt and kill you without even acknowledging you. You can be food, or an accidental intruder, or just in the fucking way, and there's no malice in it but also no understanding of your pain, like I think we can all agree few things would be worse than being eaten alive by some bear or big cat that doesn't know the meaning of a humane death. And yah to put all that into a completely alien setting- and it feels.. 'believable' is a weird word to use but yah, like.. well thought out? Like they really brainstormed and researched and put time and effort into creating a ecosystem that's alien enough to look and act bizarre af, but not bizarre enough that we can't understand the roles the various flora and fauna are standing in for.

I do need to find out wtf that little raisiny frog guy was doing with all those orbs tho, like who tf... Wat You Doin Little Guy?????? And then he dies like :p oh well, guess we'll never know, but I do have an inkling of an idea that it's gonna be bad:3 (DONT tell me, I will be SO mad if u tell me)

[chaoticxbeast]

Raph gets a taste of his own medicine part 4

First part. Second part. Third part. Fourth part

Context: Raph is targeted by Hun and forced to fight several waves of purple dragons on his own.

Content: Violence, some humor. Wordcount: 1050

--

The third wave was a group of four experienced purple dragons. Slice and Sparks, Tank, and Bruiser.

Slice was a wiry man with a permanent sneer that twisted his face into something untrustworthy. His hair slicked back, his skin was sickly white, and he had beady eyes that seemed to gleam with malice.

Sparks was a lanky guy, with a green mohawk, wearing camo and cargo pants, with random gear stuffed in his pockets. He also wore small round glasses that reflected the light from the small windows in the gym, making it hard to figure out where his eyes were focused.

Tank was a towering muscular man with a shaved head and scars across his knuckles. Raphael noted the vacant look in his eye, figuring he wasn´t exactly the leader of the group.

Bruiser was a lot like Tank, but with a more focused look upon his face. As if he wasn´t really a bad kind of guy, but just here on duty. He was a hulking man, with a broad jaw, broken nose and cauliflower ears, and he had old bruises all over his arms. Raph grinned up at him in attempt to intimidate him, but Bruiser just stared at him in return, as if to show dominance.

While Raph was the type of fighter that could flow well with chaos and impulsivity, these four had planned their approach. Slice and Sparks moved to flank the turtle, surrounding him, while the other two stayed put. Their tactic was to confuse, intimidate, and distract.

Sparks twirled his weapon, filling the air around them with electricity to confuse Raph´s senses. And Slice made darting movements, feigning attacks with his knives, causing him to feel on edge.

Raph was pissed. He didn’t have his weapons—this was a school night, after all—and the whole fight was beginning to feel unfair and infuriating.

“You know what?” Raph said. “You guys are bullies. This isn’t a fair fight. I don’t even have my weapons!”

“Maybe you should’ve prepared better,” Hun said casually, as if offering helpful advice.

“What? How? How could I have possibly prepared better?”

Suddenly, Tank charged forward with a steel baseball bat. Raph ducked just in time, diving low and locking his arms tightly around Tank’s legs. Using the brute’s weight and momentum against him, Raph held on hard, sending Tank crashing face-first onto the floor with a loud thud.

Tank fell on his face, and Raph got up with a grin on his face, grabbing the metal bat. Now he was feeling better. Raph spun the bat in his hand, and then instantly made a forceful swing at Slice’s face. Slice took the hit and wobbled back, grabbing his face and dropping his knives with a clatter. But before Raph could turn around, Sparks darted in from the side and struck him across the shell with his stun baton.

Raph couldn’t understand what had hit him, and dropped to his knees from the shock coursing through his body.

However, being a mutant, Raph had more durability and strength than most. He got back up on his feet, and turned with a furious growl, eyes blazing with anger, as if the pain triggered something volatile in him. "I’m gonna fucking kill you guys!"

Sparks faltered, bravado fading from his face and Slice laughed, a loud sharp shrilling sound that rubbed Raph the wrong way. Slice elbowed Sparks playfully. "Heehe..Now you’re gonna get it."

Raph waisted no time, and threw the bat full force at Sparks face. Sparks was hit right in the jaw, and fell backwards, knocked out cold. In the flow and completely beserk, Raph grabbed the stun baton and made two chaotic swipes at Slice, who darted out of the way.

And then Bruiser moved. His massive fist came down on Raph´s shell, hitting him like a hammer. Raph lost the baton, dropping on his knees, gritting his teeth through the pain. He was soon up again, and punched Bruiser hard in the lower gut. The turtle then bounced on his feet for a moment, before sending a spinning kick at Bruiser’s face.

Bruiser was down, but Tank was up again, and hit Raph across the plastron with his steel bat, once and twice. Raph coughed, and groaned, and fell on his face. It looked like the fight was over, and Hun walked over to Raph, kneeling down.

"Uh. I guess it’s time." Hun said. "Someone? cut off his finger."

"Well we’re done here." Tank said, hauling up his friends up from the floor. "Cutting off his finger huh, that’s fucked up."

"Well I’m not doing it. I don’t wanna hurt him." Hun said.

That was when Mr.Karma, the guy next to Casey and Angel (On the top row of the bleachers) got up.

"I’ll do it boss."

Casey Jones exchanged a look with Angel, who merely shrugged and got to her feet as well. “I wanna see this,” she muttered.

"Cut off his finger? Why??"

"To pay off my bike, for example. Apparently mutant fingers sell well." Angel replied coldly, and Casey wondered where he had failed.

“You need therapy,” Casey said bluntly. Then, louder: “Actually, you all need therapy!” Without waiting for a response, Casey kicked Mr. Karma in the back, sending him tumbling down the bleachers. “Goongala!”

Mr. Karma, apparently the last one of the fourth wave, hit the floor with a loud crash.

An awkward silence broke out, before several of the purple dragons, began to make their way out of the gym, some limping, and some were scared, knowing just how violent that hockey guy could get.

"Angel? You´re friends with this guy?" Hun asked.

"I don’t know him," She said, glaring at Casey, and stood next to Hun.

"Listen. I’m taking the turtle back out of here. And you better stop doing this..dumbass shit." Casey said, pointing a finger at Hun.

Hun sighed. Actually he just wanted to head home now too. "Whatever. Not like I’m the boss.."

Casey held his hands up for a moment, and made his way to the turtle. He crouched down, poking Raph in the shoulder. "Hey? Buddy. You alive?" Raph made a soft low groan.

"Oh good." Casey grabbed his arm and pulled Raph up from the floor. Raph seemed dazed, but in good shape besides a couple bruises. "Did..Did I kick their butts?" Raph groaned, voice low and hoarse.

"Sure did." Casey patted his strange green face.

"I´m awesome.." Raph grinned weakly. "Who´re you?"

"Name´s Casey. Lets get you out of here."

[firecaptainphoenix]

Shot Down Like Icarus

About: Phoenix struggles through flashbacks when Jay gets hurt during the earthquake. TW: Death mention, Injury, Panic Attack

"I know you're worried, I am too, but Dodger is fine. He's just…in a bad headspace," Phoenix explained as he walked alongside Jay. 

It gone back to just being the two of them, and despite his best intentions to keep things light there was only one thing the topic kept circling back to. She was worried, and he didn't blame her, it felt like everything was falling into place and now Dodger seemed off. He knew it took some adjusting to their new dynamics but overall he really thought they'd been in a good spot. 

"Like you were?" And Phoenix has to try not to flinch, there's no malice or judgment in her tone. She's genuinely trying to wrap her head around what's happened to one of the few parental figures she has left. 

"Kind of…yeah, the best we can do is just reassure him we love him and he's enough for us. You know?" He wraps his arm around her shoulders pulls her close to his side as they walk down the outer end of main street. 

"You know, speaking of reassuring people, do I need to have a talk with your mom?" He asks tone light, if a little teasing. 

"My m-mo-mom?! I don't… I mean I don't have a mom, dad. I have you, I had another dad, and I have Dodger," she stutters out, her face turning a bright shade of pink. 

"I've heard the slip ups Jay, and I'm not mad if that's what you're worried about. We lived with her and her parents for a while, hell you call them Grandpa and Grandma more than you did my own mother," which he was grateful for. Far as he was concerned Jay didn't have grandparents kicking around. 

Jay chewed her lip and scratched idly at the side of her face as she glanced down. "Is it actually ok? I mean…I just she's always been there. I never wanted a mom…she just kind of already is one to me. I don't want to make Dodger feel bad either… cause I thought about asking him too… but I've been worried this is all way too much… that I'm too much and he doesn't want to be my dad either."

Phoenix's heart lurched in his chest, stopping and putting his hands on her shoulder. "Jaybird they both love you almost as much as I do," he said softly, he briefly tapped her chin to get her to look at him, "How bout this, I test the waters. See how they feel about it?" 

Jay seems to consider this, slowly nodding, he sees her mouth open about to speak when the ground rumbles. Her eyes widen, it's been years since either of them have called LA home but the rumble is familiar. She's reaching for Phoenix when rumbles increase and she's stumbling back, hears window shattering and then everything is dark. 

Phoenix coughed pushing himself off the ground with a groan, managing to get to his feet, it took a moment before he felt stable. Glancing up he stared at the rubble pile in front of him, and saw a familiar hand sticking out. 

"Jay!" The scream that rips out of him is raw, feels like he's been shot with how quickly he's scrambling over. He can hear his breathing getting ragged, and feels a cold sinking feeling come over him. "Not again…not again please… God please not again."

He doesn't even realize what he's mumbling as his hands work through the rubble. He's suddenly not in Huntsville, he's back in LA searching for Bradley. He never actually did, he'd been told the news later that night. He'd been meant to lead search and rescue after a particularly bad earthquake, and had been stunned when he saw Bradley working the scene. 

The whole point of Bradley transferring to being a paramedic had been so Jay would always have a parent. That Phoenix would risk himself, it should have been him, it was never meant to be Bradley.

"You know Bradley, he always had to help people. He rushed in there before anyone could stop him. I'm sorry Phoenix." 

He can't lose her too, he can't, he won't survive he thinks frantically. His hands are starting to bleed from the various things he's grabbing without a thought. Can't feel the pain, all he feels is a numbing terror continuing to build. When he sees her face he hears a broken sob slip out, is careful to keep clearing rubble around her chest, and starts checking her over. 

There's blood on her face, a gash on the side of her head that's likely to require stitches he thinks. Leaning forward he has his face close to her mouth, another choke sob slipping out when he feels her breath. It's weak but it's there he thinks as he clears more rubble. The worst of it seems to be the gash on her head, along with a shard of glass in her arm. He's more careful than he thinks he's ever been with her, when he lifts her as gently as he can. 

He's not sure if he's walking or running, a mix of both, and ignores everything else around him. By the time he's at the station he can hear Dahlia barking orders into the walkie as well as getting the emergency vehicles ready. He sees Dodger looking like he'd been about to head out, possibly to search for them. 

He's numb when he sets Jay down on a cot and looks at his fellow Captain, "I… I can't stay… I have to go back out…," the words come out soft. Before he leans over to kiss Jay briefly on the cheek and walk over to talk to Dodger. 

[jarino]

Ghost Towns: Chapter 7 (Birds of a Feather)

With Teba’s help, Link attacks Vah Medoh. After, he is introduced to Teba’s son.

AO3 Link

When Link landed at the Flight Range, he’d been given a gruff greeting by Teba. The rito was occupied with refitting his bow, tightening the string and testing its strength.

‘I understand you’re planning to take on Medoh again,’ Link signed, standing in front of Teba so he could see him properly.

“That’s right,” Teba muttered, “which means I’m pretty busy here. I’d appreciate if you’d leave me to it.”

‘I need to get to the divine beast,’ Link replied. ‘Maybe we can help each other out?’

Teba raised an eyebrow. “You can’t be serious. A tiny thing like you would get blown away before you could even try getting a hit in.”

Link huffed in aggravation. ‘This place we’re in…rito use it to train in archery, right?’

“Yeah, what of it?”

‘Just watch.’

Without another word, Link hopped over the edge, opening his glider and catching the updraft. He took the chance to begin firing arrows at the targets surrounding him. Within moments, he’d hit five bullseyes.

As he landed back on the deck, Teba was staring at him, agape. After he overcame his shock, he shook his head slightly. “Well…that’s one way to prove me wrong, I guess.”

He sighed before turning to Link. “What’d you say your name was?

‘Link.’

“Well, Link…I think you’ve more than proven yourself. I’ll take you to Vah Medoh. Now…here’s the plan…”

-----

The attack on the divine beast went smoothly for the most part. The only issue was Teba sustaining a minor injury. He was forced to return to the ground in order to tend to his wound, meanwhile Link would face Medoh alone.

The divine beast was dripping with malice, much like Ruta had been. And this time around, Revali’s voice echoed throughout the space.

“You sure took your sweet time getting here,” he said with mild aggravation.

Link gripped the Sheikah Slate tighter, his throat filling with guilt. I’m sorry… he thought to himself. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry…

He tried to focus on the puzzles the divine beast presented to him, but his mind kept drifting to Revali and the other champions. They’d been waiting so long for someone to ease their suffering. Did he really need to rest a hundred years to recover his strength? What would have happened if he’d managed to wake sooner?

Mipha hadn’t seemed to hold any grudges, but she also was a kind soul by nature. Meanwhile, Revali’s distaste was plain for Link to see, and the princess…well, based on the memories he’d recovered so far, it didn’t seem like she cared for him much. She was probably just as frustrated as Revali.

He needed to work quicker. The last thing he wanted was to let them down any more.

After a while, he managed to activate all the terminals, and made his way to the main control unit. At least this time, he had a vague idea of what to expect. He set the slate on the pedestal, then backed away as soon as it chimed in activation.

Malice shot out from the terminal, swirling and meshing together to form Windblight Ganon.

The wretched beast attempted to send tornadoes in Link’s direction, but luckily, he was able to dodge them.

It also had a laser gun, which fired at him in quick succession. Link kept running, desperate to avoid its attacks. Eventually, he managed to find an opening and shot the creature in its eye, bringing it to the ground. He took the opportunity to attack it as much as he could, before it could rise again.

This back and forth occurred a few more times, with Link getting a few chances here and there to deal damage. The battle was tough, but in the end, he managed to fell the beast.

Revali’s spirit appeared not long after, gazing at Link with a glint in his eyes. “Well…you did it. Who would have thought?” He held his wings behind his back, his calculating gaze locked on Link.

“I suppose I should thank you. This returns Medoh back to its rightful owner.”

Link looked at him, stunned. He hadn’t expected to be thanked by Revali, not after seeing his attitude in his memory.

Revali’s brows furrowed and his voice turned somewhat spiteful. “Don’t preen yourself just for doing your job.”

Link turned his eyes downward. ‘I’m sorry…For everything.’

Revali averted his eyes, letting out a “hmph.” “I suppose you’ve proven your value as a warrior. A warrior worthy of my unique ability.”

The rito twirled his hand with a finesse, sending an orb of light towards Link’s chest. He glanced down at the light as it entered him, then looked back up at Revali with shock. The offer of a gift was certainly unexpected, but he was definitely grateful for it.

He was about to sign his thanks, but that was when a different light began emanating from his body. Oh…he was being taken away once more.

Before he had a chance to do anything else, the light encompassed him, transporting him away from the divine beast, and away from Revali. Once again, Link was taken away before he had a chance to say goodbye.

Upon arriving outside Rito Village, Link took a deep breath in an attempt to calm himself. Was he doomed to never connect with the champions? Would he never fully recover his memory of his past life?

After he took a few minutes to collect his thoughts, Link entered the village. He searched for Teba, but the warrior was nowhere to be found.

Before he could do anything else, he heard Saki’s voice behind him. “Descendant? Is that you?”

He turned to face her, and upon meeting his gaze, her face brightened. “Oh, it is you! Thank goodness. I was so concerned when Teba told me you took on Vah Medoh yourself, but it looks like I was worried for nothing.”

She glanced upward, pointing out where the divine beast had perched. “I can’t believe it, but we’re finally safe from its wrath. And it’s all thanks to you.”

‘I couldn’t have done it without Teba.’

She smiled. “Of course. Thank you for helping him, by the way. If you hadn’t been there with him, I fear he may have sustained much worse injuries.”

‘Speaking of Teba…where is he?’

“Oh!” Saki said. “He returned to the Flight Range, actually. He insisted he could still practice his archery, even while sitting. And as you can see, I wasn’t quite able to stop him.” She gave a self-conscious chuckle.

‘Thank you…I’m gonna go check on him.’

“You’re very kind, thank you for worrying about him.”

Grabbing his glider, Link took off from Revali’s Landing once more.

After arriving at the Flight Range, Link could hear two voices. One obviously belonged to Teba, but the other sounded like a child.

Curiously, Link made his way inside, and his suspicions were correct. A small rito with similar coloring to Teba stood beside him, chatting away eagerly.

“How big were the cannons?! How close did you get? Do you think your leg will leave a scar?”

Teba let out a good-natured sigh. “Tulin, trust me, it wasn’t as exciting as you’re making it out to be. I just got unlucky.”

“But you fought the divine beast! No one else has done that!”

“Are you forgetting about the hylian who came with me? He’s the real hero of this story.”

Link turned pink at that, embarrassed at overhearing their conversation. He softly cleared his throat to notify them of his presence.

“Whoa!” Tulin said. “Is that him? The hylian?”

“Yep, that’s him,” Teba said.

“Woooow!” Tulin cried, suddenly invading Link’s space. “I’m so jealous! You had an incredible battle, didn’t you! Can you tell me about what happened?”

The boy’s hyperactive energy was a little overwhelming and Link was unsure how to respond. Thankfully, Teba stepped in for him.

“Now, Tulin. Remember your manners. I’m sure Link is exhausted after everything that happened.”

Tulin seemed to deflate at that. “Oh…”

‘Hey now,’ Link signed. ‘It’s okay, I don’t mind talking about it.’

The boy perked up again almost immediately. “You mean it? Awesome! Thank you so much!”

Chuckling, Link took a seat at a nearby chair. ‘Let’s see…where should I start?’

-----

Link spent several hours with Tulin. After he’d told all the details he could about the divine beast, the boy had begged Link to show off his archery skills for him. Happily, Link obliged. Tulin then asked Link if he could give him some pointers, and after getting permission from his father, Link knelt down to show Tulin how to hold a bow. He taught him the basics, and after a bit of practice, Tulin managed to shoot one of the targets.

After a while, Tulin had begun to tire, and had fallen asleep on the cabin’s bed. Meanwhile, Link and Teba sat at the table, enjoying some coffee.

“Thank you for entertaining him,” Teba said. “I know he can be a lot to handle.”

‘Not at all. I really enjoyed spending time with him.’

“I’m glad to hear it,” Teba chuckled. He took a sip of his coffee and glanced over at his son. “He obviously looks up to you, and to be honest, I can’t thank you enough for your help. Without you, I likely would have perished up there.”

Link didn’t respond, he just took another long drink.

“I guess what I’m saying is,” Teba continued, “you’re welcome here. Tulin seems to see you as a big brother figure, and Saki and I would be more than be willing to let you stay with us whenever you’d like.”

‘Oh…I couldn’t impose like that…’

“I promise you, it wouldn’t be imposing.”

Link though about it for a long while, his expression sheepish. ‘Well…thank you, then. I’ll definitely consider it.’

He wasn’t used to all this kindness. So far, most of the strangers he’d met had been eager to let him into their lives, and seemed thankful for even the smallest of gestures.

Glancing over at the sleeping boy, Link smiled. Maybe, just maybe, he’d found another place to call home.

[zippers]

had a great meeting with my boss about my job concerns, but he made a comment towards the end saying that it looked like i was wearing pajamas... and like, sure I am wearing a graphic tee, but it's artistic and references our field so I thought it was appropriate... and I'm literally wearing my best pants (which happen to be leopard print slacks but I didn't think animal print was unprofessional??)

and he didn't say it with any malice, but the way he said it sounded like he had wanted to make that comment the whole time I was there, and I had been there for like 2 hours at that point. I was just kind of stunned, all i could say was "really?! these are my best pants?!" but I wish i had said "sorry, but as you know, you havent given me a single hour in over two months so i couldn't afford nicer clothes if I wanted to" 😭😭

and the context was, he said I "present/dress like an indoor person" and i said "well, I don't normally dress like this, I was aiming for business-ish casual" when he hit me back with "what you're wearing looks like pajamas"

and I know it's bothering me so much because I was constantly harassed by high school administration over "wearing pajama pants" to the point where an adult woman chased me into the bathroom screaming at me. So having clothes I specifically picked out bc I thought they reflected well of me, diminished as pajamas.... triggered!

[blarp-is-tired]

Chapter I: “My name is Jeralt.”

Their staring contest was soon interrupted by the blond man speaking, “Before we get going, I should introduce us. My name is Jeralt and this is my son, Byleth; we’re mercenaries.” The girl wasn’t listening, though. She was too busy staring at this “Byleth” character. “He looks so lifeless… What happened to make him become this way… Wait! Did he just say ‘Byleth’,” she thought. Xiyon noticed this behaviour and called her out for it. 

“Sis,” he whispered. “Why are you looking at him like that?” O’Ren paused for a moment before responding. “You remember Three Houses, right? Byleth is the main character and Jeralt is his father! I think we might be in their universe, ” she whispered back, her face seeming quite grim. “It’s just that… that he looks… He just looks so dead, a-and soulless in person,” she paused for another moment. “I feel as though I’ve seen him before. In my dreams, the ones with the little girl, back in the real world,” she continued. What they didn’t realise, however, was that Jeralt had a good ear, he heard it all.

“Oh?” Jeralt questioned. “You have dreams of a girl? What does she look like? And what is this ‘real world’ you speak of?” “I.. Erm,” O’Ren stammered. The duo hadn’t realised that he heard all of that. “Well I haha…” “How about we talk about this later. In private,” Xiyon cut in. He still didn’t trust this man, despite seemingly having no ill will toward the siblings.

“Ah, right. My apologies,” Jeralt said, looking guilty. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” Xiyon bore holes into Jeralt’s eyes, finding no malice, he replied, “It’s no problem. You didn’t do that on purpose.” “This may seem like an odd question, feel free to ignore it. Do you two know how to fight?”

This time, O’Ren cut in. “Yes. We do know how to fight. I know some black magic and can fight well with a sword. My brother can heal and use an axe.” This surprised Jeralt. “You two know magic,” Jeralt gasped. “Hm,” Byleth mused quietly. “So O’Ren hurts and Xiyon heals,” Byleth thought to himself. Jeralt hadn’t realised it yet, but Byleth felt some sort of kinship to the pair, as though not only had they met, but should be close to each other. It was as though the girl had led him many times before… 

Jeralt cleared his throat, getting their attention. “Do you have parents,” he questioned. “Where are they?” “We’re orphans,” Xiyon responded. He looked at his sister as if telling her to make them feel pity for them. “Our parents left us, they’re probably dead by now,” O’Ren tacked on, looking teary eyed. “I see… I’m so sorry,” Jeralt said sadly. “It’s really no problem,” Xiyon said. “You’ve been very kind to us thus far.” Jeralt seemed lost in thought for a while, before smiling. What he said next truly stunned the teens. “How about you stay with us?”

[decadentias]

LISTENING TO HIS SPEECH ABOUT HOPE was touching. Felicity had no one to tell her that she could be happy if she just tried. Not even her brother. She hadn't told herself those kind, hopeful words. She didn't want to expect that she'd ever experience happiness. She was a shell of the person she once was. It was all about survival for her. She only planned on getting by as she went through this arranged marriage. Stunned by his spiel, she was quiet, letting it marinate. He sounded well-intentioned and sincere. "You know, I really hate people like you," she said, though there was no malice in her voice. "You are everything I want–—and I aspire to be," she added as an afterthought. It felt like he could save her, which was one thing that she and everyone else failed at. "I don't like them. They're clingy, needy, and so fragile. They need a lot of love." She wouldn't admit it to anyone but she still felt like that child. She couldn't even decide for herself and stand up against her father. "I'm in a family of businessmen. It's always been about profit. Our families would also want us to continue their legacy, which means business." She knew money was a necessity yet everyone around her was greedy. "I'll see if I can get back to it." // @thewcllingtons

❝ We have more than hope. I'm determined to make it so, I'm not sure what you've dealt with before. This may not be what you invisioned for your life, but we can work to make the most of it and create ways for us to be happy. To make this all worth it. ❞ Felicity's dwontroddened aura pained him. He could feel it from here. The longing and desire to make something out of this life. As if she didn't have the ability to do that all on her own. Elio didn't have a savior complex, but he sure as hell wanted to save her from whatever was going on with her right now. He listened intently to what she had to say about what she expected from their marriage. ❝ Okay... I'm not entirely a fan of kids either. ❞ Growing up a single child, the thought of children scared him. Whether Felicity had her own fears or decided to break the rules where she could is unknown to him. He didn't have an expectation when it came to that part of their life anyways. ❝ What makes you think you have to profit off of everything you do?! You don't have to make a profit to be an artist. It's a passion... You should follow it if it calls to you. ❞ // @decadentias

[bellafragolina]

You don't even know how much i enjoy reading ur work it's just *chef kiss*

And i've never seen a Zoroark hybrid s/o,so Ingo,Emmet,N and Guzma with that kind of hybrid s/o and ofc u can add any character you want <3!

Sure!! Zoroark are very beautiful, and they’d make stunning hybrids

🍓🍓🍓

Ingo:

He saw you in the station, and nearly walked into a pillar. Your hair floated around you ethereally, and you moved with a flowing gait, like you weren’t even really in this plane of reality. Ingo stared in awe of your beauty, and it caught your attention almost immediately.

You approached, and asked if there was a problem. To your surprise, Ingo blushed, and said no, he just thought you were beautiful. He introduces himself, and you do the same, confirming that you are a Zoroark hybrid. You thought he had a problem with you, as some people do with hybrids

But Ingo doesn't. As you continue to use the railway, even taking on Ingo's Single Train a few times, Ingo is nothing but respecting and polite, though he does have some questions. You think his blush whenever he's nearby is cute, so it's an easy, developing relationship that leads to you kissing him on the cheek when he stammers out a confession to you

Emmet:

Emmet is, sadly, all up in your grill when you first enter his line of sight. He's right there, marveling how your hair floats around you, the unnatural glow of your eyes, peppering you with excited questions. It's a little annoying, but he means well. You can tell there's no malice, so you answer a few of his questions as you walk to your destination

After the initial meeting, you see Emmet everywhere. He always has something to say, so you end up in conversation after conversation. He's pleasant company, funny and easy to talk to, so you're easily able to grow fond of him, growling away strangers that try to interrupt you two to talk to the Subway Boss. Emmet finds it plus your resulting blush endearing

Emmet is quick to suggest dating as he realizes his affections for you run deeper than most. He wants to brush your pretty hair and stare into your hypnotizing eyes without worrying you'll think he's a creep. But you don't, happily nuzzling into his shorter hair as he plays with yours. True love <3

N:

N is amazed by you. He finds you during his travels, and approaches with his legendary, stunning you as well. You have a conversation about his legendary, then a conversation about how you're a Zoroark hybrid. He's very respectful of how willing you are to tell him anything, and once you're finished, he asks if you'll show him around

The two of you bond over various things as you show him around your region. He loves watching you move, the flow of your hair and the sparkle of your eyes in the sun. When you smirk and show him sharp teeth, N knows he's a goner. He sticks around in the region for longer than he usually does, just to get to know you more

When he finally works up the courage to tell you about his feelings, he also offers you the option of traveling with him. His legendary already likes you, and he's fine with the idea of you coming with him as he tries to learn more about Pokémon and people. You could help him learn about more hybrids! So what do you say?

Guzma:

Guzma is intimidated when he first sees you. Your eyes were glowing in the lamp lights, bright beacons through the darkness of the night. He didn't know what to do, but he knew he didn't want to appear scared, so he picks a fight instead. You don't take kindly to it and pick him up by the back of his jacket to hang him on the nearby fence. He does not take kindly to this

You let him yell out his shit, then ask him questions about why he's such a little shit. He asks you the same, and you two eventually get to talking. You're on amicable ground by the time you decide to take him off the fence. He huffs at you, but you've won him over with your humor and your ethereal beauty (not that he'd ever admit that last one)

He brings you to the Shady House, and the grunts are all over you. You're scary looking a little bit, and they think it's badass. They wanna touch and play with your hair, looking at your eyes and sharp teeth. They'll shine you with flashlights to watch your eyes glow, and Guzma scolds him like he doesn't do the same when y'all are alone. It's a fun relationship that you develop, one the grunts celebrate when you make it official. Hell yeah, boss and scary boss. Guzma isn't amused, but you sure as hell are

🍓🍓🍓

I'm looking at the finished project and realizing I did the Hisuian Zorark instead of the other one. Whoops! I can rewrite it if you want, love, just let me know!

Have a good night, love!

~Renee

[absurdthirst]

Decisions To Be Made {Oberyn Martell x F!Reader}

Rating: Mature

Warnings: Mentions of sex, arranged marriages, bisexuality.

A/N: Part 2 of The Arrangement 

Writer Wednesday 9/22/21 @autumnleaves1991-blog​ @clydesducktape​

“So, dove.” Oberyn reaches up and cups your cheek, his thumb stroking the bone gently. “Do we honor the arrangement, or do you wish to forfeit your betrothal?” He asks, arching an eyebrow at you.

You swallow hard, your throat dry and you open your mouth to speak. “I-”

Your eyes search his face and you gulp and try again. “I need to think about this.” 

Oberyn nods and gives you a proud look, like you had given the correct answer. “Of course, you should not enter into something as substantial as this without thinking it over.” 

His hand drops away from your face and you wish that it hasn’t as he steps back. There must be some kind of discreet button on the desk that he presses because almost immediately as soon as he sits back down, the door to the study opens and that same gorgeous woman from before. 

“I will show her to her rooms, lover.” There is obvious affection between the two of them. His eyes soften and he reaches out to pull Ellaria into his lap for a passionate kiss. Your face grows hot watching the intimate moment between the two of them. 

For a moment it is as if you are not in the room. Their mouths meld together and tongues clash and tangle in a battle that is both erotic and poetic. You glance away for a moment to look over the opulent room but curiosity brings your gaze back to them. He had just proposed to you, or rather, asked you if you wanted to keep your betrothal and he was kissing another. He had meant what he said about not limiting himself. 

Ellaria pulls away and turns to look at you. “Poor thing.” She coos, straightening slightly as Oberyn strokes her arm and looks at her in adoration. “Apologizes, I did not mean to make you feel unwelcome. Come, let me escort you, I have already drawn you a hot bath to soak away your travel and let you contemplate your decision.”

There is no malice in her eyes. You can tell it was not some kind of power play on her part. Seemingly just a normal thing that occurred when the two of them were together. You find yourself nodding and Ellaria stands with a smile and sweeps you away without even bidding Oberyn farewell. 

Through the halls she guides you. Your eyes darting around as you try to memorize the labyrinth so you can find your way back. 

“We won’t be here long.” Ellaria comments easily. “Oberyn will want to get back home soon. So you don’t have to worry about learning the ins and outs of this place.”

“Oh.” You bite your lip to keep from asking if you would have to get used to another household or if you will be sent back to your home. You know it’s honestly depending on the answer that you give Oberyn and that is something you are still trying to figure out. 

“He likes you, you know.” You shake yourself out of your inner thoughts and look up to find her watching you at the entrance to a set of double doors. 

“Does that bother you?” You ask quietly, needing to see how she really felt about this crazy idea that he was proposing. 

“Why should it?” She tilts her head and smiles at you, her eyes seemingly holding her own secrets. “I like you too.” 

She pushes the doors open, revealing an absolutely beautifully appointed room. Sailing through the opulent state room, she guides you to a door on the far side, opened and waiting. 

“Come, the water is still hot.” She motions you into the room and you see a very charming bathroom in a light shade of green. The tub is recessed into the wall and framed with columns. 

It was charming and stunning all at the same time and before you could really think about it, you were slipping into the hot water while Ellaria fussed over your clothes. 

Heaven, it was like slipping into heaven and you sighed happily at the warmth of the water on your muscles. 

“Poor little lamb.” Ellaria coos, coming to sit on the edge of the tub and she reaches out to run her hand hand through the perfumed water. “I know you are confused and unsure of what to do.” 

“What would you do?” It seems strange to ask the woman who Oberyn called his paramour what she would do in your situation, but she knows him better than you do. 

“Oberyn is a good man.” She tells you simply, her eyes honest. “He will take care of you and in a very short time, he would come to love you.” 

“That doesn’t bother you?” You ask curiously, amazed that there seems to be no animosity on her part. Despite your offer, she is totally secure in her place. 

“He has an amazing capacity to love.” Ellaria tells you, a smile playing on her lips. “His love for you would not diminish his own for me. Or his children.” 

She pauses and sends you another searching look. “You think about this. If it is not in your heart to share him, he will understand. But if you take no issue with it, you will be cherished and taken care of as a Princess of Dorne, as his wife.” 

She stands and turns around. “I have had your clothes unpacked and will have an outfit laid out of you.” She announces. “Stay in the bath as long as you like. It’s a good place to thing about decisions to be made.” 

Ellaria disappears out of the door and you lean back against the side of the tub as you contemplate what she has told you. You were being handed the opportunity of a lifetime. it seems. 

Your hands push the water around the tub and you sigh. You just needed to decide if you are brave enough to reach out and accept it. 

MasterList

[cheyohara]

Just the sight of her older brother was enough to fill the professor with so much anxiety that she trembled. However, when seeing Carter confront someone that had been becoming her friend and closer to her, then Chey's fight or flight response was sending her to intervene.

It wasn't acceptable for the people she cared about to end up in the eldest O'Hara's warpath. No one deserved the anger and rage that seemed to roll off Carter in pressure wave after pressure wave, and Chey couldn't be witness to her brother putting hands on Atlas. Especially since the podcaster could assume it was because of her.

Amidst the scathing words being thrown back and forth between the two men, Chey's voice cried out— "Carter! Please... stop!"

"Ah, shut up, teacup," Carter spat at her, practically yelling through Atlas as he had done his best to make himself a wall between the siblings. It was a nickname he'd given Chey when she was still in single digits because she was small and fragile. Somehow no one had seen the malice in such a name yet both O'Hara's were trying to find each other's eyes around the overly tall Williams. "The men are talkin' right now. Er, at least one of us is..."

There was something sinister in that statement and the professor was keenly aware that Atlas had picked up on the threat.

"That's right. She's my fuckin' sister. Why the fuck are you gettin' into our family matters?" The older O'Hara challenged and took a menacing step closer, and though quite a bit shorter got in Atlas's face. "Don't worry wolf boy you're gonna remember real quick 'bout bein' a baby. I jus' wanna know why the fuck you lied to me. Why the fuck were you cozy with my sister?"

"What are you talking about?" Chey begged, exasperated. As usual when overwhelmed by Carter's presence her eyes welled with the sting of tears and panic continued to course through her. "He's my friend too, you know?" Her hands flew out, imploring him to understand. There hadn't been many times she and Atlas had actually spent time together and the brunette racked her brain trying to think of a time they would've been seen together.

It made her ache to even have to do such a thing. Or that she'd even have to hide in her own hometown to avoid the wrath of the angriest person she'd ever known.

"I. Said. Shut. Up," Carter threatened, shooting a glare around the friend between them. "I won't fuckin' tell you again." Then, out of nowhere, his hands shoved into Atlas chest one more time and the attention was then redirected back to the tallest one of the three. "The point is that this fucker lied to me," a thick finger jabbed at Atlas, "gettin' in the middle of my family business. Now... what kind of friend is that?"

An expert on the wind up, Chey knew what was coming, especially after Carter had shoved their friend once again. Atlas didn't deserve this and shouldn't have to deal with this. So, the brunette foolishly shifted around Atlas and put her hands up at her older brother— "Stop it! Just stop it!" Never before had she really stood up to Carter, the professor had always too greatly feared the consequences and she had been right to as rage came flying out at her as two solid hands hit her square in the chest and sent her to the ground with her brother yelling how stupid she was.

"Carter," she attempted to hold his attention while stunned as Chey tried to get up. / @atlaswilliams

The holidays were upon them once more and so was the pressure to deliver the best of the best gifts to his children and everyone around him. His wallet ached with every purchase he made, but no dollar sign could equate to the happiness that illuminated on every face as they unwrapped whatever it was he'd gotten them. His kids brought him the most joy of all, followed by Kennedy, but happiness thudded in his veins all the same at the mere thought of his friends tearing into the poorly wrapped gifts he'd put together for them.

The inside of his cheeks had been nipped almost raw. It was a nasty nervous habit, all thanks to his usual thumb to forefinger response being impossible with a phone in his hands. For a man who cared little for technology, he'd barely lifted his head from the screen in a solid week, maybe even longer. His latest gift in question had been for his oldest daughter, her tastes having changed since he'd learned of her existence in the world two years prior.

If only he'd looked up, but the sound of stomps hadn't registered to his preoccupied mind at the time. Then again, sometimes walking headfirst into danger wasn't a thing someone could avoid. Jaw tensed, his once steady heartbeat now tripled in pace. He could still feel Carter's burned into his chest even after the male had rocked back on his heels from the force of it. A lump was forcefully swallowed down and his phone was pocketed, the gift still illuminated on his screen as it was hidden beneath denim.

Atlas released a scoff, dark hues rolling as anger flooded his veins. "What the fuck are you talking about, Carter?" He wouldn't fold, wouldn't give the man anything that he wanted to hear. Another breath of frustration rolled off his tongue, but before another word could fall from his mouth, another's panicked voice blasted through the air.

Anger shifted to concern and concern shifted to his own version of panic. For years, it had been Atlas standing on the sidelines of Carter's rage, often leaving the eldest Williams to jump in where he had no skin the game. He'd never been proud of it, but he wasn't a spineless teenager any longer and Carter wasn't his north star either.

Another harsh push left the vertically gifted male stuttering in step. Tongue rolled over his teeth, his own frustrations bubbling beneath the surface, but it was no match for the animalistic light in Carter's eyes. "You were always such a fuckin' baby about everything," he countered, perhaps unwisely so. At least if he could direct the male's attention towards him, Chey could catch a break from it.

Carefully, and with intent, Atlas stepped closer, angling himself between the siblings enough to interfere if Carter's attention shifted on a whim. "I mean, come on, man. I thought you would have grown up by now. Seriously, what's your deal? She's your little sister." At the mention of her, his gaze wandered over his shoulder for a split second, undaring to linger when a ticking time bomb swayed before him. "Just leave her alone. If you wanna be pissed at someone, I'm right here."

@cheyohara