#i wish chats scene was a little bit more red

[mileapo]

KinnPorsche: The Hidden Messages (2021) // ManSuang (2023)

[solar4seekstron]

That’s Too Bad

TFIDW!SG!Yandere!Goldbug x Cybertronian!Decepticon!Femme!Reader Oneshot

Content: 18+, You basically get Stockholm Syndrome.

Introduction Movie Oneshot Masterlist

TW/Tags: A couple smut scenes, noncon, eventual dubcon, Stock Holme Sybdrome, unconsensual touching, sexual assault, sexual harassment, forplay, kidnapping, dry humping, swearing, mention of DV, feelings near end, Goldbug deserves no sympathy still, forced relationship, toxic relationship, time jumps, i think thats all? Might edit again later idk.

Notes: Reader is a but shorter then thundercracker and a bout 3 feel taller then Goldug. He’s a is pretty short but damn is that bot strong. It’s scary.

I do NOT Condone the actions committed in this fic. Smut scenes will be in Blue. Don’t like, Don’t Read. And don’t bully people who choose to comment if they like or chat in the comments.

You were just another decepticon. You believed in Megatron when he said he wishes to help make the planet a better place. You were also a certain cons Conjunx.

Thundercracker.

You two are the definition of couple goals. That was at least until one day. As both fractions were building up and everyone was choosing their sides. Many getting symbols on their chest.

One day he didn’t return home for dinner.

You grew worried. Not feeling anything through your spark for a while. That at least until you get a knock on the door.

When you opened it. It was that little blue bot with the red visors. You both only met a couple times during some autobot and decepticon debates. At the time Thundercracker will always keep an arm around you to keep you close.

Never noticing a certain bots optics watching you and trying to stay calm. At the time he was grey.

But still one of the meanest bots to ever meet.

You were surprised since he’s usually right next to Optimus. You were also a bit frightened since you’re a decepticon and he’s an autobot. You spoke.

“Um. Can I help you, Goldbug?”

He stood there with his arms crossed. His helm then moving up and down in a slow motion. Was he- was he checking you out? You are a well built bot but seriously?

He then spoke while also lifting his cervo up. Looking like he’s about to snap.

”She’s perfect. Let’s take her.” Snap.

Before you knew it. You were knocked out. Your larger frame falling against his. Him catching you flawlessly.

His helm then presses against your shoulder. Gently whispering while the two other bots in your apartment wait for his next orders.

”You’re more perfect up close.”

He the gave the order for them to take you to his apartment and to lock you up in his room. Handing them the keys as he places his cervos on his hips.

”I shall give her a more..proper welcome when she wakes up. Now move.”

He started to walk away while the two bots started to hold you better. One of them putting ou over his shoulder as the other held the keys.

Taking you to your new home.

—————————————————————————-

You woke up in agony. Your bond. Your Conjunx.

There was so much pain. Like someone was stabbing you endlessly through the spark and other parts in your frame.

Someone was hurting your Conjunx. Thundercracker is being tortured. But why!? It continues.

Your screams being heard on the other side of the door. Goldbug standing there with his arms down. He then whispered to himself before turning on his comm to the bots torturing him on the other side of the city.

”Alright, kill him.” He then chuckled when the comm disconnects. Hearing you let out another cry of agony.

He then whispered to himself after his low chuckle and reach for the door nob. “Time to make those screams day my name.”

He then hears you let out a final scream. You felt the pain of his spark die. Instead of on the bed. You were now on the floor. Laying on your stomach. Your cervo over your spark as you cried.

The door then opened. Goldbug taking a step in then closing the door behind himself as he grinned under his mask.

You didn’t notice him as you cried.

Your helm facing the ground as tears start making a small pool under you. He then kneeled down. His cervo gently grabbing your chin and making you look up at him.

He then spoke with a low voice.

His visors disappearing. They were dark and cold, but yet bright at the same time.

He glared down at you. “Pretty thing like you shouldn’t be crying that much tears. But I can fix that.” He stood and walked to stand next to you.

Then grabbing the back collar of your frame.

Pulling you up like as if he’s a bigger bot. Making up get in your knees. The tears still falling down as he gently you into the bed. You were even in shock with how strong he was.

He didn’t even yell at you to stop crying yet.

The pain in your spark still strong. He then placed you onto the berth. Legs dangling while he remains between them. His cervos holding your arms down while he then got on the berth with you.

You tried to get up but he pressed his torso against your waist. That also keeping you down while his legs made their way on the berth.

Knees moving to be under your thighs.

Making them go over his. His panel against yours and the side of his thighs and front hips pressed against your aft. Them moving more forward.

Luckily you were a bit smaller then the other big bots.

Making your legs go up against his frame. He was more over you. His cervos pressing your arms down against the berth harshly. His knees pressing more into the berth keeping your thighs over his.

Your legs in the air behind him. Legs remaining spread for him. Creating some friction because of the way he rubbed his panel against yours while moving up.

Your sobs smalls and groans released in a whisper during this action.

The pain is still there. Making you weak. Get you just stared at him with teary optics. But his own remains closed.

And he was taking full advantage of this. His optics soon opening so he glares at you once more. He then leaned down more. The front of his frame now fully pressed against yours.

The side of your legs next to your frame now.

Pedes up in the air. His cervos letting the harsh pressure off your arms. His digit (thumb) gently rubbing them for a moment.

His helm now next to yours. Your soft sobs heard next to his audio sensors.

Soon his mouth guard was gone and he started to press aggressive kisses against your shoulder. His glossa soon sticking out to lick up your neck. An action that made you shiver. He then kissed away your tears.

You spoke. You’re sobs and crys almost drowning out your words. “Why?…”

He stopped for a moment. Staring at you. Optics narrowed up to you. “I always take what I want. If you don’t wish to feel any more pain I suggest to I be a good femme for me. Hm? I’ll make sure you’re….comfortable.”

He lets out a soft chuckle, before returning to kiss you with his own idea of affection.

Your chin at first. But to reach your cheeks more he had to press his panel against yours a little Harder. This causing you to groan more, which was music to his audio sensors.

You finally spoke after such a long period of silence.

You spoke once more. “S…stop.” He froze for a moment.

His panel still harshly pressed against yours even more.

Your legs along with your frame shaking from the pleasure. He finally spoke as his chest then presses harder against your chest now that he was more above you.

“Stop?…” His dermas now dangerously close to yours as you stared down at him.

Not being at eye level still. His voice then deeper once he spoke once more. “No. 'Cause I will always get what I want.”

His hips then moved back only a little. Leaving your poor panel alone for a moment before harshly slamming his own against yours once more. This causing you to let out a gasp.

He letting out a small groan.

He took full advantage though. Letting his glossa into your intake when he was able to leane up more.

Creating a very heated kiss. His hips moving back and forth. Aggressively slamming his panel against yours repeatedly. Making your frame move back and forth with his dermas keeping up with yours to continue your kiss.

Your legs moving along with in the air still.

You even tried to move your helm back and up to try to speak. But one of his cervos then moved to grab the back of your helm.

Forcing you to keep your helm almost leaned down so his dermas stays connected with yours. Now that your arm was free though. You tried your best to push against his chest.

To get him of. Anything. But he just continued.

It’s almost like a bigger bot then you is able to hold you down. Yet here he was. Having a bigger frame then him but yet. He can hold you down so easily just by his own frame.

Your cervo just keeps pulling and pushing at his frame while the rest of you is being violated.

His panel humping against yours. Practically ontop of you making your legs stay in the air. Chest to chest and his intake claiming yours so harshly.

You almost gagged becaus of the built up saliva. Even some falling down out past your dermas. Your tears never stopping as he moans and grunts into the kiss.

You felt his cervo move more to the back of your neck.

Lower to between you neck and shoulders. Then he pressed something into your neck. Like some sort of device.

He then pulled back. The kiss finally ending.

His other cervo that held our other arm down finally let go. Sitting up while his hips continues to press against your panel. Continueing to make your frame move faster and faster, back and forth.

His cervo gently holding your thigh. Rubbing up and down as a show of affection while the other takes out a device. You tried to sit up.

Continueing to beg in almost a whisper. Your voice deep. “Please…No More.”

He let out sounds of a tsk tsk from his dermas. You glanced at him. Your aft still in the air as your thighs remain on his own. Legs bascially on his shoulder so he has better friction.

You see him then take out some device.

He then spoke. Pressing his panel fully against yours and gently rubbing. His frame now moving up and down as he spoke.

“Tell me. Is this bringing you pleasure, sweetspark?”

You shook your head now. And yelled in almsot a soft and deep tone as you glared down at him. “No! Let me go!”

You soon were on your elbows. Trying to get up somehow.

But instead he presses a button on the device. Causing a shock through your body. You’re back on your back frame as you almsot screamed in agony.

Your legs as hips along with your frame shaking.

He watches with a grin and took his digit off the button. The pain soon away. You gasped and struggled to breath for a moment. He then gently tapped at your panel after moving your legs to be around his waist.

”Let me make this clear, sweetspark.”

He leaned forward. Making you legs pressed wider around his waist. He moved up once more. Your aft lifting against his panel. His dermas close to yours as you panted a little.

Speaking once more in an almost threatening tone.

“If you don’t wish to feel that pain. Every. Single. Day. Then i suggest you accept this as your new life. And be a good Conjunx for me. Alright Sweetspark?”

His cervos gently rubbing the side of your waist as he spoke. You continued to shake.

What can you do? What should you do. Your Conjunx dead and yet you’re still here living. At the mercy of this Autobot. Using you as a play thing. He was getting annoyed now. Whispering once more.

“Just nod. And maybe if you make me feel good. I wont shock you for the night. Hm?”

You glanced down at him. Tears in your optics once more. He was serious. He then gave you a soft and gentle kiss before leaning his helm back once more.

You thought hard of your options. Your only options.

So…swallowing your dignity, not wanting to be shocked any longer. Slowly nodding as you closed your optics as tears continue to fall. Goldbug then has a dark grin on his scarred dermas.

Then whispering as he leaned down to your audio sensors. Whispering with lust.

”Open up that lovely panel for me sweetspark.”

He leaned back. More tears falling down. Your panel soon opened. Goldbug would then let out an annoyed growl once he leaned back. Your valve wasn’t wet for him at all.

He spoke with anger in his tone.

“That wasn’t enough to get you. Ready for me! Honestly what was so great about that damn seeker!”

You flinched a little. He then moved so he’s off the berth. Kneeling as he grabs your hips and pulls then closer to him. Your aft at the edge of the berth. His cervo groping and squeezing at your waist and thighs.

Your hips held still by the other cervo.

He then leaned his helm down. To where his dermas are close to your clit.

You watched as you turned your helm down to the side to only see the top of his helm. You then feel his glossa lick at your node. His dermas then around your clit.

At first licking, then sucking at the sensitive node. Making your legs shake on his shoulders.

He continues, his glossa licking and moving in circles around your now wet node. His dermas gently biting at it and sucking harshly at times. Making you let out soft moans.

His cervos then holding under your thighs.

Pushing them back and wider even more to spread your valve. He then moved lower. Pressing his glossa into your cunt. Making it thrust in back and forth.

Letting out soft groans to send vibrations against the walls and send more pleasure into. Making your hips lift up and forward more against his helm against your own will.

He then continues. Then moving back to sucking your clit.

Your moaning becomes louder and louder. Your valve becoming wet and your hips struggling to stay still. He keeps a firm hold on your hips.

When it felt like you were wet enough. He moved his cervo to your valve. Pressing a digit into your valve.

Causing you to let out a gasp.

He started to stand a bit more. Pressing a few kisses against your thighs and waist.

His digit moving in and out of your valve.

You only letting out soft gasps. Your helm turning to the side to look away. His helm returning to your clit.

Pressing a second digit in as he returned to licking your very sensitive node. Licking and sucking at it. Soon pressing in another in, making it three digits in now. It being what feels you up.

When you let out an even louder gasp and more softer moans. He chuckled against your valve and curled his didigts.

Making you arch your back and your thighs to try to squeeze him tightly.

Before you even realized yourself. You finally came onto his digits. Your frame relaxing a bit. He could taste it against his chin. His optics opening to stare up at you with almost closed optics.

Bright red as his dermas moved lower to clean you up.

Removing his digits from your cunt. Giving a long lick very sensitive valve causing large amount of pleasure through your frame. Your legs shaking and lifting off his shoulders.

While he continued you tried to hold yourself together.

You just had your first orgasm in well, forever. Since the two fractions started to become bigger in the picture.

You and Thundercracker ended up being too busy to really spend certain time together. Your moans and gasps become non-stop. His glossa lapping and pressing almost harshly against your sensitive valve.

Once you were cleaned up, he made sure to give your valve a very gentle kiss. Lifting his helm up, he got back on the berth.

Pressing his cervos against the berth to support him up.

One of his cervos then moving to hold your chin.

Making you look at him. Your optics were just dim, cry tears as small once still flow down, and a sad frown on your dermas. This made him upset inside. Missing that usual smile you usually have.

But he guess he should’ve guessed that.

His helm then leaning down. His dermas connecting with yours. It was soft, surprisingly. He seems to be really into the kiss. Optics closed and all as you just watch him.

But then, as his other cervo made its way to his own panel. Gently rubbing it for a moment. He’s then interrupted by a call through a comm. He pulled back from the kiss and let out a soft groan.

Sitting up on the berth as he answers it. The cervo once holding your chin now gently rubs back and forth on your waist.

Is this his was of comforting you? You just stared at the ceiling as you heard him.

He just nodded and said yes every now and then.

After a few minutes he ended the call and let out an annoyed sigh. Looking back at you. He soon has a grin on his dermas and gently kiss your cheek.

Then gently whispered into your audio sensors while he leaned over you once more.

”Be a good femme and stay in your room. You’re very tired and I’ll be back before you know it. Understood? Oh and I’ll have guards at the door if you try to leave. You’re only allowed out that door to eat and gain energy. Undertsood?”

He continued while his cervos gripped at you waist tightly.

You slowly nodded.

Not wishing to feel that intense shock again. You just listened as he got but and hear the click of his visors and mask returning. He then made his way to kiss your cheek and gently whisper bye for now.

You closed your optics and turned your helm away. Hearing the door opened and closed.

Soon turning to be on your side. Seeing there’s a window. Black inside so no one can see into the apartment. You tightly squeezed your legs together.

Feeling so much shame and guilt. The pain overwhelming you that you’re becoming exhausted.

Hugging the pillow for the berth as you sobbed.

Wondering how you haven’t ran out of tears yet. Before you even realized it. You were soon fast asleep. Your body slowing down from shivering. Your back finally relaxing.

Your valve slowly relaxing more after your high. You don’t want to know what he has planned tomorrow.

———————————————————————————

As you slept in recharge. You still laying on your side.

Goldbug finally returned past the dead of night. He had to deal with Optimus having another temper tantrum. The guards being replaced by new ones for the night.

Once he laid next to you. He made sure to hold you.

Being higher then you, placing your helm against his chest as he laid on his back.

His arm around your shoulders as his other went under his own helm. Finally falling asleep. Hours later in the morning you slowly woke up. Seeing through the tinted window, it was sunrise.

You sat up, struggling a bit as you felt almost a soreness between your legs.

Your pedes moving off the berth. Sitting up and looking around. You didn’t get to take in how nice the room you were in was. Surprised really.

You realized Goldbug wasn’t next to you. Unsure if he even came back.

You then made it to the door. Slowly opening it and peek outside. The guards aren’t there. You slowly walk out.

Seeing the front door pretty far. You then slowly step forward. Trying to be as quiet as you can. Until a blue bot close by cleared his throat. Making you freeze in fear.

You slowly turned to him. He was sitting at the table. His chair apparently a little bigger than the others. He had two energon plates.

One in front of him and another in front of the chair next to him. His arm on the table as he leaned forward a bit while his visors and mouth guard were off. You just stood there frozen until he finally spoke.

”Come sweet spark, sit.” He says the last word in a deep voice. You then notice he had the device next to his arm.

Definitely placed there as a warning.

Slowly, you made your way closer to him. Taking your seat next to him. Cervos on your lap while his optics watched you. You would then feel his cervo go to be over yours. Making you shake a little.

He finally spoke after a moment of silence between you both. “Already so obedient for me. Because of my little device here? Hmm…Wonder if I can get you to be obedient, just by the sound of my own voice.”

He teased. His helm getting closer as he leaned more forward.

His digit gently rubbing your cervo, his optics scanning your frame as he has a sly grin on his dermas. Speaking once more.

”Now that I think about it. I haven’t properly introduce myself and your new life with me. Now have I.” His cervo slowly moving from on top of your cervos, up to your chest. His other still on his own thigh. You watched his cervo. Before taking note that he had a few scars around his dermas. And his optic. And yet.

Unlike yours and others. His optics are fully red covered and even darker then even Optimus own red optics.

He took notice. His grin growing wider. Speaking once he leaned back. His cervo no longer at your chest. Instead the arm on the table once more while his other remains on his thigh.

The cervo on the table then picking up the energon on his plate as he spoke.

”You see, sweetspark. I took you from your poor apartment and poor excuse of a Conjunx. He ate an energon. “I suggest you eat. I’m taking you to work with me, sweetspark.”

You stared at him with fear. Then looking down at the plate of energon. Slowly your cervo moved to grab the energon. Then putting it to your dermas. Finally eating one.

He watched while he ate. Once you were finished, he got off his chair and has his frame face you. His optics narrowed almost. But his grin still there. He then spoke again. “Your place, is next to me now. You see sweetspark. I always have what I want.

And lucky you my dear. You have the honor to be the Conjunx of Goldbug himself!” He exclaimed with pride.

Throwing his arms up at the last part. You just looked down.

You can only imagine thundercracker joyful face from just a few days ago. Already feeling more possible tears coming down your cheeks.

Goldbug noticing and letting out an annoyed groan.

He then aggressively grabbed your chin. Making you look at him as he glared at you while his optic grew a bright red for a moment.

“Now, now sweetspark. Haven’t you cried enough From our foreplay last night! Now face me like a good Conjunx. And face me!” You tried to not flinch. So, slowly you moved on the seat. Having finished your energon.

He made sure to be between your legs. His cervos then gently rubbing the top of your thighs.

He let out a deep chuckle while you just looked down.

Soon he gets a call through the comm. He answered it. Placing two digits at his audio sensors as he looked to the side.

All you can do is wait. He then spoke. responding to the caller.

”Alright, alright. I’ll make my way over…Yes, I am. Bringing her. Prime better know better to keep his cervos to himself.”

He grumbled. His mouth guard and visors returning to cover his face. He then moved to put the plates away and made his way to the door. Soon speaking without looking at you.

“Come along sweetspark, It’s time you get to work as my assistant.”

You slowly stood up. Walking toawrds him .Taking notice he’s gripping tightly to the device that’ll send a shock into your body. You behind him as you both walked out of the room and into the halls to the elevator.

You trying to keep some distance as you try to stop the tears from going down your cheeks.

The entire time you and him made your way to the building where he works. You continue to keep your distance.

You both then making it to this open space where many bots are drilling into the ground. Goldbug then started to look around. You just stood there. Having put on your mouth guard earlier to hide your quivering dermas.

He then spoke. Giving your aft a good slap once standing next to you. “Now stay here. I’ll be right back sweetspark.”

He made his way to Optimus. You stayed standing there of the door while you watched him get further and further.

Wait- he left you alone? Here??? Your cervos clenching while you hear the bots around you whistle and talk about you.

Complimenting your frame and all. While others even pass by.

Your visors soon coming on, since earlier goldbug seemed to glare at you when you tried to earlier. You stood there for a moment longer.

Goldbug seems to be arguing with Optimus. You got more nervous as more and more bots started staring at you and talk. Some bigger and smaller then you.

You then tried your best to not flinch as Goldbug made his way back to you. You can tell he’s angry just by his movements.

As he’s about to pass you. He grabbed your cervo and dragged you with him. you both making it to his office.

You’d then look around while he grumbled and started to throw things around.

Staying close to the door. The office becoming recked and messy around the desk while he grumbled and complained about Optimus.

When he slowly calmed down. He looked at you and yelled. “Close that damn door!”

You flinched. Doing as he said. “Lock it!” He yelled once more. You doing as he said without hesitation. When you looked at him. He sat in his chair at his large desk.

Turning on the tv to show the news hosted by Blaster. Sighing as he leaned back.

Still fuming with so much anger. When he noticed you standing there still. Looking away and down as you shake a little. He then tapped his desk. You then looking at him with your visors back. His cervo then lifting. His digit curling for you to come closer.

Slowly once more, you made your way to him. Going around the desk and standing before him. He then just stared at you.

Then leaning forward as his cervos moved and ruined around the sides of your waist. Letting out a hum.

He then let out a soft sigh and looked up at you. Leaning back against his chair once more as he looked back at you. Speaking once more.

”We have…a lot of work to do.”

—————————————————————————

Weeks…..probably months have went by since that day.

Morning and night. At work and his apartment. Always keeping you close even during the meetings with Prowel and a few other important autobot memebers.

You always standing by next behind his chair. Cervos behind your back as he taught you to do this at every meeting and if he’s just speaking to someone.

Always having a bad feeling as you felt Optimus optics burn the the side of your helm.

He always stared at you without even a care of being caught. Hell, just like Prowl. The two are always making optics towards you. Even one time when you and Goldbug were leaving. Prowl whistled to you.

Placing his cervo to his helm with two digits split in front of his dermas. Then sticking his glossa out with a grin.

His glossa between the two digits. A low chuckle coming from his intake when you looked at him.

At times when Goldbug does notice. He take his anger out in interfacing with you either after or once at home.

You were submissive. Though when you would get lost in your own helm. He always made sure to shock you. The next always longer then the last one.

Your faith in being saved or even escape becoming more and more unrealistic.

Losing your sanity even. After binding with Goldbug so long ago, getting more and more use to being with him every single day.

You hate yourself even more. Slowly accepting your life and just becoming more tired. Your kisses slowly by the month becoming more responsive towards his when he would show that affection.

On one particular day, you stood at your usual spot behind and next to his chair. A data pad in your arms as you looked outside his large window. Bots flying around and so on.

Goldbug was in a middle of a meeting on his computer with Prowl. He was angry of course. You staying out of view. Your choice at least.

When the call finally ended, he let out an annoyed sigh.

You taking a step to be next to him more. Ready to write in your data pad. He then looked up at the door thinking for a good moment.

Standing up and stretching out his arms up. Then placing his cervos on his hips as he spoke.

”I’m going to get some good energon for us and speak to ratchet for a little. You can stay here and finish prowls report from todays meeting. Be a good femme while I’m good. Alright sweetspark?”

His cervo has moved to hold your hip then to your aft. Bringing you closer as he stared up at you with a grin.

You nodding with a forced smile while his mouth guard returned. Soon he’s walking out. You letting out a soft sigh as you write down the report you saved in your memory. Finishing git as you soon hear the door open.

“Goldbug? You’re back so soon? I-“ You froze.

You were behind the desk when you put the data down and looked up. To see Optimus standing there with his cervo against the frame door and his other cervo was against his own hip.

You backed up a bit. Stopping when your legs hit the small chair. He then started walking towards you. The door closing behind him while his reps remain casual.

Getting closer and closer. You moving to behind the small chair as he spoke.

”Not to worry, little femme. I have been meaning to come over to….chit chat. Is all, I promise.” He went around the desk getting closer. “He’ll be very busy downstairs. So what you say we get to really…Know. Eachother.”Before you knew it he has pinned you against the large window.

His cervos against the glass. His optics staring down at you while there’s only a few inches between you both.

Your back frame against the glass fully from your fear when you got startled by him. You started to shake.

Sending Goldbug a signal through the bond. He seemed to be goring it though. Why?

Optimus helm then leaning down as his mouth gaurd goes back. A horrible grin on his dermas as he spoke once more. “My it’s so rude of Goldbug to just keep you all to himself. he should really learn to share.”

He whispered is a low voice. His glossa then sticking out to lick the side of your neck. Making you shiver. He then got to work with sucking and kisses at your neck. From your shoulder to under your chin.

His cervos feeling up your frame. Your own cervos moving to press harshly against his chest despite being much more taller then you. He continued his act as your started to get in your own helm. You couldn’t do this with goldbug before.

Why? Do you just fear goldbug more then Optimus?

You never dare to resist against goldbug. But for all you know, Optimus is much stronger then him.

You’re then roughly turned around by Optimus. The side of your helm harshly pressed against the window. One of his cervos presses against your upper back to keep you pinned.

While the other has a hard grip on your hip and aft. You then hear him let out a low chuckle.

Taking note of your tramp stamp. It was blue and gold frames with Goldbugs name in red on it. Not your willing choice.

Then again you different have a choice when he made you get it.

Optimus gave your aft a gentle pat before having his middle digit press harshly against your panel. Your optics shutting tightly. Continuing to send pulls to Goldbug.

Optimus dermas against the back of your neck. Before he can force your panel open, you both heard the door to the office open. Goldbugs voice booming as you both hear him stomp over. Optimus only backing a little.

Giving you room to not be against the window.

Goldbug then pointed his gun at Optimus while yelling at him. “You better leave if you know what’s good for you Prime. And to NOT touch my property every again!”

Optimus just chuckled and casually walked away to the door as he spoke calmly.

”Now, now goldbug. Can you blame me? When you have have something so…enchanting you simply must learn to share…I’ll see you around.”

You just stared at Goldbug. Who was fuming.

Apparently Optimus had a few guards distract him and he thought you were calling him because you were becoming needy.

Not sure why he would assume that but at least he made it back before Optimus can have his fun.

Goldbug being beyond pissed. Is an understatement.

Eventually after having another fight wit Optimus and killing your old friend starscream while he had you stay home to make your famous energon cake.

He became the lord to a large part of Cybertron. Of course, keeping you by his side.

Much to Optimus dismay. Life for Goldbug was great. Leading over his own followers and honestly having the strongest ones on his team.

For you however, things remained the same. Still to be watched over whenever he needed to leave you alone.

That much still against your own will.

—————————————————————————

One day, after weeks of things being how they are.

You’ve noticed Goldbug seemed almost….more affectionate with you. As in a tiny bit kinder and as in he genuinely cared almost when you’re with him.

You soon realized something very new with him on one special day. A day before the Decepticons became more of a threat then ever.

You were in his office with him. Of course. Sitting on the desk with your cervos on the desk. Leaning back a little as your eggs dangled off. Your helm leaned back while loud moans and grunts leave your dermas.

Goldbug standing with his cervos gripping tightly at your waist. His forhelm against your mid chest. His mouth guard off while loud groans and grunts leaves his own dermas.

Visors on as his optics stare down between you both. watching his spike appearing and disappearing into your tight valve.

His spike is so much bigger then you would expect from a small bot like him. With pride told you it’s just good genes.

But wheeljack told you when watching over you that he made sure to help him create the perfect size before taking you.

You promised to stay quiet.

Your legs remained around his waist as he ordered. Going a few rounds. The desk constantly moving back and forth after every aggressive thrust.

Your moans and the desk moving of course being well heard outside the office.

You soon felt him wrap an arm around you as the other presses your thigh down. His thrusts becoming faster and faster. Your moans becoming louder and louder.

Going another few rounds while the sun slowly set behind him through the window.

When he finally stayed still. Pushing his last load into you. He remained still. You leaning back on your elbows against the desk.

The front of his frame resting against yours.

His hips pressed firmly against yours. Your legs no longer around his waist but just above his hips.

You glanced down at him. The side of his helm against your chest while his optics closed. Trying to calm himself. You then hear him speaking. In a whisper. You’re sure he was trying to whisper where you cant hear him.

But You always did have good hearing. His words leaving you to remain frozen. “I love you.”

You're stunned for a moment. Staring out the window for a moment. Slowly, your cervo moved to his helm. You’re not sure why. You noticed your cervo shakes a little.

Your cervo then gently holds the side of his helm. Very comforting as you looked out the window. It being dark out now. The lights from the city being the only thing creating light in the room.

Goldbug seemed to flinch a bit when he felt your helm.

He soon grabbing your wrist and leaning up a bit as he glared at you.

Then speaking while his other cervo gripped harshly at your thigh. Making you flinch from the action. “What are you planning?”

You responded. “You just- seemed like you needed it. I’m sorry.” You turned your helm away. Expecting to get slapped for a moment there. Goldbug just stared at you for a moment longer before looking down, then away.

You then feel his spike move out of you. His loads pouring out of you to the desk then off to the floor.

He started to walk to his chair by the window. Kicking it earlier when he decided he wanted to have some fun with you. Sitting down in it while his spike remains up and hard.

His optics staring at you through his visors while keeping his legs spread. Arms on the arm rest of the chair.

“It’s getting late…Go to bed.”

You remain silent for a moment. Getting off the table and passing him. Making your way to your shared berth room next to the office.

You laid down. Laying on your side, your back facing the door. A couple hours later he finally came in. You still weren’t asleep. Something you grew use to because of your anxiety and fear. You stayed still. Pretending to be asleep.

Feeling his weight on the berth and his body moving to get closer to you. His arm moving around your shoulders to hold the other side of your helm.

His dermas pressing against yours to ‘wake you’ up. You pretended to wake up as your frame turned, laying on your back. He was using his elbow to support himself up.

He knows you heard him, because of your action.

You both just stared at each other for a moment longer.

The silence almost unbearable. Without saying a word, his optics almost closed and are dim.

He then leaned down and connected his dermas with yours once more. For the first time this one was passionate and soft against yours. He seemed to let out a few moans against the kiss.

Not even forcing his glossa in this time.

After a second, you responded with a kiss. His cervo once holding the side of your helm moved to rest above your waist.

Rubbing in a circular motion as the room is covered with the sound of soft kisses and your small moans. He then slowly pulled back and looked away for a moment, seeming to be deep in thought. You waited. Your optics almost sad while you glance at his cervo still on your waist. He sighed and spoke once more.

His voice low and in a whisper. As it always it when you both are alone.

”Get some rest. We deal with the damn decepticons tomorrow. So be a good femme and maybe I’ll reward you. Understood?”

You just slowly nodded. Goldbug then laying down. His cervo on his own top waist while he stared up at the ceiling. Letting out a sigh. You then turning your helm away for a moment.

A small tear falling down the side of one of your optics.

You both, soon fast asleep.

This- took so long to edit- im sure i still missed something just message me if i do so i can fix it. My god i love this but DAMN I got so into it. I hope you guys enjoyed this and as always a repost is appreciated.

Really proud if how this came out and i hope to see you guys in the next one! Have a good rest of your day!!!

[badboydevotee]

A Birthday for Frankenstein

“Whose birthday? Oh, mine? I forgot. Did Yuri leak my medical records?” -Jiro's Birthday Voiceline.

The sun peeked through the curtains of the small, cluttered lab Jiro called home, casting soft rays over stacks of medical texts and scattered vials. Today, however, the atmosphere was charged with a different kind of energy. The lab was decorated, albeit haphazardly—tattered streamers hung from the ceiling, and an oversized cake sat precariously on a cluttered table, half-hidden behind a pile of lab equipment.

You stood at the doorway, hands on your hips, taking in the scene. “Happy birthday, Jiro!” you announced, your voice brimming with enthusiasm.

Jiro, who had been meticulously adjusting the settings on one of Yuri's experimental devices, paused and glanced over his shoulder, blinking slowly as if trying to process your words. “Whose birthday? Oh, mine? I forgot. Did Yuri leak my medical records?” he replied, his voice monotone, betraying little of the surprise that flickered in his crimson eyes.

You laughed, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “No, silly! I just thought we could do something nice for you this year. You’re always taking care of everyone else; it’s time someone took care of you.”

With a slight frown, Jiro returned to his work, adjusting his black face mask down to his chin. “I appreciate the sentiment, but I have deadlines to meet. Patients to check up on,” he mumbled, waving a hand dismissively.

“Just for a little while,” you coaxed, stepping closer. “Just one slice won’t hurt your busy schedule.” You gestured toward the cake, decorated with a small, hand-painted skull and crossbones, a nod to his macabre interests.

His eyes flicked to the cake, a faint glimmer of curiosity breaking through his usual indifference. “You know I can’t eat that much sugar,” he said, though the corner of his mouth twitched slightly, almost forming a smile.

You grinned, sensing victory. “Just one slice. Then we can get back to your experiments. Deal?”

With a resigned sigh, Jiro turned off the device and straightened, his posture still rigid, but the hint of a challenge sparkled in his gaze. “Alright. One slice. But only if you help me organize these records afterward.”

You beamed, clapping your hands together. “Deal!”

As you both settled down with the cake, the moment felt oddly warm, despite Jiro’s usual cool demeanor. He watched you with a mix of curiosity and bemusement as you cut into the cake, a skillful slice that revealed the rich red interior. “It looks… edible,” he remarked, his tone lightening just a bit.

“You mean it looks delicious!” you shot back playfully, handing him a plate with a generous slice. “Now, blow out the candles. Make a wish!”

“Wish? I suppose I could wish for more sleep,” he mused, his expression thoughtful. “Or maybe for an end to this endless nausea.” His eyes narrowed playfully as he glanced at you. “Or perhaps for you to stop bothering me about birthdays?”

You laughed, shaking your head. “How about a wish for both? You could use some self-care in your life, you know.”

With a soft chuckle—something rare and genuine—Jiro leaned forward, blowing out the candle with surprising fervor. “Alright. Wish made.”

You both dug into the cake and fed him in turns, the sweet taste juxtaposing the usual bitterness of his workload. As you chatted, sharing stories and laughing about the bizarre things that had happened in the lab, the tension eased from Jiro’s shoulders.

“So, Jiro,” you teased, taking a sip from your cup, “how does it feel to have a birthday celebrated?”

He paused, a shadow of a smile forming again. “Honestly? It feels… nice. Oddly nice.” He glanced at you, his expression softening as he added, “Thank you for this.”

“Anytime,” you replied, feeling a warm glow inside. “Just remember to take care of yourself, okay? I won’t let you forget your own birthday again.”

He nodded, a sense of gratitude mingling with the usual stoicism, as if he were beginning to understand the importance of these moments amid the chaos of his life. The day wore on, and laughter filled the lab, transforming it from a place of isolation into one of camaraderie.

As evening descended, you both returned to the lab equipment, but the atmosphere had changed. Jiro was still the calm, composed figure you knew, but now there was a glimmer of something more—perhaps it was hope, perhaps it was the promise of friendship—shining beneath his cool exterior.

And for the first time in a long while, Jiro felt a little less like a ghoul and a little more like a person deserving of joy.

Ao3 vers.

[prettyboypistol]

TF2 x M!Reader|| How The Mercs Get Jealous!

You and the merc have just started dating, and have kinda kept it on the down low for the time being. While at a neutral zone bar, the Scout from the opposite tram decides to try and shoot his shot with you.

No dadspy.

Scout

He already doesn't like the fact that he is at a bar where BLU is drinking at, even if it was a neutral day! But what really got to him was how blatantly his (obviously inferior, duh!)counterpart started hitting on you! First it was a shot that he covered, then it was a joke that made you laugh a little too loudly. Jeremy bit the inside of his cheek and got between you two rather quickly.

"Hey. Back off freak! Like he'd ever want some knockoff, halfwit, loser lookin' Scout like you!"

You couldn't help but choke back a laugh as the BLU Scout gave Jeremy a once over, then backed away with a sneering of something under his breath.

"Hey, whaddya say!? Say it to my face, punk!" Jeremy shouted. Before he got up from his spot next to you to beat the BLU's face in, you put a hand on his shoulder.

"Jer, please. Like you said, why would I want a knockoff over the #1?"

Jeremy turned to you with a look of confidence- but you knew him well enough to know that he was clearly hiding a but of insecurity.

"You're my Scout." You assured sweetly, "accidentally" brushing your hand against his. That seemed to put his spirits back up.

Soldier

"NOW YOU LISTEN HERE, SON! THIS MAN RIGHT HERE IS RED PROPERTY! IF YOUR SCUMMY BLU HANDS EVEN TOUCH HIM, YOU'LL WISH SOONER THAT YOU TRIED FOR OUR INTELLIGENCE!"

Scout gave you both a weird look and backed off, hands up in a sign of defensiveness. You nudged Soldier's shoulder before quickly whispering in his ear.

"Solly! You're gonna get us to lose bar privileges this week!" You remind him, rather sternly. It had been a while since you had socialized in a neutral zone, after all!

"Why? That Scout was clearly looking to upset the neutral agreement!"

"He asked me about weather probabilities to see if he was going to have to fight in the rain tomorrow! We broke BLUS weather detection, remember?"

"Hmph! Sounds like worming his way into our intelligence! You're lucky I was here to stop him, private!"

You rolled your eyes with a tired smile as you went back to your drink, but felt the hot breath of Soldier in your ear as he bent over you to whisper.

"I caught him making eyes at you and I didn't like it. I don't trust him."

Aww, you couldn't help but find that sweet.

Pyro

You know that one scene from the comics where Pyro cuts a goddam bear in half? Yeah, same thing here. They see you and Scout at the bar, just casually chatting, then when you turn away, the Scout bites his lip and looks at your ass blatantly. To Pyro, Scout morphed into a big, bad wolf. You? You sprouted cute little sheep ears! Pyro wasn't about to let the cute little sheep get eaten, so they lunged at the Scout out of nowhere, the only thing that stopped them from decapitating the poor guy was you swiping the axe from Pyro's hands at the last second.

You profusely apologize to the Scout as you pull Pyro off of him and whisk yourself and your partner away to one of the more quiet corners. You hold Pyro by the hands and direct them to breathe. Once, twice, and a third time, before you let them start to explain themselves.

Once the situation was explained, you kissed their forehead and nodded in sympathy. You knew your partner thought you were in danger, and hell- you would do the same if you saw Pyro in danger they didn't notice! Nonetheless, you thanked Pyro for the protection and talked them down from their worries. You asked your Engineer to explain the situation to the enemy Scout, who refuses to even look at you again.

"Thank you for protecting me, that means a lot that your first instinct was to look out for my safety."

Pyro nodded and pulled you into a hug. They were just worried for you! They knew that there wasn't a good chance that the danger was real- but Pyro was not about to take that chance. Not after they had lost that gamble before.

Demoman

He slammed his hand down between the both of you as Scout leaned in for a whispering in your ear and announced a drinking contest. Whoever lost had to pay the tab! Yeah, the RED Scout was annoyed, but noreso at your blatant advantage! Demoman probably had your insane Medic sew him an auto-recovery from alcohol! That wasn't fair!

So, you and Scout decided to pace yourselves against each other, with Demoman as the judge. As the flirtatious tension morphed into that of competition, Demoman seemed to smile proudly at his work. He didn't mind if people lusted after you- that was a compliment to the fact that he snagged you first! It was only an issue when you didn't notice. That's when he felt he had to intervene.

You had scraped the win by a hair. While you clearly had a lower tolerance than the Scout, you had remembered a few tips and tricks to keep your wits about you longer that the judge himself had taught you! Although, there was no satisfaction of RED paying your tab, as you both had forgotten that the night out was a Mann Co. Sponsored event.

The next morning, Demoman tended to you extra sweet with little possessive nicknames such as "My boy", "my champ", and "Blu's finest". He never mentioned why, though, so you assumed that it was to apologize for the wicked hangover you had.

Engineer

He sits back and watches, but not without ill intent. No, this man plotted that little twig's demise at least 10 times in his head as you two sat a little too close together, as you two got so lost in conversation that you switched beers by accident, how you two seemed to get on a little too well. In fact, Dell had only realized that he was stewing when his mechanical arm cracked off a bit of the table that he had been grasping for dear life.

The noise certainly got both of your attentions, and if it didn't, then the loud curse in a familiar southern accent did. Engue usually kept an air of politeness about him, so you automatically knew something was up as he walked- or rather stormed up to the two of you.

He greeted the Scout with a forced and sickly sweet smile, and he introduced himself quickly before he asked to steal you away for all but a moment. You excused yourself quickly and followed Engie to the bathrooms, where your boyfriend started rambling things you couldn't quite hear. All youu knew was that whatever it was, it wasn't pleasant and it was all directed at that Scout.

"Dell, what's going on? Did that Scout fuck with one of your sentries?"

"No, no. I-" Dell took a moment to compose himself before he spoke again. "No doll, he was making googoo eyes at you, and I don't think I appreciated that kinda disrespect."

You nod, with a hum of acknowledgement. Now that you thought about it, he was acting rather familiar...

"Sorry, I guess I didn't realize how close we were while it was happening. Do you want me to steer clear of him for the night?"

"Well-" Dell said, clearly wanting to say yes. "You're your own man, I don't wanna step on your toes or nothin, it's just that- he uh, he's got some bad intentions with you. I can tell."

You smile sweetly as you give your boyfriend a gentle kiss. "I'd much rather spend the night with you, anyways."

Heavy

Scout barely had the time to get a word out to you as your Heavy scooped you up in a seemingly sudden victory cheer. In one of his hands was a drink, so you assumed that your boyfriend had wanted to congratulate you on something that you had done recently to impress him.

"Tiny man! Come here, I have gift for you for being best teammate!" Heavy announced as he brought you over to a booth and started speaking to you in Russian. Yeah, you could swing your way around Russian well enough to understand certain words. You could make out "no", "bad", and "dangerous" vaguely, but the body language made more sense to you. Heavy didn't trust that Scout too well. He seemed fine with you talking to the RED Engineer, but not the Scout?

"What's wrong?"

Heavy kept his voice low and quiet, for your ears only.

"Scout wanted to make sex with you. Look at his eyes." He muttered with a quick glance to the lithe man. He was more built than your scout, speckled with more freckles and dark blue eyes instead of your Scout's light blue eyes.

"I'd smash his head in if he made a move on me, I promise." You assured your boyfriend sweetly, a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"No no, I will bash his little brains in." Heavy assured.

Sniper

Stalks both of you like a shadow. He allowed Scout to buy you a drink, he allowed him to entertain his boyfriend, hell- he even allowed Scout to put his hand on his boyfriend's shoulder! With a downing of beer, a fast and powerful dart knocked Scout's hat off his head and pinned it to the wall. The look Sniper gave nearly made the Scout drop dead from the venom.

"Missed."

Scout knew damn well that he missed his head, not the dart board. Scout nodded you a quick good evening and scampered back to his team as Sniper looked to the outside. He just wanted to talk, in private.

As soon as you followed Sniper out of the bar, he grabbed you by the wrist and pulled you into the alleyway, pressing you up against the cold brick wall as Sniper kissed you deeply.

You were only given a small moment to breathe as Sniper leaned close to your ear. "Don't you ever let someone touch my boyfriend again, got it?"

"God, you're hot when you're jealous."

"I'll drag you back to my camper if you keep misbehaving." Sniper 'threatened', smiling far too excitedly to be angry at the idea. You took your opportunity to grab him by the wrist and drag him to his van.

Spy

He found it funny and cute in a way, how the RED Scout tried to hit on you. A young man with laughable experience tried to charm a man who had the best of the best that gave him attention? Spy had nothing to worry about. Although, the accepting of the invitation to dance drunkenly made his stomach turn sour. You and Scout laughed and stumbled around each other haphazardly, moreso slapstick joking rather than dancing. At least Scout kept his hands to himself.

Scout started to ask you genuine questions over a calming drink, and that is where Spy snapped. He sauntered over to you with a look of importance as he tapped you on the shoulder.

"Ah, I must steal you away. Miss Pauling had an important message for you." Spy whispered into your ear, his eyes glared with a gloating essence at Scout.

"Well, I'll catch you later, okay?" You smile sweetly to Scout, who waved you goodbye as Spy whisked you away to the other side of the bar before he cloaked himself as he pressed you against the wall. His body was flush against yours, with his hot breath on your neck.

"So, younger men catch your eye? I can be him for a night, if you're curious?" Spy hummed, as you practically heard the Cheshire grin of teasing in his whispered tone as you blushed red. At least you could blame it on the booze.

"No Spy, he's just an old friend. Coincidence that we both work at Mann Co." You whisper back as Spy worked his hands over your body, brazenly groping your chest, legs, and ass while he remained unseen.

Medic

Medic watched as the RED Scout performed a silly little knife trick to impress you, and Medic knew exactly what he was doing. Scout was a puffed up bird, trying to gain your interest. Really, even Archemedes had more of a pretty routine than Scout did! In fact, Medic approached you, with Archmedes on his finger to lure you away from the failed suitor.

As you cooed and doted on the dove, Medic shot Scout a scarily smug look as you were completely distracted with the bird that absolutely loved your affections.

"You know, you're the only one Archemedes ever loved for affection from! Well, aside from me of course! I think he's got a little crush on you!"

You giggle, scratching behind the dove's head with little kisses to his soft feathers. "Ah yes, the bird love of my life. He's so caring. I'd be a housewife for him!" You teased to Medic with a little wink. "He's almost as jealous as you, with how he puffs up when I kiss you."

"You have two jealous men vying for your affection, whoever will you choose?" Medic hummed dramatically.

"Well, Archemedes would never take blood samples to see if we are biologically compatible."

"That was only once!"

[llamagoddessofficial]

Hey llama, I was thinking about the p&p servant au, and I was wondering how would mc react to all of the guys attending a party she's serving at? Would it upset her to see Sans being haughty with other humans?

HOHOHOHO... I would assume at this point she's not yet one of Skull's servants. She belongs to someone else, someone who doesn't appreciate her like they do.

Sans: As much as he wants to immediately seek her out and take up all of her time, to talk to only her... he understands that it's a very busy party, and she's working. He steals her for a little bit of polite conversation, but he doesn't trap her- he doesn't want her to get in trouble. He's very kind to her, as he always is... admiring her from afar, catching her in quiet corners whenever he can, and openly scowling at anyone who comments about her. She enjoys finding ways to sneak a few hushed words with him in passing, and she loves the genuine delight on his face when he sees her in the crowd.

Would she be upset by Sans being haughty? No, not at all. Sans is only like that with people of his station or higher, never with servants. For her, there's honestly something really enjoyable about watching Sans be shitty to the kinds of people who are often the cruellest to her. He gets to say and do the things she wishes she could.

Red: She loves when Red shows up. All the staff do. Even before she knew him personally, she enjoyed when he appeared at events- Red is the life of the party, and often ends up causing some kind of scene that becomes talk of the town. Excessive drinking, ruinously beating someone at cards, pitting two idiots against each other until they get into a fight... all the servants knew that if Red was there, it was going to be a delightfully gossip-filled night in the staff quarters. Especially since Red was absolutely the type to woo any of the particularly eye-catching servants.

She likes him even more after meeting him. Because Red is excellent at distracting the other party members- most importantly, he distracts the host, usually immediately after shooting her a wink. Without her employer breathing down her neck she can get some rest in the middle of an otherwise completely action-packed night.

Skull: If Skull showed up to a party, that's a huge win for the host, and a ridiculous amount of social clout for them. So if Skull appears at the house, and expresses any open interest in Mc (which of course he will)... her employer will basically command her to be Lord Skull's personal entertainer for the evening. "Do whatever is necessary to keep our guest happy. Understand?"

If Red is there to third wheel and keep the conversations going, Mc and Skull would both probably actually have a lot of fun. Red knows his friend very well, and he can quickly and easily 'translate' for him to keep her engaged and relaxed. She likes getting to chat and eat, and Skull is just absolutely delighted that she's sat close enough for him to see her eyes.

If, for some reason, Red isn't there... it might be a bit more awkward. Skull will follow her around like an overly affectionate cat, but he gets overcome with shyness the moment she tries to start anything resembling a conversation. She'd still enjoy it, though- sitting with a silent guy who likes to stare still beats working.

[revserrayyu]

Real quick Wardance thoughts [part 2]

**SPOILERS** for everything happening after the final match. Basically some story stuff and a bunch of goodbyes, but it’s mostly just me loving every second the Yaoqing trio is on screen.

Seeing a younger Jing Yuan is precious, but it was made even better hearing Alejandro’s natural voice during this short scene.

I know Igor was mentioned at the very start of this event and was sort of a constant, small side story amongst everything else, but his history and reason for entering the Wardance really was unfortunate from what I remember (which isn’t much.) Shame he’s no longer around. I would’ve definitely tried pulling for him if he ever had the chance to be playable.

While Jarilo-VI is no longer a small, unknown ball of ice floating in space, I was not expecting it to have more visitors so soon. I wonder how the Belobogians reacted to seeing their first foxian. & is it safe to assume that our pilot, who refuses to fly anymore, took the Astral Express here? Because that’s what I’m going to believe. Also, Seele spotted! Huzzah!! (no Serval at all though. I cry. or Clara now that I think about it.)

More allies, let’s goooo! Dang, imagine how awesome it would be to see Belobog experience other seasons aside from a perpetual winter. Or to have the residents able to travel outside the city’s walls, free from any danger. I adore everyone from Belobog so much and I hope they get the chance to live such fulfilling lives. They deserve it!

I have not checked the museum for myself yet, but if this photo is actually displayed there now, then that is so cute. And I know I can’t be alone in thinking this, but because of the striking red hair, Igor must be some sort of ancestor to Luka, yeah? It might be a stretch but they even got similar big grins too.

Alright, enough of my favorite planet and onto my favorite trio. Jiaoqiu sweetie, I treasure those few days so much! I just wish you were spared from all the trauma.

What a way with words. A poet, even. And yes of course I chose the first option. I feel bad pointing out his little slip up, but I wanted to know his reaction even more.

Pfft, the fact they let him talk for so long without mentioning he was facing the wrong way.. I’ll admit it is a bit comical.

Awww honey no! Don’t apologize! If I were them, I’d move myself in front of whatever direction he was facing so he wouldn’t feel bad.

It’s okay, we don’t blame you! At least he says it’s only his eyes that aren’t of any use instead of himself. That’s thinking positively I guess. I’m sure he’s still quite capable in doing many things, even in a kitchen. I mean, the guy had his eyes closed 90% of the time anyway, so surely he can still cook up a decent meal while blind thanks to muscle memory and his expertise. The other two would gladly assist him as well.

How much you wanna bet our Jiaoqiu isn’t going to listen to any doctor’s order because he’s a healer and knows his body better than anyone else? Feixiao & Moze are gonna make certain he heals up properly. But maaann, I wish they showed us Feixiao in the crowd during the final match, if only for a split second.

A perfect trio. One who can’t compete because of rules, another who wouldn’t fight because that’s not his job and the other who shouldn’t, lest he end someone’s life by accident. Pretty fair reasons.

Moze is an absolute mood. I’m not a big fan of chatting either. Quite ironic, given how much I can ramble on about this game and its characters, isn’t it?

Her whole “lacking in worries, regrets and rivals” outlook on life is wonder and I love it but NOW our Lacking General has but ONE REGRET! Aaaah.. honestly, I do too. I regret not pulling Jiaoqiu, but IN MY DEFENSE.. Feixiao was right after him and I needed to save big for her. I also didn’t really have a team suitable for our healer to excel in.. but next time for sure! I’ll bring him home!

Son of a bitch they’re so precious and sweet I wanna scream. It’s a blessing in disguise that this entire goodbye scene wasn’t voiced because if I had to hear all the emotion in their voices for this conversation I would’ve been an even bigger, sobbing mess.

Pfftt, thank you Moze for focusing on the task at hand. We can always count on him to be blunt.

Yeah how about NO. I do not wish to see you guys leave me! I’m holding onto that “for now” with such a tight grip. Y’all better return sooner rather than later, you hear me??

I absolutely took my time taking photos of them. I love ‘em with all my heart and can’t wait to see them more in future arcs.. as long as nothing else bad happens. Surely my devotion shall protect them from any troublesome plot! You hear me, Hoyo? Only wholesome and heartwarming stuff from here on out!

I am kinda bummed Huaiyan turned out to be nothing but a unique looking npc. He might not have been a character I might’ve pulled for if he was playable, but he would’ve definitely had some cool combat animations I’m sure.

I know I’ve said it somewhere before, whether in a post of my own or in comments, but Fu Xuan is probably my least favorite character. I just.. don’t vibe with her at all. I dunno. With that said, I didn’t mind that she was practically absent from these entire last two patches. So yes, I called her sassy, lost and short.

Astral Express parents showing up fashionably late to the party. Ya think a black hole or orbital laser could’ve destroyed Hoolay’s blood moon? We shall never know. I do wonder how their own task with those fossils and Ruan Mei turned out though. That’s something I’m looking forward to hearing more about, especially since Yaoguang mentioned at the end of the 2.5 story that our mad scientist has just boarded the Luofu too.

Huzzah, the end~ Much less serious this time around but at least we’re finally done. I wasn’t a huge fan of the Xianzhou during our initial trip here during the story, but these last two updates were some of my favorites for sure. (and I promise it’s not only because of my Yaoqing trio bias)

[novaonhere]

Golden

Relationship: Cal Kestis x f!reader

Summary: The scene where everyone is enjoying the night by the campfire, in bliss. One by one someone leaves, leaving a smitten Cal staring at what the sunset is illuminating.

Word Count: 600

Warnings: Nah, she precious, she cute

A/N: To make up for a long time of nothing, I'll post some more today!

Prompt: The evening sun is falling on their face and she thinks maybe, just maybe, she is a little bit in love with them.

(gif not mine)

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Drinks get passed around the group, filling the evening air with chatter. The compass was finally in your grasp! You laid back against a large rock, it cool to your back, while the fire kept your front toasty. You couldn't remember a time where your shoulders weren't locked up, where your back didn't ache with every movement, nor when your feet would cramp after a long day. Bringing up the cup to your lips, you take a long and well-deserved sip, the flavor of Greez's famous tea really hitting you in the back of the throat. The small grin never vanished as your eyes danced to every person who joined with you at the campfire. Cere and Caldova chattered about the future of the Hidden Path, the corners of their mouths almost reaching their cheeks. Merrin sits happily content on top of a rock, staring deeply into the flames. She doesn't have a smile, but she looks equally relaxed. Cal and Bode chat and laugh heartily together, exchanging stories and hopes for the future. Greez walks back to the group, a few more tea cups in hand.

"I got more drinks! Who wants one?" He smiles, holding up three drinks with his hands. Cere and Caldova happily take another, inviting Greez into their conversation. Merrin is the first to stand and wish the group a good rest of the evening. She leans down beside you, resting her hand on your shoulder.

"Rest easy," She smiles, patting your shoulder. You place a hand over hers.

"You as well," She nods, walking towards the door. You turn your attention towards the horizon. The bright star that this planet uses as the sun is hovering over the land, illuminating the sky in all different shades of yellow and orange. A particular man's head is also next to the beautiful scene, maybe even more enticing than staring at the sky. His hair practically shines from the rays, highlighting his complexion. The slight breeze pushes his locks off his neck, and a few strands dance in the wind. The lower the sun starts to go down, the redder his hair becomes. His eyes shine from the sunset, but the light doesn't seem to bother him at all. It's like he's allowing the light to bounce and make them sparkle.

Bode must have said something funny, causing Cal to give a laugh. Your chest seems to flutter. The way his eyes crinkle on the sides of his face, the way his nose scrunches and makes room for his lips to part and widen, the way his face reddens, making his freckles perfectly season his face, the way he bares his teeth, not afraid to laugh to his heart's content. His toned arms grasp his torso, trying but failing to hold himself together.

You feel like you could just melt into a puddle right then and there, but as the last little sliver of sunlight peaks over the desert mounds, Bode stands and leaves to go inside. You and Cal wish him a good night, your attention back on the red-head. His head is positioned perfectly in front of the last bit of sun, creating a halo around his face. And, of course, he had to just smile at you. Your lips seem to smile back, but they feel like jelly. He stands and makes his way over to you, and all you could do was watch. He kisses his palm and places his hand on top of your head.

"Sleep well," He smiles, walking past you. Your face feels as if it erupted in flames. You did in fact, sleep well.

[solei-eclipse]

I've actually been thinking a lot about ALNST OCs and other characters they reminded me of, so here it is. Some of these have actual reasons, some of them are inaccurate as hell and just based on vibes alone

Akane as San (Princess Mononoke)

I mean. Look at them. The wild energy, the fact that Akane's guardian is essentially named "fang"...

Evon as Kiki & Jae as Tombo (Kiki's Delivery Service)

Mostly inspired by the sweet scene of Tombo and Kiki just having a chat on the grass. Evon as Kiki would most likely be less eager and optimistic than OG Kiki (or maybe if her trauma didn't manifest in this universe) though I imagine Jae would still share the same brightness and friendliness as Tombo (at least after his haircut). Jae as the kid who tries very hard to befriend an apprehensive Evon... Kiki being defensive and avoiding the other kids her age reminded me a bit of Evon.

Tallis as Seiji Amasawa (Whisper of the Heart)

Honestly this one has more to do with Tallis' knack for instruments. Not sure why Seiji gives me Tallis vibes... I just feel like he would also be the type to borrow a bunch of books for the small chance that someone he liked would end up seeing his name on them. You know, instead of an outright approach since he's got a more closed-off nature. Maybe Himei could be Shizuku? Definitely not a perfect character match, but still. It's just vibes.

Tov as Sophie Hatter & Azure as Howl Pendragon (Howl's Moving Castle)

Once again, not an exact character match, but still. Tov is canonically an older sister to Wren and has a more reserved disposition like Sophie does. I see Tov in that scene where Howl tells Sophie "your hair looks like starlight." Howl and Sophie's star symbolism like Tov and Azure's star symbolism... Howl's charming smile being a facade and his desire to be untouchable or beautiful reminds me a bit of Azure... Plus that one Howl look where he has black hair and blue eyes....

Alternatively, Aurien as Sophie Hatter & Solei as Howl Pendragon

It's the bird thing, yeah. But also Auri's low self esteem and weak sense of identity translating into Sophie's low expectations of herself, the braided brown hair, Solei's constant smile sometimes feeling like a mask unnatural for their current situation, their "cowardice" and hatred of themself for running away... heavily on the bird thing though LMAO

Aurien as Princess Kaguya (The Tale of Princess Kaguya)

Moon princess who quickly loses control of her life (or the little control she had in the first place), dolled up and presented to others like an object, intense outbursts and an overall air of melancholy

Rosca as Ponyo (Ponyo)

Admittedly, this is one of those super inaccurate pure vibe ones (I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the orange hair and red dress). I'm pretty sure Rosca is too prideful or princess-like to behave in such a carefree and reckless manner like Ponyo does... As an alternative, Rosca also kind of reminds me of the senior witch that Kiki meets on her way to the city in Kiki's Delivery Service (the one Jiji calls snobby).

Castor, Nyx or Dian as Lin (Spirited Away)

Big sibling vibe! The older, more capable senior who's stern on the outside (job requirement) but ride or die when you really get to know them. They've got a certain fire to them.

Azure as Haku (Spirited Away)

I've explained before, but the devotion to duty and the wishes of those above him, outwardly stoic and unfeeling (Haku was described to be a "transparent" character, which reminds me of Azure's apathy and lack of interest in many things). The association with the color blue (sky and water + flying in dragon form described as "climbing the stars") and just their physical appearance in general. Dark colored long-ish hair ftw

Aurien as No Face (Spirited Away)

Also explained before! The "dullness" or "emptiness" that they try to fill, meek loneliness and general feeling of being left out or misunderstood. Among other things

Vera as Nausicaa (Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind)

Kind of also a vibe one? But Nausicaa has a very nurturing and kind disposition that I can see as Vera based on the fact that she was the eldest of the pets at her home. I also associate Vera with environmental themes and nature imagery which is very prominent in the movie.

Will add onto this when more things come to mind! Sorry if it's inaccurate, wrote this on a whim and on vibes alone. Just throwing ideas out there!

OCs belong to:

@sotogalmo @lookatmysillies @apriciticreveries @rockwgooglyeyes @ivanttakethis @bittersweet-adagio @azureitri @aakaneeee @heycloseyoureyes

[annymation]

The au about the transformation of Aster into a black hole sounds like a horror au now I'm going to have nightmares((( Write something else about the Star!Asha and the Human!Aster, please, I really like this au as well as the Kingdom of Wishes

Well thank you! I've always wanted to write darker stuff heheheh

But yeah I do owe you all some wholesome scenes don't I? So let's explore the Role Swaps Au a lil bit!

So how about we go with the scene Star!Asha and Human!Aster are at Aster's old home and they start getting to know each other better? Well, Aster isn't an artist in this AU, he's a musician, so unlike the original rewrite, Star!Asha wouldn't get in a sketch book, she'd get in a music sheet.

Here's how that'd play out:

Aster and Asha were now inside Aster's old home, it was quite tidy up despite being abandoned for years. Aster was humming to himself the song Asha sang earlier, "I'm A Star" while trying to play it on his grandfather's mandolin

"Shouldn't you be going to sleep?" Asked the star girl while exploring each and every thing inside the house, she had a radiant smile that only grew bigger and bigger with every new thing she found "I've seen that humans do that a lot at night, must be important"

"How can I possibly sleep? After I just wished upon a star and somehow that brought down a magical princess from the sky?" They asked, still astounded that this is all really happening and it's not just a dream

"Hihihi I'm not a princess silly, I just chose to look like one cause... Well, you seemed like you could use some inspiration to figure out what to do, and princesses often inspire people in fairytales" She explained while floating above Aster

"I guess so, but what does that make me though? Your knight or something? Heheheh" He said more so jokingly, referring to how he'll have to hide her and keep her safe from the royals

"I don't see why not, you're already handsome like one after all" Asha smiled innocently, stating that as if it was simply something obvious

Aster's eyes widened and his cheeks turned bright red. Did the most beautiful and literally etherial girl he has ever seen really think they were "handsome"???... Nah, that's probably how she treats anyone, Aster is just an average guy.

He stutters trying to think of something to change the subject, still blushing as red as a tomato "Hah-a umm Thanks??? UH- You- you sang just like a-a princess too heh heh" Aster feels himself growing even redder

"Awwn thanks!" Asha didn't seem to notice how flustered he was at all "I'm sure you have a beautiful singing voice too! Can you play for me? Pleeeeeaaaseee" the star adorably asked, her eyes sparkled with what seemed to be little stars twinkling inside her pupils

"... Maybe later, I get rather shy when playing in front of people I've just met" He said, looking at his grandfather's mandolin with downcast eyes

"Oh... That's alright!" Asha was sad for a second but her smile quickly returned as she got an idea "I can play your songs instead!"

And with that, Asha jumped inside Aster's note book, where he composes and writes his music sheets. She turns herself into a black and white drawing, dancing through the pages, stepping on each note, magically making music come from the book. Aster gazes in awe and laughs as she uses the notes to make funny sounds and melodies while the two continue chatting through the night.

........

And that's it, hope you liked this little piece of Star! Asha and Human! Aster!

[feastingonfanfiction]

Waiting on the red string of fate

Alt ending 4 (chapter 3e)

Tanya Denali x fem!reader

Chapter 3e: Found you in Flowerbeds

Summary: You were drinking, but Tanya finds you else where in the night.

A/N: it's been a bit. Hope life's been treating you well, dear readers. I struggled a bit to write out this one 3e, but here it is. Consider reading the warnings for this one if you haven't already.

Bon Appétit, happy readings of another serving of angst.

Read the other parts on the materlist menu

Or start here at part 1

Warnings: This chapter I should warn that though I didn't write any scenes of what happened to MC, you can draw assumptions that it falls under non-con murder death aspects. And if the idea of implied stuff like that upsets you, please do not read.

There's also the usual warnings of ANGST(you should expect it at this point), hanahaki that has its own set of warnings(choking on flowers, blood, etc), and character death.

Her fated POV

You were in a bar or nightclub or whatever in a city too big and lively to care, sitting at the bar you nurse your drink, one of many you've had this night. You're not sure you're happy with the amount you've been drinking since your travels started, but you discovered for some reason it felt like the alcohol fought off the flowers if just for a bit, as it took your mind off the pain of your heart, clearing the airway, but once the intoxicated effects wore off the plants would be back.

You were currently tipsy, and you were free from the pain that your heart had of thinking of your blonde soulmate with someone else somewhere off in the world.

Occasionally you'd chat your heart aches away with the bartender, but today it seemed people came up to you to chat, some creepy but thank god that they eventually went away, you did end up chatting with a blonde stranger equally as intoxicated as you, she was wonderful company, you wish you could fall in love with someone else, to move on, but the flowers were a clear indication that it wasn't possible.

Eventually, you had to head back, calling it a night and heading towards the door. This bar was within an alleyway, and your hotel was near one direction. Too intoxicated and unaware of the eyes on you.

You shouldn't have walked alone.

Tanya's POV

Following the string to a massive city, Tanya felt she was close. Something didn't feel right earlier in the night when she still had a couple of miles until she reached the city limits, the sense of wrong growing, causing her to quicken her pace. Something deeply unsettling sent a chill through her bones, screaming at her senses.

Once in the city, she walked on following the string. Moving past towering skyscrapers and office buildings, moving past hotels and back alleys with few people who traverse the nights passing by without a second glance, until she notices your string trailing down a dark alley. Following after it, she sees it enter a bar. Perhaps you were still there? she fixes up her appearance before going in, hoping to make the best impression she can when she meets you. Eyes scanning the surroundings when she enters and then back to looking at the string that connects to you, she walks through, but to no avail as the string heads back out the door. Her heart falls a little bit at that. She missed you, who knows how long since you'd been here. She quickly leaves and runs after the string. Perhaps you were nearby.

Your string led out of the city. This didn't make sense to her. As she walked farther and farther where woods started to form around her as she followed your string down the highway road. Eventually, your string stopped and turned into the woods. She looks over seeing fresh tire tracks, having recently pulled over who knows how long ago. We're you left behind? Perhaps you called a cab? Why are you going into the woods at this time of night? Perhaps you were going camping or had a cabin along the way? More questions were raised as she walked through the forest. The air had some parts floral notes whilst there were hints of...a coppery scent? It was very faint. Perhaps a hunter caught something.

As she walked further in, the road to you felt endless at this point of night. She hoped you were okay, that you chose something warm for this cold night.

It had been a long while of walking, and she can't help but speed up just a bit, her impatience to finally meet you mixed along with the worry for why you were out here.

She eventually sees a head of her your string stopping around the bend of a tree, finally is all she can think, readjusting her outfit whilst she walks, you hadn't made any sounds of movement and she was too focused on the moment.

Rounding the bend as her eyes follow her soulmate string, she stops. If she needed to breathe, she would feel like all the air had been stolen from her. As she looks, all she can see is her string leading directly into the earth.

She stands in front of a plot of earth to where her string leads her. Freshly disturbed dirt having been dug up from what it looks to be very recently, and out from the dirt came flowers where the coppery scent she noted earlier permeated the air.

Why did her string lead her to this flower bed...

Her string led directly into the dirt...

Her soulmate string led directly into this...

Tanya quickly rushes forward after a second to process this

Dropping to her knees, she digs with her hands, trying to dig away the clumps of dirt where your string led to.

Her whispers of no on repeat like a broken record, this can't be, please don't let it be is all she can think, hoping to whatever divine being is out there that it's not what she thinks it is.

Digging and digging until eventually her hands hit something squishy and not softened loose dirt texture, quickly working to unearth what she find, she finds a face with closed eyes, where the flowers had come up from where your mouth was.

She works to dig away all the dirt, slowly uncovering you.

She eventually removes enough that she's able to pull your upper torso to her in a sitting position.

Your clothing was disheveled, dirt caked your clothes and face, and trails of blood lead down your head. Trails also came down your chin where the flowers grew from.

Your arms show remnants of bruise from some altercation as your body goes through rigor mortis. Your scent strong, but there's some other scent, another persons all around you, someone hurt you, someone killed you and left you here hoping to hide what they had done.

It's subtle hidden beneath the floral and copper tones of the hanahaki.....

You have hanahaki....had.....

Had hanahaki...

Her heart hurts at the thought of you in the past tense, no more you around, the chance slipping through her fingers as she never had the chance to know you...

She goes back to the hanahaki to try and focus something else other than the fact that you are no more. Who could you have loved? Who did you love who didn't return your affections? How could they not? Despite the circumstance of finding your corpse, she still thought you were beautiful...

The thought that you loved someone else felt like a stab in her heart. She'll never get to hear that story or know you...

who are you? truly? Your name unknown to her, you were unknown to her, yet her lifeless heart couldn't help but break as it felt like a void has opened within it. You were gone, no goodbyes, no nothing.

Was the wrongness that screamed at her earlier in the night, you? Was the bond or the fates trying to get her to rush to you to save you?

She gently cradles you in her arms,

She didn't expect it to end like this

She expected to hug you, feeling your warmth perhaps in the comfort of what you both could have called home.

But now she holds you half buried in dirt, your body long gone cold.

Pain rips through her as she lets out anguished cries. She holds you for the rest of the night, tearless cries of pain, the only sound that can be heard in the silence of the forest.

As the day comes around, she takes you home.

She never did learn your name, no missing posters for you in that city, no identification, no wallet, all she could really call you was her soulmate.

Written on a gravestone not far from where you could've shared a home had she been quick enough. Had she looked for you earlier, she might've found you and saved you from this fate. She might actually have a name to utter when thinking of you. She might've shown you love so that the fate of hanahaki wouldn't have taken you.

She visits you often, often staring at the flowers that grew from the hanahaki, never seeming to go, a garden above your grave.

She did hunt down those of which who took you from her. The raging inferno of anger and vengeance called to her first and foremost, they took her soulmate, they took her soulmate.

she tore them apart for what they did. No mercy was shown for those who created this hole in her being, for she was now a soulmate without her other half.

The fates had tried to intervene in warnings, but they could not step in to save you from other variables, leaving a lone soulmate behind.

[plasticfangtastic]

Cozy Corner Kinktober Day 21-- (3 for me)

Behind the Scenes

A Homelander X Tek Knight fanfic, and Maeve is here.

Cozy corner kinktober– prompts: 18. Voyeurism, 10. orgasm denial, alt. Kink of choice– Exhibitionism.

A/N: Tek is gonna be OOC a bit bcuz honestly he’s only been in 1 ep and god knows what he's gonna be like in S4, so am inspiring him heavily on Bruce Wayne just to help myself here (used to write superbat fics back in HS), so sorry ‘bout that… I also set this in s2 so I don’t think Tek Knight’s tumor would be as advanced as it is in gen V so his hole fetish has been toned down, as I imagined it would’ve been something that slowly progressed over time… from kink to straight up fetish.

TW: masturbation, whatever the fuck is up with Tek Knight Hole fetish, angst, both men are being pervs, Bisexual Homelander, cum swap.

word count: 5.2K

Nothing beats an ex-lover when you need the strongest distraction after being utterly humiliated.

Edgar said no lies as he equated him to a manchild. His verbal lashing stabbing deeply into every insecurity, even threatening with terminating his contract had barely raised his blood pressure. He hadn’t cared… ignoring him and educating him in what he really was… what Vought really was and how meaningless he was in return… more than condescending… it hurt… it made him want to fly to his apartment and burn it down.

Instead he was at Tek-Knight’s afterparty, mingling with lesser A-listers and wondering what had gone wrong in his life that he had to smell the foot fungus on people’s mouths.

He turned to look around after escaping another pitch for his next film, Homelander couldn’t think of doing another film when he was feeling so terribly down, his sinuses burning as he tried to not drown himself in self-pity and crying… wanting so dearly to speak to his brother in private, just to hear his words of affirmation and encouragement.

His sole consolation came in the shape of other members of the Seven being subjected to the same meandering– not that they seem to be suffering too much.

Homelander eyes Maeve as some above average publicist chatted her up.

“Want me to get that for you?”

Homelander turned to spot a sharply dressed man, their shoulders rubbing at the same height as he offered a glass of bubbly.

“Sparkling White Grape Juice. Had to go all the way down to the kitchen to find a single bottle for you.”

“I don’t need it.” Homelander said just as sharply as this Italian suit made him look.

“Your tongue is looking 15% paler than usual. You’re parched.” he replied pushing the glass closer to him– "She's aroused.”

“You fucke–

“The publicist. She is being extra flirty… If I had to guess, she its already planning on how to get Maeve to fuck her in the parking lot.”

Robert turned to face him as a red glove delicately ripped the glass off his hand, he gave it a sniff to make sure it was clean, pleasantly surprised that was the case– even the juice smelled clean.

“I know you think I have a death wish but please…”

“Stop analyzing me.”

“So who ticked you off? Couldn’t be Maeve because you wouldn’t leave her alone if that was the case? Was it Matt Damon over there– he’s so snobby? Or was it in the office?” He stared at him trying not to chuckle, seeing that slight squeeze of his jaw– Is it that new cute little thing? Or a wHole other thing?

“Stormfront doesn’t bother me.”

“Bzzz.” He chuckles while taking a sip of his champagne– lie to all those cocsuckers but you can’t lie to me John.”

“Don’t call me that.” The glass made a slight crack but it kept its shape.

“Thought you reinstated my privileges after so long.” He looks down at the rim of his glass, happy he took a sip, and the mark his lips left behind– have some pity on me. I'm going through some health issues.”

Homelander turns to stare at him, undressing him from toe to head, looking at the density of his bones, his heart for any blockages, abnormal palpitation or growing tissue, his lungs for unusual growths then as his sight sets on Robert’s head he freezes, squinting at the mass.

“Going to try some medications. Just a scare but the Doctors aren't sure how they are gonna crack this titanium skull of mine– oh the irony of an indestructible body being the reason behind my demise.” He chuckles dryly hiding the slight tremor on his voice expertly.

“Chemo?”

“And go bald!? Jesus John… I know you’re mad at me but don’t pray for my downfall. You think people would see my movies if I became ugly?”

“I don’t think it matters, nobody who comes to see your crap has any taste… or eyes.” 

That earned a smile on the other man, as he saw his tongue lick his lip, Homelander had finally found a distraction.

“This party it's so boring– want to play a game, Tek?”

Tek Knight blushes before a snide smile crossed his face, leaning even more closer towards Homelander knowing there was no reason to whisper into his ear, he just wanted to see the hairs of his neck raise as his silvery voice susurrated, Homelander couldn’t help but to choke back a moan, as the tip of his nose rubbed his ear.

“I’ll play anything you want, John. Just to help you smile again– so heads or tails?”

He was so smooth with his words, no wonder he was so popular, always around Homelander’s sphere when it came to those important women focused rankings.

Homelander knew the rules like the back of his hand, just as he knew how this man would never leave the house without that stupid casino chip on his breast pocket, if he knew Homelander was going to be in the vicinity… neither liked letting go.

It had been a torrid and sudden affair– the first time they’ve met had been like a smack across the face, Madelyn had wanted a team-up to help boost Homelander’s image, to have the world’s greatest detective and up and coming TV name staple teaming up with the world’s greatest superhero– It was the stuff of legends.

There was a maturity to Tek Knight that other supes didn’t have, the way he handled the masses was smooth, the way he poise himself and dressed was the definition of suave, he was born for the camera and it loved him, his little warming exercises even had a charm to them while Homelander still struggled to control his secret stutter… deep down he believed they wanted him to study the weaker supe, to copy him, to spend time with him and discover how to be better… he never expected to find himself drawn to him, Tek read him with ease learning how to handle him more than anybody else… he didn't use tricks to mess with him just used his gifts to learn how to speak to him, Tek hated deceith just as much as he did– quick to call bullshit even from Homelander.

He didn’t like the boy’s scout persona either… It was being able to speak freely to set the fire inside Homelander… There was this unspoken rule amongst all supes… Some clung to the belief they were too moral to fall trap to the factoid, while others just kept their mouth shut knowing the consequences would be too great if the lesser flock heard them… but here… Tek didn’t care, he had no desire to care.

Maybe that’s how Homelander found himself on top of him, maybe that’s why he didn’t flinch at the taste of bourbon on his lips, maybe that’s why that stupid green chip bothered him so much, he could’ve ripped it off his hand easily. Catch it mid-air as he flicked it. Turn around and ignore him for the rest of the party or simply leave.

But Tek knew he was too transfixed now watching the gold sparkle under the low light as the chip dropped back into his hand and hid under the heel of his palm.

“Heads.” Homelander said looking at the compound fracture at the base of his glass.

Robert grinned, lifting it to reveal the faceless side, Homelander groaned.

Rules were simple… 1 hour… don’t get caught… each round progressively gets more and more dangerous… they could not go where the others couldn’t see, no flying out of state or running underground, they had to stay where they could see or hear each other no matter what, or it was an instant disqualification. 

“What’s the prize this time?” Homelander began to walk towards the balcony of this venue, not wanting any of the people who caught the coin flip to pry any further– or…?”

“The usual.” He smiles as he follows him.

Close enough that he doesn’t need super senses to smell him, to feel his presence rubbing against him, hithering closer as they close glass doors behind, he can’t never fully forget the feeling, just how Tek made him feel, the way he knew how to touch him and where to touch him, how delicate his touch was for how deadly it could be, he swallowed.

Looking down and thinking of jumping into the pool several floors below, anything to maybe get away from him… feeling like a deer caught in the crosshair of a pack of wolves.

Homelander watches the heads below, minding their business knowing the party was just a couple steps behind, crossing his hands in front of him as Tek takes out his phone, leaning closer until he’s resting his entire weight against him, his thumb presses play– it didn’t matter what his screen was playing, just a decoy… for any lucky passerby to simply see two men hanging out having a laugh at some stupid video.

“Want to play for 1 hour, this time?” Tek said softly, hiding his excitement.

“Jesus, you think my time it’s worth pennies?”

“It's my party.” he laughed lightly.

“Fine. You're so gonna regret this when it’s my turn.” That was the childish glee that Tek liked so much… this softer and playful side that only he could be privileged to.

It really should’ve never happened, the mission was over and the room was covered in soot and guts, watching each other heave, sharing few words, staring at each other for too long, jumping throats before the bodies grew cold. They had no idea why… not after… only that he liked him… he liked John… he liked knowing this secret half that so few could be privy to, it was a rush to be the bearer of such secrets, to see that soft look on his face of bliss as they held each other's arms… but they could’ve never been together, even if Tek Knight’s demographic could’ve been more forgiving… nobody would allowed them to be together… so it was nothing but a fantasy– nothing but a dream within a dream.

“It’s not fun if you make it easy.”

Homelander sighs and lowered his zipper, hearing the sound of his facial muscles move as Tek looked down. 

Homelander stroke the limp member slightly, getting tutted by his friend, he groaned and stroked harder, looking at the monkeys beneath still unaware of what he was doing, low enough to make sense of what they could see, his blood pressure increase knowing how bad it would be, how bad it would fucking destroy him if they caught him stroking his cock next to a man.

Tek made the game harder, sliding his arm across Homelander’s shoulders, knowing his hand was out of frame enough that he could stroke his ear without being noticed from the party, his nails caressing his chin, he hissed wetly as his touch drew circles on his cheek leaning his head lightly into his digits– some people caught wind of them, seeing exactly nothing, just two friends laughing, something cute at most, a phone camera took a photo from behind catching all the indecency and nothing.

Homelander was so fucking hard as he heard the fan make commentary.

“No cumming, yet… you know the rules.”

“Fuck off.” Pre-cum coating his gloved fingers, he watched his cock twitch against the cold wind, wanting badly to just end it, feeling the burn building under his stomach– my turn!”

He tucked it, leaning down, hiding his face as he tried to breath himself back together, force it if he could, but he couldn’t help but laugh awkwardly, feeling the adrenaline coursing thru his veins, swallowing the intoxicating perfume, Homelander shoots a cautious look behind examining the room and the building for their next spot.

“Anywhere in the hotel grounds… we don’t leave the place…54 minutes left!” Homelander hisses.

“How many casualties allowed?”

“2 per person max.” He begrudgingly said– can’t make a scene… too many big names… journalist… photographers… we make it look like accidents.” Homelander looks him straight into his soul– already got Stan Edgar breathing down my neck.”

It hurt him to deny himself, but Robert didn’t argue, just massaging his neck to help him cool down.

Both men smiled at each other.

Counting every tick.

The game began.

It was a maze to navigate, to find blind spots, to discover empty halls and ignored crevices and staircases, Homelander and Tek Knight chasing each other from a distance, giggling like naughty school girls the closer and closer they got to being caught, watching their displays of debouchery with amusement as they grow increasingly more horny and frustrated, they couldn’t cum until the last set or until one gave up, edging until it was unbearable.

Homelander rubbed his aching hardened member against the pillow of some stranger’s suite who had foolishly left the balcony open... Robert listened to his meandering waltzing around the room, sniffing some girls lace underwear while frothing his cock, being just a pitch louder than he should for the other man’s pleasure before he had settled on the bed and now Robert could feel his own cock about to break, his balls heavy and swollen and the pre-cum stain dampening his suit as it twitched around his hand.

Homelander loudly suckled on his fingers, wetting them until they were covered in a thick layer of drool.

Letting out the most obscene moan as he slapped his own ass, earning a dirty glance from the soon to be loser-- Tek had broken into the suite below drinking in their minibar just hearing the action with eyes closed as he stained the bed with pre-mix… as he tried to calm his cock and definitely to avoid coming from the sounds of Homelander fingering his pussy, choking as the wet squelching sounds grew furiously louder.

“That couple just finished having dinner downstairs… you might want to hurry up… should be here in a couple minutes tops.” He mumbled trying to calm down as Homelander moaned louder calling his name inside desperate whispers– fuck…”

He pressed the right spots, twisting his back as he sped up his rutting, feeling sweat drops down his nose as he got closer and closer to cumming, as his fingers dug deeper enough to bring that pleasurable pressure, gasping as the pain had started to become so unbearable.

“Quit.”

“No!” He stopped throwing the pillow against the wall, turning on his back, breathing heavily.

“John… Come meet me in the bathrooms… now.”

“You giving up?”

“No.”

“Then I am getting a cold shower.”

“John if you don’t come meet me in the bathrooms I’ll go find somebody else to join me.”

He didn’t like that tone… he used it so much on Robert it was no surprise the actor had learned it worked both ways, Homelander sat on the bed, putting his suit on after dousing his groin with cold water, glad the padding hid his half-mast. 

Flying out the balcony and hopping back to their party searching for him amongst the crowd of drunks.

Maeve caught him coming back, caught the fluster in his step and the flush on his cheek under the coloured light.

Biting her lips, knowing what was happening… she should’ve known that when these two knuckleheads got together they would either try to out-bitch each other or play their stupid dirty game… 

She used to wonder if he would make her less miserable if he had been able to be with Robert, if his anger and obsession wasn’t fueled by projection… Neither man could’ve ever been together, and he had taken it out on her, obsessing on the only woman in his eyes (supposedly). 

Maeve knew just how hungry they were… touch starved… letting their hands touch just never for too long just constant light brushes… just bumping shoulders here and there for a second too long… Maeve at least found joy in seeing him suffer even if it was returned to her x10 worse.

She took a glass, a canape and followed him discreetly.

He entered the empty bathroom, tapping on each cubicle as if he was a mere human finding nothing until the last stall.

Sitting on the disabled toilet with his ankle over his knee and two glasses of champagne.

“So romantic.”

Placing the glasses on his sides, he dug into his breast pocket to pull out a flower head, extending his fingers towards him– slightly wilted and small, a once vibrant rose bud… but just as fragrant as the rest.

Showing up at his penthouse always carrying roses, making him know what those pretty women in the movies felt when their hands were filled with a bouquet… Homelander had gotten plenty in his life… given many as well… so the magic should've died out... yet here he was a twenty-two year old sheltered boy swallowing nervously as his cheeks heat up in front of the boy he liked. 

Jittery and bashful from a single rose… just small enough he could hide it in his jacket… no matter where they would go… if he could get away with it… if he knew he could… Robert would make his heart flutter.

He picked him by the collar, scrunching the fine fabric of his suit before risking it all on his lips, Tek Knight took a second to react, entertaining his hands as they leap towards the exposed flesh of his neck, digging into his scalp as their tongues twist.

Slamming themselves on the wall letting the unlocked door rock back and forth, Homelander's lips plump as he suckles and licks every ridge, alcohol and peppermint pungent on his tongue, wanting to savor him, wanting to swallow every drop of drool of Robert’s tongue, wanting so desperately to fill this anguish. 

Kissing him was the cure to a million ailments, it filled him with just as much happiness as it made him die… it was agonizing knowing how much his body wanted Tek… how much it missed him, his breath could’ve been sulfur and he would would’ve choke on it gladly… just agony… if he could be that foolish young man again to try to change time... Homelander still wouldn’t hesitate jumping back into this car wreck, he would hurt himself on this soft silky lips over and over again.

Tek pressed his knee in-between his tights, dropping his hands over his arms, ripping the gloves with force until his naked hands rubbed against each other, his left fingers latch on the zipper pulling it to feel more skin, wanting to feel the buttery feeling of Homelander’s being.

Homelander returned the favor, skillfully opening his shirt, knowing he couldn’t just rip it off– that had been hard to explain before. 

Feeling every hurried heartbeat against his hand, feeling every inch of hardened muscle on his smooth chest.

“Want to call it quits, John?” He sussurated into his neck, suckling on the crumbs of heat he could get– come on, sugar. I want you so fucking bad… I want to die inside you…” tracing his chin the tip of his tongue, Homelandeer shuddered whining as the pain in his pants grew unbearable once more, crying into his hand as Tek Knight licked his ear– I want you to fuck me so fucking hard I’ll need crutches.” 

“Robert!” he hissed, pulling his head wanting to kiss him more, quick pecks laughing quietly into him, panting constellations into his neck– give up and I’ll make you feel like fucking Madonna.”

He parted, taking a pair of steps back stopped by the toilet’s edge, close to coming undone.

“Lower your pants. Game hasn’t ended.”

He undoes his belt letting it flop on his sides, teasing him as he takes his sweet time lowering his zipper… he’s hard, twitching in the warm air. Homelander doesn’t copy him turning towards the exit, brushing close enough to tease the man, hands quickly grab him by the hip pressing himself against him, rubbing his length on America.

“I want to make this more fun, you pervert.”

He pushes the door, leaving him behind, stopping by the basin, a wide grin on his face.

“Fuck that stupid fucking glass. You and your weird hole kink… You know Knight… I find your thing funny so amuse me…why else bring those here– You know I don’t drink.”

“To celebrate my victory of course.”

It had been a gradual thing, to witness his fixation evolve, that naivety inside Homelander had wilted into bitterness and seeing Tek’s humiliating exploits almost comforted him… that he broke without him.

They would never be more than a rendezvou, they clung to each other wanting to make every second longer than before, parted by the wild current they still swummed against it, hoping to meet in the middle, content to just brush their fingertips.

Over the years as time settled on them while their hearts remained inmature, Homelander had noticed this unusual proclivity, it began as simple fascination, pensive stares, fingers caught drawing circles repeatedly, burning his finger as it follows the edge over and over… watching him fuck a tree engrossed him, cackling as he got worse and worse, he had been so good that he can’t find pleasure in people anymore– he thought.

Wishing it was him.

Homelander cocked his head watching the man spill on the floor, bucking his hips, hissing and gasping as the bubbly fizzles around his sensitive head and his hole, tickled by the fizz in a way a tongue could never, it was growing warm and sticky, as he pushed the expensive drink with his girth, the cold made him shudder now the smooth wet glass licked his cock back.

Homelander leaned down whistling to catch his attention.

Robert stops abruptly– Homelander bare it all. 

It was hard to believe there was a time where he was shy and nervous, where he had to teach him what to do, where he was too afraid to bend over for him, now he purred as his fingers teased his entrance, pushing in, stretching himself just a tad– Robert mouth watered, wanting to bury his face in there, the glass no longer as appealing.

With his belt dragging on his ankles, he quickly found himself on his knees.

Homelander gasped– guess he wasn’t the only one allowed to play dirty, he thought. One hand firmly using a glass fleshlight and the other spreading his cheek, Tek squeezed and slapped as his tongue drew circles, as it reached deeper, slobbering into his chin… the taste strong and salty.

Homelander had to hold the base of his cock, leaking pre-cum into the polished floors.

“This is the women’s bathroom.”

Both men flinched, eyes and muscles ready to neutralize the threat yet all Tek Knight could muster was a shrug before returning back to his meal.

Homelander twisted his back, careless fingers vaguely attempting to push him away, stifling a laugh as he stares back at Maeve, she looks at the exit knowing there’s a passerby in the hall cursing at the out of service sign.

“Please tell me you haven’t killed anybody tonight.”

Homelander shook his head biting his lip as Tek sped up his tongue, lowering it until he was suckling on the sensitive perineum, biting it, and kissing it, not stopping as he stared at Maeve briefly, not hiding his annoyance.

Back then she was the one next to him in the magazines… always running after her… she was the one that was the most special, she was the one that understood him the best, who suited him best… horseshit, he told himself.

“Only 1 person, my bad.” Tek Knight kisses his ass standing up, pulling his pants with one hand and carrying the glass with the other– I quit.” He grumbled.

Coming into the champagne glass, looking at his load as it mixed with some bubbly before leaving it on the sink.

He took to the basin after taking a handful of paper towels, washing his hands without care while soaking the towels.

“Hey…” Homelander took his shoulder.

“What?”

“You can’t just quit!?”

“I can’t stand her.” His smile is still so charming as he speaks, looking down as the washes off the sticky champagne stains off his groin– go! be a tattle-tell if you like Maeve… nobody its gonna fucking believe you.”

“Don’t be like that… Maeve isn’t going to do such thing… right, Maeve?”

“Don’t care. You can have him now if you want, Ms. Cockblocker.”

Before Meave could answer back, she was met with an accusatory finger on her face, Tek zipped his pants after doing half the job, just clean enough that he could survive whatever was left ot the afterparty but Homelander wouldn’t let him leave, his hand pulling on his elbow keeping him firmly in his presence.

“Ignore her… we always did love an audience.” He turned to Maeve– you stay right there and keep watch, understand?” He growled, eyes flickering red towards her direction.

“What do you want anyways?” He said still miffed but relaxing around Homelander’s grip.

“Just making sure you two weren’t going to be covered in blood… dunno if you know this Knight but there’s a lot going on right now.”

“Yeah right. You just wanted to ruin my fun… like you always do.”

“You think I want your se–

“Both of you shut up! Maeve learn to mind your own business and you don’t antagonize her… she’s here because she wants to watch that’s why! She has what three bottles in her already!”

“Two and a half… fuck you drink a lot of merlot.” He seemed disgusted at the choice– please tell me you had the moscato, it was simply refreshing!” 

“I don’t like moscato.” she chuckles– and am not drunk, I'm tipsy.” she laughs with a sleepy smile.

“You’re just another pervert who wants to see his ex get fucked in the ass by his other ex... so be quiet and enjoy the show."

She tried to wipe that shit eating grin on her face.

“Forget about her and just think of me… I want you… I won… so my price is you sucking me off…” He took his face stroking his neck, forcing him to look directly at him– Robert…”

“You didn’t win. I quit. That means the price is null…” both looked so needy, Robert's darkened eyes almost pleading him to make him stay where his lips couldn't.– suck me off first… please, baby… I’m upset.”

“No, you sore loser…”

“You’re so cruel.” He moped.

Homelander rolled his eyes taking the glass before skulking the contents, Robert got hard immediately, watching Homelander lick the rim clean before forcing him into a salty sweet kiss.

Cum frothing from the friction. 

They danced their way back into the cubicle, grinning as the toilet lid squeaked under his weight, Homelander threw his boots and his tights off with enviable effortlessness giving Mr. Vernon plenty to take a hold off, he squeezed his thin legs, savoring the velvety texture, his cock hard and leaking, Tek took it giving it a few pumps, licking his taste off lips with anticipation, his mind solely focused on John, Maeve ceased to exist even if the stench of merlot didn’t, he only wanted this.

“Thanks baby.”

“Only because you’re cute, John.”

Throwing his head back as the other man took his manhood, slurping and swallowing, each stroke followed by his mouth, Homelander placing his hand firmly on his neck pushing him further, he could feel him chuckle against his length. 

Homelander came hard and embarassingly quick, whimpering as he buckled his hips.

But Robert was glad regardless.

Tek didn’t stop moving his lips, wanting him to grind his teeth some more, he let it out with a wet pop, gasping with a satisfied smile, kissing his legs and thighs wishing to leave hickeys and burns.

“You swallowed.” He sounded so disappointed it touched the other’s heartstrings with guilt.

“My turn.”

Tek pushed him back, standing up weakly, leaning to his side to take the second glass of champagne he had left on the floor before.

“Lick it.”

Homelander obliged, licking the edge creasing his nose as the fizz got on his nostrils.

Maeve grimace was short lived, Homelander hand tugged on that pesky belt, pulling him out once more, stroking him roughly, as his tongue parted his lover’s needless toy.

Maeve sat not minding if her skirt got damp, biting her lips as she saw the blonde get on his knees.

Transfixed as she watched his head bobbed, clenching her legs as the man sung loudly, they spoke with only looks, whispering to each other, Robert encouraging him, to look past the flavor, Homelander groaned, displeased but he would cooed him, coaxed him to keep going, coaxing gently to take it deeper, playing with his hair as the man flat tongue made him see the runnign waters of the river styx, rutting his hips into his throat as he saw death welcoming him.

Maeve hand stroked her clit, taking short breath as she tried to not make a sound, her pussy soaking her fingers as she traveled a little further, wanting to fill herself with anything but not wanting to make a show for the bastards either.

Maeve had to look away, she had peeked into something forbidden. It seems for Homelander had leaped into his mouth, kissing him, burning him, Tek was seeing stars, the mixture of salt and french sweetness coating his tongue.

Craning his back as the other man’s weight pulled him down– he saw his John from all those years ago, how nervous his hand was, cupping his cheek, searching for cues to deepen their kiss, to know Robert had wanted him just as much as he had.

He always had.

Fame, fortune and the admiration of many didn’t compare to being Homelander’s.

He wished he hadn’t been greedy.

He wished he had been happy to just be the mistress.

He wished he hadn’t been the clever one that turned to that once naive boy and told him that it could never be.

He had to cut him out of him like he was cancer.

No matter how much he wanted him, no matter how much it hurt to see him running after that redhead.

He looked up to catch her, smelling her arousal and regret.

“Come to my loft… John… just for tonite…” he susurrated– I want to be yours…”

Homelander smiled, half lid eyes and bruised lips gave him a soft yes.

Maeve ran out the bathroom wanting to find something to wash away the confused feeling in her stomach, thinking of that cute publicist that had been eyeing her all night.

Robert’s ear followed her heels, as John kissed him while fixing himself doing just enough of a good job that cameras wouldn’t notice how disheveled he was, he had done a good job considering he hadn’t stopped kissing his lover for most of the ordeal.

“I’ll be a good boy and get the bath ready for when you get home, Tek.”

“I’ll get the condoms on my way home then.”

“Why? We are gonna run out of them anyhoo” he growled into him, licking Tek's lower lip, gnawing on him until a scarlet drop fell on his tongue– see ya in a jiffy, Robert.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

“I’ll go first.”

Homelander rolled his eyes, kissing him goodbye for the time being.

Ignoring the crowds as they both left to attend more pressing matters.

Glad to meet again as if they were just those hopeful stupid kids yet again.

[wraith-caller]

WIP Wednesday

@tallmatcha kindly tagged me. @no-braincells-inc @nullcanary @fenharael @scrawnytreedemon and anyone else on here who may have a WIP they wanna share :)

here is something from my singular attempt at a more light hearted fic.

“Would you like to tell me why you felt the need to break Head Preceptor Callium’s nose just outside my class where all of my students could see it?” Rogier was truly at a loss. D had been many things, but rash wasn’t typically one of them. Perhaps he could stand to be a bit more thoughtful or nuanced sometimes, but he’d never been prone to such violent outbursts before.

Maybe things had changed in the years they’d been apart. Well, of course they’d changed. Change was the only constant, after all. Evidence of that was glowering at him from behind a featureless golden mask made to appear as if it were peering out from the gaping maw of a lion. Silver and gold replaced by the red and gold of the New Order. “I found him disagreeable,” D answered.

Rogier waited for elaboration. None came. He pressed his lips together and kept his face passive enough, even if he wanted to shout at this idiot for the scene he’d caused. Half a lecture wasted quelling the wounded pride (and face) of one ex-lover, wrangling the stoic fury of the other. He almost wished Radahn had never given up his stranglehold on the stars so that fate would stop fucking with him. Of all the preceptors for D to run into in the hour or two he was here!

Maybe it was a tad self-involved to assume that he had been the reason for D punching the other man in the face, but with so little data, Rogier could hardly begin to extrapolate. The only point of commonality between the two was himself, but how likely was it that they’d spoken of him in such a brief space of time?

He changed tactics, hoping to put D at ease and draw something approaching an explanation out. He’d have to give it to the provost before long anyway. Callium would surely twist this into being his fault somehow, after all, and he would need to be prepared with a defense.

With his most condescending smile, he eyed the red feathery thing on D’s helm. “Nice plume, by the by.”

D was still rigid, and had not taken more than two steps into the room. “So I have been told.”

Rogier let the smile soften up, something more friendly. “The students have been tracking your company’s progress since you left Leyndell. They’re thrilled to see Knights of the Order in person. You could be very popular here, you know.”

Nothing for a moment. Then, “We don’t need to speak.”

Why be precise when you can just obliterate everything at once? Such was D, Hunter of Tact, quarry ever out of reach. Rogier kept the smile but what had he been expecting? That D would see him and change his mind about everything? Sit down for a friendly chat over tea? Maybe even sweep him in close and touch his cheek tenderly like he used to? By every star in the sky, he was delusional. It’d been five years! Why couldn’t he let this damned thing die? “That makes for a very boring wait, and you’re the one who disrupted my class and caused me to have to endure it. So, you will have to deal with some discomfort of your own.” Rogier dropped into his chair and sank low, legs splayed like a child having a minor fit. The toes of his boots were peeking out the other side of the desk.

D said nothing still, and stood at attention like a soldier waiting for an order from his superior. He looked imbalanced and strange without the bust at his chest. Rogier tilted his head and let his eyes wander around his office. This was becoming painful. Had been painful for years, really. He drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair, and tried again. “How do you find Leyndell?” he asked, eyes on the ceiling.

“Pleasant.”

Had he ever had a single conversation with this man? Ever?

But that was just it, he supposed. He’d had far too many. The well was dry but he kept stubbornly sending a bucket down expecting to get anything back but bones and dust. Knowing this, he threw the bucket again anyway, because he had never been good at knowing when to quit. “How is Devin?”

“Why do you continue to speak?” D asked before Rogier even finished the question.

“It is entirely normal to make conversation-”

“I don’t want to talk with you,” D reiterated.

“You punched. The Head Preceptor. Of my house. In the face,” Rogier said like he was speaking to an idiot. Because he was! What’d D think would happen if he did something like that in Raya Lucaria? That he’d just continue on his merry way without having a little talk about it first? Rogier shoved himself to his feet and closed most of the distance between them, leaving D at arms’ length. From here he could see the pale eyes behind the mask and they were as angry as they had always looked. He could imaginethe scowl that was permanently carved on D’s mouth, as if everything he beheld was an affront to him, personally. “Do you have so little to say for yourself, Knight of the New Order, for surely this conduct does not reflect highly on your station?”

“Do you so enjoy lecturing you do it in your leisure time, too?” D muttered.

“Oh, leisure, you say? You think I enjoy this?”

“The way cats enjoy mice.”

“I had no intention of making this any more difficult than it needed to be-”

“Stop bloody lying for half a second of your miserable life,” D snapped.

Rogier clenched his teeth. “I am not lying. You aren’t worth the effort it takes.”

D’s eyes were furious. But he spat, “He’s sullying your name to strangers.”

The dizzying pace of their conversation suddenly ground to a halt. Rogier’s mind was reeling from the whiplash and he squinted at D in confusion. “What are you talking about?”

“The man I punched,” D said. “He implied-” D stopped and shifted his weight but kept his shoulders squared and his head high. “Unsavory behavior. On your part. To get where you are.”

Rogier stared at him, and was it suddenly quite warm in here? Was the world on fire, actually? Why was his face so hot? And oh but he was a wretch, truly pathetic, that someone defending him set his heart aflutter like a dying autumn leaf tossed to the uncaring breeze. It wasn’t that he was so incapable and helpless. He was born to nobility, of course he was used to politicking. And of course an academic life must be drenched in those politics he so despised. And of course he managed to tangle himself in them in the most foolhardy manner possible by spurning the head of his department. The idea of the faculty knowing anything about his personal life had mortified him to begin with, but he should have considered that before sleeping with and then violently severing all ties with his bloody boss.

But impulse control was something D had always had an iron grip on and Rogier could never grasp. So when he surged forward and shoved up that golden mask to capture the mouth behind it with his own, D was likely too startled to know what to do. And it was terribly immature, and brash, and stupid, and everything that Rogier did wrong on a regular basis yet somehow never learned from. D’s mouth was soft and warm and responsive, even if the rest of him was less so, still too stunned to react. This was senseless, a dog chasing its tail, a child babbling incoherently, moths chasing flames instead of moonlight, it was-

A knock at the door and the provost announced his arrival. Rogier drew away sharply and D was staring at him in shock, expression not unlike those of his students who panicked when called upon precisely because Rogier knew they had not been listening. It didn’t matter in the end. D would leave on his assignment, and Rogier would remain here at the Academy, and they could go back to studiously forgetting that the other one even existed. With that in mind, he allowed himself to admit, “I did lie.” He pulled D’s mask back down over his stunned face and held it by the chin. “I hate your plume.”

He turned to the door and set his features back to something pleasant and agreeable, but also adequately chastened and humbled, since the provost was bound to be terribly irritated that he even needed to have this meeting. Rogier greeted him with utmost professionalism as he opened the door to allow the venerable old man inside. His expression was distinctly displeased and he nodded a curt greeting as he swept in.

“I’ll make this brief,” the provost said, not even deigning to take a seat. D stood rigid and tense. “Your conduct with Head Preceptor Callium was most unbecoming, and it is only the seal of the Elden Lord upon your missive which has kept me from having you thrown from the Academy gates by a pair of knights.”

D bit out a quick apology, perfunctory and meaningless.

The old man sighed dismissively. “Fortunately, Callium’s nose will mend, but I am afraid lost trust takes a bit more time, which is not anything you have the luxury of since he was to set out for Leyndell with the others in a week’s time. I am sure your superiors will be thrilled to learn that, and so I’ll leave the reprimands to their capable hands, as my time is too precious for that. Our arrangement called for ten spellblades, and you have, whether knowingly or not, eliminated one of them from service by your own hand and so I have had to call for another.”

Oh. That certainly complicated this situation. D was going to have this unlucky sod as a living reminder of his brash and uncharacteristic behavior, which was likely to result in a black mark on his record upon his return to the Capital. Rogier pitied whatever fool they’d send in Callium’s place.

“Preceptor Rogier, I’m sending you in Callium’s place. Your courses will be divided among the faculty, so don’t worry over that.” Oh yes. That’s what he was worried about, wasn’t it? The lectures and poorly written essays he’d miss out on grading, not the dragon-sized elephant in the room that his miraculously stupid mouth kissed back into being. “You may wish to consult with each other about what preparations you ought to be making for this assignment. But do remember you are a representative of an esteemed Academy...not some ruffian out for a game of fisticuffs.” The last was aimed at D, who was undoubtedly as blindsided as Rogier and so totally oblivious.

Rogier smiled and graciously accepted the provost’s decision, all the while screaming internally and damning the stars for drawing the path of greatest resistance through the heavens the day he was born.

[beardisable]

OH MY GOD OH MY GOD okay.

so i watched the 8 hour jack stream(jesus) aka watched genloss top to bottom again and listened to his theories and stuff(i really vibe with the "kidnapped as kids" angle more now) and started thinking about some theories he and chat mentioned and.

now im thinking with like. ok its probably a pretty common theory, this post was what prompted this additional idea of mine actually, but ill explain it a bit: the theory that, since sneeg and charlie can come back over and over again, and they have referenced like, refusing to do the cooking challenge in ep 1, and how charlie was playing the mouse trap but ate the cage, they have obviously done the same kind of scenes we saw ranboo do, right. and then in the Announcement video we see the same kind of "missing poster" type headshots of them, with the caption "Found them!"

i dont remember exactly where it was confirmed that showfall made the missing person posters, but like. yeah. these images are for missing posters like ranboo had. and with sneeg being caught by the security in ep 3, he had tried to escape, just like ranboo and charlie. and i feel like this wasnt the first or last time they have tried this!

also, during that screenshot the announcer says "our hero will meet a cast of crazy characters, who you may recognize", aka the audience has seen these "actors" before in other things! this is their first live show but what have they made before...?

then, with one of the Very first lines Ranboo says in the first episode, "it wasn't supposed to be like this"... showfall/hetch made it seem like this is ranboos first show and he's being tested for how well he does as The Hero.

I dont think what we saw is Ranboos first time starring in a showfall production.

its the first live thing like the announcement video said but i think hetch lied when he talked about how its a test, i think Ranboo's been here at least a few go arounds, if not tens/hundreds/thousands of times. WHICH MEANS in the end when he gets his memories back... theres an infinite amount of possibility of things they could remember for what they have been made to do in the past :) Bc remember, while this is comedy->horror, it was still relatively tame and non-explicit (at least by my personal standards?) so it is quite possible they have been in more R rated horror stuff, slashers, gore, actual saw, some kind of even worse psychological horror things, but also that they might have had incredibly good experiences like love and joy and community and anything positive too, and to remember all that in a rush... oh boy so i believe it is a circular reproduction, maybe they run through scenes repeatedly over and over while perfecting every little detail and getting different takes of genuine emotion but every time Real and a First experience... some kind of purgatory(omg christian hell reference) or endless torture or such...

ok that got really maybe unneccessarily angsty so heres my other thought:

i love me a fucking colour theory and colour symbolism! it bothered me a bit how like. in the promo game we get ranboo, then green friend/the villain(obviously charlie, tho the villain part still confuses me a Bit since its not quite true?), the blue friend/the taken(obvs sneeg) and then the red stranger/the saviour. and like it would logically follow that the red is hetch right?

jack when theorising said the titles are self descriptive, which i buy into, at least for the first episode context, charlie is the villain role, sneeg was taken(put in a cage and later snatched by the sharkciclester), and hetch was trying to help and save ranboo from this situation! but then in the second ep we also have red puzzler, and red niki? i WISH niki had. any kind of bigger role to build a Saviour type off of her but i dont think she does :( the puzzler is an option, since they make it seem like the puzzler tries to save ranboo? and thats actually a whole other thought like. since we know hetch was not actually helping ranboo, was the puzzler Genuinely helping them, and somehow showfall found out and killed him?? idk ANYWAYS that colour coding falling apart a bit made me think about how ranboo is also red!! rgb trio yknow??

if the titles are self descriptive... well i dont think Ranboo really felt like The Hero much, especcially not in the end...

I think Ranboo is actually meant to be the Saviour.

Esp with the jesus coding! I believe this kind of thing has happened many times before, with sneeg/charlie/ranboo/others realizing that shits fucked, and trying to escape, only to be caught and put back in the production. I think Ranboo(main character syndrome) was in a previous iteration the Saviour, who tried to help sneeg and charlie and others get out of there, to save them, save everyone. but they failed. got captured. once again waking up again with a "it wasn't supposed to be like this..."

and so the cycle continues, and the content wheel keeps spinning.

(ive only been in tumblr tags so feel free to link me any other ppl who arrived at the same conclusion)

[nyxicnymph]

Growing older could be sweet with you.

Xiao x Aether, background Ganyu x Yanfei, general audiences. The first part is not as connected as it could be, but I didn't have the heart to delete it, so it stayed.

PLEASE REBLOG THANK YOU.

--

Wangshu Inn

Xiao was usually a night owl, so seeing him up at odd hours was nothing new. But Aether knew that something was different this time.

Xiao's birthday was in just a few days, after all. He was probably thinking about that.

Aether sympathized. When you live a long life, birthdays get… weird. Some people just forget about them. Some people celebrate them with vigor.

Aether had been in so many places with so many different calendars and timetables, that he didn't know when his birthday was anymore. Usually he just celebrated whatever New Year's celebration he came across and called it good.

Xiao finally noticed Aether's presence. He hopped down, and looked down at Aether's hands.

Right. The tofu.

"You don't have to bring me an offering every time you visit," Xiao said.

But he still took the tofu dish.

Aether smiled. "I like giving you gifts, though."

Xiao tensed slightly. So he was right, Xiao was thinking about something along the lines of birthdays. "I do not dislike it. Nor will I command you to stop." The tips of his ears tinted pink. "A part of me enjoys the attention. But it is no longer necessary."

"But I like to do it. It makes me happy to bring you gifts."

Xiao sat down next to Aether. "Absurd."

"Maybe," Aether agreed.

–-

Aether hurried up Mount Aocang, Xiao’s letter clenched tightly in his hand, the crystalflies decorating his hair in memory of Xiao’s first birthday letter.

Aether was so proud of Xiao for coming out of his shell and looking to connect with people, and he was incredibly pleased that he had been invited to the gathering as well! But a teeny tiny jealous part of him wished Xiao had come to him first.

Nevertheless, he was going to make this the best birthday Xiao had ever had.

He ascended the last little bit, and took in the sights. Xiao was sitting with crossed legs on the table in the center of the lake, his face steadily growing redder, Ganyu and Yanfei were sharing a seat in front of him, Yanfei obviously talking and teasing the birthday boy while Ganyu tried to reign in her partner. Zhongli was present and chatting with Shenhe, to Aether’s mild surprise, though in hindsight it made sense. And of course, Cloud Retainer, Mountain Shaper, and Moon Carver were present as well.

Aether stopped and smiled at the scene for a minute, happy that Xiao was happy, as attested by the non-existent hunch of his shoulders and the distinct lack of frown lines marring his expression as Yanfei continued to tease him. He inhaled, held it for two seconds, then exhaled.

And as he looked across the lake again, Xiao’s eyes met Aether’s.

Before he realized it, he was suddenly in the middle of the crowd, Xiao’s hand on his waist, breathless. He looked over and saw the small smile gracing Xiao’s face, and if he had any more breath to lose, he would have.

“You came,” Xiao nearly whispered.

Aether raised the hand holding Xiao’s letter. “You called, this time.”

Xiao’s cheeks tinted red, and he ducked his head. “I suppose I did.”

Yanfei leaned forward onto her knee and placed her chin in her hand smugly. “This is the part where you give him his ~birthday gift~, Traveler.”

“Yan!” Ganyu panicked. “She’s had some of Mr. Zhongli’s wine, please don’t-”

Aether had already leaned in and kissed Xiao’s cheek. The tiny gasp that escaped the Yaksha tickled Aether’s heart, and made him want to do it again. He didn’t have to. Xiao whipped around and pulled the Traveler close, and gave him a kiss on the lips.

Yanfei whooped, and immediately turned around and kissed Ganyu herself. Zhongli simply smiled knowingly, while Shenhe and the other Adepti just looked on in varying stages of confusion.

Xiao pulled away, shyness settling over his face. “Thank you for coming, Aether.”

Aether brushed a strand of hair out of Xiao’s face. “I will always come when you ask. I love you.”

“I… love you, too.”

Aether initiated the next kiss.

As it turned out, Xiao was right. Aether’s presence really did make even qingxin taste sweet.

[revserrayyu]

2.2 Penacony thoughts [part 5]

**Major story spoilers** as we’re finished the main story here. Going to be chatting even more about Acheron and our time in the Horizon of Existence, the real final boss, as well as all cutscenes that follow, so if you haven’t finished the whole story yet, I encourage you to come back and read this all later if you wish to do so after you experience everything for yourself first.

I gotta start off by saying that I absolutely love how this scene looks. Yeah it’s upsetting to learn that Acheron’s companion here is actually dead, but all the rain falling upon that red glow is just really nice to look at. Of course Acheron is slaying as usual too. I even dig the shadowy look of this man despite his circumstances.

Is Acheron kinda of like a grim reaper of sorts? At least that’s the feeling I’m getting when she says she’s guiding lost souls. And correct me if I’m wrong, but he is the one who wanted flowers on his grave, right? He just doesn’t remember I assume? It also seems that “Acheron” is just a river and I vaguely remember Acheron mentioning one during her conversation with the “Dreammaster” inside the park.

So I guess this is what all that red text meant? It wasn’t something we should have feared but a way to guide us forward, onto the right path? That’s how I’m interpreting it. Anyways, name drop reveals that this man was actually one of the Nameless buried at Dream Flux Reef.

Soon enough we arrived at the Horizon of Existence with Acheron and I’m like 99% sure this set of questions she asks us are close to the same exact ones she spoke of when we met her inside that first dream. I wish I remembered my choices to her questions from back then, because with the game only giving us one option to choose for each question, I wonder if it’s giving us the same option we picked when we first answered her because that would be amazing.

SHE. SAID. THE. THING!!! Acheron real name confirmed!!! Even though it’s pretty much what we all expected from the very beginning, it’s great for it to finally be true and not be a total secret.

A big ol’ cutscene begins and it reminds me of how little we actually received about Boothill, like yeah he shoots that fancy relic bullet up into the sky because he’s the only Galaxy Ranger around who can do so, but he didn’t do much else? I mean I absolutely enjoyed seeing him interact with Dan Heng and everyone else but to not even get the chance to fight a battle with him seems weird after 2.1 gave us the chance to really use both Acheron and Aventurine and test our their gameplay whenever we switched to their perspectives. Same thing happened with Robin too. We walked around as her and Boothill for brief moments but that was pretty much it, making the switch seem kinda pointless to me.

I got no words for this. It’s just an incredibly beautiful screenshot of her. I’ll never get tired of seeing all that red whenever this monochrome world takes over. Makes me regret skipping her every day but next time I’ll pull her for sure.

Yet another line she told us during our first encounter with her. Also, if this is the last time we see her in the story, I’m gonna be sad.

The crew!!!! I’ll admit it does look a little silly that we’re only armed with a hat while everyone else has a reasonable weapon, but I love each one of us so much!! It felt perfect for me to have Himeko in my team during the upcoming fight too.

While I figured we were gonna be blessed with Robin’s appearance and one of her songs during the fight, can I just say that I was not expecting the assist mechanic to be the mother-forking Express?? I had joked somewhere sometime ago that if Pom-Pom were to ever become playable, that their ultimate would be running the enemy over with the train and color me surprised, because that’s pretty much what happens!!

So the final battle itself went pretty well. Took a bit more damage than before but still an easier fight overall than how Aventurine’s went for me. I knew I didn’t have to bring in our dear gambler in since the fight itself granted us shields, but his helped me just fine along with all those follow up attacks.

I think my Trailblazer managed to do pretty well too? I stressed so hard to break that 145 on speed to access that secondary buff of the Talia planar ornaments, so that’s why other stats may be a bit lacking. At least I have break effect at 197%.. is that reasonable?

Anyways, as much as I adore Serval, I had to use the train to deliver the final hit.

Pfft, ain’t no way. Sunday is really over.

Look at us protecting March, aww!

Trailblazer pulls off some last minute talk-no-jutsu to get through to Sunday’s head and with a heartfelt embrace from Robin, I think it’s time to start crying.

C’mon, look at how gorgeous this is!! Such a beautiful sunrise to witness after all the chaos is over.

Surprisingly, the credits roll again only this time it actually feels like a proper ending to the story. It even lists Acheron’s true name, yet March still remains a mystery. When will we ever learn? Who knows.

Final cutscene of the patch begins and what do you mean Argenti saved Aventurine??? When and how and why didn’t we get to witness such a moment with two of Star Rail’s most beautiful men!

Aventurine betting his own life once again.. oh dear, you never learn. Then again, it seems you never lose either so, go ahead sweetie. Go get that promotion you so rightfully deserve!

This scene also bums me out a little because I was really hoping we would actually get to see Jade arrive in game this time around, but it seems we’ll have to wait even longer. Cutting it a bit close to her release with it being in the same patch but at least she’s phase two. I’m pulling for her day one though. I don’t care what happens in the story, it won’t change my mind about her! (to be fair, I’ve seen some leaks about her gameplay and, oh my god..)

Boothill unexpectedly enters the room after knocking out the two IPC guards outside the door and we’re left with yet another cliffhanger. Definitely not as strong as a final scene as the previous two versions but no way a random name drop could match a sudden surprise death either.

And finally, that’s all for now. Penacony remains to be a story full of mysterious twists and there’s plenty more to see.. hopefully. We still have no clear idea what happened to Firefly, then there’s all those bombs Sparkle was handing out to everyone, we still have to officially meet Jade and see what she and Topaz have planned. Sunday and Robin were last seen falling from the sky so they gotta land safely and I haven’t a clue if we’ll even see Acheron again. Here’s hoping 2.3 ties up all loose ends and gives Penacony the finale it deserves!

[some-pers0n]

Happy New Year!!

Fandom: TF2

Characters: Engineer, Medic

CW: Drinking. A lot of drinking.

Summary: It's New Years Eve and the pair decided to go out for a drink or two. Thirteen hours later and with the other mercs joining in as well, they're still at the bar. It's fun, definitely, but Engie can't help but feel something a bit...off when looking at Medic.

Word Count: 2.7k

A/N: Violently sobbing and pounding my fist against the ground. I finally got to the part of my fic where this stupid chapter/scene happens. This has been rotting in my brain since December. Anyways, this is an excerpt from the most recent chapter of my longfic. You don't need to read it to understand anything. Enjoy.

Engie watched in awe as Medic pounded back his twenty-second glass of beer. By god it was impressive.

They'd been in here for a long while now. How long? To Engie, maybe an hour. But, he knew damn well it's been longer than that. He can see the light outside, or more accurately the lack thereof. They'd gotten here at ten and now it's deep into the night. He'd look at a clock, but things were rather hazy and hard to read now.

He wiped the residue from his lips. "Yet another one down, haha!!" he yelled. A quirky thing with him was how he lost any and all control of his voice the minute he got slightly intoxicated. Doesn't matter. The music's loud and Engie couldn't care less. The hangover and hearing loss was a problem for tomorrow.

Tonight? Why not have some fun? Relax. Kick his feet back and enjoy. He deserves it after all that nonsense back at the base. A nice full day out at the bar, bleeding the owner out of all of their supply.

Engie clapped in response. "Hell yeah! Number twenty-two! Think you could go fer another one?"

Medic bubbly giggled. His cheeks were rosy red and his face was fixed into a permanent smile. He looked so goddamn happy. Watching him was an experience all of itself, one that was elevated when the both of you are several drinks deep. Seeing him laugh like that made everything feel less important. Like the only thing that mattered was being with him.

...what the hell was that line of thought? It's what he was experiencing, definitely, but it was strange to think like that. That intense. Feelings. Hah. That's not what he should be thinking about right now. That just made things more confusing.

By the time the Engineer recollected himself, he noticed that Medic was rambling again. In German. He was going a mile a minute. Whatever he was saying was completely lost on Engie. He could barely understand English right now, much less this. The words slurred together into a homogenous slush of vowels and sharply pronounced consonants.

"Uh, doc? Doc?" He snapped his fingers a couple times.

"Und das ist der Grund– hm? Ja?"

"You're back in German mode again. I'd love to know what you're saying."

Medic clasped his mouth, feeling around. "Was I really?" he chuckled. His accent was more obvious than ever, though Engie didn't care. If anything, it was cute.

Engie joined in. "I'll drink to that." He raised his hand once more. "Jessie?"

"Another round?..." the bartender replied, a moderate amount of fear in his voice. "I've already served your booth over forty drinks–"

"Enough chat! I wish to see if I can beat my record time now." Medic rubbed his hands energetically. "Will you join me?"

He shrugged. "Why the hell not?"

Moments later, Jessie brought them more drinks. "Lovely night, I know, but I was wondering when you would both pay off your tab."

"Both? What about Py– Pyro?" Engie turned to see that they weren't there. Completely absent. Now that he thought about it, he couldn't remember seeing or hearing Pyro for a long while. Where'd he slip off to?

"Ahem, that's beside the point. It's getting close to midnight and I'm going to close up as soon as it happens."

Medic spat a little back into his drink. "Mh? What? You're going to kick us out?! What for? We are res– hic– responsible, you dummkopf!"

Jessie motioned to the rest of the bar. Engie saw that the place was trashed. Slashes and rips in the other booths. The floor was covered with beer and whiskey. A far cry from the clean and inviting atmosphere it once was hours earlier. The other mercenaries were loudly drinking and conversing, with the only one by himself being the Demoman at the piano. He was playing along with the jukebox, adding onto the keyboard section of whatever songs came on. It was a lovely addition if the Engineer was to be honest.

"I see nothing wrong with it," Engie said.

"It's been like this for thirteen hours. None of you have given me any money. Other patrons tried coming in only to be driven out."

"Sounds like their issue. Sorry that we can't help it." He shrugged. Medic snickered in response.

Jessie glared. "I'll have you know that I have been running this bar for–" He stopped to count on his fingers– "six years! I have a family to feed. It consists of me and only me. I'll have you know that I work very hard to get the right amount of lead and radiation in my brew–"

"Oh mein Gott!" Medic yelled, a wide smile on his face. "I love this song."

Engie raised his head to the radio, recognizing the tune instantly. Scout constantly played record after record from Tom Jones. It would be humiliating to not remember that snappy beat and trumpets from that song. "It's Not Unusual" was a neat little jig that he quite liked himself, though Medic seemed far more into it.

"I was talking–"

"Raus, schweinhunde." Medic pushed Jessie out of the way, getting up and over to the dance floor.

"What the hell's that idiot gonna do now?" Engie gave a light-hearted chuckle. He watched expectingly as his partner stood in the middle of it and began to snap along to the beat. He tapped his foot and began to sway back and forth.

He was dancing. He was imitating the signature Tom Jones moves. Pretty damn good as well, especially considering he's had over twenty lead-filled glasses of beer. He moved with grace, but also with enough of his own weirdness and off-beat charm. His own spin on this dance move. Engie sat there in constant silence, observing him.

Then, Medic looked back up. Eye contact. A flash in his eyes appeared for just long enough for Engie to know what he was about to do. Before he could get a word out, he spoke.

"Don't just sit there! Dance with me!"

"Oh, I dunno about that–"

"It'll be fun! Trust me." Medic approached him, holding out his hand. Engineer stared at it for a moment, considering his options.

Well, what's the worst that can happen? He grabbed it, instantly being yanked from the booth. He was dragged along to the floor, with Medic holding up both of his hands.

Engie was no stranger to dancing, especially with another person. One helluva dancer back in his university days. Could impress a whole group of girls (or boys for that matter) with his moves.

But, with Medic, it was a whole other beast. It was as though he'd been lobotomized. Any previous skill and technique he may have learned were just completely erased. At the mercy of whatever his partner had in store for him.

He stepped back, then to the left, back to the right two times. Engie followed along, slowly getting the hang of things. Didn't help that he was half a foot shorter, but he had fun regardless. It was a dance. It's not supposed to be proper and practical.

It must have gone on for a minute of this. "Ohoho! How exciting," he hummed as he repositioned his hand around his back, dipping the Engineer.

"Where the hell you learn to dance?" he asked, a coy smirk on his face.

He shrugged. "Nowhere! First time with a partner." Medic pulled him back right up, twisting him and then spinning him away. "That's what makes it fun, no?" he continued, doing his little dance now. He shook from side to side, shaking his arms in time.

Engie followed after him, doing similar upbeat and energetic moves. God, it knocked the wind out of him quite a bit, but he couldn't care. It was beyond magical. The sheer joy and happiness radiating from the two of them was unmatched. From the extra bit of piano from Demoman to the fact only they were dancing. It was a perfect moment.

Yet, as he looked at his partner, he couldn't help but feel something else. An odd twisting in his stomach. Could be from the beer, but usually they don't ache like this. It was a warm sensation, one that only grew more intense the longer he looked.

There was something off about himself, yet he couldn't quite rationalize what it may be. All he knew was that he was delighted to be around Medic.

Soon enough, the song ended, fading out. The radio host came back on. "Alright, folks, that was Tom Jones. Now, I haven't gotten a song up for you peppercats quite yet, but I'll have you know that right now it's approximately– hold on, lemme check my clock– fifteen seconds until midnight."

Medic straightened out, alert. "Mein Gott! I nearly forgot about the new year. Come, come, quickly! Raus! Everyone, together!" He grabbed Engineer by the side, pulling him closer. "Ten! Nine!"

The other mercs joined in, rushing over. "Eight! Seven! Six!"

They all looked towards the radio, huddled together. "Five! Four! Three! Two!... One!" Then, a jumbled cry of cheer saying, "HAPPY NEW YEAR!!"

The group began to clap. Soldier sang Auld Lang Syne along with the Demoman. Others clicked their drinks together. Engineer didn't have anything with him, but he had an idea. He fidgeted with his Gunslinger, switching the ring finger into a blowtorch. A warm blue flame erupted from the fingertips. He waved it around like a makeshift sparkler.

But, as he did so, some stray drops of whiskey and liquor from the other mercenaries' drinks flew at him, passing right through the fire. Without warning, they caught aflame. Mere seconds later, the burning spirit fell to the floor, spreading to the rest of the spilled drink. A fire started right before them.

On second thought, maybe the blowtorch wasn't that great of an idea.

"Oh, fire," Medic said absent-mindedly.

"Huh, that's new," Engie muttered. He wheezed, unable to control his laughter.

"Guess that's the cue to leave, ain't it?" Demo looked to the rest of them.

"I do believe yes. The fire has already spread to the whole bar. I argue this place has five minutes before it begins to care in. I'd rather not die here," Spy added, pressing a cigarette to his lips.

"Ight, let's book it." The Engineer shrugged. They turned around, Medic still clinging to his side. The burning inferno was the least of his worries as of now. He couldn't care less about it or the panicked screams and obscenities thrown at them by Jessie. I mean, it's just a bar. It burning down is nothing that bad.

"Did you do that?" Medic asked. Engineer noticed his weight becoming heavier, as he acted more like a crutch to Medic than anything else. His partner leaned on him, nearly tripping over his own feet as they stepped over the flaming puddles of beer.

"Think so."

He giggled. "Now we're talking!" They both exited the bar, walking into the parking lot. "Come on, Herr Engineer, do we have to go back to the base? Can't we just stay out? It's been forever since we've kidnapped somebody..." Medic's words were slurred and hard to hear.

"We've already been drinking for ages now, doc. Kinda just wanna go back home."

"Oh please! When has th– hic– that ever stopped anybody?"

"Christ, just how drunk are you?"

"I want to put myself in critical condition and barely still alive just so I can go to heaven and see God and spit in his face... Wouldn't that be funny?"

"...that answers that question." Engie was practically carrying Medic now. He was putting every bit of energy to keep him upright and from falling over.

Eventually, they came back to the car. Engie reached for his keys and tried the door, only to then see it rolled down out of nowhere. It gave him quite a fright, but he calmed down upon seeing who was in the driver's seat.

Pyro stared back at them, cocking his head to the side.

"Oh hey, smokes!" Engie grinned. "What are you doin' in here?"

Pyro covered his ears. "Mhh mhmn."

"Too loud? Can't blame you. God, I can already tell my ears are gonna be ringing like nothing else tomorrow."

"Who are you talking to?" Medic muttered. "Oh, hello, Herr Pyro." He waved. Pyro waved back.

"You mind drivin' us? I don't think I can walk straight, much less drive."

Pyro nodded repeatedly. He unlocked the back door, letting them in. Engie opened up the door and slid Medic off and guided him into the seat. "C'mon, it ain't that hard to sit down."

Eventually, Medic slipped into the car. Engie was about to close the door, only for Medic to tug on his arm. "Wait, don't leave me..."

Engineer paused. "What?"

He smiled back. Medic's eyes were cloudy and tired, yet full of life and joy. The toothy grin he gave was heartwarming in every way possible. A beam of light in the darkness of night.

"...oh, alright. I'll stay in the back with ya." Engie got into the back seat, closing the door. "Let's go, Pyro. Back to the base." He tapped on the headrest. Immediately, Pyro shifted it into reverse, jerking the car back before then driving off.

"Woa– oah!" Medic stumbled, recovering from such movement. He snickered and laughed. "Mein Gott, I'm so drunk right now..."

"I know, I know," Engie said calmly and relaxed. "Once we get home, I'm going to bed."

"No afterparty? Nothing?"

"Nah... I already have enough today." He glanced back at Medic. "Thanks for doing this. I really needed some time out."

"Mh? Oh, that was nothing, hehe." He waved his hand dismissively.

Engie felt his stomach tighten into a knot while looking at him. He still didn't understand what he was feeling. This was odd. He knew he'd experienced this sort of thing before, but couldn't remember where or how. It was pleasant though. Through all of this confusion, he knew that this was a good feeling.

The car ride grew silent. The calming droning noise of the engine humming while the wind blew by put Engie at ease. Some peace and quiet after all of that chaos at the bar. A little time to sit and think.

Issue was that thinking hurts to do. His head ached and his throat burned. His ears stung and his stomach churned. He was going to have to deal with the hangover of a lifetime in a bit. Sounds thrilling.

Yet, he couldn't care about that enough. He was still preoccupied with this strange feeling towards Medic. It wasn't just tonight that it happened. He recalled several times before when something like this bubbled up within him. This giddiness from being near him. This want to stay with him. What was it? What...what is it–

Right in the middle of his train of thought, Engie felt Medic lean against him. He looked back to see that his eyes were closed. Moments later, he was snoring and his neck rolled to the side. His head rested on him.

He was so close. So near to him. So warm. So cozy. It was right to be with him.

That's when it hit him. It was as though he sobered up in three seconds as the realization hit him. All it took was for his partner to sleep on him for him to finally get what he was feeling for that fog of confusion to clear up.

This was something different than being friends. Something that Engie had not felt for another person in a number of years.

Looked at Medic. He was so peaceful and cute. The way his glasses were slightly askew and his breathing was slow and relaxing. He could even feel the faint thumping of his heart.

Engie slid his right hand behind Medic, bringing him into a hug. He couldn't deny it any longer. Everything about him was perfect. He was the chaotic whirlwind that complemented his eccentricities. He was the odd madman that truly got what it was like to be an artist by using the sciences. He was the only other one to see his cold, dead heart and not be immediately disgusted. He was happy around him. He was free to do anything with him. He was himself at his absolute best.

He loved Medic. With all of his heart, he loved him.