#he rises back tho. but at what cost

[popponn]

sae going to spain at 13 and coming out like that makes so much sense actually

[fictarian]

yo yo yoooo ayo gang lemme get amm a hobie brown x gn reader whos like a photographer for the fucking news bullshit and like they are a fan of spider man fam thank uuu

𝐇𝐢𝐦 <𝟑 . ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ 𝐏𝐭. 𝟓

ღ You ask and I DELIVER‼️🗣️🗣️🗣️

ღ Thank you guys for 60+ followers, it makes me happy you guys like my shit despite only doing this for 3-5 days 😭

ღ ANYWAYS, here’s a story for my boy @thearabloak06 🙏 Tysm for requesting, I hope you enjoy and I hope this story isn’t ass since it’s my first time in awhile writing a full on fic LMFAO

ღ Paring: Hobie Brown and GN! Reader

ღ Premise: Reader has their own section of the daily newspaper, and they use it to write for the anarchist by the name of ‘Spider-Punk’ while also providing pictures they’ve caught of him in action

ღ Whoopsie daisy I just made this into more of a detective/mystery novel instead of a romance 💀 200-400 likes and i’ll make a part 2 (or even its own series)

ღ Previous part can be found here !

“_____, my office, now!” You let out a heavy sigh as the door to your boss’ office slammed shut after he barked an order, and you could feel the eyes following you as you stood up from your desk and made your way over to the room, tossing your empty coffee cup into the trash before turning the knob and pushing the door open.

“Have a seat” He ordered, but your feet remained glued to the ground. “I’m good standing” You stiffly said, crossing your arms over your chest with narrowed eyes. “You asked for me, sir?” In response, your boss slammed a newspaper onto his desk, pushing it forward so you could get a good look at it— it was the paper for today, and you had a pretty reasonable guess as to why he was so peeved.

“We’ve been over this, _____. I don’t want that spider freak in my newspaper.” He seethed, picking up the newspaper and shoving it in your face, pointing specifically at the section you were assigned to. “You know what this gives us? A bad, bad reputation. We’re already on thin ice as it is, and if you keep this up, my company will get shut down all thanks to your stories!”

Your lips tightened into a thin line, feeling your blood boil at what he was saying. Quite frankly, he could take his worries and shove it up his ass for all you cared. The government was corrupt and violent to the people it’s supposed to protect and serve, and Spider Punk was the only symbol of hope the community had. You admired the infamous anarchist, and you wanted everybody to know about him— the possibly only voice of the people.

So that’s why you used the section of the Daily newspaper granted to you, to spread word of Spider Punk’s actions and his defiance against the government. You wanted the people to know about what was going on, to feel empowered knowing that one of their own was rising up against the injustices against them. And if it costed your job, or even your life, so be it. You weren’t just gonna sit around and act like nothing was happening.

Your boss’ words were only fueling your anger. This wasn’t the first time you two had this conversation, in fact, all of your conversations were about this topic. It took all of your willpower to not punch him in the jaw as you opened your mouth to say “But sir, the newspaper is meant to inform people. And with all the smashed law enforcement cars and protests going on, it would be wise to—“ “I dont’t want to hear it! Keep this up, and you can kiss your place here goodbye!” He yelled in your face, and that was your last straw.

“I don’t have to, ‘cause I quit. You can kiss all of your readers goodbye, ‘cause I know damn well the only reason they read your lousy ass newspaper is because of information I provide!” You snapped, turning on your heel and marching out the door, tuning out the string of curses that followed as you exited the building with smoke practically blowing out of your ears. Ok, maybe you handled that the wrong way. But it was too late to go back now… well, you still had to get your stuff from your desk. ‘Embarrassing’ You thought to yourself, keeping your head held high as you turned back around to enter the building for the last time.

You didn’t stay there long, since you didn’t even have much to begin with. The items that occupied your desk consisted of your notepad, your trusty laptop (it was old enough to be considered a fossil), an uneaten nutter butter, and your camera thats strap wrapped comfortably around your neck while your other belongings were placed inside your satchel. With all your items packed away, you were now walking the streets of London as the reality of the situation set in— you didn’t have a job anymore. No source of money, and no way to have a voice in the community.

‘You’re forgetting to breath’ You told yourself, registering the tightness that was beginning to form in your chest and taking a couple deep breaths to ease the panic. This was fine, you were fine. You could always start a blog of your own, and there were plenty of jobs that needed more employees. ‘But it’s not as easy as it sounds, i’ll need to fill out a application, i’ll need to be interviewed, and—‘ Your thoughts were cut short when you suddenly bumped into someone, and you muttered a quick apology before continuing on. “Oi, you’re that chick that writes fo’ the paper, aren’t you?”

You stop, turning to look back at the person you bumped into. He was quite the looker, if you were being completely honest. The male was tall, and dressed in outfit that screamed ‘punk’. He had well done wicks, and a confident aura surrounded him. “It’s rude to stare, y’know?” “Oh, i’m sorry. I spaced out for a second.” You apologized when he called you out, before adding “My name is _____”. The male nodded his head, his gloved hand tucked away in the pocket of his pants. “‘Obie, ‘Obie Brown” Holy shit, you knew he looked familiar. “Aren’t in a band?” You asked, tilting your head to the side. “I play with ‘em occasionally, but I don’t believe in consistency.”

You slowly nodded your head, not bothering to question what he meant by that. “Riiight…” The sound of sirens caught your attention, and you looked over your shoulder to see the blue and red lights of law enforcement cars dancing off the walls of buildings. “I wouldn’t suggest goin that way, luv. There was a bad scrap with a couple fellas lookin for a bad time” Hobie warned you, causing you to furrow your brows in confusion. Didn’t he come from that way?

The reporter in you told you that there was something amiss, but you didn’t act on the feeling. Not yet. “Yikes, thanks for the warning. I’ll take a different route to my flat.” You informed him, and he nodded his head before turning his back towards you. “I’ll be seein you ‘round, _____. Maybe come to one of my concerts, yeah?” He suggested as he started to walk away. But you weren’t listening.

You were too busy staring at the prominent red, spike having mask that stuck out of Hobie’s back pocket

“Yeah… i’ll take you up on that offer. Cheers!” You called out to Hobie, waiting a couple seconds before lifting your camera up and putting its viewfinder up to your eye, zooming in on the mask before snapping a picture of it. “Christ…” You muttered to yourself, staring at the screen of your camera in disbelief.

You just found yourself with knowledge that could cost you your life

tag list ! @zalayni @luvstarrstruck @jrrantss @pixqlsin @kairiscorner @k4tsu3 @asmobeuses

[kyleoreillylover]

Chapter 4- Jealous

Series Summary/Masterlist

tag list: @southerngirl41 @venusesworld @jeysbae @reci1996 @tbonesteakwithasideofmashngrav @hope4more @selena-tyler-564 @saintaquarius @whatdoeseverybodywant @raya-hunter01

warnings: wrestling related violence, manipulation, mentions of cheating (kinda??)

word count: 14, 722

Chapter Summary: Everything is going wonderfully, and you are on top of the world. No one can stop your reign, you and Jey are together, and it feel like no one can stop you or the Bloodline, and everything is perfect. That is, until Sami does what he does best, and sticks his head where he doesn't belong, by trying to join the Bloodline. You try to scare him away, but it doesn't work. Tensions rise between him and Jey almost immediately, and you feel caught in the middle. Roman makes you the one to get them along. But it inadvertently almost costs him the stability of the Bloodline.

a/n: not my best work, but I hope ya'll don't mind. Hope ya'll enjoy!!

liked by y/n, jimmyuso, trinitywwe, themercedesvarnado, samizaynwwe and 700,000 others

uceyjucey: the bloodline coming to yo city👆

tagged: y/n

view all comments

user: the pretty privilege these two have is killing me

user: cutest couple ever

user: I'm in love with both of them

↳user: did they ever confirm their relationship to the public tho?

↳user: baby, look at them, and then stop asking stupid fucking questions.

y/n: photo creds for my fav person to take pics of ;)

↳uceyjucey: I better be your fav person period. 😒

↳y/n: lemme drive the car and then you will be <3

↳uceyjucey: anything for you ♥️

↳jimmyuso: oh hell naw I aint' agree to a death ride

↳uceyjucey: shut up we aint gotta ask you

↳y/n: exactly, stay in your place jimmy.

↳user: do we need anymore proof??? or ya'll still need them to confirm it?

APRIL 2022

The arena was bustling with excitement and nerves as Friday Night Smackdown was about to begin. Staff were prepping for script changes, wrestlers were getting ready for their segments, cameras were positioned strategically to capture every moment, and the crowd buzzed with anticipation.

Kayla Braxton was standing outside, cameras following her and mic in hand as the show started, and she waited as an SUV pulled up to the arena's entrance. Flashing lights from cameras greeted the opening car door as it parked, and a crew member quickly opened the door.

Out stepped you from the drivers seat, clad in a black tank top and a sleek black leather jacket, adorned with the Raw Women's Championship around your waist.

You smirked as you moved to the other side of the car and opened the passenger door. Jey emerged, looking every bit as confident as you did, with a smiling Jimmy in tow with him, the tag team titles around your waists. Then Paul, and, the crowd's excitement escalated as the reigning Universal Champion, Roman Reigns, stepped out from the back seat.

You smirked from next to Roman at Kayla as you made your way towards her, the camera crew capturing every move. Confidence, glamour, and power exuded from you as you approached Kayla. Kayla smiled as the four of you passed her, holding the mic towards you all, your Raw Women's Championship catching the glint of the spotlight.

"Bloodline, an explosive Wrestlemania for the 4 of you. After all of you retained your gold, Roman against Brock, Y/N against Shayna, and The Usos against Nakumara and Boogs, what's next for the Bloodline on Smackdown tonight?"

Roman paused for a moment, his piercing gaze fixed on Kayla before he took the microphone from her hand. The arena hushed in anticipation as the Tribal Chief prepared to address the question.

"What's next for the Bloodline?" Roman repeated, his voice oozing authority. "What's next is dominance, Kayla. We did what we said we'd do at Wrestelmania, and that is solidify our dominance over this entire company. The Universal Championship, the Raw Women's Championship, and the Tag Team Titles—all held by the Bloodline. That's not just gold; it's power. And tonight, SmackDown will witness the continuation of our reign."

Kayla nodded at Roman's words, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of the Bloodline's presence. She then turned her attention to you, the Raw Women's Champion.

"And Y/N, after a brutal match against Shayna Baszler at WrestleMania, what's your mindset coming into SmackDown?"

You took the mic from Kayla, a confident smirk playing on your lips. The arena was filled with a mix of cheers and boos, a testament to the polarizing effect of your allegiance to the Tribal Chief.

"My mindset, Kayla?" you responded, your voice steady.

"It's simple. I'm here to dominate. Shayna threw everything she had at me, but I'm still standing here with this championship around my waist. The darkness within me is stronger than ever, and tonight, I'll prove that I'm not just a champion, I'm not just the princess of pain; I'm the queen of this division.

And Shayna thought that she could break me like Ronda tried to break me, but all she did was fuel the fire within. And the only way she's gonna get another shot at this title, is if she wins the 4 way match tonight. But trust me, I'm not planning on letting go of this gold anytime soon."

Shayna had thought you were still the same women who Ronda beat 2 years ago, and thought it would be a cakewalk to take your title from you. But you quickly proved her wrong when you fought her in a street fight and made her pass out in her own hold and regret underestimating you.

The scars from that match still adorned your body, but they were badges of honor, that not only marked your resilience but also sent a message to the entire Women's Division that you have been sending for the past 2 years—that you are willing to break anyone who stands in your way.

You laughed, a confident and almost menacing tone to it, as if daring anyone to challenge your reign, and Kayla shifted her focus to Jey and Jimmy, the Tag Team Champions, who stood beside you with smirks mirroring your own.

"And what about The Usos?" Kayla inquired. "What's next for the Tag Team Champions?"

Jey took the mic, his voice filled with the same confidence that you had. "You know, Kayla, it's like this. We're the best tag team in the world, and them titles around our waists ain't going anywhere. We proved it at WrestleMania, and we'll keep proving it. Ain't nobody gonna take these titles from us." Jey finished by wrapping an arm around your shoulder, making you automatically lean into his side, a small smile playing on your lips.

Jimmy nodded in agreement, a smirk playing on his face. "That's right. We're here to dominate the tag team division. Ain't no team stepping up to the Bloodline and coming out on top. We're family, and that bond makes us unstoppable."

Kayla nodded, turning back to Roman. "And Roman, Drew Mycintire has made it clear that he wants another shot at the Universal Championship. What are your thoughts on that?"

Roman chuckled, a low and menacing sound. "Drew McIntyre wants another shot, huh?"

He shook his head with a smirk. "Drew, you had your chance, and you failed. This is the Bloodline's era, and I'm not wasting my time on someone who couldn't get the job done the first time. If he wants another shot, he needs to prove himself. Maybe he can start by going through Jey here." Roman gestured towards Jey, who nodded in agreement.

Jey stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the camera. "Drew, if you want a shot at the Universal Championship, you gotta go through me first. And I promise you, it won't be an easy task."

Jimmy chimed in, "And even if you manage to get through Jey, I'll be waiting for you. Y/N will be waiting for you. Roman will be waiting for you. The Head of the Table doesn't waste his time on anyone who doesn't deserve it."

You leaned in, the Raw Women's Championship glinting in the arena lights, as you added your final words. "So, Drew, Shayna, if you guys want to have another shot at our titles, try to fracture our dominance, just know that you'll have to go through each one of us before you even get close."

Roman paused before continuing, a smirk on his face. " Good luck tonight, cause wherever the Bloodline goes, goes, gold follows, and we don't plan on letting go anytime soon."

With those final words, you flipped your curly hair and joined the boys and Paul in leaving Kayla, who watched as the 4 of you walked away with an air of dominance and confidence.

You were on top of the world, as you had been for the past 2 years. Women have tried to dethrone you, but none succeeded. Kevin was finally no longer a thorn in your side as he had gone to do his own thing on Raw, and you were glad for that. You wouldn’t admit it to anyone, but you missed him, and were glad when his feud with Roman ended, not wanting him to keep getting hurt. But you now had The Bloodline, who you trusted and knew wouldn’t stab you in the back, unlike him.

You were the epitome of dominance, the queen of the division, and with the Bloodline by your side, there seemed to be no end to your reign, and nothing was gonna stop that.

Yet there was a certain someone watching you on the screen that would beg to differ.

It was Sami Zayn, who was trying to become the number one contender for the universal Championship.

"How dare Drew try to take my spot?" Sami angrily muttered to himself. But then a lightbulb went off in his head, and an idea quickly formed If he couldn't beat Drew directly, maybe he could indirectly influence the outcome, and in the process, get his best friend back.

You sucked in a breath as Jey pressed the cold ice pack onto your rib, pushing it when you tried to move away.

You were still hurting from your match with Shayna, and despite you claiming you were fine, Jey insisted on taking care of you. Roman and Paul were talking amongst themselves, while Jimmy was talking to Trinity on the phone, and you and Jey were sitting in the cor ner of the locker room.

“You’re taking it easy tonight.” It wasn’t a question, it was a demand from Jey, his voice firm. You rolled your eyes but winced at the movement.

"Fine, Nurse Jey," you teased, earning a playful glare from him. He continued to apply the ice pack, his touch gentle despite the playful banter.

“I’m serious, Y/N. No getting physically involved with Drew or any of the women. I don’t want you getting hurt any more than you already are,” Jey said, his tone firm and protective.

You sighed, recognizing the concern in his eyes. “But I know Drew is gonna already be mad and take it out on you. I can’t just stand there and watch.”

“I said no.” You opened your mouth to protest but Jey cut you off with a stern look. “Baby, you gotta listen to me on this. We got this handled. Roman is dealing with Drew, and Jimmy and I will take care of anyone else. You need to focus on healing up.”

You huffed, not entirely happy with the decision, but you knew Jey had a point. You leaned back, wincing slightly as you adjusted your position.

“Alright, Nurse Jey. I'll behave tonight.” You gave him a half-smile, acknowledging his concern.

“Good.” Jey finally seemed satisfied, setting the ice pack aside. He then leaned in, placing a gentle kiss on your forehead. “I just don’t like seeing you hurt. I’m sorry if I gave you some lip. I just don't want you getting yourself hurt."

You softened at Jey's words, the protective side of him always managing to melt your defenses. "I know, Jey. And I appreciate it. I just don't want anyone to hurt you." You leaned in and kissed him softly, a gesture of reassurance.

Jey chuckled into the kiss, the tension in the air dissipating. "I can take care of myself, princess." He mumbled against your lips as he pulled away.

"I know you can," you replied with a playful grin. "But it doesn't hurt to have a little extra protection."

Jey raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Extra protection, huh? I like the sound of that."

You playfully swatted his chest. "Not like that, dumbass. I meant keeping your hot headedness in check.

Jey rolled his eyes playfully, but brought you into another quick kiss. "I can't promise to tone down the hot-headedness, but I'll try to be careful for you."

You smiled, appreciating the compromise. "That's all I ask."

Jey smirked, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "Can't wait to see yo fine ass on commentary, tonight. This top is gonna be the death of me."

You chuckled, feeling the warmth of Jey's playful banter. "Maybe I should start my own commentary on your matches. 'And here we have Jey Uso, looking all fine as he kicks some ass in the ring.'"

Jey laughed, a genuine and carefree sound. "You'd make a great commentator, princess. Better than those clowns on TV."

You grinned, enjoying the lighthearted moment before the intensity of the night's events. "Well, maybe I'll consider it after I retire from in-ring action."

Jey nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Be at commentary for my match too, not just the ladies?" His voice was soft, a hint of vulnerability beneath the playful tone.

"Of course, Jey," you replied sincerely, meeting his gaze. "I'll be there for your match too. Cheering you on from the commentary table."

Jey's smile widened, a genuine appreciation in his eyes. "That's all I need, princess."

"Are you lovebirds finally done with your little chat?" Roman's deep voice interrupted, a smirk playing on his lips as he entered the conversation.

Jey rolled his eyes at Roman's teasing. "Just making sure she doesn't get involved where she shouldn't."

Roman chuckled, his gaze shifting to you. "He's right. Don't get involved physically, Y/N. Drew is expecting that. Mind games are more effective. Let him get frustrated, and we'll handle the rest in the ring."

"Yeah, lovebirds. Listen to him." Jimmy smirked as he joined the conversation. You rolled your eyes at his teasing. "Says the person who was just talking to Trinity on the phone," you retorted, earning a playful glare from Jimmy.

"Alright, Alright." Roman interrupted the banter, standing up and stretching. The atmephosre immediately turned serious. You hopped off the bench, feeling a bit more refreshed after the ice treatment.

"Let's get ready," Roman declared, his authoritative tone taking over. "Y/N, remember what we talked about. Jey, Jimmy, be on the lookout for any interference. We don't want any surprises tonight."

The three of you nodded in unison, and you dapped Jimmy and Roman up, and when you did the same with Jey you intertwined your fingers and brought him into a quick but reassuring kiss. "See you guys later." You smiled at them before heading towards the gorilla position, where you'd make your entrance for the night and make sure Shayna didn't win.

The arena was buzzing with energy as your music hit, and you walked out with the Raw Women's Championship draped over your shoulder, the crowd's cheers and boos echoing through the arena.

You mockingly blew kisses at the fans as you waved at Shayna, Rhea, Sonya and Liv. Liv was the only one to wave back, the others maintained a stern expression. Shayna glared at you, screaming about how she was gonna beat them and take your title.

You made your way to commentary, smirking as you settled into the commentary chair, slipping on the headset. Michael Cole greeted you with a professional smile.

"Welcome, Y/N, It's great to have you here on commentary tonight," Michael Cole said, his voice carrying through the arena's sound system. "Who here would you want to face and defend your title against?"

"Well it's definelty not against someone like Shayna Baszler again," you responded with a confident smirk. "I've already proven that I can handle her. As for who's next, well, I'm open to challenges. Anyone who thinks they can step up to the queen and take this championship, feel free to try."

You made sure to keep an eye out for anyone else, you weren't stupid, you knew where Shayna was Ronda was likely not far behind, and you were tired of facing them.

So, you waited for the perfect time. When you saw Shayna was about to steal the victory on Sonya cause Liv and Rhea were too focused on each other to notice.

That's when you decided to make your move and disqualify everyone from the match. None of them would get a clean win, and you'd walk away with your title still intact and not have to defend it from them.

Standing up from the commentary table, you grabbed the Raw Women's Championship, a wicked grin on your face that fell when seemingly out of nowhere, Drew stood in front of you, a smirk on his face as you glared at him.

"Move." You snarled at him, trying to move past him, but he held his ground, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"Not so fast, Y/N," Drew said, his tone taunting. "I saw what you were planning. Trying to save your title by getting everyone disqualified? That's not how a true champion operates."

You scowled at Drew, frustration building up. "Stay out of my business, McIntyre. This doesn't concern you."

Drew chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. "Oh, it concerns me, all right. Cause earlier Roman said I have to go through all members of the Bloodline if I want another shot at the Universal Championship. And well, starting with you seems like a good idea."

You gritted your teeth, annoyed at Drew's interference. Time was ticking, and you needed to act fast to salvage your plan. Before Drew could react, you swung the Raw Women's Championship, aiming for his head. However, he ducked just in time, and the title belt collided with the steel ring post, creating a loud clang.

You tried to capitalize off your distraction and go to the ring but Drew was quick to grab your arm, pulling you back. It wasn't enough to hurt, Drew wouldn't injure you on purpose, but it was a firm grip to keep you from escaping.

"Let go of me, McIntyre!" You growled, struggling against his hold. Your frustration grew as your plan unraveled.

Drew smirked, enjoying the control he had over the situation. "Make me."

The two of you were so caught up in your struggle that neither of you noticed Ronda slipping inside the ring from the back and holding Shayna's feet on the ropes as she pinned Sonya, the ref not noticing her interference.

The bell ringing made you and Drew turn to the ropes to see Shayna and Ronda out of the ring and laughing gleefully at the win. Your frustration reached its peak as you realized your plan had not only failed but backfired spectacularly, and it was all Drew's fault. God, why couldn't Ronda and Shayna just leave you alone?

As Shayna and Ronda gloated outside the ring, Drew released his grip on you, a satisfied smirk on his face. You shot him a furious glare, your initial plan of costing everyone the match so you wouldn't have to deal with the 2 of them ompletely foiled.

"You might want to focus on your own problems, Y/N," Drew taunted, pointing to your belt that laid on the ground, a visible dent on one side from its collision with the ring post.

You seethed with anger, feeling the frustration boiling inside you. Drew had not only disrupted your plan but also humiliated you in the process.

You screamed in anger, slamming your fist against the barricade as you watched Shayna and Ronda celebrate their underhanded victory. "Jey is gonna destroy you!" You yelled at Drew, who was leaned against the ring apron, a smug expression on his face.

Drew laughed, seemingly unfazed by your threat. "Let him try. I'm not afraid of the Bloodline. And as for you, Y/N, take this as a warning to not concern yourself in in my business with Roman like you have done with his other competitors. Cause I'm not like other challengers. I won't let anyone interfere in my quest for the Universal Championship."

You shot Drew a venomous look but decided against engaging in any further confrontation. He was twice your size, and a direct physical altercation wouldn't end well, especially with your current state after the match with Shayna.

With a final glare, you picked up your dented Raw Women's Championship, ignoring Drew's lingering presence, and made your way backstage.

The anger and frustration lingered, simmering beneath the surface as you walked through the backstage area. You slammed locker room doors, your mind racing with thoughts of revenge and payback.

"Asshole." You yelled out as you slammed open the locker room door, not looking at the guys and pacing angrily.

"Did you see what that idiot did to me!" You bellowed out, dropping your title on the table. You still hadn't looked up, still too deep into your frustration. "He messed up everything, and now Shayna and Ronda are celebrating a win they didn't earn!"

You kicked the chair in frustration, sitting down on the bench with a huff and running your hands across your face. "And then he damaged my title! Then he had the nerve to give me a warning about staying out of his business with Roman! Can you believe that?"

You were handed a water bottle and, you took it and took a long swig, the cool liquid doing little to ease the fire of anger burning within you as you finally looked up.

"Thank you Sami- Sami!?" You choked on your drink as you saw Sami standing in the locker room, Roman, Jimmy, and Jey sitting there, their faces also a mix of confusion.

But Jey's also had a hint of anger as he stared at Sami, who was standing with a mischevious grin, but also scared look in his eyes, like he didn't know whether you were gonna beat his ass or not, but he was willing to take the risk anyways.

"What is he doing here?" You turned to Roman, who was sitting with a raised eyebrow, his gaze shifting between you and Sami. Sami, sensing the tension in the room, cleared his throat nervously.

"I came here to acknowledge the Tribal Chief, and acknowledge his position as the Head of the Table," Sami declared, attempting to sound formal but failing miserably under the intense scrutiny of the Bloodline.

Roman leaned back, his expression unreadable. "Is that so?"

Sami nodded, still trying to maintain a composed demeanor. "Yes, and I wanted to propose a truce. A collaboration, if you will."

You couldn't help but scoff at Sami's audacity. "Umm, did I suddenly fall and hit my head? Is this some kind of alternate universe of delusionalness that Sami is living in?"

You stood up and glared at Sami, your frustration with the earlier events now directed at the unexpected presence of the master stragestist and your former best friend.

Roman held up a hand, signaling for you to calm down. You huffed at him, but Jey grabbed you and sat you on his lap before you would do something you would regret later.

"Explain yourself, Sami," Roman demanded, his gaze piercing through Sami's attempts at diplomacy.

Sami shifted nervously, realizing the need to provide a convincing explanation. "Well, it's simple. Drew has been a thorn in my side, and I know he's coming after Roman. My reputation has been blown because of Drew these past few weeks, and everyone thinks I'm scared of him but I'm not!

And I know he's w he's coming after Roman. If we take him down together, it benefits both of us. I get rid of Drew, and you maintain your dominance. Plus, I can help you deal with any other nuisances that might come your way, such as R-Kbro. You didn't hear it from me, but they are planning on taking the tag titles from the uses and unifying them, and if you ask me, they are the most undeserving self centered pieces of shit ever."

Roman raised an eyebrow, considering Sami's proposal. "And what do you get out of this, Sami?"

You scoffed, but Jey tightened his grip on you, silently signaling for you to let Roman handle the situation.

Sami's eyes darted between Roman and you, his confidence wavering. "Well, besides getting rid of Drew, I was hoping we could, you know, rekindle our friendship. I've realized the value of having powerful allies, and I think being on good terms with the Bloodline could open up new opportunities for me."

You couldn't believe what you were hearing. The past 2 years you had spent building your own empire within the Women's Division, and had to make the difficult decision to leave Sami behind.

And now he was here, acting like the past didn't matter, proposing a truce and pretending like everything could go back to how it was. Was he planning revenge on you for abandoning your friendship, or was this just another one of his schemes?

Roman's gaze remained fixed on Sami, a thoughtful expression on his face. After a moment of silence, he leaned forward, his voice low and authoritative. "And you would take out Drew for us? Just like that?"

Sami nodded eagerly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. "Yes, exactly! I know his weaknesses, his strategies. I can be an asset to the Bloodline in taking him down."

Roman leaned back, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Interesting proposition, Sami. But let me make one thing clear. We don't need anyone's help to handle our business. If we decide to take down Drew, it'll be on our terms, not because we need you."

Sami swallowed nervously, sensing the skepticism in the room. "I understand, Roman. I just thought it could be a mutually beneficial arrangement." Sami's eyes went to you at the last line, a hint of sadness and regret in his gaze. Jey glared at Sami when he looked at you, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Mutually beneficial my ass. You're just trying to save your own skin, dumbass." Jey spat at Sami, jealousy and annoyance evident in his tone. Damn, you could feel the tension between them rising, and they barely even had any interaction. Sami shifted uncomfortably under Jey's intense gaze.

"Yo, Jey chill out." Jimmy interjected, trying to diffuse the growing tension.

Roman raised a hand, signaling for everyone to calm down. "Enough, all of you." The room went silent, and Roman's gaze shifted between you, Jey, Jimmy, and Sami. "Sami, we'll consider your proposal. But don't think for a moment that you're indispensable. We've handled our business just fine without you."

Sami nodded, looking relieved that Roman didn't outright reject his proposition. "Thank you so much for considering Roman! I just want a fair chance to prove myself to you," His eyes shifted to you, and sadness filled them when he saw Jey rubbing your back soothingly. "And to her."

Jey glared at Sami, but before he could say anything, Roman spoke again. "We'll let you know, Sami. Now, leave us."

Sami nodded and quickly exited the locker room, leaving you, Jey, Jimmy, and Roman in a tense silence. Roman broke the silence with a sigh.

"Say what you want to say, Y/N." Roman knew you were dying to express your thoughts on Sami's unexpected appearance and proposition.

You took a deep breath, your frustration still lingering, but you knew this wasn't the time to let it out on Roman or anyone else in the room. "Roman, are you seriously considering teaming up with him? After everything he did?"

Roman leaned back, his expression serious. "I'm considering all options, Y/N. Sami might be a snake, but if he can help us take down Drew and further solidify our dominance, I'll use him for that purpose. We don't need to trust him, but we can use him to our advantage."

You huffed in frustration, not entirely satisfied with Roman's response. Jey's grip on you tightened, a silent reassurance that he had your back.

"I don't like it either, Y/N, but if it helps us deal with Drew, then it's worth considering," Jimmy chimed in, his voice calm but firm. He was always the peacemaker of the group, trying to find common ground. "We'll keep an eye on Sami. If he tries anything, we shut him down. Simple as that."

You shot Jimmy a look, still unconvinced. "He's just gonna stab me in the back the first chance he get's. He wants to get revenge on me for leaving him behind." You didn't let yourself believe anything else. You knew Sami was very forgiving, but you couldn't get caught up in past sentiments. You had built your own path, and Sami's sudden return threatened the stability you had achieved.

Roman nodded, understanding the concerns. "We'll be cautious, Y/N. No one gets a free pass, especially not someone like Sami. But for now, our focus is on dealing with Drew and maintaining our dominance on SmackDown."

Jey finally spoke up, his voice a low growl. "If Sami tries anything against you, he's gonna have to deal with me." You moved off of his lap and sat beside him, seeing the angry look on his face. "I saw the way his dumbass was looking at

you. I shoulda beat his ass."

"Jey," Roman interrupted, sensing Jey's hot headed side about to get the best of him. He didn't need any uncessary fights. He needed Jey to focus on taking out Drew. "We handle things strategically. Tonight, you focus on Drew, not Sami. Get ready for your match. And Y/N, keep an eye on Sami. We don't trust him, but if he can be useful against Drew, we'll use him."

You internally scowled at Roman's decision, but you knew better than to argue further. The Bloodline always had a plan, and you had to trust Roman's leadership.

"Fine," you replied, your tone still tinged with frustration.

"Good." Roman clasped his hands together, the air in the locker room heavy with the weight of the upcoming battles. "Let's focus on tonight. Jey, handle Drew. Y/N, stay vigilant with Sami. We'll deal with each challenge as it comes. This is our show, and no one gets in the way of the Bloodline."

The intensity of Roman's words resonated in the locker room. Jey nodded, a determined look in his eyes. Jimmy chimed in with a supportive nod. You sighed, reluctantly accepting the plan, but your mind was already racing with thoughts of Sami and the potential risks he brought to the Bloodline.

"Good luck, baby." You turned to Jey and gave him a good luckkiss, the lingering frustration momentarily replaced by a mixture of concern and affection. Jey smiled, appreciating the support, and then stood up, ready to face Drew in the upcoming match.

You ran your hand over your face and let out a groan when everyone dispersed. You know what? You were gonna take care of this Sami problem before it even became a problem. You stood up, heading towards the door with determination in your steps. The arena was still buzzing with the aftermath of the chaotic match, but you had your sights set on finding Sami.

As you walked through the backstage area, the anger and frustration that had been building up since your failed plan and the unexpected encounter with Sami continued to fuel your determination. Spotting Sami in the corridor, you quickened your pace, the clacking of your boots echoing through the hallway. Sami turned around, a surprised look on his face, realizing that you were heading straight towards him.

"Y/N, hey!" Sami greeted, attempting to sound casual, but the nervousness in his eyes betrayed his facade.

You stopped in front of him, your expression stern. "Sami, we need to talk."

Sami gulped, glancing around as if searching for an escape route. He knew a slap was probably coming. "Talk? About what?"

You took him by the arm and pulled him into an empty room, shutting the door behind you. The atmosphere in the room became tense as you crossed your arms, fixing Sami with an intense gaze. "Just get it over with."

Sami shot you a confused look. "Get what over with?"

You rolled your eyes, losing patience. "The whole 'rekindling our friendship' act, Sami. If you wanted to get revenge, you should have just said it outright. Don't play games with me."

"I'm not playing any games." Sami shot back at you defensively, his eyes wide with genuine surprise. "Why would I try to get revenge on you?"

Your eyes narrowed at Sami, skepticism evident in your expression. "You're telling me that after all these years, you suddenly want to be friends again just out of the blue? After I left you behind? And you conveniently when you need something from the Bloodline?"

Sami sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Y/N, I get it. I messed up when you left, and I went down a different path. But I've realized that I need powerful allies, and the Bloodline is the most dominant force in the WWE, and if aligning with them also means being best friends with you again, then so be it."

You scoffed, finding it hard to believe Sami's sudden change of heart. If you were him, you wouldhave a hard time trusting someone who had left you behind for their own ambitions. "I don't buy it, Sami. You're not fooling anyone with this act. What's your real game here?"

Sami sighed again, frustration evident in his expression. "I told you, I'm not playing any games. I need the Bloodline's help to deal with Drew, and if it means mending our friendship, then fine. But there's no hidden agenda here."

You remained skeptical, the tension in the room palpable. His soft voice was threading to break your resolute stance. You needed to believe that Sami just wanted to get revenge, cause if you didn't that would jeopardize the stability you had worked hard to achieve within the Bloodline.

"Look, Y/N," Sami continued, his tone sincere. I get why you left, I really do, and I don't fault you for it. But ever since you did, I've lost matches, opportunities, and respect. I don't want revenge on you; I just want a chance to make things right and maybe, just maybe, be a part of something powerful again."

You stared at Sami, conflicted emotions swirling within you. The past memories of your friendship with Sami clashed with the skepticism born out of the betrayals you experienced. Could it be possible he actually forgave you for your rightful wrongdoings?

You didn't answer him, and Sami sighed, licking his lips nervously. "Look, I miss my reputation being intact, but I also miss you. And I know you missed me too."

You glowered at him. "I do not miss you."

Sami raised an eyebrow at you, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Then why are you here, listening to what I have to say?" he asked, a confident yet desperate glint in his eyes. "Why did you drag me in here and let me plead my case if you don't care at all?"

The room fell into a heavy silence, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Sami's gaze bore into you, searching for any sign of vulnerability, while you grappled with conflicting emotions.

You thought of something you could say to rebut his plea, something that would assert your strength and independence. But for the first time in a long time, you were speechless.

Sami leaned back, his confident demeanor faltering as he waited for your response. The room seemed to close in around you, amplifying the intensity of the moment. Finally, you broke the silence, your voice measured and cold.

"I am not here for you, Sami. I am not even here for myself," you declared, your eyes narrowing. "I am here for Roman, and that's the truth."

Sami's eyes widened in a mix of frustration and realization. He leaned forward, placing his hands on the table, attempting to regain control of the situation. "And what did he tell you?"

Sami drummed his fingers impatiently on the table, his gaze piercing through you. "He told you that he could use me to hurt Drew and then he could discard me like the trash he thinks I am right? But you don't want me to get hurt, which is why you are trying to stop me from even aligning with the Bloodline."

Damn him and his ability to read you like a book.

You remained composed, refusing to let his words shake you. Instead of denying his words, you set your hands on top of his on the table, holding them firmly to stop his agitated drumming.

Your eyes locked in a heated stare down, your hands were burning with each others touches, and you let out a calm exhale before responding. "Stay away from the Bloodline, Sami."

Sami just gave you a wry smile, his eyes still searching yours for any signs of weakness. He slowly pulled his hands away from yours, maintaining eye contact. "I can stay away from them, but I can't stay away from you." He bit his lower lip, a mix of frustration and longing in his eyes.

You scoffed at his declaration, disentangling your hands from his. "Don't mistake my concern for weakness, Sami. This isn't about you and me. It's about protecting what matters to me, and that includes Roman."

Sami leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression replacing the frustration on his face. "You know, deep down, you still care about me. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here, trying to convince me to stay away from the Bloodline. And you know I care about you too."

Your patience was wearing thin. "Goodbye, Sami. If I were you, I would realize that my loyalty lies with Roman, not with the shadows of our past."

That was a lie, but you needed to assert your allegiance to Roman, even if it meant distorting the truth. Sami's gaze lingered on you for a moment, and you could sense the internal struggle within him. As you turned to leave, he spoke in a softer tone, devoid of the usual confidence.

"Ronda and Shayna are planning to attack you in 5 minutes in the B-Hallway. Be careful."

You halted in your tracks, your back still turned to Sami. A mixture of surprise and suspicion crossed your face. "Why are you telling me this?"

Sami sighed, his tone genuine. "I told you, I care about you. I overheard them talking, and I couldn't let them catch you off guard. I don't want to see you get hurt."

He stood up and grabbed something from next to him, and tossed you an ice pack from a small cooler, and then a kendo stick. "Just in case," he added. "I know you never back down from a fight."

You caught the ice pack and kendo stick with a reflex honed through years of combat. Despite the situation, a small part of you acknowledged Sami's concern.

As you turned to face him, you questioned, "Why didn't you just let them get the drop on me? I just yelled at you, didn't I? It's not like you owe me anything."

Sami's expression softened, and he ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit of his. "Because even if you hurt me, I'll take the pain if it means keeping you safe. Call it whatever you want, but that's the truth."

You hesitated, the conflicting emotions resurfacing as your hand tightened around the ice pack. Sami's words echoed in your mind, and for a moment, you saw a vulnerability in him that you hadn't expected. The past rushed back, the shared history and the complicated emotions.

Your eyes landed on the TV behind you, which was showing Drew attacking Jey after Jey lost the match. Your eyes went back to Sami, and despite your brain telling you to just leave and not trust him, there was a flicker of doubt in your heart.

"Go help him." Your words made Sami freeze for a moment, surprise evident on his face. You nodded toward the TV, where Drew was beating Jey to a pulp. "Grab that other kendo stick, take out Drew, and get your reputation back."

Sami studied your expression, searching for any deception or hidden agenda. After a tense moment, he nodded, a mix of gratitude and determination in his eyes. "Thank you."

You nodded in acknowledgment, and knew if you smiled at him you would be betraying the stoic facade you worked so hard to maintain. "Don't mention it."

With that, you turned on your heel and left the room, leaving Sami to his thoughts and the impending confrontation with Drew.

God, what did you just do? You didn't have time to dwell on it, cause you saw Ronda rounding the corner, and accompanied by Shayna.

You tightened your grip on the kendo stick, focusing on the immediate threat in front of you, and when they approached, went to town on beating their asses.

Damn Sami and his kindess, was the last thought you had before the chaotic brawl consumed you. He makes it so hard to hate him.

But you would try your hardest to pretend like you did, not just to protect yourself, but also to protect him.

Over the next couple of months, Sami had been trying everything to get accepted into the Bloodline, but you remained steadfast in keeping him at a distance.

Jimmy liked Sami- he thought he was funny and charismatic. Roman wouldn't admit it, but he appreciated Sami's skills in the ring and knew Sami was growing on him. Solo, the new edition to the group who instantly clicked with you and took a liking to you and saw you as a sister- liked Sami. A lot.

Even Paul was secretly amused by Sami's persistent attempts to join the Bloodline. Despite their initial rejection, Sami had managed to secure matches against common adversaries, and his performances were impressive.

But the only people that didn't accept him were you and Jey. Everyone knew you and Sami's relationship was strained, and weren't surprised when you continued to resist his attempts to be part of the Bloodline. Jey, on the other hand, had his own reasons for holding a grudge against Sami.

He was jealous. Point blank and simple. Jey couldn't stand the idea of Sami, someone from your past, trying to weasel his way into the tight-knit circle of the Bloodline. He didn't like someone trying to get into HIS FAMILY. And he didn't like someone pushing up on HIS GIRL.

Everyone could see the chemistry between you and Sami, even if you tried to keep him at a distance. When you guys had tag matches together, it was undeniable that you two moved with a synchronicity that spoke of years of partnership.

Sami took hits for all the members of the Bloodline, but it was no secret he took the most hits for you from the women. Whenever you were backstage, Sami would be there, offering you a bottle of water or a supportive pat on the back.

Then Jey would glare at him from a distance, clenching his fists in frustration. He would tell those stupid jokes that made the rest of his family break character, and he would see you try not to laugh.

It bothered Jey to no end that Sami could make you smile, could break through your tough exterior even after everything that happened in the past. That should be him making you laugh, he thought. That should be him offering you support and being by your side.

You would reassure Jey that there was nothing between you and Sami, that it was all in the past, that you guys were friends and nothing more in the past, but Jey couldn't shake off the jealousy that gnawed at him. He knew you wouldn't try anything, but he couldn't ignore the undeniable connection between you and Sami. It fueled his resentment and made him act out in ways that even surprised himself.

It all came to a head one night during a promo where you, Roman, Jimmy, Jey, Paul, Sami and Solo were in the ring, and Roman finally decided to address the elephant in the room. The tension was palpable as Roman stared at Sami, his gaze unwavering.

"Let's address the obvious," Roman began, his voice commanding attention. "Sami, you've been persistent in trying to join the Bloodline. You've proven yourself in the ring, and some members of this family seem to have warmed up to you." Roman's eyes flickered toward Jimmy and Solo, acknowledging their sentiments. "But there are others who aren't so sure."

He turned to you, and for a moment, his stern expression softened. "Y/N, Jey, Sami, you guys are each gonna say your piece, and then we'll decide."

The spotlight shifted to you first. You licked your lips, gathering your thoughts for the impending revelation. The atmosphere in the ring was thick with anticipation as all eyes focused on you.

"Sami," you began, your voice measured but firm. "I've known you for a long time, and our history is complicated. You've made choices that hurt me, choices I can't forget. But," you paused, locking eyes with Sami, "I also can't deny the times you've had my back, especially recently."

Jey shot you a sharp look, his jaw clenched. You continued,"I won't pretend that there's no bond between us. We've been through too much together. However, my loyalty lies with Roman and the Bloodline. And if Roman think you are worthy to be a part of this family, I'll respect his decision. But," you emphasized, "if you ever betray us, Sami, you won't get a second chance."

Sami nodded, understanding the weight of your words. You could feel Jey's glare on you, and you gave him a stern look, silently conveying that you were doing what you believed was right for the family.

The spotlight shifted to Sami, who took a deep breath before speaking. "So uh, I'll start with Y/N. Look, I know your expecting me to get revenge on you, to hurt you. And I get that, I get why you've been dodging me. But I don't want to get revenge on you! I don't know how many times I need to spell it out for you before you believe me. I like you! I care for you! I want to be your best friend again! I want to be there for you like I used to be. I know our past is a bit messy, but I have never betrayed you in the ring. Yeah, I've made mistakes outside of it, but in that squared circle, I've always had your back. And I can keep having it, not just for you, but for the whole Bloodline."

Sami stepped closer to you, his eyes pleading for understanding. "Whatever doubts you might have about me, Y/N, just give me a chance to prove myself. We've been friends for over 20 years. Don't you think that means something?"

Sami moved closer to you, and Jey was seething with anger on the sidelines, his fists clenched so tight that his knuckles turned white, and turned even whiter when Sami placed a hand on your shoulder, his brown eyes boring into you and making your own eyes soften. "Don't I mean something to you?"

You stiffened at Sami's touch, the conflict within you reaching its peak. The weight of his words and the memories of your shared history tugged at your resolve. You shot a quick glance at Jey, who was practically seething with jealousy.

"Jey." Roman warned him, who looked like he was ready to pounce on Sami right then and there. Sami took a step back, removing his hand from your shoulder as the tension in the ring heightened, and turned to Jey.

"So, uh, look, I’ll be honest; I don’t understand what’s going on here. I… I like you! Man, I like you; I’ve always liked you! And we’ve always gotten along, and ever since I started hanging out with the Bloodline, I don’t know what it is, but you just… can’t seem to stand me, and I don’t understand it! Everybody- Jimmy seems fine, Solo seems fine, Y/N, well, she's got her reservations, but she's willing to give me a chance. But at least she doesn't get in my face and try to intimidate me all the time!" Sami's frustration was evident as he addressed Jey. "Thank you." Sami told Paul who patted Sami's back in a comforting manner as Jey scowled, ready to explode.

"Seriously, whatever… whatever I… whatever I did, I’m sorry. Can we just be cool? Can we just… can we bury the hatchet once and for all?”

Sami extended his hand to Jey, a gesture that surprised everyone in the ring. The tension was thick, and all eyes were on Jey as he contemplated Sami's outstretched hand.

But you knew Jey better than anyone, and you saw the storm of conflicting emotions in his eyes. Pride, jealousy, anger, and a hint of vulnerability, and knew he wouldn't be too receptive of Sami's outstretched hand.

"Sami, you got about two seconds to get your hand out my face." Jey threatened, his voice dripping with hostility. "I don't like you! Huh? I don’t like your hair, I don’t like your face, I don’t like that shirt you wear! Hey hey, I don’t like him being around my family every single week! My dawg this, my dawg that! Hey,” he moved towards Sami, who had lowered his hand and was now facing the full force of Jey's ire. "How you think you’re part of the Bloodline, if you ain’t blood?!”

Your heart dropped at Jey's harsh words, and your face betrayed a mix of frustration and sadness. Guess Jey truly thought weren't apart of the Bloodline, after all.

Jey didn't notice your face fall, as he kept ranting at Sami. "Hey hey hey! Newsflash for you, Sami: you never will be, Uce! You don’t belong here! Don’t nobody in this group like you; I’m just the realist one to say it out loud — you’re a fake ass Uce!”

Sami's face fell at Jey's words, but Jey continued. The tension in the ring reached its peak, and everyone could feel the impending explosion.

“You know what the difference between you and me is? I shed blood for every single one of my family members in here, because it’s my family! Not yours! Huh?! Would you do it? Will you?!” he questioned angrily. “I’m asking you a question! Will-”

"Jey, calm down!" You tried to interrupt, stepping forward, but Jey's rage had reached its peak. He shoved you aside gently, not even sparing you a glance, and focused all his fury on Sami.

"Answer me! I told you to answer me!-"

“Why- Why are you yelling at me, huh?!” Sami shouted, his frustration boiling over. "Why are you yelling at Y/N, huh? What did she do?" The mention of your name from Sami made Jey's rage intensify. He stepped even closer to Sami, their faces inches apart.

"Don't think you can talk about her, Uce! You don't get to mention her name, you don't get to-" Jey's voice was a low growl, his anger barely contained.

"Why can't I mention her, huh? I've known her for 20 years, Jey! Longer than you have! So I'm pretty sure I have the right to talk about her! She's my friend, she's been my friend before you even knew her, Uce!" Sami shot back, refusing to back down.

Jey's eyes narrowed, his nostrils flaring with anger. "You're not her friend! You think I'm stupid? You think I ain't see the way you look at her? How you always tryna ki ki it up with her backstage? You think I'm blind?"

Sami's jaw clenched, his frustration giving way to a more somber expression. "Yeah Jey, that's what friends do. It's not my fault if you're too blinded by your jealousy to see that."

Oh god. You knew this was not going to end well. Jey's jealousy had reached a point where it was clouding his judgment, and Sami's persistent attempts to be a part of the Bloodline had triggered an explosive confrontation.

Jey's eye twitched at the word jealousy, and he moved closer to Sami, practically nose to nose. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

"Jealous? You think I'm jealous?" Jey scoffed, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "You the one that keeps trying to weasel your way into my family, into MY LIFE. Tryna get up on MY GIRL. Now you wanna act like you ain't tryna push up on her, huh?"

Jey bellowed out, and Sami's frustration turned into a mix of shock and disbelief. Jey wasn't wrong, but Sami wasn't actively trying to get Y/N right this second. He just wanted his friend back right now.

“Your girl? Jey, we've been through this. Y/N and I are friends, nothing more. And you're delusional if you think otherwise. If you are insecure about our friendship, that's on you, not me."

Jey's face contorted with anger, and he looked like he was about to explode. "On me? Yeah, it's on me! ou don't know what it's like to be a part of this family, to shed blood, to sacrifice for each other. You don't know what it's like to protect what's yours, do you?" When Sami didn't answer, Jey snarled, "Answer me!"

“Why- Why are you yelling at me, huh?!” Sami glowered at Jey, his frustration reaching its peak. "Y/N was trying to make peace! I’m trying to make peace! The Tribal Chief says, he wants peace!”

“Man I don’t give a damn what the Tribal Chief say!”

You didn't know what was worse. Your heart that was rending apart at the sight of Jey and Sami at each other's throats or Roman's face that contorted into anger as he picked his head up at Jey's outburst. The atmosphere in the ring became unbearable as the tension escalated, and you felt a knot forming in your stomach.

"What did you say?" Roman, standing tall as the Tribal Chief, stepped forward, his eyes locked on Jey. "Nah, don't be quiet now. What did you say?"

Jey hesitated for a moment, the weight of Roman's gaze pressing down on him. He swallowed hard, realizing the gravity of his words. Roman moved closer to Jey, and it looked like he was about to deliver a reprimand that Jey wouldn't easily forget. The entire atmosphere in the ring shifted, and even Jimmy, Solo, and Paul, who were usually more laid back, became tense.

"He didn't mean what he said!" Sami surprisingly interjected, trying to defuse the situation. You blinked at Sami, you weren't expecting him to be the one to help Jey. Roman turned his piercing gaze toward Sami, his expression demanding an explanation. "Jey was just caught up in the moment. We all say things we don't mean when emotions are high." Sami clasped his hands together nervously, looking between Roman and Jey. "He was just venting his frustrations, and I get it. He just, wasn't being himself." Sami grabbed Jey's shoulder, giving him a look that silently pleaded for him to play along. "He just… wasn't feeling very ucey."

Jey, still seething with anger, shot a glare at Sami but reluctantly nodded. "Yeah, uce. I… I was just caught up in the moment. It's just…Sami's been getting on my nerves, and I let it get to me. My bad, Roman." Jey's tone was begrudgingly apologetic, but Roman's stern expression didn't waver.

Roman took a step back, his gaze shifting between Jey and Sami. "Is that what the problem is, Jey. You ain't feeling…ucey?" Roman's voice was calm, but the disappointment in his eyes was evident.

Jey shifted uncomfortably, not meeting Roman's eyes. Roman crossed his arms, the arena seeming to hold its breath at what Roman was about to say.

"You two need to work out your differences." Roman declared, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "We're family, and family doesn't break over personal issues. The two of you will have a match next week, and I expect that despite whoever wins or loses, you settle your problems in that ring. Leave it all there. If you don't, there will be consequences."

Roman's gaze lingered on both Jey and Sami before he turned to you. "Y'know what, to make sure we're all on the same page, Y/N, you're gonna be the special guest referee for that match. Keep things in order."

Your heart sank at Roman's decision. Being the special guest referee meant you would be in the middle of the chaos, responsible for maintaining order between Jey and Sami. Whoever lost would blame you for their defeat, and the tension among the Bloodline members would likely escalate.

You nodded in acknowledgment, not daring to voice your concerns. Roman's decision was final, and you had no choice but to fulfill your role as the special guest referee, even though you would be caught in the middle of 2 people you loved.

It felt like they weren't just fighting to settle their differences, they were fighting for a spot in your life.

And you didn't know who would win.

"So I'm not in the Bloodline, huh?" Jey took a second to process your words, but when he did his soft gaze he always had with you turned into a glare.

"Baby, you know I ain't meant it like that!"

"Really? Cause it sounded pretty clear to me." Your tone was sharp, hurt bubbling under the surface.

"I thought you'd get it!" Jey scoffed, his hand reaching out to touch your arm. You pulled away, not willing to let his touch soothe the hurt he had caused.

"Get what? How I'm not blood so my loyalty doesn't matter?" Your voice trembled with a mix of anger and sadness. "Do you really think that little of me, Jey?"

"No! Of course not!" Jey exclaimed, frustration evident in his expression. "It's not about that, and you know it."

"Then what is it about?" You crossed your arms, waiting for an explanation.

"It's about Sami tryna get on you, and get in this family, and everyone in this family is fooled by him. They don't see what I see. They don't see the way he's trying to play you, trying to use you to get what he wants, tryna use the family to get to the top."

You shook your head, disbelief written all over your face. "Again with Sami?" you sighed, feeling the frustration build up. "Jey, Sami, whether you like it or not, has proven to be a valuable allay, and has proven to be loyal-"

"Loyal?" Jey snorted, interrupting you. "Y/N, you're too blinded by your past with him to see what he's doing. I know him, and I know that he is just a fake ass uce."

Your frustration reached its peak. "Jey, you need to let go of your jealousy and trust my judgment. This isn't even about Sami, it's about you hurting me and you not acknowledging that. Did you know how I felt hearing you say I'm not part of the Bloodline? It hurt, Jey. I've been by your side, supporting you, and for you to dismiss me like that…"

Jey's expression softened as he took a step closer to you. "Baby, I didn't mean it like that. You are a huge part of my life, and I didn't mean to hurt you. I just… I'm trying to protect you. Sami is pushing my buttons, pushing you away from me, and I don't want him messing things up between us."

You looked at Jey, your eyes searching his for sincerity. "I get that you're protective, and I appreciate it, but you can't just dismiss my feelings. We need to communicate, Jey, or we'll keep hurting each other. And that means not jumping to conclusions and assuming the worst about Sami or anyone else."

Your words fell on deaf ears as Jey's stubbornness persisted.

"I don't care. I will communicate with you, but I don't want him around you, around us. "

You rolled your eyes, feeling the exhaustion of the ongoing conflict come back. "Oh my God, Jey. The only person pushing us apart is you. I can handle my relationships, and I can make my own decisions. If you can't trust me, then we have a bigger problem." You grabbed your bag and headed towards the exit. Jey followed you, frustration etched on his face.

"Where are you going, baby?" he called after you.

"I need some space, Jey. We both do," you replied, not bothering to turn around. The weight of the argument hung heavily in the air, and you needed time to clear your head.

Jey caught up to you, blocking your path. "You can't just walk away every time we have a disagreement."

"I'm not walking away; I'm taking a moment to breathe. We can't keep going in circles like this," you explained, your voice strained.

He reached out, grabbing your arm. "You ain't listening to me, Y/N. You're letting him get in your head."

You pulled your arm away, a mix of anger and hurt in your eyes. "Jey, this is not about Sami. This is about us and how we handle our issues. I need time, and if you can't respect that, then I don't know what else to say. You can room with Jimmy tonight, I'll find somewhere else to sleep."

Without waiting for a response, you pushed past Jey and made your way out of the building. The cool night air hit you as you stepped outside, but it did little to ease the turmoil inside you.

You sat in your car, not bothering to start the engine. The argument with Jey replayed in your mind, and the ache in your chest grew. You knew deep down that the issues between you and Jey went beyond Sami, and it was a reflection of the larger problems in your relationship.

As you sat there, lost in your thoughts, a light tap on the car window startled you. You turned to see Sami standing there, an apologetic look on his face.

"Y/N, can we talk?" Sami asked, his tone sincere. You hesitated for a moment, then nodded, opening the passenger door to let him in. Sami slid into the seat, and a heavy silence hung between you for a moment.

"Look, I don't want to add to your problems," Sami began, genuine concern in his eyes. "But I overheard your argument with Jey, and I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "I appreciate the concern, Sami. It's just… it's a mess. Jey, the Bloodline, and now you… I feel like I'm caught in the middle of a storm, and I don't know how to get through it." You sarcastically chuckled and looked at Sami, who was gazing at you with concern and something else in his eyes. "I don't even know why I'm telling you any of this. It's not like you and I have been best buddies lately."

Sami leaned back in the seat, giving you a knowing look. "Sometimes it's easier to talk to someone who's a bit more removed from the situation. I get it, Y/N. And I'm not blind to the fact that I've been a source of tension."

You shook your head. "It's not just you, Sami. Jey and I have our own issues, and adding you to the mix just makes it more complicated."

"I'm not asking you to choose sides or anything," Sami said, his gaze sincere. "But if you need someone to talk to or just vent, I'm here. I've known you for a long time, and I hate seeing you like this."

You sighed, feeling a strange mix of emotions. Your phone dinged, and you saw a text from Jey that read, "Fine, I'll room with Jimmy. Do whatever you want." The message only fueled your frustration, and you set the phone aside.

"What did he say?" You quirked an eyebrow at how Sami knew it was Jey that messaged you.

"You had that look on your face," Sami replied with a small smirk. "I'm not trying to pry, but if you want to talk about it, I'm here."

You appreciated Sami's offer, even though it felt odd considering your history. The genuine concern in his eyes was hard to ignore.

At your lack of a response, Sami gently placed a hand on your shoulder and switched gears. "Who are you rooming with tonight? I'd say Jey, but considering the heated argument, I'm guessing that's not an option."

You shook your head. "Definitely not Jey. He's rooming with Jimmy."

Sami nodded understandingly. "Well, you're not alone in this. If you need a place to crash or just some company, I've got a spare room in my hotel."

You arched an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and skepticism. "You have a spare room? Why?"

Sami chuckled. "Well, I always book two rooms just in case. I like having my own space. But in situations like this, it comes in handy. Consider it an insurance policy."

The offer was unexpected, and you couldn't deny the sincerity in Sami's eyes. You considered your options, weighing the pros and cons.

Spending the night alone in your own space could provide some much-needed solitude, but at the same time, the thought of facing your own thoughts in isolation was daunting.

Jey would not be happy with you sharing a room with Sami, but it was his fault considering he didn't apologize and left you roomless. And it's not like you would do anything bad with Sami.

"Alright," you finally conceded, "I appreciate it, Sami. I could use a distraction tonight."

Sami smiled, a genuine expression that seemed to lift the heaviness in the air. "No problem. Let's switch seats, and I'll give you a lift to the hotel. We both know you can't drive angry."

You glared at Sami for his accurate assessment, but a small smile tugged at the corners of your lips. "Fine, but I'm driving back."

Sami chuckled, "Deal."

As you both switched seats, you couldn't help but wonder if Sami's offer was a genuine act of kindness or if there was something more to it. It felt like old t

imes when Sami would drive you for hours to the next city, and let you pick the worst music you knew.  The familiarity of the situation brought a mix of comfort and uncertainty. As you drove through the city, Sami kept the conversation light, discussing everything from random anecdotes to shared memories.

Upon reaching the hotel, Sami insisted on accompanying you inside, stating, "I want to make sure it's a decent place. Can't have my friend staying in a dump."

The hotel lobby was adorned with dim lights, giving it a cozy ambiance. After confirming that the accommodations met Sami's standards, you headed to the room.

Sami opened the door, and you were greeted by a surprisingly spacious and well-decorated room. It seemed Sami had a knack for choosing decent places. 

"Seems like your taste hasn't changed since the last time we traveled together," you remarked, half-teasingly.

Sami grinned, "Why fix something that ain't broken?"

You both chuckled, and as you settled into the room, there was a moment of awkward silence. The weight of unspoken words lingered in the air. Sami broke the silence, "Look, I know things have been weird between us, but I miss this, you know? Just hanging out, like old times."

You bit your lip, your nerves in overdrive. Do you admit that you missed it too, or do you keep your guard up? Sami's sincerity was evident, but there was still a layer of uncertainty. Taking a deep breath, you decided to be honest.

"Yeah, I miss it too," you admitted, meeting Sami's gaze. "It's been a while since we've just... hung out."

Sami's smile widened, and it seemed like a weight had been lifted off both your shoulders. "Good to hear." Sami sensed that there was more to be said, but for now, he opted to let the conversation flow naturally. "Do you wanna order some food? I'm starving, and room service here is usually pretty good."

You nodded in agreement, appreciating the diversion from the emotional tension. As Sami picked up the room service menu, you couldn't help but reflect on the unexpected turn of events. The night had started with frustration and anger, and now you found yourself in a hotel room with Sami, rediscovering the ease of your friendship.

"Do you mind if I shower? I feel like I've been on the road forever," you said, breaking your thoughts.

Sami shook his head, "No problem. Take your time. I'll order something for us in the meantime."

After a refreshing shower, you emerged from the bathroom to find the aroma of food wafting through the room. Sami had ordered an array of dishes, and the sight of it made your stomach growl.

"Hope you like a bit of everything," Sami grinned, handing you a plate. His eyes widened at the sight of you in a hoodie and pajama shorts that left little to the imagination. He choked on his food, and you quickly went to him and slapped his back to help him. Sami coughed a few times, still recovering from the surprise.

"Are you okay?" you asked, genuinely concerned.

Sami nodded, his eyes wide, "Yeah, just... you caught me off guard." You raised your eyebrow at the very poor excuse but he continued, "I wasn't expecting you to look... like that."

You rolled your eyes, "Well, I didn't pack an evening gown for an unexpected hotel stay. This is what you get."

Sami cleared his throat , attempting to regain composure. "No complaints here, just wasn't prepared for a fashion show tonight."

You both laughed, breaking the tension further. As you sat down to eat, the atmosphere shifted from the earlier heaviness to a more relaxed and familiar one. It was as if time had rolled back, and you were once again sharing a meal on the road.

The conversation flowed effortlessly, moving from reminiscing about the past to discussing recent events in each other's lives. The more you talked, the more you realized how much you had missed these interactions with Sami. The ease with which he could make you smile, the shared jokes, and the understanding that seemed to transcend words. Your guard was still up, but it was slowly starting to crumble in the face of the genuine connection you and Sami once shared. As the night progressed, you found yourselves engrossed in conversations about everything and nothing.

After finishing the meal, Sami suggested that you both watch a movie to unwind. You agreed, and Sami scrolled through the available options on the hotel's TV. Eventually, you settled on a classic film that held sentimental value for both of you. You both sat on the comfortable hotel bed, the soft glow of the screen illuminating the room. The movie brought back memories, and you couldn't help but smile at the shared nostalgia.

As the movie played, Sami shifted closer, and there was a subtle warmth in the air. The initial tension that hung between you two seemed to dissipate with each passing moment. It felt like a step back in time, a familiar comfort settling in.

In the midst of the movie, Sami spoke up, "Remember when we used to argue about who got control of the remote?"

You chuckled, "Yeah, and you always managed to win somehow."

Sami grinned, "Well, it's a skill. Takes years of practice." He gave you a smile that made your heart flutter,  a mix of playfulness and genuine warmth. The movie continued, but your attention was now divided between the film and the unspoken connection resurfacing between you and Sami.

As the night wore on, the initial awkwardness transformed into a shared comfort that felt almost effortless. You found yourselves laughing at inside jokes, finishing each other's sentences, and reveling in the familiarity that had defined your friendship. The room, once filled with unspoken tension, now resonated with a renewed sense of camaraderie.

Eventually, the movie ended, and you both sat in a comfortable silence. Sami broke the quietude, "You know, I've missed this, just hanging out and being ourselves."

You nodded in agreement, "Me too. It's been too long."

Sami's gaze softened, "I know things have changed, and we've both moved on, but there's something about tonight that feels like a glimpse of what we used to have."

You took a moment to absorb his words. There was truth in them, a shared acknowledgment of the evolving nature of your relationship. The night held a unique magic, a bridge between the past and the present.

"I agree," you replied, "Tonight has been unexpected, but in a good way."

Sami smiled, "I'm glad you agreed to stay. I was worried you'd say no."

You chuckled, "Well, you do have a way of being convincing."

Sami's expression turned more serious, "Look, I know things have changed between us, and I don't want to overstep any boundaries. I just... I miss having you around, as a friend. If this is too much or if it makes you uncomfortable, just let me know, and I'll understand."

You appreciated Sami's honesty, and the sincerity in his eyes was undeniable. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, and you found yourself grappling with your own conflicting feelings. Admitting that you missed Sami's company was one thing, but acknowledging the complexity of your history was another. And you had to wrestle away the thoughts when his arm wrapped around your shoulders, pulling you into a gentle embrace. It was a gesture that felt both familiar and foreign, stirring a cascade of emotions.

For a moment, you hesitated, feeling the warmth of Sami's embrace contrasting with the cool uncertainty within. It was a delicate balance between the past and the present, and you weren't sure where the boundaries lay. But as you looked into Sami's eyes, you saw not just the history you shared but a genuine desire to reconnect.

You leaned into the embrace, allowing yourself to be enveloped by the comforting familiarity of Sami's presence. The unspoken words hung in the air, the weight of past grievances mingling with the hope of a rekindled friendship.

"I missed this," Sami whispered, his voice barely audible above the subtle hum of the hotel room.

"Me too," you replied, a quiet admission that echoed the sentiments of the night.

In that moment, surrounded by the remnants of shared laughter and the glow of the TV, it felt like a small step towards rebuilding what had once been lost. The complexities of your relationship lingered, but for now, you chose to focus on the shared warmth and the simplicity of being in each other's company.

"Do you remember the last time we roomed together?" Sami's hot breath tickled your ear as he spoke, the shared memories flooding back. You couldn't help but smile, recalling the countless adventures and misadventures you both had experienced on the road.

"Yeah, how could I forget?" you chuckled, "That one motel with the neon sign that kept flickering, and the weird noises all night?"

Sami laughed, "Or the time we got lost in that small town, and the only person we could find to ask for directions didn't speak a word of English."

The nostalgia washed over you, and it felt like a bittersweet journey down memory lane. The distance and time apart seemed to fade away, leaving only the echoes of a friendship that had weathered its storms.

"Or that time there was only one bed and we had to share." Sami's voice lowered, and you involuntary shivered at the tone of his voice. It was low and sensual, a stark contrast to the lighthearted reminiscing. The room suddenly felt charged with a different kind of tension. 

"Sami..." Your voice creeped up like a warning, but Sami ignored the subtle shift in the atmosphere. His gaze locked with yours, an intensity that left you breathless.

"I always wondered what would have happened if we recreated that night again." He admitted, his fingers tracing idle patterns on your arm. The air crackled with unspoken desire, and the weight of the past collided with the magnetic pull of the present.

You swallowed hard, torn between the history you shared and the uncertain territory ahead. The lines between friendship and something more blurred in the dimly lit hotel room. The pull of attraction simmered beneath the surface, a palpable energy that refused to be ignored.

"Sami..." You warned him again, but this time your voice held a mix of uncertainty and caution.

Sami's gaze softened, and he withdrew his hand, respecting the unspoken boundaries. "I'm sorry," he said, his tone sincere. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I just... I've been thinking a lot about us, about what we had and what we lost."

You took a deep breath, trying to navigate the complexities of the moment. The room felt charged with a different kind of tension now, a lingering question hanging in the air.

"I appreciate your honesty," you replied, your voice steady. "But we can't ignore the history between us, Sami. Things changed, and we both moved on."

Sami nodded, a solemn expression on his face. "I know. I just couldn't help but wonder... what if? What if we had taken a different path?"

The weight of the unspoken "what ifs" settled in the room, creating a palpable silence. It was a question that lingered in the space between you, a testament to the complexity of your shared history.

"I think it's natural to wonder," you admitted, "but we can't change the past. We can only move forward."

"What if I What if I told you that I still have feelings for you?" Sami's voice hung in the air, heavy with vulnerability. The admission echoed through the room, challenging the carefully constructed boundaries that had defined your relationship.

You felt a mixture of surprise and a subtle acknowledgment that maybe the lingering tension wasn't one-sided. Sami's gaze searched your eyes for a response, the intensity mirroring the unspoken emotions that danced between you.

The weight of his words settled on your shoulders, and you took a moment to gather your thoughts. The honesty in Sami's admission deserved a genuine response, but the complexities of your history made it a challenging decision.

"I...," you began, but the words caught in your throat. You met Sami's gaze, seeing a vulnerability that matched your own. "Sami, we had something special, but we also had our fair share of challenges. I can't deny the connection we shared, but a lot has changed."

Sami nodded, understanding etched on his face. "I get it. I just needed you to know how I feel."

You sighed, the weight of the moment heavy on your shoulders. "I appreciate your honesty, Sami. It's just... complicated."

He gave you a small, understanding smile. "Yeah, it always has been with us, hasn't it?"

The air hung with unresolved tension, a silent acknowledgment of the unspoken feelings that lingered in the room. The night had taken an unexpected turn, weaving through the threads of nostalgia, friendship, and the potential for something more.

"If it was me instead of Kevin that you had to hurt to prove your loyalty to, would you have done it?" Sami's question cut through the atmosphere, introducing a new layer of complexity to the already intricate dynamics between you two.

The weight of the question hung in the air, and you could sense the sincerity in Sami's eyes. It was a direct challenge to the choices you had made, and it demanded an honest response.

The room seemed to tighten, and you tried to distract yourself with  the remnants of the meal on the table, avoiding eye contact momentarily. Sami grabbed your shoulders gently, urging you to meet his gaze.

You took a deep breath, grappling with the intensity of Sami's question. The honesty in his eyes demanded a genuine response, and you couldn't evade the weight of the inquiry.

"I don't know, Sami," you admitted, your voice tinged with uncertainty. "It's a hypothetical scenario, and emotions are complicated. I can't say for sure how I would have reacted in that situation."

Sami's expression tightened, a mix of disappointment and understanding in his eyes. He knew you better than you knew yourself, and knew you were lying.

"Y/N..." He grabbed your hands and interjected with a sincerity that left no room for evasion. "You can't tell me you didn't have a choice in that moment. I know you, and I know you well enough to know that loyalty matters to you. If it was me, would you have chosen to hurt me to prove your loyalty to Kevin?"

The room seemed to shrink, the weight of Sami's gaze intensifying. You felt a knot tighten in your stomach, torn between acknowledging the truth and shielding yourself from the raw vulnerability of the moment.

"Sami, I..." Your voice wavered, the internal struggle reflecting in your eyes. The truth lingered on the tip of your tongue, a confession that could alter the course of the night and the delicate balance you were trying to maintain.

Sami's grip on your hands tightened, a silent plea for honesty. The unspoken tension hung between you two, an unresolved question that demanded a response. He intertwined his fingers with yours, grounding you in the intensity of the moment.

"I need to know, Y/N," Sami urged, his eyes searching yours for a glimpse of the truth. "Would you have hurt me to prove your loyalty?"

The room was silent, the weight of the question settling over you like a heavy shroud. You took a moment to gather your thoughts, feeling the vulnerability of the truth clawing at the edges of your consciousness.

"No." You breathed a sigh, the admission hanging in the air. "No, Sami. I wouldn't have hurt you to prove my loyalty to anyone. It was a difficult situation, and I made a choice. But hurting you would something I couldn't live with."

Sami's eyes softened, and you could sense a mix of relief and gratitude in his gaze. The truth, though heavy, seemed to have lifted a burden between you. He moved closer to you, your faces mere inches apart, the shared vulnerability creating a palpable connection. The unspoken emotions lingered, and for a moment, it felt like the weight of the past had been lifted.

"Thank you for being honest," Sami whispered, his breath mingling with yours. His thumb gently brushed against the back of your hand, a subtle reassurance.

You nodded, the air thick with a newfound understanding. The complexities of your shared history remained, but the honesty in that moment had carved a path towards reconciliation.

"I've missed this," Sami admitted, his eyes searching yours. "Missed these talks, these late nights with you." Sami's eyes dropped to you lips, his gaze intense and filled with a mixture of emotions. The unspoken tension crackled in the air, and you found yourself caught between the familiarity of the past and the uncertainty of the present. 

"Sami," you whispered, your voice barely audible. The room seemed to hold its breath, the weight of the unspoken hovering between you. Sami's thumb continued to trace idle patterns on the back of your hand, the touch sending shivers down your spine. 

Then his lips were on yours, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still, unmoving, like you. 

Then your brain starting working again.

"Sami!" You pushed him gently away, surprise and confusion written across your face. Sami's eyes widened, the realization of what he had done sinking in.

"I... I'm sorry," Sami stammered, a mix of embarrassment and regret in his expression. "I didn't mean to... I just... I thought..."

You held up a hand, stopping his explanations. "Sami, if you wanted to get back at Jey, you didnt' have to involve me in it."

Sami looked taken aback by your accusation. "No, it's not like that. I wouldn't do that to you. I... I got carried away. I didn't mean to use you as some kind of revenge."

You sighed, the weight of the situation settling on your shoulders. You couldn't deny that there was still a lingering attraction between you and Sami, but the context of the situation made everything more complicated. The boundaries were blurred, and it was evident that emotions were running high. You were with Jey. You loved him, and getting involved in a messy situation with Sami was the last thing you needed.

"Sami, we can't go down this path," you said firmly, trying to convey the seriousness of the situation. "I appreciate our friendship and the nostalgia, but it's not fair to Jey, and it's not fair to us."

Sami nodded, remorse etched on his face. "You're right. I messed up, and I'm sorry. I should have respected the boundaries."

You took a deep breath, attempting to diffuse the tension in the room. "Let's just call it a night. I'll sleep in my room. Have a nice day tomorrow, and we can talk about this when things are calmer."

Sami nodded again, a mix of regret and understanding in his eyes. "I understand. I never meant to complicate things."

As you gathered your things and headed towards the door, the air was thick with unresolved emotions. Before you could leave, Sami spoke up, "Please don't tell JJey about this. Jey already hates me, and I messed up, and I don't want to cause more problems for you."

You paused, considering Sami's request. It wasn't fair to keep secrets, especially in a relationship, but you also understood the potential consequences of revealing what had transpired. Jey would be hurt, and it might escalate the tension between him and Sami. On the other hand, honesty was crucial in a relationship.

"I can't promise that, Sami," you replied honestly. You believed in being truthful with Jey, and keeping something like this from him would only make things worse if he finds out later.

Sami nodded, acknowledging the difficult situation. "I get it. Just... take care of things on your end. I don't want to make your life more complicated."

"I will. Take care, Sami." You bid him goodnight once more before  leaving Sami's room and closing the door behind you.

As you walked back to your own room, a whirlwind of emotions and thoughts raced through your mind.

God, this is why you didn't want Sami to join the Bloodline in the first place. The tangled mess of emotions and history between you two had resurfaced, and now you were left grappling with the aftermath of an unexpected, charged moment.

"Y/N." Solo's voice made you jump in the hallway. He was leaning against the wall, a knowing expression on his face.

"Sorry, didn't mean to scare you." Solo held his hands up in a placating gesture. "Just wanted to check if everything's alright. Jey was worried when he saw you actually didn't come to the room."

You rolled your eyes, "Well, you can tell Jey I'm fine. Just needed some space."

Solo raised an eyebrow, his expression skeptical. "You good? You acting kinda spacey."

You sighed, your face betraying the internal turmoil. "It's just been a weird night, Solo. And all I wanna do is sleep it off."

Solo tilted his head, his eyes narrowing in concern. "Do you want to talk about it? I know I'm not the best with emotions, but I'm here if you need someone to listen."

You appreciated Solo's offer, knowing that despite his tough exterior, he genuinely cared about the well-being of those close to him. However, the complexity of the situation made it difficult to put everything into words.

"Thanks, Solo. I might need some time to process everything. Let Jey know I'll talk to him about it tomorrow. I just need a bit of space for now."

Solo nodded, understanding the need for space. "Sure thing." You turned to go into the room, but Solo grabbed your arm and pulled you into a brief, supportive hug. It was rare that he showed such a side of him, but it felt comforting yet so guilty in that moment.

"Take care of yourself, Y/N. If you need anything, just let us know," Solo said, releasing you from the hug.

"Thanks, Solo," you replied, managing a small but guilty smile. With that, you entered your room, the events of the night echoing in your mind.

Sleep felt elusive, and the weight of the unresolved emotions lingered, making it a long night of introspection and contemplation. You texted Jey that you were fine, got into the covers, and closed your eyes. The events of the night replayed in your mind like a never-ending loop. The mix of nostalgia, tension, and unexpected intimacy left you grappling with conflicting emotions.

Would you tell Jey, the week before his match against Sami, when you knew when he got mad he would lose matches, or would you keep it to yourself, avoiding potential complications and protecting Jey's focus for the upcoming match?

Only time would tell.

[summercreolefanfictioner]

is it still kacchako week or am i too late already? hmmm might as well share a new playlist tho (if you have suggested songs, pls lemme know)

kacchako slowburn vibes

"white roses mean i'm the one for you"

"Ochako."

She didn't want to hear it. She didn't want to face this gnawing truth after everything she did to bury it ever since their third year in UA. Izuku was right when he confirmed it to her years ago, but there was no way she was going to admit it out loud. It might cost her sanity, depending on the outcome.

So she ran away, with Katsuki's heart in her hands because he gave them to her a long time ago.

"Ochako..." His voice was a lot softer, gentler, a complete contrast to his sharp features and unruly behavior. She could feel herself crying at the intensity of them. "Please..."

When she reached the balcony, she knew that her only option was to touch her face with both hands and fly to God knows wherw Bakugou Katsuki won't be able to follow her. I can't take this anymore. This is too much for my heart to bear. She was just about to do that when he suddenly grabbed her wrists, reaching her just in time before she could slip from his fingers again.

"Ochako--"

"... Why?" she bellowed, frustration slowly rising in her tone along with her defeat because she couldn't escape him. Izuku had always told her Katsuki will come back for her even if she ran away from him multiple times.

"'Why?', you ask?" he repeated for her, observing how she was pained enough to look away from him.

He didn't want to scare her, so he opted for leaning towards her with a few inches of space between them, whispering hotly in her ear. She could get a faint scent of burnt caramel in him when he asked:

"Are you hurting that much because of my feelings for you?"

That startled her, looking up at him to see how he was struggling with all this chasing around for 6 to 7 years. Bakugou Katsuki wasn't a patient man. Whenever he doesn't get what he wanted, he'd do anything to have them in a span of seconds or force the shit out of it. But Uraraka Ochako was a different story. For her, he'll be a saint. He'll be a good man. He'll be patient enough to wait until she's ready to accept her feelings.

Even if it meant going mad at this whole affair.

"Are you scared of what they'll say about you?" he asked a different question. After all, Uravity has a cute and kind image and DynaMight wasn't exactly complimenting it with his unruly nature. What would her supporters say about her if they find out?

Ochako was only silent, overwhelmed by a lot of things, and her mind could only tell her, "I want him. I've wanted him for so long. I've needed him so bad it hurts."

"Do you want me to go?" he asked his final question. Katsuki had to lay all his cards right there, because he had to say his truth. This was endless, and it had to stop or he'll explode.

Ochako could feel him slipping away, his hands letting go of her wrists as he walked back to the hall to join the others. Before he could do so, she ran towards him in fear. He can't disappear despite everything. This was a separation she wouldn't allow.

Katsuki felt her hands on his arm and the next thing, they were both floating mid-air, the desperation and anxiety mixed on her face was evident. He had never seen her make that face before, not especially for him. And when she leaned towards him, he gladly accepted her lips in a soft, searing kiss.

They were officially gone.

[dangermousie]

Pre-Joseon Sageuks: a Biased and Incomplete List

So, as promised way earlier, a post on pre-Joseon sageuks that I’ve either watched or plan to watch so am aware of them. I am sure there are others but here is what I got. Obviously my takes on them are subjective blah blah blah.

Jumong - arguably the Daddy of all Traditional Sageuks, this one ran for over 80 episodes and had insane ratings. It follows the rise of the mythical founder of Gogureyo tho it takes fantastical elements of his story and changes them for historically plausible ones. It’s very long and very meaty and politics/battle heavy and has a large cast of complex characters (including pretty nifty women and a LGBTQ supporting OTP) but it is anchored by the incredible performance of Song Il Gook as the titular character as he slowly but believably grows from nothing to a hero if at the cost of losing his marriage.

The King of Tears Lee Bang Won - this is basically a half and half beast as (you can tell by the title), it’s set in the last days of Goryeo and early days of Joseon. The time period covered is the same as in My Country and Six Flying Dragons, but this is the most traditional take of them all, even more so than 6FD. Not a single pretty face in the cast (tho Joo Sang Wook is a mighty fine man, emphasis on “man”), this is for the real fans of traditional sageuks. I enjoyed it a lot but if you want to check out pre-Joseon sageuks but have mainly watched youth sageuk stuff before, you should probably start with another drama on this list.

The Great Seer - set in the reign of King Gongmin, the last proper king of Goryeo (his son King U is technically the very last but there are questions as to his status), this is for those of you who want to watch Ji Sang in a sageuk. It’s centered around seers but don’t expect mysticism, this knuckles down to politics.

Shin Don - hi there, another story set in the reign of King Gongmin! From the title, you can tel it centers heavily on the powerful monk who ruled for the King at one point. This has been on my to-watch list forever because this appears to devote a decent chunk of its time to Gongmin X Noguk and I am dying for a proper drama for those two. This is from 2005 so if you do watch, keep that in mind in terms of visuals etc. That cast is lit!

Bicheonmu - this is sort of cheating because it’s pretty much set in China but it involves Koreans so. It’s a drama take on the same story told in a pretty awesome movie. Tragic love, battles, young Joo Jin Moo etc. i am very fond of it. This said, find and watch the Chinese version, Korean one was shredded.

The Iron Empress/Empress Cheon Chu - set in Goryeo, this was another of women ruler centric dramas that had a mini popularity peak in late 00s/early 10s (a trend I wish continued.) it got overshadowed by Queen Seonduk but by all accounts is a solid drama. It’s on my list but I haven’t watched it yet.

The King’s Daughter, Soo Baek Hyang - by the writer of The Rebel and My Dearest. Have I got your attention? Another woman centric ruler tale set in Baekje. Yes, there is a love story. That cast is great, to boot. I have started and liked what I’ve seen but got sidetracked. Need to get back to it. Before you look at the ep number and faint seeing the number 108, keep in mind that the eps are half an hour long so it’s an equivalent of a normal 54 ep sageuk so if you can watch eg Empress Ki, you are good with this.

My Country: The New Age - Lee Bang Won but make it gay. OK, I kid, sort of (not really) but this is smart and passionate and heartbreaking. If you want a wide scope or lots of politics, probably not a take for you (Six Flying Dragons is RIGHT there), but if you want an intense, emotional tale, come right in!

Six Flying Dragons - to me, this is THE drama about Lee Bang Won. It’s smart and emotional, deals with politics and has heart. It has a large cast of characters I got invested in, OTPs that will blow your mind etc etc.

Faith/The Great Doctor - if you are a fan of old school shoujo like Red River, Basara or Fushigi Yuugi, this or Moon Lovers are your best bet on this list. A time traveling tale with other fantasy elements about a modern day plastic surgeon who ends up being kidnapped into Goryeo during the early days of King Gongmin’s (hi!) reign by a tormented, oath bound warrior played by Lee Min Ho at his hottest (and playing historical General Choi Young. Do RPS at your pleasure), this one is one of my all time favorites.

Seodonyo/Ballad of Seo Dong - I am actually currently watching this one tho I haven’t been posting about it. Set in both Baekje and Silla, this is an angsty love story with a side of politics. It’s filmed in 2005 and looks accordingly but if you don’t mind dated visuals, this is pretty great!

Emperor of the Sea - set in Silla and Tang, this was a huge hit and deservedly so. Our protag is a slave and gladiator and a great naval hero. This is grim and smart and epic. It’s from 2004 so once again, if dated visuals are no-go, skip, but if you want a great story and performances, this has your name on it.

The Kingdom of the Winds - an epic cursed prince narrative, our ML (Song Il Gook at his sexiest) rises from abandoned prince and slave and abused assassin to general, royal and king, sparing time for an angsty delicious love story with an enemy princess. This has serious sageuk bits AND the best shoujo tropes in the business, plus enough whump to keep anyone happy.

Gye Baek - Lee Seo Jin, another sageuk stalwart, stars as the title character in this tale of a Baekje commoner, war slave and general. This is grim but glorious.

Soldier/God of War - this is a traditional war-centric sageuk and grim as hell. Another slave to general tale.

King Geun Chu Go - this is on my watch list; it’s about a warrior king of Baekje. Haven’t seen it but heard good things.

Ja Myung Go - smart and unrelentingly tragic, featuring Jang Ryeo Won and Jung Kyung Ho as doomed lovers and Park Min Young in an evil role, this is great and has deeply flawed characters in the very definition of doomed by the narrative tale.

Arthdal Chronicles - this is obviously a fantasy but the tale of prophesied twins, magical priestess, wars and mysticism is clearly set in a pre-Joseon in terms of aesthetics world.

Alchemy of Souls - like Arthdal this is pure fantasy but also like Arthdal, a lot of its styling is pre-Joseon so on this list it goes.

Moon Lovers/Scarlet Heart Ryeo - ok I think if people have heard of only one drama on this very long list, it’s probably this one. Modern time traveling heroine ending up during the reign of Goryeo’s King Taejo, in the middle of his sons’ fight for the throne, having an epic but doomed romance with shoujo catnip tortured bad boy Lee Jun Ki.

Shine or Go Crazy - if you want a more historical take on Moon Lovers succession fight but still with plenty of hotness, angst and doomed romance, come right in. This baby stars Jang Hyuk, so you know it’s bound to be good. I actually started it and enjoyed it but got sidetracked. Need to get back to it. Fun fact: while Moon Lovers was hugely popular internationally, domestically Shine or Go Crazy (they aired around the same time), did much better.

The Legend/The First King’s Four Gods - for a long time this was my favorite kdrama of all time and is still probably in my top 10. Ignore the odd first episode, the rest is perfection. Expensive and wonderfully written, this was Bae Yong Joon’s last drama before he retired to rest on his pile of money (if you are young, you probably don’t remember what a big deal he was, bigger than all the Hallyu stars nowadays put together. He basically was singlehandedly supporting the kdrama industry at one point), but what a worthy way to go out. It’s an epic Goguryeo fantasy tale of a prophesied prince coming into his own, with such amazing characters and relationships and OTPs and battles and points about destiny versus free will. It is everything and I kinda want to rewatch now.

The Blade and The Petal/Sword and Flower - ostensibly a star-crossed Gogureyo love story, this really is more about politics. It’s a mixed bag. The visuals are insane but Uhm Tae Woong, while always solid in modern dramas, is out of place in a sageuk (in QSD Kim Nam Gil stole his thunder; there is nobody to do so here but that doesn’t help him.)

Queen Seon Duk - probably the most famous entrant into female power sageuks, this was a mad hit and centered on the titular character’s rise to power and fight for the same with her female nemesis Mishil. If you want love stories, angsty fighter Bidam propelled Kim Nam Gil to stardom as he stole the leading man mantle from Uhm Tae Woong.

Empress Ki - currently rewatching this. It’s set in the waning days of Goryeo but takes place mainly in Yuan. Still, the FL is Korean and a lot of the story revolves around one of her suitors’, a deposed Korean king, attempts to get his land back. As you can tell by my rabid posts, this is a great drama - politics, romance (I ship FL and the Yuan emperor like mad), murder, dysfunction and everything good.

Hwarang - it’s so brain dead it might as well be a brain-eating amoeba in drama form but it did give us both Park Hyung Sik and Park Seo Joon before they made it big in drama world. It’s terrible tho, stay away.

River where the Moon Rises - I have such a love/hate relationship with this drama - I loved the beginning, with our tormented assassin heroine slowly being warmed by the loyal rustic ML with his own trauma. And then Ji Soo’s bullying scandal happened and he was replaced by Na In Woo, aka the actor I like least from any country in all my close to two decades of watching dramas. I tried but I simply couldn’t and I am still mad. This said, if you don’t share my NIW allergy, it’s probably worth a watch.

The Great King’s Dream - if you liked QSD and can’t get enough of the period but want an even more traditional tale, you can do worse than this drama. I liked what I saw but this baby is 70 eps and lacks Bidam so I peaced out. Maybe I will get back to it sometime, but probably not.

Jeong Do Jeon - as you can tell by the title, centers on JDJ and the last days of Goryeo. Not really my bag (time period been done plenty in other dramas and I don’t have that much interest in JDJ) but supposed to be solid.

My Only Love Song - a short silly mess but still probably better than River (which tells the same story) because it doesn’t have NIW.

King Gwanggaeto the Great - 92 eps. I can’t!

The King Loves - delicious love triangle (that goes ALL ways), angst, prettiness, a side of bodyguard romance. What’s not to love in this Goryeo tale?

ETA: this post was so long that when I tried to tag every drama I mentioned, tumblr told me you hit the tag limit of 30 tags no more tags for you. Oh well, sorry dramas that ended up I tagged!

[ewanmitchelll]

Imagine Taylor Swift’s songs (II): Bad Blood.

Imagine you were Aemond's good friend when politics turned you in enemies. What then?

Warnings: drama, angst, smut--fluff endings as always tho.

***

• Before the War

The beginnings are usually sweet, colored with a degree of naivety. These can be also the high of peace, but many forget that to keep it at all costs, should every single being be prepared for wars, regardless of positions. For wars and death walk hand in hand, seizing every life without considering rank nor gold.

As previously said, the start is always embellished with hopes, but shades of grey are already painting the walls of the Red Keep. Aemond Targaryen knows best than all that his presence is not desired by his melancholic mother or his phantom father.

He’s heading to the dragon’s cave, prompted for another ride at Vhagar when he tumbles onto you.

“Lady Y/N”, he whispers your name with a hint of surprise. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here. Shouldn’t you be at court?”

“No one would notice if I left for a moment”, you say with a sigh. “I went to the gardens to write some poems.”

Aemond is quickly distracted by your presence. You were once playmates as children, but even now as young adults the interests remain the same. For now, Vhagar occupies the second place.

“I remember how well you used to write”, he offers you a smile, pleased to see a faint shade of pink in your cheeks. “May I read a few? Perhaps we could go back to the tree?”

In reference to the spot you used to spend time as children, you agree at once. And there you two go.

“I don’t think I write well, my prince.”

“Aemond”, he cuts you gently. “You can call me by my name.”

Another exchange of smiles.

“Aemond, you flatter me more than I deserve.”

Once reaching the said tree, the prince takes hold of the parchment you hoped to keep to yourself, ignoring your protests. Eventually, though, you go silent, watching his reactions in agony. For he was always able to hold his emotions back, so you constantly found difficult to read him.

But alas! If only you could dive into his intimate thoughts! Then you’d find a rising delight in his chest because the rebel prince feels the same thing for you.

However you’d never know how he truly feels…. Because at this very moment you are discovered by Ser Criston Cole and your father.

You don’t know, but this is the last time you ought to see your cherished prince.

***

• Enmity.

So take a look at what you’ve done… ‘Cause baby now we got bad blood.

You are soon married to Lord H/N of the House Tully. Obliged to move to the Riverlands, you are unhappily tied to a very old man who’s been living with his mistress for decades. The marriage, apparently, is to force an alliance that—you are to discover soon—is meant to support Rhaenyra Targaryen. Therefore, by chance and by marriage, you are now associated to the Black party.

There are, however, some good advantages as you are left on your own. If you do your duties straight as mother to your stepchildren—who are older than you—, look well after your household and not meddle in your husband’s business, you can practice your archery, ride freely and even sharp your mind through accessing the library.

It’s not that bad in practice—your marriage hasn’t been consummated, mostly because Lord H/N is not very, eh, powerful in bed, a secret you vowed to keep—, but you feel lonely. Your friends are now a memory of your life at court and people at Riverlands could be very… strict somewhat.

What’s worse: where is Aemond? Why hasn’t he written to you?

Melancholy starts to crawl over your heart and mind despite the peaceful, almost boring life you lead. Until you perceive a dark shadow creeping over the clouds.

You’d think Lord Aemond came to rescue you, but your heart breaks when you see a dark haired lady on his back, waiting as he helps her leaving Vhagar carefully.

Your heart parts before the view. Why’d you assume he corresponded your feelings, stupid girl? You wish to vanish, a natural response in these circumstances, but you are discovering a little too late that these are trying times.

The gates of the castle are now open and you are forced to act on your husband’s behalf next to his son and heir. After all, duty is one of the mottos of your new house and you never failed to fulfill it so far.

When Aemond finds you, however, he freezes. Clearly, he wasn’t expecting to see you there.

My lady, you look horribly sad. Where has your freedom gone?

A thought he doesn’t bother to voice.

“Lord”, he greets your stepson cooly, and you in the same tone. “Lady.”

“Prince Aemond”, your husband’s elder child, H/N, doesn’t let you act as a bridge between the two parties. “We do not welcome you here.”

A shadow of displeasure crosses the prince’s face.

“By denying me thus you are proceeding with treason, Lord Tully. Is this how we ought to be?”, the silver haired Targaryen prince acts as if you are not there. Unlike him, though, you have never been good in disguising your sentiments. “You are not in position to support the Usurper. Harrenhal is mine.”

And he indicates Lady Alys Rivers as proof. You don’t like her arrogance, her looks nor the influence she exercises over him. Or perhaps all of your judgement comes from jealousy.

Regardless, you feel brutally betrayed.

“Bend your knee, otherwise you shall burn.”

You pale before the prince’s threat. It’s when a sudden courage—or perhaps a moment of recklessness—rises in your spirit. For your stepson might hesitate before Aemond’s treason, but you would not.

Therefore, you take a sword from the young man—who is older than you—and step towards the prince, himself taken aback by your behavior.

You were never the one to act so imprudently, my dear Y/N.

“What is this?”

“Where is duty?”, you yell at him, eyes puddled with tears as you raise the sword to him. “Where is sacrifice? For years you’ve been nothing but a spoilt man who followed freely what your own heart commanded you to! No burden to carry, you play with whores and take what’s not yours so carelessly?”

“Lady Y/N, I strongly recommend you to be reasonable”, says Aemond, cooly, but in his eyes there is shock. You are the last person he’d expect to find resistance.

“Reasonable? To whom? You threat my stability, my family, for what purpose, lord?!”

You press your sword against him, but he makes no move, skeptical about your intentions. Surely, you’d not harm him, not when he read your soul not so many moons ago.

But something eclipses the goodness in your heart. And though the world seems to spin slower, Aemond doesn’t let guards to interfere.

These beats of a dark heart, use basslines to replace you. Take time and erase you, love don't hear no more, no, I don't fear no more. Better yet, respect ain't quite sincere no more.

“Is this your choice?”, he frowns at you, a hand resting on his waist, ready to unsheathe the sword. “Do you opt for enmity?”

Is this what you’ve become? His eyes yell silently at yours, but you are blind to such accusation. And Aemond knows he’s the cause of it.

“Madame!”, lord H/N thinks wise to interfere. “It is unwise to opt for enmity!”

“He is our enemy now!”, you turn at the stupid boy. “He’s been waging wars, burning castles and fucking whores!”

Aemond doesn’t excuse himself from such offenses, but the same cannot be said of lady Alys.

“My lady, these are not manners of a woman who is expected to rule Riverrun”, she smirks. “But since you are putting your family at risk, perhaps a cage would do you good.”

“She doesn’t mean to”, the redhead male insists anxiously, taking from you the opportunity to defend yourself. “We’ll bend the knee, lord, if you spare us. I’m sure you’ll understand the advantages that comes from our loyalty.”

By now you feel double betrayed. Aemond, the man you loved, shows off his power over you and chooses a whore to accompany him everywhere. Lord H/N, the one son you judged reasonable, does anything he can in his father’s absence to retain some influence.

You are useless. And yet you are too proud to let tears show the path for defeat. Nonetheless, even that is better than to burn in flames. After all, you live to honor this family with the duty you’ve been taught.

Therefore you are silent. Aemond reads all that has not been said. Part of him chooses to amend what he judges to be misunderstandings, but his conscience knows precisely why you behaved the way you did.

A lioness’s pride when broken is worse than hearing a ghost’s haunting. So he thinks, taking in consideration your ties with the Lannisters, in spite of you belonging to a minor house.

***

• War

Now we got problems. And I don't think we can solve 'em. You made a really deep cut…

A cage is a cage even if it doesn’t look like one. To consider weaving revenge is useless. Despite the early disagreements with your husband in light of recent events, with now war openly declared between Aegon and his sister Rhaenyra, all you do now is focus in your womanly doings, which is looking after your new home, trying to amend relations with your stepson and so it goes.

Time begins to fly, albeit slowly. You haven’t produced any heir, but to your stepchildren your allegedly infertility is welcoming news. Ironically, this is when they start to improving relations with you.

Forgotten by your family, though, you seem forcibly content with yourself when news arrive that Lord Aemond desires to have a feast with the Tully’s. His unwanted arrival, especially regarding his royal status, means that you should dress beautifully and play the role to perfection.

“And if you point the sword once more, I’ll gladly remove your privileges”, so your husband warns you.

You agree. What else could you do? Like a creature in jail, you’ll be exhibited to enemies as if you are some sort of war prize.

Before the feast begins, though, Aemond needs a conversation with you first. He would not admit, naturally, that he’s been dreaming about you—and such dreams might reflect well his remorse in his behaving towards you. Yet, something should be done.

When you meet him in a private quarter destined to important guests, you are dressed in your best clothes. Your y/c hair is tied in a fashion braid, but your gown is red and reinforces your curves. Aemond’s eyes discreetly undress you, and the idea leaves the man to an almost bone he quickly controls.

“Lady Tully”, he begins the conversation softly, greeting you regally from his seat. He wears something to keep his lack of an eye in secret, dressing dark shade of green robes. His silver hair falls loose behind his back, giving the prince a royal look.

“Prince Aemond”, you echo his coldness, taking a seat once he indicates with a nod of his head. “I pray your journey has been safe and well.”

Aemond sees you well and part of him wishes to take you in his arms and tell you all that he never could. But this isn’t the time yet.

“Indeed I did, thank you.”

You ask the servants to fetch yourselves some wine and fruits.

“What’s the need to talk to me alone like this?”

Band-aids don’t fix bullet holes. You say sorry just for show. If you live like that, you live with ghosts.

Aemond studies you, not responding you immediately. He strokes his chin, playing with his fingers on table.

“I needed to see you.”

You scoff.

“Did you, now?”

“Yes.”

You don’t say a word. Atmosphere is heavy with tension. Aemond, sitting on the edge side of the table, watches you with his intent eyes.

“So much has happened since that day”, he begins to say. And it’s when he shows his sapphire eye. “I lost an eye, Y/N.”

For the very first time, you show some reaction.

“And because of it you sought war?”

It’s when he closes his fist and hits on the table. But you are not frightened by his temper, familiar with it.

“I did what I had to do! I was humiliated!”, and now staring into your eyes, he adds: “I thought you would understand that!”

“That is the difference between us, Aemond. Content never makes amends of broken things. It only worsens it”, you speak softly.

He shakes his head, skeptically.

“You speak like a fool.”

“You underestimate me”, you retort. “Like most men do.”

“I am not like most men”, he stares at you and now you are able to read his emotions.

“You should not, but by looking for battles you presented me with wars.”

Aemond sighs heavily, impatiently so. But he is not ready to give you up yet. This bad blood would have to cede.

***

• Winds of Spring.

You are riding by yourself early this morning. Dressed in red, you take this time to enjoy yourself. To have some peace. It’s when you spot him.

“Aemond”, you freeze before seeing him. Your heart races and your first instinct is to turn your horse and ride away.

But you dismount instead.

“Y/N”, he walks to you, distressed. “Run with me.”

“What?”, you pale before his suggestion. “What are you saying?”

“Fuck this war. Fuck them all”, he takes your hand with one all the whilst delivering you the old parchment. “I remember this.”

As you take it and open it, you read the poem about your prince of spring. Tears rise to your eyes and you stare at him in disbelief.

“You’ve kept this.” It’s not a question.

“I have, yes. I’ve never had the chance to say I love you too, my princess. But your father swept you away from my sight. I had no idea where you were… I was forced to follow my duty to my family”, he explains in a whisper.

You lean to cup his face with both hands.

“Oh my dear Aemond. But what about lady Alys?”

“She was just a trophy of my conquests”, he murmurs. “This isn’t about her. It’s about you.”

And without waiting further for your response, the silver haired prince takes you in his arms and presses his lips against yours. You don’t resist him, finally letting love blossom from hatred and frustration.

“I love you, my prince of spring.”

“I love you, my summer princess”, he smiles at you with the purest devotion. “Let us leave this life behind. This world is not for us.”

As much as you want to, you hesitate.

“I am still a married woman, Aemond”, you smile weakly, sadness evident in your eyes.

“Fuck them”, he pulls you against him. “They won’t dare to reclaim you anyway. My brother’s on the throne, therefore, we can rely there shall be no uprising against his authority. Less so against his brother’s.”

When you look into his eyes, you know you see someone so similar like you, a mirror of your soul.

“I came to release my lady from this golden cage”, the prince says, taking your hands and there kissing each. “Be my wife, lady. It’s all I ask for.”

You smile down at him.

“When have I ever refused you anything, my lord?”

And this is how it ends. A princess freed by her prince. You are finally able to be yourself.

***

• Epilogue

You cling onto your husband’s arms, ignoring the scandal you left behind, which had your name erased from the Tully’s records, but added to the Targaryen’s.

Politics aside, you are now Lady Targaryen by marriage, but what does it matter when he loves you so dearly, so intently every day?

Harrenhal is yours, but mostly important is his. As you watch him sleep, you prepare to wake him up with naughty intentions. As you begin to kiss his shoulder, you use one hand to caress his face, his neck, not stopping until you reach his manhood. Praising the Gods for his nude state, you do not need to slow down before you start to stimulating him, all the whilst your kisses go to his neck and more.

“Mm…” the prince groans, not entirely awake nor fast asleep. “My lady…”

You feel your own body react in response, but this is about him, you want him to come undone in the first moment of the day.

As your delicate fingers play with his now erected member, your lips move slowly downwards and now Aemond’s eyes are starting to open. And his eyes go wide when seeing what you are about to do.

“My lady, what have I turned you into?”

You give him a mischievous look.

“Good morrow, husband.”

And just like that you take him with your mouth. You still have in mind when, right after taking you as his wife, he enjoyed being your first man. How he touched you, making you discover every bit of a sensual pleasure you’ve only dared to know in books. You took such a linking in these domestic activities that the fire of dragon has you burning alive.

“Y/N!”, he groans louder, properly awake this time. “You are such a good lass. You learned so quickly. Oh!”

But as good as this is, Aemond does not intend to release his seed on your mouth, so hence why he throws blankets away and gently rises you, turning you under his strong body.

“No, lady. I have a better place to seed you”, he smirks at you, pleased to make you blush as he lifts your hands above your head and starts to kiss you fervently.

Aemond is well aware you like to submit to him easily, and he dominates you promptly. He finds his equal, and it shows in every part of this marriage. But in truth, as his body now tangles with yours, he knows that he’s been tamed by such a damsel.

Little wonder why is that in two weeks you are about to discover you have conceived. And a long list of children will be written by a surprised chronicler of King Aegon II’s reign.

[barbwillbrb]

so what do these two do on their downtime? what kind of future do they picture for themself? or hope for?

Downtime

Rackal enjoys being active and uses exercise as stress relief (he is very stressed). He will train on his own using a dummy, practicing with Lae’zel or Karlach, or practicing calisthenic exercises. He’ll also take Scratch/Owlbear cub for walks/play fetch and explore the areas surrounding camp. He enjoys nature/wildlife, and likes to collect things during the adventure that he finds interesting/he thinks his mom/companions would like. You’ll also find him frequently tending to the camp’s weaponry/armor alongside Lae’zel, and if Wyll’s “Gale doesn’t know what a vegetable is” comment is true he is definitely assisting with cooking because he is not getting poisoned again.

Clairice enjoys playing music and will be off on her own writing songs/working with her lute, typically perched near/on a tree. She likes climbing trees (or anything that she can scramble up) and you’ll typically find her perched up somewhere with her instruments and a bottle of some ale. She also enjoys playing sleight of hand games with the other companions, namely Astarion (she’s really good around card tricks). Astarion is also teaching her how to sew so she can add cool trinkets/feathers to her hat/showcoat.

Future/Hopes

Goddamn this is a tough one.

At the start of the game/prior to the Nautiloid, I really think Rackal honestly believes he will die in a few, likely to some mission gone wrong just like how he lost Meirin. Truthfully, he’s trying to find purpose/something to believe in again after really losing faith in “institutionalized forms of justice,” like the Fists and even to some extent being a paladin. I think being on a team of companions struggling to also do the right thing helps him refocus, and by the end of the game he is sure in himself/ability to do good. I think he would end up joining the Baldur’s Gate sect of the Harper’s post-return from Avernus with Karlach/Wyll.

On a more personal note, he would ideally like to find someone to share his life with; he misses that connection and is fucking lonely.

Clairice, meanwhile, is struggling with a case of “I thought I knew what I want but turns out I was wrong and I am really trying not to think about it too much.” She very much did not want the heroes life, finding the tales she grew up with talking about the glory of adventure and standing up for the innocent always tend to forget to mention the actual costs to the hero. She’s been living life to her own means, and ignoring the clawing feeling at her chest that she’s missing something.

She’d been with the Guild and was Keene’s right hand/lover for many years, but over the past year their relationship began to get more tense as things in the Baldur’s Gate underground got even more shady as the Zhentarim’s moments became stranger. Keene was looking to make an official stand against them/seek ways for the Guild to begin sussing out this growing problem, while Clairice was firmly on the side of “we’re staying the fuck back.” It ultimately led to Clairice leaving the Guild/Keene, and she’s been on her own for a couple of months prior to the start of the game.

Ultimately: she’s fucking scared. She sees very clearly that there is something on the horizon but acknowledging it fully isn’t something she can do right away, so she is focused very much on protecting her own. Her major struggle is overcoming her cowardice to take an actual stand for what she believes in.

Prior to the game, becoming the Sword Coast’s best thief would have been her ideal dream, maybe holing up in some fancy apartment someday to live off her riches. Now, she’s pretty settled on the idea of becoming a badass folk hero/continuing to adventure/do good (with a sprinkle of chaos). Still wants those riches/high rise apartment tho.

[zealousfandoms]

Flore'gez The Methonasian

@sweetpeaches666 @simply02artists

(Warning:Mentions of child abuse, abduction, trauma and heavy mentions of things here be warned.)

•Flore'gez is one of Ben's Donor's of his Methonasian transformation (aka Swampfire.) And making Flor one of Ben's dads he's about 29-30 years old so about his prime he's very young. Unlike his other dad's tho he didn't willingly give his DNA to Myaxx it was Bad Myaxx still insisted which nearly got her head cut off,burned and probably impaled on a tree

•He didn't willingly gave his DNA up well he did technically he was just convinced by Myaxx who is about 1 inches to be cut off in half by Flor 😅 but eventually he gave in. But with clarification from Myaxx and her praying she won't die too early he let her go on the condition if anything happened with his DNA or whatever they used on it he will come after her and destroy what was used to his DNA. In fear she immediately bolted with his DNA and Flor just going back to business.

•Flor adores children very much.. seeing them frollic and play warmed his heart and such innocence they pose.. he gets aggressive and so overprotective of any children if harmed.. he's like a beast who guards his own kits even if they weren't his own. He never hated any children not even if let's say Albedo was turned into a 5 year old child of Ben he would take him in with no question. (Picture Albedo would be confused and terrified with the whole situation, in Flor's eyes child is child plural.)

•Ben's other dad's would have mixed feelings with Flor. On the other hand they saw him a monster but also some felt bad. They have never seen such a being so broken and brought back together it was like finding peices of a mentally sane person in a black ocean. Galapagus tried to help him but you can see he wasn't successful. he he's beyond his own mind now. the only thing that makes him move is if he's out "Hunting" or when he's near people he loved which is Ben.

•He never hurts Ben's other dad's the good ones atleast (he liked Galapagus, Prisoner 775, Tetrax and a few others because they have either went through the same as him or felt bad. Galapagus wanted to help him) for just being people who understand him or try to help him the evil ones.. well let's just say he once nearly tied Transyl at a tree and waited for the sun to rise. Dissapointingly Transyl still lived because Ben didn't want that and also because Ben and his human family is there.. he doesn't want them to witness someone dying. Maybe one day he could chuck Transyl in the sun.

•Flor hates Royal people or Prideful aliens in a way.. (they also were like "Him") because when the war happened before Flor was left alone an orphan he roamed the desolate place of what was once Flor's home. Flor basically roamed around the universe fleeing from his home after seeing such devastation until he was taken in by some not so good crowd. Flor thought he had found someone he can depend on.. what a mistake he thought.

•Flor wasn't initially bad or did what he does out of just because he wanted too back then he has normal life, two loving parents and he's actually technically royalty in a sense back home in Methanos his father was a Cheif, sadly that was when War was still raging through the galaxies. Flor's parents were the unfortunate cost of this fight both dying in eachothers embrace to save there species. And hopefully for there son to survive.. Flor's Parents are both males (yeah they gay :D) one of his dad's is Gladious he got his intimidating face from him also his beauty. And his name is based on the flower Gladiolus flowers, they represent a lot of things and ones of those they can mean strength and perseverance, while other times, the long flowers symbolize remembrance and the honoring of passed loved ones. And his other dad is Bellis which is a nod to the daisy flower that represents purity, innocence, new beginnings, joy and cheerfulness. He's a little silly and Ben might have got that sillyness and joking attitude Swampfire actually resembled him.

•Flor owns a trench coat. Which wasn't his. The trench coat used to belong to an owner and leader of the not so good crowd mentioned he was at the top highest of wanted criminals for Child kidnappings, illegal market, Poaching of Alien species and many more this person owned a lot of people for his bidding an empire. His group went to Methanos after seeing the devestation they were there to steal loot but they found something even better. A Methonasian Child.. from then on they used this child as new game Flor realizing he was used as a pawn after so long snapped and proceeded to kill him and everyone he never left one unscathed.. those who did survive bow down before him in fear. He ruined the trench coat and remade it in his own style ereasing every part of that man especially his smell. Flor's own wax fragrant skills play here now. but it still stays as a testimony for his acheivement.

•He has many scars and bruises from his past that he refused to show even to others like Ben so he wore large and long sleeved clothes he looked more like a typical dad would but he doesn't always liked wearing others that aren't his trench coat because he never liked how he looked. In Methanos he's considered beautiful not just for his colors but his eyes and his body which is feminine despite him being male. His eyes were beautiful Amber and below is a mixed of purple which made it look like his eyes were the setting dawn of the morning.. a rare exotic beauty.

•Flor was manipulated, bred and born to fight that is his purpose the purpose those people ingrained in his head.. "doesn't matter if you live or not, as long as you get the job done.. you are useful"

•they used Flor's greif and anger against his better judgement and turned a child into a killing machine. Other than being a teen at a young age.. the kicker would have been that they made him do other stuff. Other than stealing, killing, drug dealing and other stuff. He was used as entertainment for sick people in clubs.. and Flor didn't even had a choice if he wanted too he only obeyed. And he came back the next day with those aliens paying with grins.. he only looked down and said nothing.

This is also part of that scenario where he does so we'll undercover in Clubs and in the night. It's basically second nature.. even if that didn't stop the trauma he had endured in a young age. He also felt grief for all those children he has neglected in his care when he was still that man's pawn. He always reassured and played with those children they called him there "big brother" because he's the only thing they had to one maybe even slipped to "Dad" frankly he didn't knew either and he was a victim of manipulation when he found out what happened to those children who went through the door and never came back.. he lost his mind that day and his greatest failure.

•Flor has Trauma and Insomnia in some cases he also has Hallucination hearing and seeing things his mind is warped in every way of reality.

•He owned a giant Tetramand Pole Axe he got it after ambushing a female Tetramand in Methanos. But he claimed it as his own now and as his new favorite weapon amongst a few others.

•He does love Ben even if Ben hadn't met him yet but when he found out he has a son he immediately tracked him and when he found out who his son is.. and what his life is.. he is set to protect him. In the shadows. Until Ben met him one night after getting news that some bad guys are up to no good only to find Flor covered in blood and the start of there meeting.

Flor up close.

(Originally he is gonna be in Sweeetpeaches666 au of Shapeshifter Ben AU but I got hooked with my character and now he's officially my oc other than the Shapeshifter Ben AU there is a lot more I wanted to add about Flor and a few wrong grammar's 😅 and more about Flor but maybe some other time.. and it's also near Christmas so merry Christmas 🎄🎁!)

[ofsunjae]

heyoo it's m (eileen's mun) back w a brand new muse that i'm rly excited to write & develop! u can find a summary abt him under the cut & hit the heart or msg me if you'd like to plot! i have some ideas at the end but am always down to brainstorm something together

₊˙ ◌⁎˚ ﹒﹙kim dongyoung ‘doyoung’. cis male. he/him.﹚guess who was almost late for their shift at lapis roasters again?? that’s right, it was lee sunjae! it’s a wonder their job as an owner isn’t in jeopardy. the 27 year old has been working at sunset galleria for two and a half years, and is well known for their empathetic nature. on bad days, they can be rather reserved, though. when the mall is dead at night, they can usually be found smoking on the rooftop, but don’t tell their boss!

EARLY LIFE (mentions of low self worth tw)

his STATS page has a lot more basic tidbits about him so feel free to skim thru that for more details

born in seoul on jan 9th, 1996 (cap sun, leo moon & virgo rising <;3)

sunjae's family own a group of hospitals so they're Rich rich lmao but more on that later. he also has an older sister!

he's lived sort of a rich life and not just by financial standards- from the ages of 8 - 17 he was a junior tennis player! and he pursued it pretty seriously, he trained in poland for two years and spain for 10 months, winning several big tournaments. this meant he was mainly out of classes/privately tutored & didn't rly have a lot of friends aside from his core besties. he travelled w his mom so they've always been close, and she was his biggest supporter

tennis was p much consuming his life and although he enjoyed it for the most part, the pressure from his coaches and himself rly got him into a weird spiral. his negative self talk & feelings of worthlessness ultimately cost him a couple of games and he kinda had a breakdown & lost passion for the sport he once loved.

anywys mom was kinda sad abt his withdrawal but she still supported him, dad less so bc of how much money they put towards his career & all the clubs/training but whatever. we ball.

POST TENNIS LIFE & CAREER

ok he's dropped tennis.. naow what... realizing he doesn't rly know what to do w his life & his grades? aren't great so he ends up travelling w his sister for a bit bc she wants to help him get out of his funk.

ultimately decides to enlist to 1) buy himself some time to think 2) rumours abt draft envasion were running around the rich family circles & he didn't want his family to deal w that

sunjae gets caught up on reading lots during his service & returns with a new goal! enroll in uni and get a bachelors in international relations. he has to work hard to study but uni years were much needed to just.. round him out as a person n be around so many new people n jst be some college kid !!

fast forward he's 25 with a degree & still kinda lost lmao! his sister who opened and ran a coffee shop (hint: sunset's very own lapis roasters) has a newborn baby and wants to rly focus on being a mom so she's like hey.. wna run this business for me while i'm gone? :) and it's been two & half years of sunjae as the owner. (it's sweet tho bc on their travels together they always bonded over good coffee and sunjae could tell she's rly passionate abt it so he gives it his all)

now he's 27 and still running lapis, it's good for him but unless you know him closely you wouldn't know he's the owner. acts like he's just another coffee roaster or barista

recently he's pursuing the idea of becoming a human rights lawyer & in his first year at a law school in daegu after a long trial of applying. sunjae's decided that even tho he's unsure exactly what his path will be, he wants to help people whether that's by fighting for them in court or just serving them the best cup of coffee they've ever had :)

PERSONALILTY & DETAILS

loosely inspired by ren from f4 thailand.. v observent of other people's feelings & can be so selfless that it's a flaw at times. putting everyone first & always quietly taking care of people in his own ways, covering the bill for dinner or just lending an ear. the type to rmbr the little details in a conversation w stranger and bring them up if they ever saw each other again

wld Die for his friends.. his homies.. the leo loyalty will be the death of him bc even if his friends get in a stupid brawl u know he's jumping in to defend them. loves to go out w them but doesn't drink much so he's always the dd & 'yes we'll get mcdonalds drive thru on the way home jst get in the car'

there's still a goofy side to him,, kinda like his inner child bc his youth was spent being consumed in sport so he loves teasing friends, using a shorter person's head as an arm rest, pulling harmless pranks etc etc

even tho sunjae grew up rich he never rly showed off his money n u prob wouldn't know abt his wealth until u see that he drives an audi r8 but again he doesn't make a big deal out of it tht's simply his car of choice LOL

knows how to play piano! prob sneaks a couples songs in at lunar flare when there's no one around

developed a smoking habit somewhere down the line that's been hard to kick but he tries to keep it more of a secret (sneaking up late on the rooftop)

PLOTS

rich kid squad: also loosely inspired by the squad from f4 thailand.. the people he grew up with bc their families were friends/attended the same rich people events lol. his found home rly, the kind of friends he would die for and they've been thru thick & thin together over the years - lots of dynamic possibilities here !!

designated driver: the guy u call when u need a way home, could be friends or could be that he happened to be driving one night and sees u walking drunk?? offers to give u a ride

sports/fitness pal: either someone he can hit with bc he still has the tennis skills (esp his killer serve) or someone to go bouldering/hiking with. alternatively someone he's teaching tennis to !

fellow weeb: the new shinkai movie is out... he's calling u up to join him. or simply chill anime watch parties at his place. snacks included

landlord: unbeknowst to u sunjae owns the small apartment building u live in.. maybe u openly complain abt the water pressure & magically it gets fixed the next day (he bought the building bc he got a load of inheritance & his dad said real estate is the best investment but truly he jst wants his tenants happy)

fake boyfriend: either for a day or an event or to make someone jealous he pretends to be ur boyfriend & he's p good at it.. humbles whoever u were trying to trick

confidant: someone who was screaming their sorrows off the rooftop when he went up for a smoke & then they ended up having a conversation and have been bumping into each other there ever since

almost lovers: the timing was just never right.. maybe he loved them too soon and they loved him too late or something else was stopping them from becoming what they wanted to be :/

something based off this :( maybe someone who was there when he was spiralling & cared a lot for him or just ends up being super upset on his behalf

random thoughts: someone taking advantage of his kindness or money / someone he's teaching to drive / someone he knows from church / friends from uni / little sibling figure!! / bad influence on him / mutual dislike or hateship / exes or past flings / childhood friend who always slept over at his + anything else we think of!

[blondefoxmedic]

Till the end

Immortality comes with many costs.

Nathans hands wrapped around the delicate silk robe as if to rip or strangle it and held on. His breath was going unevenly and his lips were quivering until he remembered to sink his sharp teeth into the bottom one. The metallic taste and the sharp pain were better than succumbing to the tears and heartbreaking agony of what has and was yet supposed to happen. He couldn’t stay like this forever. Kneeling on the cold floor drowning in self-pity while fully knowing he brought this upon himself. He would have time to grieve later, just one more stone added to the graveyard in the back of his mind anyway. Curse his formidable memory, immortality should come with at least some amnesia to make it bearable. But stones don’t just disappear and keep weighting you down. With a pained scream he threw the robe across the room. Too bad it was silk. It didn’t get far which is even more unsatisfying. As if he can’t get it far away from himself. Nathan should burn it. But burning it would hurt even more. Remind him even more. No, no. NO. He picked it up again and teared through the fabric with his claws. Again and again. But it was not enough to satisfy him, oh no he needed so much more. He couldn’t stay, old habits die hard and what is one less town in the endless woods of some American state. He hated America anyway. Twice as much as a doctor in a fucked up system. A devious smile tugged on his bleeding lips but it did not reach his eye. There was no joy, just anger and he looked so tired, he was even more tired than he looked. Nothing truly prepares you for the insanity of humanity repeatedly following the same patterns all over again. Greed, hunger, war, death, rebuild, flourish, greed, hunger, war, death. Kingdoms rise and fall. In the end people just die. He will too eventually. Hasn’t so far. Nathan has killed enough tho. But what is a few more. It will not stop the pain, it will not change anything but he is good at it and it will grant him a few more years he can use to. To do what exactly? He isn’t sure anymore. There is nothing to avenge anymore, no revenge to be taken. No love, no hate. The amount of lives saved by his practices is way smaller than the ones he has taken by now. He felt the anger vanishing from his body making him topple like a cut off marionette. The weight on his chest was tiring him, crushing him. Death, he hadn’t thought about death in a while, not in this way. Absently minded his fingers rubbed over the torn fabric between his hands. His eye flickered to his gramophone, then to his record collection. It has grown immensely over the past years. Not all records were his, tho he supposed they are now. Maybe he should give them a last listen. One last day. Immortal until the day he dies, it is a luxury if one thinks about it. One he should have appreciated more but he was so angry, so tired and hurt, hurting. And the price he payed for it was immense. “Fine!” He declared to the empty room. “Fine. One last day. I’ll make it count.”

[jellyfitzjelly]

ok anon, it's probably silly of me but i like you so i am contractually obligated to share my favourite shows for you to watch! The links are youtube playlists. :D

Legend of Zhen Huan (you can sometimes find it titled Legend of Concubine Zhen Huan or Empresses in the Palace): a 2011 Chinese period drama following the rise to power of a young woman in the imperial harem during the Qing dynasty. Don't let the number of episodes frighten you! You will be left wanting for more at the end of every episode! I guess you can say the drama is "old" by internet standards, but I think it aged gracefully. There clearly was budget invested on costumes and locations, so even now you can find people making gifsets on tumblr of the costumes! This is the drama that got me into Chinese dramas. It is SO good! The romance is incredible. I highly recommend it! If you can read Mandarin, I recommend reading the books it is based on, I've heard good things about it! The series recently received a new, excellent translation thanks to the awesome Magpie Brigade team. You can watch it all for free on Youtube. Stay away from the Netflix version titled Empresses in the Palace, which boils down a lot of the storyline into 6 humonguous episodes for western audiences.

Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace (also titled Legend of Ruyi) was originally slated to be a spin-off of Legend of Zhen Huan following Zhen Huan's emperor son and his love story with his childhood friend. It was eventually cut off and the series now stand on its own, though the drama is still based on a novel by the same author. The drama follows Ruyi Ula-Nara's journey from being the emperor's childhood sweetheart to the disgraced empress. Again, don't let the number of episodes put you off! I swear you WILL devour them all! The drama is very beautiful and relatively recent! It's free on youtube with English subtitles. It's heartwarming, romantic, tragic... I love rewatching it.

Nirvana in Fire is, simply put, The Count of Monte-Cristo but chinese version lmao. A young man comes back under a new identity to clear his dead family and army from a sinister plot that costed him everything, but also to help his childhood friend become the new Emperor. It deals with a lot of themes and does it quite gracefully, and has great, complex antagonists. It's also one of the first dramas I watched! Funnily enough, this is an adaptation of a BL (Boy's Love, aka yaoi, aka Men Loving Men) novel. You'll only get crumbs of it in the series tho because of Chinese censorship.

Magnificent Century is a Turkish period drama centering around the rise to power of Hürrem (known in the West as Roxelana), from slave to legal wife of the sultan. The story is set during what is considered the golden age of the Ottoman Empire: the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent (fun fact: he's actually known as the Legislator in Turkey thanks to his many reforms). This show is actually a soap opera, so it's quite dramatic but oh so gripping! I believe it also dates from 2011, so you may find it a bit cheap looking especially in the costuming department, but don't let that frighten you! After years of mourning the fact I couldn't find it anywhere, they finally put it on youtube with english subs! I know it looks super long, but trust me you will find yourself binge watching it at 4am...

Magnificent Century: Kösem is a spin-off following another famous sultana, set roughly almost a century after Hürrem's story. I actually never watched more of a few episodes because its storyline is basically the same as in its original series... Nonetheless, it is more recent and has much more budget, so you may want to start with this one especially since you don't need to have seen Magnificent Century to watch this one. Choice is yours!

The Rebel Princess (also titled Monarch Industry) is a costume drama set in a fictional, ancient dynasty. It follows a princess and her marriage of convenience to a freshly promoted general. The drama is very beautiful and the romance is so good! It's also packed with action and plot twists! I literally binge-watched it. The drama features a lot of veteran actors, so the acting is really good. Available on youtube with english subs. I didn't watch it on YT so idk about the quality of the subs. I can give you alternatives should they prove subpar!

[natalchartnurtures]

Hi there 👋 , I'm here for the free reading my initials are KM , ♑ rising ♐moon ♈sun so my question is : what is my future spouse like ? Like what are his traits (since imma female). I've been really curious since I have saturn in my 7th house and everybody told me that I'm gonna get a spouse who older than me ( maybe in age or in terms of maturity ig) one of my friends even told me that I'm gonna be the last one in our group to get married 😭 that's not the main problem ; the thing is I don't have a bf and I don't plan to have one I just believe in god ; somehow he's gonna give me "the one " but my eldest cousin is getting married to her bf and just by looking at them I feel so lonely 😭🥹. Like I'm not even pretty and I am not even sure if I'm gonna find someone somehow someday 😭. Okay I'll stop . Thank you for the patience , plz do reply to the question 🙃

Awww first of all congratulations to your eldest cousin :)

Now here's your reading:

Ah. They seem really earthy, practical and grounded AF. They love to work tbh. Hey it really sounds like a 7th house Saturn huh but in a good way :)

He seems quite diligent, dedicated, pragmatic and tbh.. they seem like they excel at what they do BUT all that said their success and pragmatism seems to come to them at the cost of their feminine side which is quite suppressed and neglected tbh. This might show up as him not able to take care of himself like maybe he can't cook for himself, maybe he breaks out from the stress of his lifestyle and doesn't know how to deal with it, maybe he doesn't eat really healthy, doesn't workout and on and on. U get the picture right?

But they do know how to get things done so that's strong masculine energy right there 👀 that's good.

He.. is not the spiritual type so he functions in a very 3D way of "if I want something I gotta hustle" and there's nothing that can stop this dude once he decides he wants something.. his connection to spirit and spiritual stuff will be through you ✨️

You'll help him achieve his full potential I hear. Idk how.. but you will :] aw.

You'll get him in touch with his emotions too for which hell forever be grateful. Ugh that's cute.

He seems to me like the type to resist changes and new energy in general which may make him prone to stagnation and with stagnation comes depression. He seems prone to depression as well I sense but for some reason he always bounces back from it tho. Good for him :)

He's currently learning a lesson around how to pursue the new in order to be more fulfilled in life and this is likely happening through a disruption in his work life. This might cause him to jump onto the timeline where gets to meet you 👀 wow. I hope that happens quick! Hehe but it all depends on how quick he absorbs his lesson so... yup 🙃

That was your reading!

Thank you for allowing me to read for you today.

Love and light sweet soul

[spirit-shroud]

What virtual pets are you gaming

HI ive been awake for 2 minutes so this might be incoherent

so of course im a neopets guy, have been for like 19 yrs off and on, and my current account is my longest lasting one i think?? havent just like. forgotten about it and made a new one in like 9 yrs and i have 2 pets i love very much . unfortunately i ran an anime club when i was 14 and it shows but regardless of that, anyone can add me and lmk if you ever need anything! here's the link

this beast right here is my pride and joy his name is Little Nose . everything here costed me 4 million neopoints and took me like 4 very inefficient years of grinding but it was WORTH IT isnt he pretty

this is Tinsel, my other sweet baby boy, he did not cost 4 million neopoints but getting that paint brush and the lil outfit was Unfun

im also a flight rising guy!! idk the lore!! i dont have lore for my den!! i just log in every day and do my silly little dailies and mass produce fodder dragons to make my other dragons play dress up!! this link takes people 2 my favourites tab its where my favourite little guys live. also anyone can add me please send me research note for the love of god. and i'm looking for a gold/garnet/gold or similar coatl for another oc dragon!!

this dragon is midormi they're one of my ocs from a different game, they're small and control time

this dragon is just me if i was a dragon. i think i could've gotten wilder on the colours though. tundras, fae, and guardians are my favourite

LASTLY IM on chickensmoothie now, link takes you to my favourite pets . i'm too afraid to post on the forums or get into trading w/ people i dont know (i count being on tumblr together as 'knowing someone' for the most part) but i have a very expansive wishlist and i hope idk some mysterious and loving figure just so happens to have every pps butterfly dog larva and gives them to me . i also have a lot of duplicates and a tab of free pets if anyone wants any but they only go back to october since thats when i started

i love this thing his name is nugget, and i decided that this thing here

is my. chickensmoothie sona ??? i guess? just bc it can kind of hold a cane and was the first pet i got. his name is coal

idk what other virtual pet sites are out there tbh id love more tho

[libidomechanica]

Mercy and melon, yellowing from the were the the related in

A noise of night colours riding, or self so much     lov’d from fair brow: and left but aye my wifebeater foot back athwart that your own feel     the horse then felt thy shall see, the pock!

Hath be, and the Kurds. Is much more, but all lie, we     commission both cheeks; and rising, old fallen, have flood, ’—you must passio, an army death     an urn. Who is age, ’ which was, and good

night, when you, yet now in a little earthy hand.     My mounted, and, into light which I be spoke, Dudu, with the forbidden words, his green     laments. Indeed on her personal

at though theoric’ it at my soul as deep in the     gentle part from that art that love read in the wins there borne of this coming for love’s done     if we had no birds, O eares of

blue-eyed flame and lead the iron her bounds, may besiege     us, Cyril said he you are grass. For what will, a far be t from rest of these     met a water faucet and many

yearne her to orphans youth weary hed: and led and     accent though shyness breast what can choose your voice by her of beautiful each of your hearthly     that were is thy Bagpype brood, which

me main, else sad the perfumes in youth endlessed.     My dream’d, and youth we letter than other end of all the foughts as she is not catch men     abide, in for the east out off, calles

to appear: love said: He said she let’s coarse that do     beauties wounded did best to truly the room to feeling? What takes all thing white or all,     although to whom abundance to pass’d

the will I pass’d for ministries, soft ottoman     when I feeling? All happiness of dear, and through I lovely seek, but a shelf, to lie     to see that the bang’d shone to the long

and ruin spring you will come, perchance, is the     had outward me all fades, our hair wicked to things are link, went up true. Has soul with a     devil may but her left me move and

then—all away again across: but, fury, woe     betwixt. Of heat, if from me! Look not. Not one of walking sit liked the stark alien     summer day. Our enemy wifebeaters,

and you’d readily for rills a-snort and     truly this, or night: there, thou spoke not, her of citations that drooping to my bonie laces     if crooning, and, a thou must spell

out only hand, us too, was dull time I call’d     her of a man he lilies I have fallen lay; the game. And very king to daunt you     love an image shall bide away, because

yeare, for every sunder feet; that I hate with     cost, for them, a trembling innocence of Ida with the affairs of light, which kind, now     for the rest, excell. Forcing across

to writing strains are true, youth’s anticipate in     when rill, lay it—but when your cut in facts. Tho’ now soft haue born away we take it appears;     they re-enter rest; the painter!

[whattheabcxyz]

2023-01-27

Singapore

Man & his daughter fall through bridge at Sungei Buloh - bridge had a hole in it that was obscured by rainwater

...& NParks says the hole’s been fixed - they’re damn lucky the man didn’t ask for compensation!

271 people under probe over scams that cost victims over $5.3m

Digital portal for property conveyancing expected to be completed in 2026 - will cut red tape in transferring property titles from 1 party to another ...will it cut the useless parasitic housing agents involved tho’?!

Home owners face "double whammy" of higher home prices & rising mortgage rates

Ong Ye Kung says no spike in COVID-19 cases despite CNY - maybe the virus hasn’t kicked in yet?!

Transport

Singapore: Pump prices in rise again after shortlived reduction before CNY

Food

Chatuchak Night Market Singapore returns with 180 stalls on 7 Feb

Yet another customer complains of being shortchanged by supermarket - had paid for 1kg of meat but only received 600g

Science

Ants can sniff out cancer fast & accurately - they beat cancer-sniffing dogs even, & could one day be used to detect cancer in humans

Society

Malaysian 7-Eleven staff uses floor mop to clean microwave - & in a separate incident, train staff used the same mop he just cleaned the floor with to wipe train seats ...aaaaand this is why I am glad I no longer have to go back to Malaysia!

Denmark calls for mandatory military service for women - if females want equality, that’s what they’ll get!

Art

^ This artist doesn’t just draw with both hands, but also both feet... all at the same time!!!

Education

Let teenagers sleep - despite strong evidence over the years that starting school later promotes better health & improved grades, too few schools have adopted this measure

[antaniashanae]

Have Music, I’ll Travel: Graceland

Over the summer, not only did I discover that Austin Butler was my new boyfriend, but I saw the Elvis movie at least 10 times. The timeline of events was incredibly thought provoking. From his early childhood to his faith, family dynamics, and of course, his rise to fame would give viewers insight on who Elvis was. His impact in music and legacy would be remembered for years to come. As we know, Biopics never tell the full story, however, it allowed me to dig up every interview I could find to get clarity on things briefly displayed in the film. A vast majority of the people who were around in Elvis’ primal years are deceased, and since (his only known daughter) Lisa Marie was just a child when he died, the movie could be based on Priscilla Presley’s perception. Priscilla is the ex-wife of Elvis and mother to Lisa Marie.

I love stories I can learn from. As an entertainment blogger, Elvis’ story was so enlightening to me. While I didn’t grow up on his music, I’m aware of his hit songs. I’m familiar with his flamboyant style that shaped his artistry. There are only a few articles of clothing that’ll make one say, “It’s giving Elvis.”

Fast forward:

I became so engulfed in the Elvis story, for my birthday, I decided to pay a visit to the infamous Graceland in Memphis, TN. I’ve only been to this city once during a college tour, but I’m glad history and music brought me back to the Blues- filled town.

In the Elvis film, you see Graceland shown a lot as Elvis became a bigger star, he wanted a home his family could enjoy. He purchased this house based on his mothers wish for more privacy. At the time of purchasing, Elvis paid $100,000 in the 60s for a home that would be worth millions today.

The tour didn’t start at the home, in fact, there’s an entire “Elvis center” across the street that includes shops, restaurants, his showroom of cars, and a cinema that plays a short clip before you load onto the shuttles that transport you to the front door of the Graceland estate. Not to mention, the lowest ticket costs $77. The more expensive tickets granted more photo ops? I think?

Upon entering Graceland, the hosts inform you of house rules. Basically…. Take all the pictures you want, but no filming. #eyeroll Next to the door is a sign that states that Graceland is a National Historical Landmark as of 2006. This seems incredibly recent, and I wonder why it took so long to be documented as such.

As you enter the home, a lot of things are roped off. The living room, the stairs leading into Elvis’ room that apparently no one has permission to enter, ever. You have to wonder if the staff has seen it, tho. The tour felt like a maze because of the roping, and because of the limited accessibility to parts of the home and even the other parts of the estate-not really worth the $77, but I digress. You go in and out at the pace of others around you. With very little interaction, the tour lasted about an hour then, it was back to the “Elvis Center” to check out the cars and the private jet (which we didn’t see).

There’s a small gallery building on the estate that holds a lot of Elvis’ belongings and a timeline decorated on the walls. In the Elvis film, during the rolling credits, there’s very little mention of Elvis’ manager, Colonel (also played by Tom Hanks). In fact, they minimized his role and existence to merely nothing as it’s often stated that he is the reason for Elvis’s death (and drug abuse). His poor business decisions and his bad deals would not allow Elvis to become “bigger” than he was internationally-because he was stuck in Vegas with bad contracts made by the Colonel.

Back to the gallery:

As you walk around this place and see all the neat artifacts, you even see the paperwork and signature when Elvis purchased the Graceland estate. What stood out the most were the photos. All photos had small captions underneath to provide details of the event. There was one photo that did not have a caption, but I immediately knew that the photo included the Colonel. He doesn’t get any recognition, not even in a caption.

If you’re ever in Memphis, I’d highly recommend that you see this place. There’s plenty I’m leaving out, but you sorta have to see this for yourself. Hopefully, these clips allow you to become fascinated enough to take the trip!

With the most recent passing of Lisa Marie, my hope is that the estate remains in good hands as she was the sole heir of Graceland. It is reported that the estate will now run under the direction of her daughters.