#i was clapping my hands on epic moments

[pitsapitsa]

I looooved Sonic 3 so much and waited to go to the cinema ever since winter exams and finally...

I cried the most on the part where Sonic tells Shadow that love is stronger than hate and this moment was so touching and Shadow himself was so very cute

Also I went to the cinema with my Knuckles backpack ᐠ( ᐛ )ᐟ he was also adorable there

During the Sonadow fight scenes my sister said that they are just like Naruto and Sasuke

[ofgoldandbraid]

that’s my woman!

lilia calderu x reader

agatha gets a little too touchy-feely with lilia’s girl.

word count: 1.6k

warnings/content: smut, but cute, but not at the same time, jealousy (l), oral sex (r receiving), fingering (r receiving), mentions of being burned alive (sorry), voyeurism (a little? maybe it’s just getting caught), if i missed anything let me know!

note: cranked this out after i got off of work so the exhaustion may be noticeable.

———

the sound of laughter filled the smoky air around the coven. real laughter, following real stories shared by the witches as they grew closer to one another.

« okay, we’ve seen lilia’s, agatha’s, and rio’s scars, » alice started before quickly being interrupted by jen.

« alice, we did not see rio’s scar, »

lilia rolled her eyes and loudly groaned.

« jen, does it really matter? » she huffed, impatient and tired.

alice stood up and stared down at jen.

« as i was saying before i was so rudely interrupted, » alice began again. if she could burn holes into things with her eyes, jen would be dust. « we’ve heard from everyone else, but not y/n. it’s your turn. »

you smirked and sat up straight.

« so, what’s your story? what epic battles have you fought? » the teen questioned.

« alright, alright. since you want to know so badly, » you began to roll the legs of your pants up. « these are very old. »

gasps echoed around the fire, with agatha and rio getting up to take a closer look at the scars that cover your legs.

« these are from the first time someone tried to have me burned at the stake, » you laughed at the end, and everyone shot a concerned look at you.

« they didn’t try to have you burned, honey, they did have you burned. shit, i bet that hurt like hell, » agatha said, moving away from your exposed legs to raise a hand to your face.

you pulled away from her touch, but not fast enough. she twirled the front pieces of your hair between her index and middle finger.

suddenly, lilia wrapped her arm around your shoulder, pulling you close to her.

« i remember those days, doll. i don’t miss them. but now you have us. you’ll never have to worry about someone trying to hurt you again, »

you turned to face lilia and kissed her gently on the cheek.

« thank you, » you whispered, turning to everyone. « thank you all for being here for me. »

agatha stood up and kicked jen away from your other side, taking her place on the log you were sitting on.

« agatha, what the fuck is wrong with you? » jen asked, unfazed and accustomed to agatha’s actions after their time spent together on the road.

« shhh, we’re having a moment, » agatha whispered in a joking manner before leaning into you and placing a hand on your lower back.

lilia jumped to her feet and began clapping and shooing everyone away.

« okay, that’s enough, time for bed, people. we’ve got a long day ahead of us. i’ve got first watch, » she yelled, drowning out the chatter.

like the good coven they are, they listened to her.

« y/n, could i speak with you for a moment? »

you were making your way over to the most comfortable looking rock.

« of course, » you turned around and walked up to meet her at the center of the road.

« come walk with me? » lilia softly asked, raising an eyebrow and making you melt.

she stretched an arm out, and you took her hand.

---

« you’ve been awfully quiet, doll, » lilia said as she gave your cold hand a comforting squeeze.

« i just don’t have a lot to say, » you whispered into her ear, pushing her curls back with your free hand.

she stopped by a tree on the road and turned back to you, laughing to herself and pulling you closer.

« we both know that’s a lie, » her lips grazed yours. « i want to hear those pretty thoughts, and i want to hear them in that pretty voice coming from your pretty mouth. »

« that’s a little forward, » you smiled against her.

lilia leaned against the tree, taking you back with her.

« i’m always forward, because unlike you, i’m an honest person, » she teased.

she placed her hand in the same spot agatha’s had been in when you were around the fire.

it clicked.

« that’s what happened, » you thought aloud. « now i understand. lilia, are you mad about what agatha did? »

she tossed her head back in a cackle, nearly hitting it against the tree trunk.

« why would you ever think that? » lilia exclaimed sarcastically. « what, do you think i’m jealous of her? »

she leaned in to kiss you hard, biting your lips and shoving her tongue into your mouth. it was rough, and you couldn’t get enough.

« well, you know i’d only ever let you do something like this to me, » you quietly said into her neck after she finished her attack on you.

« like what? » lilia asked, confused.

you moved your hands from her shoulders to her hips.

« like fucking me against a tree on the damn witches road, lilia. »

she laughed and began to bite, lick and kiss your neck and the exposed part of your chest.

you pulled her into you and made your attempt to control the kiss, but you were quickly shut down and spun until your back was pressed against the bark.

you tangled your hands in lilia’s curls, pulling lightly to get her off of you.

« honey? are you alright? » she asked, immediately backing up to make sure you were okay.

you put your hands on the sides of her face and kissed her nose.

« i love you, but if you don’t touch me now i’m going to have to get someone else to help me. »

that was it. your body slammed into the tree, surely leaving marks that would bruise.

lilia dropped onto the ground in front of you and began to undo your belt.

« you want attention? you’re needy, just a slut for me. all we’ve done is kiss and you can’t go a few minutes without someone fucking you. »

your pants were around your ankles, belt thrown to the side, and panties ruined.

« you don’t need this, » lilia said, smiling at you as she ripped your button-up shirt off you.

« lilia, please, » you were panting as she ran the tips of her fingernails up and down your torso. « please, fuck me. »

she looped her thumbs through the sides of your panties and pulled them down, revealing the soaking mess between your legs.

her face darkened and her mouth went dry. lilia pulled one leg over her shoulder and placed her hand on your abdomen.

your hips bucked and a loud whine escaped you before you could stop yourself.

her eyes glared up at you as she pushed your leg off of her. she stood up again and used her knee to push your legs apart.

« you want me, doll? you’ve gotta be loud for me. make sure all those witches back there know who you belong to. »

she eased two fingers into your wet pussy, the noise obscene and only fueling the fire in you.

« oh, already so messy for me, » lilia murmured into your ear, thrusting and curling her fingers into you at a painfully slow pace.

you hooked your left leg around her, pulling her closer to you.

her movements stilled, drawing a loud groan of frustration from you.

« shh, it’s okay. you’ve got to be loud for me, angel. »

she set a fast pace, curling and scissoring her nimble fingers deep into you as you clutched her to you.

she had reduced you to a trembling, moaning mess.

your hips gently bucked into her hand, your whines growing louder.

« lilia! lilia, please. »

your begging drew positive reactions from lilia, with her pressing hard into the roughest part of you and stroking. your whines became a chorus of « oh! »´s and « please! »’s and « more! »´s.

her thumb moved over your clit, gently going from left to right, right to left.

you pressed your face into the curve of her neck, and she moved her head to whisper in your ear:

« you’re so good for me, doll. so good for me. you’re gonna cum for me? » her movements sped up, but remained steady.

all you could muster was a rushed « mhm » before you yelled out again, hurtling towards your orgasm.

lilia gently tugged on your hair, lifting your head up to look at her.

« whenever you’re ready, doll. gonna cum so pretty on my fingers, so loud for everyone to know who you belong to. »

you exploded, whining, shouting, whimpering, as lilia fucked you through your orgasm.

« yes, doll, let them hear. she won’t ever touch you again, she’ll know who’s you are, » she muttered, slowing down her movements and peppering your face with soft kisses.

she withdrew her fingers and lowered herself down, face inches away from your slick pussy.

« well, i don’t think it would be very nice of me to leave you like this, would it? » she exhaled, cool breath contrasting the heat between your legs.

she placed you leg over her shoulder for a second time and began to clean the soaked mess from your orgasm. her strokes were firm, but gentle enough that they didn’t overstimulate you.

once she was satisfied, she pulled your panties from around your ankles, slipping them off of you and pocketing them.

« souvenir, » lilia said and she began to dress you again, repairing your torn shirt to the best of her ability.

you took her face into your hands again, pulling her in for a soft kiss as you smiled against her.

she took your hand again, walking you back to your makeshift camp.

---

when you arrived back, you were shocked to find everyone staring at the two of you coming back from your brief adventure.

« why aren’t you all asleep? » you asked.

agatha snapped her fingers repeatedly.

« how the hell could we sleep? all we could hear were your awful sex noises, » she muttered disgustedly.

lilia smiled.

« good! »

she turned away and made her way over to rock she laid claim on when the coven first arrived, gesturing for you to join her.

you succumbed to sleep as soon as your head fell onto lilia’s shoulder, content with a blissful expression on your face.

[eraenaa]

The Prince and the Poet

Aemond Targaryen x Lannister Reader Tag List

Synopsis: It is established that Prince Aemond hates poems and sonnets; it was just a pity that you adored them. 

Warnings: Mature, 18+, Mutual Masturbation, Aemond Writes a Poem, Childhood Friends, Hidden Attraction, Not Proofread

Word Count: 2,900

Inspired by my Original Fic on AO3, The Den of Dragons and Lions

Aemond scoffed and rolled his eye as he watched you completely enthralled by the sonneteer who performed before you. It had been un-endless hours he had to suffer as the court was subjected to watching poets read their works for the day’s entertainment. It was all too boring, all too frivolous, it was an utter waste of time. Aemond could not understand why you would willingly subject yourself to these men's trite and untrue words— whose delusions and desires were projected in their works. Aemond strongly believed that those who write poems and epics are weaklings and cowards. They do not have the courage to go on great adventures and woo their loves, so they can only imagine and write them down on parchment. And you were the sweet, naive fool who brought into their words—declaring their works beautiful and unparalleled. Blinded by flowery verses and empty promises. 

You sigh longingly in your seat as the sonneteer before you recited your favorite sonnet of them all. Your lips silently move unconsciously as you recite your most favored work with him. Aemond, who sat by your side, sneered at the sigh that left your pillowy lips and the enchanted look in your eyes. His gaze traveled the court; every young maiden swooned by the words and looks of the sonnet who stood in the middle, reciting the work that you clung on to. When his torment finally ended, Aemond rolled his eye once more as you quickly stood and clapped your hands, an ovation for the young man who had finished his performance. Aemond did no such thing, only staring down the sonneteer who bowed and savored the praises given. 

“I hope he shall return soon— and with new material!” You exclaimed to Helaena as you two walked the halls, arms linked together, Aemond trailing behind you. It was an old scene, your actions instilled since childhood. You practically grew up in the Red Keep with the princes and princess, a lion fostered by dragons. 

You hear Aemond’s third scoff of the afternoon, making you glance behind only to see the consistent look of annoyance on his face. “I would take it you did not enjoy?” You say and face onward, feeling Aemond fasten his steps and now walking beside you and Helaena. “It is an utter waste of time; why must we spend hours on this frivolity when pressing matters could be attended to?” You roll your eyes at the Prince’s complaint. 

“Aemond, your attendance was not required. If you believe poetry is a waste of time, I do not understand why you came there.” You say simply, pausing in your tracks. Helaena, a silent audience as you and Aemond began your ceaseless squabbles once more. Aemond was silent for a moment; the truth of his actions may not be revealed. “We did not force you to sit there and listen to Sir Liam— if anything, I’d prefer if you did not come; your glares and scoffs were seen and heard, and are very much unappreciated,” Aemond clenched his jaw as he had no response that he’d like to share. His eye traveled to his sister, who had a knowing smirk on her lips whilst you waited for his response that would not come.“I’ll see you both at supper,” Aemond grumbled as his eye landed on you, who bit back her smirk, the prince stomping away as you finally let your smile slip your lips. 

“Must you really tease him? You perfectly know why he sat through the readings,” Helaena said as you and she sat in the gardens for tea. You picking at the candied lemons that you and Aemond would usually fight over. You smile as you lick your finger clean of the sugary syrup. “Yes, I know why he suffered through the readings. However, he is not aware that I am knowledgeable of his intent,” Helaena sighed, “How long will you make him suffer?” The princess asked, already impatient for the day her closest friend and brother would finally admit their attractions. 

“Suffer?” You ask in shock, “I do no such thing! He inflicts his suffering himself—“ Helaena shook her head and laughed. “You’ve known of Aemond’s attraction to you for years! Yet you still act so clueless with him!” She reasoned. “I am a lady! I am expected to act chase and reserve. I cannot just go up to Aemond and confront him with his secret attraction!” You exclaimed with a fake and exaggerated look of scandal on your face, making Helaena laugh. 

“If you are waiting for my brother to acknowledge and confess his attraction towards you, then you must wait— it might take him a lifetime.” Helaena mused, a hint of frustration and pity in her voice, for Aemond had wanted you since childhood; he was just afraid to let it be known. “Then I pity him… he could have had the golden beauty of the realm, but he chose to stay silent.” You say confidently— proud with the title bestowed upon you by lords and ladies, small and noble folk men who agreed that your beauty was as valuable and desirable as the gold your family was known for. Helaena hummed quietly and quickly prayed to the gods that her brother would soon admit his attraction, for Helaena knew that your pride would not subject you to confess your feelings first. 

“Just because you do not understand or care for poetry does not mean they are a waste!” You exclaimed as Aemond picked another fight with you. You were peacefully seated in Helaena’s chambers, stroking your cat's fur mindlessly as Aemond’s own pet lay beside you. You were in no mood to fight with him and battle his views of poetry. “They are! They’re pointless. If you must say something, then say it— why must they dance around the matter? Why must they go on and on about something that could be said in one sentence? Cowards, the likes of them are!” You let out an exasperated sigh, making Aemond smirk at your annoyance. 

He finds you quite endearing at the state, which is why he often takes time out of his day just to annoy you. Relishing at the roll of your enchanting eyes, the sighs that leave your plump, pink lips, and the furrow between your perfectly arched brows. If he were lucky and had annoyed you to quite an extent, you’d stomp your foot like a spoiled child. Or simply wave him off with your pampered hand because you no longer had a word of defense. 

“Because they are poets! They do not wish to come to the answer and their intentions all at once— they create beauty with their words. They are capable of making subjects so dire be of great interest that they, in turn, create spectacles upon it!” You defended but Aemond only rolled his eye and shook his head, the former action he had gotten from you. Ever since you two were young, you would always roll your eyes when you found something disagreeable; Aemond would mock you for it— would mimic your actions in hopes of getting more from you. However, in time, he managed to adopt the same mannerisms. 

“Archmaester Sisco believed that poetry is of great danger,” he said, taking a goblet to his lips. Your eyes followed the way the ball on his throat booed as you waited for him to continue his thought.  “He says they mislead and are obscure and false— that poets are seducers of the mind,” He finished, noting the way your eyes were on his throat. Guessing you’d want to strangle him out of annoyance, Aemond was amused with the thought of you thinking about strangling him. 

“The Archmaester’s proclamation and thinking is old— irrelevant in our times. Even his student, Archmaester Aristedes, disagrees with his views on poetry. He reasons that it is not harmful— it is a form of expression! Cathartic to those who read and write it!”Aemond let another scoff of derision slip his lips, pushing your annoyance into frustrated anger. 

“You would not understand the beauty of poetry because you keep everything you feel inside you! You do not know what great relief it is to say or even write what you desire and hope for!” You exclaimed, and Aemond tensed in his seat. Silence surrounded the room as Aemond could not work out a response. You saw him fisting the arm of his chair, the knuckles of slender fingers turning pink from his tight grip. 

You sighed heavily, “What I meant is… I understand that you do not like poetry and find it pointless and a waste— but I don’t. I am not forcing poetry onto you, nor am I trying to change your views upon it. I enjoy and adore poetry— I just wish you would stop discouraging me from enjoying it. 

“Why do you enjoy it?” Aemond asked after a short while. You try to hide your surprise at his question. “Because… I find it romantic. For someone to take time to depict you with such beautiful imagery and flattering words, to love and admire you enough to dedicate a work of literature to your name… for me, it is the best way to express to someone how much you truly love them.” You could not look at Aemond as you said the words. In truth, a part of you felt silly because your love for poetry was only solidified because you loved a boy who you knew would not subject himself to create such works. When you read your favorite epics and songs, you would humor yourself and imagine it was Aemond who wrote it for you, knowing he would never do such a thing. 

Days passed since your and Aemond’s interaction and you noticed that you had scarcely seen his presence. You would pass by him whilst in training and join him and his kin for supper— but other than that, you could not feel a trace of his presence. He would usually join you and Helaena for tea or would suddenly appear by your side as you walked along the keep. He didn’t even pick fights or tease you anymore. Him growing more silent and reserved. Now you regret speaking— wishing you had just held your tongue and let him continue to disparage the sacred thoughts of poems and songs. 

It was high night, and you sat silently in your chambers, staring at the fire, trying to find ways to approach Aemond. Already missing his teasing presence— the only presence you would muster the patience to endure. 

You furrowed your brows as you heard shuffling at your door. Your eyes catch the shadow of a figure outside. You cautiously and quietly stood, going to your door only to see a piece of parchment being slipped at the slit of the wooden door. Your confession only grew. You quickly took the parchment and opened the door, revealing its sender. Three eyes went wide as you were met with Aemond, who blended in the dark. However, his silver hair shined in the light of the moon. “What are you doing?” You ask and turn to the parchment he had slipped. 

“Nothing— I… this—“ Aemond fumbled for words; you had never seen him in such a state. He was usually composed and stoic. You thought seeing him bashful and embarrassed was a nice gift from the gods. “What is this?” You ask and unfold the parchment. “No! Don’t—“ Aemond bit his tongue as it was too late to hinder you. Your eyes already consuming what was written. 

I’ve known you for half of my life yet; you consume the whole of it I’ve had you near and close to me yet, I only gaze from afar

I do not know how to proclaim I’m not certain how to say it without blame, but you, my beauty, are the cause of my desire and, most of the time, my ire

I know I pick countless squabbles, but I do it because I love to hear you babble about things I have no care for but you just simply adore

We disagree for many reasons, but I’d rather fight you through the seasons You, my beauty, so lovely and carefree my heart could not help but love you, most ardently 

Aemond watched you bite your lip as a wide smile started to spread. Aemond felt heat all over his body— anticipation did not sit well with him. He was ready to meet your laughs at his attempt to make you a poem. Ready to face rejection, but instead of the pessimistic thoughts in his mind, he was met with your sweet, pillowy lips. You were so excited and thrilled that you could not help but kiss him. Show him how you adored him as well. 

What was supposed to be a short and chaste kiss turned deep with passion. Lips dancing and refusing to part. You and Aemond stumbled to your bed, uncaring and ignorant of the teachings of the gods, for you and him had long surpassed your desires, and they could no longer be denied. They were ready to claim without thought of consequences because both of you knew that you’d happily take all punishment that would be presented if it meant neither of you had to stop your actions. 

“Gods, I want you,” You uttered as his lips traveled to kiss your soft cheeks, then trailed downward to the side of your neck. His hands were on your waist and threading dangerously close to your bosom. “Say it again,” Aemond almost begged. Savoring your scent, delighting at the way you feel against him. “I want you, Aemond. I’ve wanted you for years— you, only you.” You sighed as he left marks on your necks, earning quiet moans from you at the new sensation.  

Aemond let a low moan rumble as his cock painfully strained against his trousers, throbbing at your admittance of want for him. It was all he wanted. He thought his deepest desire in life was to have a dragon, but that was wrong. He desired you more than claiming a dragon— his deepest desire was to claim a lioness.

Aemond tangled his hair in your hair, finally letting his other hand move from your waist and cup your breast. Your hand, in turn, went to palm him through his trousers, watching as his jaw clenched and the ball of throat bobbed once more. “We… we must not lay until we are married,” Aemond said, voice pained and filled with impatience. Yet, he still did not move atop you; he kept his hold, but you relinquished yours. “We don’t have to,” You said, trying to push away your need for him to touch you. Aemond sighed and hurried his face in your neck, his lips and breath tickling your skin. “Then how…” Aemond trailed, and a thought passed your mind. “We must not touch each other….yet. However, I do not recall teaching forbidding us to touch ourselves,” You whisper, Aemond’s lilac eye flying to you, dark and filled with lust, mirroring yours. 

Aemond moved to remove his weight from you. You keep your eyes locked as you back away to the back of your bed, resting yourself on the pillows as Aemond kneels by the edge of your feathered bed, watching each move you make with his glazed, lone eye. 

You bit your lip harshly as your hand threaded a path that it threaded plenty of times, the thought you had as you did the actions now watching you. You slipped your hands, and you resisted moaning as your fingers brushed over the pearl of your cunt. Aemond admired the way your breasts peaked and traced through your silk nightgown. The way your eyes were hooded and how your plump lips finally parted and moaned his name. 

Aemond could no longer resist. Slipping his hand into his trousers just like he did every night, the image of you no longer in his mind but now sitting before him, calling out his name.“A-Aemond,” You stuttered as you felt the familiar cold within you. How desperately you wanted it to be, him to make you feel such a way. Aemond groaned and tilted his head to the heavens as he felt his cock twitch; he was quick to reach his peak; just the way you called for his name was enough for him to spill so quickly. 

Aemond closed the space between the two of you, each of your hands still pleasuring yourselves while lips met and wanted to be together when both of you reached your peaks. “You will be mine soon, my heart… mine to pleasure and please, all mine,” Aemond swore against your lips. You nod your head as you fasten your pace. “I’ve always been yours, Aemond.” You said truthfully, the final push for Aemond to come undone; you quickly followed as his moans spurred your peak. Aemond kissed your lips once more and boldly prayed for patience, patience, and restraint to not take you that night.

It was not enough for Aemond; pleasuring himself as he watched you pleasure yourself was not enough, but it had to be for now. Because when morning comes, he’ll demand that you shall be his, just as it ought to be.

If you enjoyed the premise of this story, you might like the inspiration for it!

[bridgetotheskyyy]

chapter five.

masterlist

Chapter summary: Your father arrives, the end of the month draws near, and you and Gaara hit some milestones . . .

Chapter warnings: 18+, smut (THATS RIGHT YOU GUYSS), lots of angst, physical sickness

Word count: 12k

A/N: full notes on ao3! Pls let me know if you find any errors tumblr hates me (and I hate tumblr <3333)

Read on ao3 here:

You knew it was him, though his back was to you. For you had been walking behind him all your life.

An entourage of personal guards surrounded your father. Cyclone. The strongest band of ninja from the Oasis village. All of them carried shields fashioned like scorpion pedipalps. Face masks covered all but their eyes. In the center was your father. The elders listened with rapt attention as he raconteured some epic story containing a dragon with arms outstretched and a stentorian voice. Baki sat among them, his eye shifting between you and Father. Neither Kankuro nor Temari were present yet. 

“Ahh,” said Ebizo. “And here is Lord Kazekage now.”

Your father turned to see who had come, his eyes widening underneath the disk of his village head hat; they were devoid of the madness you were accustomed to seeing in them. 

“(Y/n) …” Father ignored Gaara to marvel at you. He strolled, arms wide, to you. “My angel.”

He roped arms around you; you suppressed a flinch. He parted to caress your face. “I’ve been blind without the light of your smile,” he said. 

“Father …” Your voice was high with hope. “I’ve … I’ve missed you.”

“Not nearly as much as I have missed you, my star.” His voice hadn’t been this gentle in addressing you since you were a child, lulled to sleep by the bounce of his knee. “How I managed in the dark, I will never know.”

Gaara bowed to him. “I have hoped to meet you for a very long time, Lord Boutoku.”

“Oh, son-in-law.” Your father strode toward Gaara, arms ready to embrace him. “You are the splitting image of the fourth Kazekage himself.”

He enveloped Gaara as everyone watched, not sure of what to say. 

“Come,” Father urged. “There’s much to discuss.”

Your father’s Cyclone parted down the middle to admit the three of you. You followed Gaara to the table, but your father remained on his feet. 

“It is a shame Lady Ikanago is absent,” Ebizo said. “She would have relished this the very most.”

“There will be more than enough time for me to become acquainted with the Sand’s dignitaries, surely,” your father said.

“Lord Boutoku was just telling us about the customs of your village,” Baki told you. 

“Yes,” your father said. “Now —“

The door burst open. Temari and Kankuro came through.

“Don’t start without us —!”

“Kankuro, get off my foot —!”

“Ahh,” your father said, “and this must be Lord Kazekage’s eldest sister.”

Their eyes widened before they hastened to compose themselves, hands going behind their backs. 

“Uh — yes.” Temari bowed. “A pleasure.”

“It’s very nice to see you again, Lord Boutoku,” Kankuro said.

“The feeling is mutual,” your father said. “Come, come. Now that we’re all here, we can discuss the wedding at last. But first.” Your father clapped his hands, and a servant knelt at his side, offering something in his hands. Your father took it to give to you. “Your mother made me promise to pass this on to you when the time came, and I infringe upon her memory if I withhold it from you a moment longer.”

A small velvet box. You opened it: a ring.

Your mother’s ring.

“It’s beautiful,” Gaara said.

You gawked at the miraculous rock for a few seconds longer before slowly raising your head to your father. He had loved no one in the world more than her. Hideo a close second (and you last, probably). Warmth blanketed over your entire being as Father squeezed your hand.

“I am sure Lord Kazekage had his own plans for securing a ring. I hope he does not mind,” he said, eyes soft on you.

“Not at all,” Gaara interjected. “The Oasis is very loyal to its traditions; I suspected something like this may happen.”

And he gently took the ring box from your hand as the members of the council watched, entranced by the sight of Gaara taking the ring from the box and sliding it over your finger. 

You raised your hand to the light; the ring shone like a star he’d pricked from the sky just for your finger. You observed the scene, as if it had been plucked from one of your daydreams. Gaara before you, your father blessing it all, Kankuro, Temari, and Baki smiling. 

“I’m … so happy,” You said, choked with emotion. “Thank you, Father, I — Thank you …!”

“What a blessed union,” Ebizo said. “Hopefully, Lord Boutoku will be open to answering a few of our questions?”

“Of course,” Father boomed. “Of course!”

Your father spoke of the traditions of your village. Dual colors were decided on, a mixture of the Sand’s beige with your village’s blue, along with the special foods that have become specialties in the Oasis. By the end, there was a layout for the reception, who would be coming and then seated where. 

It was surprisingly fun for you. Temari had taken it upon herself to bring a binder to keep the information safe and at hand. You were waiting for your father to pause in the event of possible objections, but it obviously wasn’t necessary; the council was besotted with your father, hanging on his every word as he circled the council’s oval table as though lecturing them.

“Now,” Father sighed dramatically with a pat of his thigh, “if the council would oblige me, the trip here was excessive, and I am not as young as I used to be …”

“Of course,” Ryusa said. “A period of rest is warranted now.”

A Sand guard appeared by Gaara’s side to whisper, “It’s time, Lord Kazekage.”

Gaara nodded as you frowned, confused. It hit you: Matsuri. 

“Gaara,” You murmured. “I want to come. I know this will be hard for you.”

“And I would like you to be with us.” Gaara lowered his head. “But perhaps it’s better for you to stay and reconnect with your father.”

A few seconds and you said, “Okay.”

“And,” Gaara smiled, “perhaps excise a few details?”

You chuckled. “Will do.” 

You gave Gaara’s arm a reassuring squeeze before he raised from his seat, Kankuro and Temari following him. 

“I’ll send one of them to tell you how things went,” Gaara said. 

You nodded and watched the three of them leave. By the time you turned your attention back to the council, it was disbanding. Your father came to you. 

“I finally have you to myself, my dove,” he said. “Lord Kazekage has fixed me with my own quarters. Come along. We have much to talk about.”

You didn’t know what to expect as you entered your father’s private room. Similar to yours, save for the luxuries yours didn’t possess (which, you were sure, was Temari’s doing in an effort to impress him). A fireplace crackled in the quiet space, dousing amber light on the sitting room floor as the curtains were drawn. Two plush loveseats faced each other, separated by a rug and a coffee table. A large bed sectioned off in the corner. 

Your father followed you in, Chuuyou on his tail. 

“These knees.” Your father sank into a couch with a pained sigh. “Never get old, (Y/n). Promise me that.”

“I promise,” You said simply to obey.

“Chuuyou.” Father turned to him. “I applaud you for protecting my daughter, as you have. You have made both your village and head proud.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Chuuyou bowed his head, both out of respect and, though he could not hide it from you, to conceal his guilty expression.

He’s still thinking about the beach.

Seconds passed in silence. You sat across from Father, feeling as though it was what he was waiting for, and remained stock still. Another sigh from him. He appeared aged in a way he never had to you before. 

“Despite all my orders,” he said after a century, “you still have not tried to poison him.”

Oh no. You balled your fists in your lap. You shrank into yourself, desperate to make yourself smaller.

“I’m sorry.” You hung your head. “I’m sorry I disobeyed, I … I just couldn’t.”

“… Thank the gods.”

You looked up. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, I have been rash.” Father ran a hand over his face. “There is more benefit to you marrying the Kazekage than there could ever be in disposing of him.” 

“But …” Hope, once again, sat tentatively inside of you, unsure of its place in this conversation. “What about Hideo?” 

There it was — the insane look common in your father’s eye rushed into his irises, all for it to disappear as quickly as it had come. Father lowered his gaze, his entire being depressed and deflated, and for a moment you felt the full weight of your father’s losses like it was yours. And in a way, it was.

“I have lost a great deal, by living in the past,” your father said. “I refuse to lose anything else … It was a mistake to send you here under such nefarious pretenses.”

“Father …” You were so quick to tears lately and now was no different. You couldn’t believe it. Relief and sympathy raised within you. The vice, wrapped around your heart always, fell away.

“Just tell me one thing,” he said, looking up at you finally. “Do you think you may come to love him?” 

You thought, now, of Gaara, and the unobstructed path that now led to him. 

“Yes.”

Matsuri was relocated to the Sunagakure prison later that day. Multiple accounts of her espousing her jealousy and displeasure of Gaara’s imminent marriage to you had reached a variety of ears, and, with all the evidence against her and no more cards to play, her guilt was obvious.

In the midst of all of this, all you wanted to do was go to Gaara — to be there for him and because, freed from your bond of violence, you ached for him — but you fought against it. Surely what he needed now was time to breathe. Despite knowing so little of her, you knew Matsuri had been his student, and to watch her fall into treason due to personal feelings had to be traumatic.

You just wanted to be out of the way. You couldn’t shake the feeling this was partially your fault to begin with. You kept to your room, unsure of what to do with all this free time and lack of anxiety. You couldn’t believe you were free. You admired the little piece of sky sparkling on your finger. You only had the slightest recollections of your mother wearing it as she held you, tending to your tiny body and needs.

 You held your ring finger with a tenderness mirroring hers, sat at your windowsill as evening sighed into night, the soft whistling of the wind brushing past a village at peace, when a knock ripped you from your reverie.

You straightened. “Come in.”

You expected a maid who’d come to tell you dinner was ready, but — 

“Are you all right?”

You startled. Gaara shut the door behind him, never taking his eyes off you, and let himself into your room. He was without his Kage robes, dressed in his trench coat. 

“Gaara,” You said, astonished. A pause. 

“I’ve not seen you all day.”

“I thought it best to stay away,” You said. “Are you all right?”

His eyes rounded with clarity. “You’ve heard.”

“Maids like to gossip.”

He was quiet for a second. He looked away. “It is done.” 

“I am so sorry.” You removed yourself from the window seat and crossed the room to him. You folded your arms, having it awkward to have them simply dangle there, and you weren’t sure if Gaara would like to be touched.

Gaara’s head hung still. He looked so aggrieved, tiredness lining his face. 

“What happened?” You asked carefully.

“There was an abundance of evidence,” Gaara began. “The elders were especially hard on her. Matsuri cried a great deal.” His hands clenched at his sides. “She kept saying it wasn’t her and that she’d been framed, yet there was nothing she could do or say to defend herself.” 

You sat on your bed. “Sit with me,” You said, patting the space beside you. 

When he did, he continued: “I forgive her.” Gaara turned to you. “Please do not let this taint your view of who she is. She is still a very talented and gifted shinobi.”

“I won’t.” You shook your head. Despite the anger you felt for Matsuri at the last meeting with the council, it had long since passed, and all you felt was a hollowness for the man beside you, his aggrieved bewilderment your own. 

Gaara gazed into his lap, invisible brows furrowed by sorrow. “I … am still perplexed as to how this could have happened … Matsuri … But I also know love is a powerful force that can make people act contrary to themselves.” His hand inched toward yours, resting on your lap. “I know because … though I felt sympathy for Matsuri, I feel as though my heart wasn’t with her.” He looked up at you. “It was with you.”

“Gaara …” You held his hand. You were beyond flattered, and, with the new conditions you were under, you felt you could really lean into the reserved but true affection Gaara was giving you. You, now, lived in the serene turquoise of his eyes as the faintest of smiles crossed his face.

“I wanted to return to you to be by your side. All I could think about was you today, and the ring … Our future.” He rose from the bed, your hand still in his. “Come. There is something I’d like to show you.”

“Of course,” You said, curiosity lilting your voice.

Gaara led you down hallways. You realized you had never been to this area of the palace before. It was a more secluded part of the palace, quieter; nothing but a simple vase potting an enormous plant by the new, mysterious doorway you were led through. 

He led you to a door, and all clicked into place for you.

His room. Gaara’s room.

At that moment, you realized you had never actually been to Gaara’s room. You couldn’t even tell anyone where it was in the palace. Sweat pressed against your palms. Warm light filled the room, but it was bare save for a simple wooden desk, a lamp, a bed, a carpet — but what caught your attention was the collection of cacti on the desk.

Definitely Gaara’s room.

He let you in first and you heard him close the door behind him as you took it in with a small smile. 

You turned to him. “What do you want me for?”

“I invited you here because I wished to see you in private,” Gaara said. “I want to be alone with you. I’ve …missed having you by my side since the tent. I’ve never had anyone so close to me for so long.” Color came to Gaara’s cheeks. “As a couple,” he began, approaching you, “we should be sharing a room — and a bed.” 

You turned to it, conspicuously wide enough for the two of you. You stared. Nothing was keeping you from Gaara now. 

“Then perhaps we should make it truly ours.”

Gaara searched your face, your meaning lost on him, as you approached. 

This time, you kissed him.

You cupped the back of his head, where crimson hair ran between your fingers. When Gaara reciprocated, your legs weakened, but he kept you steady with all the strength with which you’d been familiarized.

You had not realized your feet were moving backwards until the slight jab at the back of your knees. 

With a whimper, you fell backward. Gaara quickly caught you. You sat on the bed, scooting away from him, which he took as a beckon to follow. You sighed when your head pressed into the pillows. Gaara blanketed your body with his, his lips possessing yours a second time. 

You moaned, opened your mouth for his tongue to come play with yours. You welcomed the pressure of his body on top of you, your hands once again losing themselves in his hair as he flicked and nibbled against your lips. 

“Show me,” Gaara moaned against your jawline, his tone raw and commanding as your hands scaled his back. “Show me everything from the books. I want to know everything.”

“That could take a while,” You hummed, your lips parting as he nibbled at your flushed skin. But we have time. We have all the time in the world.

“Then you should start now.” Gaara nibbled on your neck. Your heels dug into his calves as his wet tongue swept over the vulnerable skin. 

You fumbled, pulling yourself out from under Gaara to work your shirt over your head, grappling with the deja vu you felt as you tossed it aside. You couldn’t wait. You couldn’t. Gaara awkwardly fumbled with the buttons of his trench coat until you assisted. 

So many layers. You shed your pants away, now down to your underwear. You had never let another see you this naked before, let alone nude, besides your maids, and there were no secrets amongst women. But somehow, you were not nervous as you unhooked your bra. Gaara’s motions had stilled to a stop. Flutters went straight to your cunt with the way his eyes scanned you, hungry, as it slowly unfolded before him. 

Your panties hung around one bare ankle when Gaara brushed a hand over your leg. He hooked fingers under your panties to pull them away himself and onto the floor.

“I want to touch you.” His tone was impossibly husky, low. His hand traveled from your leg to your inner thigh.

You laid back down for him. You were completely bare for him now, you realized, as his eyes roved hungrily over your naked flesh. Gaara’s head settled over your chest, pressing kisses against the valley of your breast, one hand preoccupied with your nipple —

“Mm …!” You arched into him. Gaara’s teeth grazed against another nipple. His curious tongue swirled against the rising bud. You heard the buckles of his uniform unfastening as your head sunk in the pillows, and you knew he was in the midst of shedding the remainder of his gear as he busied with your breasts. His naked skin pressed against your thighs. Your cunt throbbed, maddening you to be touched. 

Thankfully, Gaara’s curiosity worked in your favor; his lips traveled down your skin, brushing over a nipple before sliding past the bones of your ribcage. His hands hooked over the fat of your thighs, the soft brush of your pubic hair grazing his chin.

“I remember, in the books …” Gaara’s thumb gently spread one lip, your juices surely leaking over. “The man tastes the woman. I want to taste you, too.”

Your heart skipped; Gaara’s hot breath hit your lips. “He licks up the valley of her lips …”  .

You gasped. You realized what he was doing; he was quoting Icha Icha.

His lips flicked experimentally at your folds. You flinched, a knee knocking his head.

He paused to examine you. “Does it feel good?”

“Yes, Gaara …” You gripped one of Gaara’s shoulders to compel him forward, excitement causing you to flutter. “It feels so good …”

Not needing to be told twice, he sank down, gave your folds a series of licks. You could feel him pause to taste your juices before starting again. 

“Good …” he murmured. “So good … If I’d known …”

“Keep going …!”

You lost a hand in his hair. Gaara was eating you. It was unreal. His hot breath on your lips, his open palms spreading your thighs open, was something right out of your wildest dreams. He ate you gently, experimenting with this new territory that was you. You were more than happy to oblige, spreading your legs wider to become more accessible to him in a way you have never been with any man before him. You gripped the sheets at his sudden kisses, the unsuspected swipes of his tongue. His fingers gently spread and kneaded at your labia, exploring you and overstimulating you in the process.

Gaara came up, accidentally brushing a nose against your clit —

You cried out. You pressed him into your cunt. A quick learner, he tested the tip of his tongue against the nub, coaxing another series of moans from you. Your eyes doubled back as he latched on to your clit, the suction of his lips driving you wild.

You writhed underneath him. Your hands rubbed over his hands as he lapped up your juices. 

“Oh — use — Gaara, you have to use your — your fingers, oh!” 

Gaara paused momentarily, as though something had occurred to him. 

“She welcomed his fingers like old friends into her heat …”

You felt his thumb brush against your folds. It pressed farther in until it breached the entrance of your hole.

“Gaara …!” You pulled at his hair.

He grunted but did nothing to stop you, teasing your entrance with his thumb as his tongue swirled around your clit. Your legs trembled, your back arching off the bed and into his willing mouth. Your juices seeped past the fat of your behind, only for Gaara to reach down to collect it with his tongue.

His breath quickened as he replaced his thumb with a finger, pressing it in —

“Ahh! Ha—aha!” A familiar tightness was tormenting your abdomen. Close, close. You tried to think through your haze; if you could just get him to … “Another, please, and — and curl them up, oh —“

“I will …!”

He obeyed with a soft growl, adding another finger into your slippery heat. Your strangled breath coincided with his fingers sinking in. So full, but not enough. You ached for more, bucking your hips in desperation. As instructed, he brought his fingers up in beckoning —

“Aah!” 

Gaara’s tongue returned to your clit, curling his fingers again and again, your juices seeping, slipping past his digits. You rocked into his fingers, finding a rhythm with him. 

He sucked and kissed your clit, fingers beckoning one final time —

You cried out, clutching at him with both hands. You clenched over his fingers, the walls around them becoming rougher and tighter as your climax came. You shuddered, biting your lip. Gaara was not stopping, inciting wave after wave through you until you plateaued. Pleasure crashed back down around you, forcing you limp against the bed.

“Gaara!” You warned, pushing him away. “Stop, stop! I — I can’t —!”

Immediately, he pulled his mouth and fingers away. You fell to your side, squeezing your legs. You panted, face hot, and in your haze wondered, in the future, if he would do this to you: edge you without realizing — or maybe on purpose? Finger and fuck your poor insides to make you a fumbling mess, as long as it was what you liked. If you told him, he would do it …

A second or so more and Gaara’s hand brushed against your elbow. “Was that all right?”

You turned over your shoulder to look at him, stars in your eyes. “Incredible.” You twisted to face him, kissing his lips, tasting and smelling yourself on him.

It wasn’t long before you were throbbing again, desperate for more contact. Your overactive imagination made it so. He embraced you in the kiss, his warm cock poking at you. You broke the kiss, panting as you brushed him aside to admire him.

You salivated at the sight of him. Your dream to have him twitching and dripping his seed down your mouth was not gone, but … but you couldn’t wait any longer. 

Besides, there would be more time for that.

“I need you inside of me,” You said.

He seemed to understand. You laid back down for him to topple you. Visions of the future — you topping him, bouncing atop his cock, swallowing his seed from under his table— filled your mind. Many fantasies that had already been revisited during your alone times. There would be so much time now. You just needed him.

You helped him position himself. Your excited cunt clenched around nothing in anticipation. You bit your lip as his cockhead brushed against your entrance.

“You will tell me,” Gaara began, both an assumption and an order, “if anything hurts.”

You nodded hastily, clinging to his arms. “Of course.”

“Good,” he said, “because I may not be able to stop.”

His cock slid into you, filling you in ways you couldn’t have imagined. You clung to him, nails digging into his forearms as he filled you to capacity. 

You nestled in the crook of his neck. “Gaara …”

Pain gave way to pleasure as Gaara succumbed to a thrust. Your head whirled with the novel sensations. The pain was alien but not immense. You stifled stammers out of fear they might encourage him to stop. 

Under no circumstances could he stop. 

Another thrust — 

“Mmfm!” You threw your head back. Gaara’s lips crashed into yours as he moved against you, slapping his hips into yours. 

You bit into his neck this time, nibbling at the hickeyed skin soon to bruise there. Gaara’s hand found your clit by accident — and upon seeing your pleased reaction, fixed his hand there and circled it.

He grunted with pleasure as your legs involuntarily wrapped around his waist. His pants puffed into your skin as he pounded you. “Ti — tight …!”

The pain at your core mingled with the pleasure in a way that was strangely pleasant. Your lips part to emit a confused moan-whimper. You wanted more, demanded more. So enamored with Gaara’s plundering of your cunt and his sounds increasing in volume, you didn’t feel him flinch away until his cock had left you.

Gaara pulled away, a hand glued to his cock with eyes squeezed shut. White spent spilled over your inner thigh with a frustrated cry from Gaara. You watched, mesmerized, as ropes of come spilled from his slit and onto your beaded skin.

“Gaara …” You murmured, cunt squeezing around nothing.

He opened his eyes to mere darkened slits, panting as he observed his work.

“I’m — I’m sorry …” He began to come to his senses, realizing what he’d done. “I didn’t know …”

“It’s okay.” You swept his spent from your thigh with scoops of your finger, disposing of it on the fabric. “They’re just sheets.”

Gaara glanced up at you. “Yes, but you …?”

“It’s okay.” You inched toward him. “I can’t get you back up, don’t worry …”

You caressed his cock, now turning flaccid. Gaara took a sharp intake of breath as your grip grew firm. You ran your tongue over your bottom lip before pressing a soft kiss to his head. You tested the waters, taking him into your mouth slowly  to see how he would react. Another kiss and swipe of your tongue —

“Nnrgh …” Gaara fisted the sheets. 

You resisted a smirk as you drew back, eyes flickering up at him. “Good?”

“Yes …” His breathing had grown labored, no doubt due to the gentle strokes you spoiled his overstimulated shaft with.

You leaned forward to run your tongue over the ridge of his head, outlining the span of it with your tongue. Gaara’s short, nearly inaudible gasps spurred you on to trap his head between your lips and suck.

“Ah, hah-ah —“

You took in more of him, feeling the veins trailing his cock grow more prominent with each new inch into your mouth. You grazed your fingertips over his balls as you dared another inch, hollowing your cheeks to serve his twitching cock.

“All right.” Gaara’s hand laid on your shoulder. “Enough — enough.”

You obeyed and released him with a pop. He was near fully erect now, his cock level with your face. You dug nails into your thigh. It had been so hard for you to resist tweaking your clit with him buried in your mouth.

“If you go on, I won’t last,” he explained. 

You nodded and followed the gesture of his gaze back into bed. He returned to his rightful place above you.

“One day soon, I’ll be on top,” You rambled, cheeks red and hot, as Gaara repositioned himself above you. “I can’t imagine how good you’d feel.”

“That day will be today. I only want to get this right now,” Gaara said, and with the tiniest bit of fanfare, placed his head at the tight ring of your cunt and slid inside.

“Aah — AHAA!”

“You seemed to like this before,” Gaara said, voice raised with teasing tilt as he rolled two finger pads into your neglected clit, accompanying his play with deep, slow thrusts.

“Mm …!” You arched into him, your leg spasmed in his hold as he tapped at your clit, Gaara’s fingers dangerously close to where his cock and your opening met. “Gaara!”

“That’s it,” he said. “That’s what I want to hear.” His thrusts quickened inchmeal, but a simple step felt like a mile. “I won’t be a novice for long, (Y/n). I’ll learn everything.”

He slapped a hard thrust into you and stayed there, your hips to his.

“I’ll make you feel everything,” he said as your head fell back into the disarrayed pillows.

You clenched him hard without meaning to. He had to stop talking, otherwise … The encouragement of your cunt was enough to make Gaara rock into you, lustful grunts sounding above you. You closed your and looped arms around his; his clit play would not stop; three fingers tweaked and circled your clit now, your pleasure mounting.

“She finds herself at the peak of climax, and he would be the one to deliver it to her …!”

With a loud moan, you clenched around him tighter and relished the startled moan he gave. His frown rested against your forehead. He seemed to be battling both with the pleasure he felt and the struggle to understand you, how this was possible. Your clit fixed between his two fingers, driving you mad as he filled you again and again with his cock.

Tightness gripped you again, and you knew were you were close. Gaara’s hand abandoned your calf to knead at your breast, eyes closed as he lost himself in you. 

“I — I’m …” he panted. “Again …!”

Gaara’s cock twitched inside of you. Close. How could he not be? You knew this wouldn’t last long, even with the help of your mouth. Your mind blared white, bright with the idea of Gaara coming so deep inside of you —

“Ahah …” Your vision gave you another pleasured throb you didn’t need. “Gaara …!”

Stupid, stupid. You couldn’t let him, you couldn’t — 

But you wanted it. Wanted him. You gripped on to him tighter. “Do it,” You ordered. “Do it, I want you — want —“

Yet as he slammed into you one final time and the warmth of his come filled you, you could do nothing but hold him closer and take it. His fingers tormented you, the stimulation sending you over the edge as well. 

Gaara pulled out, and you felt the slick of his seed seep from your hole onto the sheets. You moaned, clenching around his spent. 

So good …

“Amazing …” he remarked, eyes on your drooling cunt.

You tried to wade through the pleasure thrumming through you to understand your mistake, but couldn’t. The after-sex buzz proved too profound. You could hardly register it as a mistake at all, what with how good you felt, pleasurable aches simmering underneath your flushed skin. You dragged Gaara close for another kiss. 

Once released, Gaara said, “I’ve never experienced this level of closeness with anyone …” He wrapped arms around you. He lowered his gaze to your beaded clavicle while you played with the damp ends of his rustled hair. “It is strange, but wonderful, too.”

“Neither have I.” You grinned. He’s so grateful. You admired the light smile that came to Gaara’s face. “Was I good?”

Gaara glanced up. “Is it possible for someone not be to be good?”

You couldn’t discern your blush from the natural post-coitus flush you had. “It’s possible.” You wished you hadn’t said it; Gaara’s brows knit together, his eyes wandering with thoughts. Apparently, you’d given him a new worry. “But you were amazing,” You hastened to add.

His expressions softened. “Good. I’m glad.” He watched you pepper his hand and arms with kisses. “I want to be as good as the men in the books.”

“I think you’ve already achieved that, my love.”

Gaara nestled closer to you in the sheets. His hand flexed — open, close — as you left a kiss on his green veins. “Do we need to stop?” Gaara asked.

You met his eye, your mind drunk with him. 

“No,” You said and pulled him forward — for the two of you to be pulled under.

                                                                                                   

You had very little appetite at breakfast, your mind still enamored with the previous events that had come to pass.

Gaara was, of course, not at breakfast; tending to sensitive Kazekage duties was of the utmost importance. So instead, you choose to eat with Kankuro and Temari.

Gaara had quite the … stamina. You were sure you had looked like murder for the rest of the night; bed hair and wild eyes as you walked Gaara through all the things you had only read about and heard from other noble ladies. Aches you fought to keep discreet restricted a lot of your movements. 

The sounds of Gaara’s soft pants and whispers of praise were still in your ear long after they had faded into time. Warmth spread through your cheeks as you stared idly at the water remaining in your glass, looking but not seeing. 

“So close, (Y/n) —“

“You feel amazing —“

“Don’t make me stop —“

“(Y/n)? (Y/n)!”

Temari tore you from your reverie, the images of last night turning to watercolor in your mind.

“Watch the salt,” she said, pointing to your plate.

You looked down to see your hand pouring a hill of salt on your fish. You sighed, put it away and shoveled the hill from your plate.

“I’m going to give a speech at the wedding,” Kankuro said, mind made up. 

“I think that’s a great idea.” Temari sipped her tea. “Just as long as you tell me what you’re going to say.”

“What?” Kankuro crossed his arms indignantly. “You don’t trust me?” 

“Oh, I wonder why, Mr. psychoactive cactus man?”

Kankuro sighed in defeat as you giggled. “All right, fine,” he replied. 

“Do you have anything written?” You asked, desperate for something to cling to so you might live in the present.

Kankuro shrugged. “Not yet. I’m not as good with words as Gaara.”

“Nonsense!” You playfully slapped him on the shoulder. “I’m sure whatever you say will be lovely. You’ve got to let me read.”

Kankuro held up his pinkie. “Promise.”

“I hope Lord Boutoku’s quarters are to his satisfaction,” Temari said as you wrapped your pinkie around Kankuro’s. “We wanted only the best to make him comfortable.”

So it was her. You smiled. “He’s doing well. Thank you, Temari.”

“No problem!”

Better than well, actually; your father had returned to a softer version of himself, ordering servants to and fro and requesting to be served all of his meals in bed. You resisted an eye-roll, thinking about the prima donna that he was. As long as he was happy, you supposed.

“All right, I’m outta here.” Temari set aside a napkin and rose from her seat. “Long day today.”

“With what, exactly?”

“Lady Ikanago has requested details about Lord Boutoku’s arrival, and I said I’d go fill her in,” Temari explained. 

“Gonna grab her some painkillers for that hip, too?”

Temari threw a bun at Kankuro’s head, which he aptly caught and bit into. 

“Or maybe some purple pandemonium.” Temari snickered as Kankuro blanched. She left her chair. “So long, you two.”

You waved goodbye to her and returned to your breakfast, humming quietly before taking a sip of your water — 

“So,” Kankuro began. “You and my little brother sure had fun last night, didn’t you —?”

— You spit out your water. 

“Wha — what?” You dabbed yourself frantically with a napkin.

Kankuro’s laughter shook his shoulders, the bun becoming clearly too heavy to hold under the weight of the mirth.

“How do you —“ Your mind went to wild places. “He didn’t tell you —?”

“Are you kidding?” Kankuro said. “Of course not. He’d never; he’s ever bit the gentleman he seems.”

“Then …” You looked around helplessly. “Then how …?”

Kankuro tapped a finger on his temple. “A brother knows these things; I got a good look at him earlier this morning.” He took another bite out of his now crescent moon of a bun and added with a mouth full, “plus, the two of you are such virgins — all dazed and bashful. If this is you trying to hide it, then the whole village will know.”

“Oh, gods.” You hid in your soup. You had passed out long before Gaara and had woken up in his bed without him in it, accompanied only by a simple note telling you Kazekage duties had pulled him away and to go back to sleep full of good dreams.

Kankuro chuckled. “Don’t sweat it. Nobody heard anything.”

“That’s not helping me to not sweat.”

“It’s okay!” Kankuro couldn’t stop grinning. “Really! I’m glad of it.” He shook his head, his smile not having died. “I was worried it’d never happen for him, my poor little brother.”

You groaned, elbow supporting your weight as you ran a hand over your face. “Does Temari know?”

“You’re still alive,” Kankuro said, “so no.”

That earned a little dry laugh from you, a spark of mirth, and it was gone. You looked up through a crack in your fingers. “He looked happy this morning when you saw him, right?”

Kankuro’s expression sobered a bit as he looked into your worried face. “Of course.”

You sighed, relieved.

Kankuro scooped another egg onto his plate. “You gonna go see if he’s still happy?”

“He’s busy.” Both your arms folded on the table. You looked out the window at the faraway blue sky. “I don’t want to bother him.”

In truth, you had no idea what you were supposed to do after sex. Icha Icha was coming up dry on that front; the couples usually lazed in bed or fell asleep together and the time skips gave you no idea what was meant to happen the day after. 

“You’re too timid, sis.” Kankuro reached over and pinched your cheek as you grumbled. “Don’t worry about that; we bug him all day with little things. He always says he doesn’t mind. Breaks up the monotony of the day.”

You smiled to yourself. “I don’t know …”

“Both of you think too much,” Kankuro said. “Do you even think last night would have happened if my brother was so sensitive to everything you did? Stop worrying.”

You chuckled. “Okay, okay. I’ll go myself.”

“That a girl.”

You straightened your back as you neared Gaara’s office. Despite your nerves, you did want to see him again. 

“Do I look all right, Chuuyou?” You asked.

He blinked, as though surprised you would expect a reasonable answer about fashion from a shinobi. “The skirt complements your legs very well, my lady.”

You nodded, assured. You had opted for your precious fishnets again, with wedged sandals and a skirt to soften their effect. Would everything be different post-coitus? For better or worse? You let yourself into his office.

“Gaara?” You sweetened your voice as the door creaked open.

Two other Sand ninjas flanked Gaara’s desk. Their heads raised when you entered. You met Gaara’s eye immediately, who stiffened upon seeing you.

“Hello, gentlemen,” You said. “I would like a minute alone with my fiancée.”

The ninja exchanged glances. You watched in mild amusement as they obeyed without a word from Gaara and exited.

“They are instructed to listen to you now as well,” Gaara said as the door closed, reading the question on your face. “I thought it appropriate, as you will be a part of my family from now on.”

Butterflies fluttered in your chest as you strode to his desk. You will be a part of my family. You admired your cactus gift now present atop it, now the parent of two tiny succulents flanking either sides of it.

 “I apologize for leaving so abruptly,” Gaara said. “My responsibilities as Kazekage …”

“No!” You dismissed him with a nervous laugh. “Don’t apologize, it was nothing.”

“I never would have left you for anything less imperative,” Gaara said while shuffling papers. 

Gaara’s fingers grazed yours as they ghosted the wood of the desk. And, upon instinct, you crossed the desk to him. He stared ahead. Rose-colored the pale in his face as he set aside a folder.

“Last night was … all right?”

“That’s a bit of an understatement.” You looped a finger around one of his. “Funny. I was going to ask you the same.” 

“Nonsense.” Gaara’s grip grew firmer on your hand. “You were — are — everything a man could ask for.” 

You lowered your gaze sheepishly, not knowing what to say to that. 

Gaara gave an affirmative nod. “Good. At any rate, there is still much I wish for you to teach me.” He opened a drawer. You gawked at his collection of Icha Icha novels. 

“You keep these in here?”

“They don’t interfere with work, I assure you.”

“I could’ve sworn I taught you enough last night!” 

“Perhaps for one night,” Gaara said, “but not indefinitely.”

You giggled as he rose to admire you. A gentle smile narrowed his eyes. Gaara’s thumb brushed the side of your face. He left a kiss on your forehead. 

Gaara …

“I intend to spend more time with you once my work is done,” Gaara said as he parted from you.  

“I understand,” You said and, feigning tiredness, you added, “and in the meantime, I guess I’ll look to see what my father is up to.”

Gaara nodded wordlessly. You pet his hand, not quite through with the feel of his touch, before waving goodbye to him before leaving the office. 

You might as well have been walking on pure air; there was nothing tethering you to the earth. Nothing at all.

The end of the month began to draw near. You, your father, and Gaara were in talks about how the two villages would intersect from now on. Father was willing to split his Cyclone down the middle and gift you some of the members, but you weren’t too sure. There were certain classified documents he promised you could now read and, if you deemed it wise, share with Gaara. Those you were more interested in; if you could assist in the coming together of your two villages in any way, that was how you wanted to occupy your time. The diplomacy enthralled you.

But it wasn’t because you didn’t appreciate the effort; Father hadn’t been this warm toward you since the days before your mother had died. It made you feel precious to see him grow incensed about the attack at the beach. You had to suppress laughter when he promised he would send his best to hang your attacker at a town square, slice him into pieces (whatever suited his mood that day) until you steered him on to a different subject. You often had your breakfasts with him now, where he either asked you about your days with Gaara’s family or reminisced about the good old days of being a shinobi (whenever those were, but you knew better than to interject). 

And, of course, there was the ever-elusive oasis. 

You asked Father if he had told Gaara anything about your village’s greatest secret, but his answers were always vague. Supposedly, he was saving the juiciest information for last.

“He’s told me nothing,” Gaara said during one breakfast Father hadn’t roped you into, “and I think it’s because I haven’t asked. I don’t wish to seem too eager.”

“Well, they can have it,” Temari had said, twirling her fork. “I’m not really that curious about some puddle of water in the middle of the desert — no offense,” she added to you with an apologetic flash of a smile. “I just care about how much of a precedent this will set for other villages we’ve rivaled with.”

“Temari’s right,” Baki said before turning to Gaara. “Excellent deduction skills, Lord Kazekage; we wouldn’t want to make Lord Boutoku uncomfortable with our inquiries. The council is doing more than enough of that on their own.”

Kankuro, you noticed, had been strangely silent on the matter.

You and Gaara were sharing a room now, which you were sure was some kind of symbolic metaphor. You had few possessions to move in besides things that were left in your closet; the clothes you had brought with you to Sunagakure, the clothes you’d bought with Temari, simple knick knacks. Gaara was more than liberal with his personal space and seemed to welcome the intrusion.

You woke one morning — ready to retch. You tore the sheets off of you and sprinted to the bathroom. You ducked your head in the toilet and vomited until you dry-heaved. 

You collapsed to the side with a groan. You wiped your mouth and flushed it away. 

“Are you all right, my lady?” one of the servants asked, her voice muffled through the closed door. 

“I’m — I’m fine!” You rubbed your chest, stiff and aching from the retching. 

What was this all about? You hadn’t eaten anything out of the ordinary? In fact, you’d barely eaten anything at all the past few days. Nothing beyond what was necessary to sustain you. Your mind had been on things far more urgent than food. How could you —

A sharp, cold chill ran over you.

No … it can’t be. 

 … It could. 

Leaving out your first night with Gaara, the others had been … extensive. And sorely lacking in protection. 

Oh. Oh —

“Damn you, Jiraiya-sensei!” You hissed as you scampered to your feet. 

This wasn’t supposed to happen! His characters never used protection! What a fantasy!

But you should’ve known better, after all the stories noble women had shared with you about their accidental pregnancies. Some had even fallen pregnant on their cycle. All of these cautionary tales had impelled the younger ones to be more careful. You had not been careful. 

You were pregnant.

Your head spun as you faced yourself in the mirror, ready to … you didn’t know. Laugh maniacally? Cry? Be … happy? 

Happy?

You brushed a hand over your belly. Could it be possible you were growing life there at that very moment? Your child? Gaara’s child? You would be a mother? All of these casualties formed chaotic webs inside your mind, one string falling after the last. Your overactive brain flashed images of you and Gaara and children that looked like both of you. A family. A proper family …

Worry was replaced with rising elation, like a morning sun coming to bring clarity. What if you were pregnant? Wouldn’t it be a good thing? And the wedding … no one would ever know you had gotten pregnant before; in no way would you start showing before the time came. 

Who would you tell? Who could you tell? Temari? Would she be upset with you? 

You wished, more than anything, to have your mother. 

She would know what to do. You felt a strange kinship with her suddenly; was this what it was like for her when she had discovered her pregnancy? Your mind went a mile a minute. You knew who you could tell.

Finally, you stepped out of the bathroom to see serving ladies and Chuuyou looking concerned.

“I’m fine, really!” You assured. Your mind was made up. “Chuuyou.”

“Yes, my lady?” his soothing voice hit your ear.

“I need to see my father.”

“Ahh, and if it isn’t my favorite daughter.”

Chuuyou stepped aside so you could enter your father’s room. The windows were drawn to let in the morning sun. Tendrils of steam curled into the air from his teacup. All of this was contradicted by him fanning himself on one of the couches. 

“Hello, Father,” You greeted.

“Come, come.” He centered the tray on the table.”And to what do I owe this early meeting? I wasn’t expecting to see you for a few hours more.”

“Well, uh.” You watched your father’s hands dance around the tea. He poured you a cup and offered it to you. You accepted it with a tight smile. “I have something to tell you.”

Father sipped his tea. “I’m all ears.”

“Well …” You lowered your gaze to your mug, the steam heating your chin. “I woke up feeling sick this morning —“

“Oh, don’t tell me.” Father snapped his fan closed with a chuckle. “You inherited your weak stomach from your mother. Shame, shame. The woman was my entire world, but the poor thing could be so —“

“I think I may be pregnant.”

… 

…

Breeze whipped the curtain hems with a howl. Chuuyou seemed to take in a sharp breath in the corner, unseen by you; You only had eyes for Father. He’d become a statue, facing you without seeing.

“Pregnant?” Father’s voice was hushed, low. “You’re sure?”

“We — well, I’m not entirely sure.” You twiddled your fingers. “I haven’t done any tests, but it’s a possibility …” You cleared your throat, lowering your gaze. “Highly possible. I was sick this morning, and I’ve never felt anything like that before. We can visit the infirmary together to be sure —“

“You stupid girl.”

You glanced up — hot tea seared your face.

You screamed, hands flying to your face as you doubled over to the sound of china shattering. 

“Chuuyou!” Father roared, “close the curtains!”

You collapsed on the floor, still holding your face. Every part of your face burned, hot and horrible. You wailed. Curtains rustled. A hand seized the hem of your shirt to hoist you to your feet. 

“Get up — GET UP — look at me!” Father snarled, shaking you. 

You obeyed with a frightened whimper. Your blurred vision of Father struggled to focus in the darkness. “Father — father, please —!” 

“What did I ever do for the gods to curse me with you?” he yanked you closer. “I’ve been as patient as possible, but this? I am so sick of your whorish ways!”

“Father, fath —!”

“Chuuyou told me everything about your filthy little tryst with the Kazekage in his greenhouse,” Father hissed, hot breath close to your face. “Why do you think I’m here —!?”

He tossed you. You were a fool to think the couch would meet you; your back collided with the hard ground. You stumbled, fumbling away on the wet floor on wobbling hands and feet as Father advanced.

“Did you think I would be overjoyed to see you married off to our greatest enemy? Stupid girl!” He picked up another tea cup and threw it at your head. You dodged with a shriek and it split apart at the wall.

You gasped, clutching at the wall. Something came to light in your head, wedged by the horror. The greenhouse … You glanced at Chuuyou. At the same moment, he met your eye. 

You had been alone with Gaara in the greenhouse. But you were never alone, not really. And Baki had been assured by his own informants the two of you hadn’t been seen. But you had been seen. But not by Matsuri. By someone who was always watching, for you had your guardian, your supposed protector.

Your shadow.

“It was you …” You whispered. “You spread the word about the greenhouse …”

Chuuyou lowered his gaze. “Yes …”

“You told him!” You pointed to Father, a set of dominoes toppling in your mind. “You set up Matsuri!” 

He closed his eyes.

“Yes,” he muttered. “Once I realized you were truly falling in love with the Kazekage, I decided to take matters into my own hands. I left your side at times I knew you wouldn’t notice or care, and assured there were two Matsuris when there should have been one. I had a clone of her visit a gossip columnist in the village. I knew it would cause a scandal.” He bowed his head. “And it did.”

You shook your head, the level of scheming overwhelming to wrap your head around. “How could you?”

And one of Gaara’s closest? His precious student, of all people? But, with a sickening feeling in your stomach unrelated to the fetus growing there, you began to understand: It would appear as though Gaara was a leader, a Kage, who did not have his house in order, who could not control those closest to him. An unstable house was one easy to topple. How he must have felt in the desert, when morning had come and Gaara was still alive. 

“The Sand must be defeated, My Lady —“

“Do not call me that!” You shrieked. “You have no right to call me that!” 

“This village is duplicitous, it is evil!” Chuuyou went on. “All the years of humiliation, of oppression ― it cannot be undone by something so cynical as a political marriage! They must pay for the pain they have caused us.”

“You helped to sully Gaara’s reputation to spread doubt in the council.” You felt you might retch again. “To strengthen the factions already against him.”

“His reputation has already been sullied. He is a monster — he was born on —“

“And my reputation, Chuuyou?” You murmured, your heart breaking even more than you thought it could, thought it capable. “What about mine?”

Chuuyou opened his eyes only to cast his gaze to the floor, shame keeping him from lifting his chin.

“You were supposed to protect me …” Rage and sorrow toiled inside you. And he failed both times.

You felt dirty and depraved, deprived. Chuuyou, the one person you felt you could always trust even if his shadowing had been bothersome at times. But then … What kind of fool were you? Chuuyou had been chosen by your father, after all. Anyone imposed by him should have raised your alarm, should have cast doubt within you. 

“The opinion of those living in the Sand will cease to matter once I have instilled myself as their ruler,” Father said. You had not forgotten he was there. You could never forget. “I was really hoping you would surprise me,” Father’s voice was low as he glowered over you. “Everything I have taught you … I was hoping you had some sound reason for delaying your task. But instead you come to me, suspicious of carrying his child. You are so pathetically predictable.”

“So it was all lies,” You said. “All of it, from the moment you came.”

“My time here has been miserable,” Father hissed. “Having to watch you play house with that thing” — he threw his hand — “and his family. I am here for one reason and one only, and that is to take matters into my own hands.”

Your eyes widened at him. It was all beginning to make sense now. The letter — it had come after the greenhouse. Your father and his Cyclone. You had thought him simply paranoid, wanting his own protection.

That was not why.

You thought of the other Oasis ninja littered all over the palace — the entire village. Perfectly poised to act. All they needed was to be given word … 

“So you’ve just been —“ You struggled to get words out. “Biding your time?”

“In a manner of speaking,” Father said. “It seems, despite my intentions, I have friends in this village.” His smile was cold. “Members of the council would like to see the Kazekage’s removal.”

A cold chill. Joseki. And only the gods knew who else. No. No …!

You weren’t quick enough — Father grabbed you again. 

“I would hate to kill kin,” he said. “I am giving you not a mission, but a choice. Either you kill your beloved, or you can join your mother and brother in the afterlife.”

You stared at him. Tears ran down your face. “You wouldn’t,” You whispered hopelessly. “You wouldn’t.”

The madness had returned to your father’s eyes. Dread sank you; the madness had never left him. 

“It would be a shame if I had to kill my unborn grandchild as well, a blight on our family that it is.”

He dropped you and you fell sloppily to the floor. You cradled your head as it throbbed. You cracked your eyes open, sobbing in the corner as Father left the room, and Chuuyou, his sorrowful gaze lingering on you, followed him.

You hated no one more than yourself.

You had no idea how long you laid on the floor, shattered dreams and china surrounding you. Darkness and quiet swallowed up the room. Spilled tea long cold wet the bottom of your sandals. Time blurred miserably, thick and colorless, and you inferred that it must’ve been hours. You had managed to pick yourself off the floor and skulk to the room that had once been yours. Chuuyou’s loss weighed your step where he would’ve trailed them. Locking the door behind you, you waited to collapse on the bed to collapse in every other way.

You screamed into a pillow, your tears wetting the fabric. You clenched fists into its plush, and you were sure you could rip it apart, powered by nothing but anguish.

Emotions had blinded you. You were so desperate to believe your father had changed his mind you had missed the truth: he only wanted to succeed where you had failed. 

He was playing along. All this time … All the while working out sinister background details with Joseki and — horror rained down on you — others to take down Gaara. Had all those times at his bedside been a lie? You couldn’t quite believe it; Father’s joy had seemed so genuine, his laughter — when was the last time you’d heard him laugh? He’d been a different person, an echo of something long lost. The memories of all those mornings evoked a different ache in you, impelling you to touch a hand on your chest. I lost the father I never had. That’s why I feel the way I do.

Chuuyou (your shadow, what a joke) had, at some point, slipped away to frame Matsuri. What was her role in this? Beside your angst lay curiosity; a part of you wanted to go to her cell and ask her yourself.

But you couldn’t. There was no time. Angst. Curiosity. Alarm. You were possibly carrying Gaara’s child — and wouldn’t be for much longer, if you didn’t do something fast. You wiped your tears with the back of your arm, releasing a shuddering breath as you rose from bed.

There was only one card you had to play: you had to tell Gaara. Now.

You picked yourself up from your self-hate, composed yourself, and left the room for the one you shared with Gaara. He had to be there by now; it was late afternoon. The last time you had turned your head to the sky, it had been periwinkle. Your head had swelled with dreams. You hadn’t wanted to die.

You lugged yourself around, giving idle hellos to maids and servants who greeted you, working past hallways now familiar to you until you made it to the bedroom door and entered.

“Gaara …!” You were relieved. 

Gaara sat at the bed’s edge, one leg swung over the other. Unharmed. He raised his head to smile at you. “(Y/n). Hello. I was just waiting for you.”

You brought him into a hug. “Thank the gods …” You whispered into his sleeve.

You felt his hand still at the small of your back. “(Y/n) … There have been some issues.”

You pulled back to stare inquisitively up at him. Carefully, you asked, “What do you mean? … What types of issues?”

Gaara cast his gaze low. “Would you be opposed to remaining only in the palace?”

“Gaara.” Your brows furrowed. “What’s going on?”

Gaara still averted your gaze. “I hate asking this of you — you’ve been so sequestered already — but … There are anti-Kazekage sentiments brewing across the village.”

“Anti-Kazekage …” You trailed. Did this have to do with the greenhouse? Or your father? Or both? “Gaara, oh no … I’m sorry …”

“Don’t be,” Gaara said. “It’s as I told you: not all have come to accept me. And as there has been a significant uptick in drama lately, it was to be expected. I highly doubt it will leak to the entire village. I’ll deal with it.” He glanced up at you at last. “But I fear for your safety, especially after what took place at the beach …” He stopped, invisible brows furrowed as he appraised you. “Is something the matter?”

“Yes.” There was no point sugarcoating. This was it. You couldn’t be a coward anymore. Do the right thing for once. For your husband. For the baby. “My —“ 

But your tongue refused to work; it lay limp in your mouth. Your lips parted, but only breath escaped. Sound, no words. 

Gaara took your hand. “Take your time. That is what Temari would always tell me when I had trouble speaking as a child.” He paused. “As a young child.”

“I’m all right,” You said, creating some distance between the two of you. “I’m — okay, really! It’s just, my —“ Again, your tongue froze. Your lips closed against your will, refusing to help you impart speech. You tried to force words out — only to remain hopelessly tongue tied. You closed your eyes with a sinking realization.

Your heart ramped. Panic set in. Oh, no. Oh no oh no.

Father’s done something to me. I can’t say it! I can hardly  think !

“Are you okay?” 

“Gaara …” Fear shallowed your breath. It gripped you like a child hiding from the dark, and you wished you had a teddy to hug. I’m so scared. What should I do?

“(Y/n).” Gaara’s voice was firm now.

You closed your eyes, bringing Gaara close. “No.” You shook your head. “I — I just …” You fought tears. You couldn’t tell the truth, and now you truly couldn’t. I can’t tell him — I literally can’t tell him. “I just can’t stay inside anymore! I feel so claustrophobic, but — but I always seem to be causing trouble for you … That shouldn’t be the case for someone you love.”

“No.” Gaara caressed your cheek. “If anything, I cause trouble for you.” And with all the authority of a Kage, he said, “I will address this. I’m sorry, truly, but it will only be for a few more days. No longer.”

Like you cared about living or being anywhere besides the Sand palace. Like you wouldn’t want to burrow into it and stay forever. Wordlessly, you brought him into a hug. You wanted to burrow inside him, hide in your fiancée, the only place you felt safe. Even if he couldn’t save you.

“If anything, I cause trouble for you,” Gaara said. He stroked the nape of your neck, his voice as gentle as autumn rain. “Forgive me.”

You pinched at his sleeve, a cue for him to comfort you more, and, miraculously, Gaara obliged, running a hand over your arm.

“You … could never cause trouble for me.”

“Do you think (Y/n) has been acting strangely lately?” Gaara asked. 

His siblings lounged around the sitting room, accompanied by Baki. Despite the demands of their respective duties, some days were slower than others. Gaara lived for these days where he could enjoy the company of his family and friends, and he enjoyed it now, even with his concern for you.

At his inquiry, Temari stopped fanning herself. “Hm?”  “I haven’t noticed anything. Though … I haven’t seen much of Lord Boutoku lately. Oh.” She sighed and rested her chin on her palm. “I hope the council’s not crowding him too much. Did you hear Ryusa kept him out all day yesterday?”

“Serves him right,” Kankuro grumbled. “Geezers. All of them. He’s got some nerve, always retiring to his room because he’s tired — like he doesn’t have servants waiting on him hand and foot.”

“I’ve heard about people having …” Gaara fought the anxiety inside of him as he reached for the term, “cold feet …”

“Certainly not, Lord Kazekage,” Baki said. “You must understand: women are mysterious creatures. They need a great deal of time to themselves.”

“I second that,” Temari said. “It’s a surprise you’re not married, Baki.”

Baki gave her a flat look. “Oh, is it?”

“Gaara,” she said, ignoring Baki, “I’m sure she’s fine. Don’t worry.”

“Yeah, I’ll go check on her for you,” Kankuro said. 

Gaara frowned. “But …”

Kankuro placed a hand on Gaara’s shoulder on his way out. “Big brother will take care of it. Don’t worry.”

Gaara appreciated the levity, and after a second or two nodded.

“Thank you, Kankuro.”

Kankuro made it to Gaara’s quarters. He could hear the trickle of shower water. The bed was perfectly made, along with the rest of the room. Not a hair out of place — beside your necklace on the bedside table.

Kankuro sighed. Worried about nothing, as always, Gaara. The necklace’s disk caught in the lamplight. Curiosity tugged at him. He approached the necklace. He remembered the pomp-and-circumstance that came along with Lord Boutoku bestowing it on you. The whole thing was cheesy, but … sweet. He knew how much you loved the thing, were never seen without it. Maybe the old man wasn’t so bad. Crazy, but not bad. 

Kankuro grazed the necklace’s face — he misjudged it, though, and it clanked to the floor.

“Woops.” He knelt down to retrieve it, only to see its disk had cracked open. 

His eyes widened. “Oh no,” he hissed. “No!”

Kankuro, what the fuck did you —?

Glistening black caught his eye. The necklace had broken apart at its center like a metaphorical heart, allowing something to … seep from it.

Something was inside the necklace.

He leaned forward to further inspect it.

Your hands ran absentmindedly over your body. The hot water did nothing to change the corpse-cold temperature of your skin. With numb fingers, you shut the water off, your hair dripping over the valve.

You felt othered from your own body, trapped in it with no choices, no resolution. The clock ticked imminently to doomsday in your mind. When would Father attack? Would he make you watch it as punishment? 

I hope he kills me first. I do not want to see what he does next.

You palmed your stomach and imagined the fetus occupying your womb. The only thing anchoring you from life, and you had even failed this life before it was even born.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

Only a few days ago, you were reeling at the prospect of marrying Gaara, only sooner you were imagining starting a family. What a risible delusion. What a farce.

Drip. Drip. Drip.

You left the shower and wrapped a towel around yourself. A new set of dry clothes lay folded for you, and after drying off, you dressed. Fresh clothes. Soft. Flowery-scented shampoo, soap. The warmth of the clothes failed to penetrate your skin, much like the shower water had. You felt carved, rounded out and empty, like a shell whose creature had long since slithered away.

You reached for your necklace — it was gone. 

What? Your reverie cleared enough for you to ponder. Had you misplaced it? Remembering one moment from another had become a struggle. What had you done with it?

Unless it was taken?

Your eyes widened. Panic shattered the reverie completely. What if Father had taken it, or had someone do it? 

You exited the room, head swinging either way. Where would you look? The only place that came to mind was the sitting room. You headed there, descended the stairs to the last floor —

“Has anyone seen my —?”

Gaara was there, waiting for you. And Temari and Kankuro. And Baki. And a dozen other sand ninja.

You froze on the stairs.

Kankuro, blank-faced, lifted his hand: your necklace chain roped around his fingers and hung there. “Looking for something?” He turned half of the necklace’s broken face and the poison dripped blood-black dots onto the floor.

Your body, flushed from running, ran corpse-cold again. “I …”

“(Y/n) …” Gaara said. “What is this?”

Your throat was too constricted to help form words. A thousand knives seemed to hold you in place.

“An incredibly powerful agent, I’d say,” Kankuro finished for him in a detached, clinical voice, though nothing could conceal the cold fury underneath. “Extracted from the Red Spine plant. Grows from her side of the desert. I’ve even read about it … You would’ve been dead in seconds, Gaara.”

You shook your head wildly. “No, Gaara, Kankuro — I can explain …!”

“So that’s why Boutoku’s here,” Temari said under her breath. You could see the whites of her knuckles from where you stood. Shadows shrouded her eyes before she fixed you with a murderous glare. “You planned to poison him.”

There was no air in your lungs. “No … no …. Wait, I — please —“

“This whole time …” Kankuro’s anger simmered under his breath, barely held back. “It’s all been a ruse. You were waiting for us to let our guards down —“

“No!”

“I knew something was off!” Temari roared, a hysterical edge to her voice now. “I knew something was wrong! This whole time — and when you woke up in the infirmary and flipped out about the necklace being gone! You thought we’d found out!”

Tears were streaming down your face now. You tried to move your mouth helplessly to reveal the truth, but no words were forthcoming. As Father designed, your tongue rolled and failed you.

It doesn’t matter. I knew. I agreed to all of this. All of it.

“There must be some explanation.” Gaara’s voice was measured, but even you could detect the hint of desperation in his tone. “A misunderstanding …?”

You kept moving your mouth, but you were sure you only appeared stammering and pathetic, grasping at straws to craft into lies. Your legs failed; you slumped to a step. You caught Baki’s eye, quietly pleading, but disappointment seemed to keep him silent.

“There isn’t, Gaara.” Kankuro took a step. You’d never seen him look so imposing; his face paint rendered him monstrous. “She’s been wearing that fucking thing since she got here, since I brought her to you —!”

Kankuro threw the necklace, emptied of its contents, into your face. You yelped, catching it with trembling hands. Temari’s 

hands shook, aching, probably, for a weapon to strike you with.

“You snake!” Kankuro hissed. “After everything —!”

“Gaara …” You looked up — and your heart fell to pieces.

Gaara was a stone, but his eyes were lined with moisture. You had brought him to near tears.

You had done this.

“What do you have to say for yourself?” Baki asked. “If you’ve anything at all to say.”

“Please, Gaara  …” You were crawling away from the stairs now, toward them. “Please, please …”

Save me.

Gaara turned away from you. His expression was cold. 

“Take her.”

“No!” You screamed as ninja advanced to grab you. You kicked as you were hoisted to your feet. “No, you can’t, Gaara!” You were being thrust through the threshold when your voice ripped from your throat: “I’M PREGNANT!”

The shinobi paused, turned to Gaara for guidance. 

Gaara searched your eyes, his expression reserved in his desperation for this to be true. 

“Please,” You sobbed. “It’s true … You can’t do this. You know it’s possible.” 

He turned around, this time his back to you. “She’ll be given a test to confirm whether this is true. We can no longer take her on her word. We’re done here … Take her.”

You sobbed miserably as you were dragged away. Temari and Kankuro’s words filtered through your awareness, but nothing registered.

“Matsuri needs to be released, we need to go get her —“

“We have to deal with Boutoku now!” 

“I can’t believe this —“

But it all fell away as you lolled your head to the side. Brutal daylight hit your face as you were dragged from the palace’s entrance, and through blurry eyes, you watched the place that had become your home grow farther away. Nothing but a dream.

[blueskyscribe]

In my opinion Season 3 is easily the worst season of Earthspark.

It's thematically incohesive (don't trust Decepticons, but also Prowl is a prick for not warming up to Megatron immediately), Optimus is unlikeable and bitchy, Thrash's only character trait is cowardice like he's Scooby Doo or something, no good resolution for Starscream, Breakdown and Bee's friendship is broken up because ?????, the Quintessons are impersonal, unengaging enemies compared to the Decepticons (who just jet into space, bye), and a lot of parts are just really boring. (The Fairmaestro episode and the movie night episode being the biggest offenders.)

There were scenes I liked in Season 3, moments I liked, and I liked Prowl. But overall this season was hit by Ultra Magnus' Cloak Syndrome.

You know how in Netflix's War for Cybertron series Ultra Magnus goes on his own to parlay with Megatron? And he's wearing a Mysterious Cloak? And you could tell the writers were biting their lips thinking about the epic moment when it was revealed to be Magnus? But it's undercut by the reality that Transformers have very distinct sizes, colors, and silhouettes, so it's complete unbelievable that even a single Decepticon would wonder whose giant shoulder stacks those were?

Yeah, that's how I feel about Season 3 Earthspark. And just Earthspark in general tbh. We don't get a natural story driven by who the characters are. The characters live in service to story beats, whether they make sense or not.

The writers were like "It would be dramatic if Breakdown chose the Decepticons over Bee. So let's have him do that." No setup, no instances or flashbacks of Shockwave or Soundwave saving Breakdown's life or bonding moments with other 'Cons or anything to show why Breakdown would pick them over Bumblebee, who he has risked his life for before.

The writers were like "It would be cool to have a scene where Optimus and Megatron reconcile! So we'll start off this season with Optimus being mad at Megatron." No reason for it; he's just mad so that later, like the Maltos, we can clap our hands when it gets resolved.

By contrast look at the Beast Wars episode "Gorilla Warfare".

BW Dinobot scoffs at Optimus Primal's gentle and curious nature as he studies a flower. Later when Primal gets infected with a "go apeshit" virus, Dinobot is like "Well I'm sorry for the guy but this strategically good, his anger will win us the war." But then Primal's blind rage nearly gets him killed and Dinobot realizes how much the Maximals depend on not just Optimus' strength, but his calm wisdom.

The episode ends with Dinobot sitting by Primal's bed, waiting for him to wake up so he can tell Primal he's glad he's back to normal, and Dinobot leaves the flower from the start of the episode by his bedside as an oblique apology. THAT was a conflict that made sense, that arose from the core of who the characters were, and that was resolved based on a character's growth. And it all happened in a half-hour!

Like some of these ideas in Earthspark WOULD work if they were fleshed out . . . I could imagine Breakdown having a bond with other Decepticons and really caring for them; sure, I can write my own fanfic. But if I'm watching a TV show and it's a Big Plot Point then it is the job of the writers to show me that, on the screen. I shouldn't have to be filling in their lack of storytelling with "uh maybe offscreen--" and "what if--".

[sapphire-writes]

Our Last Summer (modern!HOTD)

part 6 of 10 || series masterlist || previous part || next part

pairing: Aemond Targaryen x Reader

summary: A girls night with Baela, Rhaena, and Helaena is infiltrated by the Targaryen boys.

word count: 4.7k

rating: Mature/Explicit/18+

warnings below the cut!

warnings: language, substance use (reader is smoking and drinking), p in v, slight exhibitionism, kissing, titty sucking, riding, neck kissing, ANGST

note: hope you enjoy my loves!! pls don't hate me

dividers by the lovely @firefly-graphics

as always, comments, reblogs & likes are appreciated but not expected

“Looking good Luke!” Rhaena calls from the shore. 

You can spot Luke’s small frame aboard Seasmoke, and see him frantically wave as he continues out into the harbor. His brown curls blow wildly in the breeze. It’s a windy day, perfect for testing Seasmoke’s sails.

He’s been doing well so far- well as far as you can tell. Though you’ve spent nearly every day aboard the sailboat you still know very little about sailing. Luke had tried to explain it to you but became frustrated rather quickly. 

Rhaena takes a picture with her phone, “For Jace,” she informs you.

“How’s his trip going?” you ask, knowing Rhaena talks to Jace more than Baela. 

“He says it’s been cool so far,” Rhaena says with a shrug, “He doesn’t think he’ll be back for the gala though.”

“I thought he wanted to go to that?” you ask.

“He did, but he’ll definitely be back for the regatta,” Rhaena promises, “He won’t miss that, he knows how important it is to Luke.”

You smile, shading your eyes with your hand as you watch Luke on the water. 

“He sounds like a good brother,” you comment.

“He is,” Rhaena says, “I know Baela has probably told you some shit about them, but they’re not all bad. It’s nice having brothers.”

“I think she just misses your mom,” you tell her.

Rhaena smiles sadly.

“All the more reason she should talk to Dad,” she tells you, “He misses her the most.”

Baela and Helaena are currently swimming, diving under water only to emerge moments later gasping with laughter. 

“She’ll come around,” Rhaena says, more to herself than to you. 

You sit next to her, letting the warm sand press between your toes.

As Baela and Helaena exit the water they run over to you, falling dramatically to the ground.

“We have the best idea,” Helaena says, grinning impishly, “My mom’s gone for the night. I propose an EGOSP.”

Rhaena gasps, clapping her hands together and you look around, confused.

“What’s an EGOSP?” you ask and Helaena narrows her eyes.

“What is an EGOSP?” she asks, horrified, “An Epic Girls Only Slumber Party of course.”

“Iconic,” Baela adds.

“Usually infiltrated by the inferior sex,” Rhaena adds.

You giggle, digging your feet deeper into the sand.

“Well, we have to let Egg hang,” Helaena muses, “He’s my plug.”

Baela groans. 

“Relax, I’ll kick his ass if he misbehaves,” Helaena assures.

“What about Aemond?” you ask, and Baela shares a smirk with her twin. 

“Do you want Aemond to crash?” Helaena asks, a smile tugging at her lips.

“Well…I mean, I just-”

“Chillax,” she assures you, “I’m just pulling your leg. I’ll tell him to hang around.”

“You don’t have to-”

“Of course I do,” she teases, “Besides he likes you, I can tell.”

Warmth pools in your chest and floods up to your cheeks at her words. Baela pokes you in the side, her fingers cold from the ocean.

“My bestie, getting a little summer romance,” she teases.

“Stop it,” you beg, flushing more with embarrassment.

Baela, of course, has never been one to listen to a command and keeps teasing you until eventually you chase her back towards the water’s edge. You spend the rest of the afternoon on the beach, watching Luke sail and bathing in the sun.

You make your way back to Driftmark later in the day to change and pack an overnight bag. Helaena and Rhaena made it their mission to pick up dinner at the Wolf Den and convince Sara to join in the EGOSP shenanigans. 

You had quickly changed into a red two-piece bathing suit, one you brought specifically for the way it accentuated your ass while also making your boobs look phenomenal. You’d thrown on a cover-up and flip-flops before waiting for Baela at the foot of the stairs. 

Rhaenys walks in from the living room, clad in a periwinkle colored floor length dress, her reading glasses propped on top of her head.

“Hello darling,” she greets you with a small polite smile. 

“Hey,” you tell her, returning her smile. 

“Shit!” you hear Baela call from upstairs, followed by the sound of something crashing to the floor, “I’m okay!”

You can hear her footsteps and watch her appear, shoving things into her bag, silver curls spilling over her face. 

“Your father is coming over for dinner,” Rhaenys tells Baela as she hurries down the stairs.

“Won’t be here!” Baela says, grabbing a bag, “You ready?” she asks, noticing you’ve finished packing your things before her.

“Baela!” Rhaenys says, sighing, her voice tired.

“What?” Baela says, feigning innocence, “Look he should’ve told me earlier! We’re going to Helaena’s.”

“You can be back in time for supper,” Rhaenys insists.

“Sleeping over,” Baela says with a wince, “Girls' night. Making memories, you know?”

“Baela your father wants to see you-”

“He can Facetime me then!”

Baela is out the door before Rhaenys can say another word. She left so fast even you were left behind. Rhaenys sighs, looking towards the floor and you give her an apologetic smile. You can’t imagine how hard this has to be for her. You’ve seen pictures of Laena. Baela could be her twin. 

The Targaryen-Hightower house is vibrating with music when you arrive, as though it should be a house party. But when you enter it’s just Helaena and Rhaena, jamming to the music, singing along. 

“Where’s Sara?” Baela asks as Helaena wraps her in a hug.

“She’s covering for Cregan,” Helaena says, moving to embrace you.

“Boooo,” Baela says, as Rhaena pulls out a paper bag. 

“But look what we got,” she says, pulling out a bottle of tequila.

You spend the beginning of the evening taking shots and eating the food Rhaena and Hel had picked up, before transitioning to the hot tub. Slightly buzzed, you can’t help but crane your neck, looking for the noticeably absent Targaryen brothers. 

“They’re coming,” Helaena says, sparking up a joint, “Egg had to make another run.”

“I wasn’t even looking,” you argue.

“Cut the shit,” Helaena says, inhaling the sweet smoke, passing the joint to Rhaena. 

You take turns as the sky grows darker and the automatic lights come on in the hot tub, pool, and yard. It truly is magnificent, and you can look out at the sea from where you sit, spotting the lights of Dragonstone and Driftmark. 

The sliding glass door opens as if on cue and Aegon and Aemond enter the backyard. 

“Wassup ladies,” Aegon calls, stripping off his shirt and immediately easing into the hot water. 

Your eyes are on Aemond, and you straighten your back, shamelessly angling your chest out of the water. 

What? A girl’s gotta do, what a girl’s gotta do.

Aemond’s eye flickers toward you and he nods politely at the others. He grabs the hem of his t-shirt with one hand pulling it effortlessly over his head. You try your best not to ogle at his defined abdomen and chest, but you can’t help it. Can’t help but follow the little trail of silver hair that disappears below his waistline, directly centered by the v of his hips. 

And that stupid chain he wears with the silver coin, that dangles in your face while he-

Aemond slips into the hot tub across from you, leaving his arms stretched across the sides. The jacuzzi is huge, it could probably fit twelve people if they wanted it to. Aemond catches your eye and you hold his gaze. 

He looks down briefly, so fast you almost miss it, but it was definitely an appreciation for your suit. Your mouth waters looking at him. You’re not sure what kind of spell he has you under, you’ve never wanted someone so much before. 

“We should play a game,” Helaena says, passing the second joint of the night to Aemond.

You raise an eyebrow as Aemond takes a drag. You don’t know why, but you hadn’t pictured him as someone who dabbles in recreational drug use. He notices your expression and raises an eyebrow right back at you. It’s almost playful. You fight a smile as the joint continues to make its rounds. 

“Truth or dare,” Aegon says, “Bae, you first.”

“Truth,” Baela says, through a cough, “I’m not stupid.”

“Boring,” Aegon teases, “Alright, last person you had sex with.”

Baela thinks for a moment, but you know the answer and start to snicker. 

“Ali Martell,” Baela says, smiling at the memory, “And it was fucking great.”

She fails to mention how she broke poor Ali’s heart after leaving her on read a few weeks later. You smile at your best friend and she turns to her twin.

“Truth or dare?”

The game continues for a bit, back and forth between everyone. You’re made to hold tequila in a shot glass between your breasts for Aegon to take, Rhaena has to text her ex-boyfriend and Aemond tells all about the time he made Criston Cole cry during a tennis match. 

It’s all good fun, everyone giggling and sharing secrets. Aegon ends up being dared to jump from the pool house roof into the pool, which he does so willingly. As he climbs out of the pool and back into the tub he turns to his brother.

“Truth or dare,” he says.

“Truth,” Aemond answers immediately.

“Again?” Aegon groans, “I’m giving you a tough one. It’s the witching hour now.”

Aemond shrugs, unfazed by his brother’s threat. It’s like Aegon can tell. Something changes in his bloodshot eyes like he’s turned into a predator going in for the kill. 

“Tell us about Alys.” 

The entire mood shifts. Aemond’s face hardens and he gives Aegon a warning glare. 

“I’m not talking about that,” Aemond says cooly, trying to play off how tense he’s become.

You can see it in every muscle, as if he moves too quickly he’ll snap. Helaena is the one to move first, grabbing Aegon by the ear causing him to cry out.

“You’ve ruined the fun!” she tells him, as he swats his hand away.

“It’s a game, c’mon!” Aegon whines, but Helaena shoves him.

No one else speaks. You watch Aemond’s face, watch his cheeks flush with quiet rage. 

Alys. 

The game and conversation fizzled out after that. Aegon is first to leave, retreating back towards the house. Rhaena is next, claiming she’s hungry, and is followed by Helaena. Baela glances between you and Aemond, before giving you a wink and heading back inside. 

“Take your time bestie!” Baela calls, closing the sliding door behind her.

You watch them in the kitchen for a while, before the three girls head upstairs, leaving the lower level in darkness. Aemond still hasn’t spoken.

He’s just watching you, his violet gaze observing you carefully as you stretch your hands toward the sky and arch your back. You can feel the tiredness in your bones, only accentuated by the heat from the jacuzzi. 

The hot tub continues to produce numerous bubbles and you bring your hands just below the surface, giggling as you wiggle your fingers. Maybe it’s because you’re high, maybe it’s because the hot water feels so nice against your skin or maybe it's the way Aemond’s looking at you from across the hot tub; his head tilted slightly, the corner of his mouth quirked upwards in a small smile, his violet eyes sparkling. 

You address the elephant in the room since Aegon had spoken nearly an hour ago.

“Who is Alys?”

The corner of Aemond’s mouth falls slightly, just enough that you notice before he tears his gaze away from you.

“No one important,” he says, the lie evident in the way his jaw clenches, the way his nostrils flare.

“Mhmm,” you hum softly, still swirling your fingers over the surface, “I love the water.”

Aemond flicks his gaze back to your face, watching you smile as you let the water slip through your fingers. You watch your fingers for a moment, the path they make like flying fish. Or dolphins. The thought of dolphins for fingers makes you giggle and you meet Aemond’s violet eyes once more. 

“I was in love with her,” he says the words slowly as though it pains him to do so. 

The smile begins to slip from your face, melting like a popsicle on a hot day. 

“You were in love?” you ask.

Aemond holds your gaze, the intensity making you tingle from the top of your head down to your toes. 

“A long time ago,” he says.

Curiosity crawls up your throat, and forces you to speak. 

“Who was she?”

“A professor,” Aemond says, and your eyes widen, “I didn’t start at Citadel University. I spent my freshman year at Harrenhal University. But transferred out.”

He’s quiet for a moment, mimicking your movements, letting his long fingers cut through the surf. 

“You slept with your professor?” you ask, voice sounding very small.

“Mhmm,” he says, “And fell in love with her. Like an idiot.” He looks up at you for a moment before glancing away and clearing his throat, “Anyway the school found out. Asked her to leave. And I never heard from her again.”

“Oh Aemond,” you whisper.

“I was a stupid kid,” he continues, “And I let it distract me from my studies. It made sense. The sex. That’s all it was. That’s all it ever is.”

“I don’t think so,” you argue, and he looks up again, “Not always. There are people who-”

“Who what?” Aemond interrupts, “Look at my mother and father, look at Daemon and Rhaenyra.”

You wince at the implications. 

“What’s love good for, anyhow?” Aemond says, leaning back and looking over his shoulder out towards the sea, “Nothing.”

You watch him for a moment, admiring the sheen of sweat that coats his torso; he’s nearly glowing in the lights of the hot tub and pool. You want to keep prying, keep pulling apart bits and pieces of who he is. What Alys meant to him. But you decide to explore the safer route. 

“Were you in love with Floris?” you ask, dipping lower into the hot tub until your neck and head are the only parts uncovered.

Aemond glances at you, his melancholy expression fading to one of amusement.

“What do you think?”

“I don’t know, that’s why I asked,” you tell him with a shrug.

“Come here,” he says, motioning you forward with two fingers. 

You float towards him as though he has a string connected to your ribs, pulling you towards him. You stop when you’re directly in front of him, and he pushes away from the wall. Aemond brings his hands underwater, gripping you by the thighs and pulling you to straddle him as he sits. You wrap your arms around his neck, grinding down against the hardness between his legs.

Your heart flutters with anticipation as he strokes your thighs, moving up to caress the skin of your waist. His fingers tease the strings of your bathing suit bottoms, slipping underneath them. 

“Floris and I had a similar arrangement,” he tells you.

You nod, eyes roaming over his face. He’s so beautiful, you don’t know where to look. Aemond notices your staring. It’s the weed, you know, it must be the weed making you think this way, feel these feelings. 

“Are you worried I loved her?” he murmurs, and you roll your hips against him.

“She’s very pretty,” you tell him, your voice more breathless than you wish it was.

“So are you,” he tells you, “You’re a lot of things Floris isn’t.”

You cock your head to the side.

“What?” he questions.

“Is that a genuine compliment from Aemond Targaryen?” you ask, bringing your hand to your chest, “Never thought I’d live to see the day.”

“I’ve complimented you plenty,” he argues.

“You’re getting soft, Targaryen,” you continue to tease, “I think I’m growing on you.”

“You are not,” he insists. 

“I am.”

“Are not.”

“Oh, yes I am!” you sing song. 

“Shut up,” he insists, though there’s that smile again, tugging at the corner of his perfect mouth.

“Why don’t you shut me up?” you challenge, not sure why the threat poured so effortlessly from your lips. 

Aemond smirks for real this time, looking almost predatory as his eye trails down your throat to your breasts then back up to your face. 

“I think we both know that’s possible,” Aemond tells you, fingers ghosting the front of your bathing suit bottoms, “Our fun the other night get you all excited?”

Your breath catches in your throat as he drags a finger across your clothed center, pressing firmly against your clit. 

“I think it got you excited,” you murmur.

“Oh yeah?” he asks, the smirk growing across his face.

“Mhmm,” you say, catching your lower lip between your teeth, “I think you were jealous.”

There’s a shimmer of something in Aemond’s eye. Something possessive. His grip on your thigh tightens.

“I told you, I don’t share,” he says with a shrug, “You seemed to enjoy yourself.”

“I did,” you tell him. 

Aemond leans forward, placing a kiss on your neck, dragging his lips up to your ear.

“Everyone is just inside,” he murmurs, “But you want me to fuck you right now, don’t you?”

Your eyes flutter shut, hands fisting the hair at the nape of his neck. 

“Don’t you?” he repeats, lightly nipping your earlobe.

“Yes,” you breathe, “Please-”

“No need to beg tonight, baby,” he assures you, moving your bottoms to the side, “C’mere.”

You lift your hips as he frees himself from his swim trunks and you waste no time sinking down on top of him. You shudder against him as you take him completely and he rubs soothing circles on your hips with his thumbs. 

You gingerly lift up, rolling your hips against him, circling his cock, and causing some water to splash over the edge. You glance at the house; most of the windows are dark except for some small lights that cast shadows around the kitchen. You desperately hope everyone is in bed as a wanton moan slips through your lips. 

“You look fucking gorgeous in this,” Aemond says, bringing his hand to stroke the strap of your bathing suit. 

You smile, throwing your head back at your success. It’s true, it’s a miracle suit. Your breasts, barely covered by the red material, pressed together making your cleavage oh-so inviting.

“I wanted to kill Aegon,” Aemond groans, leaning forward and pressing his nose against your cleavage, “Fucking kill him.” You know he’s referring to the dare where Aegon took the shot from between your boobs. 

He turns his head, kissing the side of your exposed breast before turning to do the same to the other. His hand snakes around the back of your suit, pulling the material from your body and letting it float away from you. 

Aemond brings his mouth to your nipple, suckling at your wet breast, kneading the other with his hand. Sparks of pleasure dance down past your navel with every tug he affords your hard nipples.

“Yeah?” you ask, more of a whine than a question as you keep grinding your hips against him, desperate for friction against your aching clit.

Every roll of your hips has the head of his cock mercilessly rubbing against your sweet spot, pushing you closer and closer toward the edge. Your entire body feels like a live wire, and his hands caressing you only adds fuel to the flames. It’s like every sensation is heightened, every flick of his tongue, his lips. 

“Mhmm,” he moans, the vibrations only adding to your pleasure causing you to cry out.

The sound echoes in the quiet night and Aemond pops off your breast, capturing your lips in a sensual kiss.

“You’re all mine,” Aemond says against your mouth, lifting his hips to meet your thrusts, “Keeping you all to myself.”

“Yes, yes, yes,” you chant, as he brings his hand between your legs, nimble fingers rubbing quick circles around your clit.

“That’s it, pretty girl,” he murmurs as you begin to shake, falling apart against him. 

“Sh-shit,” you say, trembling against him. 

Aemond continues rocking his hips up into your tightening pussy, dragging out your orgasm and propelling you towards another one. His jaw is slacked, pupil dilated with lust as he watches you shake on top of him.

“I can’t, holy shit, I’m-” You bite your lip, eyes screwing shut in sheer ecstasy. 

“Fucking hell,” Aemond says, calloused hands gripping your hips, “Squeezing me so fucking tight.”

You’re a trembling mess, holding onto his shoulders for dear life as he bounces you on his cock. You're moaning obscenely as a second orgasm washes over you, a sharp whine leaving your lips at the intensity of it.

"Shhh," Aemond murmurs, pressing soft kisses to your neck, "I got you, I got you."

His thrusts turn lazy, before you feel his hot release, as he heavily exhales against your shoulder. You stroke his hair, nuzzling your face against him as he continues peppering kisses to any piece of exposed flesh he can reach.

You stay like that for a while before peeling yourself from him and grabbing your suit top. Aemond hands you a towel and you quietly make your way back into the house.

Aemond walks you to Helaena’s room, pausing outside her door.

“Goodnight,” you call, softly, placing your door on the handle.

You feel his fingers brush against your wrist, wrapping around it and gently tugging you away from the door. You let out a small squeal of surprise as he pulls you flush against him, connecting your lips in a sweet kiss.  

It’s gentle; nice and slow as he parts your lips, slipping his tongue into your mouth and deepening the kiss. A sharp pang of desire throbs between your legs, and butterflies flutter in your stomach. 

Oh shit.

Aemond’s hand finds the back of your neck, his other locking on your hip as he backs you against the door. Your back slams up against it; it’s just rough enough to steal your breath as he continues to kiss you.

It’s just the drugs.

He pulls away all too soon, leaving you pouting and leaning forward for more. Aemond smiles at that, stroking your jawline with his thumb. 

“Goodnight,” he murmurs, still stroking your face, before reluctantly letting his hand drop.

“Goodnight,” you whisper again, letting your hands fall as well.

Aemond pulls away completely, heading down the hall toward his room.

You exhale the breath you didn’t realize you’d been holding once he’s safely inside. You open the door to Helaena’s room, tip-toeing over Baela who lies sprawled on the floor on top of an air mattress.

“Yo,” Helaena says softly from her bed, a bag of hot Cheetos nestled under her elbow. 

“Hey,” you whisper back, hopping onto her bed and stealing a Cheeto.

“What were you doing?” Helaena asks, her brow raised in curiosity.

“Nothing,” you tell her, fighting a smile. 

You spend some time snaking and giggling with Helaena before she drifts off to sleep. It’s harder for you to find sleep, your body feels like a live wire; electricity coursing through your veins. You know what this means, even though you don’t want it to be true. But the nerves in your stomach don’t lie, the way your heart flutters against your ribs at the thought of him.

You are in way over your head. 

“Wakey wakey!” Baela says, poking your face, “Lazy asses! Let’s go!”

You groan, turning away from her. Helaena rubs her eyes.

“It’s early,” Helaena whines as Baela tosses her a sweatshirt.

“We have to get to Hotpies early or else all the tables will fill up,” Baela argues. 

Helaena looks at you.

“Wanna ask Aem if he wants to join?” she asks, smirking slightly as she says it.

There it is, that feeling in your stomach again. Nervous butterflies. You eagerly nod, throwing on a sweatshirt and hopping out of bed. Baela shakes her head at you.

“Girl-” she begins.

“Shut up,” you tell her, cheeks flushing. 

You quickly head out of Helaena’s room and down the hall, forcing yourself to walk normally. You take a deep breath outside his door before knocking. It’s ajar, swinging open as you do so. You peer inside the room. It’s airy, the windows open letting in the morning light. His bed is already made and Aemond nowhere to be found. 

Aegon opens his door across the hall at that moment, yawning. As he opens his eyes he cries out, pressing a hand against his heart on his bare chest.

“Scared the shit out of me!” he accuses, running his hand through his hair, “Aem’s probably on a run.”

“Wanna grab Hotpies with us?” you offer.

“Sure,” Aegon says, moving across the hall and into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him.

You hear some noise downstairs and walk down the spiral staircase, hoping it's Aemond back from his run. You smile as you enter the kitchen, spotting him leaning against the counter, a glass of water in his hand. He’s wearing black running shorts, paired with an equally dark tank top; his silver chain is visible before disappearing below the neckline. 

“Hey,” you say, coming up next to him, “We’re grabbing breakfast, would you like to join?”

Aemond glances at you sideways, taking a small sip from his glass. 

“I’m good,” he says, voice cold.

The smile on your face falls slightly in disappointment. He doesn’t look at you again, just continues drinking his water, taking his phone out of his pocket. He’s got one airpod in and you can hear him change the song. 

You stand there awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to do. Why the sudden change in demeanor? You thought for a moment last night that you and Aemond were finally starting to get along. 

Aemond finishes his water, moving by you and placing his glass in the sink. Your eyes follow him. He’s going to continue ignoring you, you can tell as he begins to leave the kitchen.

“Did I do something?” you ask, causing him to pause, turning to you slightly.

“No,” he says, matter of factly, the pout of his mouth dipping into a frown.

You stare at him, not buying it one bit.

“I just thought-”

“Thought what?” he asks.

You continue to stare. The smile has completely dropped from your face at this time, and the butterflies in your stomach suddenly feel like they’re made of lead. You can feel your throat tightening, and will yourself not to cry. That’s the last thing you need, to fucking cry in front of Aemond Targaryen. 

“It’s just…last night,” you tell him, feeling foolish, “I thought maybe we were getting on.”

Aemond clicks his tongue before pressing it against the inside of his cheek.

“We get on fine,” he says, pursing his lips, “We fuck, and it’s fine.”

Your stomach feels heavy, and the tears prickle behind your eyes causing you to blink rapidly to stop them from falling down your cheeks.

“I thought we were…”

“What?” he snaps, “Thought we were what?”

“I don’t know,” you admit.

“Look, just because I got high with you and told you some pathetic sob story from uni, doesn’t make us friends. Doesn’t make you my girlfriend. You’re a convenient fuck. That’s all,” he says, clipping the words for finality. 

You feel like you’re going to throw up. It’s like the room is spinning like the world has suddenly changed axes and you’re about to fall off. 

“Fine,” you force the word out from behind clenched teeth. 

You turn around as the tears begin to come, hurriedly moving to leave the kitchen.

“Forget that shit I told you,” Aemond calls, causing you to stop. 

You take a deep breath, quickly wiping your cheeks, barely glancing back at him.

“Already forgotten,” you assure him, leaving the room. 

Baela, Rhaena, Helaena, and Aegon are hurrying down the stairs as you round the corner, forcing a smile on your face.

“Aem coming?” Hel asks, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

“No,” you tell her.

“Oh,” she says, frowning as you loop your arm through Baela’s hurrying out of the house.

“Let’s go, I’m starving!” you tell them, forcing your voice to sound cheerful.

Aegon and Rhaena follow you, but Helaena hangs back for a moment. You turn your head, watching her frown in the direction of the kitchen.

“C’mon Hel!” you call. Just drop it. 

She shuts the door behind her, and you all pile into her car. You take one final look at the house, watching Aemond’s shadow pass by the large glass windows. His tall frame pauses as he watches the car pull away down the driveway. 

Rhaena reaches across and connects her phone to the speaker and suddenly SZA is blasting through the speakers. You force a smile as Baela glances at you, and force a laugh when Aegon makes a crude joke. 

One thing is certain.

You’re done with Aemond Targaryen.

note: BESTIES ILYSM

OLS Taglist: @talesofoldandnew, @diannnnsss, @aemondslefteyeball, @urmomsgirlfriend1, @castellomargot, @atherverybest, @high-on-darren-criss, @diosademuerte, @padfooteyes, @tempo-rary-fix, @amirawritespoorly, @chainsawsangel, @toodlesxcuddles, @tssf-imagines, @malfoytargaryen, @nina2697, @glame, @joliettes, @yentroucnagol

@grungegrrrl, @moonlightfoxx, @melsunshine, @helaenaluvr

@m1ndbrand, @sahvlren, @muthafuckingstargirl @herfantasyworldd, @sunna-fangirls, @carriellie, @elle4404, @fan-goddess, @jamespotterismydaddy @shessthunderstoms @carriellie @sunna-fangirls @dancingqueen0

bold means tumblr would not let me tag!

[wileys-russo]

Ella Toone

“Jesus Christ love I didn’t know you could hit like that”

Rage room 🙂🔥

rage room II e.toone

"baby! i love ya so much but please hurry up." the mancunian groaned, twirling her keys around on her pointer finger. "el we are literally not booked in until three and it's only eleven thirty." you laughed at her impatience from the bedroom.

"yeah but we're gettin our nails done and then goin for lunch and then the rage room at three. we're on a tight schedule here woman chop chop!" the midfielder clapped, popping her head through the doorway with a raised eyebrow.

"sorry! i'll hurry up love." you made a point to bend down and lace your sneakers in slow motion, ella leaning against the door frame with a long and annoyed groan.

"i'm getting grey hairs here man." your girlfriend huffed with a shake of her head, smacking your hands away and kneeling down lacing up your shoes for you.

"sure babe you can borrow my jordans, thanks for askin." ella mocked sarcastically as you grinned. "sure love you can borrow my prada sunglasses, thanks for askin." you quipped back as the smile was wiped from her face.

"fair point. come on then!" she took your hand and pulled you to your feet. "baby!" ella moaned as you dug your heels in just to annoy her further, trudging slowly across the living room.

"you're such a fuckin wind up!"

~

"thank you for today el, its been perfect." you smiled sincerely, sat across from your girlfriend at your favorite japanese restaurant, leaning across and meeting her lips in a sweet kiss. "anything for you and that gorgeous smile baby." ella flirted charmingly as you shook your head.

"if only you were this smooth when you asked me out the first time." you teased as ella's cheeks flushed bright red. "you promised to stop bringin that up!" ella whined burying her face in her hands.

you'd transferred to united from bristol city two years ago and ella had been enamored by you from the moment you stepped foot into the locker room with a shy wave, a little taken aback by how forward and friendly the entire team was.

her best friends very quickly picking up on the developing crush she'd been relentlessly bullied into eventually asking you out on a date. though with half the team well aware of her feelings and the lingering fear of rejection she'd been a nervous wreck.

the words got jumbled up together and her attempt to ask you just for coffee wound up with her asking you to buy her a coffee and you leaving with a confused nod, showing up the next day with a flat white in hand for her and a very embarrassed number seven who hurried to correct what she'd meant.

"babe its a crucial part of our epic love story, i can't pretend it didn't happen." you grinned as your food arrived and you both thanked the server. "teach me please?" ella asked eagerly holding up the chopsticks in hand.

"el, love we tried this last time." you smiled sympathetically but unable to say no to her pleading eyes you walked her through it, the brunette eventually dropping them to the table with a clatter and a list of swear words dropped from her lips.

"fuck this." ella grumbled, snatching the fork you'd made sure to order for her and stabbing the california role before shoving it angrily into her mouth in one go.

"what?" she asked with a frown, mouth still full of sushi. "you know babe sometimes i miss when we weren't so comfortable around each other."

~

"so obviously the walls are off limits! they are cement though so i wouldn't recommend to hit them anyway because the shock of the bat hitting it could break your hand." the worker shrugged casually as you and your girlfriend shared a look.

"thats mostly everything. have fun ladies!" he shrugged, stepping out and closing the door as music filled the room. "ready baby?" ella grinned, moving forward and tugging your glasses down over your eyes.

"go!" ella cheered, swinging her bat at a stack of as you pumped your fists and the music got a little louder. you watched on with a grin as your girlfriend wreaked havoc, letting out a war cry and hauling a few plates at the wall.

"go on baby, your turn!" ella encouraged with a wave as you lifted your bat and swung at an old computer monitor barely knocking it over. "nah you can do better than that! think about that prick from ya old job, the one we used to scream into the pillows about!" ella remembered, clicking her fingers.

a sudden rage filling your body you let out a war cry of your own and swung at an old tv sending the glass screen flying in hundreds of tiny pieces around the room.

"jesus christ love i didn't know you could hit like that." ella whistled in shock. "baseball?" you gave her a wolfish grin holding up a mug as she perked up and readied her bat.

"ya know we should really bring mary here babe, she has a lot of rage."

[euphoricfilter]

𝐒𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐱𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲

☆ 𝐜𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥

when two brains collide

tags/ warnings: games designer! jungkook, non, idol au, established relationship, fluff !!!!!!, christmas!!!! :D

word count: 1.1k

notes: merry christmas!!!! technically this can be read as a standalone :D

☆ epic crazy callob with @bonny-kookoo 💞 ☆

☆ series masterlist

.　 . • ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊ ° . ☆.

neither you nor jungkook remember exactly when your christmas eve tradition had began. the both of you could never keep a secret from one another. there was always the unbridled excitement the both of you had, impatient for the other to see what you’d gotten them.

and so, the solution: the both of you would exchange one gift on christmas eve.

the first year it happened, jungkook had gotten a little overzealous, half your christmas presents opened hours before christmas day. you had to be the one to stop it, realisation dawning on you the moment you’d seen how much wrapping paper was tucked in both your laps.

jungkook hadn’t been happy you’d stopped, bottom lip pouty and mood all mushy sad. because as much as he loved everything you bought him, there was this strange sort of joy he found in simply watching you carefully unwrap your gifts.

the second year of your tradition had been you. because the playstation jungkook had wanted arrived the morning of christmas eve and you had to keep it a secret all day. pure buzzing excitement fizzing beneath your skin for hours as you stashed it under the bed.

and you simply couldn’t help yourself. so of course you had to give it to him before the words slipped off your tongue and the surprise was ruined.

by the third year the both of you made an active effort to slip it into your other christmas eve festivities.

“jungkook, quick” you call out to him from the other room, “ELF is on soon and we can’t miss it”

he peeks his head round the doorframe of your bedroom, “i’ll get the DVD out if we miss it”

your eyebrows narrow at him, “it’s not the same as us watching it when it comes on the TV”

“we have to sit through ads though” he murmurs.

“yes, but” you give him a pointed look, “that’s part of the charm, plus, they tell you what’s on tomorrow for christmas day”

jungkook’s nose scrunches up, “i’ll be quick, i forgot to write out your card”

you lean your head back on the seat of the couch, hand patting around the carpet for the remote to turn the TV down, ears straining to hear jungkook shuffling around the bedroom.

he’s quick to slip back into the living room.

you don’t miss the rattle of the box as he sits down, nor do you miss the similar shape and size to your own gift.

you look down at the box sat in your own lap, then back over at jungkook’s gift.

“okay” he claps, “i think you’re gonna love my gift” he beams, and you can’t help the prickly suspicion that flitters up your spine making you sit up a little straighter.

“i think you might love mine” a smile quirks onto your lips.

jungkook places his box between the both of you, gift rattling in its box. and it isn’t until you place his gift next to yours— same little rattle reverberating into the room, does his mind seem to catch up with yours.

“oh” he blinks, pointing to both your gifts then between the both of you.

“there’s no way” you giggle, feet kicking out a little.

“holy shit what if we actually got each other the same gift?” his eyes are wide

“we’ll if you got me, what i got you then there might be a slight issue” you tell him

he nods, “no because… if you got me, what i got you then we definitely will have a problem”

you can’t help the bubbly laughter that spills from your lips, jungkook mirroring your joy.

you push yourself up onto your knees, excitement all encompassing as you kneel over the gifts, arms wrapping around jungkook’s shoulders as the both of you bask in the joy of the other.

“you’re really gonna like my gift” he tells you, lips pressing against your cheek, kiss feather light as another wave of bubbly joy spills from his lips.

“i know because i showed you a photo” you giggle, flopping down into his lap when he opens his thighs a little wider.

your back presses against his chest, quick to pick up the gift you wrapped, handing it to jungkook, who holds it in your lap as you pick up your own gift.

you have to bite your bottom lip to stop another wave of giggles, head tilting to look up at jungkook.

“i love you” he says, a reminder. though you doubt you’d ever be able to truly forget.

“i love you more than i’ll ever be able to say”

his hands leave the wrapped gift, instead holding both your cheeks, pulling you into a kiss.

your attention flickers back to the TV when ELF starts playing, your hand slapping against his thigh “quick! the film is starting”

he hums, fingers pulling apart the wrapping paper, as you do the same.

another laugh rumbles through your chest when you see the familiar little box, the exact same you had for jungkook.

“i think we truly share the same mind” he says as he opens the box, his own gravely laughter vibrating against your back as he sees what it was.

you tilt your head to look up at him, the brightest smile on your face “you really do listen to all the things i like”

“of course, baby” he beams, “you’re not disappointed we got each other the same gift?”

you shake your head, fingers tracing over the silver bracelet. it had only been a fleeting moment, a quick tilt of your screen in jungkook’s direction to show him the cute promise bracelets, magnetic heart charms hung prettily.

his eyes had flickered down to see you’d saved the post, enough incentive for him to find it and get it as a gift.

you pick one of the bracelets from your box, “give me your hand please” you say. and he does.

“you have this one” you clasp it around his wrist, “and i’ll have this one” you take the other bracelet out of his own box.

“why don’t you just put both the ones from your box on?” he smiles.

“because it’s principle. we’re meant to have one each… now you have the other one, and i have this one” you take the second bracelet from your box, “and now we have one each from each other, just like they’re supposed to be”

his lifts up your hand interlacing your fingers as the magnets snap together, completing the little hearts.

“it’s so perfect” you whisper, utterly enamoured by the little charms.

“merry christmas, my love” he leans his chin on your shoulder, smiling at your interlaced fingers.

“merry christmas, kook” you murmur, knocking your cheek against his forehead.

[steddieasitgoes]

@steddiemas Day 4 Prompt: Questionable Holiday Movies

Like many, I chose Gremlins.

Tags: Post Season 4, Everyone Lives, Movie Nights At The Harrington's House, Established Relationship

wc: 1225 | Rating: T

Read on ao3 | ao3 collection

When Eddie pulls up at the Harrington house he’s come to frequent in recent months, the driveway is full of bikes. Those damn little shits, Eddie thinks, shaking his head as he parks the van on the curb in front of Steve’s house. The curb where said bikes should be instead of taking up prime parking real-estate for actual cars. He’s going to get ahold of one of his damn sheep and scold them for their carelessness. It’s one thing to leave them littering the lawn, but the driveway? Have some decency!

Moseying his way to the front door, Eddie makes it all of a few steps onto the bike cluttered driveway before he hears familiar voices shouting at each other. All the blood drains from his body in an instant. Mind raising through a hundred and one ways that something might be wrong.

He was a pessimist before, but his brief stint with the Upside Down has really taken a toll.

Double-timing it, Eddie bursts through the front door and down the hallway into the Harrington’s open living room. Thankfully, he doesn’t find any signs of blood, floating bodies, or otherwise distressed children. Instead, his eyes land on Dustin and Steve who are glaring at each other by the television set.

“You’re uncultured!” Dustin shouts.

“Shut up, Henderson,” Steve snaps, hands on his hips. “I am not uncultured. You’re uncultured!”

Dustin gasps, more offended than he should be. He takes a step closer to Steve, puffing out his chest to make himself look bigger. “You take that back.”

“No.”

As the heated argument morphs into a silent stare-down, Eddie takes a moment to assess the rest of the room. Robin, Max, and El are on the sofa, leisurely enjoying a bowl of popcorn. The rest of his Sheep are scattered around, attention focused on the mountain of Family Video rental tapes on the coffee table.

“What the hell did I walk into?” Eddie asks when he realizes no one is going to fill him in.

“Dingus and Dingus Jr. are arguing,” Robin supplies.

“S’nothing new,” Max agrees.

“We are not arguing,” Steve grumbles.

“That I can agree on,” Dustin says, nodding his head. “I am having a discussion with Steve and his lack of taste in Christmas movies.”

“First of all, Henderson, taste is subjective or whatever,” Steve says, hand abandoning his hips for a moment to flounder through the air. “Secondly, it’s not a discussion if you spend the entire time yelling at me for something you’re wrong about.”

“I’m not wrong! Dammit!”

There’s a part of Eddie that wants to see how this plays out. He’s no stranger to the epic Steve vs Dustin arguments conversations. There’s still a stain on the carpet in his own bedroom after an innocent debate over the best ice cream float combinations turned ugly. On the other hand, Eddie’s had a long day of getting yelled at my stupid customers, he could use some quiet.

“Gentleman,” Eddie says, clapping his hands. He moves between the two scowling men — well, man and teenager. Though, maybe Steve doesn’t deserve to be called a man right now either considering he’s arguing with Dustin in the first place. Whatever. He’s standing between them is all that matters. “What seems to be the issue today?”

“Why do you make it sound like we always have issues?” Steve asks at the same time Dustin snatches a VHS tape from the floor and practically shouts, “Steve says Gremlins isn’t a Christmas movie.”

“Because it’s not!”

“It takes place on Christmas Eve!”

“That doesn’t make it a Christmas movie!”

“Are you even listening to yourself, Steve? Of course that makes it a Christmas movie!”

“No, it doesn’t! It has nothing to do with Christmas!”

Eddie’s sandwiched between the two of them now, ears ringing from the volume their voices have reached. No one else seems to be interested in refereeing this particular argument and Eddie can’t really blame them. Maybe he should have let them hash it out themselves. Too late now.

“Alright, alright,” he sighs, nudging them both backward with his outstretched hands. “Valid points have been made on both sides.”

Eddie playing mediator does nothing to pull the scowls off Steve and Dustin’s faces. If anything, he thinks they might have deepened. He’s in too deep to stop now though, so he powers on.

“But unfortunately one of you is correct,” he says, clasping his hands together under his chin. He rocks on his feet, head swaying from side to side as he offers both Steve and Dustin apologetic gazes. “Stevie, sweetheart, I’m afraid Dustin is right on this one.”

“Ha!” Dustin shouts, throwing his hands up in victory. “I told you!”

Steve scoffs. “You’re a shithead, Henderson.”

“A shithead who is right!”

“You know what,” Steve says, trailing off.

Eddie catches the mischievous glint in his eyes. The same one he used to sport down the halls of Hawkins High with Carol and Tommy as they bitched about everything and anything. Eddie was never on the opposite end of Steve’s bitchy attitude, not important enough back then, but he certainly witnessed it more times than he can count.

Eddie’s willing to bet Steve gearing up for something that’s going to make Henderson retract his victory. Sure enough, he slinks up close to him and slings an arm around Eddie’s waist.

“Hey, baby,” Steve says, voice dripping in sweetness.

This isn’t going to be good for Eddie.

Steve's hand trails into Eddie’s back pocket and gives his boney ass a light tap before retreating.

“If you want more of this,” Steve says, slipping his hand into Eddie’s back pocket. He lets his hand hover there for a moment before he gives Eddie’s boney ass three lighthearted, teasing taps. “I suggest you join my side of this little discussion.”

A loud gasp escapes Eddie as Steve squeezes his ass cheek before withdrawing his hand completely. Glancing over, Eddie finds Steve staring at him with that same glint in his eyes and a cocky smirk on his face.

“No,” Dustin shouts, shaking his head. “No! That’s not fair. It’s illegal!”

“Sorry, Henderson,” Eddie says, genuinely apologetic in tone. He does think Gremlins is a Christmas movie, but the threat of not having Steve’s hands on him ever again? Well, that’s not worth defending Gizmo and the rest of those evil bastards. “I’ve had a change of thought. I don’t think it is a Christmas movie.”

“God dammit!” Dustin swears, stomping his foot. “See, this is why I didn’t want you two dating! You’re ruining my life!”

“Oh, quit being dramatic, Dustin,” Lucas says, rolling his eyes. “Let’s just pick something else.”

“Yeah! It’s just a movie, dude,” Mike chimes all.

“Screw all of you!”

As the room resumes its chaos in a different form — the boys arguing over what else they can watch seeing as Gremlins is out of the question. Eddie finds himself being ushered over to the recliner, where he’s promptly pulled into Steve’s lap.

“You know Henderson is right about that movie?” Eddie whispers, nuzzling into Steve’s chest.

Steve hums, closing his eyes for a moment as Eddie places a featherlight kiss to the two moles dotting his neck. “Don’t tell him, but I’ve actually never seen it.”

Eddie pulls away swiftly, nearly sending himself toppling off Steve’s lap. Thankfully, Steve’s reflexes are fast and he steadies Eddie with a firm around his torso. “You’re evil, Harrington,” he quietly chuckles, shaking his head.

“Gotta keep his ego in check somehow.”

[someprettyname]

✨GF FC INDIGO AWARDS 2024 PT 4✨

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4 | part 5 | part 6 | part 7 | part 8 | part 9 | part 10 | part 11 | part 12 | part 13 | winner's list | after party

Some points to note before you move to the event visualizer : 

🟣 My anchoring style is highly energetic and bubbly so you can imagine me doing a lot of hand gestures, changing pitch and tones of my voice, moving around on the stage a lot, etc. Hehe.  

🟣 The theatre/event venue has been engineered by the best engineers of the world, with the most modern technology. The petals of the lotus can close or open to hide or reveal the night sky. It can also change its colours. For tonight, it's indigo!  

🟣 The "OUTFIT CHECK" were clicked in different places (according to where the member was spotted first) hence the different background. 

🟣 I didn't want to write too dialogues on yall's behalf but I can't really bother you with every small detail, so I hope whatever dialogues I've made up are not too out of character! 

🟣Ignore the contradiction of same blue locker entering the scene multiple times, pretend there are a few copies of each member 🥰👍🏻

🟣 Ignore the outfit mismatch in the edits (any edit after the outfit checks please, our editing skills only go so far 🙏🏻 ) 

🟣 I highly suggest that you listen to songs as you keep finding them being embedded in links for added feels and extra hype! 🔥

🟣 The performances where multiple songs have been used is supposed to be a mashup. You can imagine the mashup to be as you please! The songs I've bunched together are for the sole purpose of creating a particular vibe, so as long as to they are fulfilled it's all good! 😌🤝🏻

🟣 The posts are scheduled at a gap of 3-4 hours each, this event is going to be spread throughout 2 or more days. Feel free to go feral in the comments/reblogs/community my mates. 🔥 

🟣 I hope you enjoy this! Tagging all the attendees here : 

@glue-thief  @getosugurusbangs @bueris @soleilonthesun @galaxynajma

@sid3buns @mariyumemi @pinkinsect @refrigeratedboombursts @satosuguhastakenovermylife 

@10renz0 @simp-simp-no-mi @boinin @sharkissm @milkteansugar 

@thebestsetter @merlucide @jujutsustraycats @kurona-theshark @nskiyuriz

@asarajaa @writingonthewalls1832 @hooudie212back @sadao-tsuki @milaisreading 

@8-xnny @licoririce @rinitoshisgirl @luvingshidou  @duckydee-0

@kuro-min @gojoracle @marcsnuffy @filecurropt0 @riririnnnn 

@wroophruh @sanaexus @melodiclune

(*The lotus petals curl outwards, revealing the night sky to the attendees as certain beat fills the place and atmosphere. The lights shine upon IZZY (@/luvingshidou) as the audience recognise the beats to be that of DIVA by BEYONCE. The stage burst into fireworks and audience sing along as IZZY demands. Fireworks can be seen in the sky, marking the beginning of an epic evening which will go down in history.*) 

[ LINKS : DIVA | Choreography ]

(*Confetti works are seen on the stage as the curtains fall. *)

(*The curtains rise again and this time they reveal a dark figure coming more and more into light as she walks forward on the stage. Nami. The MC for the evening.*) 

GOOD EEEVENING LADIESSS AND GENTLEMENNNNN!! 

How are we FEEELIINGGG TONIIIGHT? 

LET. ME HEAR. YOUUUU!!  🎤

*Turns the mic towards the audience*

*indistinct sounds so hooting, clapping and cheering*

WOAH! WOAH! The mood in here is even better than I expected!! Well! Well! That's Girlfriend FC for you!! Always breaking past the metric of expectations, leaving everyone's jaws to drop to the ground. Ha! 

I'd like to take this moment to officialy welcome you all to this award ceremony. Ladies and gentlemen, you all look ABSOOOLUUUUTELY gorgeous and HANDSOME in your gowns and suits! I also thank the blue lock players for accompanying our members to this show! You really do add a shine, like stars in the night sky of our celebration!

*camera moves around to show the hall*

(The seating area for attendees.)

*Camera flashes to Isagi waving politely at the camera, REO clapping and Aryu flipping his hair ✨osha✨ way* 

*The camera moves back to the stage.*

(Best part? It keeps changing the colour as per mood! This pic was taken before show started so it's not lighted up yet, but it has a lower platform too!)

Before I move any further, a HUGE THANK YOU to @/luvingshidou for the SPLENDID performance which most certainly hyped us all up! I'd also like to extend our gratitude to our engineers who used the most modern technology to build this hall, but I suppose it's about time we say a bye to the night sky. 

*I click my fingers and the huge wall like petals of the lotus start whirring and buzzing as they move closer to each other, within a few seconds the hall was completely covered with walls on all the sides and secured from the nightsky* 

 Now, first things first, I hope everyone didn't have difficulties finding their assigned seats. Each table has been equipped with blankets and shawls in case any one of you gets cold. Specially the ones with sleeveless gowns, or shorter dresses.

Moving on, should we start our evening folks?

*Turns the mic to the audience with a grin again*

*Indistinct sounds of "Yeahhh" "woo" "yeasss" "let's goooo"*

Alright then! Like we all know, the world never sleeps. The world never stops. Every day thousands of people achieve success and make a name for themselves while other thousand fall from grace. One thing about the people in the latter category is that they forget their roots. They forget where they started from and to respect it. But we can't let that happen to us can we? And that's why it's been decided to start our evening with a special crowning. 

[ All the introductory slide(s) editing credits goes to @/soleilonthesun. ]

Please welcome on stage @/getosugurusbangs @/galaxynajma and @/glue-thief!!! 

*The audience's side bursts into cheers and applauds as @/riririnnn simultaneously walks out from the backstage for the crowning* 

This one is to thank them and pay them a token of respect for starting this community which is a reason for many people's smile and laughter today! How wonderful it is to have a safe space for self ships with our favourite most characters!! The applause shouldn't stop ladies and gentlemen!! KEEP THEM GOING!! 🗣️

Thank you Riri for the crowning, now before we move onto awards, let's fill this place with some optimistic beats first, shall we? 

PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR TEEEEAAAM YOUNG SIX!! 

[ links : show | odo | dare ]

(*After the performance, Nami and Soleil walk up on the stage together.*)

Nami : Thank you, team young six for the splendid performance!! (*walks up to the front of the stage with a smile*) Daaamnnnn! I can see some fired up and happy faces here! Looks like now's the perfect time I introduce you all to the FIRST category of awards we'd be giving out tonight : 

THE GF FC HONORARY INDIGO AWARDS!!!

*the camera zooms past several trophies of the same design kept on a table*

Soleil : This one is to honour the members who have contributed undeniably something very special to our community. Something so special that it can't go without being acknowledged and praised. This award can be won by one or more than one members. 

Nami : That's right Soleil! So shall we introduce the first category of the awards, everyone? 

*Distant cheering and clapping*

Soleil : (*chuckles*) alright! I think, as a community, we all need those adorable little members who go around creating chaos but in the most endearing ways. They always make sure that everyone's getting their daily dose of serotonin, and that in itself is worth honouring, don't you think so Nami?

Nami : (*grins*) Indeed! So ladies and gentlemen, please welcome on stage miss KIRA (@/merlucide) for giving the first award for tonight : GF FC HONORARY INDIGO AWARDS FOR THE MOST PEACEFULLY CHAOTIC MEMBERS! 

*Kira walks on the stage waving and smiling as the audience cheers on and takes over the mic* 

Kira : Thank you! This award is shared by 2 of our members.....and they are....

🥁

🥁

🥁

Kira : ISH AND BILLY!! 

(*The audience breaks into cheers and claps as they stand up with a huge smile on their face and walk over to the stage, recieving pats on the back on their way.*

*Kira grins and hands them both the award* ) 

Jujutsustraycats : I am really thankful for being graced with this award, but I'm not really the one for speeches so I'll let Kitty take this one! 

Bueris : *grins* yeah!!! it's fine!! so fine! everything is totally okay yeah 💞 life is about living it, you can't die completely without regrets in a world of infinite choices but you can certainly lessen that amount by following your heart! even if it means eating baked beans out of a can you found on the roadside! not joking! really I'm not! they tasted 🔥 mediocre 🔥!

I'll shine forever, just for u ma, glad to be on ur side!!! :33

Nami : Aww Billy!! 🥹❤️❤️

Soleil : So lovely! Thank you for joining us, my lady! 

*Kira nods and they all get off the stage.* 

Nami : So, Soleil? What do we have next? 👀

Soleil : Hm. I think, having someone who's  talented with an amazing foresight really helps in keeping things fascinating. Isn't it? 

Nami : Ah! (*Smirks knowingly*) It's time then, eh? Please welcome on stage @/sadao-tsuki for announcing the winner of GF FC HONORARY INDIGO AWARDS FOR THE DIVINE PREDICTOR!! 

*@/sadao-tsuki walks up from the backstage* 

Sadao-tsuki : *smiles and nods until the cheers die down* And the award goes to none other than....

🥁

🥁

🥁

Sadao-tsuki : NAJMA!! 

*The camera cuts to najma who's found shaking her head and a smug looking Kaiser is patting her back encouraging her. In the end, she gets up and walks over to the stage to recieve the award.*

Galaxynajma : honestly all I wanna say here is…. FUCK YOU APOLLO you made me look so bad! With both jjk and blue lock HOW DARE YOU… but I am happy I won this award … am I a little scared to speak my mind now? Yeah but it’s worth it. 

Nami : (*Giggling as they both get off the stage*) Well Najma, i certainly wouldn't want you to be scared of speaking your mind. Where's the fun in that? 

Soleil : True! But Nami....now that we are on the topic of being scared...it's made me think. 

Nami : Hm? What is it Soleil? 

Soleil : It makes me realise how being bold and strong is something worth being honoured too. 

Nami : (*smiles*) You're right Soleil. Every Kingdom needs their soldiers to be able to sleep peacefully at night. These people are doing a noble job by providing us the assurance of safety all that by their mere strength. 

Soleil : Please welcome on stage ELI (@/getosugurusbangs) on stage to handout the GF FC HONORARY INDIGO AWARD FOR BRAVEST WARRIOR. 

*audience breaks into a huge round of applause, camera cuts to @/licoririce smiling and waving and back to Eli walking up on the stage*

ELI : I think we all know who's winning this one, so without wasting too much time let's put our hands together for....

🥁

🥁

🥁

ELI : RIRI AND KIRA!! 

(*Kira gasps slapping hand over her mouth, her surrounding members patting her back before she gets up, hugs Riri on the way and they both walk on stage hand in hand, smiling and complimenting each other. What a truly beautiful example of camaraderie!!*) 

Riri : I'm honoured to share this award with my fellow, very brave rival, @/merlucide. She is very courageous and I've never met a rival like her! She is the best! She was the only reason why our battle was so legendary!!! And it's dedicated to beautiful Miss Manager, @/licoririce!! It's her kisses and smooches that made Merlu and me so strong!!

Merlucide : Definitely! Thank you for this award!! 

Nami : No! No, Kira! In fact we're grateful to have such amazing guardians to our community like you both! ♥️

Soleil : That was certainly inspiring! 

Nami : You know what what else is inspiring, Soleil?

Soleil : Sae's amazing goal in the last match? 🤩

Nami : ☺️

Nami : With all due respect, no. What's inspiring is the next set of team who's going to take over the stage with their amazing performance. Ladies and gentlemen, PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR TEAM PRANCE AND PROWESS!! 

[ links : eve psyche and the bluebird's wife - choreography | unforgiven | tomboy - choreography ]

Soleil : Wow 🤩 That definitely fired me up!! 

Nami : (*runs to catch up -> was left alone because Soleil got too excited*) 

Nami : Yeah, yeah Soleil. That indeed was a badass performance, but don't leave me behind. :") 

Soleil : oooooh :0 

Nami : Well, anyways. You know else can get you all fired up with her amazing comments and reblogs on someone's post? Whose comment spam can absolutely make your day? 

Soleil : I think I have an idea about who we are talking of 🤭

*They share a knowing look*

Nami : Coming up on stage is IZZY (@/luvingshidou) to hand out THE GF FC HONORARY INDIGO AWARD FOR PERFECT COMMENTS. 

Izzy : I'M SO HAPPY TO SEE EVERYONE SO FIRED UP!! 🔥💯 The one who's winning this is none other than my pookie....

(*Camera cuts to Shidou, who's cheering on top of his lungs and table, essentially spoiling the suspense silence*) 

🥁

🥁

🥁

Izzy : @/rinitoshisgirl !! 

(*She instantly gets up from her seat, flipping her hair and strutting to the stage. Meanwhile the camera cuts to rin who's lip were twitching up into a smile but instantly turn into the expression of glare when the camera turns to him.*) 

Rinitoshisgirl : (*she walks up on stage and hugs Izzy before taking the award*) I really appreciate this award very much. I guess if i can't be perfect enough atleast my comments will be eyy they aer going AFTER me bro i die before them ykwim🔥🔥 (*throws her hand [with the award] in the air and does a dramatically graceful bow and struts off the stage*) 

Nami : (*chuckles*) Thanks for that @/rinitoshisgirl, seeing your comment spam on my posts literally makes my day, haha!! All your energy really does make heart swell. 

Soleil : Do you know what else can make someone's heart swell, nami? 😁

Nami : Chocolates? Sweets? Food? 🤩

Soleil : (*sighs and shake her head*) A mother's love. 

Nami : Oh. 😳

Soleil : That needs to be honoured and awarded too isn't it? 

Nami : Yeah, well...(*a little flustered*)....of course! 

Soleil : Then let's welcome on stage @/Galaxynajma to announce the honoured one who'd be taking back home GF FC HONORARY INDIGO AWARD FOR CARING MOTHERS!!

*A certain royal tune plays over speakers as Najma walks on stage.*

Galaxynajma : Well, we have a huge family tree today but I suppose we shouldn't forget where this all started from isn't it? The 2 mothers among us who inspired the chaos. The ones who'd be sharing this award. The mothers who are the winner for this award, none other than....

(*Camera cuts to Riri (@/riririnnn) and Billy (@/Bueris) momentarily*) 

🥁

🥁

🥁

Galaxynajma : HOOUDIE AND NAMI!!! 

(*The crowd breaks into applause as Nami makes her way around to the stage staircase, offering her hand to hooudie who just walked up and both of them walk to Najma hand in hand and smiling.*) 

Hooudie : Today as we are gathered here for this wonderful event, I wanna talk a little about my experience in this amazing team

I never thought that I would be a part of such a wonderful group full of amazing people, never thought I would laugh a lot and have fun. And now, I'm a mom for two amazing daughters; Riri and Bue, who made me realize how beautiful it is to be a mother

I thank everyone in this team who accepted me as part of it. And, of course, most thanks to Soleil; who always does her best to create the best scenarios and ideas for us to engage in. And finally, and I can't forget, most and special thanks to my bestie Nami, who thought of this award ceremony, and went out of her way to invite everyone and make the preparations so that we all can have fun. And thank you for being my friend :)

Nami : (*grinning widely*) Of course Hooudie! The way you're such a sweetheart, I should be the one thanking you, really! (*Looks at award with awe filled look and continues in an emotional voice*) This is actually such a beautiful moment for me. I'd like to devote this one to Riri and Billy for being the best daughters there is. And also to hooudie (*they both smile and side hug*) for being the best homie! Haha! I can't even describe the way my heart swelled when they wished me a happy mother's day. Being a mother is truly beautiful isn't it, hooudie? (*Hooudie smiles and nods.*) 

Nami : I always thought they were both really cute so of course adopting them bought me a lot of happiness!! And now.... getting this award....(*voice breaks a little*)....yeah. I'm just so happy for our small little family. I couldn't ask for more. I feel privileged to be your mother my daughters. Thank you so much! ❤️

 (*Camera cuts to Billy and Riri who seem happy and are cheering for their mothers.*) 

(*The crowd cheers and applauds again, the camera cuts to REO who is so hyped that he stood up and started clapping and hooting for Hooudie, while Nami walks back to the MC mic and sets down her award*) 

.·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·. .·:*¨༺ ༻¨*:·.

Stay tuned for more upcoming honorary awards. It's all barely getting started!!

[ organiser : @/someprettyname

script writing credits : @/someprettyname

proofread by : @/melodiclune

editing credits : @/soleilonthesun ]

[stanley578]

Sharing my thoughts on the last 2 episodes of Hazbin Hotel season 1

Charlie's going through a hard time after failing to convince the people in heaven about demons getting redeemed and the exorcists going after her hotel. I can't blame her at all for expressing how upset she is that Vaggie didn't tell her that she's an angel.

Charlie sealing the deal with Alastor got me apprehensive. Hell, even Razzle and Dazzle were against it, judging by their facial expressions, but Alastor didn't want her soul. Instead, he gave her some information which is about Carmilla successfully killing an exorcist.

Carmilla is a no-nonsense mentor to Vaggie, though I find it frustrating that the latter was too dense to realize that the weapon she's wielding is one of the things that can defeat the exorcists. Speaking of Carmilla, we got to see the flashback on how she successfully killed one. It's a rare item called the angelic steel that was implanted in her ballet shoes.

The Latin-EDM number about fighting for love was a fucking bop and Vaggie getting her wings back got me clapping delightfully for her.

One hilarious moment was when Charlie yelled at Susan, "FUCK YOU, YOU OLD BITCH!!!" which was an absolute mood for everyone who has dealt with hecklers, trolls, Karens, and Kevins in their lives.

Rosie is such an endearing and loving character who is empathetic and understanding. Charlie vented to her about who Vaggie is and Rosie deduced that everyone has a past that they're not proud of and they rather not reveal it due to fear of rejection. She reassured her that Vaggie loves her regardless of who she is since the hotel is all about redemption. As Rosie said, "Words are cheap but actions speak the truth".

Eventually, Charlie got to convince everyone in Cannibal Town to fight against the exorcists through the song, "Ready For This". She and Vaggie got to talk things through and the characters in the hotel stayed to help defend it by fortifying it in preparation for the battle.

If I may add, Sir Pentious petting Keekee was a really cute scene to watch.

The season 1 finale was an epic rollercoaster. It was great to finally see the first on-screen kiss between Charlie and Vaggie after singing the reprise of "More Than Anything".

The fight between Vaggie and Lute got me on the edge of my seat. After Lute stabbed Vaggie's right hand, Vaggie got the upper hand by crushing Lute under some rubble. Instead of killing her, she spared her life, proving that Vaggie is a better person and isn't going out of her way to kill someone. Being crushed under some rubble caused Lute to rip out her left arm which was painful to watch but it's honestly her well-deserved karma for slashing Vaggie's eye out (and for killing Dazzle).

Seeing Angel Dust caring about others, like the scene where he's protective of one of the Egg Boiz, was wholesome to watch. I loved how much he has progressed throughout the season.

Alastor is one badass deer boy who faced off against Adam. He's got the moves and sass, but due to his microphone not being an angelic weapon, he was defeated by Adam.

Sir Pentious finally confessed his feelings for Cherri Bomb as they shared a kiss and made the sacrifice to protect his friends and the hotel. As he and the Egg Boiz are about to shoot the laser at Adam, Adam killed them with just a large bolt of holy light.

This caused Charlie to unleash her demon form and go one-on-one with Adam. Seeing Adam acting all arrogant, pretentious, conceited, and misogynistic got me pissed off but I cheered when Charlie stabbed him with a trident. Though Adam still got the upper hand until Lucifer arrived and delivered a powerful blow on his face. It was revealed that Adam had a face and was actually wearing a mask.

Lucifer shapeshifting and roasting the shit out of Adam and his incompatibility with Lilith and Eve shows how much of a goofy goober he really is. During their faceoff, Adam fired a huge beam that completely destroyed the hotel. He was about to deliver one final strike, but Charlie and Lucifer countered it and threw him hard onto the ground.

Lucifer punched Adam many times until Charlie told him to spare him. Adam gets back up and rants angrily to the characters, showing off his pride and god complex once more. All of a sudden, he got stabbed in the back by none other than Niffty. Charlie told her earlier to kill an angel when she sees one and Niffty did her assignment excellently. She stabbed Adam many times which was hilarious to see and Valentino's shocked expression makes him realize how lucky he is that he dodged a bullet in the nightclub. Because Adam is dead, the extermination has been cancelled, as reported by Katie Killjoy.

I was worried that the destruction of the hotel caused Keekee and Fat Nuggets to die, but I was so relieved that they're both alright.

Lute and the surviving exorcists retreat back to heaven and Charlie and the gang helped each other rebuild the hotel while singing the reprise of "Happy Day In Hell". They also have a portrait of Sir Pentious and a statue of Dazzle in commemoration of their heroic sacrifice. I give no fucks about the Vees celebrating since they're only there to watch the whole shit go down. Alastor went through anxiety and frustration and expressed his desperation to find a way to get out of the deal and I find it bizarre that he went back to the hotel to see the residents. Lucifer and Husk are suspicious of him, judging by their facial expressions.

Unbeknownst to Charlie and the gang, Sir Pentious got transported into heaven as a winner angel, leaving Emily thrilled and Sera shocked to see him. They saw proof that a sinner can be redeemed, though the Egg Boiz were nowhere to be found.

The finale ended with a cliffhanger. Someone is relaxing on a beach until Lute appeared with Adam's halo and said the deal is over. She told her if she wants to stay in heaven, she needs to confront Charlie. That someone is revealed to be Lilith, Charlie's mother.

I don't know if she will be the main antagonist of season 2, but I have my eye on Lilith as she's one mysterious character who disappeared for 7 years which is the same amount of time Alastor disappeared. Lute and the Vees are also contenders for being the main antagonists of the next season. Viv said that "season 2 focuses on a very fun villain and it's a villain that we meet in season 1", but we'll have to wait and see who it's going to be.

I had a lot of fun watching the last 2 episodes. It was totally worth the wait after watching the pilot episode back in September 2022. I do understand that there's criticism on how fast the pacing of the show is due to only having 8 episodes in season 1. I also understand that it would've been better if it has 20 episodes as it would give more time for character development and exploration of what the pride ring has to offer.

Personally, I was bummed that Angel Dust isn't the one going to heaven. I want to see him break free from Valentino once and for all and reunite with Molly up in heaven. If Niffty successfully killed Adam, I want her to kill Valentino and add him to her collection. Maybe that could happen in season 2, but who knows. Anything can happen.

[writingquestionsanswered]

I've had an idea a couple of times of doing that one trope where a character speaks gibberish or some kind of alien language, but the rest of the cast are able to understand them. Thing is, I don't exactly know how I'd execute something like this without interrupting the story with the characters that do understand them having to do a translation for the reader. Do you have any advice on how to execute something like this?

Characters Understand Gibberish-Speaker

TV Tropes defines this as the Intelligible Unintelligible character, and one of the examples they give is from the web novel, There is no Epic Loot here, Only Puns. by stewart92. TV Tropes provides this example of the main character, Delta, talking to a character called Waddles the Duck:

"Quack." "I don’t think I can agree to have them all on fire or dripping with acid," Delta said slowly. “Quack.” "I mean, that isn’t too bad, but I think an electrical storm moving between the knives might upset the fish. It might hurt them," she pointed out. "Quack… quack." Delta brightened and clapped her hands. "I can do that!"

In the example, you can see that stewart92 does do a little bit of translating for the reader, but why it works is it's not a direct translation. It's more reaction that provides context to whatever it was Waddles said. And in the last sentence of the example, there is no translation, but I suspect whatever happens next provides the context for what Waddles suggested. Both of these methods feel natural, so they don't interrupt the narrative like a direct translation would.

Another example would be the character Boomhauer in the TV show King of the Hill. Quite often, he'll let out his string of unintelligible "dang-old"-punctuated dialogue which the other characters can understand, and instead of directly translating what he said, they react to it as you would any other dialogue. There's context in the natural response. So, Hank, for example, might respond by to Boomhauer's gibberish by saying something like, "Now, wait just a got-dang minute, Boomhauer. I'm not about to let you let Bill take the fall for this. You're at fault as much as he is." We don't know exactly what Boomhauer said, but we know it had something to do with wanting to let Bill take the blame for something he was equally involved in. That's all we need to know. The word for word doesn't matter, and since Hank's response feels natural, it doesn't take us out of the moment with a translation. So, that's what you're looking to do as well.

I hope that helps!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

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[yridenergyridenergy]

Phalaris Vol.II - KBS Hall [2023/05/05] live report

Setlist

Hibiki

Schadenfreude

Mouai ni shosu

Devote my life

Utsutsu, Bouga o Kurau

Ningen wo Kaburu

13

Uroko

Eddie

GRIEF

Gaika chinmoku

Otogi

The Perfume of Sins

Encore

JEALOUS

Sangeki no yoru

Utafumi

T.D.F.F.

Sustain the untruth

Encore 2

un deux

Man, I'm really not at my best, giving my all, when I'm squeezed hot and wet among so many people. Not to mention fighting so that people who had higher numbers don't reach the front, like the official message strictly prohibits.

Regardless, the show was very intense.

The backdrop was a huge, epic tapestry of the Phalaris head with flames. The entire show consisted of lights, there was no screen this time.

A tech came with a basket and distributed Thermos bottles, water bottles with and without straws, as well as towels for each member's spot. At Kyo's, he left something like eight bottles of water, only two had straws, so you could guess that something was going to happen with the rest.

The members started coming in and the theme tonight seemed to be more white: Shinya was as usual, Toshiya's veil and upper draping were white this time, Die I think had some white too, Kaoru wore a black+white suit with different patterns for the top and bottom and either a tie or a dress shirt underneath whose lining made an 8 shape kind of. Kyo was in contrast, wearing a black G.I.S.M. shirt with a kind of white shinigami creature on it, and black pants with large pockets and a long belt.

The show went on basically like usual. Toshiya had so much drama in his moves, the way he poses with his hand hiding his face. He also blew away his white veil exaggeratedly as he turned around after the first song, but that veil quickly left his head. Yet, he may as well have still been wearing it, because his hair made a puffy curtain over his face. Everyone on site got so hot so quickly. Toshiya's abs got shown very early on. An hour more of those and I will have them memorized.

Schadenfreude is definitely basked in red and purple light. This time, the whole crowd shouted every: "Ikedomo jigoku ka", which didn't seem to delight or faze Kyo either way.

At the end of Utsutsu, Bouga o Kurau, it was obvious what Kyo wanted us to sing, but people started the "nananananana" way too early. Kyo's face went dead, clearly disappointed. We weren't a lot who were well-timed.

In the following song though, everybody redeemed themselves. We sang each backup vocal and Kyo had us sing the entire last paragraph. He seemed to say: "Yeah, this is your moment."

13 gets more and more intense, I feel. And the way Kyo walks so slowly onto his crate using the side step for the final chorus, as though contemplating the finality of it. Ugh.

The next two songs, Uroko and Eddie, feel like a blur. When the first notes of both Eddie amd T.D.F.F. start playing, it really sets off Kyo and he moves around a lot.

Kyo was even less coordinated when it came to the clapping part in GRIEF today. Well, mocking our clapping part that he had initiated himself years ago. And the growls were all raw throughout this song.

It felt so odd to witness Toshiya's backup vocals during Gaika chinmoku after working on that compilation, but it was great! Kyo repeated and repeated the ending lyrics way after the music ended, deploying everything his throat had to offer.

Otogi came and the stage was again bathed in red. Kaoru's guitar white noise seemed shorter than before. Toshiya traced from the top of his head to the ground in general at the beginning, and even Kyo was less sensual than in Yokosuka. Anyhow, not many fans seemed to be into Otogi, from what I could see. By the way, Kyo does not sing the high-pitched "Tadaakada"s; recordings are played instead.

For the last song of the main setlist, Kyo mumbled and growled stuff with his mic on the stand, long enough that I thought he wouldn't catch enough breath to growl "Nose, Eyes, Ears" but hot damn he did and the crowd went crazy for the entire song.

The members then left swiftly, some raising their hands on their way out. We called for encore immediately. After what seemed like forever, they came back. Shinya wore black pants and a black shirt; Die was dressed similarly but his shirt was more like a black, plunging V-neck tank top; Toshiya kept his black shorts and lacey skirt but put on a white sleeveless button shirt that he has definitely worn in the past; Kaoru had a classic black dress shirt, I think? Kyo just changed to the same Japanese heavy metal shirt that he had for the encore at Yokosuka.

Jealous started playing and everyone knew we were getting something special. The band played it without much passion or interaction though. In fact, Kyo sang essentially like the studio recording, face blank. The second song, maybe even more special, Sangeki no yoru, had a bit more passion, based on the fact that he added some screaming to some of the last lines, but that's it. Oh but most of the members (Die and Toshiya, as well as Kaoru I think?) were mouthing the lyrics to one of the songs during the encore. Not sure which.

The rest of the encore is where the band picked up the beat and intensity. I can't remember exactly when, but I feel like we also had to sing a lot in Utafumi and Sustain the Untruth, as well as all the "fucker"s and Ms in T.D.F.F. The crowd just kept moving in inorderly waves, especially when the members came up close on stage.

Kyo clapped and mouthed "bye bye", then left appearing satisfied. Toshiya sprayed us with water and the four remaining members threw their stuff. I don't think they drenched their towels to send them that far? Just tied them in a knot. Toshiya was all smiles, at the end and throughout most of the show. I remember how he just kicked that left leg onto Kyo's crate during one of the encore's songs, like it was nothing.

They left and the ending instrumental played three, four times, with the pre-recorded message that the show is finished being repeated at least twice too. Staff tried to ask us to leave, but we continuee to shout a chaotic mess of "encore" and "Dir en grey". Finally, Dir en grey returned! Kyo (who had removed the black, horizontal makeup he had during the ahow) said something about the crowd being loud enough for the encore, so they came back, but wondering if it had been loud during the main setlist. That's probably echoed in his recent Twitter post about him wanting tomorrow to be a continuation from that last point of intensity.

Un deux was played and at that point I barely had two feet on the ground, we were moved left and right. All I could see was Kyo and he was smiling a lot. I think he took off his earpieces entirely, had us sing and was glad we kept doing so even as he went on with his job eventually. Then, I think that the four other members left really quickly, because it was soon just Kyo having fun baptizing people in the front row with the many bottles of water that he had in the back. He was grinning so much, until he reached the right side of the stage and then looked dead serious on drenching the person to the last bit. He'd throw the bottle cap vigorously into the crowd, empty the bottle and then either gently hand it to a fan or throw it careless away in the crowd. He left looking happy!

We then finally turned around to leave, and I think that because we saw that cameras in the back had been filming us, we started clapping at some point, just to reiterate our joy.

Besides the two old songs played at the beginning of the encore and the double encore with un deux, it felt essentially like any normal show. Kyo even kept calling out for us as "Kyoto", while I expected him to say: "knot" or "a knot". Also, even the a knot 25th anniversary does not get Kamuy? What will it take?

Last note: Kyo was definitely filmed and there were cameras in the back too. Not sure about the rest, but it sounds like this could go out onto a DVD?

[unproduciblesmackdown]

among the boundless billions zaniness like laugh track as it definitely has that moment of expressing "rolling my eyes as The Left makes a kerfuffle of Acting like they have a stance as a veneer over the true belief that [xyz] is cool & chill actually" like what, approximate 0.000% chance wendy isn't, as usual, given the Objective Stance of "yeah yeah ohh we are cancelling involved parties talking about how we Don't watch this But. we all love this damn epic movie & already have it memorized so shut the fuck up, kids today" like. don't wanna really delve into how much billions thinks taylor or anyone is "really" trans / nonbinary like not too much benefit of the doubt in this material including what does provide info abt that specifically

& the general like [head in hands. what do you think any of this could possibly be about (you're the one that made your show at all about Power)] of "yes, it's bad/wrong to be someone that someone has done something to / victim of something" like that to be anti misogyny All Women Must Be Epic Winners b/c there's something to be proved: that they don't Deserve to be victims (of misogyny), not taken as a Given. while when we see some epic winner men stepping on other men (who need not all be guaranteed Winners so as to say misogyny is wrong), that's often Good, well beyond any assumption that various forms of basic disrespect / violation / patterns of emergent/entrenched power difference as Bad (for being things done to people, not for there being people they're being done to), & generally billions has to take an extra step when ppl get shitted on & tell us the Specific Cases when it was undeserved actually & someone was being mean to a specific person who didn't deserve that. & the specific cases when hey guess it wasn't that bad(tm) or when hey It's Okay that you're someone something was done to, in this case. & tell us what we were supposed to know all along like when someone who something was being done to (wrong Of Them, whether b/c they inherently deserve it no matter what, &/or b/c they failed to be someone who could make it Impossible to do anything to them, which, how do you do that besides being The Authority / Superior yourself, exactly? nonrhetorically? what if the in group vs out group / fascism / authoritarianism protected Me?) was actually being treated Too Well b/c ah well the abuse meant you were getting any attention, maybe it meant you were claimed as any superior's property, maybe it meant you weren't Already disposed of, as all Losers were in the end, You're Welcome.

obviously referring to winston where it's spelled out all the abuse towards him was deserved, & More than he deserved in the case of rian having more access & taking advantage of that, all for billions' enjoying its own sendoff there of, again, maximizing violation & violence short of [real violence is physical & leaves bruises / draws blood / Literally kills] which would be distasteful in general But doesn't it make wags look like the winner & winston the loser is that the former's completely unrelated completely impersonal ego blow gets way amplified taken out on winston, the most vulnerable recurring character when spyros as [first & ultimate Everyone Hates Him role] is more entrenched in there & billions still magnanimously pities tuk, as it does winston too, just not quite as much. again that like completely surface level realized power fantasy of forcing the mirror up to the Inferior so they're like nooo my inferiorityyyy & in doing so like, the projection in that lmao, we get it re: the valuing of & need(tm) for such Power Tripping & Reaffirming My Superiority & My Ego Restored; Everyone Claps like good god. & then for all ben & tuk are the slightly softer Two Too Nice Boys duo to the rian & winston quant duo, also like too nice i guess but not as much, ben is in charge of tuk but Any instance of rian being in charge of winston outstrips them in that "yay interpersonal abuse" dynamic, like then in the end billions may be like "yeah it's possible to be mean to them unlike how being mean to winston is actually Nice b/c he deserves everything he gets, we only vicariously enjoy it vs Feeling Bad for tuk & ben sometimes (still magnanimously & it's Not That Bad / just goofin)" like ben & tuk still Fail by not being people it's impossible to do anything to. & not Exceptions who anyone is really being Too Mean to. like if they were women, in which case, no problem surely with a "positive" kind of victim blaming where there is something Inherent that Will be victimized so hey how about to cancel that out there's this special Paternal Protection you Need always, Or Else? :) but instead they are men who are asian & is ben gay & w/tuk & winston nobody mentions glasses or fatness but billions doesn't really do much or very in depth textual mentioning of Anything, even w/nonzero mention that there may be gender & race in this world. a gay man, once. no disability. we just Know who are the inferiors who deserve it when they're treated inferiorly, or if they don't, they start deserving it when they fail to stop/avoid it, but if you start mentioning the factors behind who we all totally agree is inferior like whoa nobody was Saying any of that? being the real agent of oppression on the basis of the factors only You spelled out, much? nonbinary? i never say anything about the Gender Binary when i'm subscribing to it, sounds like You've created & enforced it. obfuscation & deflection onto [so Just Normal nobody has to label, explain, or argue it] couldn't serve a purpose & protect the existing power differences as they are. maybe You're the problem? perhaps you brought it upon yourself & now you're causing too much trouble standing up for yourself while everyone else's criticism is laser focused on you as the prior & continuing negative actions done to you are taken as a given / unquestioned / covertly protected to overtly encouraged?

anyway so wild if the Completely Normal(tm) Victim Blaming is uncritically recreated & oft embraced for "if you're watching this & don't wish you were axe / find him appealing" [billions as a sequence of vicarious power trips] purposes in this series....but a bit wild considering like this is your multiseason show that wasn't just purporting to be those power trips for [enough demographic & apparently specific personal tastes overlap w/creators] & was at all purporting to question the matters of power at play in the material, or yknow, at least to not be completely superficial material while said material is textually & thematically all about power difference being leveraged, how, the consequences, & so on. thus i will have to intermittently talk about it forever like this like lord unbelievable. & the funny little & sometimes less funny less little characters it has trapped in there so that those of us who were never meant to be in the audience can be cursed with this knowledge. like i have some feedback. "imagine not victim blaming" & "imagine adjusting your perspective can go beyond superficial layers added to politely defer to some other ppl while they're present but really like cmon do they deserve that. am i not just saying what we're allll thinking"

[whimsicallyenchantedrose]

Girls' Trip Fairy Tale Ending--Chapter 5 of 5

Summary:  This is my combined birthday gift for Joni (  @jrob64​  ), Marta ( @snowbellewells ) and Krystal ( @kmomof4 ).  Happy birthday ladies! Four fandom friends are nearing the end of their annual girls’ trip when they’re suddenly visited by Isaac, the author before Henry.  He gives them an each a gift–an opportunity to jump into any scene in the storybook they want and fix it.  Large focus on CS, although other characters and relationships will be explored.  A big shoutout to @hollyethecurious​ and @winterbaby89 for betaing!

Word Count: 1090

Tagging a few people who may be interested (Let me know if you want to be added or taken off the list): @sailormew @annaamell @flslp877 @emmateo26 @bethacaciakay

@ultraluckycatnd @effulgent-mind @ilovemesomekillianjones @kat2609 @brooke-to-broch

@missgymgirl @galadriel26 @the-lady-of-misthaven @charmingturkeysandwich @jennjenn615

@laschatzi @kimmy46 @snowbellewells @iamanneenigma @daxx04

@nickillian  @gillie  @britishguyslover @ginnyjinxedandhanshotritafirst @kmomof4  

@linda8084 @golfgirld @captain-swan-coffee @searchingwardrobes @hollyethecurious

@laughswaytoomuch  @allyourdarlingswans  @winterbaby89 @facesiousbutton82 @therooksshiningknight,

@lfh1226-linda @tiganasummertree  @jrob64  @anmylica   @booksteaandtoomuchtv​ @elfiola

Other chapters:  (1) (2) (3) (5)

Can also be found on: (ao3) (ff.net)

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Note: I know it's been forever since I posted (and you've probably forgotten what this fic is all about by now), but in the spirit of the thing, I decided to post on the last birthday of our group--which happens to be mine! I hope you enjoyed our adventures!

Epilogue

And with Jen’s return to the cabin, the fairytale adventure came to a close.

“I don’t know about the rest of you,” Jen said, “but for me, that is by far the best way to watch Once Upon a Time.  You get to meet the characters, fix plot holes, and experience the Happily Ever After.”

There were unanimous choruses of agreement all around.

“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves,” Isaac said with a roll of his eyes, “but I hope you also learned something.  I hope you all learned that my job is harder than you thought it was–that when you change one thing, there is an entire cascade of unforeseen effects.”

“Is that really a bad thing?” Jen mused. “When the original trajectory was stupid, changes are a good thing.”

“Speaking of,” Krystal said, “can we finally talk about our experiences?”

Isaac sighed. Loudly. “Fine, but no cheating!  You have to disclose all of it, not just the things you liked, but the ways it changed the story, the ripple effects it had, the boring moments, the epic romantic moments that no longer happened.”

“Can you wrap this up?” Joni asked, “or is this lecture going to go on for a while, because if it is, I’m going to bed.”

Isaac sighed again.  “Just get on with it.”

“Gladly,” Joni said. “I went back to the beanstalk.”

There was a chorus of excited voices at that revelation, being, after all, a very significant moment in the Captain Swan journey.

“So what did you do?” Jen asked. “How did you change it?”

“I convinced Emma to go back and free Killian,” Joni answered. “How about the rest of you?”

“I saved Graham’s life,” Marta said with a sound that was half-way between a sigh and a giggle.

“There’s a shock,” Krystal said.

“How did you make that work with the story?” Jen asked.

“I really didn’t have to do much,” Marta said.  “I got Henry to distract Regina, and then I took back Graham’s heart. I got to put it back!  Then he kissed my hand and used a Killian line on me.”

“And you’re still alive to tell the tale?” Joni asked.

“Barely,” Marta said, clapping her hands and giggling again, “but it was touch and go for a little while.  Anyway, Emma decided she liked Graham, but she wasn’t sure she was in love with him. Then Regina got mad and banished Graham to the mental asylum. Then Ruby and Graham fell in love and lived happily ever after.”

There was a universal chorus of oos and ahs at that.  The consensus was that that would have, indeed, made for a better story.

“I went back to season six,” Jen said, when the discussion died down.  

“How could you possibly pick one scene from that hot mess to fix?” Krystal asked?

“Wasn’t easy,” Jen answered.  “Hot mess indeed.  Ultimately, I would have liked to change the entire arc with Killian killing David’s dad and all that came after that.  After all, that made no sense at all.  Since when would Killian kill someone to keep them from telling people he killed the king’s soldiers?  Wouldn’t that enhance his pirate street cred?”

“I needed one more conflict between them before their happily ever after!” Isaac said defensively.

“One, why?” Jen asked, “and two, if you needed one, you could have actually made it necessary to the plot and not just angst for angst’s sake.”

“Well…well…” Isaac spluttered, “that’s not even the scene you picked, so why are we even talking about this?”

“Because you need to hear it,” Jen answered.  “Anyway, I decided what bugged me the most about that whole arc was that Emma immediately believed he’d left her, and everyone else in her life just….went with it.  I talked some sense into all of them.  Oh, and I made it Christmastime–which let them bring Killian home with a little Christmas magic.”

“Well, of course, you can make things work out when you just randomly introduce a magical item!” Isaac exploded.

“You’re complaining about magical MacGuffins?” Joni asked. “May I introduce you to…any of your writing?”

Isaac grumbled under his breath, and then turned to Krystal.  “All right.  Let’s get this over with.  Time for you to tell us about your adventure.”

Krystal shrugged and gave him an evil grin.  “I killed off Neal.”

“Naturally,” Jen said.  “I assume there was pain?”

“Do you know me at all?” Krystal tossed back. “Of course there was pain.  Lots of it.  And screaming.”

“So Rumple didn’t absorb him?” Marta asked.

“Nope, and almost nothing ended up changing,” Krystal said.  “Except Snowing’s baby’s name, of course.”

Jen, Joni and Marta gave her blank stares.

“What does Neal’s death have to do with the baby’s name?” Marta asked.

“Without Neal around to be a ‘hero’,” she explained, “they ended up naming him Graham.

The blank stares continued.

“Oh come on ladies,” Krystal said, “I thought that would be your favorite part.  No one, and I mean no one liked that they named their son Neal.”

“What?” Joni asked.  “Why would they name their son Neal?  Who would name their son after their daughter’s ex-boyfriend who sent her to jail and broke her heart?”

“Exactly!” Krystal agreed.  Looking around, she noticed the other ladies were still giving her odd looks.  “Wait….you mean that’s NOT how you remember it?”

“No!” Marta said emphatically.  “There was a lot I loved about the CS movie, but the thing that always brought tears to my eyes was the naming ceremony when they named their baby after Graham and talked about how much of a hero he was.  It was just…”  There was the giggle sigh again.

Krystal looked over at Isaac, and he shrugged. “Far be it from me to deny it when I’m wrong.  Neal was a stupid naming choice.”

“You’ve got that right,” Jen said.

With a dramatic sigh, Isaac shook his head and threw up his hands.  “I give up.  Clearly there’s no reasoning with fanfiction writers.  Enjoy the rest of your trip, I guess.  And next year?  Lay off of the head trauma.  By my count you knocked Will upside the head seven times in your story. Gave me a headache just reading it.”

And with that, he was engulfed in a puff of smoke, and a moment later, there was no sign that he’d ever been there.  No sign, that is, but the excited chattering of the four ladies in the cabin who discussed their adventures long into the night.

[hazel-of-sodor]

Best of Discovery Season 1

This year the final season of Star Trek Discovery airs, bringing an end to the show that brought Star trek back to television after over a decade absense. To celebrate its 5 season run (which was incredibly long for a streaming show, I'll be doing a best of for all the seasons of streaming era trek so far, listing great moments/scenes (at least 13, as this was meant to be a bakers dozen series), and One honorable mention.

To start off, the season that Started it all, Star Trek Discovery Season One . Spoilers below

Battle of the Binary Stars

A fleet of Starfleet ships arrive to back up the USS Shenzhou against a klingon fleet, and what a fleet it is. A whole era of Starfleet design is explored in a single scene against a goreous backdrop of the titular binary stars.

2. U.S.S. Europa arrives

The U.S.S. Shenzhou is disable by the battle and is drifting towards an astroid when the Admiral's Flagship arrives. The Nimitz Class U.S.S. Europa arrives at the last second, tractoring the Shenzhou and calling a temporary ceasefire to the battle. It is a visually gorgeous scene with a wonderful score. For just a moment, the arrival of the mighty starship make it seem like everything might be okay.

3. U.S.S. Discovery arrives

U.S.S. Discovery, the namesake off the show doesn't appear till episode 3, but she make a grand entrance, saving the prison shuttle transporting Burnham in a scene that wonderfully conveys her size and grandeur

4. The shushing Klingon

Aboard the damaged U.S.S. Glenn, a team from the U.S.S. Discovery find the crew fataly mutilated by a failed spore jump, but more immediatly threatening, a monster roams the halls of the stricken ship, one capable of killing the klingon boarding party sent to recover the ships secerts. The scenes onboard the Glenn are brutal, and wonderfully tense. It also gives us the hilarious "did that klingon just shush me?" Moment. (I chose a pic of the Glenn rather than the interior as those were more graphic than I wanted for this post)

5. The Discovery saves Corvan II

Discovery makes her first successful long range spore jump and saves the Federation mining Colony Corvan II. Its a wonderful moment od Discovery's crew coming together to save civilians.

6. Please Don't Take My Ship, She's All I Have Left

This moment between Cornwall and Lorca is amazing, and makes me wish that lorca hadn't been mirror Lorca. His plea for him to keep command off discovery is heartfelt (but later revealed to be for all the wrong reasons)

7. Mudd Loses

Magic to Make the Sanest Man go man is amazing throughout, but the moment the crew finally outwits Mudd is so, so satisfying.

8. The Loss of the USS Gagarin

The Discovery attempts to save the U.S.S. Gagarin from the Klingopns and fails, despite their best efforts. The loss makes the war feel far more real, and highlights the fact the Discovery is just one ship, no matter her spore drive. I also love Lorca's speech here-"There will be time to grieve later"

9.Destruction of the Sarcophagus ship

A satisfying victory for the crew, and seeing discovery make all the jumps is an epic scene.

10.Mirror Tilly...kinda

"If you spoke to me that way I would cut out your tongue to lick my boots" What a line. Tilly taking on the role of her mirror counter part is amazing.

11. I.S.S. Shenzhou

The Mirror Shenzhou arrives, and she is beautiful. A former hero ships twisted mirror half.

12. Burnham kills Captain Connor

an amazing fight, and what a gut punch, as Burnham is forced to watch Connor die again, this time by her own hand. The crew clapping after the turbolift opens and his body falls out is chilling in the best way.

13. Reveal of the Imperial Palace

The I.S.S. Charon is an intimidating presense, and way cooler than a palace on a planet.

14. Destruction of the Charon and Discovery jumps Home

The bombing run Discovery makes on the Charon and her jump back to the prime universe using the resulting show wave is awesome, made even better on a personal layer by Burnham saving Mirror Georgiou-"I couldn't watch her die again"

15. Arrival at Qo'noS

Discovery jumps to a cave on Qo'nos, and I love the weight of the scene. You can feel gravity grabbing the ship and Discovery struggling against it.

16. We are Starfleet

The scene the show has been building to, Burnham stands up to command over the plan to destroy the Klingon homeworld, and the crew backs her up.

17. U.S.S. Enterprise

I remeber when I first saw her. The 1701 returned in all her glory. The TOS version is the definative U.S.S. Enterpise to me, but Discovery gave us an amazing earlier version. It had been decades since the prime 1701 had appeared on screen (we don't count certain series finalies) and its honestly still my favorite moment of the season.

Honorable mention: U.S.S. Discovery

the original teaser for the show showed a much different Discovery. While I understand this was never meant to be the final, I lover her all the same. It was also the moment Trek was back, after decades we had a new hero ship. I hope STO adds her someday, and that someone makes a model of her. She may not be the offical version, but she deserves love all the same.