#i could be wrong about that. but i think the pace can be very intimidating!!! and there isnt a lot of time to ruminate or spread

[paingoes]

Just wanted to say that I really love your work and I can't believe Destroyer isn't more popular??? Like it's one of the most well-written series I've found on here, the characters have so much depth and I'm genuinely obsessed with them, and the subtle humor especially from Delta's POV chapters is so good!!! I'm really enjoying Rubies and Crash Out as well, I don't know how you update so often but it's usually the best part of my day 😁 I love reading your extra posts about the characters and universe too!! The voice claims in particular just make so much sense and they've really added to my reading experience :)

Sorry for the anon ask I'm shy 🥲

ive been staring at this message for a while because i feel like nothing i say will be adequate to respond to it. i really cannot tell you what this means to me. the support ive gotten for this blog has been so so incredible and im genuinely humbled by it everyday. thank you <3

IM GLAD YOU LIKE THE HUMOR. im not really writing to be funny i feel like im genuinely just writing to be human and humor is just part of having the characters sound natural. not despite but because of their circumstances. theyve really just mastered gallows humor. with delta in particular its largely because he is aware of how absurd his situation is and how badly he needs to keep himself entertained to not go crazy.

this is just my opinion but i am really drawn to narratives about abuse that have that sense of humor about them because that is what speaks to my experience! abuse is inherently irrational. a lot of abuse survivors have stories about what happened to them that are just absurd. sometimes abusers will do awful things that are intentionally outlandish just to cast doubt on their victims stories. so to me abuse and absurdity/surrealism are inextricably linked and by that same token abuse and humor are inextricably linked. its so awful its funny.

i think it can be easy to get this wrong but it is perfect when you get this right.

oh my god im so glad you like the voice claims cause i was sooooo happy w them. like ive had ideas for their voices for a while but actually tracing them to specific people and getting to arrange them and hear them played next to each other made me so happy and satisfied.

jeeeeez this ask made me so happy i wish i could print it out and put it on my wall. ive been rereading it over and over again. thank you so much !!!! ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[jun3ee]

Smile for the camera

A/N: If you see the watermark and say smt- I’m hiding under your bed..ANYWAYS this was very rushed and last second, this request was from like a month ago so I’m so damn sorry, I’ll try to make a better vers but this is all I got, it’s just a short lil drabble 💕😪

MDNI ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚ੈ✩‧₊˚ੈ✩‧₊˚

I stare at the request in disbelief, everyone knew who Tom was at this point, he was such a major part in the industry.. Obviously not only known for his looks, but the serious length he had that got everyone infatuated. The way he fucked on camera was enough to get any living and breathing woman wet.. Maybe it was just dramaticized? He couldn't really be that good, right?  Oh god was I wrong…

“Say it again”

“I-I can’t!” 

I choke out, not even able to think from the way he’s ramming every single inch of his thick, veiny cock into my sopping cunt, his large hands dug deeply into my waist in a firm, bruising hold, not letting go for the life of himself as the rhythm of his thrusts only get faster and faster, fucking me so well as whiny moans leave my parted lips, I was never this sloppy and pathetic, shying away from the camera as he pulls my hair back,

“Tell them how good I’m fucking this little pussy, hm?”

“M-Mgh..” I choke out, gripping onto anything I can as his heavy balls slam against my sensitive clit with every thrust as I let out a yelp. Tom glances at the camera and looks at my fucked-out face, all that pretty makeup smudged, little beads of sweat forming as he smirks, watching my tight pussy stretch out on his thick cock, leaving a rough slap on my ass causing me to let out a whimper, slaps of skin and unholy moans filling the room as his pace mercilessly increases,

“Look at yourself, s’ch a fuckin’ slut, hm?”

He murmurs, his hand gripping my waist tightly as his other hand reaches out, pulling my head back and grasping my chin with his calloused hand, forcing me to look up and into his darkened eyes as he keeps thrusting harshly, watching my face hopelessly contort with pleasure as he smirks, his thick cock re-arranging my insides with a slight sting as my sopping-wet core adjusts. Every inch of his cock stuffed into my little cunt followed by him tracing hickeys on the crook of my neck and down my back.

“Fortfahren” (“Go ahead”)

He purrs out, abruptly stopping and sitting back… I should’ve remembered that damn script.. It was too late now.. How could I even remember when he was fucking me this good?

“H-Huh?” I choke out, glancing back at him as I whine from the sudden stop

“Fuck yourself with my cock, doll”

With no hesitation he pulls me on him, his length deeply buried in my core as I weakly bounce up and down, my legs already giving up as his girthy tip hits my cervix, his hand finding itself to my waist and guiding me, meanwhile his other hand snakes down my body, rubbing my neglected clit slowly and roughly as I let out a soft whimper. Looking directly into my eyes with his intimidating, darkened brown orbs, making me even more weaker than I already was.

“Atta’ girl” He says with a mouthy smirk, flicking his lip piercing, watching me as I whine pathetically moan on his cock.. At this point, neither of us cared about the script.. “Keep going slow f’me darling.. Don’t want you breaking down on me, do I?” 

“M-Mhmm..” I drag out… How pathetic I was to think he would take it slow? He abruptly starts thrusting up, holding my hips in place as he lets out a chuckle, his v-line flexing, the veins in his forearms popping, his cock coated with my slick as he keeps thrusting up into my tight little pussy, lewd sloshing sounds coming from the both of us as he holds me still,

“Mm- Tell them who’s fucking ya’ doll” Tom grunts out, his thrusting only getting rougher and rougher as he feels my walls tighten around his thick cock,

“I-I can’t” I choke out “P-Please”

“Such a fucking slut f’my cock this whole time and you cant even say my name? Yes you can” 

He groans out, still thrusting mercilessly as he looks directly into my eyes, his cock glistening with a coat of my slick.

“T-Tom K-Kaulitz..” I cry out, throwing my arms over his shoulder for stability, helplessly..

“C-Couldn’t hear ya’” He murmurs with a smirk, his thrusting getting more erratic as he reaches his climax, his face scrunching up slightly as he rides out his waves of pleasure, his cock throbbing inside of me as he shoots his thick white ropes of cum deep into my tight pussy with a groan, watching it drip down the sides of his shaft as it overfills me, fucking his seed into my cunt as his hips roll up slowly…

“T-Tom...K-Kaulitz..!”

[outsideratheart]

Shoot Your Shot (Alexia Putellas x Olympic Gymnast!reader)

A/N: I know it’s been a while but I am hoping to get back to writing again. Here’s a little Alexia Olympics fic. I hope you guys like it.

The night had been a blur but in the best possible way. Alexia had dreamt about representing Spain in the Olympics for years and to win a gold was always the goal. It was a goal she and the team achieved after beating Brazil in the final. 

She had truly let loose and celebrated what this achievement meant to her, her team and the people of Spain. 

Here’s the thing about Alexia, when she was drunk she became very very confident. So much so that in her intoxicated state she did something she has wanted for do for a while, she shamelessly slid into your DMs. 

It’s how she found herself standing in the Olympic village with her hands as clammy as can be the following day. 

��Ale, what’s wrong?” Irene asked her club team mate. 

The woman in question could only shake her head. Her thoughts were running 100 miles an hour and she couldn’t help but think it was a mistake. Had drunken Alexia stitched currently Alexia up?

“Haven’t you heard?” Jenni playfully nudged her former club captain “Alexia here got drunk and messaged Y/N Y/L/N. That’s why she is so nervous, she is meeting up with her this afternoon” 

Irene couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She knew Alexia was an admirer of you, everyone did. The Catalonian watched every single one of your events and if she couldn’t watch them live then she would watch them as soon as she got into the locker room. 

“You did?” Irene asked in disbelief. 

Alexia could couldn’t speak. She could only nod her head as a form of response. 

She thinks back to the night before. She had been celebrating for hours and drank bottle after bottle of the finest wine France had to offer. 

Hola guapa 

That is what Alexia messaged you on Instagram. The reason why you even responded is lost on her but she did make a mental reminder to ask you about it. 

“So?” Jenni asks Ale. 

“So?” Alexia had a dumfound look on her face. 

“What are you going to say to her? We all know that drunk Alexia is confident but sober Alexia is not, she is quiet and doesn’t make the first move” the forward knew her friend too well. She knew exactly what Alexia is like and once hearing about her quest, she made it her mission to help her. 

“I don’t know Jenni. I couldn’t stop talking last night but now, now I have no idea what to say” Alexia began pacing back and forth. 

The nerves were surfacing and they made Alexia feel sick. Not only did she think you were beautiful, you were also the most decorated gymnastic in history. That itself came with a level of intimidation that Alexia was dreading. 

She knew her friends were trying to help but they were only making her feel worse. She needed to escape but that didn’t happen. No, instead of peace she found herself being hit several times by her team mates. 

“There she is!” Jenni slapped Alexia extra hard. She herself was excited at the thought of meeting you. 

“Leave. Now. Please” Alexia whisper shouted. 

“No. Let’s go see her” Jenni had already started walking towards you. 

“You can hide behind me if you get scared” Irene teased her friend. It was rare to see Alexia this nervous so she made a point to enjoy it. 

You were talking to some other athletes when the three Spaniards approached you. You know it was rude but Alexia was the only one you paid attention to. You didn’t think it possible but she was even more stunning in person. 

“Alexia!” You were excited and it came through in your tone. 

You all but ran towards her. Did you look eager? Yes but you didn’t care. 

“Y/N, it’s so nice to finally meet you” Alexia did something out of character. She pulled you into her arms. 

This earned looks from both of her friends who upon seeing the midfielders action realised that maybe Alexia’s feelings were more serious that then thought. 

“So we are going to leave you two to explore and are going to meet up with the rest of the team” Irene nudged Jenni in the opposite direction of where you and Alexia were heading. 

Jenni teased that she would only leave if you two took a photo together. It was something you happily agreed to if it meant getting some one on one time with the Barcelona player. 

You and Alexia agreed on walking to one of the coffee shops located in the village, the one that had become a favourite of yours. Alexia kept stealing glances at you only she wasn’t being as subtle as she thought because after each time she looked at you, you felt a fire set a light in you.  

“Do I make you nervous?” You tried to lighten the mood by teasing a little. 

“Yes. Very much” Alexia was scared to admit this. Besides, she knew you knew otherwise you wouldn’t be asking her. 

“You weren’t nervous last night” you playfully nudged her causing her cheeks to flush red within an instant. 

“I’m sorry for that. I celebrated a little too hard” 

“Why are you apologising? Congratulations again” 

“I must have said some embarrassing things. It’s why I don’t drink and text” 

“Hmmm, you did tell me that but then you told me that if you didn’t use your liquid courage to talk to me then it would have been a waste” you couldn’t help but giggle as you recalled Alexia’s honest words. 

“I said that?” 

“Yes. Haven’t you read the messages this morning?” You ask knowing that you had read the messages numerous times since you woke up. 

This did nothing for the way Alexia felt. Should she have read them? Did she say something that needs re-reading? 

“I haven’t. Did I say something bad?” Alexia asked scared of the answer.  

“You didn’t. You talked about football and asked about gymnastics. We talked about how much we have been watching each other throughout the tournament. Oh! As requested” you reached into your pocket and got the pin Alexia asked for. You briefly looked at it. It wasn’t the normal Team USA pin, no it was your personal one. The one you reserved for friends and the athletes you respected the most. 

Alexia looked lost. Her gaze went from the pin, to you and the back to the pin. She learnt from social media that the Olympians traded pins but she had no idea why you were giving her one or what you meant by she requested it. 

In that moment you realised that maybe Alexia had drank a little more than you originally thought. 

“You don’t remember asking for this, do you?” 

The way Alexia innocently pointed to herself was adorable. 

“Yes, you” you poked her playfully in her chest “Last night we talked about what we wanted in life and you said to take me on a date and a pin” 

“This isn’t the USA one” Alexia closely inspected the pin you had placed in her hand. She then holds it up so you could see the pin as if you hadn’t seen it before. 

“No, it is not. I get asked to swap pins all the time and 90% of people get the USA pins, this pin” you reach into your pocket and show Alexia the pin in question “only friends and athletes I admire and respect get that one” you point to the one you gave Alexia. 

The Spaniard’s cheeks flush red as she rubs her finger over your name that was within a gold heart. 

“Gold?” She raises her eyebrows. The whole world expected you to get gold this Olympics, multiple at that. Clearly by the pin you expected this of yourself too. 

You don’t agree nor do you disagree. Instead your response comes in the form of a shrug of the shoulders. 

“I don’t have a pin for you” Alexia admitted.

“That’s ok. They don’t have to be swapped. I’ll happily give you it Alexia”

Alexia stood there in awe of you. She recognised your beauty through the screen but she soon learnt standing in front of you that it didn’t do you justice. 

You stood there is the same awe. Alexia was a sight to behold. You had watched every game of hers you could. Maybe you should have been cheering for the USA but you were raised a Barcelona fan so from the very beginning you wanted certain Spanish players to succeed. She was known as La Reina and now more than ever you understand why. She was a queen. Her eyes radiated under the French sun and you could spend hours getting lost in them. 

“Shall we?” Alexia held out her arm and you linked through them. The act wasn’t an intimate as hand holding but it was very sweet. 

“We shall” you wondered if the smile on your face was as big as it felt. 

For the next hour, you and Alexia walked around the Olympic village trying all of the different food stalls. When you see it, you pull her over to the chocolate muffin stand.

“You have to try this” you peel back the wrapper and hold it out to her. She eyes it up suspiciously as if she is thinking about whether or not to try it. 

“Alexia, I -“

“Ale” she cuts you off. 

“Ale?” You ask with furrowed brows. 

“My friends call me Ale” 

“Is that what you want us to be? Friends?” You know you are pushing a little bit but this was a date. You were trying to find out if Alexia asks her friends out on dates. 

She bashfully shakes her head which causes you to nod yours. This ends with both of you having shy smiles on your faces. 

“Try it. It will be one of the best muffins you taste in your life” it was a bold statement but you stood by it. You had eaten a couple of these during the last two weeks and you had a huge sweet tooth so you felt qualified to rank the sweet treat. 

When Alexia takes a bite her eyes widen, heR head tips back and you know she agrees with you. The grin that spread across her face when she looks at you is adorable. 

“That’s so good” 

She then takes another bite before taking it out of your hands and holding it out for you to have a bite. 

Time seems to run away from you because the couple of hours that you had planned to spend together pass by and before you know it the sun is setting in the sky. 

You wanted to squeeze every second out of the night but you remember Alexia telling you that the team was flying back to Spain the following morning. 

“I’m this way” you point in the direction for where you were staying. 

“I’m that way” Alexia does the same and of course her hotel is in the opposite direction “come with me” she tilts her head on the same direction. 

“Is that a question or?” You joke with her. She could have been asking or telling you, you didn’t mind. 

“Well you gave me this” she holds up your pin “you swap them, no?” 

You nod your head with a mixture of confusion and intrigue. Alexia said she didn’t have a pin. Did she mean that she didn’t have one with her. 

“So come with me and get your gift” Alexia, for the first time that day, sounded truly confident. 

She lead you down the streets of Paris. Like last night the two of you began talking but in person it got a lot more personal. You talked about the hurdles you both had to overcome in order to compete at the Paris Olympics and to do so at the highest level. 

Soon enough Alexia is grabbing your hand and pulling you into one of the 5 star hotels located in the heart of the city. You expected her to drop your hand when you enter the reception area only she doesn’t. The act fills your stomach with butterflies. 

When you enter the elevator and Alexia scans her room key you realise that she must be taking you to her room. 

She opens the door and heads straight for her luggage. 

“I was too nervous to re-read our messages. I thought I might have said something embarrassing. If I had remembered that I asked for your pin them I would have brought you this” 

She held up a red Spain jersey, her jersey. 

“Is this-“ 

“From the gold medal match? Yes. It’s the shirt I wore during the first half” 

“Alexia, I cannot accept this. It should be framed or given to your mother, not to a stranger” you immediately give her the shirt back. 

“I want to give it to you. Today has been one of the best days I’ve had a long while” you give her a look and she knows exactly what you’re thinking “one of the best days off the pitch” 

She holds it out for you to take. At first you don’t, you can’t. Alexia doesn’t budge and you honestly think she will hold out that shirt for hours if that’s how long it took for you to accept it. 

In the end you do grab the shirt but you also grab her hand and pull her close to you. You lean in and kiss her softly on her lips. Just as you are about to pull back, Alexia pulls you in for another kiss. 

“Now you’ve had everything you wanted” you say with a smirk of your face. 

“I don’t understand” the Spanish says. 

“Last night you told me you wanted three things. The first two you told me straight away and the third you told me just before we said goodnight” 

Still, Alexia was at a loss. You told her what she said she wanted and it was only two things. She is about to ask you what the third one was but then she sees you running your index finger over your lips and it clicks. 

“I told you I wanted to kiss you?” Alexia couldn’t believe what she had confessed to you. She would have felt embarrassed to admit just after spending the day with you, never mind last night when you were practically strangers. 

You nod your head. 

“What if I told you I wanted to kiss you again?” Alexia asks only this time she owns her question. 

“I’d tell you to come over here and get what you want” 

You didn’t need to tell Alexia twice. She strutted over to you with the most confidence you have seen her with that day. She cupped your face and pulled you in. The kiss was a little bit deeper that the first kiss. You slowly push Alexia back until her knees buckle against the foot of the bed. 

She doesn’t make an effort to push you off her. If anything she encourages the passion and you are happy to oblige. Both you and Alexia fought for dominance but ultimately you don’t get to find out how would come our victorious. 

The sound of a keycard been swiped has you both frozen in place but still neither of you make any effort to move. It’s as if the person of the other side of the door won’t see the two of you if you are still.  

“ALEXIA!” 

It seems the the woman who you are still straddling recognises the voice before you do. 

“Por dios” Alexia, whose hands are resting dangerously low on your back, taps you signalling for the two of you to get up. 

When you turn around you see Jenni standing in the door only she is joined by a different player than she was with this morning. 

“Nice to see you again Jenni. Nice to meet you….” 

“Misa” the keeper introduces herself “you’re Y/N Y/L/N?” 

The Madrid keeper also admired you only she was bold enough to tell her team mates she has a crush on you. Knowing this information is enough to wake the green eyed monster within Alexia. 

“Yes, she is. Sorry about those two. I did text them asking for them to message me when they were on their way back” Alexia apologises for the interruption. 

“We did! Look” Jenni shows Alexia the 5 text messages she sent her and then shows that she even tried to called her twice 

“Let them off Ale. We were pre-occupied” the smirk that tugs on your lips in enough to heat up Alexia’s cheeks. 

The four of you stand in the hotel room waiting for someone else to speak first. In the end a text from your manager makes you be the one to break the short silence. 

“I need to go” 

“No” Alexia whispers. 

“It’s late and you have a flight to catch in the morning” you move closer to her “thank you for an amazing day Alexia and thank you for this” you hold up her jersey. 

“When can I see you again?” The two of you lived in different countries and had very gruelling schedules but Alexia wanted to know that today wouldn’t be the last time she saw you. 

“You’re in America in the next couple of weeks. I’ll see if I can make it to one of the games so keep an eye out in the crowd” you kiss her softly on the lips. 

“Will you be wearing my jersey?” 

“I guess you’ll have to wait and see” 

[luveline]

Hellouuuu! I loved the Hotch teacher au, and I was wondering if could request more of them? Something a little more flirty/more direct but still a tad worried about crossing lines

—Hotch worries about crossing a line, but he can’t stop himself any longer. fem, 1k

“Hello, Mr. Hotchner.” 

Aaron is far past the age where he gets nervous around women —age, or something else?— but the sound of your voice excites his heart. One moment he’s relaxed, watching idly as Jack races around the park on his bike with a grin, the next he’s alert. He’s sitting up. 

He says your name more to himself than to you as you take a seat on the grass beside him. You’re in a summer dress, leaves of your skirt falling gently against your thighs as you shift. 

“Hello,” he says. 

“Hi, Aaron.” 

He looks over the sunny grass and his surroundings in a slow catalogue of threats. He chose this park because it’s small enough to keep an eye on everybody. There are no surrounding woods, no wild animals, and no chances of Jack being snatched. Or, Jack could get snatched, but Aaron had confidence in his ability to keep pace. 

“Are you looking for danger?” you ask softly. 

He turns to you with a frown. “Why, is there something I’ve missed?” Your laugh ends his facade swiftly. “I want to give you my full attention,” he clarifies, “but I worry when he’s alone.” 

“I can cope with half of it,” you say. 

In a move that awakens some young notion of romanticism in him, you rest your face on your arm, squinting in the sunshine. The golden hour kisses your neck. 

He can’t take it anymore. You’re Jack's teacher, but he can’t. 

“You look beautiful,” he says, tone lowered in an attempt to match the air. 

You laugh in your squinting and turn your face from him completely. Your arms shake with your laugh, the strap slipping down as you move. “You intimidate me so much, sometimes,” you say through it. 

“I do?” 

“I feel like you can guess everything I think.” 

“I can’t. I can try.” He looks down to see Jack’s discarded his bike in favour of kneeling in the grass, a stick in hand. “But it requires some effort, sometimes, and while I’m not uninterested in knowing what you’re thinking, I’m not interrogating you.” 

You sit up, smiling once again. “Well, what am I thinking now?” 

“I thought you were scared of me?” 

“I’m not scared of you, Aaron. I said ‘intimidated’.” You cross your arm over your stomach. “Is that okay? Will you tell me what I’m thinking about?” 

He pauses. Take a deep but paced breath. “You’re thinking about me, but… You have your arm over your stomach, and your chest. You're guarding your vulnerabilities and yet you’re smiling. You’re wearing a dress in the same cut as the one you were wearing when I first called you pretty, but you couldn’t have known you’d see me here. It’s new. A new dress.” 

You remember that he called you pretty, and you’ve begun to gravitate toward the same cut unconsciously, he can see easily from your little frown you hadn’t realised it until now. He has no intention of upsetting you, and he continues. 

“You’re thinking about when I’m going to ask you on a date,” he says carefully. 

“How could you know that?” you ask, still speaking softly, giving little indication as to whether he’s right or wrong. 

Aaron could tell you it’s a professional hunch. Isn’t that what profiling is? Educated guesses that are often correct. But it’s more than that. “You look at my mouth when I talk,” he says. He’s not condescending you but he can’t help laughing. 

“You look at mine,” you say. 

“I do.” He meets your eyes. You smile without shyness back at him, but there’s apprehension in your eyes that he wasn’t expecting. “What’s wrong?” he asks. 

“Jack’s coming up the hill, but he can’t carry his bike.” 

Aaron winces. Sure enough, Jack’s at the bottom of the hill (which isn’t a very big hell, just Jack is still quite small) grunting with the effort it takes to drag his bike behind him. 

“Buddy! Leave it there!” Aaron shouts with another laugh, this one distinctly affectionate. “Come on, don’t make your arms hurt. I’ll get it later.” 

Jack drops his bike and rushes up the hill, grass on his knees and dirt on his hands as he drops himself down on Aaron’s leg. “Hi, Mrs. L/N,” he says. It’s a rare occasion where he doesn’t sound happy to see you, “why are you here?” 

You turn and point toward the cafe across the intersection just past the fence of the park. “I was right there finishing my coffee when I thought for sure I could see your dad, and I did. So I came to say hello. Why, did you think you were in trouble?” 

“No,” Jack says, driving his face into Aaron’s chest with a guilty giggle. 

“What do you have to be in trouble for?” Aaron asks him. 

“Nothing!” Jack laughs. 

“I hope you’re telling me the truth.” 

“Dad, I am!” 

“You’re not in trouble,” you say. “Just here to talk to your dad, that’s all. He’s good at talking.” 

“I know,” Jack says. 

Aaron hugs Jack to his chest with one arm. The sun will set soon, and he’s promised Jack they’ll make dinner together, that he’ll let his son do all the dangerous chopping if he’s super careful. He can’t stay here flirting with you forever, as much as he’d like to, but he can’t leave you hanging again —what if the next man who sees you in your sundress with your face pressed to your arm gives you the attention you deserve? 

“Would you like to get dinner with me?” Aaron asks you. 

“When?” you ask. You don’t miss a beat.

“When are you free?” 

“Anytime after three thirty,” you say. “Well, except for Wednesdays. That’s when I host craft club.” 

He holds in a smile. “What are your plans this Friday?” 

You shake your head, your own smile pressed into an excited line. “Nothing. I’m not doing anything.” 

“Then… it’s a date.” 

You press your hand to your cheek. “Okay.” 

He could tell you what you’re thinking now, just it might come off smug. And besides, he has a bike to retrieve at the bottom of the hill. 

[disaster-j]

What really pisses me off is people insisting the break-up doesn't make sense as its own thing when it's so clearly in-character for both of them

Buck has been in a serious relationship with a man for six months but hasn't said the word bisexual. We only know that's His Label bc Oliver Stark calls him bisexual outside of the show. Buck has had what seemed to be a perfect fairytale relationship with Tommy bc Tommy made him feel so safe and comfortable and taken care of that he just let everything else about his coming out journey kinda simmer on the back burner.

And, hey, there's nothing wrong with taking your time with that. But considering the scene at dispatch where he still couldn't talk about his sexuality in concrete terms, clearly he hasn't processed it much, if at all. Buck is the guy who dives deep into research at the slightest opportunity, him knowing so little about queerness and queer culture six months into a serious same-sex relationship isn't just out of character but a clear sign that he simply hasn't done any work to explore his sexuality for himself outside of his relationship with Tommy. Whether the writers intended for it read like that or not doesn't matter very much, bc that's exactly what I'm seeing here.

And, again, that alone as a reason to break up with someone is extremely shitty but that's also not what happened.

Tommy clearly has a history of isolating. He's been hurt a lot in the past, we don't need to know the details to know he's a deeply wounded man who spent most of his life guarding his own heart from the world. He told Buck and the audience over and over again, "I look confident. I look sure. I am comfortable. But it took hard work. I wasn't like this before. This is new. This is good but this is scary. I'm working on it I'm working on it I'm working."

He can see that Buck views him as something more, something better, than he thinks he is. Buck loves Tommy, Buck was infatuated with Tommy. Tommy was this perfect guy in Buck's eyes. And that scared Tommy. It intimidated him. But he kept going bc it wasn't a big deal and he could always remind Buck that hey he's just a guy, a guy who had done things wrong for a long time. But Buck never fully grasped it either. Likely bc of how good Tommy made him feel, he struggled to fully grasp that things with Tommy couldn't always be so perfect and good and safe.

They don't talk about that but they keep going bc they like each other bc they're falling in love bc until that six month mark they were both still fairly distracted by how good it felt to be together to really, seriously consider the ramifications of ignoring those not-so-little things they didn't want to face right then.

And then suddenly it's been six months and they're clearly both in love and they're both clearly not ready to be acknowledging that at all. It's been six months and they're just trying to match each other's pace but have never talked about what that pace actually is and then suddenly they're talking about how Tommy used to be engaged to the woman who taught Buck what a real relationship meant and they still aren't even ready to acknowledge they're in love but Buck is already asking to move in together and talking about marriage and they haven't even said i love yous and Buck can't even utter the word bisexual out loud but he wants to jump into living together and fusing their lives together.

But he's not ready for that. As far as Tommy can see he's not ready for that. And if he's asking for something so big when he can't even say the word love then maybe, in Tommy's mind, he'll never truly be able to say it. Maybe they'll keep going like this. Living together and being together but Buck can't face his sexuality as its own thing and Tommy can't face how his trauma affects their relationship and eventually it'll be too much and maybe Buck still wouldn't want to say it and Tommy would push him away like he pushes everyone away and then they'll be right back to that moment, weeks or months or years later, with Buck wanting more but not able to say those words and with Tommy wishing he'd left before it hurt so much.

And sure it hurts to leave now but at least now he's early. Now, Buck hasn't wrapped himself around every piece of his life. Just his heart. At least now he'll hurt but he won't have to move just to get rid of the scent of Evan Buckley perpetually lingering in every corner of his home.

Buck loves Tommy so much he can't imagine a future without him. Tommy loves him so much he can't imagine a future where he gets to keep him.

The break-up makes all the sense in the world. It just doesn't make sense that the break-up wouldn't force them to work on their respective issues and bring them back together stronger in the future.

[blakeswritingimagines]

Dating Maegor The Cruel Would Include:

Dating him, King Maegor Targaryen, the first of his name, is like dating a wildfire. He is passionate about his lovers and the relationships he invests in. His intensity and desire for conquest translate to his love life. You will be swept up in his passion as you share your goals and desires, pushing boundaries of pleasure, passion, and commitment to new heights. You will become his queen or, if you are a bold lover, his mistress.

Dating him would be like dating a ticking time bomb. On the outside, he may seem like the perfect guy; however, underneath, there is a darkness that awaits only one wrong move. One misstep and the floodgates will open, revealing a ruthless, cold, and cruel individual. It is not for the faint of heart to date him, but it is a thrill like no other. It's a risk versus reward situation. He will either end up ruining your life or you'll end up spending your life together. Only the brave need apply.

Dating him is both exciting and dangerous. It's exciting because he is the king, and he has the power to take what he wants. It's dangerous because he is a violent man, and he doesn't tolerate any challenges to his authority. So if you want to date him, you need to be prepared to accept the risks that come with it.

Dating him can also be a difficult task. He is a complex individual with many layers to uncover and dissect. He has a tendency to push people away and keep them at arm's length. Despite his harsh words and intimidating demeanor, however, there is a softer side to his personality that just needs to be coaxed out. He may be cold and distant for the majority of the time but every once in a while, he does let his guard down and show the person he is dating the affection, attention, and love you deserve. It just takes someone special to break through his walls.

Dating him would consist of countless adrenaline-rushing moments that will leave your life constantly hanging in the balance. He is not for the faint of heart and he does not apologize for that. He is a passionate individual, and he is not scared to show it. He loves to live life on the edge and he expects his partner to do the same. If you can't keep up with his pace, then it is time for you to move on. He is not a person who is afraid to speak his mind, and he expects the same from his significant other. It is never boring to date him, one way or another.

Dating him isn't all bad. He may seem cold, but that's just his exterior. Once you break through, you'll find a passionate individual who deeply cares about those closest to him, including you. He also knows how to have fun. He'll take you on spontaneous adventures and surprise dates. Despite his reputation, he is also romantic, and always the gentleman. He'll open doors and pull out your chair for you. But don't take his kindness for weakness; He's a fierce protector of those he loves and that includes you.

Dating him is like playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse. One day he might be kind, caring, and attentive, but the next day, he could be cold, aloof, and distant. It's hard to know which side of him you'll get, and that's part of the fun. It keeps you on your toes and guessing about his true intentions. It can be stressful at times, but it also keeps things exciting. And don't think you can get around him with gifts or sweet words. He'll see right through it.

Oh, jealousy. Jealousy can be a dangerous emotion in relationships. He is a very possessive individual. When it comes to the person he loves, he doesn't like to share your attention with anyone else. If he feels you're getting too close to someone else and he's not the center of your universe, watch out. He will do whatever it takes to protect what's his.

Affection is a tricky thing for him. He can be very affectionate and attentive when he wants to be, but there are just as many times when he can be emotionally distant and cold. As I said before, he's a ticking time bomb. One moment you could be cuddling up together watching a sunset and the next, he could be ready to throw down and fight. Don't let that fool you though, he does have a softer side. If you want his affection, all you gotta do is show him that you're truly one of his.

Marriage is his ultimate goal. He has always wanted to be married and have a partner by his side. When it comes to marriage, he's a very traditional guy. He wants a person who will be by his side, raise his kids, and take care of the home. He believes in the husband as the head of the household, and he expects you to play your role. He knows that's not popular for absolutely everyone, but that's the way he was raised and how he expects a family dynamic to be.

Children are everything to him. As I said before, his ultimate goal in life is to be married and have a family. He wants to have multiple children; and if the gods are kind, he'd like to have all boys. He wants his sons to grow up to be strong and fierce warriors, and his daughters to grow up to be as beautiful and intelligent as their mother. He wants his children to carry on his legacy and to continue the family line.

Well, if you end up dating, you'll quickly learn that he demands complete loyalty. He expects to be the center of your world. You will be expected to devote yourself to him, body and soul. He will give you a purpose in life, and you will fulfill it without question. If you want a life of passion and adventure, then he is the man for you. In return, everything you have could be taken away, leaving you with nothing. But that's half the fun, isn't it?

Dating him would be no ordinary experience. One moment, you could be laughing together and having the time of your lives. The next moment, he could be berating and shaming you as punishment for some misdeed or imagined slight. He's not one to hold back his feelings, whether they be positive or negative. He is known for his sharp tongue and his wit, and he will not hesitate to use them on those closest to him, if necessary. It's like walking on a tightrope; it can be exhilarating, but it's also dangerous.

Dating him is not for everyone. It's going to be a rocky roller-coaster with no guarantee that you'll emerge unscathed. He is unpredictable, he will push your buttons, and he will make you feel both ecstatic highs and excruciating lows, he's going to be controlling and jealous, and he may even scare you. He is not going to be your average boyfriend. He is not going to be Mr. Nice Guy. But, if you're looking for someone who'll keep your life spicy, dating him may be the right choice for you.

If you're looking for a man who is kind and gentle, look elsewhere. If you're seeking an adventurous and exciting relationship filled with adrenaline and drama, then he may be the one for you. Dating him is like playing with a lion; you must be prepared for the consequences. Be warned, dating him requires a strong heart and a brave soul. If you can handle the risk he presents, then you may just have a chance at finding true happiness, but it could ultimately cost you everything.

He has many kinks, such as bondage and other forms of domination/submission. He gets pleasure from seeing his love in bondage or other forms of restriction that show his ownership of you. He enjoys being in control over you and likes seeing you vulnerable and helpless to him.

His favorite kink is dominance and control. He likes to have complete control over his partner and loves to see you being submissive and obedient to everything he says. He may be somewhat rough and rough-housing in his sexual encounters but otherwise can be very gentle with you when you do something for him. He likes to reward compliance and will be very appreciative of it. He may have some sort of sadist tendencies as he will enjoy the pleasure of hurting his partner when you don’t obey him, to keep you under control.

Another kink that he has is the idea of his lover being so dependent on him. This turns him on as he knows he can do whatever he wants and you will come to him begging. He likes the idea of someone belonging to him. This could be tied in with the first kink as he enjoys having complete control over you.

Maegor may have another kink when it comes to punishment and discipline over his lover. He wants to punish you if you do something wrong or don't listen to him. This will make them submissive and do what he wants. He also likes to feel in control of his lover's actions and will always make sure you do what he says.

He also likes a challenge, so he will get into arguments with you and try to make you see things his way, if you give in he will get turned on by this. He also enjoys the power trip from knowing he is the only person you love and trust.

He also likes to experiment with different things to control his lover; for example, he may use different types of rope and restraints to tie you up and keep you from escaping, different toys, blindfolds, etc. He is also a sadist and likes to see his lover in pain and suffering. He might even get turned on knowing he has you tied up and helpless while he can do whatever he wants to you.

He is also turned on by the possessiveness and jealousy he feels over his lover, he wants you to be just his and only his.

[towriteloveontheirarms]

The other woman (I could protect you part 2)

part 2 of 4 || series masterlist || previous part || next part

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x maid!reader

synopsis: King Viserys is finally gone, but with his passing the troubles for Aemond and you have only begun.

warnings: mentions of performing sexual acts, period typical mysoginy, secrert marriage

word count: 1.4k

The night Aemond leads you down to the sept of Baelor, long after everyone had gone to sleep ironically enough is the night of Viserys´ death. The only person beside the two of you there is an intimidated looking Septon, that swears he would not tell anyone of what they were about to do. You can see in his eyes that he thinks this is wrong nonetheless, but what does it matter. If the seven wanted to judge you for the things you had done, so be it. You were not scared of them. The ceremony is held short. Only the necessary words are exchanged as to decrease the danger of a guard or anyone else catching you. Aemond holds your hand the entire time. His single lilac eye glassy and wet with unshed tears of happiness over the fact that you had agreed to wed him. Overjoyed in fact. When he leads you up to his chambers, that you now share, you are surprised to see all your things there already.

Through your surprise, you feel his trembling fingers undoing the laces of your dress. The dark blue satin slides down your body to pool at your feet. You step out of the fabric and turn towards him. Your lips capture his in the first kiss you share as newlyweds, while your hands make quick work of his clothing. The leather is cool underneath your finger pads.

“I must admit I am not as experienced as other men my age.” Aemond whispers his confession into the dimly, candle lit room.

“I will teach you.” She replies in a low rasp. From then on make sure to take it slow.

Aemond is different from Viserys, you can´t help but notice. All Viserys did was take. Even things that you never would have wanted him to take under any other circumstance, without any regard for your pleasure, let alone your well-being. The only care you received from him were the gifts he sent the following day. Alongside a tea, that as the maid told you, was brewed with the most care by a maester. Aemond on the other hand was gentle and sweet, yet passionate. He asked if what he was doing made you feel good and let you guide him to were you wanted him. He beckons words of praise from your lips continuously and once you had both finished, he holds you close until you both drift off to sleep. Still the image of Viserys doing unspeakable to you haunted you in your dreams that night.

It is a wonder that your marriage stays a secret for as long as it does, which is not very long at all.

However the day of Aegon´s coronation everything goes south fast. The day had been a mess from the moment it started. Beginning with the common folk being rushed into the sept almost forcibly, to Rhaenys hurting gods know how many during her escape on Meleys and now this. Your new husband and you had been called to Alicent right after the end of the ceremony, where she questioned your place at his side for everyone to see. The queen dowager was pacing furiously in front of you and Aemond, trying to process what her son had just told her, while Otto Hightower´s face was expressing only one readable emotion. A very clear distaste pulled the corners of his mouth downwards.

“I cannot believe this. This level of defiance is unheard of. Truly, this is something I would have expected from your brother, not you. And to think of the shame. First Viserys parades her around, bringing shame and humiliation to our family. Your father willingly put my reputation at risk. And now you wish to do the same. Despite seeing how her presence has affected us for years.” Alicent´s words are broken up by unbelieving chuckles. To say she wasn´t happy about what the two of you had done was a harsh understatement. Not that either of you had expected her to be.

“Mother…” Aemond tries to get a word in to calm her down, but it is to no use as she continues to speak in a frenzy.

“Not to speak of the fact that it was entirely improper for her to be alone in a room with any man. We thought more of you, Aemond.” Otto finally gets a word in between Alicent´s enraged rant. His voice is equally as cold as the look in his blue eyes and it sends a shiver down your spine, where one of Aemond´s protective hands rests.

“I have heard enough. Did you stop to think once that she might have done this solely to keep her non existing claim on our money? That she does not truly love you, but the power that is attached to your position as a prince of the seven kingdoms?” She massages her temples, as the crease between her eyebrows deepens in exasperation.

“With all due respect, your majesty, but I fail to see how you are able to speak about my feelings towards your son. As you have never truly looked inside my mind. Or spend a day in my body. I admit that what I did with the late king was wrong, however he decided to treat me the way he did himself. I did not ask to be given gifts or be paraded around.” You finally find your words again to defend yourself.

The newfound courage is met by an outraged look on both the Queen dowagers and the hands face and surprise by Aemond.

“The love I hold for prince Aemond is much bigger than the love the two of you could ever be capable of feeling for anything.” Your voice raises and for a moment you aren´t even sure if all you did this for is your own selfish gain. For as the words leave your mouth you feel your heart beat higher and a warmth spread throughout your entire body.

You realize you had felt like this for the past days. Ever since Aemond and you had consummated your marriage you felt your cheeks heat up whenever he so much as laid his eyes upon you.

“She is right, mother. Whatever I do with my life is none of your concern. I am a man grown now and I love her. That is all that matters.” Aemond speaks up as well now. Judging by the reaction it gets him, it is the first time he has spoken up against his mother and grandsire.

“Aemond…” Alicent tries to say something though she has to cut herself short due to still bring speechless at the whole situation. Otto however does not.

“You will stop with this nonsense this instant. On the morrow we will get this marriage annulled. You will get married to Floris Baratheon as you have promised Lord Borros and you better make sure we will never have to see this… harlots face in the keep or in King´s landing ever again. Have I made myself understood?”

The way the hand towered over you from his height alone would be impressive enough to shut you up under any other circumstance, but right now is not the time to stand down. If you aren´t sure of it before, Aemond´s headstrong gaze further assures you of it. Even though his hands tremble even worse than they had in your first night together, the palm of his hand that holds yours starts to sweat and he swallows heavily.

“I will do no such thing. I understand you are angry, mother. I know you cannot understand me for the choices I made, but I do not care. For the first time in my life I am happy. Truly happy and understood. And you can say or do naught to change this. I will stay with my wife.”

You squeeze Aemond´s hand reassuringly while he speaks. The look you give him is filled to the brim with gratitude. You let your husband lead you out of the room. Your gaze hardening consistently as a realization strikes you.

No matter your or Aemonds true feelings, all of them would only ever see you for your mistakes. To the whole of the red keep you would always be the woman that king Viserys used to embarrass Alicent Hightower and now to break the promise towards Borros Baratheon. You would always be the other woman.

[alteredpupil]

PICK A CARD - WHAT’S HIDDEN FROM YOU AT THE MOMENT?

PILE ONE

Funny story pile 1, I ended up sending these pictures to the wrong person and they were asking me about the girls holding the guns, sounded concerned, the photo also glitched into two photos as I was starting to type this so take that as symbol. We are in mercury retrograde so make sure you don’t do something like sending somebody the wrong thing yourself or vice versa. What’s being hidden? (Self esteem by iamboe40e playing) & since this pile had most mercurical related interference it’s fair to assume you guys are the ones dealing with past circumstances coming back around the most. I’m also getting that somebody’s missing you sexually. This is also people from the past thinking about you. I’m seeing you guys are more in your dark feminine energy, burning everything in your way I’m hearing. Either you or another other party is crying over spilled milk… you might have a lot of people around try to drag you into the past pile 1. I see you been more isolated but focused on your future. Finding inner fulfillment I’m hearing. There is a new financial or material opportunity coming forwards you, something new. This could be you taking this initiative but you will have a partner (I’m hearing masculine) that could be helping you along in this project. People around you might be more intimidated by you at this time than usual. Your energy is intense but focused (we also got the Lilith card). For some of you there is a pregnancy scare or this could you be birthing a complete new project. I’m hearing this is the perfect time to plant that side. This pile is very self focused so I seen behind the scenes a lot of people are wondering about you & what you been up to. If you recently took on a artistic or athletic project I’m seeing people wondering about your progress. Behind the scenes people might think some of you are dealing with some shady business or there’s this air of mystery around you. Be careful who you tell your secrets to because I’m getting people can’t wait to spill it… you have somebody around you in secret competition with you. This could be over a partner or a creative project so watch your back and I’m hearing “keep up that demeanour”. Your attitude right now might be protecting you from the wrong people lurking waiting for you to drop your guard. What’s hidden is there’s a gift coming for you from somebody this month, could be money. Others of you this is your birthday month. For that project we were talking about earlier this can include singing, acting, or a new invention, this could even be you taking off on social media for what you do. Don’t let people from the past come in once they see how successful you are & reap off your hard work.

PILE TWO

What I’m getting is a message a lot of people might not admit to you, they find you unpredictable as fuck pile two. People never know what to expect with you and this might make some people take on a chameleon affect I heard to “keep up” or blend in with you. Almost like they can be on your same fast pace, wit, and charm. What’s hidden is the way other people see your potential, you might’ve gone through hell and back and handled it gracefully, like nothing even happened. Just like pile 1, there’s a intimidation factor here. I’m also getting some people miss you pile two, some are too scared to reach out & others may be busy. A lot of you reading this live in a fast paced area like a city or just lead a “fast” lifestyle, others might admire this about you or try to imitate it. People view you as different, you could be the black sheep of the family. There could be a friend group or family members talking behind your back. I don’t know why I’m getting the energy of people wanna tame you or “keep you in your place”. I just got the confirmation of protection, be careful what energy you allow in your space at this time, I literally heard “infiltrate”. Around the spring time a project you work on will be taking off and bringing in a lot of prosperity for you, you could be in your masculine energy doing this or will be doing this with a divine masculine that’s coming in the spring time. Again similar energies to pile 1. Also the cards keep going crazy so I feel like you have a lot of eyes or ears or mouths on you behind the scenes or you’re taking on multiple things at once. Last thing is whoever is pretending to be for you or “overtly” rooting for you is probably preying on your downfall. This could be a partner or friend or family but they can’t do nothing about it, just don’t share too much of your plans.

PILE THREE

You have a lot of admirers! You might have a lot of romantic interests that don’t also come forward. The energy is wanna be with you, wanna be like you, or wanna befriend you. Some people just want what you can offer or use you for material so be careful pile 3. What’s hidden is a lot of people think you’re wealthy wether you are or not. This could be the impression you give off, maybe you’re always well groomed. Lots of people wanna be in your inner circle or if they see you posting about activities they wish they were there with you. People are enamoured by you, it’s almost like watching you is like watching a movie. You give people the feeling that anything is possible. This is not a how they view you reading either but a lot of people admire how adventurous you are. What’s hidden is another side of you that you’ll discover this year. This pile will be completely renovated by the end of the year, physically and mentally I’m hearing. Some of you will discover a new job & meet new people. I’m getting a lot of things for this pile are meant to stay hidden, I’m liking most these surprises though. If somebody backstabs you anytime in the near future, just know it was destined and will be the start of you changing your life… changing your life in a way that will affect you 10 years down the line type of change.

PILE FOUR

I had to take out my cards again for this pile, I got a confirmation of something… either somebody is doing tarot readings on you or putting some kind of magic on you, intentionally or not. Please up your protection at this time… I’m getting you’re very powerful and might not even be aware of your own power. You’re being advised to take your craft more seriously even if it’s as simple as kitchen magic or protection and cleansing spells. What’s hidden is you have somebody coming back from the past about unfinished business. This person wants to make things right with you and while I can’t tell if their intentions are 100% pure I do see them as seeing you as somebody peaceful and in their own world, almost like they were the problem. I got confirmation you will get justice in this situation or any other situation that caused you turmoil, wether this is in real court or just simply somebody receiving their karma for messing with you or trying to take you off your destiny I’m hearing. Another thing is your suitors think you have a very sensual aura, you come off whimsical. People think they can’t grasp you, they’re scared they’ll have you and then the next day you’re gone like the wind. I’m also getting you have somebody that’s going to step up… possibly a air sign man/women. This person might wanna make you a offer but their energy is immature or this is somebody just getting started off in their career. This feels very impulsive, it’s up to you if you go for it or not. You also got news coming in you’re not expecting, this will be a opportunity that’s once in a lifetime and hard to turn down. “Visions come true” I heard.

[myddle]

Excised Tangent About Solver Powers

This was originally part of my mega-post on the Murder Drones Finale, "Okay Uzi, lets start Murdering, some Drones". I took it out because it turned out to not be as airtight as I thought (and also it kinda messed with the pacing), but I thought it was still a pretty good write-up, so I'm posting it here, with corrections of course.

OKAY, TANGENT TIME, Something I've noticed about the Solver Drones is that their powersets aren't always one-to-one. The Solvers seem to specialise, and do things that other Solver Drones can't do. It might not be a hard rule, simply a matter of practiced techniques, but it accentuates the drones fighting styles in a cool way, that I like. Anyway, the differences: • Cyn can create scythe limbs, tentacles and camera head limbs that can create illusions. These reflect her general creepiness and duplicitous behaviour, although some of these might be attributable to the Solver itself • Doll can teleport in a cluster of glitchy particles, and can also duplicate objects she maniplates. If I had to derive a metaphor out of that (and I do), I'd say they could represent her detachedness and tendency to see her fellow drones as interchangable and expendable to her goals (she slaughtered the whole Prom Court for her Queen Scheme in "The Promening" (and also just killed two fleeing drones for no reason??? (god forbid women do anything))) • Uzi can... I don't know, she's the only one with that weird tail I guess? She just got her solver recently, give her a minute. OKAY, TANGENT OVER, the point is that the Solver Drones have signiature techniques unique to them. However, these techniques can be aquired; after Uzi consumes Cyn's heart, she gains Cyn's mobility tentacles (you can see them when she's dead right after, and also when she shows off at the end), as well as the Yellow Solver itself. And she's not the only one; in her battle with Uzi, Cyn utilises a teleport very similar to Doll's, a teleport that, as far as I can recall, she never uses before this episode(it's always her illusions dissipating or something). She doesn't use it for mobility either; she just blips around to look intimidating and go for trick shots, and it eventually gets her killed, implying that she might not be all that versed in using it.

I crossed out the bit that turned out to be completely wrong; Cyn uses the teleport whilst possessing Uzi in "Mass Destruction", BEFORE she eats Doll's core. This doesn't mean the tangent is completely bunk; Cyn had consumed part of Doll's body before this point, and could have acquired the teleport from that. She also only uses it once in that fight, prefering to lean on [NULL] and her scythe limbs, so she might not be used to it. But that's not as clean a speculation as I would like, kinda teeters into headcanon territory. Headcanons are great, of course, but not really what I wanted for the mega-post. And so, the tangent lives here, in Gay Baby Jail.

EDIT: God damnit, she teleports in "Home" too! UGH, NEVERMIND, the teleport isn't unique to Doll, FINE.

I think Doll's still the only one to do that duplication thing though, so the rest still stands decently I guess

[thebiggerbear]

"I hate you." "You have a weird way of showing that." - Rachel Gatina Prompt Response

Summary: Rachel, who has never spoken to you before, approaches you to ask for a favor. Despite what Bevin said, Rachel decides that she has to gauge this whole "being into girls" thing properly. And she's picked you to help her with that. ...Lucky you.

Pairing: Rachel Gatina x Female!Reader

A/N: Prompt from @creativepromptsforwriting (#941). I started quite a few scenarios for Rachel's response to this prompt but none of them felt right until this scenario popped into my head. I tried to keep this as 2000's as possible. Hope this is okay.

Both characters are over eighteen.

This is meant to take place right after the Bevin and Rachel bathroom scene in 4x13.

Unbeta'd so all mistakes are mine.

Warnings: mention of implied sex; internalized homophobia (I hope that's the correct term)

Word Count: 3757

Taglist: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187; @rieleatiel

Rachel Taglist: @nancymcl

You can also read on AO3

"I hate you." "You have a weird way of showing that."

Soldier Boy version ✨ Beau version ✨ Dean version ✨ Jenny version ✨ Jason version ✨ Tom version ✨ CJ version ✨ Anael version ✨ Alec version ✨ SDV Leah version

You were just getting your books out of your locker when someone suddenly appeared next to you. You glanced over to see a familiar redhead smirking at you. You rolled your eyes and went back to your locker. “What do you want?”

Rachel Gatina had been the new girl at Tree Hill High who was giving Brooke Davis a run for her money and her non-exclusive boyfriend. Now, she was besties with Brooke and constantly toggling between mean girl and party girl. Either way, she had never been very nice to you or anyone else (except Mouth) who wasn’t in the “cool cliques”. 

“Can’t one senior come over to say hello to her fellow senior?”

“When said senior has never spoken a word to this fellow senior? Then no.” You slammed your locker shut and moved past her to head to class.

“I’m speaking to you now.” She was keeping pace with you, great.

“Oh, well then let me put my entire day on hold since Queen Rachel is speaking to me.” You turned a glare on her. 

“Not queen, just…maybe a little royalty.”

You rolled your eyes again and kept moving. You were going to be late for AP Lit and you did not want to be late for that class. Mr. Barton had a rule that he enforced with an iron fist: one minute late, no class for you. He would lock the door and not unlock it again until the class was over. 

“As it so happens, I need a favor.” She was still following you.

“Oh, imagine that. A favor.” You still didn’t stop. 

“Oh, come on. For someone I’ve never spoken a word to before, you’re being awfully harsh, don’t you think?” She wasn’t wrong. The truth was that she intimidated you a little bit. And that was your go to when it came to intimidation: pushback and biting sarcasm.

“I’m late for class,” you threw at her. “And if I don’t hurry, I’ll be—”

She grabbed your hand and yanked you off to the side, right into the girls’ bathroom.

“What the— Rachel, what are you doing? I’m about to be locked out of class.” You hurried towards the door but she blocked you. “Rachel,” you growled. “The bell is about to—”

The bell rang before you could finish your sentence. You had now officially been marked absent from Mr. Barton’s class and you were locked out. Great. You were screwed.

“So you miss one class, big deal. It’s not like you’re flunking.”

You crossed your arms and sighed. “How would you know that?”

“I asked around. I make it my business to know. Now, about that favor.”

“That you made me miss one of my most important classes for.”

She laid a hand on your shoulder. “Don’t worry. Just tell Barton you had a girl emergency. He’ll offer you a make-up paper before you can get out the word ‘tampon’. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be lying to him exactly. This is a girl emergency.” She smiled, placing her hand on her hip.

You walked over to the gross looking tampon dispensing machine and gestured to it. “If you needed one, it’s right here. Are you out of quarters?”

She smirked and flicked her hair back. “I like you. It’s a shame we didn’t talk before this. I get the feeling we could have been friends.”

“A cheerleader hanging out with a loner? Yes, I can definitely see that.”

“You call yourself a loner?” She laughed. “You’re far from it from what I’ve heard.”

You narrowed your eyes at her. “And your emergency is?”

She pressed her lips together and sat on one of the sinks, swinging her legs back and forth as she settled. “I’m not sure how to ask this without sounding…you know, gay, so I’m just going to ask.”

Your heart started to pound at the word ‘gay’. Oh no.

“Will you kiss me?”

Your eyes widened and your heart stopped altogether. Was she for real? 

She gave you an encouraging smile. “It’s just to see if something Bevin said is true or not.”

“Bevin?”

“Yeah. We had class together last period and we had to do this stupid assignment together. She said this thing and now I can’t get it out of my head.”

“So let me see if I’ve got this right. Bevin said something to you in class during an assignment you both were working on together and that had you finding me, who you’ve never spoken to before, to push me into the bathroom with you to ask me to kiss you but not wanting it to sound gay. To see if what Bevin said is true or not.”

Rachel shrugged. “More or less. Yeah.”

“Right.” You immediately began opening stall doors, seeing no one was in here thankfully. You then began checking underneath the sinks, the bathroom mirrors, anywhere a recording device of some kind could be installed. 

“What are you doing?” She asked when you quickly looked under her sink. “I said a kiss not…that.” 

“Wouldn’t you be so lucky,” you snapped. “I’m looking for recording devices of some kind. Someone hidden in here who’s going to jump out and let me know I’m on Punk’d or Candid Camera or something. Maybe you’ve got a couple of the cheerleaders hiding somewhere with a camera to take a picture. Maybe Brooke and a couple of jocks are just waiting outside the door to laugh and spread rumors.”

Rachel crossed her arms. “You are way too paranoid, you know that?”

You shrugged. “Can’t be too safe, especially when it comes to high school. Especially this high school.”

“I’ll have you know that most guys would be dying for the chance if I gave it to them. if I asked them to kiss me, they would already be over here, all over me.”

“I’m not a guy in case you haven’t noticed.”

“Of course I noticed, that’s why I asked.”

“So, you’re just looking for any girl to kiss you. Is that it?” Lucky you.

“Not just any girl. You.”

“Why me?”

“I’ve heard the rumors.”

You tensed up. “What rumors?”

She leaned forward. “You know. And I know you’re into me, even if you won’t admit it.”

She was right; you weren’t going to admit it. “Right, right. Question, how did you fit through the door just now with that massive ego of yours?”

“That’s not the only thing of mine that’s massive.” As if to illustrate her point, she leaned forward a little more until you could see straight down her cleavage. Well, she certainly wasn’t lying.

“Alright, first off, those rumors aren’t true. Secondly, let’s say I do this for you. What do I get in return?”

“This is a favor, not a deal,” she scoffed.

“How long would this have to be for?”

She shot you a look and sat up. “Wow, talk about giving a girl a complex. Is the idea of kissing me really that horrible for you?”

“I didn’t say that. I’m merely trying to determine what I’m going to be asking in trade.”

“Now, it’s a trade.” She huffed a laugh in disbelief. A moment later, she glanced over at you. “Five seconds. No more, no less.”

“Okay then, what I want in return is this: you never tell anyone about this.”

“That’s what you want in return?”

“Yep. I want your word that you won’t whisper a word of this to anyone. When you go away to college and you’re experimenting or whatever, sure you can mention that one kiss in the girls’ bathroom one time, but not here in Tree Hill. Never here in Tree Hill. Or to anyone from here and that includes Brooke. Deal?”

She gave you a nod. “Deal.”

“Alright.” Now you were feeling nervous and self-conscious. “So do I, uh, just come over there or do you come over here or do we meet in the middle or—”

“Just come over here,” she ordered, impatience coloring her tone.

“Okay,” you muttered, moving over to her. 

Rachel studied you and you began to feel like an exhibit in a museum or something. “So, we doing this or—”

“Shut up.” She cupped your face and leaned in, pressing her lips to yours. 

You were sort of having a little meltdown in your brain right then. Rachel Gatina was kissing you. The beautiful, cocky, queen of mean, sexy cheerleader Rachel Gatina was kissing you. Ever since she’d arrived, she had been turning heads, even yours. You never had the courage to approach her or say hello to her, even at a party the two of you were at. Especially since she didn’t seem all that nice. Never mind the whole cliques thing, Rachel had been right; there were rumors going around about you. Most of the girls on Rachel’s side of the hallway so to speak avoided you like the Plague and only acknowledged your existence to make fun of you or gossip about you if somehow the rumors got a second wind (which you made sure they never did, not from you anyway). 

But Rachel was beautiful although personality wise, she wasn’t exactly your type. Though she did prove to be a lot smarter than she let on. You may have asked around yourself, overheard a few things. Plus, you had it on pretty good authority that she may have been the one to cause the whole time capsule business which then led to— You didn’t want to think about that. Now or ever quite honestly. Besides, Mouth had made you promise to keep it to yourself about the capsule. It was obvious that even Mouth had a crush on her. 

You counted down the seconds in your head as you enjoyed the softness of her lips against yours, the smell of her perfume, the feeling of her hands on your face. When you reached the end, you went to pull back but she tugged you back in. Not only did she keep you there but she deepened the kiss. You could have sworn you felt the edge of her tongue against your lower lip.

You continued counting in your head and by 27, Rachel finally let you go. You took a step back and watched as she held her fingers up to her lips, staring at you. Then she did the last thing you expected (or if you were being honest, you totally expected it). She laughed out, “Oh my God.”

There it was. You waited for the joke, for Brooke to pop out of a stall that she mysteriously appeared into and begin laughing and pointing, for the whole school to start filing into the bathroom, one by one, to join in the merriment. “Yeah, that’s usually the reaction I get,” you muttered, wiping your lips with your fingers.

“No, not you. I mean…Bevin was right.” She laughed again, seeming almost pleasantly surprised.

And there was the joke. “Great. Glad she was. Now, if I can be set free from this Bathroom Bastille, that would be awesome. Thanks for the laughs.” You gave her a peace sign and began to walk towards the door. You fully expected to find some cheerleaders or Bevin or Brooke on the other side of it.

“Hey! Hold up a second.” She jumped down from the sink and grabbed your shirt sleeve to stop you. “You don’t have to act like kissing me was such a revolting thing for you to do that you’re now relieved it’s over. You really do know how to give a girl a complex.”

“I know how to give a girl a complex? You’re laughing after you kissed me. What about that doesn’t give a girl a complex?”

She nodded, sticking her hands into the back pockets of her jeans. “True. I’m sorry. I wasn’t laughing at you.”

You arched a brow over at her.

“Scout’s honor.” She stuck two fingers up in a gesture that you were pretty sure they didn’t use in the Scouts but you kept that observation to yourself. 

“Then what were you laughing at?”

She looked uncomfortable then and you had to wonder if she had been telling you the truth just now. “That Bevin was right. …And not.”

“Right about what?”

She bit at her lip. “Okay, here’s the thing. I don’t know you just like you don’t know me. So if I tell you this, you can’t tell anyone at all. Even if they’re not from Tree Hill. Like ever. Got it?”

So, she also had a secret that she didn’t want getting out. You could understand that. You held up your fingers in the actual Scout’s honor sign. “Got it.”

Rachel looked uncomfortable again but her discomfort also seemed to be tainted by a little sadness. “I was telling Bevin that I never really feel anything with the guys I sleep with.” Ah, you knew where this was going. “I mean, I got this new body and everything but it didn’t change anything. Except for how they looked at me.” She bit at her bottom lip again which you were starting to see may be a nervous gesture on her part. “So, Bevin said she always wondered what it would be like to be a guy, checking out chicks. And I said that might be my problem, maybe I was into girls.”

You kept your face carefully neutral but inside you were half-shocked, and half-not so shocked. 

“She kissed me on the spot which totally took me by surprise, and asked if I felt anything. I told her I didn’t because I really didn’t. She said if I was into girls then I would’ve felt something because she’s a great kisser and I’d be into her.” You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at that one. Maybe Bevin was a great kisser like she boasted but that wasn’t exactly how it worked. You would know.

“And you weren’t?”

“No,” she snapped. “I like Bevin well enough but no. The class ended and that was it. But then it got me thinking.”

“Ah. You thought you’d go to one of the girls rumored to be gay in this school and ask her to kiss you, you know just to make sure.”

“Well, not to put too fine a point on it but yeah.”

You snorted. “Well?”

“Well?”

“Did you feel anything?”

She looked uncertain for a moment so you figured the answer would be no. But then she surprisingly took a step closer to you, giving you a hint of a smile that was absent of her usual cockiness. “Yeah, actually.”

“So according to Bevin’s vast array of knowledge in these matters, you must be into girls then. Mazel Tov. I’ll see you around, Rachel.” You turned to leave, eager to put this whole thing behind you, when she gently grabbed your arm. 

You sighed and turned back. “I did what you asked. I don’t get why—”

Rachel leaned in, kissing you again. 

When she broke away, your brows drew together. “Uh…?”

“Did you feel anything?”

Hell yeah, you did. You felt that down to your toes. But you weren’t about to tell her that. “I, um… It’s really hard to tell. I might need further exploration on the subject.”

She let you go and gave you a look. “Really?”

“Yep. As a matter of fact, I’m going to go find another cheerleader and shove her into a bathroom to make out with her so I can find out. Great idea, Rach. Thanks. Later.” You went to leave when she grabbed you again.

Smiling at you, she pulled you closer. “Shut up.” She kissed you then and you couldn’t help but kiss her back.

You glanced up when you heard the bell ring again, signaling you needed to get to your next class. You groaned and it wasn’t because Rachel’s lips were attached to your neck. You both were currently in a stall with her in your lap (because she refused to get her clothes dirty sitting on a gross toilet seat though she was slightly taller than you with the heels she was sporting, which made positioning awkward at times) and you literally had been making out now for most of the period. 

“I need to get to my next class.”

“Skip it,” she breathed before kissing you again.

“I can’t skip it,” you panted. “I already missed one class while you’re having your gay awakening.” 

She pulled back, scowling at you. “I’m not gay.”

You inclined your head at her sitting in your lap. 

She shoved her hair behind her ear. “That doesn’t mean I’m gay. I’m just…trying new things.” She gave you a bright smile. “Besides, if I was gay, don’t you think I would have enjoyed kissing Bevin?”

“Yeah, that’s not how that works.”

“And you would know.”

“Says the girl who’s currently sitting on my lap and has been trying to convince me to meet her at her house later so she can get me into bed.”

She wrapped her arms around her neck. “Come on, it’ll be fun. Brooke won’t be there if that’s what you’re worried about. She has a date tonight. And I need to find out if those rumors are true.” She leaned in to place a kiss to the corner of your mouth.

“I hate those rumors,” you muttered.

“Why? They’re not true?”

“What do you think?”

She thought about it for a moment. “Good point. So is it or is it not true that you and Donna DiLorenzo went all the way in the eighth grade at summer camp?”

You couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Summer camp? How cliche.”

“So they’re not true then?”

You shook your head. “No. Donna and I were just friends. And I never went to summer camp.”

She shrugged. “Fair enough. But obviously, the other part of the rumor is true.” She smirked and ran a finger along your jaw.

“That I’m a raging lesbian who’s always on the prowl for girls? No. Sorry to disappoint but your friend Brooke made all of that up.”

She didn’t say anything to that. How could she? “But if you’re making out with me, then—”

“I like both guys and girls. That’s the real truth. Which goes without saying, is to be kept secret along with this whole little makeout session and what you told me earlier. It all goes into the vault, for life. Got it?”

She nodded, that cocky smirk making a reappearance. “So I really can’t convince you to come by tonight once Brooke leaves?”

You heard the bell again and you let out a huge groan. “That’s two classes now.”

“You have me on your lap, asking you to come to my house later so we can continue this, and you’re worried about class?” She actually seemed insulted.

“Yes. Because I don’t need the absences which will turn into zeros when they realize I’m cutting.”

Rachel studied you for a moment and flicked her hair back, holding onto you. “Well, since you don’t have to rush off now. Care to feel me up?”

You arched your brows in disbelief, silently asking if she was serious, to which she only smiled wider. “I hate you,” you muttered.

“You certainly have a weird way of showing that.” She ground into you and interlocked her fingers at the back of your neck, grinning. “Come on. You know you want to. They’re a hell of a lot bigger than Donna DiLorenzo’s,” she teased.

“Like I said, I hate you, and I wouldn’t know.”

“You’ve had your hands on my ass for the last half hour. While I’m flattered, don’t you want to feel what my other attributes feel like?”

“You mean holding onto your ass to keep you from falling? You’re welcome.”

“Come on.” She reached down and began to lower the straps of her tank top, her jacket having been hung up on the back of the door long ago. 

You stopped her. “If I agree to drop by your house later, can we stop this ridiculous conversation in its tracks?”

She shrugged, moving her straps back into place. “I wouldn’t call it ridiculous but sure. Brooke’s date is picking her up around 8:00. Why don’t you swing by around 8:30?”

Your jaw tightened. “If this turns out to be some elaborate prank with cameras and people popping out and Brooke, I swear, I will go nuclear on your secrets. The vault won’t be able to withstand the heat of that explosion.”

“You are so incredibly paranoid but got it, loud and clear. For the record, I wasn’t inviting you over as a prank. I’m not Brooke,” she finished in a whisper. She then cleared her throat. “As it turns out, I am inviting you over to watch a movie.”

“Awww. You’re going to show me your Girls Gone Wild collection? How sweet.” 

She swatted your shoulder. “Shut up. I’m talking about that movie The Grudge. Have you seen it?”

You shook your head. “Didn’t really want to if I’m honest.”

Her smile grew. “Perfect.” She leaned in and kissed you, chuckling into your mouth when she moved your hands from her ass to her breasts. 

You squeezed them for good measure and muttered to her lips, “There. Very nice. Happy now?”

“Not yet.” She launched herself at you, kissing you deeply. You barely heard someone knocking on the bathroom door for the fourth time since this whole thing started, and you had stopped counting the seconds in your head long ago. Rachel Gatina was making out with you and she was inviting you over to her house later to “watch a movie”. There was no way in hell you were passing that up or paying attention to anything else (even if you had been dying to see The Grudge since you missed it while it was in theaters). You had missed two classes for Rachel’s experiment, after all.

That made you pull back for a moment. “I can’t miss another class, though.”

She nodded, panting. “You agreed to come over later so, yeah. I got it. But you still have forty five minutes.” She gave you that wicked smirk again before moving back in.

You moved your hands back to her ass and she moaned into your mouth though you could feel the smirk against your lips right before. You didn’t know Bevin Prince very well but damn if you weren’t going to send her some kind of gift basket as a thank you.

Please let me know if you would like to be tagged for this character.

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[arysthaeniru]

Things I find are handled so interestingly well in the 2003 Fullmetal Alchemist compared to Brotherhood: 

Ishval! The true horror and terror of Ishval is handled so much better: it is the centre of the show’s thesis about the violence done against other people in the name of scientific progress and the empire’s violence

Speaking of: racism is handled better in this show too! The way that Ed and Al are so callous and dismissive about Ishval through most of the show, despite Marcoh’s warnings, and it really doesn’t hit them until they go there in person and realize that Rick and Rio have suffered just like them: in fact, Rick and Rio have suffered even more than them. Ed and Al can always go back to Resembool. Rick and Rio can’t. The casual racism of our main characters is really good! It’s very realistic that Ed and Al believe the racist lies about Ishval for SO LONG, despite rationally understanding the military is bad

Liore! Because Liore gets to have this back-and-forth with Ishval, you get this really strong empathy and solidarity between Rose and Scar, as this representation of Ishval and Liore: religious brown people versus the Empire coming to genocide them out of existence...the solidarity and love between Scar and Rose and the peoples of Ishval and Liore is really good!

Ed and Al really get to be kids and get to be wrong a lot? They get to be such unreliable narrators in a way that is so interesting! When they say something about alchemy or make comments on other characters, they’re often wrong and misguided! Ed’s petulance and anger and stubborn defiance and Al’s naivete and inability to question other people’s lies gets them in trouble way more often than it does in Brotherhood and it really emphasizes just how much he and Al are children out of their depth in a horrible system, in a way that Brotherhood often doesn’t. 

The metaphor of alchemy: Alchemy IS science. For all its goods, it is all the evils and fallouts of unethical science: science that is done at the expense of people, science that is done in the name of greed, science that is done only in the name of violence, and with this strong metaphor, the Philosopher’s Stone as this pinnacle of progress that is built on the blood of common people is just a less complicated metaphor. Because Alchemy is science and FMA 2003 is a commentary on imperialistic, colonial science that is so directly commenting on the Gulf War, it gets to say things much more angrily than I think Brotherhood ever gets to?? You feel the anger about the lies of the Gulf War in FMA 2003 and how it parallels to WW2 better. The animators seem more angry and I enjoy that more!

(More about pacing, characterization and the overall tone of the show under the cut!) 

Although the show ultimately whiffs it, the homunculi being the leftover remnants of human transmutation allows for so many climatic, interesting conflicts between both the homunculi and humans, but also between different humans! Ed and Izumi and their relationship in this show is defined by their fundamental disagreements regarding the role of alchemy and what to do with the homunculi: and it is SO good!

I love that the homunculi are resentful of humans for living and want the philosopher’s stone to be human again! I could do without them all being controlled by a mysterious entity who is so much more boring than all of the other homunculi, but hey. That happened in Brotherhood too, Father’s very boring. 

Speaking of the homunculi: they are so much scarier and intimidating!! When they show up to a fight, pretty much everybody loses! It’s great! It’s not until the last 10-15 episodes of the show that Ed is able to actually put up a fight against them, so you really feel the stakes everytime they show up on screen. They kill Hughes masterfully, they beat the shit out of Scar, they beat the shit out of Ed and Al, they beat the shit out of Izumi--they’re genuinely scary and I love it! In Brotherhood, they are able to evenly fight them SO MUCH MORE QUICKLY and I think it makes them less of a threat than in 2003. 

The main women in Ed and Al’s lives get so much more to do! Maria, Sheska, Izumi and Winry all have a HUGE amount of screentime compared to Brotherhood, where Winry is mostly just running around and has very little initiative to investigate the main plot! Here, she and Sheska investigate homunculi, participate in fights and really are emotionally impacted by events. Izumi barely shows up in Brotherhood ever, and she is a fundamental player in the game in 2003! And Lieutenant Maria Ross gets to really actually play the role of ‘first adult to be like CHILDREN SHOULDN’T BE IN THE ARMY’ which gives her genuine depth and emotionality. 

Oh, Martel’s a real character too! She and Al are fun, I enjoy their banter and I enjoy that she gets to really emphasize to Ed and Al that Ishval was entirely a false-flag operation 

Rose too! I love that Rose comes back as a real character and not cameo! I love that Rose’s rape too, is not just this moment where Ed truly and really realizes that the military does interpersonal violence, but also is something that motviates Rose herself! I love that moment where she screams at Ed to keep walking, just as he shouted at her at the beginning of the show. I love that her continuing on as a character means that Ed’s shitty speech at the beginning of the show gets to be recontextualized as a thing of strength again. I love her resilience, and I love her.

On the villain-side, at the expense of Greed being a character, Lust gets to be a very sympathetic character! I love her contemplations on why she wants to be human, I love her slow realization that she’s tired of the fight, I love her immediate betrayal of Dante once she realizes that Dante is just using her, I adore her and Envy’s petty bickering. She gets so much depth by being formerly human and being linked to Ishval. 

Speaking of Winry: Roy killing Winry’s parents is just. So much better. I love how it immediately breaks Winry’s faith in the government entirely, I love how much it really and truly shows how the Amestrian military is evil. I love how it really creates this moment of weakness and vulnerability in Roy, which he doesn’t get nearly as much in the other show! Roy’s too cool in Brotherhood! I love how young, sad and pathetic he is when he kills the Rockbells, it really sells the horrors of war much better. 

I really like getting to see Ed and El’s counterparts across all of the side characters: the characters that only show up for one or two episodes: everybody is brothers. Everybody is consumed by this burning posessive love. But nobody goes as far as Ed and Al are willing to. I love how they are confronted with their mistakes and failures everywhere they go! It really sets the tone of horror. It really sells Ed and Al as the protagonists of a dramatic tragedy. They made the mistake, and they will make it again, in the name of love! 

A small thing: but I love that Izumi and Ed disagree with what the Gate is? I love that Ed thinks of the Gate as Truth. And Izumi doesn’t! Izumi simply thinks it is a horror. Izumi thinks that what insight the gate gave her was not truth but something else, and I agree with her. I love the idea that Ed’s conception of reality is based on him being Mr. Edgy Angsty Atheist! I love that the gate is silent in 2003, I like that there are very little answers. And I agree with Izumi! The answer to the question: what lies behind the ultimate taboo of science is NOT truth!! It doesn’t quite make sense! 

Relatedly, I love that Ed learns all of his horrible communication skills and bottling everything up coping mechanisms from Izumi. They make all the same mistakes all the time! Izumi always takes everything on her shoulders even though she has help, as does Ed. Izumi never communicates her love and appreciation for the people around her, letting her actions do the speaking, as does Ed. They are terrible mirrors of each other, and I LOVE IT SO MUCH.

I like that Armstrong is not comic relief? He puts on ‘Mr Muscle Man’ as a facade about three times in 2003, and every single time, it’s a distraction, it’s supposed to make people look elsewhere. Most of the time in 2003, he’s incredibly solemn and serious, as he tries to endure doing the wrong thing in the name of duty. I love that he’s still suffering the consequences of being too kind in Ishval. 

I like that Mustang, Hawkeye and all our favourite main characters put Ishvalans in trains and take them off to concentration camps. It’s not very subtle with its metaphor, but it shouldn’t be. If anything, Brotherhood deeply de-emphasizes the horrendous nature of the genocidal play of the army and the constant violence they partake in. Roy and his people are so heroic in Brotherhood, and I really like how much they are complicit. How much they are ultimately soldiers who are ‘just following orders’ in a genocidal regime. 

I like that they don’t turn to act for the side of good until the very end of the show. I think it highlights the stakes a bit more. I like that the show makes us doubt Roy for a lot longer before finally giving Ed hope! It’s far more cathartic!

I like that Paninya ISN’T ACTUALLY A THIEF???? I like that Paninya is just a gal who wants to make her adoptive dad proud and she steals Ed’s pocketwatch not for Winry to teach her a lesson about how ‘stealing is bad’ but that Ed gets the lesson that he’s not the only one that makes automail work for him! I love that Ed loses actually in 2003!

I really enjoy Fletcher and Russell. Fletcher especially is my good boy. He and Al should hang out more :) 

I really like that Kimblee starts out as a fugitive in 2003! There is something so slimey in Brotherhood where the army just immediately takes him out of jail to track the Elric brothers: it definitely shows just how evil the Amestrian army is, but I think I prefer him being a traitor to Greed’s gang! I love how much more personal Martel makes her fury with him! I like how it takes a while for the military to take him back in here, mostly because it allows for Archer to be a character instead. 

I think Archer being a character makes Kimblee more effective: Kimblee is not Ed’s enemy. He’s Scar’s enemy. And I LOVE that in 2003. 

Archer’s initial attempt to do the right thing instantly being overtaken by craven greed is also a really fun arc! I just enjoy more military characters getting to be pieces of shit. 

Scar gets to interact with more Ishvalan characters because he’s not tied down by far too large an entourage cast, and as a result, he is just. SO much better. I love that he and his mentor fight and talk and he ties himself to the refugees of Ishval in a way he doesn’t quite get to in Brotherhood. I LOVE his determination to make a Philosopher’s Stone out of the military’s lives. I love that he has no hesitation about it either. This is praxis!

I love that Ishvalan people’s legacy is alchemy too! I like that alchemy is the lost art, the old art, and not something that missed Ishvalans by entirely! Although I do like that Scar’s brother in Brotherhood is trying to combine alchemy and alkahestry, I LOVE that 2003 is simply him going back to Ishval’s ancient history. It makes the science metaphor more interesting, especially when you see that apparently the ancient Ishavalsn found out how to make a Philosopher’s Stone and then rejected it and alchemy entirely as a result. I think it’s really interesting worldbuilding! 

I love that whole sequence where Ed kind of makes Wrath’s hatred of him worse? I love how mean and obsessive Ed can be in the show sometimes, I love how flawed and interesting he is. He really feels like a teenager lashing out against the cruel world, and it emphasizes the tragedy of it all.

I love that Hohenheim’s immortality is NOT an accident. I like that he actively did evil things to gain immortality and I like that now his is a story of regret! I think it makes Hohenheim so much more compelling when he is a man seeking repetence for an actual sin instead of being tricked? I think it’s more compelling that he has the same sins as his sons. I like that he was the first to do human transmutation and the first to make a Philosopher’s stone, and that these are Ed and Al’s legacy?? It’s so interesting and fun!

The slow pacing really allows for the tragedy to actually build! I love how slow yet purposeful all the episodes are! The only truly filler episodes are the weird episode about the sexy female thief that keeps tricking Al because Al is too horny/naive, and the Mustang Team’s side adventures. Every other filler episode is doing important work for building the themes of the show! And even the two filler episodes are doing importent things re: characterization! 

Shou Tucker is such a CREEPY minor villain that is used to perfection in 2003. I love how he keeps showing up, I love how awful he is, and I love how much more significant he and Nina are to 2003, because Ed and Al spend four episodes with them instead of their story being wham-blam-ka-blam like it is in Brotherhood, where everything with them happens in 1 episode. 

Laboratory Five is SO MUCH MORE DEVASTATING as a dramatic tension point for Ed! I love how much more evil it is! I love how much more hopeless the situation is. I LOVE the dramatic irony of Ed almost killing hundreds of people because he believed Shou Tucker, despite everything. It’s so good. It makes Brotherhood’s Lab Five Arc pale in comparison. 

Hot Take: I kind of love that Ed goes to Nazi Germany by going through the Gate xD They don’t spend nearly enough time on it, but I kind of adore it anyway. FMA 2003 said subtlety is for cowards, and they were CORRECT!

Things I think weren’t as good but still interesting

Brotherhood really went off with making the homunculus the root of the nation-state of Amestris. I love that in Brotherhood, the state was founded for the explicit purpose of genocidal violence, and the homunuculus as simply the underside of the genocidal turn, the secret police that make the state violence seem legitimate. The hazy relationship between the military/state and the homunuculus muddies the otherwise clear message that 2003 is going for re: state violence and the role of science in perpetrating/continuing violence. 

Dante’s bad. Not that Father is GOOD, not in any way, but Dante’s plan is very stupid and is very underexplained. Why do Trisha and Bradley still follow Dante when she clearly reveals she’s just using them  to prolong her own life and has no intention of making them human? Why do they not immediately just turn traitor like Lust does--the show never builds any real loyalty between Dante and the other homunculi, which makes for a rushed climax, alas. (I do LOVE her and Hohenheim’s bodies physically rotting, that’s some really fun body horror! And I can’t help it, I love exes who were evil scientists and one continued to be evil, and one repented. It’s a fun trope and it was DEEPLY underutilized, alas)

I’m sad Scar died! 2003 obviously has an incredibly high body count and I  defend all of them, but Scar dying is just kinda sad! I like that he has to live with himself in Brotherhood and make Ishval again. 

Greed doesn’t get to do much at all, and his weird acceptance of his own death is VERY strange compared to his own acceptance of being a man so greedy that he wants everything. Although I ended up liking his role as Ed’s first murder, I think Greedling is SUCH a highlight of Brotherhood, that its absence felt jarring. 

May Chang and Ling are such good characters, and I miss Xing! I think I really end up liking 2003′s laser focus on Ishval more, in the end, I think it does a better job of focusing on genocide and racial violence as the catalyst for the state’s and science’s expansion. But May and Ling are such lovely characters and I missed them. 

Al’s angst about maybe not being a real person goes on for SO LONG. I forgot it’s like a full four episodes! It’s the one emotional stake that doesn’t quite feel as impactful as the rest of the show. 

Sloth-Trisha had so much potential that was squandered, I loved when she finally became a fighting antagonist, but I wish they’d spent more time on Ed and Al arguing about her and what to do with her/what she means. I mean, it tracks with them both: that Al instantly goes ‘oh, homunculi are remnants of human transormati--OMIGOD MOM’S OUT THERE’ and Ed’s like ‘i refuse to think about this until the last possible minute’ it’s very in character, but it means they never get to really fight about killing Sloth-Trisha, which is a shame! 

[pinkywgirllover]

Promise-Laufey

Characters: Kiyoomi Sakusa x reader

you and sakusa were walking towards the school exit and sakusa stopped a few steps before while you were walking.

(_): Something happens?

You turn to look at your friend but as you did so you felt him hug you.

Sakusa: I think...that I lik-

Sakusa quickly breaks away from the hug. suddenly a girl is shouting your name from outside the school

(_): Dear! I'm coming wait a little

Look at Sakusa again but he was already leaving back to school.

You turned your head to the side watching your friend leave but you couldn't think much about it and your friend was already pulling your arm to go shopping.

๑: It's late (_), we won't be able to see what I wanted to show you

(_): It's okay, just... It doesn't matter, let's go.

You left, turning your back on the school, but Sakura looked at you from a distance.

Admiring another missed opportunity, where he could tell you how he feels about you more than 3 years ago

Sakusa arrived home and went straight to take a shower to wash off the dirt from the street, but just before taking a shower he looked in the mirror.

Sakusa: Another day

Sakusa After bathing he came out of the shower straight to his room and looked at his phone, he had a message from you.

(_): Hi! ☺️

(_): Sorry my friend, what did you want to tell me?

.It doesn't matter :Sakusa

.I have to tell you in person :Sakusa

(_): Oh, Everything is alright?

(_):If it's really something bad, sorry, sometimes I don't notice if I do something bad.

(_): You know how I am 😣

.It's not bad at all :Sakusa

.I think so :Sakusa

(_): So you think!? 😖!?

Sakusa left his phone with the chat open and lay down on his bed looking at the ceiling.

Sakusa: Nothing bad?

Sakusa He looked at his phone and smiled as he looked at the chat.

(_):You leave me with doubt 😞

(_): Can you give me a clue?

(_):Hi?

(_): Sakusa?

(_): Pretty boy?

He knew that you were very affectionate with everyone but sometimes he would like that to be just for him or he would like to feel special to you but not.

*Tomorrow*

(_):Hi! How are you?

You approached sakusa while he was walking to his classroom.

Sakusa: hello

(_): What did you want to say to me? Can't sleep all night thinking about what you wanted to tell me!

You stood in front of the boy to stop his pace and look him in the eyes, your hands were on your hips trying to look intimidating but it didn't help much, he looked at you and let out a small giggle.

Sakusa: I don't think I can tell you now

(_): What!?

The boy surrounded you but you took his arm, crossing him and walking beside him.

(_): So when!? You are killing me

You made a dramatic gesture for the boy to tell you but he simply looked you in the eyes as they walked.

(_): Let me guess, it's because he was late?

Sakusa: No

(_): Do you have a problem at home?

Sakusa: No

You remained silent, looking at him and stopped again in front of him.

(_): Don't you want to be friends anymore?

Sakusa: What?

You looked at the boy with shiny eyes.

(_): If that's really what I want you to tell me now

You looked the boy in the eyes, you could feel your throat closing, your vision was blurry and your chest hurt.

He took you by the shoulders and looked around, took you by the hand and took you to an empty classroom.

Sakusa: Never, don't even think about it

(_): So why don't you tell me? I feel like I did something wrong

You and Sakusa stayed silent for a few seconds.

Sakusa: How can it be so!?

Sakusa looked very upset and his knuckles were already white from how hard he squeezed his hands.

(_): Pretty boy?

Sakusa: Do not call me that way

You looked at sakusa and just looked away.

(_): Sorry... I didn't mean to bother you.

He looked at you for a few seconds and you looked at him again.

He had his mask on his chin and you could see how red his face was.

Sakusa: me, you...

You looked at the boy and noticed the signs, telling you to ignore them for years and now you were in this situation with him.

Sakusa: I like you

(_): Sakusa...

Sakusa: No, please, I've been doing it for years trying to be different with you so I can know if you... But really, I've never felt like this. I love you with all my being, you're a part of my heart.

(_): Hey...

Sakusa: It hurts to be something, it's worse to be nothing with you, Please do not leave me

You looked into Sakusa's eyes as you felt your tears fall, you jumped into his arms, you hugged him, your face burned as you cried in his arms.

(_): I love you too, I promise

I love Laufey's songs, I think I'll start doing more stories with song themes ｡⁠:ﾟ⁠(⁠;⁠´���∩⁠`⁠;⁠)ﾟ⁠:⁠｡

You could say that this is a continuation of the previous story. (⁠•⁠ ⁠▽⁠ ⁠•⁠;⁠)

[yanderecrazysie]

hi! could i request a yandere hinata shoyo one-shot? tbh it can be abt anything, i just want to see in your writing style bcs i love it so much!!!

Thank you so much!! You’re so sweet!

I had trouble thinking of what to write for this ;-;

Title: Enthusiasm

Pairings: Hinata x Reader

WARNINGS: Yandere themes, taller reader

Summary: Hinata is very enthusiastic about his favorite subject- you.

enthusiasm

/noun/

intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval:

“I can carry your bags for you!” Hinata said breathlessly, catching up to you easily.

You could say a lot of things about Hinata, but being unathletic was not one of them. You had long legs and you weren’t exactly walking. Yet, Hinata could keep an even pace with you without running out of steam.

The only reason he was breathless was because he was talking to you.

It was obvious that Hinata had a crush on you. If he wasn’t blushing and breathing erratically, then he was offering to do things for you or complimenting you. He never showed this level of attention to anyone nor was he so enthusiastic about receiving attention, except when it came to you, of course.

He followed you around like an orange-haired shadow, grinning from ear to ear, eagerly butting in wherever he could. If you didn’t know better, you’d say it was cute.

But glaring at anyone you talked to or confronting them with a bone-chilling expression wasn’t cute. Neither was digging through your things and probably being behind the disappearance of many small items that you once owned.

Hinata was way too enthusiastic when it came to his crush on you, so you always did your best to avoid him. But that was hard when your clubs got off at the same time.

You’d tried to use some intimidation and put on a no-nonsense persona, confronting him about his behavior and sternly telling him that it wasn’t okay. To leave your friends and property alone. 

But it didn’t stop- it never stopped. You were beginning to think you’d have this little twerp following you around for the rest of your life.

Hinata wasn’t all bad though- he would carry your things and help you with whatever he could. If only he was smart, you’d take him up on his offer to do your homework for you. You didn’t mean to use him as such, but you might as well let him do what makes him happy, right?

Hinata holds out his arms to take your lunch tray from you, and you gratefully hand it over. He follows you, practically skipping, to where you plan to sit. 

Your friends turn to welcome you, but their expressions dull when they see Hinata. The ginger is either unaware or doesn’t care, because the same blissful smile is etched into his face. At least he’s not staring them down like he wants to kill them this time.

You sit down in a way that leaves no room for Hianta, but that doesn’t deter the hyperactive boy. He opts instead to stand at the end of the table, unnervingly watching you and your friends converse. He continues to smile until the guy friend next to you puts his hand on yours during a funny joke. Hinata’s expression goes from sunny to stormy in an instant and those familiar chills go down your spine.

As Hinata walks you home, he’s unusually quiet. Normally, he’s asking you questions about yourself or trying to make small talk, but not today. It only serves to freak you out even more, feeling as though something’s just waiting to go wrong.

When you stop at your house, Hinata’s hands grasp your shoulders tightly and you’re surprised to see him crying. Before you can ask what’s wrong, Hinata asks a question that makes your heart speed up.

“Do you like him? That guy that touched you?”

A blush spreads across your face, no matter how hard you try to act like you don’t care, because the answer is a resounding yes. You’ve liked him for years now, but that wasn’t something you shared willing with others.

Hinata becomes silent once more, and when you catch a glimpse of his expression, your blood runs cold. His mouth is a thin line, so unlike the bright smile that he wore earlier. His head is tilted slightly to the side. But it’s his eyes that terrify you.

The pupil is constricted and the brown around it is dark, reflecting your frightened face in it. The eyelids are stretched unnaturally wide as he stares blankly at you. 

There’s no life behind his intense gaze. No light left in his eyes.

“I’m going to kill him,” is all he says.

And you believe him.

[saltyyuuri]

Valorant headcanons

Sova and Iso

These are my personal headcanons; there might be some ooc ones; beware.

Warning; anything in red is NSFW head canon.

Sova:

I feel like he sometimes forgets his own size at times; like he sometimes forgets his own strength. Like he forgets that he is really tall or has a more imposing stature-

Just like how sometimes he's going to be VERY aware of his size- like to purposely intimidate someone. You really can't win-

Won't be too embarrassed if he misses a shot- but you can bet he's going to feel bad if he misses a shot that could help a teammate (like teammate is being attacked by two people and he's trying to get one down for them even though the teammate never asked)

If you ask nicely, he would make you something to eat/drink.

If you have a period and run out of period products, he would offer to fetch some. He would probably throw in a snack or drink for good measure.

Doesnt do anything fancy hair care wise- but would 100% sit and let you do anything haircare wise as long as there's no cutting/dyeing

Doesn't mind training new recruits; but he would be slightly upset if he was a "last resort" choice.

Definitely would be strict/rough during training. No bullshit, and he will make you start over until you get it right. Even if it takes all day.

But then he would probably get you something to eat or drink as an "apology" of sorts if he feels like he went a bit too hard on training

Easy to fluster- and even if he thinks he can outplay you on that-if you throw him a curveball you're just going to fluster him even more.

Nsfw here:

Would generally soft dom- but 100% goes feral if pushed.

Pulling his hair/grabbing his jaw/pet talk him and he'll most likely let you take the lead

If he's top- usually soft but sometimes he'll spice things up with rope/punishment - reward/ praise

Seeing you in nothing but his shirt gets him going

Experimental. He would definitely try stuff just for fun. His limits are with anything involving extra people-

Loves marking- on him or on you, either works. But usually tries to mark areas that aren't too visible.

Iso:

Even though he always has his earbuds in, he probably just keeps "stay aware" mode on with volume on lowest, playing stuff like Lo-Fi to be able to hear around him

Has tinnitus; the low volume music is to not have to hear the rigning.

Dry texter- and sometimes he will reply with only a meme. (Ex.:" hey someone died last mission " and he would send something like: "ok")

Amazing music suggestions - like he has a song for everything. Every vibe. He even has songs specifically for you to match your vibes- and they never miss.

Takes training to your pace- will encourage you to push harder but won't force it. And he makes sure you stretch to avoid injury - if you do get injured he will scold you but help you with it nevertheless.

He will invite you out to food/drinks if you are mildly off- could litterally be low on energy that day and he'll offer boba at his own expense

If you're out of period products - he will go if you ask but if you dont specify what- he'll just kinda grab stuff and wing it. Could just show up with wrong size products/brands ect. But he would get your favorite snack tho

Will act pouty if you steal his clothes- but refuses to take back anything you wore because "it suits you better"

NSFW;

Dom- very rarely lets you take the top. "You're my pillow princess"

"lingerie > nothing" kind of guy

Pet names in the bedroom

Would be a bit rougher- and the rougher the more aftercare you'd get. (Like bath, massage, cuddles, movie, food, warm drink... You could ask for anything and he'd say yes.)

When he IS bottom though? Vocal as hell. Needy as hell. Total 180. Don't tease him about it though, its a vulnerable moment.

Shameless- he will let you know whenever he wants you. Could be mid mission, at the mall or visiting his family- he finds a way to subtly tell you and enjoys seeing you flustered about it.

[pragnificent]

Tagged by @tina-mairin-goldstein! Tagging whoever else wants to play.

1.How many fics do you have on AO3?

78.

2. What's your total word count on AO3?

934,933. Wow, maybe I can break a million this year....

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Just HANNIBAL right now (and for like the last seven years or so). Been vaguely thinking about picking up a second but nothing has caught my interest strongly enough.

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

Attachment - 7,592

The Fisherman and the Beast from the Sea - 4,565

Sashimi - 2,807

Hungry Ghost - 1,585

Identically Different - 1,382 <- This is my best series and yall should give it a shot <3

5. Do you respond to comments?

I try to, and I enjoy doing so, but sometimes the brainworms win and I don't get stuff done even when I really want to.

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Breathless

I don't love this story, but "Hannibal is effectively braindead after the fall, but Will keeps caring for the body and feels that Hannibal is there with him, up until the body dies and Will turns himself in because there isn't any point anymore" probably counts as the most angsty? If you are in the market for a "Hannibal receives a brain injury and he, along with everyone else around him, has to cope with that" story Tina's For Remembrance (Holes in the Floor of the Mind) is a much better pick. And as I continue to think about it, Means of Influence has a pretty angsty ending.

7. What is the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Most of my stories have slightly bittersweet but still mostly happy endings. Part of the thing about that is I think it's really hard to envision a situation where Will is like 100% Happy Happy, his own mind hates him too much and every little scrap of happiness needs to be fought for and then vigilantly guarded. But I put both him and Hannibal through so much that I always want them to be as close to content as they each can be.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I have gotten two flavors of Fic Hate. 1.) People calling the five year old kid OC in ATTACHMENT slurs like "r*tard" and saying "he belongs in jail" and etc.

Every time Hannibal or Will fuck someone who isn't each other at least one person decides to Yell At Me.

I think I've gotten the old "you didn't tag for bottom Hannibal!!" nonsense once or twice too, but who hasn't?

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

A little. I actually started Hannishark bc I was really intimidated by sex scenes and wanted to see if I could pull off a short monsterfucker story. I feel like I've gotten better at writing these but am generally more comfortable leaving them sparce on anatomical details and big on feelings/conversations.

10. Do you write crossovers? If so, what's the craziest one?

I've got a WRONG TURN crossover series that I'm very proud of here: Bear Mountain Road AU. You don't need to have seen any of the movies to read it, or anything, the movies' premise of "a clan of inbred mountain cannibals waylays travelers" is really just an excuse to put Hannibal (and Will and D, as child members of the cannibal family) In Situations. If I counts as a cross over, I've got a universe swap between the novels and NBC HANNIBAL here: Shiloh

I also have a vague idea for a SAW / HANNIBAL crossover but I've been sitting on that for so long, who knows if it'll ever happen?

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not so far as I know.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yes, several times.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic?

Yep, a couple of times.

14. What's your all time favorite ship?

Hannigram and Reba/D (guys we need a fuckin ship name).

15. What are your writing strengths?

Character, emotions, dialogue.

16. What are your writing weaknesses?

Sex scenes, pacing.

17. Thoughts writing dialogue in another language?

Fine by me, tho I only think I've done it one or twice.

18. First fandom you wrote for?

FARSCAPE.

19. Favorite fic you've written?

Identically Different AU !!!! This it the best thing I've ever written and probably the best thing I will ever write.

[dolceaspidenera]

Vesuvia Weekly: Apprentice and LI Dynamics

Decided to throw my hat in since I came up with so much material in my head about my apprentice, Venere, and then realized I never posted anything, poor girl has been sitting on the bench for so long like “Am I a joke to you?” 

@iliveforyouilongforyouvesuvia Thank you for coming up with these prompts, I had fun doing this!

(I also mixed a bit of poetry in these hcs because I love it so much. Unfortunately, I suck at it, so don't mind too much of what I call my wordy farts)

VENERE x JULIAN – In a nutshell? The overly flirty, bisexual disaster that we all know meets a very practical and unimpressed girl (also, tall lanky man x small menace). What could go wrong?

A whirlwind. She’s swept away by it. Masks and play, it’s easier that way.  A feverish dance, a push and pull, like sea waves.  Backtracking, pacing, restlessness. The mind never stops and thinks and thinks and thinks. Where do you see value? You should leave but you are under my skin. Chasing shadows, facing gallows He can only be a martyr, the guilt takes its toll as the bell tolls  The rope is made of faults and the executioner is called love.  Now there are more hurts, and another love turns into flaming anger. How can she make him see? Gentleness, understanding, calm. We are in this together. Always.

Julian enters her life like a hurricane and turns it upside down. She is swept off her feet by his energy, but she is also sharp enough to see through him. 

They have a rocky start. Julian is kind of intimidated, kind of intrigued, obviously his answer is to double down on the flirting.

Venere is… You guessed it: unimpressed. Don’t be fooled though, she is actually quite charmed, she likes Julian, but she needs her time to feel comfortable around new people. In the meantime, she has one of the biggest resting bitch faces ever.

Most of their early interactions involve Julian aggressively flirting and Venere blushing internally while exteriorly maintaining a deadpan expression.

Julian inevitably starts to question everything; does she find him so ugly? Does she find him annoying? Should he hide in the hole and never come up again? The poor man doesn’t know what to do.

Once they clear the air and Venere feels more comfortable, is when her true character starts to shine. She is passionate and has a fiery temper, which is good most of the time, but also means she tends to react with anger to upsetting situations. Julian is much better and practiced at controlling his anger and is a good counterweight to Venere.

This is also when the table turns and Venere starts shamelessly flirting with Julian. The poor doctor is a blushing mess.

She is ready to give him an earful whenever he is acting foolish, and she is not afraid of calling him out on his bullshit, but she also learns to be very patient with him. She is determined to make him understand that he is loved, and she is always there to remind him of what an incredible, beautiful man he is.

He teases her about her magic jargon, calling it her whimsical gibberish, she teases him for his medical fancy terms and most of all his unreadable writing. 

When it comes to their respective work fields, they had to learn to communicate effectively; Julian is more comfortable with tangible and concrete things, while Venere tends to think in more abstract ways. Over time they learned to come together and communicate clearly.

They are actually a very good team. Venere is trying to implement Julian’s extensive knowledge of medicine with her magic, making medicines more effective and trying to come up with spells that can accelerate the healing process.

She is much more introverted than him, so she is always happy to let him handle social situations and let her full glorious resting bitch face shine while he charms his way out.

Their differences in social battery also mean that Venere needs her moments of solitude to recharge. The first few times it happened Julian panicked; was it something he said? After a much-needed conversation, he understands. Now, when she needs time alone, he goes to the Rowdy Raven or stops by to see Portia and Mazelinka.

Venere loves singing and dancing and Julian often accompanies her with his vielle. There's always music in their home.

After a period of travel, they settle down in Vesuvia and adopt a dog. Venere takes over her magic shop and Julian opens his clinic.

Their favourite moment is in the evening when, after a day of work, it’s finally time for a long, relaxing cuddle session. Julian wraps his arms around Venere and gives her one of his all-encompassing hugs and they snuggle on the sofa. They always say they’ll go to bed early but end up falling asleep like this.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER CHARACTERS:

ASRA 

Complicated. Abandonment. Hurt. Mistakes. Easier to run, easier to avoid. She doesn’t understand. He doesn’t know how to explain.  The past is a heavy burden of memories forgotten and others that would have been best to let rest.  Only a half of what once was whole, but what has been broken cannot be repaired, you learn to live with what remains. You learn to live again.

Her relationship with Asra is very complicated.

There were a lot of hurt and misunderstandings. He kept disappearing without explanation and she never understood.

But the truth runs way, way deeper.

After everything is out in the open, they have many conversations.

After clearing up everything they share one of those incredibly rare and deep friendships.

They are family. They will always be there for each other and always root for each other happiness.

NADIA 

Loneliness. The princess is trapped at the top of the tower, but the dragon is in her head, the dragon is everywhere around her. Judging eyes, power struggles, impossible expectations, who can you trust? Elegance, perfectionism, strength, intuition. She is many things, but most of all she is Nadia. Most of all, she needs someone to see it.

Nadia is… Well, she is Nadia! She is awesome!

Venere’s first impression was of someone very lonely. Although a bit intimidated, she took a liking to her very quickly.

In time, they cultivate a very profound friendship.

They chat about magic, and Venere always knows who to ask for fashion tips. 

Most of all she knows who to turn to when she needs sound advice.

She has deep admiration for Nadia, she doesn’t know how someone can always look so perfect and in control and make appear so easy everything she does. But she is also there to remind Nadia that it’s okay to slip occasionally, and letting go sometimes feels good!

MURIEL 

Gentle, coy, reserved. Violent scars on a delicate soul. Does a tree make noise when it falls in the forest? It’s easier to forget but if everyone forgets, were you even ever there? Long silences can become deafening in loneliness. And yet, when you start to listen you realize there is so much more life around you. Small details you usually don’t catch. It’s always in the details.

Muriel and Venere have one of those friendships that don’t require many words. They are content to spend time together, enjoying each other company in a relaxed silence.

When Venere needs some reprieve, she knows she can accompany Muriel on his walks around the forest and she loves being immersed in nature.

Venere adores Inanna, she gives the best belly rubs to the best of girls.

They spend time enjoying the quiet of Muriel’s hut and he allows her to feed the chickens! One of Venere’s favourite activities.

If someone bothers Muriel, despite Venere being much, much smaller than him, she is the one to fly into a rage and put the offender in their place. Has anyone never told them not to provoke a magician?

Venere often comes to visit him and brings him lots of baked goods to taste. She is still learning to cook decently, so not everything comes out exactly as intended. He still eats everything without batting an eye, probably to be polite.

PORTIA 

Bubbly energy. Movement, flow, a tidal wave. Hunger for adventure, but she is always left behind. There is worth in the work you do but sometimes the work becomes all you are worth. There is more under the surface, you are allowed to slow down. You always have value.

Portia is Venere’s adopted little sister. She loves her energy and positivity and is always happy to pass the ball when Julian needs a good kick in the shin.

They have a book club now. They take it very seriously and religiously make time each week to sit down together to discuss stories and characters.

To the delight of Julian, Venere teaches her magic. He has a small panic attack when she accidentally sets a tree on fire. Luckily, Portia is an eager student and recovers very quickly without further fiery incidents.

In return, Portia tries to teach Venere to bake, with varying degrees of success. She is trying, okay? Luckily, most of her culinary experiments are still appreciated by Julian, Asra and Muriel.

When Portia feels like going on an adventure, she always knows who to call for. 

LUCIO 

Cold metal spikes all around. Hurt others before they can hurt him. Mistakes, regrets, there’s much to learn. Pride is always the mask shame wears, covering itself with sparkly meaningless. 

Let’s say that she doesn’t take well of Lucio hurting her loved ones. When she discovers what he did to Julian she is furious.

In an alternative universe, she would be more than happy to be his friend. She believes in second chances and respects his willingness to be better.

Lucio ends up relying a lot on her when he makes an “Opsie” and needs someone to help him fix it.

With time, he gets better at handling his mistakes and learns how powerful accountability can be.

She isn’t one for big parties, but the rare times she needs some tips on the subject she can always count on Lucio.

When she needs to let out some steam, she knows he is the guy to go to. He has always a good monster on the list ready to chase, or some other adventure to go, Portia can come too!