#i'm always nervous about these things but yoU KNOW WHAT i'm adult i can handle things let me know if you'd like to be removed from here ;3

[mythvoiced]

EXCLUSIVES & MAINS & CONNECTIONS~

This nifty lil post will list rp partners and FCs of their muses that, since I am so deeply enamoured with their muses and can't stop associating the faces they chose for said muses, I can't find it in me to have given (or all) blorbos of mine interact with anybody else.

BLOG-WIDE

Lee Dong-wook | @jeoseungsaja From main verse to verse 5, Alex's MASSIVE BRAIN has made me wholly incapable of throwing any of my blorbos at any Lee Dong-wook that aren't her magnificent Jeoseungsaja, Wang Yeo, Lee Hyuk. He is simply That Binch. Kaeden's older brother, Kim Shin's spouse and/or housemate, Sarang's victim, Rang's actual half-brother, you name it.

Débora Nascimento | @fatalhymn The mythvoiced blorbos have spoken, every muse who meets Amelia falls in love with her, romantically or platonically as may be, or is otherwise so obsessed with her I am starting to fear for their mental health. Ami's Amelia Stella Sinclair is the fruit of some of the sexiest, most incredible character building I've ever seen and I can't disassociate her face from her. Dude, I even forget Miss Nascimento does not have freckles.

MUSE-SPECIFIC

Lee Joon-gi | @theimpalpable for Ji Hyun, as Yeong Boram. He's a rain prince, an azure dragon, who's story with Hyun starts in captivity in ancient times and re-blossoms now in the present, when they turn from memory to constant, present and future. Boram is Hyun's soulmate and Hyun is single-ship with him.

Harry Lloyd | @/theimpalpable for Corey Atwell, as Domenic Lachlan. A friend, a mentor of sorts, maybe? Left to his own devices with no one to lean on, meeting Domenic, a kind, warm, enthusiastic intellectual willing to experience the joys of discovery and knowledge with him is kind of like... discovering how vast the world is without being afraid of it.

Tom Holland | @/theimpalpable for Kaeden, as Wilder B. Summers. Wilder is perhaps everything to Kaeden, most definitely is. He's his best friend, his sweet cheese, his good-time boy, Kaeden would set the world on fire for him, and hopes to be worthy of his friendship one day.

Park Bo-gum | @/theimpalpable for Han, as So Yong. The feeling of a soft breeze on a hot day, the first drop of rain after months of dry soil, the first sip of water after hours without, the softness of your pillow after a hard day. These are just some of the things Han equals Yong to. And it's very confusing.

Song Joong-ki | @/theimpalpable for Huáng ZhìJiàn, as So Kiheon. Some love prevails for centuries before either party even gets to call it love. A-Jiàn has never forgotten Kiheon and each day he may get closer to meeting them again, is a day he feels a little more alive than the previous.

Shin Ha-kyun | @/theimpalpable for Sköll, Sarang & Ajay (in particular), as (Kim) Nae-Gil. For Sarang and Ajay, Nae-Gil is but a name on a list. A Knight, one of those deserted, hell, Ajay might not even know who he is, Sarang might only be familiar with what he's capable of. A Knight of the Order he still was, and that connection will always remain. To Sköll, though, he's a little more than that. He makes him feel alive in the same way two flames uniting to create a wildfire create life in their own way.

You WILL most definitely find other Alex muses on this list one day, I am obsessed with her stuff, I'll nab it all.

Lee Sun-mi | @uroborosymphony for Sarang, as Calixtus 'Calista' Orion, because Lynnie said I was allowed~ immortal terrorist girlfriends, the breath of snarled and maniacally cackled air that fanned the flame in Sarang's soul back to life and reminded her that living is just, living is fair, and taking what is hers even more so, perhaps even at her side, by the side of the one woman to occupy the centre of her mind.

Shin Sung-rok/SF9's Hwiyoung | @clemencetaught Blog-wide. Here's the thing. Patrick Grace, Shin Myungdae, I am a little obsessed with what Ferre is doing with this person. Every verse, every minute interaction I have with him, because I haven't even gotten to interact with him all that much (or as much as I'd like to, anyway, hehehehe~) follows me to the end of my days. With Eunjae, with Sarang, the plotting we're doing with Maria, smaller threads like the one with Seok-ju, he's incredible. All of Ferre's work around this person makes me gasp. I had to visit their notion because I did not for the life of me remember the FC's name, in typical Len fashion, I completely forgot that wasn't just... you know, Patrick. So yeah. If I see another Shin Sung-rok, in particular, anywhere else, I will think it's Patrick.

Hoang Quyen | @stillresolved for Samuel, as Mana Minh Huynh, on one hand because even while I write Samuel very rarely because he's a little more difficult to get muse for, Mana is already impacting him in ways I could have never hoped for to the point where I'm discovering things about him I had no idea were in him, on the other hand because I just? I can't... it's? I don't shout about Mana a lot because I feel almost undeserving, and inappropriate in treating her the way I would... stanning anime characters. She's... so much more, she makes me want to treat her in all the seriousness of ancient Greek philosophers. She's incredible. She's "The Only Hoang Quyen" to put it in a weird way (I'm collecting Ferre characters the way I collect Alex characters, BEST BELIEVE).

CONNECTIONS/MAINS

These are characters who I wouldn't claim mutual exclusivity with because I'm a too chicken and forgetful to ask, but they've become very vital connections to my muses and as such, while I'd never demand anything in turn, there is no pressure or obligation here to do the same with connections here as I do because I am Insane about y'all's characters, your muses are very dear to me and as such these here listed characters will at the very least most definitely be the first names associated with the listed faces.

Jing Boran | @wantedformanysins for Chul-soo, as Nathan Chen, because don't you just love a messy 'we used to be lovers but not really then we split and now you invited me as your boyfriend to spend Christmas with you because you didn't tell your mother we split?' plot? There's a lot more to that, obviously, because Dex is one of the greatest minds you'll ever meet, her plotting capabilities are through the ROOF. The violence she makes me feel, soft aggression about how amazing it is. It's... I can't even put it into words it's just... oof.

Liam Samuels | @zodiachild for Nathaniel & Diana, as Aziz Khan. Again, Dex just... plots MASSIVE things okay. Love stories spanning for centuries, stockfull of the most violently incredible details and facets, Aziz is such an incredible fucking character, the lore iS INSANE, and Nathaniel & Diana are both so stupid about him, so absolutely gone, so insane about him, can't really expect me to not add him here~

Nana Komatsu | @wellfell BLOGWIDE, as Mori Akina, let me count all the ways I would commit heinous crimes for Akina, I have been so obsessed with this woman even beyond having Karube interact with her in so many painful, sexy, incredible ways, amplified by the way Nassy writes to kill, I'm not even sure if I got the FC's name right because it's just Akina™. I'm literally doing research on Ringu to understand her better, do you understand, I am considering buying it, do you understand.

AND!! LIST WILL BE UPDATED!! When I write things down in one sitting I will end up forgetting, so I'll come back~ Also in case FCs change~ There are some I didn't add either because they're Patrick/ashbtten related or because I'm shy or because they're in 1x1 threads or or or but hey if you ever feel like we've interacted enough that it would be a CRIME to not find on this list, we can always chit chat about it >:3

[weasleyreidstyles]

Serendipity

chapter eight

summary: it was only meant to be a purely transactional relationship. he would help her strengthen her abilities in return for her getting his friends out of his father's nasty path. he didn't mean to fall for her, but loving her was the easiest thing in his dark world.

no use of y/n, but your general nickname is Meadow. all characters are aged up to be over 18.

pairings: mattheo riddle x fem!ravenclaw reader; platonic!slytherins x fem!reader; platonic!golden trio x fem!reader

warning(s): 18+ content, unprotected sex (use protection obvs), rough undertones but not really, bro's possessive as fuck

series masterlist; previous part; next part

Your old Professor had given you some much needed insight over the Christmas holidays. Harry had dragged you and Ron to sit in agonising silence as he and Remus had a back and forth battle of wills over Harry's wild theories. Remus was certain that Voldemort wouldn't recruit inexperienced, young adults who were barely eighteen, but you knew he was wrong about that, especially considering he was recruited into the Order as soon as he was no longer a Hogwarts student.

Theo had not replied to a single letter; you'd sent countless over the small three week break.

Remus had yelled at Harry for making such harsh accusations, then had apologised not ten minutes later. It was a full moon after all, and he was still grieving over Sirius' death. Before that had sullied the peaceful evening, you confided in your old Professor before lunch had been served, who was more than willing to offer his profound wisdom to you.

"Sir? Can I-" you hesitate in the doorway of the Burrow's living room, feet teetering on the edge of the threshold, the smell of Mrs Weasley's cooking permeating the calm air. Before you could continue, Professor Lupin let out a hoarse chuckle and invited you to settle in the cushioned sofa next to him.

"I'm not your Professor anymore," he spoke your name softly, "please call me Remus."

"Okay sorry. Can I ask you something, Remus?"

"Of course. I'll try to help in anyway I can." his encouraging smile led to you spilling what was on your mind – he'd always been easy to confide in.

"I've been doing some extra reading on further subjects," you start, chewing on a hangnail on your thumb. "about- about siphons."

Remus stilled. If you weren't so nervous you would have narrowed your eyes in suspicion.

"What have you learned so far?" his response was slow and curious; carefully constructed.

"Well other than the fact that they don't draw magic from their cores...nothing. And every book in the library says the same thing." you let out a frustrated sigh and he seems to take pity on you.

"Siphons are extremely rare, which you know, of course." one of his hands cups his jaw contemplatively, as if he's choosing his words with careful precision. "That's why there's so little information, because there are very few people alive who have been able to record their true nature.

What we do know, is that siphons can completely draw out sources of magic into themselves; drain it to nothing to gain that power. They're very volatile in thats sense because no one knows how much power they can truely handle."

He gave no indication that he saw the way your flinched at his words. You were grateful for it.

"But surely harbouring that much power would be dangerous? Nature demands a balance." you say in a small voice.

He mumbles your name with a knowing look of understanding before patting your shoulder, indicating an end to the conversation but you still catch his parting words: "Look in the restricted section, in books about forbidden magical and mythical creatures and you'll find what you're looking for. Consult Professor Dumbledore too, it would be more useful than soley relying on my account."

"Thankyou sir- Remus." he leaves you there, chuckling quietly at your correction as he let you know that he'd see you at dinner later in the day. You're left infinitely more confused than before you initiated the conversation, but as you left through the opposite door that led to the bedrooms upstairs to find Ginny, you failed to see the curious eyes of you best friend, hidden under his cloak of invisibility.

~∞~

Something had changed over the holidays. The air around the castle was different; a dark, sinister energy permeating the comforting warmth that the magical wards usually bathed the castle grounds in. You didn't know how you felt the shift moreso than your friends. Maybe it was the January weather, or the fact that you missed the comfort of home, but you knew in your gut that things were different now. Your stubbornness didn't want to admit that it could be a result of your new abilities that hadn't shown since Katie Bell's incident.

It became evident in your patrol evenings with Theodore, too. He was withdrawn, sullen and constantly aggravated; if he bothered to show up at all sometimes. You knew what it meant and you kept this piece of information to yourself, lest it gave your friends one more reason for you to avoid the Slytherins.

But you made a promise; one that you wouldn't break.

The change was even more evident in your sessions with Mattheo. He was pushing you to your limit, and getting exceedingly frustrated with you, for no reason. He was angry at the world and at you, apparently.

After a considerably hard yank at your innermost thoughts, you shoved him out with a glare, which he returned tenfold.

"Okay. Ow? Why are you being so aggressive?" you snap, massaging your throbbing temples. He scoffed at you and moved to stand, beginning to pace.

"What? You don't think someone trying to infiltrate your mind won't be? Don't be so naive, I can see all your thoughts. Shut. Me. Out." He spat your name out like it was filth to him, and you suppose it was at one point in time. Pushing youself to stand, you make your way to him so you were chest to chest.

"What is your problem?" you question, narrowing your eyes at him as he stared back with deadly, onyx eyes. He scoffed and turned away from you, fingers rubbing at his temples as if this whole conversation was giving him a headache.

"It is giving me a headache." he spat and your glare intensified. "You're not focused, your mind is unraveling at the seams. It's like you haven't made any progress at all."

You startled him with the cold laugh that escaped you. "That's rich." you spat, your pointer finger digging into his strong chest. "You're a hypocrite Mattheo. You have been unfocused for the last week. So answer me this: what is your issue?"

In seconds he had you pinned against a wall that you hadn't noticed he had been backing you into, his breathing heavy and cold as ice. His hand was wrapped loosely around the base of your throat, not tight enough to harm but enough to pose a threat.

"You know nothing about me, Princess." his voice was a low and deadly rasp that sent coils of dread right down to the tips of your toes, but you couldn't deny the blatent arousal that was beginning to fester. "You know nothing, yet you're still willing to be in a room with me. Willing to let me do things to you that your friends would abhor you for. Willing to keep secrets from the very people you should trust with your life."

You cursed the flush in your cheeks, and the lust in your eyes.

"You've been dancing with the devil for months, sweetheart." his voice was a nocuous whisper as his lips grazed your's with controlled precision. The sharp feeling of his teeth piercing your bottom lip invaded all your senses along with the metallic taste of blood. "You should've expected that I'd behave as such."

He kissed you then, an art of carefully thought out distraction as he sucked on the wound he created. But he underestimated you as you raked your fingers through his unruly, dark curls. Wandlessly, wordlessly, you willed the Legillimens spell to take hold and you were thrust into his mind, barraging through his fortified shields as if they were mere shadows ready to be swept away.

You were thrown into a seat at an overly large dinner table, that could seat at least thirty people, Bellatrix Lestrange seated adjacent to the seat opposite you, causing you to flinch at the phantom feeling of her cruciatus curse from the Department of Mysteries. The room was vast, with a towering ceiling filled with delicate Jacobean decor, it was dark and foreboding; you didn't want to be here.

You were sat to the right of Death himself.

Voldemort didn't acknowledge you and the words he spoke were a garbled blur of nothing as your attention was brought to the back of the room, by the double doors to the Entrance Hall. Draco Malfoy walked in, followed by Lorenzo and....and Theodore.

The next moment made you want to scream and cry as Mattheo was forced to stand before his friends, before Voldemort's loyal followers who were a mere spillage of darkness to your vision, and tortured by his own father. Somehow this was more painful than the memories you'd seen of his in those first few lessons; knowing it had been as recent as the week before. You gaped as Voldemort merely turned to Enzo and Theo; you fought tooth and nail to stop the inevitable as you watched them writhe and scream as the Dark Mark appeared on their left forearms.

You were shoved so violently from his mind that your head collided painfully with the wall behind you. You were staring at him, wide eyed and wincing as he glared down at you, murderously.

"I-I'm sorry. I didn't- I'm sorry." you tried to catch your breath, only now realising that the hold he had on your throat had tightened upon reflex. Your hands flew to the singular wrist that helf your life in his hands, clawing as it flexed. "Mattheo-"

You watched in understandable horror as a smirk painted his beautiful face. Your wrists continued their assault with renewed vigour.

"I'm very impressed." he mumbled, his face drawing closer to your's, his voice a sensual whisper in your ear. "No one has ever been able to do what you just did."

He pressed a kiss to the shell of your ear and you trembled as the hold he had on your throat did not let up.

"What are you going to do to me?" you whispered hoarsely, fear painting your tone. He snickered at your predicament and the tightness surrounding your throat lessened considerably, but he maintained a loose grip, a warning.

"I want to do unspeakable things to you, sweetheart." he said, his voice a reflection of the arousal that was pressing heavily against your abdomen. His smirk widened as you shuddered at the way he said your name. "I'd like to think that I'm an honourable man. And I want to do the honourable thing, but I've resisted you for far too long."

Weeks worth of avoidance came to head in that moment as he surged forward, finally pressing his lips to your's. You could taste cigarettes on his tongue and his cologne filled your lungs with every breathe you managed to gasp between heated kisses. The wound on your lip pulsed from the attention, the pain causing a whine to crawl up the back of your throat. The kiss deepened.

His hands roamed over your entire body; hips, waist, thighs. Like he didn't know where to settle them, while his body pressed you further into the wall with pure male strength – you wanted to climb him like a tree. Somehow you managed to pull away from his ministrations, heavy breath mingling with his.

"You're not angry that I just broke through your shields?" you ask with a furrowed brow. He only lets out a quiet laugh as he shakes his head, leaning down to suck on the sensitive skin of your neck, then soothing the marred skin with presses of his lips and swipes of his tongue. You breathed out an airy moan at the sensation, tilting your head back to grant him more access.

"A little miffed." he mumbled agaist your skin. "But not angry. No one has ever been able to do that, except you apparently. Smart girl."

He didn't speak for another minute or so, content with marking your smooth skin instead.

"I'm proud. These lessons are paying off, it seems." and you hear it in the tone of his voice, the pride. You respond with a stifled laugh as he bites into the sensitive flesh of your collarbone and you swat at his shoulders.

"You're always content in making my life difficult." you tut, but make no move to stop him as he begins to unravel the knot in your tie. "Do you know how long it takes to cover these up? With and without magic!"

"Don't want you to cover them up." he mumbles, so quietly that you almost miss it. But you don't miss the possessive gleam that ignited in his onyx eyes. "You're mine."

You're mine. The words echoed through every corner of your mind.

"Am I?" you challenge and you pull him closer to you as you weave the fabric of his tie through your fingers. He growls as he rips your school shirt in two, ignoring your admonishing protests as he pulls it from your body. This continues until your stood in nothing but your under garments.

"Beautiful." he mumbles as he traces featherlight touches down your body with his calloused hands. "Absolutely breathtaking."

"Well I don't think it's very fair that I'm the only one whose indecent." you snark, though your attempts at hiding your anticipation were rubbish at best.

"So undress me, darling." he says after a split second of reluctance, his voice low and demanding, it makes your thighs clench. Looking at him through dark lashes, you begin to unknot his tie, slow and teasing. The buttons of his shirt are next, popped one by one by your nimble fingers; when you raise to your tiptoes to smoothly remove his shirt from his shoulders he tenses as you come face to face with his lean, quidditch built torso.

That's when you see it. Ink black and imposing against his tanned, muscular forearm. Covered in thick scars, old and new, was the Dark Mark. Your breath hitched in your throat as you trailed your fingers lightly across it. Mattheo shivered at the feeling.

"Scared?" he asks, voice low, you almost detect a hint of shame...or something else.

"Of you?" you ask, taking his left hand in both of your's, fingers running soft circles across his palm. "No."

"You should be." he says it like he believes it to be true. His fingers flex in your hold and then tighten, squeezing your's in earnest.

"I'm scared for you, Mattheo. For all of you. This," your pointer finger trails against the Mark, "isn't fair."

He smiles at you then, all soft and sad and heartbreaking. "This is the life I've been dealt, love. No use in trying to stop it."

You brought his forearm level with your face and begin to press gentle kisses to his marred skin. His breath hitches and you can't place the look he gives you.

"You're not a monster." you mumble between soft caresses. "You're kind and intelligent, and compassionate and honourable. You've been dealt an awful card, yet you haven't let it ruin you. Not entirely. That says everything and more, Matty."

"Say that again." he says, onyx eyes staring resolutely into your's.

"Say what?" you ask, brows furrowed as he practically rips his arm from your hold, only to pull you closer to him by your waist. You both seem to realise that you're both near naked – only your underwear and his trousers separating the two of you. Your cheeks heat.

"My name. Say it."

"Make me." you say with a barely contained smirk. He lets out a near growl as he cups the back of your neck in his giant palms and presses a demanding kiss to your kiss-swollen lips.

It's not pretty. It's all teeth-gnashing and lip biting and purely animalistic.

You'd both been resisting eachother past blind fumbles in the dark and post-session make outs but you'd never been this exposed to each other before. It was exhilarating.

"Fuck!" he gritted against you. "You're so fucking pretty."

You whimpered against him as he sucked at your tongue, and that seemed to push him past his controlled limit. One of his hands guides your thigh to rest against his hip and he battles with his trousers to get them low enough to release his painfully hard cock.

You're not one to beg often, but your desire for the boy in front of you was too great to ignore. With a mewl and a whisper of pleas he pushed the fabric of your panties aside and pushed into you. The tightness and the pain of the action made you both groan in unison.

"Gods, sweetheart. You feel so much better than I imagined." he says against your lips as he pushes in to the hilt. He presses away the tears that fall from your eyes.

"Please move." you say as you attach your lips to his neck in an effort to stifle your moans as he begins at a slow pace, graciously letting you adjust to his size. He's bigger than anyone you'd had before him, the tip of him grazing places you didn't think was possible to reach. You were a mess of whines and moans as he adjusted you in his hold; letting out a shriek when he begins to repeatedly ram against a spot inside you that brought you immediate pleasure.

"Gods! Right there Matty, fuck....please!"

He smiles a wicked, sinister smile at you as he drags one moan after another from your lips. He takes both your hands into one of his and pins them above your head, restricting you to the wall.

"That's it, sweetheart." Mattheo rasps, revelling in the way you clench around him. "Moan my name."

His movements are precise and controlled. His pleasure deriving from the way he was making you come undone at the seams. He brings his free hand to the apex of your thighs, brushing them against your throbbing clit, smirking as his motion draws you closer to your orgasm.

You're not certain how long has passed since he entered you, but you feel like you're having an out of body experience as he rips an orgasm from you so suddenly that you don't know where the pleasure starts and ends.

You're a whimpering, moaning mess as he uses the extra slick to speed up his movements, which become erratic and lose their rhythm as he gets closer to his own release. The only sound to be heard are your soft whines, his grunts and the sound of skin slapping against skin as he finally reaches his own climax.

His forehead rests against your's, both gleaming with a light layer of sweat as you bask in the feeling of him. His dark brows furrow as you let out a soft laugh.

"What's so funny?" he asks, a light smile gracing his face as he memorises every inch of your skin.

"I think you just ruined me for anyone else." you say, breathless.

"Good." he growls, that possessive gleam in his eyes again as you feel him harden inside you. "As far as I'm concerned no one else can have you."

He's rolling his hips against your's before you can utter a snarky response.

~∞~

The next time you see Mattheo is in the Potions classroom the following day.

"How are you so good at everything you do, Meadow?" Ron grumbled as he read through the instructions of the healing potion Slughorn was making you all brew.

You had just finished an apparition lesson; by the end of the two hours, only you, Hermione, Mattheo's group of friends and a handful of others had managed to apparate from one side of the room to the hoop at the other. Harry and Ron were not part of that group.

"Well unlike you, Won-Won," Hermione sneered from across the table, "she takes pride in her academic accomplishments."

The redhead scoffed. "Mione come on-"

"Don't call me that." she snapped, going on a rant about Ron's incompetence. He only spluttered in response. You and Harry only exchanged uneasy looks as they continued arguing.

"I thought this would've ended by now." you say under your breathe as you drop in your next ingredient, huffing when it does the opposite of what it should. Harry mumbled his agreement as he completed his own potion. You looked between his and your's incredulously. "Why does your's look different to mine? Is it that book?"

You glared at him with pleading eyes and Harry huffed as he slid the Halfblood Prince's book so you could see. Your body ached as you read through the annotations. You winced as you rolled your neck to get rid of the tightness and Harry noticed your discomfort straight away.

"You okay, Meadow?" he asks, his hand gracing your shoulder blade. You both looked up at the sound of a knife clattering against a table top. Mattheo was glaring at the hand that Harry still kept on your shoulder, you huffed as you turned to your friend.

"Fine. Just sore from apparition lessons is all." you smiled reassuringly which seems to convince him as Harry removes his hand from you.

Faintly you hear Pansy question why Mattheo was acting so strangely and you try your hardest to ignore it. Until you couldn't any longer, because he was in your head.

Why the fuck was he touching you like that? His voice was a dark growl in your mind.

Wow possessive much? You reply with a mental scoff. He was asking if I was okay.

The agression in his tone softened and he sent a wave of concern your way. Are you? Okay, I mean? What's wrong?

You can't help the smile that paints your face, and you have to duck your head to hide it from your oblivious friends. I'm fine.

You can practically see as well as feel the look he gives you all the way across the room. You clearly aren't. Tell me what's wrong.

You look like you're about to incinerate the tabletop. I'm okay, Matty, really. Just sore. You curse him internally as he smirks wickedly, onyx eyes dancing with pride and hunger.

I'd gladly satisfy you again, darling. Just say the word.

You kick him from your mind, ignoring the flush that overtakes your heated face. Then you send flares of annoyance to him as you hear his snickering laughter that he barely conceals.

~∞~

when i was researching siphoner lore literally the only thing that came up was vampire diaries theories 😭😭😭

the smut took a different direction to what i intended tbh but i wanted to include some soft Matty 😅

taglist:

@camille-1019 @lovelyygirl8 @xluansstuff @babeylover @thejadeazalea @undercover-smutlover @adhxmoony @dreamingofonceuponatime @thepassionatereader @urmomsgayforme5 @aphroditeisamilf @devotedlycrookeddonut @purplegirls-posts @nofacenonamelikekira @foxboyapologist @lafrone @lovely-maryj @nromanovaswife @leeknows-wife @dracygf @wildlyobserving @ravenclawprincess33 @melllinaa @vellicora @lantsovheiress @emiliahoward @stunkbiggu @vcosette @prongsprincessworld @mattiesgirl @rachmmb @x-kermit-x @sun-fiower-seed @cas-planet @certaindreampost @weirdowithnobeardo @mikalovesicecream @sunasbbie @rainy-darling @faeriepigeons @lovely-blackinnon @topguncultleader @gimalo135 @elsafromcabinsix @moonlightreader649 @blueshome @nopedefe @spencerreidsthings @navs-bhat @agent-tempest @magimtz23

[itsphoenix0724]

Meet Me On The Ice (Azriel x Reader)~ Chapter 3

Warnings: None!

Word Count: 1.9k

MMOTI masterlist

A/N: It's been a while and I'm sorry but I hope you guys enjoy it <3

Disclaimer: DISCLAIMER: I am not a figure skater or a hockey player, so while I'm trying to be as accurate as possible, it's likely some things may not be correct and/or are bent a little to fit the plot!

“He’s just so infuriating!” You fall back onto the plush couch in the Vanserra pool house, stuffing a mouthful of popcorn. The underused pool house had been You and Lucien’s sanctuary since you were small, his rowdy brothers not really caring to venture here, much preferring the amenities the woodland mansion had to offer. 

Well except for one. 

Eris Vanserra’s favorite hobby seemed to be annoying you whenever you were over. It seemed like no matter what he found some way to weasel into your business, and now as he settles into the couch between you and Lucien–shoveling a handful of your popcorn into his mouth, it seems he’s wormed his way into your venting session. 

“Trouble in paradise?” He raises an auburn brow and you can practically feel Lucien rolling his eyes. You can’t believe you ever thought he was the most tolerable of Lucien’s brothers. “I’ve seen that broody one you’re trying to replace LuLu with, he doesn’t seem like your type.” It’s probably true, most of the Vanserra brood played for the Autumn University Smokehounds except for Lucien, the Velaris Comet’s biggest rivals on and off the ice. 

“Like you know anything about my type Eris,” You snarl and he does nothing but laugh, even as Lucien looks like he wants to sink back into the couch cushions. 

“Go away Er, find someone else to bother.” Lucien supplies, removing the bowl of popcorn from his brother's lap, passing it back to you, fixing his heated gaze on Eris, and then pointedly looking at the door. Eris gets the hint, seeming amused by the level of aggravation he’s caused for the day and stands to leave. 

“Alright, but I’m hurt you didn’t ask me, Little Minx,” Eris’s heated gaze fixed on you as he reaches down and grabs one last piece of popcorn from your lap, crowding your space with eyes locked together with brutal efficiency. “I think we would’ve danced very well together.” He leaves without another word. 

“It’s like I’m not safe from assholes anywhere,” You scoff, collapsing back into Lucien’s lap. He looks at you apologetically, running a soothing hand through your hair. You relish in the simple affection of the balm that is Lucien’s presence. 

“I’m sorry about him,” He supplies, twisting a lock of hair through your fingers. 

“I know how to handle Eris, it’s the other one I’m more nervous about.” Your eyes slip shut, taking calming breaths.

“What about Az gets you so worked up?” He asks readjusting his casted foot to be propped higher on the pillow. 

“I don’t even know, my whole life he’s just hated me. I get that I was an annoying little kid who always wanted to hang out with them, but we’re adults now and he should fucking get over it.” You can feel the annoyance start to creep back into your body, your temper already rising at the thought of the practice you have to attend later. 

“You’ll survive Dove, don’t let this ruin your last season. At least one of us needs a good one.” You glance up at Lucien who’s glaring at his leg like that could make it magically heal.

“I know I’m sorry. I just wish we could do it together.” You say, and he smiles down at you mournfully, rubbing out the crease between your eyebrows as you try to relax. “I’ll try to keep my head up.” 

₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊₊˚｡⋆❆⋆｡˚₊

Your head slams down hard against the practice floor as you’re dropped for the third time tonight. 

“Alright!” Alis yells, her forehead wrinkled with irritation as she stops the music. You glare hard at Azriel whose chest is heaving up and down, an equally intense glare fixed on you. “You two clearly haven’t taken my advice, and it’s showing in your work.”  She calls your name and you sit up, rubbing the sore spot from where your head hit the floor. “What did you and Lucien do when you first started skating together?” 

“We used to get pizza and go the arcade once a week.” You supply and you and Az share a mutual look of distaste. “But that was when we were eleven and Azriel and I are very much not eleven.” Alis shakes her head again. 

“Well, I don’t care. If you want any chance of even stepping on ice this season, you’ll bond. If you can’t get this on the practice floor, I’ll be damned before I let either of you on skates.” 

“I don’t have time for that.” Azriel’s voice rumbles through the room, and Alis shoots him an incredulous look.

“Well young man, let me make some time for you now. Practice is dismissed early, and the two of you are going to get pizza and go to the arcade. In fact, I’m giving you homework, you two have to hang out once a week.” Her tone is final despite the mutual protests of you and Azriel. So with the grumbling, you’re reluctantly climbing into the passenger seat of Az’s beat-up jeep as he’s plugging in the directions to the old Funland Arcade. He sets his arm on the back of your headrest as he looks over his shoulder to back out of the parking lot and set out on the road. 

It's most likely the most awkward car ride you’ve ever been on. 

The radio is playing on low with some old rock band Azriel must be fond of and the monotone voice of his phone’s GPS is the only noise in the car. Even the sound of your breath seems to blare throughout the vehicle's cab. Luckily for you, the drive to the old arcade is short. He parks the car and the two of you make your way inside, when you get in line behind him for game tokens he raises his eyebrows at you pinning you with a silent question in his hazel gaze. 

“What? I don’t expect you to pay for me, it’s not like we’re on a date.” You give him a noncommittal nod and he shrugs in response before feeding money into the machine that spits out the tokens. You repeat his actions filling your bucket as you set out upon the battlefield of neon lights and arcade consoles. 

It takes all of about 30 seconds for another argument to ensue. 

It's stupid really. You want to play the old Dance Dance Revolution machine in the back and Azriel wants to play some zombie shooter with grotesque graphics and obnoxiously loud gun noises. 

“Well, then we can just each play our own game and meet up when we’re done.” He huffs and starts to walk over to his choice, but you grab his arm. 

“The entire point of being here is so that we spend time together. Alis said we’re supposed to do things together as a team.” You drop his arm, glaring at him as he scoffs and shoves his hands in his hoodie pocket. 

“She’ll never even find out if we don’t” He tries to walk away again fully turning his back to you but you grab his hood and yank him back again. He lets out a choking sound before whipping around to you absolutely furious. “What the actual fuck was that for?” Azriel questions, yanking his collar back down. 

“Listen to me, Azriel. I get that this isn’t important to you but it’s important to me. This is my only chance to skate, so I don’t care what I have to stoop to.” You pinch the crease between your brows and try to offer an olive branch. “So can we at least compromise okay? I’ll play your shooting game first if you play my game after, and then how about we try to pick a game together.” Az finally relents, nodding his agreement. So the two of you walk over to his game, eloquently titled Undead Massacre III, and pick up the red plastic gun assigned to player two. 

You were officially complete dog shit. 

You had wasted a good chunk of your tokens because you kept dying and Azriel was too far ahead or too focused to revive you, and you could tell that he was annoyed at having to start over. You wanted to quit, not understanding the gun upgrades or reloading mechanism, insisting that you played enough and it was your turn. Az insisted that you had to win at least the easiest round before you could move on. After you died for the fifth time and the game over screen flashes bright and angry as Azriel comes behind you. 

“You can’t reload or switch guns fast enough because you’re holding it wrong.” He rumbles the warmth from his chest seeping into your back as he repositions your hands around the plastic. “And you can’t aim because you’re holding the gun too low and it’s not registering with the sensor,” He pulls your arm up so that the gun is now level with your collarbones. “There, see how that feels?” You shudder as his breath hits your neck, rolling your shoulders to fight off the rising goosebumps from his proximity and pray that he can’t see the heat creeping up your cheeks in the dim light. He inserts the tokens for both of you and starts the game again. You actually manage to beat the easiest level and let out a shout that makes a few mothers shoot you angry glares, turning to Azriel eyes blazing with victory. He smiles, actually smiles at you, and you start toward him before awkwardly pausing. If it was Lucien, Rhys, or hell even Cassian you would’ve thrown your arms around them to celebrate. But it was Azriel, so you settle for an awkward smile and offer your hand up for a high-five. He returns it and reluctantly follows you over to DDR, which he does surprisingly well at. 

You should’ve known apparently he’s good at everything. You shoot him a questioning gaze and he gives a nonchalant shrug, but there’s amusement in his eyes that makes a laugh bubble out of your chest.

The both of you settle on ski ball and a couple other arcade games that leave you both with a massive pile of tickets that you have to spend at the counter. You end up combing your tickets for the free pizza coupon so you settle into the booths and wait for it to be delivered to your table. This time the silence isn’t terribly awkward, you’re surrounded by kids laughing, terribly censored pop radio, and the smell of mediocre arcade pizza. You flick through social media on your phone and answer a couple texts before the waitress brings you a pitcher of lemonade and a large cheese pizza. You take two slices and Azriel piles 4 onto his plate, raising a brow at you as he shoves his face. 

“You don’t have to eat it like it’s about to run away from you.” You giggle out around a sip of your lemonade and Azriel thankfully takes the comment as the joke it is instead of an insult and laughs. 

“I’m a growing boy sweetheart, gotta eat.” He shoves almost half a piece of pizza in his mouth and pats his stomach for effect. The blush is back and Az watches it darken your cheeks with amusement dancing in his eyes. Thoroughly stuffed and satisfied you climb back into Azriel’s car as he drives you back to the rink, looking out the window as stars twinkle in the night sky. 

“I had fun tonight,” you mutter as he drops you off at your car. “I’ll see you tomorrow for practice.” Azriel nods at you from his rolled-down window and waits until you’re in your car and pulling out of the parking lot before he starts his drive home.

Taglist: @sidthedollface2, @bionic-donut @lyinginameadow @feyretopia @natashachelsea @going-through-shit @mika-no-sekai-blog @hijabi-desi-bookworm @brandywineeeee @littlelunatica @gorlillaglue25

[donutz]

KickinChicken x reader fluff alphabet[5/8]

—☆You are a smiling critter in this, if u want to know which one(but don't know what animal or insect to pick) you could start out as a sheep!

Affection(How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

— He's pretty affectionate, physically

— It's not like he craves it but he just does it naturally

— Like hugs, picking you up, taps on your shoulder, he shakes you randomly sometimes

— Especially when he wants your attention but you're not listening

— “Sleepy?”

— “...”

— “Sleepy!”

— “...”

— “SLEEPY SHEEP THE THIRD.” He says while shaking you

— “... Huh?”

Best friend(How would they be as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

— He'd be very outgoing and try to interact with you a lot

— Especially with sports

— I feel like he loves soccer

— Though he'd try to have you play almost every sport with him

— Like I said, he's a pretty interactive guy, best friends or not

— It would start with him trying to include you with sports activities, or just plain sports

— Like when he just wants to play them out of nowhere

Cuddles(Do they cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

— Yes, he cuddles, only when you two are alone

— Maybe if you're both watching something scary, yea sure you can cuddle up to him!

— But he ends up the one cuddling up to you

— He can NOT handle horror movies, but are very judgemental about them

— He will literally go on a rant about how bad a horror movie can be

— He doesn't really cuddle when sleeping, but he doesn't mind holding hands!

— But when you and him are sitting next to each other, he leans on you and holds your hand IF there's something covering it

— Unless y'all are alone then he doesn't care ╮( ˘_˘ )╭

Domestic(Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

— No, no settling down

— At ALL.

— He must be moving a leg or an arm, or his flap(?) I'm not sure if he even has fingers…

— HATES cooking

— Especially when he has to see the kids eat chicken.

— He cries every time and gets comforted by Hoppy

— Only likes cleaning when it comes to sports, unless it's a lot to clean then nevermind, but HATESSS having to mop and wipe down things

— Whenever someone tells him to he groans, but ends up doing it anyways

Ending(If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

— We’re not gonna talk about this one ^_^

Fiance(How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

— For the rest of the Smiling Critters, this section won’t ever be like an adult marriage, it will always be in the kiddy way

— Including this one

— He would be in a suit, while trying to seem confident but he’s actually really nervous

— “Wouldn’t mind at any time!” He says

Gentle(How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

— When it comes to hugs, he can be… A little rough

— He can pat you on the back pretty hard when he’s not thinking right

— He doesn’t mean it, he swears :(

— He just gets too excited, and when he expresses it physically… You might have to go through a stinging or bruising pain

— Emotionally, I mean he’ll listen, but don’t expect him to be good with words

— If you need a hug, that’s fine! But if you need comforting words, just realize that there will be some stutters between his words

— He’s not good at verbally comforting

Hugs(Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

— He likes hugs, but it depends on the person

— You and Hoppy? Yea! Anybody else he’s not too sure, it depends on his relationship with that person (or toy)

— He can hug you out of nowhere, then continue with his day

— He’ll hug you, then pick you up and spin you around, then walk away

— Does it often, because of that

— His hugs feel as if he just puts happiness into them

— Like not even just love

I love you(How fast do they say the L-word?)

— If he had to say it publicly, just give him like 5-10 minutes

— He’d try to hold it as long as he can, until the people(most likely toys) go away, then he’ll say it

— If you get a little sad and ask him if he loves you he’ll say—

— “What? Of course I love you!”

Jealousy(How jealous do they get? What do they do when they're jealous?)

— Doesn’t really get jealous, unless someone is purposefully taking your attention away from him

— He doesn’t get really jealous at the moment, but he’ll steal away from that person(less likely, toy)

Kisses(What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

—Hmm…

— Idk…

— He doesn’t really kiss

— His kisses are like… His beak.

— Because his beak is in the way

— Wouldn’t mind if you gave him a little smooch on the cheek

Little ones(How are they around children?)

— No. Having. Kids.

— But he really brings out the extrovertedness in them

— Some kids like him, some kids don't, it's based on their personality though

— Sometimes you can hear the older kids talk bad about how annoying he can be

— So you told Dogday and then he had to go over a lesson/activity  about respect plus kindness

Morning(How are mornings spent with them?)

— Morning person.

— If you're a person who wakes up late, then prepare for him to try dragging you out your bed

— Sometimes he wakes up too early

— He'll try to wake you up, just to ask you if you could cuddle so he can go back to sleep

— He struggles with going back to sleep if he wakes up really early

Night(How are nights spent with them?)

—  For most of the nights, he's too energetic to sleep immediately

— There will be times where he can sleep after 5 minutes

— It's very rare for him to sleep right away

— But when he's feeling energetic a few cuddles can calm him down, and then he'll sleep

Open(When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

— He can spill things out all at once, if he's not paying attention to what he's saying

— But he tries to avoid topics like that, at least negative ones

— I'm not sure what would be negative though💀

Patience(How easily angered are they?)

— Probably could get angry just from sports

— Never has gotten mad at you

Quizzes(How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

— Remembers everything, mainly because he's a chicken

— I feel that if he was any other animal then his memory would be bad

— Sometimes he impresses you by it

— “You remembered that?”

— “Yeah? My memory isn't THAT bad. Plus I'm a chicken!”

— “Chickens have good memories?”

— “... Yea.”

Remember(What is their favorite moment in the relationship?)

— When he wanted to go out first, you immediately pulled him back because Catnap nearly caught him

Security(How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

— He thinks he's the big man

— He's mainly being protective when it comes to arguments or physical thing(like fights)

— He always wants to go first in scary situations, just so you can be okay.

— Secretly wouldn't mind being protected, but tries to deny your help because he's worried about you

— It's his (small)ego talking, but he really is worried about you

Try(How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

— He thinks a lot about them, sometimes stressing when it isn't perfect

— When the ‘dates’ doesn't go how he wants them to you can visibly see him stress

— On the day is was both of your anniversaries, once he woke up he said

— “... It's our anniversary..!” While whispering at night

— “Kickin… It's 2 am. That's what the clock says anyways.”

— “I know but—!”

— You pulled him into a hug and laid him down, cuddling with him

— “We'll talk about this when we're supposed to wake up, okay?”

— “... Okay.”

— If everyday tasks are doing physical activities then he's down for it

— Cleaning, dealing with kids crying, yea not at all, least favorite thing

Ugly(What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

— It's your thought, but when he always wants to go first just in case

— Probably when he wakes up really early, then he can't go back to sleep unless he's cuddling with you

Vanity(How concerned are they with their looks?)

— Isn't

— He thinks he looks pretty rad

— He's right

Whole(Would they feel incomplete without you?)

— Yea :(

— Especially when doing activities, he'll remember you every time

Xtra(A random headcanon for them.)

— He and Hoppy has ADHD(even if this is about Kickin)

Yuck(What are some things they wouldn't like, either in general or in a partner?)

— He wouldn’t mind if you didn’t like sports, but could you at least play one time with him?

— That’s all

Zzz(What is a sleep habit of theirs?)

— He tosses and turns

— Probably drools too

[valiantstarlights]

Your work is so good and definitiely brightens up my day!

How do you think personal trainer Dream would react to finding out that Hob has to leave the country for an extended period of time due to work?

Would Hob be limping on his way to the airport? and be spoiled by random care packages (and other packages iykwim) from his clingy and insanely horny boyfriend? Sexy videocalls with heartfelt longing?

ALSO AWAITING YOUR VAMPIRE AU WITH BATED BREATH. THE ROMANCE OF DREAM CROSSING OCEANS OF TIME TO BE WITH HOB

Aww, thank you! 🖤 I'm glad I made your day brighter. 😊

And omgggg the Vampire!Dream Soulmate AU (a.k.a. Lord Dimitrescu!Dream AU) 🔥 I said I'll post the first chapter this week, but RL happened, and...👀 But the first chapter is complete! (I had it typed down and everything before I even wrote the prologue 😂) I just have to find the time to edit it. 😊

Okay, so about personal trainer!Dream being informed by Hob that he has to leave for an extended(!!!) period of time because of work stuff.

Honestly, my first thought is that Dream would drop everything and go with Hob wherever he's going because he's insane like that. 😂 But no! He's an adult. He has responsibilities.

Watch him become a sulky mess anyway and be more clingy than usual. He knows Hob has to go, and he won't try to dissuade him from leaving, but that doesn't mean he's happy that Hob has to leave. He can be supportive and mopey at the same time.

Like, Hob is an amazing person! Of course he deserves all the best career opportunities. 🔥 In fact, anyone would be lucky to be in his presence. Dream is just sad that, for the next few weeks/months, he won't be one of those lucky people. 🥺

During this time, I think Hob would also be clingy with Dream. He's nervous about the job assignment, living in a foreign country for a while, and he's very much not looking forward to being away from his boyfriend whom he loves, and who loves him just as much.

The night before Hob leaves, Dream is going to fuck him so good and slow that Hob would always blush at the memory of it, even months later.

And you know Dream would personally drive Hob to the airport and stay with him until Hob's plane absolutely has to leave. The other people in the airport will know just how much Hob is loved by his boyfriend because Dream is going to be so schmoopy and give him sweet, longing kisses while cupping his face in his hands like he's something precious. People will think that they're filming a romantic movie, and highkey want what they're having. 👀👌

And Dream sending care packages??? Yes.

Hob will receive the sweet care packages like, every couple of days. They're filled with (healthy and delicious) energy-boosting snacks, scented candles for relaxation, tea blends that Hob likes...just, all the things. (Maybe even a couple of Dream's shirts, because Hob misses him so much and his bed in this foreign land feels so empty 😭)

The other teachers in the conference/retreat/teacher exchange program(?) will see him always being sent care packages and be like, "Wow, your spouse is really going all out, huh?"

And Hob is like, "He's not my husband yet..." and then going blushy because Dream...as his husband... 🥰🥰🥰

The other people in the room will notice him openly daydreaming and be like, "Professor Gadling? Hello? No, I think we've lost him."

And of course Dream and Hob will video call each other daily. And after the spouse comment, I imagine the call will go something like:

Hob: I received the latest care package you sent me! 🥰 The other teachers said you're really going all out, but they referred to you as my spouse.

Dream, fiddling with the engagement ring he bought ages ago out of sight of the screen: Imagine that. 🥰

And Hob can't say, 'I did! I daydreamed about being married to you for like an hour straight, and I totally missed what everyone said during that time,' because that might sound too much for Dream to handle (spoiler: it's not), so he just says, "I'm so happy you're my boyfriend. 🥰 I never felt so loved in my life."

And then Dream will be totally normal about that and it will be all he thinks about until Hob returns. But he will return the sentiment, and add that Hob is the only one he wants to love for the rest of his life.

Dream: I...hope that's not too forward of me to say.

Hob, already crying: If you say that, then I should also tell you that when the other teachers said you were my spouse, I daydreamed for an entire hour imagining our life together. So...��� Sorry if that's too much. 🥺

Dream, a feral bastard barely restraining himself from booking a plane ticket and proposing to Hob as soon as he lands: No, not at all. You know how much I love you.

Hob, crying harder: I love you too 😭

And that's pretty much the only time they didn't have phone sex during this period, probably. 😂

As for spicy care packages, realistically, I don't think Dream will send them? 👀 Because the packages are inspected, and Hob could get in trouble. However, that's not to say that Hob doesn't have toys with him. It's just that he probably already had them in his luggage when he left. 😂

I think the toys that Hob brought with him are all very discreet and travel-friendly, though. And most days, they're definitely not enough, because he got spoiled by the size of Dream's cock and his scorching touches back home. But he can do nothing about it because he doesn't want either of them to get in trouble. So he just has to satisfy himself with what he has.

That doesn't stop him from whining that he wishes Dream were there to fuck him in person when they have video call sex, though. He would be plunging his own fingers in and out of his hole, tiny bullet vibrator against his cock, crying that it doesn't feel the same as when Dream does it to him. Hob does gets to cum every time they have video call sex, but it's mainly due to Dream's lustful voice praising him for being so good and obedient, and how he can't wait for Hob to get back so they could start training his hole again, which has tightened up considerably when they parted 😏 Can Hob even take Dream's cock when he returns? Or will they have to go back to thigh and titfucking?

Suffice to say, their phone sex sessions test Dream's self-control about booking a flight to where Hob is and giving him everything that he wants. 😂

Hob is gonna be so tight when he returns, and Dream is looking forward to training him again. 😏

When Hob is finally(!!!) scheduled to return, Dream clears out a week of his schedule. He doesn't fucking care. Hob has been gone for (what feels like) ages. And his siblings, having witnessed how mopey he became almost as soon as Hob's plane left the ground, are like, "Yeah. Have the week off. Heck, have two weeks off. Just get out of here with your sad cat looks."

(Dream takes the two weeks off.)

And then he's off to fetch Hob from the airport.

I don't think Dream would have a huge welcome banner or balloons, but he'll for sure have a bouquet that will mean something like, 'I went insane when you were gone and I'm so glad you're back because I can't live a single day without you.'

And once again, the people in the airport will think that Dream and Hob are filming a romantic movie because Hob will run excitedly towards Dream, and Dream will speedwalk towards Hob like he's competing in the Olympics, and when they collide, Dream will lift Hob up in an embrace as they kiss like long lost lovers.

Then, once they're home, Dream will prove to Hob (for two weeks) that actual sex is better than video call sex. 😏

And just when they're about to sleep, Hob would confess that this is one of the things he missed the most when they were apart: him falling asleep next to Dream. He'll say he missed being held safe in Dream's arms, and pressing his ear against Dream's chest to hear his heartbeat, while feeling Dream's breath ruffle his hair.

Dream will once again be extremely normal about this, and shower Hob with kisses. He's thinking if he should pull some strings with his academic contacts, to make sure that, in the future, Hob will have more control over where his work will take him, and for how long. Because while he wants Hob to be by his side 24/7, ultimately, it's Hob who gets to decide how much time he'll spend where.

(And of course, Hob will always choose to be with Dream. 🥰)

[xatsperesso]

Wait, do they know??

A sigh left Shichirou as he continued walking down the halls. The school day might be over, but there's much left for teachers to do. Grading assignments, making sure Kalego doesn’t over-punish any students, the likes.

Hmm, it's been a while since Shichirou pulled Iruma aside. He has some new books that could help him with this year's studies, and he's yet to check over Iruma’s flying, see if it's stable enough and if he can use it outside of adult supervision-

Quiet mumbling broke Shichirou out of his thoughts and drew him to a closed classroom

Oh? He wasn't aware of any students usingthis room. Better to check to see what they're doing in case they're taking part in some, adult activities.

He knocked loudly on the door and opened the door slowly (you can never be too safe around teens) and behind the door he saw, iruma? Holding a comic book for young Azazel to read?

Iruma’s eyes shone upon recognising the intruder (and it always delights Shichirou to be met with such warmth) while Ameri grew rigid.

Huh.

"Hello! Sorry to interrupt your..reading session?" Shichirou tilted his head trying to read the title of the story they're reading (and just outside his vision, Ameri was starting to turn as white as paper)

"Ah! Balam-sensei! We were just reading a ma-"

"Aaaaaa magic script from a demon king from the 6th generation! Yes! It's such fortunate that Iruma’s grandfather taught him how to read the old scripts!" Shichirou looked at Ameri in confusion. Why would she lie to him? Does the student Council not know of his bloodline ability?

He looked at Iruma, who was looking at Ameri as confused as Shichirou was. This didn't look like an old script (why would students even have the original old scripts?) This looks like a newly published book.

Wait. Those characters..

"Uh, yeah? Yeah, grandpa taught me how to read the, uh, ancient? Language?" Iruma sounded confused by what he was saying, and in any other situation he'd have adored how bad Iruma is at lying, but Iruma showed him those characters before! These are Kanji!

Why-

"YES! And Iruma can't focus when alot of people are in the room" Another lie, but this time Ameri stood up and all but shoved him out of the room, screaming a quick goodbye before shutting the door.

Why is Iruma showing her human world book???does this boy have zero self preservation?! What if she tells her father and Iruma’s sent back to the human world!

"Yo" A voice suddenly appeared from behind him and Shichirou damn near hit the ceiling

"K-Kalego!" Shichiro moved in front of Kalego, trying to distract his friend from the very loud whispering that's happening behind them.

Kalego looked at the door, then looked at his friend's nervous act. only one thing makes his friend this flustered

"Did you catch students having sex again?"

"K-Kalego! I told you you can't say those words In A School"

"If they're old enough to learn about it then they're old enough to hear the "forbidden words"" Shichiro sighed at Kalego literally doing the air-quotes, and dragged him to their office to once again lecture him on the consequence of using adult language around teenagers, and how these may backfire badly at them.

--

He can ask Iruma about Ameri when he pulls him aside tomorrow.

Iruma that absolute fool!

Does he have no self-preservation! Happily telling Balam-sensei about a book from the human world?! If Balam-sensei found out he'll tell Kalego-sensei! and then Kalego-sensei will report it to the Boarder Patrol agency!

that will not only make them return Iruma to the human world, but Dad will know I lied to him! He'll think I'm not ready to handle the responsibility to work with him and help him! I can't just let that happen!

Now where is Iruma? he's supposed to be done with his lesson on Imaginary Things, now where is he?!

"-I think she's just embarrassed-"

Wait, that's Iruma's voice.

Ameri turned her head, very dramatically, hoping oh so much that maybe she's remembering this hall's layout incorrectly, that just maybe-

Nope. That's Balam-sensei's office.

Iruma is in Balam-sensei's office.

Wait, who's this she he is talking about?

Ameri knew that it was wrong, that it would be safer if she just barged in and took Iruma out. But!

She looked around the hall, making sure that there are no demons around, and then she leaned against the door, putting her ear on the door and trying to hear what they're talking about.

"I see. It seems that I have misunderstood the situation" Oh! Balam-sensei misunderstood! Seems like Iruma was able to cover up what they were doing yesterday!

wait, why is she saying this like they did something bad? (Not bad, but definitely illegal)

And who was embarrassed?!

"-you fly here? I want to-" Dammit! his voice is too low Ameri can't hear a thing!

.

.

Iruma can't fly

--

"So, Iruma, why was Ameri acting so...different yesterday?"

Shichiro was sitting across from Iruma. they were drinking somnum root tea that Balam chose specifically to calm Iruma down. He needs to know whether Ameri knows about Iruma's nature, but he can't ask Iruma outright. He might scare Iruma, and then Iruma might act suspicious around Ameri, and that can't happen!

So! Calming tea and asking questions indirectly to avoid panicking Iruma!

"Ah! I was actually translating a bunch of mangas to her! I don't know where she found them, and I accidentally translated them in front of her, so now we have regular reading sessions where I read them to her! She really likes the story, but I think she's embarrassed by them. A lot of people are embarrassed by romance mangas, but I think they're really beautiful stories!" Iruma smiled as he drank his tea, and Shichiro couldn't help but relax.

So, she was just embarrassed. Doesn't seem like she knows anything (is this Balam or the tea talking?")

"I see. It seems like I misunderstood the situation" so she was just embarrassed. He might need to talk to her about that. It's the best thing in the world to have a hobby that's not embarrassing.

Iruma tilted his head, looking just like Cerberus when he gets confused, and Shichiro really had to try to stop himself from taking a picture and sending it to Opera.

"So, I heard that you have a flying test coming soon"

"Oh, yeah! I've been having fun practicing flying with Azz, Clara, and Sabro! They didn't react much when I told them I can't use my wings, but Sabro was curious whether wings or a spell would be faster. Clara wanted to learn the spell, and Azz is making sure me and Clara don't get hurt"

"It seems you're having fun practicing. How about you fly here? I want to see whether it's safe for you to fly through the cutthroat valley-"

"BALAM-SENSEI!" Shichirou was out of his seat, tea long forgotten and plants at ready the second the door was slammed open. Iruma was still in his seat, calmly drinking the tea (is it too strong on humans?)

"A fight broke out between the upper-classmen and the student council needs your help!!" Oh, that is a serious matter.

Shichirou was out the door, flying towards where Ameri-san was pointing to stop whatever fight started.

He'd have to check up on Iruma later.

--

Ameri doesn't know whether she's lucky or not. All she knows is that Balam-sensei, for whatever reason, wanted Iruma to fly, a bunch of students broke the wall behind her and fell into this hall, and that these students where year 5 students.

Can she take care of them? Yeah. But can she use this opportunity to save Iruma from Balam-sensei?

Also yes.

So she burst into Balam-sensei’s office, told Balam-sensei what was going on, and ran as fast as she can with Iruma in her hand.

Once they were in the gardens she stopped to take her breathe.

"Ok," She panted, and goodness how far have they ran? "I think we've lost him"

"Oh?" Iruma took a sip out of, wait is that tea? "Are the upper classmen after you?"

@tasty-poptard this took longer than i thought, but it was very fun to write! I feel like I got the hang of writing again, though I kinda gave up at the end ^^'. Thank you for giving me this prompt!

"Wha-no- how are you so calm?! Balam-sensei was asking about your flying! What if he found out about your non-existent wings?!"

"Ameri-san, most the teachers already know about my wings~" Iruma said so calmly- wait THEY KNOW ABOUT HIS WINGS?!

"Yeah, Balam-sensei didn't feel my wings through my uniform, so he took me to get looked over by Beur-sensei, and they all saw my small wings" why is he talking like this? Is there something in his tea??

Wait, they saw fake wings on Iruma! So Balam-sensei shouldn't suspect a thing! So why-

"Iruma-sama!" Alice's voice was the only warning they got before Clara literally jumped Iruma and they both tumbled to the ground.

"Iruma-sama!! Stupid Clara what are you doing?!"

"Iruma-chi is acting weird. I think he fell asleep on the ground?"

"No no, I just feel so calm" Clara and Alice continued bickering around, but Iruma is acting very strangely.

Didn't Iruma drink this tea in Balam-sensei’s office? Di-DID BALAM-SENSEI spike the tea?! But why would Balam-sensei do that?!

"Wh-why was Iruma with Balam-sensei?!" Alice looked at her confused, as if Iruma being in Balam-sensei’s office isn't weird at all!

"Balam-sensei tutors Iruma regularly as Iruma-sama lacks some basic knowled-Clara! Where are you taking Iruma-sama?! Come back here!" And with that, Alice ran after Clara who's holding a very sleepy Iruma.

But, if Balam-sensei just wants to tutor Iruma, why would he drug him?

--

Iruma felt that his friends were playing a game around him, but no one told him what they were playing.

Whenever Iruma is alone with Balam-sensei, Ameri-san would come and take him. And after a while of this happening, Balam-sensei decided that he too will take Iruma whenever he's having his reading session with Ameri-san.

And then Azz-kun and Clara somehow found out about this game, so whenever Ameri-san or Balam-sensei kidnapped Iruma from each other, They would kidnap Iruma from them, and for whatever reason, Ameri-san and Balam-sensei would let them??

Anyway, Iruma wants to know what's going on. Preferably before the whole school is in on this game.

So, Iruma dragged Ameri-san to Balam-sensei’s office to talk to them.

"Why do you keep taking me away from each other?" Iruma asked, and watched as both started to look uncomfortable. Very uncomfortable. They were avoiding looking into anyone's eyes. Balam-sensei was avoiding Ameri-san

Maybe he should’ve asked them separately first.

Ameri-san suddenly stood up from her chair and looked very seriously at Balam-sensei. Iruma could feel the tension rise in the room.

"Balam-sensei," she looked very suspicious of Balam-sensei, but why? "What do you know about Iruma-kun?"

What? Wait, is this about-

"In what way does this concern you, Ameri-san?"

"It concerns me because you drugged him, sensei!" Drugged?! But Balam-sensei said that-

"That was a mistake. I miscalculated the amount of roots that's safe for his age" Balam-sensei kept apologising that day.

"Oh? And is this tea infront of us also a mistake? Because it has the same smell as the tea that day!" W-wait no! After that Balam-sensei and Iruma kept experimenting with tea combinations to see what tea is safe for humans to drink! There's no way-

"Ameri-san, I advice you to be mindful with your accusations."

"I am, and it's not like this accusations was baseless, sensei. The rumors were true, you experiment on your students!" ??????

"Wait! Ameri-san, this isn’t what's-"

"Iruma-kun! Balam-sensei drugs you and experiments on you because you're a human!"

"What?! No! Balam-sensei doesn't do that kind of stuff!" Why would she even think that?!

Iruma looked at Balam-sensei, because he must be so upset from her words, but. He’s just looking at Ameri confused?

"I thought Ameri-san was trying to make you slip up? So that she can bring you to her father??" What?! No she-

Iruma looked at Ameri, who was avoiding his gaze.

"N-no I'm not! Th-that was just the first week" Alright, so not anymore. And she's looking very guilty over it, so it’s fine.

"...so, you both were trying to protect what I am. From each other." Now the air feels awkward

"..yeah"

"I guess so,"

"Wait, other people know you're human?" All three in the room jumped from the intruding voice.

A floating Purson head appeared from light smoke, looking at Iruma.

"I thought I was the only one"

"Purson-kun, since when...?"

"You talked a lot in first year. No one notice me until the end of the year, so I floated around a lot. Hearing your rants was the most entertaining thing I could do, but then we became friends, and floating around you felt wrong, so I just started hanging out with you, which turned out to be even more fun than just eavesdropping on you, though that meant that I stopped seeing Ali-san, and he was funny. Sometimes I wanted to jus bring him up but I didn't want us to stop being friends. You're the calmest one in our class, and I enjoy hanging out with you even though you attract the noisiest demons."

"...ah" that's all that Iruma said, because really, what can you say to.

Well, at least Ali-san can come out in front of purson-kun now?

[apolsup]

There's plenty of time

characters: Fionna Campbell, Simon Petrikov, Betty Grof (mentioned)

Pairing(s): Simon Petrikov/Fionna Campbell

a/n: this was supposed to be shorter lmao, I added a few words, changed some. Its still mostly the same ت

I have no idea how to make a good title...

The dark haired man sat in the grass, somewhere close by his new house, having moved from the previous one only a few weeks ago. It didn't really bother him that much, he never got too attached to it anyways. His gaze was lost on the moon, almost feeling like it was looking back at him. The music in the back of his mind present as multiple memories and different thoughts threatened to overwhelm him.

"Hey, dude?" ah, right. When he was about to forget where he was completely lost in his thoughts, Fionna's voice brought him out of them, suddenly grounding him. The blonde leaned towards him, looking up at the taller man with concern and something that resembled determination, because even with her nerves on edge and her skin as red as possible, making her freckles dissapear from foreign eyes, she felt the courage to tell him all those feelings that she had been harboring for months.

"I have something. Something really really important, that I seriously need to tell you" she began, and there was no turning back since his attention was fully on her now, making her feel even more nervous under his curious gaze.

"this may sound a bit weird, or even crazy... But I think that, during all these months I have realized that... That I feel something for you, something different. Something that you could not like, but I really need to tell you this, man. It has been eating me alive for so long and so im tired of hiding how much I like you. Because I do, I- I think I love you, Simon" the tone in her voice demonstrated the seriousness of her words. A tone that the man with the silver streak of hair was not used to hear from the shorter woman.

Simon frowned, his white snowy eyes escaping the baby blue gaze that reflected the dark sky.

"you... I-" he looked for the correct words, visibly shocked by her sudden confesion "this is more complicated than you think, Fionna" he sighed

"My heart has been closed for so long... I don't know if I'm even capable of this anymore. To open myself to someone in that way" his words always being so carefully picked. Fionna then took her companion's hand with determination, sending an electric sensation to the depths of his heart

"give me a chance. Just one chance, man. Let me take care of your heart, let me take care of you, I... I really want to do it" she said, leaning dangerously again over Simon, who, because of his nerves was leaning back, bringing his hands to the wet grass and squeezing it there, searching for the answers to his problems.

Love was a strange thing, wasn't it? It always appears when you least expect it, before you can even realize what it is. To Simon it was like that, in the blink of an eye the woman he saw as a close friend, who he shared a deep bond with became the person his heart and mind ached to be with, to care for, that plead to make happy and in response to be happy with her... To him, the time didn't matter, it wasn't of use, because even with the passing of the months he still couldn't forget about her.

The abysmal distance between them did nothing to appease the growing fire in his soul as well. Even the difference in their ages, that at first made him reconsider his own feelings, was not able to hold him long enough from seeing her in that way, because in the end of the day they were both grown adults, mature enough to make their own choices, adults that met eachother only a few months ago yet they felt like they knew the other from even longer.

And the temptation of those lips was becoming too much for the taller man to handle, with the woman who tormented him every night in his dreams practically on top of his lap, looking for his acceptance and his love. The woman's voice hypnotized him, her gaze made him lose himself in space, and her gentle hands on his own made him shiver.

All of it was too much, so in the midst of the darkness that enveloped them, their lips met in an awkward kiss.

Despite the scratchy wounds on Simon's lips, constantly bitten by the anxiety and stress caused by his life in Ooo, Fionna loved them tenderly, wanting to hold his face and kiss it, wanting to heal his wounded lips with all the love overflowing in her chest, wanting to fill the man with hope in the middle of the emotional desert he had inside of his heavy heart.

As they separated, Simon felt a mix of emotions. Doubt and fear still loomed, along with a bit of guilt for feeling like he was betraying the red-haired woman he had loved for years. But he knew that Betty would never come back, and he knew that even she would agree with him doing this, after all she was the one who gave him the chance to rebuild his life and maybe... Just maybe, this was what he needed. Feeling that his long gone lover was giving him this opportunity with Fionna gave him a glimmer of hope. And when the blonde left his lips she gently caressed his face, looking into his eyes.

"you don't have to accept right away" she told him in a tone he couldn't describe

"I'm willing to wait for you, no matter how long it takes" she intertwined her fingers with his and looked at him, smiling sincerely.

Those words filled the short haired man with gratitude and something he had missed feeling, joy. He realized that, perhaps, this was the right thing, during his weakest moments it was thanks to her that he truly smiled, and maybe with her he could seek a path where he finds himself feeling better, feeling happy.

All of the emotions were too much for him to handle, and his eyes started to let thick tears run freely, letting out a silent sob. It had been so long since he had been able to cry and now he was doing it in front of the woman he wanted to love and take care of, the one that had an understanding smile for him.

So Fionna wrapped her arms around him, letting him let his emotions out as much as he wanted and in turn she felt a pair of arms wrap her waist, a shy and weak grip on her side at first but it became strong as he gained confidence. For hours they held each other in their arms, and in the light of the all knowing moon, they felt that maybe. Just maybe. Things would turn out ok for the both of them.

[ryeriy]

captains sister 2

click here for part one

a/n: I had people tell me if I was going to make a part two and I decided to make one. Maybe I'll make this a series and turn it into like a insta format. Tell me your guy's thoughts :)

warnings: slight swearing, fluff

join my taglist

tags: @nowandkei @chloebowie99 @jackhughes-86 @67-angelofthelordme-67

~~

It's been two weeks since I slept with Jack. Things between us have been awkward since then. Especially when we encounter each other and Nico is around. We've been taking things really slow. Secretly we've been texting and trying to set something up behind his back. Nico has no clue and to be honest, I don't want him to find out. It will probably result in someone or both of us being dead.

"Who are you texting?" My head immediately turns up. My eyes widening and looking at him as if I did something wrong. It really isn't wrong it's just wrong according to Nico. Spoiler alert, the world doesn't revolve around him. I can date and text whoever I want to. "Just a friend." I say back while putting my head back down typing away knowing it is one of his teammates that I secretly slept with behind his back. Jack Hughes.

"Where were you last night." Nico asked me. I recently moved out of my apartment in a search of a new one. Nico is letting me stay at his place until I can find a new one.

I went out late last night with Jack. We finally decided to meet up from dinner last night. I told Nico I was going out but really go into detail with who or why. He usually isn't this noisy about when I go out. I'm an adult now so why do I need my brother looking after me still. I'm nineteen and he's twenty four. He always has that against me though.

"I was out with a few of the girls last night and we got dinner. Elena just graduated nursing school and we went out to celebrate with her." That's the truth though. My friend Elena just recently graduated nursing school last month. "Oh okay." Nico said back.

hey, you busy?

The message notification popped up on my phone. It was from Jack. I didn't know what to say.

not at all

I reply back to him. I looked up at Nico from my phone just not to see him there. I started typing just to hear someone's voice behind me. "Y/n, do you need to tell me something." I hear Nico ask me. He's standing right behind me looking at my conversation with Jack.

"Just a friend." I say. He caught me red handed. We both know it. All I think right now is fuck I'm screwed and I fucked up. "Really, interesting." He said. I don't know what to do. What to say. I'm just scared he has a knife in his hands and is going to kill me.

"How long." There's no lying now. Nico already knows know. Not how I wanted him to find out but I guess it's something. "Two weeks..." I say. Surprisingly he didn't sound as mad as I thought he would. "Well at least you're being honest. He already told me." Nico says.

What?!

How does he know? Why did Jack tell him? This goes completely against what we said. We would both tell Nico when we were ready. As far as I'm concerned we isn't just Jack. "Why did he tell you?!" I questioned in furry. "Why didn't you." He adds back at me. Shit. He got me there. I sigh.

"He couldn't handle the pressure and told me everything. Since you didn't lie and go completely behind my back, I'll let it slide. But if I find out you are doing any funny business it's over." He says to me. I roll my eyes.

"Nico I'm an adult."

"Yeah and your nineteen, too young to have a child." I roll my eyes as he chuckles a bit. It felt good to get that off my chest. I text Jack.

you told nico

I see his message typing got a while. I start to get nervous.

I know I'm sorry, I just couldn't keep that big of a secret

I sigh.

It's okay, just pick me up already :)

...typing...

be there in fifteen :)

I turned off my phone and smiled. This was perfect. Nico excepted me and Jack, he's picking me up, I might be getting a new apartment. This is great. I'm living the dream right now.

[st-eve-barnes]

Coming to you with this cause you're always so kind to everyone in the fandom and I feel so alone with this take, everyone is freaking out over all the new stuff from Brazil. He seemed so confident and extroverted and like he loved being in the spotlight and it made me very confused cause he wasn't like that before.

I want good things for him in the future don't get me wrong but I don't want him to become famous famous, you know. Or for fame to change who he is.

I don't know, I guess I just miss the shy quiet guy, is that wrong?

What do you make of Brazil Ewan and why he was so different?

Thank you for the compliment first of all, I'm always open to discuss anything Ewan related (respectfully as adults of course)

It's perfectly valid for you to miss shy quiet Ewan but I think it's important to remember that just because he seemed different at this event doesn't mean that he's suddenly a different person.

I think we all have a work persona that's not 100% how we are in private, especially for us introverts. Sometimes you have to be social and out there for your job even if that's not really in your nature, it's like playing a role and we all do that sometimes.

I think Ewan definitely approached this whole thing like playing a role. That boy came prepared, he had clearly studied and thought about those answers in advance and he was ready to deliver them on the day (as if delivering lines from a script almost). Also his outfit, I'm not sure if this is a thing for CCXP but actors don't usually dress up like that for a con, they wear their own clothing and what's comfortable. The fact that Ewan chose to wear something so bold I think was also done to make him feel more at ease and less like day to day Ewan, if that makes sense. You could still tell he was really nervous and out of his element but I think the positive environment and all the reactions and love he felt from the fans pulled him further out of his shell and made him feel more at ease.

I can see where you're coming from though, the guy we saw was a world away from the guy we saw at the Hotd premiere last year, who looked like he was literally dragged there against his will. My guess is he's had some media training for this event as well and the rest is just him enjoying this whole experience and being open to it I think. But I'm sure he is still the same introverted guy we saw in older behind the scenes videos, but he's gaining experience now and that may give him more confidence than he had before. Personally I found it incredibly endearing and wonderful to see him enjoy it all so much and give such thoughtful answers with such a proud face. It's clear he takes this job very seriously and he went all out for this event imo, it only makes me like and respect him more.

One thing I 100% have to agree with you here though, I also kinda don't want him to become famous famous or become a "celebrity". But I don't think that's something we need to worry about at this time, all we can do is trust that Ewan keeps being Ewan and keeps both feet on the ground.

I'd love to see him do more events though (but not too many, we can't handle that lol)

[zuzsenpai]

personal post

I met a friend for lunch yesterday who I hadn't seen in maybe 7 or 8 years. We've known each other for almost 30 years at this point, but for the last decade our conversations have largely been through birthday and Christmas texts. I went to school with her from kindergarten through eighth grade, our families were close, and she was a really good friend. But we had very few things in common as we became teenagers and eventually adults. She was a cheerleader and very classically "boy crazy", while I was a HUGE fandom nerd who was too awkward and nervous to even think about dating (still am, lets be real). She eventually became a very stereotypical "sorority girl" and I became a uhhhh bigger fandom nerd. But she always appreciated me as a friend because she claimed I was the "least fake and most genuine" person in her life. I was a bridesmaid in her wedding back in 2014, and since then she moved 90 mins away while I stayed in our home town. She became a social worker for a veterans hospital and I became a video editor/animator for a health care network. Our parents have stayed friends and see each other a lot more than we do tbh, and like I said, we became "2-3 texts per year friends". None of this background info is super relevant to what I'm about to say, but whatever. I said it anyway.

So yesterday we spent about 3 hours catching up. It was nice to see her, but a bit difficult. Because everything she caught me up on was one negative thing after another, one medical issue or work stressor or aging parent issue after another. She bombarded me with details on how every week at work is worse than the next. That she can barely handle the stress. That work stress is what's caused her to fail to get pregnant for the 5 years she's been trying, and now she's at the age where a pregnancy would be geriatric. That she can't do IVF because she has a severe anesthesia phobia. That her parents are dying and her husband's parents are dying and every vacation she tries to go on gets screwed up somehow. Even the tiniest little thing like "oh let me see a picture of your cat", turned into complaining about the cat's medical problems. I know life can be VERY shitty, especially for millennials, but what she said really got to me.

I absorbed the negative vibes and responded with complaints about my life/medical issues/work/relationships/parents as well. And soon I came to the realization that there's nothing good going on in my life either. Or at least nothing she would understand. Things like "I'm replaying a game I love because I want to write fanfic" or "I'm slowly pulling together a new cosplay".... those are things that I would consider positive in my life, but they felt like they weren't worth mentioning. But you know... maybe I should have mentioned them. Because she probably went home thinking the same thing about me-- that I'm a negative person and my life is shit.

During our entire 3 hour conversation, neither of us laughed once, and that really struck me. I spiraled a bit after I went home. It made me realize I need to be more positive, because I really don't want to lose the friends I talk to and see more regularly. Obviously I can't ignore the shitty things going on in my life, but I think it's important for me to say to myself that I'm doing alright sometimes. That something made me happy or something in the future will make me happy. I can't turn into my mom who, whenever she talks to any friend or relative in her life, only talks about her medical problems or other people's medical problems.

I had a rough year, not gonna lie. I broke up with my boyfriend. Then I had the most severe mental health crisis of my life. Then I had a breast cancer scare and lumpectomy. Then Zuko got sick and I started to have burnout/depression spiral/massive uptick in anxiety. Then work got too difficult to handle. Meanwhile I've been struggling with constant exhaustion, increased body image issues, loneliness, bad social anxiety, and the process of re-evaluating my life with the "I probably have autism" lens.

But I can't let this year define me. I can't let negativity and shitty situations define me. I can't have someone I care about think about me and say to themselves "wow she is depressing and all I know about her is that her life sucks." Because at this point? All that old childhood friend and I know about each other is that our lives suck. Literally nothing else.

I need to be more positive. Seriously.

[thescrumblingmidwife]

So I actually have a separate hymen and want to talk a little about it and ask a question.

I first started my period at 12, and that was no big deal. It was always spaced out by about 6 months. But when I started synchronized swimming and water polo, it became a problem. I had tried to use tampons, but my body just wouldn't let me. My mom kept telling me I must've been too tensed up. Finally, when I was 15, I was able to use one so I could go to a pool party.

Party ended, I got home, tried to change the tampon...

And I couldn't.

I kept trying to remove it, but it felt like it was caught on something. So my mom and I went to the ER and the lady who helped me was very kind and suggested I use sports tampons due to how they absorb and open up.

A few other instances of things feeling like they got "hooked" on something and finally feeling around, I realized there was that extra tissue there.

Even with tampons that don't unfurl like a massive block of cotton, it still hurts and takes me a few tries to remove tampons, but the problem is that I'm terrified of surgery. I know it would improve my quality of life in regards to menstruation, but I don't know how to broach the topic with family (fyi I am an adult, but still live with my parents and I am unable to drive) or my doctor.

Do you have any advice on how to bring it up and what to expect/how to not be so nervous?

Also, apologies for the long ask!

Hi Anon!

Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us!

I will share one with you: I also had a septate hymen, and I know exactly what you're talking about with the pain of tampon use. I lived with it for years - even managing to have sex around it, until one day it finally snapped, causing a lot of bleeding and pain. The result was a lot of scar tissue, that caused painful intercourse for years. All of which I thought was completely normal, because no one ever told me otherwise. When I finally had the procedure (called a "hymenotomy") to remove the extra tissue, it changed my life.

Because I had that experience, I can also tell you what will happen with a hymenotomy. I hope reading this will help ease your anxiety:

You'll go to the facility where your doctor performs procedures (may be a hospital, outpatient clinic, or surgical center). You'll be asked to put on a gown and sit on a gurney. They'll probably cover you in warm blankets. A nurse will give you an IV. Then, they will either wheel or walk you down to the procedure room. You'll be asked to sit on a high table, and probably to scoot your bottom close to the edge. Your doctor will be there, as well as an anesthetist and a nurse. They will put a mask over your face, and have you count back from 10. You'll get to about 8 or 7 before you get SO TIRED you fall quickly into the best sleep you've ever had. When you wake up, it will be like no time passed, and it will be done. The postprocedure discomfort is pretty mild and can be handled with Tylenol. You may have a couple of stitches, which will either dissolve on their own, or may be the kind the doctor will remove at a follow-up to check your healing. And then you'll never have to worry about snagging tampons ever again!

---

Now, Anon, how to bring it up?

Do you currently see a gynecologic healthcare provider? If not, that's where you need to start. As an adult with a vagina, you should regularly see one for well-woman care and screenings. If you need your parents' help finding one, you don't need to share any information beyond "current best practice guidelines state that I should be receiving gynecologic care and I would like to do so." You're entitled to medical confidentiality, even from parents, even from parents you live with and whose insurance you are on, and who drive you places.

Once you've gotten an appointment with a gynecologic provider, I think you'll find the topic can come up quite naturally. The provider will ask if you have any concerns you want to discuss. You will want to tell a provider about your issues with an obstruction before they perform any kind of exam - and it should be visually obvious to a provider as well. (The provider will always look before touching, and warn you every step of the way). The provider will then have a conversation with you about your options, and give you the information you need to make a decision. She should also be able to help you decide how much you need or want to explain to your parents.

I hope this was helpful to you, and maybe ameliorated a tiny bit of your anxiety. The unknown is so much scarier than the real thing!

[galaxyedging]

Modern Oberyn Martell x f!reader

Modern Oberyn Masterlist

Summary: It suddenly feels like Oberyn is the one good thing in your life. Your brain doesn't take that too well.

Warnings: Smut. Self doubt.

WC:3.4k

Partner

See, I told you he needed a dick punch. I know.

That idea sounded more and more appealing as time went on. The more time you had to think, the more livid you became. Rage rolled inside you, clenching your fists and churning your stomach. Scott, the sleazy asshole from HR had called you into the bosses office. The version of events, that you knew he would tell everyone, the one where you were a crazy bitch, was what he had told your boss. It came down to 'he said, she said' so naturally you were out on your ear.

Reaching Oberyn's place, you were still incensed. By the time you had finished your account, so was Oberyn. His knuckles turned white as he gripped the kitchen counter. "Why didn't you tell me about what he did at the bar?!"

"I handled it. He's always an asshole so there was nothing to tell."

"If someone harms you, in any way, there's something to tell. I can't look after you if you hold things back from me."

"I didn't need looking after. I handled it."

"Yeah, real well." His words slapped you in the face causing you to recoil. "I'm sorry..." he stepped towards you.

Holding a hand up, you stepped away from him. "Don't." Snatching your bag off the counter you left to the sound of him calling your name.

Look after me?! What does he think I've been doing my entire adult life, with no help from anyone? Is that what he likes? Being the together one? He likes to pity me? Was that whole understanding big brother bit just for show? Between your brain's inability to shut the hell up and Oberyn's texts and missed calls, you barely slept. Deciding to take a very long shower, you threw on a playlist before slipping under the warm spray. The wet thinking box always helps. He came to pick you up at 2am. He cooks for you. He calls you everyday to check in with you. He always asks if we have time to talk when he does, time for him. He's insatiable in bed but always follows your lead. He never gives you more that you can handle. He's watched your comfort shows and movies because he wanted to know why you loved them. For once, your brain was talking a whole lot of sense. Oberyn was nothing but caring. He spent time truly getting to know you. He noticed the little things. For your birthday, only a few weeks into your relationship, he bought you a Sarah Sanderson Funko. "I saw she was missing from your shelf." He'd been in your room once. Once. Fuck.

Wrapping a towel around your wet body, you grabbed your phone. He answered on the third ring. "Hey. I'm glad you called..."

"..I'm sorry." You both spoke at the same time. Wow, you did the whole 'miscommunication that threatens to break you guys up' bit. Now, you're blurting out apologies in unison. Very Hallmark.

A nervous laughter bounced between you.

"I'm sorry for what I said. I was just angry at the bastards you work with. I get a little overprotective. I took my frustration out on you. There's no excuse for it but I wanted you to know the reason."

"It's okay. I called to say sorry for taking it too far. I know you were angry and frustrated and being bitchy, I just happened to be the one there to take the brunt of it. I should have stayed and talked. I know we lash out at the people closest to us, the ones we feel safe with. You know the old saying, about hurting the ones you love?"

"Yeah I know that one...and I do, you know?"

"Do what?"

"Love you."

"I..."

"I just wanted you to know. I thought I might lose you and I didn't know if I'd get the chance to say it. You don't have to say it, if you're not..."

"It's not that. I just...are you sure?"

"What?!"

"Are you sure you love me?"

"Yes, I am."

"Good. I love you, too."

"Good." He laughed warmly. "Can I come over and show you how much?"

"You'd better."

The towel you wore stayed wrapped around you until Oberyn pulled it off twenty minutes later. He muttered praise and affections against your breast as his lips and hands travelled them. Arriving at your nipples, he sucked one into his mouth while his fingers teased the other. He's so good at that. I love that about him. I love him.

"Penny for them?"

"Just thinking that I love you."

It was just that simple. You love him. He loves you. If that was the only thing going on in your life things would be great. Unfortunately for you, the whole 'needing a job to live' thing was killing the vibe.

Weeks passed, you had a few interviews but they didn't progress further.

"I'm doing some laundry. You wanna bring some over?" Oberyn offered one morning.

Yes, but you've been cooking for me, driving me to interviews, I can't let you do more from me.

"I'm not keeping score you know."

Easy there, Professor X.

"How do you do that?!"

"Do what?"

"Know what am thinking."

"I know you."

Simple. Oberyn had such unwavering honesty about him. If you were gorgeous and near perfect, you supposed you wouldn't have much to lie about either.

Months passed. The job market was a nightmare. Taking temp office jobs had not gone well. Apparently, 'temp' is code for 'person I can treat like shit/attempt to sexually harass.' Oberyn was doing all that he could, well, all that your pride would allow him to, to support you. Even with his help, you didn't have enough money to stop the eviction notice being posted through your door. Shit.

Oberyn was stood at the island in his kitchen when you walked into his apartment. The setting sun highlighted his profile as he turned to acknowledge you. Man, he was beautiful, even after all this time it still struck you. His hands worked deftly, cubing the potatoes on the board in front of him. There he goes, reading your mind again. Patatas Bravas would be the perfect comfort meal right now.

"How was your day? Find any more jobs you like the look of?" Bless him for thinking you were still looking for jobs you might like. At this point you would let someone flip you upside down to use you as a mop if they paid well enough.

"No. I was a little preoccupied."

"With what?"

"Being evicted."

"What? Are you that far behind with your rent? You told me you didn't need help paying it."

"I didn't...until I did."

"Why didn't you asked me for help?"

"You're my boyfriend, not my personal ATM."

"I'd like to think I'm more than your boyfriend. We're partners. We help each other."

Easy to say when you're not the one that needs all the help. "You're right but I can't expect you to pay your mortgage and my rent."

"So move in with me." Not even a question. A suggestion, said as simply as asking for the time. Move in with him? Give me a minute, I could probably give you a long list of reasons why that idea would be a really awful, terrible...."Yes."....oh we're listen to Heart today. Fine. I'll check out. See ya.

"Yes? You don't need more time to think? The offer will still be there."

"No, no thinking. Well, no overthinking. I want to move in with you. I love you."

"I love you, too. I'm not just asking you to move in to be practical. I want you here."

He wants you here. He doesn't just want to fuck you. He wants you, your company, your life intertwined with his. Squeal.

The first week at Oberyn's was weird. The gym was closed for a week, the sprinklers had been set off by accident and the whole place was a mess. He still had a few clients he went out to train but for the most part, he was home. His home. Your home. You went to sleep, he was there. You woke up, he was there. You showered, he was there. You ate, he was there. He was everywhere. In your pussy, in your mouth, in your ass. Okay! Yes, your sex life hadn't been affected. Your relationship hadn't really changed. You spent so much time together anyway. The only thing that had changed was you. This new phase in your relationship came with new anxieties. What if this was just a new hyperfixation? What would happen once the novelty of living together wore off? He was good man, he deserved the same love that he gave you returned. What if being with him all the time with no space of your own to retreat to overwhelmed you? The tangled of thoughts weaving their way around you reminded you of something.

"I need to pick up my medication." You moved to get your purse and head out.

"Oh, I didn't know you took any." Oberyn looked up from his recipe book. He'd be busy making notes on Post Its and sticking them to the pages filled with his handwritten recipes.

"It's a pretty recent thing. I used to find working out helped but it wasn't cutting it." Are we going to tell him?

"Help with what? Is there anything you want to talk about? You know you can tell me anything." He'd moved in front of you as he spoke, his large hands wrapping around yours.

"I know I can. I'm ADHD." Fuck, here were go...

"Oh?" He doesn't know what to say. He probably either doesn't know what it is or has all these stereotypes in his head. He won't see us the same now.

You prepared for the big explanation. "It's a neurodivergent condition..."

His hand came up to cup your face, his thumb soothed the skin of your cheek bone. His hands were always warm and soft. "I know. A few of my clients and personal trainers I knew were ADHD. I studied it to help them. You want me to drive you over there? You can tell me about how your ADHD presents on the way." Again, Oberyn made everything so simple. Tears welled in your eyes. This was how love was supposed to be. Simple. Honest.

This whole job thing was so frustrating. While you were bouncing from temp job to temp job, you weren't progressing in your career. You felt stuck, not great for you or your spiralling thoughts. It just took a gentle nudge to spin them out of control. After one spectacularly annoying day, with a boss that explained their requests poorly then got pissed that things weren't done exactly how they wanted, you made yourself a nest on Oberyn's plush, definitely not from Ikea, sofa. When Oberyn came home from a training session he found you angrily scrolling for something to watch. The shows whizzed by until he took the remote from your hand. "Hey, hey, hey, Mi Cielo. What is wrong?"

"I'm just sick of feeling like I can't do anything with my life. I'm just waiting to get control of it again. It's like everything has been taken out of my hands." You groaned.

Oberyn pressed the remote back into hands, a boyish grin on his face as he did so.

"Cute." He is. At least we have him.

Coming to sit next to he moved the pile of pillows and blankets out of his way.

"You know if you need some control." His voice was low and measured, he gave nothing away in his tone. "I can give you that."

His lips pressed a single kiss to your neck. "Tell me what you want." Oh. That kind of control. This is new.

It wasn't like you didn't do your fair share of pleasure giving in this relationship. Oberyn was just more naturally in control of things no matter who was receiving the pleasure. Even when you took him in your mouth and he was totally at the mercy of the pleasure you were bring him, he'd still seem to guide you. Pulling his hips back if he thought you were going to gag yourself by being over enthusiastic. Always checking in to see if you were okay. He told you himself he could be overprotective so you put it down to that. Looking at him now, he looked tired. His gaze was wary, his shoulders looked tense. Maybe being in control all the time, especially with all his new clients, needing him to push and encourage them, was taking a toll. Feeling bold you threaded your finger in his hair, pulling gently to tilt his head your way. "Do you need me to be in control, Oberyn?"

The way his body reacted was unmissable, his eyes darkened, his lips parted, sucking in air, his hips lifted slightly, drawing your attention to bulge in his sweatpants. Oh, I like this. Do it again.

"I want to sit on your face." Your tone was firm until your nerves and not wanting to do anything he didn't want to do got to you. "Can I?"

"You don't have to ask. You are in control." When you still looked unsure he added. "My safe word is 'persimmon'. I trust you to stop if I say it. Until then take whatever you need. I'm more than willing to give it to you." He ran your hand over the bulge in his sweatpants. Damn sweatpants are going to be the death of me. "Now tell me what you want."

"I want you naked. Take off your clothes." He complied slowly sliding his t-shirt off. It glided over every inch of golden muscle. His biceps tensed as he pulled it over his head. It was amazing how quickly this man could take you from one emotion to the other. The anger melted away to be replaced by a puddle in your panties. Next, he slipped those accursed sweatpants down his long, muscular legs. His erection slaps back against him. I never get tired of that.

"Sit down." Keeping the instructions simple, you tried to hide the quiver in your voice. The gasp that left you when he instantly complied was harder to hide. A thought crept in to ask him, well tell him, to do something that you love, that he's only done a couple of times and never fully for you. You wanted to watch him touch himself. You wanted to watch him touch himself like he did when was alone. You wanted to see that private moment, all on show for you. You wanted him vulnerable and open to you.

"Touch yourself. Make yourself feel good for me. I-I want to watch." Your voice squeaked and stuttered at the last part. Your thoughts stuttered as his tongue flattened against his palm, licking a strip up it. The warmth of his eyes was eclipsed by the darkness while he locked eyes with you. Fuck. I know what I want him to lick next.

Even with you in control Oberyn was still a commanding sight. You couldn't take your eyes of him as he wrapped his spit slicked hand around his hard length, running his fist up the length to squeeze the head. Lips parted in a gasp, he twisted his thumb and forefinger over the tip before dragging his fist back down to the base. He repeated the motion a few times until his chest heaved, his head was tilted back against the back of the sofa. The motion exposed his delicious neck. His expensive aftershave burned your taste buds as his pulse quickened under your tongue, in time with his strokes.

"Let me kiss you, please?" He almost whined the request.

"No, I have a better use for your pretty mouth. Lay down."

Keeping his eyes on yours, he turned to lay flat on his back. His eyes stayed on yours as you stripped off everything below the waist. Normally his gaze would still hold an impression of control. Today, it only held want and trust.

"I want you to keep touching yourself until you come. I want to see you make a mess of yourself. All for me." As you gave him your instructions, you settled down over his face.

The words 'Anything for you' were spoken against your hot core before he tongue came out to lap at the wetness he had already created.

He's always so good at that. I hope he thinks we're as good with our tongue. I…any negativity from your brain was silenced with a sharp suck of your clit. His pillowy lips sealed around the lit up nerves and sucked steadily. His hand kept a steady rhythm on his cock, a long drawn out figure of eight, with his hand dragged over the leaking head on each pass. His rhythm only changed when he felt you needed more. His head shook violently side to side, rapidly dragging his tongue over your sensitive clit. The closer you got to coming on his tongue the harder he jerked himself. Until, just as you orgasm was building from your toes, you thighs tensing either side of his head, his hips began to chase his fist. Just before you reached your peak from his talented tongue's attention, he came. His groan was muffled against you, the vibrations of it sent another wave of pleasure through you. Streams of his creamy cum burst from his thick cockhead as he worked himself through his orgasm. It landed on his toned abs, settling in the grooves between them. After your own orgasm subsided, you made your way to his side. He shot you a questioning look as you kneel by him. "Stay still." You ordered before running your tongue through his spend.

The action made him shiver. "Fuck."

Taking your time, you swirled your tongue through the rest of it. Savouring every drop as Oberyn watched you hum and moan. He was so taking by watching you enough his seed, he didn't realise what else you were doing until your whole body shuddered. His hand quickly came up to take yours. He guided your fingers to his mouth before rolling his tongue over them to savour the sweet of your second release.

"I'm sorry. You are in charge. I should have asked." His apology was backed up with gentle kisses while you arranged yourself next to/on top of him on the sofa. "How can I make it up to you?"

When I can think straight, I'll have a list for him. "I will think of a suitable punishment later." You yawned. "After a nap."

I may be half asleep but I didn't miss how his cock twitched at 'punishment'. We'll think about that later. God, he smells good. How can he smell so sexy and like home at the same time?

The veil of sleep soon settled you and your overactive brain. It was abruptly pulled from you by a loud knock at the door twenty minutes later. Oberyn stirred beneath you but seemed content to ignore the unexpected guest, until they knocked again. With a huff, he pulled on his sweatpants. "I'll get rid of them."

While Oberyn went to shoo away your visitor, you decided to slip your own sweatpants back on. A moment later you were thankful that you did. The sound of a very tense exchange at the door had you on your feet and running to Oberyn's side.

Two men stood at the door. Both in suits but that was just about their only similarity. One was young, early thirties-ish. He was well over six feet tall and muscularly built. The other man was older, in his sixties maybe? He was just a little shorter than Oberyn. His build was board, athletic. His well rounded stomach was in contrast to that. From the look of his wardrobe, you guess that the extra weight came from years of fine living. The watch on his wrist alone would have saved you from eviction and paid your rent for a year. Who is this guy? Why does he look so familiar? Oh, shit. We're really standing here commando, covered in cum for this. Hey, they're looking this way.

"....she's a friend." You caught as Oberyn looked at you. "Excuse me, I have to go speak with my father."

With that he closed the door behind him. Leaving you with only your spiralling thoughts for company.

Tags: @kirsteng42 @prolix-yuy @thegreenkid2 @hquinzelle @fangirl-316 @gracie7209 @jedifarmerr @doommommy @scorpio-marionette @sturkillerbase @harriedandharassed @aynsleywalker @mswarriorbabe80 @quica-quica-quica @rise-my-angel @adancedivasmom @kinda-nobody @movievillainess721 @munsonownsmyass @mandoloriancookie @faceache111 @elegantduckturtle @manazo @simpingcowboy @pedrit0-pascalit0 @yourcoolauntie @pedrostories @geekrenaissance @its-nebuleuse

[borrelia]

Since round 2 of @sonic-oc-showdown is so close right now, thought I'd do this questionnaire for dog! after going through some other competitors' summaries vs propaganda, i definitely get a much better idea of the character from this supplemental stuff!

Original post by @/redd956 here! Banner by @/bunnymajo :) ty!

✨- How did you come up with the OC’s name?

Hmm poorly! ^_^; But the logic became: Dog picked his name* because he was amused by the idea of having a name that can be general slang. he's always waiting for the day when someone says "what's up, dawg?" (he lives in a 90s sonic comic okay?) and he can.. well.. he hasn't really realized his response would not be different whether that was just a normal greeting or his name. and I'm not sure it's going to happen either, but it amuses him anyway. he's easily amused :) *all three of them in their core friend group have picked their names. dog + bebe for transgender reasons and fleet just for general Identity reasons.

🌼 - How old are they? (Or approximate age range)

16 (or 16-ish; i actually have to check his ref every time so the specific number isn't that important since I can never remember it)

🍕 - What is their favorite food?

i feel like this kid could DEMOLISH some chinese takeout. he's going for noodles, he's going for dumplings, he's going for spice.

🎹 - Do they have any hobbies?

skating! dog + her friends all meet + bond over skating :) dog prefers to board and honestly takes it real casual. she can do some tricks and will go out there and focus for a while, but usually she just slowly rolls around on her board and chats with her friends. she also collects trading cards and plays videos games.

🎯 -What do they do best?

dog isn't really the competitive type--she's just here to have fun and be herself. as such, she doesn't really care to think about whether or not shes 'good' at things... he's just chilling! i think his friends might say his strengths are in handling stress, being a good listener, and first aid. and then theyd tack on that some of the casual little gum wrapper crafts she makes are wicked cool

🥊 -What do they love to do? What do they hate to do?

loves: chilling, being with friends, hanging out, having a good time

hates: when anything starts to be not that. majorly avoids anything that is too much Not the above things.

❤️ - What is one of your OC’s best memories?

not really a memory, but i think he treasures his childhood friendship with bebe :) he loves to see how she's grown into a more confident and happy person. any time he makes a new friend is a good memory. any time his friends make a new friend is also a good memory. reaching out and welcoming in that nervous yellow hedgehog lingering at the edge of the park for the first time and seeing him warm up to the group was a good memory :)

✂️ - What is one of your OC’s worst memories?

dog good vibes forever <3

🧊 - Is their current design the first one?

Pretty much! I've gone back and forth on what kind of gloves to give her, and the hoodie is just a normal skull instead of sans, but otherwise is still check my work on her original ref

🍀 - What originally inspired the OC?

Fleet Needs Friends dot MyMind

🌂 - What genre do they belong in?

Dog being part of canon-divergence au in the fleetway comics puts her in variety comedy/adventure i guess :) in my mind, the stories the group get up to are "working together to defeat a minor villain in the area even though they don't have powers" and "getting possessed by/having wishes granted by/retrieving one of ebony's magical macguffins." the non-story fanficky stuff is mostly Chilling, Hanging Out, Shooting the Shit, and Being Unbothered. (as well as like. semi-grounded melodrama. you know the fun of taking character moments So Seriously?)

💚 - What is your OC’s gender identity and sexuality?

gender: ? sexuality: ??

🙌 - How many sibling does your OC have?

none that I've bothered to make, but i could see her having an adult older brother

🍎 - What is the OC’s relationship w/their parents like?

dog's parents aren't really in the picture! he lives with his nan. they have a semi-strained relationship--they love each other and have their bonding moments, but she can get pretty riled up about some of the things dog does (knuckle tats, dirty room), even if there are others she just doesn't seem to care about (skipping school, extended stays at friends' houses, nosering). dog usually defaults to "ignore and avoid" if things are anything less than peachy.

🧠 - What do you like most about the OC?

he's just so easy to draw and i got that design down PAT. im really happy with dog + bebe + merger fleet all sharing color across their designs :) the friends. (i need to get bebe some green +gold accents tho it seems...)

also the knuckle tats detail and this

✏️ - How often do you draw/write about the OC?

usually when i'm having a fleet Moment dog comes along for the ride, maybe gets slingshotted forward into his own moment. so not that often, but in batches

💎 - Do you ever see yourself killing off the OC?

dog live forever <3

💀 - Does your OC have any phobias?

none that she would tell you 👍

🍩 -Who is your OC’s arch-nemesis or rival?

dog everyones friend forever <3

🎓 - How long have you had the OC?

Just over a year! the ref is dated august 6th 2022 and i did the original sketches the day before.

[anhed-nia]

Recently, someone asked me where I draw the line with horror movies. She expected that we all have subjects or scenarios that are a non-starter because they're just too scary, disgusting, or distasteful. I had a hard time answering her question, because that's just not how I operate; like, it used to be that I wouldn't watch any pseudo-snuff fare like FACES OF DEATH, but then I actually saw that movie and realized that I like it. I guess I'm circumspect about movies that focus on sexual assault, because that's the most likely thing to offend me if its "handled wrong" in my rather mercurial opinion, but that still won't stop me. Some people (usually parents) can't stand seeing children in peril, but I definitely don't have that problem. Generally speaking, the more you threaten me with a bad time, the more attracted I am to the challenge of enduring it.

But, with all that on the table--and I have no idea what this says about me--I have a hard time with body horror. And by that, I mean a different thing than what usually comes to mind. Like, often when my personal lord and savior David Cronenberg sends a movie to Cannes, we get all these reports back of walkouts and vomiting in the aisles, and like…I would agree that CRIMES OF THE FUTURE offers one of the most transgressive images ever committed to film, but I can take that. (I'll take it and like it!) However, I'm really afraid of modern slaptstick comedy. It's not that I'm too good for lowbrow humor, but so many movies by folks like the Farrellys and the Zuckers just amount to torture porn for me. They're almost always "funny" mainly at the expense of the body: Somebody always winds up in a situation that's like something out of SALO: 120 DAYS OF SODOM, shitting and pissing their pants, suffering unwanted sexual experiences, eating or drinking something they shouldn't be, and generally being corporeally humiliated to the point that if it happened to you in real life, you'd never come back from it. To me, this kind of material escapes the bounds of actual-comedy and becomes some sort of grim purgative ritual for humanity's profound and enduring sense of shame. There's no joy in the laughter I've heard when I consented to watch such things in group settings, just this weird, shrill, pre-nervous breakdown anxiety that I don't find it at all fun or funny to be around, or to experience myself.

It may also be worth mentioning that I'm somewhat emetophobic. Like when I saw that scene in POLTERGEIST as a kid, the fact that the guy was throwing up at all was just as upsetting to me as the otherworldly reason it was happening. This is a fear that I just-barely have under control as an adult who is forced to live in a body that must occasionally, for perfectly healthy reasons, reject something I put in it.

Anyway, TRIANGLE OF SADNESS is very good, and it has a point to make, and as someone who is not in the luxury yacht class of people, I have a feeling I should enjoy watching a bunch of rich parasites weeping and screaming while basting in their own juices. And as a devoted fan of the horror genre, whose purpose in life is to show you the thing you don't want to see, I should be the target audience for something that evokes such a crystal clear vision of hell. But honestly, I don't know how well I was able to appreciate it while my brain was just going, "Yup, this is pretty much the worst thing that can happen. The worst thing there is. And it's still happening. God I hope this never happens to me. Is it still going on? …yeah, it's not over. I wonder how long this can happen for. I wonder if this happened to you, if you would go through some kind of permanent psychological change. I wonder if that happened to the people who were trapped on that stranded, contaminated cruise that was in the news a while ago. I wonder if that's happening to me now, just because I'm watching this movie. Wait, is it still going on? …Yup, I guess so," etc. I started to get sympathetic cramps, and I felt my face tingling in a way that I only associate with having consumed poison. I started sifting through memories of other movies that made me want to slam on the breaks: certain of the Guinea Pig films, CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, STREET TRASH, NEKROMANTIK 2 when they club the seal, the interminable rape scene in IRREVERSIBLE, Craig Zobel's devastating COMPLIANCE, the grand finale of CENTIPEDE HORROR… I think all of the competing candidates involved extreme violence, which I guess tells you something about how I rate the yacht segment of TRIANGLE even though there are no rapes or murders involved. As it dragged on, I wasn't thinking anymore about how great it was that all the selfish, destructive rich people were having their thin veneer of bullshit dignity ripped away; I was just thinking about how unhappy I was, and how it seemed like I wasn't going to be feeling better any time soon.

Actually I worried that I might have nightmares about TRIANGLE OF SADNESS, and I did. I had a dream that some friends and I saw it at a festival where there was mass sympathetic vomiting, and we later learned that Ruben Östlund had learned some things about human neurology that ensured that what he showed, and how he showed it, was guaranteed to make any viewer vomit no matter what--sort of like the mythical "brown note" that's supposed to make you shit your pants. In the dream, I wasn't sure if I admired his level of calculation, or if I just felt totally manipulated and ripped off by being forced to have a bodily reaction that had little to do with my thoughts and feelings or appreciation for art. And like, maybe option #2 is how I really feel about this movie!

That's not to say that the movie doesn't have strengths besides the extreme horror of being doomed to a human body. It's funny (in other ways), it's got a bunch of great performances, it looks good, and it's reasonably smart. But on that last note, I scanned a bunch of reviews from prominent critics that denounced it as a lite, too-easy version of this form of social criticism, and that may be true. I may not be intellectually equipped to really address that, but it could be that the movie's initial, visceral shocks overwhelm one's assessment of how sharp its philosophical commentary actually is. I'd say this matter requires further examination, but I can almost guarantee that I'll never watch TRIANGLE OF SADNESS ever again as long as I live. And I've seen CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST more times than I choose to admit.

PS I wanted to say something about how weird it is that we've all been sharing this collective dream about extremely rich people experiencing a personal apocalypse on seafaring tourist expeditions--I mean am I the only one who feels like they're going insane from the bizarrely close concentration of a whole bunch of movies and shows that do this exact thing? But now I'm just exhausted, so somebody else will have to work that out. I'll be too busy doing some soul searching about why I find movies that are drenched in blood, guts, and misery so much easier to take than what happens in TRIANGLE OF SADNESS.

[fossilizedremorseful]

"I'm sorry she didn't handle the situation in a way that was comfortable for you." ?????!??!?!??? No, I didn't expect her to immediately confront a man in the middle of the library after I verbatim said "HEY IT ISN'T A PROBLEM YET but that man over there keeps staring me down every time I go over there to help that lady and its starting to get creepy, I'm just letting you know" because I think, I think, any other person's reaction would've been to ask more questions maybe, or hey! SINCE YOU APPARENTLY KNEW THE FUCKING GUY maybe TELL ME that that's just how he acts instead of telling him that he was making me uncomfortable and thus making a fucking scene and making him feel uncomfortable enough to leave the library??!!? Because, you know, its his fucking neighborhood, and also because, you know, if you have fucking eyes, you could see that I have bright ass orange hair, you know, really recognizable hair. So when this story gets passed around town, as these things always do, there's no way to not ID me :) which is just so fucking fun and cool. So no, I guess, maybe, I was not comfortable with how the situation was handled. I guess I was expecting, idk, maybe some tact and grace coming from the woman who's supposedly been a security guard for several years. And allegedly dealt with varying levels of conflict. Because now patrons are probably gonna be nervous to look at me like I'm a fucking celebrity who yells at people when they make eye contact. Since I fucking guess no one else in this bitchass library can use their brain. Or god forbid, communicate with me instead of immediately jumping to confrontation. Like WHY WOULD YOU NOT JUST TELL ME THAT'S NORMAL FOR HIM. I genuinely want to know what I have been doing in the last eight months that gives the impression that I would not be accommodating to that. I genuinely genuinely am staring to believe that grown ass adults just cannot handle quiet people, like maybe a 5'4 person with 0 muscle mass is so scary to talk to that you just won't tell me shit. I mean it has to be RBF right??? I am so so soooo sorry for not holding your hand and spoon feeding you social interactions, I truly thought we were adults with heads on our shoulders, that is so deeply my mistake. "We just want to make sure staff feels comfortable before anything else" hey jackass?? In what WORLD would this make a n y o n e more comfortable dude WHAT. I will take responsibility and say that I should've just kept my mouth shut and dealt with it. And you can bet your entire ass that the next time I do feel uncomfortable in that fuckass, paneled, cave of a building that I will not say a word. I would say rant over but I will be screaming about this for days.

[tenebraevesper]

Five Nights at Freddy's: Salvaged, Night 10: Can't Get Away

''Gotta fight tonight, yeah I'm wide awake. Hit the lights, this ain't right, I can't get away. I've tried to hide, what more can they take. There's no more time, I can't get away.''

– Can't Get Away by HalaCG (Ultimate Custom Night)

xXxXxXx

Sam was alert, despite the relaxed look she had as she was drinking her favorite strawberry milkshake and slowly walked through Ricky's Wonder Shack. It was crowded as always, with Sam being a little surprised that people would still be coming here. Sure, she could understand that it was popular, but still, wouldn't someone be a little suspicious. It wasn't exactly safer than the local playground, but it seemed that most adults saw it as one. Children could burn off their energy while playing and their parents or guardians relied on employees to watch over their children. Sam really hated this kind of mindset, feeling that people should be more alert and suspicious. Of course, not all parents were like this, but there was no excuse for those who believed that they didn't have to do anything regarding the safety of their children.

Despite the fact that Sam knew that she needed to focus on her investigation, she did want to enjoy herself a little. One thing was sure, Springtrap was right about there being something about this atmosphere at Ricky's that made you want to be here. It was as if you entered a completely different world and you didn't want to return back to reality. The children showed so much energy and adults and teens could chat without fearing that they would be overheard due to the noise, which they would tune out during their private conversations. The dim lights in some parts of the location, as well as the lack of any kind of clock, made you unaware of how much time had passed. You were in a daze and went simply along with whatever was going on.

It wouldn't be hard to kidnap a child in this place. No one would notice.

These kinds of thoughts kept Sam focused on her task. There needed to be at least one person who would keep an eye on things. She had no idea whether Ricky's re-hired a night guard or whether the cameras were recording anything. However, considering that there was someone in this building who had their own agenda, she wouldn't be surprised that this person was keeping things as quiet as possible.

She walked over to the stage, keeping an eye on Ricky, who was performing along with the other mascots. He was in animatronic mode, which made her feel nervous. She wasn't afraid of the animatronic, but rather worried about the fact that she had no idea where Ricky's actor was. After all, she would be approached by him every time she entered the place. It was unnerving, but she could handle it. However, now that she knew that something strange was going on, she felt as if she was being stalked.

The only thing that kept her calm was the knowledge that Springtrap was also here and keeping an eye on her, despite the fact that she didn't see him either. Still, she trusted him, knowing that he would not let her get hurt by some creep.

However, there was something that made her unsure about Springtrap. She recalled their conversation from earlier, aware that there was something he wanted to get done, something which had nothing to do with Ricky's. She assumed it was something from his past at Freddy's, but didn't ask him any further questions.

She did wonder whether they would have to stay after hours in order to find something connected to their investigation, with the answer being quite obvious. She was actually a little excited about it and just wanted to wander around until it was time to leave. However, as she walked around, throwing away her cup into the trash and leaning against the wall, playing on her smartphone, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was observed by someone who wasn't Springtrap.

xXx

Despite being half-hidden in a dark corner on the other end of the area, Springtrap was still able to keep an eye on Sam. He was worried about her, suspecting that, if the person who was with them at the factory was indeed employed here, might suspect Sam to be the intruder from the previous night. Sure, the person hadn't seen them, but he felt a little paranoid about the whole situation.

Not to mention, just like Sam, he was also interested in the room behind the stage. He figured he could try his luck and stay behind again, only to let Sam in to they could check it out. Of course, it might be a little problematic for her, since he could just walk past the animatronics without being attacked, but he knew they could find a way to deal with that situation later. After all, he knew well how to avoid being detected by the animatronics.

He could still remember the time he accepted the night shift at the Freddy's. At first, the animatronics didn't seem to do anything unusual, as they worked just as intended. The only exception was the Puppet, who recognized him and decided to get her revenge on him. However, he figured that he could keep the animatronic calm thanks to a music box. It had been a feature Henry had added to the animatronic for his own reasons, with William using it to his own advantage.

You left me no other choice, Charlie.

All that was left was for him to deal with the Withereds and the Toys. He had realized that Puppet probably directed them to hunt him down, but he wanted to let her know that he wasn't going down without a fight. He had requested a transfer to the day shift, telling the management that the animatronics were behaving strangely, while at the same time tampering with their programming in order to make them not only aggressive towards him, but towards any adult they came across. A few days later, his replacement had arrived, but he had never met the guy in person. He didn't plan on staying for too long at the location.

They're coming for me…

He stared at the people moving around, but they looked more like faceless shadows. He could hear the noise they made, but it was muffled. It felt as if he wasn't even in the same room with them.

Another memory? He frowned. No, this isn't a memory.

He stepped back as he saw three familiar animatronics roaming among the faceless shadows. Their eyes were glowing brightly, with them turning towards him. Toy Freddy, Toy Bonnie and Toy Chica were slowly walking towards him, as if they knew who he was. Only he could see them and, even though he knew it was just another hallucination, they looked incredibly realistic.

''It's time for a payback.''

Springtrap's eyes flashed purple as he suddenly heard that voice again. It was the very same that taunted him when he had a breakdown.

''Did you really believe that we were all gone? You're a fool.''

He took another step back, noticing how the Toys passed through the faceless shadows, getting closer and closer towards him. He hit the wall, staring back at them as they stepped closer. They were getting distorted, as if glitching out. There was static in front of his eyes, and he crouched down, clutching his head.

''How pathetic. You're nothing more than a coward.''

With each step those hallucinations took towards him, Springtrap could feel the frustration growing inside him. He was furious at the voice, but felt that he couldn't do anything against it. So far, he was powerless against the voice and the hallucinations. All he could do was to force himself to escape its manipulation.

The static suddenly disappeared and he opened his eyes. To his shock, he saw two familiar people standing in front of him – the twins, Kathy and Kyle. Feeling confused and flustered, he stared back at them, noticing that they looked worried, probably even scared.

''What are you doing here?'' he asked, trying to keep his tone calm.

''Are you hurt?'' Kathy countered with a question of her own.

''I'm fine, just a little dazed,'' he said. ''But, what are you doing here? Are your parents with you?''

''No,'' Kyle muttered, looking as if he was feeling guilty about it.

''Mummy and Daddy yelled at Auntie,'' Kathy said. ''But, they couldn't get another babysitter, so Auntie is babysitting us.''

''I see,'' Springtrap muttered. He didn't like that kind of solution, as their aunt obviously proved to be uncaring, but he still hoped that they would be fine.

''Thanks for telling us what to do when we get lost again,'' Kathy added. Kyle grinned.

''Auntie will get in trouble if she forgets us again,'' he said. The two glanced at each other, both grinning deviously. Kathy then took her brother's hand and they walked away, waving at Springtrap.

''It was nice to see you again, Spring!''

''Bye!''

Springtrap stared at them, the twins being apparently more confident than they were before. He felt bad for them having to deal with their neglectful aunt, but something told him that they would be fine. However, as he tried to find Sam, his eyes suddenly flashed purple.

Ricky was gone from his stage.

xXx

Sam yawned, looking up from her phone, feeling as if she was in a state of stupor. She looked back at the stage, mentally cursing herself for not paying attention. Ricky was gone from the stage, which meant that the actor took over and was wandering around somewhere.

''Hello, there!''

Sam froze when she suddenly heard a familiar voice. She quickly turned around, noticing Ricky looking at her. She stepped back, feeling her heart racing.

''It is amazing to see you again,'' Ricky said cheerfully. ''You haven't been visiting Ricky's Wonder Shack lately.''

''Um, how would you know that?'' Sam asked in a nervous tone.

''Oh, I know who my friends are,'' Ricky said, chuckling. ''Don't tell me that you don't like being here?''

''Well, I kind of do,'' Sam said in a quiet tone. Ricky tilted his head.

''But, aren't you interested in my friends?'' he said, sounding slightly disappointed. ''After all, not many people can brag about being friends with robots!''

''I am fine with the animatronics, but there are different kinds of characters I prefer more,'' Sam said. ''No offense.''

''Tsk,'' Ricky sounded irritated. ''Tell me, which characters are more interesting than me an my friends? I am quite sure that we are the best, but I would like to know what kind of animatronics would be better.''

''I prefer Freddy and his friends,'' Sam said, narrowing her eyes. She stepped back, feeling the wall behind her. Glancing past Ricky, she realized that no one was really paying attention to her, probably assuming that Ricky was just entertaining her.

''Freddy's?'' Sam noticed the angry tone in Ricky's actor's voice, with him sounding as if he was barely restraining himself. ''Well, Freddy's is in the past. You will see that my Wonder Shack is much better.''

He extended his hand, about to grab her wrist, but then noticed Sam looking past him. Confused, he turned around, expecting another customer to ask him something, but there wasn't anyone. However, in the corner of his eye, he saw a golden-green bunny with glowing purple eyes.

He blinked, completely startled, only to realize that the bunny was gone. Am I imagining things?

Frowning, he turned back to Sam, only to realize that she was gone, having slipped away while he was distracted. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, feeling furious. I wanted to be her friend. How dare she leave me?

''Uh-huh, Mr. Ricky?'' He turned, noticing a boy looking at him with a curious expression.

''Hello, hello! Do you want to play a game?'' he asked in a charming, friendly tone. The boy nodded, smiling. ''Great! How about hide and seek? I'll be the one seeking.''

The boy nodded and quickly ran away. Ricky observed him as he disappeared into the crowd. He didn't really mind playing hide and seek, but the boy wasn't the person he wanted to seek.

Now, where is our animatronic enthusiast hiding?

xXx

The moment Ricky's actor was distracted, Sam quickly got away, blending in with the crowd. All she wanted to do was to get away from Ricky as far as possible. He was freaking her out and something told her that he wasn't friendly towards her only because she showed interest in the animatronics. The fact that was angry that she liked the animatronics from Freddy's didn't help the case. Currently, she was trying to just get as far away from the stage area as possible. The daze she felt completely vanished and she was fully alert to her surroundings.

Or maybe not, because, as she walked over to the darker parts of the location, she felt someone grabbing her arm and dragging her into the hallway that led to the back entrance. At first, she was about to fight back, only to be relieved to see that it was Springtrap rather than Ricky.

''You have no idea how happy I am to see you,'' she told him.

''I think I do,'' Springtrap replied. ''That wolf just wouldn't leave you alone.''

''Honestly, I just want to get out of this place, but…'' Sam fell silent.

''Sam, how about we leave for a while and come back later, when everyone has gone home,'' Springtrap suggested. Sam nodded, with the two quickly taking the back exit.

As they entered the alley behind the building, Springtrap glanced back at it, a look of concern on his expression.

''I should stay behind, since we don't have the keys…'' he muttered, glancing at Sam who gave him a sheepish look and took out a pair of keys from her pocket. He looked baffled at first, then frowned, crossing his arms. ''You stole the keys?!''

''Actually, I made a copy of them,'' Sam admitted, with Springtrap shaking his head. Despite the fact that he was trying his best to look serious, he was actually amused.

''I believe that making a copy of the keys isn't exactly legal,'' he said.

''Since when do you care what is legal and what isn't? Besides, you were the one who took them in the first place,'' Sam replied, placing the keys back into her pocket. ''Now, all we have to do is to wait.''

''How about going to Freddy's?'' Springtrap suggested. Sam gave him a questioning look, thinking about it for a moment.

''Okay,'' she said, following him. While she didn't ask him, she was actually a curious about why he wanted to go there.

xXx

Freddy's had been empty as always, but what surprised them was that the door had been left open as well. Sam took the flashlight out of her bag, illuminating the hallway as they walked towards the main area. The two exchanged a look and then went towards the hidden room, opening it. There was a tense moment of anticipation, only for them to see that it had been cleaned out, as if there never had been a bloody corpse.

''At least we know that someone had been here,'' Springtrap said as he closed the door.

''Well, it seems to be empty now,'' Sam said as they walked back to the main area. The room was dark, with the shutters all being pulled down, with Sam's flashlight and Springtrap's glowing eyes being the only thing that illuminated the room. It was also completely silent, with Sam feeling a bit like an intruder. She noticed that Springtrap, on the other hand, felt content with being here.

''It's so quiet here,'' Springtrap muttered, looking at the stage. His eyes glowed purple when he suddenly saw Freddy, Bonnie and Chica on it, singing and entertaining everyone. The hallucination faded as he looked away. He glanced at Sam, who put the flashlight on a table, letting it illuminate the whole room. ''Are you okay? You looked quite uncomfortable when Ricky approached you.''

''Honestly, I am just glad I'm away from him,'' Sam replied, leaning against the table. ''I sincerely doubt that he just wants to be my friend.''

''He essentially cornered you,'' Springtrap said, approaching her. ''What did he even want?''

''He wanted to introduce me to the animatronics and got really angry when I told him that I prefer the animatronics at Freddy's,'' Sam replied, noticing Springtrap's eyes flaring. ''He then almost grabbed my wrist.''

''That bastard's lucky he didn't drag you away,'' Springtrap said. Sam felt that he wanted to say something else, but he kept quiet. He noticed that she was staring at him, but gave her an assuring smile. ''So, according to you, despite the familiar atmosphere, Ricky's has nothing on Freddy's.''

''You're right,'' Sam said. ''After all, Ricky's doesn't have any haunted animatronics.''

Springtrap looked flustered at first, but then relaxed when he realized that Sam was just messing with him.

''In any case, what do you think about Ricky?'' he asked her.

''It is not Ricky who makes me uncomfortable, but his actor,'' Sam replied. ''It is always the same man, and whenever I would go to Ricky's, I would be approached by him. At first, I thought he would just try to entertain me, but then I noticed that he was being quite focused on me.''

''Is there anything strange he told you?'' he asked.

''He was curious about my interest in the animatronics, but, as I said, he didn't like the fact that I preferred the animatronics at Freddy's rather than those at Ricky's. He also wanted to 'introduce' me to the animatronics,'' she said. ''Do you think that he has something to do with what happened?''

''It is possible,'' Springtrap replied. ''Someone who works as an animatronic actor would have easier access to the room where the suits were, which is also where we found the blood.''

''What if he's also the same person that we encountered at the factory?'' Sam muttered. ''I mean, I know that this all is really weird, if not insane, and that we may even be wrong, but…''

''What if we aren't?'' Springtrap whispered, completing her thought. Sam shuddered and walked over to the stage and sat on it. Springtrap joined her, at first believing that she was freaked out by their possible discovery and the fact that a murderer was probably after her for some reason, until he realized that it was too similar to his own situation. He didn't bother her, deciding to let her process the whole thing. However, he also noticed that she didn't look too disturbed about it.

''If we aren't wrong about this, we need to find out who this guy is and what exactly is going on,'' she said in a determined tone. Springtrap nodded, with silence falling between them once again. ''To be honest, I am looking forward to Freddy's opening again.''

''Really?'' Springtrap looked at her, his eyes glowing purple and his ears twitching. ''You're not the only one.''

''Does that have something to do with what you're planning?'' Sam asked.

''Don't worry, this has nothing to do with you,'' Springtrap told her, his eyes now flaring purple. ''It's just something I need to get done.''

He suddenly stood up, seeing static in front of his eyes. He tried to shake it off, but it overwhelmed him.

''I guess that there's going to be another murder on top of those you have committed.'' The voice was back, louder and clearer than before. He looked around in the dark room, which was barely illuminated. He saw the stage, but Sam was nowhere in sight.

''There will be, if you don't shut up!'' he growled.

''Frustrated, are we? You could, for example, take the knife on your right and pick someone. Nobody will notice.''

The voice was taunting him, with Springtrap suddenly finding a large kitchen knife on a table next to him. He heard children's laughter and cries and, as he looked up, he saw faceless, shadow-like people, both children and adults. They were walking around, the children running around, but their movements were jittery, as if controlled by a puppeteer.

''One life is not enough for you, and you have been given another for the one you lost.''

Something forced him to take the knife and he looked at it, noticing his reflection on the blade. Suddenly, dark, fresh blood covered the knife, dripping on the floor.

''See what you have done?''

He stepped back, letting the knife fall out of his hand. He winced as he heard the clanking, but his mind was blank. He could feel the void inside him consuming him. However, inside that void, he could feel rage and frustration. Not only that, but the bloodlust he attempted to hide was surging through his body again.

''That's what I had expected. There is no hope for you.''

There was static again, and the room became brighter. He was still standing on the same spot and looked back at Sam, who looked worried.

''There is no rest for the wicked,'' she said.

Springtrap's ears lowered and he sat back on the stage, feeling exhausted and hateful towards that voice that was torturing him. He had no idea who the owner of that voice was or what they wanted from him. It sounded child-like, but at the same time, it had an aspect of maturity. It echoed through his head, as if coming from everywhere and nowhere at the same time. It was velvet and commanding, belonging to some kind of entity who wanted to make him suffer. Or maybe, he should accept this as his punishment. After all, he deserved much worse.

''Is there a way for me to help you?''

He looked at Sam in surprise, then shook his head.

''For now, you don't need to bother,'' he said.

''I really do want to be bothered,'' Sam replied. Springtrap smiled.

''I appreciate that.''

xXx

Come out, come out, wherever you are!

He searched for the girl, but couldn't find her. He did, however, find the few kids that wanted to play hide and seek with him. Every time a child he found smiled and giggled, he felt disappointment. Anxiety grew inside him as he was also looking for the golden-green bunny, which he assumed to be a person in a costume, but he couldn't find it at all. He wondered who this was, or whether he was just imagining the bunny.

He hated this hide and seek game, and he was furious at the bunny, feeling that it took away the person he wished too keep for himself. He hoped that he could change her mind, to make her stay here. He was sure that she would like to spend her time here if he was given the chance to persuade her.

After all, if she was so interested in the animatronics, he could create much better ones.

xXx

It was quite late when Springtrap and Sam returned to Ricky's. There were no cars nor people in sight and everything was dead quiet. Sam unlocked the door, with Springtrap walking inside it first, in case there was still someone inside. However, it seemed that only the animatronics were there, roaming through the building. Springtrap was quite interested in them, wanting to examine them, but for now, there was something else he needed to deal with.

''Since the animatronics are active, you will have to wait somewhere safe,'' he told Sam, pointing at the maintenance room next to them. ''Stay there until I check on the animatronics.''

''You know, I could try to find my way around the place without being caught,'' Sam replied, with Springtrap having already expected her to protest.

''Sam, if the animatronics go after you, you have no way of dealing with them,'' he said. ''Besides, we have no idea how they would even react to you.''

''Could you at least check on their walking pattern? I could avoid them once I know their blind spots,'' Sam replied.

''Okay, but I'd rather want you to stay hidden,'' he said. ''I don't want you to get hurt.''

''Don't worry, I'll be fine,'' Sam replied, entering the room and closing the door.

Springtrap then left in order to investigate the building. As he walked into the main area, he had passed Max, who ignored him and continued his patrol. He observed the animatronic entering the hallway he came out from, only for Max to continue towards the employee area.

As he continued walking, he entered the arcade area, seeing Virgil walking between the arcades, pausing every few moments and looking around, before he continued. He continued towards the stage area, where the tables were and noticed Dahlia and Ricky patrolling through the place. Dahlia then walked into the kitchen, emerging a minute later. Quentin, on the other hand, was nowhere in sight. Their eyes were glowing, bright enough to illuminate the entire room.

That's new. Springtrap frowned. He didn't recall the animatronics going into closed rooms. I guess that someone worked on improving them.

He then realized that they could also enter the room Sam was hiding in, as they didn't take the walkie-talkie to communicate with each other, hoping that the investigation would be quick. He decided to quickly check the pattern of the animatronics and return back to Sam. What he noticed was that their pattern this time was completely different from the one he saw before. Dahlia and Virgil had been the ones who went to the employee area, but the only animatronic he saw going there was Max and, as he assumed, Quentin. It was something that bothered him.

Another thing he had noticed was that there was a time frame when none of the animatronics were observing the entrance he came from and that there were enough spots for Sam to hide, like behind the arcades or under the tables. Otherwise the animatronics were walking into every part of the location, only avoiding entering the room behind the stage.

Once he was satisfied with the information he got, he wanted to go back to get Sam, only to freeze as he heard a horrible mechanical screech.

xXx

Sam gasped, dodging Max' cutlass and hiding beneath the table in the maintenance room. His eyes were glowing brightly as he tried to reach and stab her, but she managed to slip away and run into the hallway. She could hear Max' heavy steps as the animatronic was coming towards her. She shuddered when she heard another pair of steps coming from the employee area and quickly ran towards the main area, hiding behind the arcades in order to avoid Virgil, keeping the flashlight off. She suddenly sensed someone behind her, turning her head as she felt a hand on her shoulder, but it was Springtrap and not one of the animatronics from Ricky's.

''Are you okay?'' he asked.

''Aside from almost being stabbed by Max, yeah,'' she said, taking a deep breath.

''They have started entering closed rooms,'' Springtrap explained in a hushed tone. Sam was worried and then glanced at the main area, observing the construction that was a combination of a tower, slide and monkey bars.

''They are not capable of climbing, right?'' she asked. Springtrap shook his head, already having an idea what Sam was planning to do. He looked up, noticing that Max now entered the room and Virgil was coming closer.

''I'll keep them away,'' he told her and then went over to Virgil, just as Sam dashed out of her hiding spot. Virgil saw her, about to follow her, only to have his wing being grabbed and pulled back by Springtrap, slamming into a nearby arcade.

Sam meanwhile avoided Dahlia, who noticed her just as she climbed up. Luckily, the animatronic gave up the chase and continued wandering around. Sam noticed that Quentin had also entered the room. The animatronics were now circling around her like hungry sharks. Springtrap quickly approached her, quite worried, but relaxed a little when he noticed her waving back.

''I'm fine,'' she said. ''But, it seems like I won't be coming down any time soon, at least unless the animatronics get distracted and don't pay attention to me.''

''The only room they aren't entering is the one behind the stage,'' Springtrap said. ''I believe that you can get inside it once they move away.''

However, the animatronics weren't leaving the main area. Ricky and Dahlia came several times close to Sam, stopping and looking around, and left again. Springtrap frowned, realizing what was going on.

''They know that there's an intruder here and they have adapted to that,'' he said. ''They won't be leaving this part of the building any time soon.''

''Is there a way for me to get to the room behind the stage?'' Sam asked. Springtrap stepped back, observing the animatronics' new pattern. ''I wonder how they would react to seeing me being 'caught' by you. I mean, you're another animatronic and they don't seem to mind your presence.''

''Honestly, I am not sure about that idea,'' Springtrap replied. ''Let's keep that as our last option.''

What he noticed was that Dahlia, Ricky and Quentin were walking close to the stage, but there had been an opening for Sam if she was quick enough.

''Do you see this?'' he asked. Sam nodded.

''Just go and open the door,'' she replied. Springtrap went towards the stage, throwing away the curtain that was covering the door and opening it. Quentin, who walked past him, didn't seem to be bothered by it and didn't enter the room.

''Perfect,'' Springtrap muttered, grinning. He then turned to the tower, with Sam keeping an eye on Ricky who was getting quite close to her. ''Ready…? Now!''

Sam went down the slide and ran towards the stage, being noticed by Dahlia, who went after her. Ricky followed her, while Quentin turned around just as she was getting close to the stage. He was the closest, but couldn't get her as Springtrap grabbed his arm and started to drag him away. Sam managed to run into the room, observing Ricky and Dahlia walking over to her, only to stop and go back.

''That was close,'' she said, sighing. She watched as Springtrap walked over, entering the room. She then took the flashlight from her bag and turned it on. She gasped, just now noticing that they weren't alone in the room. There was an endoskeleton in the corner, having sharp teeth, pointy ears and claws on its hands and feet.

''I guess we should've expected them to have a spare endoskeleton,'' Springtrap said as Sam illuminated more of the room. There were spare parts, along with a costume. What attracted their attention was a huge mirror on the wall. Sam walked over to it, starting to fix her hair.

''I'm not sure whether this would count as sign of vanity for Ricky's actor,'' she said, chuckling as she noticed the aloof look Springtrap gave her.

''You look fine, Sam,'' he replied, then grinned and ruffled her hair in a playful manner, with Sam escaping his grasp, looking irritated, but she was still smiling. However, her smile was replaced by a curious look as she walked closer to the mirror.

''Have you heard that?'' she asked, with the two keeping quiet. Suddenly, they heard a sound, as if someone banged against the ground. It was followed by another one, this one being more metallic in nature.

Springtrap approached the mirror, looking at the wall behind it and tracing it with his fingers, as if searching for a hidden switch. He winced when he heard a clanking sound and waited for another sound, but everything went quiet. Sam meanwhile leaned against the wall, knocking on the wall and on the wall on the other side. The sounds they emitted were different.

''There is a hidden room behind this mirror,'' she said.

''Yeah, but how do we open it?'' Springtrap asked, glancing at Sam. She shrugged, with him looking back at the mirror. ''I wonder, what does it hide? They don't want people to know about it.''

''There is a possibility that they're keeping something from coming out of the room,'' Sam said. Springtrap stepped back, frowning.

''I'll go check the rest of the place for more clues,'' he said. ''I doubt that every employee knows about this room, since they made sure to keep it hidden. However, maybe I can find something about it.''

''Okay, but we cannot stay here for too long,'' Sam said. ''Please, hurry up.''

''I'll be back soon,'' Springtrap replied, exiting the room. As he walked past the animatronics, he noticed that they would look at him, twitching as they stared at him, and then continue their patrol. They're learning.

He didn't like this at all. Not only were the animatronics adapting and changing patterns, they were also suspicious of him. Even if he was an animatronic, he wasn't part of their establishment and they seemed to be aware of it.

This is not good.

He was curious about the hidden room, wondering what was inside it and whether there was a specific way to access it, as well as wondering who exactly had access to it. He stopped walking, realizing that this was a mistake and that he should get Sam and get as fast as possible out of this place.

Something's wrong.

Suddenly, a high-pitched scream echoed through the building. Springtrap's eyes widened in shock and flashed purple as the turned to where the scream came from.

Sam!

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