#his list of weaknesses grows constantly in my mind

[granolawriting]

Within the confines of a ship ˚✧

pairing: Jedi!reader x Jedi Anakin

Summary: Spending night after night having sexual tension with a certian Jedi on a mission surrounded by your peers in a ship comes to a head when one day he stops trying to be discrete about what he wants.

Content warning: 18+ NSFW, minor exhibitionism, dom!Anakin, tension, Anakins a tease, breif aftercare, you guys stop caring about making no noise like halfway through, p in v unprotected, he cums in you, I don't think I actually wrote anything that explicitly makes the reader female, Anakin is glaringly cocky

word count: 2.6k

masterlist

A/N: so sorry this took so long to put out!!! I just moved to a new state :)! I hope u enjoy the second installment of my kinktober list, I'll see you all again on the 10th ;). Make sure if you like my work to check out my requests/comissions or my ko-fi!!!

The silent hum of a ship deeply comfortable in hyperspace and the muffled talk of fellow Jedi upon the ship fills your mind as you try to ensure that's all that enters it. Subconsciously you hone in on voices, unable to discern conversation but by mere tone and inflection alone could you spot him if he was there. 

… 

There he is. 

You felt the sound of his voice sink deep within your stomach, igniting your body ablaze. Even the mere sense of him in distance to you made you grow weak, feeling as a pool builds through slick underwear at how your mind allows it to wander. Anakin had never been explicitly sexual with you, never did his hands trail down the waistband of pants or under hooked lines of bras, never did his lips even touch yours or the flush of bodies against one another. You were completely left to your imagination, though not without the help of Anakin. 

You and him have always had a history, a tension of sorts. Never properly actualized with action but words were more than enough. The way his eyes devoured you when you walked past, soft words exchanged in private halls or even implicit praise after simulated battles between you and him. 

“Ooh, good girl. Seems like someones been practicing.” 

Small things. Though as he strung you along this road of implication and suggestion your mind was allowed to run wild with what else may lie within his own mind. The reactions to the things you’ve said in kind, and how if they were anything like how you responded-- with hands sinking to the ooze between your legs the moment you were home, you were more than certain that it couldn't last like this forever. What you would do more than anything to please him, hear how he moans, the way he’d praise you. The feeling of him inside of you, what did he even look like? 

It didn't help that you two were constantly surrounded by one another in hidden corners of a ship, it wasn't cramped but it was definitely rendering you on edge as every corner you turned had a much higher potential of holding anakin than it usually would. Though, with that, the tension only grew stronger. Seeing him fresh out of showers with only cloth wrapping his lower half, catching staring eyes from across dining room counters and most of all, the words exchanged in the few moments left alone with one another in the confines of the ship. 

“Where are you off too darling? 

“To my room, didn't think anyone else was awake. I was just going to head to bed.” 

You remember how close his face would inch towards yours, the soft clank of a heel that indicated one more step closer to yours. You remember the sly look on his face, a half cocked brow and egotistical smile, arms crossed and strands of hair littering his face. 

“I don't think anyone else here is awake either. Well, I'm glad I caught you before then.” 

The way he looked you up and down, subtle gnawing on his lip as he drank you in. the warm tug that drew your lips to his. 

“Why's that? Did you need something?” 

“Well I could tell you quite a few things I need from you.” 

You also remembered the hissing of a door behind you as it indicated its opening. The feeling of the flutter in your heart quickly dies as dread follows in the wake of something interrupting such a moment. To turn behind you you greet a jedi that you barely remember the name of. And with that does Anakin take off once more through the same door-- eyes locked on you and a smile that feels as though it was coated with lust as his mind was a secret to you but his body told a similar story. Every part of it. 

Lifting yourself off the bed you trail slow feet towards your door, an entrance to the room where anakin shared. Unsure of what you were meaning to do when you got to him, all you knew is that you needed to see him. Talk to him. Something. 

Walking out into the common area you watch his eyes on you once more, growing from notice to intrigue as you grow closer to him. Those around him stop conversation briefly, tuned in also to what means you had to be out there. 

“Hey Ani, do you think I could talk to you for a second?” 

“Oh yeah, what's up?” 

“Um, 

Pausing for a second you don't know what to say. Everyone's eyes lay on you as they dissect your motives, morbidly curious about what you’re to say to him. 

“Alone, please? You can just come into my room.” 

A look on Anakin's face that was initially worry quickly molded into something much more lustful, the cocky grin coated his face once more and a hood to his eyes that insinuated that his mind was someplace much different than the rest of the people in the room regarding what you were implying. You didn't even know what you were implying. All you wanted was to go out there and see him, watch the way he moved and allow yourself to sink deep within his eyes and embrace the enchantment you held for his every feature. The desire you had for every inch upon his body. 

“Say no more.” 

A smirk curved on the right side of his cheek as he lifted himself up from his seat. Watching as his fingers comb through long hair that pushed it back for just a moment before laying perfectly upon his face, sculpting his face did slight waves along its side make way for a weakening gaze to fall upon you that made you feel as though your knees were to give out. 

The short walk to your cabin felt like miles as every step that loomed behind you was an aura of uncertainty and tension that built up with every foot you moved closer behind that door. 

The sound of the doors open and subsequent closing made your heart well up in anticipation, fear almost. You didn't know what to do, what to say. You had nothing to talk to him about other than your insatiable lust for him, and that wasn't quite on the table to casually discuss. Though as you look for the words to speak he says them for you. 

“And what exactly did you need to talk to me about in silence, hm?” 

He taunts you, it's clear in dark tone and greedy eyes that he knows precisely what is so hard to get out. 

“Oh well I, I don't quite know how to say it.” 

“Oh come on, use your words.” 

“I'm trying it's just that I-” 

“Spit it out baby I don't have all day.” 

Banter back and forth as he capitalizes on your meekness comes to a head, and with the inability to put words into sentences at the face of him towering over you with a taunting glance you lean in for a kiss. 

Anakin, caught by surprise, has eyes wide open, but after a moment passes a smile can be felt to grow wide on his lips as he deepens the kiss. Arms snake around your waist as he yanks you closer, both bodies flush against one another as your back curves slightly at the tug of his arms on the small of your back. 

“Good girl, I wonder how long it’d take you.” 

He lets up for breath and whispers in your ear as he moves a hand to your head, stroking your hair as your senses are overtaken by the words pouring into your ear. He sounded greedy, cocky. He had been toying with you, seeing how long it took until you broke. He loved watching you writhe under him, hums escaped your lips at the mere vibration of his voice against your body, the touch of his lips against yours. 

You feel his knees bend slightly as his hands make swift moves to the back of your thighs, lifting you up does he return his lips to yours. Feeling him grunt inside your mouth as he walks you over to the bed, interlocking your legs around his as he tosses you on unmade sheets. Crawling on top of you does he deepen the kiss evermore, sticking his tongue into the back of your throat do you feel a growing bulge within his pants. Laid directly on top of you did you feel it grow mere inches above your heat, desperately you find yourself unconsciously grinding on it to feel it even more. He's big, even through loose pants does he leave no room for imagination as it presses up against you. Feeling it twitch through thin layers of cloth. 

“Fuck-- ngh. Wasting no time hm?”

His hands caged you in at either side, he let up from your kiss to focus on the feeling you provided him below his waist. You felt as his hips started to follow rhythm with your waist, inching lower down your body so his bulge laid directly atop your heat. 

Through desperate buckling of hips you speed up pace, feeling him right on top of you as the only thing separating him from you being a few pieces of cloth. Biting back your lip do you desperately try to hold back the moans that scratch at your throat at the feeling of him rubbing on you. 

A hand falls on your mouth the moment you let one slip. 

“Don't make a fucking sound. I know how much you love my cock baby, but we’ve got to stay quiet hm? Think you can do that for me?” 

You nod your head in agreement. He removes his hand and fixes his rhythm atop you once more. 

“Fuck it. I need to be inside of you.” 

Legs straddle your lower half as his body folds to take off your pants. Cool air hits the exposed wetness of underwear as you feel a finger drag along its center. 

“All of this for me baby?” 

He teases your clit with his index, moving it in slow circles as he trails up and down your folds. 

“You’re so fucking hot.” 

Taking his own pants off does he leave no underwear on himself, revealing his cock that stood mere inches from your entrance. 

Fuck he’s huge. 

Leaning on you once more does he flush exposed cock along the slick coating your underwear. Kissing you slowly as he moves his hips up and down your heat. 

“Mmhg, god, anakin please” 

“Please what? Come on, speak up baby.” 

“Please, please fuck me. I need to feel you I can't stand it anymore.” 

“I love hearing you beg for me.” 

He snakes a hand down to your underwear, pulling it to the side as he coats his cock with your juices. It takes everything in you not to whine out his name as he slowly teased you, feeling how hard his cock was against you moments before he finally put it in. 

As he waits at your entrance for a moment, you feel him slowly sink into you as muted groans escape bitten lip. 

“God you’re so tight.” 

His head bucks up as he inches deeper in you, exposing a neck with small beads of sweat and defined jaw as his face looks up at the ceiling. 

As his body grows flush against yours, you feel more full than you have in your whole life. No finger could ever suffice the sheer size of him, all the times you’d imagined him inside of you with even 3 of your own deep within you could never amount to how it felt now. The curve of his cock hitting the entrance to your womb, your entire body engulfed in flames at the feeling of him merely being warmed inside of you. 

With steady motion he began moving in and out of you, your hands grip the sheets of your mattress at the mere feeling of him pumping in and out of you, legs instinctively shutting together at the feeling. Though with stern hands does he push you back upon again; 

“Open your legs for me, baby. I wanna see you.” 

And you obliged, heavy calloused hands grip on your thighs as he gets steady motion inside of you. Labored breaths as his brows contort in pleasure upon finally feeling inside of you. 

“You don't know how long I've wanted this baby. To finally fuck you like you deserve, I could have never imagined how tight you would be imagining you as my fist every night.” 

your head turns into the sheets of your bed as he begins to pump into you harder-- your body overtaken by white hot pleasure that sank deep into your stomach as the only thing you could think of is how your body memorized his cock. The feeling of every vein and every inch, the way it curved into you and the constant push on the perfect spot that made you feel like you were going insane. 

“Huhh, Anakin please don't stop. Please, please” 

You begin to beg in a hushed voice as every word you spoke was laced with whines and moans. 

“Oh what? Are you going to cum baby?” 

You respond in a hummed moan that gives him all the information he needs. His hand trails to your clit as he begins to play with it as he thrusts into you. Picking up the pace of not only his hips but his fingers as they both make you go dumb with pleasure. 

“Come on, cum on my fucking cock. Get even tighter for me baby I know you can do it. I want to feel your legs fucking shake for me, feel you convulse on my cock.” 

You feel it well up inside of you as you boil over, and only a few more seconds after his demands were you plunged into a frenzy of movement under him. His arms grip your legs together as he pumps into you through your orgasm, never stopping for a moment as he rides it out using you even after you’ve finished. 

“God-- anakin I cant. I cant please,” 

“Come on, I know you can take it. Be a good girl will you?” 

You lay flat against the bed as he uses you, fucking into you as though you were just a toy. But as your orgasm finished his was soon to build up. His thrusts becoming irregular and desperate, sweat collected on the ends of his hair as it fell into his face. 

“Say my name.” 

“A..Anakin” 

“Say my fucking name.” 

“Anakin!”

You yelp his name as he slams into you, feeling him pour into you as he dumps every last drop of himself inside of you. You feel him twitch inside of you as his cum seeps out of open edges of your insides as he stays flush to you through his orgasm. Legs slightly twitch as he seems hard to stand, and slowly he pulls himself out of you to leave only a pool of white leaking out of you in its wake. 

“Let me get you cleaned up. Stay right there.” 

He commands you as he walks into your bathroom a few feet away, gathering a towel to wipe along your heat and anywhere that has substances that can't quite stay there. Though through labored breath he continues; 

“I think we’re going to have to do that more often, baby.”

[druidrot]

Okay 1 and 13 from the sultry prompts list feel VERY Gale to me, if that inspires you at all!

Your honor, based on provided evidence the jury has come to the conclusion that Gale Dekarios is indeed guilty of being a munch. Not actual smut but like pretty damn suggestive. It borders on it. It’s dirty. Don’t talk to me 😭😭

Real talk I’m sorry this has sat in my drafts for so long. Anon, you deserve better but work has been draining lately and tonight for some reason was the night my mind decided to work. Anyways muah i love u thank u for requesting, i hope you enjoy!!

Pairing: Gale Dekarios x Reader

Prompts:

1. A kiss to the thigh

13. You are constantly finding new ways to surprise me.

Rating: Explicit - MDNI

warnings: foreplay, like lots of it. this came out a lil worship-y but gale is a fucking loser and I’m so weak to that shit. i say that with the most love but 😭😭. allusions to good ole’ cunillingus babey!

unsure of the word count

Gale takes his time tonight.

There is no urgency in his actions, no desperation–just pure, unadulterated adoration. His hands are gentle against your skin, soft, like too much pressure might shatter you like glass. He is resolute though, driven, unyielding in the face of his desire for you. He knows exactly how to touch you; he knows exactly where to touch you. It's like your body was made to be known by him, to be loved by him.

You sit comfortably in the big armchair he has nestled in his study, legs spread wide to accommodate his frame. He is kneeled before you like a man devoted; like a man pious, besotted and yearning for you . He looks so very hungry when he turns his gaze up to meet yours, though his smile is soft, beckoning, drawing you in like a moth to a flame. You answer his smile with one of your own, smoothing a hand through his hair as he begins to creep his hands under your dressing gown.

"I will never tire of this," he murmurs, reverent, pressing a soft kiss to the side of your knee. "I will always be starved for you, my star. I will never have enough; there will never be enough to satiate the hunger you inspire.”

You can’t help the silly, lovesick grin that pulls at your lips. To you, he is breathtaking in his want for you, unabashed and proud. You love the way he loves you, so fully, so complete, like this is what the two of you were made to do together. It is intense, all-encompassing, makes your insides twist and turn.

“You spoil me rotten,” you whisper, all sweet smile laced with heavy-handed desire. “I burn for you, Mr. Dekarios. You make me ache.”

He offers a punched-out sound, a chuckle, and his molten eyes darken in the heat of his want. His kisses grow heavy, then, hot where they land on your skin, teasing where they trail up and up and up…

“You are my renewal and ruin all at once,” he breathes, sticky with need. “I am lost to you, my darling. Eternally lost to you.”

You mewl, tangling your fingers in his chestnut hair. “Show me, my love. Show me how you love me.”

He grins a wickedly handsome smile, pressing another hard kiss to the soft flesh of your thigh. He bites down gently, teasingly, basking in the sultry moan that rumbles in your chest.

“Gale,” you urge, pleadingly. “Let me see how lost you are. Let me see what I do to you.”

He squeezes the flesh of your opposite thigh, tongue laving over the little indents his teeth left in your skin. His eyes are sharp, heavy with lust, and you think you might drown in their depths forever.

“How desperate you are,” he teases, hands now moving to push the fabric at your hips up higher and higher. You can only sink further into his touch as his intentions become clear.

“You are constantly finding new ways to surprise me,” he muses, eyes locked on your pleading gaze. “I sometimes forget how eager you are to have me. But no matter, my star. I will happily oblige your desire to be tasted.”

You can only gasp, body pliant, mind foggy, already drunk on him as you surrender to the heat of his mouth.

[anony-man]

Chubformers drabble #242!

Character: Starscream (TFP)

Word count: 1.2k

It was constant. The fuel, the anxiety, the fuel to stop the anxiety… it was a never-ending cycle, and he wanted to stop, he needed to stop, but he couldn’t stop.

The Nemesis had become a feeding ground for fearful interactions and anxiety-inducing discussions. No matter how hard Starscream tried to keep his struggles concealed, he just couldn’t stop it. He was nervous and on edge, constantly waiting for the next blow to strike while struggling to keep his fears contained in closed quarters. He couldn’t admit to the weakness, of course, but he couldn’t shake the creeping sense of dread that followed him down the halls and into the command room.

Starscream was already wringing his servos and rattling off the list of cubes concealed in his quarters when he rounded the corner and scurried far, far away from Megatron’s sight. There were big plans on the horizon—big plans and bigger opportunities, which meant he was being counted on just as heavily as he was being watched. His latest schemes had become the focus of Megatron’s latest interest, and though Starscream wanted nothing more than to stockpile and save as much as he could, his leader had grown… er… suspicious. Again. What else was new?

He couldn’t stop it. Truthfully, he couldn’t. He couldn’t help himself, as all his other aids had failed him yet. Snacking between shifts had become cathartic, and from there the sticky downward spiral was only growing more and more intense. He found comfort in fuel, and he found safety in the sensation of a warm, full belly. It wasn’t healthy, and it wasn’t good in the long term, but it helped. It stopped the fears, it soothed his anxieties.

His nervous habit was getting out of hand. Knock Out saw it. Breakdown commented on it in passing. Soundwave had watched him from afar, and Megatron was onto him—not onto him onto him, but… suspicious. He knew something was amiss, and he knew something was going on behind his back. It wasn’t good, and it sure as slag wasn’t ideal, but it��it… it helped.

Fuel soothed his fears and calmed his mind, but there were downsides to the habit. It put a dent in their rations like nothing else, and it clung to his frame like there was no tomorrow. He could see the changes from simply looking in the mirrors, and he could feel the added weight squeezing into place when he transformed. It was there, noticeable and growing, drawing attention from the outside and impacting his anxieties… and that, in of itself, was what kept the cycle going.

Starscream kept his helm down and moved quickly, his gaze fixed on the floor and his focus on getting to his quarters. He could see his reflection in the shiny walls surrounding him, and he could hear the rhythm thrum of his pedes clacking against the floor—louder anymore, louder than before, louder due to his weight or louder due to his fears—as he headed for the stash of fuel waiting for him.

“I have plenty of fuel stored out of sight,” he murmured to himself, his voice wavering as he turned another corner and headed for his door. “If I ration it out for tonight, I can… no, no, there won’t be enough. Unless I were to keep three for the morning, after our meeting…”

He hadn’t refueled yet that day, which meant there was plenty waiting for him just beyond the door. Starscream punched in the code and rushed inside, taking care to shut it tight and lock it down behind him before he dared to settle in.

In his quarters, away from the world outside and away from Megatron’s control, he was safe. Sound. Secure. He was hungry though, and still so very rattled. He headed straight for the berth and dove right into his energon stash, taking one cube, then two, then three…

“There are only so many here,” he spoke aloud, “maybe just one for the night, to ease my nerves… or two, perhaps, or maybe—maybe three…?”

He paused for a moment, his servo outstretched while the other held a few cubes close to his chest.

“Bah!” he finally spat as he reached in and scooped up the entirety of his stash. “Why not take them all? I can get more tomorrow. The vehicons will survive without a cube here and there, and Knock Out won’t mind if I drop by for another special order.”

Nothing beat stuffing himself until he was sore and swollen. Feeling bloated and achy was the goal, and in order to get there Starscream knew he had plenty of rations to drink. He settled in the center of his berth and held the cubes close, taking his time in polishing them off one after another.

His relief was immense, and the comfort was instant. Megatron’s threats and the prying stares of onlookers melted with each sip, and though Starscream dutifully ignored the mech staring back at him from the mirror positioned across from his bedside, his contentment was unrivaled. He was finally calmed, freed, and relaxed again. As always, the fuel did the trick, and his indulgence proved to be the perfect buffer.

“No one will mind a few extra cubes missing from the pile come morning,” he said to himself as he drained the energon one cube at a time. It was sweet, rich, and so warm in his tanks… the perfect solution to easing his mind. “No one will care, and if they ask? Hah! Good luck getting an answer out of your superior.”

Finally, he was back to his usual self. Confident, comfortable, and full… not at all ignoring the reflection glaring at him, either. Not at all. Starscream sniffed as he snatched up the last of his stash and took a sip, glancing out of the corner of his optics at the mirror standing against the wall beside him.

“And what are you staring at, hmm?” he sneered at its reflection, his servo dropping to rest the cube in his lap. “This is for the greater good! We need this. It helps us.”

As always, silence answered him. Starscream’s sour expression faltered as he caught sight of his frame in the mirror, slouched and curving and plumping up in places he couldn’t imagine. It was always a bad thing to observe himself from the berth, he reasoned, but the image remained the same no matter his position.

Sitting, standing, huddled in front of the mirror with his face hidden by his servos… it was all the same.

He sniffed again, then lifted the last cube to his lips. His servo shook; he was back to feeling anxious.

It was a vicious cycle, and one he knew he’d never fall out of. The fuel helped, though… it did. It really did. He could turn to it after Megatron’s worst punishments and find himself soothed by the very taste, the weight in his belly, and the comfort of something waiting for him in his quarters. Even now, as he struggled to look at the face staring back at him—his own face, the one softened and soured by fuel and anxieties alike—he found comfort in the cube he held.

It helped him. It fixed him. It wasn’t perfect, but it was something.

[pettyeddiediaz]

one thing I personally love with Eddie's current storyline is how much it ties back to his closed off nature about his traumas/the shooting/etc. eddie has always had hyperindependent tendencies in my opinion - he thinks he has to do things alone. he is constantly trying to look like he is put together enough to function (ie all of season 8 so far). I'd argue the only times we truly see him ask for help (as opposed to someone offering/jumping in) is when it comes to Christopher (ie, most of the season 7 parenting moments we have with Chris and buck)

But when it's his own personal things, it's really hard for eddie being able to open enough to ask for what he needs. buck is there for his ptsd breakdown only because Christopher called for help, but almost every other big moment when eddie verbalizes what is going on in his head is almost yanked out of him against his will? when he tells Bobby he is mad at shannon for wanting a divorce, when he has to admit his panic attacks because buck won't give up, the list goes on.

eddie didn't grow up in an environment where he was allowed to be anything but okay. his entire life, he had to make his own plans on how to pick himself up. his deployment and marriage with shannon are interesting because he falls right into these roles. oh shannon is pregnant with their son? eddie immediately marries her and then jumps to a career that will provide for their family. a career with premiere health issurance and proper death benefits if something happens to him. his father was never there for his mother, and eddie fell into the same situation - going as far away as possible to provide because that was his job as the 'man of the house'. I don't even think he truly considers how much he is repeating the cycle and neglecting shannon emotionally until she leaves.

throughout the series, we see him do better and better with this, but there are still lots of things that never come to reckoning. I find it very interesting that when he has panic attacks, buck is like well you did just get shot recently, but Eddie is adamant that is not the reason. he knew he was stuck in a corner because he either had to admit the truth about his lack feelings for ana or come to terms that buck would want to talk about the trauma of the shooting.

we see this again in season 6 when buck is struck by lightning and the implications of his 'death' stick with him for a while after. buck asks eddie what he remembered from the shooting, and Eddie clearly diverts eye contact and gives the most vague answer. again, he is reverting back to being there for buck and being what buck needs, but in his mind, the only way to do that is to be small and take up as little space as possible. and at that point, he doesn't want to bring up the trauma of the shooting or how weak his emotions made him feel.

and again and again, we see that differ when it comes to chris. eddie could never see chris as a burden. eddie is holding strong to not be a burden, but he would never think of Christopher that way. ever. eddie loves being needed honestly, and one of their major fights is eddie and chris working through chris needing him *less* (chris wanting to go to the park with his friends). I'd argue he loves being needed by buck almost as much as he loves being needed by chris. he would do anything to take care of his people's needs, but he doesn't even give a second thought to neglecting his own. the biggest example of this, i think, was dispatch eddie. he barely gave it any thought before he transferred. being a firefighter was part of his identity, something so vital to helping him feel his own worth, but he was willing to give that up immediately when chris expressed his fears.

with Chris not actually in his care anymore, this is the first time eddie has to ever put his own needs first. and one of those needs *is* his son. right now, eddie feels like this is the best option for chris because this is what chris wants, but fighting for his son is going to be eddie fighting for his own needs.

it'll be one of the first times we will ever see him put himself first purposely.

and I think once we open that well up to where eddie feels more confident in his worth as a whole person, he will finally be able to express things he always felt were 'too much'. (ie, the shooting, all the other traumas of his life). eddie has never had a moment where he hasn't felt the weight of the world on top of him with all the things he is responsible for, so it will be so beautiful to see him recognize that he deserves true care for himself (and not just chris!!) too.

that is what I'm most excited about his arc. yes, I'd love to see a reckoning on his sexuality for sure, but the acknowledgement that eddie understands his worth and that he is not a burden - that people help him because they *love* him. that's so personal to me 😭

[mania-sama]

Hello,@mania-sama ... How are you?

"What do you think are x and y’s greatest personality strengths and weaknesses? Why? What do you love about their dynamic?"

So, just found this kinda ask for various ships, I was thinking to ask you, if you don't mind and have free time, of course.

For your fav ships: Shin Soukoku, ItaFushi, IwaOi, Klance or KevNeil (feel free to pick whichever you want to answer). 🌻🌷

thank you so much for the ask! glad to see you back; i know this is going to be a fun one! so sorry it took me so long to respond. i wanted to treat this with care, and i've been a bit busy as of late.

I'm doing very well, especially since you sent in an ask! I love answering these. You say to pick one, but I am extra. I am going to pick them ALL. Spending time breaking down my favorite ships will be a fun mental challenge for me. Because I did them all, I only really did one strength and weakness. And "what I love about them" is pretty much covered in my responses; I spare no details, I think.

So, proceeding in the order that you listed:

Shin Soukoku (Akutagawa Ryuunosuke/Nakajima Atsushi)

Strengths: They make each other better because they understand each other so well. Now, this may sound very general and very basic, as you can say this about most ships, but let me explain. Shin Soukoku's whole thing is how they violently push each other to be the best version of themselves that they can be, and they do this through the very unconventional methods of fighting and screaming harsh truths about each other in the middle of fighting. They claim that they do not understand the other's actions, but that is always, consistently, inherently untrue. Their actions prove otherwise. When Atsushi makes the suggestion that Akutagawa should not kill for 6 months, he does so under the impression that Akutagawa will follow through because he knows the kind of person Akutagawa is. When Akutagawa hands off his coat to create the Beast Beneath The Moonlight-Rashoumon singularity, he does so because he trusts Atsushi in this moment to take care of them both. Previously, he might have let them both drown, if to just take down his sword enemy.

What makes the ship so attractive to me is their clear yin-and-yang reflection: The good within the evil, and the evil within the good. SSKK is quite literally the same character, but one is flipped upside-down and pulled inside-out. That is also why they understand each other, and why they can grow so much despite always fighting and screaming insults; they each have a bit of the other in their soul. Akutagawa does know what it means to be good. He has goodness over his heart. Do you not understand his protection of his sister? His love for her, his inherent need to do something to give her a better life? Then there is Atsushi, who understands cruelty more than anyone else may. Who has a blood-red hand over his own heart, that wants to give in to the Beast, that wants to end it all where he stands. That maybe, for just a moment, wants to die. When I think of Shin Soukoku, I think of this quote Atsushi told Akutagawa, on Akutagawa's manipulation of Kyouka:

“People need to be told they’re worthy of being alive by someone else or they can’t go on.”

Read Bungou Stray Dogs: BEAST, and you'll get a much clearer picture of what I'm talking about.

Weaknesses: ... These guys are. Uh. Awful. To each other. I do not think it is healthy to be constantly trying to kill and/or maim your partner. I think it is very possible for them to become friends, as seen in the BEAST where they share sugar-filled tea together. I have latched onto this scene as it is proof that they CAN be friends, if it weren't for DAZAI. But I digress. A relationship built on constant assault and mistrust (in the beginning, and even now I think that they still tread close to each on the tips of their toes) does not make for a healthy one. As friends, they could probably arrange something. As a true romantic relationship? Absolutely not. Listen, I can pretend all I want that they grow old together, adopt five cats, have weekly water schedules for all of their plants, and do not bite and scrape at each other every ten minutes, but canonically, canonically, that is not the case. Neither of them function like that. They don't work like that. Akutagawa has PERSONALLY torn off Atsushi's leg TWICE. Atsushi LITERALLY blew Akutagawa up. With every encounter, they fight. And I fear fighting is all they will ever know.

Love comes in many forms. They can love each other, and respect each other, even, and maybe grow into the twisted form of trust and reliance that enemies tend to have, but their relationship should never stray into romantic. Neither of them deserve that. So, maybe, in an ideal world, they do have that happy ending. But Asagiri has decided he no longer believes in idealization, and I understand that. I do think there is a universe out there where they adopt those cats and water those plants, but that is not the current BSD timeline.

Maybe it's the BEAST timeline.

ItaFushi (Fushiguro Megumi/Itadori Yuuji)

Strengths: This is going to be cheesy as hell, but it's true: their greatest strength, in terms of their relationship, are that they have each other. In the beginning, their ideologies were quite different. Itadori believed, and still believes, that everyone should be saved and should be given a second. Megumi.... not so much. He believes whole-heartedly in the consequences of actions, that when someone shows signs of wrong-doing, they should be cut off like a strangling weed. Do not save those that should not be saved, and do not take risks where the risks aren't necessary. His issue with Mahoraga was never about taking risks; he was entirely willing to throw away his life for the win. That wasn't a risk, because winning is not a risk. Then, they meet each other. Megumi goes against his usual convictions and asks Gojo to save someone that should not be saved, someone who is going to, undoubtedly, cause irreparable damage to the world as he knows it. Itadori kills something for the first time. His eyes are opened to the nuances that plague the Jujutsu world. However, they are still strong where they stand, which is why they butt heads and have that argument in the detention center.

They grow from that, though. We see that they start to see each other's points of views without necessarily losing their main convictions. They grow, in essence. The second segment of why I believe each other to be their greatest strength comes from this: both of their lives are built around their strong relationships with their loved ones. They live for their loved ones. Nobara does not have this same issue; Megumi and Itadori, on the other hand, have much stronger ties to their respective family members. Itadori, with his deceased grandfather, and Megumi, with his sister. When those people are far out of view, it is each other that they begin to live for. It is each other that they strive to be better for. When Itadori is fighting Sukuna at the very end, it is not to save Jujutsu society. It is to save Megumi. He has lost all will to fight, except to follow through on his promise to save him. And Megumi sets his will to live on Itadori, in turn. He latches on and says, "I will try, if only for him."

Weaknesses: Man, their mental health fucking sucks. I am personally a non-believer in the last chapter of Jujutsu Kaisen, if only for the fact that we all know that that is not how mental health works. I have always been true in my belief that it is very hard to give well-received love if you cannot love yourself. To start with Megumi: he never really grew from his previous place. His mental health is still garbage. Living only for one person is diabolical work, and we can see how well it worked out for him when that one person was taken away from him the first time around. That is going to not only stress himself out, but stress Itadori out, who he's meant to be in a relationship with. Then, Itadori: why Gege decided to end the manga with Itadori smiling in sunshine and rainbows is crazy, because that is simply not true. Itadori ends up laying in the same exact boat Megumi is in: he fights only for Megumi. He doesn't care about living or dying or fixing anything. He just wants to save Megumi, and that is also diabolical work that will equally stress both of them out.

Yes, the manga ended with that issue not addressed, with Itadori seemingly content with the way he leaves. But that is simply not true when compared to two chapters before, where he was corroding himself with self-blame, for all the damage he has wrought for not being strong enough, for not being convicted enough, for not doing and doing and doing. And Megumi, like I said, circled back to the place he was in the beginning. As they are now in the manga, I don't think it'd be that bad. But according to my correct analysis, they have a whole lot of internal work to do before a romantic relationship would be completely healthy and fruitful.

IwaOi (Iwaizumi Hajime/Oikawa Tooru)

Strengths: This one is pretty obvious to me. Their greatest strength is, easily, that they are both strong, convicted characters. They believe in each other's strength; they believe in each other's abilities to pick himself up and carry on. And when one is struggling to do so, the other will waste no time in putting on a brave face and yanking him up. When I think about IwaOi, I don't think of the fist-bump scene like most people do. Instead, I think of the scene where Iwaizumi is falling apart after Karasuno defeats Aoba Johsai. He's standing there, stock still, replaying all of his screw-ups as if everything was his fault, that their loss is solely on his shoulders. That this is the end - there is no more high school volleyball, and he blew it. Then, a hard slap comes to his back, shocking his entire system. Pan to Oikawa, the KING of insecurity and self-blame, a boy who loves volleyball more than himself, enough that he is leaving the entire continent for a chance to play, who is hitting as hard and quick as he can. His face is pulled into an intense, mutated form of mutation. He is being strong, in this moment, because he knows he can when Iwaizumi is falling. And he doesn't let Iwaizumi fall - he's slapping his back and saying, "You are strong, too."

The best example of the vice versa is the scene where Oikawa is moving to slap Kageyama, and Iwaizumi blocks it. He grabs his wrist and proceeds to head-butt Oikawa in the nose (likely breaking it). He tells Oikawa, in not so few words: "You are better than this. You are stronger than this." Because he saw Oikawa, who is stronger than strong, falter. And he's saying that there is no use in faltering when you can just as easily keep going. That is what defines IwaOi.

Weaknesses: And here we get the double-edged sword: their strong convictions are exactly what drives them apart. Yes, canon IwaOi makes me want to want to commit very violent atrocities against the general public. They believe in each other too much, but they also believe in their own dreams and aspirations just as hard. While Oikawa may be an absolute king in self-hatred and doubt, he never once gave up in his dreams. He never once backed down. He always ran, and ran, and ran, even when he had no gas left in the tank. And Iwaizumi was right there with him, following his own dreams and goals. They are among the most highly successful people in the Haikyuu timeskip, and for good reason. Their dreams, their convictions, took them far. But it took them far from each other. Never once did they live in the same continent as each other again after graduation. Oikawa went to Argentina to pursue his dream, his conviction, and Iwaizumi went to the United States to pursue his dream, his conviction. They believe in each other enough to let each other go. And they believe in their own dreams enough to risk everything to obtain them. That is what kills them.

I don't think it would take down their friendship. It doesn't, in canon, not really; but I don't know how likely a romantic relationship between them could work. They would have to strain for even their friendship, in reality; they would have periods of drifting, weeks where they don't talk. They make their way back to each other eventually, of course, but that is how life goes, how it is growing up when the people around you are gone. Everything that they love, everything that they own and desire, is away from each other. And I do not believe either of them would be willing to give their lives up, when they know the other is doing just fine on their own with their own dreams.

Klance (Keith Kogane/Lance McClain)

Strengths: Functionally, Klance works very similarly to SSKK, only less... violent... which makes them much more palatable and much less toxic. They are rivals-to-lovers; their greatest strength undoubtedly comes from the fact that they have seen each other at their worst, have torn into each other at their worst, yet care regardless. If you can love someone when they are mentally at their lowest, then that makes for a very strong, very fruitful relationship. Additionally, this would make them very aware when they've crossed a line and truly made each other upset. At the point of true friendship and relationship, their boundaries would be quite clear to each other. Even when they piss each other off, they can make it up just as fast. They've learned how to let bygones be bygones. They know what toxicity looks like, and they know what love looks like. They balance each other out very well, additionally. Literally fire to heat the ice-cold water, and water to cool the raging fire. The show truly robbed us of captain right-hand-man relationship between Keith and Lance (because Keith was terrible at being the Black Paladin, and the show hates us). The scenes we did get weren't really about their leadership. It could've been a wonderful opportunity, but, you know, whatever. Nobody said Voltron was any good, anyway.

Weaknesses: Communication HATES to see these bitches coming. Even though I said their boundaries would be quite clear, that's not from any sort of good communication. It takes them crossing the boundaries and pushing those buttons for those lines to be defined. They have such trouble listening and communicating their true wants and desires that it's actually migraine-inducing. When they do say what they want, it's laced in the wrong tone. When the other hears what the other wants, it's like it gets filed into the wrong compartment of the brain. No, they do not get into screaming matches everyday. It's the slight irritations that get them. They love each other, yes, but god are they shit at showing it.

KevNeil (Kevin Day/Neil Josten)

Strengths: Well, this is a little hard to word, so forgive me if I am not clear in what I am trying to say. But I will try my best. Neil is brazen. When he is faced with Riko, or with anyone mocking himself or his friends, he blows up like fuse. He literally can't stop himself. When he's on the court, however, or when he is subdued into a corner to talk about his traumas or his family, he isn't as brazen. He is far more willing to take abuse on court then he is in any other situation. When a question pops about his father or his scars, his mind shuts down and all he wants to do is run. Enter Kevin Day, who may claim media training as the reason he's able to keep his cool. But that's not the case, not really. When faced with Riko, or someone threatening him, he wants to run. He sits there, his hands shaking and his face paling. He can take that abuse; he'll let it absorb and he'll say nothing. But when he's on the court, or when he's asked a question by his friends about his family and scars, he takes it with stride. Court, he's a menace. When Seth dies, he does not care much, not really. Neil self-blames, while Kevin can only think about how this would affect the lineup. He shouts orders and demands the best and beyond of everyone. He's braze, in those situations. When someone questions him on his family, he doesn't mind much. It may sting, and it may hurt, but that is something he can handle with ease. He knows who he is and what he's worth when it comes to his past and his position on court.

You can see, then, why they fit so well for each other. They exude their strong, brazen personality traits onto the other. Out of all these ships, they have the most evidence to prove my point and show how well they work for each other. They grow so much in All for the Game because they rubbed off on each other, like colors bleeding into one another.

Weaknesses: They both are extremely one-track minded. Lord, I fear they would never try out anything new if it weren't for their friends pushing them to, I don't know, get a hobby. But this also means that they may push each other to extreme limits, beyond those limits, on accident. They would blow up on each other, because neither of them have the grace nor ruthlessness that Andrew has to solve problems. When Neil attempts to get Kevin sober, it falls through miserably, I would think. They like to go beyond their comfort zone, but when it comes to these problems, they have to realize that the subtle approach is better. In reference to my first point on their strengths, they truly bring out the best in each other. Neil's inability to shut his mouth makes Kevin finally stand up for himself in the ways that matter. He changes his tattoo because he sees how Neil brazenly tackles his abusers by hurling abuse in return. He sees how Neil embodies controversy and decides, fuck it, it shouldn't be so bad. Let's change my tattoo. So, when they try to actively tackle issues that the other may have, it simply wouldn't work. They would go at it until it falls through, and the needle more until they are literally forced into an alternative route.

Again, thanks so much for the ask! Hopefully this was satisfactory.

[lilliths-mirror]

Mother’s Day

Content warning: my mother has passed, and I mention religion in passing a couple of times. Nothing dark, but in case these are content concerns.

The time has come this calendar year when we celebrate the mothers in our lives - and as of this point, all associated congratulations and cards have been bestowed upon my sister and other friends who’ve gone on to create a gaggle of humans. I do love the mess of goblins I call my nieces and nephews, and it’s more than worth celebrating the work these moms put in to ensure the little troublemakers keep with the breathing and growing.

Work I certainly didn’t appreciate in the years I was giving similar cards to my own mother.

She and I weren’t close. I loved her, and I know the bleeding heart of a woman loved me. She never missed a chance to tell me, and the emotionality with which she’d often share it was warm, though my discomfort with the display often dampened the moment.

The specifics of our divide aren’t so important anymore- though when she drew breath I’d have gladly given you a list of all the reasons that gulf had been born and broadened. Which made for a complicated mix of emotions when she descended into the illness that took her mind long before a different one took her body.

In the first three years that passed after she did, I wandered to the edge of the pool of grief and messy feelings left behind like a skittish rescue dog- curious, but certain a snake is going to bite me should I poke too long or venture too close. And then, in these last three years past that, I’ve taken the time to understand those feelings in tandem with the work to be done on myself.

I don’t remember the yelling and fighting so strongly as I remember her bent over, pen in hand, scribbling tomes of poetry in praise to God - she was a religious woman when I knew her, and spoke often of how this road saved her from her worst self. The path I walk now isn’t the same, but I share a sense of constantly evolving spirituality (there’s so much to this life thing, no one, single theory posed by a single religion or scientist can possibly encompass it all) that saved me from my own worst self, allowing me to finally understand her in a way I simply couldn’t at the time.

I remember playing Mario Brothers 3 on an old NES my father found when I was a child. We hadn’t the funds for anything like that in those days, but he was a garbage man at the time and the Super Nintendo had just come out. Someone on his route had gotten the new and shiny one, so they’d just set their old rig in the trash with the aforementioned game still sitting in the slot. Mom and I played that game for hours a day each summer- she was far better than me, as she’d cultivated a patience I’m still working to achieve in my thirty-seventh year.

I remember church camps in the most beautiful patch of woods southern Missouri can offer, and the look of absolute peace on her face. Not the pleasant turn of lips that she wore to make it through her days, but a full dropping of shoulders as her smile eased more definitively upward at the edges.

I remember the life regrets she shared with me over the years. The harsh bits of her story she leaked well before I was mature enough to understand…but that did shape me going into the future.

I remember singing along to Randy Travis and Dolly Parton hymns in the car on Sundays, because there was NO secular music in her car on the holy day.

I remember the way she’d cry when she saw an ambulance, praying audibly that they’d make it to their destination on time. If there was a woman who felt harder for strangers, and loved people she should have hated with a ferocity that often left me seeing red, I’ve never met them.

I resented her softness in those days.

I envy it, now. As I work to reclaim much of my own softness, I’m learning that walking through life with your heart that open is anything but weakness. It’s a strength I will likely spend my remaining years striving to emulate.

That woman saw the worst moments of humanity in ways that leave me horrified. She had every reason to close off, shut everyone out of her life…and she never even considered it, so far as she shared with me.

She wasn’t perfect. But the part they always warn you about that you just…never get until it’s your turn…is those imperfections really don’t matter after the fact; exceptions made here for cases of toxic and damaging family members that we cut off for health and safety. But that’s a completely different subject.

My mother did everything she could with who she was. Though our paths are different, she is in many ways the blueprint for the sort of faith I want to have towards the things I truly believe in- though I do hope to bleed the evangelistic fervor she and her path instilled- so she offers, too, a cautionary tale in that regard.

My lesson here has been six years in the making. I still miss her, and on her birthday and Mother’s Day I allow space to honor her and any emotions connected thereto. I’m uncertain how to truly articulate the slow, gradual process that healing has taken for me. There wasn’t any single trick that brought me to a place where I can finally talk about her again. There was crying, then talking to friends, then listening to people who’d known her the way I hadn’t. It was collecting stories that uncovered pieces of her history I’d never have learned otherwise. And it was empathy applied to those new understandings, to then look at her time with me and understand better.

Gods, I wish I’d gotten there sooner. But I suppose that’s the weight of grief.

Hell, I can all but see her leaning on the door frame, arms crossed, cigarette smoking away between two fingers, and blue eyes rollling.

“So do better with your father.”

Which is…exactly what she’d say. She never did think about herself first in any situation. A virtue and a vice, but again, that’s a different subject.

If you, dear reader, sit in a boat at all similar to mine, then I hope you might find a moment of connection and perhaps comfort. I hope time can help ease you through the process -and if you want to tell me about your own mother, alive or passed, I’d love to hear it.

A happy Mother’s Day. If applicable, go give yours an extra hug.

[yomica12345]

Glass-says: Chapter 27

Chapter 1 Link, Chapter 26 Link

Ao3 Link

Warnings: Mentions of self-harm and scars, Emotional and Psychological distress, Parental neglect and Emotional Abuse, Foster Care Trauma, Medical Setting

Chapter 27: Keys to Silence

“Do you have an emergency contact?” Logan asked, voice steady as he lifted his eyes from the form in his hands. 

Janus’s gaze flickered up to meet Logan’s, his irritation palpable. “I don’t have one.”

Logan didn’t look up, his pen hovering over the paper. “We need to list someone. Do you not have a legal guardian—someone who could sign off, maybe?”

Janus scoffed, the sound bitter. “I’m a foster kid, Logan. My guardians don’t care unless it’s an emergency. And even then, they probably wouldn’t care enough to show up.”

Logan shifted in his seat, his eyes briefly scanning the room. He caught sight of Virgil pacing back and forth, his focus on his phone, while Roman and Patton lingered in the background. His gaze flicked to his pocket for a moment, then back to Janus.

“I could offer one of Virgil’s parents,” Logan started, his tone hesitant. “But if they want an adult present, neither of them will be able to make it anytime soon. We need someone reliable.”

Janus’s lips twisted in frustration. “Then I suppose we should just leave.” He placed a hand on the back of the bench, about to push off it.

Logan’s voice stopped him. “No. You’re going to see a doctor. You’re hurt, and you need help.”

Janus leaned over Logan’s shoulder, squinting at the form, before his eyes locked on the name Logan had written down. “Dr. Steele? But you haven’t spoken to your father in a few days, have you?” There was a small edge to his words, as if the very mention of Logan’s father was a reminder of something uncomfortable.

“No, I haven’t,” Logan admitted quietly, swallowing down the hesitation that rose in his throat. “But this is important and I can’t keep avoiding him.”

Logan’s grip on the pen tightened as he stared down at his phone peeking out of his shirt pocket. He hadn’t heard anything from his father since the festival a few days prior. He had been used to the occasional silence between his father and himself, but this time he could feel the weight of the distance between them grow heavier with every passing hour. He tried to focus on the form in front of him, but his mind kept drifting back to the tension of that last conversation—the words unspoken between them, the unfinished business that hung in the air.

It was suffocating him because he had no idea what was going to happen when the weight dropped. Whether it was going to come crashing down over top of him or continue to grow impossibly more before the rope supporting it over his head snapped and inevitably squashed him underneath.

Logan clenched his jaw, shaking the thought away, but it lingered in his mind like a persistent predator, preparing to pounce at any sign of weakness. He had grown up constantly seeking his father’s approval, especially after his dad’s passing. He knew getting his father involved in this would just be another mark against him.

His hand went to his arm, practically feeling the scars etched into his skin there beneath his shirt. Another mark for him to make permanent. Another failure.

Glancing up, his eyes met Janus’s for a brief, fleeting moment. The tension in the room was thick, but Logan was the one who broke it. He glanced back at the form and added the last details, his hand shaky but determined.

With a deep breath, Logan made his way over to the counter, setting the pen and clipboard down and sliding them over to the receptionist, eyes glued to her hand as it moved over to the phone on the desk, entering in the number.

Logan watched her raise the phone to her ear before returning to the bench where Janus was still waiting.

Roman came over with two styrofoam cups, giving one to Janus and holding one out to Logan, discomfort clear in his posture. “They have complimentary hot chocolate today. I thought maybe you’d both-”

The cup was knocked towards Logan suddenly, hot chocolate spilling down his shirt as Remus giggled.

“Oops.”

Logan jumped up, holding his shirt away from himself with a hiss.

Virgil took the cup from Roman, setting to the side quickly as he looked over Logan. “You okay, L?”

“I’m so sorry.” Roman grimaced, holding his hands up in front of Logan. “I could try washing it out for you or we could switch shirts or-”

“I will handle it, Roman, it clearly was not your fault.”

Roman relaxed, nodding.

Logan ducked into one of the private bathrooms, locking the door behind himself with a sigh. His hand hesitated over the buttons of his shirt, his eyes darting to the lock again, double-checking it. He never had to remove his shirt in such a public place before. What would happen if any of them saw his arms? How would they react? He already knew they wouldn’t understand.

He swallowed hard, his fingers trembling as they moved to the first button. Slowly, carefully, he slipped each arm out of the fabric, his movements deliberate, as though the walls themselves might judge him.

The scars notched into his skin seemed to speak as he lifted his eyes to the mirror. Failure. Screw-up. Disappointment. Some whispered, their voices soft and insidious, while others chimed in louder, relentless and sharp. Feed us. Feel something. Control something.

Logan released the shirt, letting it fall into the sink as his nails dug into his arm, his body trembling. You don’t have to do this. You don’t have to add another—

A soft knock on the door shattered his thoughts. His heart jumped into his throat as his head snapped toward the sound.

“Lo, are you—” Patton’s voice carried through, tentative, just before his head peeked into the room.

The world seemed to freeze.

No.

Patton’s gaze fell to Logan’s arms, his expression shifting from confusion to something shattered and raw. The only sound now was the quiet trickle of water, drowning the shirt in the sink.

Logan snatched the soaking shirt from the basin, fumbling to pull it over his arms. His fingers trembled as he attempted to button it, each movement clumsy and frantic.

“Logan?” Patton’s voice cracked, soft and trembling. His hands rose to cover his mouth, his face twisted in pain. “Your—your arms…”

Logan didn’t respond. He couldn’t. Keeping his head down, he shoved past Patton, his buttons misaligned, his movements jerky.

“Wait!” Patton reached out, his fingers brushing Logan’s arm.

Patton’s hand fell away, but the weight of his eyes stayed, following Logan as he pushed open the door.

Logan moved quickly, grabbing his coat from the bench where he’d left it, his eyes fixed on anything but his friends. Don’t look at them. Don’t let them see. The edges of his vision blurred as the pounding in his chest grew louder, drowning out the muffled conversations around him.

He made a beeline for the exit, but before he could reach it, a firm hand caught his wrist.

“Logan,” Virgil said softly but firmly.

Logan froze, his head snapping up to meet Virgil’s gaze. The concern in Virgil’s eyes was almost unbearable. He tugged his arm back, but Virgil held on—not tightly, just enough to stop him.

“Sit,” Virgil said, guiding Logan carefully towards the floor against the wall. His movements were steady and deliberate.

Logan’s hands shot up to Virgil’s arms, pushing against him at first. “I’m fine—” he started, but his voice cracked, the protest crumbling as quickly as it had formed. His resistance gave way, and he slid down the wall, his back hitting the cold surface with a dull thud.

Virgil knelt in front of him, letting go of Logan’s wrist just long enough to retrieve the coat Logan had dropped. He draped it over Logan’s shoulders, his movements precise and unhurried. “L,” Virgil said, his voice low and steady, “you need to breathe.”

Logan’s chest heaved as he finally let go of the breath he’d been holding. Tears welled in the corners of his eyes, blurring his vision.

“Hey,” Virgil murmured, shifting closer. He lifted the edge of the jacket, slipping under it so they were both cocooned in the fabric. The closeness was grounding, intimate without being overwhelming. He reached for Logan’s hand, gently placing it over his heart, his grip firm but reassuring. “Focus on this. Feel it. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Slow and steady.” Virgil shifted a little closer. “I’m gonna fix those buttons for you now, okay?”

Logan gave a slight nod of his head in response, closing his eyes as he focused on the rhythm of Virgil’s heart, grounding and consistent. The cool touch of his wet shirt against his skin kept him in the moment as Virgil’s hands moved slowly from one button onto the next. “Thank you.” He whispered.

Virgil raised his hand up to his neck. “I’m just repaying the favor. You did the same for me, remember?”

Logan opened his eyes, the ghost of a memory flickering across his face. “Yes,” he murmured, his voice steadier now as he withdrew his hand from Virgil’s chest.

“Logan?”

Patton’s voice shattered the fragile calm Logan had found. His breathing hitched, quickening as his shoulders tensed.

Virgil placed a reassuring hand over Logan’s. “Don’t worry. Just keep breathing,” he said quietly. He slipped out from under the shared coat, moving to intercept Patton with a quiet word.

A sharp clearing of a throat drew Logan’s attention. His head snapped up, and he scrambled to his feet, hastily shrugging on his coat.

“Sir.” Logan straightened his posture, smoothing his damp shirt and pushing his hair back into place before meeting his father’s sharp gaze.

Scott’s eyes flicked over him, the weight of his scrutiny heavy and exacting. His expression betrayed no warmth as his gaze lingered on the wet fabric clinging to Logan’s chest, taking in the stain. “Logan,” he said, his tone clipped. His focus shifted momentarily to Logan’s friends, landing on Janus. He sighed, his displeasure subtle. “I’ll handle this.”

Scott extended a set of car keys with a brisk motion. “Wait for me in the car.”

“Yes, sir.” Logan’s reply was automatic, his voice even. He pulled his coat tighter around himself, took the keys, and stepped aside without hesitation.

Scott took a step toward Logan’s friends, his presence commanding attention as he turned back to Logan. “Steele’s don’t cry. At least act it.”

Logan swiped at his cheeks. “Yes, sir. It will not happen again.”

“It better not.”

Scott turned to the receptionist, his polite yet detached smile masking any warmth. Behind him, Roman helped Janus to his feet as a nurse beckoned them toward a room.

Patton started to move toward Logan, his face etched with worry, but Virgil caught his wrist, whispering something too quiet for Logan to hear. They followed after the others, leaving Logan standing in the hallway.

He glanced down at the car keys in his hand, their ridges pressing into his palm like an unspoken question.

What now? The keys in his hand offered no answers, only leaving more questions than before.

Chapter 28

[skins-california]

Boy, it’s been awhile since I stepped in here.I only step in here because I’ve come to the realization that I need to step away from all social media apps and delete them. I should probably delete them for good, the irony resorting to tumblr lmao.

I’m turning 27 this year.

I’ve made a lot of great accomplishments these last few years but I also endured so much. I don’t give myself enough credit for all the hard work and commitment I’ve put into myself, my relationship, and with my family.

I finally got a car under my own name and I just finished my first year paying it off. I got an apartment with my girlfriend and we just hit our 1 year living together, paying bills and all that adult life stuff. It was hard sometimes but never to the point we thought we wouldn’t make rent and always kept each other secure. When I step back and take a moment to let that sink in, it’s really nice. I stepped it up with my work and got into a manager role. I hate my fucking job though, also adds to the stress and bullshit I go through everyday but the fact I’ve changed into this person to commit to that role I need to give myself way more fucking credit for that.

Moving out of the bay has been the best decision I’ve made and I love it. But I hate the commute, and this is where it all falls hard on me. I get stuck feeling I’m at a dead end with my job cause I know how hard it will be to find a job that would match my salary out here where I live now without some degree or school under my belt. But I’m staying strong because the amount of effort and life I’ve built to live more comfortable cannot go to nothing. I’m working hard to find a moment to take a break from work and do my nursing program. Or even just CNA.

I feel like I can list so much good things I’m happy and grateful for my life yet I’m always finding myself buried underneath and feeling so stressed that I cannot have a normal day without panic disorder. And most of the time , it’s for no reason at all and I’m feeling so helpless. I’m starting to hate that Lani has to see me go through this. It’s not fun, I hate feeling like I’m bringing the both of us down. But no matter what’, she sticks by me and I’m so thankful to be loved and cared for.

Being diagnosed with severe depression on top of my severe anxiety was pretty unexpected but I guess I’m not so surprised. Then I wonder what’s leading me to this? I’m blaming social media as a big factor among other things. I know it’s important to be woke but I know for a fact , every news I hear and my heart feels their pain is starting to kill me mentally, drain me mentally. I’m constantly in a war with my mind and I feel like I’m losing. I refuse to keep feeling like this and I’m glad to took the steps to get treatment for it again. I really can’t wait for the meds to help me get through a day feeling normal again.

Every time I see myself level up, the work and the pain just gets harder. I get stressed so easily, I know I’m working too damn hard. I have been working 6 days a week nearly since October of last year. And I didn’t think losing two pets would fuck me up so hard but it did and no one around me comforts that besides Lani. I don’t expect them to. But I didn’t think how hard it would be to cope through the days and it’s been so hard.

It’s hard cause watching whiskey die was watching my mom’s heart get broken all over again. No one wants to see their mom cry like that. It hurts me to see my mothers routine gone, worse that she found him pass in his sleep. And that was my first dog, I watched him grow old and I will never forgive myself cause I feel like I’m to blame for his death. I’m convinced I gave him a heart attack for getting that excited the night before and all of a sudden he looked so weak. Not even 2 minutes apart, I know in reality it can’t be my fault. None of us knew it was coming; but still I cannot help but feel that way. Losing a pet just is a ugly type of sad because this pet has never once looked badly at you, all they have is joy and excitement when they see you and all they know is you for their entire life and they’re just a chapter in yours.

And not even four months apart, Kitty had just passed before. The pain was different but just holding her during her last moments fucked me up. Losing both of them felt like losing my teenage hood. I know that’s been done but them no longer here really sealed the chapter off.

Anyways. Maybe I just needed to let that all out. As much as I’m struggling in life, I will always remind myself I’ve come such a long way. I’m almost 3 months free of nicotine and I’ve only drank twice since the new year. Ain’t perfect but it’s a real improvement than the damage I’ve done to my body the last 2 years.

Next step is to get my PCP and HRT reevaluated.

This is the year I focus on my health, my mental health and mind state.

We’re getting ready to build our family and there is nothing more I want in this life than to become a father. I need to better myself if I wanna stick around and be here for that. I know I can do it.

[kel0la]

So I'm going to completely disagree with you. Not in a bad way! Just had a different interpretation. But if you don't want to read my essay...

TL;DR:

Clint's arc: From work-first to family-first

Bruce's arc: lack of control to control

Natasha's arc: wiping the red from her ledger

Thor's arc: pompous and godly to human

Steve's arc: selfless to selfish

Tony's arc: selfish to selfless

Let's get to the analysis now!

First let's go over Clint. His character arc has always been him struggling between spending time with his family and his commitment to the Avengers. From having to move his family to a remote location and keep them secret, to risking them more when he became a fugitive in Civil War. He lost them completely even when he stepped away from the hero job due to the Snap. Because Natasha sacrificed herself, Clint was finally able to get his family back and live out the rest of his life with them. I would say happy story completed.

Bruce's entire arc was struggling between his identity as the Hulk and Bruce Banner. Let's keep in mind, Hulk and Bruce are NOT one person, but rather two people trapped in sharing a body. In creating a version where both Bruce and the Hulk could coexist peacefully, he ended the permanent torment both of them were going through in constantly fighting for control. Even further, Bruce has always been self-conscious of the damage he did as Hulk. Being able to snap everyone back to life definitely completed his arc -- helping rather than hurting. I'm not gonna defend what happened in She Hulk, because that was a pile of dogshit. But I liked how Bruce ended up in Endgame.

Natasha. Oh, my sweet Natasha. I'm not gonna lie, I was HEARTBROKEN when they killed her. And royally pissed off! But ultimately it made sense for her character. Ever since the first Avengers movie, Natasha was always trying to "wipe the red from her ledger." She had, assumedly, done horrible things during her time in the Red Room and was trying to atone for them.

We see her transform from a stone-cold, calculating agent + lone wolf (First Iron Man Movie) into someone who cares for her teammates and loosened up. A great example of this is her hair. Throughout all the movies her hair is perfectly colored, cut neatly, the image of put together. Yet, during the 5-year time skip, her hair is longer, messy, and is unevenly dyed from her allowing it to grow out. In sacrificing herself for the team she came to know as family, she evidently showed a complete 180 from the "dog-eat-dog" mentality she had in her introduction to the MCU.

THOR! People love to hate on the "fat Thor" concept, but I think it conveyed a really important message about mental health. Healing does not happen immediately (especially after 5 years of deep depression - how could anyone expect Thor to be the same, or to get jacked again within the same movie?) I do agree with the fact that his struggles should have been taken more seriously, though. But as for his character arc... Thor started out as arrogant, and wholly godly in his lack of concern for human affairs and generally thinking himself better than the others.

As time went on he came to think of himself as friends with the Avengers. Lowered his self-serving attitude and knew what it was like to walk among humans. His weakness shown in Endgame shows his humanity - no longer always needing to be the perfect show of strength. Another testament to this is how he screams "I knew it!" when Cap lifts the hammer. Previously in Ultron when Cap almost did that, Thor was alarmed. Now, he's just totally happy for his team.

Alright! Time for the big guns. Let's go over Steve Rogers AKA Captain America!

I'm sorry. It had to happen. Repeatedly, Steve had expressed his feeling of being out of place in the 'future'. His list of things he had to catch up on, and his inability to even fathom having a stable life. He was not going to do well staying in the future. He would have never truly felt like he belonged, and even though he tried so hard during his time here, it just wouldn't work. His heart had stayed in the 1940's with Peggy, and he HAD to go back to her.

His entire time as Captain America had been spent as a soldier. No he was not happy in his time as a soldier. Sure, he enjoyed the company of his team, but the kid from Brooklyn needed to settle down at some point.

Plus, best ending to a 10-year movie run EVER?! It was amazingly well done.

Then...Tony. I honestly cannot fathom how anyone was dissatisfied by his conclusion. Oh, we were sad alright - I remember sobbing in the theaters on opening weekend after that damn snap. Wrecked me for weeks.

But THERE WAS NO OTHER WAY! I cannot stress this enough. The entire movie, and really, the entire MCU was setting up Tony's death.

Tony starts out as extremely self-obsessed. Flippant. Narcissistic. However you want to phrase it -- bottom line, his number one priority was his own well-being. No concern for others, hardly feels guilt nor concern about whether he helps or harms.

Yet, despite this horrendous starting personality, Tony constantly grows and improves. Starting with shutting down weapons productions at Stark Industries, then progressing to almost dying via self sacrifice to push the nuke away during the Battle of New York, and then risking the dissolution of the Avengers from signing the Sokovia Accords, which he only did out of GUILT for all the harm brought to innocent civilians from Avengers activity. By Endgame, Tony is a family man, had taken Peter Parker under his wing to mentor him, and wholly unrecognizable compared to the person he was at the beginning. Yet, this wasn't picture perfect.

The Iron Man movies really highlight how Tony dealt with PTSD and paranoia from the Battle of New York. He becomes obsessed with protecting those who he loves, and even just protecting people in general. It comes to a head with Ultron's 'suit of armor around the world' - and after the Accords, it took Tony having to step back completely to avoid falling down the rabbit hole.

Tony never truly healed from his PTSD. His worst fear was losing those he loves to some tragedy, and his greatest strength - his genius mind - was also his weakness. He saw a way to fix everything, all the time.

Even when he was happy, with a family and at peace, he couldn't completely step away from Avengers business and continuing to help. He would never be able to rest. So, in sacrificing himself, he fulfilled two of his greatest character arcs: protecting his loved ones, and going from selfish to selfless.

Endgame really was an amazing finale. It brought closure and tied up a ton of loose ends, as well as SO. MUCH. FANSERVICE. I honestly loved it and desperately wish I could relive 2018.

I feel like the main 6 Avengers actually had really bad character development in Avengers Endgame because Clint didn’t really do anything, Bruce’s arc was skipped over, Natasha was killed off, Tony died even though it wasn’t necessary, Thor’s struggles where made into a joke and Steve left Bucky and all of his teammates to be with Peggy in past

A lot things that happened in Avengers Endgame felt more like character regressions instead of going forward

[straykidsreactionsandscenarios]

Post Date: 20th October 2022 Content: Smut Word Count: 869 TW?: Breeding/ Creampie/ Penetration/ Dry humping ~

Kinktober Masterlist                                     Prompt List If you like my stuff and wanna tip, just buy me a coffee!

The movie was so boring, that you were ready to gauge your eyes out. Of course, you were the one to pick it but sincerely regretted it once you got into it. It was now the case of trying to find something to distract yourself, to entertain yourself. Once your eyes lay on your boyfriend, thoughts ran through your head.

“I’m bored,” you exclaim, a smirk growing on your face as he rolls his eyes at you, shaking his head.

Hating his lack of reaction, you throw your head back onto the couch, eyes glued to his jawline, following up to his lips that you loved so much, licking your own at the sight of him wetting his, with that tongue that does so much to you. 

The only way that you were going to get his attention was by throwing yourself onto him, straddling him as you blocked his full view of the TV and your fingers circled the back of his neck. 

“What are you-” he scolds but gets interrupted by your lips grazing against his, licking them seductively before pressing yours against his harshly and your fingers make their way up into his hair, lightly pulling at the strands.

He didn’t have a clue where this was going but how could he complain? How could he protest when the tent in his trousers prove that he was probably enjoying this a little too much for someone who wanted to watch that boring movie?

Humming into the kiss, he hoists you up to place you over his erection, as it pressed hard against your core, making you wet just from the contact of it against you. 

It was too hard to resist rolling your hips on it, grinding to give you both pleasurable feelings that surge through your body. “Are you really going to do that?” Hyunjin whispers, smiling ear-to-ear when a whimper falls from your lips. 

“How about you take your clothes off and ride this cock like a good girl?” he teases, his whisper in your ear makes your core clutch around nothing as you waste no time in doing as he says. 

The minute you lined his tip up with your core, it slid in so perfectly with your soaking core letting it enter with ease. It was gentle at first, with you taking control as you slowly lifted yourself up and dropped yourself down into his cock, feeling it so deep inside of you.

Though Hyunjin groans at the feeling, he couldn’t help but grab tightly on your hips, slamming himself into you which makes you weak at the knees. Your mouth and eyes shoot wide open as you let out a loud scream every time his hips slapped against your inner thighs and core, getting so deep in you that you genuinely thought you could feel him in your guts.

“Shit-” you cry, fingers tangled in his hair as you pull hard on it, head rested against him as he uses all of his power to make you crumble with each powerful thrust that he forces into you.

“Look at you crying over my cock,” he mocks, biting down on your shoulder that makes you yelp, it wasn’t too painful but it definitely added something different to it all. 

The way his tip smashed against the top of your walls, constantly hitting against your g-spot every time he slammed back into you made you whimper as you’ve never done before as the feeling becomes overwhelming. “Shit- I’m gonna-” you cry out, hiding your face in the crook of his neck as you breathed heavily onto it.

“That’s good baby, cum all over this cock like the pathetic little cock hungry slut you are,” Hyunjin hisses, his thrusts slowly becoming jagged as he realises there was no way he was going to pull out, “Let me fill you up with my babies”.

Hearing him talking about how he wants you to have his kids as he pounds your cunt as his life depends on it made you go over the edge completely and your orgasm hits you so hard that your mind goes completely blank as you scream his name into his neck. 

“Daddy-” you cry out as your orgasm washes over you, your legs shaking as you try to get up off his cock as it made you extra sensitive, “Stay there, you’re gonna have my babies”.

Sucking on his neck to get some form of comfort to come down from your high, Hyunjin paints your walls white with his hot liquid, holding you in place down on his cock, balls deep in you as your breathing is hitched, trying to match his breathing pattern.

The way his cock twitched inside of you as he makes sure that not even a drop could spill out of you made you whimper, the pressure that you were feeling felt like it was never going to end. 

“That’s a good girl, it’s okay,” he reassures, kissing your cheek as he caressed your side, turning around to carefully place you down on the couch and only then would he pull out of you, making you gasp, already missing the feeling of him being inside of you. 

[peachsayshi]

WHO SAYS I LOVE YOU FIRST? (Pt. 2) (Dad!Sukuna x F!Reader)

minors and ageless blogs do not interact.

a/n: this is part two of this little drabble scenario but Sukuna gets his own prompt because I’m connecting it to the ongoing Dad!Sukuna series! my requests are closed at the moment but I plan on opening them up when I finish what is in my queue - if you have any ideas you want to submit it’ll only be for hc’s or prompts related to any of the fics that I’m currently writing! (I would appreciate some fluff or angst prompts lol most of the stuff is all smut requests) I hope you enjoy this 💖 - I’m definitely going to elaborate on the whole story between this pair when I write my three part series! - let me know if you would like to be added to my Sukuna tag list or full tag list! 

TAGS: sukuna has a child, angst :c, sukuna is also an asshole, alludes to past abuse (not with Sukuna)

Sukuna stood before you with a dumbstruck expression resting across his face, while trying to comprehend what possessed you to confess those words to him…in the middle of an argument no less. 

He can’t even remember why everything escalated to this point.

One minute you were snuggled in his arms and the next you two had sprung away from each other and started bickering about everything under the sun.

Sukuna was growing frustrated with your odd behavior, and you were tired of him constantly brushing you off. 

He wanted to be an active influence in Rai’s life and you weren’t happy with how he treated his role as a father like a twisted game to fulfill a dynastic fantasy he had. 

He reminded you in that moment that Rai wasn’t just a human, and you rebutted that he was more like you than Sukuna would ever care to admit. 

Back and forth you both dissected everything wrong about your relationship, until the pain made you unravel and you parted to lips to spill a secret you had been keeping guarded up to this point. 

“I love you… ” you admitted, and the surprise settled across your face as the silence hung in the air. 

Sukuna swallowed the lump in his throat, taking in the sight of his beautiful and vulnerable concubine whose knuckles began turning white as your hands clenched tightly into fists, while you patiently waited for him to say...something. 

The truth is, Sukuna’s mind drew a blank.

For the first time in his long life, someone had actually rendered him speechless. 

He didn’t understand this conflicting emotion that plagued humans, one which made them incredibly soft and emphasized their weaknesses. 

He especially couldn’t wrap his mind that you - the witness to the extremeties of his violence, the devotee that had accepted him in his purest form, and the martyr who risked her own life whenever you stood your ground against his unruly wrath - would ever consider him with any kind of affection.

He took one stride toward you, then another, moving at a slow pace which only made your heart beat faster. He brushed his knuckles lightly across your cheek before hardening his gaze and narrowing his cold eyes.

“An innocent mistake on your part, my pet. You’ll soon learn to get over it.”

An audible gasp escaped you, the hurt washing over you in waves from how quickly your king had come to reject you. 

You didn’t even ask for his permission to be dismissed, and turned on your heel before storming your way out of his bedroom where you had been comfortably residing in over the last few weeks.

Sukuna believed that time would heal the wounds engraved in your heart - even though a small part of himself regretted the way he handled this particular situation.

He promised himself that he would at least respect your boundaries until you were ready to approach him, but as time passed he found himself growing restless from how adamant you were on distancing yourself from him. 

You avoided him at every cost, ensuring that you were never around his vicinity whenever he would stroll the palace grounds. He would ask the other servants about you, but you already gave them perfectly crafted stories with reasons as to why you had been kept occupied.  As his patience began wearing thin, Sukuna decided that he would use his free time with Rai instead in the hopes that he may lure you to his presence through the child you shared. 

Sitting on his throne one morning, Sukuna sighed quietly in defeat when he realized that nothing was enough to make you push this particular argument aside. A week had almost passed now, and there was still no sign of you.

He ran his his fingers through his son’s red hair, feeling Rai tilting his head underneath his touch as he looked up at his father with fiery, warm eyes. 

They may share similar physical traits, but the feelings conveyed through the child’s compassionate stare was wholeheartedly yours. 

A tender glance that made an unfamiliar warmth spread across the cursed king’s chest.

He merely had enough of you giving him the cold shoulder and decided to show up at your quarters one night.

He didn’t care how late the hour was, nor did he take your privacy into any consideration when he slid the screen doors wide open. 

To his surprise you were awake, and he found you leaning against the window as you were staring out into the distance.

He made eye contact with you, realizing that you regarded him with neither surprise or fear.

He could tell that you had been expecting this moment, which gave him the confidence to approach you without hesitation. 

His fingers held your chin when he stood in front of you, and he tilted your up face up towards him before speaking. 

“I will take you to bed tonight.” 

The sentence wasn’t a request, but an order. He had every intention of disrobing you right where you were before having you in ways that would make your voice carry across the grounds.

He did very little to hide his own desperation, and your fingers squeezed the overlap of your kimono as you held the front panel tightly close your chest. 

Sukuna lightly trace your bottom lip with his thumb, tugging at it slightly as he arched to lean forward. He rubbed the side of his nose on yours, his warm breath making your lashes flutter and you found yourself parting your lips naturally before catching yourself from falling into his trap.

“No.” 

Your words were barely a whisper, and it took a moment for Sukuna to even realize that you had spoken before he froze from delivering his kiss. 

You felt his hand drop away from your jaw, his fingers stretching out to curl around your neck as he made direct eye contact with you. 

He look incredibly displeased.

He has never heard you defy him under any circumstances.

When you were brought to him as a sacrifice he expected you to cower the first night he planned on taking you to his bed, but you accepted him without any question. He wasn’t used to your rejection because never turned him away, and at this very second he found himself growing more frustrated than anticipated.

“You have duties to fulfill, pet... services to perform...” Sukuna reminded, dragging his lips away from yours as he breathed in the scent of your skin before gliding them dow your neck, “…how are you of use to me if you don’t comply?” 

His words made you tremble, but you maintained your composure as you held your head high. 

“You tell me...” 

You challenged him again, making your king pull away from you as he looked at you with confusion and annoyance. 

“I’ve given you a whole new life, and this is how you thank me?” he scoffed. “Did you forget how easily men used you...” 

He ripped open old wounds that took you a long time to heal, and you felt the heat rise to your cheeks at the mention of your haunting past.

“My past is no different than my present,” you reminded him, “You use me for your own pleasure and if I hadn’t given you a son then you wouldn’t have treated me any differently...” 

Yes I would, Sukuna argued back in his mind, but he wouldn’t let those words slip and show even an ounce of vulnerability.

He had no idea why you were winding him up this much, no comprehension as to why he couldn’t rationalize the maddening emotions that were conflicting his mind.

He didn’t want to admit that he had been yearning for you every second of every day, nor did he want confess that he couldn’t look at any of the other concubines without feeling sick to his stomach. 

He looped one arm around your waist, pulling you close to his chest and making your feet hover off the ground form his sheer strength. 

He pinched the front of his brows, his nostrils flaring as his pupils shrunk in size and he could feel your hand claw at his arms as you attempted to push him off you.

He brought mouth lips to your ear, murmuring in a low but sinister voice that had you trembling from his cruel words.

“If you’re unhappy with your position, you’re free to leave.” 

When he released you from his embrace is when you felt your heart shatter, unable to withstand all the cracks that he had already inflicted. 

Sukuna wasn’t stupid - you knew that he was giving you ultimatum to make you rethink your current behavior towards him by reminding you of how much you had to lose. 

Serving your king guaranteed you safety, a roof of over your head and a warm meal. You would never have to worry about Rai under the protection of his father, knowing full well that if any of the jujutsu sorcerers got wind of his existence that they would kill him faster than you can even blink. 

Yet, you had grown tired of compliance, exhausted yourself of having to obey and submit with every breath you took. You hated that you’ve shed more tears than laughed, that death stood by you with every threat and insult, and that your love was only worth empty bribes and gold.

These last few weeks made you believe in a dream that never seemed tangible when vicious King treated you like a lover - sharing a bed with you, ensuring that your were pampered and nourished, and taking away any formalities that asserted his power of you.

You were beginning to see a glimpse of a beatiful future - one where you no longer used your body as a means to end, where your son could grow without ever having to comprehend the struggles of how harsh this cruel world could be, and where you could truly give all the parts of you to the one person who mattered.

How could Sukuna have been this blind sided by your confession when you thought that some part of him loved you in return? 

You wiped a rogue tear away from your face, acknowledging in that moment that you didn’t want to live the rest of your life being viewed as an object from the being you loved. 

You didn’t know how to survive on your own, but if liberating yourself meant a small chance of unconditional happiness, you realized it was a risk worth taking. 

*** 

TAG: @chemstrails-club @mrsmorgenstern @pensivespecter @ekaterinatepes @bloombb @nanamikentcs

[anime-kia]

Sleeping Beauty (Part 2)

Omg! Yes it is finally here! 2 years later I present to you, part 2 to Sleeping Beauty! I'm actually so excited for this, it took me so long, but I feel like I'm prepared to write it and keep the style that I started with. So enjoy!

Warnings: Violence, Smut

Relationship: Soulmates - King Erik x Reader

Word Count: 3.8k

Weeks passed since Erik's last encounter with your dormant frame. He was tense, pacing around the throne room with heavy steps. The Dora, tribe leaders and servants watched him quietly as he dominated the room with his vexed aura.

It's not that he didn't succeed in his plan to embed spies in every nation and distribute vibranium across the globe. It was that pesky panther nagging at him in his dreams every single night.

She appeared to him in the ancestral plane, perched on a tree. Erik stood below, dressed in nothing, but his gold fanged necklace.

N'Jadaka, why are you so hesitant?

Fari was her name.

"What you talkin' about?" He regarded her with no respect, the irritation laced in his tone.

Have we not guided you enough?

We... The ancestors? Erik assumed.

"Guided me?"

You are intelligent, N'Jadaka. Whether you choose to use your cleverness or not, it is up to you. The she-panther leaped off of the tree and circled around the man.

He watched her with his eyes, never moving from his place in the tall grass.

Listen to your heart.

Erik's eyes narrowed at Fari.

Ever since coming to Wakanda, Erik felt as though everyone was treating him like he was a naive child. Constantly they would give him cliché advice or try to alter his well-thought out plans. Erik knew what he was doing, he didn't need anyones outside opinions.

Just mere hours ago, he had awoken from his slumber. Heavy eyes and a cloudy mind. Erik felt ill despite the heart-shaped herbs enhancing abilities, but a weak mind makes a weak man.

In his previous dream, Fari mentioned that he appeared smaller as if the large man had lost mass.

Though he didn't want to admit it, his clothing fitting him loosely was more than enough proof. Even his weight lifting seemed more rigid than normal.

This ailment only began to occur since he stopped visiting you.

Erik decided to visit the king's personal doctor.

"My king, this is not much of a physical problem." She explained, shifting a braid behind her small ear. "Nor is it something I can fix."

His dark eyes narrowed at her, as he did to the she-panther.

"Ain't that your job?" Erik gibed at the doe-eyed doctor.

Ignoring him, she proceeds, "Have you been to the ancestral plane lately?" He only nods hesitantly. "Then that means you are near your soulmate and you must find her quickly."

"Or?"

"Or you both will perish." She explained in a soft tone, avoiding his eyes.

He couldn't believe his ears. The king wanted to think she was fooling him, as was the servant girl, Anathi. But as he could feel himself grow more weak, choices were limited in believing what was true or false.

"Who am I?" Erik asked the members of the room. His pacing stopped, back facing them.

The princess was not there to list every one of his titles as she did on their first encounter.

"Hm?" He turned around, arms crossed over his scarred chest.

Everyone was afraid to speak up, expecting him to lash out as he'd usually do.

"You are the king." W'Kabi spoke up proudly, his wife eyeing him callously.

He chuckled, "Then why do I feel like y'all still not getting it? I ask questions and I get bullshit responses."

"My king, we are being very honest with you." Anathi had voiced.

"Lying would be pointless and would not benefit anyone." An elder added.

"Y'all keep giving me the runaround. I ask about that girl, and you're telling me shit about a fairy tail?" The volume of his voice grew.

Some of the members had rolled their eyes in secrecy.

It always came down to the sleeping girl. Maybe it was time they encouraged him to see if he was the real connection.

"Would you like to try and awaken her, King N'Jadaka?" One of the elders suggested.

Okoye almost stepped out of line to dismiss the proposal, silencing herself as she realized that sacrificing her position in protecting Wakanda would've been a grave mistake.

She had made a promise to T'Challa prior to his battle, that no matter what, he could entrust her to protect you regardless of his outcome. But what could she really do now?

Besides, a man like him could never be the one for you.

Why are you still hesitating, N'Jadaka? Fari had questioned him again in his slumber. What is it that is holding you back?

"If I knew I would tell you." He frowned at her.

You have always been a man of action.

"You don't know nothing about me."

I know a lot more than you think, Young Prince.

"I'm not a prince, I'm a king."

Oh?

The panther appeared much taller than him, as did the tall grass. Her golden eyes shined brightly, rivalling the moon.

Erik looked onto himself, a much smaller frame appearing before his very eyes.

"What did you-" He held his neck, shocked at the pre-pubescent voice that came from his throat.

It is not what I did, N'Jadaka. She leaped back into the tree, resting her head onto her paws. Time is ticking, Young Prince.

Erik rose out of his sleep in a cold sweat, glancing into the mirror to check that he wasn't the eight-year old boy from Oakland, but the man who he grew to be.

The bathroom tile was cold underneath his bare feet, but the hot water soothed his tense muscles. Fari's words ran through his mind as the water cascaded down his large frame.

He shook his head and chucked, intentionally she had called him a child without words.

Sneaky panther...

"I ain't a fuckin' kid no more." Erik silently spoke to himself.

Erik waltzed into the garden where the heart-shaped herb once grew, now replaced with other greens and flowers. Anathi was tending to a patch of peace lilies along side her grandmother.

"Yo." He called out, their attention turning onto him.

Anathi raised from her dirtied knees, dusting them off. "My King?"

"Follow me." Erik commanded, turning on heel his immediately. I hope you're watching me now, Fari.

The young girl's feet shuffled quickly towards the king, not wanting to anger him as he'd been so tense lately.

The walk was silent, she carefully watched Erik in case he were to try anything. Their strolls usually consisted of him nagging her, but this time he remained silent, dark eyes focused on the corridor ahead of him.

She couldn't be at ease because it felt as though he was still on guard, but he hadn't even glanced at the girl since leaving the garden.

Anathi had recognized the path he'd taken, one that lead to the room located underneath the sunroof.

His hands rested on the handles, pausing before looking over his shoulder. "You said a kiss should work, right?"

"Y-yes, your highness." She nodded, hands clasped together.

"You do realize what'll happen if it fails." He threatened with a low voice, almost a snarl.

Anathi bit her lower lip before nodding once again, "Y-yes."

An amused sound silently came from his throat before pulling on the golden handles. It was always like a fresh of breath air once the doors opened. The air was so pure, feeling like a hug to his nostrils when he inhaled.

As Erik approached, his eyes fell onto your frame, too appearing smaller and slightly frail. This time, the palace servants had your curls styled into flat twists, pinned up into a bun. One of their daughters had crafted a flower crown and laid it around your head.

Anathi had remained outside, planning on her escape. This could be her chance to have a possible head start in case all failed.

Erik gently ran the back of his hand down your face, the beating in his heart increased, and that nagging feeling that he would compare to a raging sea became calm.

This would finally be the moment of truth...

His deft fingers lifted your chin, bringing your lips closer to his until they had finally touched together.

It felt... like... nothing?

Not exactly sure why, but Erik had expected a feeling of electricity to shoot through his body. He had expected his soulmate to spring awake, deepening the kiss to solidify the truth. But this was real life, not a damn fairy tail.

It wasn't magical nor did it feel like anything truly happened. Your body still felt lifeless, but the beating of your heart indicated otherwise. Not even a little sound indicating that you were soon going to awaken was given to him.

What Erik wanted, Erik never got.

That made the man very angry. He slowly released and departed from you, fiery eyes looking onto Anathi whose knees were visibly shaking.

It didn't work...

The only three words replaying through his head as he aggressively approached the servant girl, fingers digging into her shoulder. She silently winced, wishing that she had ran as she had planned earlier.

They must take me for a joke.

He summoned another meeting calling everyone in.

You want something to laugh at, oh imma fuckin' give it to y'all.

By time they had arrived to the throne room, all members were there, silently watching as he dragged the girl and tossed her to the centre of the floor.

Her grandmother helplessly watched, fearing for her grandchild's life.

"Y'all like to tell lies, huh? That apart of Wakandan culture?" He accused, arms folded over his chest. "Hm? You like to make niggas look like idiots?"

The members were quiet, uncertain of what had happened.

"She still asleep!" Erik shouted loudly, some of the members had jolted.

"M-my king, we did not say that you were the chosen one." A woman from the river tribe reasoned. "Only the one who is the chosen shall know."

Erik's eyes cut sharply onto the woman, "What?" He seethed.

Her hands squeezed onto the man beside her, as the look in his eyes were terrifying.

This pent up rage was both confusing and extremely concerning to everyone. This woman he had never met before had driven his emotions through the roof, even more so than T'Challa had done.

Calm down, N'Jadaka. Fari counselled in his mind.

The king was terribly angry. I'll show you calm.

"I think we need some new rules." He declared, nodding. "A lie for a life? I think that's fair."

Still silent, the members had looks of disapproval. Not that Erik was looking for an outside opinion, he was sick of being lied to and played around with. Maybe they could try that with T'Challa, but whatever he decided, it was finite.

Erik approached Anathi, lifting her from the cold ground in one hand. Her breathing was constricted as his grasp around her neck was tight.

Smaller hands beat on his with no avail, her consciousness slowly slipping further and further away.

"This is what y'all want?! Huh?!" Erik taunted the horrified and helpless members.

Would you really kill a child, Young Prince?

Shut the fuck up! He wanted to scream at Fari.

No longer was he going to allow her to treat him like a child.

Tears streamed down Anathi's puffy cheeks, rolling onto his hand and between each finger. Quiet cries came from her grandmother who was being consoled by those around her.

Erik callously watched the life force being drained from the girl.

"Stop!" A new voice had emerged into the air.

Audible gasps flooded the room, Erik too was caught off guard, releasing Anathi to fall onto the ground.

He turned around, knees almost buckling at the sight in front of him.

"She lives." Okoye rejoiced with a rare smile on her face.

You stood there, staring at the new man you had never seen before, but oddly enough it felt as if you had known him for a much longer time than reality said.

He was the most beautiful man you had ever seen, standing tall and strong. Though he had one of your best friends in a vice grip, it was almost impossible to be truly angry at him.

The astounded look in his eyes captivated you, drawing you closer and closer.

Only mere moments ago were his eyes filled with wrath, something that you would never see.

Who is he?

Erik had stared you down, feeling frozen in time as you drew closer to not him, but the girl on the ground.

"Anathi, ingaba ulungile (are you alright)?" Your hands gently touched the young girl, disturbed by the bruise forming around her neck.

"Uvukile (you are awake)." She hoarsely voiced in amazement.

It hadn't felt that long for you personally, but it certainly was for those who were still staring at you in complete shock.

You stood up to get a better look at the stranger who had almost taken the poor girl's life, and for what?

"Ungubani (who are you)?" You sternly inquired, poking at his chest sharply.

A spark had zapped you, both of you recoiling.

Erik had received that fairy tail shock he was initially expecting, but what no one else expected was the smile that grew on his face for the first time ever, a genuine one. 

"So you are my soulmate?"

"And you are mine." Erik said.

It took a lot of time for him to explain his initial reason for coming to Wakanda, and how he had not expected to find his soulmate locked away and trapped under a spell.

"If you are king, then that must mean-"

Erik nodded.

This would be the hard part to explain, but whatever happens, soulmate bonds were strong and could never be broken.

Processing your emotions over T'Challa's death was both confusing and hard. You wanted to be upset, you wanted to cry, you wanted to be mad, but none of the emotions came to pass. 

Sure it had been a long time since you fell under the spell, but you certainly did not expect your Prince Charming to also be the new ruler and murderer of King T'Challa.

Weeks passed and Erik had spent his time courting and getting to know you. It was all incredibly flattering, but alas, T'Challa still ran through your mind.

He was suppose to marry you, and you would give him an heir.

But all was changed once this American man had stepped his foot onto the Wakanda soil.

Erik slept soundly in the large canopy bed, his large arms wrapped behind his head. You remained awake, thinking about the previous king, the princess and the queen.

Vengeance.

You pondered, soulmate bonds cannot be permanent. If I sever his ties to the earth, I can be set free.

A knife laid tucked underneath the bed.

It was now or never.

Without leaving the bed, your hand slid against the marble floor, feeling for the weapon. The sharp edge pricked your index finger slightly indicating its location, so you raise it from the floor cautiously.

The man remained fast asleep, as peaceful as ever.

Your legs went on either side of Erik, careful not to sit down on him, the knife was pointed straight to his heart. Tiny droplets of blood dripped from your finger and onto his chest.

If I really love T'Challa I will do this for him. 

One breath in and the knife went down swiftly, eyes closed.

The problem was, there was no separation of tissue, no splatter of blood, no pained groaned.

Your eyes had opened, staring into the ones that captivated you earlier. They were void of anger or fear, but rather filled with bewilderment.

His much stronger hands squeezed arounds yours softly, holding the knife mere millimetres from penetrating his chest.

His hips bucked, flipping you over, knocking the knife away. The positions had switched as he was now on top, trapping your hands above your head.

"Y-you killed him!" The outburst had come from you, breaking the silence.

Immediately knowing who this was about, Erik explained. "It was ritual combat, he agreed to the conditions."

There was no resentment in his tone, it was so delicate and caring.

"I loved him."

"Yes, you loved him. But honestly tell me now, do you still love him?"

"I do." A fast response, with no chance to think. It was a lie.

"Then why do you lie in this bed with me?" He questioned, eyes peering deep into yours. "Why does my heart beat so calmly when you're around?"

"That is only you." You argued.

"Every time I touch you, I feel something." He placed his hand just above your bosom. "I know you feel it too."

You did, just then too. The way he was looking at you only made you want him even more.

But T'Challa...

An unresolved battle persisted in your mind.

"You're the reason I can't show you all I can give. You still holding onto the nigga who couldn't even wake you up, baby."

Bottom lip pulled between teeth, you tried to look away, but could not.

"Do you love him?"

As much as you wanted to scream yes, it wouldn't happen. It was a lie.

Was it fear? Uncertainty?

"Why you so hesitant, (y/n)?" Erik was surprised to find himself asking you the same question Fari had asked him all that time ago.

Your eyes had looked away, confronting the situation felt like betrayal to T'Challa.

"If you don't want me, tell me to leave."

You could not.

You wanted him, needed him to be here with you.

"I ain't believe it at first, but this soulmate shit is real..."

"But T'Challa-"

"Did nothing..."

You stared at the king silently, resisting him would be next to impossible. The glow of the moon enhancing his features beautifully.

"Ask me to leave." He demanded once again.

"I-I can't... I need you."

Three words Erik was delighted to hear.

Your head lifted to capture his lips between yours. Suddenly nothing mattered anymore. Erik spread your hands apart, wrapping his fingers between yours to deepen the kiss. Your head rested back against the plush comforter, tingles coursing through each body. He detached for air, giving you the chance as well before claiming your soft lips again. He came in hungrier, more passionate than the first time, unclasping his fingers from your left hand and raising your neck.

His thick lips latched onto your neck, sucking against the skin. The warm scent of vanilla filled his nose pleasantly, the taste sweet against his tongue.

Moans escaped your mouth as he precisely worked his lips around your frame. Now resting above your breasts, Erik gazes into your eyes for approval, in which you granted him.

The long silk garment was removed from your body, revealing a pair breast and erect nipples waiting to be licked. His large hand grasps the right as his head moves to the left, latching onto it hungrily.

Your fingers run over his head, holding them as he skillfully attended to your breasts. Soft moans filled his ears, encouraging him to continue.

He detached, sliding down even further where a wet patch had exposed you.

A smirk graced his lips as he pealed the blue panties away from your body.

Erik positioned himself between your thighs, bending your legs up and over to allow him better access to your dripping core.

He trailed kisses on each thigh before placing one onto your centre. A shiver coursed through your body as he increased the intensity with his tongue.

Experience wouldn't even be the best word to describe his precision.

The moans that were leaving your body were no longer quiet and sultry, rather loud and desperate. Your fingers grabbed his dreads as his tongue continued its assault onto your clit. The further Erik pushed his tongue in, the louder your volume grew.

Pressure continuously built up inside of your core, and shortly after, you had released onto him. There was a lot, nothing that you were expecting.

"Damn, baby." He marvelled with a wet jaw. Erik stood up to remove his bottoms.

The monster growing in his pants sprung free, bobbing slightly and menacingly at you.

But suddenly you had realized something.

I'm a virgin...

Erik noticed the change in your eyes, it appeared more like fear than anything. And not the 'there's no way it's gonna fit' fear.

"What's wrong?"

"I... I've never done this before."

He chuckled, grateful that he would be your first. "That ain't no problem. I got you, baby."

Shyly nodding, you lie back down with a shaky breath. His hands hook underneath your knees, bending them towards your chest. He lubricates his member against your folds before coating it with a hand.

He watched you, watching him. "Don't tense up on me."

You nod again, watching him move closer until it poked at your entrance. A sharp exhale left your mouth as he pushed in slightly.

"Just breathe, you good." Erik coaxes you. Your hands find the bedsheets, nails digging firmly into them.

His member breached even deeper, causing a pained sound to leave your lips. He slows down, giving you time to adjust.

"O-okay, go." You stuttered, allowing him to fit the rest in.

He pressed down slowly but firmly, letting out a moan of his own.

"This shit so tight." He groaned in pleasure, bitting his lower lip.

Ocne he had bottomed, a spark coursed through both his and your veins. It felt as though an even deeper connection had been made, solidifying the meaning of soulmate bonds.

Erik's hips moved backward, removing some of the pressure off of your cervix, but it came back as soon as he moved again.

"Ungh- shit." You winced, trying to manage the strokes.

He continued a slow pace, just for you to adjust. It wasn't going to be a purely pleasurable experience, especially not for the first time, but it wasn't all painful either.

When you finally relaxed his pace increased, thrusts moving more efficiently in and out of you.

"N'Jadaka, ohhh!" You whimpered, eyes shut, body bouncing underneath him.

He admired you underneath the moonlight. Eyes closed, eyebrows narrowed, mouth ajar. The moans, your voice, all so pleasing to him.

She is beautiful.

His lips moved back onto your neck as he forced his hips against yours. Juices mixing with each other, adding to the sounds of heavy breathing and moaning.

Erik had you in multiple positions, each one causing a different sensation. He had you flat on your stomach, his feet planted on the ground, Erik had sloppily thrusted into you until the both of your climaxes were achieved.

Tears rested on your cheek, air flowed in and out heavily as your tried to catch your breath. Sore, but very satisfied.

He pulled you against his body. Sweat moistened your skins, and despite your fatigue, Erik looked ready for another round.

Had to be the effects of the heart-shaped herb.

The intense feeling in each body had finally settled steadily, a deeper connection had been formed and you both knew for certain that soulmate bonds were real. A man who came and caused an uproar brought both dark and light onto the Wakandan nation.

He brought your knuckles against his lips. "My queen, I am yours and you are mine."

"My king, and my soulmate." You contently responded, awaiting all that was to come in the near future.

I am so happy I finally finished part 2 (the final part) to Sleeping Beauty. It's literally been 2 years LOL!

I hope you enjoyed, especially for those who requested!

(Start/Finish: March 31 - April 1, 2020)

[somewhatgreatexpectations]

Just My Imagination (Wanda Maximoff/ Reader)

Hello! We’ve entered the 70s and part 3! The songs used in this chapter are “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)” by The Temptations (1971) and “Lovin’ You” By Minnie Riperton (1975).

Summary: Y/n and Wanda experience life (and pregnancy) in the 70s as Wanda tries to keep everything under control. 

Hope you enjoy! :)

“Alright, krasivaya, what decade are we living in today?” Wanda asked in an overly upbeat tone as she took a space beside you on the bed. She hoped that the tradition would be enough to lift your spirts.

You turned to face her with devastated eyes and it took everything within Wanda to not burst into tears at the sight. That wasn’t what you needed right now.

“They don’t want me here, Wanda.” You mumbled dejectedly, brushing over her attempt at making you feel better. Seeing you so downtrodden was such a stark contrast to your usually carefree nature. It was heartbreaking for Wanda to see.

Scooting closer, Wanda wrapped a comforting arm around you. You immediately turned to bury your head in her shoulder, desperately seeking comfort in her arms. “Moya lyubov, that’s not true. You know how Stark is.” She rubbed your arm soothingly. “If it makes you feel better, I may have thrown him through the wall when you left.” A weak chuckle shook your body at her admission.

The smile that formed on Wanda’s lips was instantaneous when the sound she adored filled the quiet room.

The moment didn’t last long though. “He said I was dangerous.” You faintly whispered, hurt lacing your words.

Wanda sighed. “Y/n. Look at me.” You pulled your head up to meet her loving gaze. “You and I both know that’s far from the truth. Your emotions got the best of you once. That’s all.”

You shamefully ducked your head. “I just-… I could have hurt someone. I couldn’t help but think of her when we were there. That’s why I lost control and the building collapsed.” It took Wanda a moment, but she finally understood what this was about. “It was like I was back there, not able to protect her…” you couldn’t find it in yourself to continue as tears welled in your eyes.

Immediately her hold on you tightened as she pressed her lips firmly against your hairline. “Shh… I have you. It’s okay. Let it out.” Wanda whispered as she felt your tears flow steadily against her neck.

You bunched your hands into the front of her sweater as you tried to take deep breathes. “I miss her, Wanda… So much. Anna didn’t deserve what happened. It should have been me-”

If anyone understood your pain it was Wanda, but she couldn’t allow your thoughts to spiral like that. She knew all too well what could come from that.

“Stop.” She interrupted firmly. “The world needs you here. My world needs you here. You did everything you could for her. You loved her so much, Y/n. Don’t carry that burden of blame when it was all Hydra.”

Her eyes offered you comfort and the depths contained nothing but love that enveloped your entire being. You felt lighter. “Thank you.” You finally murmured. “For being here, for knowing what I need. For being you... Every time I think I couldn’t be more in love...” You thought out loud to yourself with a faint smile.

Wanda’s breath hitched as her eyes filled with even more emotion. “There’s no need to thank me. You do the same for me. Constantly. I’ll always be here. I won’t let go of you.” She repeated the words you once told her back at you. Your heart thrummed. “I love you. Endlessly.”

“I love you, too.” You mumbled against her lips, losing yourself in the feeling for a moment before you pulled away.

Wanda dazedly shook her head, regaining her focus. “So?” She placed another tender kiss to your temple as her smile became playful. “What decade are we using to escape from this one?” She questioned again, once again offering you the fictitious escape of reality that you’d both grown to find comfort in.

You shook your head but gave in either way. “The 70s.” you eventually replied with a small smile, settling on your favorite.

You covered your face in mock mortification when Wanda immediately threw up a peace sign with her free hand. “Far out.” She retorted coolly. The outdated saying fell easily from her lips as she settled into her character. You shook your head again. “I’ll get the shows ready, you get the music?”

The smile that grew on your face from her antics was inevitable. “Sounds… groovy, babe.” You responded, playing along. Despite the exasperation that you feigned, you appreciated everything she was doing.

“Oh, god…” You groaned as you watched Wanda disco out of the room to go gather what you two would need.

You were so unfathomably in love with this woman.  

For a moment you wished that the world was able to see this side of Wanda, the side that was reserved for you and you alone. The playful side. The side that showed that she was more than just tragedy.

Wanda knew that playing make-believe wouldn’t fix your problems or heal your pain, but it would be enough to ease your mind even if it was just temporary. If this tradition was something that could bring the light back into your eyes, she was more than willing to provide it.

She knows that you’ve done the same for her numerous times before and would do so for as long as she needed it. 

When she wandered back in the room she held up two different options. “Okay, I couldn’t decide between-”

“You pick.” You interrupted her. She quirked an eyebrow.

With a shrug, she tossed the items on the bed and took both of your hands, pulling you up from your seated position. “We’ll get to that later then. Where’s the 70s music?”

Taking one of your hands back, you queued the playlist that had the music you were searching for. “There.” You said with a half-hearted smirk, still feeling a little down. Wanda immediately noticed.

The song that filled the room was upbeat and bouncy as Wanda began pulling your hands back and forth to the rhythm of the music. The amused twinkle in her eye not going unnoticed. When she noticed you began moving on your own, Wanda began dancing in an exaggerated 70s fashion, singing along to the lyrics of the song. With a laugh, you easily joined her, feeling the weight lift from your shoulders ever so slightly.

For the remainder of the song you both danced around the room using your best 70s moves as you continued to loudly belt out the lyrics. When the song ended, you both fell to the floor, out of breath and smiling contentedly.

Leaning against each other both literally and metaphorically.

Moments of escape from the heavy lives you lead were few and far between so when they came around they were special. These moments with Wanda… they were special. They were escapes that had transitioned into traditions. Traditions that were forged with great care in the flames of your love.

Without warning, Wanda leaned over and cupped your cheek. She wasted no time before passionately connecting your lips. There was no hesitation as you returned her embrace. The music around you transitioned into something much softer as you both got lost in one another.

“Soon we'll be married and raise a family, a cozy little home out in the country with two children, maybe three. I tell you I can visualize it all, this couldn't be a dream for too real it all seems, but it was just my imagination runnin' way with me…”

The words that drifted from the radio caught your attention, easily pulling your focus from the task at hand. Flashes of moments you didn’t recognize flooded your mind. Despite the upbeat tempo of the song, the lyrics seemed sad… hopeless even. The emotion that the song radiated seemed to fill your body. 

An odd sense of longing blossomed in your chest as the song played on. The abrupt sound of someone speaking and a gentle squeeze of your wife’s hand in yours grounded you as you focused on the moment happening before you. 

The feeling of longing and hopelessness that filled you faded away and was replaced with excitement as Dr. Nielson began speaking. 

Wanda pretended not to notice the way you jumped slightly.

“Definitely pregnant!” The doctor confirmed cheerfully with a broad smile as he pulled the stethoscope from his ears. 

A short laugh fell from Wanda’s lips as you shook your head at the doctor’s obvious statement. “Well, that much we figured.” Wanda retorted flatly. 

You shifted to face the man fully. Squeezing Wanda’s hand in your own once more. “It’s just taken us a bit by surprise. It was kind of suddenly... Quite suddenly, wasn’t it? Practically overnight.” 

A sharp grip on your knee stopped your words as your eyes fell to Wanda, who subtly shook her head. “What my wife means is, we’re just tickled pink… or blue!” Wanda quickly supplied as she stood up from the couch. 

The doctor merely nodded, dismissing the comments as he stood up as well. “You’re at about 4 months now, is that right?” He questioned which you immediately shook your head at until you saw Wanda nodding enthusiastically and looking at you pointedly. 

You began nodding slowly with an unsure smile. “That sounds about right.” You responded hesitantly. The words practically a question.

“It’s easiest for ladies such as yourself to keep tabs on growing babies with fruit. It makes it simple.” You bristled slightly at the sexist remark as the doctor continued listing the size of the baby in comparison to various fruits. 

Disregarding his words, you interrupted him. “How big would the baby be at say… Twelve hours?” You attempted to ask nonchalantly. 

“Twelve hours?” Dr. Nielson eyed you skeptically.

Wanda rushed over to the man and began pulling him in the direction of the door. “I think this line of questioning is fruitless!” She joked with a nervous chuckle as the disembodied voices laughed along.

Not being deterred, you followed after them. “Hypothetically speaking, should we be concerned? Or concerned that even though we may have engaged in… “ You coughed awkwardly. “Activities that typically produce children, we both lack the necessary, erm-… equipment for impregnating. Hypothetically speaking of course.” 

Wanda choked at your words. “Sweetheart.” She sputtered abruptly, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. 

The man lightly tapped your shoulder and ignored your words. “Hypothetically speaking, every new parent gets nervous.”

As you opened your mouth to reply, Wanda quickly cut you off. “Y/n. Why don’t you see the doctor out?”

You shrugged, deciding the doctor was no help anyway. “Good idea.” You made your way over to the doctor as you began leading him out. 

Before exiting, you glanced back to see Wanda looking down at her stomach with a soft smile. Your heart swelled at the sight. Any questions you may have had vanished if it meant she would keep smiling like that. 

When you reached the front yard, Dr. Nielson turned towards you. “You actually caught me just in time. I’m taking the wife on vacation this afternoon.”

“Oh, have a nice holiday. Hey, Herb!” You called out politely as you waved to the neighbor. He greeted you back as he continued to trim his hedges. “Listen, doctor, do you mind keeping the news of Wanda’s… you know, just between us? Everything is happening so quickly, I think we’d like it just between us for now.”

The man mimed zipping his lips. “Mums the word.” He replied easily. “I’m off. Bermuda baby!” He cheered as he walked off.

Just as you were about to turn back inside a sharp screeching sound caught your attention. You turned rapidly, only to see Herb’s hedge trimmer cutting into the brick of the wall. “Hey, Herb,” you called out hesitantly. “I think you may have taken the hedge trimming a little too far, pal.”

Herb looked up at you with an unnerving smile as he continued cutting into the brick. “So, I have. Thanks, buddy.”

“Yeah… don’t mention it.” You mumbled uncertainly. You turned and rushed into the house, eager to get away from the odd behavior. “Darling, the strangest thing just happened outside with Herb…” 

Wanda turned to face you. The sight of her stomach appearing even further along in the pregnancy than it was just moments before shocking you. “Woah! Have you gotten bigger?” you shouted with wide eyes.

The woman in question merely shrugged. “Have I? I can’t tell from this angle.” 

You wandered over and placed a hand softly over her stomach. “It’s either that or I need glasses.” The disembodied voices laughed. “With how fast you’re developing I think it might be in our best interest to prepare the nursery now.”

“That’s a great idea!” Wanda exclaimed excitedly. “I’ll help you as soon as I satisfy this craving.”

With a chuckle and a nod, you began moving the boxes into the room that would eventually become the nursery. After you had built the rocking chair, a book about pregnancy caught your eye. Taking a seat on the rocking chair, you began reading in hopes of preparing yourself for the pregnancy with all the necessary knowledge. You were deeply engrossed in the book when you noticed objects begin floating around the room. 

“Nesting. The overwhelming urge during pregnancy to clean, organize and prepare the home for the new baby.” You read out loud curiously as you took notice of Wanda using her powers to set up the room. 

Wanda waved her hand towards a box and a mobile began floating over to hang just above the crib. “See? You’re an expert already. You’ve got nothing to worry about.” Wanda replied distractedly through bites of the fruit she was eating. 

Absently you flipped through the book. “Well, nothing to worry about besides morning sickness, mood swings, aching back and fe-feet.” you stuttered out as you glanced over at your pregnant wife who was, in fact, on her feet. You closed the book and put it to the side as you stood up. “Darling, you should probably sit down.” 

With a dismissive wave of her hand, Wanda continued moving objects around the room. “Don’t be silly. All I feel is excitement, happiness, and oh!” she exclaimed as she glanced down at her stomach.

“Kicking? Already?” You asked disbelievingly as you placed your hand lightly over her stomach. “Wow…” you breathed out when you felt a gentle nudge against your fingertips.

Wanda smiled brightly, her eyes twinkling with joy. “It’s such a strange sensation. It’s kind of fluttery.” She explained with a cute scrunch of her nose. 

As soon as the word fluttery left her lips the plastic butterflies that were previously hanging on the mobile became animated and fluttered over to you.  “Oh, did I do that? I didn’t mean to.” She said in surprise as a butterfly landed on your nose. 

She turned to you and placed her finger out for the butterfly to crawl onto, her beautiful smile growing even more. You beamed brightly back at the sight of her as she let them out the bedroom window. You opened your book up again. 

“If that was the first kick that puts you at about… six months.” Your eyes widened as you flipped through the book. “Six months? That was so… fast! I can’t keep up!” You exclaimed.

Realizing how that may sound, you hurriedly kneeled down in front of Wanda and nuzzled your nose into her stomach. “Please don’t misinterpret, I can’t wait to meet you little Charlie!” You pressed a light kiss to her stomach before standing again.

“Charlie?” Wanda questioned curiously. “I was thinking Billy, just a nice, classic, all-American name.”

You tilted your head in mock thought. “Charming. But then there’s Charlie… named after the great Charles Dickens. “Life is made of so many partings welded together”” You recited to her with an excited smile. 

Despite herself, Wanda couldn’t help but smirk in amusement. “Nerd. I guess there’s only one solution for this debate… hope for a girl.” 

As you watched Wanda begin painting a stork on the wall with her powers, you began thinking. “I figure we should probably decide on a name soon though. Based on your rapid progression paired with the time elapsed…” You trailed off in thought. 

Absentmindedly you spun the wedding ring on your finger as you attempted to figure out the timeline of the pregnancy.

After a few moments of silence, Wanda snapped her fingers in front of your face. “He’s going to be here before you figure it out.” She teased lightly.

“Well, I’m not a robot, dear.” You quipped back distractedly as you attempted to correlate the growth with the timeframe. 

“And thank goodness for that.” Wanda countered easily, thoroughly enjoying watching you attempt to figure out the timeline. 

Suddenly, you focused your attention back to her. “If I’m thinking this through properly and don’t hold me to this… But… I believe it’s due Friday afternoon.”

Wanda’s eyes widened at the information. “In three days?” She choked out. “Maybe I should sit down.” 

“I need to practice!” You shouted unexpectedly as the information settled with you as well. Quickly, you grabbed a toy doll out of one of the boxes, a couple loose diapers and ran out of the room. Wanda shook her head at your antics but followed you out nonetheless.

After several practice rounds, you picked up the baby and stared it down seriously. The sound of laughter floated around you. “I think we have an understanding.” You told the inanimate object determinedly. “Start the clock!” You called to Wanda who immediately began the timer.

Fumbling only slightly, you were able to get the diaper on the baby with ease. “Time!” You shouted triumphantly.

“Your personal best.” Wanda called from the kitchen with a smile.

You pumped your fist in the air in celebration. “Yes! We are nothing if not prepared!” 

“Oh!” Wanda breathed out, her face scrunched in discomfort.

At the sound, your head snapped over to Wanda. “Darling?” you questioned in concern.

Once again, Wanda scrunched her face. “Did the book talk about this? It’s not a painful, but a strange…”

Vaguely you recalled reading about the feeling she was describing. You quickly began flipping through the book. Stopping shortly after when you found the information you were searching for. “Tightening sensation?” you offered helpfully. 

Wanda nodded, still cringing ever so slightly. “Yup. That’s it.”

You quickly skimmed over the page. “Braxton Hick’s contractions.” You informed her as you read on. “Also known as false labor. Usually begins in the third trimester. Named after John Braxton Hicks in 1875-”

“Honey.” Wanda interrupted, gesturing for you to get to the point.

“Right!” You skimmed further. “This could give us a chance to work on our breathing exercises.” You suggested as you made your way over to her and rubbed her back in soothing circles. 

Wanda nodded in agreement as you demonstrated the recommended breathing technique, which she replicated. “Yeah, it’s not working. I can still feel it.” She said with a frown.

You pressed a gentle kiss to her temple. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” 

Before you could get another word out, Wanda let out a short yell as everything in the kitchen went into a fritz. 

“Let’s abandon the kitchen!” you shouted as you protectively took Wanda by the hand and led her out. Wanda’s screams remained steady from the discomfort the entire way, much to your eardrums displeasure.  

A sudden, bright flash of light startled you as you both naturally fell into a defensive stance. Standing back-to-back, you both lifted your hands in preparation to fight if necessary. 

Almost as soon as you were in position, the house returned to normal. “It stopped.” Wanda said apprehensively as her hands remained in their defensive position.

“I’ll go check outside.” You said and rushed out the door, returning shortly after with the information. “It looks like the whole block is out.” 

Wanda wandered over to the couch and took a precarious seat. “And that was just a fake contraction. Who knows what will happen when the real thing starts.” Her brows creased together in worry. “Do you think they know it’s my fault?” 

You began making your way over to your wife. “Our neighbors?”

“Well, yes. With all the close calls we’ve been having it seems the people of Westview are always on the verge of discovering our secret.” She admitted worriedly.

Thoughtfully you ponded her question and all the odd occurrences that had happened around you since you arrived in Westview. “I know what you mean.” You began somberly as you took a seat next to Wanda. “But it’s more than that, isn’t it? Mr. Hart and Ellie, dinner, my dream, outside with Herb…” 

Wanda’s eyes glimmered with concern as she watched you anxiously. 

“I think something is wrong here, Wanda.” You finished softly. She searched your eyes as the pain in her eyes became more prominent...

“Do you think they know it’s my fault?”

You began making your way over to your wife and took a seat next to her. You gently took her hand in yours. “Yes, I know what you mean. The truth is we are in uncharted waters and you know what? I’m anxious too.” You admitted to her reassuringly. The voices cooed.

A soft smile formed on Wanda’s lips as she stared at you adoringly. “We just don’t know what to expect.” You nodded your head slightly in agreement as Wanda continued. “Will the baby have powers? Will it be my powers? Or your powers? A bit of both? No powers?” 

The twinkle in her eyes caused your stomach to flip. “If he’s anything like his mother, Charlie will be perfect.”

Wanda smirked. “You mean Billy.” You were about to respond when Wanda gasped loudly, startling you out of your seat. 

“Darling, are you alright?” you questioned fearfully as you scrambled back to your feet.

Wanda braced herself slightly. “This is a real one.” She gritted out.

“What?” you shouted as you began floating away from the ground.

Wanda glared at you from her position on the couch. “I thought you said Friday!”

“I told you I wasn’t a robot!” you defended anxiously as you continued floating higher, losing your ability to control the action.

Through the chaos in your mind you could hear Wanda begin her breathing exercises as she gestured for you to follow along. You nervously began following along, drifting back down to the floor a few seconds later. Wanda stood up and made her way over to you, soothingly taking your hand in hers. For a moment you both stood in place as you matched one another’s breathing. Slowly but surely regaining your composure. 

“Better?” Wanda questioned teasingly after a moment.

You took another deep breath. “Yes, darling, thank you.” You replied sheepishly.

Not even a moment later, water began falling steadily over the entirety of the house, drenching you both in a seemingly never-ending downpour. 

“Y/n?”

“Yes, dear?”

“I think my water just broke.”

“Yes, dear…” 

In a bid to seek shelter you ushered Wanda to the dining room table as you crawled under after her. Your nerves were on high alert as even the downpour couldn’t pull your worries away from the fact that your wife was going into labor. Your eyes remained anxiously transfixed on the woman next to you who was pouting in displeasure at the water ruining the room. Much to your relief, the downpour finally slowed and then stopped altogether. 

You quickly crawled out from under the space. “Let me help you up, dear.” You quickly offered Wanda, not wanting her to strain herself in anyway. As you gently helped her to her feet, her eyes seemed most focused on the room around you.

A small frown tugged at the corner of her lips as she surveyed the room. “What a mess!” Before you could react, she waved her hands and a powerful gust of wind blew in through the door, nearly knocking you off your feet. “That’s better.”

Her contentment was short lived as another groan of discomfort fell from her lips. “Darling, do you think it’s time to-”

“Call the doctor? Yes, I do, dear.” You responded quickly without letting her finish as you sprinted over to the phone only to hear the dial tone fill your ears. “Damn! The phones are down. I better run. Let’s hope he didn’t already leave for vacation.”

Wanda gasp as she rubbed her stomach anxiously. “At a time like this?” she cried.

Attempting to sooth her, you brushed a hand along her cheek lightly. A nervous smile on your lips. “Well, in all fairness darling, the baby is about nine months early. I’ll be back as fast as I can. Will you be alright here?”

A hesitant nod was Wanda’s only response. You pressed a short kiss to her lips and frantically raced out the door.

As Wanda attempted to calm herself through her breathing exercise, the sound of rustling in the nursery caught her attention. Just as she began making her way towards the sound, the doorbell sounded, causing her to jump. 

“Oh shoot!” She exclaimed, knowing that company meant she would have to explain her unexplainable pregnancy. Thinking quickly, she waved a hand and a coat floated out of the closest and covered her.

“Wanda! What’s up?” Geraldine began as soon as Wanda opened the door. Her brows furrowed when she noticed the coat the other woman was wearing. “It’s 75 degrees out, you making a fashion statement?” She questioned lightly as she walked into the home. 

A forced smile formed on Wanda’s face as she attempted to speak through the contractions as they came and went. “Hi Geraldine, you know, now isn’t really a good time.” She informed the other woman politely. 

Geraldine turned to face Wanda. “No, no, no, it’s foxy. You’ll have to let me borrow it sometime.” She replied, misinterpreting the meaning of Wanda’s words. “But first, I have to borrow a bucket. Not to wear, to use. Somehow all the pipes in my ceiling burst at once and I have to bail myself out.” 

“Alright, sure! Just stay right there, I think I may have a bucket in the kitchen!” Wanda shouted when she noticed Geraldine turn. She quickly ran passed Geraldine and into the kitchen, keeping her coat wrapped tightly around her abdominal area. “I think it’s just here under the s-sINK!” She cried as another painful contraction overcame her.

“Are you alright in there?” Geraldine called out in concern. 

Another contraction came as Wanda attempted to control her tone through this one. “Y-yes, I’m just looking-ow!” She stuttered out as her coat magically transformed into a fur coat. Despite the situation she couldn’t help but admire the quality. 

“I’ll come help.” Geraldine announced as Wanda quickly took off the coat and threw it to the side. 

“No! I mean, no thank you!” she quickly corrected herself. 

Her words fell on deaf ears as Geraldine wandered over to the closet in the kitchen, her back to Wanda. “Found it!” As she turned, Wanda grabbed a bowl of fruit to hide her stomach now that the coat wasn’t an option. “Would you look at that?” Wanda tensed. “Fruit! Wanda, thank you!” Geraldine said cheerfully as she took an apple. Wanda’s shoulder slouched with relief.

“Good luck with the leak.” Wanda breathed out as she began to follow Geraldine out. She was glad to have avoided any incident. 

Geraldine continued speaking despite having the item she came for. Even though she knew it wasn’t neighborly, Wanda couldn’t help but tune out Geraldine as she spoke. If she wasn’t in the middle of giving birth she knew she would care more about being a good hostess, but that just wasn’t a priority to her at the moment.

That is until a stork appeared behind the couch Geraldine was currently rising from.  “Wait, no! Tell me about the temp job!” She urged desperately, sighing in relief when Geraldine smiled and sat back down. The woman excitedly began recounting her story. 

Seeing how thrilled her friend was, Wanda did her best to listen half-heartedly as the stork continued to wander around in the background despite numerous attempts to make it go away. Much to Wanda’s relief, Geraldine was oblivious to the chaos occurring around her as she engrossed in the story she was telling. Wanda was able to get away with just making small comments here and there.

As one disaster was averted, Geraldine began making her way into the nursery where the stork had just gone into. “Wait!” Wanda cried as she rushed after her, grabbing a vase to cover her stomach along the way. 

“Is that what I think it is?” Geraldine asked, her tone serious as she looked in the direction of where the stork was perched against the painting on the wall. 

A nervous chuckle escaped Wanda’s lips. “Oh, a stork. Yes. I can explain.” 

Excitedly, Geraldine turned to face Wanda. “No! The crib.” She gestured to the object in question. 

Not a moment after Geraldine began admiring the nursery, another contraction overtook Wanda, the force of it causing her to drop the vase. The object shattered at her feet. “Oh, it’s coming! The baby is coming!” She cried out through heavy breaths. 

“You’re pregnant?” Geraldine questioned, eyes wide in bewilderment. Instead of answering another scream fell from Wanda’s lips as she placed her hands over her stomach. 

Geraldine cautiously led Wanda out of the nursery. “Let’s get you comfortable.” She rushed over to the couch and began gathering the pillows.

Several items in the house began moving on their own as the radio stirred to life at a loud volume. 

“Lovin' you is more than just a dream come true and everything that I do is out of lovin' you…”

Wanda began lowering herself to the floor, practically having to shout over the music. “I think I’m going to lay down right here. Y/n ran to get the doctor, she’ll be back soon.” She gritted out as she carelessly fell back against the floor.

Hurriedly, Geraldine shoved a pillow under Wanda’s head before it could make contact with the floor. “There’s not enough time for that. Relax, relax.” She frantically said as she rushed around the area, gathering different items. “You know your breathing, right?”

The radio began playing even louder as Wanda ground her teeth together, attempting to breathe in the rhythmical pattern she had practiced earlier. Rather than the rhythmic breathes, muffled screams slipped passed Wanda’s lips instead.

Geraldine gasped loudly as a chandelier fell near her and the music began playing even louder. “I may be late to the party, but I imagine there’s a logical explanation for this.” She told Wanda in a calming tone as she set down all the items she grabbed.

“It’s all perfectly natural!” Wanda managed in between screams as the volume of the radio continued to rise with her screams.

With wide eyes Geraldine took hold of Wanda’s knee to attempt to ground her. “Hey, hey, you’re doing great. Let’s start by turning off the music.” Geraldine shouted over the radio. Wanda faintly heard her and weakly waved a hand, effectively stopping the music, but the paintings continued spinning on the wall. “Look at me. Look at me.” Geraldine said calmly and began replicating the breathing Wanda had worked on with you earlier. 

With terrified eyes, Wanda kept her gaze locked on Geraldine, desperately wishing you were there to comfort her through this. “I can’t.” she cried out, shaking her head as tears slowly fell down her cheeks.

“Yes, you can. You can do this.” Geraldine countered unflinchingly. Wanda continued shaking her head frantically. “Yes, you can!” she shouted at her. 

The tears fell more steadily down Wanda’s cheeks as the fear set in. “I can’t.” She repeated tearfully. “I need Y/n. I need Y/n.” She begged, desperately seeking her one source of comfort. 

Leaning down, Geraldine checked how far along Wanda was. “It’s time to start pushing.” She said excitedly with a smile. Wanda continued shaking her head. “You’re ready! Push! Push, Wanda!” She encouraged supportively. 

With a scream, Wanda began pushing. All of the objects in the house began moving on their own until they suddenly stopped when Wanda’s screaming stopped. The soft coos coming from the baby filled the quiet room. “It’s a boy.” Geraldine announced with a smile. The smile that lit up Wanda’s face was incomparable to the happiness she felt in her heart. Geraldine wrapped him up handed her the baby. 

The baby who was a piece of herself and you… the person she loved most in the world. “Hi... Hi.” She whispered to the baby as she traced a finger delicately along his cheek. “Oh, he’s perfect.” 

Almost as soon as the words left her lips, you rushed into the home with Dr. Nielson on your back. “Oh no, I missed it.” You whispered sadly. The frown on your face faded when Wanda looked up at you with a smile that stopped your world. The way her eyes shone took your breath away. The world around you both faded as you stared at one another in an awestruck haze of love.

Indistinctly you could see Geraldine pull a shaky Dr. Nielson out of the room as you dazedly made your way over to your wife, kneeling at her side. “Every time I think I couldn’t be more in love...” You breathed out as your eyes fell on the bundle in her arms. Wanda’s breath hitched slightly as emotion flooded her eyes.

“Y/n, would you like to meet your son?” Wanda asked softly.

As gently as you could, you took the baby into your arms. The smile on your face growing even more when he looked up at you. Wanda’s heart fluttered at the sight. “Hello, little Billy.” You cooed as he took hold of your finger. . 

Wanda tilted her head in surprise, unable to hold back her smile at your words. “Billy?”

With a nod, you lovingly looked back at her. “Yes. Billy.” Making sure Billy was secure in your arms, you leaned down to kiss Wanda. Just as your lips were about to connect, she began screaming. 

Unsure of what was going on, you began yelling as well. “What?” you shouted in bewilderment. When you glanced down you realized what was happening. “Oh! There’s another baby coming!”

“Charlie!” Wanda shouted through the contraction. 

“Wanda, push! Push!” You encouraged lovingly, all the while making sure Billy was safe in your arms. With you by her side, the fear that Wanda felt earlier vanished. 

With you by her side she knew she could do anything. 

When all was said and done, Dr. Nielson did one final glance over the twins. “Twenty fingers and twenty toes. You have one healthy baby boy and one healthy baby girl on your hands.” He declared cheerfully as he handed the baby in his arms back to Wanda. 

Wanda eagerly took the baby back in her arms as you gently rocked the other. “Thank you, doctor.” She responded with a smile.

He turned and pointed at Geraldine. “And thank you for all your assistance, young lady. I think you might have what it takes to be a nurse.” Both Geraldine and Wanda shared amused looks with one another at the comment. 

“Allow me to walk you out, doctor.” You offered as you gently placed the baby down in the crib.

Dr. Nielson nervously shifted. “As long as we’re actually walking this time.” He replied skeptically as he followed you out the door.  

“Well, Dr. Nielson, I hope you’re still able to make your trip.” You said polietly with a smile when you both reached the front yard.

Again, Dr. Nielson shifted in place. “Yes, my trip. I don’t think we’ll make it after all. Small towns, you know, so hard to… escape.” He murmured cryptically before walking off. 

For a moment you stared after him, wondering what he meant. Shaking it off, you turned to head back inside only to see Agnes and Ellie whispering amongst themselves by one of the walls that you shared with the house next door. “Hello, neighbors!” You called politely.

“Hey!” They replied suspiciously in unison before going back to whispering amongst themselves. 

Unable to help yourself, you wandered over. “Remarkable day we’re having. Did you lose power too?” You asked in a friendly tone, noting the way their postures changed when you were near.

“Sure did, but Ralph looks better in the dark so I’m not complaining.” Agnes joked. 

Ellie nodded along. “I barely even noticed it... I’m very resourceful.” She added with a wink.

You chuckled uncomfortably as they joined in with their own laughter. “Well. I better get back to Wanda.” You mumbled awkwardly, turning back towards the house. 

“Y/n.” Ellie called after you, causing you to turn around. “Is Geraldine inside with Wanda?”

With furrowed brows you stepped closer to them, feeling unnerved by their behavior. “Yes, why?”

Ellie hesitated, almost as if she was unsure if she wanted to tell you. “She’s new to town. Brand new.”

“No family, no husband.” Agnes added, her expression portraying how odd she found the situation.

You shrugged indifferently. “Well, there’s nothing wrong with that.” You countered with a confused smile.

Agnes made a short noise of disagreement and Ellie pursed her lips. “No home.” Agnes eventually supplied.

“What?” you questioned disbelievingly. “What do you mean she has no home?”

Ellie shifted uncomfortably. “She came here because-… She came here because we’re all-… You are-…” 

“She came here because we’re all what? I’m what? What are you trying to tell me?” You replied, feeling your patience wearing thin. 

Shaking her head, Ellie continued. “She came here because you need to-”

“Stop it.” Agnes cut her off sharply as she turned to face her head on. You noticed the way she shook her head. 

Almost as though someone flipped a switch, they both became upbeat again. “Well, we better get going.” Agnes rang the bell on her bike with a wink.

Ellie nodded along. “Those papers aren’t going to write themselves.” She said cheerfully as they both walked off leaving you thoroughly confused as you made your way back to your wife. ____________ “You’re such a strong lady.” Geraldine complimented Wanda who waved her hand bashfully in response. “Can you believe it? Twins!” She leaned forward to get a better look at the babies nestled safely in their cribs.

The smile on Wanda’s face was bright with all the love she felt in the moment. She stared at the two babies in the crib with Geraldine, her smile becoming somber. “I’m a twin.” She confessed. Her eyes glimmered with memories as she looked over at Geraldine. “I had a brother, his name was… Pietro. Y/n had a sister too. Anna. One in memory of each.” She whispered out softly her eyes falling to the babies again.

Lost in her memories, Wanda began singing a sokovian lullaby that would forever be nestled into her heart. The memory both painful and beautiful as she continued to sing to her children. 

“He was killed by Ultron, wasn’t he?” Geraldine questioned suddenly, her expression grave. “And Y/n’s sister. Hydra murdered her to torture Y/n, didn’t they?”

The song died on Wanda’s lips with Geraldine’s words. Her brows furrowed as she processed what she had just heard. Her shoulders tensed. “What did you say?” A tear fell down her cheek. When Geraldine didn’t reply, Wanda turned towards her. “What did you say?” She repeated, her eyes cold.

A forced smile overcame Geraldine’s features. “I said, Wanda, you’re such a strong lady.” She moved to hover by the couch. “Should I say it again for good measure?”

“No.” Wanda said sharply. “What did you say about Pietro and Anna?” 

Geraldine seemed to think for a moment, feigning confusion. “Pietro? Anna?” Wanda tilted her head. The babies began crying. “Hey, I’ll take a shift rocking the babies.” She offered as she began heading back over to the cribs.

Wanda stepped protectively in front of them. “No. I think you should leave.” She told her, her tone dark.

“Oh, Wanda, don’t be like that.” Geraldine retorted tensely. 

For the first time, Wanda noticed the necklace around Geraldine’s neck. “What is that?” She insisted, pointing shakily to piece of jewelry. “That symbol.”

“I-uh…” Geraldine stuttered as she took hold of the necklace.

“Who are you?” Wanda demanded. The threat in her eyes sent a chill down Geraldine’s spine. 

Geraldine faintly shook her head, her eyes troubled. “I don’t-”

“Who are you?” Wanda repeated sharply. The calm that overtook Wanda was unsettling as she slowly moved forward. Geraldine stepped back fearfully.  

The front door burst open as you rushed inside. “Wanda, where’s Geraldine?” You questioned as you looked around the house.

“Oh, she left, honey. She had to rush home.” Wanda replied easily with her back towards you as she watched the babies sleep peacefully. . . . . “If no one is going to say it, I will. That episode was adorable.” Darcy emphasized as she watched both you and Wanda settle on the couch with a baby in each of your arms. Wanda leaned over and lovingly pressed a kiss to your lips as the credits rolled. “Aww… I mean, c’mon. Look at them, they’re so precious. And now they started a family.” Darcy cooed as she watched the screen fade to black.

There was silence for a moment. “The babies are cute.” Steve admitted quietly. The sound of a soft thud filled the room as Natasha once again hit the back of Steve’s head. “What? They are!”

Natasha shook her head. “They are, but the issue here is we’re being given a filtered broadcast. Someone is controlling what we’re allowed to see. And even worse, we don’t know what happened to Monica.” 

“Natasha is right.” Fury interjected. “Darcy, you’ll be going to S.W.O.R.D. so you can gain some intel about what they’re planning.”

Darcy’s head snapped up in shock. “I’m just the astrophysicist here, not the Russian spy.” Natasha smirked at the comment.

“Even more of a reason they won’t suspect you.” Fury countered easily. “You can find Hayward’s plan… and find out if they’re the reason agent Fletcher is now a part of this.”

Steve crossed his arms. “Amelia was Y/n’s partner the entire time she was away from the Avengers. I have on good authority that they were close. I can’t imagine she’s there to harm her.”

“That was before the blip.” Natasha said calculatingly. “We can’t assume anything. She’s playing her part a little too well.”

As Steve was about to respond, Fury’s phone went off. They all watched with bated breath as he took the call. When he hung up, he turned to face them a pensive expression on his face. “It seems as though Monica has been found. Blasted through the hex.”

“You called it the hex!” Darcy exclaimed as they all turned to look at her in exasperation. “Sorry, not the time.”

This part may just be the longest piece I’ve ever written because there was so much I wanted to fit in. Also! If anyone wants to know what song I imagined Wanda and Y/n dancing around to in the beginning just let me know because I imagined a specific song in that scene, but didn’t feel it was important to include lol. Sorry for writing out Tommy, creating a different twin for Billy felt important to the story to properly express Wanda’s emotions.

 As always, I hope you all enjoyed!

Thoughts and comments always welcome! I love hearing from you all! :)

[megan-is-mia]

#10 and 11 on the FairyTale prompt list for Jamil?

(i made it fairytale themed xD) 10. “You are mine for as long as you shall live” 11. “Please stay with me, you don’t have to return to that horrible place” (Yandere! Jamil Viper x Fem! S/o)

Their story began like any other heroic tale: a noble warrior on a quest to save their home and the nefarious sorcerer who opposed them with fiendish delight. However, the way it would end was anything but foreseeable. For the noble warrior had a terrible secret, they were no knight in shining armor. No, they were a mere peasant, a young woman barely out of girlhood. She had been named (Y/n) by her parents and had been the only soul brave enough to stand against the wicked Viper Sorcerer Jamil. She guarded the secret of her identity dearly, wearing clothes meant for a man with padding underneath and her hair hacked short with the blade she’d stole from a mercenary when she’d begun her journey to the accursed lair of her foe. All the while unaware that her enemy’s eyes were constantly upon her as she pressed onwards to where he waited.

At first, Jamil had watched only out of curiosity for he was certain this slip of a girl wouldn’t stand a chance against him. So what was the harm in watching her weak attempts to grow stronger as she traveled closer and closer?

Though as time passed he began to feel something more for her, a fondness of sorts. Even though they’d never met he felt there was a kinship between them, a bond that could not be broken. By the time (Y/n) came banging on his front gates demanding he reveal his foul face to her, his mind was made up. He would make her his bride, together they could rule this pathetic land with iron fists. Entering the Sorcerer’s fortress was almost to easy in (Y/n)’s opinion. No guards, no monsters, not even any traps! The ease of her trek through the castle was unnerving her but she could not let it shake her resolve. She had a duty to fulfill, a duty to slay the wicked man who’d taken over her home! “Ah (Y/n), i was wondering when you’d finally make it to me my darling” the Viper Sorcerer said from his throne as the young woman entered the throne room. She cringed at the pet name and approached silently before drawing her blade and pointing it at him. “Evil Viper Sorcerer i have come to put a stop to your tyranny!” she declared trying to make her voice sound husky and authoritative. “And how do you intend to do that?” Jamil replied with amusement at his beloved attempts to be scary. “I’m going to kill you and free my home from your foul influence!” (Y/n) snapped back, unnerved by how calm the Sorcerer sounded after hearing her proclamation. “Even if you killed me it would not save your home. It was doomed long before i came along. Please stay with me” the young man said with a grin. “You don’t have to return to that horrible place” he added rising from his throne and strolling towards the girl.

“What kind of sick game are you trying to play you monster!?” (Y/n) squeaked backing away from the male as he approached. “I’d prefer if you called me by my name my love. Jamil would sound much sweeter coming from your lips than any of those insults ever did” Jamil said not pausing in his strides towards his partner.

“S-s-stay away from me!” the young woman cried out backing into a wall with a yelp. The Sorcerer was on her in a second, pinning her hands behind her back leaving her helpless to his attentions. “Stay away from you? Now why would i do that?” Jamil cooed and with a wave of his hand (Y/n)’s disguise disappeared leaving her almost naked save for the slip she wore next to her skin. “I need you to understand something. You are mine for as long as you shall live” Jamil said running his hands over the girl’s body. “I’ll never be yours! No matter how long you keep me captive I will never give in” (Y/n) said her words lacking the bite to make Jamil believe them. “Oh sweet treasure, you underestimate my patience. Soon enough you’ll see things my way and we can live happily ever after like in all those fairytales…” THE END

[lesbianakaashi]

The Forgotten Shounen: Katekyo Hitman Reborn

This is not a “Why you should watch/read khr” or anything like that. This is just me going into the deep dive and throwing my findings at you. I’m making this because khr used to be my favourite series when I was 15 (I had plushees, posters, tradingcards, the art book etc) and now as an adult I constantly find myself baffled at how unknow it seems to be.

1. Okay first what is khr?

Katekyo Hitman Reborn! or just Reborn! is a series by Akira Amano which was published in Weekly Shounen Jump from 2004 to 2012 (with 42 volumes) and got an anime adaption which run from 2006 to 2010 on Tv Tokyo (with 202 episodes and one OVA).

2. What’s it about?

Khr is a parody of the italian mafia and plays in a world where the mafia is heavily influencial. The protagonist is the japanese middle schooler Sawada Tsunayoshi who is known as “No good Tsuna” because of his failing grades, general weak and cowardly personality and weak physics.

He becomes aware of the mafia world when a 2 year old baby called Reborn arrives at his house claiming to be the greatest hitman and declaring himself his home tutor. Reborn was send by the 9th head of the Vongola famiglia who is ready to retire and looking for a new heir. Which of course, is supposed to be Tsuna and now it's Reborns job to shape him into a worthy sucessor.

Tsuna rejects the violence of the mafia world and refuses the position as the 10th. Thanks to Reborn and his general craziness Tsuna meets different people and starts to make real friendships. Reborn wants 6 of those friends to be Tsuna's future guardians, basically a group of people which will be closest to him in the vongola famiglia. Tsuna might have no interest in those positions but the friendships he builds with them become really precious to him.

Reborns arrivial also brings in the enemies of the Vongola family which leads to Tsuna being forced to engage in battles. Generally Tsuna openly avoids fights and prefers to run away but will put himself in danger for his friends' sake or because of something Reborn did.

Through out the series Tsuna matures and gains strenght but he never becomes a power fantasy. He's just a guy with many flaws who grows through the human connections he makes.

Personally I think the relationship between Reborn and Tsuna is one of the best student teacher reltaionships in all of manga only topped by Mob and Reigen from Mob Psycho 100. Especially the last arc really underlines their unique relationship to me.

Furthermore, khr offers a new and unique battle system: The flames. I'm not gonna go into to too much detail but the general idea is that one fights with their dying will flame which basically turns off your the savety switch so you can fight with everything you have. The flames are seperated into different categories such as: sky, storm, mist, rain, sun, lightning and cloud and have different attributes asigned to each one. Tsuna's use of the sky flame and his transformation when using it is still one of my favourite shounen transformations to this day.

3. What happened?

The series did really well and then not so well over the course of its serialisation. After the manga got an anime adaption it increased in populairty and video games, light novels, and other products such as CDs were created based on the series. Reborn is one of the best selling series of Weekly Shōnen Jump and has sold around 30 Million volumes overall. It was and still is very popular in Japan but rather unknown in the west.

According to the article "The Rise and Fall of Weekly Shonen Jump: A Look at the Circulation of Weekly Jump" khr was the 10th bestselling series in Weekly Shōnen Jump, with a total of 7 million copies sold in 2007.

This number increasing to 15 milion in 2008. Which placed khr into the 4th best selling series of 2008 in Japan.

Between 2008 and 2010 those sales declined but still kept strong with khr as the 6th top selling manga in 2009, 8th best selling in 2010 and then 24th best selling in 2012.

In November 2014, readers of the Da Vinci magazine voted khr number 17 on a list of Weekly Shōnen Jump's greatest manga series of all time.

After the anime came to an apprupt stop in 2010 for unknown reasons the manga sells took a visible hit. (Apparently the studio wanted to put the anime on halt because they were busy with other projects and give Akira Amano time to develop her story but I couldn't find any source for this claim) Furthermore, the rushed last chapters of the manga in 2012 declined the popularity of the series even more. There's no offical statement as to why the manga was ended in such a way but it's reasonable to assume that Jump either cut it considering the decreasing sales or Akira Amano choose to end it for personal reasons.

Nontheless, Tsuna not being included in Jump Force (a fighting game where you can play as different characters from Jump) in 2019 even tho he made it in earlier Jump Stars games also underlines the decreased interest in the series.

Rumors on a reboot or anime adaption of the last two arcs surface from time to time but are genereally unlikely. Artland the studio which made khr has gone bankrupt around 2015-2016. It might be taken on by another studio but rather uncommen especially with such an old series.

4. Art style

The khr anime ended over 10 years ago and the old art style might not be appealing to newer audiences.

Especailly because the anime adaption follows Akira Amanos old art style which heavily developed within the years. Here a picture comparing characters in the new art style:

A modern anime adaption in the new art style would be aesthetically pleasing. It would probably look similiar to Psycho Pass since Akira Amano did the concept art for this series.

(My personal art student hot take is that both art styles are unique and fun. Up to this day Akira Amano still has my favourite art style and even if the amount folds in the characters clothing is a little extreme I love it dearly.)

5. Criticism

The show is not without flaws and even if I greatly enjoy it it wouldn't be right not to adress them.

Daily Life Arc:

A lot of people view the first 20 to 25 episodes as fillers and quickly lose intererst in the series. This is due to the fact that Akira Amano inteded the series to be a gag manga and focuses the first chapters on world building, character introduction and comical narratives. It's rumored that the decision to develop the story into a battle shounen was made because the sales weren't doing well enough at first. So the first chapters/episodes may seem titidious but are necessary for the story and the development of the characters. The tonal shift from a more gintama like gag manga to a darker battle focused story can also be offputting to some viewers.

Either way a lot of people blame this arc when discussing why khr never got an english dub or didn't end up on Toonami. I've also read that the manga never finished serializing in the north america. However, it finished in other western languages like german and spanish.

Censoring:

The anime censors A LOT. From Gokudera's smoking habit, Yamamoto's whole character arc which deals with heavy themes such as depression and suicidal thoughts. The general bloodiness of the manga was censored and sometimes whole chapters and characters were left out even if those were important to the devolopment of others.

Filler episodes:

Out of the 202 episodes the anime has around 29 filler episodes which makes roughly 14 %.

Sexism:

Even if Reborn was written by a woman most female characters are rather flat and their storylines often tied to a male character in one way or another.

Genereal things:

Khr, like many other long running series, is sometimes criticised for a lack of world building or unpopular narrative choices.

6. Hope?

Khr isn't exactly dead. As stated before the series is still very popular in Japan and still gets new merch pretty regulary. There are also petitions floating around for a reboot or a new anime season but those never get a lot of traction. Furthermore #Reborn2期アニメ化 (#Reborn2ndAnimation) used to get some traction on twitter not too long ago. Last year the Anime News Network did a poll on which anime the readers would like to see a rebooot of and khr placed second.

Either way here's a collection of recent khr things I could find.

- In 2018 a new bluray set was released in north america

- The khr stage play reached yet another new season

- A mobile game was released last year

- Currently ongoing anime cafe event called "Concerto di Vongola"

- Last month there was an event with the former VAs and stage play actors where they discussed their favourite khr episodes.

- There has been an increase in blind reacts to the openings on youtube which might bring in a new fan base. The biggest one I could find had around 90k views and was made in 2019. On this note check out the soundtrack. The first openeing Drawing Days by SPLAY still makes me go insane (but I'm biased of course)

There also renewed hope for a new season/reboot because Shaman King, Inuyasha and Bleach got anounced for new seasons after a long hiatus. It's important to keep in mind that the circumstances for those series are differnt tho. For example bleachs new anime is often tied to the immense success of the gatcha game.

7. Conclusion

Khr is a series which used to be a flagship for Weekly Shounen Jump and is deeply beloved by it's fans, especially in Japan. It influenced other shounen series like bnha. It would be nice to see it gaining a bigger fanbase in the west :)

[early2000smovieimagines]

Meeting and Dating Jay Gatsby

(Not my gif)(Requested by anonymous)

- You officially met Jay a while after he first saw and fell for you. You came from a relatively low class family and lived in tiny home with your parents; as most unmarried girls did. 

- It was out of sheer coincidence that Gatsby first saw you. Your fathers shop was a little ways away from a usual meeting place of his and you’d often sit under the awning when business was slow. He’d just been walking outside of said place when he glanced across the street and caught a glimpse of you, fanning yourself in the shade. 

- Even in the heat with your face flushed and/or damp and your hair a bit frazzled; you still looked angelic. There was a certain sweetness to you; an undeniable beauty to your face and a subdued grace to your demeanor. He found himself returning to the area in hopes of seeing you again; even when he had no business there. 

- Gatsby's never been very good with women; at least women he found extremely charming, so as much as he wished to, he was far too nervous to just walk over to you. But then he saw his way in.

- Nick Carraway, whom you greeted with familiarity as he stopped just as the entrance of your fathers shop to speak with you for a minute. You should have seen his awkward pacing outside of Nicks house before and as he arrived home, waiting to ask a favor of him; it really was quite adorable. 

- So Gatsby allows himself to ask Nick if he’d be able to help him in his endeavor and obviously his friend agreed. You’d known Nick for a good few months and had gotten quite friendly with him so when he telephoned your home and invited you over for tea, you didn’t think much of it. 

- What did surprise you was the fact that another, sharply dressed man arrived at the house a few moments after you had; a man Nick introduced as Jay Gatsby. He initially seemed somewhat constipated as the three of you sat together though you occasionally thought you’d seen him sneaking glances your way. Finally, Nick exclaimed that he had to take a quick trip into town and told you that he’d be right back, leaving you alone with the man in his living room.

- It was a bit awkward at first but then you’d mentioned the flowers; the ones he’d bought, and how you had a memory involving them or that you’d always wanted to see ones like it and that they didn't grow anywhere you lived. His face softened as you spoke and a smile spread across it, his eyes sparkling as he looked at you in absolute adoration. 

- In that moment, you reminded him of himself in a way. A penniless dreamer who was worth more than the life they were handed. It was like he was back in North Dakota looking at his younger self staring at the stars. 

- Nick “returns home” only to be excitedly invited by Gatsby to the castle that he calls a home; after you expressed interest in “one day seeing it”. Like any normal person would be, you were in awe of the place, and Gatsby was falling even more in love with you by the minute. 

- A day or so later, you’d gotten a knock at your door and lo and behold, it was one of Gatsby’s butlers, delivering to you a handwritten invitation to one of his parties like you were the queen of England. How could you refuse?

- You put on your best dress; though you still end up feeling severely underdressed the minute you get there, and call a cab. Gatsby lingered about and observed you for a bit before he asked the “old sport” (Nick) to bring you to him at the top of the stairs. 

- Soon enough you were smiling up at and greeting him kindly before  the two of you began to speak to each other. You spent the rest of the night, dancing, drinking, gushing to him about his party, and occasionally moving to more intimate settings for more personal conversation. 

- By the end of the night, you were quite smitten with him, and he’s obviously more than smitten with you. He’s called away on business as you’re leaving but he insists that you let one of his men drive you home and asks that you call him the next day, to which you agree without thinking.

- You call him at noon and his butler picks up, handing the phone to him after a moments wait. Jay eagerly gets on and says “how about you come over”, after which he tells you he’ll come to pick you up. 

- As you’re getting ready to leave, he speaks with your father and you can overhear him discussing business with the man. Later on, you’ll learn that he proposed that he could “help” your father with his shop which only made the man even more happy to let you spend time with the bachelor. 

- So, you spend the day with the man, exploring his home and swimming on his beach while being waited on hand and foot. You felt like an absolute princess for the first time in your life and the way he looked at you; the way every girl wanted to be looked at, was addicting. 

- You share your first kiss that day while the two of you are swimming. You’re both laughing and bobbing next to each other when you meet eyes, your laughter fading naturally and comfortably. He reaches out to brush the hair from your face and you let him, though his hand lingers on your cheek.

“I’d like to kiss you.” He says and it’s part statement and part question. 

- You inhale sharply and in a sort of high, flustered whisper, you say “then go on”, and he smiles before doing so, his chilled lips meeting yours in a passionate kiss; one that conveys just how much he’d grown to love you in one desperate action. 

- In that kiss is a promise; one that both of you recognize. The promise of a life spent happily by each others sides; the life he’d dreamed of since the moment he saw you. 

- He gives you as much affection in public as he can; mainly innocent things like soft kisses and gentle touches. He likes to treat you like a lady so he’s more reserved in his actions than his party guests are with their women.

- Handholding. He occasionally likes enveloping one of; or the two of, your hands in both of his while the two of you are sitting and talking; or just laying a hand on top of yours and lightly grasping it.

- Hugs from behind. He likes holding you close and resting his chin on your shoulder, nuzzling the side of his face against yours.

- Kisses pressed to your jaw, neck and shoulders; especially after he kisses your lips. You’re usually in a more intimate setting when he does.

- Forehead kisses no matter where you are.

- Sometimes, his kisses alone are enough to make you feel dizzy and weak in the knees. He’s a very passionate man when it comes to you.

- Laying your head in his lap. He’ll brush his fingers across your hair and back, and try his best to snuggle close to you whenever he can.

- Cuddling with your head on his chest and his arms wrapped wrapped you; he likes feeling your arm laying across his stomach or your hand resting on his chest. He also likes spooning you from behind and pressing kisses to your shoulder.

- Wearing his silky, expensive shirts in the mornings. He loves seeing you in them, there’s just something so charming about it to him.

- He’ll either just call you by your name or “darling”. He likes the sophisticated sound of it.

- Lots of photos. He’s got a scrapbook of the two of you; mostly you.

- Being introduced to a bunch of A-list celebrities. All you have to do is tell him that you like someone’s something and he can set up a lunch “date” for the two of you.

- The entire world couldn’t even compare to you in his eyes. You’re everything to him and he’s damn proud that you’re his girl.

- He can never get enough of you. No matter how long you’ve been together, he’ll always want to be close to your side.

- Beach dates. He’s got his own personal beach so why wouldn’t you use it?

- Boat, or rather Yacht, rides. Sometimes, the two of you will fall asleep, wrapped up in each other’s arms in one of the ships rooms during the warm summer days.

- Lounging in the sun or in the shade of his gardens. You’ve had quite a few picnics in his huge backyard.

- Gourmet dinners.

- Having tea together.

- Double dates with Nick and Jordan; or whatever girl he’s found himself getting involved with.

- Considering just how rich he is, he; most likely, has a theater room in his home so you can watch any film you’d like in the comfort of his arms. He certainly wouldn’t object to taking you to a broadway show either.

- Having everything you could ever want or ask for. He absolutely spoils you; it’s one of his favorite things to do.

- Going on drives.

- Since it’s the 1930s and because your family wasn’t exactly wealthy, you most likely don’t know how to drive and he found it quite fun to teach you. You spent a day clumsily drifting around the grounds of his home while he smiled and laughed.

- Getting to do everything men at the time did. If you want to experience something then god dammit, he’s going to let you!

- Everyone is aggressively nice to you because of who he is. You definitely have to get used to suddenly being treated like a Princess by just about everyone in town.

- Every once in a while, he convinces himself about certain things and once he does, nothing can change his mind about them. He has a lot of expectations; though they usually don’t affect you in a negative way.

- Dancing together. Could be at a party, could be when you’re alone, either way, he loves doing it with you.

- Sneaking away at parties. He enjoys the atmosphere and, to an extent, he throws them to keep up a good reputation with his associates, but he does prefer to just spend time with you when it really comes down to it.

- His lips taste like champagne a lot of the time; especially if you’re kissing at one of his parties.

- Being interrupted by business. You saw how incessant his “colleagues” can be, don’t be surprised when he gets called away from you; though he oftentimes tells them he’s busy if you’re doing something special.

- Exploring his home. He’s got more rooms than anyone could ever need and you constantly find yourself seeing new things whenever you take it upon yourself to travel through his mansion.

- Getting to hear his life story. At the beginning of your relationship, he chooses the best aspects of it and leaves out the questionable or less desirable parts. He’ll most likely tell you about those when you’ve been together longer.

- Your praise means the world to him. He only really thinks that your; and nicks, opinion of him truly matters. You can make his entire week by simply telling him that you’re proud of him.

- He loves when you express your feelings about him. He loves you more than life itself so those little comments about how you wish you could stay by his side constantly or how you wished you’d met him sooner really get to him.

- Every once in a while, he’ll really lose his temper on someone and you’ll assure him that you aren’t scared and try to help him relax. It’s in those moments that you realize how dangerous he can be, but from the way he can stop himself, you know he’s better then a lot of men.

- He’s always there for you whenever you need him, no matter the reasoning. He’ll speak quietly to you, whispering comforting words as he holds your face in his hands.

- Considering the fact that he can give you whatever you want and because you’re both so obviously in love, he rarely gets jealous. When he does, he just tries to keep a close eye on them or steer you away whenever he can.

- He’s incredibly protective of you, he’ll always jump to your defense; no matter who the person is, and do whatever he can to make sure you’re okay. He’ll sit outside of your house all night to make sure you’re okay if he has to.

- He’s got the police in his pocket and a dozen men that owe him favors so if you have a problem, he’ll be able to handle it; and he’ll do so selflessly if he has to.

- The two of you don’t fight very often, you don’t have a reason to. In those rare instances that you do, he remains relatively calm, perhaps giving a quick raise of his voice out of frustration before sighing, apologizing, and trying to explain more.

- He’s always quick to apologize, he hates when you’re upset with him so he’ll want to explain and have things be alright between you as quickly as possible. He’ll follow after you and do his best to smooth things over whenever he has to.

- He knows that he loves you and he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from expressing it even if he tried. He adores whenever you tell him that you love it; it’s all he wants you to do.

- He has your entire future together already planned out. It’s very likely that he proposes to you fairly early into your relationship; and is a bit of a groomzilla during the wedding planning.