#i must become a menace to my enemies
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lifeinpoetry · 2 years ago
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I must become / I must become a menace to my enemies.
— June Jordan, from "I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies," Haruko/Love Poems
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moribondslut · 5 months ago
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I MUST BECOME A MENACE TO MY ENEMIES
I Must Become a Menace to My Enemies by June Jordan
Dedicated to the Poet Agostinho Neto, President of The People’s Republic of Angola: 1976
1 I will no longer lightly walk behind a one of you who fear me:                                      Be afraid. I plan to give you reasons for your jumpy fits and facial tics I will not walk politely on the pavements anymore and this is dedicated in particular to those who hear my footsteps or the insubstantial rattling of my grocery cart then turn around see me and hurry on away from this impressive terror I must be: I plan to blossom bloody on an afternoon surrounded by my comrades singing terrible revenge in merciless accelerating rhythms But I have watched a blind man studying his face. I have set the table in the evening and sat down to eat the news. Regularly I have gone to sleep. There is no one to forgive me. The dead do not give a damn. I live like a lover who drops her dime into the phone just as the subway shakes into the station wasting her message canceling the question of her call: fulminating or forgetful but late and always after the fact that could save or  condemn me
I must become the action of my fate.
2 How many of my brothers and my sisters will they kill before I teach myself retaliation? Shall we pick a number?  South Africa for instance: do we agree that more than ten thousand in less than a year but that less than five thousand slaughtered in more than six months will WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH ME?
I must become a menace to my enemies.
3 And if I  if I ever let you slide who should be extirpated from my universe who should be cauterized from earth completely (lawandorder jerkoffs of the first the                    terrorist degree) then let my body fail my soul in its bedeviled lecheries
And if I  if I ever let love go because the hatred and the whisperings become a phantom dictate I o- bey in lieu of impulse and realities (the blossoming flamingos of my                    wild mimosa trees) then let love freeze me out. I must become I must become a menace to my enemies.
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hauntingblue · 6 months ago
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ENIES LOBBY TIME!!!
Sanji's face here.... he Knows he is going to fuck him up
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THAT IS SANJI??? 😨
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Holding them in my hands again....
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Sanji struck a nerve there akdjaoajkq
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Increible trio btw.... look at the evidence
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............ me next please 🙏🏻
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That is love right there I can see it
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What if we all killed ourselves (except usopp is telling her the opposite ajahkdhsakjd)
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I need sanji to go insane like this more often.... after the timeskip it doesn't happen as much and I love to see him suffering
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This is so funny.... there is no denying to her face card
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"It's not like she actually wants to die" well yes she does, but no because you know she doesn't really. It is in a quantum state right now
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Luffy is such a menace akdhaksjkaak
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TELL EM!!!! THAT'S MY GIRL!!!!
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Look at franky worrying about robin.... do not fret luffy is coming and he will NOT lose!!!!!
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This is zoro remarking how usopps fear of being left behind makes no sense.... this is so good.....
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This is so endearing but it also breaks my heart....
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Who is that sultry binch... (I don't recall this attack AT ALL and i'm sure we never see it again)
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They botched his bbl.... 😔😔😔
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Luffy's face here... he was convinced she wanted to go with them but was compelled to do otherwise but no.... he thought wrong and he can't fight to her.... I've just been staring at this page for minutes like damn.
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Nevermind.... this is something your mother would say "you want to die??? Just wash the dishes and you can do whatever you want later"
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"If you wanna die, or whatever...." this is so good like he knows what he is doing.... he Knows.... look at her face. After knowing how luffy and ace were as kids this just makes more sense (oda didn't think about this i'm sure but damn does it fit) also the slight manipulation.... look at all of us we're already here and look how we all miss you already... you know that post about luffy being selfish but his selfishness is jusg kindness to others... yesh
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Thinking about robin's cinderella lifestyle.... why did her mother leave her with that aunt and why didn't some archeologist take her in?? Because she doesn't complain about anything just like she doesn't respond when that mother accused her of hitting her child without reason... that's so fucked
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Alright this is funny (and also true)... I'm sorry fellow women....
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*Justin Bieber voice* I like your laugh... dereishi shishishi
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SHE'S GONNA ASK HER MOM TO TAKE HER TO THE SEA WITH HER??? LIKE SHE DOES AFTER WITH LUFFY??? MY GOD!!! I just bursted into tears like I got punched in the nose I can't keep going ajdhakajk
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I lied i can keep going... but head in my hands over this....
Find out how my emotional stability survives this arc in ennies lobby part 2. coming soon
#franky calling sanji brother eyebrows is too good akdbsksnsk also ily franky#captain t bone.... he got killed tecently.... i forgot who he was until now but he actually cared thats so fucked up.... cross guild come o#sanji going against cp9 by himself.... i shant say it... SLAY!!!! also the cook being mad about being pretty cause he has no individuality.#lucci talking about a little girl being born wrong and needing to die for it TO SANJI!!! OOF!!!#the frog stopped rocketman bc he thought they kidnapped kokoro just like they took tom 😭😭😭 this fucking frog always gets me#chapter 377 and franky is in the headline with the strawhats ❤️❤️ they recruit TWO thirty year olds in enies lobby ajdhaksjks#franky biting spandex head.... yeah... and he should do it more why did he stop biting heads... he got domesticated#luffy is such a menace here like damn.... he is charging thru EVERYTHING!! GET THEM BOY!!!!#also franky is so important in giving robin hope here... like she sees him fighting back no matter what and i KNOW that inspires her...#i am going to say it hina fullbody and jango have a challengers thing going on but without hina being involved physically iykwim#when in action panels the ink just becomes lines... OOF!!! CHEFS KISS!!! MWAH MWAH#completely forgot gear 2 used the shave technique.... thats so cool..... also iron body must be haki then... and finger pistol#i dont think i can do this... after this ends we got thriller bark and then marineford starts building up...#i can endure water 7 sad moments bc everything ends up well in the end but what am i gonna do with marineford.... my god#also dr clover and dr hyruluk and crocus all have smilar plant based hair designs is that bc they are doctors or just coincidence#also robins father is dead and for sure another archeologist or similar.... thats inch resting....#which also like damn olvia and dragon had to make the same choices with their children i am sure. thats so fucked. dragon backstory when#clover knew the name of the fallen kingdom (robonosuke lore??) and also olvia knew some important information the gov didnt know... ✍️✍️✍️#SAKAZUKI SHOT THE EVACUATION SHIP???? HELLO??? I DIDNT REMEMBER IT WAS HIM!! (also olvia knew where saul was)#kuzan is sick in the head... he can't bring himsef to kill child robin but he will kill her as an adult... also his beef with akainu is OLD#like no wonder she was terrified when she saw him again. he said live like a recluse or i will end you and she fucking did. THE bogeyman#there are comments saying they hate akainu and he has just appeared 😭😭 JUST FUCKING WAIT#you guys think when luffy realised robin's enemy was the world gov he also realised it was sabo's enemy too.... bc as a child he didn't kno#also pluton was made as a countermeasure for the weapon robin could reactivate... could that be the one that was used in lulusia??#bc i thought that weapon was pluton but if pluton is just blueprints.... this makes more sense... which could also mean the ancient weapons#are a countermeasure for weapons the government already has. and thats why they're hunting them down. to have no opposition#so there must be two sides of the ancient weapons bc they call pluton that but also the unnamed one that robin could activate#so is pluton a countermeasure to uranus (the one used in lulusia i think) but neptune? trios dont make sene but a trio and their opposite d#reading one piece#enies lobby
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chuluoyi · 1 year ago
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✎ attraction
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- gojo satoru x reader
to think it started with your crush on his best friend...
genre: high school!gojo being a menace, jealous!gojo but he doesn’t realize it? enemies to lovers, fluff, gojo begins pining on you
note: thank you anon who asks for gojo falling in love with a first year! i added some spice though haha
a part of gojo's love entries
general masterlist
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Back in 2006—
There was this tiny weeny part of Gojo that was like... questioning, how did his best friend Geto Suguru catch your eye, whereas he didn’t? Like, at all?
"I want Geto."
"Hah?" Gojo arched a righteous brow, swiftly turning your way—feeling the stings of irritation gnawing at him. "What?"
You shot him a look. “I said, you suck and I’m lamenting that I’m paired with you instead of Geto for this mission.”
Once upon a time, you did hate him for obvious reasons as other people do. He was obnoxious, boastful and overall grating on your nerves.
Well, actually, “hate” would be too strong of a word, so probably “dislike greatly” it is.
“Ehh, Suguru? With you?” Gojo glanced at you, purposefully scrunching his face into a mocking sneer. “No way. Absolutely not. Incompatible. I won’t give him my blessings.”
“Who are you to grant blessings?” you hissed with a bulging vein of frustration. “And no, it's not what you think! I—” you wanted to kick yourself for stumbling over your words, “—I just respect him in a way an underclassman would!”
Gojo let out a strained laugh.
To him, you were this cute little junior who looked funny when mad. Riling you up was on his daily to-do list, and poking fun at your obvious crush on his best friend was supposed to double the fun, until it made him wonder despite himself... just what exactly did Suguru have that he apparently lacked, leading you to always follow him with your eyes, whereas you spared him with nothing but glares and sharp retorts?
You didn’t exactly hide your feelings. Whenever Geto was nearby or greeted you in the mornings, you'd blush like a tomato. It was silly, because Gojo was sure his best friend’s type wasn’t a girl as skittish as you—surely, it must be someone as vivacious as Inoue Waka.
He knew you were doomed to fail.
"I suggest you go pick up some slack," he teased. "Better if you don't become a dead weight while assisting him in missions, no?"
He knows. Really.
"...do you know that there are only three things I can't stand here?"
"And those are?"
But...
"Your stupid glasses, your Limitless—and you."
He was still irked, regardless.
"Well, poor you, then," he shrugged, shit-eating grin on his face. This time he pushed his luck. "Do you know that you're nowhere nearing Suguru's type?"
Scratch that. You hate him. You turned to him with a reddened face, and it wasn't because you were blushing.
"I'm going by myself!" you declared, seething. "I couldn't care less about what you're about to do—I'm finishing this and going home!"
With that, you you marched towards the haunted house, paying no heed to his taunts behind you.
You felt a wave of embarrassment washing over. Gojo always messed with you and normally you would chalk it up as one of his shits—but this time, you didn't appreciate how he touched on that sore spot of your not-so-hidden infatuation with Geto. So what if you weren't his ideal type? He didn't have to be mean!
But soon you regretted leaving his side, as a monstrous cursed spirit quickly chased you out.
Gojo was still outside, bidding his time. He merely huffed when he heard you screaming in fear.
He was ready with a jab. "Well, well... Look who's running back into my arms—"
But his smirk quickly fell when he saw the cursed entity was apparently way beyond your level. You ran out—no, by some idiotic impulse of survival, you actually leapt out of the two-story window and almost fell flat on your face and broke your bones, but before then, he sprung to action, catching you, wrapping one arm on your waist.
You were grateful you that you weren't doomed—until you felt yourself dangling mid air in his hold... like a cat.
"Gojo!" you wailed. "I'm going to fa—!"
Oh, but Gojo was convinced that this was his moment to shine. He directed a smirk your way as the bright blue mass in his hand totally caught your attention. With one swift flick of his hand, he muttered the mantra for Blue, and exorcised the cursed spirit in one go.
He marveled at his own show of power—and hoping that somehow, you would too. Then, he placed his hand under your knees, repositioning you in a princess-carry, and the way your gentle curves nestled snugly in his arms sparked some intriguing thoughts in him.
Your wide, crystal-clear eyes gazed at him with such wonder. Red tinted your cheeks. The corners of his mouth curved into a winning smile.
It was at that exact moment when he realized it: he wants you. This funny girl who often made his day, he wanted you to look at his way too.
...but goddamnit, you like Suguru.
"Well, not that scary now with me around, isn’t it?" he boldly announced, and your amazed expression immediately turned into a cute frown.
"Thanks," you blurted, still with rosy cheeks and looked frazzled, but then you realized the state you were in his arms. "But—put me down!"
"Ehhh, I will if your feet can reach the ground!"
Who cares if you like Suguru? As he burst into snickers and you screamed at his face, Gojo Satoru decided then and there—in that spring of 2006—that he would make it his mission to win you over. To make you his.
And years later, not only he achieved that but also so much more—a ring on your finger serving as the testament to his success.
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Epilogue
"Yaga-sensei," Geto sighed wearily. "Can I be paired with Shoko, please?"
"Geto-san, wait, please—" you frantically tried to explain, glaring at Gojo in the process. "I'll do my best so—"
"You're such a bother, even Suguru doesn't want to go on missions with you," the white-haired clown remarked with an evil grin. "Right, Suguru?"
"No, Satoru—"
"Well, but if it's me, I'll gladly mentor and teach you though~"
"I don't want you! You're so insufferably annoying!"
"Yaga-sensei, can I please get paired with someone else—"
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samaraxmorgan · 8 months ago
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Spill Your Secrets
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Synopsis: Something strange happened during Sukuna’s most recent fight, he was nearly defeated. Completely losing his ability to harness his cursed energy, he had to resort to bludgeoning his enemy to death with his bare hands. Except after this sorcerer’s death, his techniques didn’t return to him. It won’t be that simple, you see, to regain his abilities he will need to reveal his deepest secret, but what on earth could that possibly be?
Pairing: Heian Era Sukuna x Reader
Contains: blood, lots of mentions of blood, very slight angst but everything ends up okay, tooth rotting fluff
Word Count: 2.0k
My Masterlist Here!!
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The king of curses is nothing if not blunt, never having any problems being as distastefully confrontational towards anyone who meets his menacing gaze. Anyone and everyone, except for you; it wasn’t always like this, of course, but over the course of your time together he’s become… more reserved you could say. He would absolutely threaten to kill you if you told him he was growing soft, but you’re both more than aware that he would never dare to lay a hand on you, no matter how often you intentionally push his buttons.
Like how you are now, waiting for him to return back home and enter his throne room to find you lounging on his precious throne, your back leaned against one armrest while your legs draped over the other. Uraume can’t help but shake their head, unable to comprehend the amount of absolute nerve you possess, or more importantly, how their lord Sukuna seems almost delighted to keep you around regardless of your constant antics.
The grand doors to the estate open abruptly, slamming into the walls as Sukuna enters, the blood of his foes coating his hands and leaving crimson splatters across his broad figure. This fight must have been messy; you’ve seen him return victorious more times than you could count, droplets of blood scattered on his skin, dripping down his face and torso, but this… It must have been personal. He clearly fought with his bare hands, bruises on his bloodied knuckles and a large open gash spread across his-
Wait.
What?
No, no, that can’t be right. You blink to clear your eyes, they’re surely deceiving you, but as he stumbles into the entryway you realize that the unthinkable- no, the impossible- has happened.
Sukuna is injured.
Within the blink of an eye, Uraume is rushing to his aid as you scramble off of his throne and run towards him. You’ve never seen this look in his eyes before, like a rabbit surrounded by wolves, his hands shaking in what could be perceived as either unrelenting anger or an imperceivable fear.
Your voice wavers, panic clear in your shaky breaths as you speak, “What… Happened…?”
“Uraume, the sorcerer I’ve just fought,” He’s trying to keep his voice steady, but there’s no mistaking the underlying panic in his rushed words, “Research his curse technique and report back to me with your findings.”
With a quick nod of their head Uraume rushes out of the throne room, pulling the doors shut behind them to prevent anyone from seeing Sukuna in this condition. He lets out a shaky breath, his guard immediately dropping with the click of the doors as he presses a large hand into the gash drawn across the side of his torso, gritting his teeth as he attempts to cover the wound to prevent more of his blood from seeping out.
“Why haven’t you healed?” Your voice comes out in a whisper, although you didn’t mean it to.
He whispers right back to you, “I can’t.”
You didn’t know it was possible for your eyes to grow wider, your heart pounding painfully in your chest as you forcefully grab one of his hands into both of your own and lead him to a lounge chair. He stumbles slightly, nearly collapsing into the plush cushions; a sharp breath escapes his throat, his head leaning back against the seat and his eyes squeezing shut.
Sukuna has never had to endure pain, his reverse cursed technique always closing his wounds for him subconsciously. You reach for the foot of your long gown, ripping through the fabric to create a large makeshift bandage. Seating yourself on one of his large thighs, you reach forward to wrap your arms around either side of his waist, pulling the fabric flush against his back and whispering out a quiet apology as you tie each end of the bandage and pull it tight, compressing his wound to suppress the bleeding and causing him to huff out a harsh breath, a low growl leaving his lips as one of his hands reaches to cover his mouth in an attempt to stifle his sounds of pain.
You pull his hand away from his lips, gently placing your shaking palm on his cheek; his eyes crack open and his head tilts subtly to meet your petrified gaze. His long fingers wrap around your trembling ones, an attempt to be reassuring, and he gently pulls your hand to his lips to press a weak kiss to the back of your hand that was now smeared with scarlet blood.
His maroon eyes look hazy as you gaze into them, swiping your thumb in an attempt to clear a drop of blood from his cheek but only smudging it across his features, “Tell me what happened.”
His brows furrow and he clicks his tongue, “That bastard hit me with… something,” He lets out a deep breath, “His attack rendered me incapable of harnessing my cursed energy. I’d assumed that disposing of him would resolve the issue, but,” The tiniest hint of a smirk tugs at the corners of his lips, “I assumed incorrectly, it seems.”
Tears begin to well in your eyes, your voice breaking and causing that small smile of his to dissipate and his grip on your hand to grow tighter, “Will you be okay..?”
“Yes.” He declares sternly, two of his hands reaching to cup your face, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear and catching a falling tear on the tip of his thumb, his voice sounding softer now “Yes, my dear, I will be okay.”
Tears begin to cascade down your face as you nod your head, forcing a wobbly smile onto your lips. His thumbs brush your tears away, but leave smudges of blood in their wake. His grip on your hand never falters as his last free hand wraps around your waist, the hands cupping your face sliding to the back of your neck and gently pulling you towards him, your forehead pressed against his as his eyes bore into your own; you’re unable to read the look he gives you, but his pupils grow wider.
✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧⋄⋆⋅⋆⋄✧
“He has to what?”
Uraume shifts uncomfortably in the doorway of Sukuna’s chambers, “To share a secret, I don’t know to whom, but presumably he has to inform someone of a matter he is not willing to discuss.”
The tension had settled significantly in the last two days, Sukuna’s wounds slowly but surely healing on their own with no complications; you’ve been keeping a keen eye on his injuries as you cleansed and wrapped them multiple times a day, dark red scabs beginning to form throughout the slice taken from his side. You felt a wave of relief wash over you when you heard that Uraume had discovered the cure to Sukuna’s condition, but now tension has once again began to bubble up inside of you as you peer over at Sukuna sitting on the bed next to you.
What secrets could he possibly have? He’s never held his tongue for anyone.
Except…
“Thank you, Uraume, you are dismissed.”
They nod their head and turn on their heel, pulling the tall wooden door to the chambers shut as they leave. Sukuna leans back against the pillows adorning his grand bed, staring into the flickering flames of the candles hoisted on iron candlesticks surrounding the bed and painting the room in a soft orange glow. You both sit in silence for a moment, consumed in your thoughts as the curtains sway from the gentle breeze making its way in from the open window.
You’re first to interrupt the silence, crawling backwards on his bed and leaning your back onto the plush velvet pillows, gazing up at him next to you with a soft smile, “Well, at least it’s an easy solution.”
His eyes flicker to yours, and you’re greeted with that unreadable expression once again; his pupils growing larger at the sight of you, dim candlelight softly illuminating his darkened eyes that held something behind them. His lips part for a moment, but no words can grace his tongue; his gaze drops to your lips and back to your eyes, his mouth opening again but there is still only silence. He grits his teeth, his eyes squinting and brows furrowing in frustration as he turns his head completely to look away from you.
You lift yourself to sit upright on the bed, looking down at him laying beneath you and pinching his chin between your fingers, turning his head to look back at you, “It’s about me, isn’t it?”
A soft groan escapes his throat as he wraps a hand around your wrist, gently pushing your hand away as he turns his head to look towards the wall. A beat of quiet passes as his eyes fall shut, a soft sigh leaving his lips, “Perhaps that’s the case.”
You scrunch your brows together, giving him a quizzical look as you gently poke underneath his bottom eye, “Well? Spill it.”
He rolls his eyes, “It’s is not so simple.”
You let out a frustrated huff, “Sukuna, we can’t keep you hidden forever. Eventually the people will hear that the king of curses is curseless.”
He grits his teeth, shooting daggers in your direction as his eyes meet yours once again, “I am well aware. Please humor me with your silence, woman.”
“Woman,” You repeat in a mocking tone, your arms crossing across your chest, you mumble under your breath, “I was My Dear two days ago.”
“You-” Two of his hands take hold of your own and pull them away from your chest while his other two rest on either side of your hips, “You’re always-” his words get stuck in his throat, his gaze up at you softening as that look in his eyes returns once again.
One of his hands leaves your hip to prop himself up on the bed, the mattress shifting under his weight as he leans his tall figure down to have his face hover right above your own. His fingers intertwine with yours as he wraps his lower set of arms around your waist and pulls you into his lap, the two of you now eye level.
His breath fans against your lips as he speaks, his voice hardly coming out as a whisper, “You don’t make this easy for me,” He lifts one of your hands to his chest, pressing your palm against his pounding heart, “My dear.”
He looks beautiful, the warm glow of candlelight cascading across his skin as his dark eyes gaze into yours, longing for you, not wanting to ever have you leave his arms.
Your voice escapes in a whisper, “What do you mean?”
He lifts the hand he had placed between your bodies up to your chin, his thumb slowly brushing over your bottom lip, “Every time I have attempted to tell you, my voice has never ceased to failed me,” He leans further towards you, your foreheads pressed against one another’s, whispering against your lips, “It seems that you always manage to tear my breath from my lungs.”
He breaks the distance between you, tilting his head slightly and running his hand to the back of your neck as he softly presses his lips against yours. Your heart races in your chest but your eyes fall shut as you melt into him, sliding your hand from its home on his heart and wrapping it around the back of his head, attempting to pull him impossibly closer. He lets a breath he wasn’t aware he was holding escape him, kissing you deeper, passion flooding from his lips and against your own.
It pains him to pull away from you, but he doesn’t stray far, his lips still brushing against yours as his eyes are back on yours, clarifying to you that his eyes have always been telling you what he has never been able to say in a breath against your lips, “I Love You.”
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A/N: So THAT was his secret huh, I have the BIGGEST headcanon that he refuses to ever ever ever say I love you, and a situation like this is the ONLY way to get him to actually admit he could god forbid care for another person. Anyway I wrote this in a more… formal? style than I normally do bc my usual snarky inner dialogues didn’t really fit the vibes here, so I went balls to the walls with the fancy speak lmfao. I hope you enjoyed!!
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oumaimas · 8 months ago
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June Jordan, I Must Become a Menace to my Enemies
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minziemoon · 2 months ago
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Life Series Rare Pairs I Wanna See More Of
Inspired by everyone else on my tl posting their dream team lineups for a life series season, I decided to do my own by thinking of the most random combinations I can imagine that would be entertaining to witness. Some of these are gonna be more detailed, some are just for vibes, and some for shits and giggles. Also I haven't watched every single pov of every single series, and I have the memory of a goldfish sometimes, so forgive me if these aren't all THAT rare. 🙏
1. Cleo + Jimmy
- This duo materialized itself in my brain after a random wild life episode from Jimmy's pov where he had a near death experience and ran to Cleo for comfort. It's occupied a lil corner of my brain ever since.
- I think Jimmy would really benefit from someone like Cleo on his side. Someone who you know you can rely on and come back to whenever you're in need of help. Unless you betray them, Cleo is such a good teammate and has a mom/older sibling feeling to her.
- I can imagine she'd spend half the season convincing Jimmy not to go poking fun at ppl and making enemies, only for her to snap once someone kills her unjustly and goes on to commit arson apon half the server. Then the roles would switch.
2. Gem + BigB
- The difference between Cleo and Jimmy's paragraphs to these two... I told yall some of them are just fueled by the potential of vibes.
- I have no clue how these two would function together. They barely even interact. But that's exactly why I want them together!!!
- I feel like they'd be really wholesome. Knowing Gem she'd bring out the best in him... but I also feel like B would once again betray or back stab her in some way. Either way I've become too curious and invested now.
3. Grian + Pearl
- The fact that the skyblings themselves are a rare pair nowadays is concerning. They don't interact NEARLY enough. The amount of wasted potential is to cry about.
- I feel like they'd be all up in other ppl's business. If Pearl were to turn red before Grian, I think he'd have the same dynamic with her like with red lifer Scar in 3rd life, supporting and encouraging her crimes from afar, really birthing another menace on the server.
- They'd have the time of their lives while red together and I'd be SEATED.
4. Mumbo + Tango
- One episode they're the most miserable wet cats on the map, the next their trap kills half the server. Their fate as a duo would be a gamble.
- Idk if their combined brain power would cancel each other out or multiple. Most likely cancel out. Because putting an uncontrolable nervous wreck with the ticking timebomb of unhingness CAN NOT turn out positive.
- Still, it would be SO entertaining and probably make for funny quotes.
5. Lizzie + Bdubs
- It felt like my brain glitched a lil when remembering these two.
- I feel like they'd be weirdly wholesome?? Like they wouldn't stress each other out. Maybe Bdubs' vocal coards could finally catch a break from yelling every episode. Also lowkey feel like he'd try his best to protect her.
- Pls Watchers, let them build some cute cotteges in the woods somewhere in peace 🙏
6. Ren + Scar
- Ik they aren't THAT rare to see together, but the fact that they've never been close to teaming before is astonishing to me.
- If Scar doesn't turn Ren's thing with Martyn into a love triangle by the end of the season, no one else ever will. The Red Winter would rise once again, but with two kings this time.
- I just wanna see theater kids have fun, okay? Sue me if you must. Martyn can join in too I would not mind in the slightest.
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theetherealbloom · 3 months ago
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IF THERE'S NOTHING LEFT - CH.4
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Chapter Four: No Man Is An Island, There's Shipwrecks And Sirens
Summary: You, a skilled healer, are brought to Rome by Senator Gracchus under the pretense of treating gladiators and Roman elites. You work with General Marcus Acacius to fight against the cruel reign of the twin emperors. Through danger and shared hope, your connection becomes a source of strength as you both dream of freeing Rome.
Paring: General Marcus Acacius x F!Reader
Warnings: 18+ Minors DNI, ANGST, Fluff, SMUT, Age-Gap(ish), Ancient Rome, Canon-Typical Violence, Gladiators, Blood, Gore, Romance, Politics, Alternate Universe, Eventual SMUT, Slavery, Sexism, Misogyny, Guilt, PTSD, Rebellion, Empires, (Very Light) Strangers-to-Enemies-to-Friends-to-Lovers, Crowds, Shouting, Animals, Duels, Loose Historical Fiction, Kissing, Torture, Threats, 
Word Count: 4.1k
A/N:  Well, shit, this is probably one of the more difficult chapters I’ve ever had to write. Why is it, that directors look at Pedro Pascal and go, “Hrm, let’s murder his character!” LIKE HELLO??? LET HIM LIVE???? Anyways, I know it’s a short chapter, but we’re halfway through the movie so wish me luck writing the rest of this! T^T
Side note: I’m dyslexic and English isn’t my first language! So I apologize in advance for the spelling and/or grammatical errors. As always, reblogs, comments, and likes are always appreciated. Thank you and happy reading!
Song: hunter by Paris Paloma
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TRAINING GROUND, COLOSSEUM — DAY
As a healer, you’re no stranger to witnessing pain and cruelty, though it never gets easier. Especially not here, in the heart of Rome's unforgiving Colosseum, where strength is tested, and humanity is often discarded.  
The midday sun bore down on the training ground, casting long, harsh shadows over the gladiators. Your eyes fixed on Lucius—Hanno, as they called him now—pulling his oars under the relentless gaze of Viggo. The overseer loomed, his figure dark and menacing against the brightness, as though the sun itself shied away from illuminating his cruelty.  
Lucius, despite the strain visible in every muscle of his body, offered a smirk sharp enough to cut through the tension. “We will not get far like this,” he quipped, his defiance a flicker of hope against the grinding despair around him.  
Viggo’s response was swift. He raised his hand, silencing the rowers with a mere gesture. The command came like the crack of a whip: “Just him.”  
You watched, your heart sinking, as Lucius was left alone to man the colossal oar. The weight of three men now fell upon him, and the sound of the grinding logs echoed through the dust-heavy air. Yet even as Viggo reveled in his cruelty, the other gladiators exchanged glances—silent, simmering solidarity with Lucius.  
Viggo, sensing the shift, barked another order. “Take them away. Leave him here.”  
As the others were herded off, you stood frozen, the healer's instinct to intervene warring with the dangerous knowledge of your limits. Your hands clenched into fists at your sides as Lucius labored alone, the weight of his chains mirrored in the ache in your chest.  
Ever since losing your parents, grief had become an unwelcome but constant companion. It arrived in waves—sometimes subtle, sometimes overwhelming. This moment, watching Lucius endure, felt like another tide rolling in.  
But you had learned one thing from grief: it demanded preparation. You turned, making your way toward Ravi under the guise of rearranging your supplies. Bending low, you whispered, “Gather the rebels. Quietly. Every ally who dares to dream of a better Rome. If Marcus’ plan falters, we must be ready.”  
Ravi gave a nearly imperceptible nod, his expression one of grim understanding.  
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TRAINING GROUND, COLOSSEUM — NIGHT  
The scorching heat of the day had given way to a quiet, stifling night, the kind where every shadow seemed to hold its breath. The training ground was eerily still, the only sounds the faint rustle of the wind and the distant hum of the city.  
Lucius lay slumped over the oars, his body unmoving save for the shallow rise and fall of his chest. The chains binding him to the machine glinted faintly in the moonlight, a cruel reminder of his captivity.  
You and Ravi approached cautiously, your footsteps muffled by the dirt. Ravi was the first to break the silence, his voice low but warm, meant to soothe rather than startle. “Ah! Ah! It’s just vinegar, my friend,” he murmured as Lucius stirred awake with a sharp intake of breath, his hand instinctively clutching at his wrist. “There will be no more opium for you.”  
Lucius blinked, his gaze flitting between you and Ravi as understanding slowly dawned. The tension in his shoulders eased, though the exhaustion in his eyes remained heavy, almost unbearable to witness.  
Ravi clicked his tongue, settling himself beside Lucius with an air of practiced calm. “There’s plenty of pain waiting for you in the next life, my friend. You don’t have to be so greedy for it in this one.”  
Lucius let out a short laugh, but even that cost him. He winced as his ribs protested, slumping back against the oars. “Are you a free man, Ravi?” he asked, his voice tinged with irony.  
Ravi chuckled, though the sound carried a note of bitterness. “Free. Huh. I am,” he said, his tone contemplative. “I laid down my sword and swore I’d never pick it up again.”  
As you set down a few vials beside your seat, you couldn’t help but smile faintly at Ravi’s words. Lucius turned his gaze to you then, his eyes sharper now despite his weariness. “And you?” he asked, your name slipping from his lips like a question he’d pondered long before this moment. “Are you free, my lady?”  
His question hit deeper than you expected. Your jaw clenched, the ache spreading to your temples as you fought the instinctive bitterness in your tone. “A free woman of Rome is unheard of,” you replied, your voice low but steady. “If so, this freedom tastes like ashes. This is who we are—a product of war.”  
Lucius’s eyes lingered on you, searching for something unspoken in your answer. Then he shifted his attention, addressing you both. “And yet you remain in this hell? Where was your home before?”  
Ravi spoke first, his voice calm but tinged with longing. “Varanasi,” he said simply, shrugging as if that one word carried the weight of an entire world.  
You worked silently, pouring a tincture over Lucius’s knuckles. He winced, his sharp intake of breath breaking the stillness. As you tended to him, Ravi continued, his voice softening. “I wish I could — I met a woman.”  
Lucius gave a dry laugh, his lips curling despite his pain. “Always a woman.”  
Ravi smiled faintly, the memory brightening his face. “From Londinium, in Britannia. Our boys speak only Latin now. My daughter’s eyes are as blue as yours. We are Romans, through and through.”  
Lucius smiled at that, a wistful expression passing over his face. He gazed off into the distance, his voice soft as he said, “I grew up hearing stories at my grandfather’s knee. He used to talk about the dream that was Rome.”  
You leaned in slightly, your voice quiet, almost reverent. “And what was this dream?”  
Lucius’s smile turned fond, his words carrying the weight of something fragile, something precious. “A Rome where all would live under fair law. Where everyone would be protected. A Rome for the senate… a Rome of hope.” He paused, then added, almost to himself, “It was so delicate, you could only whisper it. Say it too loud, and it would vanish.”  
Ravi muttered under his breath, a flicker of admiration in his tone. “Your grandfather sounds like a dangerous man.”  
Lucius chuckled softly, though the sound was tinged with pain. He met Ravi’s gaze, the exhaustion giving way to determination. “The odds are against you,” Ravi said, his voice serious.  
Lucius smirked, his spirit unbroken. “The odds are always against me. Don’t worry, old man.”  
Ravi clicked his tongue, shaking his head as he stood. “You must rest. Your men will need you to lead them tomorrow.”  
You packed your vials in silence, your fingers lingering on the edge of Lucius’s hand for the briefest moment before pulling away. “Take care,” you said softly, your voice carrying all the unspoken worry and hope you couldn’t put into words.  
Lucius nodded, his eyes lingering on you as you and Ravi turned to leave. The night swallowed your footsteps, leaving him alone once more under the watchful gaze of the moon.
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THE COLOSSEUM — DAY  
The sun blazed mercilessly overhead, its light glinting off the azure water that now filled the Colosseum floor. The transformation of the Arena into a vast, shimmering sea was nothing short of breathtaking. Sculpted stone heads lining the walls spouted streams of water, feeding the artificial ocean below, while the scent of salt and damp stone hung in the air.  
You stood alongside Ravi in the shadows of the grandstands, both of you tense and watchful. The Master of Ceremonies’ voice boomed over the amphitheater, amplified by the natural acoustics, “Today we re-live the Battle of Salamis! The Trojans versus the Persians!”  
The crowd erupted in cheers, their voices blending with the pounding of war drums and the triumphant blare of trumpets. Two ships, one from the North gate and the other from the South, emerged into view. The Roman vessel, manned by Centurions dressed in gleaming Athenian garb, glided gracefully through the water. Opposite them, the “Barbarian” ship teetered under its mismatched crew of gladiators.  
From her place in the Royal Box, Lucilla leaned forward, her sharp gaze scanning the ranks of the so-called Barbarians. You followed her line of sight, your heart in your throat. Every gladiator bore the same garb, making them indistinguishable, but you knew who she sought.  
Your breath hitched as the Roman ship unleashed its first volley of flaming arrows. They arced through the air like fiery serpents, their impacts devastating. The sails of the Barbarian ship caught fire, flames licking hungrily at the rigging. The gladiators scrambled, raising shields against the onslaught, but the damage was done.  
“Look at them,” Ravi murmured beside you, his voice tight. “Fighting tooth and nail for survival while the crowd drinks and cheers.”  
You barely heard him, your attention fixed on the unfolding chaos. Lucius was at the helm of the Barbarian ship, his jaw set in determination. Under his command, the crew moved like a singular force, cutting the burning rigging loose and tossing it into the water. Below, tiger sharks circled like phantoms, their sleek bodies slicing through the blue in search of prey.  
“He’s going to ram them,” you whispered, your nails digging into the railing.  
Lucius steered his vessel with unflinching precision. At the last moment, instead of colliding head-on, he veered sharply alongside the Roman ship, splintering their oars with a sickening crunch. The Barbarian ship swung around, grappling hooks flying as the gladiators pulled the two vessels together.  
And then chaos erupted.  
The battle was a storm of clashing swords and cries of pain. Lucius led the charge, every inch the commander he had been born to be. He moved through the melee with calculated ferocity, cutting down his enemies with swift, precise strikes. You couldn't take your eyes off him, your heart pounding with every close call.  
Amid the chaos, a Roman archer fell, his loaded crossbow skittering across the deck. Lucius’s sharp eyes landed on it, but as he moved to claim it, a Centurion tackled him, nearly dragging them both into the water. Lucius grabbed the rail, holding on for dear life as the Centurion slipped, his leg plunging into the water below. A tiger shark struck with terrifying speed, dragging the soldier down in a swirl of blood.  
The water churned red as the sharks, drawn by the carnage, slammed against the hulls in a frenzy. The crowd roared, drunk on the spectacle of blood and death.  
Lucius pulled himself back aboard, his movements frantic yet purposeful. His men had seized control of the Roman ship, but there was no time to celebrate. Smoke and the acrid scent of burning wood filled the air as the two vessels began drifting dangerously close to the Royal Box.  
And then you saw it—the loaded crossbow, still lying on the deck.  
Lucius moved fast, his eyes narrowing against the haze. He picked up the weapon, turning it toward the Royal Box. Your heart stopped as his aim shifted, the crossbow trained on a figure emerging from the smoke—General Acacius.  
“No,” you whispered, the word caught in your throat.  
Before you could cry out, Lucilla stepped into view, her presence obscuring Acacius. Lucius hesitated, his finger hovering over the trigger. His eyes met hers, recognition flickering in his gaze.  
And then the arrow released.  
The crowd gasped collectively as the bolt sailed through the air, narrowly missing Lucilla. It struck the gilded post of Geta’s throne, quivering there like a harbinger of doom.  
Geta shot to his feet, his face twisted in rage. “Praetorians! Where are the Praetorians?!” he bellowed, his voice cracking with fury.  
Caracalla squealed in terror, clutching at his robes as the guards swarmed in to shield the Emperors. Lucilla, however, remained frozen, her face pale as she stared down at the deck of the Barbarian ship.  
“Lucilla!” Acacius’s voice cut through the chaos as he grabbed her arm, trying to pull her away.  
But she didn’t move. Her eyes were fixed on Lucius, and you could see the guilt settling over her like a shroud.
The crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and boos as the Master of Ceremonies, clearly shaken, declared, “In the name of the Emperors! Victory has been declared to Hanno!”  
The crowd roared, their frenzied cheers and applause rising like a deafening tide, echoing off the Colosseum’s ancient walls. On the deck of the Barbarian ship, Lucius stood motionless, the crossbow slipping from his hands to clatter against the damp wood. His expression was a mask of stoic calm, but the tension in his jaw betrayed the storm raging within him.  
You released a breath you hadn’t realized you’d been holding, your chest heaving as the adrenaline drained from your body. The railing beneath your hands was slick with sweat, and you forced yourself to loosen your white-knuckled grip.  
Beside you, Ravi shook his head, his brow furrowed with deep concern. “Oh gods have mercy,” he muttered, his voice a fragile thread against the roar of the crowd’s drunken jubilation.  
You didn’t respond immediately, your gaze fixed on Lucius as he stood on the deck of the Barbarian ship. His shoulders were stiff, his chin lifted in a defiance that made your heart ache. From this distance, you couldn’t see his expression clearly, but you didn’t need to. The tension radiating from him was unmistakable. Your chest tightened painfully, a familiar ache settling low in your stomach—a forewarning, a visceral instinct honed by years of navigating Rome’s treacherous politics.  
The crowd’s cheers and jeers blurred into white noise as you turned to Ravi, your voice low but resolute. “We must prepare. Immediately.”  
Ravi’s head snapped toward you, his dark eyes wide with disbelief. “Prepare? Now? For what? This could mean the end for him—or for all of us.”  
You stepped back into the shadows, your movements deliberate despite the thunderous rhythm of your heartbeat. “If Macrinus knows... if he even suspects...” Your words faltered, the unspoken weight of what could follow hanging heavy in the air.  
Ravi’s jaw tightened, his usual humor replaced by grim understanding. “Do you think Macrinus will act?”  
You swallowed the bitterness rising in your throat and nodded. “Yes.”  
Ravi hesitated before asking, “What of Lucilla and your beloved Acacius?”  
Your breath caught at the mention of Acacius, but you quickly steadied yourself, masking the fleeting crack in your composure. “There is a plan for tonight,” you said softly. “I trust Acacius and offer prayers to the gods that all will unfold as intended. But still...” Your voice faltered, dropping to a near-whisper, heavy with unspoken fears. “I cannot silence the thought that something may yet go awry.”
Ravi’s expression softened as he took a step closer. “I understand... but what of you?”  
“What?” you asked, confused by the shift in his tone.  
“They could kill you!” Ravi’s voice rose, tinged with genuine fear.  
You turned your gaze toward the Royal Box, where the twin Emperors had lounged in decadent arrogance, and narrowed your eyes. “If I was easy to kill, they would have done it already.”  
Ravi sighed, his hands flexing at his sides. “You’re brave to a fault. Just... don’t let it be your undoing.”  
You didn’t answer, your attention already shifting back to Lucius as he stepped forward, his silhouette sharp against the golden glow of the torches. The ache in your chest deepened, but there was no time for hesitation.  
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THRAEX MANSION — DAY
The air in the corridor was suffocating, the shadows thick as you crept silently along the edge of the room. Your palms pressed against the cold stone pillar, and your breath hitched as you heard the rumble of a carriage pulling to a halt outside.  
The door to the mansion creaked open, and Macrinus stepped inside with a swagger that made your stomach churn. Viggo followed close behind, a shadow to his master’s menace. Macrinus scanned the lavish room with the casual arrogance of someone who already considered it his.  
“What are you doing here?” Thraex stammered, stepping forward with a nervous bow. His pale face and trembling hands betrayed his fear.  
Macrinus sneered. “This house is mine now. Your debt is over ten thousand denarii.”  
Thraex’s lips parted in a desperate attempt to argue. “I have other things. Cattle. Art.”  
Macrinus let out a sharp laugh, his grin wolfish. “You offer me beef and paint? Oh, Thraex.”  
The desperation in Thraex’s voice was palpable. “Slaves then. Or... what do you want?”  
Macrinus tilted his head, feigning surprise. “What do I want?” He toyed with the words, each syllable dripping with mockery. “Well, there is... I could... there might always be... you could…” He paused, his grin widening. “Truth.”  
Your heart sank, a sickening dread twisting in your stomach.  
Thraex blinked rapidly, uncomprehending.  
“Nothing happens in Rome without Thraex’s knowledge,” Macrinus continued smoothly, his tone turning sinister. “You have the Senate’s trust. You have Lucilla’s trust.”  
Thraex visibly faltered. “You wish my loyalty?”  
“I wish your house,” Macrinus said, his eyes gleaming. “It is a nice house. But I will take only your loyalty if that loyalty has worth.”  
The silence that followed was deafening.  
Finally, Thraex’s shoulders slumped, his voice trembling. “I have heard of a... plot. To dethrone the Emperors. But the plan has been... delayed. A gladiator is to be rescued from the arena. Tonight. I know not why—”  
Macrinus’s smile was slow and cruel, satisfaction etched into every line of his face. “I know why. And I know who.”  
Your breath caught, panic surging through you.  
Macrinus turned sharply, signaling Viggo to follow, and they exited the mansion with the same arrogance they’d entered.  
You didn’t wait for them to disappear completely. Heart pounding, you slipped through the shadows and out the back, your mind racing. Every step you took echoed the single thought that now consumed you.  
You had to warn them. You had to warn him.
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THE COLOSSEUM — NIGHT
The Colosseum loomed in the moonlight, its ancient stones shrouded in darkness. Faint torchlight flickered from the guards stationed outside the main gate, their silhouettes rigid against the eerie stillness of the empty streets. A stray dog sniffed along the gutter, and a beggar pleaded with a soldier, his voice hoarse with desperation.  
"Move along," the guard barked, his tone merciless. When the beggar hesitated, the soldier lashed out with his spear shaft, sending the man sprawling into the dirt.  
The sharp hiss of an arrow sliced through the quiet. A heartbeat later, the guard collapsed, clutching at his throat, blood bubbling through his fingers as he crumpled to the ground.  
From the shadows, a dozen cloaked figures emerged like wraiths, their movements fluid and silent. The leader stepped over the fallen guard without hesitation, gesturing for the others to follow. They disappeared into the Colosseum's labyrinthine tunnels, leaving behind only the faint echo of their footsteps.  
Inside, the corridors were a maze of flickering shadows and ancient stone. Arrows whispered through the air, finding their marks in unsuspecting guards. Silent blades cut through flesh, spilling lifeblood onto the cold floors. The mission was executed with precision—swift, methodical, and deadly.  
You hurried through the tunnels, heart pounding in your chest as the muffled sounds of combat reached your ears. The smell of blood and damp stone thickened the air. Turning a corner, you froze, your stomach sinking.  
A hundred Praetorians flooded the chamber, their polished armor gleaming faintly in the dim light. They outnumbered Acacius’s elite unit ten to one. Above, archers lined the high platforms, their bows drawn taut, ready to rain death on those below.  
The chaos erupted in a blur of steel and blood. Arrows flew, striking their targets with deadly precision. Acacius’s men fell one by one, their cloaked forms crumpling to the ground. Your breath hitched as the last of them collapsed, leaving a single figure standing amidst the carnage.  
Acacius.  
His hood had fallen back, revealing his face—stone-set, jaw clenched, eyes burning with defiance. His chest heaved, his sword slick with blood, as he stared down the Praetorians who surrounded him.  
You stepped forward, intent on reaching him, when a rough hand seized your arm. A cold blade pressed against your throat, and you froze.  
“Don’t move,” the Praetorian hissed, his grip tightening painfully.  
Acacius’s gaze snapped to you, his expression twisting into something feral. “Let her go!” he roared, his voice echoing through the chamber. “She has nothing to do with this!”  
The sword bit into your skin just enough to sting, and you winced, swallowing back the sharp cry that threatened to escape. Acacius’s knuckles whitened around the hilt of his sword, his body coiled with tension.  
"Nothing to do with this?" The Praetorian sneered, dragging you a step closer. "She's here, isn’t she? Seems she has everything to do with this."  
You met Acacius’s gaze, your eyes pleading yet resolute. “Don’t—” you began, your voice trembling.  
“Enough!” Acacius barked, cutting you off. His voice cracked under the weight of his fury and despair. “I’ll do whatever you want—just let her go!”  
The Praetorian chuckled darkly, his blade still at your throat. “Surrendering so easily, Acacius? I expected more from the great General.”  
“Your fight is with me,” Acacius growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Not her. If you harm her, I swear by the gods—”  
But he faltered, his voice breaking. This wasn’t a battlefield where he could dictate the terms. This was a trap, and he had walked right into it. And now you were paying the price.  
You locked eyes with him, and in that moment, words weren’t necessary. The anguish in his gaze mirrored your own, a silent promise lingering between you: no matter what happened, you would not abandon each other.  
“Marcus,” you whispered, your voice soft yet steady. “Don’t let them win. Not like this.”  
The Praetorian’s grip on you tightened, but Acacius took a deliberate step forward, his sword lowering slightly. His voice was raw when he spoke again, barely louder than a whisper. “Please,” he said, his plea directed to the man holding you. “Let her go. I’ll give you whatever you want. My life for hers.”  
Time hung heavy in the air, each second dragging like chains across stone. The Praetorian hesitated, the indecision etched on his face like cracks in brittle armor, and the tension pressed down like the oppressive heat of a forge.  
In that fraught moment, a glimmer sparked in Acacius’s eyes—a fragile ember of hope, flickering against the darkness. You held onto it with every ounce of strength you had, even as the blade at your throat remained an unyielding promise of how swiftly that ember could be snuffed out.  
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thedinanshiral · 7 months ago
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Inside you there are two wolves..
I recently made a tweet simply sharing a fraction of my thoughts on the Solavellan motif of wolf&halla. I decided to expand on it here.
I never adhered to the whole wolf/halla Solavellan thing. That dynamic is simply not for me, not with them. I think Solas is more likely to fall for an equal; even if Lavellan technically isn't, she's definitely the closest he's met in a thousand years. She's the white wolf [in his romanced tarot card] Adding to this, he respects her opinion and counsel, she inadvertently may help him make up his mind about what he'll do next (woops) aka giving him purpose, and she can also vow to save him from himself. She's both his guide and guardian. This is his romanced card for a reason.
I can understand why many people may like to frame Solavellan in the wolf&halla motif. He's an ancient elvhen, she's literally thousands of years younger than him. He's wise beyond her imagination and she knows by comparison basically nothing of their own history. He's the deciever and she's the deceived. The predator/prey dynamic is right there, at first.
Solas is a proud man, one may argue even arrogant, but he's also a serious man, focused, disciplined, he wouldn't fall for just anyone, he wouldn't open his heart to someone he may consider lesser even in the slightest. While he refused to acknowledge present elves as people and maybe thought of them as little else than a bad dream he had to wake up from at any cost, Lavellan earned his trust, his respect and admiration, through her actions, her own "indomitable focus", and by showing him the respect and admiration other Dalish denied him on sight. She gave him hope for the future of his people and that must have been priceless, she literally changed his whole world.
At that point there was no hunting, no preying, no seeing Lavellan as another chesspiece on the board, even if she couldn't be allowed to be anything else. She defied all his preconceptions and rendered him vulnerable. Their relationship is consensual, up to a certain point it ends when Lavellan says it ends, he doesn't pursue further if rejected. Actually, it's Lavellan who pursues him most of the time, why isn't Solas the halla here? He's the one being chased!
Lavellan is a wolf too, the white wolf.
The Exalted Plains has shrines to Fen'harel, one in particular is flanked by two wolf figures, one white and the other black. His dual nature is always present; in Dalish lore he's despised as the betrayer but also revered and his favour still sought after. As the Dreadwolf he was both friend and enemy to the people, depending on which side they were on. He's prideful but can also be crushingly selfless.
I really like this shrine because of these statues
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The white and black wolves also appear in his tarot cards.
When he falls for Lavellan, he's locked in for good; even as he ends the relationship before even giving it a name, his card changes to his romanced one, and there's no going back. Lavellan can't undo it, he won't even though he's the one insisting their love can not be. But it is, and it is for life. Wolves mate for life. This immediately tells me Lavellan is also a wolf, and she's represented in his romanced card as the white one.
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At the forefront, walking next to him, watching, guarding him. Colours are light, golden, the scene is calm, serene.
If he's never romanced then the other card of his give us a very different image:
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His shadow becomes a giant black wolf that towers over him, right behind him, leaning forward almost as if about to engluf him, consume him. This is possibly a representation of his Dinan'shiral, and more clearly of his Dreadwolf aspect. He's set himself on a journey he can not stop and from which he can not return.
Interestingly enough there's an alternative version of this card that was discarded:
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In it his head isn't covered by a hood, he carries no staff and there is no moon. The menacing wolf haunting him remains the same.
While the black wolf walks behind him, the white wolf walks beside him. He considers Lavellan his equal, even in all their differences. While the black wolf seems about to consume him, the white wolf is guarding him, staring at the viewer as if asying "Do not dare disturb his peace". He knows she'd do anything to protect him out of love even as he's decided to destroy himself out of love for his people (and tons upon tons of guilt).
Lavellan made him vulnerable in a way he had not foreseen and so he had no defenses against that love. I strongly believe only a romanced Lavellan can change his mind, at the very least make him doubt at the last moment. As much as he respects and appreciates a friend Inquisitor, it simply isnt' the same. Lavellan is to him a light so bright he had to force himself to look away lest he became blind and lost in it.
I remember people were puzzled at first, why if his romanced card is The Hierophant it had almost all elements of The Fool? There's two simple reasons i can think of. First of all, he's a fool in love. Falling in love with Lavellan is probably the stupidest thing he's done since he woke up, considering he's on a suicide mission to end her world. But that he did speaks of trust, opened up possibilities he hadn't imagined, Lavellan's innocence was contagious and powerful enough that he really had to struggle to turn away from her.
At the same time, the Hierophant is a teacher of tradition, which really had been his role all throughout Inquisition, and the last thing he does before cutting the romance was share more of that lost knowledge to Lavellan, the truth of the vallaslin.
Solas' romanced card is two cards combined referencing multiple aspects of their character and relationship, and we could also consider the Fool to be Lavellan, because the defining element in the card design that can make people wonder which card is it is the white wolf. She's the fool mortal that fell for a god, she's the Keeper who fell for Fen'harel, and she didn't know it until it was too late.
As for his final card, The Tower, it doesn't necessarily have to be so terrible. Much like Death, The Tower is about change. The end of the old to allow for the new, and changes can be positive or negative, they can be gentle or earth-shattering. In Solas' case we know he's aiming for the resurgence of the world he knew by destroying the one he inadvertently created when he put up the Veil, but this card may also symbolize the destruction of all his preconceptions and ideas, the realization that the world he knew was gone and another strange one he couldn't accept had taken its place, the symbolic death of a part of himself as he changed in his time with the Inquisition.
I imagine the white wolf represents his soul, in a way, the thing by which he may be redeemed. And that is Lavellan. No halla, but a wolf that's been tracking him for years, hunting him down to stop him because she and she alone has the power to do so. And he's been running away from her for as many years because he knows this even better than she does, he knows she's his last remaning weakness, the one that makes him vulnerable enough to break his resolve because in the end hers is stronger.
I really don't think he'd be capable of harming Lavellan, and if he does i feel it would drive him mad and cause him to lose whatever control he'd have left. He'd lose his light, his soul, his heart, leaving behind only the shadows. He chose to leave rather than take Lavellan out of the equation here and that tells me he can't bring himself to do it, it's too late now, he feels too much for her.
Now I'm extra curious and anxious to see what role the Inquisitor will play in The Veilguard, if they'll meet Solas again, what effect that would have on both of them.
And I hope neither tries to do something stupid..
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hana-no-seiiki · 2 years ago
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Hello! I hope you are doing well, I have an idea, feel free to ignore but I hope you like it.
Yandere Male Deliquent x GN Ex Bully
Like he tried to make them explode and being their “true self”, because in the past, when they were younger, they defend him and he became a delinquent just to see them again.
Sorry if my English is bad.
Bye!
YAN! DELINQUENT OC x GN! EX BULLY! READER
Also your English great anon! Dw about it.
AAAAAAA I’ve meaning to do more Yan! Delinquent recently anon!! You read my mind. For those new to my account. I already have a Yan! Delinquent OC named Mori Ban (see tag: hns.moriban) who was the first to really blow up from my yan! ocs. I always loved this trope with yan stories hhh
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tw/cw: DDNE, mention extreme bullying, assault, and harassment. (brought out my trauma for this one). i imagine reader to be amab/masc for this one but there are no explicits allusions to that.
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Uttering the name [L/N] [Y/N] was enough to strike fear in the hearts of men. Literally and figuratively speaking, your voice was enough to make even the highest of authorities piss their pants. Not only were you capable of destroying a person’s physical body with your very own hands, you were able to dismantle everything from their relationships and reputation to their financial situations in life.
People predicted you to grow up and become an even more menacing, ruthless person. You had the potential, and with the way you were it was simply the natural trajectory.
But like you always did, you broke everyone’s expectations.
You were like the delinquent version Serena Van Der Woodsen. Mindlessly strutting in as if you hadn’t put several companies to bankruptcy because the owner’s kid looked at you the wrong way. Nonchalantly eating your lunch in the same vicinity of your old victims as if you hadn’t shoved their face into the toilet as a way to pass time. Cheerfully waving at the student council president as if you hadn’t constantly blackmailed and assaulted them for several years just so they’d do your homework and projects. No one was safe from you. You had no code. As long as you felt like it, any life could be destroyed.
Standing opposite to your current path was Mori.
He used to be the punching bag of your lesser goons. Known for being weak and poor, only good for his academic excellence.
He grew up to be almost as fearsome than you. Where-areas you were coldblooded, revelling in the pain you brought upon others. He was a lot more morally guided. Sure, his enemies often suffered worse fates physically, but he wasn’t like you in the way he picked his battles. He only brought hell to those that deserved it. Those that hurt other people first.
And then there was the way he treated you.
You technically belonged to the category he dealt with. You ruined dozens, maybe even hundreds or thousands of lives in a whim. You were the devil in a pretty suit of skin. Despite your lack of hostility nowadays, you never apologised or took accountability, never attempted to atone for your mistakes. The only reason why others haven’t confronted you about it was because of fear. They didn’t want to potentially anger you and set off a bomb.
But Mori? Mori could handle you.
After all, he dedicated his whole life to being your equal; serving you, aiding you.
In fact, he was just so disappointed to see you this way. All disgustingly docile and horridly disciplined. What kind of monster tamed you to be like this? Mori chuckled at the thought. No one but him can match you. You must have started behaving yourself for the sake of appearance. All of this was just a façade. If you had truly changed you would have begged for forgiveness to those you’ve wronged. If you had become a better person then you wouldn’t be discreetly glaring at him when you thought he wasn’t looking.
If someone had truly taught you to be a goody-two-shoes he would have killed them ages ago.
“Hey, [N/N]. Sweetheart. How ya doin?” Mori leaned forward. He grew to be quite a ways taller than you and had to lean over to meet you face to face. Much to your chagrin.
“Fine. It’s so nice of you to ask Ban. If you’ll excuse me.” You adeptly moved to the side. You had dealt with this man-child several times throughout the semester already and knew to just avoid him at all costs lest you lose braincells and precious energy talking to him.
However, you could only take two steps before his hands grappled unto your wrist.
“Woah woah woah there. We’re not done yet.”
You don’t look back, and firmly yet calmly stated, “Yes, we are.”
“It’s a little late but we have yet to give you a homecoming party. That wouldn’t be fair for the great [Y/N].”
You turned back. Eyes wide, not of surprise or anger, but from sheer awe of this man’s audacity.
“I know what you want, and you’re not getting it from me right now.” You scowled at his beautiful pink eyes and effortlessly yanked your arm away from him. You didn’t know it yet back then,
but you had already lit the match.
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©️ hana.no.seiiki - yun | 2023
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moribondslut · 5 months ago
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hey you, you're way ahead of me, you're drunk on apathy
hey you, so bored and cynical. it's fucking wonderful they sold you out! and, oh, they've bought and sold it all it's gone! they've taken it and built a mall! and now they're playing your song!
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rose24207 · 3 months ago
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Web of feelings
Summary: When Spider-Girl is dosed with a love potion and falls for her enemy, the Prowler, he must fight to undo the chaos while questioning if this fake love could ever become real.
Genre: fluff, humor, angst if you squint
TW: under the influence of a love potion, fighting
A/N: tell me how you feel about these types of stories! English is not my first language. I hope you enjoy it though! Requests are open and welcome!
Masterlist
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Brooklyn was never quiet—not for Spider-Girl, and definitely not for the Prowler. You’d been chasing rumors of a villain called Alchemy, some mad scientist type who’d been dosing unsuspecting people with potions to wreak emotional havoc. It sounded like a bizarre nightmare.
You weren’t exactly thrilled when the trail led you to a dimly lit warehouse on the edge of town, but that wasn’t the worst part.
No, the worst part was the claws that nearly took your head off the moment you landed.
“Seriously?” you hissed, flipping out of range and landing on a rafter. “Do you have a tracker on me or something?”
Below, the Prowler straightened up, claws retracting momentarily. His purple mask glinted under the flickering light. “Not everything’s about you, Spider,” he drawled, though his distorted voice made it sound more menacing than smug.
“You sure about that?” you quipped. “Because the last five times I’ve been out here playing hero, you’ve been right behind me like some creep.”
“Maybe you’re just predictable.”
“Maybe you’re just annoying.”
The banter was cut short when the floor rattled beneath you. You both froze, attention snapping to the back of the warehouse where shelves of vials shimmered in faint light.
You and the Prowler moved at the same time, rushing toward the shelves. You weren’t sure what Alchemy had cooked up, but you didn’t want him getting away with any of it.
“Stay out of my way!” you snapped, shooting a web toward the vials.
“Not happening,” he retorted, slashing through the web with his claws.
“Oh, come on!”
You lunged at him, but he dodged with ease, spinning to swipe at you. The two of you moved in a deadly dance, dodging and countering with practiced precision. It might’ve been impressive if it wasn’t so frustrating.
“Do you ever get tired of being a pain in my—”
Your words were cut off as your foot slipped on something slick. You barely had time to process the shattered vial beneath you before a cloud of pink mist enveloped your face.
“Great,” you muttered, coughing as the world spun around you. “What now?”
When your vision cleared, the first thing you saw was the Prowler standing above you, claws raised.
But instead of feeling your usual surge of annoyance, something else hit you—something stronger, warmer, and completely inexplicable.
“Wow,” you breathed.
The Prowler hesitated. “What?”
“You’re... gorgeous.”
He froze, his claws lowering slightly. “What did you just say?”
“I mean it.” You pushed yourself up, brushing rubble off your suit. “Why didn’t I notice it before? The way you move, the way you fight—ugh, it’s like poetry in motion.”
He took a step back, his claws retracting completely. “Okay, what the hell is wrong with you?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” you said dreamily, tilting your head. “You’re just... amazing.”
“This has to be a joke,” he muttered, pacing away from you.
“It’s not a joke,” you insisted, following him. “Why do we have to fight? We could be partners—no, more than that. We could be everything.”
The Prowler spun around, holding up a hand to stop you. “Nope. Nope. Nope. This is not happening.”
“But it is happening,” you said, stepping closer.
“Stay back,” he warned, pointing at you.
“Or what?” You grinned, your voice dropping into a teasing tone. “You’ll sweep me off my feet?”
Before he could answer, a laugh echoed through the warehouse.
“Oh, this is better than I imagined,” Alchemy said, stepping out from the shadows.
Miles turned toward him with a growl. “You. Fix this. Now.”
“Fix it?” Alchemy asked, feigning offense. “Why would I ruin such a masterpiece? Spider-Girl and the Prowler—Brooklyn’s newest power couple!”
“You’ve got ten seconds to give me an antidote,” the Prowler snarled, claws extending with a metallic click.
Alchemy smirked. “Or what?”
Before Miles could lunge, you stepped between them, pointing a finger at Alchemy.
“Not my man,” you declared, your voice dripping with defiance.
Miles flinched. “What did you just—”
“Not my man,” you repeated, stepping closer to Alchemy. “Nobody messes with him except me, got it?”
Alchemy looked at you, then at Miles, then back at you. “Oh, this is delightful.”
“I’m serious!” you snapped, shooting a web at Alchemy’s arm and yanking him forward. “I’ll fight you myself if I have to.”
“Please stop talking,” Miles groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
Alchemy tossed a vial at the ground, releasing a cloud of purple smoke that filled the air. You coughed, your senses momentarily dulled, but Miles didn’t hesitate.
“Stay here,” he ordered, claws slicing through the haze as he charged after Alchemy.
“But—”
“I said stay!”
You frowned but obeyed, your heart pounding as you watched him fight. Even in the chaos, you couldn’t help but admire him.
“Look at him,” you murmured to yourself, a dreamy smile creeping onto your face. “What a man.”
By the time the smoke cleared, Alchemy was unconscious, pinned to the ground by one of Miles’ clawed gauntlets. He stood over him, breathing heavily, a vial of green liquid clutched in his other hand.
You rushed to his side, your eyes wide with concern. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
Miles flinched at your touch, holding up the vial between you. “This is the antidote.”
“Antidote?”
“For whatever he dosed you with,” he muttered. “You’re not thinking straight.”
“I think I’m thinking clearer than ever,” you said with a soft smile.
Miles stared at you, his chest tightening. For a moment, he hesitated. If he gave you the antidote, you’d go back to normal. You’d hate him again.
But if he didn’t...
“I’m sorry,” he said quietly, and before you could protest, he pressed the vial to your lips.
When you woke up, the Prowler was gone. Alchemy was unconscious, groaning softly as he regained consciousness.
You didn’t remember much, but something about the night lingered in your mind—something you couldn’t quite place.
The next day, you were surprised to find Miles Morales waiting for you at your locker.
“What do you want?” you asked, narrowing your eyes.
He shrugged, his usual smirk noticeably absent. “Just checking in. You seemed... off yesterday.”
“How would you know that?”
“No reason,” he said quickly. “Just... take care of yourself, okay?”
Before you could respond, he turned and walked away, leaving you confused.
Miles sat in the back of the classroom, watching you from a distance. You were back to your usual self—sharp-tongued, quick-witted, and completely unaware of what had happened.
But he couldn’t stop thinking about the way you’d stood up for him, the way you’d called him your man.
It wasn’t real. Not yet.
But maybe, someday, it could be.
For now, he’d settle for being a little kinder, a little softer. After all, the line between love and hate had never been blurrier.
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Thanks you for reading!
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psychedelic-ink · 2 years ago
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𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐑 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒.
DAY SEVEN OF HAUNTED HOEDOWN
prompt: cosmic horror au + western au + "you're a fucking nightmare. kiss me."
pairing: jack daniels x f!reader
genre: explicit smut, minors dni, soft enemies to lovers
summary: with celestial dancers ensnaring victims with entrancing performances that lead innocents away from their homes. Jack and you, cowboy sheriffs with a history of discord, leave town in search of the missing people.
word count: 3.5k
warnings: daddy kink, mirror sex (kinda there's a mist that imitates your desires and copies your movements so technically it's like a mirror but without a reflective surface), outdoor sex, piv, hint of horror imagery, dirty talk, size kink (jack is a big boy in every universe fight me)
a/n: sorry y'all this is unedited but hopefully i didn't make too many mistakes! enjoy xx
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“I still don’t understand why we need to go together. I’m completely capable on my own.” 
On cue, Starlight whinnies and shakes her head, her disagreement apparent. You frown at the horse, “You’re supposed to be on my side,” you quip, refusing to look at Jack whose laughter rings out. 
The lanterns you have on each horse illuminate the road ahead but do little in actually illuminating your surroundings. Shadows linger in every corner. The sky, despite still having the sun up, is a dusty copper, dark clouds swirling and forming shape of all watching eyes. The world had become an odd place. Humans were mere ants now, easy to crush beneath the forces out of your control. Distance between towns had become wide, each town having deputies to protect the innocents within. Dangerous weapons had been forged to fight against the evil and given to every sherrif in town. 
Lately people have been gone missing. In the dead of night celestial dancers would just stand at the edge of town, ensnaring victims with entrancing performances to take them far away from their homes. You didn’t ask what these dancers did to the ones they captured, you assumed it wasn’t anything pleasant. 
You and Jack being the more talented sheriffs of the town had been picked to locate said missing people. The further you two traversed away from town, the more menacing and confusing the world around you became. The darkness moves. Creatures of all kinds snarling and drooling within the deep forests. 
“I know you’re capable, sugar,” Jack remarks, he expertly guides his horse, bringing the two of you into closer proximity. The rhythmic sound of hooves fills the air as you draw near. “But you must admit, this is a dangerous job.” 
You only shrug, “Beats being here with you.” 
“You hate me that much that you’d be willin’ to die?” he says with a lazy grin. “That’s a bit extreme, even for you.” 
“I doubt this is going to be that hard. You just like teasing me.” 
“Hmmm maybe. . . but I blame you for that, sugar. You’re too fun to tease.” 
A loud sigh parts your lips and you shake your head. Jack was and always will be insufferable. In all honesty, Jack wasn’t so bad. He just had a talent for getting under your skin. But you had to admit, your frustrations with him had been shifting into something else, something like desire, for a while now. 
Your fingers tighten around the reins. You’ve been trying really hard to ignore the flutter in your stomach whenever he was around, you’d never hear the end of it if he figured it out. 
“Shut up,” you grumble, lowering the front of your hat. “You’re incorrigible.” You glance over at Jack, who's trying to stifle his laughter but failing miserably. Your frown deepens. 
“Incorrigible?” he snorts. “So sophisticated with your insults today, should I be flattered?” 
“I’m just running out of words to insult you with.” 
His smile falters slightly, annoyance creasing between his brows, “Funny.” 
Jack’s annoyance brings a smile to your face. You’re about to say more, eager to get under his skin just like he does yours, but suddenly he lifts a hand and halts his horse. You do the same, tightening the reins until Starlight comes to a full stop. 
He presses his forefinger slowly to his lips and points ahead with the other. Goosebumps raising across your skin, your gaze turns to the dirt road. 
There’s nothing. 
Until there’s something. 
The first thing you notice is the eyes; they’re red dots, gleaming and staring into your soul. 
Then you notice the antlers sprouting from behind the skull of the long figure. Two of them curling around its jaw. It's wearing a long cloak, the type similar to what you and Jack wear when the weather is turning cold. The light of your lanterns reflects on the figure, 
Panic flaring in your gut, your eyes snap to Jack. He’s only staring. Calm and steady. “Look down,” he mouths without looking at you. 
The silence is deafening. You look at the eerie figure again, its hand now stretched towards you both as if beckoning you to come closer. It’s a bony hand, a sickly grayish-green. You hold your breath and lower your gaze. Your lids flutter in surprise as you notice the sheep at the figure's feet. They have horns just like him, and have the same glowing red eyes. The animals stare at you, not a sound coming from them. 
Shepard of the Voidborne, your mind whispers to you. You were told that he was once human and after being driven out of his mind, became one of the cosmic horrors that lurked all around. He had his sheep and that was pretty much it. He only came out during the night. The shepard was harmless for the most part but if you made a sound or attacked, your death was immediate. 
The tricky part was that you had to sense him before he came. You had to catch the stillness of the wind, the sudden silence that befell, and the scent of the dead. 
You didn’t notice any of that. 
But Jack had. 
The Shepard and his sheep stare at you long enough that it feels like forever. He never lowers his hand, the invite always there if you were stupid enough to take it. 
You fight against letting out a breath of relief when he finally turns away, the sheep mimicking him. Fear coating your tongue, you close your eyes and focus on your heartbeat instead, willing it to become silent. 
He doesn’t make a sound as he leaves and you only realize that when Jack gently touches your cheek, pulling you back to reality. 
“He’s gone, darlin’,” he says surprisingly soft. “You’re safe.” 
His fingers curl towards the back of your ear, palm cradling the side of your face, warmth spreads. Your breath hitches and you quickly avert your gaze, “I see that,” you say sharply. “Let’s go.” 
“Lead the way, ma’am,” Jack muses as you do exactly that, his gaze glinting with mischief. 
You try not to think about the lingering warmth left on your cheek. 
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The horses are tethered nearby, and the lanterns cast a warm glow around your small circle of safety. You set up a modest fire, its crackling flames pushing back the encroaching darkness.
Jack produces a bottle of whiskey from his saddlebag. He uncorks it and offers it to you with a grin. "Care for a drink, sugar? I figure we've earned."
You accept the offer, taking the bottle and taking a long, deep swig before passing it back. The warm burn of the whiskey helps chase away the lingering chill of fear from your encounter with the Shepard.
Jack settles down beside you, close enough that your shoulders brush. He gazes into the flames, lost in thought for a moment. Then, he turns his attention to you, his eyes softening with concern. "You okay, sugar?"
“I guess,” you mutter. “I didn’t notice him.” 
“Who? The Shepard?” 
You nod and he shrugs, “He’s a hard bastard to notice. It ain’t your fault.” 
“That’s not an excuse. I should’ve sensed him. . . somehow.” 
He chuckles softly, his fingers idly tracing patterns in the dirt. "Well, you know, I've got the devil's luck. Besides, I've got you to watch my back. When I’m with you I’m more alert, darlin’."
“So you really do think I’m incompetent?” 
Sitting by the fire, you both share the bottle, taking turns. You can't help but notice how the flickering firelight plays across Jack's features, casting his rugged face in a warm, inviting glow. You feel slightly ashamed for how you’re acting. Deep down you know this has nothing to do with Jack thinking you’re not good enough, but with the growing knot in your stomach, you need to divert your emotions into something more violent. 
“The only thing I know is that I wanna protect you more than I want to do myself.” 
Your heart skips a beat, your breath suddenly coming in short and fast. You swallow around the knot quickly forming in your throat. 
"Well, aren't you just a regular knight in shining armor?" you huff in mock annoyance, attempting to lighten the weight of his words. 
But Jack doesn't take the bait this time. Instead, he surprises you with a genuine, soft smile. "You're strong, no doubt about it. But even the strongest folks deserve a bit of pampering now and then, don't they?"
You're momentarily taken aback by his sincerity, the hint of vulnerability. Jack reaches out and gently brushes a strand of hair from your face, his touch feather-light.
"Jack, you don't have to treat me like I'm made of glass," you murmur, your irritation fading as you meet his warm gaze.
He leans in a little closer, his voice barely above a whisper. Your eyes drop to his lips and move back to meet his gaze again."I know you're tough as nails, but that doesn't mean I can't be here for you. We all need someone to lean on, sugar."
You find yourself lost in his eyes, the flickering firelight dancing in them, and for a moment, you let your guard down.
"You're a fucking nightmare,” you smile, heart rapid in your chest. “Kiss me."
The chaos, the darkness, the shadows—all of it stands still. Jack closes the distance, soft lips covering yours, his tongue traces the seam of your lips. He’s not at all how you imagined. He’s not rushing you. Instead, he’s taking his sweet time memorizing the curve of your lips with the tip of his tongue. 
Only when you moan does he slip his tongue between your swollen lips, licking himself further into your mouth. He cradles your face with both hands, thumbs moving down as if tracing tear streaks down your cheeks. 
Neither of you notices the thick fog starting to accumulate around you. A sinister whisper crackling within the gray. It settles around you. Listening to your needy whimpers and Jack’s groans—it observes, takes in the desire reflected in your features, and shapes begin to form. 
The fire goes out with a loud sizzle. 
“Fuck—” Jack hisses, pulling away, hand moving to grab his gun. He pulls you close. You’re still tasting him on your lips, dazed and confused as to what’s happening. There’s a moment of silence between you two, your surroundings illuminated only by the lanterns. 
The fog is unnaturally thick. You hear sounds; breathy and intoxicating. The voices grow louder, a tingle spreads over the back of your neck, and you notice that they’re oddly familiar—
Your cheeks burn when you notice they’re the sound of your moans. Both Jack’s and yours. The shapes are still forming, only mere silhouettes of two people perched on top of a log, their poses the same as yours.  
“Eidolon Veil,” you mumble, drawing Jack’s attention to you. “I heard of it, never actually saw it before.” 
“What is it?” he grunts a response, hand still on your waist. “And why the hell is it moanin’?” 
“It’s harmless,” you answer. “It’s a reflective fog that takes the shape of those within its circle and mimics their desires as well.” 
Jack snorts, lowering his gun, “So what, you’re tellin’ me this mist is gonna show us fuckin’ like rabbits soon?” 
You turn to him, a hint of mischief in your eyes, “If that’s what you desire, then yes,” you grin. “Though the image becomes vivid only if the people actually go through with it. If not it’ll only show a preview and move on to its next target,” you raise an eyebrow at him. “You really don’t know what it is?” 
“I don’t research the creepy crawlies as much as you do,” he croaks. “Are you sure it’s harmless? In this world nothin’ is.” 
“I think it has to do with substance,” you say. “Desire keeps it from dissolving entirely. So it’s basically looking for food.” 
An especially sharp moan echoes from the mist and you involuntarily press your thighs together, arousal growing between your legs. Jack also shudders at the sound. He palms himself through his pants, your eyes dropping to where his cock strains against the thick fabric.
“Let's give it something to choke on then.” 
Throwing all caution into the wind, you two strip down eagerly, your mouths always a breath away. The figures within the fog become more tangible, you can see yourself clearly now, your face painted with want and arousal. You get on all fours and the mirage does the same, Jack is on his knees right behind you, hand slipping between your legs. He traces his fingers up and down soaked folds, circling your clit, you feel the heft of him over the curve of your ass. 
Your breath hitches as he pushes two fingers into you, electricity crackles over your skin, a moan parting your lips further. The mirage mimics every sound and movement, and watching it turns you on in a way you didn’t think was possible. 
“Fuck, look at you,” Jack coos. “Such a sight—and so darn wet.” 
He fucks his fingers deeper into you and pulls them out slowly. Jack leans over to kiss the skin between your shoulder blades, the movement of his fingers slow as he works you open. Your head falls and you arch your back, wanting more. He doesn’t stop until you’re a sopping, trembling mess. Slick drips down his fingers and all the way down to his wrists. 
When you look at the mirage, the Jack within the fog makes you taste yourself on his fingers. 
Your Jack hums pleasantly, pulling out, he traces the plush of your lips with wet fingers before slipping them into your mouth. You suck eagerly, your cunt fluttering at the lewdness of it. 
He cups your neck and pulls you up so that you’re flush against his chest, your pulse quickens as he presses his lips against your ear, “You think you can take me, darlin’?” he asks and kisses your cheek. 
“Y–Yeah,” you whimper, the fog echoing your answer. 
You haven’t gotten a good look at him yet but you do feel him. He’s thick and hard, dragging his cock up and down your slit. You shudder as the head catches against your clit, making you gasp. “You’re drippin’ sweetheart,” he says with a grin, breath tickling your neck. “And you’re shakin’, worried I’m too big?” 
His voice drips with sarcasm and glee, he teases your entrance with the head, smearing precome over the sensitive skin. You gasp and feel your nipples tighten, without thinking you spread your legs further. 
“Yes!” your mirage echoes your thoughts. You let out a deep exhale, blood rushing to your cheeks. “You’re so big, Jack—It won’t fit. . .” 
“Is that right now?” he murmurs, dragging the curve of his nose down your neck. “You say it. I want to hear your voice.” 
You clear your throat. Beads of sweat gather at your tailbone, “Y–You’re big,” you whimper and as a reward he cups both your breasts, playing with your nipples.  “I don’t know if it’ll fit. It’s been a while.” 
He takes a sharp inhale, “I’ll make it fit,” he growls, exhaling his breath simultaneously. 
With that, Jack sinks into you. 
He sucks on your neck and continues to gently pinch your nipples, waiting for your to adjust to his size. “That’s it,” he purrs, licking the salt from your skin. “You feel so good around me, sugar. Look at how fucked out you look already.” 
He holds your jaw and tilts your head up, you clench as you see yourself. He was right. You look utterly fucked out; kiss-swollen lips parted, chest heaving and glistening with sweat. 
“Jack,” you whimper. “Move, please.” 
“Okay, sweetheart,” he soothes you, lips pressing against your neck before letting you go. Your palms fall to the ground. “You’re made for me, pretty girl, don’t you forget it.” 
Before you can say anything, he pulls back his hips and slams into you with force. Your fingers dig into the soil, your body going rigid before becoming loose again. Jack fucks you thoroughly, slowing down while pulling out only to snap forward. He’s loud. Growls and grunts bouncing off of his clenched teeth, he holds on to your waist and the mirage echoes it. 
With every thrust, he knocks the air from your lungs. Pleasure swirls in your stomach, shirt circuits your brain. Your lips part wide with a series of moans, your breasts tingling. Your senses narrow on the way his cock fills you, how deep he is inside, and how you just want to scream—not his name necessarily, but something you can address him as. 
With both your and your mirage's moans getting louder and louder, your mind whirls. You’re gushing with every thrust, your orgasm rapidly building. 
Daddy, your mind suddenly shouts. Your body tenses, your cunt squeezing around him in away that it forces the slows of his thrust. Jack groans at the overwhelming tightness, his cock pulsing. You watch the mirrored reflection, see the veins popping in his neck, see the debauched look of his face. 
Daddy. 
“F-Fuck—” you rasp when Jack resumes his thrust, faster and harder than before. He smacks your ass, pain blossoming over the skin. 
Then suddenly you hear it. 
It’s your voice but not your lips that moves. 
“Again—Daddy—” the voice is strained, as if your replica is equally as embarrassed as you are. 
He stops and you see his confusion in the fog. “W-What?” he murmurs. You shake your head, your frustration growing as you press your lips tight together. Jack smoothes his palm over your back. “What did you just call me, sugar?” 
You clear your throat, “Technically it wasn’t me,” you say weakly. Jack smiles as he drags blunt nails down your skin, your body reacts and arches towards him. You sigh. “It was a mistake.” 
“Not it wasn’t,” he quips. “You said so remember? The thing about the veil mimicking our desires?” he doesn’t wait for your answer as he bends over, covering your body with his. He whispers, “You can call me, daddy, if you want to. I don’t mind, darlin’. In fact, I like it.” 
You nod and he slowly drags himself out, and equally slowly pushes back in, “Use your words.” 
“Yes, d-daddy,” you gasp, the word hits your tongue just right. 
Jack draws back again, satisfaction pooling in his eyes. He grins and a part of you can’t help but feel flustered. “That’s what I want to hear,” he kisses the back of your shoulder and continue to move inside of you. 
The sensation of his thick cock sliding in and out of you sends shockwaves of pleasure through your entire body. You moan in pleasure as your orgasm builds with each thrust. He grips your hips, thrusting harder and faster as your orgasm nears its peak. You can barely keep your balance as the waves of pleasure wash over you in a glorious chorus of bliss.
“Oh—daddy—” you sigh, your tongue loose. The fog picks up your moan, echoing your words. You bite your lip as his hands move from your hips to your chest, massaging your breast with each thrust. 
“Look at that face,” he says with a moan, forcing your gaze up. “Gonna come for me, pretty girl?” he teases. You nod helplessly, your body burning from the inside out. “Then ask for it, sugar.” 
“P-Please, daddy, make me come,” you moan, you’re pleasantly helpless under him. “Pleasepleaseplease—” 
With one final thrust, you tip over the edge; your orgasm rattles through your body accompanied by a series of groans and daddy’s. Adrenaline rushes through your system—your toes curl, your neck arches and your eyes roll back as pleasure washes through you. 
The mirage echoes every sound as Jack pumps his cum into you. He lifts you by the shoulder, forcing your head towards him as he claims your lips in a heated kiss. He swallows your moans, your whimpers and sucks your tongue until you’re compeltly pliant against him. 
Once he’s finished, the fog starts to dissipate until it’s only the two of you, lying in the dirt, panting, the fire alive once again. Jack kisses the top of your head before pulling out, and you look away, his spend drips from you, making a mess between your thighs, your face heats up. 
He tenderly cradles the side of your. Jack smiles and you can’t help but smile as well, burying your face into his palm. 
“That was—damn,” you manage to say. You blink and sit up, looking around you. There’s nothing but darkness and the sound of crickets. 
“Seems like your daddy took care of you,” Jack purrs, pecking your lips before pulling you into an embrace. You glare at him as he nuzzles your neck. 
“If you mention that to anyone else I’ll kill you.” 
He laughs whole heatedly, “I don’t kiss and tell, sweetheart. Don’t you worry that pretty head of yours.” 
“So the Eidolon Veil moved on,” you say, changing the subject. “I guess it was well fed.” 
“It seems like it,” he responds, kissing your forehead. Your heart flutters. “C’mere, let’s get you dressed before you catch a cold. We still have a whole lot of investigatin’ to do tomorrow.”
“Can’t we just stay like this? A little longer?” 
He kisses your temple this time, his warmth seeping into your back. “‘Course we can, darlin’.” 
You lean into his embrace and he manages to pull one of the blankets from his pack, covering you. Your eyes trail the stars in the sky. 
Little moments of peace like this are worth savoring just a bit longer.
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ltash · 9 months ago
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Venom
Part 3 "Anastasia Romanov"
Ghost x female OC
Warnings: Very Dark themed, mentions of murder and blood, dark sadist Ghost.
You are taking me to Makarov, Anastasia.
No. I am going to hell Simon Riley and I am taking you with me.
"Don't underestimate her. She may be small, but she's a feisty little thing."
Moscow, Russia
Anastasia sat in her small Moscow apartment, the patter of heavy rain against the window providing a rhythmic backdrop to her thoughts.
At just 21 years old, she had become Vladimir Makarov's right hand, a trusted lieutenant in his shadowy world. Despite Makarov's elusive nature and unknown whereabouts, he maintained contact with Anastasia, serving as a surrogate father figure in her life after she had tragically lost her parents at the tender age of 15.
Makarov had guided her into the Russian Ultranationalist party, where she underwent rigorous training and emerged as one of their top agents.
As she sat in her small apartment, Anastasia couldn't shake the image of Makarov's face, lit by the cold glow of the tunnel's lights, his expression a mix of triumph and menace. He had relayed the news to her with a chilling calmness that sent a shiver down her spine.
"I killed Soap," Makarov had said, his voice resonating with a deadly pride. "One of their finest. A young lad with a bright future, now extinguished."
Anastasia had known of Soap McTavish, a sergeant among the Task Force members, revered for his skills and leadership. His death was not just a tactical victory for Makarov but a symbolic blow to their enemies—a demonstration of power and ruthlessness that defined their brutal conflict.
As she stared out into the rain-soaked streets of Moscow, Anastasia wrestled with conflicting emotions. The thrill of victory mingled with the weight of guilt and remorse. She knew that in their world, there was little room for sentimentality or second-guessing. Survival and success demanded unwavering commitment, even in the face of moral ambiguity.
The rain continued to fall, a relentless drumbeat against the windowpane. In the silence of her apartment, Anastasia prepared herself for the next mission, the next test of her loyalty to Makarov and the Ultranationalist cause.
The buzzing and ringing of her phone jolted Anastasia out of her trance. Her heart raced as she glanced at the screen, recognizing the number immediately. Her hands trembled as she answered the call, bringing the phone to her ear.
"Hello, my dear," Makarov's voice came through, speaking in Russian with that familiar mix of authority and charm.
"Hello, Makarov," Anastasia replied, her voice steadying as she took a deep breath. "It's been a while."
"Yes, it has," he said, his tone carrying a hint of amusement. "I hope you're ready for what comes next. We have important work to do."
"Always," she responded, her loyalty clear in her voice. "What do you need?"
Makarov's tone shifted, becoming more serious. "There's a target I need you to eliminate. He's been a thorn in our side for too long."
"Who is it?" Anastasia asked, already mentally preparing herself for the mission.
"Ghost," Makarov said, his voice dripping with disdain. "Simon Riley. He's working as a mercenary now, a ruthless killer. He used to be a soldier, but that part of him is long gone. We can't afford to let him interfere any longer. I want you to find him and finish the job."
Anastasia's heart skipped a beat. She had heard stories of Simon "Ghost" Riley, the infamous operative who had once been a member of Task Force 141. His reputation for ruthlessness preceded him, a far cry from the disciplined soldier he had once been.
"There are no pictures of him," Makarov continued. "But you will recognize him by his skull mask. He's extremely deadly, Anastasia. He could kill you without a second thought, so you must be extremely careful."
"Understood," she said, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her. "I'll take care of it."
"We've arranged an apartment for you in the same building he lives in," Makarov added. "Get close to him, gain his trust, and then execute him swiftly."
"Consider it done," Anastasia replied.
The call ended, leaving Anastasia staring at her phone, her mind racing. She had a mission, a directive from the man who had been her guiding force for years. But now, the lines between loyalty and morality were blurred.
The next day, Anastasia found herself on a flight to Manchester. The dossier Makarov had provided included everything she needed to know about Simon Riley’s current whereabouts. As she arrived at the nondescript apartment building, she noted how perfectly it blended into its surroundings—a fitting place for a man trying to live under the radar.
The apartment she had been provided was modest but functional, directly across the hall from Simon Riley's. She moved in quickly, arranging her belongings and preparing herself for the task ahead. The plan was simple: get close, earn his trust, and then strike when he least expected it.
Anastasia entered the apartment building with her suitcases, taking in her new surroundings. Manchester wasn't cold like Russia, but the air carried a damp chill that clung to her skin. She walked through the lobby, noting the modern decor and the warmth that radiated from the newly built structure. The building was cozy, a stark contrast to the harsh environments she was accustomed to.
She made her way to the hallway where her apartment was located, her steps echoing softly on the polished floor. The air was tinged with the faint smell of fresh paint and new carpets. She reached her door, her mind racing with the details Makarov had provided. She didn’t know exactly which apartment belonged to Simon Riley, but based on her intel, it was adjacent to hers.
Unlocking her door, she stepped inside and took a moment to survey the space. It was modest but comfortable, furnished with all the necessities she would need to blend in and execute her mission. She set her suitcases down and began unpacking, methodically arranging her belongings while her mind stayed focused on the task ahead.
Later that evening, as she finished settling in, she decided to take a walk around the building to familiarize herself with the layout. She left her apartment and turned right, walking past several doors until she reached the one next to hers. She paused for a moment, her heart beating a little faster. This could be it—the apartment of the infamous Ghost, Simon Riley.
She continued down the hallway, noting the emergency exits and the location of the stairs and elevators. The more she knew about her surroundings, the better prepared she would be.
After unpacking and settling in, Anastasia decided to get a view of the city. She needed to clear her head and assess her surroundings further. Manchester was different from the sprawling, frigid expanse of Russia. It was a smaller city, yet bustling with activity. People moved briskly through the streets, a mix of locals and tourists contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.
Stepping out of the building, she felt the wind tug at her long red hair, causing it to wave behind her. She took a deep breath, the damp air filling her lungs as she glanced around, searching for a place to get a drink. While she wasn't an avid drinker, she found herself occasionally enjoying a drink to unwind, especially when she had much on her mind.
Walking down the street, she noticed a quaint pub tucked away on a quieter side street. The warm light spilling out from its windows and the faint sound of laughter and conversation drew her in. She approached the door, pushing it open and stepping inside. The atmosphere was cozy and inviting, a stark contrast to the tension she had been feeling.
She made her way to the bar, slipping onto a stool and catching the bartender's eye. "What can I get you?" he asked, his voice friendly.
"A glass of wine, please," she replied, offering a small smile.
As she waited for her drink, she let her gaze wander around the pub. People were gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing. It was a scene of normalcy that felt almost foreign to her after the years of intense training and missions. When the bartender returned with her wine, she took a sip, savoring the moment of tranquility.
Her thoughts drifted back to Simon Riley.
As she sat there, contemplating her next move, she felt a presence beside her. She turned to see a man, perhaps in his late thirties, with a kind smile. "Mind if I sit here?" he asked, gesturing to the empty stool next to her.
"Go ahead," she replied, curious about the stranger.
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Ghost checked out of his hotel room and made his way back to his apartment after finishing his mission. The execution of the mafia boss had been swift and clean, just as he preferred. His movements were practiced and deliberate, the guitar-shaped sniper case slung over his strong shoulder blending in with the urban landscape.
When he reached his apartment building, he turned the key in the lock but something caught his eye. The light in the apartment across from his was on. It had been empty for quite a while, and he hadn't expected anyone to move in while he was away.
His eyes narrowed, and he cursed under his breath. "Fucking hell." The thought of having a new neighbor, an unexpected visitor, every now and then was unwelcome. He thrived on solitude and the ability to come and go without scrutiny.
Setting his things inside his apartment, he tried to relax. But the familiar tension wouldn't leave him. He felt the need for a drink, something strong to take the edge off. "Hell, I could murder for a whiskey now," he muttered to himself.
Without wasting time, he swapped his skull mask for a more discreet balaclava and threw on his usual attire—hoodie and sweatpants. It was a look that allowed him to blend into the background, just another faceless figure in the night.
He exited the building and headed to the nearest pub. It was a small, unassuming place where he could disappear into the crowd. He entered the dimly lit space, scanning the room out of habit before approaching the bar.
"Kentucky, straight," he ordered, his voice low and gravelly.
The bartender nodded and poured him a generous measure of bourbon. Ghost took the glass, finding a secluded corner where he could sit with his back to the wall, a clear view of the entrance. He took a sip, the fiery liquid burning a path down his throat, grounding him in the moment.
As he drank, his thoughts drifted back to the mission, replaying every detail to ensure there were no loose ends. He was meticulous by nature, every action calculated and deliberate. His mind then wandered to the new neighbor. He hadn't seen who it was yet, but he would soon enough. He needed to be aware of his surroundings, and anyone new was a potential threat until proven otherwise.
His eyes scanned the room absently, noting the faces and the exits. It was a habit ingrained in him from years of living on the edge. He saw a few regulars, but no one paid him any mind, just the way he liked it.
As he nursed his drink, a flash of red hair caught his attention. A woman sat at the bar, talking to a man. She seemed relaxed, her laugh genuine, a stark contrast to his own guarded demeanor. He dismissed her as just another patron until she turned slightly, and he got a better look at her face.
The red-haired girl was beautiful, to say the least. Her big blue eyes shone in the dim light of the dingy pub, and small freckles adorned her face, adding a touch of innocence. She looked very young, possibly in her early twenties. As Ghost observed her, he couldn't help but notice the way her presence lit up the otherwise gloomy room.
The boy who was talking to her was just another bloke, trying to charm her. Ghost recognized the type instantly. "Huh! Fucker," he cursed under his breath, knowing exactly what the guy was after. He had seen it countless times before—guys trying to sweet-talk their way into a woman's bed.
But then, Ghost wasn't much different. One-night stands had always been his go-to, a way to use women and throw them away like tissue paper. He was fond of it, the detachment and simplicity it offered. Emotions were messy and complicated, and he preferred to keep things straightforward.
As he watched the interaction between the red-haired girl and the boy, he felt a strange sense of irritation. He wasn't used to caring about such things, but something about the girl intrigued him. Maybe it was the way she held herself, confident yet approachable, or perhaps it was the hint of mystery she exuded.
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"I'm Jack," he introduced himself, extending a hand.
"Anastasia," she responded, shaking his hand.
They struck up a conversation, and Anastasia found herself relaxing a bit more. Jack was a local, and he shared stories about the city and its history, providing her with useful information about her new environment. As they talked, she kept an eye on the time, aware that she needed to stay focused on her mission.
After finishing her drink, she thanked Jack for the company and stood to leave. "It was nice meeting you," she said, offering him a genuine smile.
"Likewise," Jack replied. "If you ever need a tour guide, you know where to find me."
As Anastasia stood to leave the pub, she moved towards the door just as it swung open, revealing two imposing figures. They were rough-looking men, their faces hardened by years of disregard for civility.
"Excuse me," Anastasia said calmly, trying to pass between them.
"What's the rush, sweetheart?" one of them leered, reaching out to grab her wrist with a meaty hand.
"Come sit with us," the other sneered, his breath reeking of alcohol and stale cigarettes.
Anastasia felt the grip tighten around her wrist, her heart racing with a mix of anger and caution. These were the kind of men she had dealt with countless times before—brutes who thought they could exert their will on anyone they pleased. In her line of work, she had learned to make people like them taste their own medicine, but creating a scene here could attract unwanted attention and jeopardize her mission.
"Let me go, please," she pleaded, her voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through her veins.
The man holding her wrist only laughed, a cruel sound that echoed in the dimly lit pub. His companion grinned maliciously, clearly enjoying the situation.
Anastasia's mind raced. She assessed her options quickly, weighing the risks. Fighting back now could escalate things, drawing unwanted scrutiny. She needed a way out without compromising her cover or exposing herself.
With a calm demeanor, she tried reasoning one last time. "I don't want any trouble. Just let me go," she said firmly, locking eyes with the man holding her.
The tension in the air was palpable. Other patrons glanced over curiously, sensing the brewing conflict. Anastasia kept her composure, her mind racing through scenarios and escape routes.
"Leave her the fuck alone. You motherfucker," the voice growled, slicing through the air with a husky, raspy British accent. It was a voice that commanded attention, filled with a raw intensity that made even the rowdiest patrons at the bar pause and turn to see what was happening.
The two men who had accosted Anastasia froze , their eyes widening as they turned to face the figure behind her. Slowly, she pivoted on her heel to see him for herself.
He towered over her, almost a foot and a half taller, his presence imposing and commanding. Piercing brown eyes stared out from behind a skull-printed balaclava, giving him an air of mystery and danger. He was dressed in dark, nondescript clothing that hinted at a life lived on the edge.
"And who the fuck you think you are?" one of the men snarled, his grip tightening painfully around Anastasia's wrist. She winced, feeling the pressure of his fingers digging into her skin.
"Your worst nightmare," the figure replied, his voice low and cold, each word laced with a promise of retribution.
"You know who I am?" the man barked, his bravado faltering slightly in the face of the stranger's imposing demeanor.
Without hesitation, he moved with lightning speed. In one swift motion, he seized the man's head and slammed it down onto the bar with bone-crushing force.
A sickening crack echoed through the pub as his teeth shattered and blood sprayed across the counter. Before the man could react, Ghost struck again, this time driving the man's nose into the hard surface. The counter splattered with blood.
The bar erupted into chaos as screams and shouts filled the air.
Anastasia recoiled in shock, her heart pounding in her chest. She had seen violence before, but the sheer brutality of Ghost's response left her breathless. She watched in a mix of horror and awe as Ghost stood over the subdued man, his chest heaving with controlled rage.
The second man, sensing the danger, released his grip on Anastasia and stumbled back, his hands raised in surrender. He exchanged a fearful glance with his companion before hastily retreating from the scene, disappearing into the crowd of panicked patrons.
Ghost remained unmoved, his gaze sweeping over the bar as silence settled over the chaos he had unleashed. His balaclava obscured his face, masking any emotion that might lie beneath. Slowly, he turned to look at Anastasia, who stood trembling before him.
"Are you alright?" His voice, still raspy but softer now, held a hint of concern.
Anastasia nodded slowly, unable to tear her eyes away from him.
Her gaze locked with Ghost's intense brown eyes, and for a fleeting moment, everything around them seemed to freeze. There was an undeniable pull between them, a magnetic force that drew her in despite the chaos and danger that had just unfolded.
But fear surged through her veins, overpowering any curiosity or attraction she felt. Without a second thought, she turned and ran. Her heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted through the deserted streets, every step echoing the urgency of her escape.
"Was he the one she came after?" Her mind raced.
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sortofshea · 3 months ago
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On the 23rd day of @hprecfest this fandom gave to me...
Day 23: a crossover or AU fic
Title: Threshold by @kbrick
Pairing: Draco x Harry
Explicit | 126.4k words
Summary: Unspeakable Draco Malfoy finally gets his chance to consult with the Auror Department when a series of mysterious doors covered in runic symbols appear all across the country, only to fade away minutes later. Draco’s eager to help solve the mystery of the doors until he’s partnered with Harry Potter, who still treats him like an enemy.
Things go from bad to worse when the reluctant duo find themselves on the wrong side of a door, trapped in a world where one wrong move might prove fatal. Between the menacing forest creatures and the bloodthirsty ruling class, no place seems safe.
To get home in one piece, Draco and Harry must put aside their differences and learn to rely on one another. Easier said than done.
Why I recommend it:
This fic literally takes place in an alternate universe (mostly).
Auror Harry Potter and Unspeakable Draco Malfoy find themselves trapped in another world where magic doesn't work the way that they had always been taught it did, the flora and fauna can be hostile and they have no Earthly clue how to return to their own. These two begin working on the case of the doors with nothing but irritation and hostility towards each other. It seems to be a benefit to their relationship that Draco is much more preoccupied by his fascination for the ancient magic of this other world than he is with antagonizing Harry. Eventually - specifically after they find themselves trapped in this other world - Harry begins to relax around Draco and they slowly learn to trust each other as the need to lean on the other becomes apparent.
As a massive fan of the Witcher, kbrick built a fantasy world that felt similar in so many wonderful ways but distinctly different and unique. I was physically incapable of putting this fic down until I finished it, the world building is, to date, some of the best I've ever read. The original characters we are introduced to are all so unique and interesting. I grew to become so attached to several of them, and to loathe some of them with every fibre of my being. If you can write a character that I can come to feel either of those extremes for, then you've got yourself an absolutely wonderful character.
Draco and Harry begin to develop a fragile, undefined relationship in this other universe that becomes a terrifyingly huge question mark of a thing as the time to return home draws nearer. When Draco is faced with the choice between returning to his own world - where he continues to struggle with the reputation that the Malfoys were left with after the war - and staying in this strange new world full of opportunity and unknown knowledge where he can essentially start again without the shadow of his past over him at all times, he has a difficult time making a decision.
This fic is so cool because as much as it's a love story, it's also chock full of mystery, adventure, action, tension, wonder and intrigue. The strife that is going on in this other world between the reigning monarchy and the rebels that Harry and Draco take up with is gripping. Harry and Draco both learn to use broad swords and ride horses and it is incredibly hot. The gradual way in which they become anchors for each other in this unfamiliar world feels so logical and rings with a profound rightness that had me in desperate need of a happy ending for them.
This fic sould be a 5 book epic like the Witcher series. I would buy the boxed set and read them until the pages began to fall out. If kbrick ever chooses to revisit this universe, you can bet your ass I will be sat for every single word.
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nervarts · 4 months ago
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Amadeus (Commission Work)
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Hello everyone, I am back! Well, for now. Honestly between the events and uni work (which I am almost done with my degree!!✨✨), I haven't been able to do much this November. But! I present to you a commission work done for @/Mamsey (Artfol/Cara). This is his character Amadeus Lagrange, the leader of the Bureau of Principle Legitimacy— the very organization that Lady Lilyana (my character) is rebelling against. Basically, he is her enemy; someone she must tread around carefully. He's a special kind of something. To quote directly to Mamsey's description of him (Warning, long read ahead):
Amadeus Lagrange is an enigma. To some of the peasantry, a ruthless enforcer that represents all that is wrong with the Empire; to others, a sign of hope that even they can become great if they show their loyalty doggedly enough; to the nobility, a mere dog of the Emperor who lucked into his position by getting into His good graces and wants to play at politics, a brute. None know his true nature: a man of great intelligence and greater ego who will achieve his goals by any means necessary. He lies as easily as he breathes. He meticulously plans and manipulates and schemes to control every detail of every life of every person within his power.
He always strives to be perfectly punctual and well-kept, with an unflappable and entirely unconcerned demeanor. While he uses any means necessary to complete his objectives and those of the Empire, Amadeus strives to use the least extreme options where possible. He does not like unnecessary suffering, due not to morality, but to efficiency. He sees no issues with the heinous acts he commits, for the truth is a tool, and there is no truth beyond his influence.
Fun facts: Amadeus is a musical prodigy; he can play by ear and often composes orchestral arrangements. He does so as a hobby and does not share most of his works with the public. He has performed some of his works for the nobility, by the Emperors decree, much to their reluctance (they refuse to accept such talent from a lowborn). Being the head of such a complex organization means that Amadeus is a highly organized and capable leader. The Bureau has been ruthlessly efficient since he “lucked” (aka. caught the previous leader in league with the rebellion) the position. Amadeus has a collection of pocket watches in his personal suite. He is adroit in repairing clockwork machinery, and from time to time enjoys tinkering with them. Also, he likes to read. Usually classics, as well as a smattering of now-censored texts, a special privilege of his.
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I used watercolors and acrylic paints. This painting was a challenge to do since I am 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 trying to get used to watercolors and it's been years since I've used acrylic paint, but it was fun drawing this conniving menace gentleman. I am happy with how the eyes came out especially. I'm glad I did this commission, thank you once again for trusting me with your character, @/Mamsey !
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