#i meant to save this as a draft but ah well

[picturesofsmant]

I can't let this video go by without a few pics of them both

[leotanaka]

70 years ago, jughead was radicalised at the work halloween party by a guy dressed up as a devil who told him america is a fascist state!

[atlabeth]

mine forever

request from @nghtwngs

pairing: nikolai lantsov x fem!tidemaker reader

a/n: SO sorry for posting this early and having to delete 💀 i was formatting and didnt realize i was not saving it as a draft lmao. but thank you for sending this in love!!! and PLEASEE send in as much nikolai as you want i miss writing for him so much

wc: 1.4k

warning(s): hurt/comfort. reader is insecure, nikolai is the sweetest as usual

join in on my 3k celebration!!

“You’re avoiding me.” 

Your eyes didn’t move away from the horizon when you heard Nikolai’s voice, though you felt your muscles tense. 

“Clearly not well enough,” you remarked. “Seeing as you found me.” 

“You know I’ll always find you,” Nikolai murmured. “But that means little if you will not talk to me.” 

Of course you were not talking to him. You did not know how to talk to him—not when you so clearly didn’t understand the issue plaguing you. 

All you’d ever known was the life of a Grisha. You were tested when you were young, revealed to be a Tidemaker, and whisked away to the Little Palace, where you’d been honing your abilities ever since. You rebelled against the one thing you knew, joined the side of the Sun Summoner, and now you were in the midst of a war for the very survival of your people. 

There were so few Tidemakers left after the Darkling’s massacre, which meant Alina and Nikolai were counting on you more than ever in their fight to reclaim Ravka. 

But when you needed your powers most, they disappeared. 

You— you just didn’t understand, because it didn’t make sense. You’d spent years studying the Small Science and how to wield it, how to manipulate the water around you no matter how miniscule. 

This was not merzost. You had never tampered with the way of the world, never attempted to bastardize the abilities you’d been granted.

Like called to like. There was a part of you that connected to the water, that allowed you the affinity for all of this.  

You had just… lost it. For no apparent reason. 

“There is nothing to talk about,” you stated simply. The cold of the railing shocked your fingers as you set your hand down, but you welcomed any sort of feeling. 

“Do not be ridiculous,” Nikolai said wryly. He came out onto the balcony and stopped beside you. You could see him looking at you through your peripherals, could feel his intent gaze. “Nobody avoids me unless they have a reason.”

You huffed a bitter laugh. “I certainly have a reason, moi tsarevich.”

“So we’ve gone back to titles?” Nikolai’s lips quirked up. “Shall I start referring to you as Grisha? Tidemaker, even?”

You scoffed. “That would be inaccurate.”

“Ah,” he nodded. “We’ve reached the root of the problem.”

“We hardly did anything,” you said. “Do you talk just to hear the sound of your own voice?”

“I do, as a matter of fact,” Nikolai said. “But you should know your scornful words have no effect when I’m aware of your true feelings.”

“If you are aware of my true feelings, you should know I would like to be left alone.” 

“You want to be left alone because you feel useless without your power,” he said. “Any man worth their salt would not fall to that, and fortunately, I’m worth quite a lot.” 

You finally turned to look at Nikolai, though you could not muster the full force of your anger when you did. He had that slight smile still, the glint in his eyes, and all you could think was that you didn't even deserve this kindness. 

“Because I am,” you said. 

He shook his head. “You are not. Far from useless, actually.” 

“You served in the First Army, didn’t you?” 

“I hardly see how that’s relevant—” 

“Just answer my question.” 

“...Yes,” he said. “I was infantry. The 22nd Regiment.” 

“And if you had lost the ability to shoot a gun, would you be allowed to stay on the front lines?” 

Nikolai shook his head. “I will not participate in hypotheticals to help you feel worse.” 

“Because you know it’s true.” You looked back out at the horizon—the sun was steadily setting. “I have no place here anymore.” 

He said your name with a slight huff. “That is not true.” 

“I’m not Grisha anymore!” you exclaimed as you whirled back to face him. “The only reason I have ever gotten anywhere— the only reason I am here, the only reason I ever met you in the first place— it is all because of my power.” You pulled your jacket tighter around yourself in the wake of a cold wind. The material was noticeably thinner than your kefta, but you could not bring yourself to wear it anymore. “I’m useless now. To— to Ravka, to the Second Army— to you.” 

His brows furrowed. “You are not useless to Ravka— and you could never be useless to me.” You averted your eyes, unable to meet the full weight of his softened gaze, and his frown deepened. “That’s what this is about then? 

“Don’t act like it’s so ridiculous,” you muttered. 

Nikolai had the nerve to laugh, and you glared at him. He held up his hands in defense, but he could not fully bite back his smile. 

“I apologize, lapushka, but I did not even consider that as an option for why you were so upset.” 

Nikolai took your hands in his, hands that had been the key to your power the entire life, that were failing you, and he held them like nothing else in the world mattered. “Do you know how absurd the thought of me not loving you is?” 

You glanced away, but Nikolai gently cupped your chin with a few fingers and tilted you back to meet his eyes. 

“Because it is,” he continued, letting his hand fall back down to grasp yours. “I love you with everything in me. I love you because you are you—not because of your powers. Not because you are Grisha.” 

“Who am I if I am not Grisha?” Your voice came out as little more than a whisper, near a desperate plea. You’d never felt weaker, never felt smaller. The only thing you’d known all your life had been ripped away from you, and you felt as if you’d been shoved into an endless void. 

Nikolai said your name softly as he squeezed your hands. “You are a soldier of great renown. A revolutionary on the right side of history. The most loyal friend someone can have. And lest you somehow manage to forget it, you are the woman I love.”

“You deserve better than—” you swallowed the lump in your throat. “—than some broken, failed Grisha.”

“You are not broken,” Nikolai murmured, and he never looked away from your eyes as he lifted your hand to press a kiss to the back of it. “We are merely on… a different path.” 

“A different path,” you repeated, and you could not help your wry laugh. 

“Yes,” he nodded. “And we will go down every step of it together. Do you understand that?” 

Nikolai fought for everything he had, despite his standing as a Lantsov. He was a soldier on the front lines, he rose through the ranks on the sea under a pseudonym, and now he was clawing his way through useless formalities in order to take back the throne that he deserved. 

And here you were—someone who was given everything because of some power inside you. And now you didn’t even have that. 

It just did not seem right. It did not make sense. For a man as powerful as Nikolai to stick by your side despite such a misgiving. 

“If you don’t, that is alright.” Nikolai shrugged. “I will just have to spend extra time showing you how much I revere your very being.” 

“Nikolai,” you murmured, and his grip on your hands tightened. 

“I cannot pretend to understand what you are going through,” he said. “I cannot lose what you have lost because I’ve never had it in the first place. But I can promise you wholeheartedly that we will figure out what is wrong. Together.” 

“And what if we don’t?” you asked. You couldn’t help it. 

“Then nothing will change,” Nikolai vowed. “Milaya, nothing can tear me away from you, whether you are Grisha or not. Do you understand that?” 

A part of you still could not. Who were you if you were not of use? 

But when you met Nikolai’s eyes, those beautiful hazel eyes that seemed to glow with the sunset, full of softness and admiration and love, you found that you could start to.

You may not have believed in yourself, but Nikolai did. And that had to mean something.  

“I’m beginning to,” you murmured. 

“Good,” he said, and his lips quirked into a smile. “But fear not, milaya. I hold enough love for you inside of me for the both of us in the meantime.” 

[vickyvicarious]

Ooh any thoughts on the pairs chosen and their tasks, for the final hunt?

I actually think I have a half-written post about exactly this lurking in my drafts from last year, though I will warn you that it contains spoilers for the journeys. Let me see if I can find it and finish it/clean it up a smidge... Ah. Yes. Here it is:

So, let's take a look at our travel arrangements. The team almost (but not quite) split up into the exact three options Mina listed for Dracula to follow. The only difference being that instead of "by road" we have "along the river." But still it's pretty close.

Each group has a sort of designated scribe who has historically been one of the main writers of the novel (more a meta necessity this, but given the heroes making such use of records it is still helpful to them if they wish to compile an account afterwards as well) as well as someone who will probably take the lead on vampire hunting, though where they can everyone will surely assist. They also have at least one person per group who can presumably make themselves understood by locals. I also added a 'caretaker' category because they're all running low on steam and it is an important consideration character-wise.

Basically this is just me taking a look at how each team is divvied up and why/what meta we could get out of it.

By Rail: Van Helsing and Mina

Scribe: Mina

Fighter: Van Helsing

Languages: Van Helsing

Caretaker: alternating

The two leaders. The brains if you will. They are heading straight to the castle. Van Helsing wants to kill the vampire women, and if he can get the jump on them/ambush them in their coffins it makes sense for him to do so rather than the younger men, whose strength is better saved for a possible direct confrontation with Dracula. And if anyone dies doing this, Van Helsing basically says better the old man who has already lived a long life. Keeping Mina further away from Dracula for as long as possible makes sense too in order to minimize what influence he can have upon her. Having her along to help find the castle as well will be useful, though it does mean she'll be brought in closer contact with his seat of operations and other vampires. But they've planned not to bring her into the castle itself.

The mode of transport is fitting for both of them. Mina of course IS the train fiend and so it's perfect for her to ride a train there. But Van Helsing too has spent a lot of time riding trains back and forth in the book to acquire information that can save a woman from becoming a vampire. Now his last train journey is in an effort to put that information into practice as he tries to save Mina from becoming a vampire/stop the spread by killing the other vampires. Not to mention of course Mina isn't really well and he is older so letting them take the relatively less taxing forms of transportation (train then carriage) makes sense. They both express concern for one another and work together to make sure the other is doing as well as they can throughout the journey as well.

Mina specifically traveling this way makes for a really cool transition from her utilizing the ultra-modern method to then traveling into the past almost as she echoes Jonathan's journey from the beginning of the book and also becomes more and more connected to vampirism/the vampire ladies (and by extent the ancient opposite of the modern civilization that the train represents). This rush to get there first also could reflect the two of them, but especially Mina, outthinking Dracula as they are ready to ambush him upon arrival.

Finally, Van Helsing was the most concerned over Mina's fate and was the one she put most in charge of deciding when she be killed... but he was meant to ensure Jonathan did the deed. So it makes for a really interesting pairing to put him there to make that final judgement but his own promise inclines him to put off action even if he thinks she's passed the point of no return. That said he still is trying really hard to have faith in her despite his doubts and fears, not just because of the promise.

By Land: Quincey and Jack

Scribe: Jack

Fighter: Quincey

Languages: Jack

Caretaker: none

Quincey volunteers early for this job. And Jack speaks up to join him because they work well together and have done things like this before. This actually makes them the only team to both do that, as Van Helsing argued for where Jonathan and Mina should both go. They are also the only pair who already know one another well pre-vampire hunting together.

While this is perhaps the least likely route to meet vampires (second-likeliest route to encounter Dracula, but the other group will almost certainly meet the vampire ladies) it is probably the most physically taxing. They're riding all day. Jack could theoretically be the caretaker here, as he is the doctor, but in reality they both are pressing on really hard and neither one is shown to be making sure the other gets enough rest or whatever. It kind of seems like they're setting a pace where they're both tired enough to just drop off when they get a chance.

Quincey is the leader among the two of them. He's the first to volunteer, and he seems very comfortable with horses and leading a hunt. However, in the larger context of his role in the group as a whole, he is very much the support, and while Jack has had a much larger role, when in the group he's generally support as well (though his trust with Van Helsing means he is usually more involved in discussions than Quincey). So it is fitting that these two are taking the "just in case" route - especially Quincey, who often does this sort of filling in where needed. Also fitting that they are bringing along horses for the others should they be needed. They're being the support team.

One more kind of interesting detail... this is the only group to actually travel with other people for a while, but also the group who talks to locals least. No meta point to this, just noticed it.

By Water: Arthur and Jonathan

Scribe: Jonathan

Fighter: Jonathan

Languages: Jonathan

Caretaker: Arthur

This list of roles makes it sound like Arthur isn't doing much. But that's far from true. It's quite possible he can communicate with locals as well (I just put Jonathan down as we know for a fact he can, though stiltedly) and he's proven himself in defeating a vampire in the past. Jonathan however is the main fighter, shown multiple times not to hesitate to attack Dracula. In fact though, Arthur's most important role here is as the caretaker and transport. He ensures that Jonathan gets the rest he needs, and he's the one not only to acquire the boat but the one who knows how to operate it. Not flawlessly, as we are told when there's a crash, but he's still essential in getting them up the river.

These two men following what seems to be the specific route Dracula took makes for some really interesting continuation of Jonathan's book-long acquisition/mimicry of Dracula's traits. The boat in the first place and then their impersonation of Romanian officials also is another instance of the repeated contrast of Arthur as the good (vis)count using his money and status to help, as opposed to Count Dracula or his alias De Ville using his status and money for evil.

It also is really fitting to pair Jonathan and Arthur together as the two husbands of the women Dracula has attacked. Arthur's reality could become Jonathan's future if they don't succeed here. There's some psychopomp imagery that got talked about a few years ago which can add another fun layer. The linked post there is focused mostly on Greek mythology, and talks more about this, but these two being the ones to travel up a river into a symbolic land of the dead (Dracula's land) is fitting in a couple ways too.

When convincing him to go with Arthur, Van Helsing invokes Jonathan's right to revenge as well. Mina aside, both of these two are the ones who have the most 'right' in that sense, as they've been most personally harmed by the Count. Arthur has gotten some measure of closure when staking Lucy at least, but Jonathan hasn't had anything of the sort. They're both "young and strong" and highly motivated.

.

Not to be reductive, but there's kind of a fun thing going on with head/hand/heart here if you want. Mina and Van Helsing are the new/old brains and each leaders in their own right. Quincey and Jack are both more supportive characters at least by this point in the book and one is shown to be a protector physically while the other is literally a doctor. Jonathan and Arthur are the lovers of the women attacked by Dracula, and also represent two different approaches to the idea of said love becoming a vampire (though again it's never fully realized in Jonathan's case, so presumably he could have gone either way should he be forced to actually make the choice).

Another fun detail when comparing all three... In each case, one person or another takes the lead at least some of the time. Mina and Van Helsing are the ones who alternate that role most. They both take turns looking after one another, driving the horses, and we even get written accounts from both of them. Jonathan and Arthur both take turns on watch but Arthur is the one who knows what he's doing on the ship and looking after Jonathan who is totally focused on leading the hunt. We don't hear much from the other two on their journey, but presumably Quincey is mostly in the lead - I say this because he historically has been in such circumstances (which Jack specifically mentioned when agreeing to go with him).

[bandgie]

Desire

President!Jongho x fem!reader

Synopsis: The company dinner was meant to destress your busy corporate life, but it seems like you'll have to make room for dessert.

warnings: slow burn? public fingering, cum eating/swapping, pussy play mostly, intoxication mentions but everyone is pretty much sober

song! 3.7k words

Choi Jongho is not necessarily hated, but he isn't liked either. There's an air around him that screams dominance and demands authority. He strives for perfection and expects everyone to give their all. As stubborn as he is, even with as much unwarranted fear he instills in everyone, you respect his drive.

You're on the opposite spectrum of Mr. Choi. A bit more lenient with the staff, not as ambitious, not as...scary as Seonghwa has once said. Despite the differences, you hardly bump heads with Jongho. Working so close with him, you the director and him the president, you've got to see sides of him others don't.

A more human side. 

Working in a corporation may be exhausting, especially in a law firm, but connecting with your subordinates is what makes it enjoyable. Though Mr. Choi doesn't share the same sentiment, you think he secretly enjoys the fruit basket you leave on his desk each time he secures a client.

You may not be able to buy Jongho another one of those baskets this time though. Stress eats at you from the most recent decisions of a particular client. They go against your financial advising, blaming you for the bankruptcy they will most likely endure. It'll make a bad name for the firm and you don't want to imagine Mr. Choi's displeasure. 

"What a bunch of fucking idiots," you groan under your breath. 

Yunho lifts his head from his computer at your mumbling. He peers over the little wall that divides your desks and waits until you notice him. When your eyes meet his brown ones, he raises an eyebrow, "Who?"

You scrunch your nose as you answer, "That Dreamy Day company. They're complaining about losing money, but it's literally their fault. Putting stocks when they shouldn't and over-drafting loans. So they hire us to make sure they don't go out of business right? But they do the opposite of what we're advising them to do. So they're wasting even more money and blaming me! Me! You should see the emails, Yunho. They're a bunch of fucking assholes too."

From the stunned look on Yunho's face, you think you've said too much. You close your eyes and let out a deep sigh, reaching up to pinch the bridge of your nose, "Sorry. I'm just stressed." Yunho nods understandingly and shrugs, "Aren't we all? I think you'll be happy to know that Mr. Choi said he'll pay for the company dinner tonight."

This makes you perk your head up, eyes wide open. "Dinner? Tonight? No no no I can't do that. I have too much work and-"

"And you'll have to save it for tomorrow. Boss's words, not mine." Yunho smiles at your defeated look, an innocent gaze in his eyes. "You need this." He continues. "We need this. At least one day to relax. If Mr. Boss can tell you're overworked, then there's a problem."

You sigh again, though it's not as heavy. Since you've been working overtime to create a business strategy for Dreamy Day, you've only been eating takeout and convenience store food. Maybe it would do you good to eat something cooked with someone else's money. 

"I guess there's nothing I can do then. What restaurant?"

-

The restaurant, Arriba, smells of spices and meat. The warm lights make you feel cozy and you enjoy the subtle chatter from the people around you. An abundance of food sits in the middle of your table, already halfway gone. Yunho's face is flushed from alcohol, but he still takes another swig of his drink.

"Damn Seonghwa! I didn't think you'd eat this much. You're so thin!" You chuckle as the said man blushes from the attention. He shoves another piece of cooked meat in his mouth, "I eat well."

"Ah, that's nothing," Jongho gestures to Seonghwa's plate. "In college, Park used to apply for cook positions just to eat the nightly leftovers. He used to purposely make the customers' food wrong so he could remake it and eat the one they sent back."

That sputters a laugh from you. One reason is that Seonghwa's gluttony runs deeper than you thought, the other now knowing that the senior associate used to flip burgers. 

"No way," you manage to subdue your laughter. "Did they ever find out?"

Seonghwa, even slightly tipsy, doesn't like to be the center of attention. He picks up his bottle and takes a strategically long drink just to avoid your question. However, he can't escape your curious eyes waiting for an answer. He finally sets his drink down and swallows loudly, "Yes...I didn't last longer than four months."

Yunho laughs at the honesty, wrapping an arm around Seonghwa's shoulder. "It's okay Hwa. We don't want to pay for leftovers anyway."

You chuckle at their interaction before glancing at Jongho beside you. Only his ears and what's exposed on his neck are flushed. Rather than the serious look you're used to, his eyes are softer. There's a sense of calamity rolling off him that makes you look at him in a different light. Even if he's working in such a high position, you can't help but notice how young he is in a moment like this.

"You too Jongho, you can handle your liquor pretty good." You notice your mistake a bit too late. Your boss is pretty stern about properly addressing him and even outside of work you think he might correct you. Instead, he turns his head to you and his lips twist into a smirk. 

Your heart flutters. 

Jongho raises his shot glass to eye level and looks at it almost affectionately, "Alcohol is a man's best friend." He brings the glass to his lips and shoots it back. He licks his lips and lets out a satisfied sigh once he's gulped, "Every good president should know how to drink well."

The night continues with drunk laughter and playful banter. Though you've worked with these men for years, you feel as though you're finally getting to know them as they share stories of their youth. Yunho is obsessed with Harry Potter, Seonghwa prefers Star Wars and Jongho...Jongho...

Was he always this handsome? Did he always have such a cute, gummy smile? It has to be the light bouncing off his tan skin that captivates you. It's the warm food and cozy environment that makes you sit hip-to-hip with him. That yearning for contact is because of the soju. The way you shiver when his hands brush against yours when he reaches for seconds is because you're just hyper-sensitive.

It's anything but him, you remind yourself. 

It's a mantra you repeat while Jongho pays for bills, while he holds the door open for you four to shuffle out of, as he asks if everyone wants to go to a bar. 

You blink yourself out of your thoughts, "Huh?"

"It's a shame to waste the night. Plus we don't do this often. But I understand if it's too late for you guys," he looks amongst the three of you, waiting for an answer. 

Even if you weren't suddenly crushing on your boss, it would be foolish to turn down a higher-up's offer. Yunho and Seonghwa seem to think the same thing as they agree quickly. "I could go for another round," Yunho nods. 

Jongho smiles in a way that makes you tremble so violently that Seonghwa asks if you want his jacket. 

"Sounds good," Jongho claps his hands a few times. "I'll keep a tab open, but do your best to remember we have work tomorrow.

-

It's a completely different environment in the bar compared to Arriba. Seonghwa mentioned the place MATZ his old friend runs to go to. Maybe you expected some level of decency, but you're shocked to see what feels like hundreds of people standing, drinking, dancing. Then the foul smell of beer and what you hope isn't vomit fills your nose. You cover your mouth and blink away your tears. 

The crowd eyes the four of you judgingly as you push your way to an empty booth. It's mostly likely because of your attire. While everyone wears either skin-tight or little clothing, you four wear business casual. 

You jump when a hand settles on the small of your back. You're about to, not so nicely, tell the perv to keep their hands to themselves when it's Jongho you see close behind you. He doesn't so much as look at you when you peer up at him, face heating. You whip your head back around and let him guide you to a dirty, but empty table.

''I think this is a club rather than a bar, Mr. Park!" Jongho shouts over the loud music.

Mr. Park...oh he's pissed. 

Seonghwa's eyes widen in fear as he sneaks glances at you. Help!

You would rather not risk enduring the anger of Jongho, but Seonghwa has such a begging look in his eyes that you cave. "Maybe this is a good thing!" you shout in Jongho's ear. "I mean, you took us out to relax, right? And like you said, we don't do this often."

Jongho raises an eyebrow as he turns to face you. Since you were leaning in his ear, his face is mere inches away from your own. You swear you can feel his warm breath on your lips. Jongho looks at you up and down in a way that makes your skin crawl. He isn't just looking at you, he's observing you. You think he's debating on demoting you when he laughs instead, "Using my own words against me, huh? Shouldn't expect anything less than my director."

Seonghwa visibly relaxes at the diffused situation, but now you're the tense one. All you can stare at is Jongho. Different lights, different smells, different places, yet he still captivates you. You tremble at his intense stare, feeling the way his eyes eat you.

His tongue pokes out to moisten the side of his bottom lip.

"Imma gets some drinks," Yunho's announcement breaks the stare-off. Jongho turns his attention to the tall man and reaches into the pocket of his coat. You watch as his nimble fingers dig through his wallet to pull out the company card and hand it to Yunho. 

"Just put it under my name," he instructs.

Yunho scoots until he's out of the booth, leaving you three at the table before someone catches Seonghwa's eye.

"Oh!" He quickly shuffles to his feet. "I see my friend. I'm going to say a quick hi. If you'll excuse me." Jongho gives a nod before Seonghwa disappears into the sea of bodies. 

Then there were two. 

You don't know where to look, where to pretend to look. You choose the dance floor where people shamelessly rub against each other, spilling drinks and hollering with deaf-tone singing. It's somewhat overstimulating to your semi-sober mind, but it's better than the burning presence of Jongho beside you.

"Do you like to dance?" that burning presence speaks. A part of you wants to pretend that you didn't hear him over the loud atmosphere, but you know better than that.

"Yes!" You yell in his direction but refuse to meet his eyes. "I don't go out anymore, but I danced when I did." You see the outline of Jongho nodding. Awkwardly, you meet his eyes, "Do you like to dance?"

He shrugs, "I don't care much for it. I prefer singing."

A look of surprise molds into your face, "Singing? Since when?"

"Since forever," he smiles. "I should have chosen a karaoke bar instead. Not this shit fest." Jongho laughs at his crudeness, waiting for your response. 

"I mean, it would have been more quiet. That's for sure!" You smile at his joyful expression. "But I don't mind this. When Yunho comes back with drinks, I think we'll be having a much better time."

Jongho nods, but there's a somewhat youthful expression in his eyes you don't think you've ever seen. 

"Maybe we should go dance," you propose. "Just until Yunho comes back." There's an immediate feeling of regret when the question slips from you. You want to blame the atmosphere for getting to your head, the drunk energy making its way to your veins. 

But when you see him smile curiously when you see him nod, when you grab him by the wrist and lead him to the middle of the floor, you're buzzing with excitement you know is far from those things. 

Jongho is a better dancer than he claimed to be. He runs his hands up and down your torso, pulling you close or moving his hips with yours. He even trails the tips of his fingers down your neck when you tilt up to the ceiling.

Yunho and Seonghwa are more than likely back at the booth, wondering where you two went. If they were to see you dancing like this, to see Jongho's moving against you this way, you think they'd never let you hear the end of it. 

You can't seem to find the energy to care though. Not when Jongho's letting you grind against his thighs. He encourages it, keeping his hands at your waist to help you ride him. The two of you have already crossed so many lines by doing this, you might as well see how far you can get. 

You can feel his erection through his work pants, poking your leg. As much as you want to twist a hand between and 'help,' it would be too obvious. You settle with feeling your wet underwear rub against your cunt, staining your pants. 

Good thing it's already dark out. 

Jongho lets you rest your head in the crook of his neck. He can hear every pant, every whine, feel the way your tongue laps at his sweat. He can feel your warm cunt through the fabric, but he doubts it'll be enough for him.

He snakes a hand between your bodies undo the button of your slacks and finds the zipper. 

"Jongho!" You gasp in his ear. You glance down to see him working his fingers down until they cup over your clothed mound. You tremble in his hold, softly moaning at the contact before you come to your senses. 

"There are people!"

"There are."

"They're gonna see!"

"They might."

You're going to reply when his hand rubs up and down. Your hips rock before you can think, chasing the pleasure Jongho so willingly gives you. 

"I don't know why you're worried." He shakes his head. "You're so wet. Did you want me to ignore that?"

The only response he gets is soft moans in his ear. He giggles at your desperation, opting to move his palm in circles. 

"I saw the way you were looking at me during dinner," Jongho admits. "At first, I thought it was because of the drinks. You know how some people get like when they have one too many. But now that we're here, I wonder if you've been wet this whole time."

Were you that obvious? Could Jongho see you eye-fucking him? Could he feel the desire that wrecked you these last hours? He must, even if it weren't for his confession. Jongho must feel the same way if he's letting you hump his hand without care.

"Mmm sorry. Sorry," it's all breathy against his skin when you speak. "D-don't fire me."

That sputters a laugh out of him. You grip onto him a little tighter by the shoulder. His hand is drenched, and it's so easy to slide back and forth on it. But the fabric of your underwear is starting to get irritating. It's too rough on your sensitive flesh and you're trying to slip his hand inside your panties. 

Once his laughter subdues, he smiles down at your frenzied state. "I wasn't even thinking that. I'm sure HR would get a laugh out of my director humping my hand like a bunny."

You whine in his neck, both from embarrassment and need. Even as he teases you, Jongho relents and slips his fingers past your panties. The feeling of his bare fingers rubbing against your cunt makes you shiver, humming in satisfaction.

Jongho runs two of his fingers up and down your slit, getting familiar with how your body reacts to his touches. He moves the pad of his fingers up to rub circles over your clitoris. You let out an airy moan, thankful for the loud music concealing your mewls.

"I won't tell them," Jongho promises. "A little secret between us two."

The people around you have gotten the clue that you two are more than dancing. Some move to a different spot, others giggle at the desperation, but most roll their eyes as if this is a common occurrence at MATZ. Either way, you don't care. Not when your boss's fingers dip between your folds, spreading your lips and using his thumb to apply pressure on your clit. 

You could cum from how Jongho plays with your pussy alone, but your walls keep clenching down on air. It leaves you feeling frustrated with nothing inside you. His fingers feel thick, they can do the job.

"Can...can we keep another secret?" You bite on your lower lip, looking up at Jongho whose eyes never left your face. The colors of the strobe lights bounce beautifully on his face, capturing his already-knowing smile. "Depends. You have to tell me first."

Strategically, you trail kisses from his neck to his ear, biting on his earlobe as you whisper, "I wanna feel your fingers in me. Creaming around them. God, fuck, I just want to cum on them."

That playful air around Jongho seems to darken, turning into something akin to desire. He teases your entrance with the tips of his fore and middle finger. Circling and barely dipping them in before pulling away. "I thought there were people?" He flashes a gummy smile. 

"Jonghooo."

He smiles wider at your whining, but it's what makes him oblige. Two thick fingers finally make their way inside you carefully. He slides them in with ease from how wet his entire hand already was and with how relaxed your body is. He slightly wiggles his fingers to find a comfortable position for both of you, adding to the already stretching stimulation. 

You clench around his digits eagerly, loudly moaning from finally being somewhat filled. Everything about him is warm, from the fingers finding a pace, to his palm that smacks against your entire pussy. Slick drips down your thighs, collecting onto the fabric on your work pants. If you thought they were soaked before, they are utterly drenched now.

Jongho doesn't bother with a slow pace. He can tell from how you're bouncing on his hand that you need more than what you started with. With his free hand, he hooks one of your legs up to rest on his hip so he has better access. With this opening angle, it's easier for him to piston his fingers in and out of you.

It's loud, it's wet, it's obscene. 

You should feel disgusted or ashamed at the very least. But Jongho's so good at finger fucking you. He doesn't seem to mind your loud whines, your rocking hips, and his dirty sleeves getting wetter by the second. After all, a good subordinate follows in the footsteps of their superiors.

His fingers aren't necessarily long, but they still build that fire in your belly. Your orgasm approaches, affecting how your riding turns into messy humping; How you make a conscious effort to try and quiet your louder moans. Your walls repeatedly tighten around Jongho and he drives it home.

Harshly, Jongho drives his fingers as far as they can go, wiggling just the tips to prod that rough spot in your pussy. It feels as though it's in your stomach, reaching even deeper than you know is possible. Your hips come to a complete stop, opting to spasm uncontrollably. 

A few more harsh pumps, some clit play with Jongho's thumb, and you feel yourself coming undone. The tightly coiled pleasure blossoms in your stomach, spreading its heat to your legs, your chest, and your sensitive cunt. You gasp in his ear, torn between staying awkwardly slightly or embarrassingly loud.

Jongho decides for you. He captures your parted lips in a messy kiss, eating your wails and moans. You pant in his mouth, trying to match his stroking tongue with yours. It's difficult to kiss him back when your orgasm floods your senses, but Jongho hardly seems to care about your tired lips.

You squeal when he gently pulls his fingers downwards. The drag makes your eyes roll, still delicate at every move. Jongho doesn't take them out all the way, but instead drives them forward. He maintains a slowly pumping speed to help you ride off your high.

It's overwhelming to have both your lips occupied, so you make the difficult choice to pull away from Jongho's kiss and rest your head on his chest. He frowns at first, but upon seeing your droopy eyelids and constant moans, he accepts that he's drawing your orgasm too far out.

That doesn't mean you don't whine when he finally pulls his fingers out, cunt cold and empty. 

With hazy eyes, you watch as he brings his fingers up to eye level, glistening in the artificial lighting. Wordlessly, he traces those same fingers across your bottom lip, wiping your essence in the process. You open your mouth so he can further push them between your lips. 

"How do you taste?" Jongho questions, eyes stuck on where your tongue swirls around. 

You hum in response, leaning forward to reach his fingers to the knuckles. Slowly, you pull away, letting his fingers out with a 'pop!'

"Try for yourself."

You snake a hand around his neck and bring him forward, putting your tongue in his mouth immediately. Jongho groans at the taste, cupping your face with both hands as he pulls you closer. He digs his tongue deeper and sucks on yours to get every drop of cum you have. It's not until you're gasping for air that he pulls away, licking his lips. 

"Fuck," he swears. "Hiding that from me all this time, huh Director?"

With glossy, cum-stained lips, you smile. "Didn't think it was part of the job."

As if on cue, Jongho's phone begins to vibrate between your bodies. He removes a hand from your face to reach his pocket and look at the caller. He glances at you and then at the phone before silencing the call.

"We should find our table."

a/n: omfg I have been so dry im so sorry school is kicking MY ASS I have like 1000 words due every week for one class then 300 a week for another and there's so much articles to read omfg ANYWHO I hoped you all liked this one!!!

[neverchecking]

Hi I love you wirk

And I love how you call totk link sage

Also the cold attack boost outfit I love it my favorite The open back and showing his hips 🤤😋 hot

And I love the zonia

And I have a request

Can I request yandere sage x ruyla ( autocorrect Keeps fixing his name) king of the zonia daughter reader

Smut

Like the reader was sent to the future from her dad with out anyone knowing

And tells link to find his daughter who asleep not to far away from his shrine and go to a the time temple top and the zonia worker will show him the way

And they reade is a sweet flower but looks up to Link.

And link falls for her.

And won't let anyone take her even if it mean Baby trapping her please and thank you

And I love you.

At first I was like Raylu???? Then I noticed you mentioned autocorrect and I was like ah- Rauru.

You absolutely can. I love every part of this idea. I feel like a perfect companion to Sage is one that is just such a sunshiney baby.

Anyway, I meant to get this out last night after work, but I got high instead and spent an hour watching the ceiling fan. I also wrote like the weirdest draft ideas and I'm deciding if they're worth fleshing out at all.

(Sage is TotK Link!)

Also smut so MDNI! 18+

Smut CW: Breeding kink, baby trapping, reader is a little naive. Sage. He's a crusty little bastard. (affectionately) Dumbification.

It had many names, the Legend of the Dragon's Daughter. Many of which titled it as either a legend or a story. A myth. Some warned of great dangers surrounding the aura of the spirit the legend told about. Other's told of the pure divinity that this being held in the palm of their hand. The grace and adroitness that lined their very pores was spoken of so fondly by the older generations who had heard the story from their own grandparents, who had heard it from theirs and so on and so forth. The older Zora especially spoke of her in such a tone he found himself lending a little belief to the legend.

The story told of a daughter, blessed to the first King and Queen of Hyrule by the Three Goddesses themselves. A princess bestowed with the gift of beauty and grace, a beacon to the budding kingdom. There were even carvings under Hyrule Castle, hidden by toppled boulders, that portrayed her image.

And he would admit. She looked like a being having been blessed by the heavens above.

The carvings had showed an ugly side to an already bitter story. How this princess, this goddess sculpted muse, was struck down by the Demon King as a means to get back at both King Rauru and Queen Sonia. The carvings from there had been too worn down to get a clear reading, but it was enough to pique his interest. Besides, what else did he have to do? Save a princess who had no issues with leaving him to die? Deal with monsters that the people of Hyrule already knew damn well how to deal with and were no longer scared of them? Traverse the depths and all the lightroots he had already found?

At least this way, he may get some new power out of it. If nothing else, at least he had a good story for Traysi.

His first area to investigate was the sky island he woke up on. He could still spot Rauru's spirit in certain areas, understanding the solemn look he seemed to wear much more than he previously did.

It was also much easier to travel around the island this time around, which was a bonus.

When prodded for answers, something complicated flashed over the spirit's face before it settled into a Grim acceptance. One Link had worn too often right after remembering the untimely demise of the Champions.

"She was gravely injured. My precious sunshine. I almost lost her that day." He had spoken in a grave echo, eyes glazed and far off, as if seeing his daughter right in front of him. "My sister, Mineru, had offered her services in an effort to preserve her soul. I am unsure if it had worked. I haven't had the heart to look. I would be such a disappointment to her fiery heart and iron strong will to shine in the brightest ways possible. She was kept in the Temple of Time if you are at all curious."

He was. He was curious. He wanted to see this being for himself. If Rauru spoke so highly of you, it had to be worth it. And it was either this or go save Zelda, and he figured she was fine doing what she currently was for a little while longer.

At least until he looked further into this.

Walking into the temple, he hummed to himself as he looked around, spotting the blue glow of Rauru near a wall closer to the exit. He nodded solemnly when Link approached. The hand that matched his own raised to the wall, pulling forth one of those green symbols that chimed at his hand. The bricks shuffled and moved while Rauru faded out, leaving an unactive construct in front of him. It rattled to life, chirping up at him before recognizing that he was friend and not foe. The Construct explained that he was designed to protect the chasm the Princess was being kept in, but since Rauru had deemed him worthy, he would escort the blond to the place. It wasn't a long journey, not at all, just down a spiraling staircase with stone walls curtained by moss.

But the moment he laid eyes on you, he understood why you were hidden.

You face was lax in such a peaceful expression as your body remained weightless, suspended in a bubble of seafoam green and ocean blue. Your hair was splaying up behind you as if you were underwater with your hands clasped around a hilt of a sword. Even the sword itself was divinity in a blade, glowing a bright white from it's place in front of you. You were clad in white robes trimmed in cold with a stone necklace laced around your delicate neck, those same white earrings hanging from your ears.

You were...ethereal. From the curve of your jawbone to the plump flesh of your cheeks, he was enthralled by your very essence. The curve of your shoulders and the toned flow of your arms, even the dip in your collarbone-- all of it had his eyes trailing every bend and curve of your body.

What he wouldn't do to get a piece of you.

He ached to just touch your sun-kissed skin, to feel it under his palms as he held you. To feel the run of your hips, fingers gripping at the dips that decorated them. To paint them a splattering of blues and purples in a lasting reminder of who he was and what he had done to you. To bite and nibble at the flesh just to hear the kind of cries you would make.

Goddess, he couldn't imagine what your voice sounded like, but he wanted to. He wanted to hear what it sounded like while you breathlessly gasped out. To hear what it sounded like when you cried out his name in pure ecstasy as you withered underneath of him. To hear you give yourself to him entirely.

He wanted to feel your weight on top of him, to experience your hands in his hair (Or cupping his cheeks if he chose to allow himself that vulnerability), to live in your orbit, worshipping you as his one true Goddess.

His eyes landed on the same green symbol that unlocked everything pertaining to the Zonai. He raised his hand in response. It lit up a bright green before fading. The bubble shined brightly before growing, eventually popping and exposing you to the elements. Which why? You were so vulnerable like that? Why not just give you to him directly? You were at risk like this. Couldn't they SEE THAT-

Whatever invisible force keeping you suspended gently laid you on your feet, which were bare, only adorned with an anklet matching your necklace. The tip of the sword in your hand clinked against the stone floor. The echo of it made your eyes, your gorgeous, gorgeous eyes, snap open. If he thought seeing you before was captivating, this was downright...enchanting. The light of your irises positively glowed as your silently gasped, hands tightening around the hilt of the weapon. He rushed to your side as he saw your balance falter, cradling you in his arms as one of your hands came to gently hold your own temple. Even just the sound of your groan made him swallow hard, fighting the blood threatening to rush to his (dick-) cheeks.

You blinked before realizing that he was not someone you knew, pushing him away with much more force than he would expect from someone fresh out of a comatose state. The only thing stopping him from wrapping his arms around you once more was the tip of the very blade now prodding at his neck. He swallowed.

"Who are you?" You demanded, hold on the weapon shaking just a tad.

(Which was so adorable. How someone like you, all soft skin and doe eyes, expected to make someone like him, rugged scars and gnarled morals, bend to you was beyond him.)

(But he'd love to see you try anyway.)

"Where are my people?! Or Queen Sonia and King Rauru?!" Oh, you were so cute.

He wanted to decimate that innocence you carried.

With a careful hand, he gently pushed the blade aside with the back of a hand, letting a smug smirk settle on his lips. Your cheeks immediately reddened as your attention remained on him. Just as he liked it, he decided then and there. He liked having your attention (and only yours) on him. But having you acting so hostile towards him just wouldn't stand. But you didn't know any better, not yet anyway, so he'd let it slide.

He gently explained that you had been fatally wounded protecting your people, something that your parents were endlessly proud of you for-- even in death. While it was a direct shot in his, admittedly lacking, heart to be the one to tell you of the passed time and the death of your parents (The sacrifice of your father and the betrayal that lead to your mother's death), he was evidently the best and only option. He understood, on an intimate level, what it was like to loose so much time, healing yourself, while the rest of the world carried on, carrying the loss of friends and family with it. He knew what it was like. It had to be why you two were so perfect for each other.

He held you as your cried, soothing down your hair as your tears (Which should never have been shed) soaked his shoulder. While he was never interested in defeating the Demon King for Zelda's sake, he may have just found another motive.

One much more worthy of his time and attention.

<><><><>

When he first saw you, he understood why you were hidden, on a surface level.

He understood why much more on a deeper, more intimate one now.

You were so bubbly. Even when faced with the devastation of your home, you remained optimistic, greeting the constructs that roamed around happily. Bestowing your cherished kisses (Those should belong to him.) upon their cold exterior while wiping them free of dirt. Even the wildlife that had squawked and charged at him crooned and chirped under your touch, hankering for the scratches you gifted them under the chin. You saw beauty in the overrun weeds and fauna, taking great interest in the new species that had popped up.

When he took to the mainland, via shrine travel because he would be damned before you got down the same way he originally did, it seemed like you couldn't see everything fast enough. You loved exploring the caves, despite the Like-Likes baring their disgusting teeth and innards (Which he quickly disposed of), ached to get as close as possible to the chasms (Which wasn't very as he refused to risk you falling in), yearned to traverse the mountain peaks and snow dunes of the mainland (Which killed him on the inside since didn't you know how dangerous those were?!).

You were quite the adventurer, full of inexperienced naivety and unpoised curiosity. The exact opposite of the princess he knew. He forgot you were royalty have the time with your mannerisms, nothing like Zelda. Which was so refreshing.

If only you weren't so fragile. He would never admit it (Too your face at least) that he's thought of just tying you down and keeping you in his (He saw it as your shared home these days) home. It was on the far outskirts of Tarrey town (Far enough no one would hear your cries for help should it come to that) with a pasture out front so you could keep a horse nearby as a friend (Should you behave).

(It wouldn't be a young, steady horse. No, most likely an older horse who had long since retired from any sort of running or getaway attempts.)

He just needed a way to keep you stationary.

And it hit him like a Hinox. You two were walking around Hateno (It was deemed safe and far enough from Tarry Town that it was still new to you), when you stopped, let out a high enough squeal his ears pinned to his head as his head snapped towards you. You were always in his peripheral, but now you were right in front of him with his hands quickly holding your arms, checking you over for injury. There were none, but you were beaming like someone had handed you a million rupees (He would. He could. He'd do it just for you), instead redirecting his attention with a call of 'Link, look!'. He had followed your line of sight just as you began squeezing his own hands, expecting you to be aweing over a cow or goat or, Goddess forbid, a dog again (You very nearly took one of stable dogs home last time). But you weren't.

And that's when it hit him.

You were loosing any semblance of a mind you had over a small infant, strapped to their mother's back by a wrap of some sort. The babe smiled at your reaction, letting out a small cascade of giggles that had you squealing in pure joy.

That was it.

The answer was right there! How could he have been so blind?! It was right there. If he gave you a baby, his baby no less, you would have no choice but to remain dormant. You would have to stay right where he put you to not only protect yourself, but to your protect your child. He had no doubt you would do it. You were too kind, too naive, for any other option. Once you figured out you were carrying his child, you'd fall for thing, claiming it as your own before it was any bigger than an apple seed.

And from then on it would just be a matter of formalities. You'd be his for the rest of your lives.

Exactly what he wanted.

Exactly what had led up to this moment. You were nothing but a babbling, crying mess underneath of him, pulling at the roots of his hair as he folded your legs against your chest. You were pleading with him, some mindless demand that he wasn't even sure you knew what you were asking, but it was background noise. He was too focused on watching the way he disappearing into your cunt, a milky sheen coating the shaft of his cock as heavy dollops of past loads dripped past your gaping opening. It was mesmerizing the way your body reacted to him, sucking him in and fighting him every time he pulled out. Even on an unconscious level, you ached for him. Not nearly as much as he breathed for you, but that would come with time. He knew it would. He'd ensure it.

The cry of his name on your lips had the coil in his gut steadily tightening as his pace picked up, thoroughly hammering your insides. He needed to make sure he was prodded right against your cervix for this to work. He needed to get this right. He needed to father any and all of your children. Starting here and now.

Whether you knew about it or not.

You had babbled something about him pulling out too long ago, but he had...distracted you with long laps at your clit and soft nipples along your thighs. He didn't even think of truly ruining you until you were clenching your thighs around his head and drenching his bottom jaw, too gone to properly process anything going on around you.

And he'd keep it that way.

His thumb, rough and calloused, rubbed harsh little circles into your clit, feeling it pulse in time with his ministrations. You whimpered beneath him, chest arching up to push against his own as you cried out, squeezing around him. You were positively milking him for every drop he had to offer.

There was no way you didn't want his children. Not with the way you were clenching around him as he jutted as far as he could go, filling your womb once more. You laid boneless beneath him, hands dropping to hang around his neck as he took a moment to breath. Your cunt spasmed once more and his cock twitched inside of you.

"You're not done yet, are you, Princess?" He purred into your ear, making it flicker as he rolled his hips against yours, even if overstimulation rocked his entire system in a flash of shot nerves.

None of that mattered to him. He had a mission. A mission he would do anything to accomplish.

Anything to keep you as his.

Yes, the reader was holding the Light Sword. Yes, I know that's not how you get it. I just thought it would be a cool tidbit bc YES, Sage seems like the type to get turned on by a hot princess threatening with a sword.

[augustvandyne]

request:

They go to a dodgers game together then at the end when they’re leaving a fight breaks out n reader gets hit

i accidentally posted it while trying to save it into my drafts, so i deleted the request. anyway, here it is. i love this idea because protective angela!! protective angela on top 💗🙏🏼 also i know little to nothing about baseball so please forgive

fight

The game was crazy, to say the least.

At one point you and Angela were standing up and jumping up and down over the fact that the Dodgers were winning, and then they just weren’t.

So now the two of you were sitting down, feet up, and chewing on some stale popcorn you’d picked up on your way to your seats.

Angela was making sarcastic remarks about how well they were playing today.

This was only one of their first games of the season, but really, what was the purpose of all the preseason if they were just going to perform like this?

“Catch the damn ball,” Angela shouts as the ball is dropped for the umpteenth time today. “Oh my.”

“I’m gonna need a drink after this one,” You hold a hand over yours eyes.

“A strong one,” Angela agrees.

“I can’t even watch anymore,” You turn your head to look at your beautiful girlfriend.

“It’s almost over,” Angela lays her head back to put a hand-full of popcorn in her mouth. “And then we can do whatever we want the rest of the day.”

“Good,” You laugh. “I’m gonna need something to take my mind off this shit show.”

“I’m very good at that,” Angela turns her head towards you, smirking.

“Oh, yeah, are you?” You lean in to kiss her lips, and she kisses back. “You look gorgeous today, you know?”

“Oh, so I don’t any other day?” Angela fakes hurt.

You squint, making Angela chuckle a bit.

“Not what I meant,” You push her jokingly.

“And what did you mean?”

“That you look gorgeous,” You shrug. “I like your natural hair.”

“Now I’m gonna start straightening it,” Angela shakes her head, trying to bite back a smile.

“Okay,” You shrug. “I like you every way. Hair up, down, straight, curled, natural. I love all of you.”

“I love every part of you, too,” Angela puts her head back, looking at you sweetly.

“I think that’s the sweetest thing you’ve ever said to me,” You put a hand on your chest.

“Shut up,” Angela rolls her eyes.

The moment between the two of you stops as two men standing in front of you begin to get into it.

“You’ve gotta be kidding,” Angela pushes the fingertips of her pointer finger and thumb into her eyes. “We can’t have just one nice day without having to be cops?”

“I mean, we could just leave.”

“Yeah, lets. Before we become accessories to a crime,” Angela stands, grabbing her leather jacket and any trash she had.

You do the same, and step out into the steps so you could leave.

You go down a step when one of the men accidentally punches you across the face.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry,” You put your hand on your face where the man hit you, your eye watering from the pain.

You’d think after years of being a cop, you’d be used to the feeling of being punch in the face, but you weren’t.

“I— It’s fine,” You flex your jaw, trying to ease the pain, but it just makes it worse.

“Like hell it is,” Angela’s face only holds pure anger. “You never hit a woman.”

“It was an accident—“

Angela holds her finger up, “Let alone a cop.”

“Shit, I—“

“Save it,” Angela crosses her arms, the trash long forgotten on the floor of the bleachers. “You’ll be hearing from our lawyer.”

“Ange—“ You try to calm her, but she isn’t having any of it.

“No. He’s lucky I don’t arrest him right now,” Angela clenches her jaw.

“Baby,” You shake your head.

Angela’s eyes soften as she takes the step towards you. She tries to remove your hand from your face, but you resist.

“Let me see,” She demanded. “Come on.”

When she removes your hand, she sees that there’s a bruise getting ready to form, and she looks back at the man angrier than she was a second ago.

Angela places a kiss on the sore spot.

“Ah, so much better,” You wipe the stray tear.

“Good,” She caresses the spot, trying to ease your pain for you. “How bad does it hurt?”

“An 8,” You wince when she applies the tiniest bit of pressure.

“I’m sorry,” Angela looks at you with sympathy. She wants nothing more than to take that guy to the ground, but she knows right place, right time. And that’s definitely not here in front of all these people who were already staring.

“I’m not joking,” Angela gives the man a stern look. “We’ll be seeing you.”

“Come on,” Angela lightly grabs your arm. “Let’s go get you some ice.”

Later that night, you’d taken some Tylenol for the pain, and you were still holding an ice pack to your face.

Angela’s orders!

She had you lying across her chest, the two of you covered in a blanket.

Every thirty minutes or so, she made you get up so she could see your bruise, and she’d apply a kiss like she had at the stadium.

She was worried about a concussion, but you promised her that you knew the day, time, and president. As well as the fact that the only pain you had was in your cheek.

“I can’t believe that happened,” She tilts her head, examining your cheek again.

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not,” Angela shakes her head. “You’re in pain, I feel so bad.”

“I promise it’s not your fault, Ange,” You run your fingers through her hair, holding it back from her face.

You place a kiss on her head, forehead, nose, and then finally her lips.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Angela presses her lips together, trying to suppress the worry growing in her stomach.

“Yes,” You kiss her again. “I promise. The pain and the bruise will be gone soon enough.”

“Good.”

“Especially if you keep kissing it,” You smile, tapping a finger to the tender spot, signaling her to give you a kiss there again.

Angela chuckles, “You’re cute.”

“Thank you,” You beam as she pulls your towards her to give you a kiss there.

“My turn,” You pepper kisses all over her face until she’s begging you to stop. “Feel better?”

“I should be asking you that,” Angela’s smile falters again, but grows once more when you give her a look. “I feel much better. Thank you.”

You lay back down, a mixture of the Tylenol, trashy television, and the feeling of Angela’s fingers in your hair causing you to pass out for the rest of the night.

[h0ney-mochi]

Scaramouche x reader (readers pronouns not mentioned)

SFW (a mention of readers' assistant making out with someone ;; readers pronouns are not mentioned, but written with fem in mind)

Summary: you work at the pharmacy in the Fatui. frequent visits of injured people and agents, workers, sometimes the harbingers' themselves. since you have so much work, you get assistant requests. but turns out ur assistant was a lil stupid so you threw them out and scara saw it!

A/n: I got inspired by this one comment on a scara playlist and decides to write a lil something. This is meant to be as scara never thinking of you being mean or hurting anyone, so when he sees you like this, he can't help, but imagine.... aka when he thinks of u being mean he can't stop thinking of you dominating him COUGHOUGHCOUGH

A/n 2: I accidentally posted it while I was editing it GAHHHH tumblr so stupid, just stay on "save draft" not "post" mf!!!!

You were sweet, kind and soft — that's how the people saw you. That's how the fatui saw you. Everyone knew that, especially because you were working in the pharmacy room — you weren't the one with needles, some others were dealing with that. You were like quick care. You get it.

The other harbingers found you reliable, since you would always help and look out for everyone and everything. Scaramouche on the other hand just scoffed every time when you noticed he has some bruises or cuts, whatever.

..That was of course, when he was sitting on the chair in front of you while you inspected them. "Can you not? I've got business to do," he speaks, before hissing when you put a bit of liquid on a cut. "Yeah, let me finish up and you'll be good to go, Scara," you pay no mind, bringing a cotton ball to clean away some blood and the liquid. He would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy this. Your care. Something he ran away from. After a moment, you applied a small bandaid on his cut and threw out the paper and ruined cotton. You smiled at him, "You're good to go!" He rolled his eyes at you, "yeah, right."

Scaramouche got up, fixing his clothes. Then he simply walked away from you, out of the room. He muttered a silent thank you and you caught that, not saying anything. You went to make yourself a tea and look at what else you could do today. There were a few papers on people that wanted to be your assistant in the pharmacy, so you sat down with your tea and started looking through them. That will take a while, so might as well inspect them thoroughly.

.. A few days had passed since you looked through the submissions. You spoke with one of the people, accepting them as your assistant at the pharmacy. You made sure to always remind them where they work and what they need to do. Soon you didn't need to do that at all because they were a good assistant, helping you get the needed medicine or materials, even helping you out by stitching up the Fatui people when you were busy with another or gone on a task. They were reliable and that's what you liked, what you needed for an assistant. You thanked the Archons for finally giving you a good assistant.

Until one day.

You had went out to get a package you had requested, since you were starting to run out of something specific. You let your assistant know and left to get your stuff. It didn't take that much time, so you were soon going back to the place. You open the door, greeting your assistant, saying you're back and that you got what you.. needed...

You stop in your tracks when you notice your assistant making out with a fatui agent. They immediately stopped, your assistant turning to you in shock. You stared. Your assistant quickly got off the agent and smiled at you nervously. "Ah, he came for a check up, had to help him with a few cuts from a fight!" They spoke, while the agent just sat at the bed, not knowing what to do in this situation. Your smile was already gone, "And that check up includes making out on a hospital bed? What, is he your boyfriend?" They went quiet. "Um.. no, he's not-" you watched as they got more nervous. The agent got up, "I have a girlfriend, please don't tell anyone about this." Your eyes widened. Oh my god.

The door wasn't closed because your hands were full, so your yelling echoed through the hallway, gaining attention of the agents and other people that were doing their job or just walking somewhere else. "When I was looking through the applications, I didn't read that you'll be making out with strangers!" You spoke, pointing at the agent and then at the door. He scurried away and you quickly made note of some if his features. Then you turned to your assistant, who was trying to smile at you, explain themselves. "It was just an accident, I was trying to get closer so I could see the bruises on his face-!" They quickly tried to lie their way out.

"You were good for the first.. what? Six days? Oh wow. Impressive," you got more mad, "If I knew you would be a slut, I would have denied you!" There was a crowd forming at the pharmacy entrance, a bunch of whispering, trying to figure out the situation. They were also surprised to see you yelling.

You couldn't believe that you made such a mistake. It made you wonder, the times when you were gone.. were they doing more inappropriate behavior in your pharmacy? Hell no. You brought out a dagger from your desk, immediately walking over to your assistant. They jumped for a moment, about to flee from you, but you caught them by their collar. "I'm really sorry, it won't happen again-!" They quickly said as you were pulling them away. The crowd moved a bit away from the door once they saw you approach. "Of course it won't happen again, because you'll be gone!" You spat, throwing them out the door, onto the floor with a loud thud.

It seems that the commotion had caught the attention of Scaramouche. He was about to yell at the people, but once he saw that they were at the pharmacy, he quickly ran to them. Squeezing through the people, others quickly getting out the way. He spoke loudly, "What the hell is going on?!" He immediately shut up once he noticed your assistant on the ground. His eyes shot up, realizing you're also there. You were glaring down at them.

You stepped closer, your assistant turning on their back and trying to get away, keeping themselves up with their elbows. You pushed your foot on their chest, making them collapse again. Slightly leaning down, pointing the dagger at them, you glared in their eyes.

"If I see your slutty ass in my pharmacy again, I'll dispose of you myself." You warned. They nodded quickly and you took your foot away, telling them to leave. They clumsily got up from the floor, fleeing from the place. You straightened your back, sighing. You looked at the crowd and noticed Scaramouche with his mouth agape, eyes wide. You dropped your dagger in surprise, "Oh, Scara! Did something happen again, you're hurt?" He didn't respond, continuing to stare. "I'm sorry for all the noise, I found out that there were bugs living in the pharmacy, so I had to disinfect the place," you quickly explained, also looking at the crowd with a small smile. You took your dagger off the ground and quickly went to Scara. "Sorry again, the place is safe now, let me give you a check up!" You said, pulling the man in the room by his wrist.

His words caught in his throat as he looked down where you held him, firm grip on him. Scara gazed up at you quickly and then back, warmth filling his face. You sat him down on a chair and went to the door again, telling the people if they don't have any injuries, they should go back to work. You close the door and go back to Scaramouche, putting your dagger away. "Looked like you came in a hurry, are you okay? Some business again?" You asked, leaning down, gazing at his features. He just stared at you, silent. You put a hand to his cheek and then to his forehead.

"Oh? Do you have a fever?" You mumble, "You're really warming up." He finally got back to reality and leaned away from you, shaking his head. "What- no, I'm not sick, idiot, I'm feeling good," he speaks, furrowing his brows at you. You put your hand away and chuckled, "Alright, but I still need to check you on that." "As if I can get sick," he groans and you straighten your back, crossing your arms. "Explain the heat then, huh," you say, going to a cabinet. Scara opens his mouth to explain, but he stops. Oh right. He can't just say it's you, can he? So he gets up and walks to the door immediately. You turn around, "Hey, where are you going!" "Don't forget I have other things to do other than sit and wait!" He says with a hint of annoyance and leaves. You ran to the door, but he was already gone. What..?

He left fast. He couldn't just tell you that you threatening your assistant was kinda.....

[shibusawaz]

Your OCs are my bed bug plz make them stop. Anyways what’s their world look like and what is Sylhpine’s DEAL (affectionate)

haha the 2bit bugs (2bugs?!!??!) are going to bite you. actually no only teeth will

as for the 2bit world, it doesn’t really have a sound structure. i just kinda throw whatever the hell i want into it, like a little dollhouse for all my ocs. the only real ideas i have for it are:

- beastmen (mostly human with some kind of animalistic features) are normal, albeit a bit stigmatized. it’s normal to see them around, but pretty common for folks to stereotype them as complete animals, when really they don’t often carry animalistic instincts.

an example of this type of stigma would be with Quarrel, a moth-type beastman after getting drafted to the military in his teens. he ended up being put in the air force due to being a moth (ah yes! flying beastman? could probably pilot a plane)

beastmen are more commonly drafted to the military or found in laborious jobs due to being seen as “tougher” or having “extra advantages.” they do have some (ie. Quarrel can fly, just very slowly. Alec does have four extra eyes and can see well in the dark, as well as pick up movement quickly) but overall they’re just regular people.

- there’s some kind of war going on. i haven’t planned it out, there’s just a war. quarrel fought in it as a navy pilot before deserting.

the war is kept from citizens mostly, they’re aware of it but it’s saved as an afterthought. not much news is spread publicly on it.

- while beastmen are normal, most other paranormal things are not. ghosts, cryptids, and all that jazz have the same effect they do here, being big cultural phenomena with not much proof.

aliens, however, are a fifty-fifty. while it is KNOWN that there’s extraterrestrial life, there’s not much known about it by the public. sylphine and quarrel would know more about that because they’re both former military agents, and sylphine was sent to a government-funded ship to receive “upgrades” from alien scientists.

- other than that it just looks like normal earth, probably with some of the same places too.

- that’s all i have. there are also devils you can make deals with, for funsies. overall, 2bit doesn’t have many rules for what can happen.

as for sylphine (i love her shes so funny)

sylphine, before moving in with quarrel, was actually a secret service agent hunting him. one of the top agents in her class, she was the only person who successfully found quarrel’s whereabouts. she’s put a lot more notorious people away.

however, quarrel was (and still is) classified as a dangerous subject, so she was sent to a facility up in space to receive “upgrades” to aid her in chasing after him.

however, the experiments ran on her went horribly wrong, leaving her with holes all over her body, and an extra eye and arm. she was meant to be killed off, but successfully escaped through a pod off the ship.

since sylphine had no friends or family outside the government, she had no choice but to suck up her pride and stay with quarrel.

i always draw her as pissed because she just is. she lost a high-paying job, good friends, good looks, and basically her whole life over her own employer’s stupid decisions.

also, quarrel just sucks to live with. he’s lazy and for a “master criminal” he sure doesn’t act like one. sylphine knew that before she lived with him, though.

[thisnameisnotspokenfor]

A Wish Rewrite chpt 0.5: super rough draft

((warning: this is more or less my version of Wish, so some characters like Asha are super ooc or did not exist in the original- this isn't all of chapter one too.))

Asha winced, stepping through the crowd as she tightened her hood. She continued her way down the path, past the statues and banners of the royal family that seemingly adorned every street corner. She’d always hated those statues, especially the king’s, as they'd never failed to make her feel as if she was being watched. 

She paused, fighting down the nerves and paranoia, as now and then, she’d spare a few glances behind her. Sometimes it was at the uncaring crowd that nearly swallowed her, other times it was at the merchants who stood by their stalls, talking and waving.

The day had just started and already the market was filled to the brim with regular customers and tourists alike. All were crowding around stalls to listen to those who’d begun to entertain with stories. 

“They say those who own this tapestry will always have their wish granted,” she heard one merchant woman call to the tremendous crowd gathered around her stall. She watched as the woman's fingers carefully swept over the intricate patterns of the tapestry. “It will bring you everything you need and then some. You’ll never be wanting again!”

“Ah poppycock and hogwash!” came another voice from nearby as a middle-aged man waved dismissively at the woman. “Listen to me, the king and I go way back!” He straightens himself, proudly displaying jewelry that decorated his stall. “You show the king one of these, and he’ll grant your wish.”

A small chorus of oos and aas seemed to rise from the crowd as the merchant woman pointed accusingly at the man hissing, “Lies! You’ve never seen the king in your life!”

"Lies! I've seen him far more times than you have!"

"And from those times, how many of your wishes have been granted?! Tell us, Alonzo!" Alonzo scowled, yelling back at her as the crowd continued to watch on, but Asha hurried through. 

You didn’t have to be a sorcerer like the king to know that this would probably get nasty very quickly, but it was how things were every month the wishing ceremony approached. 

Asha was quite certain that half of the people selling things, like most of Rosas, had never had their wishes granted. But, like the rest of Rosas, they were probably being paid a nice sum of money and privileges to act like they had been. 

To their credit, their ruses seemed to work, as the people were always so enraptured, all asking questions about what they (the merchants) did to have their wish granted. All of the answers were convincing, that had she not known better, she would’ve fallen for their tales as well.

She continued making her way past the next stall. Unlike most of the others, she’d recognized this one, he’d been the lucky attendee who’d managed to get his wish granted at the last ceremony. It had been what most would call, a true lightning-in-the-bottle moment, as not only had he had his wish granted, but it had been his first wish as well. 

Like everyone else, the minute he’d turn eighteen he’d handed his first wish over to the king, who’d shockingly granted it the same night it had been wished. The kid had more or less become an overnight celebrity in town, with more people clamoring to his stall than anyone else’s.

Asha had to admit that it was nice to see, as at the very least all this attention had meant that he was genuinely making more money that he could use to support his family, which was arguably one of the more practical things someone could wish for.

She continued her venture into the market. Save for the heat and crowd, the day was almost, nice. The sun was out and the sky was a marvelous blue, with a few clouds here and there. Maybe if she hadn’t been so busy she could’ve stopped to enjoy the wonderful weather of the early morning… 

“Well if it isn’t our favorite customer! Always early as usual.” comes Mr. Calderon, the blacksmith’s voice as he and his stall come into view. “Come to pick up another shipment?”

She nodded, “I have. I tried to come early this morning to beat the crowd, but unfortunately, it seems as if said crowd had the same idea.” She paused, looking around the people as if to emphasize her point. 

Mr. Calderon grinned, reaching behind the stall for a package before handing it to her, “Ha! Take it from someone who’s lived through a handful of these, there’s no way of beating the crowd, it just doesn’t happen. Everyone wants to get up on time because everyone wants something. If it’s not to make a wish, then it’s to buy, if it’s not to buy then it’s to sell! If it’s not to sell- well,” he pauses shrugging. “I don’t know.”

“Maybe it’s for experience?” Asha asked, stepping out of a few people’s way. She’d recognize their clothing as being from Arendelle.

“Probably!” Mr. Calderon answered wistfully. “The meteor shower on the same night as the wishing ceremony does sound enchanting.”

She wasn’t quite sure how to respond to that, before looking down at the package. Enchanting was certainly one way to put it, especially if you hadn’t been in the castle for the past few months. All the stressing, preparation, and planning had made the event a little less tolerable than it should have been for her.

“Oh that doesn’t look good,” Mr. Calderon's voice says, bringing her attention back to the present as she looks towards him.

“What?”

“That,” he repeated, pointing to the path where she’d come from where she’d seen several merchants now staring each other down as the crowd looked on in anticipation. Everyone knew that the king had long since outlawed fighting, but that hadn’t meant that people couldn’t get a bit creative with their conflicts…

Asha shook her head, she didn’t want any part of that, not when she had so much to do today. “How much do I owe you?” she asked the blacksmith, offering him a handful of coins. 

“Eh, consider this one on this house.”

“Really? But this shipment couldn’t have been cheap! Please let me at least compensate you-”

He shakes, “The royal family of Corona has felt quite generous in their metal trades with us lately, and besides, consider it a wishing ceremony gift! To my favorite customer!” he says straightening his posture.

“Thanks,” Asha says offering him a small smile as she feels the unease in her stomach grow. “I appreciate it.”

“Good. Now if you’ll excuse me-,” he begins before vaulting over the edge of his stall and taking off towards the growing crowd.

“Hey- where are you going?!”

“To go place bets!” he calls over his shoulder. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this!”

She took a hesitant step backward watching as more people followed. She knew she should do something to put an end to it, but the last thing she wanted was anyone knowing that one of the king’s apprentices had been in the market this morning. It would make everything she planned to do a lot harder.

Carefully she opened the box the blacksmith had given her, sifting through the pieces of well-made metal gears, screws, and bolts before carefully selecting what she needed. Sliding the package into her satchel, she quickly tugged her hood over her head before setting off in the opposite direction, towards the thankfully less crowded part of the market.

Quietly, she reached into her satchel, slipping out the note she’d written as her eyes scanned its contents. She’d spent all night mentally rehearsing what she would do today and how she would do it. There was never any room for error when it came to things that could quite possibly get you accused of treason. 

With a shaky sigh, she placed the note back into her bag, before pressing on.

Finally, she spotted a stall full of fresh produce. It was no surprise that this stall lacked the crowd that so many others had. After all, the stall's owner, Adelita, couldn’t sell her product the way everyone else had. But Asha had doubted that she’d even considered it in the first place, given how honest Adelita was. 

Everyone had known from the way her younger brother had cried at the last wish ceremony, that the king had failed to grant her wish. A wish that Asha had later learned involved fixing the boy’s broken toy. 

She took a few hesitant steps, careful to lower her head from the passerby’s before she stopped in front of the stall. It had only taken her a second to meet Asha’s eyes as Asha saw her face light up. “Good morning!” She’d said with a small curtsy that nearly made Asha grimace. She looked around, thankful to see that everyone had been too engrossed in the growing unrest down the street to notice.

 Asha watched the boy sit down next to the stall. He’d carried his broken toy with him. 

He looked so defeated as his fingers grazed the edges of the toy’s broken jaw. 

“Good morning,” Asha answered, straightening her posture. Her eyes scanned the stall, taking note of what she’d need. “I would like to buy some apples, please. For Valentino-,”

“Ah! Valentino! How is he doing?”

“He’s doing fine. This morning he was a little unhappy that I left him behind this morning.” That had been true, as the little goat had been rather upset the moment she’d announced that she would not be taking him with her to the market. But from how the butcher had been eyeing him the last time they’d come, Asha was confident that leaving him behind had been for the best.

“Oh we must’ve run out of apples-,” she begins with a frown. “Wait right here-,” she begins as she heads into the room behind the stall. Now Asha began thinking of a reason to get the boy to leave too. 

She admittedly hadn’t counted on her leaving him out here, not when past experiences had taught her that the boy certainly knew the storage's organization system better than his sister. “Caio!" she calls, as Asha smiled. 

The boy, or rather Caio, frowns, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand before he turns to where she’d disappeared. “Yes?”

“Can you show me where you put the apples again? I can’t find them!”

He sighed, placing his broken toy down on the table as she watched him venture into the room as well.

No sooner does he leave than Asha springs into action, taking the toy into her hands. The toy faintly reminded her of the toys she’d seen in the old books in her study- toys from a world long past- before Rosas had even existed. No wonder he’d wanted it fixed so badly, maybe it had been a family heirloom of sorts, she concluded as she carefully examined it before opening its back. The toy was of a small soldier full of small gears and screws. It was broken but not unfixable- she thought as her eyes landed on the piece that needed replacing. 

It only took her a second to remove the screw before replacing it with the one she’d bought. She had to move quickly, she told herself but Years of practice and studying had seen to the speed she’d now had and needed she thought before carefully placing the now fixed toy down on the table before stepping away. 

A few moments later she watched as the siblings returned with a bag of apples. “Thank you,” Asha said, watching Caio’s eyes widen as he held the toy in awe.

“Look!” He cried. “Look my toy got fixed!”

Really? Let me see...” Adelita called in disbelief, before examining the toy herself. “Wow!” She smiled as she watched the boy hold the toy close, laughing as she embraced him. “See? I told you would get your wish granted!” 

Wait what? But…that hadn’t been- the king hadn’t- she paused watching how happy the two siblings were as a small crowd had begun to gather around. 

“He got his wish granted!” Adelita called as the crowd began to cheer, many shouting praises to their king, Magnifico.

A part of her knew she should’ve been a bit upset- after all, it hadn’t been the king who’d taken time to study the toy’s mechanics or save up enough money to order the parts needed! But, seeing the pure joy on their faces had been worth it. 

Thankful for the easy escape the crowd provided, Asha soon found herself headed down the path once more. There was only one other task to do, but this wouldn’t be as easy as the task she’d done before.

On paper, it looked simple. Deliver a dress that someone had wanted to wear in time for the astral ball. She’d lucked out when the seamstress aka her mom had agreed to help her make the dress, but getting it to the girl who’d made the wish wouldn’t be as simple. After looking through the records, Asha learned that the girl lived in the western part of the kingdom, which was at least a day's journey. Asha knew she’d have to ask for time off to go, and asking for time off would make the king suspicious which was the last thing she ever wanted.

A suspicious Magnifico was not a tolerable Magnifico. Her apprenticeship had taught her that much.

[fourseasonsfigs]

Hug of the Century

I love that there is a specific name for the hug between Zhang Zhehan and Gong Jun at the end of the Word of Honor Concert. Whether it's called "Hug of the Century" or "Century Hug", it's one of my very favorite things.

I watched the Hug of the Century live very, very early in the morning Pacific Standard Time on May 4, 2021. I ended up paying twice for access - once laboriously translating my way through Youku's Chinese portal, and then the second time just paying for premium access on Youku's channel on YouTube, since I was not at all confident I'd be able to get the first access right at 4am or whatever time it was in the morning. It seemed a bit expensive at the time, especially since I watched it without subtitles and therefore had zero idea what was going on, but it turns out it would have been a bargain at 10 times the price.

I have saved every single angle and fancam that I can of this hug, so it's a real shame that I only have one video slot. I'm going to put it to good use with one of my very favorites:

Words cannot describe how much I love this clip, and all my carefully hoarded little clips of this. Let's put a few pics in as well:

Ah, I feel so emotional looking at these pictures. What an incredible event. It's very worthy of being immortalized in fig form!

The fig maker had a difficult time with the factory for the engineering for this set. From what I understand, she had originally planned for it to be two characters, but it turned out the difficulty and cost was just too much, so the two ended up being made as a single figure. So you can see it here being shipped as one set together.

Unfortunately, Gong Jun lost the end of a hairpin! It's not common to lose part of his hairpin...but it's not that uncommon either. As you can tell from this, it was a pretty clean break, so I got out my glue and some tweezers and stuck it back on. It wasn't too difficult.

Alright, I'm going to just post the series of photos all in one go, so you can see the full 360 degrees of the Hug.

There we go. I don't mind at all the two figs aren't removable - it might look pretty funny if they were.

Here's a close up. The fig maker had a lot of issues with Zhehan's face during production - they ended up redoing it and then tweaking it several times. The finished product is much improved over the first draft, for sure. I know the eyes are very difficult for fig makers to get right…I've had a couple figures that got cancelled because they couldn't get the look right.

Gong Jun's face is a lot easier, since his eyes were closed. I really like the detail here of his rucked-up sleeve. I checked the pictures and they did model it very closely. It looks really good I think, some very natural looking detail.

You can see how they were actually designed as two separate figs. It would have been very interesting to see the production pics on this fig to see how they interlocked them together.

Both sides here...I think the hairpin glued on very well! Maybe my most successful one yet.

This fig set is quite a bit larger than my typical figs. To illustrate, here's one of the the original official concert figs.

The first-in bonuses for the set included an art card, a luggage tag, and a sticker, all with some really delightful art of Zhehan's speech. I love this so much! I would have bought it just for the extras here. The box card is in the upper top right.

Here's the back of everything...

And our box art. The fig maker really went all out on this set - you can tell how much this meant to them. It's the only set they've made - their dream figs. I'm really happy with it. Having all these different visions and styles of figs makes the collection really special to me.

Material: Resin and a lot of emotions

Fig Count: 417

Scene Count: 29

Rating: Love forever

[link back to Master Fig Index for more posts]

[mangacat201]

EDDIE'S POST

(second attempt because I lost the 1st draft to my own stupidity and the trust in tumblr that saving drafts actually meant SAVING them. I'll try and recreate my thoughts but.. ah well.)

Ok ok ok, but now i have to go back to that thought i just had about eddie and dating.

Eddie needs to learn.

He's objectively bad at this, it's been said in canon multiple times (like... loudly... by Buck... and Christopher, the people who are his closest family), he is bad at ROMANTIC relationships.

He learned how to be a dad by showing up, being overwhelmed, being bad at it, failing his family over and over, but never to stop trying. And ultimately he succeeded at being a GOOD dad that way.

He learned how to be an adult by showing up to it, being bad at it, failing spectacularly in some places, but putting in the work to claw himself together when he hit the breaking point in 5B. And he's still in the process, but he's always been a good HUMAN along the way.

He never learned how to be a romantic partner, because there's so much that was on his plate when he should have been learning to do that and even though he was trying as well, has been trying, it's never quite shaken out. Something had to give.

He's been slowly spiralling down since the shooting... since Shannon died... since she left him... since the other shooting... since he grew up corsetted into a certain expectation of manhood... you get the drift. And only when he hit rock bottom in Fear-o-Phobia, which broke open all those wounds big time, could he start building himself back up again. And looking at him now, wow, what a journey it's been.

We see him now in a place where he's moving past his grief, for the important people in his life that he lost, but also for the boy, the young man, he never got to be.

He misses Shannon, but he's good, sitting with the memory of her. He reaches out to his parents past the generational trauma, actively trying to develop those relationships. And I've read a couple of reviews now lamenting the lack of personal season-arc storylines (other than Buck), but tbh I feel like for Eddie, his arc lies in what we see not happening instead of what we do see.

I can't recall a single instance in this whole season where he wasn't utterly confident in his choices as a parent. There was domestic homework and family outings and first crushes and yes, hard conversations, but even those honest and healthy and...

Eddie's always been a good dad, but now he KNOWS it.

He's also always been confident in his abilities as a first responder, sure in his competence and his place in the 118, but after setting himself right, after coming back, in this season there's a feel to him that it was the right decision to return, but he's also more open, more playful in a lighthearted, cheeky way (Cursed, anyone?) and ready the share the wisdom of his journey with people who haven't quite made it as far yet if and when they need it (advising Felisa on her future, holding off on telling Buck his opinion on the donor stuff, letting him come as needed). It just feels like he spend the season coming into his own, as a father, as a son, as a steady part of the firefam and it's been delightful to watch him go.

The only thing he hasn't made any progress on, and his single greatest insecurity in my book is how to be a good romantic partner. He doesn't trust himself with romantic relationships and given his track record, that's unsurprising. We saw this season, just how fast had to mature, just how many milestones he blew past without touching them in that regard and so it's entirely logical that his call setting up the date with Marisol was like the 30-something equivalent of a note being passed under the desk saying "Do you like me? Cross Yes? No?" and he was all but dancing around the room like a teenager (which was very cute, ngl). What he did though was take an active approach, put himself out there, dipped his toes in unfamiliar waters.

And Marisol? She read the same way, a little awkward, a little off colour, maybe equally unpractised, but brave enough to try.

And she likes to fix houses. Turns them from four empty walls into homes, she's good at it, too, but once she's finished a project, it's kinda implied that she moves on to the next (fixing her brother's house after her own).

Maybe getting to know her, getting to date her, finding out what it's like to go into a relationship with no expectation but to enjoy each other's company, to learn yourself as a person like that, is exactly what Eddie HAS been looking for, what he needs for now. Not as necessarily the be all and end all of things, but as the last piece of the puzzle on his healing journey to be ready to reach for the thing that he actually wants, that he's actually built over a long long time and that he wants to be good for. To be a whole as person ready to be there for his romantic partner to lean on when they need it (the way he promised Buck to have his back literally a day into their knowing each other and a hot minute into their friendship, but we later learned Shannon had accused him of not doing, which was kinda true? But also the single most devastating thing she could have said to him in that moment? Cause he was trying so hard, but going the wrong way, for them).

And he's going to need to be ready for when Buck hits that rock bottom (which we know will happen, that boy is held together by spit and papermache plastered over a dozen traumas in a trenchcoat, yo), whether with romantic implications or without, and complete his circle.

Idek. Or maybe I'm just blasting hot air out of my overtaxed brain coils.

Anyway, to be continued in Buck's Post (if I can get my two braincells to rub together and actually note down my thoughts) which I will attempt to link back here once it exists.

[ladyarjuna]

"... So, why do they call you Harken? The old tongue, for reaper." She had asked the old woman, innocently enough, one evening, as the old woman smiles and leaned back.

"Ah, well. You weren't around for that, I suppose. Feed the fire and I suppose I can be pushed to tell the tale."

Monkhiin did so.

"There's a gel." She basked in the warmth of the fire, carefully built so there wasn't a draft. "I don't recall when they started saying it as a name in hushed whispers. What I remember is this: The time I came to a circle that was already drawn using a carefully-made war-scythe as a weapon. They laughed, and said that perhaps I should go back to the fields."

"They say you made a deal with some kind of fiend."

"Ha! Ha, no, child. I have been around for centuries, but that's not the reason why."

She paused, and looked across the fire, and touched her forehead. "Nothing so infernal. Nothing so divine. There are ancient technologies, which we can only dream of. Powerful, as old as the webways. Older, some say. They burn with the very power of hyperspace. One day, soon, for I am... gods, over six centuries old, and even the greatest of technology can only make one live so long, I will die."

"... Do you intend me to succeed you?" Monkhiin asked, after a moment.

"No. I hope against hope you will not. Because I was made in a time of violence and chattelry, which I despised. It was that which I fought. That which made the name 'Harken' feared and respected. Don't succeed me, young Ironsworn, because that will mean the galaxy will burn, because of the folly of men."

---

And lo, the galaxy almost did burn.

And it all started on her own home planet, didn't it? That little place far from most space lanes, where Harken had decided to retire, and in something that felt unreal to witness, and was all too real, Monkhiin watched her as she turned the scythe into a dance partner, a song, a circle of blood.

She had been told to fix it in her mind, to bear witness, carefully, to everything the elder Harken did.

To bear witness to silver crescents that cracked the sky.

To bear witness to the four-armed monstrosity she could have, and, at the last, did, become.

To see, yet, in her heart, the flame of that same Reaper, long ago.

And now?

Now, she had spent her last, saving this planet and many others from a fleet no one else could have forseen.

Monkhiin reached for Harken's war-scythe, silvery and malleable, and watched it try to slip through her fingers.

Monkhiin closed Harken's eyes.

---

And, in the end, that's all there was to it. Monkhiin stared at the giant war-scythe, made of materials she couldn't identify and didn't want to. It had always proven too heavy to lift, which was why, now, it sat yet in her hold, an artifact of surpassing power.

And yet, the Duquesne listened to her, though it had a hard time going anywhere but to a destination that it saw fit.

Every time she tried to put in new coordinates, it noted that the Pattern Engine claimed the webs were strained, whatever that meant.

Still, maybe.

Maybe she'd have a chance out there, in the wide, wide galaxy, with a gun and a war-scythe and an iron sword for the vows.

And maybe, one day, she'd reach the Duquesne's destination.

Harken's home planet.

[thenixkat]

another Kaiju no. 8 ep and that actually is a pretty cool opening theme. There's *implications* in the visuals of how it starts. Also the cgi rendering of the protag's monster form looks so much better in the last shot of the opening theme entirely b/c its darkly lit and the glowing blue lines are more extensive you know a design is fucked when the cgi version looks 10 times better

like fuck I think I'd rather see this show animated in cgi if the designs look that much better what the hell

also the lyrics involving fears of a loss of control would be a much more interesting story than what i know the thing goes with for Kafka's relationship with his whole being a kaiju thing. I wish dude would have to combat with being a generally decent guy but gaining the instincts of an agressive predatory animal. Like, don't have to be a superpowered evil side but a superpowered feral side or even just a touch of more feral/wild behavior would be nice

Just, I am a face-monster turn lovin bastich and I know what I like

edgy teen really told the guy who doesnt have lips currently and also a mouth full of fangs to flash the witness a smile to come off as less threatening. Obviously, it was not helpful wild, this design really just needs more glowy bits to be at least 50% better

Kafka has superstrength, which is *not* fully implemented in this sequence. Like if resting his hand on the wall destroys the whole fucking wall then his footsteps should be destroying the floor

like look at that a few quick fixes would make this design look so much better. Like more glowy bits, make all teh spines the same color. Also dont just stop the spines mid back and carry them down the damn tailbone decreasing in size as they reach his coccyx, dont half ass shit

the design feels half-assed. Like, that feels like a first draft. and just it only needs a few fixes to elevate it like i get this weird shapeshifting is a gag, it's just, Well, it's just not funny and continues to make me think about how bleh the mc's monster form is. But also why tentacles and also why are none of those bits glowing.

while panicking, fleeing, and uncontrollably shapeshifting the protag's tongue shoots out and catches and eats a bird.

again I know its a gag I just want more than a cheap gag, i guess ah… I see what was meant by juvenile tone. Kafka pisses through his nipples

the thing is these gags arent very good. I laughed at the end of last ep, but this is not funny. Kafka is weirded out by his nipple piss understandable ok that bit right there of Kafka realizing that he can't achieve his goal of joining the kaiju slayers if he looks like a kaiju b/c they'd kill him on the spot. I liked that bit

honestly, I think i'd like more seriousness in the beginning, b/c like there are people coming to kill him and his body has been fundamentally changed in a very drastic way. Like establish shit first, let it sink in, and then bring in the levity. also supersenses, or at least kaiju detecting and identifying senses yeah yeah the kaiju are natural disasters but if earthquakes were hungry and at least as smart as the average critter

Kafka decides to go fight the other kaiju instead of running from the kaiju killers and saves the life of a little girl and her mom fucking punches the other bigger kaiju so hard it explodes and rains blood. nice

the angsty teen: Yeah, ok, that is definitely something you should never do to a person ah this makes me so mad just more glowy bits would make this design better if we're not changing the proportions or adding a tail.

ok this series is a mixed bag for me. SOme bits are pretty good but there's so much that 'you could have done better than this'

you know what, I think I really would have preferred an alternate thing with Kafka being stuck in kaiju for the 3 months having adventures rather than a time skip and he's been shifting uncontrollably. Like maybe have him thinking about alternate ways to achieve his goal and being uncertain if he can become/look human again. Again it would be more fitting with his namesake.

Hell, it would help Kaiju no. 8 in the story build up way more of a reputation by becoming a weird friendly neighborhood kaiju that keeps getting away from the kaiju slayers.

And frankly his kaiju form looks like a dude in a suit, he could wear a disguise. Like, he'd probably stand out wearing a disguise but at least it would avoid folks hopping on their phone going 'there's a kaiju, kill it' immediately again, a mixed bag. There's good bones here, just how they're being used is disappointing

I'll probably look into fan content, but given how shallow and shipping-focused fandom is I probably won't find anything really satisfying there either

like with his canon design, this bitch could just wear clothes

like that would be a good deadline/goal for trying to turn back human-looking in an au where Kafka was stuck looking like a kaiju for awhile. Getting his shit together to try and take the exam to get in with the monster slayers which is the last time he can try b4 hitting the new age cut off i will assume based on the quality in his voice when he's talking as a monster, that along side the not having lips and a very inhuman tongue, that the mechanisms of his speech are very different with the biology going on there also imagine being like 32 yrs old and yer 17 yr old coworker, who calls you sir b/c he was raised with manners, declares you to be his rival. Wild

Yeah… I would very much have liked more story between this important event and the night bro turned into a kaiju. We're hopping along very quickly and I'd rather get to know folks better first cgi animated vehicle

this rude blond teen girl is using the supertech to move Kafka's car out of the spot she wants to park in b/c ot has her lucky number of the day. She rich too. I do not like this child she dented the vehicle, lifted the vehicle one handed and fucking threw it. Nah, I'd have to fight that child

aint no way. the fucking repairs. the towing alone. Good lords would have to beat that child's ass

a fucking nepo baby even i'd have to fight the fucking child the chick with the pet tiger feeds the poor thing kibble. Has it live in her apartment, which is way too damn small for it, and she sends it into battle with fucking kaiju without putting armor on the poor thing

[marsolines]

I DID IT I DID IT I HIT 50K WORDS!!!! Unfortunately I did not finish the rough draft because I had to do the dreaded Explaining:tm:.

The sentence that hit 50k:

CHR-117: Did you really think this through? Did you really think that we would not notice that her best friend would immediately start helping her, would start taking her to a strange health center we hadn’t heard of before, the amount of signals to unregistered technology? Are you stupid, Ashley? Were you so concerned with saving your friend, that you failed to notice you were revealing your entire life?

(yes I did put extra effort into this sentence most of them are absolute chaos)

quite the spoiler lol. Anywayssss uh I meant to put the certificate here but it doesn't want to upload ah well. I will explain the story when I finish the rough draft :)

[honeyynymphh]

For the fanfic asks:

My favorite fic of yours - I love Nocturnal Me! There's so much world building in there and while I would love to read more it's also perfect how it is.

A fic of yours that i've re-read - Freshly Squeezed! You write Copia so well and I loved this version of him. Dom Copia makes me feel a certain way that's for sure.

💙

ah thank you so much! Nocturnal Me was so fun - and I do have another instalment from that universe as a wip but it's a different reader

thank you so much!! I think writing that was the most fun I've had, it was meant to be much shorter but I cannot be concise to save my life. I have a few other fics also in my drafts with that same reader and Copia :)