#i wish I were more active so i could make more mutuals and friends

[darling-to-death]

i would like penelope lore 👀

Hi! Thank you so much for taking an interest in my OC! I will update this post with little pictures one day, but I'm in the middle of graduate school finals and it's 1am. :3 Please accept this gigantic, rambly wall of text until I can craft something more visually appealing to tell her story!

For basic information, her name is Penelope Campbell, because I thought it would be funny if I could shorten it to PC. She's mostly a self-insert for this trauma simulator game, but because a big game mechanic is that the longer you exist the more beautiful you become, I gave her all the physical traits I wish I had: big blue eyes, tiny waist, incredibly long hair, huge gadonkahonkaroos, etc. She's nothing like me fr. Lol.

As far as backstory goes, it's sort of subject to change as I continue to make stuff up, but this is what we're working with thus far! Even before the game began, I think she was traumatized by her experience of growing out of an adoptable age. I picture her as one of those children you see in movies that DREAM and PRAY that one day they'll get adopted and live happily ever after with a family that loves them. <3 But the years passed, and she never got adopted. Year after year after year after year, no one wanted her, and I think that majorly fucked her up.

She wants that unconditional, unending, unchanging love of a parent so badly, and she never got it, and because she's now an adult, she'll never have it. So she's just DESPERATE for love of some sort, because in her mind the person she is wasn't good enough to be loved and adopted. Thus, she hates the person she is, which is why she's so willing to change her personality to suit any of the love interests' desires. She'll become whoever she needs to be in order to be loved.

This is inspired by my play style. I know a lot of people in the fandom have various saves for all the love interests, but I just keep trekking on romancing everyone in a single playthrough where I do roughly the exact same actions each time, because I am set in my ways. Haha.

I think she would've latched onto Bailey as a kid. There are some lines that suggest that the kids don't know the full extent of how evil Bailey is until they reach adulthood. There's lines during Christmas I think about the younger kids not knowing Bailey's true colors yet or the lines about the nursery that suggest PC was never allowed out of the orphanage without supervision. I don't think she ever viewed Bailey as a nice person, but he was a father figure to her, because he was the closest she had to one.

I think that first week she would've been totally in denial and thought the payments were a joke until the first time she was sold. Then reality comes crashing around her like broken glass she'll never be able to put back together. I still think she has a soft spot for Bailey as a person who raised her (in the vaguest sense of the word), and she has a bit of a delusion that once her bill is paid off he'll go back to just being a grumpy, short-tempered old man and not an abusive, greedy, human-trafficker we know him to be.

She does love Robin, but I do think she views him as more of a brother. However, upon realizing he had feelings for her she felt obligated to return them. She knows how traumatizing it is to want love and not receive it, so if it makes Robin happy to have her love, then she'll give it to him. But she'll never love him as much as he loves her. It's an unfortunate fact. Penelope wants to be saved and loved and protected, and Robin is just too burdensome. She'll always feel love and loyalty and obligation to protect him, but because he needs to be protected she can't fall for him. He's not her ideal knight in shining armor. She's his knight if anything. Robin is a damsel in distress that she cares for, but will never adore.

Penelope just doesn't like Whitney if we're being honest, because I do not like Whitney. I know they have some really cute content if you get their love up high enough, but I am not willing to trudge through the tsundere bullshit to get to there, and neither is she. There is a part of her that likes all the attention, even if it's just physical (from her point of view at least), but his personality is just too abrasive.

Penelope and Kylar get along very well! I think Penelope relates to Kylar a lot. They both have an obsession to recieve love, but where Penelope will change her personality to recieve "love" Kylar can only be authentically himself. Penelope admires that about him. Even if it makes him the target of bullies or if he lacks social skills (i.e. reading love poetry to a classroom of his peers), she respects his ability to have a personality and stick to it. She pities him, because she sees so much of herself in him.

As troublesome as Kylar can be, she always sticks up for him, and is honestly flattered by his obsession of her. I think she has a tendency to romanticize his mental illness, because it's what makes her so special to him. She loves being special. I think this is another case where she'd be happy to just be his friend, but because he loves her, she will love him back.

I'm not entirely sure how she meet Eden, whether she gets kidnapped in the forest or gets sold off, but either way she has a fondness for Eden. As self-sufficient as he is, she sees him as a person who could protect her… you know… if he weren't the one causing harm. Because she's sick in the head, I think she almost views the rape as a compliment. Like he's so overcome with affection, he just can't help himself! So she'll justify his actions that way, but the justifcation doesn't erase the physical pain he causes her, so she can't ignore his cruelness entirely.

However, I think mostly she recognizes Eden as someone very lonely and someone with no one to love. She fears she'll end up like Eden, all alone with no one to love. I do think she genuinely enjoys his company tho! Eden is pretty quiet, but he does talk about his books and his interests, so they infodump at each other and she has a lot of fun doing that.

Avery is probably the saddest relationship, because Avery initially presents himself as such a nice person. Their introduction is always him helping her get lichen for the science fair and then inviting her to a free drink at the cafe. She recognizes him as someone with money and power, someone who could save her, and she so, so, so desperately wants him to save her. She thinks if she's obedient enough, one day he'll actually take her away from her troubles and make her his real girlfriend instead of just his sugarbaby. I think Penelope thinks she loves Avery, but in reality I think she loves the idea of him. It really hurts her feelings when he's upset with her, so she tries her best to behave. I think she finds it quite natural to act exactly how he wants, because she's basically doing that with the other love interests. Avery is just more direct about it. But deep down, she wants him to love her for her real personality… whatever that is at this point, and she's burdened with the knowledge that Avery views her as a tool and not a person.

There's a comment on Vrel's blog that if the PC were ever disfigured Avery would be the only love interest to abandon them, and I don't know if I'm cruel enough to give Penelope a disfigurement, but just know him abandoning him would resurface all the shallowly buried abandonment issues that plague her mind.

And then there's Sydney. <3 Beloved Sydney. <3 I think Sydney is the one Penelope genuinely loves. That's not to say she doesn't love the others, because in her own way I think she does. But a lot of her love is just a response to the love she gets from them. She wants love, so she'll love in order to be loved. And because she's so desperate for love and has no love for herself, she's trying to gorge herself on as much love as she can hoping that will fill the void in her heart. (It won't.) But I think she really does love Sydney. He's everything she wants to be. He's pure and protected and kind and intelligent and faithful. He has a father who loves him. He's perfect. Like all her relationships, it isn't healthy. She does idolize Sydney and put him on a pedastal, but I think if she HAD to choose someone, she'd choose Sydney.

I think for her canon, she fell in love after she yelled at him and he comforted her. It was so shocking to her, so discongruent with everything she'd known about people and the town and her world. His kindness in reaction to her cruelty really flipped a switch in her, and she just viewed him as the most perfect, wonderful person in existence. But because Sydney is so perfect in her eyes and she's so worthless in her eyes, she lives in constant fear of losing his love. She's torn between bringing him down into sin with her so they're on more even footing, but she also wants to keep him pure so he never has to lose that innocence she envies so much. Also, Sydney has a lot of lines about faithfulness, and unfortunately for Penelope it's the one thing she can never be.

Not only do the game mechanics almost require her to cheat on him, she can't bring herself to stop seeing the other love interests. She needs to love them, because they love her, and she can't be someone who withholds her love. She thinks that's the cruelest thing in the world, to know you are loved, but refuse to return that love. She feels very guilty, but she doesn't know what else to do. She wants to be loved, so she loves, but does she love? Is what she's doing love or is it just addiction or obsession or transaction or whatever else she could call it? She doesn't know if she's capable of love, because as a child she wasn't capable of being loved. The two go hand in hand in her eyes. Sometimes she thinks she's just a doll who can change her face depending on what she wants to play pretend. Who does she want to be today? A sister, an object, an ingenue, a housewife? She'll be whatever. As long as she gets "love," she's happy to be something. She wishes she could be loved for being her, but she doesn't think that's possible, and after pretending to be others for so long, she doesn't have a concrete idea of what her real personality is anymore. Penelope the Malleable.

[celuere]

When our hearts collide.

pt. 1 of the Tangled Hearts series

pairing: Arlecchino x fem!Harbinger!reader

Context: having an intimate affair with your childhood friend, who also happens to be your colleague, comes at a prize.

cw: forbidden relationship, suggestive, angst, childhood friends, secret affair, hurt with ZERO comfort, mutual pining, NOT proofread

I‘ve warned you. Don’t notify me over your therapy bills🔥🔥🔥🔥

„Must you already leave…?“, you scooted closer to the edge of your bed where Arlecchino was getting dressed again, currently closing up the buttons on her shirt after your recent… activities.

„I‘m afraid so. I still need to negotiate a few important deals and get some preparations done for the Barbecue dinner with my children this weekend.“, her tone was indifferent. She didn’t look back at you, not even when you wrapped your arms around her from behind, stroking your fingers over the the expensive cotton of her shirt.

You sighed internally. She never stayed for long after having you grip into the sheets of your bed until your knuckles turned white. Of course, she still makes sure you‘re okay before she leaves, helping you clean up and change the sheets if needed to. She knows how to clean up after her messes.

You felt a warm hand engulfing yours, giving it a light squeeze. As if she wished she could do more than just that. More than just leaving you again in a cold bed, until she found the time to visit you again.

„And when can I expect you back in my bed…? Or my office…?“, your lips grazed the skin on the back of her neck, „or my laboratory…?“, pressing a soft kiss to her neck, she finally found it in herself to stand up from your bed and slip out of your embrace.

Silence filled the room as she put on those murderous heels of hers again. How she could walk, let alone fight in those - you had no idea.

Only when she put her jacket back on, she spoke up again, „I‘m afraid I can’t give you a certain answer to that question. My schedule is tightly knit for the next weeks.“, her crimson eyes being fixated on closing the cufflinks on her sleeve back up, „you should use the time to work on your researches more. We’ve met up way too many times in the last couple of weeks. You’re getting distracted, Brighella.“

A bullet to your heart. You hated it whenever she used your Harbinger Title. She knew your real name. Knew your past. Knew every beauty mark adorning your beautiful skin. Knew what feelings you were hoarding for her. So whenever she addressed you with your work-related title… you knew she just wanted to bring up that wall of professionalism again.

„My researches are doing just fine, Arlecchino.“, you bit down a sharp comment and ignored the lingering taste of her true name on your tongue. Two could play that game.

Her shoulders slightly stiffened at the mention of her own title, you almost missed it but you knew her well enough to make out such subtle changes in her stance.

„Whatever makes you sleep better at night. But I’ve been meaning to ask you about the upcoming week. The children have been asking what you’re going to teaching them in your next lesson. What should I tell them?“, since you’re highly skilled in the medical field, including various poisons and potions, you stroke up a deal with the Knave a few years back. You, giving the children of the Hearth two lessons per week about your knowledge of poisons and how to administer them, while she supplied you with test subjects. Criminals, traitors and other people alike, freely to use for your researches.

But if we‘re being honest. You just wanted a reason to see her more often. You couldn’t care less about test subjects. As number five of the Fatui Harbingers, you could easily supply yourself with plenty of money, lab rats, etc., you really just wanted a reason to be closer to your childhood friend again. And it worked. Or else you wouldn’t watch her at least once a month getting dressed on the side of your bed after unbuckling the dirty strap-on from her hips.

„I… was actually planning on explaining to them how important it is to wear gloves and security glasses when mixing up poisons… it seems like some of them didn’t quite grasp how corrosive these are. I wouldn’t want them to loose a hand out of stupidity.“, sighing, you laid back on your pillow, your blanket only covering the lower half of your bare body. Yet, Arlecchino‘s eyes were strictly fixated on your eyes.

„I see. That seems more than reasonable to me. I shall notify them of what’s to come.“, and just for a brief moment, her eyes flickered down. Not to your naked chest but your hand, as if debating if she should take it into her cursed one and press her lips to your knuckles.

But the Knave knew better than this. Peruere knew better than to shower you in such… romantic gestures.

You‘d turn out to be nothing but a weakness in her profile, one she couldn’t allow under any circumstances.

So she simply gave you a quick bow of her head before walking over to the door of your sleeping chambers, the sharp sounds of her heels sending chills through your spine before she reached for the doorknob.

„Until we meet again, Brighella.“, the door fell silently into its locks behind her, leaving you once again alone in your mansion.

An all too familiar loneliness seeped into your body with every passing moment as you recalled the last forty minutes in your mind. How her hands were grabbing onto your curves while she clung to your lips like oxygen as she rammed her hips against- no. No you weren’t doing yourself any favors right now. You still have some work to attend to in your laboratory.

The days flew past you like no others until you were back at the House of the Hearth for yet another lesson. You were just about to wrap things up for today as the children packed their things up and cleaned up their desks.

„I don’t understand why Father reprimanded us right before our lesson to listen carefully to Miss Brighella and do what she says…“, a blond haired teenage girl rolled her eyes at her friends.

„You know Father when it comes to her… She always tells us to not cause her any trouble…“, this time it was Lyney who spoke up.

Interesting… I was wondering why they were extra attentive today…

After bidding your farewell to children, you made your way to Arlecchino‘s office to hand her the report of todays lesson.

She insisted on you writing down every little detail. Who disturbed your teachings the most? Was there bickering among the children? Did they behave good? Was todays topic hard for them to understand? Small stuff like that.

The Knave‘s office was far away from any of the children’s facilities. You really only ever entered this hallway if you happened to need something from Father, otherwise it was always eerily quiet here. You waited for her permission to enter after knocking against the wood.

Almost starting to grow nervous at the long silence, a harsh „Come in“, was to be heard from the other side of the door.

Her tone already indicated that she wasn’t in a good mood today, much to your dismay but you had no other choice than to enter her office and hand over the report. That would only pour fuel into the fire.

Arlecchino eyes were strictly plastered onto zu the papers before her, pen in hand as she didn’t even bother to look up.

„You can set the report down on one of those stacks over there. Suit yourself.“, she ran a hand through her hair and finally looked up to you to meet your eyes. Her hair was slightly ruffled, probably from running her hand through the silky strands one too many times. A cup of her favorite tea was resting on her right along with a few other empty cups. It was a mess in here, which was more than unusual for her.

You sighed as you put down your stuff and grabbed after the empty cups before placing them on a nearby silver tray. „It looks like something exploded in here.“, you clicked your tongue at her as the woman raises an eyebrow, slowly setting down the pen in her hand.

„Did you come to my office for the report or to reprimand me like a toddler?“, leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arms as she focuses all her attention on you. There was the slightest hint of a smile on her lips while she watched you scurrying through her office, collecting the empty cups and organizing her chaos of a desk.

„Seriously, since when have you gotten so messy?“, you piled the papers neatly on top of each other before grabbing the closed book next to them and hurried over the bookshelf on Arlecchino‘s left.

„Dove…“, slowly, without you taking notice, she arose from her desk and made her way to you trying to reach the upper shelf.

„I would get a heart a-…“, you stood up on tiptoes now, „-a heart attack if i had to work like that-!“, suddenly the book was grabbed right out of your hand and neatly shoved back into its place by a black hand.

„You know… one thing that never changed about you since childhood… was that you always tried cleaning up after everyone’s messes…“, she ran her nail down the spine of the book before looking down at you, crimson eyes piercing through your own.

The sudden mention of your shared childhood left you surprised. It was rare that you both talked about what happened under Mothers care… or what happened to Clervie. How you weren’t there to witness both Clervie‘s and Mother‘s death because a married couple of scientists decided to adopt you out of the orphanage before the events. What you didn’t know at the time was that they were close friends from Crucabena. And that none of them had kind-hearted intentions with you.

„Why are you bringing this suddenly up?“, swiping some dust off of the shelf with your finger before flicking it off, you tried avoiding eye contact with her whenever such topics were handled between the two of you.

„I fear I may not have a proper answer to this question…“, her finger gently grabbed a hold of your chin and tilted it back up to face her, „I appreciate you still being around… being alive.“, her eyes held a certain yearning in them, like someone would yearn for the life of their life. The atmosphere around you changed with her touch, that annoyed glimmer in her eyes was now fading into nothingness as she studied your face like an artist would study their most beloved muse.

You wanted to lean in. To press your lips onto hers. To tangle your fingers in her hair as she pushed you against whatever surface was nearest. To whisper those three words against her ear over and over as her lips found the sensitive spot on your neck.

But reality was for more complex than that. There were too many unspoken words between the two of you. Too many broken promises. Too many feelings that are better kept away in the depths of your hearts. As much as the two of you longed for each other… this wasn’t the right lifetime. Things just simply aren’t meant to be. Not for you. Not for her. Not today, tomorrow, next week, month or year.

Your ribcage felt so tight around your lungs as you gently pushed Arlecchino’s hand away from your face, shaking your head slowly as you took a step to the side towards her desk, where your bag was laying on the floor.

„I should leave… I still have to do some research…“, you didn’t look back at her as you picked up your belongings.

Arlecchino didn’t move an inch. If her mind has been a mess these last few days, all hell broke loose now. This is exactly why she doesn’t bother being vulnerable around you. Why she doesn’t want to open up. It’s no use. And it makes room for emotions. It makes her weak. And the Knave was everything but weak.

Anger makes you impulsive. Sorrow causes you to waver.

Yet, your presence seems to shatter all these rules she set up for herself. Anytime she promises herself to not let you get any closer, to stop standing on your doorstep at 2am in the morning when she just can’t stand the gap you always leave in her heart any longer, she finds herself back in your arms. Face deeply nuzzled into the crook of your neck, getting drunk off of your scent as you run your fingers through her hair, only to curse herself the following morning for her sheer stupidity. She hates how you make her feel. Hates how a wave of familiarity and comfort washes over her whenever she takes a look at you, her childhood love.

„We should stop seeing each other.“, her voice was steady, cold. The voice not of a close friend but a diplomat.

You were just about to bid your goodbye as the words pierced through your head, the wheels in your head starting to turn and turn as you processed what she just said.

„What? I- Why? Why should we stop seeing each other that’s nonse-”

„Because this isn’t going anywhere and we‘re just obstacles in each other’s path. Obstacles that hinder our abilities and plans. Lady Brighella, I hereby declare our agreement terminated. I will revoke your license as an approved member of the House of the Hearth as well, you may not step foot on my grounds without my explicit permission again. I shall ask you to leave.“, each word just dug deeper and deeper. You couldn’t react. You couldn’t do anything besides staring at her as the ringing in your ears got louder and louder until it was slowly causing you headache.

Your throat was as dry as Sumeru Desert when you tried to speak up again, „Are- *cough* You can’t be serious-”, you wanted to take a step back towards her.

„You know your way out.“, she moves back behind her desk and pointed with her hand towards the door just as one of her subordinates happen to come in, panicking about a problem regarding some negotiations. But in despite all this mess, her eyes didn’t leave yours. That spark in her eyes she only reserved for you, didn’t leave either. She was doing this for the both of you. She had to be harsh. She had to hurt you in the process.

You were left no choice but to leave. This time without your heart.

[unemployedhockeyfan]

Not All Breakups Are Equal

Summary: Lando and Eloise, two best friends. They'd been there for one another for as long as they could remember. But, just a few short weeks change everything.

Warnings: angst I guess

Notes: Hi! This is a first for me, so please share your feedback!! Let me know if you want a part 2!!

[1.4k]

This was not how it was supposed to end. 

We were supposed to be friends until our dying breaths. If I let my true imagination wander, it wouldn’t have ended just like that either. If I was honest with myself early on, he would have been the man I saw as I walked down the aisle. 

But here we are in his way-too expensive Monaco apartment. 

“Eloise, I don’t understand why you are so pressed about this,” Lando shouted in my direction. 

The issue was nearly nonexistent three weeks ago. Lando, my best friend, had been seeing a new girl. I had tried my best to try and get to know her — it is what I always did when a new woman entered his life. 

The key is that I tried. She didn’t want any part in being my friend. Only a few days after I had met the new fling, I found out what she had to say about me. 

None of it was good. Honestly, most of it was vile. She’s so fake. She’s just jealous because he will never look at her like that. He just pities her. I’ll make him forget her name. 

As my mind continues to be clouded by what my best friend’s new girlfriend thinks of me, I’m thrust back into reality. Lando and I are shouting at each other — something we never used to do. Really, this may be the first time it’s ever happened. 

Max, a mutual friend to both of us, is sitting awkwardly on the couch. He clearly wishes he was anywhere but this apartment. I can only imagine what Lando’s neighbors are thinking at this moment. 

“How could I not care, Lando?” I yelled back.

“She was joking,” Lando responded. 

This wasn’t a joke. A joke is between friends. A joke isn't supposed to leave you crying on the bathroom floor. 

A joke isn’t supposed to end a friendship. 

“She was not joking, Lando. She was serious. If you cannot support me, if you cannot tell her that it’s not OK to talk about me like that, I’m not sure we can be friends anymore.” 

I can’t believe those words just came out of my mouth, and by the look on Lando’s face, I don’t think he can either. 

“Eloise,” Lando said before he paused to take in my emotions. 

I felt the tears rolling down my face. I hadn’t even realized the tears had started to come. But how could they not? A 15-year friendship was only a few words away from ending. As I had made the proclamation, I glanced to my side and saw Max’s mouth agape. 

The three of us — the three musketeers — had been side-by-side-by-side for as long as I could remember. My twin brother had grown up karting with them, and while Lando and Max were friends with Rory, there was something about the three of us that clicked more. 

I watched from the sides as they grew up and chased their dreams and I watched as Lando made his Formula 1 debut. 

Along the way, I had apparently caught feelings for the British driver, too, but I’d never openly admit that. 

Max suspected it, though. 

“You can’t seriously be thinking about ending our friendship over this?”

“I don’t know, Lando. I think we’ll always be friends, but I can’t be an active participant in your life if she is too. I need to protect my own mental health.” 

Lando’s eyes were beginning to be rimmed with tears. 

I cannot believe I’m the person who’s making him cry. When he and Louisa went through their breakup and I saw how sad he was, I vowed that I would never be the reason for his tears. 

But, here we are and I’m making him cry. 

The longer I stand here in his kitchen, though, the more I start to think about it not actually being my fault. He’s the one who invited his new girlfriend into his life. She’s the one who said negative things about me. I’m just protecting myself. 

“No, Eloise, you can’t just walk out the door.”

My mind was so cluttered that I didn’t even realize I had taken steps toward his front door — that I had one hand on the doorknob. Here I was, though, a simple hand movement and step away from walking out of Lando Norris’ life. 

“I’m sorry.”

I twisted the handle, opened the door and walked out. 

I was three steps down the hallway when I heard the door slam closed. I paused, part of me hoping I’d hear his voice call out. All I wanted was for him to follow me out into the hallway and fight for me to stay. 

As I stood three feet away from his front door, it was silent. He hadn’t followed me, Lando was still in his apartment — likely gazing down at his kitchen counter with Max equally shocked sitting on the couch. 

It was silent. 

I glanced back at his apartment, willing the front door to open. It never did, so I turned back around and walked toward the elevator. 

This was it. Our friendship was over. No, our friendship was paused. I wouldn’t let it be over, at least not in my head. 

No matter how much it hurt, no matter how much sleep I lost over it, I was going to always tell myself that Lando was going to come back. I didn’t care if it was him coming back to me as a single man or if he entered my life again with the same girlfriend as long as she agreed to be kind to me. 

As I stepped out of the elevator and into the lobby of Lando’s apartment building, I braced myself for the evening chill. Before tucking my arms into my body, I wiped away the tears that seemed neverending at this point. 

Only seconds after stepping outside, I heard my name being called. 

“Eloise! Eloise! Stop, please, Eloise!” 

It wasn’t Lando, though. It was Max being the friend he always is. 

“Where are you going?”

It was a valid question, I don’t live in Monaco. Well, not officially. 

My job allows me to work remotely, so I truthfully live wherever Lando happens to be that week. That’s over now. 

“Um, I’m not really sure. I may just show up at the airport and see where I can get a flight. I just can’t be here.” 

The look on Max’s face is one I hope to never see again. I knew at that moment that Max had always known. He knew about the crush I started harboring when we were only 13 years old. 

“Eloise, I’m not going to stop you from leaving. I cannot imagine how much you’re hurting right now, but please know he does love you.”

“No, Max, don’t say that! Please, my heart can’t entertain that idea — not anymore.” 

“But he does, Eloise. He just doesn’t reali…”

“Max, stop,” I shouted to interrupt him. “Please. I need you to not say what you’re thinking. If he loved me, even if he didn’t realize it, he would never let me feel like this. Even if he wanted to still see her, he’d tell her to be kinder to me.” 

Max just stood there. He didn’t know what to say. To be honest, I didn’t really know either, but he knew enough to at least pull me into a hug. 

That’s when I lost it. The tears started flowing and it seemed like nothing would stop them. Max laid a kiss on the top of my head, he’s always been another brother to me. He gave me an extra squeeze before placing his hands on my shoulders and pushing me away slightly. 

“Just let me know where that plane ticket gets you, OK?”

“Always.” 

With that, I turned away from one of my two best friends, with the other several floors away, and began to walk. I didn’t even have my suitcase. I guess I’d have to text Max about that one because I couldn’t turn back now. 

It was just after midnight by the time I arrived at the airport — I had thankfully found an empty taxi despite the late hour. 

As I approached the counter in the airport, the employee gave me a quick glance before her eyes returned to the screen in front of her.

“May I help you?”

“I’d like to buy a ticket.”

“To where?” 

I froze, I still hadn’t thought this far. I could go home, but that would be the first place Lando looked. For as much as I wanted him to chase after me, I still didn’t want to be easy to find. 

On a whim, one place came to mind. 

“New York. New York City.” 

[jo-harrington]

Team Building (Eddie Munson x Store Manager!Reader)

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Fem!Reader

Summary: No one does Halloween quite like the Hellfire Club, and you just so happened to have promised to join them.

Previous Part: Closing Time

Warnings/Themes: AU where the Upside Down doesn't terrorize Hawkins. Reader works at the Claire's at StarCourt. Eddie works at TapeWorld. Mutual Pining and Slow Burn, Fluffy Fluff, Trick or Treating

Note: HAPPY HALLOWEEN and welcome back to the Store Manager Verse. I actually wanted to be further along with my chronological releases but it just never happened. This one is definitely probably one of the best timed releases with the holiday but there's a minor note that there's...maybe a reference to a yet-to-be published installation of the story. Eddie and SM are gonna be going on a little road trip at some point and will meet some of SM's family. DONT EVEN WORRY ABOUT IT FOR NOW. Just enjoy the shenanigans.

You can find my masterlist here for more featuring our resident Store Manager and all of my other writing.

Please do not interact if you are not 18+.

Enjoy!

---

"You look cute today."

"Thanks!"

"You need to look less cute next week. We're doing zombies, remember?"

"Got it."

Every day.

"Did you pick up that fake blood from Melvalds like you promised?"

"Yeah it's at home."

"Ok great because...because I was a little afraid you were gonna forget about our plans."

"Don't worry Eddie."

He reminded you every day.

"Ok so we're meeting at Gareth's at 4 on Thursday."

"Alright I'll be there."

"No, uh, glitter makeup? We're going for realism. Shock and awe."

"I swear to god!"

Every day for an entire week, whether he was scheduled to work or not, Eddie showed up at Star Court to remind you that you had promised to go Trick or Treating with him and his friends.

It was cute endearing.

October--and more specifically Halloween--was one of your favorite times of the year at work. It was laid back and fun. No pressure from either Back to School or the Holiday rush, you could "dress up" with little costume pieces or fun makeup every day, and you could have a bowl of candy at the cash wrap that made everyone's day a little bit brighter.

And outside of work, you'd really embraced the season.

Correction, Eddie made you embrace the season.

Before moving to Hawkins, Halloween had always been incredibly...commercial. Costumes and decorations from the little seasonal aisle at the drugstore. The biggest display of candy at the grocery store that you needed to stock up on unless you wanted your house egged.

And your social life consisted, mainly, of outings with your coworkers. Pumpkin patches and haunted hayrides almost always became team building activities. That wasn't to say your coworkers--new and old--weren't your friends too.

But with Eddie...it was different.

A harvest festival outside of Muncie, horror movies late at night during a thunderstorm, warm apple cider at Merrill's Farm while looking for gourds that were shaped like your heads. Pumpkin carving on the porch at the trailer, cutting out bats and cats from black construction paper, and now Trick or Treating with his friends.

You thought, early on in your friendship, that it was just some throw away comment. But knowing him as well as you did now, you realized that he really meant everything he said.

Every promise was purposeful, especially when it came to the people he cared about. Which was why you were sure he was determined to make the night perfect. Not only for you, but for everyone.

Especially the handful of little sheep that were newcomers to Hellfire.

"The freshman," he explained on Sunday as you worked on your costumes together. "They're little turds but...I dunno, they have potential."

You'd already heard about them at the beginning of the year as Eddie gushed about his new recruits; younger brothers that Eddie sort of always wished for but was thankful he didn't actually have.

"They're not gonna think I'm some like...weird old person right?" you laughed self-consciously, thinking back to Jeff's comment when you said you wouldn't buy them beer. And sure you were not that much older than Eddie, but you were sure you were ancient to a bunch of 14-year olds.

"You're the coolest person I know. And I'm the coolest person they know."

"You saw how my brother is though," you waved your hand dismissively. Jimmy's words--who would have guessed your boyfriend's not lame like you--wouldn't stop echoing in your head though.

Boyfriend. Boyfriend. Boyfriend.

Eddie still wasn't your boyfriend.

They must have echoed in Eddie's too because his cheeks flushed and he immediately became bashful. He ducked his head into his shoulder a little bit and refused to meet your eyes as he hacked away at the sleeves of the old flannel in his hands.

"Your brother," he finally replied, "is a little turd too. I'm sure the kids will worship you. More than they worship me. I promise. Everything will be alright."

---

Before you knew it, Thursday rolled around.

You were running late to get to the Emerson's to get ready thanks to a last minute visit from your DM. Who knew that pictures of you and your team for the company-issued costume contest would take so long?

Still, to save time, you decided not to change costumes until you got to the house. Seeing as Eddie had grand plans for everyone's face paint to make them look as close to Day of the Dead as possible, you figured you would be fine.

However, you were not expecting the entire gaggle of boys to stare at you with stars in their eyes as you stepped out of your car, duffle bag full of torn old clothes and gallon of fake blood in-hand, done up like a glam metal superstar.

Or as close to it as you could get with the accessories you carried at the store. Rainbow hair extensions and glitter spray, layers of chain jewelry, and too much cheetah print.

"You," Eddie began as he pushed through the group to get to you. His face was already a ghastly pallor thanks to a layer of facepaint from melvalds, exactly as he had envisioned. "Are a traitor and a turncoat, a disgrace to the uniform, and your status as Corroded Coffin's number one fan."

"I've literally never heard you guys play," you rolled your eyes at him.

"Did my lesson about the different types of metal mean nothing to you?" he clutched a hand over his heart and then reached out and fiddled with your jewelry. "And didn't I say no glitter."

"I just need to use the bathroom to wash it all off. Then you can make me gross and moldy like you."

"It's not mold. It's rot. Get it right." You flipped him off and he grinned. "Hey sweetheart."

"Hi."

"Nice of you to finally join us."

Eddie threw an arm around your shoulders and led you into the garage. You said hi to Jeff, Gareth, and Dave, and then he introduced you to the sheep.

Mike and Lucas and Dustin and Will.

They were all a little bashful as Eddie went down the line; it was reminiscent of when you met the others, except less fun facts and more silly tidbits meant to embarrass the kids.

Will the Wise whose worst stat was intelligence. Dustin who had a girlfriend in Utah--

"She's real, I swear."

--Mike who had already gone through two new characters because he couldn't roll to save his life. Literally. And Lucas who liked sports.

"Oh my god," you scoffed at Eddie. “You make it sound like sports are a scourge."

"They are."

"You like hockey."

"I," Eddie paused. "Tolerate hockey."

You grinned triumphantly and said hello to each of the boys before ducking into the house to get changed.

"Dude, she is way out of your league." you could hear Mike whine, followed by a dull thud of a fist hitting an arm.

"That's what we've been telling him the whole time," Dave cackled.

---

Eddie and Will were the masterminds behind the zombification process--bickering back and forth about what scar went where and how gross that pus should look as they applied facepaint--but all the boys tossed in their creative input.

"Oh my god, do you still have that rubber eyeball from lunch? We can glue it to Jeff's hand."

"What if--don't touch my hair--what if we--don't touch my hair."

"More blood! More! MORE!"

Before you knew it, two hours had passed, it was dark out and gaggles of Trick-or-Treaters were already filling the streets. Gareth's mom had set herself up on the porch with a bowl full of fun-sized candy and wished you all farewell as you took off down the sidewalk.

A veritable hoard of the undead, with ripped clothes, foaming mouths, blood-soaked hands, and pillowcases to double as treat bags.

To your surprise, there was a lot more to Trick or Treating than you had initially thought. All your childhood, you'd just gone door to door for a few blocks, rang a bell, got some candy, and at the end of the night traded treats with your brothers or your friends.

To Hellfire, it was just as involved as any of their DnD campaigns. And it's how you learned more about each of the boys, and surprisingly, more about their fearless leader.

Lucas and Mike were the perfect strategists and, as you began your trek, listed off neighborhoods that gave the best candy. You got the in-depth analysis between full-size and fun-size candies, chocolate versus peanut butter versus nougat, and you made a mental note to be more mindful of the choices you put out at the cash wrap for next year.

Dustin and Eddie were the navigators mentally mapping the distances between each neighborhood and how quickly and efficiently the group could get around.

"We should have just taken the van," Eddie scoffed when Dustin suggested Loch Nora first, the furthest trek of the night.

"No, then we'll end up back at Gareth's by 10. We just need to walk fast, it'll be perfect."

"And my mom is making a casserole for dinner," Gareth piped up. "She said you're all welcome to stay."

"Why don't we end at my place," Mike suggested. "We can just hang out in the basement and my mom will order pizza."

"No one wants to sleep in your dusty ass basement Wheeler," Dave scoffed.

"We're definitely skipping school tomorrow," Eddie pointed at all of the kids. "I hope you all know that."

Dave and Jeff, much to your surprise, were the "war generals" as they so graciously called themselves. They had a few rolls of toilet paper and a carton of eggs tucked away in their pillowcases, in case they came across--

"The enemies!!!" The older boys hollered into the starry night sky, quickly earning glares from other kids and parents as they passed.

"And who would that be?" you asked. The entire group looked at you like you'd grown a second head. "I'm sorry I'm not well-versed in Halloween mischief."

"Oh it's gonna be fun corrupting you." Eddie laughed wickedly, and started ticking off examples on his fingers. "People who tell us we're too old to trick or treat."

"I thought you said no one cared!" you exclaimed.

"Most people," he clarified, "don't care. But someone called the cops on us. What was it? Last year? Year before?" He looked at the older boys for confirmation.

"Mrs. Peterson who likes to sic her dogs on the kids who get too close to her rose bushes," Lucas offered next.

"If someone has their porch light on, but doesn't answer the door."

"When someone gives raisins instead of candy," Will supplied, ignoring Dustin's quiet, I like raisins.

The list went on: people who made fun of their costumes, the one house where the guy sat on his porch and douse kids with "holy water" for engaging in devilry.

"And Jason Carver," Eddie finished with a flourish.

They all looked at you for some kind of objection...or maybe your approval? You weren't too sure.

But at your soft nod, they all whooped and hollered and a few of the younger boys even took off running so they could jump and scare some of the kids who were just minding their own business.

"See?" Eddie asked and grabbed your hand in his as you followed at the back of the group. "And you were afraid they were gonna think you were some gross old lady. They're trying to impress you."

"Impress is a stretch."

"Ah ah ah," he shook his head. "I will hear none of it. I told them all that they were to be on their best worst behavior. Make sure you have the best time. That they are mere peasants here to serve the Queen of the Undead."

You let his hand go and pushed him away from you, even though your heart beat a little faster knowing he wanted them to behave around you.

"Go before I gnaw on your brains."

"You promise?" he waggled his eyebrows at you suggestively.

"Go!"

---

It was an eventful night.

You moaned and groaned and shuffled your way across Hawkins, just like the zombies in Romero's movies, to get all sorts of sweet treats. Candy and popcorn and fresh-dipped caramel apples that someone was making in their yard in Loch Nora.

The group successfully TP'd one house, and you'd even personally egged someone's front door after they called the gang delinquents. You were not athletic in the slightest, but you hit your target dead on, and basked in the boy's gleeful war cries.

You were grateful for Eddie's suggestion of sneakers because you'd walked more in those 4 hours than you had during any Black Friday or Christmas Eve double shift in your entire career. You were sure even a day at Disneyland couldn't hold a candle to the Hellfire Club Whistle Stop Walking Candy Tour of Hawkins.

The boys all took to calling you mom pretty early in the night after you stopped Jeff from chomping into a handful of starbursts.

"Your braces," you reminded him, motioning to your teeth. "You're gonna snap a wire; you hate the orthodontist."

He groaned and all of the boys started snickering. Eddie, of course, was quick to shame him.

"Listen to your mother!"

And the nickname just stuck.

Of course Mike--who you noticed tried to emulate Eddie most out of the group of freshman--had a retort.

"If she's mom," he said smugly. "Does that mean you're dad?"

The boys all started making kissy faces and you had to laugh as Eddie got a little flustered.

After watching him flounder for a comeback, you decided to help him out, so you crossed the distance and pressed a quick peck to his cheek before you turned and shook your finger at the boys in a disappointed way.

"Next person to sass your father," you started. "And you're all grounded." They all looked a mixture of confused and worried for a second.

"What does that mean?" Lucas asked nervously.

"It means you start the next session with half of your hit points," Eddie finally recovered, voice growling in a threat. The boys all clammed up and turned to head to the next house.

"Sorry about them," he shrugged and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Nah, it's ok," you smiled reassuringly. "They meant well. Still...til death do us part, I guess."

You both froze and you started panicking.

Why had you said that?

Still, Eddie was able to make it all better. He shuffled his feet and cracked a smile, then gestured to your costumes.

"Or uh...undeath. Considering."

Still, you had butterflies in your stomach every time one of the boys called you mom and dad for the rest of the night.

---

By the time 10 rolled around, you were back at the Emerson's house. Gareth's mom greeted you all excitedly with sodas and plates of hot buffalo chicken casserole with crispy tater tots on top, and you all sat in the garage to eat and divvy up your haul.

"So," Eddie slumped on the sofa next to you at some point after dinner was finished. You were tiredly watching Lucas and Dave argue the merits of Three Musketeers versus Milky Way and glad for the distraction. "Did you have fun?"

"Of course."

"Enough to do it again next year?"

"Is this your way of telling me you guys trick or treat every year?" you joked. "Because I kind of picked up on those hints all night."

"More like...I don't know," he sniffed awkwardly. "You still planning to be my friend next year?"

"Stop asking me that," you hit the back of your hand against his chest. "If I got to see you be a big dork with your gaggle of kindergarteners--"

"Hey!" came Will and Mike's whine from a few feet away.

"--and I'm still here, nothing's gonna scare me away Eddie."

He grabbed your hand to stop you from hitting him again, but stayed silent for a moment, eyes darting back and forth between yours as his tongue worried his lip.

You got nervous the longer he hesitated to say something, and once he did, you had the sneaking suspicion it wasn't exactly what he'd really wanted to say in the first place.

You hoped it wasn't what he wanted to say. Hoped it was just something he couldn't say in front of his friends.

"Then you don't mind if we do Alien next year. And before you say anything, I think I would make a great Ripley. I already have the hair for it and I'm pretty sure I have that same underwear."

"Sure Eddie," you agreed a little stiffly. "Sounds perfect."

He smiled, but it didn't quite meet his eyes.

Still, the two of you stayed huddled together on that couch for the rest of the night, surrounded by friends.

Hands held comfortably together.

Next Part: Promotion

[bird-inacage]

Net x James: An important reminder that BL partnerships consist of two individuals and they are not just a single entity.

So the Netjames news has been a notable bombshell in the fandom of late, and I've been quietly observing this as it unfolded earlier this week, particularly the varying reactions and discourse around it.

In his statement, James explained that his current career goals are moving in a different direction, which has resulted in him pulling out of 'Love Upon a Time', and by extension his acting partnership with Net. He wants to explore his other avenues as an artist, whereas Net is presumably focused on acting for now.

With BL partnerships, we often see the two co-stars tied at the hip. Its part of the gig and it comes with the territory. They don't just work together on their project, but they do a huge amount of activity (both public and private) outside of that. They travel, perform, they do fan meets, press events, and spend a huge amount of time together as a twosome. So we get accustomed to seeing them as a united entity, which means news like this tends to hit harder because it feels akin to a divorce. This is one of the pitfalls of the Thai BL industry. When you create a narrative around two people who exclusively come as a package, it makes it incredibly difficult for both the actors themselves and fans to accept or make peace with any possible deviation from that. I think it's natural for any actor or artist to desire collaboration with different people: to develop their craft, to further their experience, to broaden their versatility. If sticking to only one working partner 'for life' doesn't work for them, I completely empathise with that.

In their recent Instagram lives, Net and James were clearly sad and their feelings still very raw. This led to a lot of speculation regarding any ill-feeling or fall out between the two. But such accusations can be harmful. Even in an amicable or mutual break-up where ending a relationship is in both parties' best interests - the two people involved are still grieving. Being brutally honest and transparent with someone close to you, that things can no longer continue as they are, isn't easy. If fans feel upset, just imagine how difficult this is on them both. When you've been nurtured as a partnership from the get go, your co-star whose always been at your side provides a sense of safety and familiarity. And the prospect of now moving forward without them is a scary new unknown. On top of that, they probably feel an immense amount of pressure and guilt in digesting the potential fallout and response from their fans. There will be trepidation in how well their careers will fare in the immediate aftermath.

Despite this, there are also positives to be taken from this decision. Arguably, Net and James were still in the early stages of their partnership. Bed Friend really put them on the map as a couple. So for James to come forward with this realisation now, before they got too established as a pairing was a responsible thing to do. I'm sure the last thing anyone wants is for their favourite artists to feel stuck or obliged to continue working together, which would undoubtedly lead to feelings of resentment eventually.

So respectfully, these instances are not to be taken personally or to be deemed as a betrayal of your support. After all, what we know of these artists is only a very small piece of their identities as people. It's okay to be devastated, but be respectful of their wishes. You can choose to continue supporting them as individuals, or choose to no longer support them at all - either way, you are perfectly valid and entitled to your choice, just extend the same courtesy back and be mindful of casting unfair judgement on their choice.

For me, it is admittedly a shame because I did see great potential in them both as a pair, and they had fantastic chemistry which could have been nurtured with more time and experience. Regardless, I truly believe they both have immense love for one another, and I wish them both the very best. They've just come to terms with the fact they no longer share the same vision for what they want in their careers. And that's okay.

(I will always be grateful that they gave us THIS iconic moment).

[supernovafeather]

The Unofficial Bound

Leto Atreides x F!Reader

Summary : After finding out about an ancient law loosening the rules to conceive an heir, Duke Leto tries to share his discovery with the person he hopes to be the perfect mother for his kid.

Content : mutual pining, slight breeding kink if you squint but nothing gross or openly sexual, fluff fluff fluff, love(?)confession, friends to potential lovers

Leto had started to act strangely last week. An undecipherable frown crowned his face more than usual and his gaze looked different once set on you. Others noticed it and tended to look away as if you weren't there. Despite years of dedication to the House Atreides, you felt closer than ever from getting thrown away like some garbage bag to the ocean's mercy. As soon as you noticed his changing demeanor you attempted to get more active during meetings out of self preservation but still ended up closing yourself to the outside world. Gurney Halleck tried to reassure you about it, telling you that never Duke Leto would get rid off his best elements, but still wasn't able to give you any further explanation about the whole predicament. Himself felt uncomfortable with details and repeated that he wasn't the one able to provide you any satisfying answer.

A mourning soul wandering alongside the shoreline could be a great depiction for the lonely silhouette the Duke saw that morning. Your eyes caressed the waves shaken by their own rolls as well as by the few warships flying low during some military trainings in the horizon. The Duke's heart beat furiously as he battled to swallow back the constriction trapping his throat while walking slowly up to you. His palm's wetness disappeared once he rubbed them against the back of his long coat.

"Good morning General," he started with a stable voice, "I am glad to see you here."

Perhaps he shouldn't have startled you like this as you turned around with widened eyes. This would only complicate things.

"My Lord," you saluted him, "may I help you?"

After a quick glare at your tired face he realized that Gurney hadn't exaggerated at all. He felt guilty to say the least but was willing to ease your worries. Hopefully this would all go smoothly, at least as smoothly as possible. It's been a long time since he's done a similar thing. The man cleared his throat, then chose the coward option to take his black gloves from his pockets, fleeing your anxious gaze as he put them on.

"I think you may. Actually, there is something I need to tell you. It is such a particular and… bizarre matter in fact that I am not certain of how to get to it in a proper way." "I… see. Please take the time you need sire."

Leto wished it was such an easy task that words would roll out his tongue as a simple "good morning" or as a formal "how are you", but alas this wasn't the case. After a deep breath he turned back to you and this time you were the one looking away briefly.

"Before I get into this same matter I wanted to reassure you: there is nothing involving any demotion. I know you have been feeling somewhat nervous about it lately and I wanted to make it clear. I apologize for my lack of communication. I know better"

This silent exhale coming out from your mouth felt endearing, the kind of unfiltered reaction so uncommon from someone of your rank bringing some courage he desperately needed. If such things depended on him and him only he would make sure no one would ever take this General uniform out of your closet. It suited you all too well during official gatherings. The casual outfit you worn on this breezy day suited you perfectly as well. A less intimidating aura that felt welcome in such an important morning. This humble white oversized shirt still looked sharp enough to pass as a work outfit with its sleeves stopping by your wrists and its bottom tugged in your long and black skirt. It floated elegantly in the wind around your shape, letting some room for imagination. Nothing inappropriate, merely… poetic and passionate.

"Thank you for sharing this with me my Lord," you thanked him with a smile, "so what is this important matter?"

The Duke mirrored your small smile before looking down as a sudden breeze slapped him as to make him keep his words for himself. It was madness to even think of saying these thoughts out loud. He closed his eyes briefly, biting his tongue as he tried to turn his case under a purely administrative light.

"Well, recently I have found a document that stated a curious right for the Caladan leader. One I would have never believed in if not for that same document."

It didn't sound anything like what he intended and he hated himself for that. He was only a man deep down, not a senseless machine obsessed with control and titles and perfection.

"My Lord, this right you are talking about sounds… pretty bothering to you…" "Well. Not exactly. It sounds more absurd than anything else especially for such an important matter."

Despite his timid nonsense you stood there calmly, trying to decipher his intentions. He liked to see so much attention from you. In a way this reminded him of all those meetings where you would set your gaze on him as you listened closely to each of his words, your pupils glued to him and repairing your arguments depending on your opinions.

"Is it something concerning your legitimacy," you asked, "or that could ternish your reputation?" "Indirectly yes. As you know due to current circumstances I am unable to get an heir. And this document stated a… rather disturbing solution."

Your alarmed face warmed his heart a little despite the second violent breeze whipping him in the face. Being Duke was a rather lonely existence despite all those suppers, meetings, ceremonies, gatherings, trainings and his ability to witness such honest reaction was a good change.

"Do you think there might be a risk for somebody to plan a coup d'etat justified by this?"

His mouth opened, then closed. That fierce and scandalized face…

"No. I mean it remains a possibility indeed. But the matter is that this law - or bill or right whatever - basically states that even during a celibacy period the current Caladan ruler can still choose an unmarried partner - a concubine without any prior romantic attachment - and still give give her a child without this same child being considered as a bastard." "And… all this while remaining in an unmarried relationship?"

Seeing your surprise mirroring his reassured him a little.

"Apparently. As concubinage but without any deeper link between the ruler and that person. The goal was to make it easier for House Atreides to keep on ruling on its land." "So such an ancient family felt willing to give up a little on traditions to keep on existing? That is not a common thing. I guess some of your ancestors were terrified of this possibility. And why does this affect you so much sire? Do you think you want to use this right?"

Did he want this or was he acting like a fool not to face his own problems? Could he consider himself as ready to give a kid - his heir - to a woman married to her duty and that had never been involved into anything with him? Was he doing this genuinely for his legacy or for his own interest?

"I might have to consider this option. This would decrease the risk of foreign interference. And… it would feel more honest from me than an arranged marriage."

Still unable to translate his deepest thoughts he chose to look at the sea. He remained a healthy and powerful man but he noticed the first greyish hair. His features hardened throughout the years and stress wouldn't be forgiving neither. All he wanted was this burden of getting an heir done as fast as possible to honor his promises done to his family. The idea of dying alone without a son or a daughter, without anybody to love him and the child or children… it started to punch him in the guts. Him, Leto Atreides just wanted to start a family but had no idea of how to do it. Simple men from unknown families managed to get a lovely wife to love them and run their hands through their hair, so why couldn't he get this? Why couldn't he get a happy family that would make him feel complete?

"It's touching to hear you staying true to yourself my Lord. I wouldn't even know what to do in your case. Arranged marriages are not what I dream of neither," you sighed.

Encouraged by your soft voice, he turned back to you, his mouth dry as you seemed to feel slightly down.

"There is no more details about its enforcement. It would be to the Duke to make an official announcement about it after finding a partner."

Leto kept on staring at you and felt his own features relaxing as he started to imagine you differently. A quick picture of you waking up by his sides instead of waking up in a large and empty bed. A soft smile after a good morning, a quick kiss on your cheek, you playing with a toddler after a long day commanding his army. Everything now made sense to you as your mouth opened in shock, eyes widened as you locked his gaze. After a few blinks and a series of flustered smiles you gathered enough composure to give an answer to his hidden question.

"My Lord I feel flattered by your offer. But… may I know why?" "You are the woman I trust the most in this world. One of the few beings I know I can rely on. And even if I had a kid and for some reason couldn't take care of him or her you would be perfect to protect my heir. Your dedication is sincere. We share similar values. Even though you never shared any indication that you wanted to start a family, I do think you would be perfect as a mother. And if I may add I find you absolutely gorgeous."

It felt good to finally be brave enough to say everything out loud and also to see that even as responsible grown ups so high in the planet hierarchy you could still become such a childish mess. Your smile was stunning. He felt as if he was a teenager again ready to fall in love for the most beautiful foreign young lady at the ball.

"Well… I will be honest with you and say that I need some time to… think about it," you said, "this is unexpected but I appreciate your kindness. I am also happy that you consider me with so much respect." "I understand General, please take the time you need. This was very sudden for me but even more for you. I apologize." "And about this… this right. Does it involve marriage?"

The interest in your eyes and in this mischievous smile sent a delightful shiver down his body as he failed to control his boyish grin.

"From what I found it only involves intercourses. Then this might lead to a marriage if wanted." "I see. Well… consider me as interested. I would feel honored to carry your heir. The only source of worry for me is my rank. I don't think that a General getting pregnant with her Duke would get any benevolent attention."

Leto rarely felt any similar joy of his life. It was a mix of manly pride and the feeling of crossing an important threshold of his life.

"This wouldn't make you mine officially. This would make our child the official heir If you will. You would remain at your post until you feel too unwell." "I will think about it," you replied, "and give you my answer as soon as possible my Lord. I wouldn't want to delay our duty for too long."

He wasn't prepared for the quick peck on his bearded cheek, and certainly even less for your whispered "see you very soon sire" that made his heart beat hard.

- - -

Thanks for reading please comment and reblog! ☺️

@queen-of-elves @qrjung

[kiennjio]

why Shinonome Akito is a dog: an analysis

NOTE: Contains spoilers for Rise as ONE! event story

At first glance, Akito seems like he is more of a cat than a dog. On the surface level, he probably is. His two-faced personality where he acts nice in front of strangers but is less polite and sometimes apathetic with his friends is extremely similar to a cat's.

However, a major part of Akito's personality is his determination and loyalty. His loyalty to his goal of surpassing rad weekend, his loyalty to vivid bad squad, and his loyalty to his partner Touya have been emphasized many times in event stories. Dogs are often called "man's best friend" and are known for their loyalty to their owners. Akito's "owner", in this case, would probably be his "ego", or what he considers most important in his life.

In rise as one, Akito viewed Ishihara and Max as partners because their relationship reminded him of his own relationship with Touya. Akito saw how Ishihara and Max trusted each other and wished to be the best in Japan together, just like how Akito and Touya's bond is built on mutual trust, and their goal of surpassing rad weekend by each other's side. Akito first came to understand Max as he related to Max's resolve to compete in the tournament so he could make Ishihara happy, and the feeling of "cherishing his partner". In this case, Ishihara and Max are a direct parallel to Touya and Akito.

Dogs in the event were portrayed as emotionally intelligent creatures that picked up on their owners' emotions and showed care for them. Akito doesn't outwardly show it but he's perceptive and is able to figure out what his friends are feeling despite them not knowing themselves or actively hiding it from others. Akito may seem to have a prickly exterior but he still shows concern for his friends and Ena.

Akito and Touya also called themselves BAD DOGS because they wanted to show those who laughed at their dream that they would fight to achieve it like disobeying dogs would and also because it is apparently slang for "the best partner" which is what they are to each other. Akito also seems to enjoy being praised by Touya (getting flustered when Touya got happy about him doing well on a test), which is a very dog-like behavior.

There is a lot of correlation between Akito and dogs, so Akito as a golden retriever makes sense, although cat Akito also has some merit. (Touya, on the other hand, is definitely a cat. As for whale Touya, I need to do more research.) Akito being terrified of dogs certainly makes it a lot funnier, I suspect colorpale enjoys the irony (I know I do).

[zgvlt]

sending your crush a survey form hcs part 4 second years x reader (separate) -> kalim, jamil, silver

general tags: gn reader, fluff + attempt at humor, sfw, not beta read, mix of text and images (for images, alt text/image description available)

other parts in this series

character: KALIM AL-ASIM premise/trope: sending your best friend a crush form. it's mutual but everybody... sort of just assumed that the two of you were already dating already

HOW HE (AND JAMIL) REACTS WHEN YOU SEND THE FORM LINK

Kalim's amused by many things, music one of the more significant interests he has. So, when he learned that he could customize the ringtones and notification sounds he has for all of his friends, he spends a lot of time assigning a tune for each person in his life.

It's why he immediately jumps up and searches for his phone when he hears the song he specifically chose for you.

Jamil gets it for him the second he recognizes the song playing because he's heard it so much it's ingrained in his memory.

(Kalim does not mute his phone unless specifically asked to. Usually for emergency purposes but Jamil doubts messaging you 24/7 qualifies as such).

Jamil checks the message briefly to make sure you're not getting hacked (it said you sent over a link and, well, there's been an increase in MagiCam accounts getting hacked lately...)

Jamil wishes he never checked it. When he gives Kalim his phone, he wants to walk away immediately. He does NOT want to be on the receiving end of the gushing, no way, absolutely not.

Even if it is a little cute, like some kind of fairy tale that he might have liked in his youth, he just wants to have some peace, and peace did not include Kalim yapping about how lovely and cool and amazing he thought you were.

Kalim's talking about how much he loves you and Jamil's immediate instinct is to sigh and ask why he won't tell you instead. You're his significant other or some other label anyway, right?

Kalim blinks in confusion, his fingers pausing the sticker spam he was inevitably doing.

"We're not dating though?" Kalim says. Jamil pops a blood vessel. "I wish we were! We could go on all sorts of cool dates, we could go visit my family, and then..."

Jamil tells him they literally already do that. They go on cool dates all the time. His family knows who you are (partially his fault, he let them know who Kalim spends all his time with these days, but obviously Kalim's fault for talking about you, too).

Jamil exits the room and tells Kalim to read the questions properly. He also says congratulations in advance.

Kalim's not dumb by any means, so when he realizes what the form is all about he's cheering and giggling to himself, like he wants to get his flying carpet to take a quick ride while, simultaneously, go get his drum kit so he could play his sudden excitement out.

His answers are equally excitable as your questions. Though it's mostly just vibes, he does get some really sweet answers out there about how much he likes you.

HOW HE ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS

AFTER HE ANSWERS THE FORM

Your relationship had been a long time coming... At least, that was how you and Kalim saw it. The two of you were so intertwined in each other's lives that spending your futures together just made sense.

For everyone else, they had thought the relationship was already there in the first place, so imagine their surprise when Kalim announces that there was going to be a party, a party to celebrate his new relationship, with you as the guest of honor.

They call Jamil a traitor for not telling them you and Kalim hadn't actually been dating all this time. Jamil wants to explain that even he didn't know, but he decides it's more fun to pretend he was the outlier who knew the truth all along.

He's planning a celebration for you, actively participating in the creation and setting up process because it's important to him that you would enjoy. He's taking into account what food and drinks you enjoy, how much people you want to attend and who should be in attendance, the music you want playing, even the colors of the decorations.

Initially, he wanted the party to be a surprise but he can't resist calling you. He wants this to be a perfect gift for you! He has to make sure you like each and every thing, so he calls you every few minutes to ask about even the tiniest of details.

It also probably helps that he just... really likes talking and listening to you.

Speaking of talking... While he keeps many of the specifics to himself, he's also talking about how nice and great and cute you are for confessing to him that way. It becomes the talk of the dorm, and Jamil won't be surprised if it becomes the modern day love story of their homeland.

Kalim's the one who seeks you out too, picking you up from wherever you said you were to bring you back to the dorm. He's so excited that he's (finally!) your partner!

The two of you spend a few minutes gushing about each other, and then he says,

"Alright, let's go!" He pulls you along with him, grasping your hand in his. "Let's celebrate the start of our love together!"

character: JAMIL VIPER premise/trope: sending your boyfriend, who you miss very much and is very busy, a crush form to remind him that your feelings have not waned one bit

HOW HE REACTS WHEN YOU SEND THE FORM LINK

You're wonderful to him, really, so you have the decency to send the link a little later into the evening, around the time you know he'd have less chores to do, more academics in turn. It's a time you know he'll allow himself to check his phone, and you know your message will go read.

You tell him you don't have to open the link immediately, to only do it when he's free.

Jamil sees the form file name and title and, well, he thinks it's time for him to wrap up his evening immediately. If he's to abide by your request, that is, to answer the form when he missed you... That would mean answering as soon as possible.

JAMIL : I don't know how to react. Should I call you corny or sweet for pulling a stunt like this?

He tells you that, but the reality is that his body has already decided how to react for him. His face feels too warm for comfort (which says a lot, considering he's rather used to the heat already).

He's hiding his face with his hood on the way to his room, and even when he's in the privacy of his quarters he can't help but want to cover up his face a little longer.

Conflicted between immediately getting back to you (at least, sending in his answers before you go to sleep) and preparing for bed, he ultimately decides to save the best for last, getting his heart to calm down as he undoes his hair and takes off his jewelry.

When he reads through the questions, he goes from being ready to pass out to doing leg kicks in bed and burying his face in his pillow (because he changed from his uniform, therefore no more hood).

Jamil answers the questions a little bluntly (with some quips aimed towards you here and there), but since it's something private, something he's sure you won't share with anyone else, he's comfortable giving you the affection you seek (and which he, too, misses giving and receiving).

(He also, just, has a thing for imagining you as flustered as you make him, so he likes to flirt a little bit. Oops 😊😁🤭)

HOW HE ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS

AFTER HE ANSWERS THE FORM

Morning come, everybody notices that Jamil is in SUCH a good mood, so good he can't even hide it.

It's surprising that he's acknowledging anyone at all considering, upon closer inspection, Jamil's eyebags looked... well, noticeable. Especially since he hadn't put on any makeup yet.

Kalim's usually the mood maker in Scarabia, but Jamil's genuine smiles are infectious, and soon enough everyone else is smiling, too, even so early in the morning.

Though they do wish he would talk to them a little bit more instead of spending his time on his phone (another rarity), but overall they're just happy that Jamil is happy.

(They all consider making some kind of prayer or offering to the Sevens now. Whatever or whoever is making their vice dorm leader having a wonderful morning, may it continue to do so forever)

As for Jamil... He knows he spent a good amount of time talking to you last night, but upon waking his natural instinct is to greet you immediately.

You're his treasure, his love, so if he goes to sleep thinking of you instead of dreading the morning come, and wakes thinking of you instead of the pile of work he'll inevitably face, who can really blame him for being visibly content?

JAMIL : I know I said I'd be too busy this week to commit to a date, but I don't think I can wait that long to see you. JAMIL : I'll find an excuse for Kalim, so... JAMIL : Shall we go on a date tonight?

character: SILVER premise/trope: sending Silver the form should have been relatively uneventful... if not for his well-meaning but nosy family

HOW HE (and the rest of Diasomnia) REACTS WHEN YOU SEND THE FORM LINK

The thing is... Silver's asleep when you send the link. That's not your fault of course, nor is it is. However, the two of you just have the most unfortunate timing. Maybe you shouldn't have sent multiple follow up messages, then it would not have alerted anyone else.

Silver's phone has multiple beeps and, well, his fae companions are a little more sensitive to sound than others. It's inevitable that they'd either be annoyed or intrigued by the constant notifications.

Sebek just wanted to mute it, really! However, the screen lights up when he puts it in front of his face, and he sees your name, and he instinctively says it out loud, and then it's all over.

Lilia and Malleus are taking peeks at the small device as well, trying to make sense of the cut-off previews of each message you sent.

Sebek is... trying to be a good person so he's doing that thing where he covers his face with his hand, but leaves a gap between his fingers for him to read the texts.

They want to wake up Silver because SILVER'S LOVE LIFE IS ON THE LINE WHAT IF YOU DELETE YOUR MESSAGES AND DECIDE YOU REGRET YOUR (admittedly unique) CONFESSION.

Lilia's talking about taking one for the team and he activates the face recognition unlock on Silver's phone. He's not going to look through what you sent or anything (yet) but he does send you a text to let you know that Silver's still asleep and to not worry about why he's not responding.

Well, that stops the message influx.

Ironically, it's the silence that wakes Silver up, and he's immediately suspicious when he sees three fae crowd over his cellphone.

When he finds out you've been sending texts he's very apologetic to have kept you waiting, and when he realizes just what you sent he's extra apologetic... and flustered. Not only did you send him such a thing, but his father, Malleus, and Sebek all got a glimpse of it, too.

SILVER : I'm sorry for taking so long. I feel asleep again. SILVER : I have control of my phone now, in case you were worried about... the others being overly curious again. SILVER : I'll answer what you sent and get back to you as quickly as I can.

Silver's answers are serious and straight to the point, but not to the point that it lacks affection. Rather, he manages to weave in his perception and feelings for you rather seamlessly.

HOW HE ANSWERS THE QUESTIONS

AFTER HE ANSWERS THE FORM

He just meant to let the trio outside his room (he knows they're there, they are not being very discrete) know that he was going to meet up with you for a little bit, maybe talk about the next steps of any relationship you could cultivate in person.

However, they're bombarding him with apologies for snooping (he's already forgiven them, honestly) and questions about whether he's finally having his first romance.

Even Sebek, once he says his piece about making sure to allocate enough time for training and academics, gets pretty into it.

Silver clarifies that he's going to meet up with you specifically to discuss what the two of you should do with your mutual feelings, and then they're talking about what courtship offering he could give and what attire he should wear and what song he could perform ad he loves them, really, but it's a little bit too much.

He lets them know he'll leave as he is and that he'll be back for dinner. Lilia jokes that he should cook something special for the occasion and to bring you along to dine with them.

He runs before he can be pressured into agreeing. Malleus and Sebek look like they want to join him instead of facing Lilia's cooking.

You're talking to a bird when he sees you. The sight makes Silver smile.

"The birds have a great eye. Those colors suit you," Silver says. He makes sure the stem has no thorns before he tucks it between your ear. "Perhaps the forest critters have taken a liking to you, too."

masterlist | end notes

[ 1 ] Compared to the previous crush forms (aside from Floyd's), these ones sort of have the theme of getting people involved in the process. I feel like if I were to make or receive one, I would be sharing them or letting my friends take a look, so it felt realistic enough to have some characters actually tell people about the form and not just keep it to themselves

[ 2 ] I don't think I have to say this, but don't violate people's privacy with their phone in real life HAHAHAHA this is for plot purposes only

< special tags >

@merotwst here bestie ito na yung tag mo HAHAHAHA surry napatagal ng post hihi

If anyone wants to be tagged for when a specific character's form gets posted feel free to let me know :> I can tag you too

[girls-alias]

Christmas Wish - Dean Winchester

Title: Christmas Wish - Dean Winchester Words: 2,959 Relations: Dean Winchester X reader. TW: Christmas chapter.

I walked with my friend in the mall. We were doing last-minute shopping for Christmas when we stumbled upon the mall fountain. She chuckled bringing my attention to it. It had been decorated for Christmas with a big sign explaining that throwing a coin into the fountain and making a wish would come true on Christmas day. She's superstitious so she pulled two coins from her pocket, a wide smile on her face. I accepted one of the coins reluctantly with a sad smile. I know exactly what I'm going to wish for, it's the same thing I always wish for.

I held the coin tightly, putting my heart and soul into the wish. Mentally begging it to come true. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath.

"I wish Dean would find me," I thought to myself before throwing the coin and watching as it sunk to the bottom of the fountain floor. I sighed knowing that this wish was no different from all the other times I had wished. Just like always I knew I was going to be let down. Dean Winchester was the one who got away.

It was a classic case of the right person but the wrong time. Dean and I had been hunting together when Sam was in college, we were somewhat young and irresponsible but we were a team. After 2 years we finally started dating, it was perfect, it was natural and amazing. We only experienced it for a month before his dad disappeared and Dean had to ask Sam for help. We tried long distance for a little while but with both of us constantly hunting and Dean's new mission of finding the yellow-eyed demon, we didn't work out.

We agreed mutually that it was a bad time and it only hurt more knowing we were separate. We both cried, we told stories and all I needed was his arms around me, reassuring me but unfortunately, we had to do it over the phone as we were on opposite sides of the country.

I know I should forget about him and should have fully moved on in the 11 years since I've seen him but no man ever compares to him. He's ruined my views on relationships because I haven't had a single boyfriend as good as Dean. There was a time I stayed adamant to keep my phone number so he could always reach me but when I was fighting a small gang of vampires, my phone and SIM card were destroyed. It ruined me but it had been years since I had heard from him and so I should have let it go by that point.

My best friend woke up early to wave me off as I left. She doesn't know that I hunt monsters, she thinks I'm a pilot so it explains why I'm gone for weeks and sometimes months. It also gives me an excuse to not have a fixed address as I explained I would rather stay in hotels so that I don't have to pay for electricity in a house I won't be in. She's not the smartest person I know so it makes it a little easier lying to her. She'll believe anything.

My friend tried insisting that I stay for Christmas but monsters don't rest, I don't have time. It was the day before Christmas Eve when I left, much to her dismay. We'd already exchanged gifts and she's amazing. She knows I never buy new clothes so any holiday for exchanging gifts she gets me a new wardrobe. It comes in handy as I often get clothes ruined when I'm hunting but sometimes she gets me things I wouldn't be able to fight in.

I stopped in a motel in East Iowa, I had seen suspicious activity on the news which made me think it was a possible shapeshifter. They're a pain in the ass but someone's got to do it. I tried checking in, and getting a room for the night but they explained they were booked full for the next couple of days. Not ideal but I'll just have to live in my car for a little while.

The hunt was tedious, but it was quick as the shifter was sloppy and I killed the shifter in the early hours of Christmas morning. After living in my car, it soon became apparent I had an issue with my car. I had stopped in a diner car park, opening the bonnet to take a look. I soon came to the realisation I either had a leak in the coolant tank or a clogged heater core and so needed replacements. I asked in the diner if there were any mechanics open or somewhere I could get car parts on Christmas day. I was given the address and directions to a salvage yard that never seemed to close.

*********

I pulled up to the salvage yard, finding it was a house on the property. I stopped the car, assessing the house as I wondered if I should leave since they were probably celebrating Christmas and didn't want to disturb the owner. I sighed knowing I couldn't keep sleeping in my cold car. I climbed out of the car and approached the front door. I knocked lightly and checked the time on my watch making sure it wasn't too early to be knocking. The door opened to an older gentleman looking at me a little confused, I smiled politely.

"Hi, I just need some car parts. If it's not a good time, I can just go," I explained but he chuckled, shaking his head.

"Don't worry, you need a hand?" He asked but I shook my head.

"I'll be okay, I'm just having an issue with either my coolant tank or I have a clogged heating core so I'll just look for replacements," I explained but he nodded with a smile.

"I'll help, it might be easier finding it together," He explained, stepping inside to grab a jacket.

"Oh, you don't have to. I realise it's Christmas and you're probably celebrating with family," I explained but he chuckled.

"Nah, my two boys are out of state, we're not big on Christmas," He explained making me a little sad he was alone and I smiled sadly as I nodded.

"I totally get it, I don't have family so Christmas is just another day to me," I explained as he stepped out, leading me to the scrap cars.

“So you’re doing nothing today?” He asked as he popped the hood of a close by car. I chuckled as I did the same with another car.

“Yeah, I’ll be on the road again.” I shrugged. Happily getting my hands dirty as I checked the car.

“Well, why don’t you stay here? We may be strangers but I’ll cook you a warm meal.” He explained and I was touched by his sentiment.

“Maybe I will. I’m Y/N,” I explained, holding my hand out for him to shake. We didn’t care about the oil on our hands and shook them with a smile.

“Bobby,” he explained.

*******

Bobby and I had found the parts. He helped me install the parts and after letting the car run a while it was perfect. I tried paying Bobby but he refused. His argument was that I was making his Christmas more bearable.

We went inside, Bobby was wondering what to make for Christmas dinner as he hadn't prepared anything special. I walked into his lounge following him as he explained he would have a microwave meal.

"I don't mind having a microwave meal with you, I quite like them and I can always-" I stopped as I looked to the ceiling surprised. Bobby seemed to notice my silence as he turned around to look at me confused before following my line of sight. He seemed stunned silent as if he couldn't think of a lie. "You're a hunter too?" I asked, pointing to the devil trap painted onto the ceiling. He smiled happily.

"Thank God, I had no excuse ready." He chuckled, relaxing as he took a seat at his desk.

"Wait, You're a hunter and your name is Bobby. You don't know Dean Winchester, do you?" I asked it's a long shot but -

"Yeah, I practically raised him. Sam too. They're my boys I mentioned earlier." He explained a little confused before his eyes widened. "Y/N Y/L/N?" He asked. I was shocked he knew of me. Either Dean has talked about me in the past and he had a great memory or he's heard of me from someone else. Weird coincidence though. I nodded softly. His lips curled into a wide grin. "I've been looking for you for years!" He exclaimed excitedly shocking me as he jumped up to grab his phone.

"Looking for me why?" I asked, worry filling me as I wondered if this whole thing might be a trap.

"Sam asked me to track you down so you and Dean can meet again, he's never shut up about you. He thought you died," He explained as he started dialling the phone before freezing. "Do you want to see him?" He asked. I grinned at the news. Dean never stopped talking about me, he was looking for me. Oh my God. This can't be real. What are the odds?

"Yeah, I always wondered what happened to him," I replied playing it cool but inside I was doing cartwheels, dancing, hell, I was even doing back flips. Am I really going to see Dean again after all these years?

Bobby called Sam and explained that he found me and to bring Dean, we would get some food for making Christmas dinner. He excitedly explained he wanted to make it a real Christmas. Sam said it would be a few hours before they could get here, around 7PM but was more than happy to make the trip.

Bobby put me in charge of decorating as I helped him get everything from the attack and he was quick to leave to see what food he could get. I felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement as I remembered the Christmas wish I had made in the fountain, never believing it would actually come true. But here I am, decorating a stranger's house, food soon coming, Dean, the love of my life on his way. I worried about how he might react to seeing me. I worried I wouldn't be the same or maybe he wouldn't but I always knew he was the right person, wrong time but now might be the right time.

*******

Bobby was back after a few hours. Nowhere was open but picked up a menu from a restaurant that was open and happy to deliver. He helped me finish putting up the decorations before he shooed me off to dress nicer. I laughed as I went back to my car, deciding to move it to the back of the house so he wouldn't see it. He hasn't seen this car but I don't want him suspicious someone else is here. It might ruin the surprise. I changed into a nice dress my best friend had got me and mentally thanked her for getting it for me. I figured it would be good somewhere along the way if I had to work undercover but those kinds of jobs hardly ever come up.

*******

Bobby was more excited than me. He had given me a glass of whiskey for liquid luck but he soon tipped the bottom of my glass as I was taking a drink, the car was pulling in and he wanted me out of sight but for me to have finished my drink. He grabbed the glass from me and guided me to the dining room before closing the double doors with a wide smile.

I listened as Bobby greeted them at the door, my stomach doing flips as I heard Dean's voice. I took a deep breath, stabilising myself as I felt like I was dreaming.

"Hey, Bobby. Merry Christmas," Dean commented as he entered the room behind the double doors. I waited anxiously as I knew only the wooden doors were the only things separating us.

"Merry Christmas boys," I heard Bobby add with some shuffling sounds as if they were exchanging hugs. "I've got you some gifts under the tree but Dean, yours is in the dining room," Bobby explained.

"Thanks, Bobby. You didn't have to," Another voice explained happily and I knew it must be Sam. "We've got you a small bag of presents in the car," He added making Bobby chuckle.

"Thank you, I think Dean should get his first and then we can have a drink," Bobby explained, my cheeks hurt from smiling so much.

"We'll drink first," Dean seemed to shrug.

"Drinks after," Bobby insisted. There seemed to be a little silence before I heard footsteps approach the door. I took a deep breath, instantly worried and unsure how to stand. I decided to clasp my hands together and let them fall in front of me. The doors opened.

Standing in all his glory was Dean Winchester. The love of my life, the man I pined over for 11 years. He looked confused but as his eyes found mine he broke into a wide smile. He hurried to me. Engulfing me in a tight hug as he rocked us side to side slightly. I giggled as I hugged him back. My arms wrapped over his shoulders as he squeezed me tightly. I forgot how tall he actually was until he straightened up and lifted me off the floor for a second.

He buried his face into the crook of my neck, his smiling cheeks noticeable against my skin. He pulled away, his hands still on me as he didn't want to be far. "What are you doing here? You're alive, I can't believe you're alive. How did this happen?" He asked excitedly. I chuckled as I admired him. He hasn't changed for the worst, he's even more handsome than I remember, he's more rugged and definitely still the epitome of my type.

"I had car troubles, it was a complete coincidence," I explained as his smile never faded. He pulled me back into a hug making me chuckle. I hugged him back, squealing as he lifted me from the ground again and kept me up. He's still strong. God, if only he knew what he was doing to me. I noticed Bobby and a tall guy smiling as they watched us. "Hi, Sam. It's nice to meet you," I chuckled as Dean's grip didn't waver. He chuckled.

"Nice to meet you too," He added. Dean spun around so I was facing the other way. I heard the doors closing as he took one hand from around me to close the doors. I chuckled a little nervous as to why he wanted to be alone with me but it also made butterflies flutter in my stomach. He held me up with one arm, he didn't struggle and didn't seem to even consider putting me down.

Once the doors were closed, he put me down. His hands cupped my face as he admired my eyes. "I've been waiting for you," He explained, my insides turning to mush. I smiled.

"Me too," I added, he grinned at my words.

"Good," He swooped down, connecting our lips in a passionate kiss. I swooned as his lips graced mine. The kiss I had dreamed of for years. The kiss I had imagined so many times. The kiss no other compared to. He smiled against my lips as my hands move to the back of his neck to hold him close to me. One of his hands moved to my hip, pulling my body against his. I pulled away slowly when I heard Bobby and Sam snickering to themselves probably talking about us. Dean seemed reluctant to pull away.

"We can't just ignore them," I explained but he looked disappointed. I chuckled as I shook my head. "It's Christmas," I added so he playfully rolled his eyes but his smile never left his lips. He pulled me back into a sweet kiss before pulling away again.

"Be my girlfriend again and I'll stop ignoring them," He hinted, his smile turning to a smirk. I blushed at his words knowing I had never wanted anything more in my life. I nodded a little too excitedly. He chuckled as he connected our lips, celebrating the rekindling of our relationship after 11 years. I should have made the wish in the fountain years ago.

*****

It was the best Christmas I ever had. We ordered Chinese food they opened presents, we exchanged hunting stories and acted like a real family. As the night was winding down, Sam took one of the spare rooms while Dean and I took the other. I worried he would want to make up for all the nights we had missed but as soon as we were in the room alone his arms never let go of me. We cuddled all night and it was the best sleep I remember ever having.

We stayed at Bobby's a few days before Sam and Dean had to go back on the road. Dean rode in my car, kissing me when I stopped but holding my thigh the whole time I was driving. He still looks at me the same way he used to, the love in his eyes only seemed to grow as we spent more time together. He had only changed for the better but he was still the same and loving man I had fallen for. He's still perfect for me.

Masterlist

[vincentvalenfine]

hai halo! the mansion fic sounds interesting!

i love my black hair turk and ex-turk so much so when your request is open again can i ask for something like tseng trying to make vincent jealous because he is tired of the mutual pining between vincent and the reader and just want them to be together? thank you for considering this🖤

There's no such thing as a former Turk. Well, only if they're dead, in Tseng's opinion; Vincent Valentine isn't dead in the conventional sense, only the legal, so it doesn't count. And the Director - calm, level-headed, keen, observational - can tell when a Turk is purposely missing what would otherwise be the easiest shot of their life.

It's one of the few things that actually annoys him, really.

Tseng is one of the only Turks not banned from Tifa's bar on the count of not starting any fights (Reno), talking himself into trouble (Elena), or being annoying in general (also Reno). Tifa had also pulled him aside once to admit he was still allowed in spite of working for Rufus because, in her words, "Aerith would've been happier this way."

(The emotions that had invoked in him... weren't to be dwelled on. Not out in public.)

But it meant he was given a free viewing of the torturously long, circuitous and mind-bogglingly slow relationship developing between you and Vincent, "former" Turk. The subtle glances when he thought you weren't looking, the care with which he pulled out your seat for you, the active listening skills that Tseng wished he could put to more serious uses than knowing when your birthday was and what your favorite flowers were. All of it pointed to obvious adoration, and though you clearly felt similarly, there were always overlooked chances that made Tseng clench his teeth on his words, trying to maintain his low profile in what could easily become a much less welcoming space to him if he wasn’t careful. Rufus needed his eyes and ears in here.

Tonight, though... he's finally had enough. Any more hours of pining sighs and tender glances from the corner of an eye and he just might do something much stupider than what he plans instead, discreetly speaking with Tifa beforehand. It's easier to pull stunts when the bartender is on one's side, and it doesn’t surprise him that she's just as aware of the mutual pining between her friends, though she's not entirely sure his plan is going to work. He uses calm confidence to his advantage to persuade her.

The evening carries on, Vincent Valentine arrives after sunset to quietly find his way to your usual corner of the bar - and stops dead in his tracks when he finds Tseng in his normal seat, quietly conversing with you like he might a friend.

Tonight Tseng has adapted with an aura of understated confidence and charm, subtle but effective in provoking smiles and giggles from you. His stoicism is set aside for soft smiles and warm little laughs at your jokes, and when crimson catches his peripheral vision he only offers a brief look and a raised brow, dark eyes meeting red and offering a challenge. Make your move already, or I just might beat you to it.

To his satisfaction, he sees a jealous spark light up in Vincent’s eyes.

"It was lovely talking with you," Tseng says casually, "but there's work waiting for me in the morning. Do enjoy your evening, won't you?"

"Aw, alright. See you tomorrow?" you ask, a hint of hopefulness in your voice, and Tseng has to give you another smile for that even as Vincent’s presence grows closer and the hairs on the back of his neck begin to stand with an atavistic response to the other. He masks that feeling with ease.

"I'll be heading to Junon, unfortunately," he lies smoothly, "but perhaps next week."

He has one last move to finish his plan out, sliding out of the booth as you pout a little and continuing to ignore Vincent while he steps over by your side to offer his hand. You blink with confusion but take the offered hand, and find yourself blushing but giggling again as he raises your knuckles to his lips and presses a chaste kiss there. Tseng can actually feel the aura beginning to radiate off Vincent in response, heavy and seething like a storm cloud full of static charge just waiting to unleash its fury. The reassurance that Tifa wouldn't let the man attack him here is a faint comfort when they all know full well what he's capable of.

Then he lets go, steps back, and makes calm eye contact with Vincent as he walks past, offering just a slight inclination of his head. If looks could kill, Tseng would already be dead twice over.

Maybe now this "former" Turk will finally take his shot, now that he's been given incentive.

[its-short-for-jackalope]

THE SEARCHER IN THE SHADOWS

☆ Thoughts On Part One ☆

I have many thoughts and feelings and I am definitely not gonna be able to wrangle every last one in here, but I can do my darnedest to hit most of the big ones!

Dropped From The Clouds

The contrast of this first song compared to the start of TGOA makes me a little insane. Both songs are full of questions and uncertainty and take place after the characters have been teleported to another time and place, but When Are We? has the comfort and assurance of being with friends while Dropped From The Clouds has Rose isolated and alone without any familiar faces, and the parallel just reminds me of how much has changed and how quickly things are continuing to change. When are we going to slow down? Not now, it seems.

Dakkar's introduction, oh my god — "I'm nobody." [mildly threatening Radiance noises] "Give me the orrery." — and then he immediately goes into science mode. I need to draw him so bad. Also, side note, I already adore Jesse Bhamrah's voice.

He was/is a Traveler and a Searcher? so it seems the titles aren't mutually exclusive, then. I wonder if his unclear status as a Traveler has anything to do with whatever he's got going on that we heard in Transmission 14.

Fast Friends

CAPTAIN ADDISON ARVAD!!!!!! THE SCREAM I WANTED TO SCRUMPT!!! (also Natalie Masini sounds amazing)

"Lower your weapon, for God's sake." "The gun was your idea." I love them, your honor

So Dakkar and Addison were absolutely taking precautions in case Kal had possessed Rose, right? That's the vibe I get, anyway. Maybe they know he's capable of doing that sort of thing (maybe Sia has seen it happen? or, y'know, ✨️seen✨️ it) and that's why they wanted to check if she knew the GAD's publication date—Kal doesn't seem to automatically gain his host's knowledge, like when he didn't seem to know Morgan had already been sent away, so if he was possessing Rose then he probably wouldn't have known the date.

...Actually wait, you know what? Maybe it was Itzal they were worried about. We don't really know anything about what magic he could have at his disposal—maybe he can also possess people or change his form. and since he's a bigger, badder threat, I think it could make more sense for them to avoid saying his name rather than Kal's. 🤔

ADDISON IS A ROSE FAN???? ROSE IS PRETTY FAMOUS ON THEIR ISLAND??!? THEY HAVE A BRICK FROM TOWNSHIP NUMBER 9??!!?! Rose deserves the hype 100% of course but I have so many questions

okay I didn't expect Rose to meet Addison the very hour she arrived 2 weeks in the past, so I did not consider the fact that she and the crew would be here and they wouldn't have disappeared yet. I am now deeply afraid, because I know something happens to her. I have been so afraid of how the time travel will hurt me irt the twins that I didn't think about how many OTHER ways the time travel could hurt me.....

AND ROSE CAN'T WARN HER!!! So she just has to keep her mouth shut and let it happen and Addison must know that something happens, she and Dakkar didn't seem surprised that Rose didn't know who she was, but she's gonna go in blind anyway... 😭😭😭 okay wait, what if Addison and Sia's plan was for them to leave the Antikythera drifting for the others to find, but instead of returning to Lincoln Island Addison and her crew disappeared??

Destiny Strange and Sublime

...well now I just feel silly for not even considering that Dakkar would be the Searcher in the shadows 😂

I can't quite tell if the people he mentions he'd been unable to save is like... a personal thing, as in he actively failed to save them because of his own mistakes, or if it's more of a shared grief for the Blazing World and all its inhabitants. the first interpretation is definitely more angsty, lol.

I wish I had more coherent thoughts on this one but at this current time it mostly boils down to ohh pretty music, Dakkar is cool, Jesse Bhamrah is awesome, et cetera.

Arrival, part 1

HELLO PART 1 SONG!!!! I am excited to see how parts 2 and 3 may emotionally devastate me in the coming week!

so many people from the Blazing World! pleasantly surprised my island of refugees theory was correct. then again, I've spouted off enough theories that odds are at least some of them gotta be right, lol

Ahlaam my beloved!!! Virginia's voice is gorgeous, omfg.

The different creatures and plants from all over the world.... have the Searchers been looking for things that remind them of the Blazing World and bringing them back to the island to make it feel more like home? Crafting a facsimile of the Blazing World from pieces of Earth? (aough, and I thought "Ipomoea, just like home!" couldn't hurt any more than it already did...)

the phrasing of "OUR planet's biggest ocean" is interesting to me. Is the Blazing World connected to Earth somehow, thereby making it the same planet in some way, or is it just that this island has been home long enough for Ahlaam to feel attached? Or. Or. If the Blazing World is on the moon, then it would make sense for Ahlaam to refer to the Earth as her planet because the moon revolves around it and it's the moon's planet. (yes, hi, hello, it's a new pulp episode, we are once again in the Overthink Everything And Fire Off A Bazillion Theories era <3 )

They've been waiting for Rose for YEARS? ...would that be since 1835, or 1829? and we know they've been waiting for Margaret because, well, duh, but have they been waiting for Samuel and John, too? or are they all just Rose stans?

the crew of the Antikythera....... 😭😭😭

I love that a good portion of this song is basically just Ahlaam going "check out our sweet digs" lmao

The nights have been dark but this is the spark that will set the whole lighthouse ablaze — YELLING RIGHT NOW, oh my god. lighthouses are guides through darkness and stormy weather and they also cut through fog, I want to bite something (/pos)

this has got to be both very nice and very overwhelming for Rose, lol.

Addison & Dakkar and Ahlaam & Dakkar are both very fun dynamics

A Spell Is Just A Rule Made With Magic

THE FOG IS FROM A SPELL!!! ITZAL CAST A SPELL AND CORRUPTED HIS PEOPLE! "It saturates the heart with darkness 'till you forget life before the blight" oh my god, he convinced all of them that the fog is how they always were & were meant to be? No wonder Kal considers Sia and Margaret traitors. So when Kal says "soon the Blazing World will meet its end" he might not be talking about an actual place—in his mind he's probably talking about the traitors' movement & the ridiculous, dangerous ideas they have about replacing Itzal's world with one of light...

"A spell is just a rule made with magic, and any rule can be broken" AOUGH. CHILLS.

ooh they believe Rose is the key? aw man this adds more weight to "I was a hero and the heroes win — don't they?" in Vanishing...

"Capital." oh my god Mr. Dahan you can't do this to me. The similarities between Dakkar and AJ have to be intentional, right?? ...oh god, is Dakkar gonna make a bad deal to save lives? Is he gonna sacrifice himself in some way to save his people?

Two Weeks

I love this montage, it's such a nice way to go through this part. also I just really like how this whole first part is structured, having this entire part dedicated to Rose in this time is a great way to handle the time travel without being confusing by jumping back and forth, AND it gives us time to get to know the new characters a little bit! It's also a bit of a breather after how hectic the end of TGOA was. (I feel like part 2 is going to get super intense super quickly, lol.)

So they start with science and testing her mind, giving Rose access to all their research to see if she figures out anything there. And then they go to the volcano and scan her, starting to test her body for evidence that she might be able to help them in some magical way. (They're probably still going over the research too, ofc. Those were a lot of books, Dakkar.)

Day 9!!! Sia is here!!! I desperately want to know exactly what she and Addison were talking about. I think it might be a plan to abandon the Antikythera for Margaret and the others to find in a few days, but that's mostly speculation.

also Sia seems so much more relaxed and at ease here. maybe it's because she's at home with her people and she can be less secretive than she was on the satellite? (and because she isn't in a literal magic battle, lmao.)

Dakkar mentions phase three and they go to the lake to try doing stuff with illusion magic—do they want to try using magic on Rose to see if they can get her to activate whatever magic she may have? Or maybe how Rose reacts to the illusion magic could reveal something...?

Rose not wanting to go in the water, aoughhh 😭 and Sia helping her when she's scared 😭😭😭

Dakkar's Grotto / Mobilis In Mobili

when I saw this scene during the premiere I said "holy sci fi" and I stand by that. this environment is so cool. I wonder why the rest of the island isn't like this when they're clearly people with a lot of knowledge and technology... it's probably a matter of supplies. They fled to this island from Itzal and his spell, so they wouldn't have had time to pack a lot of stuff. I imagine whatever they did manage to bring and/or build is all dedicated to their efforts to find a cure and protect everyone.

we know they haven't found anything yet because they're still testing Rose's blood. man, that's gotta be stressful for her. (And the Radiance folks, yeah, but c'mon. so much pressure on Rose right now and she's brand new to all this. 🥺)

The Nautilus is here!!! and it's a spaceship!!! AHHHH!!! 🤩

SHIT IS GOING DOWNNNNNNN! Margaret is radiating and I am going to be Thinking about what it means that Sia can sense it—is it a part of her precognitive abilities? is it part of whatever bond they have that allows them to combine their power?

Rose blurting out a warning about the fog and Ahlaam and Sia immediately getting more concerned.... I hope that maybe since she waited until right before Sia left it won't influence anything negatively, if at all—it's only a very small part of the present that will be influenced and it's not like they totally altered their actions across two weeks to accommodate for that information so I'm sure it's fine. hopefully.

Rose is worried about Samuel almost drowning like she did (and is/will be)... she is not going to like hearing about the dangers he's actually facing. well, if anything is gonna wake up potential magic in her, learning that one of the bad guys attacked & has been harassing her baby brother will probably a good contenderrrrroh fuck I had a thought. uh, stay tuned, we'll get there.

oh god the Ellen Austin will be arriving soon and Samuel and Rose will reunite (they BETTER REUNITE ASAP) and Rose is going to be two weeks older and I am going to perish

not the little reprise of The stars appeared... that made me so sad last time.... 😭 I love how this version of it is positive. the parallels,,,,,,

Rose and the Stars

IT'S HERE AT LAST!!!!

The past stays soaked into our skin 😭

we are lit by suns that shatter through the dark.....

WE TRAVEL WITH THE SPIRITS THAT WE KEEP — ough, makes me think of the ghost of all my yesterdays in Behind Me. also the change from "Don't spend a second looking back" in ep 1 to "only looking back to see how much we've grown" has me feeling things idk how to describe rn, lol

THE CONSTELLATIONS TURN INTO A CROWN!!!!!! 🗣🗣🗣🗣🗣

Rose will shine again 🥺😭❤

A Few More Thoughts

Is the day Sia arrives also the day Addison and her crew left the island? we don't hear from her after this, and her disappearance isn't mentioned in the rest of part one but Sia knows that something happened to the crew when she confronts Kal on the Ellen Austin. If they had a plan for the Searcher crew to return to Lincoln Island and leave the ship for the others to find & investigate to kickstart Margaret's memories, but then the crew just didn't show up, I would think it would be mentioned? Unless they didn't want to overwhelm Rose and distract her from her work, or maybe they avoided discussing Addison & the Antikythera with her because of time travel rules...

oh and it is gonna take me a bit to grasp the time travel rules, lol. (sorry Matt, I haven't seen any Back To The Future since I was a kid.) I am going to be pondering the timeline for a while, particularly where Sia is involved. I feel like they probably want to avoid going back into the past as much as possible just based on how they are with Rose and how they put a lot of effort into not altering the present with her information about the future, but I don't think Sia would have gone from 1835 and skipped right ahead 39 years and stayed there? Like she has people to take care of and plans to make, she probably wouldn't just disappear on them for such a long time? maybe the Travelers who are experienced in abiding by Time Travel Rules are able to navigate backwards in time with more freedom because they know what they're doing. idk, like I said it's gonna take me a bit to wrap my head around this. maybe parts 2 & 3 will make it a little clearer.

OKAY, CONTINUING MY SAMUEL THOUGHT FROM EARLIER: Sia and her bunch believe Rose is the key. What if Itzal and Kal think Samuel is the key? What if that is why Kal was interested in Samuel on the Ellen Austin and why he seemed to really delight in antagonizing him? If Kal was hanging around long enough beforehand to see how close Margaret and Samuel are, then that could have convinced him that Samuel is Important™ to the Blazing World and that Margaret knows he is important to them. And maybe both sides are only halfway there, maybe it's both twins, together, who are the key, and that's why they haven't made progress towards the cure with Rose over their 2 weeks.

okay there are probably plenty of things that I'm missing and more that i could come up with and tack on, but I've been working on this post since last night and i want to finish it and get to other things so I am calling it here, lol.

...that is a horribly long sentence but I am not editing it. hope you enjoyed. <3

[peskellence]

My Friends Call Me Richard

Poll Winner - Part I

Explicit Content (18+)

Tags: M/M, Workplace Romance, FWB, Humour, Awkward Encounters, Eventual Smut

Next Chapter

Read on AO3 here:

Summary: In a bid to improve his partnership (and secret intimate arrangement) with Detective Gavin Reed, RK900 embarks on a noble quest to spice things up. The solution? A new biocomponent.

Part I of an extremely silly three parter.

Word Count: 1.9K

Tag List: @sweeteatercat @wedonthaveawhile @ladyj-pl @tentoriumcerebelli @negative-citadel @faxaway @moriahadi424 @unicorn4genocide @cptjh-arts

Debris was strewn across the apartment in all directions, a cataclysmic nuclear fallout of take out containers. The noxious fumes and festering contents only added feasibility to the dire assessment. 

He had no idea how humans could endure such profound levels of squalor. If he were susceptible to disease, his current surroundings would be a cause for urgent concern. Despite this immunity, he still felt uncomfortable, with only one reason compelling him to tolerate any of it:

Detective Gavin Reed had been his work partner for five months, sixteen days, and 4.7 hours. Most recently, they had entered a physical relationship, although they refrained from attributing a label to it. If they were to do so, the most accurate descriptor would be an arrangement of convenience. A traditional romantic entanglement did not apply, nor did the colloquial term 'friends with benefits'.

Their affiliation failed to meet the required level of closeness—a connection the detective made clear he had no desire to foster. If his memory banks were serving correctly, he recalled the exact sentiments on the subject being: “I would rather do a swan dive into a wood chipper than make friends with a walking Alexa.”

In spite of this aversion, his attraction to the android had been unmistakable—with an interest in the contours of his posterior molding that went beyond idle curiosity. This, in turn, had presented a unique opportunity to bypass his relentless obstinance.

After extensive research into behavioural management, RK900 discovered that humans tended to be more agreeable following a sexual release. Once his patience with Reed's antics had thinned to an irreparable degree, he had taken the initiative to corner the man in the precinct lavatory and put his theory to the test. 

The results had been exemplary, with Reed left in a complicit fugue state for the remainder of their shift.

Through repetition and carefully calculated variations to their encounters, the experiment proved an overwhelming success in adjusting his partner's behaviour. While far from a model citizen, he was a shadow of the belligerent monster that had been assigned to him. 

This improvement was not to last. RK900 observed a recent relapse in their dynamic, manifested as a renewed resistance. While not overtly expressed, this resistance was evident in the man’s biological responses.

He no longer experienced the same respiratory spike when seeing the android unclothed, nor was he reaching the same rates of cardiovascular elevation. More concerning, it was also taking considerably longer for him to orgasm—despite the skill of the ‘Magic-Robo-Fingers’ he so frequently praised.

It was an unexpected and troubling change that RK900 felt compelled to investigate, lest they revert to a time where being drenched in a caffeinated beverage and gesticulated at obscenely was a customary greeting.

He hoped an appraisal of his partner's domicile might provide some much-needed insight into the reasons for his growing disinterest. When he had explained these intentions to RK800, he had been swiftly chided—informed that his plan constituted an invasion of Detective Reed’s privacy.

Really, that wasn't his intent.

He only wished to revitalise the man's enjoyment of their intimate activities so that their agreement might continue to be mutually beneficial. This, and they were nearing a breakthrough in a particularly burdensome murder inquiry, so a regression into old habits would prove inconvenient. 

As it concerned his impending investigation of the human's bedroom, the android had no way of knowing what he was about to uncover. Should it be required, he would stringently defend his innocence on the matter.

That being said, the discovery would prove an invaluable insight.

Upon entering the bedroom, his partner’s vital signs indicated he was locked away in the adjoining room, with auditory cues suggesting he had entered the shower.

Based on data obtained from post-coital habits, the standard duration of this ritual was alarmingly low—anywhere between 2 and 6 minutes, with an average of 3.8. The strange wailing noises, which the Detective had previously identified as ‘singing’—despite failing to align with any known vocal practices—typically commenced a few seconds in.

This knowledge did not prove particularly useful. In the current scenario, there was no way of knowing how long the man had been screeching into the showerhead. If RK900 were to take advantage of the shrinking window of opportunity, he needed to act fast.

Following a preliminary scan of his surroundings, an item of interest presented itself: a laptop propped conspicuously amidst rumpled linen. It was a different model from the ones allotted by the DPD and was exceptionally poorly maintained. The plastic casing had been scratched and dented in several places, with the damage concealed haphazardly beneath a series of decals.

One of the stickers, which charmingly read, ‘If you're reading this, kiss my ass or crawl out of it,’ was partially overlapping the trackpad. This would be inhibiting the device's functionality, an issue he resolved to inform his partner of once he had finished washing.

An internal scan revealed the device’s battery had depleted to less than 5%—a baffling oversight, considering its power cable was a few centimetres away. RK900 retrieved the cord, plugging it into the charging port before his attention was captured by the still-active LCD display illuminated beneath the cracked glass.

He had hoped to use the device to investigate recent online searches or check for relevant information in personal chat logs. 

Instead, he was unexpectedly accosted with a graphic still of a human male being mounted from behind by an HR400-model android. The human seemed quite pleased with the arrangement if his dilated pupils and gaping mouth were anything to go by. 

RK900 felt his systems stall—initially from the shock that came with exposure to such gratuitous filth—but ultimately, from a grim realisation that slowly sunk in. One of his more pessimistic hypotheses had been confirmed.

Despite the positive reception received for all forty-seven recorded occurrences of intimate contact, it would appear the android's ‘magic fingers’ had extended to the limits of their reach.

If Reed had been sufficiently satisfied by his performance, he surely wouldn’t have felt the need to indulge in supplementary material. At the very least, not with the frequency indicated by his browsing history.

The RK900 was a rapidly exhausting novelty, one that had lost its appeal. This demanded that he become more innovative in his approach.

Once again, he would firmly defend his innocence if accused of any inappropriate conduct, but it was only logical to investigate further. Relying solely on a single image would limit the value of his discovery. For the sake of his ongoing research, it was vital he gather as much information as possible.

He placed his hand on the laptop, skin retracted, and resumed the paused clip.

What his previous scan had neglected to inform him was that the device's volume was on—set to near maximum. As the figures on the screen began to move, they did so with loud and overly enthusiastic vocal accompaniment:

Ugh, fuck me harder, Daddy!

That's it—shit—who's a naughty boy? Such a good little slut for me.

It was after the Traci had struck their co-star firmly across the buttocks that RK900 thought it best to pause the video. His attention darted to the locked confines of the bathroom, where the warbled frequency of Detective Reed's ‘singing’ continued without interruption. 

The sound of rushing water had effectively masked the unsavoury noises. This was a tremendous relief to the android, allowing him to continue his current work unimpeded. 

He had retained enough information from the laptop to no longer be bound by its interface. After uploading the video data and mining directories from the man’s online searches, he sat on the edge of the bed to review the findings.

With hands clasped neatly in his lap, he calmly observed as his HUD was flooded with a plethora of obscene audiovisual stimuli. It filled his optics corner to corner, dulling his sensory inputs to anything else as the expansive catalogue of material began to run concurrently.

He was undoubtedly impressed by the physical prowess being showcased. He had not been aware humans were capable of contorting themselves in such a manner. They also proved more resilient than his prognostics suggested, with one performer seeming capable of withstanding terminal velocities that would likely reduce a poorly maintained android to scraps.

The whole experience was oddly mesmerising, and the longer it proceeded, the more enraptured the android found himself. He leaned forward, watching keenly, as one video in particular demanded his attention. It depicted a man in a bedazzled cowboy hat and matching chaps bent over a balcony as he was flogged repeatedly with a novelty lasso. 

This was not the intended use for the item. The decision to host these activities across a guard rail also seemed strange, not to mention hazardous. 

Despite the adverse conditions, the human seemed enthralled. His face flushed a luminous hue matching his headwear, and he responded to the pummelling with frequent encouragement, including requests he be struck harder.

A proposal that defied any semblance of logic, leaving the android bewildered. 

Despite the continual shift in settings and acts being showcased (some more bizarre than others), one feature remained consistent across the videos—visible in nearly all shots, used to significant practical and visual effect.

The more dominant party in attendance, whether android or human, always possessed a phallus.

A reasoned assumption could be drawn from this that its presence formed part of the detective’s viewing enjoyment and was a feature he might appreciate equipped to intimate partners. 

RK900 glanced down at his work slacks, specifically the concealed bump of his groinal plate, feeling disconcerted. Reed desired gratification that his default anatomy was not purposed for—an emergent obstacle in their relationship that required addressing.

After a brief computational stage, the steps required to overcome this dilemma soon became obvious. Detective Reed might have wanted this for quite some time. An implicit desire, discreetly communicated through the designation he'd assigned to the android…

With a new Primary Directive determined, RK900 stood from the bed and went to knock on the bathroom door. This action became redundant as the portal swung open, bringing him face-to-face with his partner.

Drying his hair, he discordantly hummed what resembled the closing riff of Wonderwall by Oasis. The moment of tranquillity halted upon opening his eyes.

“ What the —”

Evidently, the android's presence had come as a surprise as the man stumbled back, staggering haplessly on sodden tiles. The towel fastened around his waist had ridden down slightly, which he yanked back into place with a self-conscious grimace.

“Richard? How the fuck did you get in here?” 

“A 5-lever mortice deadlock secures your apartment. It is relatively easy to bypass.” RK900 evenly explained, unsure what had inspired the human's sudden insecurity. He had seen him naked countless times and in far more compromising positions. “Also, the deactivation code for the burglar alarm is set to your date of birth.” 

“...Okay, so, why the fuck are you here?”

“That isn't important, Detective. I have decided to acquire a penis.” 

[prettyboykatsuki]

✮ tags ; modern au, broadway performer wyll, virgin!wyll, takes place in the states for plot, fem!reader (reader is wearing makeup, the phrase good girl is used), reader is implied to be sexually active, sexual tension/flirting, drugs and alcohol mentioned 18+

✮ a/n ; broadway performer wyll inspired by tumblr user @nanamimizz. the rest inspired by deep and innate desire to corrupt wyll. peace and love. also. a little bit projecty on this one. sorry lads.

✮ synopsis ; if wyll had more sense he'd avoid getting involved with you. unfortunately, you throw away whatever of it is remaining.

The air in the basement of the house is stale and sticky.

The room too is shockingly empty. Wyll knew that'd be the case. He'd come down here to take a breath of fresh air, though he does love being where the people are.

It's not his first time hanging out with Shadowhearts friends out here, and it probably won't be the last. Many of their mutual friends are in attendance as well as some new and unfamiliar faces, and while he enjoys their company - it can get too much this late into the night.

The last performance of for this leg of the season was tonight, so Wyll's exhaustion is bone-deep. Can't be solved by drinking it away or enduring to the end of the party. So he's down here to get his bearings, and make his way back up stairs eventually. He'll probably crash with Karlach, if she's not been taken home before the nights over.

He's not expecting you to be down there. He'd find you normally upstairs rolling or cutting something with a group of other people - silent and indifferent except for when you're telling a story.

But you're down here instead, eyes closed and leaned back on the couch. Wyll feels his chest go tight, debates returning upstairs. It's a bad idea to get involved, not matter how much he likes you. You live in a different continent, you're completely different people, there's nothing sensible about getting involved with —

"Wyll? Is that you? Your footsteps gave it away."

He swallows.

"Yeah. Sorry. Came to get some... well I was going to say fresh air but that's not right, is it."

Your laugh is melodious. Fluid and raspy with familiar exhaustion. You look at him upside with your eyes fluttered open, giving him a brief smile. He should really turn back around.

"Hey, you." You pat the seat next to you. His body moves on automatic "Come sit."

So he sits, like he's on auto pilot. You're automatic reaction is too scoot in closer to him and Wyll doesn't even bother stopping you. You're almost curled into him, close enough that he gets a chance to look at you. Smudged mascara and full lips, his heart does a soft tremor.

Twenty four years of his life, with plenty of puppy crushes in between. Nothing even comes close to this.

"You were good today," You praise and Wyll finds himself mesmerized by the sound of your voice "Very impressive. I wish I could've gone to the other shows."

Flirting with you comes naturally for Wyll. It's easy to do when he means it.

"It would've made me perform better. If you came, I mean."

Every time he flirts back with you, your expression changes like you're not expecting it. A flush to a coy smile, the kind of thing that sends his heart into overdrive. All of the many expectations he has for himself melt into nothingness. He damns himself to staring at the curve of your mouth and counting your lashes.

You run warm, but not as warm as him.

"You think about me that much, Wyll?"

A short breathy laugh escapes him, almost helpless to the feeling. "Of course I do. How could I not?"

You scoot in closer. Wyll doesn't move away.

"How embarrassing to hear from someone so handsome." Your voice is a murmur. Wyll can only hear you because you're so damn close to him "Then you'll miss me when you go back, won't you?"

He should stop you. He should pull away. His eyes soften instead.

"Of course I will. More than anything else here."

You pout at him. It's an awfully tempting thing to see. Your hand is soft as you lay it on his chest, sliding your palm up until you've cupped his face. He turns to look at you breathlessly, his throat hitched as you turn his face towards you. He wants to kiss you something awful.

"You shouldn't say something like that unless you're planning on staying with me, y'know? It's mean."

His brow furrows, head turned to kiss the inside of your palm as his hand goes over your own. "Sorry,"

You go into kiss Wyll. He's not prepared for it, but he doesn't want to pull away. Instead he leans into the kiss, his hands curled around your waist as he drags you in close. It's hungry, needy and you laugh into his mouth like you know he can't get enough of you. Hypocritical to call him mean when he's the one falling for you like this.

He kisses you long and and deep, only separates to make you chase him a little. Again and again and again until you're breathless and giggly.

"You drive me mad." He mumbles once you pull away. "There's an order to these things

"You're such a romantic,"

He frowns at you but it's hard to stay upset when you look at him like that. You blink innocently.

"Are you really going to back home with your chastity? I'll keep it safe for you here, promise."

He groans again. This time he swoops you up into his lap, whatever remaining of his control snapped completely. You spread yourself over his lap, your knees on either side of his thighs as you straddle him as you fall into a fit of laughs. He looks up at you near desperate, eyes lidded as your arms wrap around his neck. The position is dangerous.

"I've never had this problem before. Sex is... sacred. So it was easy to wait till it mattered." Wyll explains to you.

"And now?" You tease.

"Now it's not so easy. It's rather difficult, actually."

Your laugh is contagious. It's part of the problem.

"I can't promise to make it sacred," You hum, nuzzling yourself against him "But I do really like you."

"What'll you do when I'm gone?" Wyll asks. You grin.

"Do you wait for you and keep all my desires to myself until you're back?" You ask. Wyll frowns.

"I wouldn't want you sleeping with anyone else in that time. Not if we're, yknow."

"In love?"

"Together. Yes."

You pretend to think on it, your noses brushing as your hips give into their weight and press down on Wyll's lap. The blood rushes down stairs instantly. If you feel him, you have the courtesy not to mention it.

"Mm. Okay. I'll be a very good girl and wait for you. Does that mean you'll fuck me before you go?"

"There's more to it than that. And not fuck. But I'll make love to you. With you."

You make a face like you're embarrassed, face tucked into his neck.

"You're corny." You say blatantly, making him frown before your voice goes soft with sincerity "But you know? I like it about it you,"

Wyll is touched by your sincerity, arms secured around your waist. What a beautiful mess he's fallen into.

"Yeah? That's a relief then."

[nishipostitz]

700 or so words, 4 min read

after a long day of fun activities, such as cafe hopping and playing bumper cars at the amusement park, you guys finally arrived home to slump on your couch. after ridding of your jackets and shoes, both of you dropped down to the coffee table on the floor by the couch, not making it to the couch because of how tired you guys were from such an eventful day. your feet were so sore from walking all over that you guys couldnt walk back home and had to catch an overpriced uber. it was a relief, or else youd both call off of work tomorrow due to the fatigue. yet you couldnt realllyy blame anyone else because you were quite obstinate on playing the whole day to take advantage of your time together. youll keep a mental note to do a spa day as a date next time. finding the strength, suna got up from his spot on the floor to fetch some drinks from the fridge. “ah, refreshing!” you say as you took a sip, imitating the tiktok audio. suna smiled at you and squeezed your cheeks. how you both managed to stay awake was questionable. after your continuous rounds of roller coasters and playing all sorts of fair games, you still had some energy. you snuggled up against suna’s shoulder on the floor and glanced at one of your photos on display. and you had an idea. “suna hold on a sec, turn on the tv but dont pick anything yet, ill brb” and you scurried away to your room. suna was too tired to question so he only did what you requested. you came back to your spot with a basket of old films and videos/recordings. “these are ancient, you brought them with you when you moved out?” suna was surprised. “well they werent gonna be used at my parents’ anyways. and who knows, maybe we could watch some!” you smiled. and like that, he felt butterflies in his stomach. you guys have known each other for so long and dated for so long, but you still have the same effect on him. you rummaged through and found old recordings of your childhood. “wasnt that when we entered primary school? you were crying that day because we werent in the same class! you even tried to bribe someone to switch classes with you” your face reddened. you were so attached to suna at such a young age, and him bringing those memories back was a little bit embarrassing. “well i got over it didnt i? i survived. and besides, we saw each other at every break anyways!” you respond. you connected the film with the tv and enjoyed your old times with suna. you both had grown up with each other and experienced your whole life together. the proximity only made you both realize the mutual yearning and took the risky move of going out. safe to say youre both happier and more open with each other after you started dating 5 years ago. ending the night with a memory marathon was relaxing as it was nostalgic. you both giggled and cringed at the variety of clips. “i cant believe you were already looking at me with heart eyes since junior high! look its so evident in your eyes!” you say to suna as youre watching. in the video, you were both only 13 and performing a little skit to convince your parents to let you have a sleepover. and suna was on the side waiting for his turn, but he looked at you with so much love. he knew couldnt deny, he had liked you for so long, it turned into love not long after. he fell first but you fell harder. he just shrugged and squeezed you closer to his side. with refreshing drinks, and a warm atmosphere, both you and suna dozed off as the comforting silence cradled you both to sleep. after such a long day, you were still able to relax and enjoy it with suna. your very first friend, best friend, first love, and last love. its your biggest wish to stay like this with him forever until the end, because no one else made you feel so loved and warm inside.

stop why am i in love with suna

[system-venting]

i don't know if you guys are still active or not, but if you are, i'm going insane right now and have nowhere else to go, so hi.

im losing my fucking mind. i'm splitting very badly and am in the middle of a BPD episode, so take everything I say with a grain of salt, but FUCK man.

our partner system got mad at us for making a friend. not even somebody we talk to necessarily, just a mutual. they *flipped* out on us and lost their minds, and are currently still flipping out on us as we speak, despite it having been over a day now.

i don't fucking get it. they have friends. why cant we have friends?? our relationship is already weird because we're minors with a three year age gap (us on the lower end of it, being 14). it's easy to make us uncomfortable because we have trauma and are paranoid we're being groomed and controlled, and they *know* of this paranoia and still do this kind of shit where they very blatantly try to control us.

ive brought this up with them, I told them it made us uncomfortable as soon as it happened and tried to communicate it, but they immediately shut us down and explained how we were somehow in the wrong for "waking them up to that." waking you up to WHAT?? I didn't give you any devastating news, I told you we MADE A FRIEND. CRAZY FUCKING CONCEPT, I KNOW.

i don't even know what to do with them at this point. I'm stuck comforting them after they threw us into an episode and trauma response. I honestly am just appalled that they're acting this way. this is something we've talked to them about a number of times and they continue to do it. gross.

We are still active- well one mod is, the other mod's system is going through smth so they can't handle the vent page. Anyhow-

We.. honestly understand that situation, and it is really difficult. We were lucky enough to get them to mostly listen, and when they started up again our protector was plain out like "nope. Bye. Goodbye. No more of this.". It's.. difficult to get out of, but I wish you the best, if anything you could try to break up but obviously I know its hard and isnt always on the table for most.

Also, Not to make it worse, but it might be grooming. Our system was groomed by someone three years older than us and they mainly would manipulate and gaslight or guilt trip, and honestly your situation reminds us of our own

Grooming by definition is:

"Grooming is when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a person [typically young but can be any age] so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them. Children and young people who are groomed can be sexually abused, exploited or trafficked. Anybody can be a groomer, no matter their age, gender or race."

[straylightdream]

𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

full stray kids list

feedback and reblog with tags are greatly appreciate when you read one of my fics!

@straylightdream — all rights reserved. reposting/modifying of any fic, reaction, or piece of original writing posted on this blog is not allowed. Translations not allowed.

~

contains smut: ♡

ｃｏｎｎｅｃｔｉｎｇ ｓｅｒｉｅｓ

ssfw - college au

ilysb (i’m gonna love you) - coming soon

between the lines ♡

arranged marriage au

↳ After being used a nothing more then a pawn to gain the upper hand on Chan. They’re left in a strained marriage and only one way out.

outta my head ♡

neighbors au / fuckboy chan

↳ He’s a lives next door and is someone who sleeps around often. You’re a nurse who is struggling to get enough sleep because of his night time activities.

illicit affair ♡

modern royal au / star-crossed lovers

↳ He was Prince and soon to be King, and she was his a royal assistant who looked after him. Thing between them have changed as they cross a line that they probably shouldn’t of crossed.

somebody else ♡

featuring: bang chan x f.reader, lee know x f.reader

friends to lovers au

↳  She loved him more then anything or anyone in all the galaxy. From the moment they met he was suddenly her everything.

give yourself a try ♡

fake dating au

↳ She had to attend her estrange fathers wedding, and didn’t want to go alone. Chan offers to go as her fake boyfriend so she doesn’t have to face the wedding alone.

where were you ♡

exes to lovers / fuckboy chan

↳  They were high school sweethearts and Chan let his ego get the best of him. He her high and dry without a second thought.

golden hour ♡

featuring: bang chan x f.reader x hwang hyunjin

↳  The three of them had fallen into a habit for sharing a bed and cuddling. What happens when feelings get involved?

almost losing you ♡

monster hunter au

↳ Loving him was never easy and you wished that someone else could of stolen your heart. Someone who is wasn’t too afraid of breaking your heart.

about last night ♡

↳ you have been playing a game of cat and mouse for too long. Things come to head when you dance with someone while he watches.

i think I like you ♡ (ssfw)

friends to lover, mutual pining, college au

↳ I’ll be right here waiting for us.

not in the same way ♡

friends with benefits

↳ things get messy with feelings get involved with casual sex.

I wanna be yours ♡

roommates / friends to lovers / blind date

↳ “If you keep pacing you’re going to burn a hole in the title,” Minho said standing in the doorway.

Stopping in your tracks you looked up at Minho with wide eyes, “is it too late to cancel?”

crying over you

established relationship

↳ even after a bad fight he’ll still come to you to protect you during a thunderstorm.

its not living

friends to lovers

↳ after years of being friends you talk about what the future holds for you.

champagne & wax ♡

↳ after two years together you decide to spice things up.

five long years ♡

↳  one bad fight leads to you breaking up. What happens when you can’t stay away from the one person you truly love.

run to you ♡

friends to lovers

↳ after running away from an abusive ex there is only one person you know you’ll truly feel safe with. 

what am I missing? ♡

feat: 3racha

↳ in your mid to late twenties you’re left wondering if you missed your sexual awakening. With a the help of friends you start to really find yourself.

rose-colored boy ♡

↳ Life never goes as planned, when you were younger you always imagined as reaches your mid twenties you would be married with kids. Instead you’re stuck at home helping take care of your sick grandmother and still desperately searching for her fathers approval. The only thing in your life that makes you feel normal is Chan.

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

be my mistake ♡

featuring: bang chan x f.reader, changbin x f.reader

roommate / friends to lovers au

status: 40% done

↳ It started out as a simple crush and led to so much more. Unexpected feelings come to a head when when you learn you mean so much more to your roommates then you ever expected