#hope you enjoyed and hope this will appear on the tags :')

[lovesickhughes]

A NONSENSE CHRISTMAS — jack hughes x reader

a/n: hello again!! i am so sorry for the delay on publishing fics for the christmas collection! finals szn came and went and then i had major writer’s block last week, so that delayed my writing, BUT!! i am finally done exams and now back to regular scheduled programming. this is only my second smut piece, and i’m still figuring out my style and what i enjoy writing, so please beware and be kind! more to come soon, i hope you enjoy!!

tags: jack hughes x reader

warnings: 18+ material — oral (f!receiving), unprotected sex, praise kink (please lmk if i missed anything!)

word count: 3.8k

series masterlist

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Jack loved spoiling Y/n with gifts, despite her constant protests every time a random bouquet of flowers appeared on the dining room table after she got home from a day out, or how almost every time he would come home from a long away-game stretch; he’d greet her alongside a gift he had found during his time away. Y/n was greatly appreciative of his gift giving, and repeatedly told Jack ‘he didn’t have to,’ but all she would receive in return would be a shrug of his shoulders or a remark along the lines of he ‘did it because he wanted to.’

And she would have thought that over the years it would slowly dissipate, especially around the holidays– considering it was the season of giving and that was part of what Christmas entailed– but, here she was with a velvet red gift bag placed on her lap with holiday themed tissue paper. 

“Jack, what did I say this year about the random gifts?” Y/n softly whined, her voice filled with warmth.

The brunette snickered from across from her, seated in the corner of the L-shaped couch, the plush cushions engulfing his frame. As Y/n  looked over at him with her eyes squinted in skepticism, she took in his appearance, his body covered in a pair of black joggers, paired with a light brown hoodie that made him look as comfortable and cozy as he could be; his lucious brown hair was messy under his white baseball cap that he wore backwards on his head, the brown tips of his hair sticking out the sides and back.

“I know you said no surprise gifts before Christmas, but this one’s different,” he assured, raising his hand out to her. Y/n tilted her head to the side, even more concerned at what was waiting to be revealed. “We’re both going to like this one.” He continued with a small smirk on his face, his tongue toying with the inside of his lip as he attempted to contain his grin. 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Y/n  asked, her voice hesitant as she anticipated the reveal, and all Jack gave was a reassuring nod to prompt her to open the gift. 

Delicately pulling the tissue paper out of the bag, she began to see what appeared to be a dark green box, and immediately her brows furrowed in confusion as to what it would be. Typically Y/n was able to identify any gift she received from any friend or family member, simply by the shape of the packaging, but from Jack, a narrow, medium sized box that contained something she was able to tell was light when she lifted it out of the bag, completely threw off her perception. 

Y/n had placed the gift bag on the floor, next to her feet and balled up the tissue paper, throwing it into the bag, balancing the covered box on her knees before her. Lifting the lid of the box and letting the hollow bottom slowly slide off as gravity pulled it down, she slowly placed the lid to the side and investigated what looked to be a piece of dark red fabric. 

Y/n looked up to Jack for answers through her eyes; narrow and brows pulled together in confusion, “and this is supposed to be…” Y/n trailed off, waiting for Jack to give her an answer.

“You’ll see, baby, just keep opening the gift.” He encouraged, now shifting himself forward to rest his elbows on his knees in anticipation for Y/n to figure out what he had gifted her with.

She shook her head with a smile breaking through her mouth at her giddy boyfriend who looked like a kid in a candy shop as he watched. Y/n’s eyes avert back down to the box, and she reaches for the fabric that was neatly folded in the velvet interior of the box. 

As she pulled the fabric out, holding it between two fingers, she let it fall out in length and immediately it was like a lightbulb had been lit in her mind, cluing into what he had gotten her as a present. 

Before her, Y/n held a new lingerie set. 

When she looked over to Jack, now holding the see-through lace, a proud, smug smirk had already erupted on his face as she came to the realization. 

“You got me lingerie?” She questioned to confirm what rested in her hands, still in disbelief at the surprising gesture. 

Jack nodded proudly, “Mhm, y’know I had been thinking that I don’t remember you having a red set,” he paused, his eyes darting up as he acted as if he was blissfully previewing the mental image of her in a revealing piece of lingerie, “and I thought red was a pretty festive colour, so why not give you an early Christmas gift.” Jack stated proudly, a wide grin on his face as he quickly swept off his backwards hat to run a hand through his hair. 

For whatever reason that she couldn’t quite pinpoint, the smug, ego-filled look on Jack’s face rubbed her in a way that a craving for revenge started to erupt through her veins. He thought he could be sneaky enough to get her all flustered with the romantic gesture, that she wouldn’t know what to do with it or herself, but unbeknownst to Jack, in that moment she wanted nothing more than to get back at him, and have him a stuttering, breathless mess. 

“Thank you, J, it���s beautiful.” Y/n thanked with a soft, sweet voice, blinking her eyes in his direction with a bit more emphasis than usual. 

“Of course, babe, anything for you.” He mumbled as he came in to plant a wet kiss on her cheek. 

Quickly, Y/n turned her head to his, reaching her own hand to his jaw to stop him from turning away before she meet his lips, placing an intimate kiss filled with electricity on his soft lips. 

“Why don’t you stay here for just a sec, babe, I wanna see if this fits, then if I need a different size, we can get a different one.” Y/n said as she gave him another quick peck to the lips and raised a hand to rub his broad chest, feeling the toned muscles under the fabric of his hoodie. 

Jack hummed in approval before leaning back onto the couch with his hands placed behind his head to support his neck as he slowly watched her get up from the couch, feeling his gaze bleed through her as she walked down the hallway to the shared bedroom to change. 

While discarding her current clothes and slipping on the red lace, Y/n mentally cursed Jack for being almost too thoughtful, both of them knowing he knew the exact size she needed. But, Y/n didn’t want to let him get away that easy; to think he had won this unspoken battle of who would unfold first, so to heat the moment up, she quickly padded over to her bed, crawling onto the cushiony mattress and sprawled out on the plush duvet cover, posing in a way Y/n knew would catch Jack’s attention. 

“Hey, Jack! Can you come and help me? I can’t get this last clasp.” She called out to Jack who still was seated in the living room, waiting for her grand reveal. Y/n bit her lip in excitement as she heard his sock-clad feet pad along the hardwood floor, the sound increasingly getting louder the closer he got to the room, her blood vibrated with anticipation and lust as she knew the consequences of her actions that were about to come for teasing Jack. 

“You sure there’s a clasp, babe? I didn’t think–” Jack started as he turned into the bedroom, his voice immediately coming to a halt when he came face to face with Y/n posed on the bed, in the lace outfit that barely covered her body. “Oh.” Was all Jack said as he stood in place next to the door, arms dropped to his sides with his eyebrows raised in surprise. 

Y/n pulled herself up to her knees and faced Jack’s frame from the bed, her arms attempting to reach behind her body. “Yeah, I thought y’know, there was a clasp near the bra area I needed to do up when I put it on… I can’t seem to get it though…” Y/n trailed off, giving Jack a different energy as she batted her eyelashes in his direction and biting the inside of her lip. 

Jack had a different expression on his face now, one that was more lustful, his eyes seemed more dark with hunger, and she watched as his tongue trailed his bottom lip as his eyes never left hers. He slowly inched forward, quickly pulling off his hat to reveal his messy– but perfect– brown curls, and when he reached the side of the bed, closest to where Y/n sat, his arms reached out to her, while his fingers slowly danced on the side of her torso and pulling Y/n to turn around and have her back to him. 

“Why don’t you let me help with that then,” Jack said alluringly, his bottom lip tucked between his teeth. Y/n’s body was now flush against Jack’s broad chest before he delicately leaned her forward to investigate the back of the lingerie piece, and her hands caught her weight, placing them on either side of her knees that were bent underneath her frame. 

Y/n’s breaths had changed their rhythm, now more slow but jagged as she focused on the feeling of Jack’s calloused hands slowly rubbing up and down her sides as he looked for the mentioned clasp. She could even hear his own deep breathing, each of them not needing words to explain how either of them were feeling. 

Jack hummed slowly, “Hmm, doesn’t seem like there is one.”

Y/n turned back around to face him, his figure towering over her as she looked up at him from the bed. “Oh, well that’s okay, it still fits amazing,” She assured, before a smirk pulled to her face, “what do you think, J?” She asked slowly as she dragged out the question, knowing her seductive tactics were becoming more effective. 

Jack snickered to himself, his tongue toying with the inside of his cheek and his one hand finding its place on her hip, tightly gripping the exposed skin. 

“I mean, baby, this is…” he trailed off, not being able to formulate the correct words to describe his feeling, “wow, I mean– you look stunning… I can’t even put it into words, you’re just making me think all kinds of nonsense right now.” He said as his thumb rubbed small circles on her hip bone, making butterflies erupt all throughout her body. He let out a breath, “I can’t even begin to explain what this is doing to me– and what I want to do to you– you are just… fuck, you are so gorgeous, babe.” He exasperated and Y/n smiled to herself, knowing her attempts at making him flustered were working in her favour.

“Well, why don’t you just show me what this is making you want to do to me?” She asked softly, her own hand reaching up to the side of his face to caress his cheek and jawline. Jack leaned into her touch, a small chuckle falling off his tongue as he smiled with his eyes closed. 

“Oh yeah?” Jack questioned. 

It wasn’t long until his eyes were back on Y/n, filled with lust and determination as he leaned down to place a kiss on her lips. This kiss was different, though. It was filled with desire, the type of kiss that was addictive and caused her to crave more and more. Y/n’s breath hitched as Jack deepened the kiss, her hands balancing her weight as she leaned back onto them as Jack continued to lean forward into the kiss, his hands finding either side of her face. Jack continued to kiss Y/n with need, his tongue sliding over her bottom lip before slipping into her mouth and dancing with her own, earning a moan to fall from her throat. 

Jack pulled away to stare into Y/n’s eyes, his lips now a darker shade of pink; swollen and wet from the contact with hers. His hands that were on her face, now trailed down to her waist, guiding Y/n farther back on the mattress as he followed to hover over her frame. He stood on his knees above her, Y/n’s legs trapped between his as she watched his every move. He reached for the hem of his hoodie with either arm, crossing his hands and swiftly pulling off the fabric to reveal his toned body. 

He reached back down to her figure, his lips finding hers once again as his hands were placed on either side of her shoulders to hold himself over. His one hand lifted to come to Y/n’s side, gripping her skin with his calloused hand, earning a response from her body as her back arched, pushing her closer to his frame. 

Jack pulled away from Y/n’s lips, earning a whine from her at the loss of contact before his lips attached to her jawline, kissing upward towards her ear with soft, slow kisses against the skin. When he reached her ear, she could hear his staggered breath as his lips reached for just below her ear, placing a long, wet kiss on the sensitive spot, making sure to suck lightly before making his way down her neckline. 

When he reached her collarbone and gave it the desired amount of kisses, he pulled away, looking up to Y/n who had never let her eyes drift away from his movements. He quickly leaned in for a peck to the lips before his hands found their way to each of the straps on the lingerie. 

“Y’know, as much as I love this set on you, baby,” he began, his fingers hooking under the shoulder straps, “fuck, is it ever making me want to rip it off of you.” He chuckled. Y/n smiled to herself as she watched Jack slide the red lace off of her figure, pulling it past her arms and down her torso, eventually leaving Y/n bare beneath him. Feeling exposed, her arms begin to cross to cover herself, but that was quickly stopped by Jack’s hands, who pinned them against her own body. “Don’t.” Was all Jack said, but she knew what he meant. He leaned forward, down so close to her head so that his mouth was right beside her ear, “why don’t I make you feel as good as seeing you in that little outfit made me feel.” He prompted, earning a nod from Y/n. Jack’s lips attached back onto her neck, more quickly this time trailing down to her collarbone before moving down her chest even further until her breasts were directly in his line of sight.

She silently watched Jack, her bottom lip between her teeth as her chest heaved up and down in anticipation. 

“Hmm?” Jack hummed as he looked up at her, his mouth just inches away from her nipples that urged for some sort of stimulation, making her squirm underneath his figure. “You want me to make you feel good?” He asked softly, his voice hoarse from whispering. 

Y/n nodded her head desperately, wanting some sort of feeling of release from Jack, but he only tilted his head. 

“Use your words, Y/n.” He continued, prompting Y/n to respond as his large, warm hands found each of her breasts, cupping the soft skin in his own. 

“Yes, Jack, please.” Y/n urged, her back pushing off the mattress 

“Please what, baby. Use your words.” He continued, making Y/n throw her head back in frustration and she could feel Jack’s smirk on his face as he rested his chin on her sternum. 

Y/n looked back up to Jack, whose eyes never left hers. “Please make me feel good.” She whined, a small pout forming on her lip and it was like a switch for Jack to begin sending pleasure throughout her body. Instantly his lips found her one nipple, sucking and swirling his tongue along the sensitive tip, earning a loud moan to release from Y/n’s mouth at the burst of pleasure that erupted through her veins. His other hand occupied her other breast that wasn’t receiving attention from his mouth, rolling her sensitive bud between his fingers, making Y/n moan and squirm underneath his touch. 

Slowly, his head moved further down her body until she could feel his warm breath on each of her thighs, the contrast of his rough hands gripping the soft skin of her inner thighs sent shivers throughout her body, and when Jack began placing delicate kissing trailing from her inner thighs to her core, the feeling of his tongue on her pussy felt electric– sending shocks of pleasure through her body. 

Jack worked effortlessly to make Y/n feel good, his tongue working in rhythms and in response to her body’s language; the squeeze of her thighs against his head, how her hand flew to his brown locks– gripping in pleasure as the knot in her stomach tightened– and the rolling of her hips as he continued to devour her like it was his last meal. 

“God, Jack, I’m close,” Y/n whimpered, feeling the climax of her orgasm slowly building as tingles fled through her veins. In response, she heard him hum and mumble words of encouragement, sending vibrations through her core and body. “Jack,” She called out again to let him know the knot in her stomach was about to come undone, but before her orgasm would flood through her body with euphoria, Y/n felt the cold air hit her pussy as Jack pulled away. He pulled himself up to meet her face and she squirmed under his body at the loss of contact. 

Whining in desperation, she reached an arm up to the nape of his neck and lightly tug at the curls as he leans down, catching his weight with either arms beside her head, and meets her lips, Y/n’s slick that had transferred to his chin now rubbing against her own skin. 

Jack pulls away, a grin on his face as he looks into her eyes, “I’ll let you come, Y/n, don’t worry about that.” He assured as his finger fell under her chin and tilted her head up. “But I want you to come all over my cock so you can feel how you in the little red piece makes me feel.” 

Y/n was left with her mouth agape, laying under Jack’s frame as she took in his words. While processing her own thoughts, Jack quickly slipped out of his pants and boxers, stroking his hard-on a few times as he adjusted himself at her entrance. 

As he slowly pressed into her, sliding in and filling her out, Y/n’s mouth fell further open than before, and she moaned at the feeling of Jack bottoming her out fully. Her hand found his own wrist that was planted next to her hip and grip his forearm tightly as they both adjusted to his size. 

“Fuck, baby, you’re so tight.” Jack groaned as he looked down to Y/n with hooded eyes, and she nodded in encouragement for him to begin thrusting. 

Immediately Jack begins to slowly pull away and before she can decipher the feeling, Y/n was welcomed with deep, thorough strokes and the sound of Jack’s skin slapping against hers. 

Her hand found her own clit to send a pulse of pleasure through her veins as Jack began to increase the speed of his movements, and his bottom lip tucked between his teeth as he focused on the sight below him and his thrusts, concentrating on the noises that fell from Y/n’s  lips with each stroke. 

“Jack,” she called out, unable to form a complete sentence as the pleasure that was erupting through her body consumed her. Jack's deep thrusts had now increased into a rhythm that left her at a loss for words. All that consumed the bedroom was the sound of their bodies intertwining and pleasure filling each of their bodies. 

“Yeah, baby? You like that?” Jack asked through staggered breaths, his own rhythm quickening his heart rate. “You look perfect taking my cock so good– such a good girl takin’ all of me.” He continued, clearly in a state of bliss as his own orgasm approached. 

“Jack, fuck–” Y/n called out to him, her eyes tightly shut as she focused on the orgasm that was on the brink of consuming her whole body. “Please, Jack, I’m gonna come.” She moaned, her head thrown back onto the pillows beneath her head as she felt the knot in her stomach release and the rush of euphoria, flooding her body and sending tingles all throughout. 

Y/n continued to whimper at the sensitive feelings as Jack continues to thrust, his own climax soon following after, and he remains in her for a moment to gather himself before slowly pulling out, earning a soft whimper from Y/n at the loss of fullness and slight ache from the fresh contact. 

Jack quickly plants a kiss on her lips before he slips off the bed to reach for the nightstand beside the mattress that has a soft cloth they kept at arm's length in case of needing to clean any messes from their adventures together. 

It wasn’t long after that Y/n found herself in a drowsy state, laying her head against Jack’s broad chest, his bare skin warm and covered with a thin layer of sweat from his prior movements. Jack’s hands found her hip, tracing small, soft and delicate shapes against her skin. Each of them laid in each other’s comfort, silence falling over the room as she came back to her senses. 

“So, what I’m gathering is I need more lingerie in my closet to make you pull that side of you out again.” Y/n chuckled as she looked up to meet Jack’s eyes. 

A smug smile erupted on his face, his thoughts clearly tracing back to the mental image of Y/n in her new outfit. “There’s no point.” Jack shrugged. 

She squinted her eyes and pulled her lips into a flat line, “and why’s that?” She pressed. 

Jack only chuckled, “because it’ll be off more often than you’d wear it.” Earning a playful scoff and swat of her hand to the brunette. 

[felassan]

Some more DA:TV and related snippets from Sylvia Feketekuty, Part 2. rest of post under a cut due to length and spoilers. [Post One, Post Three]

The dev team really wanted to deliver on Emmrich's romance [source]

Sylvia Feketekuty has now left BioWare so there are likely some things she can't answer now "just because I can't look them up with certainty anymore" [source]

When Emmrich is first introduced, he has a skull helmet. Why does it never ever appear for the next 40-100 hours? "The helmet does indeed look wicked! I believe it actually shows up on his shelf in the Lighthouse eventually. (If I had been a smarter writer I would've asked if we could have it appear again, that one's on me.)" [source]

User: "In another post you mentioned shops in Nevarra City near the Necropolis. How far IS Nevarra City itself is from the Necropolis? Do only senior MWs get to go?" / Sylvia: "I'm reluctant to say what the distance is since I never defined it in game so it's Unknown™. But I imagine they can either walk or take a carriage, depending. Also I never imagined junior MWers are forbidden from going into town or such. It could be they have set hours and times where they're allowed. But got to get all those chores done first..." [source, two]

On the DA:I goat scene ([link]) - "The GOAT! God bless them, that was a delight." [source]

Brian J. Audette, on [this thread] - ""Better late than never" addendum to this thread. I just noticed that Isle of the Gods' writer Sylvia is on here now and I'd be remiss not to tag her in this thread. I can't say enough wonderful things about having worked with Sylvia on this mission." [source] / Sylvia: "Thanks Brian! You tackled an absolutely jam-packed mission with aplomb." [source]

Jo Berry: "Thank you for everything and everything else, on both Veilguard and Inquisition. Sunlight on your road, wherever it goes." [source] / Sylvia: "Thank YOU for all your writing Jo. Seriously, you were a godsend on Veilguard and DAI both." [source]

Trick Weekes: "It's been fantastic working with you, Sylvia, and I know you're going to crush it with whatever you do next. Thank you for finally letting me make you "the person who has to do journals so Trick doesn't" on one of our projects." [source] / Sylvia: "Thank you Trick! I'll miss working with you. It was an honour to finally be given the awesome responsibility of the journal system that still haunts my dreams." [source]

John Epler: "sylvia did you see i told the world Emmrich sleeps standing up like a horse" [source] / Sylvia: "It's days later but: yes. Yes I did." [source]

User: "As someone who also has a truly debilitating fear of death, Emmrich is so special to me. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen it represented in such a clear and concise way." / Sylvia: "Thanks, definitely felt that fear myself. I really wanted to express it clearly and was hoping would resonate with others." [source]

User: "Do you have any thoughts or opinions on what nickname Emmrich might have gotten from Varric if he'd ever gotten one?" / Sylvia: "Oh man that's a good question, but ultimately since I didn't write Varric, that must remain a mystery. Nicknames can only be bestowed. ("Bones" like someone suggested below is funny though.)" [source]

User: "If Emmrich's hobby is alchemy/plants, Vorgoth's is art, and Audric's is architecture... what's Myrna's? (Next to Emmrich, she's my favorite Watcher - sorry Vorgoth!)" / Sylvia: "Myrna has a one off line, you may not have heard it yet, where she talks to Vorgoth about getting tickets to the Sword of Drakon.* She enjoys a night out at the theater, whether it's a play or an opera. *(I think that's the play I named, I hope I'm recalling my own line haha.) It's a bit indulgent of me, but I chose Sword of Drakon because it was one of the plays I made up for a series of codices in DAI about Orlesian theater. I had a lot of fun with these and wanted to give them life once more. [link]" [source, two]

User: "During Rook’s disappearance in the prison, how did Emmrich react? Considering their intense romance, did he fall into depression, or did he show a more vulnerable side? Could his fear of death have influenced the situation? In the immortal romance💀, Emmrich promises that nothing will separate them, not in this world or any other. How likely is that? Would he go to great lengths for Rook, even crossing boundaries? Or, at some point, would he accept Rook's death?" / Sylvia: "1) Very strongly! I think it's a bit more interesting if I leave details to your imaginations, but Emmrich feels things deeply and probably had some sleepless nights. 2) So this I can't say much on even though it's a juicy topic. The truth is, I wouldn't even know unless I was actually sitting down to write it. Again, Emmrich feels things very passionately, but this is the kind of scenario where I might want the player's choices to have an effect." [source, two]

User: "Any chance that color scheme [of Emmrich's coat] was based off the corpse flower?" / Sylvia: "I couldn't find anything on the colour scheme and the corpse flower. Afraid this one's a mystery to me." [source]

User: "I'm really curious if there's a Nevarrese language? We have Orlesian, Antivan, Tevene, Qunlat..." / Sylvia: "I wondered that myself, especially given its ancient ties with Tevinter and also Orlais which would certainly have affected the languages of power and influence. Could also have roots with the Planasene. We never talked about one though, as far as I know, so the answer remains...unknown. 💀 (I did introduce tomb-script, the language you see etched into stone in the Necropolis, but I thought of it as more of a specialist's language for occult and magical things specifically.) (If we did define a Nevarran language in some corner of the lore, now I'm going to feel embarrassed, but I don't BELIEVE we did.)" [source, two, three]

User: "I wanted to ask if you have anything you can share about MW grave dowry jewellery - is it the sort of thing they keep on at all times? Also, would Emmrich like jewellery gifts or give them to Rook?" / Sylvia: "I figured it would be something they wear most of the time, or at least in public. You don't want to be without your grave-gold if you pass away! Emmrich would love to get jewellery, especially if it marked a special occasion like his other pieces do! He'd also probably like to gift Rook a piece of grave gold himself, though he knows a non-MW Rook might look at that part askance." [source, two]

User: "Question: how much if anything can you tell us about the circumstances surrounding the emergence of Emmrich's magic and him going to the Mourn Watch? In my mind, his parents' death could certainly be a catalyst for the emergence of mage powers, but I'm so curious why the butcher's boy goes to what seems the equivalent of Nevarran Harvard instead of a regular Circle unless he immediately demonstrated outstanding ability?" / Sylvia: So timeline wise, I think his magic manifested after he was taken in. This part isn't canon, so much as a background thought I had that maybe the spirits of the Necropolis nudged the MW to scoop up this future corpse-whisperer. It seems like a kind of place ripe for that sort of omen. That said, it could've also been a kindhearted Watcher who saw how shattered and alone this young boy was, and thought an upbringing in the Grand Necropolis would be the better place to deal with his grief. It's the kind of thing I want to leave open unless someone goes back one day to fill it out!" [source, two]

User: "what’s the overall Mourn Watch opinion on the whole Weekend at King Markus’s the other Mortalitasi are pulling? I can’t blame Emmrich for not wanting to be involved with that political mess!" / Sylvia: "No clue what you're talking about. King Markus is in the finest of health!!!!! ahahahahaha (To my mind Emmrich's response indicates a tension between the orders, but that they're going along with the polite fiction to avoid a mess. I can't say what the future holds though.)" [source]

User: "Ah, one last note: whoever decided “DA liches are immortal protectors and not always evil?” Chef’s kiss. It’s all I’ve ever wanted!" / Sylvia: "Thanks again! It was in Emmrich's first draft. The other writers and editors gave me good feeback on lichdom and the philosophy behind it especially" [source]

User: "I'm an ICU nurse, and that is imagined to confer a comfort with mortality. Suffice to say Emmrich has been a huge comfort to see." / Sylvia: "Thanks so much. I really wanted him to struggle with it while also engaging with it, because it's something I find hard as well. And I hoped it would find purchase with players." [source]

User: "If you’re willing, can you share a bit about the other orders within the Mortalitasi? Is there a rivalry with the Tevinter Imperium?" / Sylvia: I'm afraid I don't have much, sorry. I left the other Mortalitasi orders a big open canvas in case we wanted to invent more some day. (We've mentioned the palace Mortalitasi are separate from the Mourn Watch, so there's one. As you probably caught, Emmrich's not a fan of theirs.) Is there a rivalry with the Tevinter Imperium? I can't really point to anything in the game talking about that, so I hesitate to call it canon. But to my mind it would be very natural and also very funny. So if that ever manifests, I approve." [source, two]

User: "was any of Emmrich's design or personality modeled on British actor David Niven? I think there is resemblance just wondering if that was intentional." / Sylvia: "Oh I love David Niven. But the more direct actor influence for me was Peter Cushing in a few old Hammer Horror films." [source]

User: "just wanted to say thank you for creating the character of Josephine in Inq!! Helped me learn some stuff about myself when I was younger and meant a lot." / Sylvia: "Thank you so much on all counts! I'm glad the lovely Lady Montilyet was there for you (and enormous credit to her actor, Allegra Clark. She absolutely nailed Josephine, straight away.)" [source]

User, on Emmrich: "He mentions he thought he would marry - is that permitted for Mortalitasi when it wasn't for regular Circle mages? Can they now raise their own children?" / Sylvia: Mortalitasi have a lot of power. I imagine the Nevarran Chantry might grant them permission to marry outside the Circle more regularly than in places where mages are given less respect. (Mages can also marry within Circles, so no permission needed in those cases.) The same might be true for mages raising mage-born children in Nevarra, but I say that with less certainty. I think that's a topic I would've wanted to discuss with the rest of the narrative team." [source, two]

User: "is there a particular reason why emmrich is always wearing a glove on one hand?" / Sylvia: "I like to think it's mostly because he works a lot with his hands. The glove seems useful if he has to, say, grip a rough outcrop of rock when traversing the Necropolis, or deal with a bitey corpse." [source]

User, on Emmrich: "On my 1st run I played a trans Rook and romanced him. It felt incredible how he was so accepting of Rook's identity, and in return she could support him as he did a transition of his own as well. Beautiful mirroring!" / Sylvia: "Thanks very much! If those scenes worked, it's thanks to some people at work who kindly gave feedback that helped get the tone right." [source]

User: "I've been wanting to thank you for writing Luck in the Gardens for 4 years. Hollix was the first time I ever saw a non-binary character given a real voice." / Sylvia: "I loved writing Hollix in that story, they were a treat, and I'm glad they meant a lot to you. (And a shout out to a nb friend who gave me some good feedback on the character, I don't think the story would've been as clear without their help.)" [source]

User: "I was curious about Audric from TN, and if he originally was planned to have an appearance in veilguard, and what he's up to now" / Sylvia: "Love Audric, but I never planned to bring him into VG. I'm not AGAINST it, but I didn't want the short stories to feel like required reading for the game, and I liked where his arc ended in DatDM. That said, I dropped in a few references to Audric to let people know he's around and well. And I imagine he's doing what he loves: being a force of order, in the library. (And reading books during the more quiet hours below.)" [source, two]

User: "As a consumer of (and probably future creator of) so called "erotic" fanficfion, I'm wondering how you feel about the fact that fans make it about a character you created?" / Sylvia: "No issues with it whatsoever. We put sex and romance into the game itself, after all. I think people use fan art and fanfiction to extend their time with a story they've grown fond of, or to figure things out. So it feels like a natural extension of that." [source]

User: "Maybe one day my rook will join the mw!" / Sylvia: "Well, the Grand Necropolis is always eager for more company...🪦👻" [source]

User: "did the flame eternal (short story) come first or the flame eternal (quest)? i’ve been wondering if the quest was named after the story or vice versa" / Sylvia: "I wrote the scene first, the short story came after. But I named the quest AFTER the short story had come out, so I'd say the quest is named for the story because I liked the callback." [source]

User: "1.I know John answered already that Emmrich sleeps like a horse but is there really no bed for this man? 2.How would he react to a bouquet made for him?" / Sylvia: "1. Unknown. Perhaps he brings out pillows and a blanket for the slab in his room (after scrubbing it, of course!) Perhaps he goes home to an elaborate silk-covered bed in his Necropolis apartments. Or the horse thing. (TBH: I never decided myself, so I've leaned into impish mystery). 2. Emmrich would be absolutely delighted and flattered by being presented with a flower bouquet." [source, two]

User: "I hope it's okay to pop here but it might interest you to know a lot of us have been headcanoning that he has a secret bedroom behind one of his bookshelves! It seemed to line up with his sensibilities somewhat." / Sylvia: "That would honestly be great. Pull out the right book and snooze time." [source]

User, on the cemetery date: "This makes me feel like Mourn Watchers include the dead in important personal milestones/events and, if so, I love that so much. Like they want to share these events and the joy/love/excitement/etc. with those who have passed (and perhaps linger.)" / Sylvia: "That's absolutely how I thought of it too." [source]

User: "was there any game/book/show/film that inspired the Mourn Watch and Emmrich? When I saw them in the preview content, I got reminded of the Locked Tomb series by Tamsyn Muir and playing through the game cemented those vibes." / Sylvia: "I hadn't read any Locked Tomb when writing Emmrich, I think we must both just have impeccable taste. (I actually tried to stay away from contemporary stuff on necromancy when writing him, out of a superstitious fear I'd be unduly influenced. I do want to talk about influences later though!)" [source]

User, on Josie: "Do you think she’s open to having kids/adopting with the Inquisitor? Lord Ontranto and Yvette are so ahead!" / Sylvia: "I think that falls firmly within the category of what you imagine she and your Inquisitor's romance looks like, which means: absolutely, if that's where you imagine life would take them." [source]

User: "Emmrich, his story & everything surrounding him absolutely played a huge part in helping to lift me up & connecting me with new friends online" / Sylvia: "Thank you! And I'm very glad to hear Emmrich and his fellow Watchers helped you out when you needed it. He'd be pleased to know so himself." [source]

User: "Was it ever considered for him to appear in the game?" / Sylvia: "(short answer is no, but I wanted to let people know Audric's doing well.)" [source]

User: "I enjoyed your short stories in Tevinter Nights. Emmrich mentioned working out in the morning. What does his morning routine look like, and what kind of exercise does he do?" / Sylvia: "Thanks so much! Those stories have a special place in my heart, so that's especially nice to hear. On exercise: He likes a brisk stroll, and does morning stretches, and for something more strenuous, he likes to go swimming. Why? It's a workout where you don't have to worry about sweating. That just seemed to align with his fastidiousness in a funny way to me. (I also imagine exploring the Necropolis keeps him active, climbing all those stairs and crumbling ledges and the outsized walls of hallowed tombs, etc.)" [source, two]

User: "Harding will turn to a MW Rook who's been talking nerdy necro shop with Emmrich, and goes (paraphrasing), "You're so different when you're talking about this stuff than you are when you hang out with us!" and I loved that" / Sylvia: "Yes indeed! And thanks. I really wanted a beat where you realize MW Rook has learned to swap between being a fancy nerd and talking a bit more like "regular" people in Thedas. It seemed like a fun trait for that background." [source]

Sylvia, on how she came to BioWare: "No formal training. The closest to practice I had was running tabletop RPGs for friends, which actually helped me a lot with understanding the different kind of RPG players out there and what people want out of a story. And honestly: I just kept applying, over and over. That was my main virtue. I was rejected the first couple times I applied to BW. And rightly, I think, I wasn't ready and practicing in between really helped me become a stronger writer." [source, two]

Some more on this topic ^ from Sylvia: "To be honest: mostly luck, some perseverance, and then writing skills, in that order. I was rejected at least twice from BW before I got in, and I think they were right to do so. I wasn't ready yet. The third round someone I knew passed on my sample to a writer there, I did two more rounds of samples while taking feedback and revising over the next month. And then I was lucky enough they liked it enough to interview me. I wish I had better advice than perseverance. I think having a small, completed game, even something text based or a mod, isn't bad either. Even if it's short, it shows you finished it. But: my entry was over 15 years ago now, and to be honest I'm not sure what BW's applicant process are anymore. I don't want to be discouraging though. I would say keep applying, and make friends with like minded people who also want to make games, and best of luck." [source, two, three, four]

User: "I've been wondering something about Mourn Watch Rook's background - their bio says they were found as a baby + raised by the MW, and they reference it in-game, but then they also say they were a street kid and left their old life behind to join the MW to Taash. I'm just curious how one - being raised by the MW - lead to the other - street kid era. I just hc'd it as a euphemism for my Rook's party girl phase lol but it did leave me a little confused." / Sylvia: "This is a case of the background changing slightly over time, and me not squaring it in time with dialogue. In my mind: MW IS found by the Mourn Watch, raised by them, and work for them. But MW Rook also had period(s?) growing up where they explored Nevarra city, to explain why they're more. street savvy and worldly than your typical Watchers who never leave the city. I've seen people noting some discrepancies, and in a perfect world I would've caught those lines in time to smooth them out to encompass the whole story. But perhaps your Rook gives slightly different answers to different people for their own, mysterious reasons! (Or, in reality, it's writer error.)" [source, two, three] "Anyhow, I encourage any head canons that help square these discrepancies" [source]

User: "I romanced him on a Rook that I perceived as about 42ish and my running interpretation of the lines acknowledging her being young were either Emmrich not realizing how old she is, a running bit between them, or some cute form of flattery to not remind her of her own age haha" / Sylvia: "That's adorable, I love it" [source]

User: "1. What would Josie's ideal date be? 2. Could adopted kids be heir of the Montilyet estate or would it go to Yvette? 3. What does Josie think of the Crows?" / Sylvia: "1. I think she'd try to structure something, but the Inquisitor taking her away from her strictly scheduled routine to relax would actually be better for her. A picnic in a garden, a stroll around a lake followed by a meal in a quiet little restaurant. Something with a soft evening. 2. I don't think I ever said so in the game, but to my mind Josephine had some nieces and nephews in line to be heir. If she adopted a child and thought they'd be a better candidate, they could absolutely inherit the estate. (And of course, she could bequeath money or personal effects as she liked.) 3. She thinks of them as a necessity in Antiva, and that it's important to appease them. There's probably highly placed Crows she would get along with. But she'd never be comfortable with them. At the end of the day they're contract killers, and she's no lover of violence. (If I actually DID mention who Josephine had lined up to inherit the estate after her, but just forgot, I will ask for mercy because the game came out over 10 years ago.)" [source, two, three, four]

User: "Would you ever consider making a playlist on spotify of the sort of music you could picture Emmerich listening to? Or perhaps sharing any of the music you listened to while writing Emmrich?" / Sylvia: "I actually have an itunes playlist of what I listened to when writing Emmrich on my old computer. If I dig it out, I'll post a screenshot! (A lot of ambient stuff, probably unsurprisingly)" [source]

User: "I utterly, completely adore the way Josephine was written, she's such a wonderful and complex character. Her history as a bard, her ruthlessness, her kindness and sweet nature and how CUTE her romance is." / Sylvia: "Lady Montilyet herself would be flattered to hear you liked it." [source]

User, on Sylvia's comment about Peter Cushing being a go-to for what Emmrich would be like: "This makes me so unbelievably happy given my love for Peter Cushing 😭 my love for Emmrich was inevitable." / Sylvia: "I want to talk a little more about it later but Cushing was such a wonderful actor. Wish we'd had him around even longer." [source]

User, on death and working in death care: "In the end, it’s always about memory." / Sylvia: "That's so true. We want to be remembered, or to have something that lets people know even a little about who we are. (It's why I'm glad newspapers still print obituaries, you can read about the most amazing lives.)" [source]

User: "I was starting to think the game was reading my mind and tailoring to me once he said his favorite color was lilac, and I was given the option to say darker purple." / Sylvia: "I'm glad you enjoyed Emmrich and his romance. And that the bit about colours worked for you, I was trying to think of what would be something fun there, and purple is one of my favorites too. (Fine taste!)" [source]

User: "“Down Among the Dead Men” is one of my favorite chapters from Tevinter Nights. I loved Audric and I was so happy when Myrna mentioned him in Veilguard! Was there any chance he might’ve appeared in game?" / Sylvia: "basically I didn't plan it, but I wanted to let TN readers know Audric is living well" [source]

User: "If Hezenkoss was also you ALL of that was a sheer stroke of brilliance!" / Sylvia: "Thank you! Hezenkoss was me, so glad you liked her. She was a blast to write. Oh my god, I meant to write Hezenkoss was one of my favorites not "me". (I think I snipped out something and consequentially sound like a maniac in that post above. SORRY. She is not me, I wish I had that kind of confidence.)" [source, two]

User, on behalf of their friend: "Well, spontaneously I'd be interested if she can say any more about Emmrich's past romances. Was there someone really serious among them, or all just fun and casual? I'm also curious how the whole mage training works in Nevarra. Are some trained from the start by the Mourn Watch or does everyone go to the Mortalitasi equivalent of a Circle first?" / Sylvia: "1. I think there was probably a mix of more serious romances and more casual ones over Emmrich's life. The serious ones just never panned out. (Until Rook, if you're romancing him.) 2. I pictured the MW taking in promising members from other circles, but I left their selection criteria vague on purpose, in case we needed to define it later. Of course, there's also exceptions. We've seen they take in some orphans or foundlings (MW Rook and Emmrich, for example) when fate, chance, or pity allows it. (I had an idea spirits might sometimes nudge MWers to take in someone, but that's not in the game, so it remains, I suppose now, my own head canon.)" [source, two, three, four]

User: "Emmrich is every bit the warm and kind academic that I looked up to in my undergrad/postgrad days, and I have taken time in the game just to wander the Grand Necropolis and take everything in." / Sylvia: "My pleasure, and thanks very much for saying so. (Props to all my teammates, it took a lot of people to bring those characters and places to life, and they were all so enthusiastic about our weird gothy corner of Thedas.)" [source]

User, on Emmrich's dream: "One of few cases where writers don't go for "actually immortality is lame" lesson to appease the audience for whom immortality is unattainable. Refreshing to have a character who wants to live forever, can do it, and it isn't treated as a mistake. One of the boldest bits of writing in the game." / Sylvia: "Thanks Mary - that was one of my aims, because so many times in stories, immortality is a fool's errand. I wanted it to have its rules, and its price, but not something disastrous or out of reach." [source]

User: "The MW as a whole was beautifully done and the way they handle life and death was deeply healing and aided tremendously in my own personal journey with grief." / Sylvia: "I'm very glad meeting Emmrich and the Watchers helped even a little, that means a lot to hear." [source]

User: "Amazing work in veilguard and inquisition honestly and the flame eternal was such a fun read! Unless it’s been answered before my query is where do the Mourn watchers live/sleep? Is it a case of they live in the higher parts of the Necropolis or do they live in the city and commute?" / Sylvia: "Flame Eternal was a fun one, hadn't written a story that short before but I enjoyed introducing Johanna and Emmrich's dynamic back in their good old days... As to your question, there's one line of banter between Emmrich and Neve that talks about this (so, very easy to miss.) The Mourn Watchers live and sleep in the upper (safer) levels of the Necropolis." [source, two]

User: "does mortal!Emmrich return to the Necropolis or spend more time in the world first? He plays detective with Neve & camps in Ferelden with Harding feels like he’d want to experience more of the world before returning home." / Sylvia: "Impossible for me to say what the future will hold with certainty, but I think Emmrich's enjoying exploring the world too much to go back to living in the Necropolis full time just yet. He'd certainly want to keep visiting regularly, but there's so much more to see." [source]

Sylvia: "The Watchers have a special place in my heart." [source]

User: "I just wanted to say how much I love Emmrich" / Sylvia: "Thank you very much! I'm so glad to hear you enjoyed getting to know him." [source]

at this point tumblr stopped letting me add to this post !

[wholoveseggs]

A Kiss for Christmas

18+ ---- {Masterlist} {Tag-List}{Five Days of Fluffmas}

{Kol Mikaelson x Reader} Kol Mikaelson’s relentless mistletoe mischief is driving you mad... but this Christmas, you’re determined to win the game he started...

♡♡ Happy Fluffmas!!!! ♡♡

820 words {omg a short fic for once} - Warnings: flufffff, banter, mistletoe shenanigans and Kol being Kol...

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Kol Mikaelson was insufferable.

That thought had crossed your mind a dozen times already today. It wasn’t unusual, of course…Kol had a knack for pushing your buttons, but this time he’d outdone himself. He’d found a sprig of mistletoe somewhere in the sprawling Mikaelson estate, and now he was making it everyone’s problem.

Specifically, yours.

You were headed towards the kitchen, hoping for a quiet moment to grab some cocoa, but there he was, leaning against the doorway with that unmistakable smirk. Above his head, held precariously between two fingers, was the offending greenery.

“Fancy meeting you here, darling,” he said, his tone dripping with faux surprise. “What a coincidence that we are standing under some mistletoe. Care to indulge me?”

You rolled your eyes, brushing past him. “You’ll have to do better than that, Kol.”

He tsked, feigning disappointment as he followed you to the counter. “Oh, come now. It’s tradition. You wouldn’t want to ruin Christmas, would you?”

“I’ll take my chances,” you replied, focusing on pouring your drink.

Kol sighed dramatically, like you’d broken his heart. “You wound me, love. Truly.”

You ignored him, though your traitorous heart was racing. There was something about the way Kol teased you, the way he always seemed to be waiting for a reaction. It was infuriating. It was exhilarating.

You refused to give him the satisfaction.

But Kol wasn’t one to give up easily.

The next time you saw him, he was lounging on the couch in the living room, twirling the mistletoe between his fingers. You barely made it two steps into the room before he stood up, crossing the distance between you in a blur of vampiric speed.

“There you are,” he said, grinning as he dangled the mistletoe over your head.

“Kol,” you warned, stepping back.

“What’s the matter? Afraid you’ll enjoy it?” he teased, leaning in just enough to make your pulse jump.

You snatched the mistletoe out of his hand and threw it onto the coffee table. “Stop it.”

Kol only laughed, entirely unbothered. “Admit it, darling. You’re tempted.”

“I’m tempted to stake you,” you muttered, retreating before he could see the heat rising in your cheeks.

Over the next few hours, Kol’s antics escalated. He started appearing out of nowhere, holding the mistletoe above you, leaving you flustered and irritated. You’d turn a corner, and there he’d be, leaning casually against the wall, mistletoe in hand.

And then he took it a step further.

You reached into your pocket to grab your phone and froze when your fingers brushed something unfamiliar. Pulling it out, you found the mistletoe, its tiny berries mocking you.

Your frustration boiled over. Clutching the mistletoe, you stormed through the halls in search of Kol. You found him lounging in the library, an innocent expression plastered across his face as he flipped through a book.

When he saw you, his eyes lit up with mock surprise. “Darling! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

You held up the mistletoe. “Explain this.”

Kol’s smirk widened. “Why, I’ve no idea how that got there. Perhaps it’s fate telling you something?”

“Is sneaking mistletoe into my pocket your idea of fate now?” you snapped.

Kol closed the book and stood, strolling toward you with deliberate slowness. “Perhaps I put it there…” He trailed off, tilting his head as though deep in thought. Then, with exaggerated delight, he gasped. “Or maybe it was one of Santa’s elves! Tricky little devils, aren’t they?”

Your blood boiled, your heart racing faster with every word. “Are you serious right now?”

He grinned, stepping closer. “Why wouldn’t I be? I mean, you have some mistletoe. Is this your way of asking for a kiss?”

His tone was playful, but the smug look on his face was unbearable. He clearly thought he had the upper hand, and you were done letting him have it.

Fine. Two could play at that game.

Before he could say another word, you stormed across the room, grabbing him by the collar. His eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, you kissed him.

It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t soft. It was every ounce of frustration you’d felt all day wrapped into one bold, heated kiss.

When you pulled back, Kol’s expression was priceless. His smirk was gone, replaced by wide eyes and parted lips. He blinked, his hand brushing his lips as though trying to process what just happened. For the first time all day, he was completely speechless.

“Happy now?” you asked, tossing the mistletoe at him.

A slow grin spread across his face, and he let out a soft laugh. “You’ve just made Christmas my favorite holiday.”

You couldn’t help but laugh in return. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love it,” he replied, his usual confidence returning as he leaned in and captured your lips in another kiss. This one was softer, deliberate, and left your knees weak.

Maybe you did.

[simp-ly-writes]

The Jackals Companion

─────── · · A 'Day of the Jackal' (TV series) FanFic

Pairing: Charles "Jackal" Calthrop x Fem!Hacker!Reader

─ · · SUMMARY: After a shocking turn of events, you and the Jackal become lovers-of-sorts and you both share a moment in one another warmth as a snowy London sets the backdrop to your hotel room.

─ · · TAGS: second person perspective used, female-pronouns used, mostly fluff, cuddling, kissing, depictions of blood, mentions of guns and violence, usage of pet-names (ex. love) swearing, light angst.

─ · · MASTERLIST | TAGLIST REQUEST | WORDCOUNT: 2,401

─ · · A/N: thank you to @calmowl2407 for this sweet ask! sorry that it took me awhile 🫶 I hope you all enjoy :)

─────── · ·

─ · · You were a certified genius- or at least thats what your first job title while working in an a Apple store for a few years but now you were a freelance hacker and profiler; having graduated with multiple degrees in sociology, psychology, mathematics, and of course, computer science.

─ · · During the day you worked as a teaching assistant and seasonal lecturer but at night, you were known as "Robin." You loved your behind-the-scenes job, the disconnection gave you privacy yet enough money to live a plush lifestyle in reality and to do the things you loved most- teaching others.

─ · · When on one of your nightly "raids" you liked to call them you were toying with auction prices at an event, watching through the security cameras in order to pause the sale just at the right moment yet it appeared that someone had the exact same idea as you... just in a more direct approach...

Your vision snapped over to one of your other various monitors at the sight of a figure in a suit, moving outside of the outlined space for the event. You raised a brow, zooming in on pixelated face with a scoff- nobody ever invests in high quality cameras these days.

You watched as he moved through the various corridors and always knew where to face so that all the cameras did not get a clear sight of him. He walked in long purpose-filled strides, a gym-bag over his shoulder, the object inside odd in shape as you rendered a scan of it- a gun? But who's the target little assassin?

You did a quick search of the black-web, trying to find any details or contracts that had been posted in the last three months yet nothing particularly pertained to anyone attending this event. Your eyebrows furrowed, irritation growing as you couldn't find any information of why this man was here, who he was going to attack, and even who the hell this guy even was in the first place.

You tapped your finger against your desk, contemplating your next move, the clock was ticking down and with one click it would be lights out, the men posing as handlers would run with the object just as your contract requested and you would have yet another fat pay check in your lap... could finally buy that new wool coat, you thought to yourself with a smile, thats if this assassin doesn't mess with anything...

You watched as he unzipped his bag and set up his gear, sizing up for the shot, click, you giggled, leaning back in your chair as you watched through the various body cams to see the artifact successfully stolen and they made their escape. People were running around everywhere, police entering the scene as the auctioneer was lead off-stage before collapsing a bullet right between his eyes. You clapped your hands together, good shot, you praised before erasing all the security footage- leaving not a trace to be found.

CHAT ROOM OPENED: r0ob6^in* said: payment? now. A-%l^8e6x said: sent. good work. A-%l^8e6x said: next job? file.16937 r0ob6^in* said: will do.

You placed an order on that coat before turning off your screens and order in take-out before going for a shower and settling yourself into a set silk pyjamas and fluffy slippers.

─────── · ·

─ · · A knock sounded at your door as you went to go get your food and to your surprise there was a metal barrel awaiting you instead of a brown paper bag. You raised your hands, eyes wide and blinking, "uh you can have anything you want in the apartment! please don't hurt me!" you plead as they force their way into the space and... gently close the door behind themselves?

You blinked, one... twice... thrice in confusion, "sit" they ordered as you rapidly nodded your head and trotted your way to the living room and finding the nearest armchair while shaking like a leaf and whispering a prayer to whatever celestial entity would hear.

The tall man sits across from you, legs extended outwards and on to your rug. You did not dare look them in the face, instead playing with your hands with closed eyes wondering what they would do next. You felt the mans stare at the side of your head and across your body as they observed what you were wearing more closely, "look at me."

You took a second before raising your head and staring just past the top of their head, you prayed that the second of hesitation you took would not take your life as well. "Look at me," they demanded again as your eyes flashed down to... a young mans face? and an attractive face with that?

You tried not to let the shock and confusion come over your features but failed miserably once hearing him chuckle at you. "I've been... observing your talents from afar for awhile now, your little mission today was a surprise for me but I must thank you for deleting that footage... saved me frying their servers on my way out."

You nod, slowly, as you observe the suit the man wears and how put-together he looks for being a criminal breaking into your own home and threatening you with a gun that was still pointed in your direction. "You're welcome?" you say yet it comes out more like a question, you hear the safety of their gun click on as they place it back in the waistband of their pants. You lean back, slightly in your chair knowing that you most likely were not leaving this spot while under such a heavy stare... or at least not for awhile...

─────── · ·

─ · · When you said awhile back then... you would be surprised to know awhile meant more like over a year and not a day went but without you seeing "The Jackal" or Charles he told you to call him. He said he wished to have a camera on you when you reacted to his name for the first time, the way your lips pushed together like your eyebrows as you tested the name again and again on your tongue while picking and pointing at his face- he couldn't help but smile at your silly actions.

─ · · You had become the Jackals companion in some strange turn of events, always by his side or had him in your sights as you navigated him through building floor plans and got him onto planes quickly back to your house that had became a second home-base for him. You scoff shaking your head, your own damn burglar now holding the keys to your apartment to come and go as freely as he wanted but the Jackal never wanted you too far away from him, especially when he was completing large and dangerous missions like the one he was on right now... trying to assassinate a parliament member in London.

─ · · It was nearing Christmas time, a perfectly unsuspecting and joyous part of the year that would have your client easy to locate for you and for the Jackal- easy to target.

─ · · You waited anxiously for Charles to get back to the hotel room after providing him directions through local security cameras. You had ordered room service in preparation and held a half drank glass of red wine in your hand, swirling it around like your thoughts before setting the glass down and jumping off the bed, running down the hall at the sound of the door closing before jumping into his arms.

"Hello to you to, love," he teased you, pressing a kiss to the top of your head as you smiled and buried your face into his cold jacket, a shiver cascading down your spine as his large hands picked you up and carried you back to beg. You giggled, wiggling your feet with excitement once feeling him throw you onto the bed. You watched from the covers as he undressed layer after layer upon himself and his face before stripping back to the Charles you knew.

"Much better," he sighed out before crawling on the bed and towards you, capturing your lips in between his own before brushing the hair out of your face. "I see you already ordered food for two?"

"Mhmm," you hum out contently before patting the seat beside you and brining him a plate as you both talk over yet another successful mission. "Speaking of which," Charles wipes his mouth with one of the serviettes before gathering both of your empty plates and putting them on the desk within the room, "we have to check if we got payed for our hard work."

You nod watching as he bends down, reaching into his bag to pick up his laptop and glasses case as you reach for your own on the nightstand. Feeling the bed drip once again you shuffle closer to his side and hear in chuckle, "clingy are we today?"

You shrug, "Its the holidays, Charles, let your girl be," you defend yourself.

"My girl-hm?" he says back, wrapping his arm around your shoulders as you look up at him through his glasses- your heart begins to race as he looks down at you, the frames slipping down his nose as you reach over to fix them for him, "thanks, love."

─────── · ·

─ · · You both work silently beside one another, double checking your finances and going over the blueprints for your next mission in Croatia... after a much needed break and beach-filled vacation you both agreed upon.

─ · · By the time you had finished your side of things, Charles was still typing away and memorizing the blueprints. You played with the material of his shirt, pressing your head to the side of the arm in a silent ask for him to give you more of his attention. "A few more minutes then I'm all yours," Charles murmurs, zooming into an air duct right above the stage.

You watched his eyes move across the dimensions, you loved picking apart every micro-expression he let flash across his features only to be gone the next moment. Catching your stare he sighed, shutting down his device and casting it to the nightstand as you placed your head in his lap feeling his fingers rake across your scalp gently- as if coaxing you to sleep.

Yet you couldn't close your eyes as you had just remembered a file that you had accessed... freely... you opened and closed your mouth, thinking about how to phrase your next words before the Jackal cut you off and you pulled your head up, "whatever you want to ask in that brilliant brain of yours- do it."

"The things is," you try and explain, failing miserably to find the right words watching as Charles's attention moves away from you, your confidence slipping before seeing a notepad and pen being presented to you. "Would it be easier to write out whats going on in here?" He clicks the pen on by shoving it against your forehead.

You glare, snatching the items away as he holds up his hands. You look between the blank page and Charles one, two, and even three times before not writing anything down. The Jackal notices you struggling, he begins to get a bit worried himself as you stand up from the bed and move away to a separate chair in the room before writing out your list of questions, hiding your face behind your knees in order to escape from his questioning stare.

"Is this... something to do with my past?" The Jackal asks, remembering the last time you acted this way a few weeks after you both formally met. You freeze solidifying his answer. "My offer still stands, whatever if is I'll answer it... if I can," he explains, watching as you sit up in the chair and look him in the eyes, "Did you... kill your platoon?"

You watch as Charles freezes before slowly reaching over to take a sip of his glass of red wine, a bead of it dripping down his chin like blood as you grip your hands together in wait. "The simple answer is yes, I did but I believe it to be in fair fashion after... they massacred a wedding."

─ · · The following story has you nauseous and partially scared as you hold yourself and don't meet his eyes that search to observe your reaction- to hear your thoughts and heart. "Come 'ere" he pats his lap before opening his arms, watching as you hesitantly stand from your chair and walk over before being pulled down into the bed and feel his strong arms wrap around your torso like a weighted blanket to soothe your anxiety.

"I hope I didn't scare you- You know I would never hurt you, love, right?" he murmurs into your shoulder before pressing a kiss to the crook of our shoulder and neck, lingering in the spot until feeling you nod your head and rest your back against his chest more comfortably, "I know. But you're different now, right? And you're my Charles... but I would also understand if you needed to kill me." You feel as the Jackal freezes, his grip tightens around you, your breath hitches before you continue to speak, "A-and If you were going to... please shoot just shoot me straight in the face... I wouldn't want to be recognized by anyone."

You close your eyes feeling as Charles slips away form behind you, the cold air of the room spreading goosebumps across your skin as a tear slips from the corner of your eye. The sudden touch of a hand bringing your chin up has you wincing, "let me see your gorgeous eyes, my love," Charles asks softly. You shake your head in his touch before feeling it strengthen, "open them, please," he asks again, this time a bit more firmly.

You slowly blink them open, watching as he tears his glasses off and cups your cheeks, rubbing the skin thoughtfully with his thumbs, "I love you," he whispers before you feel his lips against your own. You both fall backwards onto the covers, Charles holding his weight above you as you break away breathless from the kiss, "I love you too."

─────── · ·

─ · · JACKAL TAGLIST: @swiftietevitdrewjew @groovyponypatrollamp @alelo23 @apaperflowerreader

[aziraphales-library]

I love your blog sm it’s been VERY helpful for me to find Fics! Do u have any smut Fics with bottom Azi and top cro that involves their first time together? Also maybe crying and/or rlly sweet aftercare?

Here are some first time fics with top Crowley/bottom Aziraphale...

A Healthy Appetite by INeedABurnerAccountOkay (E)

Crowley blames himself, really. He was the one who had tempted the angel in the first place. With the first taste of that ox, he’d created a monster. An angelic monster with a heavy appetite and a fondness for all things human. So, it really shouldn’t have come as such as a shock, when Aziraphale asked him to stave off his hunger for something quite different.

the desire and pursuit of the whole by unsinkablesammy (E)

After their respective trials, Aziraphale goes back to Crowley's flat and sees something he wasn't supposed to. Confessions and romance ensue.

Oh Dear Salvation by myfairstarlight (E)

1941. West End London. Their Arrangement has been discovered by an agent of Hell and when the sun rises, consequences will have to be faced. But not tonight, Crowley decides as he finally breaks and gives in to temptation, tonight they’re together, and if tomorrow may not be guaranteed anymore then he’d rather have a taste of his angel at last before they both meet their demise. “Angel,” he calls, hands reaching for the boa around Aziraphale’s shoulders and pulling him down on the sofa, “changed my mind, what was it you said about doing something in return for me?”

The Wrong Thing by SuspiciousCharacter1895 (E)

“We’ve played every game humanity’s ever invented, haven’t we?” They had indeed played quite a variety of board games, card games, word games, et cetera. Crowley had drawn the line somewhere around charades. “We haven’t played Truth or Dare,” Aziraphale said with unnecessary dramatic emphasis. Crowley took a moment to gauge whether or not Aziraphale was serious. It appeared that he was. “Come off it.” “What’s wrong with Truth or Dare?” Aziraphale asked innocently. “That’s barely a game.” “The magazine said it was a good way to ‘introduce novelty and fun, and to initiate conversations that you might not have had otherwise,’” Aziraphale recited. That’s exactly why it’s a bad idea. Especially this many drinks in. .... During lockdown, Crowley and Aziraphale resort to Truth or Dare to alleviate the monotony. The truth may be dangerous but, as it turns out, may very well set them free.

You had me at "Crowley In a Lab Coat" by LaudaddySmitten (E)

With a start, Aziraphale realized he’d been blatantly staring at Crowley's throat and upper chest for heaven knows how long. Mortified, he snapped his eyes to Crowley's, which, uncovered, only further fueled his lust for the enticing botanist. Aziraphale was surprised to see that Crowley was sporting a smirk that looked…pleased. “Enjoying the view?” He arched an eyebrow in amusement. “Oh my, I er…..” Aziraphale gulped and looked down at his wringing hands. “How rude of me. I'm…ah, terribly sorry…” “Angel. Don’t apologize. I was actually…hoping you would.” Hands instantly stilled, Aziraphale looked up quickly. Had he heard that right? Crowley held Aziraphale's gaze and trailed fingertips in a circle on the lab counter. OR It's Crowley in a lab coat, do I need to say more? 😉 (Mind the tags)

how you've haunted me by sunrisesinthesuburbs (E)

Aziraphale loves because he's an angel and wants more because he's Aziraphale. or; picture this: an angel and a demon (though it doesn't matter much, nowadays) move in together and assume many things about one another. This is how it goes.

- Mod D

[floridecuts]

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5

We're on part 6 already, and not even halfway there yet!

I have a whole folder by now, filled with every one of your comments that I'm treasuring so much!! <3 A special thanks again to everyone writing these tag comments! It's nice to see all this hard work be appreciated by a small group of people! :)

So this part is getting more serious again. Suzu and Eita have appeared, taking Mashita along to their pet store visit. I hope a friend of mine enjoyed the cats especially, you know who you are! ;) Daimon has a not so fun encounter with The Departed. That this happens due daytime is important, because it shows the spirit's power growing stronger. And poor Yashiki has to endure more suffering. Another mark has appeared...

To anyone who cares, regarding the part where Suzu answers to Mashita that it's Saturday (on his question why she isn't at school this moring): I didn't have the space on the page to include it but my intention for this was to show that Mashita has even lost track over what exact day of the week it is. I wanted to emphasize again just how much all what's happening effects him.

Also, I had no idea what to name Daimon's clinic, so I just named it H-City Hospital. I've used a random photo I found as reference for the clinic building, just in the unlikely case anyone feels it looks familiar. xD Though I've heard Daimon's clinic is supposed to be small, so this might not be very accurate. I hope this can be forgiven as a small mistake on my part! ^^'

Next part will be up after Christmas. I hope you all will have a great time, whether you celebreate or not!

Thanks for taking a look! :)

[a-caterpillars-world]

We're always together, and never alone!

This concept has been driving me insane since I first saw it, and I wanted to get something out quick before the actual episode drops, so here's this. I was right, that rendog sure can cope with the grief settling in.

[batbabydamian]

Hey, I started reading Robin son of Batman because of your recommendation (I literally have a print of your post on my phone to not forget lol). Honestly? One of the best things I ever read!!!

Thank you for opening my eyes! Damian has been one of my favorite characters for over a year, but I didn't read/watch much of him because of school, life (and probably an executive dysfunction in the mix).

Maya is incredible. I loved her.

I haven't finished all the issues yet, but do you have any other recommendations?

WAH this makes me so happy, i'm glad you still gave it a shot even with how busy life is!! ;v;

i’d love to give reccs, and i’ll try to go a beginner friendly route! tbh you can pick up whatever here, but since you've read R:SOB i’d immediately follow up with Batman and Robin (2011) #1-8! this first arc is what’s referred to in Maya’s introduction, and it's just. so good.

Main Books

Batman and Robin (2009)

Dick as Batman with Damian as his Robin!

#20-22 Tree of Blood: Dark Knight vs White Knight arc is done by Tomasi and Gleason, the team for the next Batman and Robin series

*Batman and Robin (2011)

Bruce and Damian figuring out their relationship as both Batman & Robin and father & son

imo you can enjoy the ride and read straight through this but i’ll add context to avoid as much confusion as possible since there’s the occasional tie-in or offscreen events, like Damian’s death nbd

Batman Incorporated (2012) #1-10

events leading to Damian's death - affects Batman and Robin (2011) from issue #18

kind of a tough read especially with how Talia's written, but a lot of iconic bits like Batcow, Damian's vegetarian declaration, Alfred the cat, "We Were the Best, Richard."

Robin (2021)

another self-discovery adventure, particularly after Alfred’s death and a fallout with Bruce (and questionable writing choices from his last Teen Titans run)

Batman and Robin (2023)

currently ongoing! after a number of events, Bruce and Damian are back as a duo

Damian Dynamics!

Batman: Streets of Gotham (2009) #7, 10-12

arc where Damian meets one of his first Gotham friends, Colin Wilkes

Batgirl (2009) #5-7, #17

Steph and Damian dynamic! "the bad cop, worse cop" dysfunctional duo

Red Robin (2009) #13-14

early Tim and Damian dynamic that of course includes fighting haha. funny enough, accidentally my first intro to Damian LOL

Teen Titans (2003) #89-92

Dick!Batman has Damian join the Teen Titans. Start of Damian and Rose Wilson dynamic that’s extended in Robin (2021)

Batman: Gates of Gotham (2011)

Damian meets Cass and has a brief team up

Gotham Academy (2015) #7

Damian meets Maps Mizoguchi! they have a few other meetings, but outside of that the series itself is a great read!

Robin War Event (2015)

Robin War (2015) #1, Grayson (2014) #15, Detective Comics (2011) #47, We Are Robin (2015) #7, Robin: Son of Batman (2015) #7, Robin War (2015) #2

Duke and Damian dynamic! not exactly beginner friendly but these are the main issues in order for the event! you can also read the TPB version for everything including Tie-Ins

Nightwing (2016) #16-20, #42, #43

#16-20 Nightwing and Robin arc!

#42 Dick on a mission to save Damian! the one appearance of "Wiggles" the dragon

#43 Dick, Roy, and Damian team-up

New Talent Showcase 2018 "Catwoman: Pedigree"

Selina, Damian, and Alfred the cat

Batman: Prelude to the Wedding - Robin vs. Ra's Al Ghul (2018)

Selina, Damian, and Cheese Viking - Damian's fav game shown in Nightwing: Rebirth (2016)

Monkey Prince (2022) #1-4

Marcus Sun Shugel-Shen's main comic, but Damian features as a fun dynamic here before they're in more serious circumstances in Batman VS Robin (2022)/Lazarus Planet event

Superman (2016) #10 - 11

the beginning of the Super Sons! featuring Maya!

Super Sons (2017)

solitary arcs but there’s a few event tie-in issues later

Adventures of the Super Sons (2018)

literally more Super Sons adventures lol galactic shenanigans yeehaw

Challenge of the Super Sons (2020) 

Super Sons time shenanigans feat. the Justice League

Robin 80th Anniversary (2020)

"Boy Wonders" - brief Damian feature as Tim considers his next step in life

"My Best Friend" - Jon's thoughts on Damian and their dynamic

"Bat and Mouse" - refers to Damian's unfortunate Teen Titans (2016) run at the time of release which follows up with Teen Titans Annual #2 where Damian briefly gives up Robin

Extra Comics!

Superman/Batman (2003) #77

Kara and Damian in a Halloween team-up! also the appearance of "Li'l Matches" lol

DCU Halloween Special '09 "Cavity Search"

Damian out on a solo mission for Halloween night. Immediately after is Tim's Red Robin story "Then and Now: Our Father's Sins" which is more somber in contrast but also a good read!

DCU Halloween Special 2010 "Robin the Vampire Slayer"

a Dick!Batman and Robin story featuring the vampire Andrew Bennett

Cursed Comics Cavalcade (2018) "The Devil You Know"

Halloween themed comic with a sweet short story of Damian alongside Solomon Grundy

DC's Terrors Through Time (2022)

"Trick or Treat" a Super Sons Halloween story

"The Haunting of Wayne Manor" Damian and Deadman story - in the end, Boston kinda refers to Nezha's possession of Damian in Batman VS Robin (2022) which was happening at the time of this release

Batman: Li'l Gotham (2013)

lighthearted series that instantly makes me smile with the silliness and Dustin Nguyen’s art i love this dearly

Secret Origins (2014) #4 "A Boy's Life"

a retelling of Damian's origin story

Detective Comics (2016) #1001-1005

Batman and Robin vs the Arkham Knight (unrelated to the game)

Truth & Justice (2021) #6/#16 - 18 Digital First version

cute story of Damian’s birthday! Juni Ba’s art is so fun!!

DC Festival of Heroes: The Asian Superhero Celebration (2021) “Special Delivery”

short story about Damian! and poisoned pizzas. completely forgot the artist Sami Basri drew Rebirth Damian here before catboy Damian lol Cass’s story “Sounds” is also cute! Marcus makes his first appearance in "The Monkey Prince Hates Superheroes"

DC VS Vampires (2021)

Damian makes appearances throughout this elseworlds book, but the one-shot DC VS Vampires: Hunters (2022) is vampire Damian-centric!

Batman: Black and White (2021) #5

“Father & Son Outing” short story written and drawn by Jorge Jimenez!

Batman: Urban Legends (2021) #20-23

#20 “My Son” Talia and Bruce focus

#20 - 23 “The Murder Club” 4 Parts

Tiny Titans (2008) #33, #39, #45, #47

a few appearances but SO CUTE, LOOK AT HIM

*Batman and Robin (2011) reading guide

i'm mostly trying to avoid the "what did i just walk in on?" kinda feeling when i first started reading comics LOL i'll list the comics where events take place, but you don't necessarily have to read them to go through this book since things are usually explained as quickly as possible in the first page or so

#0 Someday Never Comes

Talia and baby Damian before he grows up to meet Bruce

#1-8 Born to Kill

just an incredibly solid arc for Bruce and Damian!

#9 Court of Owls Tie-In Issue

Damian VS a Court of Owls Talon. While Bruce is occupied with a home invasion of Talons, Alfred makes a call for allies to protect targeted Gotham public figures from Talons. During Batman (2011) #1-11

#10-12 Terminus

Damian challenges the previous Robins sans Steph

Batman Incorporated (2012) is occurring at this time where Talia has placed a bounty on Damian and there's small mentions of that

#13-14 Eclipsed/Devoured

mostly solitary arc! end of it leads into the Death of the Family event

#15-16 Death of the Family Tie-In Issues

Damian and Joker face-off... Alfred's been kidnapped by the Joker, and Damian goes looking for him. During Batman (2011) #13-17

#17 Life is but a Dream - Death of the Family Epilogue

a sort of subconscious check-in through the dreams of Damian, Alfred, and Bruce. Nightwing (2011) #17 features Damian encouraging Dick after Death of the Family events

#18 Undone "Requiem"

Bruce dealing with Damian's death from Batman Incorporated #8

other reactions to Damian's death: Dick in Nightwing (2011) #18, Tim in Teen Titans (2011) #18

#19-23 Denial, Rage, The Bargain, Despair, Acceptance

Bruce through the stages of grief with some batfam appearances in each. also introduces Carrie Kelley into continuity as Damian's acting tutor.

Batman (2011) #19-20 also addresses Bruce's loss

#23.1-23.4

these could be skipped - villain stories, also related to Forever Evil event.

#24-28 The Big Burn

optional Batman and Two-Face/Harvey Dent arc, #23.1 is part of this story!

Damian's resurrection and return

#29-32 The Hunt for Robin

Ras took Talia and Damian's bodies from their graves, and Bruce goes after him.

-> Robin Rises: Omega

continues events from #32. if you don't want to jump to this, basically, Glorious Godfrey and a bunch of parademons from Apokolips are here for a chaos shard which Ra's put in Damian's sarcophagus. at some point, Bruce gets a hold of the shard where he sees a vision that leads him to believe Damian can be resurrected. Godfrey ends up taking the shard, along with Damian's body since it was emitting the same energy.

#33-37 Robin Rises

Bruce hellbent on retrieving Damian from Apokolips and reviving him

-> Robin Rises: Alpha

necessary to read and continues events from #37! Damian's back with a bang lol

#38-40 Superpower

Damian adjusting to having superpowers and being alive again

Annual #1 2013 Batman Impossible

sweet (and funny) one-shot of Damian sending Bruce on a meaningful scavenger hunt around the world while Damian gets to be the cutest Batman for a bit

Annual #2 2014 Batman and Robin: Week One

one-shot takes place during Damian's absence. after Bruce and Alfred find a mystery gift left for Dick, Dick recounts a story he had told Damian from his Robin days.

Annual #3 2015 Moonshot

one-shot Batman and Robin adventure on the moon!

...and of course after Batman and Robin (2011), Damian's story continues in his first solo Robin: Son of Batman (2015)!

[marclef]

Day 25. almost free. almost done.

it is Fake Peppino Friday... but for some reason, the sound of clucking is in the distance? that's strange..... perhaps one of these little Fakelings has something to do with it.

around a nearby town, strange rumors started popping up, about an old abandoned building that had stood vacant for a good few years. but odd sounds had been heard from within, the sounds of hard work, heavy objects being moved, and inhuman, almost cluck-like cries. nobody knew what it could have been, and none were brave enough to investigate. until... one day, out of nowhere, the building appeared somehow cleaner, and a large sign had been hung out at the front, with the bright, colorful words:

CHIK'N PLACE!!!

who was the culprit? well, one step inside this newly refurbished restaurant and you will be greeted by its very enthusiastic owner...

the often-excited, very sociable Poultrino! she started off as all of the other Fakelings, a strange, gooey blob-like creature with hunger and curiosity. but soon after going out into the world on their own, she stumbled across a runaway definitely wild chicken, which she chased after with great interest and then gobbled up with glee. but, the feathery snack awakened a strange feeling in her, such a delicious taste, she wanted to share it with all the world! and thus gave rise to the fifth and final Fakeling...

and now, all customers are happily welcomed at her humble Chik'n Place! there is chicken of all kinds there; chicken wings, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, living chickens, anything you could possibly want, as long as it is chicken! (and all VERY legally obtained, she wouldn't THINK of pilfering chicken from other establishments for her own....) and not to worry, she is very polite and welcoming to anyone who wishes to visit! as long as you are not also a chicken, or a tasty bug or rat.

their appearance and body are quite unique amongst the Fakes as well! and though she is still made out of simple Goop like the others, her "skin" is fairly soft and smooth, almost feeling like soft fuzz despite having no real feathers! her legs, tail, and "fleshy" parts are the same gooeyness as standard Fake Peppino though. despite her strange appearance, most customers assume she's simply in costume, and very few are any the wiser as to their true nature.

though, one more very important fact to mention... you didn't think they worked alone, did you? of course not, all that Chicken isn't going to serve itself! which is why the first person to enter her restaurant was taken happily hired as the first employee!! say hello to Sue, Poultrino's favorite and only employee!! (credit goes to my wonderful friend @plebbicinnabun-arts for coming up with her! 😊✨)

she helps prepare and serve many of the chicken dishes! (and makes sure that the stuff that's served is actually edible when possible...) and not to worry, her boss treats her with great care! she is paid well in a salary of both "human currency" and delicious chicken-based foods! it might just be very strange trying to explain her job to friends and family.

but together, these two help run the Chik'n Place, and Poultrino finds decent success at running a business! her Papa is very proud of her.

[cuz-reasons]

Summary: Calaba had a rumor about her going around, that she actually cared for the amnesiac outsider.

been wanting to write Ingo with the other wardens for a while so heres something with Calaba

[piratekane]

Kate pauses, the coffee pot titled over her to-go mug as the freshly-brewed dark roast starts to fill it. “Another undercover assignment? For both of us?” Lucy carefully takes the pot from Kate, leveling it off before all 8 ounces end up on the counter. “Cool, right? A joint undercover operation. Thelma and Lousie, teaming up to take on the bad guys.”

i do, you do, we do - the imagined opening and closing scenes of NCIS: Hawai'i season 3, episode 4 (aka The Newlyweds episode).

[violenteconomics]

I am in dire need of more of that AU that The First years get The upperclassmen toxic traits,i realy want more of It,like;

A way to include octavinelle and scarabia,maybe like,3 First years(Ace,deuce,Jack) get some of azul's toxic traits,other Three(epel,ortho and sebek) get Jamil toxic traits and yuu get both

Second thing

More reactings please,i NEED The staff,ALL The dorms and even the relatives seeing The First years developing those toxic traits,the overblots+Trey and cater for deuce getting their toxic traits right back at their face i beg you🙏🙏

anything 4 u, baby.

(but for real, though, this is an AMAZING idea, love you so much for tilling the ground for my brainwormies, mwah mwah 😘)

(also, this might get REALLY long, so hang tight!)

it was just a seed at first — a tiny idea that stuck around despite the first-years not even realizing it was there. but as the poison from their actual housewardens starts to develop into something truly deadly, so does that seed. it shows up later... but it makes itself known nevertheless.

ace, deuce, and jack have all worked for azul at the mostro lounge at one point, and though it was a very brief moment in time, it was just long enough to worm its way into their heads.

it starts with ace trappola, who's already pretty slippery with his words. but working at the mostro lounge, taking subconscious note of all the underhanded deals azul is making, he starts to pick up new... skills, let's say.

it starts small, with ace starting to give out certain favors to his fellow freshmen to earn some money. if you give him ten thaumarks, he'll do one of your everyday chores for you — dusting your room, cleaning your bathroom, making dinner, what have you. if you give him fifteen thaumarks, he'll do your homework if you don't feel like doing it, or take class notes for you if you don't feel like showing up. if you give him forty, he'll help you with something less-than-moral and definitely against the rules (he did it once back at the atlantica memorial museum — he can do it again).

there's an obvious power imbalance in all of these scenarios, but ace effortlessly words in a way that makes it seem like it's a win-win situation, when in reality, it's more like a zero-sum game.

it gets to the point where ace builds a black-market sort of reputation, and all of the freshmen know that if you need something done, ace is the person to go to.

...but then, something shifts.

at some point, ace starts a black-mailing campaign for the people who paid for the forty-thaumark favor. if you don't want your secret — one that might get you expelled, suspended, or worse — getting out, then you can pay for ace's silence with a favor or more money.

the worst part is: there's no way out. if you try attacking ace, it'll seem like you assaulted him for no reason, since if you try to explain he was blackmailing you, you'll have to tell them what he was blackmailing you with, which you obviously can't do — or else what was even the point? the same rule applies if you try tattling on him to one of the teachers or the housewardens or anybody else. and ace is a better liar than most people will ever be in their lifetime, so it's a losing battle even if you do manage to get someone to take your side.

so if you want to cross the bridge, my sweet, you've got to pay the toll.

(it's not even about the money anymore, really. riddle's thirst for control and azul's desire for recognition have clashed inside of ace in the most violent way, and now, it's all about the power it gives him over other people. and after how powerless he's felt this entire school year, being thrown left and right by overblot after overblot with no say at all, this is a power trip he never wants to come back down from.)

but ace realizes he's making quite a few enemies with his little money-making strategy, and he needs someone to help him just in case someone does come up with a plan to wipe him out. i mean, just look at azul — even with all of the loopholes and leverages in the world, even he was taken down eventually without outside help. if he wants this to last as long as possible, he needs... incentive for people to listen to him.

his own jade and floyd.

his own red-and-black collar.

using his riddle rosehearts-born dominance, and taking advantage of deuce's trey-and-cater-born passiveness, ace convinces deuce spade — one of the strongest people he knows — to help him in his economic ventures.

and deuce, seeing this as a way for ace to vent some frustration and unwilling to be on the other end of ace's ire, hesitantly agrees.

he doesn't piece together that ace is acting suspiciously like azul, but he still recognizes his own role in this whole scheme. ace is running a business, right? and deuce has only ever worked in one business before. he remembers what jade and floyd were like back when he worked under them, and so he uses that experience to inform his new position.

deuce becomes known as ace's right-hand man. he'll hunt you down if you don't pay, and he's not afraid to use force to "compel" you to. there have been stories about cat beastmen getting thrown up into trees and being left there for hours. about students getting forks "accidentally" thrown at them in the cafeteria with such precision, it doesn't really feel like an accident. about a student with a spade on his face who can throw back any attack sent his way with just as much force.

and there's nothing you can do about it, because he's in service to someone who has made himself pretty powerful. ace's silver-tongue gets deuce out of any and all trouble he inevitably finds himself in — and is ace is so brutally honest, why wouldn't people believe him? so even if you try to do something to deuce, ace has his back no matter what — and he'll win almost every time.

you mess with deuce, you mess with ace, which is already bad enough. but if you fuck around with ace, you better be prepared to find out with deuce.

they're a pair — that's always been true. but never before has that fact been so threatening.

jack howl comes next. we all know how much jack despises octavinelle's business model. but, begrudgingly, he will admit there are a lot of things he can learn from octavinelle. and more knowledge is never bad. as long as he doesn't actually use it, it should be fine.

(jack is more dangerous than ace and deuce, in a way — his toxicity is insidious in a way it just couldn't ever be with them.)

with excellent hearing, eyesight, and memory, he silently keeps note of every bribe he hears being taken. every lie he knows is being told. every mistake that gets swept under the rug. it's not long before he starts actively looking for it. it's not long before jack's uncovered dirt on almost every freshmen in school. it reminds him a bit of his time working at the mostro lounge. but instead of memorizing orders from customers, he's memorizing all their dirty secrets.

it's to protect himself, jack reasons. after all, it was only his input that put a stop to leona and ruggie's plans back during the spelldrive exhibition. he's just... preparing for another disastrous event, that's all. it's just precaution. insurance.

if it's not, then he'll have to accept that leona's overblot bothered him more than he thought. that he was weak enough to let it.

(and jack can't face that yet.)

and if, once in a while, ace comes to him looking for a little bit of information, then well, that's just lending a friend some advice. nothing wrong with that.

epel, ortho, and sebek don't have any direct ties to jamil, but they are certainly... impressionable, aren't they?

sebek zigvolt is a bit dense, certainly, but even he can see how well jamil takes care of his master. and with a master that's as ditzy and forgetful and all-over-the-place as kalim, that can't be easy. even if they are merely humans, and their experiences can't even begin to compare when it comes to serving a fae prince, sebek reckons that he can learn a thing or two by observing them. so that's exactly what he does.

one day, when kalim spills food on the floor in a hilariously ridiculous move, sebek notices something few others ever would. jamil gives the tiniest twitch of annoyance — the same way silver, in all his stoicism, often does when sebek gets too loud — but then he's back to being perfectly dutiful and polite and says "i'll go get a napkin."

it's... admirable, honestly. sebek doesn't put it into practice right away, but it stays in his mind long after he first sees it.

and then, after malleus's overblot, sebek's emotions feel like they're on fire. after being stuck in a world where it took just the tiniest crack to shatter a perfect illusion, he's wary of nearly everything that disrupts his day. now every single slight against him, no matter how unintentional it may be, feels like a personal attack on his very life. but sebek can't show these ugly emotions so outwardly — that would be dishonorable behavior that could damage malleus's reputation. instead, he resorts to subtle methods that can't be easily traced back to him like putting in frogs in schoolbags and setting brooms on fire or replacing shampoo bottles with tar.

but his repressed feelings of anger start to build to the point where he's now feeling unprecedented resentment towards... well, almost everybody.

when sebek has very first negative thought about malleus in history class — "reckless bastard" — he instantly hates himself for it and throws up then and there because how dare he.

he tries to shut them out, but the more he does, the more these intrusive thoughts start to bombard him with their uncharacteristic cynicism.

he looks at lilia from across the breakfast table, and his first thought is: heartless liar.

he spots leona lying in the botanical garden and he thinks: brainless cretin.

he even sees jamil, walking through the halls, and his mind screams: manipulative bitch.

but sebek shoves it all down because he's in no position to say that. it gets to the point where he's walking around as a silent, unfeeling husk, because to be anything else would be like inviting his inner demons to visit him on the outside. he pushes his emotions down as far as they'll go, and that's just going to have to be enough to get him through the day.

ortho shroud begins to follow a similar principle. his idia-inspired pessimism has led ortho to see others as less like people and more like characters. it's easier to think of every school day as a dungeon in an rpg. it's easier to convince himself that the other students are taunting him because they're programmed to be that way than face the reality that they just don't like him.

but the problem with seeing life as a video game is that you start seeing others as just ways to complete your objectives. like npcs or maps.

and when it comes to using people, jamil viper is king. or, for ortho's purposes, the ultimate survival guide.

ortho shapes himself into a model night raven college student — kind, charming, and sweet for the teachers, but just mischievous and rude enough to still fit in with the students.

he goes to housewarden meetings with idia to "gain leadership experience", taking notes and hearing out of every single little idea he can get his hands on (these are the people who have not just survived, but thrived. they must be doing something right). one time, riddle even pats his head and praises him for his proactiveness.

his classmates adore him for always been willing to help and being so calm about even the worst outcomes.

ortho makes himself as available as possible to the rest of ignihyde, brushing off homework or studying to help them with whatever they need — fixing game consoles, wiring in controllers, checking the internet connection, et cetera.

eventually, everyone believes in him almost as fiercely as scarabia believed in jamil, once upon a time.

ortho doesn't like telling all of these lies, but it's necessary to protect himself. it's like grinding to earn coins until you have enough money to buy that special armor in the shopkeeper's store.

...or maybe it's more like those cheesy dress-up flash games ortho used to play all the time — fleshing out the perfect outfit and hairstyle and makeup that'll earn you the most points.

if people feel like they need him, he'll be able to breeze through school without any more problems. he's put the whole system on easy mode! it feels a bit like cheating, almost.

it is like a game, isn't it? it's fun.

(at some point, ortho forgets how to stop.)

as for epel... well, he knows that his sudden snappish behavior towards the other pomefiore students won't go unnoticed for too long. but this is one of his only ways of venting, so he needs it to go under the radar long enough for him to... to squeeze out all of this sudden venom that's built up in him.

epel's not oblivious. he knows how sebek and ortho have changed over the weeks, and he knows why. but epel can't pull off "repressed" like sebek, and neither can he suddenly turn into the best person ever like ortho. but they do have the right idea about taking inspiration from jamil, so epel can fall back on what there is left: gaslighting.

every time kalim blacked out, jamil blamed it on him being sick. every time someone thought kalim was being awfully uncharacteristic, jamil called it a "mood swing". every time someone asked jamil about why kalim was acting so weird, jamil claimed ignorance.

at least, that's what yuu tells epel.

and it's perfect.

so now, every time someone confronts epel about his overly critical behavior, he lies and says he's doing it for their own good. you need pressure to make a diamond, after all. and besides — vil won't settle for anything less than absolutely perfect.

("i'm just trying to catch your mistakes before he does. and i think you and i can both agree that i'm a lot nicer than he is about it.")

every time vil confronts epel about all of the complaints he's been hearing from the other students about how epel's been tearing down their ideas for outfits and hairstyles with no mercy, and disregarding all of their achievements as "not good enough" to be proud over, epel dons a confused face.

("vil, between studying for tests and the crazy physical regiment you have me do, i barely have time for myself. you honestly think i have the energy to criticize other people?")

epel even starts turning people against each other so they won't focus on him. epel subtly threatens to take away the upperclassmen's position in the hierarchy, which sets up the other underclassmen as a threat, and epel grouses to the underclassmen that the upperclassmen look down on them for not living up to pomefiore standards, under the guise of regular teenage bitching.

but all of this, combined with their self-entitlement, leads to a mini-war in pomefiore. but since this is, well, pomefiore, where being perfect and poised is the standard, the others make sure never make it obvious in front of vil or rook.

epel plays everybody like a fiddle, and ensures that none of it can be traced back to him. it's a good way to get out his frustration. and hey — it seems like everybody's upped their game along the way. vil seems pretty happy that everybody's improving in their efforts so greatly, practically overnight!

epel wakes up with a feeling of accomplishment everyday. for once, it seems he did something right.

now if only rook could stop looking so somber...

then we come to yuu, whose inner darkness has been left to fester all year. if people think they can treat them like a ragdoll, it's only fair they do the same.

there's a lot yuu doesn't have, but one thing they're really lacking is a bit of respect. that's what it means to be magicless in an arcane academy. you're at the bottom of the food chain.

and look at what a bit of self-interest can do for you! yuu studies in the library until late into the night, burning the metaphorical candle at both ends, learning everything they can about magic until they're more well-versed in it than most students in the school. yuu starts making potions that aren't nearly as good as azul's, but they're cheap and work well enough. they start making study guides for others with their new-found knowledge, even if they do bristle with the fact that a damned study guide is what caught them in azul's tentacles in the first place. they start learning anything and everything, clinging to whatever scraps of knowledge they can write down.

with this, they successfully make their case for why they should join ace and deuce's business. eventually, they're just as feared as they are among the other first-years.

but that's not enough for yuu. the power of fear is nice, but the power of controlling other people would be much more cathartic.

so that's what they do. while ace is more focused on monetary gain, yuu uses their mountains of blackmail to convince others to do whatever they want.

if crowley throws another ridiculous task at them, yuu simply hoists it off to somebody else to do. if ramshackle dorm needs a few repairs, it's only a matter of contacting a few people before a whole construction crew paid off by somebody else comes knocking at their door. and they'll do it, if they don't want to get kicked out of the school or have their reputation ruined.

but somehow, even with all of this, yuu sets themself up as the nicest out of their little trio. they're willing to let payments slide from time to time. they listen to their clients' problems. they take constructive criticism and always seem to improve in their potions and study guides based on feedback. and if you do do yuu a favor, they'll give you certain favors right back.

so even when yuu is a covetous, greedy, all-consuming shark, the students still think they're so very, very nice. because compared to ace and deuce, what else is there to think?

but this can only go on for so long. and yuu knows that.

one day, they get called to the headmage's office. yuu is already going through their contact list — a list that's quadrupled ever since they joined forces with ace and deuce — to see who'd be willing to do them a teensy little favor for them, but when they step through the door, they pause.

inside the office are all the housewardens, their vices, the teachers, and everybody else yuu has grown to know over the past year.

yuu narrows their eyes as riddle steps forward.

"yuu," riddle starts sternly, "from one housewarden to another, i believe we need to talk."

^

(i will address everyone's reactions in a reblog, because this is honestly getting really, really long, lol. but don't worry, the reactions are coming! 🥺)

(but i should mention that there is already a good reblog of the original post by @thenumberhuntress which addresses the upperclassmen's reactions that you can find here. go read it. it's peak.)

(once again, thank you for the great ask! this was fun to make!)

[lutavero]

For Maddie @reyesstrand, I was your Tarlos Secret Santa this year! 🎄🎄🎅🎅 I was so elated when I got your name in the assignment email, it was so much fun to create for you! I debated on what kind of set to make for you exactly, but then this au just wouldn't leave me alone, for months by now!! And now, at last, I had an excuse to write it down. :'D

I found life (I found you)

Their first meeting is the furthest thing from the romantic ideals most people have in this city.

See, if your city is teeming with superheroes, you for sure wouldn’t be able to help yourself and imagine more and more cliché and romantic encounters. Getting rescued from a supervillain, flying through the air while held oh so close after said rescue mission, getting flirted with by the kind and selfless masked vigilante, maybe even getting a hand kiss in front of the reporters… you possibly imagined it all before even if you’d be ashamed to admit it to anyone.

No, the way TK meets Striker is the complete opposite of these dream scenarios.

♦♦

A Tarlos vigilante!AU,

[Read the rest on AO3.]

[tachyon-omlette]

okay before I lose my thought (MASSIVE Rise of the Beasts spoilers re: Unicron)

in my opinion rotb handled Unicron perfectly.

when I first watched the full trailer & saw Unicron my second thought was "oh no" (my first being "YOOOOOO") because in the bumblebee-rotb timeline it seemed extremely early to be involving him. I went into the movie almost resigning myself to the thought that it would end with Unicron being destroyed & never seen again, because he was advertised as the main Big Bad.

but the truth is, Scourge was the main Big Bad. and while Unicron made several appearances and had more than one line, the primary thing he did was loom over the narrative like the slow approach of death - he did more than haunting the narrative, I think, but aside from his interactions with the Terrorcons and his arrival at the final scene, he was largely uninvolved in the main conflict, and was in the end defeated momentarily rather than destroyed.

what we did see of him was always displays of power: the destruction of the Maximals' homeworld, his ability to supply the battlefield with endless Terrorcon footsoldiers, his mindscape-meeting with Scourge wherein he tortured Scourge for failing him from Primus knows how far away. hell, even Scourge, Battletrap, and Nightbird themselves were living proof of Unicron's power - ruthless, near-invincible supersoldiers who've killed enough Cybertronians and Cybertronian-adjacent lifeforms to steal and wear their badges like a bounty hunter collects trophies. on-screen all of this is done through Unicron's power, the extension of his will - and not, notably, by Unicron himself.

this wasn't Unicron's moment to shine, only to be destroyed so early in the narrative.

this was the moment that painted a target on Earth, and on Optimus Prime. this was the moment that established how Unicron is accustomed to taking thralls from other worlds while also killing off the ones he already had, laying the potential groundwork for Galvatron or even Sideways. this was the moment that showed off just how powerful Unicron and his allies are without cramming it into the first fifteen minutes of another movie down the line, and when he appears again we'll already know just how fucked the protagonists are.

this was the setup to Unicron's moment to shine. though I'd hoped Unicron would get more screentime, rotb ultimately handled Unicron with the severity he deserves; for that, it was perfect.

sidenote: I got very big "then perish" vibes at the end of the movie, when Unicron said smth like "think about this, Prime. I could give you anything you want." and Optimus responded with "then DIE!!". it was dramatic in the moment but remembering it got me a good laugh

[alectoperdita]

What you can't bury

Part 18 of Lure

Rated: E Fandom: Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters Pairing: Jounouchi Katsuya/Kaiba Seto Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Tags: Alternate Universe - Yakuza, Organized Crime, Internal Conflict, Power Imbalance, Power Dynamics, Blood and Torture, Gun Violence, Hurt/Comfort, Sex as Coping Mechanism, Unhealthy Relationships, Trauma Bonding, Codependency, Porn with Feelings, Porn With Plot, Explicit Sexual Content, Degradation, Masochism, Impact Play, Asshole Spanking, Anal Sex, Barebacking, Breeding Kink, Sex Toys, Rough Sex, Painful Sex, Mild Painplay, Punishment, Cock & Ball Torture, Mild Breathplay, Come Feeding, Praise Kink, Under-negotiated Kink, Somnophilia, Sexting, Dick Pics, Semi-Public Sex, Workplace Sex, Light Bondage, Nipple Play, Nipple Clamps, Mildly Dubious Consent, Sounding

As discontent swells amongst the Aoryu-kai's ranks, those wishing to seize power for themselves emerge. They threaten everything—Kaiba's leadership position, the tiny sliver of peace Jounouchi's managed to carve out for himself, and whatever tenuous bond exists between the two of them.

Will saving Kaiba's hide save Jounouchi too? Or is this finally his chance to escape from under the kumicho's thumb?

Read Chapter 5 on AO3 Series Masterlist

Saruwatari dropped his pipe with a clatter, kneeling to unlock the chains from the hook fastened to the ground. Sobbing quietly, the beaten man collapsed on the ground and curled in a fetal position as soon as Fuguta released his hold. He wouldn't walk under his own strength any time soon. Instead, Saruwatari looped his burly arms under his armpits and dragged him out, leaving a grisly red trail in their wake. Fuguta said nothing and produced a handkerchief. With the demeanor of a waiter cleaning spilled food, he wiped up the spots of blood on the tabletop. Hirano watched everything transpire with saucer eyes, his face further blanching. His body further locked up when Seto turned his gaze on him. "Sit."

[the-tragic-heroine]

死鬼祭 | Shiki Matsuri

fandom: tokyo revengers

characters: kurokawa izana, kakucho, haitani ran, haitani rindou, madarame shion

pairings: tenjiku x female reader

cw: blood, violence, minor character death, supernatural elements, she/her pronouns used for reader

—✧ SUMMARY ✧—

The villagers say that you cursed them all. You believe that they were the ones who cursed you. (Or, in which the circumstances of your unfortunate birth woke a forgotten, slumbering god.)

Very vague depictions of the supernatural here, and a few cameos of specific yokai if you can spot them! Title is based off of a song by KODOKULOVE! More characters may be added as the story progresses.

Read on AO3

—✧ CHAPTER 壱 ONE ✧—

On the very outskirts of the village, hidden deep within the chambers of a forgotten shrine, a little girl was born. Her wails drifted out of the broken windows, carried along by the wind until they reached the ears of the village’s earliest risers—leading them to the broken body of an unknown mother, weeping blood as dark as a shadow. The villagers would continue to swear that, in spite of the blood pooling across the rotting floorboards and lapping at their feet, the child was eerily clean. As if she had not even been born at all; merely placed in the arms of an unfortunate, pitiful soul.

—✧—

To the villagers, you were known by many names.

Witch. Demon. Curse.

All except for your own.

You didn’t remember much of your own early childhood. The memories were there, but fuzzy—like viewed from behind stained glass, and through the frantic whispering of neighbours and the muffled laughter of their children, you were able to piece much of it together. Stories of endless screaming and crying, glazed eyes staring at things no one could see. When eventually it all grew to be too much, your foster parents beat you, begging for the spirits to leave your body.

On that day, both mysteriously died in their sleep. But you never cried again. According to the elders, their lives were sacrificed for your silence.

It only made you wonder when yours would be sacrificed for their peace.

—✧—

At the mere age of thirteen, you retreated to the dilapidated shrine that was your humble birthplace. Each morning began with the clap of your hands and a quiet prayer to the gods, though you didn’t expect to hear a reply. Days turned into years as you tirelessly dusted, scrubbed, and repaired its walls. Slowly but surely the shrine was transformed—but still, no matter how hard you cleaned, the darkened stains on the floor never quite went away. Eventually, you let it be—a twisted reminder of your curse. Out of the corners of your eyes, you swore you could see those stains shift and giggle.

Perhaps it was those rumours—of moving shadows, strange creatures, and the witch that supposedly commanded it all—that brought the village’s most boisterous of kids to your doorstep one fateful summer night.

It was a test of courage, so you heard. You intended to remain hidden away in the safety of your room, having locked all the doors during your usual evening rounds—only for the shrill shattering of a window to jolt you right out of bed. Before you knew it, you were flying down the hallway.

“Hey!” you cried out, heart lurching at the sight of splintered wood and your painstaking years of hard work. The group of kids—teenagers, only a few years younger than yourself it seemed—turned to look at you from where they had been clambering inside.

“There she is!”

“That’s the witch, right?”

“She doesn’t look that scary…”

“Idiot, that’s what everyone says until she curses them!”

“What should we do…?”

The tallest and meanest of the group stepped forward with a grin. In his right hand he held a large rock. Dread began to sink in your stomach as you took an instinctive step back.

“I have an idea,” he said, tossing the rock in the air with each step toward you. The audible thump whenever it connected with the palm of his hand echoed the rapid beating of your own heart. “How about we get rid of our village’s curse once and for all?”

You bolted.

Your foot had barely crossed the threshold of the front doorway before you were yanked back inside by the hair, a shriek tearing its way out of your throat. You screamed, cried, clawed, and bit, kicking your legs out and twisting against their painful grip—only for a sharp, searing pain against your temple to knock all struggle right out of your body, the last remnant of coherent thought trickling its way down your forehead.

“You brought it, right?”

Dark spots decorated your vision as you struggled to stay conscious. Several blurry silhouettes danced in front of your eyes.

“Yeah, we got it.”

A sudden bright, flickering light and the smell of burning wood.

“Hey, little witch.”

Your wide, dilated pupils stared at the crackling flame.

“D’ya think you’ll still be able to see spirits now?”

You screamed.

—✧—

Pain. Burning pain. Too hot. Can’t breathe.

“Shh… shh, little one. Oh, you poor, wretched thing.”

A… gentle touch over your eyelids. Fingers grazing your scalp. The soft humming of a soothing lullaby, punctuated by the sound of horrific wailing somewhere far, far away.

“There is no more pain.”

You wanted to tell the voice that there was. You were still hurting everywhere. But when you sluggishly opened your mouth to speak, you realised you could not feel even the lingering sting of your cracked skull and scorched eyes.

“There, see? No more pain. Nothing at all.”

The voice was right. Your shoulders twitched as you shifted, slowly recognizing that your body was laid down against the soft cushion of a person’s lap, your head cradled in the palm of their hand.

“You can open your eyes, little one.”

But you couldn’t, could you? They burned you with a torch just moments earlier, didn’t they? But then those gentle fingers brushed over your eyelashes—shouldn’t they have disintegrated in the flames?—and, as if responding to a command on autopilot, your eyes fluttered open.

You could see. How could you still see?

A hand cupped your cheek before trailing down to your jaw and tilting your head upward. Naturally, your gaze followed, and locked eyes with the most beautiful man you had ever seen.

Snow-white locks draped down the sides of his tanned face, shimmering lavender eyes framed by equally pale, long eyelashes. A red earring dangled from each earlobe, catching the faintest of moonlight that shone through the broken window of the shrine.

“Who…?” you croaked out.

“My name is Kurokawa Izana,” the man said. “I am the god of this shrine.”