#her telling him that he was strong for being able to stand with his abuser for so long

[lilrambo-shooter]

Been thinking about Goro Akechi having a self care routine

Yeah yeah pretty boy having makeup sesh or whatever

but what about baths

Although it started out as a part of his Detective Prince persona that he donned for the world, he found himself enjoying the act of taking baths. Sitting in the water, with a small table besides on which he would have one of his newest mystery novels and a notebook for anything he might have on his mind. Finding it therapeutic to have a 7-step skincare routine. It's a time for him to collect his thoughts, thinking about what to do next. A radio is on (or maybe a record player?) with some jazz tunes. It's the one time that he has complete control over himself and takes the time to enjoy it, though at first he tried to self-criticize himself for it.

He becomes extremely protective over this secret, not wanting others to know that he actually does have a side like that. (He want's to keep people away, so why do they need to know this?)

When he starts opening up to the Phantom Thieves though, Ann can tell. At first she jokingly pesters him about it, since "wow when you were on TV you always looked so good, wanna trade secrets?" until she realizes that oh wait, there's something more here than just looking good for the cameras, huh? She doesn't pry though, when one day he snaps at her for coming too close to the truth.

He eventually comes around, when the world isn't threatening to end or get taken over, when these kids have time to be actual kids. Ann's boisterous personality is a bit to get used to, but soon enough they chat about their routines. Ann, Shiho, and Goro hanging out cuz they were all free. Ann giving him tips but leaving out the part in which the tips are all centered around Akiren cuz the guys wear their hearts on their fucking sleeves, and she knows a crush when she sees one.

The first time Akiren moves in with Goro, hearing him say "I'm going to take a bath" but not expecting for him to emerge from the bathroom, two hours later, looking like a pristine Greek sculpture. Akiren jokes about it, flustering Goro, who then makes a snide comment about the mop of black hair that "definitely needs to be checked for rats."

Anyway jump on the anngoro-besties train I love thinking abt them interacting

[banj0possum]

Can we get a zombie horde with a gn! Reader where their abusive family finds them again?

after years of inactivity im fucking back ! sorry for the long long wait but at least im able to put out a few more fics !

Zombie Horde!Reader's Abusive Family Finds Them Again

CW: verbal abuse, abusive family, (mentioned) being rejected food

💀 You haven't always been alone in your travels, in fact, you were with your family when the outbreak happened. But to be fair, you never liked your family..

💀 They would always bully you, boss you around, even put the blame on you whenever something bad happened, the torment didn't end even when there were zombies banging on your doors!

💀 In fact, because of the virus, they got even more cruel to you.

💀 They would take away your food rations for any small mistake you did, make you take the night watch for days on end, even send you out to get supplies just because 'you talked back that one time'!

💀 You couldn't take it anymore and left, knowing anywhere would be better than being stuck in a house of people who did nothing but torture you.

💀 You thought you were safe from them, cuddled up with Ribs in your bed as the others wandered around the abandoned mall, but it all came back when you heard a familiar voice shout out your name from the distance..

💀 "(Y/N)?! I know you're here you runt!"

💀 It was your dad...

💀 Ribs sat up as soon as he heard it and snarled, crawling out of bed and going out to see the commotion.

💀 Your heart raced as you followed him, but it was hard to walk with your body trembling at the thought of seeing him or any of your family again.

💀 "Jesus there's four of them!" "What are you waiting for you stupid bitch?! Shoot em!"

💀 It seems your mom was also there..

💀 You run the broken escalator and see the horde fighting with your family, gunshots ring throughout the mall as you see your beloveds blasted with bullets.

💀 You weren't scared though, they were dead after all, but it was still heartbreaking seeing them get hurt.

💀 You pick up a nearby rock and throw it at your dad to get his attention away from the boys. They all look at you, your family glaring at you while the horde coos at your presence.

💀 "(Y/N) you come here right this fucking second we're coming home!" Your mother shouts at you, walking over angrily and grabbing your arm strong enough to leave a red ring.

💀 Bo fumes and pulls her of you "You stay away from my mate ya hear me?!" he growls.

💀 "It talks?!" She yelps as your dad comes over as well. "Mate? Don't tell me you're hangin out with these monsters! Are you that much of a dumbass?!" he scolds you.

💀 You shrink, knowing whatever you say will make things worse..

💀 "Why you little whore.." Your dad growls, about to slap you, but Screw runs over and pushes your dad away, sending him back a few feet.

💀 Ribs and Soda smile and clap as Bo and Screw help you up.

💀 "You ok darlin?" Bo asks you in a sweet tone. "Is your arm ok? Does is hurt? Do you need a bandaid? I have a pink one with a cat on it.." Screw looks at the mark your mother gave you.

💀 You smile and assure them everything's ok.

💀 "Fucking freaks..(Y/N) do you hear me?! Get your ass up and let's go!" Your dad yells at you again as he stand up.

💀 "They're not going anywhere mean guy!" Ribs growls at him.

💀 Your mom is to the side next to Soda, she sneers at him and he looks back at her, giving her the middle finger, making her scoff and look away.

💀 In a shaky tone, you ask how they found you. You've cut off contact with them for months, there was no way they could find you..

💀 "Hah! Your dumbass thought you were just some person in the middle of nowhere? Half the state knows about your little talkin freak boyfriends!"

💀 You look down in shame as Bo and Screw comfort you "I think it's about time you folks leave..." Bo says, glaring at your parents.

💀 "Oh no you're not kicking us out! We came all this way to get this ungrateful little leech back! We gave them shelter and this is how they repay us?! You should've learned your place and stayed put!" he berates you. You finally snap and yell back at him, telling him all the things you've endured in their household, how you were treated like dirt every day, how you were much better off without them.

💀 Finally you firmly tell them to leave, pointing to the exit as you look at him with no fear left in your eyes. He scoffs "Fine..go get killed on your own then! Don't come to us for any fucking help!" he yells as he leaves, your mom in tow.

💀 Ribs laughs at them as they leave while Soda smiles at you.

💀 After the whole interaction, you were completely exhausted, the boys huddling up with you to calm you down.

💀 You give them all well-deserved kisses for protecting you, they all coo and chirp at the affection and kiss you back.

💀 "Do you still want that bandaid?" Screw asks you softly.

💀 You say yes.

this one was pretty short but expect more fics to be sent soon ! love you guys and remember that youre awesome and amazing !

[jedimaesteryoda]

One trend I've noticed a lot lately in the speculation of Tyrion meeting Daenerys is how he'll influence her. The argument often is that Tyrion will encourage her more "fire and blood" destructive tendencies when they get to Westeros. However, this view is often one-sided as it's always about how Tyrion will influence Daenerys but never about how Daenerys will influence Tyrion.

"Daenerys, I am thrice your age," Ser Jorah said. "I have seen how false men are. Very few are worthy of trust, and Daario Naharis is not one of them. Even his beard wears false colors." That angered her. "Whilst you have an honest beard, is that what you are telling me? You are the only man I should ever trust?" He stiffened. "I did not say that." "You say it every day. Pyat Pree's a liar, Xaro's a schemer, Belwas a braggart, Arstan an assassin . . . do you think I'm still some virgin girl, that I cannot hear the words behind the words?" "Your Grace—" She bulled over him. "You have been a better friend to me than any I have known, a better brother than Viserys ever was. You are the first of my Queensguard, the commander of my army, my most valued counselor, my good right hand. I honor and respect and cherish you—but I do not desire you, Jorah Mormont, and I am weary of your trying to push every other man in the world away from me, so I must needs rely on you and you alone. It will not serve, and it will not make me love you any better." -ASOS, Daenerys IV

Daenerys is not the sheltered child Aegon was who Tyrion could easily manipulate as shown when she called out Jorah for trying to isolate her from other men. Even Tyrion admitted to Aegon, having never met Daenerys that "she is strong" and "fierce." Daenerys was more worldly at 14 than Aegon is at 16. Even as a small, frightened girl at age 13 in the beginning of the series, she had more street smarts than her adult brother Viserys and has shown to be a prodigy in the series. Tyrion would not be able to manipulate her easily, especially since would initially be wary of him for being a Lannister.

Tyrion at the end of the day would be serving as her subordinate, him being largely dependent on her. Tyrion largely is the way he is because of the toxic family he grew up in. The Lannister vision has no idea of a Good Society, it's just pure self-aggrandizement by any means necessary. As the adage goes, rot always starts at the head. The monarchs Tyrion served as Hand, Joffrey and Cersei, were both cruel, incompetent tyrants with senses of entitlement that outweighed their actual abilities. They also had no concept of the duties of a monarch to their subjects, and instead just abused their power over others, including sexually. The one who actually ran the show for the Lannister regime, Tywin, was a cold, abusive Machiavellian who brutalized the smallfolk and his children, seeing them as pawns in his schemes. Tyrion could be cunning and brutal, because it was both encouraged and necessary for the winner-take-all, dog-eat-dog world of the Lannister court. It was an environment designed to bring out the darker side of his nature.

However, since the beginning we saw hints of the lighter side of his nature such as when he gave emotional support to Jon and designed a special saddle for Bran. He even helped Catelyn when they were attacked by the mountain clans even though she kidnapped him. In A Clash of Kings, we see hints of Tyrion wanting to be something other than the cold Machiavellian like his father when he stands up for Sansa when Joffrey beats her, and he has Morec killed and Slynt sent to the Wall for killing Barra, wanting to "do justice." In A Dance with Dragons, he risks his life to protect Aegon and even in his lowest he looks out for Penny even though she is a complete stranger to him.

Daenerys is a foil to Cersei, whose ruling philosophy is expressed in the statement "Why do the gods make kings and queens, if not to protect the ones who can't protect themselves?" Daenerys tries to live up to the image of an ideal monarch who protects the weak. She liberates the oppressed from slavery and tries to protect them, even performing acts like tending to those afflicted with the bloody flux herself, marrying someone she doesn't want and putting her plan of going to Westeros on hold to achieve peace. Working as Hand to Queen Daenerys, Tyrion may find himself in a change of pace in a different environment where for once his more positive tendencies are encouraged with his fondness for "cripples, bastards and broken things."

In short, in cutting himself off from his toxic family, Tyrion may actually find a new beginning in service to Daenerys. He's the Machiavellian polymath and court politician she needs, and she's the competent, idealistic monarch he needs.

[dead-boys-club]

†  type : katsuki.

❥ scenario: kat's type. + interactions, him as a partner, etc. ❥ no triggers; not rated. ❥ no beta readers; if you see mistakes, well- ❥ requested ♡ this is going to read like it has 20435078 contradictions, but stick with me, guys. this has a word count of 2,851. enjoy.

well, we've all seen izuku and eijiro--- i'm sorry

katsuki has, unsurprisingly, a very complex personality and if i'm honest, his ideal type could be split between two people, no in between. someone that matched his personality, which would lead to a very intense, somewhat tiring relationship or someone opposite of him.

now, let's keep in mind that his gruff, angry personality stems from a complex used to keep everyone unaware of his self doubt and extreme fear of failure or being left behind. i mean, he's kind of shit at hiding those things if no one's noticed but, it's still true.

due to these things, regardless of personality, he would want to date someone who is going to challenge and push him but who's also willing to see things no one else sees ---- and keeps their mouth shut about it. he's very strict on personal and impersonal. if it's said in private, keep it in private. he needs someone who is willing to understand on a level that the word doesn't even fully cover.

he is.. most likely going to lean towards someone a little softer than himself. i'd be willing to bet he realized this preference because the first option, someone who matched him, would end up volatile. his first experience of a toxic relationship would be with someone like this. not because they hurt each other on purpose - but because two people with fear, insecurities, rough personalities and a lot of need don't exactly do well together. ( koko knows from experience. )

✧*̥˚ specifics *̥˚✧

kat would easily be attracted to a girl who was independent and more or less strong willed. someone that doesn't let herself get walked on but also isn't going to hesitate to give the shirt off her back to someone in need. it's possible he would witness her getting taken advantage of at least once, simply because she wanted to help someone and genuinely didn't realize what the situation actually was. part of his complex would struggle with wanting someone who could depend on him but isn't completely unable to take care of or look after themselves - it would have to come down to a compromise. when she's with him, she doesn't have to worry about anything but when she's alone, he needs to know she can handle her own and not end up in a shitty situation. he would actually beam at seeing her take someone down, i kid you not. he wants to see her chasing her own goals and not letting anyone get in her way.. even when it comes to him.

she's going to have to be able to speak her mind and not hide anything from him. she's upset? she needs to say that. if she's pissed at him? she's going to have to say that. even if it's something that'll take time and he needs to help her grow in that area - he's going to respect the ability to speak up and be honest. why is this important? katsuki has a hard to handle personality that could easily hurt someone's feelings. she's going to need to be able to stand up to him, hold her own, not be intimated and quite honestly? have the ability to tell him to shut the hell up and sit down. not to be cruel but considering how he is, it'll need to be done once or twice. his communication skills kind of suck, so.. he'll actually be learning from her at that point. he needs someone who is going to push and challenge him to be better - in every aspect. hero and partner wise.

as stated above, kat is complex. without allowing it to become abusive, which i will be entirely honest and say is possible, he needs someone who is patient with his growth. depending on your view of him, his character growth is immense and honestly, depending on where you caught him.. it could easily turn toxic and hurtful. someone who is able to see through his exterior and recognize when it comes from vulnerability and insecurity but also someone who expects the same treatment in return. he knows he can be rough but he also knows he isn't entitled to someone who has to deal with that. it's not a one sided job and he doesn't expect it to be that way. there would be days he'd walk away for the simple fact he doesn't want her dealing with his feelings.

kat lives an up and down lifestyle, one that his partner would need to understand, otherwise it simply wouldn't work out. being a pro hero, he may not admit it, but she would have to understand the stress of his potential to not come home at the end of the day. he would prefer someone who did not have the same life style - not because of a complex or anything of the sort, but because he could become distracted if something really bad was going down. not that he'd blatantly turn someone down if they did, it's just low on the list. he'd assume it would be hard enough dealing with the stress and dangers of dating a pro - he couldn't imagine also being one.

bakugo katsuki does not fuck around when it comes to trust and loyalty. if you lose his trust, you're basically nonexistent to him. he values trust almost above anything else and needs someone with unwavering loyalty to him and it would be mutual. when kat puts his full trust in someone, he has no plans of leaving and he wants it to be mutual. he wants someone to have his back as much as he has hers. and it's not something that can be played with or compromised on.

at the end of the day - kat needs someone who's passionate and understanding. someone trusting. loving. someone who can tell him to fuck off or hold him on a rough day. someone who is wholly his that he trusts to become wholly hers. someone who is confident and strong. she needs to be able to navigate his personality while he learns to navigate hers - the entire relationship would need to be built on mutual respect and desire to be good to each other. she needs to challenge and support him, to stand by him, able to learn and build to have a strong dynamic for their partnership. she would need to be able to grow with him and help him grow as a hero and lover. every effort she put in would be returned.

✧*̥˚ affection from kat *̥˚✧

it would be very, very rare for kat to do any grand public displays. not that he would hide the relationship or give her no attention in public, he's just a lot more private. he is, by no means, ashamed. every person who was aware of his existence would one hundred percent, be aware of hers. in public, he would mostly just have a hand on her - holding her own, settled on her lower back. the most he would do would do is if he's tired, he'd be behind her with his forehead on her shoulder. he wouldn't kiss her in public, not on the lips. being a pro, there's at least one or two pictures of him kissing her temple or forehead. ( which, he's pretty pissed about, because people really can't respect shit. ) he is, surprisingly, attached and affectionate at home. most likely sleeps with his face buried against her neck.

despite his need for a partner who can take care of herself, he'd be quick to step between her and whatever could cause danger. not to mention, other people. he would, in his own playful manner, mutter about her being careless. he would worry a lot more than he gave off. i feel like it's not far fetched to say kat could be over protective, possibly to the point of getting into an argument or two. he does, however, like the idea of someone just as protective. he'd complain, of course he would, but the idea of his girlfriend standing up for him? god, he'd melt - in private.

kat loves to do things for her, his way of showing how he feels when he can't exactly get the words out. it's how he shows affection. one thing he picked up when moving in together, was making making meals for her - especially, breakfast. neither of them are allowed to leave the house in the morning unless they've eaten breakfast. this new habit came with an annoyed speech about taking care of herself, not wanting her to end up passed out somewhere, etc. he's also pretty great with words of encouragement and comfort when needed. he's gotten better over the span of the relationship, taking little notes and figuring out what makes her feel the best. he would take it pretty seriously, to be honest.

one of his most favorite things in the world is holding his lover, letting her tuck against him and hiding her away from the world. nothing at all would matter the moment they're curled up somewhere, only caring about themselves for even the shortest of minutes. kat does his best to leave his hero related things at the door when he comes home but he can't always promise that, so when it comes to sitting and just enjoying each others presence, he makes sure not a single thing can get in the way. he enjoys playing with her hands, fingers pressed against each other to compare them, smiling and nosing at her cheek and jaw. it's almost like the session is to make up for every moment he can't do something in public.

✧*̥˚ dates *̥˚✧

[ we're just gonna play off the 'no pro hero partner' ]

❥ training grounds: it could be his own ego but he would love inviting her to watch him train. if he was alone, he'd tug her out to train with him, most likely testing her self defense and hand to hand combat. he just wants to make sure she can always do her best to stay safe when he's not around - he would be surprised to end up on his ass at least once in combat not involving quirks. he would be beyond proud. it would almost always end with laying on the ground or a roof, staring up at the sky. which, would easily just end up as a second part of the date: stargazing or cloud watching.

❥ cooking together. oh boy. kat doesn't exactly like having others in the kitchen with him but when it comes to his lover, he can make an exception. well, sometimes. there would definitely be nights where he would sit her on the counter and just talk while he did the cooking. it wouldn't be every time but he likes nights where he can do things to just take care of them. it may not be the ideal type of date night for some but he would highly enjoy it. and, judging by the smiles and giggles he got; he would assume she did, too.

❥ late night walks and convenience store foods. it's rare that kat is up and moving too late into the night but on the occasion, he likes to take her out when not many people are going to be around to be bothersome. walking around at night is generally accompanied by hand holding, talking about things that he doesn't want the house's atmosphere to be ruined by. not exactly overly serious but things that just need to be aired out. plus, he gets to watch her light up over her favorite snacks and that's always a plus.

✧*̥˚ kat as a partner *̥˚✧

❥ we've already gone over loyalty but i cannot stress enough how committed to his partner he would be. there's next to nothing that can shake him - well, outside of the general things a shit partner can do. he's willing to sit and.. talk, argue.. about anything. as long as his partner doesn't do something to break his trust, hurt anyone around him, etc. he isn't going to step down very easily unless he's told to and then, he would still try to fight for the relationship, if it was called for. despite his loyalty, he would respect if his partner wanted to leave.

❥ he's not going to sugarcoat anything, so.. she'll need to be prepared for tough love. though, i feel as though kat has a weak spot for seeing his s/o cry so, there's that. depending on the situation, pulling out some puppy eyes and tears might just do the trick. the good part is that he's never going to lie or hide anything, regardless of how hard it may be to share something.

❥ he is the biggest support system that his s/o could possibly have. no one will ever be a bigger fan of her than him. doesn't matter what goals or dreams they have, he is going to be cheering them on.

❥ kat is a surprisingly loving partner, always having his partner's best interest in mind. he takes care of them; cooking, making sure they take meds, get rest, etc. outside of the misconception his exterior gives, he is a good partner to have. there may be off days, some arguments, but at the end of the day, no one is going to bed angry and things will be worked out.

✧*̥˚ tiny random scenario *̥˚✧

katsuki stood panting, sweat dripping down his face, near exhausted and aching from the last few hours of sparring with you. you stood only a few feet away, almost out of breath with a determined grin on your face.

'you good?' you called, wiping away the sweat at your collar. 'ready for another round? or are you finally going to forfeit?'

'oh, you wish,' he laughed, stretching his arms up above his head with a deep groan, 'come on, dumbass. don't think you can beat me just because you keep getting up. you haven't even won yet!'

you laughed in return, the sound light in the evening air as you stretched, preparing for another round against the blonde. while you were making sure you weren't going to lock up, you were distracted over how katsuki spaced out. something was clicking for him, watching how you stood there so confidently, preparing to attempt landing a hit on him and he was kind of lost. the way you brightened, the way you challenged him and didn't have a single thought of backing down. it all clicked out of nowhere, an undeniable realization.

you were definitely the one.

the way his heart skipped a bit and an unfamiliar warmth spread through his frame, he didn't even know what to do with himself. looking at you, he no longer saw his partner or his girlfriend, he saw someone who was entirely his equal. his support system. his everything. it wasn't that he didn't see you that way to begin with but it felt so much more intense and he wasn't sure where to go with it. he never expected to find someone so.. perfect for him when he'd gone out previously but you proved yourself more and more everyday as someone he knew he'd never be able to let go of.

'what?' you asked, head tilting as an eyebrow raised, 'looking a little lost over there, kat. i know you aren't already planning some stupid victory speech.' you tended to tease a lot more when training came around, just to push his buttons.

it took him a second to answer and he showed a smile, something genuine and rare. 'nah, just thinking about how lucky i am,' he answered, tone a little quieter than usual, 'to have you around, i mean.'

you blinked a few times, somewhat dumbfounded as a faint blush dusted over your cheeks. 'huh? wait- bakugo katsuki.. admitting that he's lucky?' you spoke slowly, obviously joking but only to hide the way the words made your heart flutter. it felt like it was going to jump out of your chest.

with a grunt, he rolled his eyes but the smile never faded. 'shut up, i was just - forget it.' shaking his head, he moved across the field to pull you into his arms, ignoring the way both of you were pouring sweat. 'just don't go changing or anything, got it? you're.. perfect, just like this.'

you weren't exactly sure how to react, not having expected such a conversation to be happening, not when you'd only come out to spar. instead of letting yourself overthink it, you just hugged back, squeezing him as tight as you could. 'of course not, kat,' you answered, 'always going to be here, just as i am.'

katsuki fell quiet, just hugging you tightly as the sun set, bathing you both in a golden glow. in that moment, he knew nothing could ever change what he'd found. he knew you weren't going anywhere, no matter what challenges came your way.

[bookishdream]

Blackmail

Kaz Brekker x fem!Reader Summary: Reader gets kidnapped by the Crows Word Count: 3k CW: swearing, abusive parent, blood

She used to live her best life; a daughter of a council’s member, an heir to the ground so big she couldn’t even begin to comprehend its vastness. However, when she finally came to the age where she was to come into own money and ground, she was kidnapped. By one of the gangs violating the streets of Ketterdam, nonetheless. 

“Who, the fuck, do you think you are?” she pulled on the ropes binding her wrists. The room was so dark that she wasn’t able to see a person standing by the wall opposite of her. When she’d been dragged through the part of the city she hadn’t ever visited, she’d been hearing two voices behind her, one female and one male, bickering back and forth about trivial matters. Yet, when the bag had been removed, she took notice of another girl, sitting on a window sill, her legs loosely dangling over the edge, her face didn’t convey any feelings, only cold indifference.  She also noticed two men, one looked as if he was Fjerdan with his blonde hair and strong face features, whereas the other had brown skin and a little smirk was pulling at his lips. He looked like he was having the time of his life. She counted four of her captors, but she quickly realized who had taken her. She sighed and when she felt her wrist start bleeding, she stopped trying to get free. 

“Well, well, aren’t you a little feisty?” the pale-skinned girl teased, her brown hair fell loosely on her back, and she was leaning against the brick wall of the warehouse. “I told you she wouldn’t be willing to cooperate.”

“Tell me one person who would be, if they were tied up and kept against their will,” y/n spat, sweat coating her forehead. She was trying to come up with a plan that would let her run, but not when all of their attention was on her. 

The girl rolled her eyes, “But for Kaz’s being late, you need to be patient, yes sweetheart? You will hear a reason soon,” 

“It’s ridiculous,” 

“Tell me about it,” the brown-skinned boy remarked, when he came closer to her, and the light from the street fell onto him, y/n noticed his belt with two revolvers, they shone. She swallowed a big lump of saliva, her anxiety spiking. “It’s never fun, when we kidnap someone,”

“So you’re telling me it’s not the first time?” 

“Love, we’re professionals, of course it’s not our first time,” the boy smirked into her direction, making her frown. What did they want from her?

Suddenly, she heard a rather loud clicking of something. The warehouse must’ve been empty, since the echo of the sound matched the loudness of her own heart beating in her chest. She cursed when she realized what Kaz the girl meant. Her father would warn her about the nightmare of Ketterdam, a boy who had deceived her father more than once, and the boy who was a top priority to her father. Since Brekker had robbed him for the first time, messing with his books, her father wanted nothing more than to catch him. He’d never accomplished that. Obviously. 

“You have her? Good,” his hoarse voice matched his looks. He had a sharp jawline and his brown eyes were set on the chair she was sitting on. “I hope you’ve heard of me, it will be easier to make an introduction. I’m sure your father has told you plenty of me.”

Y/n rolled her eyes, lifting her head so as to look at Kaz, who had taken a step closer to her. “Careful, because your hat might not have more room for that ego of yours,” she heard a surprised gasp of someone from behind Brekker. 

“She came for his hat,” the boy who had talked to her earlier whispered.

“I heard that, Jesper,” the other girl, who was sitting at the windowsill answered. 

Kaz didn’t look like her words made any impression on him, he simply leaned on his cane further, looking y/n into her eyes. She held his stare. 

“What do you want, Brekker?” she asked, her voice still. 

“We need a Squaller for our job,” he said, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Then go and find yourself one, I don’t see how this concerns me,” she still tried to keep her face as impassive as she could. 

“Oh, I think you know exactly how this concerns you,” Brekker smirked. “You and your mother are clever, I need to give this to you, but nothing goes past my Wraith. Your little travels to the countryside, your mom’s forged papers. I know everything,” he emphasized the last word, his unsaid threat making her shiver.

“And what would you possibly need from an untrained Squaller?” she asked, “Hypothetically speaking, of course.” 

“You are a descendant from a powerful line of Grisha, y/n. With a little more training, you could control clouds and weather, am I right?”

She kept silent, weighing Kaz’s words. She was fucked, no matter what path would she choose. Working with him and his gang came with a strong possibility of her father finding out and his wrath. However, not working for him and letting him go the stadwatch with the intel he had would put into jeopardy not only her, but her mother as well. 

“I don’t know if I could control the weather,” she finally whispered, giving up. She could hear breaths of relief from the others. “I haven’t really tried doing more than controlling and bending the wind.” 

“Well,” Kaz smirked, his cane clicking as he was walking toward the exit. “You’d better be a fast learner,” his final words echoed in her mind. 

Few days later, she still couldn’t get rid of Kaz’s words. The littlest sound startled her and she’d lost her appetite. She was in the library, when one of the servants came to her with a little note. The boy left the piece of paper on the table she was sitting at, and left.. She took the note, the paper was cream-white and the scribble looked as if it had been written in a hurry. The location that had been written told her nothing. She wasn’t familiar with other districts in Ketterdam. She sighed and got up to take a map. She had an hour to find the place and get there. 

After finally finding out that the location of the meeting was outside the city, she cursed at Kaz for leaving her such a short time to arrive there. She quickly changed for her outdoor clothes and left. 

When y/n eventually showed up, she saw that everyone was already there and she noticed a new face. He looked very young, his head full of red curls and a face full of freckles. He smiled kindly at her. 

“You’re late,” Brekker commented.

“And you’re unbearable, yet I don’t go around stating the obvious,” she remarked, her hair being lifted by the wind. “Of course I’m late, I live on the other side of Ketterdam,” 

Kaz wanted to answer her, but when he opened his mouth, the white-skinned girl interrupted him and clasped her hands. 

“I think we should begin,” she came closer to y/n, her hand outstretched, “My name is Nina, the one with the guns is Jesper, the one with the best arms is Matthias,” Nina winked at him, making the Fjerdan’s cheeks tint pink. “The redhead is Wylan and Inej is probably somewhere on the roof.” At the girl's last words y/n turned around and tilted her head up in order to see the Wraith somewhere. 

“Are you a Grisha?” y/n asked, letting Nina lead the way towards the area that was more vacant. They were on the field, only buildings that were in the close vicinity were factories or empty warehouses. 

“I am a Heartrender,” Nina replied, motioning for y/n to stay in her place. Then Nina took a few steps back and stretched out her arms. “Show me what you’ve got.” 

The weather was mostly sunny, with some clouds floating on the sky. It wasn’t very windy, but it was enough for y/n to work with. First she bent the wind into a small whirlwind at Nina’s feet. Then she made it a bit bigger, but still safe. She could feel her face getting some color on it. Her mom had said that she had been looking like a ghost for the past few days. At last, y/n gathered more of the air and she made a show of disheveling Nina’s hair, blowing wind under Jesper’s coat and, her personal favorite, she flew off Kaz’s hat. She heard Jesper and Nina’s silent laugh, however Kaz was looking at her with an indifferent expression. 

“How long until she can control the storm?” he questioned, his moves smooth as he used his cane to lift the fallen hat. He put it back on his head and shifted his way back onto the stick. 

“A week, tops, she has a huge potential,” Nina answered, her eyes glimmering with excitement. 

Y/n rolled her eyes, she could feel the troubles she was going to be in, were their little scheme be found out. 

It took much more than Nina assessed. Only after two and a half weeks was y/n ready to call a small lighting. It wasn’t big, hell, it couldn’t even hurt anyone, but it was something. And she was proud of it. Nina happened to be a good teacher, partially because she herself had been studying in the Little Palace once. 

“Good job, y/n!” She exclaimed, the wind created by the Squaller carrying her voice. “Now call for something bigger,” 

“Nina, you know I can’t,” she breathed, her heart beating so fast and loud that she couldn’t differentiate if the last thud was her heart of the strike of lightning she did. 

“One last time, you have so much undiscovered power! Imagine what you could do once you finally grasp it!.” 

Y/n breathed a pant, her forehead and the nape of her neck was covered in sweat. She could feel her eyes burning from it, even though she had been using the wind to cool her down. She called for the clouds above her head once more time, gathering the electricity sizzling in them. She pressed her palms together and focused on the tree standing mere meters from the pair. Then, y/n let out a small gasp and shot out her palm into this direction. Neither of Grisha expected what would happen next. Y/n didn’t think her powers could be so grand. The alone tree that was standing in the distance was now on fire and both of the girl’s eyes widened in shock. 

“Shit,” Y/n mumbled, she rushed to somehow pull out the air and put out the fire. It cost her even more energy than creating the lighting. Fortunately, the fire was extinguished and only dark strokes of smoke were coming into the air. 

“That was amazing!” Nina giggled, her face brightening in the smile. “Let’s go eat something.”

Y/n let Nina lead the way to the Crow Club, where hopefully they would serve her some food. She was starving. She had never used her powers so much that she felt famished. When the two girls finally arrived at the Club, y/n noticed how much commotion there was. People were everywhere, occupying the poker tables, playing black jack or sitting at the bar. She couldn’t glimpse much more, because Nina was pulling her to the staircase. Upon arriving on the first floor, where there was a room big enough to accommodate seven people she saw a couch and, with a long sigh, sat on it. 

“Any progress?” Kaz asked, while making his way into the room and then towards the desk that was facing the couch and two armchairs. Y/n looked at him and rolled her eyes, refusing to answer his question before putting food into her mouth. She first smelt then saw waffles, her head shot in the direction of the door that was being opened and closed by Nina and Jesper on her hills. Y/n smiled when the Heartrender handed her the plate with hot food and started eating it like she had never seen food in her life. 

“Someone would think that your father is starving you,” Brekker remarked, his voice hollow. 

“Someday, I will put this cane straight into your-’” she was interrupted by Jesper putting a waffle into her open mouth, shutting her up. She rolled her eyes again, but didn’t say anything more. She was focused on eating her lunch, zoning out when Nina informed Kaz what her teachings brought. 

After the afternoon and a part of the evening spent with the Crows, y/n got up and made her way home. She could glimpse Inej a few times, while walking down Ketterdam’s streets. She knew that the Suli was just making sure that y/n wouldn’t spill the secret, but it made her feel better that she had company, nonetheless. 

When she eventually came home, she was met with silence. Lamps were lit up, however she couldn’t hear any talking. She silently creeped over to the living room and she saw her father sitting in the armchair, looking into the fire. 

“My dearest daughter,” the man started, placing his cold gaze upon her. Y/n knew he somehow had learnt what she had been doing for the past weeks. She swallowed, but kept her face straight. “Do you want to explain why people saw you with those brutes?” He got up and made his way towards her. 

His breath reeked of alcohol, but he still came close enough to grab her chin and tilt it so she could see straight into his eyes. She tried to explain herself, but her father lifted his fist and punched her. She was blinded by pain, she could feel hot blood coming from her nose to her mouth. She couldn’t brace herself for another hit, this time his fist connected with her stomach. Y/n doubled over, breathing hard. Her father used this as an advantage and struck another hit to her face and the girl fell to her knees. 

“Get up, you pathetic girl,” he crouched and his face was at the same level as hers. She spat at him, saliva mixed with blood. Her father made a disgusting noise and wiped his face off with the sleeve of his shirt. He roughly took her arm and lifted her up. He swung once again, but his blow never met y/n. She used her desperation and power and hauled her father straight into the window that was behind him. There was a lot of shattered glass and she could glimpse a bit of blood on the pieces that stayed in the window. Y/n didn’t think longer, she made her way towards the door, stumbling. 

She didn’t know if Inej was still somewhere on the rooftops, but still y/n ran into the direction of the Crow Club. Her feet heavy and her face swollen, but she kept running until she saw the familiar building. She barged into the club, running for the staircase and making her way to the top of the stairs. To Kaz’s room. 

She opened the door, noticing the dimmed lights and Kaz sitting at his desk. He lifted his gaze and the only thing that indicated his surprise was his frown. 

“Rough night?” he asked, getting up from his desk. He walked closer to her, looking her up and down. “Please, do say that the other guy looks worse.”

She breathed a small laugh but only shook her head. “I didn’t know where else to go,”

Kaz sighed, going to the small, adjoined room, y/n suspected it was a small bathroom. A moment later, Brekker emerged with a small kit in his gloved hands, he handed her the kit and motioned for y/n to the room he had just left. 

“Go clean yourself, I’ll tell Inej to fetch you some clean clothes,” 

“Thank you,” it was the first time she let herself be that vulnerable in front of someone. She wanted to laugh at the irony of the situation. 

Y/n went into the bathroom, her limbs heavy and her head hurting. She took a look at herself and she spooked herself. Her whole left cheek was swollen, her eye nearly shut, her lip cracked and blood was marking its way down her chin and neck. She swallowed and started cleaning herself. When she mostly got rid of the blood, she lifted her shirt and saw a big, purple bruise on her ribcage. She had a hard time breathing. She felt the room swirling around her, but she strove to pull herself together. With as deep breath as she could take she left the bathroom. 

Kaz was sitting at his desk again. He lifted his head when she stepped into the room and observed her when she took the fresh set of clothes from his bed. She walked towards the door. 

“Where do you think you’re going?” his hoarse voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw him frowning even more than before. 

“I don’t know, maybe Nina has some room on her floor,” she remarked, hugging the clothes to her chest and turning her face back to the door. 

“Stay,” Kaz whispered, his voice barely audible. Y/n stopped in her tracks, her spine straightened. Did she hear correctly? “You can take the bed,”

“Kaz, you don’t have to,” she started, but was promptly interrupted by Brekker’s voice.

“Shut up and lay down, you stubborn girl,” he came back to whatever work he had, y/n heart grew and she smiled for the first time in hours. 

“Who would’ve thought there’s a heart underneath all of those layers,” she teased, laying down on his bed. 

“Such a pity your father didn’t knock your teeth out,” Kaz said, but the small smirk on his face hinted that he wasn’t serious. 

“Asshole,” 

[samasmith23]

How Goro Akechi effectively serves as a dark foil to the Phantom Thieves' brand of rehabilitative justice

So... I understand that Goro Akechi is a pretty divisive character within the Persona 5 fanbase (especially his pre-Royal incarnation), but I have to admit that I honestly found his backstory and role as a sinister foil to the Phantom Thieves to be legitimately intriguing. Elements which are revealed during his boss fight in the game’s “Cruiser of Pride” arc!

When the Phantom Thieves infiltrate the Meta-Verse to confront the Shadow of the corrupt ultra-nationalist politician, Masayoshi Shido, who’s palace takes the form of a gigantic yacht sailing through the ruins of a sunken Japan, they are suddenly confronted by Akechi in the ship’s engine room. Having just betrayed the team during the previous arc, Akechi is revealed to not only be the true culprit behind the mysterious wave of mental shutdowns & psychotic breakdowns (which included the deaths of two Phantom Thieves’ member’s parents, Futaba Sakura’s mother Wakaba Isshiki & Haru Okumura’s father Kunikazu Okumura respectively…) that have occurred throughout the game’s narrative as part of Shido’s conspiracy to get elected as Prime Minister, but that he is also Shido’s illegitimate child. Essentially, Akechi was the product of a dubious affair between Shido and a sex worker whom the former later discarded when he discovered that she was pregnant, driving her to depression and suicide shortly after Akechi's birth. Akechi spent his entire childhood being passed around as a “problem child” between various foster homes (highlighting Japan’s problems with how the country treats its orphaned children) before later being granted the power of a "wildcard" persona-user, as well as knowledge about the existence of the Meta-Verse by the false god of control, Yaldabaoth.

While Akechi was a societal outcast similar to the members of the Phantom Thieves, he took the wrong message from his experiences. Akechi misguidedly believes that the only way to truly oppose the status quo that looked down upon him is to not only become a part of it (i.e. caring only about his good grades & celebrity status) but to destroy everything that he hates by reducing himself to Shido's right-hand assassin in the Meta-Verse, perpetuating mental shutdowns & psychotic breakdowns on Shido’s political enemies simply to get some semblance of recognition & validation from his abusive father before exacting revenge on him (whilst exploiting his "ace-detective" celebrity status to "solve" the crimes that he himself committed).

Essentially, once Shido finally became prime minister Akechi planned to whisper the truth about being the former’s illegitimate child, telling Shido that he was only able to get where he was due to the son he abandoned and labeled as a potential “political scandal” before murdering him.

Despite Akechi and the Phantom Thieves' mutual dislike of Shido, the former is so fixated on vengeance that he does not care about the innocent lives he ruins and destroys in the crossfire to satisfy his own personal bloodlust. Instead of legitimately trying to reform society like the Phantom Thieves do, Akechi becomes a pawn of the very same systemic corruption that was responsible for his initial suffering. Akechi cares only about his own hatred & jealousy instead of empathizing with others who were also victimized by society’s ills. This contrast is visually reflected through the juxtaposition between Akechi and the Phantom Thieves’ leader, Joker, when they confront each other in the engine room of Shido’s yacht. While Joker is portrayed as standing strong alongside his teammates & friends, Akechi stands alone in the opposite end of the room, confused & angry. While there is a part of Akechi that regrets his horrible actions and even recognizes the potential for him & Joker to be friends due to their similar backgrounds, he's too far gone into his obsessive vendetta against Shido that he refuses to turn back and now desires to kill the Phantom Thieves in a misguided attempt to ease his internal conflict.

During the boss fight with Akechi in Shido's Palace, the detective prince repeatedly dismisses the Phantom Thieves' efforts to appeal to his common senses, believing that concepts like friendship and teamwork are foolish "cliched bullish*t... in this eat or be eaten world."

While this attitude of Akechi's might seem unrealistically cartoonish on the surface, it actually makes sense when considering his background of being unfairly labeled as a "throw-away child" by Japan's foster care institutions. YouTuber LadyVirgilia goes into far greater detail about this in her excellent The Truth About Goro Akechi analysis video. There, she states that an overwhelming number of Japanese orphans are incapable of being legally adopted due to impoverished parents voluntarily relinquishing them from their care while still maintaining legal guardianship over them. Additionally, LadyVirgilia discusses how violent hierarchical power structures often form among the children within these foster homes, with younger orphans sadly being subject to bullying & abuse by their older peers.

While these facts are not explicitly stated about Akechi's backstory within P5 Royal itself, they can easily be heavily inferred due to the game's heavy emphasis on exploring themes related to Japanese sociocultural issues. It’s implied that the institutional failings of Japan's foster care system (combined with Shido's abandonment of his son while he was still in the womb), ultimately contributed to the development of Akechi's warped perception of the rest of the world. Due to being dismissed as a "throw-away child" and being forced to grow up in an institution that is unfortunately subject to high rates of systemic abuse & neglect, Akechi spent his entire life feeling unwanted & loved. Ideals such as friendship & companionship became foreign and unrealistic concepts to him due to having experienced nothing but society's cold & uncaring apathy.

Essentially, Akechi became deeply jealous & hateful toward the rest of the world, misguidedly compelling him to want to prove his superiority over the rest of society by manufacturing his status as "the celebrity ace-detective and honors student who ultimately brought down Shido." But when Akechi encounters the Phantom Thieves and befriends their leader Joker, he begins to experience his first genuine bond of companionship. Despite developing a legitimate appreciation towards Joker, Akechi is simultaneously confused & unable to fully process these newfound feelings. Akechi becomes envious of Joker's ability to rise above his similar status as a societal outcast by befriending & protecting others like himself. Consequently, Akechi projects his own failings & inability to legitimately rise above his tragic upbringing beyond his false celebrity status onto Joker & the Phantom Thieves, cruely dismissing them as "the trash of society" and blaming them for interfering with his revenge plot against Shido. This empty & hollow existence that Akechi chooses to live is further reflected by the sole two personas that he utilizes during his boss fight: Robin Hood, who represents Akechi's false celebrity & justice-abiding gentleman facade, and Loki, who embodies Akechi’s true personality as a deceitful trickster & psychotic murderer.

I personally couldn’t help but find all of these elements to be rather interesting & insightful about Akechi’s role as an antagonist/rival to the Phantom Thieves. It honestly highlights the tragic nature of Akechi's situation, since while he had the potential to utilize his deductive knowledge & skills as a "wildcard" Persona-user similar to Joker, he instead allowed himself to be consumed by his own hatred & madness.

The parallels between Akechi & Joker are further evident through the latter also being a victim of Shido’s abuse. Specifically, the corrupt politician wrongfully sued Joker for “assault” when he tried to stop Shido from drunkenly forcing himself upon a woman. In contrast to Akechi however, Joker is motivated by his negative experiences to fight against the unjust status quo that figures like Shido represent to prevent similar abuses of power from ever occurring again to others. Additionally, we also see dualistic parallels between Akechi and other members of the Phantom Thieves, such as Makoto Nijima who similarly previously upheld the misconception that “good grades and following orders are all that truly matters to be a worthwhile member of society.” Whereas Makoto outgrows this mentality by instead choosing to utilize her status as student council president to help her suffering peers rather than for her own academic career, Akechi conversely exploits his intellect as an “ace-detective” to perpetuate societal injustices for his self-centered vendetta against Shido.

In essence, if the Phantom Thieves embody the potential benefits of rehabilitative justice then Goro Akechi embodies the dangers of retributive justice (aka, revenge). To reference two of my favorite movies, Batman Begins and Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, not only is there a strong difference between justice and revenge (one is about altruistic harmony whereas the other is about personal satisfaction), but the most surefire way to victory is by fighting to protect what you love rather than fighting to destroy what you hate...

The distinction between justice & revenge is made abundantly clear at the end of Akechi's storyline in the baseline game (i.e. before the Royal exclusive Third Semester new content), where following his defeat at the hands of the Phantom Thieves Akechi is suddenly approached by a cognitive duplicate of himself that dwells within Shido's palace. In addition to the Cognitive Akechi emphasizing the futility of Akechi's quest for acknowledgment & vengeance against Shido by revealing that the latter always intended to dispose of his right-hand assassin once he was elected prime minister, the cognitive duplicate also reveals the true depths of Shido's depravity when he states that he only ever viewed Akechi as a puppet to fulfill his own ambitions. While it is true that Akechi was so obsessed with revenge that he allowed himself to become a pawn of the corrupt status quo, it is exceptionally cruel to learn that this is how Shido has always viewed his own son (which is further punctuated by Shido later revealing to the Phantom Thieves that he secretly always suspected that Akechi was his illegitimate child due to how much he reminded him of his mother). It is this revelation in particular that allows the Phantom Thieves to better empathize with Akechi's tragic upbringing & circumstances. Even though they still seek to hold Akechi accountable for the murders that he committed at Shido's behest, the Phantom Thieves simultaneously recognize that in a sense, Akechi was also a victim of both Shido's cruelty and the systemic injustices of larger Japanese society.

This effectively culminates in the bittersweet resolution to Akechi's storyline in the base Persona 5 game. When the Cognitive Akechi duplicate offers his real-world counterpart one last chance to "redeem" himself in Shido's eyes by killing the Phantom Thieves in his stead, Akechi for the first time in his life decides to be his own person instead of being defined by the labels Shido and society had imposed upon him since birth. Choosing to no longer be a puppet of Shido's corrupt machinations, Akechi rejects his cognitive duplicate's hollow offer by instead turning his gun on the duplicate and his Shadow minions before sealing the engine room's watertight doors between himself and the Phantom Thieves. At the very end, Akechi was finally able to acknowledge that his desire for false appreciation from both his abusive father and larger society was ultimately worthless. Akechi ultimately sacrifices himself to allow the Phantom Thieves to escape, recognizing their true justice while entrusting them to do what he was incapable of by holding Shido accountable for his crimes & reforming society.

From a certain point of view, one could argue that the Phantom Thieves indirectly inspired a change of heart in Akechi by proving to him the validity of their sense of justice.

Overall, while I was initially indifferent towards Goro Akechi at the start of my playthrough of Persona 5 (and even outright skeptical & suspicious of his motives given his vocal opposition to the Phantom Thieves), by the time I got to his boss battle in Shido's palace I ended gained a deeper understanding and appreciation for what the developers at Atlus were attempting to convey with his character. Akechi effectively functions as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of allowing oneself to be consumed with thoughts of revenge, as well as a dark parallel to the Phantom Thieves who seek to legitimately reform society for altruistic rather than self-centered reasons. It was these elements that ultimately elevated Akechi into becoming one of my personal favorite members of P5's cast (right behind Makoto, Futaba & Ann...) from both a narrative and character writing perspective (especially with the Royal edition's overhauled confidant line for Akechi, which better fleshes out the latter's rivalry with Joker, and the player now has to progress manually instead of it being automatic)! And I am definitely curious to see how Royal's exclusive "Third Semester" content further fleshes out Akechi's character since I'm aware that he plays a major role in the new story content.

[aunt-bridget]

Gender Gap. Part 3

With the ‘boss’ slumped over his desk, virgin ass almost worn out. I took the chance to open the party up to some close girlfriends. I sent an email from the pig’s laptop telling the front desk that some guests would be heading upstairs. The one advantage of this asshole being a hateful prick, is that nobody questioned him. Certainly, having late visits from women dressed in leather wasn’t that unusual and therefore, it made my life so much easier.

I got a message from one of my girls saying that they were getting in the elevator…..and sure enough, a few minutes later, they were standing at the doorway of his office. The four of them were dressed like leather sluts, but all were experienced Dommes and I learned a lot from them. On the far left, Miss Jessica stood, smirking at me. She was the leader of the pack, and the most viscous. My sister, Miss Teresa was on the far right….like me, she was the tallest of the group and probably the softest in nature. Next to her was Miss Eve, her Latino temperament was fiery as fuck and she really hated guys with a passion. She was the sissification expert and often carried a range of chastity toys….never wasting an opportunity to lock the cock. Finally, next to Miss Jessica, was Miss Kara. She was the youngest and the most enthusiastic. She was strong as an ox and had no problem overpowering her prey.

With all five of us in residence, our boy was going to beg like never before. His cock was subjected to plenty of abuse, ruined orgasms, knife play and his ass? Even I wondered if he should take any more punishment. Miss Jessica was busy thrusting the fuck out of him as I walked around and grabbed his chin and saw the glazed, exhausted look on his face. His mascara had streaked down his face and I almost pitied the poor fucker…

“I did tell you I was very good, didn’t I? You should be honoured that my girls wanted to join in. They all bring a unique perspective to our occupation….and you’ll pay for the privilege, won’t you, baby?”

He nodded and feebly tried to beg. I spat in his face and brought my sister over. Her strapon was easily the thickest of the lot and his ball gag was removed….the drool spilled onto his desk and before he could speak, the cock went in his mouth. We were having a good old fashioned spit roast. Miss Eve took over the ass fucking and Miss Kara held him firm as he took more abuse. I turned his ass cheeks into burger meat as he looked like he was going to pass out. I held my hands up to the girls and we stopped, punishing was one thing, causing serious injury was another. Unlike this abusive cunt, we knew the limits of our cruelty.

While he recovered his strength, we decided to leave and enjoy the rest of the weekend, satisfied that this bastard had been given a taste of some justice. You see, we knew that he routinely abused the girls he paid to have in his office. His reputation for paying big money often clouded the judgement of the younger girls who were desperate to live, pay rent, go through school. He knew that and took full advantage of them…..so now it was payback.

The footage we had would be edited to maximise his humiliation and with his money now cleared, we had plenty to distribute to those he had hurt. We didn’t take everything of course, we left our toy all secure and safe in his office.

Leashed, penis gagged, hooded and dressed like a whore, he would be found by security and we would be like ghosts….cctv wouldn’t be able to catch us and because he wanted to keep his proclivities secret, my identity was never known. It was possible that he would bear the marks of his punishments for the rest of his days, but he was now ruined in every way.

We weren’t exactly Robin Hood and the bond of merry men, but even the cruelest bitches can have a heart at times….

[serafilms]

i wanna elaborate further on my take on sally

i just feel like they’re missing a key aspect of her character, which is how gentle she is and how much of herself she is willing to give up for her son’s wellbeing.

with gabe being kind of a pussy and her arguing with him so easily, i feel like it really undermines how much book sally struggled behind the scenes to make things work (even though percy cares about her and does so much for her, the demigod side of him is something he hasn’t discovered yet and the burden falls on her to handle things — a form of mother’s invisible labour).

book sally married this absolutely horrible guy and went through years of abuse and didn’t fight back directly because the pain was nothing to her if her son was safe. the blue candy was their quiet rebellion against him, and as badass as she was, she wouldn’t have put gabe in his place the way tv sally did, because that wasn’t her priority and it just wouldn’t be worth the effort.

it just feels a little like when they make disney princesses more badass and less feminine?? or like when kpop men do “manlier” versions of girl group/artist’s dances? like it’s undermining her value as a softer female figure, because book sally isn’t a big, strong, badass woman that percy looks up to because she protects him, she’s quietly mischievous and caring and he knows she can protect herself but also protects her as best he can and their dynamic is lost a little bit when she stands up so easily to gabe in a fight that isn’t really worth picking.

and it also irked me a little when she explained why they go to montauk every year, because in the books percy already knows more about his father. she tells him stories growing up because she wants him to see the best in the world and not grow up bitter like luke, because even though she may resent poseidon (since he knocked her up at like 19 after her parents died, and left her broke and with a kid without finishing college), she understands to some extent why he left her and can’t be with percy, and she cares too much about percy and how he feels and what kind of person he is to let him feel her anger towards his father. so she suffers through that quietly too, so that percy can feel like there’s still someone out there who cares about him, like his father is someone to be proud of even though he doesn’t know him.

sally is meant to look for the best in the people that matter, but still be able to see their objective value. it’s a symbolic aspect of her character that she’s a clearsighted mortal, which means she can see these things herself and understand them, but does not have any role in taking action against these things until she has to for her son.

anyways that’s my take. regardless i still am enjoying the show and their relationship very much, but i just don’t think it holds a candle to sally jackson in the books!!!

[newwritergirl]

Starting over | Part 16

Materlist

Summary: With Jake and Bradley deployed y/n can't help herself but count the days when they're finally back home. But when mysterious messages appear on her phone and a sleazy guy gets a bit too close to her she once more realize how her safety depends on the both pilots she dearly loves. Thank God she has a safety net and friends at base.

Trigger Warnings: 18+! Minors DNI! past abusive relationship, reader has health issues (migraine, kidney), throwing up, previous assault, blood, obstrusive man, poly relationship

A/N: It gets angsty! Please tell me if you like it and rebelog my little story. Thank you for the support :)

Word Count: 3.9k +

The day of Jake and Bradley’s departure came quicker than the three of them anticipated. Y/n wasn’t able to sleep that night, tossing and turning, changing her position ever so often, touching her lovers to memorize every inch of their bodies.

And now standing in the kitchen watching both pilots taking their bags into the trunk of Jake’s truck the whole situation is sinking in. She will be alone for the next two weeks, maybe longer.

Since she left the hospital after surviving the last attack of her boyfriend and the mayor operation marathon she endured to save her kidney she wasn’t alone. She lived for some weeks with the family of her former boss and after her physiotherapy she moved to Miramar immediately living with Rooster and Hangman. It would be a lie to say that she isn’t afraid to be on her own. She fears the lonely nights, laying in the dark alone with her thoughts and memories with no one there to hold her after a nightmare or to hold her in general. While drinking her coffee she gives herself a pep talk for the upcoming farewell. ‘Don’t let on anything. You’re a grown up woman. You can do this. They’re highly decorated Navy aviators, you can’t burden them with your fears shortly before their departure.’

---

“And if there’s a problem…anything you need help with… Mav is there, you can call him or Penny anytime! Bob also said that he can come over if you need someone…”

“Jakey, slow down. I’m not a child…” Y/n tries to calm the blonde pilot down. But he just interrupts her attempt to lighten the mood. “Of course you’re not. But imagine you feeling sick or what if you pass out because of a migraine or your kidney acting up…y/n, we’re just worried. And with limited phone reception on the carrier we would feel better when we know that you will call Bob, Coyote, Penny or Mav. Please baby.” Jake looks deep into her eyes, she sees the worry in them. She is also worried but tries her hardest to hide it in front of them.

She feels Bradley enveloping her with his muscular arms behind so that she’s now fully secured between the two men.

“What Jake wanted to say is: We love you, princess.” He speaks softly into her ear his warm breath making her shudder.

“But we have to go now. Otherwise the Admiral will have our asses for being too late for the departure.”

The two men once more tighten their hug kissing the smaller woman passionately.

She watches Jake’s truck disappearing down the street. She stands there in the driveway for some more minutes until the cold wind produces goosebumps on her entire body and her body starts to shiver form the cold and from the loneliness which slowly settles into her heart. She smells the lingering odor of both her boyfriends on her skin. She loves when their aftershaves mix up into a fully new smell and when she can smell it on her own skin after they cuddled. The delicious sore feeling from their intense night together lets her lips form into a soft smile. She’s not lonely they’re still here with every breath and step she takes in their shared home. They will be back and then their relationship will be just as strong as before or even stronger. With a heavy heart but a small smile on her lips she closes the front door behind her soaking into the warmth of the cozy house.

A cup of tea sounds like a good idea to calm her nerves. Standing on her tip toes to reach her favorite cup a small sticky note on the inside of the cupboard door attracts her attention.

A huge smile is spreading over her face, she takes the sticky note from the cardboard door and sticks it on the coffee maker, that way she can always read the note and admire the accurate handwriting of Bradley. She’s the luckiest woman on earth, finally.

You probably are trying to reach one of the cups, standing on your tip toes stretching out your right arm. Usually one of us would come to your aid or to tease you. Enveloping you in our arms, kissing the top of your head, inhaling your intoxicating scent.

We love you <3 JB

---

Her first day back at the base after her short sick leave and her boys leaving was better than she expected. Her day was busy and with Bob bringing her a cup of steaming hot coffee in the morning just the way she likes it and how Rooster would��ve done it she was able to stay alert and awake during a long video call with a software company. But to be honest she nearly hasn’t slept that night. Her brain was a spiraling mess, thinking of Bradley and Rooster, but she was also nervous to run into Welsh at base. After their encounter the other day when he had to take her home, his slimy hand touching her arm and his inappropriate comment in the car, she doesn’t want to see him let alone run into him alone.

Now sipping her second coffee in the late morning she wonders if her two boyfriends had a similar hard night, at least they have themselves. Her vibrating mobile is bringing her out her daydream. When she looks at the display a bright smile forms on her face.

Jakey: Hello love, we’re about to leave the coastland to start with the flight training. Soon there will be no phone reception. We just wanted to make sure you’re ok. We love you.

Her smile grows brighter when she looks at the attached photo Jake sent her. The blonde and the brunette aviator in their flight suits smiling at her, in the background nothing but the endless blue sea.

Y/n: You two look really stunning. I’m so proud of my two Navy men <3 Everything is good back home. Please just come back in one piece, I need you. Both! I love you. Please tell Roo-y I love him, too. Take care. I think of you!

Jakey: Roo-y says he loves you, too! Take care yourself. In case you need anything, call Penny, Mav or the two idiots that stayed back at the base :-P we have to go. Love you so much!

A loud knock is startling her, shouting a small ‘come in’ she is greeted by the last person she wants to see right now, especially when she’s alone in her office. What does he want from her? She puts her mobile away, not risking that this sleazy guy sees the adorable selfie of Hangman and Rooster on her phone.

“Well, isn’t this a sight for sore eyes. You feeling better, y/n? This migraine must’ve hit you hard.” Welsh voice makes her shudder which doesn’t go unnoticed by the taller man, perfectly noticing how the woman in front of him shrinks further into her chair as if she wants to hide herself behind her big wooden desk.

“Yes, Sir. Thank you.” She talks in a small voice.

“Good, good. Finally you have this big and cozy house for yourself, with Rooster and Hangman deployed. I bet the first night was a huge relief.” Welsh asks in an amused tone. Of course the first night was far away from a relief. At first y/n tried to settle down in her own bed but after tossing and turning she wandered into Jake’s bedroom to grad his pillow and went straight into Bradley’s bedroom to sleep in his bed with Jake’s pillow in her arms. That way she could be near both of them. Their familiar scents united created a small feeling of safety in the dark and lonely night.

What does he want to hear from her? She tries to gather her thoughts not to show this man any weakness. But before she can form a suitable answer she’s saved by the bell.

“Hey y/n. You ready for lunch?” She hears Javy’s voice before she can see him enter her office.

“Welsh. What ya doin’ here? Mav is looking for ya…” Javy’s voice immediately changes from friendly to professional and even colder as he looks at the man towering over y/n’s desk.

Daniel straightens his posture but before he turns around to leave the younger woman’s office he winks at her and lowers his voice. “See you later, darling.” Too hushed to be heard by Javy but loud enough for y/n to hear.

She gulps at his words. He has this dangerous aura she’s more than familiar with thanks to her ex.

Javy steps into Welsh’s way bumping slightly into his shoulder. “Keep track of your own appointments, Lieutenant. We’re not your secretary.”

“Yes, Lieutenant Commander.” Welsh replies in an annoyed tone but formal when Coyote pulled ranks.

---

Y/n’s lunch date with Bob and Javy really helped to get her nerves under control after Welsh’s performance in her office today. She just hoped that the two didn’t notice how she played with her food, just shoving it on her plate from left to right. She didn’t build a huge appetite with her boyfriends away and the dreading prospect of coming back to an empty home later that day.

Now utterly exhausted she’s sitting on the huge couch snuggled under the cozy blanket Jake bought for her last Christmas, reading the second note which she found in the snack drawer where Bradley stored his favorite protein bars. Not on the mood to cook something she was in search of something to munch on while lounging on the couch.

On the verge of falling asleep her vibrating mobile gains her attention. She really hopes for another message from her boys but that was likely unrealistic with them in the middle of the Pacific.

I knew you would steeal my banana protein bars in our absence :-P What have I done to deserve two little thieves.

I love u.

Jake says eat as much protein bars as you can. Love <3  JB

She grabs the device from the coffee table curious who would’ve texted her that late in the evening.

The message from an unknown number makes her frown.

Unknown: You looked so hot today in your cute office outfit. You should wear that tight skirt more often.

Her hands begin to tremble that must be a mistake. Who would text her something like that? The person on the other end probably made a mistake while typing in the number and now she got that message accidently. Just as she wants to put her phone away and get ready for another lonely night in Bradley’s bed her mobile chirps with another incoming message.

Unknown: Didn’t think of you as a classic car kind of girl. But that Bronco looks good on you.

The last straw that the message could’ve been a mistake is brutally cut when she reads the next one. Bradley left her his beloved Bronco so she can drive to base and get grocery shopping or whatever she wants to do safely and doesn’t have to rely on Bob or Javy to drive her. At first she was hesitant to drive his beloved car but Bradley told her more than once that he insists that she drives his Bronco and he made it more than clear that he trusts her with his baby.

Panic bubbles in chest. Someone watches her, the person saw her in the Bronco driving home or to the base, saw her outfit. Is this person watching her now? Hiding in the dark? She jumps up from her position on the couch and hurries to the front door checking the locks. They’re closed, thank God. She closed all curtains in every room and when she finally crawls into Bradley’s bed, after she even locked the bedroom door, she can’t hold back her tears anymore. She is afraid, more than that. She’s terrified.

---

Y/n wakes up with a jolt. The bedroom pitch black and her eyes need some time to adjust and make out the familiar furniture. What woke her up in the middle of the night? But before she can wonder any further the door knob jiggles. Someone is trying to enter the bedroom.

“Y/n, come on open the door, I know that you’re in there.”

She knows that voice. No, no, no, that can’t be true. He can’t be in their house, not now.

Frantically she searches for some kind of weapon to defend herself. But when she turns around to look at the bedroom door he’s already inside the room.

"I'm here to take you home, silly girl." His dark eyes nothing but dangerous and filled with hate. She got so used to the warm love filled eyes of Jake and Bradley. But the ones that are piercing her now are cold and she knows that look, it's full of rage.

How did he get past the safety locks at the front door and how did he even open the lock of the bedroom door? She feels like his prey sitting in a trap. His body fills the doorframe, blocking her only way out of the room. On trembling legs y/n backs off but there's nowhere to go for her. He finally gets what he wants, either he kills her right there or he takes her back to their hometown. If she has the choice she would choose death over going back with him. But she has no choice, never had. He once more has her life in his hand.

"You not only cheated with one but with two men? Y/n, that's not how I taught you to behave. You should know what treatment sluts like you deserve." He takes a step closer to the trembling woman. A shimmering object in his right hand attracts her attention. It's a knife, a huge kitchen knife. It's the same knife he attacked her with back home, still bloody. Thick droplets of blood are dripping from the blade on the hardwood floor.

A loud scream echoes trough the bedroom the young woman feels herself shaking like a leaf, drenched in sweat, sheets tangled around her body. All she hears is the blood rushing in her ears. Her heart nearly beating out of her chest. Her lungs seem to refuse to work, like someone is crushing her ribcage. Spots are dancing in her vision and she knows she has to try to take prober breaths otherwise she is going to pass out from oxygen deprivation. The small woman fists one of the pillows in her shaking hands in an attempt to ground herself. She has to overcome this panic attack alone, but her thoughts are with Bradley and Jake, thinking about their happy times, smiling and laughing. Their beautiful laughs, their calming touches, their words of endearment. Y/n doesn't know how long it took her to finally be calm enough to take her first steady breath. The first thing she hears is her alarm annoyingly blaring, signaling her it's time to get up. It's already morning, thank God. Going back to sleep seems so far away after this nightmare that she's somewhat relieved that it's already time to get ready and head to work. With her still trembling hands she shuts the alarm off, but as she sees an unread message her breathing picks up one more time.

A sigh of relief tumbles out of her mouth when she reads the sender of the message.

Bobby: Hey y/n, sorry I forgot to ask you earlier. Coyote and I want to hit the Hard Deck after work, I can fetch you in the morning, in that case you don't have to drive tomorrow to work and to the Hard Deck. I would be at your place at 0715.

---

When she is finally buckled in Bob's car it's the first time she can breathe a bit better, feeling a bit safer in the presence of a Navy Lieutenant and friend.

A soft 'good morning' fills the car, not trusting her voice to speak more words after screaming bloody murder an hour ago. She still feels a slight tremble in her hands. Not only the dream has her so shaken up but the messages from that unknown number make her even more uneasy. Who's watching her? It can't be her ex. He doesn't know where she lives now. And he is still in prison, isn't he?

"Y/n? Everything okay?" Bob turns in his seat to take a proper look at her.

His soft voice brings her out of her thoughts.

"Ehm, yes. Sure. Everything's fine." She tries to talk as calm and collected as she can, not wanting to alert the good-natured aviator in the driver seat.

"You sure? I said your name like ten times." He once more takes a look at her, noticing her pale face and the dark circles under her eyes.

"Sorry, I'm just tired, Bobby. Nothing serious, pinky promise." She hates to lie at her friend, hell she hates to lie in general. But her need to not make a fuss, to not burden other people with her problems is often bigger than her need to be honest.

For now Bob let's her excuse pass but he will keep a close eye on her, even more than usual.

---

Sipping her favorite drink y/n feels a bit better than hours ago in the morning after her nightmare. Bob and Javy are always good company and so far she liked the distraction of her two friends and the hustle and bustle of the packed bar. But without the other aviators, especially without her two boyfriends, there's definitely a huge part missing.

"I'm still wondering how you do it, sunshine." Javy spoke over the music and the loud voices in the packed bar, bringing y/n out of her revive.

A curious frown is splayed on the young woman's face.

"I mean, you really brought some peace and quiet into our squad. Since you're living with Hangman and Roo, their constant bickering and dick-measuring contests nearly stopped."

Y/n can't hold the amused laugh that tumbles out of her mouth. "Javy, watch your mouth." She playfully hit the taller pilot on his arm. But he is right, since the young woman lives with the two men their behavior somewhat changed drastically. Of course the hostility they had during the fateful uranium mission was long gone before y/n stepped into their life, but obviously their friendship deepened in a special way since the shy woman is part of the group. The other aviators surely didn't miss the huge protectiveness Jake and Bradley have over their new addition, y/n just fits in perfectly in the Bradshaw/Seresin household. Y/n wonders if Javy wants to imply that he supposes that three of them are now in a relationship. Until now the three kept their love life a secret, well except for Natasha who gave the last shove in the right direction.

"Hey, got a strong right hook, y/n." The dark haired man rubs his arm as if she hurt him really bad.

"What this moron wanted to say is, you're good for them." Bob barges in looking intensively at the now blushing woman.

"Thanks, I guess?" She says slightly uncertain. "They're the best that ever happened to me. You all are…" Y/n admits in nothing more than a whisper.

Bob puts his larger hand on her right one which is placed on the table beside her now empty glass. When he softly squeezes her hand he adds a quiet 'we support you, no matter what'.

Her heart skips a beat, so they all seem somehow to know or feel that Jake, Bradley and y/n are more than just roommates or friends and with Bob and Javy's promise of support a huge load is taken off her mind.

---

"So, another Root Beer for you, what can I get you, sunshine?" Javy asks as he was about to stand up and head to the bar to get them all a refill.

"Oh no, let me. It's my turn. A Root Beer and a Miller?!" Y/n puts her hand on the taller pilot's shoulder to keep him in his seat and makes her way to the restrooms before she is going to order another round of drinks for herself and her two friends at the back of the bar.

Deep in thought she steps out of the ladies' room bumping into a tall figure making her stumble back. Two strong hands grip her shoulders uncomfortably tight but keeping her from falling flat on her ass.

"Wow, look what the cat dragged in. Y/n, nice to see you." She immediately recognizes the sickly sweet with a hint of evil voice.

"H - hello, Sir." She stammers feeling more and more uneasy the longer she feels the two strong hands grip her upper arms.

"Y/n, we're already beyond the formalities and we're not on base. It's Daniel for you." Welsh winks and twists his lips into a daunting grimace.

Y/n feels her heartrate picking up, she doesn't like this guy and being alone with him is only adding up her anxiety. She tries to wiggle out his strong hold but he doesn't budge, cornering her in the hallway of the restrooms.

"Looking cozy with Bob and Coyote, with your two guard dogs deployed." Welsh strokes both his thumbs over her upper arms, sending a shiver of disgust over the smaller woman's spine.

"We - we just having some drinks." Finally able to wiggle herself free of the uncomfortable hold she takes a step back, the need to extend the distance to the dangerous looking man in front of her is growing every second he looks hungrily at her.

"I knew you have a thing for pilots." The man takes a step and strokes once more one of her arms. Panic bubbles up in y/n's chest, she doesn't like to be touched by strangers and this is much worse than just some physical contact in a crowded bar. He corners her and definitely knows what he's doing. Her body starts to tremble and her chest feels too tight to breathe comfortably.

"Everything okay here?" Y/n hears a familiar voice but Welsh is still blocking her view.

"Yeah, everything's good, Captain." Welsh takes a step back as he feels a hand touching his shoulder, turning him around slightly. Y/n takes a sigh of relief. Thank God for Maverick making an entrance. The smaller man is taking a close look at the young woman in front of him. He can see her distress with the taller man in front of her, towering dangerously over her smaller frame. His presence alone is enough to make Welsh leaving the situation and the small hall to the restrooms.

"Are you okay, y/n? Did he - ehm…did he make you uncomfortable?" What Maverick really wanted to ask is if that prick touched her or made inappropriate comments, but he put a bridle on his tongue, not wanting to make the shy woman in front of him more uncomfortable.

"No, no… sorry I was on my way to the ladies' room." And with that she turns around in a hurry disappearing in the restroom. Her intention to get a new round of drinks long forgotten she rushes into one of the stalls falling onto her knees just in time to throw up the small contents of her stomach.

@djs8891

@darksparklesficrecs

[iridescentdove]

I don’t know if you already did this but can I request bad men with f!reader that is like Lumine full power. I heard that with new lore drops that the traveler could destroy world’s. I’m also a huge Lumine fan both as the traveler and abyss princess <33333

Chuuya, Dazai, Jouno & Atsushi x Lumine! Reader

(I just chose the characters myself ehe)

Lumine is skeptical but shares the same curiosity her twin has for everything, she's rational and courageous, along with being generous and helpful towards others that need assistance. And most especially, rather beautiful and somewhat quiet, yet considered rather expressive.

As if a primordial being – Lumine holds power able to destroy worlds and travel through them with ease, and yet, most of it having been sealed away by the Unknown God's own bidding. What happens when she regains her full power and travels through the world of BSD?

Fyodor, Ranpo & Sigma Ver.

CHUUYA NAKAHARA:

You probably already stand out enough due to peculiar clothing and ur girlboss appearance 😩

He is literally so confused- you're saying this short blondie saved worlds and can travel through them all and has these Godly powers to DESTROY EVERYTHING?? UM

Okay but he does admit, you're probably full of surprises. And he admires your brave, courageous nature.

ALSO HE'S SO HAPPY YOUR SHORTER THAN HIM AAA

You're honestly a cute little bean, and a very strong one at that too – so you do get along rather well. Plus you got his back whenever he needs help

His pride probably won't allow him to say it but in some cases you're really helpful in various ways.

You one time, said he reminded you of a familiar sketchy ginger in the previous world you visited through, and now he's actually kinda curious.

Tar- Tar- Taglia lover of Snezhnayan Queen

Someone please make me fanart of Childe! Chuuya and Lumine! Reader I will pay you will all of the massive dumpload of fanfics you will ever want to see

I can imagine him just walking into the PM headquarters one day and greeting you with ...

"Hey girlie." 😏 *lip bite* i am sorry

The first time he witnessed your strength wss when you single handedly beat up the fucking hunting dogs without batting an eye?? Hello?? Wtf sis

"(Y/N) WHAT THE FUCK" "This is normal, no worries"

He is very curious to even know about all of the things you've seen and fought across worlds ...

When you tell him you literally beat up God *cough*Raiden*cough* dude's jaw smashed to the ground

Though you're not very talkative, you sure do have some ... interesting expressions. He's floored. Bro and you're smaller than him he delights in pinching your cheeks and ruffling your hair sjsiskak

Even if he's thankful you're around to help, he does feel as if people abuse your kindness way too much ...

So now he's your bodyguard yay! :D

Whichever bitch tryna shred your ass? You bet he's giving this menacing ass aura, readily cocking a fucking gun and slamming them around across with his gravity manipulation

If you're visibly tired and people keep asking for more help? He will snap at them and tell them to leave you alone <3

By the end of the day, this man is just ... so addictive wtf

And in a romantic light also he literally tries to hide his blushing whenever he sees you whether in a new outfit or not LIKE your beauty is Godly fr

I don't make the rules. This Tartaglia 2.0 worships you.

And if you're the abyss princess instead of traveler, he is definitely thinking ur some hot shit. Same Chuuya, I want her to step on me.

Whenever there's nothing to do, he just sits down and listens to you talk about your journey in other worlds.

And whenever he and you go out on missions together and you give him compliments along the way he's floored, and trying not to show how affected he is with them

Hear me out ... praise kink

DAZAI OSAMU:

Okay, you already know the drill. Once this man sees you he's gonna do a fucking double take

HELLO?? YOU ARE ACTUALLY SO GODDAMN PRETTY

Will ask you to do a double suicide. If you're done with bullshit say actually say yes, I think he's dead in love. If you say no with a blank face, this bitch grows desperate

Well either way he's gonna fucking love you so why not

Did assume that you definitely weren't from this world, just not really the full detail. So he got curious.

Your journeys from different world intrigued him, and the fact you were basically an actual shooting star. Just soaring through the sky away from all the shit like aight m8

But you'd bet this is Dazai, so of course he wants to go see you in action.

After all, you are kinda like, God-level strong.

So why not? You know he wouldn't be too surprised, but he's gonna go apeshit the moment he sees you take on like freaking all PM executives at once and stuff.

HE DID NOT EXPECT YOU ACC TAKE THE DARE LOL

But it didn't really matter because you did somehow manage to defeat them. And literally with your full power? Hello the city is shaking 😐

Chuuya was boutta use corruption but he got smacked into the 6th dimension before he even blinked HAHA

You're so done with everything. His double suicide offer still stands y'know, it's not that late.

Bet he dragged you into the mersault prison drama

... He's smart as hell, we all know this bitch can prepare for an event that isn't even happening yet in 171919 years

... But ..l did you just ... beat him in a game of chess?

No you ate the chess pieces whenever he blinked

Okay well great- at least the agency has an OP new member that can fucking traverse to another dimension-

If you were abyss princess, he's down on his knees begging you to choke him zaddy can't stay still 😩

Thinks it's hot

If it's in a romantic light, you can take a guess. You both do get rather close – and you're one of the very few he trusts because of how helpful and trustful you are.

It will take some time but he'll show you the reason behind his bandages. You can sense some anxiety in his expression, a vulnerable state for the first time.

But the fact you just accept it? He's over the moon <3

Dazai will not accept from bullshit from other people. Any disrespect directed to you, he's boutta go Dark Era on them so just pray he don't do that unless you want to, simp.

You can tell he'll just ... go over his loneliness all over again when you decide to travel through a new world and leave.

But of course, you assure him you'll return to visit :)

Yay! ✨️

Rest assured you're not gonna let him go through that pain, so if you dare even think of leaving him

I'm sending my homies after you.

JOUNO SAIGIKU:

You'd bet he's a bit skeptical at first, he's not sure whether he can believe a story like that at all 💀

But the thump of your heartbeat begged to differ, because you actually weren't lying. So I guess now he's just kind of curious about your existence. and your powers

As for your beauty this man is blind asf bro what u expect

So even though he has no idea how you look like, he can still bet your gorgeous and he's obviously right.

As per part of the Hunting Dogs, they all have their own individual beliefs on justice. And because you're prone to helping others a lot, he actually appreciates it.

Won't abuse your kindness though, he doesn't really ask for help. Unless they're in an actual dire situation.

Plus you strong asf so 🗿

Although he's busy, both ya'll can take some time for some peace and just chit chat. Honestly, this man wants to know the deets like c'mon spill the tea sis

He's probably interested in whatever you have to say abour Teyvat, especially Fontaine. I can feel it

I mean it's the nation of justice bro what else

Jouno will sit down, listening to your tales about Fontaine and the God of Justice – (he's fucking flabbergasted knowing it was a bratty child who is like shorter than you)

No fr he did not expect that shit 😭

"Also she's really short" "Really now?" "She's like a bratty child who almost got assassinated while playing with cats" "A ... A child?" "Yea and dramatic" "(Y/N), whAT"

This man would probabpy do a double take and question even the existence of Gods. HOO BOY

"... You're telping me the Gods there are broke and et bullied by their own people 24/7" "Yeah"

Let's just say he's now questioning life.

But then again, anything is possible now so he just rolls with it and enjoys his time with you.

Don't tell me he doesn't enjoy lesrning more about your powers and how useful it can really be to the Hunting Dogs.

Once he decided to spar with you, because his patience was wearing thin and he really wanted to know how far the heights of your power could stretch.

He was fairly sure that it wouldn't be an easy win, but he really thought he'd win. Lol.

He was all ready and stuff, slowly unsheathing his sword as you and him clashed ways.

... After that, he promised himself as he was nearly buried six feet under.

Nah most especially if you were the abyss princess because this man literally won't last. He'd actually put up a really good fight, he's strong as hell.

But still, he plummets to the ground like Odasaku.

... Never again, I assume.

ATSUSHI NAKAJIMA:

You and him met when he was running errands after being told forced by Dazai.

Holy shit he looked so tired. He was sweating as he ran back and forth across multiple shops and streets. Being you, you went over to give him a helping hand.

Canonically Atsushi's type is someone kind and patient, so he just was actually rather happy.

Congrats for being friends with the furry 😍

He adores how nice you are for being a helping hand, and he admires your bravery honestly. That shit is what keeps him going on the daily

No but fr you were so PRETTY too. And innocent looking

So imagine he does a fucking 180° when he sees you casually coming into the agency to help them beat up the Port Mafia?? SINGLE HANDEDLY HELLO

He's beginning to rethink everything he thought about you. Ok cool, you travel through worlds, fought God, is strong a–

... Wait a minute 😐

He nearly passed out from the amount of sheer info dump that you gave him. He's beyond shocked.

But also happy you're there to help. He trusts you and just loves everything about you. You're pretty blunt and quiet, but you're courageous and have cute facial expressions.

Chub squishy cheeks uwu

He literally would not ask for anything more. And you have some interesting things to talk about!

Atsushi is intrigued in the types of things you faced and the places you've visited. The fact you're literally bullshitting through and brave enough to face God himself??

You probably went through stuff. He respects you sm.

He's like a little kid all over again, sitting down with his knees to his chest as he listens to you talk about Tevyat.

You'd just be doing something in the far corner like fucking fantasizing on killing Timmie's pigeons again and he's just

Heart face emoji 😍

No matter what you do, Atsushi honestly believes in you and he knows you're of really good help. The agency welcomes you with open arms.

Bro he's just in love leave him be. Furries still need that love and attention bbg

Ngl since abyss princess is more stoic and somewhat intimidating boy is tryna stay away from you lmfao

"Not a second Akutagawa!" bitch 🗿

Yet we all know this man cannot stay away from you. You bet he's right there 24/7, admiring you and protecting you with his life.

Pet him in his tiger form pls 🤲

[mmimagine-40]

Pup pt. 7

Alpha!Steve Rogers x Omega!FReader

Warnings: Talks of abuse , being forced a pound, strong cursing towards a person, talks of guns being pointed at reader.

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

Brock growled as he watched from the woods as Y/n. Standing far enough away to not be noted as he watched them with binoculars. His wife was being helped and held close to this alpha. Watching them as the Alpha helped her back into his house. The grip on the binoculars was tight as they even cracked like they were going to break under the alphas grip.

Brock wanted to just forget Y/n. She was worthless anyways. He tried to play the nice guy. As his family is getting looked in hard about some shady business. He needed to make sure Y/n trusted him to not tell about the ways of the group. Its why he held off mating her after their marriage. He tried to warm her up and get her to agree to the mating. But she was holding out too long. Brock had needs and this omega was holding out on him. He was losing his temper. Finding his relieve in other omegas. His breaking point was finally her heat came and she refused to have him around her. Locking herself in a room and denying his claiming attempts. He snapped, yelling at her and trying to hold her down. But she got away and got out of the house running. He was going to let her till his father yelled at him to go after her and drag her back here. Now he's been out here for months trying to get this fucking omega back. But she always got away.

Grumbling again he garbed his state out stuff as he headed back in town. It was time to do something about this alpha who was holding his wife from him.

Unknown to Brock there were eyes on him watching him. Watching as he stormed away. A set of beta eyes as he was scoping out the forest after getting reports of hunters in the woods while it wasn't any season for hunting. The beta watched as the alpha walked away back towards the town. Before he backed up and headed back to the ATV. He graded the radio as he paged into the sheriffs office. "This is officer Maximoff. Paging for Sheriff Wilson.".

"Sheriff Wilson Speaking. What you got Pietro?"

"I have eyes on that Alpha you said to keep a look out for. Spotted him outside of Rogers property. Seeming to be watching or stalking the property. He just cleaned up and headed back to Town."

"Good work Maximoff. Finnish your route and head back.".

-

The two days Sam sent the Maximoff twins off to town to check out if the town heard or saw this alpha around. "Got what did y'all get?". Sam asked as he sat down at his desk looking for the small file he started after Steve informed him about the alpha that might become a problem in town. "Most of the town people have seen him. Said he's been walking around asking about an omega. To the description that Steve gave us. He also has been asking about Steve. But most of the towns people said they gave him no information as he seemed very sketchy about the omega.". Wanda read out all the information she wrote down that she got from different towns people. "And I talked to Old Man John. He said that the alpha was asking about the closest store to be able to buy some camping equipment." Pietro also said as he read the reports he got. Sam nodded as he made quick notes about everything. "Good Work you two. Lets keep a close eye out for this guy. I'm not liking how this is sounding.". Sam said as he finished the file before putting it away. "Pietro head back into town doing rounds. Keep an eye out for him and an hear out if anyone has an problems with him." Sam dismisses them both. Pietro heads out to do this rounds. As Wanda makes her way to the desk. Filing reports and doing check up on certin things.

When a bit later she hears the dig of someone walking into the sheriffs office. She looks up smiling to greet the person. Her smile almost flutters as she sees the Alpha but she keeps herself composed. Trying to hold back her shivers as he walks over to the desk. She can just feel he is bad news. "Hi , welcome to the sheriffs office. How can I help you?". Brock smiled sadly at her. "Hi , I was wondering if the sheriff was in or there is an officer I can talk to?". Wanda nodded as she turns to face him more. "The Sheriff is in. I can go get him for you. But can I ask what this is about?". "There is an alpha in town I'm afraid is holding my wife against her will". Brock told her as he looks down very distressed. Wanda slightly pouted playing up being sad for him as she told him she will get the sheriff for him. If he wanted to take a seat while he waited. The smile falling as she turned away. The alpha tried to pay up the vicitm but the anger was still pouting out of him. Poking through the distressed feeling smells he tried to play out.

Wanda walked over to Sam's office knocking lightly before walking in and shutting the door behind her. "Sir He's here". Sam's head looked up at her surprised. "He? As in Brock Rumlow? the alpha that Steve told us about?". "Yes, said he's here to talk to you about an alpha holding up his wife". Wanda informed him. Sam nodded as he gestured for Wanda to go. "Tell him I will be with him in a second I need to make some calls.".. Wanda nodded as she headed back out. Putting the smile back on her face as she told Brock that the sheriff will be with in a bit.

Sam quickly called Steve. Informing him about what is happening.

--Meanwhile--

Y/n was starting to feel better a little bit. The meds were helping and she was getting use to the crouches. Even helping out Steve were she can. Like sitting and cutting up veggies for dinner and so on. Right now her and Steve were packing and going through his office as he was turning it into a bedroom for Y/n. Even though she said not to. He thought it would be good anyways. She had somewhere to stay till she was back on her feet and then he would have a spare room for friends and family. Plus he didn't use the office anyways. Which was made evident as the office mainly only had packed up boxes. Mostly with stuff like old pictures and stuff Steve just hasn't found a place for.

"Whos this?" Y/n asked. She was sat on a chair as she helped Steve go through some of the stuff to figure out where he would store it. When she came across a compass with a picture of a pretty brunette in it in his desk. Steve looked over as his heart fell a bit seeing the compass. He moved over as he gently took the compass and looked at the picture. "Her names Peggy." Steve said as he sadly smiled at the picture. "Shes...an old friend.". Y/n looked up at him as her eyebrows fall in a sadden look. She can see that look on Steve's face that girl was something more. A look of a deep love. One described in those old romance books. "Just an old friend?". Steve looked back at her as he closed the compass and set it down. A confused look as his eyebrow was raised. "Oh come on Steve. Friends don't look at Friends like that.". Steve sighed as he turned away to sort out some other stuff. "Yes... I was in love with her. .. We were high school sweethearts. She was a Beta but I didn't care. Never been an alpha to care about that shit. I thought she was the one. My one and only. But she moved away. Back home to England as she went to a university over there. so we broke up not able to handle the distances". Y/n softly from sadden for Steve as he seemed to have really loved this girl. "Why didn't you ever go after her?". Steve stopped as he looked down. Only knowing each other a few days. But it seems y/n could read him. Able to tell he wasn't one to give up like that. Especially on love.

"I did.". Steve said softly as he moved to face her again. Leaning back on a smaller shelf behind him. As he crossed his arms sighing as he looked down. "we kept in contact. I worked hard in college and took all the classes I could to graduate early. And once I did I bought a ticket and headed off to England. But when I got there I was too late.". "Too Late?" , Y/n asked watching him. "She moved on. Found a nice beta guy. He was in school working to be a veterinarian. Real nice guy. Treated her like a royalty. What she deserved. She felt bad not telling me. But seeing how she looked at him.... I knew. She moved on. and fell in love with an amazing guy. So I let her go. Headed back home and tried to forget her.". Y/n nodded as she watched the emotions go through Steve. After a moment Y/n spoke up again. "Do you still love her?".

Steve's head snapped up as he looked at Y/n. His eyes ran over her face. As he tried to pick up on her emotions. seeing how she felt about it. But she looked a bit relaxed. Happy to see that Steve was happy. And a little bit sad for Steve's heartbreak. He smiled softly as he looked at her. Caught himself as he noted he wasn't really focusing on her feelings about the situation but more wanting to see her be jealous almost. "No....Not anymore.".

Y/n tries biting back the smile as Steve looks at her. That look that he had when looking at her. It was a soft warm look. One that looking into maybe everything feel like its okay. like a warm , safe place.

There go back to working on cleaning out the room when Y/n excused herself to go to the bathroom. While she was gone , Steve's phone rang. Steve looked confused to see Sam calling him. "Hey Sam what's up?". "Red Star". Steve's heart drops as he used to code name They made up. Steve looked out the door to see Y/n barley getting to the bathroom. A bit slow on the crouches. He softly closed the door before he told Sam to talk as the coast was clear. "Your Alpha guy. Brock. He's here in the office. Asking to talk to me. Apparently he is trying to spin the story that his wife is being held against her will. I haven't fully talked to him yet. That's just what Wanda got from him. But I wanted to call to warn you as when I go out there, I have duty as the sheriff to take this serious and check it out.". Sam warned Steve. "I understand Sam. Thank you for calling me...I have an idea to throw him off. But I don't trust that he won't get upset and do something stupid.". Steve told him. "Don't worry about that I'm having Pietro come for back up along with Bucky. Just keep an hear open, i'm sure we will be up there shortly.". "Alright, thanks again Sam.". Steve said before hanging up with Sam. He sighed as he tossed his phone the side as he hung his head low , shaking his head.

"Steve? ..Everything okay?" Y/n asked as she walked/limped back into the room. Steve sighed again taking a sec before looking back at her. Knowing he needs to tell her. "Y/n.. Something happen or is going to happen i need to prepare you for.". Y/n's eyes scrunched together confused at Steve's very serious face as he helped her to sit back down in the chair. Steve crouched down to be face to face with her. "Brock went to the sheriffs saying I am holding you against your will." "What?" Y/n asked as her heart fell as she started to get scared. Steve took her hands trying to clam her. "He's spinning a tale that I'm holding you against your will, The sheriff is a buddy of mine. He told he was there and that he will have to come here to check on you and hear from you that you want to be here. Now I don't trust that Brock will take that and he will try something... So I have an idea to get him to act out and get arrested. But I need you to trust me." Y/n nodded as she took a deep breath trying to clam herself as she listened to him. "I trust you Steve" Steve softly smiled at her as he gently strokes her hands as he holds them. "The fake mark I gave you the other day.... let me scent it up again as it will seem like I just mated you. Which will probably piss him off.". Y/n nodded as she looked down nervously. Steve watched her trying to read her. "I don't have to if you don't feel comfortable.". Y/ns eyes snapped back up to Steve's. "No! .. sorry no, that's not.. I'm not uncomfortable about the fake mark...Its just....I'll have to face Brock won't I?". Steve fights back the smile as he want's to beam hearing her almost, excitement to have his mark on her , even if it was fake. He looked down composing himself. "Yes, but I'll be by your side the whole time. I promise". Y/n looked down for a second thinking before looking back to Steve nodding. As she agree to it.

Steve pulls back from Y/ns neck as he rebite the mark softly and scenting it. trying to hold back his alpha growl as he hers her softly whimper under him. Thoughts again filling his heads of her as a mate. Finally pulling back as he hears a knock at the door. The scents of Sam and that alpha Brock at the door. He looked at Y/n who looked a bit scared but once she looked back at Steve as he still held her face she calmed down nodding that she was ready. Steve told her to stay there till he called her.

Steve made his way to the door taking a breath before he opened the door. Smiling at Sam. "Sheriff , Hi. What can I do for you?". Sam nodded as he stood on the porch of the cabin Brock was stood down the steps of the porch. looking very pissed off as he looked Steve up and down. "Evening Steve. Sorry to bug you but this gentleman here said that his Wife is being held against her will here. So I need to check in. Is someone named Y/n Rumlow or Y/n L/n here?". Steve nodded as he called for Y/n. Who used the crouches to walk over. Setting them to the side as she leaded on Steve a bit. Asking whats going on with a slight smile. Trying to act like she doesn't see Brock. Who at this was fumming. "Evening Ma'am. Are you Y/n?" Y/n nodded as she looked at the Sheriff Sam. He was an alpha. But had the sweetest and kindest smile and look in his eyes. "Well ma'am I have a Mr. Brock Rumlow who said he is your husband and that you are being held against your will. Is that true?". Y/n's eyes cut back to Brocks. Normal his look would scare her a lot. Knowing what he can do to her. But stand next to Steve and meeting the people like Bucky and Nat. She felt more powerful to be able to get away from him. "No I'm not being held against my will. Mr.Rumlow is my ex husband. I am trying to get a divorce from.". "A divorce! Like hell! We arn't getting a divorce! You are my wife! You are mine! Even if you whored yourself out to this alpha you are still mine! Now lets go Y/n!" Brock growled as he made his way up the stairs and over.

Sam turned and pushed him back. "Mr. Rumlow! Back down now!" Brock growled as he push Sam down the stairs as he reached back into his back of his pants. Pulling out a gun as he pointed it at Y/n. Demanding her to come with him now if she doesn't want to really be hurt. Steve pushed Y/n Behind him as he stared Brock down. Who just smirked. "Even better I'll kill you and that sheriff and take mine Omega back." But as he said that he could hear the sounds of guns cocking behind him. He turned as he sees the sheriff standing with a gun pointed at him. Along with a Beta and an Alpha next to him pointing shotguns at him. As he was distracted Steve stepped in twisting his hand back to take his gun and pointing it back at him.

Sam cuffed the Alpha and walking him to the cop car as he read him his rights as he had Pietro take both Steve and Y/n's statement.

After some time Pietro got all that he needed letting Y/n and Steve go. "Pietro, Send the file to Tony Stark after everything is filed"

_--------------------------------

I know this was long! I just couldn't stop writing this part! I hope you enjoy. If you wish to be on the tag list for this story please let me know. As well as I am thinking of having Tony , Peter and Pepper in the next one. What do you think they should be? My idea is Omega Tony and Peter and then Alpha! Pepper. -MM

[sadnymi]

"My Dreams Are Just Dreams... Until They're Not" modern Mattheo riddle × reader [ chapter three ]

[Previous chapter] [Next chapter]

Warnings: SMUT18+, strong language,childhood trauma ,abusing, cheating ( not the main characters)

Please understand that from this chapter onwards, the story will delve into darker themes. I urge you to pay close attention to the trigger warnings provided.

words: 2,216

Reading Time : 8mins 26sec

Summery: A week at my best friend's beach house, surrounded by our friends as we meet her soon-to-be fiancé's companions, marks a turning point where the very fabric of my beliefs begins to unravel. It's during this week that I encounter the boy who incessantly appears in my dreams, blurring the distinction between the world of my subconscious and the tangible reality before me. Matthe Riddle emerges as the poison I willingly imbibe, a curse that feels akin to a dream, weaving its tendrils into the very essence of my being.

[ Gif is not mine ]

Red – the hue of blood, the symbol of power, the embodiment of pain. All I could see was red, engulfing my vision in a swirling, crimson haze.

“ you can’t hide forever princess “

Close your eyes and breathe he can’t hurt you- if you can’t see him that’s mean he won’t be able to see you

“ comon , daddy hates waiting princess, he’s going to punish you when he finds you “ shut up - shut up - shut up

Then I hear it—the sound of his steps, each one drawing him nearer and nearer.

“ he’s not coming you mean nothing to him you know? Why would the heir of the most powerful house care about someone insignificant, someone so worthless like you “

“ liar “ I screamed and then it was red all over again all I saw was red

I jolt awake, gasping for air as the tendrils of the nightmare slowly release their grip on me. My heart pounds erratically in my chest, echoing the frantic rhythm of my dreams. Sweat beads on my forehead, and I take deep, ragged breaths, trying to ground myself in reality.

I sit up in bed, my body trembling with the aftershocks of the nightmare. I run a hand through my disheveled hair, trying to calm the racing thoughts in my mind.

" must not fear," I repeated

" | must not let it consume me, fear has no power if he did not find a body to take “

I rush to the window, desperate for a breath of fresh air to quell the turmoil swirling within me. But as I peer outside, my heart lurches in my chest at the sight of him, his gaze locking onto mine. A wave of uncertainty washes over me, leaving me paralyzed with indecision—uncertain if this encounter is real or merely a continuation of the haunting dreams that plague my nights.

Fingers trembling, I hastily pull on my hoodie, seeking refuge in its familiar embrace as I make my way downstairs. Each step feels heavy with apprehension as I navigate the familiar path to the spot where I last saw him standing outside my window. My mind races with questions, my emotions tangled in a web of fear and longing.

As I reach the spot, the air around me feels charged with tension, thick with unspoken words and unanswered questions. I stand there, searching the darkness for any sign of him, my heart pounding in my chest as I grapple with the overwhelming rush of emotions that threaten to consume me.

"Please, tell me I'm not dreaming," I implore, my voice trembling with fear as I search his eyes for reassurance.

He appears bewildered but responds softly, "You're not dreaming, love."

The weight of his words offers a brief respite, but the turmoil within me refuses to be quelled. "What's wrong with me?" I whisper, tears threatening to spill over. "Something is wrong with me."

The floodgates open, and I succumb to the overwhelming wave of emotion, tears streaming down my cheeks in front of him. I despise my vulnerability, yet I cannot suppress the torrent of fear that grips me—the echo of the monster's voice from my nightmare still clawing at the edges of my consciousness.

"I... I don't know what to do," I manage to say between sobs, my words barely audible through the tears.

Suddenly, and with surprising swiftness, he enfolds me in his arms, drawing me close until I can feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my chest. The warmth of his embrace offers a fleeting sense of familiarity, a small respite from the overwhelming flood of emotions threatening to engulf me.

As I bury my face in his chest, the tears continue to flow, unchecked and unbidden. Despite my efforts to maintain composure, I find myself crumbling under the weight of my fears and insecurities.

But he holds me steadfastly, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm raging within me. With each gentle stroke of his hand against my back, I feel a measure of the tension begin to ease,

In the safety of his embrace, I allow myself to release the pent-up emotions that have been consuming me, to surrender to the vulnerability that lies at the heart of my fear. And as he continues to hold me, offering silent reassurance and unwavering support

Stepping back slightly to meet his gaze, I find his hands still wrapped around me, offering unwavering support in the midst of my emotional turmoil.

"I... I think we know each other," I begin, my voice trembling with uncertainty. "I know you said we don't, but I can't shake this feeling. It's as though I've known you before, as though we're connected in some inexplicable way. I can't explain it, but I feel it deep within me. Maybe it's from another life, or maybe there's something more at play here. But I know you—I feel like I always have."

His touch is gentle as he wipes away my tears, his eyes filled with a tenderness that takes my breath away. For a moment, the world fades away, leaving only the two of us standing together in the quiet intimacy of the moment.

And then, with a softness in his voice that sends shivers down my spine, he responds, his words carrying the weight of unspoken truths and hidden desires.

He gently suggests, "You should go back to sleep and rest. Let me take you to your room, love. We can continue this conversation when you're feeling better."

Feeling vulnerable, I murmur, my voice barely audible, "You think I'm crazy, don't you?"

He meets my gaze with unwavering sincerity. "I think many things about you, but questioning your sanity is not one of them."

With his reassurance echoing in my mind, he guides me back inside the house, his steady presence a source of comfort in the darkness. But as we reach the doorway to my room, I hesitate, a wave of unease washing over me at the thought of being alone.

"I don't want to go back to my room," I admit, the words tumbling out in a rush. The thought of being alone in the darkness fills me with an overwhelming sense of dread, and I cling to him, desperate for his presence to chase away the lingering shadows of fear.

He pauses, gently brushing the hair away from my face before speaking softly, "Would you prefer to stay in my room instead?"

"Can I?" I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper, unsure if I'm crossing a boundary by accepting his invitation.

"Yes, you can," he replies with a tender smile, his voice a gentle caress that soothes my nerves. With a grateful nod, I acquiesce, allowing him to lead us both to his room.

His room is a sanctuary of simplicity and cleanliness, a haven of tranquility amidst the chaos of my thoughts. The soft hues and minimalist decor create an atmosphere of serenity, wrapping around me like a warm embrace.

As he guides me to the bed, his touch is tender and reassuring, his fingers lingering against my skin as he tucks the blankets around me with care. With delicate precision, he begins to play with my hair, each stroke sending shivers of pleasure down my spine.

His touch is intimate yet gentle, his fingers threading through the strands with a tenderness that speaks volumes. I close my eyes, losing myself in the sensation, allowing myself to be carried away by the warmth of his touch.

"I feel bad, it's your bed," I murmur softly, a pang of guilt tugging at my heart as I acknowledge the intrusion.

He chuckles softly, his breath warm against my skin as he leans in closer. "Don't worry about that, love," he murmurs huskily, his voice sending a shiver down my spine his lips brush against my cheek with a feather-light touch, eliciting a soft sigh of contentment as I close my eyes.

As I finally begin to drift into a peaceful slumber, cocooned in his embrace, I feel his lips press against my forehead in a gentle kiss. "Sleep well, my love," he whispers softly, his words a promise of comfort and security.

In the hazy borderland between wakefulness and sleep, I feel his lips tenderly brush against my forehead in a gentle kiss. catch the faint echo of his words something that sounds like how he’s going to fix everything whispered into the stillness of the night..

As I wake, I find myself enveloped in a sense of peace that has eluded me for far too long. There's no lingering fear, no remnants of the nightmares that used to haunt my sleep. It's been a year since I last woke in terror, a year since the darkness of my dreams consumed me

"You're awake," he says, his voice breaking through the fog of my thoughts.

I turn to him, the memories of what I said to him flooding back, and my smile fades as I blurt out, "I'm so sorry, Mattheo. Oh my God."

He sits beside me on the bed, his presence a comforting anchor in the storm of my emotions. "It's okay, love. It was just a nightmare. You were terrified, but it's just the fear talking. There's no need to apologize."

I take a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid beat of my heart. "I'm sorry," I whisper, feeling ashamed of my panicked reaction.

"Don't apologize, it’s okay “

"I must have scared you," I murmur.

He smiles, his eyes warm and understanding. "Believe me, it will take more than that to scare me."

I glance at the clock and realize how late it is. "Oh, God," I mutter again , feeling a surge of panic at the time.

"You looked so peaceful sleeping," he says softly, his words tinged with affection. "I didn't want to wake you up."

I want to tell him how grateful I am for his presence, how his calming influence eased the terror of my nightmare. "It's been a while since I slept like that," I admit quietly.

"I must go and get ready if I want to go to this party," I say, reluctantly tearing myself away from his comforting presence.

I rise from the bed, casting a shy glance towards him, my lips curving into a smile. "Thank you," I murmur softly, feeling the warmth of his nod and the softness of his smile drawing me in.

As I make my way back to my room, butterflies flutter in my stomach.

Relief floods over me as I reach my room, grateful that no one witnessed my departure from his room. Yet, as I settle in, anxiety grips me, threatening to overwhelm my senses. I try to distract myself, my thoughts wandering to someone with black hair and captivating eyes.

Closing the door behind me, I lean against it, closing my eyes and savoring the memory of his soft lips against my cheek. It's a fleeting moment of solace in the midst of my tumultuous emotions, a reminder of the undeniable connection that binds us together.

After a quick shower, I begin to prepare for the day ahead. Deciding on an off-shoulder, short red dress, I carefully slip it on, relishing in its vibrant hue. Sad started to put some makeup on couldn’t help but wonder what mattheo would thought about my look

I heard a knock on the door, and Sarah entered, concern etched on her face. She inquired if I was alright and mentioned that I had missed breakfast.

“ you sure you’re okay baby ? “

I smiled “ yes , never been better “

"You look amazing," she remarked with a smile.

I returned the compliment, "So are you. Green is definitely your color."

Sarah grinned, adjusting her emerald dress. "Thanks! I was a bit hesitant about it at first, but now I'm glad I chose it."

"It suits you perfectly," I assured her, admiring her confidence.

As we continued chatting, Sarah's presence brought a sense of ease to the room, and I felt grateful for her

“ I will be waiting for you downstairs “ I nodded with a smile

I frantically searched for my small bag before making my way to join the group. Suddenly, I heard it—a sound that chilled me to the core. It didn't sound like a dream; it was too real, too sinister.

Driven by an inexplicable force, I followed the sound, my heart pounding with fear. It led me to a door I hadn't noticed before. Hesitating only for a moment, I pushed it open, plunging into darkness so deep I could scarcely see my hand in front of my face.

And then, I saw them—three monstrous figures from my nightmares, lying in wait for me. Their eyes gleamed with malice as they fixated on me, sending shivers down my spine.

The pain and terror I thought I had escaped flooded back in an instant, threatening to overwhelm me. Among them was the source of my deepest nightmares, the embodiment of all my fears—my stepfather.

"You kept daddy waiting, princess," his voice echoed through the darkness, dripping with menace.

Paralyzed with fear, I could do nothing but stare at him, the realization sinking in that my nightmare was far from over.

Tag list:

@hereticdance

[manifesting-minerva]

Ghosts & Banshees (Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Reader) - Part 3

Author's Note: Part 3 is here! Enjoy it! It gets better after this. - Minerva 🐦‍⬛

Summary: Ghost and Y/N get close during one of their training session. But how close is close enough for Simon?

Warnings: Language, physical combat, innuendos

•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•

Y/N removed her right black jacket sliding it down her arms and over her shoulder, revealing her lean and muscular physique. Feminine but looks oh so strong. Ghost watched in awe as she put her brunette hair up in a ponytail. Her sports bra hugged her breasts together and her black leggings wrapped around her physique like a second skin.

He gulped trying to maintain his composure and trying to look around as much as possible to not get his pants feeling tighter than they are. Now, not a lot of things got to Ghost, between his abusive past and occupation he had a skin made of titanium. Yes, he had relations with women before but it never got in the way of his job. Until he met Y/N. He knew she was going to be a distraction, whether or a good one or a bad one he was unsure of but the way she jogged on the spot and doing her warm ups, he felt time slow down.

Snapping himself from his thoughts, he moved to the centre of the mat and soon Y/N followed, standing opposite him. She looked so small in front of him he was scared he would snap her in half. Not that it would take much. He could snap anyone in half just by looking at them let alone lay a hand on them.

Adjusting their positions, feet planted to the floor, fists fisted into balls in front of their faces, they looked in each others' brown eyes.

"Now don't go too easy on me Ghost." Y/N teased.

"I wouldn't worry about me, love" He said. The word just slipped from his lips without him being able to process it. In a split of a second, Y/N charged at him, slipping herself between his open legs, using her right elbow against his hips and her left elbow behind his knee cap making him fall flat on his back. Composing himself from the whiplash he looked up to find her staring down at him, smirking. He tried his best not to get a boner there and then. But Ghost wasn't one to lose.

"I would worry about you... love." She imitated him down to the accent. Her victory was cut short when from her crouching position Ghost managed to flip his body around her, securing an arm around her torso and flipping her underneath him, pinning her to the mat, his body between her legs. She looked at him breathlessly and flushed, her chest heaving up and down, touching his.

"Again, you're quick but you lack strength Sergeant." Ghost said lowly, almost a growl. In the meantime, Price, Gaz and Soap were helping themselves in front of them. With a cocky smirk, Y/N looked down between their bodies. So close to each other they were sharing each others' heat.

"Tell me Ghost," She sang. "How do you like your eggs? Diced or scrambled?" Looking down as well, Ghost saw her knee and a small knife between his legs, gently pressing against his crotch. No amount of restraint in the world for a man to hold back from the dirtiest thoughts.

"Whole." He replied, making Y/N laugh. He pulled himself up on his feet and offered a hand to help her get up. But Y/N was not one to go down easily. As soon as she took his hand, she yanked his arm with such force that she sent him on his knees and jumped behind him, holding one of his arms behind his back.

"It seems like you had them for breakfast there Lieutenant." She gently released him.

"Is it me or am I the only one getting hard? How is he not hard from this?" Soap said adjusting his pants.

"Alright you two. I don't want to clean up Ghost's balls off the mat. Funnily enough, we kinda need him Y/N." Price intervened, laughing.

"I'm sure you do," Y/N replied. "I'm gonna go see how the recruits are doing after their 25 lap punishment. Until next time Ghostie." She smiled and exited the gym.

All four men were quiet. "Ghostie huh?" Soap teased.

"Don't start Johnny." Ghost lifted his mask to take a sip of water. He noticed that she left her jacket behind her. He took it in his hands and felt the soft fabric against his calloused hand.

"Guess Price wasn't wrong about her castrating us blindly. Mate you were this close to losing your jewels."

"I'm never wrong." Price coughed. "Also, 25 laps?"

"They underestimated her." Simon scoffed as he made his way to his apartment. Looking at Y/N's door he wondered if she was already inside so he knocked gently.

No answer.

He waited and knocked again gently and the door opened. She had a fluffy white bathrobe three sizes bigger than her and a towel around her head. No makeup whatsoever, she looked fresh out of the shower.

"Oh Ghost I'm so sorry to keep you waiting. Come on in." She invited him inside.

"Umm...no it's okay. I'm here to return your jacket. You left it behind." He stretched his arm holding her jacket.

"Ah thank you. I was wondering where I left it." She took the jacket from his hand. "Are you sure you don't want to come in? I can make you a cup of tea if you want." His heart was about to burst. She looked adorable in her oversized bathrobe swallowing her little body with a massive towel on her head, giving him almost puppy eyes. How could he say no?

"If you insist." She smiled widely at his acceptance. She moved inside and went straight to the bathroom. "Have a seat and make yourself comfortable I'll be with you in 5 minutes!" She shouted from the bathroom.

He took a seat in one of the armchairs with the fancy blankets she had. The smell of talc filled his nostrils. She was cooking something sweet because the smell of cinnamon mixed with the fabric conditioner of the blankets. It smelled like home.

Ghost looked around her furnished apartment.

Looks like a woman lives here. A cosy one.

After a few minutes Y/N showed up in the living room, wearing an oversized grey t-shirt and black shorts. Her hair was still damp. She put on the kettle and got the mugs out. "How many sugars Simon?"

"None." He replied. "Do you need any help?" He asked.

"No I'm fine thank you." She smiled at him as she turned back to making tea. "Milk?"

"None." He replied again.

"Ah, you're so traditional. I can't down tea with at least two teaspoons of sugar and milk. I like tea don't get me wrong and I like herbal tea but I like it sweet." He heard her ramble on about tea with a smile hiding under his balaclava.

Two sugars with milk.

"So basically you drink sugar with tea not tea with sugar." He joked as he took the cup of tea from her hands.

"Now, now Simon, don't tell a girl about her cravings." They conversed and shared their memories when they joined the military, when Simon joined the SAS and how he became lieutenant, how he met Soap and Price and Gaz. He tried to keep it as light as possible and not mention the people he lost during those times as did she.

Simon looked over to the little clock hung on her wall. "Oh my God I've been here for two hours! I probably interrupted your rest." He placed the cup on the coffee table and got up from the armchair.

"Oh don't worry. I enjoyed our little tete-a-tete. Just don't tell Soap or he'll get jealous." She giggled as she walked him to the door, making him chuckle.

"This was nice though." She said opening the door to find Soap staring at them.

"Did ye have a tea party without me?" Soap looked offended (jokingly of course). You shook your head laughing as you closed the door.

"Jealous much Johnny?" Ghost rasped opening the door to his apartment and Soap followed him in.

"Are you 'aving a thing with 'er?" Soap asked in a flirty tone.

"I am not. We're just friends. I'm making her feel welcome. It's not easy for a woman to be in this place, eyes prying her by men who want to get in her pants." Ghost said suggestively towards Johnny.

"Mate if you're saying that Y/N can't defend herself you should rewind to 5 hours ago when she 'ad her knives inches away from yer family jewels and frankly I'd like to keep mine. Honestly I was having trouble keepin' it together."

"Maybe you do need a castration." Ghost retorted.

"And ye need to grow a pair and ask the lass out."

Soap patted Ghost on the back as he said his goodbyes and retreated to his apartment.

Simon could still taste the tea on his tongue and could still smell the talc in his nostrils. He closed his eyes for a minute and let himself wander off to how she were curled up on the couch with a blanket covering her lower half with a cup of tea in her hands.

Simon and relationships couldn't be found in any dictionary together. He was never interested in having any sort of relationship with any woman. Yes, he went out on a couple of dates when he was way younger but when he grew up and joined the military there was no time or even interest especially after his past to get involved with anyone. He was emotionally constipated as Soap had put it several times.

But Y/N was different. She felt like hope. But getting close to her can be dangerous and looked down upon. They could both lose their jobs or even worse if anyone found out they're together they could use her as blackmail for Simon.

But how could someone love a ghost?

[deathmetalunicorn1]

Hi, hi! Thank you for writing a lot of amazing stories! I was scrolling through your old post and saw you make one about sakura reader in RoR! So, I want to make another request about her.

Reader start getting into serious relationship with RoR men, maybe fast forward to a year or two years in relationship (after Ragnarok) and then the RoR men finds out that reader was so inlove with another man, who was a Shinobi but he treated her cruelly despite having feelings for her. Reader have enough and decided to move on from the toxic crush thus now having a healthy and happy relationship with the RoR men.

But the toxic crush finds out that she moves on and trying to get her to break up with them and even promise to marry her and treat her better, even when she said she is happier now. How does the RoR men reacts when they saw this happen?

Once again as a reminder I don’t know much about this series, so I hope you like what I was able to write from what information you provided.

-(Love) was stunned, after the two of you started to get serious, that he wasn’t your first love, after you had brought up past relationships, wanting to know and you were willing to tell him of your own.

-The person you liked, when you were younger, wanted nothing to do with you, even when you gave him everything, he treated you coldly, even going as far as to try to kill you, more than once.

-(Love) was appalled by the way this other shinobi had treated you, telling you something you had learned after enduring abuse, on how toxic he was to you.

-It took a long time for you to learn and accept this, as you had adored him for so long, wanting nothing more than to be with him, standing by his side, only to be cruelly thrown to the side.

-You leaned into (Love’s) embrace, smiling up at him, “But I have you now and I’ve never been happier!” he chuckled, kissing you softly, teasing you on what a flirt you were, which made you giggle warmly.

-(Love) treated you like you were the only woman in Valhalla, never letting his eye wander, treating you so gently, showering you with love and you returned everything he was giving.

-However, there was someone who you didn’t realize was in Valhalla, who had seen you fight in Ragnarok- he had no idea you were so strong! You were amazing!!

-You were also now with someone else, someone who you were so happy with. X couldn’t believe how happy you looked with another man, especially after you chased after him for so long.

-Would you have been happy with him, had he given you the time of day? Only one way to find out!!

-When X approached you, you were stunned, eyes wide in shock, “X? What are you doing here?” he just smiled warmly down at you, spooking you, “I missed you Y/N. I wanted to know if you would like to go out with me?”

-He was not prepared for your immediate answer, “Sorry, I’m happily with someone else now.” His eyes were wide, as he remembered how hard you had chase after him, even after he refused you, even hurting you and going as far as trying to kill you, but you still came back to him!

-You turned to leave, telling him goodbye and you weren’t prepared for his hand to shoot out and grab your wrist, now desperate, not wanting to lose you- as you were his one shot at happiness!!

-You turned, trying to tug your arm back, “Let go X.” you kept your voice calm, not wanting to escalate the situation as he tried again, smiling, looking so soft, so sweet, but when you refused him again his eyes narrowed, his grip tightening.

-You glared slightly, as he wasn’t hurting you, but you wanted away from him, growing angry with his belligerence.

-Luckily for you, your hero, (Love), was nearby, as he had made plans to meet you, and to see you being grabbed by another man, demanding to be released, he was quickly able to realize that this was X, the man who had treated you so badly, now wanting you back, for some reason.

-Thankfully, (Love) wasn’t going to share as he quickly came over, putting his hand on X’s shoulder and yanked him away from you, throwing him back.

-X shouted as he hit the ground hard, “Who the hell?!” he was not expecting to see (Love) there, glaring down hard at him, “She told you no- back off.”

-Your hand slid into (Love’s) hand, squeezing softly, happy that he was there, as you were getting ready to punch X if he didn’t let you go.

-(Love) was fully prepared to throw hands to protect you, something X realized before he stood, glancing at you before he left, “I’ll be back to see you later, Y/N.”

-Before (Love) could answer, you did it for him, “I doubt it- I don’t want to see you.” X was shocked, hearing you brushing him off so easily as (Love) turned to you, leading you away, and X could only stare, watching you walking away from him.

-He lost you- he lost something great- he just didn’t realize it until you were gone, happily with another, and he had nobody to blame but himself.

-(Love) was adorable, cuddling you close, sitting you on his lap, his arms wrapped around you, angry that another man had treated you in such a way, but you let him, basking in the attention, cuddling close, a bright smile on your face.

-You were so happy to finally have someone who loved you and accepted all your love happily.

[lovecaitlined]

On KaySun Parallels + Trauma Bonding (aka Suna’s Lack of Self-Worth and Kaya’s Abandonment Issues)

I think it’s established very early on that Suna is traumatized by her abusive father, Kazim. She’s perpetually anxious and shaky about never being good enough; in fact, on the day she’s supposed to get engaged, her younger sister is chosen over her for the arranged marriage. This manifests in her difficulty in standing up for herself. All her life, she has been downtrodden, plodded on by people who think she is less than. She guards her heart because she’s been heartbroken way too many times—treated as less than by her father, sister, and even the Korhans. She thinks she’s unloved; therefore, she lacks self-worth.

Once she gets her confidence, though, whether it’s thanks to Kaya’s warm words and Ifakat’s manipulation, or through the power and financial protection Kaya can give her through their marriage and being a member of the Korhan family, Suna is able to stand up for herself. She feels worthy and loved thanks to Kaya. Why? Because, for the first time in her life, she gets chosen. He chooses her to love. To be his bride. And she no longer feels like an afterthought, nor a second choice full of flaws. So when she realizes that Kaya might not actually love her and just feel pity for her, she’s devastated. For it means she wasn’t chosen and loved after all.

But what about Kaya? Well, Kaya has trauma too. But a different kind—abandonment issues, stemming from his add!ct father leaving them and his mother’s health problems meaning she could die any moment and leave him without his real family. He thinks he’s not enough since after all, his dad abandoned him.

So it’s no surprise that Kaya clings on to Suna. Yes, it’s love so strong that he can’t admit it yet—attraction that is so real that it unfortunately gets muddled and blurred between the lines of revenge and necessity—but it’s also their trauma bonding of rejection. Suna and Kaya have found themselves in each other. Suna can’t lose him, the same way Kaya can’t lose her. They’ve both faced similar issues in their lives; they both know what it feels like to be a pawn in a losing game, or just not the main character of their own story.

When Kaya thinks Suna doesn’t trust him, especially because she heads off to find Seyran with that fck@$$ driver without telling him, he’s understandably heartbroken. At this point, they’re married, and loved up, but now he thinks she’s going to leave him. And he can’t deal with that. He can’t accept someone he loves abandoning again. That’s why he flips out completely. And that’s why Suna’s arms are there to comfort him in the end.

(Plus, as my Twitter moot Alice pointed out, that’s why the first time KaySun meet, as he says goodbye, he tells her, “I hope you will always be there for me.” This says so much about his character; it unlocks his deepest fears as well).

Suna is used to people overlooking her, and Kaya is used to people walking away. Both of them have been abandoned for not being “enough” to care about. Both of them know what it’s like to be avoided and unloved. Both of them have the shared trauma of REJECTION. And that’s why they both find love in each other now.

[captainremmington-13]

A Lady Made of Snow

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own The Hunger Games franchise, the images above, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, or any of the characters in this fic other than Bellova. I also do not condone the beliefs or actions of Coriolanus or Bellova.

SUMMARY: Coriolanus hands Bellova over to Dr. Gaul, knowing that she is his only chance to regain control of her, and subsequently, his future.

⚠️Warnings⚠️: THIS IS A DARK CHAPTER. It contains violence, torture, verbal/physical abuse, mention of suicide, Coriolanus and Dr Gaul being evil, swearing

A/n: I’m s o sorry this took FOREVER to write, it took me a long time to figure out what direction I wanted to take the plot☹️

Coriolanus shivered, pulling his expensive trench coat tighter around his body. Dr. Gaul’s lab was always cold, and she refused to turn up the temperature, as she claimed it would compromise the well-being of many of her beloved mutts.

The doctor, his boss and mentor, walked into the small room, standing at his side. She looked down at the unconscious Capitol heiress in the middle of the room, and smiled brightly. 

“I daresay this is the prettiest lab rat I’ve ever worked on.”

Coriolanus nodded wordlessly. He had always had a hard time understanding how Dr. Gaul was able to treat humans like dolls without feeling remorse. Now, he was finally starting to get it.

Bellova laid on a metal table, dead to the world. She was completely nude, which would’ve flustered a younger, weaker Coriolanus. But in the present situation, he was much more concerned with what Dr. Gaul had in store for her. 

There were thick leather straps secured around Bellova’s ankles and wrists, preventing her from leaping off the table and trying to escape. Even if she somehow undid them, there were Peacekeepers right outside the laboratory door that would intercept her in a heartbeat.  

Dr. Gaul set her case of equipment on the stand next to the table. She opened it up swiftly, revealing a plethora of tools. There were several syringes with odd-colored liquids inside, sharp instruments that gleamed menacingly in the brilliant white light of the room, and a variety of unidentifiable objects (which Coriolanus assumed she’d invented herself). 

“What are you planning to do?” Coriolanus asked. 

Dr. Gaul gave him her signature crooked grin. “Pull up a chair, Mister Snow.”

Coriolanus did as he was told, moving a chair from the corner of the room to the side of the table. Once he sat down, Dr. Gaul spoke again.

“I am going to run a scan of her brain while she’s still unconscious. See what went wrong with the serum I gave you. Then, I will determine what the next course of action should be.”

“What do you suspect happened that reversed the serum’s effects?”

“Her sheer willpower,” the doctor replied. “Miss Reginelle has always been extraordinarily strong-willed, it is not completely surprising that her mind was able to fight against them and win.”

“Is there something that triggered it specifically?” 

Dr. Gaul pursed her lips. “I don’t have a clue. But perhaps with a little…persuasion, we can get her to tell us. That way, we can ensure that the same mistake is not made again.”

.

.

.

After a thorough physical inspection was conducted, Dr. Gaul determined it was time for Bellova to wake.

As Dr. Gaul pushed the needle that housed the serum that would bring her back to consciousness into her arm, Coriolanus found himself holding his breath. He paced back and forth, wringing his hands anxiously. He wasn’t sure why he was so afraid. She was completely helpless, strapped down and trapped in the laboratory, and yet she still seemed to pose a threat.

After a few moments of silence, Coriolanus saw Bellova’s eyes open slowly. The sharp gaze in her pupils immediately told him she was still her true self. That wouldn’t last for long, thankfully. 

Bellova squirmed, tugging at the leather straps. She looked frightened, even more so than when Coriolanus had wrapped his hands around her neck.

“Where am I?” she croaked.

Dr. Gaul cackled quietly, the harsh noise echoing slightly throughout the room. “Oh, little bunny, you’re in my lab. You’ve been here so many times, you must recognize it.” The condescending lilt in her voice made Bellova’s pale face flush pink. “Or perhaps your mind is too frazzled to think properly.”

“I can think just fine, thank you,” Bellova hissed. “And don’t call me bunny. Now untie me, or I’ll make you wish you were never born, you sick, decrepit bitch.”

Coriolanus stifled a laugh. The fact that Bellova still possessed the courage to hurl insults while completely vulnerable was truly astounding.

Dr. Gaul just smiled wider. “Oh, but what’s the fun in letting you get away? Mister Snow and I are going to help you, make you a much better version of yourself. Isn’t that what you want?”

“No-“

“Too fucking bad,” Coriolanus interrupted her, casting her a cruel smile. “You don’t have a choice in the matter.”

Bellova’s body tensed as she tugged on her restraints, clearly wishing she could hit him. This only amused Coriolanus further.

Dr. Gaul leaned down, her lips inches away from Bellova’s right ear. “If you don’t stop struggling, I’m going to slit your pretty little throat and cut up your flesh to feed to my babies.”

Bellova shuddered, and squeezed her eyes shut. She was clearly trying her hardest not to cry. 

“I don’t care if you kill me,” she whispered. “A brutal death is better than a lifetime of domestication.”

Dr. Gaul looked at Coriolanus. The gleam in her eye told him that she had an idea. 

And knowing her, it was bound to be a gruesome one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As soon as Coriolanus stepped out of the elevator and onto the floor Dr. Gaul’s lab was located on, he was able to hear the screams. 

He winced, and gripped the strap of his satchel tighter as he strode down the hallway. He’d started to get used to the ear-splitting sounds, but that didn’t make them any more pleasant.

When he entered the laboratory, he hung his bag on a hook on the wall and headed towards the isolated experiment rooms. Dr. Gaul had set aside most of her other projects and left them to her assistants and the other Gamemakers. 

She was hellbent on breaking Bellova past repair. 

“How is it coming along this morning, Dr. Gaul?” Coriolanus asked as he swept into Bellova’s room cell. His mentor looked up from her work, and gave him a knowing grin. 

“Our little bunny seems to be just as stubborn as the first day we began playing with her.” 

He sighed, walking over to where Bellova laid. She looked awful. Her hair was matted, the whites of her eyes were bloodshot, and she was clearly malnourished. She was shaking, undoubtedly from pain and exhaustion.

After all, Dr. Gaul had been literally poking and prodding at her for almost four days straight. 

“When are you going to just give in?” Coriolanus asked, his tone dripping with venom.

“Fuck you,” she spat, crying out a moment after. Dr. Gaul had pressed a device that delivered an electric shock throughout her body to her neck, making her convulse and twitch. 

“Mind your manners, little girl,” she snarled. “Or I’ll increase the pain tenfold.” 

Bellova closed her eyes again, as if trying to disassociate to escape her reality. 

Dr. Gaul walked around the table to stand at Coriolanus’s side. 

“She’s not going to give in,” she murmured. “She keeps saying that she’d much rather die. There’s a high risk she’ll try to commit suicide. Her death would cause commotion within the Capitol’s elite, and I can’t have such disorder disrupting the peace we’ve worked so hard to instill.”

Coriolanus exhaled sharply. “So what do we do? Pretend she’s a rebel and turn her into an Avox?”

Dr. Gaul shook her head. “That would make you look extremely suspicious. You would also be seen as a threat to the Capitol. No, the only option we have is to create a new version of the serum. One that will take a stronger hold on her brain and make her truly, completely compliant. And you will never have to worry about any…unsavory behavior from her again.”

Coriolanus nodded. “I think it may be wise to keep a syringe with me at all times. That way, if something does occur, I can quickly take back control.”

The doctor gave him an approving pat on the shoulder. 

“You’re thinking more and more like a true Gamemaker every day, Mister Snow. Perhaps I’ll meet with the others soon and discuss having you join us officially.” 

Coriolanus smiled to himself, glancing once more at Bellova’s defeated form. 

Snow lands on top indeed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A week later, Dr. Gaul called the Snow penthouse, requesting for Coriolanus to head to the Citadel immediately. It was nearly midnight, so the doctor had to call almost three times before a groggy Tigris answered.

As he pulled open the laboratory doors, his heart pounded annoyingly fast. What if something had gone horribly wrong? What if Bellova had finally succumb to the torture, and her death would be the end of his climb to glory?

“Come in quickly, Mister Snow,” Dr. Gauls voice sounded. Coriolanus did what he was told, hurrying to Bellova’s room, trying to hide the panic that was threatening to overwhelm him.

When he threw open the door, he stopped dead in his tracks. 

Bellova no longer looked like a corpse. In Coriolanus’s opinion, she looked absolutely perfect.

Her hair has been washed and brushed, ridding it if the mats and tangles it had acquired in the past several days. Someone had clearly styled it, as her naturally straight hair now fell in mesmerizing curls across her back and shoulders. A makeup artist had covered her bruises and various scars, giving her skin a glass-like finish. Her body was covered with a light pink dress adorned with lace and cutesy bows, which contrasted her original personality so much that it was comical. A pair of white socks covered her feet, which matched perfectly with the dainty heels she wore.  

Coriolanus thought back to when Tigris was a young girl, and played with porcelain dolls. They had been a gift from her mother, and she treasured them more than anything. That is, until they were lost during the war. Coriolanus vividly remembered the single picture Tigris still had of her dolls, which she had kept on the wall of her room for years. Their perfect but lifeless figures were nice to stare at, but lacked character and depth.

It was almost eerie how much Bellova resembled them.

“What did you do to her?” Coriolanus blurted out, cringing internally at how unprofessional it had sounded.

Dr. Gaul smiled proudly. “I fixed her, of course. She put up quite a fight, though. Wouldn’t stop screaming and kicking until I had sedated her. Then, I did some minor brain surgery to remove any trace of the old serum before injecting the new one. This one should be completely devoid of flaws.”

He glanced at Bellova, who was still out cold on the experiment table. “So…has she lost her memory again?” 

The doctor sighed. “I hope so. But there is no true way to tell until she is awake.”

Coriolanus felt his patience start to deteriorate at an alarming rate, and grit his teeth to prevent himself from loosing his temper. “Please wake her up now, then.”

Dr. Gaul raised an eyebrow, and he could tell that she was inquisitive of his desperate tone. He didn’t understand why. Didn’t she know how important this was to him? If Bellova wasn’t truly fixed, he would have to spend even more of his time and energy protecting his reputation against the damming information stored somewhere in her mind.

But if Dr. Gaul was truly confused about his urgency, she didn’t vocalize it. Instead, she grabbed a terrifying-looking device that somewhat resembled a gun and pressed it to Bellova’s temple.

As soon as she pressed a red button, the device sent a shock through the unconscious girl’s body, causing her to jolt awake. Her grey pupils darted around fearfully, and she let out a pitiful whine of distress. 

Both the mentor and the apprentice held their breaths, anxiously anticipating Bellova’s first words.

Bellova’s lips, which has been painted over with a shiny cosmetic gloss, trembled ever-so slightly. She made eye contact with Coriolanus, and he swore he could feel his heart leap into his throat. Not in the romantic sense, of course. It was simply the thrill of being in control. 

“Coryo,” Bellova whispered, reaching out to him.

Coriolanus slowly walked towards her, taking one of her hands cautiously. Despite her innocent appearance, he didn’t trust her just her. 

After all, she’d tried to kill him mere days ago.

Bellova’s eyes swarmed with large tears, gripping his hand tightly. “I’m so confused, w-what’s going on? Why am I not at home? Am I sick?”

Coriolanus barely held back a groan of frustration. He’d have to lie on the spot, again. It was hard enough the first time, and he would have to alter the facts now that the initial lie was no longer completely relevant.

But before he could start weaving the web of deceit around Bellova’s fragile mind, Dr. Gaul spoke up.

“Silly girl, don’t be worried. You’re just having your routine checkup.”

Bellova’s brows furrowed. “Checkup?”

“Yes, my dear. I have to poke around your brain every once and awhile to make sure you’re alright.”

“Oh,” she replied simply. She turned to Coriolanus once more, her expression one of utter helplessness. “But…why am I so…Coryo, I don’t understand. I don’t understand myself, or anything or…”

Coriolanus met Dr. Gaul’s piercing gaze. Her expression was blank, but it told him everything she needed to know.

He was so close to winning the game he’d played with Bellova since they were children that he could practically taste it.

All it would take to secure his eternal victory was a handful of well-chosen words.

𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐈

✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊ ❆ ‧ ₊ ⊹˚✧ ‧˚₊❆ ‧

TAGLIST: @daenerysqueenofhearts, @squidscottjeans, @euphemiaamillais, @gracieroxzy, @effectwalker, @vxnilla-hxrddrugs, @mystargirl-interlude, @have-a-nice-day-k, @that-daughter-of-hephaestus

Author’s Note: Thank you for reading! Please let me know what you think in the comments! Again, I deeply apologize for the long wait for this chapter, I promise the next installment will come out much faster🖤

Also, let me know if you want to be added to the tag list!