#i won't entertain aggressive asks if there need be

[ghostsofharrenhal]

Taylor Swift demands Jack Sweeney stop tracking her jet - The Washington Post (archive.org)

^ Link to the article without paywall

This honestly does it for me. After all the TS oversaturation the past year (and yes, I did enjoy Eras and supported her music until Midnights; Lord knows I've listened to her since I was a preteen), I'm surrendering my [casual] Swiftie card. I've tried to like her as a person/brand (brand is the better word) but now I cannot dissociate her image from her music anymore (I can't "kill" the artist from the art anymore).

How she straight-up acted in the Grammys (the Celine snub then PR cleanup, making the awards show all about her, the strategic announcement of TPD, I could go on objectively but yeah) might just be the tipping point already. And who am I, right? What's one less listener? What's one less woman who denounces TS's white feminism and performative/selective activism?

I've ignored the M*tt H**ly debacle, the Ice Spice tokenization, the Olivia Rodrigo royalties issue which I knew against my will, the Person of the Year hot water, the brat pack upgrade featuring Republican Lana Del Rey, the 'self-made' origins myth debunked, the rubbing elbows with Mahomes, the ever-growing rabid fanbase out for blood, and so on, so on.

As a person of color I just want these things out. If 'feminism' is enabling this billionaire to get away with her crimes (yes, she's a climate criminal now for me, what with using her jet as a taxi to see her newest boytoy across the globe), then I'm not seated. If 'feminism' is shrugging off her response or lack of action towards the fan, Ana Clara, who died in the Brazil leg of the tour, then I am speaking now.

I guess, it's finally been exhausting always rooting for the anti-hero.

[jmflowers]

Swarla Kisses Rated [x]

1. "Don't get dressed." (22nd November 2024)

The loud noise that occurred at the moment this kiss aired was the sound of an entire population's proverbial panties dropping. Has there ever been a hotter line spoken? This is the power-necking the soap community taught us about. Swarla started off SO strong it's frankly terrifying. 14/10 Carla knew what she wanted.

2. "Have you?" (29th November 2024)

When the most confident dyke on the cobbles asks you if you've changed your mind about your feelings for her, you are required by law to stubbornly keep your hand on your hip. Even if she pushes your hair back from your face as delicately as humanly possible??? If Lisa Swain ever looked at me like that I would burst into flames. 11/10

3. "Is that better?" (16th December 2024)

We reached the domesticity era of their love in 0.2 seconds flat and I for one am not upset about it. The way Carla nuzzles in? The tilt of Lisa's head? The repetition? I was not expecting more kisses so soon in their story. The only way this could've gotten better is if they'd eaten each other's faces after this had been a clearer angle. 7/10 Carla Connor saying, “I want you.” plays on loop in my head at all times.

4. "Mmm... truffley." (20th December 2024)

The prolonged eye contact???? The dazed look on Lisa's face immediately after?? The fucking giggles???? The sheer power Carla Connor has and wields for good (ie. my own entertainment). Coronation Street said y'all deserve this. 10/10 Carla can hand feed me any day of the week.

5. "See you later." (20th December 2024)

Have you ever seen anyone look so peaceful about a decision before? Carla Connor said, "Today's the day I kiss my girlfriend in the street." I know y'all were waiting for that Live Sally Reaction and it did not disappoint. I hope they kiss each other goodbye constantly forever. 6/10 The way she analyzed Lisa's entire face before leaning forward made me scream both internally and externally.

6. New Year's Countdown (31st December 2024)

If you thought I wouldn't lose my mind over the image of them off in a corner of the pub in their own little world, you were wrong. I need to know if this was a scripting choice, an acting choice, or an editing choice for reasons. I'm never going to get sick of the way Lisa pulls Carla closer by the shoulders (almost) every time they kiss. Lisa closing her eyes like that makes my heart stop beating. 8/10

7. "Ooh, your lip!" (31st December 2024)

You ever just get aggressively snogged by a woman who's falling in love with you (while your lip is busted open from fighting bad guys)? Superheroes really don't get days off but they do get the girl. I miss the power-necking (literally a month ago?!?), but this was still so cute. 9/10 for the sheer fact that Carla needed a New Year's like this considering she dies like 12 hours later.

8. "Won't take that long." (31st December 2024)

Carla Connor isn't the only one who nearly fainted shortly after this kiss. Lisa said let me flutter my drunk eyelashes at you. The way Carla opened her mouth?? The breathy, "Shall we go to bed?" from Lisa??? The fucking forehead lean???? I am too goddamn gay for this to be on my screen. How did we get a month into this relationship and already reach 8 kiss scenes? 10/10 thanks Coronation Street for the gay rights.

9. "Please don't leave me here." (1st January 2025)

The fact that Lisa could walk away from Carla in this moment is frankly mind-blowing; her face is the same colour as Betsy's shirt. Lisa, woman, OPEN YOUR DAMN EYES. Someone said Carla looks like she died 3 hours ago and they're not wrong. 3/10 because I'm a sucker for the domestic nature of this but also I want to punch everyone in the face for not protecting our sick baby. Gold star for the Corrie makeup department and their highlighter collection.

10. "Are we okay?" (8th January 2025)

Lisa Swain's affectionate eye roll immediately after Bobby interrupted them is like 1/1000th of how we all really felt. She lingered on this kiss for so long. The hand coming up to cup Carla's head? The forehead lean again? Carla's little smile when she realized what was about to happen? Give these ladies a room that isn't in hospital or full of their children. 9/10 we're watching f/f hurt/comfort fanfiction live on ITV.

11. Comforting Hand (9th January 2025)

We're deep in the trenches of this hurt/comfort storyline now, kids. I hope Lisa plans on sitting vigil at Carla's bedside for the rest of their damn lives (yes I'm wearing my clown makeup while I watch this soap). 4/10 because my self-deprecating baby pulled away from the love and support she deserves.

12. Good Luck (13th January 2025)

As far as kisses go, this barely passes the test, but THEY ARE FAMILY. Carla, proper bricking it. Betsy, also bricking it. Good thing Lisa Swain swooped in to wish her wife girlfriend good luck with the most vanilla cheek peck known to man. Someone get them a room and a dialysis machine whirring to drown out all their kids, stat! 5/10 cause I respect the domesticity.

13. "We'll make it happen either way." (17th January 2025)

At the precise moment that Carla Connor's head settled in against Lisa Swain's shoulder and her eyes closed and she smiled that little smile while Lisa declared them a 'we', my heart officially stopped beating and I passed away. Rating this soft head kiss an 8/10 from the grave because (whatever entity you believe is on the other side) agreed with me: that's the Connor-Swain family!

14. "I'm not scared. I'm not." (20th January 2025)

Carla Connor is absolutely not scared. And she absolutely did not inch forward slightly so that Lisa could be the one to decide to hold her and make her feel safe. Absolutely none of that happened. I'm going to forever be soft about all these forehead kisses and collapsing-into-each-other hugs. Rating this a 9/10 for the utter loving, vulnerability of it all. Now, go make sweet love about it!

15. "Ugh, in my dreams." (5th February 2025)

DOMESTICITY ERA IS A GO. They greet each other with kisses, y'all. We're really in it now... we've made it! Coronation Street said have all the vanilla lip pecks you desire, cause they live together. 7/10 Because all I'm really thinking about is them staying up all night in the glow of the dialysis machine making sweet love.

16. "...the best possible future I could imagine." (5th February 2025)

Lisa Swain: Certified Softy said I'm gonna stick by you so hard, Carla Connor. Through sickness and in lunch break. I'm obsessed with how committed she gets to these hand and forehead kisses; how long she hovers on the moment, making eye contact, making sure Carla knows what she means. 8/10 This is what love looks like.

17. "Just introducing myself." (10th February 2025)

Listen, I know y'all went feral for this show of dominance kiss (and it was really such a dyke power move), but this had literally nothing to do with Carla and everything to do with Lisa and Rob's dick-measuring contest. Carla didn't even close her eyes. Do we know if she consents to public displays of affection in front of her estranged, murdering little brother and his prison guard? Grab your pitchforks cause I'm giving this a 2/10

18. "...I want him fit enough for the transplant." (10th February 2025)

Lisa really said, "I know who your brother is now, but I'm still soft for you," and we respect her for that. Even if Carla in this moment thinks she literally doesn't care. Can you hear the cogs turning in her head, Carla? Let a woman scheme. Rating this a 5/10 cause she's got a Carla-shaped space in her arms and I'm mush about it even when they're too focused on kidney transplants to kiss sloppy-style.

19. "Oh, I love you. Thank you." (12th February 2025)

A barely audible "I love you"?!?!?! I nearly didn't believe it myself. But if anything warrants such a declaration, it's Lisa running Carla a bath. This whole scene was so domestic and life-partner-coded that I could implode just thinking about it. 7/10 cause there's hands and whispering and that's like gay kryptonite.

20. "You're gonna be here when I get back..." (14th February 2025)

The arm grab. The reciprocal I love yous. The fact that they're STARING INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES AS THEY KISS. Listen, I am a weak woman and this kiss nearly took me out. Not that unlike how Mandy took Carla out of the hospital like 24 hours later. 8/10 cause I'm about ready to propose on their behalves.

21. "You tryna get away without a little kissy?" (12th March 2025)

Carla Connor certified fucking loser when it comes to Lisa Swain. Honestly, she could've said anything and that's really what she chose. But then she yanked Lisa to her by the neck and hummed through the entire thing and I very momentarily stopped dreaming about the day they'll kiss like it's November 2024 again. 8/10

22. "We can't keep around Betsy 24/7, lovey, can we?" (17 March 2025)

The pat on Lisa’s head moments before this kiss occurs will live rent-free in my mind for all eternity. Carla Connor said, “down, girl.” I’m just over here thinking about the weeks of Lisa comforting Carla with head and hand kisses and how Carla is now returning the favour. It’s about balance, folks. 7/10 for the sheer number of places they’re physically connected in this scene.

23. "Well, that's your department, missus." (17 March 2025)

Lisa Swain popped like a damn balloon with one touch from Carla Connor. You know when you’re cuddling with someone you love and you’re suddenly so exhausted because you’re so at peace? That’s this moment to me - even if Lisa’s brain is still positively swirling with stress and Carla’s is run rampant with guilt. They’re safe together and that makes this kiss pure. 6/10 for the way Lisa’s eyes close and her little smile appears.

24. "I shot my own daughter." (26 March 2025)

Thank goodness for this camera and this lens, but fuck this angle. How am I supposed to dissect kisses for ratings when I can’t even see them, Corrie?!?!? Carla’s first response to Lisa’s confession being to pull her closer makes me feel so many things all at once. They really said they’re a team, y’all. 3/10 cause I’m not heartless, I just want some words with the director and DP and editor of this episode.

25. "Tantrums and hormonal breakdowns?" (28 March 2025)

It’s so gay of them to have lasted all of 12 hours in a fight before they were collapsing into each others’ arms, crying and professing their love. I’d like the look of relief and exhaustion and peace on Lisa’s face in this moment tattooed on the inside of my eyelids so I can look at it while I try to sleep. 7/10 cause I need all of their scenes shot Big Brother style for my sanity.

26. "...we can get through anything." (28 March 2025)

There’s a vine somewhere that makes the exact squeeeeing noise that’s been playing on loop in my head since the moment this kiss aired. The fucking sound of them kissing! The eyelashes, the tears, the l o o k i n g. The SNIFFLE. 9/10 I never expect to be as gay as I am about them, and then moments like this occur and a god damn pride flag pops out of my mouth.

27. "Come 'ere." (28 March 2025)

Thank GOD Alison King is a soap queen who knows how to work those camera angles for her own coverage. I’m sick with the Sappho from the way Lisa looks up at Carla as she is pulled into this kiss/hug combo. They’re so everything I could literally die. Bury me beneath the cobbles, Corrie; I’m here until the end of this couple. 8/10

[narumi-gens]

I would propose this very instant if you brought back the yakuza kita fic.

this has been floating around in my mind and will somehow find its way into an eventual yakuza!kita follow-up.

ink | yakuza!kita shinsuke x f!reader

note: mini follow-up to traditional values (but can prob be read on its own) warnings: yakuza au, arranged marriage, hint of yandere, mentions of masturbation and orgasm control, reader is a brat lol

minors, ageless, and blank blogs do not like, reblog, or comment

"I want a reward."

Kita has only just closed the front door with a mild "tadaima" when you plant yourself firmly in front of the genkan. He hasn't even had time to slip off his shoes.

"Do ya deserve one?" he asks simply, seemingly unperturbed by being so suddenly confronted by you.

"I haven't gotten into any trouble. I've played nice with everyone. I've stayed here in the boring countryside with only my phone and the TV for entertainment. I've been good," you whine with a pout.

You've been in Hyogo for almost two weeks by this point -- at Kita's insistence of course. He said a visit was important to help you acclimate to what your life would look like after you were officially married. However, you have doubts about this "visit" considering you have yet to hear when you'll be returning to Tokyo.

"What kinda reward do ya think you've earned?" His tone and expression are both calm and your hopes begin to rise.

"A night out in Osaka." A quick flash of danger passes in his eyes and your hopes come crashing back down.

"No." With just a single word, you feel like you've had the back of your hand slapped away when trying to reach for something you shouldn't have.

"But Shin-kun, I've done everything you've asked and we're not even married yet! I've been good! It's not fair!" You can't help the way your arms fold across your chest or your pout deepens. You do manage to keep from childishly stomping your foot.

"If ya keep behavin' like this, ya won't be getting any reward." As usual, he doesn't need to raise his voice for you to know that you're toeing a line that it would be in your best interest not to cross. You relent with a huff.

"Fine. Then there's something else I want," you say and he gives you a flat look.

"I already told ya yer not coming until we're married."

You roll your eyes. You've heard that enough by this point in your engagement to know that it's an exercise in futility to even bother pleading asking.

"No. Something else."

He raises an eyebrow and it's all the permission you need to continue. Your posture straightens and your arms unfold to hang down at your sides.

"I want to see your tattoos." Although his expression doesn't change, there's a momentary hint of surprise in his eyes, clearly not having expected such a request.

You wonder if your own expression betrays your eagerness. While you've seen his tattooed forearms from afar when he's rolled up his shirtsleeves, it's only ever been a small taste of what's etched upon his skin and hidden beneath fabric.

Lately, when you've found yourself in bed with your fingers buried in your pussy, your walls clenching around them and your clit swollen the overwhelming and months-long need to come, all you can imagine is what he's chosen for the centerpiece tattoo that dominates his back.

Nothing you envision ever seems to fit the strict and traditional image of the Inarizaki's kumicho. A dragon seems too cliché. A tiger seems too egotistic. A samurai is too aggressive and an oni too vulgar.

So, when the corner of Kita's lip twitches briefly upward, your breath catches with excitement. Wordlessly, he steps closer to where you stand on the edge of the genkan. With the height advantage of the step, you're almost able to directly meet his gaze without looking up.

When he slips off his black jacket and hands it to you, you carefully fold it over your arms. You can tell that something in the gesture pleases him -- whether it's the submissiveness or domesticity, you're not sure. You're not inclined to offer any protest as he begins to unbutton his white dress shirt with nimble fingers.

With every inch of skin that's slowly revealed, you can feel yourself growing wetter, the fabric of your underwear beginning to cling uncomfortably to your slick folds. When the final button comes undone, you clench your thighs together, pitifully acknowledging it's the only taste of satisfaction that you'll see.

As the shirt slides down his arms, he passes it for you to take and you mindlessly hang it over the jacket already on your arm. Your eyes greedily drink in the expansive swaths of color that cover almost every inch of his skin.

Aside from an inch-wide strip of unmarred skin extending from his neck past the waist of his pants, his entire upper body is etched with traditional yakuza imagery of swirling black clouds and blossoming flowers. You don't miss the rice stalks interspersed throughout the designs.

You find yourself entranced by the design of the fox that stretches from over his left shoulder to cover his heart. It mirrors the traditional ukiyo-e style, only it remains uncolored and you instantly know it's meant to portray the divine white kitsune. Your gaze follows its form back up to his shoulder where it disappears from your sight.

When you finally lift your eyes to meet his, the hunger that you see in them is almost enough to make you moan aloud. Your thighs clench together again in a pathetic search for what little relief you can find.

"I want to see the back," you eventually tell him, your voice breathless.

"Do ya deserve a second reward?" His own voice sounds deeper to your ears and you wonder how many nights he's denied himself pleasure between your thighs in service of controlling yours.

The implied threat that he may put his shirt back on and deny you the chance to see the centerpiece of his tattooed body is almost as bad as his denial of your orgasms. Your desperation drives you to your knees and you fold your legs beneath you in a traditional seiza.

"Please, Shin-kun," you beg as you look up at him with wide, pleading eyes. "I've been good!"

A hint of affection briefly crosses his face and he leans down to give the top of your head a gentle kiss. His hand then grabs your jaw and he firmly guides you back to your feet.

"Yeah, ya have been good, ain't ya?" he hums thoughtfully and something almost nearing amusement tugs at his lips when you nod your head eagerly in his hand in response.

Deciding to placate you, he slowly drags a thumb across your plush bottom lip, letting the tip of it dip into your mouth and brush against your tongue before he drops his hand altogether.

And finally, finally, he turns around so that you can see what he's chosen to have permanently inked across the skin of his broad back.

When you see the artwork, you can't help the grin that grows on your face at your own foolishness. How stupid you are to have ever thought it could be anything else.

Painted in shades of black, green, yellow, blue, and red is the figure of a woman with two uncolored foxes at her feet standing in a lush field of rice that's ready to be harvested.

Of course traditional Kita Shinsuke, head of Kansai's most powerful yakuza group, who comes from a long line of rice farmers, and shuns the city to spend his evenings in the Hyogo countryside, has a tattoo of Inari Ōkami -- the kami of foxes and rice.

[ginnsbaker]

Bulletproof

Summary: You're the only Avenger who sleeps in a cell. | Series Masterlist

Word count: 2.9k+ | Tags: Mild Angst, Fluff, Sharing A Bed, Enemies to Lovers

Ship: Wanda Maximoff x Gender Neutral Reader

Requested by anon:

could i maybe request wanda x r where the whole team kinda mistreats them and wanda is especially bad. & r saving wanda on a mission, with this: wanda: “How'd you know you were bulletproof?" r: "I didn't. I just knew that you weren't."

Author's note: Thank you to the anon who requested this :) Not sure if this is exactly how you wanted it, but I had fun writing the battle (my first time!) Hope you don't mind I took some liberties ;) Takes place before Civil War.

--

“You don’t have to be so mean to them,” Natasha tells her. 

Wanda's eyes narrow as she continues to fixate on you, her glare seemingly willing the daggers to find their mark. You can sense the energy of her powers tingling in the air, but she maintains control, stopping the daggers just short of their target.

“They need to know what they’re up against,” Wanda retorts, her accent slipping through in a rare moment. “If they’re going to be one of us, they have to prove themselves.”

Natasha moves to stand between you and Wanda, her body language calm but assertive. “They will, in time. But not like this.”

You can feel your heart pounding, but you refuse to let Wanda see any fear in your eyes. Your choice to leave your former life and join this team wasn't made lightly, and you won't be intimidated.

“I'm right here,” you say, stepping forward. “And I'm not going anywhere. If you want to test me, do it properly.”

Wanda smirks, and the daggers drop to the floor, clattering loudly in the silence. “Impressive,” she says, almost as an afterthought.

Steve Rogers, observing from the sidelines, steps in to defuse the situation. His authoritative presence commands respect, and his voice is steady and even. “That's enough for today. We're a team, and we need to start acting like one.”

He looks at you, his eyes filled with understanding but also a hint of caution. “However,” he continues, his tone shifting, “You'll still be sleeping in the cells.”

Your heart plummets, each word from Steve feeling like a blade to your chest. Being sent back to that room, devoid of windows, with only a tiny bed and a comforter too thin to ward off the chill, feels like a betrayal every time. You've spent nights there, shivering and reflecting on your decision to join this team, yet still, you find yourself confined.

“After several months of captivity, even cooking your dinner, you still don't trust me?” you ask, trying to keep the hurt out of your voice.

Steve's expression softens, but his resolve remains firm. “It's not about trust,” he says quietly, his voice carrying a weight of experience and pain. “We've been crossed so many times before, mostly by former HYDRA agents.”

Like you, he doesn’t need to say.

You understand the logic, but it doesn't make the reality any easier to swallow. The sense of being an outsider, the cold isolation of the cells—it wears on you.

Wanda, who had been silent up to this point, suddenly speaks up. “Maybe you should just leave then. If it's so unbearable, why stay?”

The room goes quiet. 

A thousand retorts spring to your mind, but you swallow them down, unwilling to escalate the situation further. The temptation to throw back that it's rich coming from her, considering she's also a former footsoldier of HYDRA, is strong, but you bite your tongue. 

You look at her, stunned by the bluntness of her suggestion, but also recognizing the challenge in her eyes. 

Her words strike deeper than she may realize. Leaving isn't an option you've entertained, mainly because there's nowhere for you to go. No one left in your life to turn to. This makeshift “family” despite their reservation and distance, is all you have.

-

The days that follow are marked by a subtle but relentless isolation. 

In the training room, Wanda's partnership becomes more aggressive than usual. Her powers lash out without warning, her critiques sharp and cutting. You hold your own, but the lack of camaraderie is palpable. Each comment she makes stings, and with every barb, you feel more and more alone.

At meal times, the rest of the Avengers seem to be in their own world, deep in conversation, sharing stories, laughing. You sit at the end of the table, your presence barely acknowledged, a shadow among them. Your attempts to join in are met with curt replies or indifference. You try to brush it off, believing that you should be used to rejection by now. But no matter how much you tell yourself that you're accustomed to it, that you've developed a thick skin, the pain is still there, raw and fresh.

Mission briefings are no better. Your opinions and insights are consistently overlooked. You contribute where you can, but your ideas are dismissed without consideration. You are a tool, a means to an end, not a part of the team. The realization gnaws at you, festering in the pit of your stomach.

Casual encounters with the team become equally disheartening. Tony passes you in the hallway without so much as a glance. Natasha avoids eye contact. Bruce mumbles something noncommittal when you try to engage him in conversation. Steve's assignments are devoid of the warmth or encouragement he shows to everyone else.

Your cell becomes a constant reminder of your status, metaphor for how the entire team treats you. 

You’re both just a weapon and a first-aid kit at their disposal.

Wanda is relentless, her words sharp and her gaze cold. You have no idea why she treats you worse than any of them, why her manner towards you has turned so hostile. You don't understand why you get under her skin without even trying, why she seems to target you with a venom that feels deeply personal.

You were expecting that Wanda would be the one to understand what it feels like to be an outsider, given that you both share a common history as former HYDRA agents. 

As the days turn into weeks, the isolation wears you down. The walls of your cell seem to close in, and a growing determination to prove yourself begins to take hold. 

You'll show them all that you're more than just a disposable weapon.

But underlying that determination is a gnawing doubt, a fear that no matter what you do, it will never be enough to earn their respect, their trust, or their friendship. It's a lonely road, and for the first time, you begin to wonder if Wanda's earlier suggestion might hold some truth.

Perhaps it would be easier to leave.

-

It’s not like you know the extent of your abilities, but they bring you along the most dangerous missions for one thing:

Your healing ability.

On top of your martial arts training, you provide a sense of security to your teammates, knowing that you'll be there to heal them if they get hurt.

Now, you find yourself on one such mission, infiltrating a den of underground supers. These aren't ordinary criminals; they're mercenaries hired to carry out the dirty work of high-ranking government officials. It's a treacherous job, one filled with unknown risks, and you've been paired with Wanda for the operation.

As you and Wanda are attempting to escape, things take a turn for the worse. You find yourselves cornered in an alley, your escape route cut off by a group of armed thugs and a few individuals displaying unnerving superpowers.

Wanda takes on those with special abilities, her eyes glowing red as she unleashes her powers in a flurry of attacks. You, on the other hand, focus on the armed assailants, wielding two-handed pistols with expert precision. Bullets fly, and bodies fall as you both fight for your lives.

But in the midst of the chaos, you notice something that sends a chill down your spine. Snipers, perched on a nearby rooftop, taking aim at Wanda. Even with your healing abilities, you know that a precise shot to the head would be fatal.

“Wanda, get down!” you shout, but she's too engrossed in her battle to hear you. Your mind races, knowing that you have only seconds to act. 

Without a second thought, you turn and run towards Wanda, your body moving on pure instinct. Bullets whiz by your ear, but you keep going, your focus solely on reaching her before it's too late.

You leap into the air, positioning yourself between Wanda and the snipers just as they pull the trigger. 

You hear the distant release of the bullet, muted but deadly.

The world seems to slow down as you brace for the impact, only to feel the bullets bounce off your skin.

You land, unscathed, your mind reeling from the realization that you're bulletproof. But there's no time to dwell on it.

Wanda looks at you, her eyes wide with shock but also gratitude. “How did you–”

“No time!” you cut her off, urging her to keep fighting. “We have to get out of here!”

Wanda's eyes flare with a vivid scarlet as she zeroes in on the snipers in the vicinity. With a flourish of her hands, she uses her powers to locate each of their positions. A pulse of energy emanates from her fingertips, reaching out to the snipers' weapons, and within moments, the firearms disintegrate into dust, leaving the men defenseless.

Seeing an opening, you reach for Wanda's arm, your grip firm but not rough. There's no time to waste, and you start pulling her towards the exit, half running, half dragging her to safety. Her breath is warm on your neck, her body close to yours, as you weave through the maze of alleyways, your heart pounding in your chest.

Once you're at a safe distance, Wanda turns to you. “How'd you know you were bulletproof?”

“I didn't,” you admit, still in disbelief, and much to Wanda’s horror that you almost got yourself killed for her sake. “I just knew you weren't. And if those bullets got to you, I wouldn't be able to heal someone who's already dead.”

Wanda stares at you, her eyes searching your face as if she's trying to see something… deeper. Her lips part, like she wants to say something more, something that's just on the tip of her tongue but won't come out.

That's when you realize that you're still holding her arm, your bodies so close that you can feel her heartbeat. A flush of embarrassment washes over you as you become aware of the intimate proximity. Wanda clears her throat, a delicate, almost shy sound, and you immediately let go of her arm.

The silence that follows your sudden step back is heavy and awkward. You can't help but glance at the spot where your hand had been moments ago, still feeling the ghostly sensation of her arm beneath your fingers.

You look at Wanda, and she's looking back at you, her eyes wide and filled with something you can't quite name. 

And then, without warning, Wanda starts to laugh.

It's a soft, bubbling sound at first, almost as if she's surprised by it herself. Her laughter grows, becoming louder and more contagious, and you can't help but stare at her, your mouth agape, wondering if she's lost her mind.

“What's so funny?” you finally manage to ask.

Wanda wipes a tear from her eye, still chuckling. “I was just thinking,” she says, her nose scrunching, something you haven’t seen on her and you find it quite… adorable. “You're like a shield now. As effective as Steve's vibranium one, maybe even more so.”

The absurdity of the statement causes you to finally join in her laugh, and your heart seems to flutter at the sound of Wanda's glee.

“I don't know about that,” you say, trying to sound modest but unable to keep the smile off your face. “Steve's shield has a bit more style.”

“Oh, I don't know,” Wanda teases, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “There's something quite stylish about being bulletproof. And practical too.”

Was that a compliment?

You shake your head, still smiling, your previous awkwardness forgotten. You're not only pleased at the first light banter you've shared with a teammate but also smiling at something else, something that stirs deep inside you and that you're not quite ready to confront.

Your crush on Wanda Maximoff.

-

The toll of the day's event is weighing down on you and Wanda, but like every mission, you're required to report the details of the mission–successful or not. Your muscles are sore, your mind is weary, but the mission was a success, and you can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Arriving back at the Avengers compound, you follow Wanda into the debriefing room where Steve is waiting. Wanda explains what happened, how you discovered your newfound ability, and saved her life. Her voice is filled with respect and something more, something warmer, as she recounts your bravery.

Steve's face lights up with pride. “You both did well today. I'm proud of how you handled yourselves out there.”

You exchange a glance with Wanda, waiting for something more, perhaps some acknowledgment of your change in status within the team, or even an upgrade to your sleeping quarters. But instead, Steve simply nods, his face turning serious. “Dismissed.”

Wanda's face falls, and you feel a sharp pang of disappointment. You start to retreat towards your cell, the cold, windowless room that's been your home for months, but Wanda's voice stops you in your tracks.

“Wait a minute, Steve,” she protests. “After all that's happened, after all Y/N has done for us, don't you think it's time for a change? A real room, perhaps?”

Steve looks between you and Wanda. You hold your breath, hoping for a reprieve from the isolation you've been feeling.

Finally, Steve sighs, his face softening. “Wanda, if it were up to me, Y/N would have their own room already. But it's not that simple,” he explains, his voice strained. “I still need to place an official request with Tony. He's the one who approves these things.”

You can hear the frustration in Steve's voice, and you realize that he's fighting for you, in his own way.

“Fine,” Wanda says, crossing her arms. “But this needs to be done quickly, Steve. It's not right.”

“I agree. I'll talk to Tony first thing tomorrow.”

As you turn to leave and retreat back to your cell, Wanda's hand on your arm stops you, and you look back at her, surprised by the action.

“Come with me,” she says. Without another word, she leads you towards her quarters. 

Your heart quickens at her words, and you follow her, trying to process what's happening. 

Is she really inviting you to stay in her room?

Once inside her quarters, the reality of the situation sinks in, and a nervous tension takes hold. Her room is filled with personal touches–little trinkets, photographs, her clothes all over the place–that provide glimpses into a life you've only seen from a distance. You feel like an intruder, momentarily paralyzed as you take in the intimacy of her space.

Wanda seems to pick up on your hesitation, her eyes narrowing as she studies you. A smirk plays on her lips as she teases, “Don't look so terrified. I won't bite.”

You chuckle at her remark. “Well, that's a relief.”

Wanda's eyes sparkle with amusement, and she moves further into the room, gesturing for you to follow. “Make yourself at home,” she says. She then goes to the closet and begins to pull out a spare pillow and blanket. “You'll be staying here with me until we sort out a room for you,” she says.

“Thanks, Wanda,” you say softly.

Without further comment, you move to make your bed on the floor, your movements deliberate and slow as you try to give her space and respect her privacy.

“What are you doing?” Wanda asks, her eyes widening as she realizes your intention.

“I'm just getting ready to sleep,” you explain, feeling slightly embarrassed. “I'm quite tired.”

“No, what are you doing on the floor?” she clarifies, a hint of disbelief in her voice. “You're sharing the bed with me.”

“I wouldn't want to impose,” you say, though the offer is tempting.

“You're not imposing,” Wanda assures you, her eyes sincere. “You've earned a proper bed, and I trust you.”

The word 'trust' hits you like a wave, and you feel tears pricking at the back of your eyes. 

Blinking them back, your voice cracks a little as you reply, “Thank you, Wanda. That means more to me than you know.”

“Good night, Y/N,” Wanda whispers, turning on her side to face you.

“Good night, Wanda,” you say, just as softly.

You both settle on the bed, and with a flick of her wrist, Wanda uses her powers to switch off the light.

The softness of Wanda's bed is worlds away from the harsh, unforgiving mattress in your cell. You find yourself sinking into the plush comfort, every muscle in your body releasing the tension from the dangerous mission earlier. The scent of Wanda on the pillows only adds to the incomparable comfort they provide. The difference is staggering, and it contributes to you falling asleep much more quickly than you have in a long time.

In the middle of the night, you're stirred awake by the feeling of Wanda rolling closer to you. Her arm finds its way over your stomach, and her soft snores fill the room. Being ever alert, the small action wakes you, but as soon as you realize it's just Wanda, a smile forms on your face.

You lie there for a moment, taking in the warmth and the gentle pressure of her hand. A soft blush creeps up your cheeks as you place your hand over hers to keep it there.

You've become more than just teammates.

You've become friends.

And maybe, just maybe, something more.

[drdemonprince]

This is a fascinating read that does not tell you what you should make of the author's observations:

Interactions with [charismatic people] come with the least number of strings attached. It feels like they are just having fun, lightly playing with possibilities. They are not holding love hostage when you don't act in accordance with their desires. They respect your autonomy and intuition. They approach your presence with gratitude, but don't demand you stay forever. There is no hint of scarcity. They live in the realm of what is possible and abundant. There is little tension in their attentional field. Because they are in a fluid and spacious yet highly receptive and responsive state, they can meet you exactly where you are and entertain whatever comes up. They can flirt, joke around, dream, and love without restraint. They are not afraid of what happens, because no matter what happens, they know it will be fundamentally okay. I've noticed they don't leave what feels like a sticky "trace" after they are gone. I certainly remember them more vividly and am more deeply touched by them than others, but it lacks the feeling of molasses. This impression of sticky traces is very personal so I should probably illustrate what I mean with examples: I get the sticky traces when people guilt me, are passive aggressive, pedestalize me, ask things of me I don't believe are what they truly want and if I gave it to them anyway it's like feeding a hungry ghost. Every interaction with them feels like they are saying, "please love me" or "please make me feel okay" or "please give me a chance" or "I need you." This makes engaging with them complicated, not because I don't care about them, but because engaging with them is a bit of a foolish game where it won't really get you what you want and will also hurt me in the process, and this keeps me from wanting to get close. I can tell they have a series of tough knots, and they are haunted by them, but I cannot unknot it for them. I can only watch compassionately and try to point them to how they can unknot themselves, and also be present to the stickiness, because it is there. The stickiness accumulates like gunk that I then have to meditate, journal about, or otherwise process. It solidifies and reifies experience, convincing us the set of infinite possibilities is anything but infinite and boundless. It suffocates. Charismatic people are like empty vessels. They receive and pass on sensations without resistance. They are usually the one with the most regulated nervous system in the room, which allows them to encounter other people's ego/attentional structures and dance with them no matter what the exact configuration is, which is why charismatic people are charismatic to a wide variety of people—they literally fit better together with people in general! Contrast this with someone who has very rigid expectations or ideas of what kind of experience they *should* be having and fighting off what is arising if it conflicts with what they want. If a person with a very particular and rigid structure encounters a wide swath of people, the percentage of people their shape "fits" well with is a lot slimmer.

[elia-liendy]

Late night talk at the 24h self service

X x GN!Coworker reader

Genre: Fluff(?), Comfort, One-shot (2nd person pov)

Summary: X was walking to a 24h self service, but you're fighting with a vending machine of the self service zone, as X was about to leave you alone, you end up to notice his presence and since he could no longer leave, X engages on a talk to cheer you up.

Man, idk you can take it romantic or platonic, it's up to you. I personally take it as romantic since it's a self indulgent yume fic.🥀🥀🥀

Cw: swearing

Count: 3.7k

One hand on his pocket and the other playing with a coin in his fingers, X is walking mindlessly to the nearest self service to enjoy his favourite can of soda, sweet and sugary, that's how he loves it and that what he always drank. Just by thinking to drink it, it makes him hum eager to feel the carbonate taste on his tongue, transforming the simple desire into a need. A need to treat himself nicely after after working his 9/5 and hit big on today stream, even if he had to end it forcefully, thanks to the bothersome law enforcement that he had to deal after fighting and arresting a gang on live.

He for sure deserves a small break while sipping his favourite drink plus, it won't hurt anyone, especially not when it sound like paradise to X himself.

Hums to himself happily, thinking whenever he should continue the stream after his drink or end it here for today.

He takes the last turn to reach the awaited self service zone, but his flow of troughs stops all together whit also his walk and coin play thanks to some sudden metal noise coming from the self service zone.

He opens his eyes and he sees you, still wearing your office clothes, but untidy and your hair are frizzy. You look entirely agitated, exhausted and tired, whit a look he understood that probably it was given to you more work to do, making you walk out of office this late in the night.

You aggressively shake the vending machine, it does practically nothing but making a loud noise. Since nothing is working you decide to release your frustration to the machine,you begin to slap and kick the machine.

"Give my money back!!"

You groan frustrated, you're aware that complaining will do nothing, but you still do it to let out all your pent up energy you have gained all day from being still in the office chair even after the hours of your contract, thanks to your supervisor giving you more work than you can handle... Once again.

X stand there watching you bullying the vending machine whit such unexpected behaviour from his dear junior co-worker, and he can't help but find it rather "entertaining" seeing this new side of you.

He already finds you interesting and pleasant to be whit you on the daily 9/5 by both your little admiration for him and finding ways to always engage on a casual talk, he your chair neighbour, despite you using the same two cards: asking to eat together during lunch break or asking help to any kind of doubt you have; he find that time enjoyable, making his 9/5 all more lively.

You wear your heart on your sleeve and he find you very easy to get along and his ego always gets a boost whenever you look up at him for help and advice. You're also never prone to be anger and always try to be diplomatic... and finding you whit the how you are now: ruined formal clothes, wild hair and the exasperated behaviour; it's so opposite to your demure self, he can't help it but find it intriguing, despite feeling bad at finding curiosity in your not so happy situation.

"My money, hahahaha...."

You laugh bitterly while hitting repeatedly your head on the vending machine and when you stop, you go drag your hand slowly down to the glass, making a screeching sound that penetrates the ears of both of you.

You mumble to yourself, slowly falling into the ground whit hands your hair and a hopeless expression.

X despite finding this intriguing, seeing you like this, he knew better to leave you alone in this fragile and private moment, hoping to keep this moment for yourself only. But before he could anything, even snap his finger and teleport away, you turned around looking at him, your expression is molded to a glaring frown.

The both of you freezed for different reasons: You're completely frozen by the sight of the number one hero, X himself, looking at you. A you that is pathetically sitting in front of a vending machine whit messy clothes and hair, you feel the shame reaching to your face painting it red.

"...."

You continue to stand there quietly still looking shocked before bitterly laughing by the absurdity of such situation.

As for X, he found himself surprised by your sense, and he was frozen not knowing what to do, but hearing you laugh als made him laugh too, joining whit you... Even if you're laughing for different reason.

You use the vending machine to stand up, yet you still move wobbly, you're not considering fixing your presence in front of the number one hero, you're too tired to even find an ounce of self composure.

"the vending machine is broken. I suggest you go to another."

Your voice screeches thanks to the dry and strained vocal cords, you turn to give one last glare the vending machine while stepping away whit a pissed expression that got stamped on your face since you got out of work.

"Really? Are you sure of that?"

X begins to re-play whit the coin as he walks towards the vending machine confident of himself and that pissed you more than you're already are. Of course you're sure of that, you're fought whit this vending machine for 20 minutes.

"Oh~my, of course monsieur X, I am quite delighted to inform you that thay machine, that sells thay eatables goods is malfunctioning in upsetting ways."

You bow at him whit heavy sarcasm and false teatrism while gifting him a deadly glare. He chuckles enjoying your sarcasm that came whit this new side of yours, maybe bit too much, a side that he hardly believes that he would meet as your co-worker.

"Well you will never know till you try yourself."

X glance at you with, on your opinion, an annoying smile that's always stamped on his stupid face. His hands continue to play with coin while slowly inserting it in the coin slot and then pressing the first number.

"...."

You cross your arms, biting your lips and hold yourself back to curse at him, but containing yourself isn't helping, it's only irritating you even more. To release your frustration you decided to began tap your feet repeatedly, but the noise increased your irritation and the fact someone is near you seeing like this, is upsetting you even more.

"Whatever. I bet you're loooaaaded with of money Mister Number One. To you, one little coin means nothing."

He looks at you, aware of your unawareness about the fact you couldn't be more wrong and that makes him smile even more.

He works the same 9/5 as you, well it's true he have a bigger salary than you, by just the simple fact you just got hired three months ago. Plus he gets extra money from X streams, but he ever hardly uses them, it would be highly suspicious if he used them mindlessly as the single minded office worker he is supposed to be. So he gives most of those money in donations to little and trustworthy organisations.

You look at him and he looks at you, silence is expanding, he's smiling at you but he isn't responding.

He just stand there and you glare at him, disliking his non-reaction reaction, the silence is cutting and you dislike silence, you always feel on edge when there is silence piercing your ear; that is also why you always work whit music whit one earpod.

Tension begins to grow in your mind, slowly becoming unbearable for your already overwhelmed self, the irritation also continues to grow and it's consuming your lucidity and you hate it, your feet tapping gets faster and you begin to scratch your arms aggressively while still keeping them crossed.

You dislike being angry on itself and you defenely hate seen by others like thins whit the possibility to lash out, even passively, to the next person; even if said next person is smiling like he is enjoying your irritation whit that smug smile and keen stare...

And... He is, in fact, enjoying it. He is enjoying everything in this conversation, he is making sure to register every little reaction of yours and can you blame him? This new side is all even more interesting to him.

Whit X, you don't hold admiration and the interaction feels all more true and raw, which considering it's quite paradoxical: he is now appearing as X the number one hero, loved and trusted by the people, someone considered invincible and powerful by his followers and yet you treat such special individual like a normal person, while the admiration is reserved for your co-worker, the real him.

Is it because X first meeting happened whit you already being upset? Or is it because you don't care about X opinion of you? Either way he can hardly keep himself to smile even more in front of you, even if he doesn't want to upset you even more, truthfully said he want to calm you down, you look terrible both physically and mentally and you're also hurting yourself by scratching too hard on your arm, it's that he find this side of you unknown and he want to explore it.

You cannot take it anymore, how long this uncomfortable and long silence will continue? your fear thinks it won't stop stretching till you won't do something, because he, for sure, is doing nothing but smiling like a statue.

You look at him uncomfortable while you take a step back, hoping that such reaction will bring him to speak, look away or anything to break this unbearable silence, but it doesn't... he stand there still smiling.

You look at him bewildered and unsettled, what is happening? Did he froze? You think as you decide to try walk closer to him, even if you're high key intimidated of him right now, but you need to do something for your anxious heart.

Walking away is too rude; you consider speaking to him, but your voice was already screeching before and you can only imagine the shame you would feel when your voice breaks the silence whit a screech followed by a cough... You're cringing by just imagining it.

So the only reasonable and appropriate thing to do is tap his shoulders and see if he moves or something.... Seriously is this how the most trusted hero act? You hardly believe yourself on what you're seeing.

You take the first step and you look at him, hoping some reaction from him, but nothing he still stand there frozen, so you take another step and see if he reacts but he still does nothing, so every time he doesn't react you take a step closer.

Look and step,

Look and step,

Look and step till you were right in front of him, looking at him whit a frown

You trough he was spacing out, like you usually do, but no... that bastard, was looking at you and he even had the audacity to move down his head to still look at your face correctly as he continues to smile, how annoying and extremely humiliating. You want to say something, to get mad at him or to make fun of him, but your sense of shame is stopping you in doing so, you feel your blood rushing trough your face and your muscles remaining still yet tense.

X didn't do nothing because he was considering his actions and the possible outcome of them, like the chess nerd he is. But then seeing you slowly walk to him like a scared puppy, he decided to see what you were trying to do, yet seeing you freeze in your shame after you just came in front of his face, or better his chest, he decided it was the moment for him to ease your one sided tension.

He takes a moment to think before looking at the vending machine and to change into a different topic: he decided to see if it was truly broken, he pressed the last digit to select the soda he wanted to buy so much before meeting you... And to the surprise of both of you, the vending machine began to move as the sound of it's engine broke the silence.

X laughed satisfied by this outcome and goes to check your reaction: you're looking at the vending machine whit wide eyes and mouth with frowning eyebrow, hardly believing on what you're seeing, you stood in front of this stuck vending machine for 20 minutes. You were fighting whit it for 20 minutes. but it did nothing.

Your expression shift to one of anger and X began to laugh, upsetting you even more as you give him a middle finger, you don't like how also fate joined in to make fun of you whit X.

"Fuck you."

you avoid looking the vending machine and especially X whit his irritating smile, but also what irritated you even more, is the fact he got the same thing you failed to buy.

You don't know if it's a casual coincidence or if he knew and did it out of spite.

"I didn't do nothing."

After to reaching the can of soda he goes to rest his eyes on you once again and he easily saw that you wanted the soda since you were intensely staring at it, so he decided to give it to you.

He moved his hand and resting the can in front of your face seeing if you would take it. You look at him confused and irritated as you frown even more, not getting his hint, he could easily read that you look his actions as a mockery.

"You can take it."

He sigh, but despite his shown reaction he does appreciate the fact you're easy to read, it's rather endearing.

He pushes the end of the can into your forehead just to tease you a little, the cold aluminium of the can makes you shiver as you look at him surprised before stepping back flustered, you touch your forehead as you look the can of soda that he hold and lightly shakes in frot of your eyes, you take a moment to look at him before using the same hand that was in your forehead to get the can.

"Thank you..."

You said quietly, not expecting such little act of kindness from him, you hold the can whit both of your hands while looking at him, for once you don't find his smile irritating, but rather comforting and nice to gaze at.

But despite that you feel a sense of uneasiness and discomfort, you feel like you owe him something for the drink, unaware that your face is showing what you're feeling right now, it made X sigh, being this easy to read isn't good for you, even if it's a traits that he likes about you. He worries about the possibility of his dear co-worker being easily exploited by those whit ulterior intension.

"You don't owe me nothing, and especially you don't owe me an explanation."

You jump surprised and confused, yet still comforted by him once again, you feel a certain weight lifting you off from your shoulder.

You unconsciously smile as you eyes fall to the can, your appreciation is shown once again in your face and the way you gently hold the soda... that feel like a reward for him, seeing his dear co-worker mood finally lifting up, your smiles are warm like ray of sun he now rarely enjoys since he became a hero.

"Do you like this can of soda?"

You ask at X while you open the can, the sound of a opening can it's always something your ears appreciate, the aluminium opening and the frizziness of the soda gets louder as it interacts whit the oxygen.

"I never tried personally..."

You continue to act like you didn't ask the question, even if you did notice that X didn't answered, yet you didn't mind, you're aware that every little detail could be crucial for a hero secret identity. But that what's your mind think, in reality X was just thinking that he wish he had enough coins whit him to buy another can of soda, but he sadly ran out of coin, still he doesn't regret giving it to you, your genuine expression of appreciation are always priceless to him, that another added reason why he likes when you ask for his help.

"...I always seen my co worker drink it... So I got curious on how it tasted... But I always felt ashamed to ask him."

You explain flustered realising only after you finished speaking that you still end up over explaining yourself, you sigh and laugh to ease your nerves.

X stands there silent, aware on how much shy and hesitant you're whit him as your co-worker, he wonders if it's the admiration? Or your social anxiety? Maybe it's both? But for sure he wants to use this opportunity to know more what you think about him or to know you better.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind if you asked him."

And since you're talking about him in front of him, he feels like that he at least owes you some moral support, the little guilt slowly dissapear as this conversation is getting too interesting for him as he doesn't want to let go of such rare and ironic opportunity.

"I think so too... It's, just... I don't know, probably my fears are covering my ears and eyes."

You're self aware of your anxiety, but you don't know how to act upon it.

You look the soda unsure if you truly want to drink it, you slowly put the can under your nose to examine the smell of the soda, unsure if you will even like it after all you're not a fan of carbonate drinks.

X knows the smell from memory, strawberry but added frizz that makes the nose itches, such smell makes him smile, yet your face frowns in disgust making you even more reluctant to drink it now.

"You know how it taste like?"

You ask X, scared even to try it. You already feel nauseous from the smell, you don't want to puke in front of him, especially out of cordiality and respect, since he is the one that gifted the can to you.

"It's a carbonate sweet soda that give an aftertaste of strawberry."

Hearing that, you decided to give back to him, holding back the gag reflex still out of respect for the nice gesture.

"It's all yours...thank you for the gesture, I really appreciate it, but I think I will for sure not like this drink."

X takes the soda watching you step back feeling nauseous by just imagining the taste.

It surprises him, he trough by the way you look and act, you would be another fan of sweets and strawberry like him,but it seem he misjudged you... Well better for him, he still uplifted your mood and still got the privilege to finally sip his awaited sugary and carbonate taste.

As he begin to chug down the soda, he can hear you taking deep breaths to forget about the smell you obviously disliked and he thinks, but his mind there is a question that is tormenting him to let it out....

"Are you scared of him?"

He says aware that his curiosity is getting the better end of him, but it's not like he is even fighting against it.

You turn around a bit surprised by his question, not expecting to be curious about such unimportant thing for the number one hero.

"..."

You take a moment as you look at X and then look to the ground as your back goes to rest on a close wall, before deciding to awnser, it's not like X gains anything from talk, you think, but only if you knew the truth you would be fuming.

"I'm not scared of him, I'm scared of shame."

You look at the sky hopeless, X looks at you, the both of you deep in the trough, making the silent full of meaning between the two of you.

"Do you think he is the type to judge?"

He ask, unsure of your awnser despite the talk it's about himself, yet when you look at him and simply move your head to signal a no whit a little smile, his heart slowed down in reassurance, happy whit your awnser.

"You shouldn't cage yourself in fear. Those fears will become reality if you let them be."

X walks up to you and flick your forehead whit a smile of reassurance, finishing his soda and perfectly throwing it in trash behind him whitout even looking.

You leans away while you touch your forehead, feeling the little sting in your forehead as you look at him between a glare of anger and a confused stare.

"Well whatever, it's not like it's the end of the world if it becomes the truth. I always been alone, and be rejected another time means nothing to me."

You slap his hands away as you couldn't stand being there anymore, you already knew that much, you didn't need anyone to tell you that especially you didn't need the hero X to tell you that.

You're tired both from this talk and the previous overload of work you had today. You just want ot take a long shower and sleep, now, because if you don't go to bed soon, tomorrow your mood will be even worse than it is now form the lack of sleep.

X watches you leave the self service zone, he is aware that you're just trying to just convince yourself that you're fine whit the fear of rejection, but he wants to change that.

He smiles, he has taken it as a challenge to prove you wrong, that you're scared of rejection and to no longer be scared him as your co worker.

You disappear he turns around to walk on his apparent, he began to flip and play with a coin he secretly stole from you while you weren't looking, his mind was already thinking how to break your walls of fear and insecurity around him and to be closer to you and your heart.

_____________________________

After notes: man I posted the draft while I thought it got deleted. That's embarrassing 🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯🧑‍🦯

[pressureplus]

sebby x transmasc reader headcanons? i'm feeling self indulgent today >:)

Whoo, Yeah! I'm finally getting to answer this one! I personally have little to no gender at any point in time, and my lovely Co-Star has all of the gender and fluctuates fairly regularly between the shiny genders they've collected. So this is written from the shared trans braincell, gotta support the homies ✨

(Hope you have a wonderful day!)

Sebastian Solace x Transmasc Reader

[Warnings: Transphobia and misgendering (neither one from Sebby) and mentions of Dysphoria]

◞꒷◟ ͜ ͜ ◞ྀི◟୨୧◞ྀི◟ ͜ ͜ ◞꒷◟◞꒷◟ ͜ ͜ ◞ྀི◟୨୧◞ྀི◟ ͜

• Honestly, this fish bastard couldn't care less

• Your gender, job, and species are COMPLETELY irrelevant to him, the ONLY thing he really cares about is whether or not you are going to buy his stuff

• His gender? Shopkeeper. Now give him your data-

• If it's not addressed, you are literally just another man that Urbanshade sent on a suicide mission, he really doesn't care what is or is not in your boxers

• Can't stress enough that he's ONLY supportive when you or someone else brings it up, Sebby never pushes the topic. If you didn't know you told him or that he found out, you'd honestly think he didn't know

• Now, are there ways this becomes relevant to him? No, absolutely not, you are just another guy that's going to buy an expensive flashlight and then die several terrible deaths.

• It's not until one of the other expendables starts to misgender you that he even seems to notice

• "She? I don't particularly see any women in my shop at the moment- If you're sick I'm going to have to ask you to leave so we don't catch whatever nasty thing you have."

• "I think you meant 'Him', as in 'I am going to hand Him my gun and look away when He makes you a stain on my tile'. Do you understand me, expendable?"

• "It's funny hearing someone only packing 3 inches try to decide what is and isn't a man. I think we all know his is bigger than yours is, so if you could shut up about it that would be great."

• Sometimes he's more sassy, sometimes more outwardly aggressive, and occasionally he tells someone off in a way that's a bit more on the side of entertaining, but he does always make a point to stick up for you

• If you need your hair cut, he'll do it. He cuts his own hair and has for the last decade, so he's actually pretty good at it! Better at messy styles, but he'll try a clean one if you really want him to

• "If you die because your hair is in your eyes, I won't get your data. You must understand this is to my own benefit, Y/N."

• Sebastian is... Starting to call you by your name. You're not sure when you stopped being an expendable like everyone else and started being the name you actually chose for yourself, but you've surely become different to him

• Sebastian was born a man, and handles issues regarding your situation completely casually unless it 100% HAS to be verbally brought up, so you are left completely confused by what you did to get closer to him like this

• Was it somewhere between him validating you or defending you? Was it when he sat with you for the first or third time while you were wrestling your disphoria? Was it trust, or maybe pity... It couldn't be pity, right?

• One day you'll find out he's sees himself in you

• He says it like a joke when he starts to talk about how they treat you differently when they don't understand you. Researchers treated him the same way a handful of the other people down here treat you.

• He knows it's not quite the same, but it feels the same for him sometimes. When they call him 'it' instead of he... Sometimes he calls himself an 'it' or a 'thing', too even though he knows he hates that. Do you feel that way when they call you a she? He'll just go ahead and start banning those people for you both, he doesn't like them anyway.

• He isn't comfortable in his own body anymore either. He didn't choose what he is now the same way you didn't choose what you were born as

• Sometimes, his body doesn't fit right, either. He hates that he understands that feeling, but he does...

• He's starting to get comfortable with that familiarity, and with maybe not feeling so alone

• Is it wrong of him to enjoy having found someone he can relate to? If even just a little?

• Sebastian knows it's probably awful of him, but he's making a point to be good to you for it

• It makes himself feel better for a while when you can connect like that so naturally...

• It makes him feel human again.

[fangirlstorycreator]

Alastor X Reader:

Context: When you discover it's Alastor's birthday, you want to suprise him with a thoughtful gift. But would it be one he'd like? And how would he show his appreciation?

Part 1/2

Shouting, swearing and things being thrown and broken had just startled you awake after a terrible nights sleep. Just like every other morning in the hotel. Why did Angel and Husk always have to be at eachothers throats? Just once, you'd like to wake up normally, without being disturbed. But, it wasn't like your afterlife was easy, it was hell. Groaning as you sat on the edge of the bed, rubbing the tiredness from your eyes, still hearing Angel and Husk argue like an old married couple.

"Uugghh, please shut up you two"

This was the 5th time this week they'd done this. They didn't listen to Charlie when she asked them politely to stop, well, with your eye bags and pounding headache, they were about to be asked in a more aggressive tone. Once you were dressed, you made your way down the hallway, with a face like thunder, not wanting them to fuck up your sleep anymore. When you reached the top of the main staircase, you see Angel and Husk at the bar, Charlie desperately trying to calm them down, Vaggie struggling to get Nifty down from the curtains, and Alastor is sat on the sofa with Lucifer and Pentious.

"Angel, come on, let's just go for a walk huh?"

"Why the fuck would I wanna do that Charlie?! I ain't leavin till Whiskers hear says sorry to me!"

"I already told you! Don't call me Whiskers!"

"Then don't call me fake you stupid moth'a-"

"SHUT UP!!"

You scream down the staircase, making everyone go silent. The only ones who look slightly impressed are Alastor, Lucifer and Vaggie.

"For the love of god! You guys haven't let me get a decent night sleep all fucking week! I don't care what started this stupid little argument, but it's ending now! And I swear, if you wake me up with this stupid little war of yours one more time! I'll shove a vodca bottle so far up your asses, you'll be tasting it for a month!"

"There uh, there ain't no need to be like that toots-"

"Oh really Angel? There isn't? Tell that to my fucking headaches! You've both been asked by Charlie nicely to stop, but neither of you listened. Well now, your getting it from me! Both of you, grow the fuck up!"

".............I'm sorry toots"

"...Yeh...sorry"

Angel and Husk both say, embarrassed and unable to look you in the eye, Alastor and Vaggie just chuckle under their breath.

"Good. Now, I suggest you both make yourself useful and help Charlie by doing that project she wanted you both to help her with"

"Aww! But toots-"

"(Sturn look, raised eyebrow)"

"A'right, fine. C'mon Husk"

Charlie looks so relived, she mouths the words thank you before taking Angel and Husk to the activities room down the hall. When they leave, you exhale, rubbing at your temples walking to the bar, and grabbing a drink. In fear of you still being angry, Vaggie, Nifty and Pentious slip up the stairs. Alastor on the other hand, stands up from the sofa, leaving Lucifer and sitting on the bar stool infront of you.

"Bravo my dear! I am rather impressed. I won't deny, I came very close to doing something along those lines myself. But you beat me too it! And dare I say, in a much more entertaining fashion"

"Those two have been driving me crazy! Charlie's sweet, but those two need something more firm"

"I absolutely agree. I must say, it was quite possibly one of the most enjoyable moments I've experienced for quite some time. Even more entertaining than when Charlie's little father came along"

"Eh! I'm not little"

"Aha! You keep thinking that"

Lucifer scoffed, turning away and playing with a little yellow duck in a kings crown.

"I say my dear, you do look rather exhausted. Might a nap be beneficial to you?"

"I would if I could. Even when I was alive, no matter how hard I tried, I could never nap unless I was ill or on holiday"

"Well, why not imagine your on your holiday?"

"Alastor, have you seen where we are?"

"Hm, quite right. You have a point. Ah well, at least you mother'd those two imbesils into stopping their squabbles. They shouldn't make that same mistake again, not if they want to remain unharmed"

"I'm not usually like that. Just with a lack of sleep, I don't know what came over me"

"Worry not my dear, all of us hear know your not a spiteful or nasty person. In fact, since I've known you, I have often wondered on many occasions, why you ended up in hell rather than heaven"

"That's a story for another time Alastor"

"Of course, I wouldn't want to cross your boundaries. Ah! Would you look at the time, I must take my leave. I have a scheduled time to see my good friend Rosie. You remember Rosie don't you?"

"Yeh, the nice overlord from Cannibal Town"

"That's her. I'll tell her you said hello. I do hope you have a pleasant day my dear. (Kisses your hand) And Lucifer...eh..."

Alastor flips Lucifer the middle finger as he leaves, pissing him off, his horns slightly showing when his eyes glow red. They're relationship was just as bad as Angel and Husk.

"Just ignore him Lucifer, he just wants to get a rise out of you"

"Yeh, well it's fucking working. Hey? You mind grabbing me a drink?"

"Sure, what are you having?"

"Uuuuuuuumm? I'll have an old fashioned. Oh oh! And can you put it in a wide glass? I wanna float my little ducky in there"

You giggle at his cute request, he loved his ducks. After making him a drink, he sits next to you too, floating his little duck in the drink with a giddy smile and big shiny eyes.

"Hey, can I just say, Alastor wasn't the only one who liked the way you spoke to those two"

"I kind of guessed you did. Your eyes were darting back and forth between me an them. Like a child trying to listen in on a conversation he's not supposed to"

"Can you blame me? Other than the red asshole who lives hear, your the only sinner I've seen who has the balls to raise your voice in the hotel. And heck! I remember seeing you have a shouting match with that overlord Valentino a few months ago too!"

"Yeh, well, he hurt Angel. I'll always protect my friends"

"I know. We all know that. I think that's why those two listened to you when you scolded them. Your their friend, but you can be a stern mother figure if needed to be"

"That's so weird, both you and Alastor both said the word mother, I honestly never thought that word would be used to describe me"

"Well, it is now. I think this place needs a motherly figure. Even if it's to stop the everyday chaos that happens in this place. I mean, you remember when Charlie made that birthday celebration for Nifty?"

"Oh hell yeah, I remember. (shudder) Nifty's birthday was the definition of disaster"

"Yeh, thank golly that only happens once a year. But then, Charlie wants everyone to celebrate their birthday down hear, and that's probably gunna be even worse"

"Well, I doubt Husk won't try dousing his birthday cake in bleach like Nifty did. Isn't is Husk who has a birthday next?"

"Hm? I have no clue. The calendars behind the bar"

You grab the calendar behind the bar, flicking through it as you lean on the counter, Lucifer playing with his little duck as you read.

"Hm? That's interesting. Turns out the next person to have their birthday is Alastor"

"What?! Why do we have to celebrate HIM?! He's such an ass! Every single time he's hear, he always does something to piss me off!"

"Not everyone in hear hates him Lucifer. I know you and Husk do, it's understandable why Husk does, and with you, I think he just enjoys making you angry"

"Who the hell does like him then?!"

"Charlie does. Nifty, Angel enjoys trying to get a rise out of him sometimes. I like him too"

"Why?! He's a dick!"

"He's a dick to you. He hasn't behaved that way with me since we've met. If anything, he's been a real gentleman"

"Yeh, gentleman my ass!......Although, you do kind of have a point. I've seen him be nice to Charlie and Nifty, definitely more with you. You never know, he may have the hots for you. Don't fall for his bullshit if he does!!!"

"Lucifer, relax. You do know Alastor's Asexual right?"

"Huh?"

"He's not into sex"

"Not into!!-How the hell can someone not be into that?! Sex is awesome! I mean, me and Lilith back in the day, eheh, bow chick'a wow wow!"

"That's you Lucifer. Not everyone can like the same things"

"I just didn't know that about him. Right! I'm gunna tear him a new one about it!"

"No"

"What?!"

"Your not gunna do that"

"But why not?! I'm the king of hell! I can do whatever I like! Why-why'd you say no?"

"Think about it Lucifer. You'll be lowering yourself to his level"

"Oh shit, yeh"

"And your own daughter said this hotel is about bettering yourself. Don't copy Alastor's behaviour, rise above it. Have you ever heard of the phrase, kill them with kindness?"

"Well yeh, but how can-oooooooooohhh! I see what you mean!"

"Anytime he wants to make you angry, be positive. Because in failing to wind you up-"

"It'll drive HIM crazy! Yes! I love it! Thank you sweetie"

"Don't mention it. And, don't give him something condescending for his birthday either"

"Not even a duck in the shape of a big-"

"I know what your about to say, and it's a firm no"

"Nnuugghh ok. I'll....be nice to him or whatever"

"Good. Hey? Did I just hear your name?"

"Hm? Oh, I hear it too. Sounds like Charlie. I'll go see what she wants. See you later Y/N"

"See you Lucifer"

You can't help but chuckle, watching Lucifer jump down and dance towards the hallway, little duck in hand. Now it was just you, in blissful silence, ah it was wonderful. You knew it wouldn't last long, but it's nice to have it while you can. As you enjoy the peace, you look back at the calendar, seeing Alastor's name written on the page. You did wonder to yourself, what he would like, or even if he wants a gift? And his birthday was happening tomorrow, it was time to have a think. Later that afternoon, Alastor came back from his morning with Rosie, and saw you sitting on your own in the hotel lobby.

"Good afternoon my dear! How has the day been for you?"

"It's been nice thanks, Pentious and Nifty came through a few times, but everyone else seems to be busy doing their own things. How was Rosie?"

"Ah she was delightful, a lovely morning was had by all, haha! (Sits down next to you) What are you reading?"

"This? It's The Great Gatsby"

"Ah! I read that book before I died! I do believe it was published about 10 years before I ended up hear. It was a great read if I remember correctly"

"Did you know they made a film of it?"

"But of course! In 1926"

"Not just in 1926"

"I beg your pardon my dear?"

"Yep. They made it into a film two more times. The second time in 1949, and again in 2013"

"I say! One might think they would like to leave a classic alone once it's been put on the noisy electronic box. But they truly did it 3 times? I never witnessed any of them myself. The book shall be my only knowledge of the classic tale"

"To be honest, you weren't missing anything. I saw the latest film before I died, but I wasn't a fan. I much prefer the books"

"Aha! And that is why I truly enjoy your company my dear. Ahh, I sometimes believe you are the only person in this whole building whose company I genuinely like"

"Really?"

"Of course!"

"That's so sweet Alastor, thank you"

"Don't mention it. Actually, now that I have you hear for a moment, I did have a subject I wished to bring up with you"

"Oh? What's that"

"It's something I was waiting the right time for. More specifically, a time where none else was around to listen in on us. As you well know, I like to keep my life private, unless I choose to share it"

"I do"

"Well......as you are aware, aswell as a few of the sinners in this hotel....my....passions....desires.....they are not.....exactly the same, as everyone else. Case in point, my desires are almost on the opposite spectrum of someone like Angeldust"

"Yes. I remember when you told me about that"

"And while I do not enjoy or wish to take part in any form of sexual affection....it does not mean I retain from all forms of showing my appreciation. I don't know if you were aware, of me kissing your hand goodbye whenever I leave your company? And noticed that I do not do that with any other lady"

"I...may have noticed, yes"

"Well, that is my way of showing my affection to you. But there are times, I wish....I wish for your hand...to be your lips...."

"Alastor...I'm flattered"

"Thank you....but my question to you is....is this feeling...reciprocated?"

"(Blushing, tucking hair behind ear) It might be"

"My darling, if it pleases you, I would never much like to show you how much you mean to me. But as you know, being the radio demon and a powerful overlord hear in hell-"

"You'd rather keep what might happen between us, private"

"Indeed. But please understand when I say, it is not that I do not wish to be seen with you in public as my partner, I very much do. But if Vox or the other V's see you at my side as my partner, you may be at risk of being targeted by them, and you may be in danger because of me. I need to make sure I am strong enough to protect you against any of the V's"

"It's ok, I understand. To be honest, I'm not one of those people who loves to parade around the streets with a boyfriend. I'd rather spend my time with them, enjoying their company"

"Absolutely! But I promise you this, if this is something you wish to be a part of, we will walk hand in hand, side by side after a sensible amount of time. Once I know I am strong enough to take on and win against all the V's, I will not have to worry about your safety. Because your safety, my dear... is my highest priority"

"That's very considerate of you"

"(Chuckles lightly)"

Alastor's smile looks genuine right now, you can tell by how gentle his eyes were. Taking your hand, he places a kiss on the back like he always does.

"Alastor?"

"Hm?"

"I think you have a new target....don't you think?"

".....Aahh....my pleasure my dear"

Feeling his fingers delicately hold your chin, he looks deep into your eyes. Looking desperately at your lips, but lovingly into your eyes. He leans in closer, you can almost feel his lips, so close-"

"Hi guys!!"

You both sit back a little, a little spooked by Lucifer barging through the hotel doors, loud and proud.

"Whatcha both up to?"

"We were enjoying a peaceful conversation before you very rudely interrupted us! One might say, it was very inconsiderate to barge in on someone's conversation, without adequate reason"

"Ah get over yourself! This hotel's a free place! And my daughter runs it, so yeh! Hey hey Y/N! Wanna see the new little ducky I made today! Look look!"

Lucifer bounds over to you and Alastor, but only speaks and looks at you.

"Isn't he just adorable!!"

"Well, yes he is Lucifer. But uh? Why does he have a bottle of whiskey?"

"That's because I'm making little ducks of everyone in the hotel! It was Charlie's idea, but I like it! This one's the bartender"

"You mean Husk?"

"Oh! That's his name! I keep forgetting-"

"Excuse me! If you wouldn't mind, me and Y/N were actually in the middle of a rather important discussion"

"Oooooh! I'm so scared! What are you gunna do? Talk me to death?"

"Something like that can surely be arranged-"

Very quickly, you intervene, standing between them both when Alastor stood up, eyes darkening, and Lucifer smirking.

"Woh woh woh! That's enough! Both of you!"

"My dear, if he insists on causing an issue, I am in more than happy to deal with it"

"Awww! Is someone a little tetchy? Knowing your becoming an old man getting to you huh?"

"What?! How did you know I am to be-"

"It's on Charlie's calendar, dipshit!"

"That's it-"

Again, having to push them apart, this time, Alastor really looked like he was going to attack Lucifer.

"Alastor! Alastor look at me!"

You say calmly, taking his face in your hands, making him look at you.

"Look at me. Take a deep breath, in....and out...in....and out..."

If anyone else had asked him to do that, or touched his face, he'd push back. But because it was you, he didn't mind, and it was genuinely calming him down, even his eyes had changed back from black to red.

"That's it. Ok, we can finish our chat another time, but for now, why don't you just take some time to calm yourself in your radio station? You've told me thats your happy place. Please Alastor, please don't let this escalate anymore"

"........Alright my dear.......I'll take some time.....I shall see you soon"

His shadow engulfs him, sending him up the stairs and on his way to the radio station.

"Ah man, can you believe that guy? He gets so-"

"You know what Lucifer? I can't believe you!"

"Wait, what?"

"Didn't listen to a word I said today? About not lowering yourself to that level? Not doing to him what he does to you?"

"But I-"

"But nothing! You agreed to have a better attitude when your around Alastor and you've just thrown all of that out of the window!"

"I can argue with whomever I want Y/N! I'm the king of hell after all!"

"And your in this hotel to support YOUR daughter! Have you forgotten that? Stop acting like a child and at least try to make something work with Alastor"

"Why? Because you'll be disappointed?"

"Because this is Charlie's dream! You can't see how hard she's working to actually help people, and instead of doing what a father should be doing, your picking fights with Alastor! Stop acting so childish and help you daughter! I shouldn't have to tell you that!"

You can't talk to him anymore, and storm up the stairs.

"But Y/N wait! I...I AM trying to help Charlie"

"Then pack in whatever this is with Alastor, or at least try. Because it's going to be Charlie who's going to be affected. Just think about that"

Lucifer just stood there, frozen, feeling guilty, because he knew you had a point about Charlie and how hard she's been working to make this hotel what it is.

You on the other hand, slammed your bedroom door shut behind you, running your hands though your hair, headache pulsating in your head. This place would drive you insane some days. You throw yourself onto your bed, snuggling up with your pillow, wanting just 5 minutes of peace. But again, you lived in a hotel with many others. Three gentle knocks came to the door.

"Nngguuhh! Please go away....."

"(Muffled voice behind the door)....Toots? It's me. Can I come in?"

His voice sounded so innocent, sweet. Normally, Angel would be all proud, sometimes seductive with the way he spoke, but this sounded genuine.

"Yeh. Come in"

You say, sitting up on your bed, seeing Angel enter your room with a little smile.

"Hey. How yah doin?"

"I've been better. I just can't shift this headache"

"Well hear. (He says pulling out a packet of paracetamol) Maybe these will help?"

He sits down next to you on your bed, handing you the tablets.

"Thanks Angel"

"It's no problem. Hey uh...I just wanna say sorry for the way I've been actin recently. I dunno, I guess Husk just brings out that side of me. I swear, I didn't know I was wakin yah up"

"It's fine Angel. I feel like I should say sorry too for the way I spoke to you and Husk"

"Oh no no toots! What you did was great!"

"Wait, seriously?"

"Hell yeh! Me and Husk both said it was like a moth'a tellin off her kids! And I think we both needed that. Honestly toots, you didn't do nothin wrong"

"Ok, that's a worry off my mind"

"Can I uh.....can I share somethin with yah?"

"Of course"

"Having someone moth'a me like that.....I actually liked it. Not cuz I'm into strong, independent women, well, I am but that's not the reason. Since I died, I hadn't really had that feelin of being around family, and well......my moth'a used to keep me and my sister from having fights like that too.....you kinda.....remind me of my mom"

"....I do?"

"Yeh....and it's nice. It feels like with you, I've got part of my family down hear that cares about me. I know that's probably stupid of me to say-"

"Angel. That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. I feel honoured that you see me like that"

"(Sighing in relief) I'm glad toots. Thanks, for everything"

"Come hear"

You and Angel share a sweet and tight hug, all 8 of his arms held you.

"I'll always be hear for you Angel"

"So will I toots, I promise"

A good 20 minutes had passed, just chatting with Angel in your room. Talking about the afterlife, his fights with Husk, and you take some paracetamol in that time too.

"Hey toots! Have yah thought about what your gunna get smiles for his birthday yet?"

"I'm not sure to be honest. He's a tricky guy to buy for, I'm not sure if he'd even like receiving gifts"

"Well.....you could always.....wait in his room, wearing nothin but a little bow around your neck..."

"Angel! That's-wait? Why would you-"

"I maaay have been walking past the lobby when Alastor and you were talking"

"Angel"

"Don't worry toots, your secret's safe with me. But dayum babe! You've got the radio demon himself wantin yah! You've gotta admit, that's awesome!"

"It is lovely being around him, I can't deny that"

"So? You gunna take my advice?"

"I would, if Alastor was into that"

"Oh yeh! He ain't is he? Damn it. Well, I have no clue what to get him. I don't know him that well"

"I've been trying to think of things that would remind him of happier times, or his memories when he was alive. Something like that, but I've had no luck just yet"

"Hm? That's interesting. Wait! Didn't he live in new Orleans?"

"Yes! He did!"

"Sweet! I'll think of something to do with that! Listen toots, I've gotta go now, but I'll catch up with yah lat'ah"

"Alright Angel, see you soon"

When he left, you tried to have a good long thing about what to get Alastor for his birthday. He was sometimes fond of trinkets, eh, not good enough for a birthday present. Come on think. He enjoys his radio, taking long strolls through pentagram city, spending time in his room that's also part swamp-huh! That's it! Angel had a point about New Orleans, Alastor lived there, and you were the only one he confessed to about his life before he died. And he had the swamp in his room for a reason, to remember. The perfect idea came to your mind, and that was it, you knew exactly what to get him. Getting out your phone, you search for any place you can go to 'acquire' this suprise gift. Hm? The only place that could have some luck is in the Wrath Ring. Somewhere called Rough 'N Tumbleweed Ranch, well, it's better than nothing. The next day was Alastor's birthday. And down stairs in the lobby, you walk up to Charlie, who was bouncing with excitement.

"Oh hey! Hey Y/N! What are you up too?"

"Just on my way out to get Alastor his gift. What about you?"

"Ooooooh! Exciting!! Well, I'm just trying to plan the theme for Alastor's party tonight. I'm not quite sure what to go for. What do you think? (Shows you her note book) big blue and sparkles? Or big red and sparkles?"

"Umm, somehow, I'm not sure Alastor is a sparkles kind of guy"

"Yeh your right. Ugh, I just don't know what theme to do, I'm stuck"

"I know, why not do a 1920's theme? Get everyone to dress up in clothes from that time, and maybe serve his favourite food? Jambalaya. And don't forget, he isn't a fan of sweets, so he wouldn't eat a normal cake. Try putting a candle on a roasted duck? He's said before that he likes that meat, and carving a slice would probably make him happy. And maybe the party food could be similar to the 1920's too? Like deviled eggs, waldorf salad, dutchess potatoes, shrimp cocktail, canapes, olives, or maybe oyster rockefeller?"

"Yes yes YES!! Oh thank you Y/N, your a genius! I'm writing everything you've just said down! (Squeaks) This is going to be perfect! Thank you thank you!"

"I can give you a hand later, but for now, I need to get going"

"Yes! Of course! Go go! Me and the others can make a start on this party, thank you again Y/N! See you soon!"

"Bye Charlie!"

And with that, you were off. Leaving the hotel as Charlie bounds with joy in the background. Taking a walk to the streets, you flag down a taxi and give him the directions to the ranch you saw online. It was a fair distance away, but you were happy when you arrived there, seeing the sign as the taxi pulled over.

After paying, you headed in and looked around for anyone, apparently, this place was owned by an imp family, who had many things in and around their ranch.

"Hey there! Can I help ya'll?"

"Hi! I'm Y/N. I hope you don't mind the drop in, but I saw your ranch online, and see that you sell things to people who offer a good price?"

"Thats right, what're yah wantin today? We've got vehicles and animals available"

"Can I look at your animals please?"

"Sure thing darlin, follow me"

This lovely imp lady takes you to a fenced area, with 2 types of animals already.

"Hear yah go darlin, we've got horses and hogs hear, I'll haggle the price depending on which size you choose"

"These are lovely animals, but I was just wondering if you had something that prefers to stay close to water? Or swampy areas?"

"Ah! I hear yah. Let me take you to the edge of the ranch, we've got a few little critters back there for sale too"

A short walk later, a marshy tree covered green pond, that's also fenced in securely, seems to have many more animals.

"A'right, we've got Hattie over there. She's a water snake, a little bitey though. Over there we've got Wade, the snapping turtle. Be careful around him, he'll snap your fingers off before you can say fuck! And over there we've got Dutchess, she's actually just had a new litter of babies about 2 weeks ago. Their quite cute when they're youngens, and surprisingly easy to train. So all these little thangs are perfect for swampy areas, just take your pick"

"Would it be ok to buy one of Dutchess's babies?"

"Of course yah can! We've got little animal carriers too for yah to take one home. Ya'll fussed about the sex?"

"If it's possible, could it be a female?"

"Absolutely. She only had one boy outta 5 girls. Let me just grab one, yep, this ones definitely a girl. She's at least 2 pounds, and a healthy one too. I'll give her to yah for 200 bucks"

"Sold!"

Link to part 2

[ghoulsbounty]

Hii! What's your headcanons about relationship with Otis Driftwood? Nothing too violent towards reader after they became a s/o, if you could, without going into ooc <3

Otis Driftwood In a Relationship

Warnings: smut (18+), control, possessiveness, gaslighting, mentions of sex work (not reader), canon-typical violence, aggression, narcissism, it's otis - he is a warning!

Words: 1.1K

A/N: Thank you for my first Otis request! I've been in love with this man for going on twenty years so I have lots of headcanons for him. I feel like this is realistically (to me) how he would have a relationship with someone who wasn't either a victim or murderer while still keeping him in character (I hope!) Also yes I had to get the quote in the last bullet, I was watching the film as I wrote this. I hope you enjoy it. I’d love to know what you all think to this, and feel free to send me more requests 💌

→ It's widely known that Otis harbours some unconventional interests. In the small town of Ruggsville, the Firefly family's prominence, especially their ties to local celebrity Captain Spaulding, is undeniable. In this backwater community, everyone has their own shades of darkness when it comes to entertainment or survival, so you don't bat an eyelash at the rumours circulating about the family.

 → Otis charms you with his quick wit and sharp tongue, an aura of danger enveloping him and lingering in his presence. He frequents the local watering hole where you work, spending quiet summer evenings regaling you with stories of travelling the country with his younger sister, moving from one stolen car to the next. When you ask why he returned to the dead-end town, he nonchalantly declares that family is the most important thing to him. And then, with a mischievous grin, he casually mentions his involvement in a Satanic cult. 

→ Otis thinks that perhaps what draws him to you is your refusal to flinch at his unsavoury stories or the sly smirk you offer when he alludes to the sweet taste of your skin. He enjoys the recoil from others, welcomes it even because it's what he's known since he was a child and means he's got the upper hand. You give him pause, a dangerous thing indeed. In you, he sees a kindred spirit equally disillusioned with societal norms, and he wonders how long it will take to break you. 

→ With every aspect seemingly covered, there's no obvious place for you in his life. Yet, thoughts of you intrude on his mind during the day, distracting him from his tasks. The persistent idea that you might offer something different to his routine gradually consumes him, eroding all other thoughts until only you remain. 

→ His carnal needs are met by the bottom feeders he keeps around for a quick release. Sometimes, when their pleading becomes bothersome and he wants the peace and quiet, he will end it fast because it's easier when they're cold. He pulls them into his cot and curls into them until they have festered and rotten to the point that Tiny has to dispose of them. If it's a willing body he seeks, a trip to the whorehouse suffices. 

→ It's a few months before you meet the family. Otis doesn't need to tell you the importance of the moment, you can sense it in his tense demeanour, permeating the lounge as Mama parades you around the room like a prize pig at the county fair. You sense his eyes upon you, observing your reactions to each member, particularly noting your response to Tiny's imposing presence and your handling of Grandpa's vulgarity. In his mind, he rationalizes that you'll need a strong stomach if you are going to be with him. 

→ You are under no illusion that you're not the only person from whom Otis seeks comfort. He isn't shy about the fact that he needs more than what you can give him, says as much when he insists on you leaving him be for a few days to exorcise his darker urges. He doesn't approach the subject of you joining him sometimes until he is certain that you won't spring like a scared rabbit. When he finally does ask, you accept with a morbid curiosity.

→ Otis certainly has his private indulgences, but he takes great pleasure in involving you in some of his less solitary activities. Whatever the pursuit may be, it often concludes with him inside of you, his teeth leaving raw marks on your skin as he draws out multiple orgasms from your pliable body.

→ In these moments, he alternates between showering you with praise and delivering sharp, cutting remarks, his rough fingers encircling your throat as he thrusts into you with relentless force, pushing you to the brink of ecstasy until you're cock drunk and screaming his name. He relishes in the intensity of the experience, breaking you down only to rebuild you according to his desires, sculpting you into his perfect masterpiece.

→ Over time, Otis's possessiveness and control puts an end to your employment, your independence dwindling in the face of your need to be with him and his need for your servitude. His affection is conditional upon your compliance and submission, and when you prove yourself to him is when you get your reward of a tender kiss to your nose, or being pulled into his lap for a warm embrace. His love is a privilege to be earned, and he is fast to take it away if he deems you unworthy of it.

→ Otis perceives you as an extension of himself, expecting you to conform to his desires and interests. He finds pleasure in your engagement with his world, he likes when you lounge on his stained mattress in nothing but his shirt listening to his musings on the complexities of human nature. He encourages you to challenge his viewpoints, igniting debates that fuel his passion.

→ However, you soon discover that venturing into this territory can be perilous. It often results in Otis's eyes blazing with fury, his hands trembling with conviction as he towers over you, unleashing a torrent of berating and belittling words until you find yourself on your knees before him. It's a volatile dance of intellectual stimulation intertwined with the raw intensity of his dominance.

→ It falls to you to navigate these moments, gently guide him back to a sense of equilibrium with a steady stream of apologies and affirmations, trail open mouthed kisses down his body until you feel him relax under your touch. Sometimes his tumultuous thoughts wouldn't waver and he'd either take his frustrations out on your cunt or push you away until you are begging at his door. For Otis, isolation becomes a test of your loyalty—will you stay, or run? 

→ And time and again, you choose to stay, receiving no verbal apology afterward because that is Otis' way. However, when he deems fit, he leaves small tokens on the bedside table for you to find in the morning—a small sculpture, a painting—his non-verbal way of acknowledging his feelings about his actions. You know better than to draw attention to these gestures. Instead, you offer a kiss to his lips as a silent acknowledgment of his effort to make amends. His response is typically playful yet affectionate, a light smack on your behind accompanied by an eye roll, never one to dwell on sentimentality.

→ Overall, Otis is content with you, would dare say happy. You fit into his life with ease, don't give him much grief when you're not busy bitching a song about nothing. However, the devil makes work for idle hands, and there's still work to be done in fully acclimating you to his ways. He does love watching you break.

[running-with-kn1ves]

sooo you know how you wrote jealous bf x reader...would you ever considered writing the same reader witnessing someone flirting with jealous bf and flipping the roles on him?

On a crunch time so I'll just write some shortsie stuff for this ^^

I think jealous bf would want to see what reader would do before he acts. They'd be at a bar together, maybe reader went to the bathroom only to come back and find another pair of hands trying to roam against their boyfriend's shirt, a new untouched drink on the counter that this mystery person is tempting him to drink. Malachi would purposefully entertain them, subconsciously testing reader to see what they would do. Do they love him enough to stake their claim? How far are they willing to go, as far as he would?

I imagine reader wouldn't be as aggressive as Malachi-- likely stunned for a moment, before coming up and trying to drag him away.

"Hey, what's going on?"

Reader might ask, feigning cluelessness while wrapping his free hand in both of theirs, gently pulling him away from the bar rat.

"Nothing, just waiting for you. Seems i've caught the eye of a few others."

He'd prod, trying to invoke a reaction out of reader, not letting this sink into unspoken discussion like so many things between them do. He wanted, needed, you to verbalize your thoughts on watching him potentially get snatched up like a prize for the taking. He'd never betray or abandon you like that, but what did you think?

"Yeah? Maybe we should start wearing rings whenever we go out then."

Reader would joke, but the idea strikes Malachi so wonderfully that he won't hesitate to start shopping for garishly obvious promise rings for you both to sport before the night is over.

If it was a friend of reader's who kept pushing themselves onto Malachi or shamelessly flirting, I imagine reader would get pretty pissed, complaining and ranting to Malachi how they had the audacity to act so cutesy around THEIR boyfriend. This, Malachi likes best. He likes seeing reader pissed, upset over someone else wanting him. Makes him feel like maybe he's not the only obsessed, needy one in the relationship. He'll soothe reader, saying he's not going anywhere, that no one could replace them. And yet, the next time someone tries to flirt with him around reader, you won't find him discouraging their advances as obviously as a boyfriend should. He wants you to come in and be his savior.

[kneelingshadowsalome]

I am politely asking for a bit more on Königs son the angst is so yummy 🥺

König loves his baby boy... Until it starts to talk.

He absolutely adores the baby when it’s born, he can’t sleep at nights because he has to go and check if the boy is still breathing in the crib. König loves to hold him close and rock him in his lap, wants to give him baths and even changes the diapers, is so invested in the little chubby nugget that it’s a bit perplexing to see him so babbly cuddly towards someone who isn’t this poor Prince’s mother.

But when the boy doesn’t need him so much anymore, when he starts to show independence and express his own will, starts to walk and run and hide and talk back to him, it makes König uncomfortable.

He’s not in control anymore, he’s not needed. He’s the one who’s always away, he’s the unfamiliar face, the stern voice, the “strange man”, the one who makes the boy look angry or afraid. He becomes the bad guy.

It’s not bullying if his own son doesn’t prefer him, König knows it. But it still hurts to feel like an alien in his own home. It feels like a personal insult to be the last choice once again.

König’s son sees his father as a judge, a tyrant, a competitor because every time he’s home, mum’s all hearts and smiles. The parent who’s supposed to represent the whole world to our Prince suddenly becomes weak and clingy and needy.

And for what? For some big foreign man who stares him down as if he’s nothing but dirt under his boot. Asks him if he’s been nice to mum and if he’s helped her with the chores. When mum’s not in hearing distance, König tells him he shouldn’t trouble her with his crying and whining... If he’s nice and behaves, König will bring him toys from his “work trips”.

He rarely brings any because “he couldn't find anything”. Mum is the one who gets foreign delicacies, perfumes and the like. König’s son soon understands it doesn't matter how well he behaves because it will never be enough.

In his dreams, he tries to kill König every now and then. The old bastard only laughs. He laughs, even in his dreams because he’s weaker than him, not a threat at all, only entertaining when he gets mad… He laughs and just won't die.

Mum comes first, always. Whatever she says is the law. Whatever she wants, she shall have. The way his father worships this woman is eerie, disturbing, and invokes so much jealousy that König’s son is not sure who he’s even supposed to be jealous of. This stupid fucker or his mum who seems to lose brain cells every time this dick returns home and disturbs their peace?

Girls are both Madonnas and whores to him after he has watched this tyrant become a babbling, spineless mess over an upset woman. The world quakes everytime his mum is unhappy because her happiness is paramount. The only time he has seen König in tears was when his mum refused to talk to him one evening: the argument was about him, of course, and how König should apologize to their son, not to her. It takes manipulation and a passive aggressive lioness to make König say he’s sorry, but it does nothing to help the situation, quite the contrary. Who would give a fuck about a forced apology?

König’s son becomes a covert people pleaser who feels lonely wherever he goes. He’s a mama’s boy whose father seemingly hates him, an angel and a demon in one man, someone who believes his worth is measured by the things he achieves in life. How well he performs, how much money he makes, how independent he becomes. With women, another one always bites the dust, with work, he never seems to find his passion. And wherever he goes, whatever he does, nothing is ever enough.

The only way for these two to find a common ground is if the poor Prince manages to settle down with some patient, loving woman who gives him a child. A grandson or a granddaughter would make König fold and become a babbling mess once more; he's so pathetic and harmless with the baby that no one can be angry at him even if they wanted to. König would kill anyone and everyone who tried to hurt his family, even a blind man can see that.

Reconciliation happens slowly but surely, even if it's another kind of hurt to see the old man give this child all the love his son would've begged his knees bloody for. But beggars can't be choosers (and apparently a king's son has no crown), luckily König becomes softer in the head as he ages so a time may come when he thinks back on what he's done and finds the balls to wholeheartedly apologize. Might demand a touching family Christmas dinner and some whiskey though.

[msookyspooky]

Pranking your Slasher S/O and they're Reactions

Characters Included:

Stu Macher, Severen, Bo Sinclair, Foxy Coltrane, Baby Firefly

🤭

Stu Macher: Serving Food Angry

♡ He is blinking at you shoving the plate down and aggressively asking if he wants a fork or spoon

♡ At first he's confused. He tries to ask, "So rough day or??" but when you say no and aggressively shove him his drink then he's unable to hide his wtf face and is like, "Yo you on the rag or something??" if you're a afab (Or amab even it's Stu in the 90s bffr)

♡ You're trying to stay 'angry' while he's getting defensive. Matching energy and slamming shit back with a glare before he's like 'The hell is your malfunction, man!?"

♡ Matches Energy for Energy till you tell him it's a prank even if it's mid argument

♡ "Oh, a prank. Cute...Bitch." He grumbles at you making him lose his laid back aura he tries to project.

♡ He is a petty boy he may wryly smirk but be like 'Watch yourself' from doing that again

Severen: Pretending not to do your routine cuddle session that night.

♡ Man is INSTANTLY sitting up in bed (wherever you crashed together for daylight) looking offended as hell bc how dare you?!

♡ "Oh, so you hate me now? Is that it? Damn, you just hate me and want to watch me be cold over here, huh?"

♡ Most dramatic brat for such a burly tough guy

♡ You're trying not to giggle at how he probably knows you're pranking him but playing it up for laughs

♡ Turns his back to you and gives a faux 'Nope...Nuh uh no, I don't want to now. 😠' in retaliation to you wanting to cuddle after that. Probably back turned and scooting away.

♡ Really milks out how 'hurt' he is. Plays it up seeing your entertained by his bulling.

♡ "....Well, now that ya mention it...I know a way you could make it up to me... 😏" and he's dragging you over in his arms to cuddle and other things before you can even register what he said

Bo Sinclair: Pretending to Put Diesel in a Gasoline Truck

♡ I pray you're on the phone (You'll be screaming 'I'm joking!' real quick when he's about to shake the shit out of you. 'He let you outta the house and this is the thanks he gets!?' jk)

♡ He will crash out at the amount of work, money and time it will take to drain the entire tank and he'll crash out even more if you're 'driving it home' and ruined the Engine while he's frantically saying "Ya didn't! I'll come tow you please tell me ya didn't jus' fuckin' ruin my 1987 Chevy truck!!!"

(I'm not even a car girl but valid crashout ngl)

♡ You don't even understand half of what he's saying as he's yelling in that thick ass Louisiana accent while your trying not to die of laughter

♡ Does not trust its a prank and thinks you're just saying it so he won't be mad af

♡ You're nervously laughing at him either hunting you down in a spare vehicle or pacing the yard with a cigarette; you done got this man about to pop a blood vessel

♡ He huffs glaring at you almost pouting as you apologize and sheepishly explain it was a prank

♡ He probably so badly wanted to slap you, but instead, he just tilts your chin telling you; "I think someone needs a lil attention and that's why ya did this, ay suga?" and it's gonna be either you over his knee till your ass is red or tied up under the gas station and edged/teased to the point of crying...He won't be as rough as he is with victims but boy are you in for a long (fun?😗) hard night.

Foxy Coltrane: False Pregnancy Test (If you're AFAB)

♡ "...Nah, that ain't mine."

♡ You're gonna be the one mad as hell bc his reaction is instant denial and deflection bc he's an irresponsible redneck bum with probably litters of bastard children all over the Country he don't know about.

♡ He's a middle aged criminal! Might even blame you for not being on the pill or take a morning after or tracking your cycle

♡ Definitely ends up being an argument before he falters and groans running a hair through his hands saying "Goddamn it..."

♡ To your surprise, if he really loves you to the best of his ability, he's in it for the longhaul for once

♡ Once he realizes it's a prank "Thank Sweet fuckin' Merciful God!-" In exasperation...

♡ But then later that night he does hypothetical say "I don't want kids but...What if...Shit, I don't know, it did happen?-" bc you got him thinking how much that would light his fire to see you knocked up with his kid and how hot that would be for him to claim you like that

(If AMAB or Infertile/Would never have kids):

Saying the Name of an Old Fling he Didn't think you knew

♡ Whiplashes around blinking at you

♡ Not nearly as explosive as the rest of his family but just as ruthless

♡ Gonna get your feelings hurt when he doubles down like "The redhead with the big ol tittes? Oh yeah, we fucked hard and nasty for days on end. Why?"

♡ Definitely has commitment issues where you gotta be his but he's leery of being yours so he thinks this is some lil test you're pulling

♡ Probably an argument but he finds it a lil cute and gets horny seeing you jealous. Wraps his arms around you, "Hey babycakes-" Smacks your ass and whispers husky grinding on you, "Why don't we have our own fun and make it make that time with that redhead look like a snoozefest?"

Baby Firefly: Jump Scare

♡ Either you're getting punched in the face or she's unphased and blinking at you

♡ Otis almost getting shot in the motel and her smacking him for scaring them? Accurate.

♡ You hid and jumped out at her and didn't know whether to laugh or cry at how hard she hit you

♡ "Ya fuckin idiot! Don't ever fuckin sneak up on me, fuckin' dipshit!" Yeah, she's got that prison instinct that probably is a dumb idea to test

♡ She's helping you up though and kissing where she hit. "Heh, guess ya learned real quick, didn't ya? Be lucky I'm unarmed right now, ya lil shit."

♡ Oh but she gets you back twice as good jump scaring you constantly and may even 'act startled' at you ever accidentally jump scaring her again as the closest thing to an apology you'll ever get

[t3ddyd0ll]

I know Halloween is long gone and it’s almost Christmas time…..BUT if your yanderes were fantasy monsters such as vampires,werewolves,mermaids,ghost and etc, what monster would they be and how would it effect their yanderism?

anon how does it feel to be a genius with a big brain? good ass question !!

simon i think would be a ghost. he's stuck in his house most the time, has a lot of emotions tying him to earth, and one specific person that keeps him around. (aka, darling). i think they'd spend a lot of time just roaming their house pretending to work and would only leave to haunt their darling, but in ways that are weirdly helpful? like turning the stove down when the foods gonna burn, or opening doors for you, turning off the lights if u forget. pulling the blanket up over your shoulder when ur sleeping and it fell away. they'd be really sweet and would just want your attention, even if it's something small like leaving out a glass of water for him. expect to be followed to every single room you go into. once in a while u might feel some light touches on your shoulders or hair or little kisses on your cheek. you'd also be just watched, sleeping or awake, a Lot. so get used to it!

however, while he'd be really sweet with you... if you try to romance any other person, ghost!simon will not be so sweet. you can expect to have drawers slamming or things being tossed at your partner to prevent a kiss, doors shutting on their face, or you being unable to open the front door to let them inside. if they spend the night, they'll have nightmares and see him standing at the end of the bed just Staring at them.

but! overall he'd be good. just don't be mad when he turns off your alarms for work because he thinks you need rest. don't be mad when he won't let u leave the house to hang out with your friends sometimes. don't be mad if he tries to kill you one day, because he wants you to be with him forever.

wyatt strikes me as a werewolf. a sweet puppy who just wants your attention, who would do absolutely anything you asked, and who takes it a little too far when you spare them a kiss. i can imagine them following you around all the time and carrying around your clothes to have ur scent when ur not around. they'd also be reaaaaalllllyyyy good at tracking u down if you tried escaping, and really good at dragging u back, possibly with broken legs. so don't do that.

werewolf!wyatt would also be set off more easily. this means disobedience could be met with bites and shoving and stuff like that, but also, if anyone messed with u, they're getting their heart ripped out and eaten. <3

thomas i envision as a fairy. it was all over when you told him your name, and now he's got you under his magic, all dizzy and scared but too weak to do much about it. fairy!thomas would still be very sweet with you, still want you comfortable and stuff. but you're going to be at parties more frequently with his friends, and he'd have a great time putting u under spells to make u way too out of it to think, or just enough that you understand what's happening, u just cant fight back.

you can expect more cute aggression, more spoiling, and more cycling through outfits like multiple times a day. he also might take your blood/hair/nails for some magic stuff, and DEFINITELY have you indulge in some fairy snacks such as milk and honey and cookies and such. you also would find urself to be much more forgetful and going with whatever thomas says to do, because it just feels right to obey what he says.

viktor is a siren, through and through. he uses a spell to help him appear human on land, but can change back to being a mermaid whenever he pleases. he's got a much larger cult because of his song, and some of those members are joined specifically for his entertainment and later, food. he would lovvvveee using his spell even when he's just talking to people, so you might find yourself getting reaaaaallly dizzy and confused and euphoric when all you wanted to ask him was if church was at 9 or 10 today. darling would be under his spell constantly, so you can say goodbye to a sane mind. anything you want comes from him, and choices are out the window. he makes all the decisions now.

you'd sometimes have little memories of watching him eat people alive, and then you'd get reallllly scared and panicky. and then it would drown under the weight of his spell, and you'd forget what made you so upset in the first place. wait, why are you crying? best go find viktor. he'll make u feel better.

emiliano is a vampire!! a blood thirsty, violent natured, crazed thing. his kills are always messy and the only blood left is what's smeared on the ground and soaked into their clothes. unless he's killing for pure sport. he's bigger than his human form, like, much bigger, and it makes it way easier to trap and keep his darling with ease.

you can expect to be tortured and drank from alll the time, sometimes right to the brink of death. sometimes you'll be hypnotized and not know which end is up, and other times you'll be fully coherent and aware of all the horrors he's bestowed upon you.

it's in your best interest to just obey whatever he says whenever he says it, because he'll eat u alive if you don't. he's definitely got connections with some underground monster doctors so it won't be an issue if he has a break a few bones or nearly gut you for trying to escape or disobey. just be a good doll and u won't have too many problems! <33

[lavenderpanic]

I love thinking about Bucky and Steve volunteering post-Endgame so here is where I think they would volunteer.

My headcanon for Bucky is an animal shelter. He sees one of those sappy ASPCA commercials and it upsets him so badly that he decides he needs to start volunteering. At first, he mostly like feeds and cleans little kitties and puppies, which he loves. He loves how even the teeny little kittens don't see him as a threat. They meow and lick at his fingers and it just makes him feel so warm and fuzzy inside because everybody else in the world sees him as a murderer but they just see him as the nice guy who brings them food and gives them belly scratches. But after a while, Bucky finds himself drawn to the "aggressive dogs." The ones that the shelter says are pretty much doomed to die there. The ones who were thrown into dogfighting when they were just puppies, the ones who never knew kindness. The pitties with big, sad eyes who bark at anyone who tries to touch them. He offers to help with them one day, because he's strong enough that he doesn't have to worry about being bitten or anything. They don't bite at Bucky, though. He knows how to move, how to reach for them, how to show them that they won't be met with violence. They don't understand what Bucky went through, but they seem to trust him in a unique way.

My headcanon for Steve is a children's hospital. Everyone kinda figures he's doing the whole "superhero who visits sick kids" thing, mostly for publicity, but he starts going back often and forming friendships with these kids and their families, and soon enough he's practically an uncle to most of the kids there. He knows the strength they have, just to stay alive, he remembers it all too well. They all marvel at his muscles and his shield, but he knows he was stronger pre-serum than he ever was after. They see themselves in him, they tell him they're getting medicine that's going to make them better "just like him" and they ask him if getting the serum was scary during their infusions. He shares Sarah Rogers' wisdom with their parents. He makes silly sketches of whatever the kids request, and they always giggle at his old-fashioned jokes and his inability to grasp modern slang. They ask him if he knew Abraham Lincoln or Cleopatra and he makes up elaborate stories to keep them entertained.

[aishangotome]

Nokto Klein: Chapter 3

Chapter 2 Premium Story

After Emma, listening to the distant sound of the waves, fell asleep---

In the room where the sound of cards being flipped echoed quietly, crimson eyes reflected the figure of Silvio sitting across the desk.

Nokto: You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?

Silvio: Huh? What? I said let's play a game for the first time in a while, and you come here just to talk about this?

Nokto: I did want to play against you, it's been a while.

Nokto: When I went to Benitoite for a short-term study abroad, you were the one who taught me this game.

Silvio: How long ago are you talking 'bout? I just entertained you because you came to the castle to greet us and looked bored.

Nokto: We were children, weren't we? You were weak back then––

Silvio: Don't say any more. Don't lump me in with a kid.

Nokto: Oh really? Then let me see your current skills.

As Silvio clicked his tongue, Nokto continued speaking while picking up his cards.

Nokto: Before leaving Rhodolite, I sent a letter saying I wanted to refrain from a welcome party...

Nokto: But when I actually came to Benitoite, a party was held as if it were a matter of course.

Nokto: Holding it even though I declined beforehand, that's nothing but harassment, isn't it?

Silvio: Not holding a party for an ally would be rude, and it would give our country a bad impression.

Silvio: It would be terrible if strange rumors were to spread. That's why we held the party.

Nokto: Well, I thought you'd say that, Silvio.

Nokto shrugged, then the corners of his mouth lifted at the cards Silvio threw on the desk.

Nokto: The moment you hold onto a shred of hope, you've already lost.

When Nokto gracefully spread his hand on the table, it was a lineup that showed an unmatched strength, keeping everyone at bay.

Silvio: Damn it, is this your revenge? One more game. I won't let ya get away with this.

Nokto: Yes, yes. It seems like you've gotten a little stronger, but you're still the same.

Nokto: But you're not going to ask why I tried to decline the welcome party?

Silvio: There's no need to ask.

Silvio: It's somethin' you'll find out at tomorrow's commemorative party anyway.

Silvio: Even if we hadn't had a welcome party, your fiancée woulda found out eventually.

Nokto: Well, even so, I want to reduce the chances of running into such situations if I can.

Nokto: I knew from the start that I was unpopular with some of the nobles in Benitoite, but Emma is different.

Nokto: She'll be troubled and hurt every time she sees it.

Silvio: Ha, how overprotective.

Nokto: You'll be like this too when you have a fiancée someday.

Silvio: Never gonna happen.

Silvio snorted, looking utterly uninterested.

Nokto: By the way, I surprised you by suddenly forming an alliance with Jade and Obsidian, didn't I?

Nokto: What does Benitoite think about that?

Silvio: Straight to the point, huh?

Nokto: There's no point in beating around the bush with you, is there?

To Nokto's pointed question, Silvio took a sip of his drink and replied.

Silvio: Everyone's making a fuss about alliances, left and right, but...

Silvio: Benitoite doesn't think much of that three-country alliance. It's partly because the content is a non-aggression pact.

Silvio: Apart from that, I've also heard about you secretly working with that eyepatch guy.

Silvio: But for now, we're just watching. It's not a disadvantage to us.

Nokto: Oh, you noticed. You're still sharp-eared as ever.

Silvio: Ha, who are ya talking to?

Keeping his eyes on his hand, Nokto glanced at Silvio, who was flipping over cards in front of him.

Nokto: Then what about the three-country alliance of Tanzanite, Achroite, and Ruby?

Silvio: That's also come up as a topic of conversation in Benitoite.

Silvio: But originally, Tanzanite and Achroite had a good relationship...

Silvio: As for Ruby, each faction has a different supporting country, so there are restrictions, but it's not like we have a bad relationship with them either.

Silvio: We've made many deals and contracts with those three countries, and we've made a reasonable profit from the special products and goods we've developed.

Silvio: It's hard to imagine them throwin' away that profit and plotting something against Benitoite just because they've formed an alliance.

Nokto: As expected of the country of trade, Benitoite. Your diplomatic maneuvering is perfect.

Silvio: Ha, but we're just merchants, not necessarily nice people.

Silvio: If we're shown a huge amount of money or come up with a big business idea, our eyes will change color.

Silvio: It might be a good idea for a small country like Rhodolite to be on guard.

Nokto: I see, you certainly have a bad personality. Though I feel like I've been tricked somehow,

Nokto: At least I know you don't have any thoughts that would be disadvantageous to our country.

Silvio: When you guys are 'bout to be at a disadvantage, we might just stay on the sidelines, though.

To Silvio's fearless grin, Nokto returned a fox-like smile that betrayed no emotion and slid his hand across the desk.

Nokto: Thanks for the advice.

It was a lineup that, unless heaven and earth were to be overturned, would guarantee his victory––

Silvio: Damn it, you have a pretty bad personality yourself.

With a click of his tongue, Silvio threw his hand on the desk.

-

---The next morning, Emma and Nokto were in a carriage with Silvio, heading to the founding anniversary party.

Silvio: Do something 'bout that awful face of yours that I can't bear to look at.

Emma: H-huh... What kind of face is an awful face...?

Nokto: It's alright. Silvio wants to say your face is cute.

Nokto: But wasn't that face only meant for me to see?

Emma: N-Nokto, you're too close! Even though Prince Silvio is here...!

Nokto: You still blush like a total beginner even when we just get close in public, don't you?

Nokto: We've done it countless times––

(What is he trying to say in front of Silvio...!?)

Emma: N-Nokto!

Flustered, I instinctively covered Nokto's mouth with my hand, and Silvio frowned in disgust.

Silvio: I'm going to throw both of ya into the sea. ...Honestly, haven't you had enough revenge?

Emma: Revenge...?

Nokto: It's our business, so you don't have to worry about it.

Nokto: More importantly, you're a little excited to attend today's founding anniversary party, aren't you?

Emma: Yes, it's my first time attending a school's founding anniversary party.

Emma: Besides, I might be able to meet Nokto's former tutor.

Nokto: I'm sure it won't be much different from the parties you usually attend.

Nokto: Even if you meet that person, I don't think you'll hear anything very interesting.

Emma: I'm happy just to be able to greet the person who took care of Nokto.

(I'm sure I'll be able to learn about the school in Benitoite from the teacher as well, so I'm looking forward to it.)

Emma: Speaking of which...

*flashback*

Old Scholar: Prince Nokto once went to Benitoite for a short-term study abroad program.

Nokto: It's not something to hide, but it's not really worth talking about either.

Nokto: Speaking of studying abroad, I spent a longer time at boarding schools in Achroite than in Benitoite.

*flashback over*

Emma: Nokto, you attended school in Achroite, didn't you?

As I dredge up past memories, Nokto quietly nods.

Nokto: Not just me, but Silvio too.

(Oh, I didn't know that.)

Emma: Prince Silvio, why did you attend school in Achroite instead of Benitoite?

Silvio: Achroite is a country of law. The whole country puts a lot of effort into education.

Silvio: There's a lot to learn, and since it's a country ruled by law with good public order, many children of royalty study abroad there.

Emma: I see... The more I hear, the more interested I become in Achroite's schools.

Nokto: Speaking of Achroite, the founder of this school is a noble from Achroite, right?

Silvio: Yes. That's why royalty has come all the way here for today's party.

(Achroite royalty...)

(Ever since I was told that the three-country alliance could be a threat, I've been strangely on edge.)

(The founding anniversary party was just an excuse for this visit to Benitoite, but...)

(I hope I can interact with the people from Achroite and get to know them properly.)

As if sensing my feelings, Nokto's hand covers mine, which was resting on his lap.

Silvio: Hey, I told you to stop that in front of me. I'm really goin' to drag you out of this carriage.

Nokto: Oh, this isn't revenge. It's just a normal thing for us, so don't worry about it.

Silvio: Huh? Hey, you're accepting it too, aren't you?

Emma: Prince Silvio, I'm sorry.

I feel heat gathering in my cheeks as I squeeze Nokto's hand.

Silvio: You're not matchin' your words with your actions.

Even with Silvio's scornful gaze, Nokto didn't seem to care at all and narrowed his eyes in amusement.

Nokto: I'm happy. Actions speak louder than words, right?

Nokto's fingertips teasingly tickle between my fingers.

Emma: ...Nn.

Silvio: Damn it, I can't stand to watch this.

With Silvio's grand sigh, the carriage continued towards the party venue.

-

Nokto: See? Just like I said, it's not that different from the parties you usually attend, is it?

The founding anniversary party was as glamorous as the parties I usually attend, and the attendees, besides the teachers, seemed to be mostly nobles and merchants who were funding the school.

Emma: Yes, it is...

Everyone was enjoying the buffet and chatting, and a peaceful atmosphere flowed through the room, but even here, there were glances directed at Nokto that felt like wary observation, just like at the welcome party...

I replied to Nokto while feigning composure, but a gloomy feeling was welling up in my chest.

Nokto: Here you go, princess.

Emma: Thank you.

I suddenly received a glass offered by Nokto, and he urged me with his eyes to drink––

As soon as I brought it to my mouth, the familiar mellow scent of roses wafted through the air.

Emma: Rose wine... To think I can experience roses even in Benitoite.

(I'm happy that Nokto chose rose wine for me from among all the different kinds of alcohol.)

The tension and frustration of being in a foreign land melted away with the scent reminiscent of the roses of Rhodolite, which I was familiar with.

Nokto: I'm glad you like it.

Emma: Nokto...

(Nokto always casually and naturally relieves my tension like this.)

My heart throbbed sweetly with love and tenderness, and I gazed at Nokto, but...

Suddenly, I noticed that his crimson eyes were wavering with worry.

(Huh? What's wrong...?)

Nokto: More importantly, let's go outside after you finish your rose wine.

Emma: Eh?

Nokto: Attending the commemorative party is just a formality. We're not planning to stay long.

Emma: B-But, we might even be able to meet your former tutor...

Nokto: If we want to meet him, we can do so anytime, not just today.

Nokto: After this is over, let's go on a tour of the city.

Nokto: The elderly couple who took care of me during my short-term study abroad wanted to see me too, so it would be nice to go say hello.

Speaking indifferently as if it were nothing, Nokto pulled me closer by the waist.

(Could it be that Nokto's eyes were wavering with worry because I was bothered by the stares from those around me?)

(And the reason he said he wasn't planning to stay long was for my sake––)

Even if I pretend to be fine, it should be Nokto himself, not me, who is hurt by being exposed to such gazes.

(And yet, what am I doing, making him worry so much...?)

I scolded myself inwardly and smiled to try and ease Nokto's worries even a little, and to convey my gratitude.

Emma: Nokto, thank you.

(This isn't how I intended to come to Benitoite with Nokto. That's why––)

Emma: But I've never been to a school-related party before, so I'd like to broaden my horizons with this opportunity.

Perhaps my feelings were conveyed indirectly, as Nokto's lips curved into a soft smile.

Nokto: ...I see. Then how about we go talk to the teacher over there?

Emma: Yes.

Just as I was about to take a step forward with newfound determination––

???: Nokto-sama.

.

.

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Chapter 4

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[traegorn]

Do you do tarot/ can give advice? I asked if I was right to want to skip this wedding I have coming up. I got reversed queen of swords.

I'm the maid of honor. My spouse and I have paid for the bride and groom's dress and suit. We're paying for the night before hotel stay. I don't really like this girl, but no one else does either so I was the 4th person she asked to be maid of honor and I said yes just because I like weddings. They've been married for a few years but this is their first ceremony. My spouse wants to drop out and not go at all (he's defacto best man) since he doesn't like either of them and this groom's recently threatened the bride but she's laughed it off as " he's just tired". My spouse is the only one of us who can drive and he will not make time to drop my dress off for alterations. He also won't pick up his own suit/makes sure we're out of spending money so he can't. Neither one of us really wants to support the marriage, I only wanted to go just to go to a wedding since we've never had one either. We've spent over 1k so far not counting the hotel or alterations or accessories or his suit yet. Just 1k on the bride and groom because they can NOT afford any of this. I think everyone deserves a nice wedding so I don't really care but I feel bad that I don't want to go now. It's too stressful trying to wrangle everything that needs done on my own and at this point I don't think there's enough time for alterations anyways. Wedding is in less than a month. I'm intending to play sick but I think I might be a bad person. We're the only people involved that aren't related to them and her family hates the groom as much as we do, they're just loud about it. I'm just so tired of the whole thing, I never thought they'd actually follow through with it. I just thought I'd get to go wedding dress shopping and get some formal wear to attend events in. Im also stressed that the image of the whole wedding thing is going to prevent this girl from leaving this man who demeans her and threatens her in front of their children. Kids didn't even react, its horrible. Anyways. Advice? If not, at least I hope this was entertaining. Thanks

What is... this was wild. From start to finish, absolutely wild.

So I don't do tarot, but I know people. And you have gotten yourself into quite the mess. Honestly, the fact that you've paid for this stuff is deeply nuts for me, especially when you say you don't like these people.

I don't even hang out with people I don't like, let alone pay for their wedding.

So in regards to the wedding, I'd bow out -- you're in pretty deep, but it might be time to rip the bandaid off. I mean, what's the worst thing that could happen -- someone you don't like stops talking with you?

I will say I don't like how your spouse is handling it. If what you're saying is true, he's being a bit passive aggressive about things. If he doesn't want to do something, he shouldn't make excuses -- he should just say he's refusing to do it. It'd still be rude, but it would at least be honest.

As for your "friend" -- you can't fix her relationship. They're already married according to you, so it's not like you can tell her to skip the marriage. At best you can tell her you don't like her husband and why... and that's it. You can't make her decisions for her.

So, in short, skip the wedding, tell your spouse to say what he wants instead of dicking around, and stop putting fixing people who don't want to be fixed onto yourself.