#i don’t think i will ever recover from this

[regcorleonis]

As a French person I don’t think I’ll ever recover from this scene.

Fortiche vous êtes incroyable

- "Where'd you learn those moves?" - "I was just following your lead."

[autumnsvixen]

Damaged - part 2

previous || next (coming soon)

Azriel x f! reader

After a long and arduous recovery, you are finally able to feel safe in the House of Wind. You can't help but feeling as if something, or someone, is missing.

Word Count: 2777

Warnings: Reader healing from wounds, some mentions of past trauma (including blood, violence, and abuse), Rhys being nice (?)

A/N: Holy shit, thank you all for the love on part 1. I was not expecting that AT ALL, but I’m really glad you’re all enjoying it! This is, sadly, another part without much Az, but he’s coming (he's WHAT), I promise 😊

masterlist || request guidelines

The past week was a blur of darkness and pain. Your only real memories consisted of hazy visions of winged males, swirling shadows, and an elderly female fae with kind brown eyes.

As your eyes drifted open, you were blinded by the brightness flowing into the room from the opened curtains. The elder fae you had seen throughout your recovery hissed at someone else in the room, “Morrigan, close that curtain. You’ll give the poor girl a headache.”

Your blurry vision began to clear as the panging in your head became apparent. The pain seemingly spread throughout your body as you fully woke. A groan escaped you as you tried to shift yourself up to better observe the unfamiliar room you found yourself in, only to be gently pushed down by the same female that had just spoken.

“Don’t try to sit up. You’ve recovered a lot, but you still need rest.” Her voice was kind but strict, leaving no room for debate.

When you spoke, your voice came out rough, throat feeling like ash, “where am I?”

Another voice filled your ears as a beautiful female with golden hair moved into your vision, “you’re safe. Cassian and Rhys got you to the House of Wind just in time.” She sounded like honey; soft and sweet.

Her words registered with you, “Rhys, as in high lord Rhysand?” You again tried to sit up in the bed, shocked that Cassian had brought you to the home of the high lord.

The younger fae, who you had figured out was the Morrigan, laughed as the other huffed at you, but she didn’t push you back down. You leaned your back against the headboard, the wood cold against your wings.

“Don’t say it like he’s some god, he’ll get even more of an ego. But yes, the high lord. He winnowed you from just outside of Ironcrest.”

The older female spoke next, “and you’re lucky he did. If you had gotten here any later…” She shook her head, dismissing the thought.

Your heart clenched at the thought that you had almost died.

The two females in the room seemed to notice your thoughts as your eyes glazed over, your last conscious memories replaying in your mind. Morrigan gently grasped your hand, “you’re safe now. I promise those males won’t ever lay a hand on you again.”

A tear fell from your eye as you turned your head to look at her, “I just wanted to be able to defend myself.”

“Those cowards cornered you. It was three against one. Even if you had been training with Cas for years, they would still have had an advantage.” Anger and disgust laced her voice, and the glint in your eyes told you that these were not the first cowardly males she had encountered.

You nodded at her words, but no response escaped you. You couldn’t shake the thought that if you had just been stronger, you could have protected yourself. Or if you had just obeyed your brother’s wishes, you wouldn’t even be in this situation.

Morrigan seemed to sense your reluctance to accept her words as truth, so she turned to the other female in the room. “Madja, do you think it would be alright for her to eat something?”

The elderly fae nodded, swiftly leaving the room. Morrigan sat on the bed next to you, careful not to move your injured body, “Cassian told me your name is Y/N, right?”

You nodded, and she continued, “You can call me Mor. Cassian didn’t tell me much about what happened before the attack, but I promise you that the people here will never treat you the way you were treated back in the camp.”

You didn’t have the words to respond. Part of you hoped what she was saying was true, but another part of you knew that your brother, despite his faults, had always looked out for you. Until now, that is.

“If you want to train once you’re all healed, Cassian and I can help you. If you want to go back to Ironcrest, that is your choice, though one I would hate for you to make.”

You furrowed your brows at her, “You would let me stay? You don’t even know me.”

She smiled softly at you, “let’s just say our high lord has a soft spot for those who have experienced the worst this world has to offer. And Cas has told us enough about you for all of us to trust you.”

Gently, you squeezed her hand, “did he tell you I was the most difficult fae he’s ever had to train?”

Mor laughed, the sound falling gracefully onto your ears and drawing a small smile to your lips. “He told us you had the balance of a newborn fawn, but that you were determined in your training.”

“Do you really think he’d want to train me even after seeing how utterly defenseless I was against those males?” You asked softly, the smile falling from your face.

She looked at you with a kindness you rarely saw, “I’ll say it until your ears bleed, those males are cowards, and it took three of them to face you. You weren’t defenseless and you are not hopeless, you just need training and some more confidence. Cassian would be lucky to have you as a trainee.”

You nodded, “okay then. I’d like to stay here and train.”

Suddenly, Madja entered the room, “not until you are fully healed. You will stay here and rest until I say.” She placed a tray holding bowl of soup and a glass of water on the table next to your bed. “I swear, all you Illyrians are the same, never wanting to heal, always wanting to train,” she mumbled.

Madja didn’t clear you to leave the bed for another three days. In that time, Cassian, Rhysand, and Mor all took turns keeping you company. The first time you had met the high lord, you had clumsily tried to bow from your place in the bed, which more so looked like you trying to fold yourself in half. Of course, with the aching pain in your chest and stomach, this was accompanied by a grimace, which was not the face you had wanted to greet your high lord with. He had chuckled, waving you off with a “please, you’re a guest in my home, I don’t need the theatrics.”

You had quickly developed friendship with each of them, but none as close as Cassian. Perhaps because he was the fae you were most familiar with, or you just associated him with the feeling of safety.

You had thought of asking Cassian about the shadow-made man, but something in your gut stopped you from doing so. Perhaps you had just imagined him, and they would think you were mad if you brought him up.

By the time you were finally allowed to train, almost 2 weeks after waking up, you had begun to feel at home in the House of Wind. You’d had meals with Rhys, Cassian, Mor, and Amren, a member of the household who seemed much older than a high fae should be. Mor had promised once you were at full health, she and Cassian would show you the city and take you shopping, to which Cassian huffed at.

You started to feel at peace.

That was until Cassian woke you up before dawn one day, demanding you change into training clothes that Mor had provided you and meet him in the training arena on top of the house. Though tired, you eagerly complied, excited to start back the training you had gotten so little of back at camp.

When you got to the arena, you marveled at the extensive sand pit and the weapons that hung on racks around it. Cassian laughed at your amusement, “normally Az and I spar with just our hands, but sometimes we practice with the weapons, either on our own or with each other.”

“Az?” You questioned.

Cas’s eyes went wide with realization, “that’s right, you weren’t exactly… conscious when he was here. Azriel is my brother,” he grinned, thinking of the male. “He’s also our court’s spymaster, so he comes and goes pretty frequently. He’s off on a mission to who knows where right now, but he should be back by the end of the week. He keeps to himself, so you probably won’t see much of him when he is here, but once you get to know him, he’s a good guy.”

You nod, wondering if this was the shadow man you had believed your mind made up. But Cassian seemed so bright, you doubted his brother would be covered in such darkness. “Well, I look forward to meeting him.”

Your return to training was slow, but every morning you went up to the arena, Cas pushed you a little harder. By the end of your first week of training, you felt back to the way you were before you’d been attacked at camp.

Everyone was impressed by your progress, including yourself. You had expected to be haunted by the memories of those males, but you instead let it push you to train harder, wanting to ensure you were never in that situation again.

“Would you accompany out to the city today? I have a few things I’d like to pick up and I want to show you around.” Rhys asked you while you were clearing the table from breakfast. “And, no offense, I think it’s time you pick out your own clothes instead of whatever Mor decides to gift you.”

You chuckled, looking down at the dress the female had given you that day. It was tighter than you were used to a dress being, and much more revealing than anything you’d worn in the camps. Mor had called it modest by her standards.

With a bright smile at the high fae, you said, “I would love to.”

The city of Velaris, Rhys informed you, was his closest kept secret, and you could immediately tell why. The bright colors of the Rainbow and the display of culture throughout the city instantly had your heart pounding with excitement. This was a safe haven in the night court, and you felt incredibly lucky that Rhysand had trusted you enough to bring you here.

He had stopped by a few shops, buying himself a new jacket that seemed to absorb darkness and a set of earrings that he intended to gift to Amren as a Solstice present. As you walked, he told you about the different shops in the city and stories of its inhabitants.

Your eyes went wide as he opened the door to a bakery, the smell of sugary bread filling your nostrils. Pastries you had never heard of lined the shelves of a glass case. He bought you a sweet bun filled with lemon-flavored icing, and you swore it was the best thing you’d ever tasted.

“I forgot how bland the food is at the markets back in the camps. Now that you’re in Velaris, I’ll make sure you get to experience the best food we have to offer.” He spoke as you gobbled up the sugary goodness.

You swallowed before speaking, “I really don’t know how I can ever repay your kindness, Rhysand. Seriously.”

He waved you off, “keep training and gathering your strength, and I’m sure I can find you a place in my circle. But even if you never work for me, I will continue to spoil you with the goodness of this city. You deserve it.”

Happy tears filled your eyes as he spoke. You had never experienced such care before arriving to the House of Wind, and now it all felt overwhelming. “I don’t have words to explain how honored I am to be here. One day, I will find a way to repay your kindness.”

He smirked playfully, “well, until you do, I’m going to continue to spoil you. I was thinking we could visit the clothes shops in the palace of thread and jewels.”

By the time you had finished shopping, you and Rhys were surrounded by bags filled with clothes and shoes. You insisted you would pay him back, but he simply waved off the expense as a “welcome present.”

The sky was dark as you exited the last shop, and your eyes widened as you spotted the lights lining the river that ran through the city. The high lord seemed to take notice of your amazement, as if he had expected it. “It’s even better from above,” he said quietly. With a wave of his hands, the bags in your arms disappeared.

You were shocked at the easy display of magic, until you realized what he had implied. You looked at him sadly, “I can’t- my wings-“

“I’ll carry you,” he cut you off. You nodded, thankful he understood. He picked you up, strong arms beneath your back and knees, before shooting off into the sky. You wrapped your own arms tightly around his neck as you screeched, the sudden weightlessness of flying catching you off guard.

There was something about being in the air that felt so natural. You knew it was due to your heritage, as Illyrians belonged in the sky, but you had never had the opportunity to actually experience it until now.

And Rhys was right, the city was somehow more beautiful from up here. The lights reflected off the Sidra, the waves making them appear to dance. The city squares seemed alive with lights and people. It was all breathtaking.

Rhys carried you through the air, dipping low before shooting high, as if playing a game of tag with the wind. You laughed as it blew your hair in all different directions. You stayed in the air for almost an hour, though you felt as if you could’ve stayed for years, before you landed on a balcony back in the House of Wind.

“Thank you for that, truly.” You spoke to him, removing your arms from his neck as your feet touched the ground.

He smiled at you, “any time.”

As you both walked into the seating room you had landed outside of, your breath is halted in your throat at the site of a male that had haunted your dreams since you arrived at the house.

Hazel eyes studied you for a moment before moving over to the male standing next to you. “Rhys, we need to talk.”

Rhys smirked, prancing to a nearby bar cart and pouring himself a glass of fae wine, “nice to see you too, brother. Glad you’re home safe.”

The stunning male’s expression remained neutral as he stared at Rhysand, unamused at his antics. You studied the angled bones of his cheeks and jaw, the shadows that swirled around his shoulders and neck. This was the man you had thought you imagined. And now that you had seen him, you were even more interested in learning more about him.

“Rhys.” His tone was stern. His voice pulled goosebumps to your skin, the deepness fitting his dark and shadowy appearance.

The high lord gave you a pitiful smile, “your bags are in your room, y/n, if you’d like to go admire your new belongings. Azriel and I need to discuss some things.”

You nodded, understanding his words for the dismissal they were. In that moment you also realized that this was the Azriel that Cassian had spoken to you so highly about. You remembered his words, “he keeps to himself… but once you get to know him, he’s a good guy.”

You hoped you could find out for yourself.

As you made your way up the stairs, you couldn’t stop thinking about the beautiful stranger’s face, the toned body underneath his Illyrian leathers, and the shadows that seemed to keep him constant company.

You would definitely try to find out for yourself.

[aventurineswife]

Could I request the Astral Express trio (you can choose Stelle or Caelus) with a reader (GN) who is also a member of the Express who is like an older sibling? Reprimanding them when they get hurt, or comforting them when they're upset?

No One is Alone

Summary: Life aboard the Astral Express isn't just about fighting enemies or exploring new worlds—it's also about looking out for each other. As the team's older sibling figure, you take it upon yourself to reprimand Dan Heng and Stelle after they return from a mission injured. Through scolding, comforting, and heartfelt conversations, you remind them that they're part of a team and don't have to face their struggles alone.

Tags: Astral Express Trio x Reader, Platonic, Found Family, Hurt/Comfort, Sibling Dynamics, GN!Reader, Protective!Reader, Team Bonding, Angst with a Happy Ending.

Warnings: Mentions of injuries (non-graphic), Mild guilt/self-blame themes, Emotional vulnerability and introspection.

The hum of the Astral Express filled the air, a comforting backdrop to life aboard the interstellar train. You sat in the lounge, scanning over a datapad while keeping half an ear tuned to the faint commotion from the infirmary. It was a sound you'd become all too familiar with since joining the crew.

Dan Heng and Stelle—recovering from yet another scrape they shouldn't have gotten into.

The infirmary door swished open, and March peeked out, her expression torn between amusement and sympathy. "They're ready for the scolding..." she chirped.

You sighed, setting your datapad aside. Rising to your feet, you felt the weight of your role—neither a fighter nor a strategist, but the de facto big sibling of this unconventional family.

The scene in the infirmary was almost comical. Stelle sat on one of the cots, a bandage around her upper arm, her usual unbothered expression firmly in place. Dan Heng stood nearby, his arms crossed over his chest, looking stoic despite the gash on his shoulder that hadn't been there when the mission started.

"Care to explain?" you began, arms crossed and gaze level.

"It was just a minor miscalculation." Dan Heng replied calmly.

"A 'minor miscalculation' doesn't leave you bleeding, Dan Heng," you said pointedly, turning to Stelle. "And you—didn't I tell you to call for backup if things went south?"

Stelle gave a sheepish shrug. "I thought we could handle it."

"You thought wrong." You sighed, your tone softening as you crossed the room. Grabbing a chair, you sat between them, your expression gentler now. "I know you're both incredibly capable. But even the best make mistakes. You're part of a team—you don't have to shoulder everything alone."

Dan Heng's gaze flickered to the floor, and Stelle's shoulders slumped slightly.

"You don’t need to push yourself to the point of breaking to prove anything," you added, standing to place a reassuring hand on each of their shoulders. "We're in this together. If something happened to either of you, we’d all feel it. And you’d feel the same if it were March, right?"

Both nodded, though they didn’t meet your gaze.

"Good. Now, promise me you’ll call for help next time."

"Promise." Stelle said, a small smile tugging at her lips. Dan Heng gave a slight nod, his stoic mask cracking just enough for you to catch the faintest hint of guilt.

Later, in the privacy of the archive, you found Dan Heng surrounded by stacks of books. He looked up as you entered, his expression as composed as ever.

"You didn't just come here to read, did you?" you asked, pulling up a chair.

"...No," he admitted after a moment, his voice quiet. "I thought I could avoid putting others at risk by keeping things to myself. I didn’t think about how that might affect the team."

You smiled softly, resting a hand on his. "Dan Heng, you're not a burden. You're not just running from your past anymore—you’re building a future with all of us. And we need you to trust us enough to let us help."

He hesitated, then gave a small nod. "I'll try."

Later that evening, Stelle found you in the lounge, sitting with a warm drink. She plopped down beside you, her usual confidence dimmed by something you couldn’t quite place.

"You were right," she said, uncharacteristically subdued.

"About what?" you asked, setting your drink down.

"About asking for help." She stared at the floor for a moment before meeting your eyes. "I’m used to going it alone. But... it’s different with you guys. It’s like, I know you’ve got my back, and that’s scary because now I care. You know?"

You smiled, ruffling her hair like a younger sibling. "That’s not a bad thing, Stelle. Caring means you’re not just surviving anymore—you’re living."

She leaned into your side, her head on your shoulder. "Thanks, big sibling."

"Anytime," you said, wrapping an arm around her. "Just stop scaring me with the near-death experiences, okay?"

"I’ll try." she mumbled, and for now, that was enough.

(yonagi on X)

[size0forhollywood]

Metafiction

Pt 13: Love and Heartbreak

Content Warning: 21+, SMUT, NSFW, ORAL, Dirty Talk, Hard Sex, goodbye sex, The End of the Series, Space Travel, 4th Wall break,

Taglist: @xxfaithlynxx , @msturi2u

A/n: all good things must come to an end… just want to say thank you to everyone. This idea just kind of flourished on its own and I appreciate all the likes, follows, comments and reblogs. When I recover properly, I hope to be able to keep producing some spicy fics for everyone in future. Love you all 💙

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

Things have been like a sweet blissful dream lately. Being back with Sylus, experiencing each other again. Every night that he is home you both are deep in the throes of passionate love making. But it’s more than just sex. Those feelings you had before you left the N109 Zone are stronger than ever and you’ve almost told him on more than one occasion.

Sometimes you think he mumbles it when he’s coming deep inside you but you’re not sure. You’re so blissed out in your own orgasm you don’t really hear what’s going on around you or what’s being said. Sylus says many things to you during sex, that could embody an admission of love.

He’s even started calling you his beloved and when he goes out to deal with his ‘business’ he always comes back with a gift for you.

Today as he came back after being away for three days he handed you a key ring with a tiny crow plushie attached. You smile as you remember the crow plushie from the game.

“You like this one a lot hmm?” Sylus removes his jacket and unbuttons the top two buttons of his shirt. His eyes moving up and down your body. Hungrily taking you in.

“Yeah. It’s really cute.” Your smile grows wider the more you look at it.

He saunters over to you and cradles your face in his hands. His thumbs gently caressing your cheeks as he leans in giving you a soft, sweet tender kiss.

“Mmm, my beloved..” he murmurs against your lips.

The kiss gradually deepens into something more sinful. His arms wrap around your waist as he lifts you and spins you around. Backing you up against the wall. A hungry growl in his throat as his tongue starts assaulting yours. You gasp as your back hits the wall.

“Mm Sy…let’s go to the bedroom..” you say in between his rough kisses.

Sylus starts peppering kisses along your jaw and down your neck.

“No.” He simply says. His tongue and teeth on your neck tasting your salty sweet skin.

His hands caressing the sides of your body, feeling every curve. He grips the waist band of your shorts and starts tugging them down along with your underwear.

“Sy! Luke and Kieran are~”

“I don’t care.” He cuts you off. He keeps kissing down your body and slowly dropping to his knees as he goes. Your shorts and underwear bunched around your ankles.

“Need..to taste you..” he hums.

Sylus gently bites your hip, his hands rubbing and squeezing your thighs. He forces your legs apart as he slides his fingers up your inner thigh to your throbbing cunt. Gently rubbing and inserting his fingertips. Groaning at your wetness.

“Looks like you can’t wait either Sweetie.”

He takes a moment watching as his fingers slide in and out of your hot, slick pussy. He spreads your folds open, admiring the glistening pink. He looks up at you through half lidded eyes.

“So fucking gorgeous.”

You take in the sight of him on his knees before you. Looking up at you with lust filled eyes. His desires oozing out of him at this point, ready to take you with his tongue and make you forget about everything around you. It makes your cunt ache with need.

You bite your lip, running your fingers through the side of his hair, caressing him. Guiding his face closer to your sopping heat. Sylus smirks. His eyes remaining on you as he starts lapping up your juices. Groaning as he tastes you and watches your face twist with pleasure.

His already hard cock straining against his pants, threatening to burst free. He can already feel his pre-cum leaking out and pooling against his clothes. This only makes him want to devour you more. He wants to feel you cum on his face and drown in your sweet release.

Sylus plunges his tongue into you and wriggles his nose against your throbbing clit. Occasionally giving you that friction. Your grip on his hair tightens holding him against your cunt. Grinding your aching pussy onto him, wanting to ride his gorgeous face as he eats you out into oblivion.

His fingers work in tandem with his tongue. Scissoring in and out of you. Bringing you closer to your peak.

“Ah…Sy..I’m so close..” you struggle in between moans. The pleasure his tongue and fingers give you is enough to make you start seeing stars.

He pulls his face away, briefly, his hooded eyes on you. Your arousal glistening on his lips and chin. His fingers are still pumping inside you, feeling your hot plush walls tighten around them.

“I know.” He smirks at you before burying his face back into your cunt. He’s absolutely ravenous.

You throw your head back, moaning, gasping, whimpering. All of the above. His tongue and fingers driving you wild. You hear him groan into your cunt as you start grinding your pussy against his face again. Chasing that impending orgasm.

Sylus starts sucking and licking your clit helping you get even closer to that sweet delicious release.

“Cum on my face Sweetie.” He encourages you.

“Fuck. Sylus!” Your body convulses and trembles as your orgasm hits you like a truck. Sylus laps up every bit of your sweet juice, as you ride out your orgasm.

He pulls away, his teeth biting your inner thigh. Hot red eyes watching you trying to collect yourself.

“Good girl.” He kisses where he bit you before standing back up. Taking your face in his hands and kissing you.

Letting you tastes yourself on his tongue.

Your mind still clouded with arousal, you break from the tongue battle with Sylus.

“I want to taste you too.”

Sylus smirks, he kisses you back as his hands start undoing his belt and pants. You leave open mouth kisses down his jaw and neck, tasting his salty skin on your tongue. Building anticipation for when you taste what you’re really after.

You slowly drop to your knees in front of Sylus, his deep red eyes hungry and never leaving yours. His massive cock free, leaking with his arousal, throbbing and waiting for you.

You whimper eyeing the sheer size of him but you’re determined. Your desire to have Sylus screaming in pleasure outweighs your fear.

Sylus’ hand cups your chin, his thumb gently stroking your bottom lip. “So beautiful like this,” he pushes his thumb in your mouth gently forcing your mouth open. “Hungry for my cock, aren’t you?”

You nod as you start licking his thumb. Showing him just how desperate you are for his sweet cock to be in your mouth.

His eyes burn with desire as he watches you. “You’re my dirty little slut aren’t you?” He plunges two fingers into your mouth and watches as you accept them. Sucking and licking, tasting yourself on him, covering his fingers with your saliva. “So desperate for me…”

You moan and nod as you continue your sensual attack on his fingers. Sylus groans and pulls his hand away and squeezes your cheeks together, forcing your jaw open.

“Come on then Kitten…show me what this filthy little mouth can do..” he presses the tip of his cock at your mouths entrance.

You jut your tongue out, licking up his precum and swirling your tongue around the head of his cock. Moaning as you taste him. Sylus groans, captivated by your performance, holding back his desire to just shove himself into you and mercilessly fucking your face.

His grip on your jaw relaxes, letting you go as he moves to grab a fistful of your hair. You keep your sultry gaze on him as you wrap your lips around him. Slowly taking him into the haven of your warm wet mouth.

Sylus tilts his head up and groans as you start to bob your head up and down his length. Your mouth feels like heaven, and the way you’re moving your tongue around him, flicking the sensitive part just beneath the head of his cock, is driving him crazy.

“Fuck…” he moans out.

Hearing him in pleasure spurs you on, you do your best to slack your jaw, taking him deeper into your mouth. The head of his cock tapping the back of your throat which makes you gag at first but you push through it.

The feeling of your throat close around his cock breaks his resolve completely. He starts thrusting his hips, gripping your hair tightly as he starts to control some of your movements.

“Such dirty little slut…my little slut..”

Your moan sends a vibration through him that makes him shiver and he starts thrusting into your mouth a bit faster, getting deeper down your throat.

Tears starting to roll down your flushed checks because of how deep he’s getting down your throat. Saliva dripping out of your mouth. Your jaw starting to hurt but you push through it. Watching him lose himself to the feeling of your mouth was making your cunt ache with need.

You bring one hand to the base of his cock and start stroking him, to increase his pleasure and bring him closer to the edge. Your other hand goes down to your clit where you start massaging it.

Sylus sees as you touch yourself and he groans fucking into your face a bit harder.

“You like this sweetie? Hmm?”

He sees the look in your eyes as you’re being driven completely by lust and desire. The combination of everything you’re doing getting him closer to the edge.

“Fuck…kitten…I’m gonna cum deep in this tight little throat of yours…” he groans.

You moan as you rub your clit harder, chasing that sweet climax. Your muffled moan on Sylus’ cock pushes him over the edge. He grips your hair so tightly, one final thrust deep into your throat as he releases his sticky hot seed deep down your throat.

“Fuck!” He moans deeply.

Your eyes roll back as you bring yourself to your own climax. Swallowing his salty delicious cum as you do. Swirling your tongue, lapping up as much of it as you can, absolutely milking him dry.

Sylus’ body shudders and trembles as you do. He pulls out as he starts getting overstimulated. Panting heavily. Looking down at your debauched state. Your tear-stained flushed cheeks, a mixture of your saliva and his cum on your swollen lips. Your eyes glazed over in post-orgasmic bliss.

It’s enough to make his cock twitch again with arousal.

“So perfect.” He picks you up, helping you to your feet.

Kissing you passionately, tasting his cum on your lips. His hands travel down to your ass, squeezing and cupping your cheeks before lifting you up. You wrap your legs around his waist. You can feel his renewed erection pressing against your core.

“Mm Sy.. I want more..” you moan softly against his lips.

Sylus groans at your plea. He presses your back up against the wall again. Lining his cock up with your willing cunt. Rubbing the head of his dick in between your slick folds.

He starts kissing down your jaw, teasing you a little. Your fingers thread through his soft silver locks. Gripping tightly in anticipation.

“My beloved…” He whispers against your neck. His hot breath sending shivers down your spine.

The energy shifting from lust to passion, to love. He slowly sheaths himself inside you. Sweet little breathy moans leave your lips as he does.

“Ah..Sy…”

Sylus doesn’t move for a moment. Savouring the feeling of your hot, plush, wet walls around him. Squeezing and relaxing as they get used to his size.

He draws back and gently thrusts into you. Starting off slowly. Enjoying the way you feel dragging against his cock.

“You feel so amazing.” He breathes against your neck. His hands tightening on your hips as he tries to ground himself.

“You were made for me.” He pants, his self-control wavering as he starts to thrust into you a bit harder and faster.

“Sy!” You gasp as he gets deeper. The wet squelch of him thrusting into your pussy fills the air. Intoxicating the both of you, spurring you on, chasing the high of another orgasm.

You cup his face into your hands, capturing his mouth in a heated kiss. Swallowing eachother's loud moans. Tongues dancing together as he fucks into you with a renewed force.

“Sy…I want you to read my mind..!” You moan against his lips. He pulls his face away a look of confusion on his face.

“It won’t work Sweetie.” His movement slowing down.

“Trust me…” you whisper, your thumb stroking his cheek.

Sylus’ right eye starts to glow as he picks up his movement again. You keep your gaze locked with his, his grip on your hips tightens some more as you allow him past your defences and into the dark crevices of your mind.

“Fuck…” He groans. Sylus sees everything. Everything you’re thinking, every thought you have had, he feels your feelings, the love and hate and all emotions welling deep within. Your desires for him, for home.

Sylus’ eyes sparkle with unshed tears, as every bit of you overwhelms him. Something you have never seen him do since you’ve been here.

New waves of pleasure start to coil within you as Sylus reads your mind. Your grip on him tightens. The coil winding tighter and tighter, threatening to snap.

“Sylus..!” You moan.

Sylus feels how close you are to orgasm, your pussy tightening around his pistoning cock. He doubles his efforts, his passion, his love, everything coming to the surface in this moment with you.

“I know, sweetie!” He groans, his own orgasm teetering on the edge.

You squeeze your eyes shut as your orgasm rips through you. The intensity making you tremble and shake in Sylus’ arms. His name flowing from your lips like a symphony. With a final thrust Sylus buries himself to the hilt as he cums with you. Thick hot spurts of his seed coating your spasming walls.

Your both left panting heavily, chests heaving against each other. Sweat glistening your bodies. After a moment Sylus pulls his softened cock out of you. He gently helps you onto your feet. His cherry red eyes watching you and you can’t make out the expression on his face.

Sylus cups your face with his hands and pulls you in for a tender kiss. Something was different. You could feel it in the air. Had you made a mistake letting him into your mind? Just how much did he see?

After that passionate encounter in the hallway Sylus had disappeared into his study with Mephisto. He had been in there for several hours now and you didn’t know what to do with yourself. You were pacing around the compound biting your nails. Why did Sylus just suddenly close himself off? The same question plaguing your mind over and over again until you couldn’t handle it anymore. You walk with determination to the study.

Before you can even knock on the door you hear Sylus’ voice call out.

“You can come in, Sweetie.”

Bracing yourself you open the door and walk in. Sylus was sitting at his desk, his hands working on Mephisto.

“Is Mephisto okay?” You ask, concern etched on your face.

“I’m just giving him some upgrades, nothing to worry about, Sweetie.” His voice was nonchalant.

“So… he’s fully mechanical? Why does he bleed and have real feathers?” Curiosity in your voice… plus it’s been so long since you’ve played the game you’ve forgotten the lore on Mephisto.

Sylus chuckles. His eyes never leaving his hands as he works on Mephisto.

“It’s for dramatic effect..” he mumbles before continuing. “Like when those thugs first tried to kidnap you they thought they killed Mephisto. But really all he needed was some repairs and a reboot.”

You grab a chair and sit down next to Sylus, watching him carefully work on Mephisto. Sylus gives you a sideways glance a small smirk on his face.

“Does he look familiar to you? The… bird aspect of him?”

“What do you mean Sy?” His question leaving you even more confused than when you first walked in.

He pauses to consider his next words and sits back in his chair, his gaze on you.

“The one piece of the puzzle I couldn’t figure out was why Mephisto was apart of it. Why did you see Mephisto when you travelled here? The question had been seared into the forefront of my mind.”

He leaned forward, slowly caressing your cheek with his fingers. “But after you let me read your mind I finally figured it out, Sweetie.”

Your heart starts to race, his tender touch and the way he’s looking at you. Something else was building in you though. Anxiety? Anticipation?

His fingers lingering on your cheek and a subtle hint of sadness in his eyes. “And I think I know how to send you home too…”

Home?

You never thought you’d hear that word, in fact you were finally starting to accept that there was no going back anymore. So many different emotions erupt inside you. Longing, fear…you look at Sylus, the hint of sadness still in his eyes.

What about you and Sylus now? You’ve grown to love him and accept him. Content to be by his side for the rest of your living days. However, home, the place where you belong… could you give all of that up to stay here with Sylus?

Sylus, sensing your inner turmoil, leans forward and places a comforting hand on your thigh. Grounding your focus back to him and the present.

“I’m going to take you somewhere tomorrow. A place in the N109 Zone where there are Evol birds. I’m pretty sure there we will be able to find your way home.”

His words hang thick in the air, tears threaten to well up in your eyes. All of this coming from Sylus being able to read your mind? What did he see to bring him to this conclusion?

With that Sylus turns his attention back to Mephisto, finishing his task. You sit in silence pondering what had just transpired. There was a possibility that this time tomorrow you could be back home?

But do you really want to be Y/N?

Sylus didn’t come to bed with you that night. He stayed locked up in his study with Mephisto. You were lying in bed staring up at the ceiling, replaying everything in your mind. Home… you did miss home. You missed your roommate and best friend. You missed your old life and your freedoms. But now, now you’ve got something to lose if you do go back home.

This love with Sylus, you don’t want to give it up so easily. Not when you went through so much just to have it.

As the hours tick by your sleep eventually consumes you.

~

When you wake up Sylus is in the room. He’s wearing his motorcycle gear. You sit up in bed rubbing the sleep from your eyes as Sylus walks over to you. Sitting down on the edge of the bed. His expression gentle, yet unreadable.

“Did you sleep well? Kitten?”

Not really. Your mind was plagued with thoughts of home. Thoughts about your life here with him. You give him a small smile.

“Yeah.” You lied. You don’t know why. With the way Sylus’ crimson eyes look at you, you know he can tell.

Still, he doesn’t say anything. He caresses your cheek and offers you a small smile in return.

“Get dressed Sweetie. We have a big ride ahead of us.”

With that Sylus gets up and waits for you outside the room. After a quick shower, you get dressed into the clothes Sylus had picked out for you. Jeans, a plain tshirt and a leather jacket. Despite the circumstance a little bit of excitement gnawed at you. It has been ages since you’ve been on his motorcycle.

Meeting him outside he was half sitting on his motorbike. He smiles as you approach. Standing up he offers you a helmet.

“You ready, Kitten?” Sylus sits back on his motorcycle, you follow suit, sliding behind him. Wrapping your arms tightly around his waist.

He starts the bike, the engine roaring to life. Your arms squeeze him tighter as the vibrations flow through you. Sylus smirks before peeling off the curb, already hitting a fast speed. Your heart pounding in your chest as everything around becomes a blur. The deafening purr of the motorbike and the harsh whips of wind filling your ears.

You don’t know how long you’ve been travelling for but it must’ve been for a while now, your backside and legs starting to feel numb. Your arms instinctively tighten around sylus’ waist, pressing your chest against Sylus’ back. He stiffens for a moment before relaxing.

Sylus reaches a hand behind him, grabbing at your thigh and giving it a reassuring squeeze. He was still expertly manoeuvring the bike with one hand.

You notice the bike starting to slow down to less frightening speeds. Were you here already? As the bike stops and the engine dies you look around, you’re in front of a hotel.

“Let’s rest here Sweetie. Recharge our batteries.”

You slide off the bike and remove your helmet. You feel an immediate relief in your legs as you stand up and stretch. Sylus following suit, he places a hand to the small of your back as he guides you inside the hotel.

It was nice and luxurious inside. The N109 Zone confused you, some parts were worn down and dilapidated while other parts were like this 5 star hotel. Pushing the thoughts aside, Sylus grabs your hand and starts leading you to the elevator.

Once inside the elevator he wastes no time in pulling you into his arms, kissing you feverishly. His tongue pushing past your lips and conquering your tongue, plundering the depths of your willing mouth.

“Mm Sy…” you moan against his mouth.

Your hands grip his shirt, keeping him close to you as you kiss him back with the same ferocity. He groans in response, loving the way your body responds and submits so willingly to him.

The elevator dings, signalling the arrival of your floor. With a swift movement Sylus’ hands grab at your ass, hoisting you up. You wrap your legs around his waist instinctively, the kiss not breaking for a second.

You exit the elevator and he makes quick work of getting into the hotel room. All the while keeping your flush in his arms.

Once inside the room he goes back to kissing you. His hands roaming your body, kneading at the supple flesh beneath the clothing.

“You drive me crazy, Kitten.” He groans in between kisses. “I want to be buried inside you forever.”

Reluctantly setting you down on your feet you both make quick work divesting each other of your clothes. With every layer of clothing removed your arousal builds. The heat between your legs growing in need and anticipation as Sylus’ muscular body is revealed to you, inch by tantalising inch.

A deep growl emanates from his chest as he takes in the image of you naked and standing before him. He picks you up again and playfully tosses you onto the bed. You love the way he so easily manhandles you. A giggle escaping you as you land on the bed. Sylus crawls ontop of you, leaving open mouth kisses along your jaw and down your neck. His hands rubbing up the sides of your body, his thumbs gently caressing and rubbing your nipples. Feeling them pebble beneath his touch.

“Ah. Sylus..” you gasp. Despite the hunger between you two at the moment he was being surprisingly gentle. It was maddening. Sending jolts of electricity to your core, deepening your arousal for him.

His mouth explores the valley of your breasts, while his hands continue to gently massage them.

“You’re exquisite.” He hums against your chest. He nibbles and sucks on one of your tits, leaving behind a deep purple love bite. His fingers gently moving down your body, finding your slick folds with ease.

“God you’re so fucking wet.” He groans. He pushes two fingers inside your hot cunt, a satisfying wet squelch fills the air as he begins to pump them in and out of you.

“Ahh! Fuck Sylus!” Your back arches off the mattress, spreading your legs wider for him as he expertly fingers you. His thumb finds your clit and gently rubs the sensitive nub causing you to thrust up into his hand.

“Yes! Yes! Sy!”

Sylus starts kissing up your neck again, gently nibbling as he goes.

“Cum for me Sweetie,” His voice hot against your skin. “Show me how badly you want this!”

He doubles his efforts, adding a third finger preparing you for his cock. His thumb rubbing your clit a little harder and faster. Your walls start to clench around his pumping fingers. The coil in your belly wound so tight, on the precipice of snapping.

“I-I’m so… close Sy!” And just like that your orgasm hits you like a freight train. Waves of waves of pleasure wash over you, temporarily whiting out your vision. You scream out his name in pleasure as your pussy clamps down hard on his fingers, trying to milk them.

“Fuck…” Sylus groans, watching you cum like that made his dick throb so hard. He needs you. He needs you right fucking now.

Not even giving you a chance to recover from your orgasm he flips you onto your stomach, lifting your hips up till you’re on your knees.

He gives your ass a playful yet firm smack. Eliciting a moan from you.

“Are you ready for me Kitten? Because I can’t wait any longer.”

The head of his cock brushes against your slick entrance.

“Yes! Please hurry Sy!” You shamelessly beg. Desperately wanting to feel his thick cock inside you.

Sylus surges forward burying himself to the hilt, groaning in satisfaction. Your pussy stretching and clenching around him.

Sylus starts pounding into you from behind, keeping one hand on your hip and the other against your back pressing you down. You gasp and moan with every deep animalistic thrust.

“Fuck Kitten!”

Your hands grip the bed sheets below, knuckles turning white as you hold on for dear life. Tears prick your eyes at the intense pressure you feel in your core. Your moans getting muffled by the mattress, you bite down on the sheet just to have an outlet.

“Let me hear you Sweetie, don’t hide.” He groans as he picks up his pace. The sound of skin slapping skin echoes through the hotel room. The bed rocking, the headboard smacking the wall with every thrust.

“Fuck Sylus!” You sob in pleasure, tears spilling down your flushed cheeks. He was fucking you so deep your mind was going blank. “D-don’t…Stop!”

Something snaps in Sylus, he flips your positions. Before you can comprehend what’s happening he’s put you on your back, hooking one of your legs over his elbow. He leans down and kisses you as he ferociously thrusts into you. Swallowing your cries of pleasure with his hungry mouth.

Your fingernails rake across Sylus’ shoulders, breaking the skin, leaving angry red lines in their wake. He groans at the stinging pain, adding to his pleasure as he fucks into you.

He brings your other leg up, almost folding you in half. Slamming into you all the way to the base of his cock every time.

“S-SY��!” You can’t talk not while he’s stuffing you so full of his cock like this.

Your eyes roll back as your pussy starts to flutter around his cock, your orgasm fast approaching.

“That’s it baby!” Sylus encourages, “Cum all over my cock.”

Your world explodes into a kaleidoscope of colour and sensation as the orgasm crashes over you, wave after wave of pure bliss coursing through your veins. You scream Sylus's name, your body convulsing wildly as you ride out the intense pleasure.

"Ahh! Sylus! Oh god, yes!" You sob.

Sylus groans as your inner muscles clamp down on him, the rhythmic contractions pushing him over the edge. With a final, brutal thrust, he buries himself to the hilt inside you, his cock pulsing as he unleashes a torrent of hot seed deep within your womb.

"Fuuuck, my beloved!" he bellows, his body shuddering with the force of his release. "So fucking perfect..."

He collapses onto the bed next to you, chest heaving, sweat on his forehead from the exertion. Sylus pulls your body flush against his, soothing you after the rough fucking he just gave you. Whispering words of praise and affection.

As you’re laying there, resting your head on his shoulder, hand on his chest, you’re filled with the overwhelming urge to say something.

Sylus’ hand gently rubs circles on your hip. The touch sending butterflies to your stomach.

“Sylus..” Your voice barely a whisper.

“Yes, my love?” He hums back.

You want to say it. Those three little words. They’re on the tip of your tongue. So just say it.

Why can’t you say it Y/N?!

You bite your lip and nuzzle against Sylus.

“It’s nothing.” You whisper.

Sylus’ hand stills for a moment but then resumes drawing circles on your hip.

After a while of just basking in each other’s embrace in silence. Sylus finally speaks up.

“We should probably head out soon.”

“Oh? We’re not staying the night?” You ask confused.

Sylus chuckles. He turns his face to look at you. “I only stopped here because having your tits pressed up against my back was driving me mental Kitten.”

He swiftly pulls you on top of him, your legs straddling his hips.

“But I don’t mind if you want to stay here a bit longer,” his hands grip your hips as he grinds up against you with a renewed erection.

A sultry giggle escapes your mouth as you lean down, capturing his lips with yours. “Please let’s stay…” you whisper against his mouth. “I want more..”

~

After a few blissful hours you and Sylus finally leave the hotel to continue your journey.

The motorcycle starts to slow as Sylus approaches a large tree. You were fascinated to see a living tree in the N109 Zone. That is until you got closer, the ‘leaves’ on the tree weren’t leaves. It was full of black birds.

Sylus comes to a stop, killing the engine of the motorcycle. “We’re here Kitten.”

You both dismount the bike. A look of awe on your face.

“Sylus… they kind of look like Mephi…” As you look at all the birds you’re reminded of the baby crow you rescued before you were taken here.

“That’s because they are the same.” Sylus holds out his finger and a crow perches itself on it, staring at him with glowing eyes. “These are Evol birds. They were my inspiration for Mephisto. It seems one of them found itself to your world and that’s how you were able to be brought here.”

The crow flaps its wings and flies off, joining the rest of the birds back in the tree.

“So you think they’ll be able to send me back?” You ask.

A sullen expression falls on Sylus’ face. Before he can answer the clouds above you start to swirl. Flashes of light, all different colours litter the sky.

“Sylus?”

Sylus’ grip around your waist tightens. The winds swirl and become more violent around you. You feel a magnetic pull. Whispers calling to you to step towards the wormhole.

“This is it Kitten… your way home.” Despite his words his grip remains tight on you.

Your heart is pounding in your chest. The throb so loud it drums out the sounds of the cyclonic winds. You look at Sylus, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. You could just walk away. Walk away with him. Spend the rest of your living days with him, safe in his arms.

But the whispers, the pull for home were just as strong. The wormhole opens up fully. Dirt and debris getting sucked inside. The crows scatter from the tree flying in circles at the opening of the wormhole. All of it beckoning you home, trying to right the wrongs of you being here in this world.

You wriggle out of Sylus’ grasp and take a step forward. He reaches out, grabbing your arm.

“Y/N.. I love you…”

Your heart swells with overwhelming emotions. Tears prick the corner of your eyes. Sylus’ eyes are pleading with you. Begging you not to go. To stay with him, forever.

Your heart slamming against your chest. You want to. You need to be with him. But there was a void in the pit of your stomach, you don’t belong here. You never did…

Taking a small step towards Sylus, you press your lips against his, the taste of tears both on your tongues.

“… I know…” you whisper against his lips.

While you still have the courage you use all your strength to push Sylus back, taking him by surprise, without a second thought you run towards the vacuum pull of the wormhole.

Time slows down as your body begins to get pulled through. You glance back at Sylus seeing the pain on his face.

“I love you…” you whisper as your body is pulled through. Sylus’ tears being the last thing you see before you shut your eyes, bracing yourself for the agonising travel.

A scream rips through you as your body gets stretched and warped in ways that shouldn’t happen. Your body spaghettifying and then slinging back to its normal shape. Lights flashing around you, blinding you. Blood coming out of your eyes, nose, mouth and ears. The pain unbearable.

Your vision whites out and the feeling of falling suddenly washes over you. Bracing yourself for the drop. You land with hard thud on a soft surface. You gasp for air and sputter.

Your body feeling like you were put through a microwave and then run over by a truck.

After a few moments of laying on the soft surface you open your eyes, panting, trying to catch your breath. Light flickers through into the room.

As your eyes scan the room you take in the familiar surroundings. It was your bedroom. As you sit up and look around, nothing looks out of place. It was exactly the same as when you left.

You hear a soft chime, your phone has gone off with a notification on your bedside table. When you check the screen the date is the same date from when you left.

A tear falls down your cheek as you chuckle. So for the past year you spent with Sylus in the N109 Zone, no time had passed at all here. It was as if you were never gone. As if the last year you endured was nothing but a fever dream.

A bittersweet laugh escapes your lips, more tears spilling down your cheeks. Your laugh eventually turns into sobs. You made the right choice… this is where you belong. The universe corrected itself.

But if this was the right choice, why does your heart feel like it’s shattered into pieces Y/N?

A chirp by your window draws your attention, you wipe your tears and see a family of crows. A baby crow between two adult ones. It was Mephi.

Your vision blurs as you smile, a soft laugh escaping your lips.

Perhaps, one day…

One day you could go back…

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

[nerdasaurus1200]

A little fix it fic cause the Zaun family deserved a better ending. Also, I just realized, this is my first Arcane fanfic, so I hope y’all like it!

Not Over Yet

“Is that singing I hear?” Caitlyn’s voice pulled Vi away from the fire for a moment. Despite the teasing smile, she still tried to covertly look at the plate on the table beside her partner. The sandwich was half eaten this time. That was at least some progress.

“Oh, yeah. It’s just this..silly little song my mom used to sing to me and Jinx when we were little.” Vi laughed under her breath. It was still a little strange calling her sister that.

“Before she…you know.” Vi looked back at the fire and shrugged, and she could see Caitlyn nodding slightly. The fire was a welcome distraction, but it still put her on edge. It reminded her too much of Vander dy-…of the accident. She swore she could see all their faces in the flames if she looked hard enough. All those she lost…or maybe she was just starting to see things too. Was this how Jinx felt all those years? That weird sense of…of emptiness while never being alone? Like some ghost was always watching over her shoulder?

Well, it wasn’t like she could ask her now.

“How did the service go?” Caitlyn wrapped an arm around Vi and leaned her head on her shoulder.

“Alright.” Vi shrugged again, unable to pull her face away from the flames, “I don’t know how I didn’t break down by the time it was my turn to get up there and spew sappy shit.”

Caitlyn chuckled, a dry and bittersweet sound.

“I think little man’s taking it pretty hard. He couldn’t even look me in the eye.” Vi recalled.

Caitlyn’s brow furrowed for a moment as she took in Vi’s words, trying to think of anything that would provide some comfort, “…I think Ekko just needs a bit of time. We all grieve in different ways.”

“Oh yeah, cupcake, some people go crazy, and other people decide to play dictator and declare martial law.” Vi remarked with a playful glare. Caitlyn huffed affectionately and flicked a strand of Vi’s hair, which in turn made Vi chuckle.

But then as soon as the happiness came, it vanished. It was so hard to be happy these days, with all that had happened.

“Have, uh…have the reports come back yet?” Vi asked cautiously.

Caitlyn’s eyes softened in sadness as she leaned forward to kiss Vi’s cheek, “Still no signs of any remains in the Hexgates. Only the bomb shrapnels we were able to initially recover.”

Vi’s jaw clenched ever so slightly and her eyes hardened for a moment. Damn it all, three times and they still couldn’t find any sign of her family??? Weren’t Enforcers supposed to be good at sticking their nose in stuff like this?

“However, I was looking at the schematics of the Hexgates, and…” Caitlyn let herself trail off as she dropped a piece of paper into Vi’s lap.

Vi’s eyes narrowed as she looked it over, some of it made sense but some of it was just nonsense, “Cupcake, what the hell is this?”

“If you and I know anything about your sister, it’s that she’s always two steps ahead.” Caitlyn pointed out, “The Hexgates have plenty of air ducts that she could’ve used as an escape route and we’d be nonethewiser.”

Vi’s eyes widened as Caitlyn’s implication hung in the air. So Jinx and Vander could be…her family really could be…

“If she’s alive she’ll turn up sooner or later. But we have a lot of work to do until that happens. For Piltover and for Zaun.” Caitlyn spoke softly, a gentle determination in her voice. Vi was helpless to the smirk that appeared on one side of her mouth. There she was, there was the Cupcake she knew.

“…Are you still in this fight, Violet?” Caitlyn couldn’t help but ask. At her question, a fond huff escaped Vi. She turned to look at her partner with a smile as she interlaced their fingers together.

“I am the dirt under your nails, cupcake.” She declared, “Nothing’s gonna clean me out.”

Caitlyn’s eyes sparkled with love, and then she smirked playfully, “That’s Sheriff Cupcake you you, creampuff.”

The couple shared another laugh as their forehead gently pressed together. For a moment, the world fell away…it was just them.

“…could you teach me that song?” Caitlyn asked.

Vi blinked in surprise, and then nodded, “Yeah sure.”

Then she began to sing, “Dear friend, across the river…my hands…are cold and bare…”

~~~~

“Dear friend, across the river, I’ll take…what you can spare…”

Jinx alternated between humming and singing as she steered the airship, just staring out at the horizon before her. She wasn’t even sure how far away from Piltover they were now.

A familiar little shove pulled her attention away however.

“Heyy, do not distract the driver.” Jinx scolded, though her tone betrayed that she wasn’t actually that serious. Not that she ever was.

Janna above, Jinx was more grateful than ever for that mischievous that little smile now. If Ekko hadn’t saved Isha, then, well…

Jinx thought it best not to dwell on that. Or else Mylo might start up again and the last thing she needed was his smart mouth. Either way, she owed Ekko a solid for it. And of course, for helping her steal an airship.

Isha giggled and hugged Jinx, but still made a bit of a stink face as she saw Jinx’s hair.

“What, you don’t like my new haircut?” Jinx teased, and rolled her eyes fondly when Isha shook her head.

“Ah, you’re just mad cause you can’t play jumprope with my braids for a while.” Jinx reached out and gently pushed Isha’s helmet to cover her eyes for a moment. Isha giggled again as she pushed her helmet back up. Jinx stepped back and let Isha take the wheel.

“Sooo, what next Fishbones?” Jinx pulled her shark rocket launcher out.

“We’ll do our laundry, wash the dishes, pay some bills, and get Isha into a good school!” Fishbones ‘spoke’ sounding rather excited about such mundane activities. Isha looked excited too as she steered, while Jinx looked incredibly annoyed.

“Stupid dumb rocket launcher.” She muttered, giving Fishbones a firm smack. At the sound, a rough old growl was heard a few feet away. Neither Jinx nor Isha flinched, they were used to that sound by now.

“Hey, don’t worry, Vander.” Jinx set the rocket launched down and sat beside her adopted father, “We’ll find another way. We always do. In the meantime, Vi can relax a little playing housewife to the Hat Lady.”

Isha pulled a lever near the steering wheel of the airship and moved over to sit next to Jinx and Vander. After she was settled all snug and cozy in Vander’s fur, she signed at Jinx.

“Oh, you want me to keep singing, huh? Mmmm…well alright.” Jinx agreed.

“You still haven’t mentioned where exactly you plan on going.” Silco’s voice could be heard, his hallucination lingering in the shadows by Mylo and Claggor.

Jinx smiled and shrugged in acknowledgement. She still hadn’t quite figured that part out yet. For now, the top priorities were keeping Isha safe, and getting Vander’s mind back.

This time, Jinx chose to ignore Silco for once as she sang, “We raise…no mighty towers, our homes…are built of stone, so come…across the river, and find…the world below…”

[the-winter-spider]

Invisible | Part 20

Bucky x Reader AU

Word Count: 4.2k

Warnings: angst

A/N: im scheduling 3 of these to post back to bsck lol hopefully it works 😇🤣

The three of you were sprawled across the living room floor, wine glasses in hand, surrounded by face masks, nail polish bottles, and the kind of snacks you’d regret in the morning. Wanda had taken it upon herself to paint your toes, and you giggled as she playfully swatted at your ankle to keep you still.

“Stop squirming,” she said, trying to keep a steady hand. “You’re gonna mess it up.”

“Sorry,” you mumbled, taking another sip of wine. “But it tickles.”

Natasha sat cross-legged beside you, a clay mask drying on her face, her wine glass already nearly empty. She was watching you both with an amused smile, though her eyes flickered with a faint shadow of something heavier.

The conversation had been light—work drama, a funny story from Wanda’s day, a ridiculous TikTok—but the wine was starting to loosen your tongues. Feeling the moment, you took a deep breath and decided to jump in headfirst.

“So,” you said casually, but your voice carried enough weight to grab their attention. “What are we going to do about Steve?”

Natasha froze, her wine glass halfway to her lips. Wanda’s brush paused mid-stroke on your pinky toe, and both women turned to look at you.

Natasha recovered first, setting her glass down and crossing her arms. “What do you mean?” she asked, her tone carefully neutral.

You raised an eyebrow, not letting her off the hook. “I think you know exactly what I mean.”

Natasha hesitated, glancing at Wanda, whose wide-eyed expression made it clear she was just as curious. When Nat didn’t say anything, you leaned back on your hands and sighed. “I don’t know how I missed it, honestly. It was written all over you last night.”

Natasha’s jaw tightened, and with a muttered “Oh, for God’s sake,” she grabbed the wine bottle and poured herself another glass, chugging half of it before setting it down with a dramatic clink. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” she said flatly, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her.

Wanda let out a soft laugh, finishing your toes and sitting back. “Oh, Nat. We love you, but that’s the worst lie I’ve ever heard.”

Natasha shot her a glare, but you didn’t back down. “Come on, Nat,” you pressed gently. “It’s us. Just be honest. What do you want to do about Steve?”

Natasha exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair and smudging a bit of her drying mask. “What can I do?” she said, her voice sharper than she intended. “He’s still hung up on you. Always has been. I don’t want to be anybody’s second choice.”

Wanda immediately shook her head, her expression fierce. “That is impossible. Once Steve realizes how much of an idiot he’s being, he’ll see what’s right in front of him.”

You nodded in agreement, leaning closer. “Wanda’s right. I couldn’t agree more. But what do you want, Nat? What do you really want?”

For a moment, Natasha didn’t answer. She stared into her wine glass, her face unreadable. When she finally spoke, her voice was quiet but raw. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I’ve been on the outside looking in for so long that I guess I’m just… used to it. It’s easier to stay there than to hope for something that might not happen.”

The confession hung in the air, heavy with unspoken pain. You reached out, resting a hand on hers. “Nat, you deserve to be happy. You deserve someone who loves you, who’s crazy about you.”

She let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “Yeah, well… I don’t want Steve to be the one that got away. Like you are to him.”

Your heart clenched at her words. “It’s not like that,” you said softly.

Natasha’s eyes met yours, her expression firm but kind. “Of course it is,” she said. “And it’s not your fault. It’s just the way things are. But he has to get over you before anything can happen between us.”

Wanda’s hand found Natasha’s, squeezing gently. “You’re not wrong,” she said softly. “But that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless.”

You nodded, your chest tight with emotion. “Steve just needs time. And when he finally lets himself see you for who you really are to him… Nat, I know it’ll be worth it.”

Natasha’s lips twitched into a faint smile, though her eyes were still clouded with doubt. “I hope you’re right,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

The room fell into a brief silence, the weight of the conversation settling over all three of you. But then Wanda, ever the ray of sunshine, clapped her hands together. “Alright, enough doom and gloom. Gimme your feet Nat, your next!”

The tension broke, and you couldn’t help but laugh. Natasha rolled her eyes but nodded, holding out her wine glass. “Fine. But only if you promise not to paint my toes like a five-year-old.”

The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter and teasing, but Natasha’s words lingered in your mind. You couldn’t shake the hope that, somehow, everything would fall into place for her—and for Steve.

The apartment was alive with laughter, the clinking of beer bottles, and the occasional groan as someone lost a hand of poker. Sam sat sprawled on the couch, his feet kicked up on the coffee table, while Bucky leaned back in his chair, shuffling the deck with practiced ease. Steve was seated across from them, quieter than usual, nursing a drink and staring at his phone a little too intently.

“Alright, boys,” Bucky said, smirking as he dealt the cards. “Prepare to lose whatever dignity you have left.”

Sam snorted, reaching for his beer. “Big talk for someone who still owes me twenty bucks from last time.”

Bucky shrugged. “I’ll take it out of my poker chips tonight.”

The banter was light, the atmosphere easy—at least on the surface. But the undercurrent of tension was impossible to ignore, especially with Steve’s unusually subdued demeanor. He hadn’t laughed at Sam’s jokes, hadn’t chimed in on Bucky’s playful jabs, and his replies were clipped, almost robotic.

As the game progressed, Sam turned the conversation to safer, more personal waters. “So, Buck,” he began, his tone casual but his grin mischievous, “how’s the love life? Things going okay with your girl?”

Bucky’s face softened immediately, a boyish grin spreading across his face. “Okay?” he repeated, shaking his head. “Sam, she’s everything. She’s smart, kind, funny… she keeps me on my toes. I mean, I don’t know how I got so lucky. It’s like—” He paused, his blue eyes lighting up as he searched for the right words. “It’s like every time I look at her, I realize she’s my home, you know? She’s it for me, I hate how long it took for me to get my shit together.”

Sam let out a low whistle, leaning back with a wide smile. “Damn, Barnes. That’s the good stuff. I’m so happy for you, man.”

Bucky chuckled, clearly flustered but grateful for the encouragement. “Thanks, man. It’s about time, right?”

But while Sam’s smile remained genuine, Steve’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. His cards remained untouched in front of him as he stared at the table, his drink abandoned.

“Yup,” Steve said abruptly, his tone short and flat. “That’s great.”

Bucky’s eyes flicked to him, narrowing slightly. “You good, Stevie?”

“Yeah,” Steve said, glancing at his phone again. “Just… got some stuff on my mind.”

Before Bucky could press further, Steve stood up abruptly, grabbing his phone and shoving it into his pocket. “I gotta go somewhere.”

Sam straightened in his seat, his eyebrows furrowing. “Go where? It’s poker night.”

“Just something I gotta take care of,” Steve replied, his tone distant as he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door. “Don’t wait up.”

And just like that, he was gone, leaving Bucky and Sam staring after him, bewildered.

“What the hell was that about?” Bucky muttered, sitting back in his chair, his brows knitting together in concern.

Sam let out a nervous chuckle, running a hand over his face. “Man, I don’t know.”

Bucky’s eyes narrowed, watching Sam closely. “Alright, spill. What’s got you looking like you’re about to jump out of your skin? Is it why Steve left?”

Sam hesitated, clearly torn. “It’s not about Steve.”

“Then what is it?” Bucky pressed, his tone softening. “I know it’s not just because I’m kicking your ass at poker.”

Sam sighed heavily, setting his cards down and rubbing the back of his neck. “Alright, fine. I was gonna wait, but… I got an offer. A big one. Job-wise.”

Bucky raised an eyebrow. “That’s great, man. What’s the problem?”

Sam leaned forward, his elbows on his knees, his expression conflicted. “It’s out of town. Way out of town. Like, completely out of state. It’s a great opportunity, Buck. Better pay, more responsibility, and I’d get to work with a nonprofit I’ve been following for years. But… it means leaving all of this. Leaving you guys.”

Bucky’s expression softened as he processed Sam’s words. “Shit, Sam. That’s… big.”

“Yeah,” Sam said, laughing bitterly. “Tell me about it. I’ve been sitting on it for a week, trying to figure out if it’s the right move.”

Bucky leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “And? What’s your gut telling you?”

Sam shrugged, his shoulders heavy with uncertainty. “My gut’s telling me to go for it. But my heart? My heart’s telling me it’s gonna suck, leaving everyone behind.”

Bucky nodded slowly, his eyes steady on Sam. “Look, man. I can’t tell you what to do, but… you gotta do what’s right for you. We’ll still be here, no matter where you are.”

Sam looked up, his eyes filled with gratitude and something deeper, something almost fragile. “You mean that?”

“Of course,” Bucky said firmly. “You’ve been here for us through everything. It’s our turn to be here for you.”

Sam let out a shaky breath, nodding. “Thanks, Buck. That… that means a lot.”

Bucky grinned, clapping Sam on the shoulder. “Now, don’t think I’m gonna let you leave without kicking your ass at poker at least one more time.”

Sam laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. “Bring it on, Barnes. Bring it on.”

But even as the mood lightened, both of them couldn’t help but glance at the door Steve had walked through, wondering what storm might be brewing behind his quiet exit.

The farmers market was its usual lively self—vendors calling out deals, the scent of fresh bread and flowers wafting through the air, and the hum of chatter everywhere. You walked arm-in-arm with Bucky, the soft brush of his hand against yours grounding you.

“Where’s Steve?” you asked, glancing around the booths for the familiar blond head.

Sam, walking ahead, glanced back over his shoulder. “Said he couldn’t make it today.”

You frowned slightly, your chest tightening at the thought. “Okay,” you murmured. “Next time.”

Natasha shrugged from beside you, but her quick glance toward Wanda betrayed her curiosity. If she had any deeper thoughts, she didn’t share them, instead wandering off toward a display of ceramics. The sight made you smile.

The group naturally splintered into pairs, each gravitating toward their favorite stalls. You and Bucky hung back, trailing through the market at a leisurely pace, his hand brushing yours every so often, an intimate yet casual connection. The weight of the locket resting against your collarbone felt comforting, grounding you to the present.

Nearby, Natasha let out a delighted squeal, holding up a small ceramic cow. “Oh my God, look at this!” she exclaimed, waving it in your direction. “It’ll go perfectly with the rooster and duck I already got Steve.”

You and Bucky exchanged amused glances, both of you laughing softly. “Nat,” you teased, walking over to her, “are you building him a farm?”

“Practically,” Sam muttered, shaking his head as he joined the conversation. “Goddamn, Nat. You’re going to have the whole barnyard at my house next.”

Natasha just grinned, holding the cow close. “Or something,” she said cryptically, turning back to the vendor to pay. Sam rolled his eyes, muttering something about barn animals under his breath as he dragged Bucky off toward the crepe stand.

Wanda busied herself at the flower stall nearby, selecting a bright bouquet of daisies and sunflowers. Meanwhile, you wandered toward the jewelry stall where the locket had been, unable to resist curiosity. You’d gotten the locket back, thanks to Steve, but you wanted to piece together the rest of the story.

“Excuse me,” you said to the vendor, offering her a polite smile. “A while ago, there was a locket here—this one.” You touched the small gold heart resting against your chest. “Do you remember it?”

The vendor’s eyes lit up as she nodded. “Oh, I remember that locket very well. My granddaughter found it at a party. She thought it was worth something and brought it to me.”

“Your granddaughter?” you echoed, your heart skipping a beat. “Who is she?”

“Her name’s Kate,” the woman said, her tone warm and fond.

You froze for a moment, blinking in surprise. “Kate?” The name felt heavy on your tongue. “Wow… small world.” you muttered

The woman nodded, her gaze flicking to the locket on your neck. “And then that sweet young man bought it. He was so determined to get it for you.”

Your heart clenched at the thought of Steve, the memory of him giving it back to you still fresh. “He did,” you said softly. “He brought it back to me. I’d lost it at a party, and… it meant a lot to me.”

The woman smiled knowingly. “He talked about you the whole time he was here. The way he spoke, you’d think the sun rose and set on you. I always wondered about the two of you, did you end up together yet?”

You didn’t know what to say, your throat tightening at the words. "No, we, I -- " Before you could fully respond, warm arms wrapped around your waist from behind, pulling you back into the present.

“Hey, doll,” Bucky murmured against your ear, his voice low and affectionate. “What’re you up to over here?”

You tilted your head to look up at him, his closeness making you smile automatically. “Just… reminiscing.”

The vendor’s eyes softened as she watched the two of you, a twinkle of understanding in her gaze. “Ah,” she said simply, her voice rich with amusement. “Now, that makes sense.”

“What makes sense?” Bucky asked, his brows knitting together as he looked between you and the woman.

“Nothing, sweetheart,” she replied with a wink. “Enjoy your day.”

Bucky’s hand rested protectively on your lower back as he guided you away, his expression puzzled. “What was that about?”

“Just a little backstory about the locket,” you said, touching it lightly. “She was telling me how her granddaughter found it at a party. Apparently, Kate brought it here.”

His brow furrowed. “Kate? Seriously? Small world.”

“Very,” you murmured, the warmth of his touch and the reassurance of his presence grounding you.

“Anyway,” he said, nudging you gently. “Sam’s probably inhaled three crepes already. We should catch up.”

You laughed, letting him lead you toward the crepe stand where Sam and Natasha were already bickering about toppings. But as you glanced back one last time at the jewelry booth, you couldn’t help but feel the weight of how everything, somehow, had come full circle.

The apartment felt emptier than usual. The clock ticked past ten, and Bucky still wasn’t home. You sat on the couch, your laptop balanced on your knees, pretending to focus on some edits for work. But your eyes kept flicking to the door, your thoughts spinning.

You knew Bucky’s schedule like the back of your hand. You worked for the same company, after all. There wasn’t a meeting or late deadline you hadn’t already accounted for. So where was he?

Your phone sat untouched on the coffee table. No texts. No calls. A creeping sense of unease settled in your chest, mingling with irritation. He always let you know if he was running late—always. Until tonight.

By the time you heard his keys jangling in the lock, it was almost ten. The door opened, and there he was, his hair slightly disheveled, his shirt untucked. He looked exhausted but smiled the moment he saw you.

“Hey, darlin’,” he greeted, kicking off his boots and heading toward you.

You closed your laptop with a sharp snap, your jaw tight. “Hey?” you repeated, your voice tinged with annoyance.

Bucky’s smile faltered. “What’s wrong?”

“What’s wrong?” You stood, setting the laptop on the coffee table. “You’re two hours late, Bucky. You didn’t call. You didn’t text. I’ve been sitting here worried sick.”

He blinked, caught off guard by the intensity in your tone. “I didn’t think it was a big deal. I got caught up with uh Sam after work. We went for a drink—”

“A drink?” you interrupted, your voice rising. “You know your schedule, and you know I know it too. You could’ve told me. It’s not that hard to send a text.”

Bucky frowned, stepping closer. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize it’d be such a big deal.”

“It is a big deal,” you snapped, crossing your arms. “We’ve barely started this relationship, and you’re already pulling this?”

“Pulling what?” His voice edged with frustration now. “I’m not ‘pulling’ anything. I went for a drink with my best friend, and I’m sorry I didn’t text. But this—this feels like an overreaction.”

You recoiled slightly, his words stinging. “Overreaction?” You laughed bitterly. “You don’t get it, do you? This isn’t just about tonight, Bucky. It’s about us. About whether you actually take this seriously.”

“Seriously?” he repeated, his voice rising. “You think I’m not serious about you?”

“Well, you’re not exactly proving it right now!”

His jaw tightened, his blue eyes flashing with hurt. “Doll, you’re reading too much into this. It was one night. I didn’t think I needed to check in like I was some damn teenager.”

“Maybe you should’ve,” you fired back, your voice cracking. “Because that’s what people in relationships do, Bucky. They care enough to let the other person know what’s going on! I got scared, what if something happened to you? What if i lost you before i even had you! Or what if you dont actually want this or care about me or, or--”

The words hung heavy between you, the silence sharp and suffocating.

Bucky sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You think I don’t care about you?” he asked quietly, his voice softer now, but no less pained. “That’s what you think?”

You hesitated, your anger warring with the guilt creeping in. “I don’t know,” you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. “I just… I’ve been scared, Bucky. That if something goes wrong, we’ll fall apart. That this won’t last.”

Bucky stepped closer, his expression softening as he reached for your hand. “Doll,” he murmured, his tone gentle. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make you feel that way. I messed up tonight. I should’ve texted. You’re right. I would have been upset if you didn’t tell me either, I’m sorry”

Tears prickled at the corners of your eyes, but you blinked them away. “I just don’t want to lose you,” you said, your voice breaking. "I cant lose you”

“You won’t,” he promised, his grip on your hand tightening. “I swear. I’ll do better. I want this—us. More than anything.”

For a moment, you just stared at each other, the tension slowly melting under the weight of his sincerity. Then, before you could overthink it, you surged forward, your lips crashing into his.

Bucky responded instantly, his arms wrapping around you and pulling you flush against him. The kiss was desperate and heated, years of pent-up longing pouring out all at once. His hands roamed your back, his fingers digging into your skin as if grounding himself in you.

You pulled back slightly, breathless, your hands cupping his face. “You’re not allowed to scare me like that again,” you whispered.

“Never,” he vowed, his voice husky. He kissed you again, his lips trailing down your neck, his breath warm against your skin.

The two of you stumbled toward the couch, his hands tugging at the hem of your shirt. “I just can’t keep my hands off you,” he murmured, his lips brushing your jawline.

You laughed softly, tilting your head to give him better access. “Remember,” you teased, “you’re the one who wanted to take things slow.”

Bucky pulled back slightly, his lips curling into a smirk. “Maybe I’ve changed my mind.”

You grinned, tugging him back down for another kiss. But before things could go any further, your phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table, breaking the moment.

You groaned, burying your face in his chest. “Of course.”

Bucky chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from your face. “It’s for the best,” he said, though his darkened eyes betrayed just how badly he wanted to ignore it.

You looked up at him, arching a brow. “How long are you going to make me wait, Barnes?”

His lips twitched into a smile as he leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Soon, doll,” he promised. “No one wants this more than me. But I want to do it right.”

You sighed, nodding. “Okay. But don’t keep me waiting too long.”

“Never,” he said, standing and pulling you up with him. “Now get that pretty ass up. I brought dinner.”

You laughed, swatting his arm as he grabbed his phone. “Also,” he added with a smirk, “next time I’m late, just spam me like Wanda spams the group chat.”

You rolled your eyes, but the warmth in your chest told you everything would be just fine.

You sit across from Sam, your lunch tray untouched as he stirs his soup absentmindedly. You notice he’s quieter than usual, a far cry from his typical animated self.

“So,” you start, trying to break the silence, “are you going to tell me what’s got you looking like you lost your best friend, or am I supposed to guess?”

Sam chuckles softly, but the sound lacks its usual warmth. He sets his spoon down and leans back in his chair, meeting your curious gaze. “I wanted to tell you first. I mean, out of the whole group.”

Your stomach tightens at his serious tone. “Tell me what?”

He hesitates for a moment before taking a deep breath. “I got a promotion.”

The words take a moment to sink in, and when they do, your face lights up. “Sam, that’s amazing! Why do you look like someone kicked your dog? This is huge!”

“It is,” he agrees, his smile faltering. “But there’s a catch. The position is… halfway across the country. I’d have to move.”

Your heart sinks. “Oh.” The excitement in your voice fades, replaced by a bittersweet pang in your chest. “When?”

“In a couple of weeks, maybe less,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “That’s why I’ve been so MIA this week. I’ve been at the VA, getting all the logistics sorted out.”

You nod slowly, the news settling heavily over you. “Wow. That’s… a lot to process. But Sam,” you say, reaching across the table to squeeze his hand, “this is incredible. I’m so proud of you. You’ve worked so hard for this.”

He smiles, his eyes softening. “Thanks. It means a lot to hear that from you.”

A thought flickers in your mind, something not quite adding up. “Wait,” you say cautiously. “You’ve been at the VA all week?”

Sam nods. “Yeah, pretty much. I haven’t seen anyone. You’re the first person I’ve had time to sit down with.”

Confusion twists in your stomach. “You didn’t see Bucky?” you ask slowly.

He frowns. “No. Why?”

You pause, debating whether to bring it up. “He told me he went out for a drink with you the other night,” you say carefully.

Sam’s eyebrows lift in surprise before he shakes his head. “Nope, not me. I mean, maybe he went with someone else, but it wasn’t me.”

You try to push down the unease creeping into your chest. Bucky lying to you? It doesn’t make sense. But you decide to tuck the thought away for now.

“So, who else knows about your promotion?” you ask, steering the conversation back.

“Bucky,” Sam admits with a small grin. “He found out on guys’ night. But don’t be mad at him. I made him promise not to say anything until I was ready.”

“Of course I’m not mad,” you say quickly. “I get it. It’s your news to share, not his.”

Sam looks relieved and leans forward, his expression soft. “I’m gonna miss this, you know. Just hanging out with you, laughing about dumb stuff. You’ve been one of my closest friends for years.”

“Don’t get all sappy on me now,” you tease, though your throat tightens with emotion. “We’re not getting rid of you that easily. You’ll visit, right?”

“Of course,” he says firmly. “And you better come visit me, too. I expect postcards, care packages, the whole deal.”

You laugh, but the weight of the news still lingers in the air. As you finish your lunch, you can’t shake the feeling that something’s off. But for now, you focus on Sam, determined to make the most of the time you have left with him.

[th3wizardoz]

‼️ ARCANE SEASON 2 ACT 3 SPOILERS ‼️

I don’t know if I will ever recover from Jayce telling Viktor that he didn’t need fixing and that his flaws make him him, specifically referring to his disability.

As someone who has chronic, incurable health conditions that WILL disable them sooner rather than later, seeing a message like that in mainstream media is beautiful.

I struggle with the idea of my body breaking down, with not being able to do the things I love or pursue the career I am passionate about, and with being unlovable because I will be a burden on my friends and partner.

That struggle being mirrored in Viktor made me hold him so dear, made me understand the lengths he was going to. Then seeing Jayce understand him, love him, tell him he is perfect the way he is broke me.

Viktor didn’t need fixing, and he deserved to be told that, he deserved to be loved. And if he can deserve those things, maybe I can too.

I think I will hold that scene in my heart forever.

[goldenboywrites]

Quin moved to the end of the bed, his feet touched the ground, and he held his head in his hands, pressing his fingers against his pounding temples. He had anticipated Beau telling Cesare, but he hadn’t thought Cesare could contain himself with the knowledge. Why had he held onto it so long? Quin had to poke and prod to get him to admit it. Was he just never going to say anything about it? If Cesare had known this entire time, then he knew when he told his father and Maximus he still planned to marry Quin. But how could he even want to marry him after knowing all this? There were missing parts of Quin, parts of himself that were taken from him. He was ruined. Quin laughed bitterly and desperately, his stomach heaving as his body went against his control of it. He moved to wrap his arms around his stomach, tears brimming as he laughed and laughed and laughed. “I don’t care about what happened between you and Beau in that room.” At one point, he had, but it paled in comparison to Cesare knowing the truth.

He wiped the wetness from his eyes and stood up from the bed. He dragged a fur blanket with him, covering his upper body. Quin leaned against the wall opposite Cesare’s bed, then dragged his gaze up from the floor to meet his. “It’s only fair you know the truth,” He said softly, tilting his head back until he hit the wall. “And yes, I imagine Beau wasn’t kind about it. When I was…” Quintus inhaled, closing his eyes for a moment, “When I outgrew my uncle’s taste, he found Beau to replace me so he could have a younger version of me. Though I suspect Beau was too malleable for his tastes. His favorite thing has always been the fight, and I was too young and weak ever to win.” 

“You know the worst part about it?” Quin kicked off of the wall, cutting the distance between them in half. He stopped at Cesare’s desk, tilting a hip against it. “I thought I could endure it while my father and Maximus were at war. I was alone in that castle with him, and I took it; I swallowed it down because I didn’t have any other choice. I was twelve years old when it first happened. No one was there to help me anyway, but then they came back with you along with them, and I thought, ‘thank gods this is it’. I wouldn’t have to suffer any longer.”

Quin sighed, shaking his head. He slashed his arm across the top of the desk, sending the pitcher of mead and the tray of food crashing to the floor. “I was a fucking fool to think that would make a difference. Having them back in the castle made it worse and made him more determined. I suffered at his hands for years, and no one noticed. I was a child coming to breakfast hungover and limping, and no one noticed. Not my father, not my brother, not you.” He gripped the edge of the desk until his fingers turned white, until they ached as he ached inside for years. “The only thing that stopped him was time, and when he no longer possessed the ability to hunt me in my bed chambers, he went after my parents and then my brother and I.” 

“Beau will never be free, Cesare,” Quin said softly. “Just like I will never be free. He will always hold the pieces he took from us. I know you think you can save us. I know you want to save us, but we will never recover what he took from us. Even if he is dead, there will still be days where having hands on me makes my skin crawl and itch. There will still be nights when I dream of his weight and breath on me, and I wake up sick. His hands have permanently tainted me, and it isn’t something that I come back from.” 

He pulled the blanket tighter around himself, wishing it would swallow him whole. “You deserve someone whole, and I know you won’t do it because you think you owe me something or because you pity me now that you know, but I don’t expect you to go through with marrying me. I wouldn’t if I were you, and to save your reputation with my brother, I will take the heat and call it off so you aren’t the bad guy. Just…” He sucked in a breath, feeling a knot in the center of his throat. “Please don’t tell Max what he did to me. It will kill him, and I can’t… I can’t,” Quin’s breath puffed out between the words, his chest heaving with movement. “I can’t have him know.”

Cesare felt the air around him still and chill in the same stroke. His eyes narrowed on Quin and all the alcohol he'd drank felt as though it evaporated through every pore on his body. In that moment he couldn't understand the man's tone but he felt the rigidiness just the same. He hadn't done anything wrong. Not really. Had Beau confused him for a few moments? Yes. But nothing more had come of that. And once the prince found out who he was and what he was doing, it wasn't difficult to deduce the rest. But clearly Quintus wasn't ready or willing to do that yet and he'd have to explain in a way that didn't seem as though he were trying to defend the other to him. Wasn't he just the one being made to be made?

"I don't think it's difficult to understand that someone in his line of work." He paused, staring pointedly at the other for a moment before he continued. "Don't always receive the best treatment. And knowing the man that was pulling his strings." Which was partly a lie. Cesare didn't know their uncle well. Or, as well as he'd thought he had. In all the years he'd ventured to the castle in Vivec alone and in his father's tow, he'd never had Richard treat him poorly. The odd comment here and there, with more frequency as he'd grown closer to Quin, but never would he have guessed he was a power hungry man, hell bent on dethroning his own nephews at any cost. "I didn't think it was such a jump to assume that some of what has happened with you may also have happened with him." His brow raised and he sighed out, not ready to admit the next part. "Because you do look similiar enough that I imagine whatever he he wanted to say or do to you he often took out on Beau instead when the opportunity didn't present itself with you."

The prince stretched himself out on his bed, leaning back against the headboard. There it is. The soft, fuzzy feeling of the meade found him again and he breathed out slowly. "You've never told me the extent of what happened with ... Richard." He started, crossing his ankles over each other and his hands folded over and laid against his lap. It was hard to hear that name in his own voice. Until that moment he was fairly certain they'd never uttered his name between themselves. But the threat was very real and not using his name made it feel like he was bigger than they, and that simply could never be in Cesare's opinion. "Beau wasn't kind when he said it." He started, his fingers itching to dig into anything to make this less painful to speak about, less painful to watch Quintus' face when he'd finally gotten it out. "But I started putting it together. The way you don't like to be touched and how you're constantly on top of everything and everyone." He gave a slight shake of his head because honestly this did nothing but show just how strong this man on the bed was to him. And should be to everyone. "He only confirmed the missing piece that I'd been guessing at."

Cesare's tongue swiped along his lips to keep them from drying out completely. "Please don't take my kindness towards him as anything but that." He swallowed hard and fought himself on what he was about to say next but he thought better than to hide it. "When I first came upon Beau in what were suppose to be your quarters I couldn't be sure it was you. The room was too dark." The contents of his stomach churned and he felt odd enough to shift his weight. "He shared a kiss or two but nothing more than that." His cheeks instantly flared to the bright redness of coals and he found himself wanting to sink completely into the mattress. "I realized he wasn't you and threatened him within an inch of his life to get me to you and when that didn't work." He sighed and shrugged again. "I just tried to treat him like a person." He paused, seeing the snide comment coming quick but he cut Quin off before it could be made. "He wants to live. Free. Just like you and I. Just like everyone else. I couldn't imagine the sort of life one leads pretending to be someone else. Never having anything that is truly your own." Cesare gave a slight shake of his head and breathed out through his nose. "I just didn't want to be the sort of person that sees someone in a bad position regardless of their own involvement and not do anything to help. I've never been that way and I won't start now." He was firm on that whether Quin liked it or not. He could only hope his honesty didn't cost him everything else in the process.

[buddiedaydreamer911]

okay but that was real. eddie’s speech was real. i didn’t read that in a fanfiction, ryan guzman acted that scene out and poured his heart and soul into it. that actually happened.

then christopher walked in, christopher thinks kim is his mom.

i need to go lie down.

[theetherealshade]

I did something stupid.

Let averyone see my gay wallpaper in a work meeting. With super famous mentor.

I don’t think I will ever stop cringing from this.

The image, if you would like to know

[sarah-cam]

"he was the best friend we ever had"

[synonymroll648]

headcanon that the reason sophie still has eyelashes to pull on the regular is that grady and edaline worked something out with the dizznees to get a tasteless formula to help eyelash growth specifically to put drops of in her bottles of youth. because there’s no way her ptsd-induced trichotillomania (oversimplified definition for those who aren’t familiar: hair pulling disorder) is gonna die down during the war, so they’re trying to make sure she doesn’t move from eyelashes to eyebrows or her Hair hair by giving her More Eyelashes

[blueskittlesart]

like at a certain point i just have to kill myself

[oceanqueenmusical]

(Okay your next reblog should probably be the last so we can make a new pair xD)

Oooh! Revival! That’s a good idea, and it would definitely help Tang feel a lot better. Since Spider Queen got melted in the furnace I don’t know if she can be brought back, but either way all the spiders now have Tangphobia.

Also I’m cackling, cause just— imagine the DBF excepting MK’s ‘monk-father’ to look a little more monstrous but still wimpy, only to be met with ‘gigantic fuck you chimera who won’t hesitate to scratch your name of the census’. Definitely be some dissonance there!

I think Tang and the gang should all share a group hug. He needs it. Actually all of them need it.

And Tang purring to get what he wants is just so in character. He wants free food? Well, you can’t say no to him when he’s purring so loud you’re literally vibrating, can you? Cuddles? PURRING INTENSIFIES. Pets? I don’t think he’d even have to purr for that one.

I definitely think there would be some teasing once everyone was comfortable and recovered from the experience. Like;

Wukong: You know, you’re actually pretty lucky you were a chimera during the lantern festival.

Tang: ??? How so?

Wukong: Well, demons were all over Tang Sanzang, and that was when he had all his clothes on!

Tang: *remembers the WOAH HEY! moment* …Oh.

I wonder how the scroll of memory thing would happen? I can see Tang being arrogant as ever, but he would definitely be subdued after the whole ordeal. Plus, him being possessed and chimera’s would certainly be another way he thinks of himself as ‘failing’ to live up to his past life as the Great Monk.

But, hey, on the plus side, Tang probably won’t get pinned to the ground and almost killed in EP8 by Peng because they’d take one look at this ‘monk’, notice the feathers, and be equal parts ‘???’ And convinced that this is NOT the great monk, not only because Tang is a lot older than when Tripitaka was on his journey, but also Tang’s got feathers and fur.

… I wonder how Tang would deal with having to maintain all that fur and feathers. He’d have to get used to preening and grooming, that’s for sure!

Okay so I saw some Dungeon Meshi x Lego Monkie Kid art you reblogged and it has been EATING at me. So now I gotta throw my hat into the Au idea ring.

So a lot of arts I’ve seen have portrayed Tang as Marcille usually, but I think he totally works as Falin, too. Like, eaten/almost eaten by a monster? Check. Self sacrificial for their friends? Check. Teleportation powers? Check!

Basically what I’m saying is that I think it’d be a cool (and angsty) Au idea if one way or another Tang got chimera’d. Because the idea of that middle-aged man going crazy as a chimera is beautiful to me, plus it’d be very unexpected! I don’t know how he’d get like that, mayhaps through LBD’s meddling?

(It wouldn’t make as much sense for him to have the main body of a dragon, though, so maybe instead he’d have something like a lion or tiger instead for the bulk? I think it’d be neat. Especially if we bring the cicada powers into play, then we’d have a bird-cicada-lion/tiger chimera on our hands and I’d LOVE to see that. I dunno, just a thought.)

Chimera!Tang 👀

CHIMERA!TANG DOING THE "WHOA HEY!"-SHIRT RIP!? ╰(✧∇✧╰)

YES PLEASE!! ٩(◕ั ∀◕ั๑٩)

If Tang was chimera'ed I can see the body mainly being that of a tiger, as per Tripitaka's transformation in the Jttw Yellow Robed Demon arc, mixed with that of a dragon-sized insect ala the Golden Cicada connection.

If we're thinking of this taking place in LMK canon; maybe Tang gets captured by LBD during the events of Lantern City/"Benched"? Or maybe even earlier around the time of Shadowplay - MK's second father going missing during perhaps the worst possible time in his life, only to reappear as a corrupted monster of his former self. Wukong and Nezha don't get bodied by a ward spell in this timeline - but rather by Tang himself.

LBD taking the final remnant of the Golden Cicada, a being embodying the cycle of life/death, and warping it into her Champion for the Destruction of this world.

Potential mirror to the infamous Possessed!Wukong vs Macaque fight with Pigsy and Chimera!Tang?

Yes please, :3

[thunderpoolisawesome]

I’m in love. I’m in love guys.

WHY DID THEY FUCKING DO THAT. ERIK NOOOOO

[ceaselesswatchersspecialboy]

showed a friend your martin design and she went thought it was humanized freddy fazbear. how does that feel

Close enough! Welcome back Freddy Fazbear!