#i don't even remember comprehending any of that game

[thequeencity]

VINCE & MIKA | victory boops ( vs MIN. 01.10.23. )

[rowarn]

shadow entity!ghost part: one | two | three

cw: angry!ghost, umm he hurts u )-:, but he feels bad so it's okay, a bit shorter than other parts

the mystery surrounding ghost was driving you insane. living with a primordial entity of unfathomable horrors was already a mindfuck but now you realized it could just...erase people from existence.

no one had asked about phillip, no one had shown up to seek you out since you were the last one to see him before he vanished. you even wandered into the bar he said he frequented -- and he seemed well known in. and...nothing. no one even brought up how he went home with you and never returned. no one asked about him.

it was unnerving. had ghost somehow pulled all memory of this one human out of the world along with its physical form? where did phillip even go? all you remember was being surrounded by the shadow and how hard it was to breathe -- and the horrible, inhuman scream before silence.

it had already confirmed that it wasn't a ghost. so what was it?

"ghost?" you called into the house as you returned from the bar, "can you come out so we can talk?"

as you stepped into the living room, you took a glance at the scorch mark on the floor before your attention was diverted to it -- a shadowy manifestation across from you.

it didn't speak, simply stood there. usually you would divert your eyes from its face because something about it unsettled you, but this time you stared right at it. shapes formed and faded before your eyes, making you wonder if you were really seeing them in the first place. eyes, sometimes two sometimes dozens. a vague, fading silhouette of a skull face. you wonder if it intentionally let you see these images or if it just was.

"i-i want to know..." you swallow thickly around the nervous lump in your throat, "is phillip dead?"

it was quiet for a moment, "not quite."

"what's that mean? where is he?" you prod, furrowing your brows as you stare at it, hoping that it can understand your pleading.

"why do you care?"

"b-because..." you sputtered, licking your dry lips, "i just...want to know."

"he's in the pits," it finally supplies, sounding almost bored.

"...of hell?" you sputter, "so you're a demon?"

"your hell is a bastardization of the pits," it explains, "where i come from is not hell. it's worse, darker. that's where i put the human."

"can you...can you bring him back..?" you whisper.

ghost's shadow flickers and it falls silent for a moment before speaking again, "i could. but you don't want that."

you can't help but think you'll regret asking but you do anyway, "...why?"

"he's not the same anymore," it explains, "it's much kinder to simply leave him in the pits."

you're not sure how to take that. it doesn't answer any of your questions. what exactly are the pits? what happens in them? what is happening to phillip down there?

"ghost..." you take a small step back and you swear you see it's head cock to the side curiously, "what are you?"

"you can consider me a demon if you wish," it responded, taking a step forward to follow you.

your heart skips a beat, "but you're not."

"no," it answers with ease.

"so tell me what you are," you demand, growing tired of these mind games it's playing with you.

"i don't think your human mind can comprehend just what i am," it says.

"try me," you challenge, already mentally slapping yourself.

"no," it responds.

your temper flares, "just tell me, damn you! what the hell are you?"

suddenly, the shadow grows in size -- as do your eyes. you watch as it takes up more space in the room, that overpowering weight on your body making you wince. it makes the room feel so heavy, makes your bones ache to the marrow.

you're not sure how you know -- despite the fact it's not saying anything; you know you've made it very angry. your eyes lock onto his shadowy form, making out the horrible, unsettling images of eyeballs inside the darkness that flicker in and out of your vision.

nausea settles like a pit in your stomach and you double over, dropping to your hands and your knees to keep yourself from throwing up. your head throbs and aches, a ringing in your ears only makes the pain worse. it feels like your eyes are going to pop out of their sockets from the overwhelming pressure growing inside your skull.

"s-stop..." you manage to choke out before you slump against the floor.

then, all at once it's gone. you gasp for air once it finally feels like there's nothing coiling around your lungs and tears trickle down your cheeks. you're not sure if you're trembling from the pain or from the fear you just experienced.

you can't bring yourself to uncurl yourself from the ball you've found yourself in on the floor.

you're acutely aware that ghost hasn't left -- in fact, you can hear it's heavy footsteps on the creaky wooden floor as it approaches you. it kneels down, disturbing the air around you with the movement.

you feel a strange weight on your head and it takes your foggy mind a moment to realize that it's touching you. as if it had reached a hand out and was tenderly petting your head, consoling you.

a silent apology before it vanishes completely.

when you finally uncurl and look around, you see yet another strange, scorch mark on the ground where it had stood.

you realize instantly that those scorch marks are a manifestation of it's anger. pure, unbridled rage that leaves a physical mark on the ground where it stands.

you swallow thickly and close your eyes again, deciding that standing is much too hard for now.

do not repost to third party sites. reblogs okay!

[jeonqkooks]

to the loml, my beloved, may i play in the event game? hehe ;u; i would like your take on yoongi + "did i say that out loud?" + "stop looking at me like that!" ♡

i love you and congratulations again, jen oi ♡ muah~

sunlit sunday. (myg)

pairing: yoongi x reader prompts: "did i say that out loud?" + "stop looking at me like that!" genre/warnings: best friends to lovers (?), college au, fluff; mentions of drinking, barely edited word count: 1.1k note: i do not know what this is, nor why it took me over half a year to finish this drabble. cee my love you sent this ask in august 2022 and it took me literally forever to post i'm sorry 😭

as always, i’d appreciate any thoughts or comments you may have, and please drop a like and/or reblog if you enjoy reading ♡

The sun is already rising, but poor Yoongi hasn’t slept a wink. Partly because he can’t feel his left arm from where it’s being used as your makeshift pillow, partly because last night you told him you were in love with him and proceeded to pass the fuck out.

There was a party - there’s always a party every weekend when you’re in college - that Yoongi didn’t even want to go to. He just wanted to spend his Saturday night holed up in his apartment with you, pizzas and a movie. It gives him something to look forward to at the end of every week, partly because he's nothing if not a creature of habit, but mostly because he gets to spend time with you alone.

But tonight, you wanted to attend, and it didn’t take a whole lot of convincing for Yoongi to (begrudgingly) accompany you to a frat house on campus to spruce up your weekly routine. He would always complain, but you both know that he’d do anything you ask.

That's why he didn't really have anybody else to blame when he found himself having to tuck a very intoxicated you into an unfamiliar bed at 2:30AM in this greasy frat house. It wasn't exactly the best idea, but it was the only one he had. Yoongi wasn't exactly sober, and you were too drunk for him to haul you home.

You babbled nonsense the whole time he was peeling off your shoes and outer layers so you could sleep more comfortably. It was difficult - you're a squirmy drunk - but he managed in the end. When it comes to you, Yoongi has had years of experience, having known you from your early high school days together and being inseparable ever since.

He had gotten under the covers with you, about to try and coax you to sleep when you sighed dreamily at the ceiling, looking so content with whatever thoughts in your head that it felt like you could float away.

"I'm in love with Yoongi," you said, so softly that Yoongi wasn't sure if he heard you right. But even in the midst of tipsy uncertainty, his heart went berserk like it was going to run away from his body. Then you popped the ringing bubble in his head with a sharp giggle, uncaring, so oblivious. "Stop looking at me like that! Did I say that out loud?"

He didn't know what to say, even though it didn't really matter anyway. You weren't in a state of mind to comprehend everything he wanted to ask, everything he wanted to say to you. Yoongi kept his eyes on you while you kept yours on the ceiling like it was the most interesting thing in the world.

"You did," he muttered, averting his eyes, and you tittered again.

"Don't tell him." You turned to look at him with a finger pressed against your lips. He wasn't sure who you thought you were talking to but he didn't correct you; there was no point in doing so anyway. "It's supposed to be a secret."

He doesn't remember what he said next, if he even said anything at all. Though it doesn't matter because you promptly passed out afterward, and it's unlikely that you'll remember any of it when you wake up.

Everything from then until now is just a jumbled mess to Yoongi, his thoughts full of what the fuck's and his chest full of borderline painful palpitations every time you snuggle further into his warmth, seeking comfort in your sleep.

The thing is, he knows that you were being honest. You meant it, because you're nothing if not an honest drunk; you've disclosed your fair share of embarrassing secrets whilst under the influence before. But never would Yoongi expect to hear those very specific words coming from your mouth, words that reflect the same sentiment that he's been trying to profess to you for years now.

They rolled off your tongue, just like that.

If he's being honest, it wounds him a little bit. He's spent hundreds and hundreds of days thinking about the perfect way to phrase his affection for you and yet, you managed to spill your feelings out without a single care in the world.

Granted, you were drunk out of your mind, but still.

Eventually, you stir from your slumber when blinding sunlight slips through the cracks between the curtains. Yoongi watches you frown before your eyes are even open, then you try to stretch for a brief moment as you look around the strange bedroom, partly alarmed, partly confused.

When your gaze finally lands on him, he catches the way your eyes soften, the edges of your confusion melting away even though he doubts that the sight of him answered any of the questions in your head.

"Morning," you say, your voice heavy with sleep.

"Morning," Yoongi replies quietly.

You share a look, one that means completely different things for the both of you. You're probably hungover, and Yoongi is in love.

So in love that he doesn't even care to berate you for making him spend the night in a random bedroom in a disgusting frat house, where a pair of (likely dirty) boxers is casually chilling draped over a chair. So in love that it expels all sense of fatigue from his body until the only thing coursing through his veins is unfiltered fondness for you and the way your eyes crinkle when you smile.

So in love that he would wait until you're awake enough to ask him to walk you home, ask him to make you your favorite hangover breakfast while you take a long, hot shower to feel like a human being again. He'd wait until you're fed and caffeinated before joining you on the couch, prepared to kill the remaining hours of the day together. So in love that he'd only wait until that moment to tell you the things he's always wanted to say, the things that have always been on the tip of his tongue but he's never been brave enough to utter them to you.

He'd tell you what you need to hear, albeit with a bruised ego that you beat him to the punch but he'd pretend that you didn't. It's a secret shared between only Yoongi and the four walls of this bedroom.

He's so in love that he would endure staying up all night in this dump when he could've been in his own bed, comfortable and clean and cozy. But it's okay because it's Sunday and the sun is out, and you were the one sleeping peacefully next to him, despite how your head made his arm go numb. It's okay because love has a tendency to make awful things feel better, even if love is only stored in a set of sleepy eyes staring at Yoongi and a whiny voice asking to go home.

all rights reserved © jeonqkooks. reposting, translating and/or modifying is not permitted by any means. [posted 10.03.2024]

[lila-lou]

✨ His only exception - Pt. 9/? ✨

Summary: 12 months ago, Butcher went above and beyond to have you join his team. You had a simple office job at Supe Affairs. The same thing every day, working from 9 to 5 and watching Butcher and his team defeat one renegade after another. One evening, however, something changed.

Pairing: Soldier Boy x Reader

Warnings: Language, Soldier Boy being a dick, mind games, teasing

Word Count: 4119

A/N: This is part 9 of “His only exeption”.

English isn’t my first language, so please be lenient. 💙✨

You squirmed beneath his touch, a mixture of desire and apprehension coursing through you as you struggled to maintain your composure.

But just as he was about to proceed, something in him seemed to shift. With a furrowed brow, Ben looked up at you, his gaze clouded with uncertainty as he took in the impact of the alcohol on your demeanor.

He knew that if he were to go any further, you wouldn't remember a thing in the morning.

For a moment, there was silence between you, the weight of the decision hanging heavy in the air. And then, with a heavy sigh, Ben reluctantly pulled away, a flicker of remorse crossing his features.

"Not tonight, princess", he muttered, his voice tinged with regret. "You deserve better than this".

And with that, he gently pulled your panties back up, covering your exposed skin with a tenderness that belied his usual demeanor.

Though a part of him longed to give in to his baser instincts, he couldn't bring himself to take advantage of you in your vulnerable state. With anyone else yes, but not with you.

As Ben laid down next to you, his expression hardened once more as he tried to maintain his usual facade. You, already halfway passed out from the effects of the alcohol, slurred your words as you turned to him with bleary eyes.

"Why won't you sleep with me, Ben?", you asked, your voice a mixture of confusion and longing.

Ben's jaw clenched visibly at your question, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface.

"Because, princess", he replied, his tone cold and dismissive. "I don't waste my time on inexperienced girls like you". He still needed to keep his walls up, don’t show too much emotions.

 Your brows furrowed in confusion, the alcohol dulling your senses and making it difficult to comprehend his words. "But I want you", you protested weakly, reaching out to touch his arm.

“You don't know what you want", he sighted. "You're drunk".

Ben's words cut through the haze of alcohol, sobering you up for a moment as you processed his harsh rejection. Despite the alcohol coursing through your veins, a pang of hurt pierced through your foggy mind at his callous dismissal.

"I do know what I want", you insisted, your voice trembling with emotion as you struggled to sit up. "I want you, Ben"

But Ben remained unmoved, his expression stoic as he refused to meet your gaze. "No, you don't know what you want," he repeated, his tone tinged with frustration. "You're drunk, and I'm not interested in being your mistake".

With a heavy heart, you sank back onto the bed, the weight of his rejection settling over you like a suffocating blanket.

As you lay asleep beside him, lost in the depths of intoxication, Ben couldn’t help but steal a glance in your direction. His gaze lingered on your peaceful features, softened by sleep, before reluctantly shifting to his own body, where a massive boner strained against the fabric of his sweatpants.

With a heavy sigh, Ben muttered to himself, his frustration palpable in the air. “God, it’s hard—literally—to be the good guy for once”.

Despite his inner turmoil, he couldn’t deny the surge of arousal coursing through him at the sight of you, vulnerable and trusting in your slumber. With a conflicted expression, he reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from your face. “You’ll thank me tomorrow”, he murmured.

And with that, Ben settled back against the pillows, his gaze fixed on the ceiling as he struggled to quiet his thoughts. For once, he had chosen to be the better man, to resist the temptation that beckoned him with every breath. As he lay there, wrestling with his desires and his conscience, he couldn't help but hope that perhaps, you would see him in a different light.

But for now, all he could do was wait and wonder what tomorrow would bring, and whether his decision to resist the pull of temptation would ultimately be worth it in the end.

As the morning sunlight filtered through the curtains, you stirred from your slumber, a dull ache pulsing behind your temples. Blinking away the sleep, you glanced around the room, your heart skipping a beat when you spotted Ben's naked back turned towards you.

Panic surged through you as you realized the situation. Memories of the previous night flooded back, hazy and disjointed, as you struggled to piece together what had happened. And then, as you shifted beneath the covers, you felt the cool air against your skin and glanced down to see that you were wearing nothing but your panties.

Your breath caught in your throat as the reality of the situation sank in, the panic rising within you like a tidal wave. Hastily, you scrambled to cover yourself, pulling the sheets up to your chin as you desperately tried to make sense of the chaos unfolding around you.

With a pounding heart and a mind reeling with confusion, you couldn't help but wonder what had transpired between you and Ben. And as the memories began to slowly piece themselves together, you couldn't shake the sinking feeling that perhaps, you had made a mistake that you would come to regret.

As Ben groaned and slowly turned towards you, his eyes fluttered open, meeting yours with a sleepy gaze. Instantly, he sensed the panic radiating from you and couldn't resist the urge to tease you, at least for a little while longer.

"Morning, princess", he said, his voice husky with sleep as he stretched languidly. "Sleep well?".

Your heart raced as you searched his expression for any hint of what had happened between you the night before, but all you found was amusement dancing in his eyes.

"I, uh...", you stammered, your cheeks flushing with embarrassment as you struggled to find the right words. "I don't really remember much".

Ben chuckled softly, the sound sending a shiver down your spine. "Well, that's a shame", he replied, his tone teasing. "You were quite the handful last night".

You felt a knot form in your stomach as you braced yourself for what was to come.

Ben couldn't resist the opportunity to tease you further, his lips curling into a playful smirk as he spoke.

"You know, (Y/N)”, he began, his tone light and teasing, "I didn't realize you were a virgin".

Your eyes widened in shock at his words, a blush creeping across your cheeks as you struggled to process what he was saying.

As Ben's words sank in, a wave of shame washed over you, and your heart sank like a stone in your chest. The realization hit you like a punch to the gut.

Tears pricked at the corners of your eyes as you grappled with the weight of the misunderstanding. How could you have let this happen? How could you have been so careless?

"I...I didn't want...", you started, your voice choked with emotion as you struggled to articulate the turmoil raging within you.

But Ben, oblivious to your distress, continued to jest, his tone light and indifferent. "Hey, no need to get all worked up about it", he interjected, his smirk widening. "We both had a good time, right?".

His words cut you like a knife.

As Ben’s teasing words continued to echo in your mind, you felt a surge of anguish and anger bubbling up within you. How could he be so flippant about something so significant? Didn’t he understand the gravity of the situation?

“I can’t believe you”, you muttered, your voice trembling with emotion as you turned to face him, your eyes ablaze with indignation. “You really think it’s funny, don’t you? To just take what you want without a second thought?”.

Ben's smirk widened, his eyes glinting with amusement as he reveled in your discomfort. "Come on, sweetheart", he taunted, his tone dripping with mockery. "You can't deny you enjoyed it. You took me like a champ, even with how big I am".

The realization sinking in that you couldn't even remember your first time.

"Don't worry your pretty little head about it", he continued. "You'll thank me later for showing you a good time".

Fueled by a mix of anger and hurt, you shot Ben a withering glare, your fists clenched at your sides.

"Fuck you, Ben", you spat, your voice trembling with emotion. "I hope you rot in hell".

With that, you stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind you with a resounding thud. Ben's laughter echoed in the empty room.

"Well, princess", he called after you, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "That's no way to talk to the man who just took your virginity".

His words hit you like a slap in the face, a fresh wave of anger washing over you as you fought to hold back tears.

Ben chuckled to himself, relishing in the chaos he had caused, before slowly getting out of bed. His smirk remained firmly in place as he stretched languidly, the events of the previous night already fading into the recesses of his mind.

Meanwhile, you retreated to the bathroom, your heart heavy with the weight of Ben's behavior. The hot water spilling over you, washing away the physical and emotional residue of the night before. But no matter how hard you scrubbed, you couldn't shake the feeling that you had been used.

As the steam filled the small confines of the bathroom, you closed your eyes and allowed yourself to wallow in your misery, the tears mingling with the water cascading down your face.

It took you a few minutes to regain your composure.

But eventually, with resolve in your heart, you refused to let Ben's presence intimidate you. You emerged from the bathroom with wet hair, a defiant expression etched upon your face.

As you made your way to the porch where Ben sat, eating breakfast that the staff had brought him, you ignored the prickling sensation of his gaze upon you.

Ben's smirk greeted you as you approached, his eyes gleaming with amusement at your disheveled appearance. But you refused to let his taunting affect you, instead meeting his gaze with a steely resolve of your own.

Without a word, you took a seat opposite him, the air between you heavy with unspoken tension. Though his presence still irked you to no end, you refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing you cower.

But beneath the veneer of amusement, there was something else lurking in his gaze—a glimmer of curiosity, perhaps, or maybe even a hint of respect.

As you picked at your own breakfast, the silence between you stretched on, punctuated only by the distant sound of crashing waves and the occasional chirping of birds.

"So, how does it feel?", he quipped. "Now that you're not a virgin anymore?".

Before you could respond, Ben's gaze drifted down to your chest, his eyes lingering on your breasts with a hunger that made your skin crawl.

"I must say, sweetheart", he continued, his voice low and suggestive. "Your body certainly didn't disappoint. Especially those tits of yours".

Ben's teasing continued unabated, his words like daggers slicing through the fragile armor you had erected around your heart.

With each jest, the weight of his mockery grew heavier, until it became almost unbearable.

"Aw, princess, don't tell me you're getting emotional on me", he taunted.

"I thought you were tougher than that".

His words only served to fuel the storm of emotions brewing within you, and before you knew it, tears began to prick at the corners of your eyes. Blinking furiously, you struggled to hold them back, to maintain some semblance of dignity in the face of Ben's relentless onslaught.

"I...I just wanted it to be special", you choked out, your voice barely above a whisper as you fought to articulate the jumble of thoughts and feelings swirling within you. "Not...not like this".

The vulnerability in your words hung heavy in the air.

Ben's smirk faltered for a moment, a flicker of something resembling remorse crossing his features. But before you could fully process the shift in his demeanor, it was gone, replaced once again by his trademark arrogance. "Come on, sweetheart”, he said, his voice softer now, though still tinged with mockery. "Don't be so dramatic. It's not like it's the end of the world".

His words cut through you like a knife, the sting of his callous indifference leaving you reeling. And as you sat there, tears streaming down your cheeks, you couldn't help but feel a sense of profound loss wash over you. Continue. Let Ben sight heavy, telling you, that the two of you can recreate last night, later that day. Winking at you. His words got you even more sad

Ben's heavy sigh filled the air, a palpable tension lingering between you as he spoke.

"Hey, it's not all bad", he said. "We can always recreate last night, you know. Make it special this time".

As the weight of your emotions hung heavy in the air, Ben finally seemed to register the depth of your hurt. His smirk faded, replaced by a fleeting look of concern that quickly vanished behind a mask of indifference.

“Hey, stop crying”, he mumbled.

After all you crying was the last thing he wanted to see. But despite his half-hearted attempt at compassion, you couldn’t shake the feeling that his concern was more for appearances than genuine care.

His words felt hollow, like a bandage over a gaping wound that refused to heal.

“I’m fine”, you muttered, your voice barely above a whisper as you avoided his gaze.

“C´mon on, sweetheart”, he urged, his tone bordering on impatient. “Eat something. We’ve got a long day ahead of us”. The mention of his plans of getting some weed and stuff, pushing aside your own pain for the time being.

As the days passed, the initial sting of betrayal began to fade, replaced by a sense of resignation and acceptance. While part of you still harbored resentment towards Ben for his role in the events that had happened, you couldn't deny that ultimately, it was your own choices that had led you down this path.

Tonight, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach house, you and Ben sat on the porch, sharing a pizza in silence. The tension that had hung heavy between you had dissipated, replaced by a sense of weary camaraderie.

As you took a bite of pizza, savoring the familiar flavors, you couldn't help but steal a glance at Ben. Despite everything that had happened between you, there was a part of you that still longed for something else.

"Damn, I'm fucking horny", he muttered after a while, reclining back in his sun lounger. His bronzed body glistened with droplets of water from a recent dip in the ocean, the fading sunlight casting a golden glow over his features.

You couldn't help but roll your eyes at his blatant display of lust, though a small smirk tugged at the corners of your lips.

"Always the charmer, aren't you?", you teased, taking another bite of pizza.

Ben chuckled, the sound rich and throaty in the evening air. "Hey, can you blame me?", he retorted, a mischievous glint in his eye. "It's not every day I get to spend time with such a hot companion".

Despite yourself, you felt a blush creep into your cheeks at his compliment, a warmth spreading through you at the unexpected praise.

"Flattery will get you nowhere”, you replied, though the teasing lilt in your voice betrayed the amusement you felt.

As the evening unfolded, the comfortable atmosphere between you and Ben gave way to a moment of vulnerability.

With a shy glance away from him, you found yourself asking a question you never thought you would.

"Um, Ben", you began, your voice hesitant as you struggled to find the right words. "I know this might sound strange, but...do you think, maybe, you could...sleep with me tonight?".

Your cheeks flushed with embarrassment as you waited for his response, unsure of how he would react to your sudden request. Ben's reaction was immediate, his whiskey momentarily forgotten as he visibly choked on his drink.

His eyes widened slightly in surprise, a mixture of shock and uncertainty flickering across his features. "You...you want to sleep with me?", he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief as he tried to process your request.

You nodded, unable to meet his gaze as you felt a surge of self-doubt wash over you.

"I mean, it's just...I can't remember my first time", you admitted. "And since you...you already took my virginity, I figured it wouldn't...damage more than it already does".

The words hung heavy in the air between you, the weight of your confession echoing in the silence that followed. And as you waited for Ben's response, a part of you couldn't help but wonder if perhaps, just perhaps, this was a mistake.

Ben sighed, a hint of frustration tainting his words as he prepared to come clean.

“Look, sweetheart”, he began.

You glanced up, apprehension flickering in your eyes as you waited for him to continue.

“I didn’t sleep with you that night”, Ben confessed, his gaze flickering away as if unable to meet your eyes. “I know it might seem like I did, but I didn’t”.

His admission hung in the air, as you struggled to process his words.

“What do you mean?”, you asked, your voice tinged with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

He knew that this was his second chance to finally get you, but even he’s a dick, he won’t ruin your first time, especially after you showed him how important it is to you.

Ben took a deep breath, steeling himself for your reaction. "I mean, I didn't want to take advantage of you", he explained. "You were wasted, and I didn't want your first time to be like that".

You blinked, the weight of his words sinking in as you realized the depth of his restraint. Despite his flaws, Ben had shown a surprising level of decency in choosing to protect you rather than succumb to his own needs.

"I'm a dick, but not that big of a dick", he added with a wry grin. "You deserved better than that, even if I'm not always the best at showing it".

As his words washed over you, a sense of gratitude welled up within you, mingling with a newfound respect for the complexities of his character.

"Thank you", you murmured and reached out to squeeze his hand. "For caring enough to do the right thing".

It took you a while to gather your thoughts, the weight of Ben's confession between you. But eventually, you turned to him again, your voice steady as you posed the question that had been weighing on your mind.

"Ben, do you want to take my offer or not?", you asked, your tone tinged with determination.

Ben raised an eyebrow, his expression incredulous as he processed your words. "Why the fuck would you want me, of all people, to be your first?", he blurted out, his tone laced with a mixture of confusion and disbelief.

You took a deep breath as you prepared to lay bare your thoughts and feelings. "Because", you began, your voice steady despite the uncertainty. "Despite everything, I trust you. I know you're not perfect, but you've shown me that you care, in your own way. And maybe...maybe that's enough".

A heavy silence settled over the porch, the weight of your confession mingling with the fading light of the evening.

Ben listened to your words: He ran a hand through his hair, his expression troubled as he struggled to find the right words to respond.

"Listen, sweetheart"; he began, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I appreciate the sentiment, I really do. But I'm absolutely not the right man for something like this".

As Ben's words sank in, a sense of determination welled up within you, fueled by the realization that you were willing to take a chance, despite the risks. You stood up, feeling the weight of your conviction settling over you as you made your way over to where Ben sat on the lounge chair.

Sitting beside him, you met his gaze, your eyes locking with his as you searched for any hint of doubt in his expression.

"Ben", you began, your voice steady despite the flutter of nerves in your chest. "I understand that you're hesitant, but I want this. I want you".

His expression remained guarded, a hint of skepticism in his eyes as he regarded you. "You think you can handle me?", he scoffed. "I'm not exactly the type to play nice, sweetheart. You wouldn't last a minute with me".

You bristled at his dismissive tone, refusing to back down. "I'm not some delicate flower, Ben. I'm stronger than you think".

“Why settle for someone like me when you could wait for some little boyfriend to come along and fuck you to sleep with some romantic music?”, he challenged, his words laced with a hint of mockery.

“Because I don’t need some fantasy to make this meaningful”, you shot back. “I want this with you, Ben. I trust you”.

His expression softened slightly at your words, a flicker of surprise crossing his features. “You trust me?”, he echoed, his tone tinged with disbelief. You nodded, meeting his gaze with unwavering determination.

“I do”, you affirmed, your voice filled with conviction.

“And what if I can’t do it your way?”, he raised his eyebrow. “What if I end up hurting you? You think you can handle that?”.

You met his gaze, steeling yourself against the doubt in his eyes. Despite his dismissive tone, you remained resolute in your conviction.

“I trust you to figure it out”, you replied. “I know you won’t intentionally hurt me, Ben. And if, I’ll deal with it”.

Ben regarded you with a skeptical eye, his lips twisting into a smirk of disbelief.

“You’re awfully confident for someone who’s never been with a real man”, he mumbled.

"I know what I want", you shot back, your voice firm. "And I'm not afraid to go after it, even if it means taking a risk with you".

Ben's smirk only widened, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "Well, princess", he drawled. "If you're so sure about this, then I'll play along. But don't say I didn't warn you".

Despite his condescending tone, you couldn't help but feel a surge of satisfaction at having finally convinced him to give you a chance.

Ben finished his drink with a dismissive scoff, the hint of a smirk playing on his lips. "Don't expect me to hold your hand through this", he remarked, his tone tinged with condescension. "You wanted it, now you're getting it".

Standing up, he cast a sidelong glance at you, his expression smug as he whistled casually. "Bedroom", he nodded towards the direction, his meaning clear.

Your eyes widened at his directness, caught off guard by his bluntness. "Now?", you asked, your voice tinged with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.

Ben rolled his eyes, his impatience evident. "Yes, now", he replied, his tone dripping with annoyance. "Unless you've changed your mind, princess".

With a hint of challenge in his gaze, he gestured towards the bedroom once more, leaving the choice in your hands.

As nervous anticipation flooded through you, uncertainty clouded your thoughts.

You weren't sure how to act or what to expect as Ben's blunt directive hung in the air.

Sensing your hesitation, Ben's smirk widened, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

"Relax, sweetheart", he grinned. "I'll show you what you've been missing".

With a swift movement, he reached out and grabbed your hand, his touch sending a jolt of electricity coursing through you. Pushing you softly by your shoulders towards the bedroom.

As Ben guided you towards the bedroom with a firm yet gentle grip, you felt a rush of adrenaline coursing through your veins.

His confident demeanor both intimidated and excited you, leaving you eager to see what the night would bring.

As you entered the dimly lit room, Ben turned to face you, his smirk still in place.

"Now that we're here, princess, no turning back", he remarked.

You swallowed nervously, the weight of his words sinking in as you tried to quell the fluttering in your stomach.

"I know", you replied, your voice barely above a whisper.

Ben's smirk widened as he closed the distance between you, his eyes alight with mischief. "Good", he murmured, his breath warm against your ear. "Because once we start, there's no stopping".

———————————

A/N: Please let me know what you think.🥰

-

Part 10

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Taglist: @deangirl96, @thatgirljayy, @suckitands33, @deans-spinster-witch @mimaria420 @kaz11283 @uncle-eggy @jackles010378 @vxnilla-hxrddrugs

[luveline]

hope my boyfriend's okay request.

hi!!! can I request hurt comfort or angst with spencer reid? maybe reader is just an ordinary girl, not that smart, not that pretty, or even a college drop out (like reader from honeybody) so she is kinda insecure when spencer being kind to her or even ask her on a date?

tysm♡

"Do you want to play?" Spencer asks. 

You're flushed before you open your mouth, startled by his sudden appearance and the new haircut he sports, curls locked back behind his neck. "Sorry, I just wanted to sit down." 

"No, I'm just asking if you want to play," he says, shaking the little briefcase he holds between his fingers to emphasise the rattle of the chess pieces inside. 

You've stolen his chess table again at the park. It's how you met, how you continue to meet —you want somewhere to put your book as you read and Spencer hardly ever makes you move, he just sort of sits with you until someone is in need of an opponent. 

"I don't know how. I don't have the smarts." 

Spencer sits down opposite you, placing the briefcase against the white and black chequered tiles. "Playing chess isn't about being smart. Being good at chess takes learned skill, though. It's like learning a language. Most people can say hello and goodbye if they try, but fluency comes with practice." He smiles at you like you're lovely and pretty and someone worth explaining this too, when you're worrying It's filtering out of your head like water through a sieve. Draining, draining, gone. 

"I don't even think I could remember hello and goodbye," you say. Your attempt to smile back at him is pitiful. 

His smile ebbs. "You're sure you don't want to play? I'd go easy for you." 

You curl the cover of your paperback in your hands, deliberating. Chess is one of those games that seems never-ending. It's full of manoeuvres and techniques, openings, closings, all these learned combinations, strategy like nothing you've ever been able to comprehend. You've never wanted to learn because you know you won't be good, even if you try. 

"Okay," you say quietly. "I really won't be any good." 

Spencer shrugs and begins to retrieve the small wooden chess pieces. "I usually win anyways."

"Have you ever, um, competed? Like the grandmaster things?" 

"No, but I had a friend I competed against for a long time. We played a lot of games. He was better at winning, despite my advantage." Spencer arranges your pieces with care. "Do you need me to teach you the opening moves?" 

He explains slowly. When you need help, he gives it, and he doesn't lord it over your head. It's a little shameful seeing the difference in your intellectual capabilities displayed so clearly, and the longer the game goes on the worse you feel, even though Spencer lets you win. 

"You'll get better every game," he says, returning taken pieces to the board.  

"You want to play again?" you ask. "Come on, Spencer, that can't have been fun for you." 

"Why wouldn't it be?" 

"Because I'm a useless opponent? And I don't really have anything else going for me, either, so it must be boring." It's an awkward thing to say, self-deprecating and stilted considering you and Spencer aren't more than acquaintances. You regret it as soon as you've said it but the frustration of the situation sticks around. "I don't understand why you waste your time with me." 

"It's not wasted if it's with you." Spencer looks genuinely confused, shapely eyebrows pinching. "Is that what you really think? I like spending time with you, I don't need you to be a chess expert to find you interesting." 

"But there's nothing interesting,," you insist. 

"Of course there is…" He straightens a chess piece, gaze split between you and the board. "You don't have to say something from a journal for it to be worth saying. You know, I've had a thousand conversations this year, some of them with professors or academic experts, but," —he puts his hand, now finished with the chess pieces, over his elbow, meeting your eyes shamelessly— "the one I replay the most is from a few weeks ago, when you told me why you like to read in the park." 

"That was just small talk," you say weakly, though it hadn't felt small to you, and now you know it wasn't small for him either. 

"Then I guess I love small talk," Spencer says. "Do you want to play again? I'll teach you some good opening moves if you tell me more about you. Deal?" 

You nod hurriedly, and fail to hide a beaming smile. "Teach me the best one." 

"That's what I meant," he says. 

[ineffable-monster-romancer]

It's three in the morning and Still Wakes the Deep is haunting my mind.

Maybe it's because seeing anything even vaguely related to Scotland in videogames or in any media for that matter is saturated in harmful and insulting stereotypes or deeply embarrassing accent attempts from non-Scottish actors, but playing a game like SWTD where every character interaction, overheard conversation and even character design just radiated with such authenticity.

These are conversations that I'VE had. That's the way I talk, that's SCOTS that they're speaking!! I knew every beat, every in joke, every insult. It isn't a parody, it isn't a "haha scottish funny/cute/hard to understand" it was unapologetically who I am.

And the HORROR of it all. The deeprooted dread as you the player try everything in your power, rebooting generators, stabilising the rig, xyz of problems cropping up. All while encountering your coworkers and friends, either dead or... something else. Something worse.

Adair has to be my favourite hated character. Any Scottish player who knows their stuff only had to glance in his bunk to know that he was the worst of the worst, it's a beautiful bit of show don't tell on that front.

The Monsters were incredible. Hearing them call out for help, hearing the last vestige of humanity calling from this twisted inhuman form. Gibbo calling out to Caz "tell my mum I'll be home soon", even Adair (bastard) repeating "remember to call the kids, two more weeks and I'm out of here" Rennick screaming "don't leave me here to die, not like this!"

Rennick, man. I've had bosses like him. I've known pricks wi wee man syndrome like him, who's whole world revolves around being in the right and living just for themselves. And the voice acting when ge confronts Caz in the office was exemplary, Clive Russel deserves a fuckin Oscar for that one speech alone.

It really hits those cosmic horror beats. Nothing is explained, you are an ant in the world of something so much larger and scarier than you can comprehend. Looking at it too long causes you to lose touch with reality, what was once recognisably an oil rig has now been deformed and remade into something you can't comprehend, much like your fellow co-workers. They've changed, melted and molded and rotted away, only a few defining features left that tell you "this creature was once human" but it knows your name.

God I want more of it, I want to play it again, I want to breathe in that atmosphere and my language and I want to download the soundtrack and think of the horrors.

[goofy-goobers-r-us]

Arrogance

A homestuck creepypasta

Concept and story created by me

Arrogance design by: @disintegore

Note: I won't be doing the typing quirks and any pester logs or conversations the characters have are plain typing styles as to make it easier for some readers to understand especially if those struggle at reading said typing quirks

Every troll knows of her imperious condescension... The empress of Alternia.... One who believed in the chance of having the troll race a chance to grow... A calculated dictator with nothing but vanity, utter corruption and the very example, of what is wrong with what we stand for as royalty; as Fuchsias and Violets, as the very idea of what a highblood is to be.

I was molded by that very arrogance, that very utter corruption that has not only been shown from her actions but rather this entire wretched planet. It is a plague I will continue to exterminate.

As long as I can remember I've come and go. I've removed those unfit of such rich blood and I fear again my work isn't over or ever will be. Many could possibly have deemed my judgements unfitting or undeserving but in my very eyes in how I see things, I have a different vision that cannot be comprehended by all.

This game that has been happening has simply given me more work to do, and I sense... A new victim has come to take the step.

YOU ARE; ERIDAN AMPORA

You stand in your respiteblock. You are a SEA DWELLER. A sub-race of troll distinct by commoners. A caste that which rules over the entire species. However.. Ruling just simply isn't enough for you. You kinda just maybe sorta have a huge genocidal complex with an ego so huge it's sorta a miracle that some of those can even tolerate you.

Though recently you can't shake off this feeling.. As of recently you've been feeling cold. A different kinda cold though. The kinda cold you can't shake off no matter what and you've also been hearing what sounds like a strange tune. Sometimes that tune gets kinda quiet, then loud, then quiet again... Recently though that said quietness isn't as present. What could that mean? Well.. For now you bother your moirail.

caligulasAquarium [CA] began trolling cuttlefishCuller [CC]

CA: glub glub

CC: glub!

CA: hm

CC: what!! What is it!!

CA: what!?

CC: it'd be nice if you can just tell me what's on ur mind already

CA: well I'm not sure if you'd wanna hear it..

CC: I would actually. We're moirails we're supposed to talk to each other

CA: well you wouldn't exactly like it considering it's to do with my agenda and I don't think you like. or any of my agendas at all really.

CC: are you really fretting over ANOTHER one of your contraptions.

CC: your plots to kill land dwellers just never works out and everytime you DO wanna make a contraption it's just some piece of junk.

CA: well all military masterminds never give up. 7th times the charm or whatever the saying goes.

CC: I just feel like you know its wrong and yet you don't care!

CA: idk why I have to explain this to you this is important to me I feel like that's enough.

CA: especially for our kind. even you don't get that

CC: We aren't better than everyone else. And if you're REALLY as sickened as you say then how come you talk to trolls like Kanaya so damn often!!

CA: Well I never said she'd be excluded from what I have for my plans.

CA: Even if she's someone I tolerate she's just still another land dweller. She's nicer than other ones but she still is someone to be aware of

CC: I don't get how you can say that. I feel like you should still think about the fact they are your friends!!

CA: well this Is all just military tactics that's all it ever is!

CC: they're still ur friends. you really think they're that beneath you???

CC: you especially still like talking to them. I wish you'd stop pretending that you didn't. we both know that.

CA: we all know in history some conquerors just sway their enemies to get them later. simple.

CA: on some other note though. I still don't get why she ignores me. I feel like we had some sorta good rivalry there. good chemistry and all but idk what happened

CC: umm, idk sometimes people aren't as into the quadrant as the other one is yk.

CC: so you really think your feelings are in the dark for her?

CA: it doesn't really matter she's bored shitless of me for sure so perhaps I'm not as good as an adversary as I thought.

CC: THATS RIDICULOUS!! I'm sure any girl would be as lucky to have someone as DIABOLICAL as you for a kissmesis!!

CA: well thanks for thinking so.

CC: we should talk about our romantic aspirations more it's exciting!!!

CA: shrug

CC: Ah but you keep gossiping to your nubby horned bro so much! nothing for your dear sweet moirail...

CC: SPEAKING OF QUADRANTS! What about any red leanings... There some lucky lady or lucky fellow!??

CA: oh uh. God.

CC: TELL MEEEEEE. embarrassed so suddenly? Come on!

CA: alright fef this ain't any of ur damn business. I'll be back soon.

caligulasAquarium [CA] ceased trolling cuttlefishCuller [CC]

CC: aw man.. 38(

Well that was an emotionally draining conversation! Feelings and problems. You and this princess definitely splashed hard into the Moirail zone. Maybe some way or another you can reveal those true feelings to her someday.

Feferi: Get a beverage

Geez. ANOTHER emotionally draining conversation. Some high maintenance moirail alright. Tonight might be a good idea to talk about your real feelings with the guy. For now... You need a sugary drink.

Eridan: This isn't right.

You were gonna have a sugary drink to chillax about everything but everything feels too off. You feel like you're being watched. Something is off. This isn't your usual overthinking antics about your relationships with your quadrant mates either. This is different. You feel a sense of dread. It's. So. Cold. Why is it so cold. That tune why is it always present. Whats happening.

Such foolishness. That's all it ever is isn't it.

CA: who's there?! I feel. You. This. Feeling. It's you. It always was you.

You're just like her. That same behavior. That same vanity. It's always the same, that behavior never truly fades does it...

CA: what are you talking about.

You feel strange. You feel physically weaker you feel like you can't move your body unless it's just you shaking in fear. Everything around you looks so dark.

You don't have to be afraid child. I will rid you of your arrogance. This is all a dream. That's all it ever is... Your rest will come soon.

CA: I am above them, I am. It's always for us for her. For me.

Your very actions, your behaviors... It goes against everything we have ever stood for. Your arrogance and especially her existence are why I have been born. I have come to cleanse this planet. And I will start with you, for I am. The No More Arrogance

CA: I don't understand it. Why.

Be not afraid child. You won't have the same fate as she will. This will make everything okay. For the better. An eternal rest... This is all it ever is...

You see a glimpse of its face. But why... Does it look so much like her... It's tall and imposing figure. It's long hair as sharp looking as a blade. Those horns... With what looks like a halo connecting between the two. It's sharp claws and, that sign on it's chest..

CA: What is going to. Happen. I still have to tell her. I don't understand. What are you.

You won't go out in only fear child. Just close your eyes for me.

As it finally approaches you, you see the creature in its entirety. You feel as if you're losing all sight... Your body finally feels as if its collapsing.

Goodnight, sweet sweet child. You can finally rest easy... You will be okay. You have nothing to fear.

You feel.. So tired.. Your heart is slowing down. slowly.. And slowly... It bumps slower... Till it eventually will stop completely. Your eyes are closing.

Eridan: Have your final dream

CC: Eridan. Eridan. Eridan!

CA: Huh?!

CC: You okay? You kinda blacked out.

CA: I... Yeah. Yeah. I'm okay.

CC: that's good!!

CC: Though since you're fine I have something to tell you

CA: oh.. What.. What is it

CC: alright! But this is weird to say!

CA: I'm sure it'll be alright..

CC: When we had that talk of red feelings. You know how I asked who it was. I never told you mine

CC: It was you.

CA: wait. Really..?

CC: Mhm.

CA: That's.. Wow. Me too. Me too.

CC: Well then I guess that makes us..? 38)

CA: Yeah.. I'd like that

As you finally rest, you feel... Comfort. Even if you're slowly dying... You can't help but have a feeling of euphoria. Guess you finally got outta the moirail splash zone.

Eridan Ampora - Dead

cuttlefishCuller [CC] began trolling caligulasAquarium [CA]

CC: WOOOOOOEEEWWW

CC: I'm in!!

CC: Sollux finally came through and.. I believe the full chain is now complete!!

CC: Eridan?

CC: Eridan!

CC: Well maybe you're away.

CC: Since you are. I would hope you at least read this when you are able too

CC: since everything has happened and we have left everything behind

CC: and you can't pose any danger to those people you always planned too

CC: I don't think its necessary for me to be your moirail anymore.

CC: I'm sorry eridan.

CC: looking after you has just been exhausting. and it took a toll on me.

CC: It might be better for both of us

CC: as just. regular friends

CC: ...

CC: I'm sorry. I have to go help sollux now!!

cuttlefishCuller [CC] ceased trolling caligulasAquarium [CA]

Curious. How curious indeed. No matter. You can finally rest easy now child. Sweet dreams..

Whatever signs of the creature being there are now gone. The only thing that remains there is what looks like Eridan sleeping... Peacefully. Arrogance is gone now.

[lumizwrld]

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐲 🂼

"Even the most timidest guys have the heaviest thoughts…”

➢ ¡Switch! Ryohei Arisu ♥︎ Black Fem Reader

☕︎ word count ・4.0k

(no cuz there's barely any smuts of him, so I gotta be the one to make some because he's so fine and nobody wanna give him love fr)

⚠︎NSFW WARNING⚠︎

cw ✐ intoxication, shy Arisu taking control of you, fingering, dick sucking, missionary, deprived reader and Arisu, submissive and dominant Arisu, whimpering, dirty talking, riding, overstimulation, teasing, nearly caught, sex in a hot tub, drunk sex

✍︎ Summary = Arisu and you had accompanied a blowout party right before Hatter's death and the 10 of Hearts game, he proposed you both ease and take some time into partying away the night, sipping your desperations away, and soon after you both ending up in a hot tub together. During your time, you both don't speak until the silence is broken, all these emotions end up being confessed, and soon after you find yourself on top of him, confessing a love of desire for each other. ✧

✄ This is literally my first ever smut LMAO but I've spent months trying to articulate this shit and IT'S FINALLY FINISHED. ♡ Sending much love to all who read this and like it #yallfrthebest♡

Tranquility, the littlest ripple of water or even taking the slightest breath would disturb the moment of solitude between Arisu and you.

The pool deserted hours ago, leaving nothing but clutter and the two of you intoxicated. Unwinding in a hot tub, out of sight from the Beach. Nothing but emptiness appeared to run across your minds, speaking not a single word to each other in the past hour but rather the language of eye contact.

How deliberately his eyes had wandered on your frame, tilting his head with parted lips as his arms folded. He kept wondering what ran through your dazed mind, minding the fact of how lethargic you occurred to him. Your inanimate body sat in the same position for the past hour, eyes lost in the waves of the water while running your fingers through the tangles in your hair. Seemingly, at this moment, he had gazed intensely at your beauty, gradually scrutinizing every subtle part of you. He didn't comprehend why he felt so fond of you in this very moment, nor did he comprehend why his body began to erupt with ardor, nonetheless, he just felt so guilty to think of you in such a way. But how was it that this wasn't the first time he had thought of you like this before? How tensive the yearning of attaining a slight touch on your body besides your hands seemed like a wish come true to him, to feel the weight of your body rest on his lap, caressing your hips while you reflected down on him so passionately. Well, even the innocent-looking guys appear to have the heaviest thoughts.

Regardless, Arisu was way too shy of a guy to express any of that to you, considering how close you both were. So there he sat, withering in a lustful pool of desirable intentions of you, rewinding themselves in a constant motion. Curiouser and curiouser he thought, how would you feel if he were to make a slight move on you? What type of feelings did you have for him? Did your feelings fall in unison with his? He sighed, catching your attention accidentally.

“You tired Arisu?” You questioned, a small grin appearing on your face.

“Kind of.” He grinned in unison, “Are you?”

“Yeah, but I like it out here.” You responded, “It's peaceful, but it's been quiet for too long. How about we break the silence, do you know how long has it been since one of us has said anything?”

He chuckled, “I can’t even remember, but break the silence huh? In that case, how do you like it here?” He questioned, resting his elbow on the rim behind him.

“It's a vibe, most of the time. Then again it beats me how after the games everyone can just go back to normal and party as if nothing happened. Somethings up about this place but I can't seem to put my finger on it.” You claimed, embracing the sides of your body as you averted your eyes toward the water and then back to him, “What about you?”

“Yeah, it's the same for me.”

“It's so crazy, I still can't believe you're an executive, it shows how special you are Arisu.” You grinned.

“Heh, special? They only need me for the games, I'm not that important. Why do you think that?” He questioned, tilting his head curiously.

“You're able to figure a game out and win no matter the difficulty, I mean...I'm pretty good at solving games but I tend to have a bit of trouble.” You asserted, watching him smile softly.

“Hey! You're just as smart! Your confidence is what makes you special. Y'know sometimes I can be confident, well- barely most of the time. But with your confidence and how you get right into the game without needing help, it seems as if you don't even need me. Now that's something, I would say, special about you Y/N.” He conversed, slouching forward to you.

You giggled, “Thanks. Honestly, without you, I don't know where I would be.”

“Anytime. I can say the same for you Y/N.” He giggled in unison, gazing at you. “Hey...What are your thoughts right now? I know it's a bit off-topic but I wanna know what goes through your mind?” He uttered in curiosity.

“Well, nothing right now besides the next game.” You responded.

“There has to be something you're thinking about...I-I mean It's okay if you don't wanna talk about it I understand, but we can never just talk and have serious conversations that much, I wanna take this time to understand you more.” He expressed.

“Understand me more? That's so adorable of you to say. I...I really--Well, actually there is something.” You articulated as his eyes glistened, “Recently, I've been having these emotions...About someone. It's not that important but, I wonder what they feel about me.”

“S-Somone?”

“Yeah. I don't know...I’ve been feeling so heavy with keeping this building up inside me.”

He had maintained his breath, wondering, was this feeling towards him? Did she...finally find someone else? Who was this person, and what did she see in them? He brushed his chin, “Can you tell me about them?”

“Well, he’s a nice guy, but that's all I can say.” You grinned.

“Oh…I-I don’t know what to say I-" He stammered, "Do you have an emotional connection with him? How does he treat you? Has he ever made it evident on how he feels toward you?” He questioned, evidently uninterested yet uncomfortable to admit.

“Well, he never admitted it, he preferably holds in his feelings someway like me. However, I can tell he sees something in me…I-I might be wrong but…” You expressed, reflecting your gaze into his. However, he sat there so oblivious. Slowly averting his eyes from yours, he could feel nerves run down his spine as he observed you gradually swimming towards him, “He has to confirm it to me, otherwise, there's nothing else I can say about him.”

“T-Then you're gonna have to speak to him about it...” Arisu stumbled with dilated eyes, “Y/N, w-what are you doing?”

You tilted your head at him, relaxing your hands on his thighs, “Nothing, it's just funny how clueless you can be sometimes.”

“W-What do you mean? Clueless? Me?” He stuttered.

“Arisu, I love how innocent you are,” You emitted, softly giggling as a faint gasp fled his mouth. “You have something, that I never knew I could be so tempted to before. You think I don't know how you feel about me, yet...I see it all over your face.”

“I...I don't understand what you m-mean.” He stuttered as you watched his pale complexion shift.

“I hope you don't find it weird of me but, I hear you every night. Sweat runs down your face as you whine and groan in your sleep. I don't want to be weird but, I tend to observe you once in a while. There have been times I heard my name fly out of your mouth in a way that...Made me feel things at night. I see the way you are with me, that's why I have to be the one to initiate things. You’re so shy yet...You’re so bold with yourself that, you show it to me without even noticing that you're doing it.” You spoke softly, watching his eyes roam all over your face.

“Is…That bad?” He doubted, choking up with surprise.

“It’s adorable, really.”

“I…I-"

“Why are you nervous? Is it because I finally called you out on it?” You giggled as you slowly crept closer to his face.

“Y/N...I-I don’t know what to say I-” He spoke with chuckles in between, concealing his agitated state.

“Confirm it. Confirm those thoughts you have of me, Arisu.” You urged, lust sparkling in your eyes. “Why is that, you being so shy right now is making me feel so needy.” You expressed with your lips scarcely touching his.

“N-Needy? I'm making you needy?” He asked, embracing your arms tightly.

“Is that bad?” You reverted, watching him resist the urge to kiss you.

“N-No! I-I just didn't expect you to be so turned on right now...Y-You didn't have to call me out like that you know? For a second, I-I thought you were talking about someone else.” He doubted.

“I don't know. Maybe I was, maybe I was talking about-” You teased, sensing his hands bind your waist profoundly and arrange you on his lap roughly. “Who? Don't play around now” He asserted, evidently more confident than before, “You can't just take back what you said now can you?”

“Arisu-”

“What's wrong? You can tease me but I can't?” He uttered mischievously, releasing your waist and repositioning his hands on your wrists. “I don't think it would be fair now, would it?”

You deeply sighed, abruptly sensing the pounding of your heart. Surprisingly, he had reverted your energy. You didn't acknowledge how turned on you made him, scrutinizing his eyes satisfy themselves with lust as his breathing heightened. “What are you doing Arisu?” You contested, knowing his intentions with a grin.

“What you want me to do, confirm my feelings to you.” He whispered, seizing a kiss from your lips. He hauled your wrists to his neck, signaling you to grasp him as his hands went about on your waist. His words were assertive, yet, his kisses were subtle and deprived. You felt so vulnerable, sensing his trailing hands up your back towards the string of your bikini top.

“You say I'm bold? Then, let me express these feelings I have for you.” He pleaded, trailing his roaming hands down to your thighs gradually. “Let me show it by pleasing that deprived pussy of yours.”

“I-Arisu-” You whimpered, racing your fingers through the back of his hair.

“Was I too forward? Heh, I'm sorry about that. Do you want me to beg? How about I just beg- let me touch you, let me please.”

“I…I-" You choked, averting your eyes back and forth from his hands to his face.

“Please Y/N…I’ll do anything for you.”

You felt appalled, your pumping heart racing to a burst as you desired to risk it all for him. It was all your fault, teasing him was amusing until he revealed to be so deprived. Apparently, you adored every extent of his pleading.

“I was only teasing, I-I didn't mean to make you so-”

“Turned on? Horny? Eager to fuck you? Awe, but this is what you wanted Y/N.” He pleaded, reaching his face toward your neck “You say it's all over my face but...Your beautiful face says it all as well." He teased, darting his eyes at your adorable flustered face.

“Fuck.” You whined.

He delivered a giggle, fondling your inner thigh. “I know how shy I can be but, you made me think things through with myself and...” He spoke before, drawing aside your bathing suit and gliding his fingers into the folds of your pussy, “At this moment, I'm permitting myself to be confident with you.” You bounded your arms around his neck, feeling his fingers explore your pussy as he kept his eyes on you. Circling your clit gradually, he watched your body squirm slightly, making himself comfortable when he discovered the right spot to attend to.

“Ari-Arisu!" You gasped as his lips seized your neck, leaving kisses and subtle bites all over to overstimulate you. Your breathing became erratic, uncomprehending on whether to respire or moan. However, he carried support with which to focus, picking the momentum up when he caught your struggling state of fixation.

“Awe- keep saying my name beautiful. Your cries, the way how your body responds to my fingers, it's showing me how much you're enjoying this.”

“Stop being so cocky- fuck- please” You whined, bucking your hips as his free hand groped your tender breasts.

“Yeah? But your loving every moment hani, swaying your hips to the rhythm as you make beautiful songs along the lines? If only you could see how gorgeous you look right now Y/N.” He teased as he grasped your chin, seizing another kiss that forced you to moan in his mouth.

(Hani ~ Honey) inspo goes to @usetheeauthor

You could feel his fingers reposition themselves, his thumb this time circling your clit as two fingers began to entreat the entrance of your hymen. At this point, you had given up, permitting himself to stick his fingers all the way inside your needy pussy. His rough fingers, fucking your insides, making you toss your head back, whining his name as he reached closer to watch your reaction, “Yes Mommy, you like that huh? Fucking you like this with my fingers?” Arisu questioned with pleading eyes.

“Mommy?- Fuck- You are enjoying this aren't you-” You moaned in between your words, observing his innocent smile which made you smile in unison. You felt like such a slut at the moment, giggling intently while moaning for him to fuck you faster.

“Is making me feel like a slut turning you on? Is watching me ride your fingers like this while you sit there, make you throb?” You teased, watching his eyes dilate in shock. “You don't think I can’t see how badly you want to touch it?” You giggled.

His head was thrown back by your words, stopping the pace which allowed you to pose next to him. Squeezing your warm body next to his, wrapping your leg around his as your arm wrapped around his head, forcing him to look at you as you slowly trailed your fingers down his chest. This was all a little trap. “I see right through you, catching at all that confidence exposed like that, how I loved every bit of it. However,” You spoke, sensing his heart race, “You will always be a shy guy to me, and I tend to have a weakness for guys who-” You spoke whilst caressing his hardened bulge, “are so shy to even let a word form out of their mouths, Arisu.” You asserted.

“Hah-” He whimpered, with worried eyes and quivering lips as you kissed his cheek.

“You taking control yet, trembling immediately is so hot to me Arisu.” You whispered, reaching your way into his shorts.

“R-Really?” He trembled.

“Oh but yes puppy, so hot to where...I was desiring to fuck you so badly, letting your cum drip out of my pussy."

“Y-Y/N fuck-” He whined, sensing your hands grasp the tip of his dick.

“Yeah, just imagine, my pussy fucking you like this.” You insisted, stroking the tip.

Arisu jerked up instantly, huffing out a moan to the sensitivity while all you could do was giggle and stroke him faster. His tensive body rapidly reacting to your strokes made you torture him even more, whispering lustful lullabies as he could do nothing but whine for help.

“F-Fuck mommy, please don't focus on the tip s-so m-much.” He begged, shoving his head into your shoulder as you fondled faster, hearing his whines all in your ear.

“Awe, but baby you're enjoying this though. I bet if I keep going, keeping all my attention on your tip just like this might make you cum like a good boy huh?”

“Yeah?” He moaned, “You wanna make me cum Mommy?” He moaned again, tossing his head back as you compelled a kiss on his lips. Keeping a fast pace, his face was as red as a rose. Watching him catch his breath as he could feel his essence grow nearer, you could only imagine how hot he would sound when he cums. How could only a little tease from you, end up at this point? How was it that, you both went from sitting across each other with no communication to him begging, whining to cum for you? He wrapped his arm around your waist, signifying how close he seemed to be.

He exhaled deeply, “W-Why am I starting to feel it-”

Your eyes glistened, just hearing those words made you focus even more on his tip. Gradually edging him then giving him a ruined orgasm was your plan, like just imagine, his cum spewing all over your hands as he begged for more, whining to fuck your pretty body and treat you like the fucking slut you were…However, he grasped your hand and stroked it himself at a rapid pace.

“A-Arisu?” You questioned as he attained a kiss, feeling your body maneuver slowly closer to him.

“I-I don't wanna cum y-yet.” He stammered, quitting his strokes. It seemed to be all a blur because, you didn’t imagine yourself looking up at his pretty face while his dick stood tall in yours. You were stunned, feeling your body shiver and your cheeks flush up with warmth. Abruptly how close his dick was towards your lips, you didn’t even expect him to be big since he was skinny compared to you. Sweat was rushing down his face as he caught his breath, looking downward at you so innocently while you slowly grasped him, lips parting until he gently grasped your hair, pushing you closer to the tip.

“Is this what you want?” You spoke whilst subtly leaving kisses.

“Y-You don’t have to…” He stammered.

“You want me to though, you wouldn’t be holding my hair up like that unless you wanted me to-” You spoke, suckling gently.

You watched him struggle to pull the bottom hems of his shirt up, munching down vigorously as your hand trailed up his stomach.

“You’re gonna have to use your big boy words, tell me you want me to-” You teased, licking him as he groaned in his shirt.

“M-Make me cum in your mouth Mommy.“ He whined indistinctly, surveying you to consume him slowly as his eyes rolled back in pleasure. You sensed how hard he was inside your mouth, tasting his surging pre-cum as well as how nervous he seemed to be in this situation. His straining body, veiny hands tightening on the grip of your hair as you mouth fucked his dick sloppily, you knew for a fact he couldn’t think straight at all. You had made full eye contact with him, however, he couldn’t force himself to stop tossing his head backwards from all the pleasure you were tending him, it made you smile because you knew that if he were to keep his pretty eyes on you, this session would last for only a minute utmost.

“Look at me Arisu-“ You demanded, trailing your tongue on his shaft.

“I-I’m trying hani-" He whined, breathing heavily in between words.

“I'm sorry, I got carried away. I just want you to last a little longer okay?-“ You pleaded, suckling the tip again.

“You doing anything will make me cum quicker Mommy.” He whined, “B-But if you want me to last,” He indulged, positioning his hands on your jaw, signaling you to stand up, “Don't put all your attention on me please, I don't want you to sit there unsatisfied.”

“H-Huh?” You startled, feeling his hands grasp yours and then drag you to the rim.

“C-Can you sit on the rim for me?” He questioned, watching you sit for him.

“Arisu? What are you doing?” You questioned as he grasped your thighs gently, spreading them apart and pulling you close to his hips.

“I've never expected this to happen,” He uttered, grasping his dick and slowly entreating the lips of your pussy, “Watching you while you're in pleasure...I-It does something to me Y/N...”

“Arisu-” You moaned, locking your legs around him, “Tell me what you want- don't be nervous please.”

“Let me f-fuck you please, listening to your pretty moans knowing they're from me, watching your pretty face make those expressions that I-I-”

“Love? Then, don't tremble to puppy.” You uttered, feeling his free hand grasp the back of your neck, forcing your upper body closer to his, “I want all of you, give it to me…Ryohei.” You begged.

You watched him throw his head back. It was something that had set him off, your pretty voice begging for him to enter you and the way how you cried out his name. Regardless, you couldn't waste any time, feeling so needy that you penetrated yourself with him. Hearing him moan in unison with you as your eyes averted directly at each other. He whimpered, slowly thrusting himself. How sensitive he became inside your soaking pussy, gripping your neck tighter as you begged him to fuck you profoundly. He completely submitted to you. You couldn't focus on anything in this moment, not even his face, you tried to block out his moans but he pushed you further into a breaking point where you couldn't do anything but respond vigorously, surrounding your arm around his neck, bringing him closer into a sloppy kiss while singing in each other's mouths, increasing his pace inside you.

“S-So aggressive-” You panted, “Keep going my love.” You panted again as you brushed his damp hair away from his beautiful face, wanting to see him in action.

“I wanna see your pretty eyes while you fuck me like this.” You begged, biting your lip as he grasped your neck gently.

“Yeah-Keep talking like that Hani, I love it when you fucking tease me.” He whimpered, struggling to catching his breath, “M-Mommy s-stop squeezing me l-like that.” He whimpered once more, elongating a fuck from his mouth as you marked his neck.

“W-Why? Are you starting to feel it? I'm sorry it's not my fault your s-starting to make me--” You whined, sensing his twitching body strain from exhilaration.

He groaned, pulling you closer, almost picking you up off the rim. “Do it on me please, I want you to please Hani.”

He soon begged you to stretch out your legs for him, arranging his arms to your sides as he slowly thrusted deeper inside you. Watching his face strain with every stroke as you couldn't take the pressure, gradually playing your clit in front of him.

“Oh fuck- l-let me do it, let me do it for you Mommy please.” He begged, shoving your fingers away as his thumb was thrown on your clit, circling you in rhythm with his strokes.

“Ryohei--you're so desperate.” You moaned in anticipation, “S-Stop- I'm starting to feel it--” You stammered, however, he responded with a kiss.

“Do it all over me please hani, be comfortable with me please.” He huffed, pulling away but resting his forehead on yours while gazing into your eyes. “F-F-Fuck-” He exclaimed, “I'm starting to feel it too-”

“Keep going my love, drain yourself into me please, you're doing so good. I want you to give me all of you please puppy.” You begged, seizing your sporadic breaths out your mouth as his tongue instinctively entered.

“Y-You want me to c-cum inside you momma?” He pleaded, sensing an abrupt warmth about to surge out of him. “M-Mommy- I...I feel...it...Y/N.” He whimpered.

“Yeah? You feel it Ryohei?”

“Yeah- I-I feel it Mommy I feel it-”

“Then cum inside me Daddy, please.”

“Ohh fuck- M-Mommy I'm gonna cum I'm gonna-”

“Y/N...I...I love y-”

....

For a second, you thought you had seen things. (That's when you knew, he had fucked your brains out completely.) A beam of light had flickered on his face. As he kissed you again, you kept your eyes open, and that's when it happened again. To make sure you were correct, you turned around to see a flashlight in the far distance...

That's when you shoved him away from you.

What, the absolute, fuck...

“Who the hell is still out here?” A voice spoke, flashing his light on Arisu's face, he covered his eyes from the high beam while you quickly shoved his shaft back into his pants, fixing yourself up afterwards and pretending as if nothing happened. The guy soon flashed his light on you but you couldn't make out who it was until he laughed.

That's when you realized.....

“I would never expected a fuck fest to happen out here now.” The voice spoke, you quickly presided your eyes at Arisu, watching his eyes widen with shock.

“No...N-Niragi?” He stumbled.

Niragi soon made himself visible. He watched you both stand there like complete idiots while he obnoxiously laughed, “What could you both possibly be doing eh? You virgins need to go the fuck to--wait--” He hesitated, taking another look at you both once more.

“What?” You spoke, watching his jaw drop.

“No--No--NO--I CANT FUCKING BELIEVE IT-ARISU-YOU-FUCKED-HER?” He exclaimed as Arisu had glanced at you innocently, “NOW I DIDN'T KNOW YOU COULD HANDLE A WOMAN WITH CURVES.” Niragi exclaimed again.

“Cut the bullshit we weren't doing anything.” Arisu claimed, leading you out the hot tub.

You watched Niragi walk over, scanning you both down as he took a slight whiff, “Bullshit? Oh but I smell nothing but sweat and sex. It’s all over your faces.”

“Don’t go near her.” Arisu claimed, pulling you closer to him as Niragi looked downwards at you with a snarky grin.

“Y/N, tell me, how good was his fucking eh? I don’t know what you see in his loser ass, but I bet if I had my way with you, you wouldn't be standing here so pretty.” He commented, laughing as Arisu stood in front of you.

“She wouldn't go near you at all, what makes you think you can say that bullshit huh? We were just leaving.” Arisu snapped, grasping your hand generously.

“Arisu, oh Arisu, the only thing that was leaving was that cum you've been saving for how long now? Watch yourself, don't make it a habit of fucking in public, unless I'm in it.” He laughed, winking at you then soon after glaring down at Arisu.

“C’mon Arisu, lets go inside now.” You insisted, hauling him away from Niragi.

“Hmph, are you okay?” He questioned.

“Yeah I'm alright. I am so sorry for what I am about to say but--Niragi ate you up with that comeback.” You spoke, covering your mouth as his eyes averted to your face.

“WHAT?”

“I'm sorry!” you giggled, watching his serious face break down into a light grin.

“Because it's you, I'll let it pass. Your mean.” He uttered, lightly pushing you away before grasping you and pulling you in close, “He could've at least waited, I don't feel it anymore...”

“Oh? So what I'm hearing is, your desperate and you still wanna cum huh?”

“NO I-I”

“I'm playing! Sorta.” You giggled, watching his face fluster.

“H-How was I anyways, I feel like I didn't do good enough.” He doubted

“Oh puppy, you were spectacular. However, I still wanna finish you off.” You uttered.

“F-Finish me off?”

“You thought cumming inside me was gonna be it? Oh love, you will always remember how good we fucked, even when I'm not there, I want you to throb every time you think about it.....”

[the-gateway-to-madness]

It's been really interesting to see all the takes on the end of TOTK.

Some people seem perfectly happy with the ending as is. I'm one of them! I'm so happy that Link and Zelda finally get to look forward to a future where Ganondorf is gone and they can choose how they want to live. It makes me cry with the best of 'em.

A lot of people seem to be pretty happy with it but think Zelda should have kept some draconic traits. And I get that too, for a number of reasons! Everything from "trauma doesn't just vanish and there should have been something remaining" to "it would invalidate her sacrifice for them to just disappear" to "it would just look cool".

My personal take on it is, yeah, it'd be cool and it would add gravitas to her sacrifice- but look at the fanart! The Dragon Zelda plotline already has unbelievable gravitas as is. She spent millennia enduring mindless suffering she probably couldn't remember the source of or fully comprehend.

Zelda remembers sensations from her time as a dragon- the fact she was asleep, how it felt right before she woke up (like a warm, loving embrace ;-;). Some part of her memory is probably deeply rooted with that pain still.

So why, why, WHY would Sonia, Rauru, and Link- arguably the three people who love Zelda more closely and personally than anyone else across time and space, in this canon -leave her with dragon traits, if they have the power not to? Why would they make her remember millennia of pain every time she looks at her hands, or looks in the mirror? Are the marks on her soul not enough? Must she live in a body that would mar her happy ending and remind her of her eternal suffering for the rest of her life- for all of time? Would she have even remained mortal if some of the dragon had been left in her? Could she have had the life among her loved ones, the life helping Hyrule alongside Link, that she wanted?

And besides, if we (and by we I mean my undiagnosed-but-autistic-trait-littered brain) look at the game mechanic that turned her into a dragon- secret stone inside body = dragon. Secret stone not inside body = no dragon. If the recall rune removed the secret stone from inside her (she has it back at the end of the game and we ALL know Link took that thing up to the highest Sky Island he could reach so no mortal is ever freaking getting to it), there shouldn't be any dragon left. It wouldn't make sense to put Zelda through a bittersweet or half-victory in the end. It wouldn't have felt as clean and joyful, and wouldn't have been the payoff Link and Zelda have earned after all their work and fighting and sacrifice. Zelda has been given another chance to be what she always wanted to be: free.

I don't see a reason to pour more trauma on these kids- the ending wraps up the story very solidly as it stands, and so I don't personally subscribe to the "zelda should have had dragon traits" concept.

It does look cool tho.

[nb-hedgewolf]

Sonic the hedgehog?... Who's... that? ...I don't know what you're talking about, I've never met any hedgehog called "Sonic"- What? N-No, the only friend I'm close enough to consider a sibling is Amy... You know that. I mean yes- Of course. I DO know about metal but- I... This is giving me a headache. I- Maybe try to calm dow- Okay, that's enough! I think you should leave, Shadow... you clealry aren't right.

New AU, who dis?

Alts under the cut

the Maskeless alt of the complete drawing -- i'm really proud of this traumatized guy, like, look at him, there's something WRONG with him and I wanna study him under a microscope and then throw him against the wall as hard as i can.

Base masked alt - It's hard to remember things you cannot even comprehend, it's hard to remember information that censors itself. It's hard to remember details that auto-erase. Such is the might of the phantom ruby...

Base maskless alt -- here the design is much more visible! he takes after some other beta Infinite designs! I'm really proud of it, and asides from the ears resembling his game mask, i'd love to reuse this uniform for other stuff :)

Original sketch -- GOOD LIRD HE'S NAKED /J the fucking HAIR killed me inside, it was so hard to get right... also I just noticed this sketch has the eye colors backwards... siiighhhh.

The original background, without a jackal over it, and without a filter that makes it hard to see. the text is fully decipherable! if... you know about Sonic Prime, that is 😋

All of this thanks to @boom-fanfic-a-latta for explaining a cool concept to me, which ended up on me suggesting an idea, from which this AU bloomed! =)

[edanablack]

What if we were a red zealot and a blue zealot and we fell in love and it was all just another part of the war games we play for no reason? I don't know if you can ship the concept of one red zealot with one blue zealot but that's it, that's my rare pair.

Ever since I watched RVB, I always liked the zealots; they're such concentrated versions of the simulation idea and I loved them, in every way. Part of their lack of identity or individualism makes me connect with them. With that being said, beneath the cut, there might be some vague writings about a pair of zealots that go through it -- it's not intended to be ocs or anything, it's supposed to be a rare pair of two specific zealots. If it doesn't work, just disregard below; my ship is a red zealot and a blue zealot.

It was comprehended, in some fizzled-out, withered part of their recall, that everything happening to them was simply part of a running simulation. 'None of it's real!', they could still remember the aggressive, excited words being laughed out in the echoey concrete room where they issued armor and guns; justifying why no one in this barely-a-squad squadron learned how to handle the many weapons or the mortal wounds that they were about to have their hands full with.

The lack of realness meant that no one gave a damn, no one cared, and all these soldiers played this game as brutally as they possibly could - if it wasn't real, if it was just for training purposes, why couldn't they drive a car over a downed opponent? Why couldn't they shoot someone in the face multiple times? Why couldn't they endlessly laugh and constantly joke about death, disregarding all humanity, for the sake of this simulation where there were two entirely made-up sides, competing? Nothing was real in this tiny concrete base, nothing mattered, none of the brutality had any meaning beyond a simulation and beyond thoughtless expression.

If that was all true, if everything above was right and correct, then did the occasional beauty and gentleness ... did it mean nothing too?

The home base, such as it was, was a simple concrete dome with three levels; a basement, a ground floor, and a roof. The basement held the barracks and the respawn zone, most of the downtime was spent here, doing ... nothing. If it wasn't conversations about how the earlier simulations went, it was a lot of bullying and mocking targeted towards other squad members. Mercifully, there wasn't much of any downtime between sleeping and fighting in the simulation.

The ground floor had weapons, vehicles, med-kits, supplies in general, and was usually on fire or full of loud voices, screaming and yelling and charging back into battle. The other team was most likely to be found in here, stealing from them, and the same was true for their squadron; it was common to steal from the other base whenever you had killed so many of their people, the place was abandoned. None of the robberies, or whatever military appropriating jargon suited best, ended well; you would get shot or blown up before you actually escaped with the goods.

The roof, where the flag was deposited after being taken from the middle, was almost always empty; they'd stack up towers of vehicles or barrels of gas around the flag and go off to find violent battles to fight, because no one actually cared about winning, not even the researchers. They just wanted to see soldiers fight forever.

Since this was a simulation, both bases were built the same, colored the same, exactly the same. There was almost no actual distance between the two bases, just enough for sniper rifles to be effective, and if it wasn't for the people wandering around in bright red or bright blue armor, you'd be forgiven for mistaking the two sides for the other. The ground was made of fake dirt and there was no sky in sight; the whole thing was encased in four steel walls and a metal ceiling, reportedly fake as well so that the researchers could watch them from all angles. No privacy, no space, no silence, unless you took it for yourself.

The red trooper, their name long-since forgotten through endless respawns and redos, didn't consider themselves to be a very lucky person. Most of the time, they got immediately dragged into a fight as the battle began, and once you were in it, your opponent wouldn't leave you alone; they'd follow you around the bases till the end of the simulation just to keep the fighting going. They'd done that themselves, many times, and had committed every part of their remaining soul to winning these games. That didn't equal lucky. No one in these simulations were good at what they were doing, in the least, if you showed an ounce of skill or talent or basic personality, you would immediately get pulled out and taken away. To the red trooper, who'd forgotten so much about themselves, that was telling. They knew they weren't a good soldier and they knew they weren't ever going to succeed here, or anywhere, so they did what others did and fought like animals to get the tasty piece of meat that was a victory.

Or, you know, they did do that. Until, one day, in one random simulation, the heavy metal boxes stacked up wildly on the roof around the red base flag fell down; they were knocked down, honestly, by a bomb or two thrown carelessly towards them. They fell all around like scattered debris but the majority of them fell in a pile behind the base, out of sight from most of the troopers, and trapped the Red Trooper who was running around back there. Trapped them with the Blue Trooper they'd been chasing.

When the dust cleared, the Red Trooper reached without hesitation for their gun but it wasn't there, it wasn't anywhere. It'd been knocked clear by the fall and they were unarmed.

More importantly, their enemy was also unarmed, having just discovered that their gun was jammed and refusing to fire. A technical stalemate, although it wasn't like the troopers hadn't beaten opponents to death before. They could do it now. Yet, when they looked towards the other trooper now, both of them fighting in this fake war, they couldn't find the strength to move their arms. An injury to the head, perhaps.

That was the only reasonable explanation for why they were talking to this random Blue.

"It must've been your team that threw the bomb. That makes it your fault that we're stuck in here!" They childishly exclaimed as they pointed an accusing finger.

The other trapped trooper, despite wearing their helmet and therefore inexpressive, gave a irritable look. Maybe it was their natural body language. "Who cares whose fault it is? I broke my gun," they grumbled, shaking the rifle to no effect. "If you'd all stacked up your containers better, we wouldn't be here."

"If you hadn't been sneaking around the back of our base, you wouldn't have gotten caught!"

"If you weren't hiding like a chicken, I wouldn't have had to come over."

"Well, if you."

This back and forth continued for some time beyond what would be entertaining to talk about, wasting brain cells and oxygen for no apparent reason. Each trooper seemed to think that, any second now, the match was going to end, yet it didn't. The powers in charge, the scientists behind the simulations, seemed to enjoy having the matches last for way too long now; sometimes going on for days. Usually for the Blue Trooper, this was fine, perfectly fine, but while they were trapped with another person equally as annoying as them ... it was starting to feel less fine.

Sitting there, tired of arguing and metaphorically red in the face from the frustration of being contradicted, the troopers went silent in unison; the only sound being from the heavy battle that raged on around them. More explosions, gunfire, cars and vehicles, so much noise.

That all seemed far away when they were stuck in here.

"I hope that we win," said the Red Trooper with cool resilience. Something that faded surprisingly fast. "Except our person running the simulation today, Freddy, is a real idiot. I think we could win 99 times out of a 100 if it wasn't for her."

The Blue Trooper sneered at the idea of losing. "We'll win." They declared. "Our leader today is an idiot too but we're good at being idiots. Like a team of Freddys." They continued with confident excitement.

"I don't think you understand just how bad Freddy is; she keeps suggesting we tunnel OVER the base. Like we build a tunnel to get to the roof," The Red Trooper explained incredulously, making the motions with their hands to better illustrate. Didn't matter. The whole idea was pretty bad.

"Tunnel ... Over. Isn't that just, like, climbing? Or that thing with ropes when you slide down."

"I don't know but if you want to steal the idea, go ahead. The only that'd be funnier than seeing it not work for Freddy is seeing it work for the fucking Blues."

Now the Red Trooper was laughing, shaking their head and setting their broken gun down. The Blue Trooper was tempted to jump for it, but also? Still thinking about the tunnel. Still thinking about Freddy. Still thinking about making their enemy laugh.

"I bet we could. Remember when we snuck that whole tank into your base? That wasn't even camouflaged, we just said 'Delivery'." The Blue Trooper cautiously shared, looking at their enemy and the weapon they'd placed aside. It'd been a wild day that day but not as wild as this.

Taking a deep breath, the Red Trooper sat there, quiet, for a moment before responding. "I don't remember. These battles all blur together. Half the time, I don't even remember what we're doing here; I just remember wanting to kill ..."

"Do you remember anything that's not a battle?" They asked, seriously but almost shamefully; a near whisper on their covered lips. It was an interesting question. The Red Trooper thought hard, for quite some time, and they could remember the briefings and the times they had to clean the base, even when they first got here and got loaded up with all their gear. Not much else.

When they weren't actively taking off this heavy armor to clean it, they forgot what their own body looked like, and they honestly preferred forgetting.

"Battles are fucking awesome, though. They're like our only excuse to use all these weapons. If we weren't in this program, we wouldn't get to use any of this stuff!" The Blue Trooper insisted.

The Red Trooper went quiet, staring at the person across from them without an expression. This could've been uncomfortable but the silence was welcome, and when the stare was coming from them, it didn't feel so bad. It just felt confused. "I ... guess that's true. Battles are awesome. If it wasn't for battles, I'd be guarding some random moon."

"Exactly. I hate moons. I like fighting. Once we're out of here, I'm going to do so much fighting. You better do the same."

"Or they'll give you a psych eval and you'll leave your team to the mercy of Freddy."

That got another laugh, or at least a scoff, and the Blue Trooper laughed as well to think of ANY OF THEM clearing a psych eval. No chance. They all liked killing and fighting too much. The only way out of here was to give that up.

What kind of sick person would do that?

"You know ... for a Blue, you're not so stupid." Said the Red Trooper, looking at their co-prisoner through the visor of the helmet; eyes unseen but a warm gaze felt. Felt how? Felt through the tone and the softness of their voice and through the hand that patted their shoulder - yeah, a hand of friendship reached out to pat an enemy's shoulder. Now that was a surprise.

With the extended hand remaining where it was, a casual gesture but a very sincere one, the Blue Trooper sat and faced their opposite; the red to their blue. It shouldn't have been this easy to face a mortal enemy except, wait, it should've - this was another Marine, like they were a Marine. They were both on the same side. Through all the simulations, through all the fake killing and the phony battles, it seemed like they'd somehow forgotten that. Now, in this small space, in this brief opportunity to breathe, it was like sanity came creeping back in. Creeping back in and reminding them this wouldn't last much longer.

"For a Red ..." The Blue breathed out, trying to make a joke, but no humourous remark came out; no sarcastic and cutting remark that could cover up a broken sense of reality. What came out, pinned beneath these crates, was a truth deeper than that.

A heavy helmet removed and placed on the ground, stale and putrid air inhaled for the first time in months, and a face revealed, a face nearly forgotten. A dirty glove ran up to wipe the sweat off their forehead and human eyes met visor, a stunned body language meeting this bold exposure. They weren't supposed to show their real faces to the other team ... but they weren't supposed to leave a quick, perky smooch on the other team's helmet, either, and that was exactly what the Blue Trooper did.

"You are pretty damn stupid, which I expected. I'll make sure not to target you tomorrow, alright?"

A promise. A collaboration. A scheme. Something forbidden in the simulation, a thing that was sure to be discovered and rooted out, but for a very short moment, these troopers were teammates. Teammates united against boredom, against losing their self, against Freddy; however you wanted to describe.

It surely wouldn't last long ... but it lasted long enough.

Another helmet was removed and beneath the privacy of these crates, the troopers saw each other as people once again, tenderness exchanged like you might exchange a phone number to a stranger. In the hopes of meeting each other once again.

An endless amount of simulation battles were run and, within a few months, they'd decided to shut this one down as well, send the nearly zombified recruits wherever the hell they wanted to. Still, two troopers managed to stay in contact; one red and one blue. Both ultimately, as memories could recall, working for the same leader.

[pablitogavii]

I love you too

Summary: One where the reader is scared of the three letter word because of the way she's been raised :)

Pairing: Pablo Gavi x Reader

Warnings: mentions of smut but nothing graphic/ slight angst/ fluffy ending <3

She has been dating Pablo for some time now and they went though hell and back since the world found out about their relationship.

The survived all the gossip, judgment, obsessive fanatics and still maintained a stable and healthy relationship. They have never loved each other more, and for the first time in awhile they were both happy.

Pablo had just came back from Madrid after a game, when they made love to each other for hours next to a fire place showing to each other just how much they missed being together.

"That was amazing Gavinho.." she smiled laying on his strong chest still catching her breath while staring at the raging fire next to them.

"I love you Y/N.." he said and she felt her face getting serious as she comprehended the meaning of his words. She stayed quiet.

Nobody ever told her those three words before...in her house it wasn't common to hear people "loving" each other..it was more like they "respected" one another..so she didn't even know what those words really meant.

"Um.." he said nervously when she wasn't replying and she got up from his chest holding sheets close to her naked chest finding the best possible excuse to go home.

"I should finish that project.." she said obviously lying but he felt so embarrassed for saying like that so suddenly to her so he nodded helping her collect her clothes watching her get dressed.

Why didn't she say it back? Did she not feel the same?

When she got up, he walked her to the door pulling her waist back and leaving another kiss on her swollen lips which she gladly accepted giving him a weak smile.

"We are good..I'll see you tomorrow" she said leaving quickly while Gavi went back to bed staring up at the celling wondering what had just happened..was he pushing you hard so soon?

The next day, Pablo arrived to the training center way early not really getting any decent sleep last night and it really did show as all his teammates commented how dreadful he looked.

"Might consider getting your sleep schedule checked, kid!" Xavi even said and Pablo apologized for slacking off during training getting caught by Pedri who pulled him to the side.

"Is everything okay hermano? Is it Y/N?" he said and Pablo nodded knowing he can trust his best friend with this.

"I said "I love you" to her last night...but she didn't say it back" Pablo explained to Pedri feeling his heart breaking as he remembered wishing he knew why you didn't love him back...he wanted you to love him back so badly.

"You know how her parents are hermano, they are colder than winter..maybe she just got scared you know? But there in no doubt she feels the same as you..just give her some time to realize it" Pedri assured and Pablo nodded hoping that he didn't scare you away forever.

She couldn't sleep either neither could she function the next day at school...she kept thinking about last night and those three words Pablo used.

"I love you Y/N..." kept replaying in her head when her best friend interrupted her thoughts brining her back to reality.

"Alright, what happened?"

"Nothing..I..."

"Wanna try again? Something clearly upset you"

"He said he loves me...last night, after we made love..but I don't know what that means..so I didn't say anything...and I think I lost him forever now"

"Oh, don't be absurd. Pablo wouldn't give up on you so easily! Boy is obsessed with you..it's kinda adorable actually"

"I'm obsessed with him too...I think I might feel the same...what do I do now?"

"Wait for him at his place and tell him! You still have the key, right?"

"Yeah.." and with the last school bell she departed to Pablo's apartment to wait for him to return from his trainings.

Pablo stayed long after the training to hand out with the guys, truthfully because he couldn't get himself to lay in the bed he slept with her so many times before..it made him think about last night and he didn't want that.

"Alright, let's head home chicos!" Ansu said when it was almost midnight and everyone agreed so Pablo didn't have another choice than to go home..to his cold bed..without her next to him.

While Pedri was giving him a ride, he kept checking his phone for a text or a call but nothing came. He knew when her school ended but she didn't reach out to him the whole day...maybe she will never reach out again.

"She will call again...just time hermano" Pedri said like he was reading Pablo's mind making him smile weakly before exiting the car and getting into his apartment building.

He unlocked his door walking inside and tossing the keys to the jar before taking off his jacket little startled when he saw her sleeping on his couch.

His heart started beating fast that he saw her again as he came closer and touched her cheek softly(gif)...she was so beutiful.

"P..Pablo?" she opened her eyes unaware that she fell asleep looking up at him sleepily. He smiled nodding his head and squatting down to grab her bridal style and carry her to bedroom.

When he put her underneath the covers and walked to the closet to get changed, she started fidgeting with her fingers nervously..she wanted to say it back to him..she was ready..but she was scared...what if he changed his mind after last night?

"I love you too!" she just blurred out making him come out of the walk in closet shirtless and in his boxers with raised eyebrows.

"Um..I.." she got up from the bed walking towards him snaking her arms around his shoulders "love..." she went on her tip toes " you.." she pecked his lips "too" and the moment all that left her lips he grabbed her body making her snake her legs around his torso as he kissed her passionately.

He tossed her onto the bed hovering above her with a bright smile on his face while looking down at her glowing eyes.

"I'm sorry I didn't say it last night..I didn't know.." she tried to explain herself but he stopped it with another kiss training kisses down her neck.

"I know amor....you haven't heard someone say it before..you got scared but I promise to show you what love feels like..if you'd let me?" Pablo said and you smiled nodding your head with tears falling down your face but he kissed them away capturing your lips again.

I hope you enjoyed! <33

[sweetmariihs2]

Since TADC was released I've been thinking what the characters could do/what I would do to prevent going crazy (abstracting). Living day after day in the same place can bring you to madness and depression makes me people upset just by staying 2-3 days at home, so imagine what would be like to be locked there everyday without even having notion of time or any day or night. The circus looks a bit boring after they're used with it and the adventures are made to keep the characters entertained, but what if there were other activities to keep their mental health less bad more stable?

Useless list of things that could prevent the characters from abstracting - going crazy (at least for a certain period of time):

Singing

Making karaoke shows (it's fun)

Talking and sharing everything they can remember of their lives (they do remember their lives in the show) (this can give them some ground as to not go crazy)

Have a journal/diary to write about their everyday thoughts and tasks. Who cares if Jax finds them, at least they will have something to do

Have a journal/diary to write everything they can remember of their real lives so that they won't forget their memories and can always remember about who they are when things get bad

Drawing (ask for Caine to make a painting room - he seems to listen when you ask for simple stuff, he can comprehend) (wait I think they can already draw)

Ask for Caine again to let them play dress up and give them new outfits (tadc dress to impress when?) (dressing up is good for mental health and in their case that can give them a bigger variety of everyday clothes, so each day won't be exactly the same) (and I'm saying this because my sensory issues would NEVER allow me to wear a hat 24/7, being in Pomni's skin looks like hell to me)

Dress to impress contest I swear (+the runway too)

Hairstyles too. Imagine Pomni and Ragatha with pig tails. Imagine Kinger with a wig and bows/hairclips because Ragatha and Gangle did his hair. What if then.

playing games like truth or dare - they don't die, nothing is too dangerous to try

Literally ask Caine for more stuff because he can give it to them: Ask for an adventure on a beach where the challenge is to just have as much fun as possible. Or an adventure where they have a tea party in a field of flowers, very easy and without obstacles. What bothers Caine and encourages him to make the adventures more "exciting" (scary and more troublesome) is to say that they are bad, right? Just say that they are good, that he is very good at it and say that you really want a quiet adventure to relax. Manipulation skills guys

They can ask for virtual arts and crafts adventures/rooms/or just objects to do it on the lobby. Virtual sewing can't be that hard (I believe that they can already draw)

Ask for beads and stuff to make friendship bracelets and accessories. Ragatha and Pomni friendship bracelets when

Ask for teddy bears or plushies. Or even make them by themselves with their arts and crafts materials. It sounds silly but everyone is bored and on the edge of madness here

They can ask for cooking minigames. Even though they can't eat them, it might be fun. I like cooking minigames. (Edit: I'm pretty sure that there is a short video made by glitch of Pomni eating a hamburger so I think it's possible to eat)

They can ask for Caine to let their rooms be customizable. Or maybe not, idk, Kaufmo scribbled all over the walls of his room, so maybe it's possible. I had this idea after seeing Pomni's room and thinking that I couldn't be comfortable in such a bright colored room, and it doesn't have a lot of color variation, it really bothers me. If the characters could draw they could put their drawings on the walls, and if they could do arts and crafts they could make little decorations for their rooms as well (they can already draw)

Gift eachother their arts and crafts

Make things from their life memories in those arts and crafts to always remember their past friends or who they are (and put them in their rooms)

Choose random days to do birthday parties, because even though they can't know what day it is or don't have any notion of time at all, they can still have fun

The parties don't even have to be birthdays. They can make parties just because.

Do surprise parties for eschother

Do a surprise party for Caine, it would be very unusual since he probably never got one and never felt the need for any (he's an AI but it's still funny (that's why it would be funny)) (he would get confused and yet flattered) (I swear he's not my favorite character even though I had mentioned him so many times in this post)

Make raves lmao (they can ask Caine for flashing lights) (and a dj table lmao) (and instruments in case they want to play something)

Ask for instruments and get together to make a band and play songs because it would be fun. Don't let Jax get anywhere near of them or else they will hear loud noises everyday for hours and hours (he would do this just to annoy the other characters). They can even play songs that they remember from their lives. Some of them might even know worldwide famous songs.

Dance to the songs that they sing

Whaf if they're allowed to practice ballet. What if they can dance flamenco. Waltz. It sounds fun

Ask for virtual cameras to take pics of themselves or things around them so that they can put them in their room

Do a group therapy (and don't include jax because he will certainly make fun of their troubles)

Parkour in the circus sounds fun too

Explore the outside part of the circus/the grounds and play with the things they have there (take a swim at the lake, go to the carnival, go to the forest etc)

Ask for Caine to make sport areas. I know that there will be a baseball in the next chapters but still.

Make picnics next to the lake, or inside the forest. Or even in the circus

Idk there is something about the "you are stuck with this outfit and appearance everyday" that does not fit well to me. The characters are already stuck in that world, but they can't even play dress up? I don't know if they chose their avatars before joining the circus, but if not, it must suck not being able to change your appearance in a digital world. I mean, look at Zooble there. If they can't change their bodies, can they at least wear something they want to express themselves in that limiting reality? If Caine is capable of making more body parts for Zooble, even if he got their problem wrong, he is capable of allowing the characters to paint their clothes in the colors they want or allow them to wear different things sometimes. (I wonder what would Caine answer after someone ask "can I change my avatar?", that is a genuine question of mine.)

What a lazy post. I'll add more later

[prankprincess123]

I'm trying to become a teacher because as someone with super severe ADHD I've encountered so many ableist teachers who try to 'logic' away all my problems with neurotypical solutions and refuse to comprehend that neurotypical solutions don't work for neurodivergent brains. And it is so frustrating because the very professors who are teaching how to alter teaching and assessment strategies to fit the needs of every individual student are sitting here refusing to follow the instructions from the accommodations center, and giving me neurotypical solutions and saying I'm not working hard enough when I come to them with struggles caused by them not following my accommodation plan, when I've already been working 10x harder than I should need to be and would need to be if they'd actually practice what they preach!

Like I'm sorry that printing off a physical copy of the assignment takes you five minutes, but the assignment doesn't exist to my brain unless it's on paper in front of me, and I can't print it off myself because it doesn't exist, and telling me that printing it off myself is easy doesn't help, because even if I did magically manage to remember that it exists, it is then a like 50 step process to do so, and I only have 25 spoons today and they have all been used by this conversation! And I'm sorry that I misunderstood this assignment, telling me that I'm lucky the Education program is so accommodating to let me re-do the assignment does not help when you refuse to understand why your instructions were misunderstood or to even attempt to re-explain the assignment in a way that actually makes sense!

I'm sorry that my executive disfunction makes it so physical processes take 10x more work for me than they do for you, and that because my brain is so hyperactive mental processes take 1/10th of the steps that you expect me to take, and that resultingly any 'show your work' assignments are lacking because I did show all my work and I don't have the spoons to discover and then show the steps you didn't tell me I needed and I instinctively 'skipped over' because they're non-existent in my brain!

But telling me to "just turn off that part of your brain" does NOT help in any way whatsoever, and you as an education professor should know this because this is literally a significant portion of what you are teaching!!!

And I realize that life is hard for everyone, but there's a difference between fighting a big boss in a video game and fighting the same big boss on hard mode when you didn't get to choose the dificulty setting and you don't know how to play because someone changed the tutorial language to Phoenician!

[caplanbuckybarnes]

Quit Playin' Games (Dean Winchester)

Summary: Dean leaves because he loves you too much and doesn't want to hold you back from yourself any longer.

Warnings: angst :)

WC: 860

Read on Ao3!

--

The moonlight filtered through the windows, casting a soft glow over the room, but it only accentuated the cold emptiness that had settled between you and Dean. You could barely remember how it had started—how it had all gone so wrong. All you knew was that the man who had once held you in his arms, who had promised he’d never leave you, was standing there now, distant and untouchable.

You had always known Dean Winchester carried a weight—one so heavy that it often felt as though it might break him. But you had never been afraid to stand by his side. You had seen his darkness, his flaws, his brokenness. You had loved him because of them, not in spite of them.

But now?

Now, everything felt like it was slipping through your fingers. The moments of tenderness were fewer and farther between. The quiet nights spent talking about your hopes and dreams had turned into silences that stretched on for what felt like eternity. And the love you thought was invincible now seemed fragile, ready to shatter with just a single word.

And tonight, that word had come.

"I don't need you."

You still couldn't fully comprehend how it had been said. Dean had been standing at the door, his jacket in hand, ready to leave. He had that look in his eyes—the one he always got when he was running, when he was about to push everyone away. But this time, it had felt different. This time, the words stung in a way they never had before.

"I don’t need you," he repeated, his voice cold, final.

Your heart had frozen in your chest. “What do you mean, Dean? We’ve been through hell together. You need me.”

“I don't. I don’t need anyone. Not like this.” His voice cracked, but only just, like he was trying so hard to remain indifferent.

You swallowed hard, taking a step toward him. “You’re not thinking straight. Please... what’s going on?”

But he wasn’t listening. His eyes were glassy, but you couldn’t tell if it was from pain or something else—something you weren’t ready to confront.

"I thought you cared about me," you said softly, your voice trembling with the weight of your own heartbreak.

His expression shifted for a moment—just a flicker of something that resembled regret—but it was gone before you could even grasp it. “I do care about you. I just... don’t want you to get hurt because of me.”

You wanted to believe him, but the words didn’t match the actions. They never did.

"You said you loved me," you whispered, voice barely audible. "You promised."

Dean's face hardened. His jaw clenched, and for a second, he looked like he might say something—something that could fix this, something that could put all the pieces of your broken heart back together. But instead, he just shook his head, a sad, resigned smile tugging at his lips.

“I do love you. But not enough. Not enough to hold you back, to drag you through this crap.”

The words hit you like a punch to the stomach. You had always known the dangers that came with loving someone like him, someone as broken and haunted as Dean, but you had never imagined this—never imagined him walking away from you.

“You don’t get it, do you?” Dean’s voice was quieter now, but the edge of finality was still there, sharp and cutting. “I’m no good for you. I never was. And I’m not gonna drag you down with me. You deserve better than this.”

The pain in his voice—the pain he was trying so hard to mask—made your chest ache, but the realization settled in.

Dean was pushing you away because he thought you deserved better. Because he thought he wasn’t enough for you.

But all you could think about was how you were enough for him. You always had been.

“I thought you cared about me,” you said again, your voice thick with emotion, a tear slipping down your cheek.

Dean’s eyes softened, his lips trembling, but he didn’t step forward. He didn’t reach for you like you had expected him to.

“I do care about you,” he whispered, his voice cracking with pain. “But sometimes... caring means letting go.”

It was the hardest thing you’d ever heard him say.

You took a step back, shaking your head. “No, Dean. I don’t believe that. I won’t believe that.”

He didn’t reply. Instead, he turned, his shoulders slumping as he walked toward the door. He didn’t look back.

You wanted to run to him, to pull him back, to make him stay. But something in your chest—something broken, something deep—held you back.

You wanted to believe he would come back, that this was just a moment of weakness, a misstep. But deep down, you knew the truth. He was already gone.

The door clicked shut behind him, and the sound was deafening.

And you were left standing there, in the silence of your own shattered heart, wondering how something so fragile—something so beautiful—could fall apart so easily.

[cirilla-fiona-riannon]

Even if I Become a Ghost (1)

This is simply a fan translation and is not intended as a replacement for the game. Expect grammatical errors.

Misfortune always comes unexpectedly, perhaps even at this very moment.

Mai: "Huh?"

Before I knew it, I was standing in the familiar hallway of the trading post.

Mai: "What was I doing again?"

(I remember I was sewing in my room, and then...)

Kicho's voice: "Mai..."

(Kicho?)

Suddenly, my thoughts were interrupted by a voice coming from Kicho's room.

(It's not yet time for him to return from work.)

(Did something happen?)

For some reason, the door was left open, so I entered the room.

(Huh?)

Kicho: ".........."

He was sitting on a chair next to the bed, gazing at someone lying down.

Mai: "Kicho?"

Kicho: ".........."

I had a bad feeling about his oblivious reaction to my voice.

(Who could possibly be in that place?)

Filled with indescribable anxiety, I approached the bed and gently peeked.

Mai: "No way..."

I staggered in shock at what I saw.

It was undoubtedly someone I knew too well.

(Why am I in the bed?)

Kicho: “Why?”

He looked down at me, lying on the bed, and furrowed his eyebrows tightly.

Kicho: “Mai, please wake up.”

(Is this a dream?)

The situation was too much for me to comprehend.

Mai: “Um, Kicho…”

Even though I called out in confusion, my voice was drowned out by hurried footsteps.

Subordinate: “Lord Kicho, excuse me.”

I turned around, and his subordinate, who had entered forcefully, approached right in front of me.

(He’s gonna bump into me!)

(Wait, what!?)

For a moment, I didn’t understand what had happened.

However, his subordinate, who should’ve collided with me, was somehow behind me.

(He just passed through my body.)

(Is that even possible?)

I quickly checked my own body and realized that my feet were transparent.

(What is this? What happened to me?)

Subordinate: “---?”

Kicho: “What’s wrong?”

Subordinate: "I just suddenly felt a chill. It was probably just my imagination."

Subordinate: "More importantly, regarding your recent appointments, I was able to reschedule everything."

Kicho: "Good work. What about the business negotiations?"

Subordinate: "Generally, there are no problems. However, when dealing with foreign merchants..."

Kicho: "Yeah, considering the language barrier, I have no choice but to go myself."

Subordinate: "I apologize for not being able to do more."

Kicho: "No, it's enough. You may leave."

Subordinate: "Yes, sir."

Once the subordinate left and closed the door, silence returned.

Kicho: "Sorry for the commotion."

He looked at me with a stern expression. His gaze, filled with bitterness, made my heart ache.

(This isn't a dream. This is reality.)

(But why is this happening?)

I desperately tried to remember everything that happened.

During the day, I was happily carrying the kimonos.

This was because I had made plans to go out with Kicho tomorrow.

------------Flashback-----------

Kicho: "Mai, it's sudden, but can you clear your schedule for tomorrow?"

Mai: "Yes. If I finish my work by the end of today, it should be okay."

Mai: "Is there any work that I can help with?"

Kicho: "No, I checked the schedule to invite you to a date."

(What? A date?)

Mai: "But you have work scheduled every day, right?"

Kicho: "I adjusted my schedule."

Kicho: "I know you're busy too. So if you don't want to go, I'll respect your decision."

(No way!)

Mai: "I'll go! Of course, I'll go."

Mai: "I'm really happy that you invited me."

Kicho: "I see. Then, let me take you to a newly opened shop at the harbor."

Mai: "Okay!"

I couldn't help but smile as he narrowed his eyes and smiled.

(Kicho's really kind to adjust his schedule just to invite me for a date.)

(I need to finish my work and prepare for tomorrow.)

I walked down the stairs, carrying the kimonos, when一

(Crap!)

---------Flashback Ends--------

My foot slipped, and my body floated in mid-air. Then, a sharp pain struck me, and that's when my memory was cut off.

(Did I become a ghost because I fell down the stairs and died?)

I didn't want to believe it, but I was undoubtedly lying on the bed.

With trembling hands due to shock and fear, I reached out to him.

My fingertips passed through him, unable to touch or grasp anything.

(No, I don't want to believe it.)

(I'm here, right now, by your side.)

Mai: "Kicho!"

Kicho: “----!”

I leaned over to cling to him, and he turned around.

I stepped back in surprise, and Kicho stared at me intently.

Kicho: "Weird. I felt like Mai called me."

(Did he notice?)

Mai: "It's not weird! It's me! I'm right here!"

Kicho: "........"

I shouted, but my voice didn't reach him.

Eventually, he shifted his gaze back to me, lying on the bed with tired eyes.

(Why? My voice reached him earlier.)

(Oh, maybe...)

Timidly, I placed my hand on top of his.

Mai: "Kicho, can you hear me?"

Kicho: "Mai?"

He stood up, looking around in disbelief.

(I knew it! I knew I could reach him this way.)

Mai: "Yes, it's me! It might be hard to believe, but I'm right in front of you. It looks like I became a ghost a little while ago."

Kicho: "A ghost?"

Mai: “I'm still confused myself.”

I told him how I fell down the stairs and found myself in front of his room.

I also clarified that my voice couldn’t reach him unless I touched him.

Kicho: “So, you’re touching me right now?”

Mai: “Yes, our hands are touching.”

Kicho: “I see.”

His stern expression slightly softened, and he wrapped both of his hands around mine.

(Usually, I could feel Kicho’s warmth, but...)

My fingertips remained cold.

Mai: “I still don’t want to believe I died in this way.”

(I still want to continue living with him.)

My voice trembled, and he raised an eyebrow.

Kicho: “What are you talking about? You’re not dead.”

Mai: “Huh?”

Kicho: "You're still alive. Your breathing is weak, but it's still there."

(Alive?)

I nervously put my face close to mine, and sure enough, my chest was moving up and down.

Mai: "You're right! Thank God. I'm still alive."

Kicho: "Yeah. You fell down the stairs yesterday and hit your head hard."

(It's been more than a day since then.)

He let out a small sigh and shifted his gaze towards me, sleeping in bed.

Kicho: "The reason you won't wake up is likely due to the severe impact."

Kicho: "But since we're in the Sengoku era, we can't really use modern technology to examine your head."

Apparently, he'd adjusted his schedule and had been constantly by my side since I collapsed.

(So I'm like a wandering soul separated from my body.)

It seemed unbelievable at first, but experiencing it firsthand left no room for doubt.

Mai: "I can't believe something like this is happening, but I'm glad I'm not dead."

(If I'm alive, I can still return to my body.)

I felt relieved, but Kicho's expression remained stern.

Kicho: "You're right. But you can't let your guard down."

Kicho: "Unlike the time you came from, this is a turbulent era where even IV drips are nonexistent."

Kicho: "Surviving in a state of unconsciousness has its limits."

(I see, so there are no devices or medication to maintain my current body.)

He reached out and gently stroked my cheek as I remained unconscious.

Kicho: "If what you say is true and you're speaking through your soul, then we need to return you to your body as soon as possible."

Part 1 ╎ Part 2 ╎ Premium ╎ Epilogue