#i've been working on this since launch day i'm just so glad it's done

[thefaeriecreek]

The Return to the Ancient Sky

[willowsnook]

can i request a tall glass of vodka with lime? 🥰🥰

lando norris x gymnast!reader

It's always been you

-------------------------------------------------------------

Watching out the window as your plane landed, excitement bubbled inside you. You had flown out of Oklahoma City to Austin for the F1 race, all thanks to your friend, Lando.

Last year, when Quadrant was expanding into the US market, they signed you as one of their college athletic partners. As the captain of the University of Oklahoma's gymnastics team, you were already a standout. You met Lando when they launched the new program, and the two of you hit it off right away. With your demanding gymnastics schedule that you'd been used to since childhood, you understood the grind of high-level competition, and as you gained more attention after competing in the world gymnastics championship, you found yourself leaning on Lando to help cope with the pressure.

As you made your way down the escalator, you spotted Lando waiting with a smile at the bottom.

"Lando!" you called, jogging into his arms for a hug. "It's so good to see you!"

He grinned down at you with that boyish grin of his. "You too! Ready to go?"

You nodded, and the two of you headed toward the exit. Lando grabbed your bag off your shoulder and slung it over his, and you filled him in on your offseason workouts and the high expectations for your upcoming season. He listened attentively, amused by how carried away you got.

"I'm sorry," you giggled. "I've been rambling non-stop. Are you ready for the race weekend?"

"Yeah, I think so," he replied. "We've had good momentum lately, so I'm feeling good about it. I’m excited you'll get to see me race."

"Me too," you said, smiling. "And then maybe you can come see me compete in January or February."

"I’d like that," he said, shooting you a charming grin.

After checking into your hotel room, you met Lando back in the lobby. He had some promotional events with UT to attend, and you tagged along, planning to meet up with a few gymnasts you knew from their team.

"I'll meet you by the gym when I’m done, okay?" Lando said. You nodded, and after a quick goodbye, headed to the UT gym.

As soon as you walked in, you were pulled into a tight hug.

"Can’t believe you’re stepping into the gym when it’s not for a meet!" Sarah, one of the gymnasts, teased.

"All this burnt orange makes me want to gag," you joked, making her laugh.

You stripped off your sweatshirt, now in your sports bra and Nike Pros, and joined her on the floor to stretch and catch up.

Lando had finished up with McLaren and was tired of waiting outside for you with Oscar so they decided to just go in. You were showing Sarah something you had been working on for your bar routine and Lando was in awe watching you. The way you twisted your body that high off the ground with ease, eyes never losing focus on the bar.

"She’s incredible," Oscar muttered, starstruck.

"I know," Lando replied dreamily, a soft smile on his face.

Oscar smirked at the lovestruck expression. "Lovesick," he teased, and Lando playfully shoved him.

When you finished your routine, they applauded, causing you to give them a mock bow.

"You are amazing," Lando told you as you slipped your sweatshirt back on.

"Thanks," you said, smiling as you turned to hug Oscar. "Good to see you, Oscar."

"You too, Y/N. I’m glad we get to see you in person now so I don’t have to hear Lando’s daily updates about what you’re doing from your Instagram stories."

Lando’s face turned beet red, and you laughed loudly, your heart skipping a beat.

"My biggest fan," you teased, looking at Lando, who glared at Oscar before grabbing your hand and pulling you outside. "Come on, let’s go."

The next few days passed in a blur, with free practices and the sprint race keeping everyone busy. You spent a lot of time hanging out with Oscar’s girlfriend, Lily, and getting to know the McLaren team better.

Now, as you watched qualifying, your hands twisted together in nervous excitement as Lando sped around the track. When he secured pole position, you jumped up, cheering along with the team. As soon as he finished his interviews and made his way over to you, his eyes lit up, and you ran to him, throwing yourself into his arms.

"Congrats! You did so good!" you exclaimed, hugging him tightly. He said nothing at first, just smiled down at you, his gaze soft.

"What?" you asked, feeling a little self-conscious under his stare.

"Nothing," he murmured, chuckling to himself before wrapping his arms around you again. "I have to go to bed early tonight, but do you want to get dinner and watch a movie or something?"

"Sure," you agreed.

A few hours later, you found yourself sprawled out on Lando’s bed, munching on pizza. You had insisted on watching Cars for "inspiration," much to his amusement. But tonight, Lando was quieter than usual, and it was starting to throw you off.

After finishing your slice, you stood up to move the pizza box and faced him with your hands on your hips.

"What’s going on?" you asked, noticing the tension in his expression. "You’ve been so quiet tonight."

"I don’t know, I’m just... thinking," he replied, shifting uncomfortably on the bed.

"About...?" you prompted, concern creeping into your voice.

He fidgeted for a moment before meeting your eyes. "I don’t want to mess this up," he finally said.

"What do you mean?" you asked softly.

"I like you, Y/N," he confessed. "More than a friend. It’s always been you that's been there for me to lean on. I get so excited every time you call, and I miss you like crazy when we’re apart. I know our lives are insane with our schedules, but seeing you today after qualifying it all just hit me and I really want to try and make something work."

Your heart swelled at his words, and you sat in front of him, taking his hand. "I like you too, Lando. But how would we even do this? We’re rarely in the same country."

"Honestly, I don’t think much would change for now," he said. "We already talk all the time, and I know once your season starts, you won’t be able to travel much. But I can come to see you. I just want to stop torturing myself wondering if you’re seeing other guys."

You laughed softly at his vulnerability, crawling into his lap. His hands circled your waist as he rested his head on your shoulder.

"We can take it slow," you murmured, running your fingers through his curls. "My post-grad plan is to keep training for worlds and the Olympics. There are plenty of international gyms."

"Like in Monaco," he said without hesitation, making you smile.

"Like in Monaco," you agreed. "Can I kiss you now?"

His head shot up, and the eagerness in his eyes made you smirk. You brought your lips to his, savoring the moment as you set a leisurely pace.

"Will you stay here with me tonight?" he whispered against your lips.

"Yeah, I already brought my stuff," you said sheepishly. His grin widened before he pulled you into another kiss.

Even though you wanted to keep things slow and private, all of that flew out the window after Lando crossed the finish line first the next day. Fans watched him after celebrating on the podium as he scanned the crowd, eyes eagerly searching for you.

When he spotted you, everything else seemed to blur away. The cameras followed him as he jumped off the stage, making a beeline for where you stood with the McLaren team. He pulled you into his arms, and before you could say a word, he kissed you.

It was supposed to be a private moment, one shared just between the two of you, but the world was watching. The roar of the crowd faded as your lips met his. The electricity of that moment, the heat from the race, the adrenaline—it all melted away as Lando’s arms tightened around you, pulling you closer. You smiled into the kiss, your heart pounding with exhilaration.

As you pulled away, slightly breathless, you noticed the sea of camera flashes. Fans in the grandstands were screaming, and the McLaren team was beaming behind you.

Lando’s face was flushed with joy, eyes sparkling as he looked down at you. "I couldn’t wait," he whispered with a sheepish grin.

You laughed softly, touching his cheek. "So much for keeping it private," you teased.

He shrugged, not caring in the slightest. "I don’t care who knows. I’m just happy you’re here with me."

The next few hours were a whirlwind. Pictures of the two of you kissing were plastered all over social media, fans gushing about the newest F1 couple. The headlines read, “Lando Norris Celebrates Victory with a Kiss from Gymnast Y/N Y/L/N!”

[kthecutest]

darlss,<33 your backkk I miss u tbh I was worried of what happened to you. and I have another req

legal line and how they tell you there needy!

so yah I don't know how to be more specific but love you darls<3

xoxo

-🤍anon

૮(˶╥︿╥)ა I'm sorry for making you worry! I've just been so busy with work I couldn't get any writing done for the past few days. Sorry for the inactivityyy (*꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ) Your requests are always so creative and amazing! Love you too! ˗ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ Hope you'll enjoy this! ৻( •̀ ᗜ •́ ৻)

How &Team legal line tell you they’re needy˚•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙˚＊

•✩──────✧✩✦✩✧──────✩•

Pairing : &Team legal line x f!reader Genre : NSFW (づ ᴗ _ᴗ)づ 🥕 A/N ೃ⁀➷ MINORS DNI

K : Three words. Aggressive big puppy. He’s the loveliest boyfriend ever and treat you like a queen all the time but when he’s needy; he transitioned from a human to a wolf-in-heat, boi doesn’t know anything else than to pin you down to the nearest surface and run his face all over your body.

It’s a late afternoon, you’re on your way back to your room after having some refreshments. The house was quiet as expected; your boyfriend has promised you to not disturb you during work hours or short breaks so you were glad he was being obedient. But the thought was cut short when you were pinned straight to the hallway wall aggressively; your eyes forced open at the sudden attack and the figure towering above you. The boy staring down at you with hungry lustful eyes and without a single word starts kissing and biting at your neck – his thigh pressing right between your legs, up against your core; forcing whines and whimpers to elicit from your mouth. It seems you were too invested in the work all day, you’ve forgotten to give your poor puppy and his leaking cock some attention.

Fuma : He leans more to the relaxed and reasonable side. He doesn’t just launch at you or becomes aggressive unless he’s way too horny to even keep his brain in-tact. He would come to you like a good boy, no shame too; since he thinks wanting you at certain times of the day is pretty normal to be open about – I mean you’re his girlfriend after all.

You were sat on the couch, scrolling some videos through your tablet. You weren’t particularly busy – but you just didn’t think your boyfriend would need you glued on him; and onto his dick. Within a moment of a few thuds of footsteps in the background, you could feel equal weights on your shoulders as your turned your gaze upwards to face his eyes glossed up in desperation. Tongue entering straight in between your lips, not giving you time to process nor make a move. His huge hands trailing slowly down your neck and cupping them, squeezing oh so lightly, cutting off your airways as he ate up the muffled moans eliciting from between your pre-occupied lips.

Nicholas : We all know K and Nicho are literally the same breed – so it’s not a surprise he’s exactly just like K – except that even when he’s all worked up to the thought of you, he’ll still have his brain doing the proper thinking unlike K who is basically thinking with his dick at that point.

About 6.30 pm – you’re preparing dinner for you and your lovely boyfriend who has been awfully quiet the entire evening unlike his normal self. You just brushed it off, your stare shifting to the strawberry that had fallen off the kitchen counter. You bent down to the floor, picking it up; until you felt a figure stopping its steps right in front of you, towering above you – making you look up. Your eyes widen in shock, not at the person but at a really huge bulge, casting a shadow on your small face. Your boyfriend staring down at you with a lustful smirk, entangling his hands in your bun-ed up hair – pushing your face straight forward – to the point your nose was basically buried on his bulge.

Ej : When this baby boy gets needy, omg please the whole room’s air will just switch up so fast. As harmless as he can be (and I’m talking he isn’t aggressive like his K hyung) but he will still eventually have his heat crawl up to your mind and to your core in the sweetest whiniest ways.

You could be laid comfortably on your bed, just reading a manga, bored out of your mind; when you felt the sudden weight on your entire body from on top. Before you could turn around to rule out the person, you could feel them sniffing and nuzzling their face and hair all over your neck. Whimpers and desperate whines flowed into your ear nonstop; it wasn’t long until it started to effect you as well, drawing out soft whimpers from you, your fingers unnoticeably gripping onto whatever fabric material nearby. The touches and sounds were hot to your skin; you hid your face in the pillow, revealing more of your nape allowing your obviously in-heat boyfriend to have his way with you.

Yuma : When this kitty gets needy, he can get reallyyy aggressive. Not like in a way of pinning you down with immense strength (ahem- KNICHO) but in a way of he’ll do anything to get what he wants.

You’d be sat in front of your desk, books and scratched up notes scattered straight across the surface. The determination streak didn’t last long when you felt a set of hands in your inner thigh – making you look straight down – to see a figure underneath the desk. While in the comfort of your own home, you pretty much just stay in your panties and a bra-less shirt; so this pretty much gave direct access of your core to your horny boyfriend – who was now licking at the fabric like a needy kitty licking its bowl of milk. Your legs couldn’t help but to close from the electric shocks being sent through your body from each of his lick at your core; as you begged him to stop – the thought of studying slowly fading away from your pile of thoughts.

Jo : Getting needy is a rather rare occasion for Jo since he’s always so chill and calm – surely is never the type to be the one to insist on that kind of stuff. But there are days when he’s got to catch his own release as well and when this happens he becomes absurdly quiet but clingy at the same time.

Yells could be heard throughout the bedroom, your hands moving aggressively on the keyboard and mouse Your raged complaints towards the teammates on the other side of the call were consoled quickly when you felt your boyfriend applies all his body heat right to your side and back, sticking to you – not a single sound – yet you could tell he was unusually clingy today. You just took note of it as him feeling a little clingy but you were proven wrong when you felt two fingers enter into your panties, poking at your clothed clit; slowly the fingers gliding against your folds. You let out a gasp quickly but before you could reach out to the mute button, he’d whisper in your ear telling you to just keep playing, well that is; if you can of course.

[askthe-r-m-au]

I'm sick and it's the middle of the night...

Yall know what that means...

R-M FIC TIME!!!! :D

Uhh yeah It's been a while since I did chapter 1 (link right here) so I think nows the time to continue!

Man I wish I could just copy paste stuff from my brain-

Uhh so ye let's go

[The Ring-Misstress Chapter 2: A Promotion]

Several days have passed since Pomni and Caine became "coding buddies." Or- since Pomni made her ultimate plan to find the exit. Other than that, it was actually kinda nice. The more time she spent fixing things around the circus, the less time she'd have to spend alone in a room that wasn't hers. Just doing mundane things... heck, maybe that's all she needed...

☆Well then, looks like we're done for the day!! Great work as always, Pomni!☆

And just like that, the mundane was over.

♧Oh... uh, thanks...♧

☆I best be off for now then! Oh-! Don't be late tomorrow morning, because I have some news for all of you!!☆

He looked up to see the Jester walking away, giving a weak thumbs up.

☆Alright then, goodnight, my dear!☆

Pomni shut the door behind her and crawled into bed. She lay there, staring at the ceiling as she recollected the days events. She thought about the last thing Caine brought up. "News? What was so important that they all needed to know??" Part of her kind of dreaded it, but...

Another part of her didn't.

Meanwhile, Caine slowly flew down the circus hall. He, too, reflected on the work they got done today. He was proud of it, really he was!! But... he wondered what caused these sorts of bugs in the first place. He thought about the first time pomni fixed a line of code. What even happened to bubble that day?? He's never seen him glitch like that before. It almost looked like a-

°○ Hi boss...○°

Speak of the devil...

°○All these new textures sure look shiny...○°

Bubble chimed, staring at the wall and licking his lips.

☆Bubble, if you so much as Touch a PIXEL, I-☆

Bubble began gnawing on the wall, ignoring Caine's sterness.

"Pop!"

The ringmaster let out an annoyed sigh, snapping his fingers to fix the wall.

"Just how is he going to deal with Bubble now?! With the big important stuff coming up, his behavior certainly wouldn't do..."

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The next morning, Caine eagerly woke everyone up, including Pomni. They all quickly gathered to the main stage, ready for whatever nonsense Caine had to give them today.

☆Good morning, Superstars!! Now, you are all aware that I have some very important news today!!☆

•Yeah, yeah, we get it. What's soooooo important dentures?•

☆I'm glad you asked, Jax!! As you may have noticed, the graphics look much more polished now!☆

Everyone collectively looked around. He was right. The circus did look more high-quality.

◇Yeah, and?◇

☆As you are also aware, this place is usually inactive. BUT, I've noticed more of these enhancements, AND, some developers' notes! (Which I haven't found in a while actually) Seems like the game is finally being published!☆

The crew were confused for a moment, but then it hit them. How could they forget this was a kids' game? This place was about to get a lot more crowded... with children nonetheless! They could barely survive this place, let alone could kids!!

This was not good...

♧Uhh, exactly how much time do we have before the game launches..?♧

☆Probably within the next couple of days. So, we should have a little bit of time to-☆

The group was interrupted by a loud "Thud," followed by glitching noises coming from the hallway.

☆... I... I'm gonna go investigate. Pomni, mind if I pull you aside for a second?☆

The Noises in the Distance didn't sound like any normal code bug... but what choice did she have.

They followed the glitching sounds to the hallway entrance, Pomni jumped slightly when Caine suddenly froze to a stop.

☆...Bubble?☆

At the end of the hallway stood Bubble, only larger and heavily corrupted, covered in glitches and code. He kept biting chunks of code from the wall, making him increase in size.

☆My, how did this happen??☆

Bubble didn't reply and continued eating away at the code.

☆Uhm, hello??☆

♧CAINE I DONT THINK NOW IS THE TIME TO ASK QUESTIONS...♧

☆Ah, of course! Now... let's fix this up!!☆

Caine snapped his fingers to no success.

☆Okay, Pomni, any ideas?☆

♧Me? Uhm...♧

She noticed an odd looking piece of code in the center of Bubble's corruption

♧K-keep him distracted! I think I have an idea!♧

Caine followed orders, snapping the walls fixed, making Bubble eat them again, and then He'd fix them again, so on so fourth.

As He kept Bubble Occupied, Pomni snuck behind Bubble and Snagged the strange line of code. Bubble slowly returned to normal size but remained slightly glitchy and corrupted.

♧Got it!!♧

She held it up for Caine to see.

☆Hold on a second... are you sure that's what caused it??☆

♧Well, yeah, I-♧

Caine cut her off, sounding almost confused.

☆That's... That's his central code... he's always had that...☆

Pomni thought for a moment... "That's weird... it looked an awful lot like a virus code..."

☆Well, now what??☆

Pomni stood in silence for a second... she wasn't sure how Caine would take this. But they didn't have much choice.

♧Looks like you're gonna have to pop him one last time...♧

Caine slowly reached his index finger towards Bubble.

"Pop!"

The glitching stopped. And the stray peices of code faded away.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

•Man, where on earth are those two?!•

◆Hey, I'm pretty sure it takes em a while to fix things◆

•Well yeah, but it definitely shouldn't take more than 20 minutes! I'm outta here.•

◇Honestly, this is the one time I agree with you.◇

Just as the crew were about to go back to their rooms, Caine and Pomni made their return.

♧Heheh... we're back...♧

☆Apologies for that, superstars...☆

•Well it's about time!! What happened back there??•

The pair stood in silence for a long time...

☆So... Bubble is dead.☆

A few of the cast simultaneously gasped, visibly confused, and surprised.

♧L-let me explain. Turns out Bubble... was a virus. He was eating the place inside-out, so we kinda sorta had to...♧

•Eh, whatever. I never liked the guy anyway! He was pretty annoying. Good on you two.•

The others collectively chattered to eatch other.

☆Well, now that that's out of the way... that's really all I have for you. You're all free to go. I have plenty of work to do!☆

The cast all started towards the hallway to their rooms, as usual. Pomni began to follow them when Caine stopped her.

☆Pomni... I have one more favor I need from you.☆

♧Hm?♧

Caine seemed strangley less energetic.

☆I know this is on rather short notice, but... with my- lack of an assistant... I was thinking...☆

He snapped his fingers, and in front of Pomni was a new string of code

☆How would you like a promotion??☆

♧...as what??♧

She examined the jumble of numbers in front of her.

☆As my Co-host!!☆

♧...Gee, I dunno... I don't think I-♧

☆May I add, being my assistant, has its benefits!! You'd share my capabilities! You'd be able to help fix things full time and help with making future adventures!!☆

She thought about it for a moment... she wouldn't have to go on any adventures. Just make them. Also, this gave her a chance to get closer to Caine. Again, to get answers about the exit...

☆Well..?☆

She looked down at the code again... this could be her chance...

She reached out and touched the Code...

With a quick flash, it suddenly disappeared. Or so she thought at first.

She looked down at herself to see that her model had changed. It was a lot higher in quality. Her Jester hat had decreased in size and wrapped around a larger yellow top hat, similar to Caine's. As well as blue and red stripped leggings and a splitting coat tail. Next to her floated a red and blue striped cane (or more of a wand in size). She looked down at her new features and looked back up at Caine.

☆How do you feel?☆

♧... Well, it definitely does look nice.♧

☆Now that's the spirit!!☆

Caine beamed at his new assistant. He then looked down at his own model.

☆Heh, suppose I need an upgrade too!☆

With a snap of his fingers, his model was also polished. Brighter, bolder colors, and star embroidery on his hat and the back of his coat.

☆Well, we've got the looks right! Now, let's get to work kn adventures!! Any suggestions??☆

♧Hm... Maybe we can start making them a little more... mundane...♧

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Holy moly this was waaaaaaaay longer than chapter one-

This was alot-

I feel like crap rn-

Uhh, yeah, you know the drill. Ask Caine Pomni and Voz, ask me maybe, check out my main acc [ @dayseedrawz2 ]

Buh bye chat

[trainerspiral]

I spend the rest of the day in my hotel room, watching TV with Coba and the V4ST and trying not to overthink my conversation with ASH. I'm largely unsuccessful.

The hope of Coba being an old box Pokemon isn't completely crushed, but I'm certainly not encouraged. ASH is right--there are too many other, more likely explanations. It irks me to be accused of magical thinking, but I can't claim innocence there. I know for a fact Coba isn't one of my old Pokemon--I've never owned a shiny Trapinch--but of course the possibility of getting them back would push me into the realm of crazy ideas.

I resolve to put the idea out of my head and focus on finding Coba's owner. I can't let him pay for my inability to move on.

Sometime after sunset, as I'm contemplating whether I'll order room service or go out again, my Roto-phone flies out of my pocket and hovers in front of my face, chirping. I jump, causing Coba and the V4ST to look around and make startled noises.

I seize the phone, intending to find a way to shut that feature off immediately, but forget as soon as I see that it's showing me a message from ASH:

I'm trying to find this coordinator named Esther Flowne, do you know any coordinators in Slateport?

I don't know any working coordinators, but I know Rosette is involved in setting up contests with the league every year. I send a message to her asking about the name.

She answers quickly that the name isn't familiar off the top of her head, but she wants to know how I'm doing, and I decide it's easier to call her.

"Helloooo!" she sings.

"Hiiiiii," I say, the sound of her voice lifting my spirits just a bit.

"So? How's Coba? Is he passing his test?"

"So far," I say, and give her a quick rehash of my journey up to the point I left the Berry Master's. She's a great audience, interjecting with enthusiasm at all the right beats, especially when I describe Coba's first fight and the capture of the Grimer.

"That's so great, Spiral! Aw, I knew that little guy was going to be fine!"

"Well, we're not done yet, but it's looking a lot better than it was," I admit.

"Are you any closer to finding his owner?"

I sigh, and launch into my meeting with ASH. She grows a lot more serious as I recount that conversation and try to sum up the theories he's thrown out. I don't mention his depressed mental state or my own emotional outbursts, but I'm sure she can read a lot of the underlying emotions on my face.

"Well, like I said I don't think I recognize that person, but you can give him my number if you want and I'll try to help him," she says when I'm finished.

"That would be amazing, Ro, thank you."

"No problem!" A brief pause. "I'm really glad you were able to talk to him. I know that last fight you two had has been bothering you for a really long time."

I nod slowly. "Yeah. It's...it was really good."

We say our goodbyes and hang up. ASH doesn't answer his phone, but I text him Rosette's number and turn my attention to the room service menu.

-----

I get up early the next morning, have a quick breakfast in the lobby, and head out into the enclosed city, eerie and echoing at this time of day. I restock on healing items and travel rations and pick up a few Repels in case the going gets too tough. I still only have two usable Pokemon, after all.

As I'm heading toward the south exit, I pass a familiar shop: Pokemon Reflexology Services, a grooming and massage parlor for Pokemon. It has grown larger since the renovations to the city and certainly looks more modern than it did the last time I was here, but a quick glance at my phone shows it still has rave reviews. It's just opening up for the day, and while it's not completely empty it's not slammed, either.

I decide to go inside, where a friendly blonde greets me and informs me they are having a two-for-one special. I take a ticket and am on my way to a massage room in under twenty minutes, where a pair of pretty young masseuses tells me let out my Pokemon.

I think about including the Grimer, but I'm worried about its tameness level and odor. Instead I release Coba and the V4ST. Coba settles down eagerly under the violet-haired masseuse's hands, but when the redhead reaches for the V4ST, it rocks backward and gives a sharp tone of alarm.

"It's ok," I tell it. "It's just a massage." It makes a hectic series of tones at me. "Look," I say, pointing at Coba. His eyes are closed in ecstasy as the masseuse rubs the muscles around his jaw.

The V4ST still seems uncertain, but it allows the masseuse to guide it to an adjacent table. It's alert and tense at first, but as the young woman works her fingers into its body it settles down, and soon it's making what I can only describe as an electronic purr.

I smile, but the reaction puzzles me. The V4ST is trained to a remarkable level of competence, capable of independent decision-making and complex analysis. Yet it seems unable to differentiate a friendly human gesture from a hostile one, something most Pokemon know instinctively.

When I reflect on my own attitude toward it, though, it makes sense. I can't be the first trainer to grow attached to a potential Missingno. There is a nonzero chance this Pokemon has had to face aggression from humans before. I can only hope its handlers at Sypherbase treat it well, but I have no idea what the training up of a V4ST entails.

Either way, watching it enjoy this moment of care, I'm glad I made the decision to be kind to it. It's a tough, clinical little creature, but it's still just a Pokemon.

-----

Unlike the people of Mauville, the triathletes on Route 110 are early risers. As soon as I'm in sight of the cycling path's gatehouse, chatter and bike noise and the distant sounds of battling fill the scene. A group of swollen-calved trainers in spandex and helmets are circled up outside the teal building, chatting and sipping from water bottles and scanning their surroundings in a pointedly casual way.

Nuts to that. I tug the brim of my hat down over my eyes and veer sharply to the right, into the weeds of the lower path.

A few coastal plants are still blooming, but much of the brush is autumn dry. Wingull drift over the embankment to the sea beyond, dark shapes in the low morning fog. I find a sizeable enough area of clear space in the scrub and mark its edges with Repel. I rub a little scented lotion under my nose and pull on my gloves. Then I release all three members of my scrappy little team: Coba, the V4ST, and the Grimer.

My Roto-phone has informed me the Grimer is a female, with an estimated power level of 23. I've decided to call her Bluk.

I've raised a few poison-type Pokemon in my time: Garbodor, Vileplume, Weezings of both the Galar and Kanto varieties, and a handful of others. I briefly spent time with the Alolan variety of Grimer and Muk when I was over there, but the Kanto variety is not one I've ever gotten familiar with.

I learn two things very quickly.

One: the Kanto variety of Grimer is the worst-smelling poison type I've ever trained.

Two: Kanto Grimer are huggers.

I've hardly tossed her a berry and told her the nickname I've chosen before she's all over me. I stumble back to keep her from taking me out at the knees. Her gloopy face is adorable, but the smell is pure madness. The lotion does nothing.

"Hode on," I plead through my sleeve, eyes watering as I signal for her to stay back a pace. "Don'd dock be ober. Das a good--glaaaah!"

My ass hits the dust and I go sprawling back into the weeds. I try to crawl away but she is shockingly heavy and strong, and the odor is making me weak.

A sharp, alarming tone rings out, and I feel Bluk slump off of me. When I'm able to look up, I see that the V4ST has positioned itself over me with its beak pointed at Bluk, who has shrunk back into a faintly quivering puddle.

"Id's ogay," I choke out, scrambling to my feet. "Id's ogay. Stand dowd."

The V4ST draws back, grumbling in low metallic tones. Coba rushes up behind Bluk, hissing. She looks back and forth between the two with a whimpering gurgle.

I stagger over and pick Coba up under one arm. Once he's calmed down, I squat and approach Bluk again with an Oran berry in my hand.

"Sorry," I say. "Led's dry dis agaid."

One eye peers up at the V4ST, but she only hesitates for a second before moving forward to slurp up the berry, her mouth engulfing my left arm to the elbow. I shudder and look at the arm with concern, but nothing looks melted or gangrenous. The V4ST whirs disapprovingly and Coba growls.

"Be dice," I tell him. I hold out another berry, and this time I pet her on the head while she swallows it. She's happy to lean into my hand for a moment, but she quickly decides it's time for another hug.

"No," I say firmly, holding my hand out in front of her. "Stay. Stay."

Once she settles, I reward her. After a few repetitions she stops trying to tackle me, and I'm able to walk away a few paces to take some deep breaths and apply more lotion. It doesn't help much, and I tell myself I'm just going to have to acclimate until I can find a better solution.

In the meantime, it's time to move on to the main task.

I step back toward Bluk and crouch down, commanding her to stay once more. She burbles and quivers eagerly but obliges. I carefully hold Coba out. He gives an anxious squeal.

"It's ok, buddy," I say. "This is Bluk. We're going to be friends."

Not since my early twenties have I had this problem. When you're an experienced trainer with a lot powerful Pokemon, new recruits tend to understand that they need to behave. Introducing low-level Pokemon to one another is a lot harder. In the absence of a clear hierarchy, they naturally want to fight it out.

All things considered, I'm lucky. She might be smelly, but Bluk isn't mean. Coba is understandably nervous, but he's more inclined to retreat than attack, and the smell doesn't seem to bother him. If I can just convince Bluk to sit still for a minute without trying to grab him, it should be fine.

"Stay!" I say in a sharper tone as Coba dances back from her groping arms, but the possibility of play has excited her and she keeps advancing. He keeps out of her reach, snapping and hissing, but when she ignores my command for the third time the V4ST suddenly swoops in again, delivering what sounds like a harsh scolding in binary. Bluk shrinks back. With the V4ST's backup, I get her to keep her hands to herself long enough for Coba to approach on his own.

We let him circle her, wary and curious. When he starts nudging her with his head I take a few steps back, and before long the two of them begin game of tag in the brush.

The joy of watching Pokemon at play. I'm not prepared for how good it feels.

I glance up at the V4ST, tracking the antics with machine-precise movements of its head. "Thanks," I say. It makes a low whistling noise, but stays focused ahead.

An impulse comes over me, a likely bad idea that I can't resist. "Hey, I don't want to call you 'Hey You' or 'Porygon2.' Will you answer to 'Vast'?"

The V4ST whirls around so quickly I almost trip backwards. It makes a clipped alarm sound, but as I start to backpedal I realize it's looking past me. I whirl around and find myself staring into a gleaming pair of glasses.

"You've met my gaze!" the trainer bellows. "Prepare for battle!"

@novelistash

[ckret2]

YO it's been so long but I just want to say i still really adore your writing style. Sometimes I'll remember your KOTM fics exist and re-read every fic in the master list again in like a day. Idk, there something intriguing about how you write language and culture differences, between humans, titans, and the different extraterrestrials.

(Honestly sometimes these fics remind me of alter-human experiences, which might explain my attachment for ur fics lol.)

Anyway, I was wondering what your plan was for the series? (And if u were just waiting for prompts, I got ideas. just wanted to make sure first lol)

Anyway thanks for tolerating my rambling 😅

Oh, thanks so much!! I'm glad you still enjoy them! :) I think that's some of my best work to date on writing inhuman/alien cultures.

Okay so, here's how writing works for me: I pour brain gasoline into my writing engine and then the words go brrr.

A huge, long-term writing project is like an SUV. I have to pour a whole lot of gasoline into the engine, but then it can go very far.

I get brain gasoline from things that mentally energize me. These things include going out to restaurants, cafes, and libraries to write; going to movie theaters and concerts; doing other art projects (like leatherworking or sewing) that require going out to craft stores or classes; getting furniture & decor to improve my home; going to festivals, conventions, or other fun events; and even just getting to walk around malls and downtown areas.

I ain't done shit since early 2020! Any writing energy I had toward the start of quarantine has gradually depleted. I know most of the planet has gone back to treating covid like it's no big deal because it's not as fatal anymore, but long covid is still a thing and my household has health conditions that would make gallivanting around in public actively self-destructive, so I still ain't doing shit.

So it's not a matter of not having ideas. I actually have a list of—let me check—twelve fics on my to-write list for the Rodorah plotline, and that's just to finish the current plot arc before launching the next phase of the plot.

But I'm just not getting the kind of brain gasoline I need to run the SUV-sized engine of a project like No Kings Only Monsters. I'm getting enough gasoline to power a moped. Right now my moped is a writing/art roleplay blog in another fandom where I'm working on an ongoing plot. For me a roleplay blog takes a lot less sustained mental energy than writing whole fics, much less a running series of fics.

So, the technical term for what I'm doing right now is "biding my time." I kind of just have to wait until I reach a more energizing period of my life, and look for opportunities to make that happen.

Within a couple months I'm going to be finishing up the most writing-intensive part of my current RP blog plot, and (fingers crossed) I'm going to be moving into a house. (I bought a house.) The new house is over twice as big as my apartment, and I actually OWN it, which means I can do a LOT to make it my own. I'm hopeful that the process of moving will energize me enough to start working on the place (painting walls, getting furniture, etc), and then the ongoing progress of fixing up my place will further energize me enough to return to fic writing.

That doesn't mean I'll immediately hop back on No Kings Only Monsters. I first want to do some more recent fic ideas that have been percolating in the back of my head. But No Kings Only Monsters is on my "by god, I'm gonna finish this" writing to-do list, so after I've gotten back in the swing of writing things I may revisit a writing strategy that served me well in 2018-2019: "write X amount of words on this project and as a reward you can spend the rest of the day writing whatever you want."

I'm hopeful for the future! But for now, I just can't focus on something that big.

(Hold on to your ideas though; flinging them at me now when I don't have any brain gasoline wouldn't do much good, but I'm not opposed to someday taking reader requests again.)

[rozinaaa]

It's Getting There…

This can relate to a range of different things, but I'm just focusing and working on the curation front during my days off from work (as I have to use up all of my holidays before the end of the month, so that I can get used to the fact that I'll no longer be working for an employer) along with having the time to actually build up the side project to a decent standard, which will allow me to build momentum and to keep going with it, especially as I get launched into the unknown, which I'm slowly starting to view as a brand new opportunity rather than a setback.

At the moment, I'm just manually translating everything from the old site to the new one, and I'm neatly putting everything into lots of different categories, which is a lot harder than I thought it would be (cheers, 21-year-old self for organising everything in the most inefficient way possible by providing short descriptions to everything in the most academically brain melting way imaginable, where I have to read through every single description individually), but once I'm done with it, then it should be easier for everyone to find what they're looking for, since they can click onto a category and find a few links on there, instead of scrolling through everything all at once, to the point where they forget what they were looking for.

It's too soon to say, but I think the new site is a lot more accessible than the old one since I use the typography effectively, and I focus on size, spacing, and responsive web design a lot more, since I view the site on different screen sizes to understand how it will look, as opposed to designing for just one screen size, which is not only ineffective, but also wildly outdated.

Additionally, I think spending my year as a UI Designer has taught me a lot about things that I previously took for granted, so I'll use those skills to make the curation front as decent as possible.

As for the content and marketing side (since those are also important), I probably might take a course on it (although I'm worried that it probably might be a waste of time since some of the things on there would probably be outdated, and therefore impossible to apply in the real world, not to mention that it's very hard to tell if a course is genuine, or if it's just someone trying to sell you their stuff by tricking you into doing a course), but I think the best way to do these things is to just do it and learn through trial and error, because to be honest, I've done way too much research and theorising, but not enough action.

I'll still teach myself the very basics (i.e. creating content effectively and writing copy effectively so that it doesn't sound too vague and rambly, along with figuring out a schedule to create and post everything, not to mention actually making sure that others are aware that it exists in a way that doesn't feel too pushy or forceful), but apart from that, I'll just end up going round in circles if I go beyond that.

Overall, it's good to see some progress with everything, and I like the fact that I've now moved towards a cloud based solution for web development and hosting, meaning that I'm not tied down to using just one device, because that has been a massive barrier for me, so now, I can just access anything from anywhere, and fit in tiny slots of work whenever I can, but doing it in a way so that it doesn't become too overwhelming for me.

With all of that said, I'm glad that I've got the time to purely focus on the curation front (with a bit of a safety net), and that I've been given this opportunity to work on it full time (which will allow me to turn a list of links on a page into something much bigger than that), because to be honest, focusing on doing just one thing at my job quickly became monotonous.

However, it'd be interesting to see how the curation front will be a year from now (especially as I begin to work on it full time), and ideally, I'd like there to be a decent social media presence (I'm keeping my expectations really low, but I'm hoping to have about 1-5k followers on there), along with me creating some decent content and posting it consistently, since this is what makes a brand/company feel real, and not just some abstract concept.

All in all, the one thing I've realised is that doing my own thing (and actually doing it, even if I'm doing something as simple as doing some research around it) feels a lot more fulfilling to me than working at a job (where it's felt like I just kept going through the motions along with pretending to be busy), which explains why the curation front is technically my longest running "job" of almost 2 years (yet something that's been a concept for a lot longer than that), and why (despite all of the domain shenanigans from the past year that prevented me from updating the website) I still come back to it, so I guess now, it's quite literally a much needed rebrand.

[darklordofthesimp]

Verity II (Din Djarin x Reader)

Since your last encounter with the truth pollen, Din had been avoiding you. However, in a risky attempt to harvest the pollen for later use, The Mandalorian was now under its spell and at your mercy.

PART 1

Requested by Anon: #75 Nothing will ever compare to the way I feel about you.

Tag List: @eclipsedplanet @sanscas @iccedays @buttermybiscuits @that-girl-named-alex @rain-and-a-nice-nap @bruxasolta @princesscy4rika

A/N: I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE FUCK I'VE JUST WRITTEN.

Rating: 16+

Category: Truth Pollen - Angst - Mutual Pining

Warnings: Swearing - Suggestive Themes - Non-graphic Descriptions of Sex

You awoke to a muffled yell.

It was distant but it might as well have been right beside you. The distinct sound of Din's voice was unmistakeable and you were almost trained to listen out for it. At times, your life had depended on it.

This time, though, you were just glad to hear him.

You opened your chamber doors with a press of a button, crisp air striking straight through your skin. This forsaken planet had a bipolar division of temperature, it was either searing hot and you felt like you were being roasted, or it was so cold you couldn't feel your feet on the best of days.

This seemed normal for most planets, but usually it was seasonal, not a day by day change.

"Dank farrik!"

You bolted upright into a seated position and slipped on your boots, afternoon nap long forgotten. The Mandalorian had been gone for hours and you knew he was not searching for the bounty- half of his arsenal was still in the ship.

Wrapping your coat tight across your body, you ventured outside. The hunter was half hanging from an opened panel beneath the wing, a hilarious sight in itself. You couldn't help the snort that ripped from your throat, those dangling boots swaying furiously from his efforts.

The metallic clang from within the hull told you that he had no idea what he was doing and you cringed at the damage control you'd have to launch later.

"What are you doing?" You asked, loud enough to carry through the sounds of metal confusion.

There was another clang as he promptly pulled himself from his 'work' and a grunt to pair with it. Din stood to his full height, brushing his gloves against his thighs.

"I'm trying to change the oil." He said plainly.

You raised your brows, watching as his fingers twitched anxiously. "You know that's why I'm here, right? Your mechanic?"

"Yes," he acknowledged, his tone strict.

Blinking at him, you leaned back on your heels and the pair of you stared at each other, tension building to a thick peak. The hunter let the silence carry, seemingly happy to just watch you, but you ground your teeth.

Things had been awkward, to say the least. Since your encounter with that damned pollen, your companion had done his best to ignore you. It was like he'd regretted that entire ordeal.

You'd be lying if you said that it didn't hurt.

"Why didn't you ask me to do it?" You asked calmly, breathing softly through your nose to center yourself.

The hunter swayed gently as if he wanted nothing more than to leave. He clenched his fists tightly before he spoke.

"I was avoiding you."

You stared at him. There was no elaboration, no explanation as to why, just four words to confirm the fears plaguing your thoughts.

Your chest squeezed, constricting your pathetic, hurting heart to the point of suffocation. You felt stupid, you should have known that it was an impossible situation. The Mandalorian would never involve himself with you beyond an occasional slip of judgement, and that's what you were to him: a moment of weakness. His brutal candour was unexpected but you supposed it was on brand for the hunter.

"Oh," you breathed, hating how broken the word sounded.

When you received no response, you turned on your heels. The familiar tingle across your cheeks and nose alerted you to the tears gathering along your lashes.

The crunch of the frozen grass beneath your feet was deafening, accompanied by the roar of blood rushing to your head. Hot embarrassment flooded your body and snaked its way down your spine.

You were a fool.

"Wait."

You didn't stop walking.

You didn't stop when you heard his steps behind you, you didn't stop when he said it again and you sure as hell didn't stop when you got inside.

Only when you heard the hiss of your chamber door closing behind you, did you finally stand still.

You didn't want to see him anymore, the irrational part of you was already making plans to bail at the next planet. He was a talented man, someone you had always admired from your place as his employee, then as a friend.

But you had always thought he was honest, and the way he was acting now was a clear contrast to that stupid fucking night. You wished it had never happened, you wished you had never even met him. Most of all, if you were being honest, you wished you had never said yes.

"Do you want me to kiss you?"

"Yes."

You only had yourself to blame- and that Maker damned pollen.

A sharp knock resounded throughout your small room and you jumped despite yourself.

"Please," the words were muffled by the durasteel standing guard. "Let me explain."

You bit your tongue, a small and hopeful part of you hoping that he would leave if you didn't respond. Though, you knew better.

The Mandalorian was nothing if not persistent, it's what made him a good bounty hunter. You couldn't hide from him forever.

Reaching for the button, you hesitated, fingers hovering shakily.

Did you really want to go through this again? Did you really want to let him in your room? There was nowhere to hide, nowhere to storm off to, you were vulnerable.

"Please," he said again, as if he could see your apprehension. He knew you through and through. "I want to talk."

You bit your lip and pressed the button, stepping back as the door opened to reveal Din. He stood tall, shoulders squared but his hands were raised chest height, surrendering.

"What do you want?" You snapped, crossing your arms over your chest. You weren't going to wait for the silence, you weren't going to let the situation intimidate you.

Din groaned, a sound that had your brows shooting up.

"You." He said strained, shaking his head roughly. "I want you. But I'm here to explain myself."

"What is your problem?" You threw your hands upward, frustratedly, "why are you being like this?"

"I'm like this," he growled, staring down at you through the visor, "because I can't lie."

You stared at him, mouth agape. "You-"

"Don't talk," the hunter commanded, stepping into the room and herding you further away from the door. "Don't ask questions."

There was a heavy silence as he loomed between you and the exit. He kept a respectable distance, fingers twitching anxiously against his thighs before he finally rested his hands on his hips.

The pollen.

That's where he'd been all this time, it's why he had made a point of avoiding you completely since he'd returned. You supposed it was smarter to hide than to be in a position that you knew all too well.

The Mandalorian huffed, shaking his head, as though he were fighting his own thoughts. You remembered the feeling. He was becoming agitated, though you couldn't tell whether it was at you or himself.

"Well?" You prompted impatiently."

"You infuriate me," he said instantly, voice hard. It was as if your voice had triggered him into speaking. "You don't listen, you don't follow orders, you're a danger to yourself and I worry about you at every waking moment."

"Excuse me-" You snarled, stepping forward. The Mandalorian raised his hand, finger pointed at you with the silent order of 'shut up'.

"You question everything I say," he continued, chest heaving beneath the weight of his wrath, "and you make me irrational."

"Why not fire me then?" You seethed, hot anger flushing through your system. "Why kiss me if you knew you were just going to fucking regret it?"

Before you could register his movement, the door to the room hissed shut, trapping you in the dark with a furious hunter.

Your heart pounded between your ribs, and your wrath guttered to a small ember. You were blind, draped in absolute darkness and left with nothing but your remaining senses.

"I'd never fire you because you're the best at what you do," the words were a soft rasp, close above you. You exhaled shakily, forcing yourself to stay still as he continued talking. "I kissed you because nothing will ever compare to the way I feel about you."

You swayed forward. His helmet was off, you could tell by the rawness of his voice, the humanity of it. A soft, husky rasp that curled deep within your core and fogged your senses, leaving you dazed by every word.

"Do you regret it?" You whispered, barely able to hear your own voice. A warm hand brushed against the skin of your cheek, leaving you trembling in place.

"No," he murmured simply.

"Do you think about kissing me often?" You blurted, unable to stop the words from rolling off your tongue.

There was a surprised huff from the hunter that sent butterflies skittering across your stomach.

"Yes," he said, the tone hesitant but the statement strong.

You stared up into the darkness, hoping that your sights would fall upon his face and that he'd know that you saw him. Not physically, but you saw Din. Every flaw, every strength, every time he'd get scared, you knew him through and through- just as well as he knew you.

"You're sloppy," you murmured lowly, "you've just trapped yourself in a room with me. I could ask you so many questions."

There was a silence, not uncomfortable but contemplative. He was thinking of what to say, the statement was open ended. You were giving him the option to bail, to leave and not speak on things that he didn't want to talk about.

Instead, you heard him shift. His fingers lightly brushed against the length of your neck and there was a soft pressure against your shoulder that pushed you backward. The cold durasteel pressed against the skin of your back.

"Are you sure that I'm the one that's trapped?" Din questioned softly, letting his fingers trail along your arms.

"A hunter to the very end," you rolled your eyes with a snort; but your heart was thrashing wildly between your ribs.

There was a small chuckle but his breath was shaky. You came to a startling realization that this was uncharted waters for the both of you, and he was at risk of losing the most if this went wrong.

"Are you nervous?" You asked.

"Yes."

You smiled softly.

"What do you want to do from here?" You queried, letting your own hands rest against his vambraces tentatively. Despite his vulnerability, you'd let him take the reigns. He was frustrated, he was worried, it was a difficult situation to be in. "What do you want, Din?"

"I want-" Din blurted, and his hands retracted from your body instantly. The words choked as he stepped backward, out of your hold and away from your touch.

Maybe that question hadn't been the right one.

He didn't want to speak. You could sense the anxiety rise within the room, hear his fingers slip over his helmet as he reached for it. He was trying to leave before he let words that he could never retract fall into the space between you.

"What do you want, Din?" You asserted, stepping into his space once more.

"I want to kiss you," he snarled and you heard his hand slap over his mouth hard.

"Oh," you leaned back on your heels, stupefied by his reaction. "Is that all?"

You were confused by his flailing panic, the both of you had already established that you wanted to kiss multiple times prior. It was strange that he'd thought it to be such taboo now of all times.

"No," he strained. "That's not all. Not even close."

"Well, what else?" You raised an inquisitive brow, hand on your hip as you looked out into the darkness.

The silence was only short, but it was long enough to startle you when it ended. Hands gripped your shoulders firmly, walking you right back against the wall you had both drifted from. The air left your lungs softly as he pressed you against it, hot mouth against your ear with a heated snarl.

"Is this payback?" He said heatedly, thighs pressed against yours.

"No!" You gasped, chest heaving against his.

"Fucking feels like it," Din growled fiercely and it rattled your bones. "You want me to answer your questions? Fine."

Your eyes were wide and unseeing, you could feel his lips moving against the skin between your cheek and your ear, breath whispering along the length of your neck.

"I want to drag you from this room and into my bed," he snarled, fingers digging into the skin of your arms. "I want to show you how dishonorable I can be. I want to touch you in all the places that I've imagined and I want you to see me- to actually see me. To know me."

"So," you whispered, "you just want to bed me, is that it Din? You're angry at me because you want to fuck me?"

There was a dark chuckle as he pressed the bridge of his nose to your face hard, breathing you in as he shook his head.

"Of course, I want to fuck you, Cyar'ika." Din rasped. "I'm angry because I want more than that."

"What more is there?" You murmured, turning your face towards his. You could taste him without even touching him, his mouth a hair from yours.

"I want you to be mine," Din said firmly and the words caressed your lips. "I want you forever, what I want from you is here."

His hand pressed against your chest and your heart thrummed beneath his palm.

Your core tightened as well as your lungs.

You wanted him.

It was so hard to breathe, all you could smell was him, taste him, feel him, want him. Nothing mattered but him, your body wanted to trial his, befriend his soul, you were stuck in orbit and his pull was irresistible.

But this could turn to heartbreak in an instant.

Your breath shuddered as you worked the courage to speak. He was waiting, thigh pressed between your legs and fingers gripping your skin. You wanted him everywhere. Mind, body and soul you were drunk on him.

"Do you love me?" You whispered against his lips, anxiety riding the trail of your spine. It was cold but you trembled for other reasons when he pressed his mouth against the corner of yours briefly.

"I loved you before you knew my name," Din's laugh was breathless, but you could feel the tremor of his body. "I've loved you since you stayed, when I went back for Grogu you didn't question it."

You nodded and your affirmation was watery at best, "of course."

"Of course," he mocked you quietly, pressing his lips against yours. "Of course."

He kissed you slowly, shallow at first, letting you crave the taste of him for a long moment. You wanted more and he knew how to draw the silent confession from you, smiling against your mouth when you gripped him tightly.

Only then did he deepen, tongue trailing your bottom lip teasingly. Warm fingers tangled into your hair, palm resting against your cheek as he pressed you further into the wall. There was nowhere to go, trapped between him and the unyielding metal of the ship you were overpowered by his essence.

The sheer size of a man that was built to kill was unfathomable, holding you in his hands with a softness you would never have thought possible of him. But the bounty hunter was masterful and deft with his fingers and senses, and when he led you to your bed in the dark with a grin you could taste, you finally understood.

You truly learnt how sinfully dishonourable the Mandalorian could be. As he murmured sweet nothings, they tasted even better because you knew they were true.

When he whispered how long he'd waited to feel you, how your body felt better than he ever could have imagined, you smiled. Din groaned his worship along every inch of your skin and when he finally took you as his, his growls of appreciation pushed you to the edge. Every word, every whisper against your skin, claiming you as his, sent you spiraling into a drunken stupor.

You believed every broken sentence to fall from his lips as his body moved above yours.

After all, Din couldn't lie.

[daceyarik]

CYBERASK 2077

Got tagged by @disasteralien, thanks, choom!!!!\(￣︶￣*\))

1. When did you buy the game?

My brother bought it to me as a bday/new year's present. Right after I saw some streams on the launch day and shortly after my friend gave me his copy to play, cuz I needed a licensed game for GFN (potato pc's unite lol).

2. When was the moment you knew you loved the game?

The moment my first V arrived at Kabuki. Just right after meeting with Dex. I've been already recording dozens of voice messages to the friend who let me play, and then I saw a holotree somewhere near the market and went screaming "SHIT HELP HOW DO I TURN THE PHOTOMODE ON ANSWER IT FAST I HAVE ONLY 20 MINUTES OF FREE SESSION LEFT OR SO". Now, lemme find this shot...

Yeah, there it is. I didn't even know back then how the photomode works. But I returned to this tree as I created Valera, and that's gonna be a tradition. Here's the baby:

3. Which character did you romance in your first playthrough

Judy. Love at first sight. Romanced her during all my 2 playthroughs, but now I've come to realisation that with Valera's story that's gonna be a huge bath full of glass for poor Judy, she has suffered enough, so... Dunno how I'm gonna skip her romance for the 3rd run, that'll be really hard (also thanks @solyandra for this screenshot)

4. Whose your favorite NPC?

I CAN'T CHOOSE ONE but let it be Rogue. Different reasons, not in a right state of mind to describe why. Just know that she's the best.

5. Did you have inspiration in mind when designing your V(s)?

Does Vital count as an inspo?If not, then no, from head to toes Valera's a child of random. I created her just for giggles, right after I finished my first playthrough. @solyandra was creating her Vital and I had an itching wish of creating a new V. Night City keep calling me indeed. The main idea was corpo, 0 thoughts ab how she's gonna look like and her character in general. This corpo turned to be a nomad, originally named Valerie but my mind went rogue (russian rogue), Vital's older sis. Glad af that this happened, these two live free in my heart, my main motivation for creation(lol). Tho I found out that she has some similar traits with Fiona from Shameless, and a bunch of other characters.

6. What's your go-to vehicle?

Yaiba Kusanagi ct-3x, for sure. And Johnny's Porche, just for Valera's destroying hobby (ﾉ*ФωФ)ﾉ

7. What's your favorite gig/mission/job?

I CAN'T CHOOSE ONE. SO I'LL LIST THE ONES THAT I REMEMBER. cuz this is true violence against me. Pyramid Song, Raymond Chandler Evening (just for Johnny's comments and now I can use this dumb af screenshot thanks), The Sinnerman, Rollercoaster one, jesus fucking christ i can't live like that i love almost half of the game quests, all the Peralez quest lines

Tagging whoever wants to try and, since i dunno who did that already i'll just tag along @solyandra, @alteredsilence, @aarachnee, @bnbc, @bean-cup-chan, @dustymagpie, @dreamskug, @neowolff, @neonsamurai, @sam-urai, @tallcat, okay i'm done love y'all don't hate me for tagging! (/ω＼*)

[rappaccini]

bridgerton s2 thoughts:

man this is like every great tropey regency au fanfic i've ever read and it's still like crack to me.

i love how popular this show is. i said it before but i'll do it again: it's so nice to see something so fem gaze succeed.

i'm really noticing the artistic liberties with the time period this time around. i feel like people get so finicky about ~the costuming~ and ~the string covers of pop songs~ but the goal of this drama isn't to accurately nail the time period, it's to show us a fantasy of it. the bright colors, glittery costumes and huge setpieces are the point.

same for the tropier romance aspects of it all. i get that regency romance, given its dependence on certain ideas about gender, romance, and uh, 'breeding' aren't for everyone, but that's just what the subgenre is. the show knows what it is and is proud of it and i'm glad they're not pulling a tua2 and scraping the show's tropier aspects out to beg the antis to love it.

the narrative this season, though always planned and therefore not a reaction to the audience's take on s1, works great in that context: we saw a rake fall for a good soft gentle girl, and one of the criticisms was that said girl just wasn't as compelling as the rake. which is true, but, that's the point--

--honestly phoebe dynevor needs more credit for her performance. it's not easy playing the character who's meant to be the audience surrogate and she played that role very well in s1, like kristen stewart delivering bella swan or dakota johnson delivering anastasia steele. we're not supposed to fall in love with daphne, we're supposed to fall in love with simon, and she understood how to compliment page's performance in a way that ensured we would; it takes real generosity and humility on the part of an actor to understand when the story isn't meant to be About Them, and she deserves commending for that.

the downside to this is that without simon, daphne drifts, because her character isn't designed to function without him, and dynevor can't salvage that because that's not what her performance is designed to do. she doesn't have the right material to make daphne a stronger character (which she wasn't hired to do in the first place) so it simply can't be done.

speaking of page, it's... weird, him not being here. i'm happy he's on to better and brighter things, god knows he deserves it, and i'm fine with simon being mostly absent from s2, but i really feel like both the show and he would have benefited from him dropping in for an episode or two, say at the family croquet match; we get to see simon and daphne having their happy ending, and page gets 1) free money and an easy day at work in an environment he's comfortable in, 2) to reaffirm his relationship with the fandom that launched his career, 3) to maintain his breakout role so he has a safety net in case all those new projects he's in (none of which have been released and could go any which way, including very badly) flop. it's a misfire on both his and the show's part to not have him pop in at all.

-- back to the dynamic shift. self-insert romances will always be weaker because said self-insert has to be less interesting so you can fill in that space with yourself. romances are best when both parties are equally matched in terms of narrative weight and strength of personality. this romance, being essentially about anthony meeting his equal, is less about you being able to imagine yourself in the place of his future wife, and more about the story itself.

as such, simone ashley had a much bigger challenge than dynevor did, as someone who has to play a much more defined character, and one who's meant to be anthony's equal at that. she does this very well. she's witty, headstrong, compelling and loveable. hoping ashley gets to take off into superstardom the way rege-jean page did.

and the relationship she has with anthony-- at least imo, since i'm not the biggest fan of self-insert intended romances-- is stronger for it. the chemistry is impeccable, the banter is spicy, and most of all it's so fun to watch anthony meet the female version of himself.

[side note: jonathan bailey is a fantastic anthony and no, him being gay irl doesn't hamper his intense chemistry with ashley at all. and since this sure is a hot topic right now, surprise surprise, when you give a gay actor a role that doesn't match their irl sexuality, and give them the writing, direction and costar support needed to deliver their performance (and an audience who don't obsess over their sexuality), they can deliver. because they are actors, and the job of an actor is to play a person they themselves are not. stares at tua's production crew and audience. queer actors can play straight characters. all you have to do is let them.]

that being said, the hamfisted feminism is.... while well-intentioned and definitely in the vein of the fantasy regency than the reality, i don't love how it's kind of consumed eloise as a character and thrown daphne under the bus. it's okay to be something more traditional in terms of personality, appearance and one's goals for their life. wanting to be happily married with a child, or being soft-spoken, accomodating and emotionally attentive doesn't make you less intelligent or less valuable than wanting to be independent or being headstrong and dominant. it's really weird that a regency show of all things seems to have forgotten that, but i think it needs saying.

lady danbury is so much damn fun as always.

neat seeing the whistledown plot evolve. waiting to see it was for a second season in a row would've been tired, it's a fun change and it makes some neat wrinkles in the story to watch penelope both be lady whistledown and cover it up.

glad bridgerton took notes re the diversity problem and not only added major asian characters, but chose to make the love interest dark-skinned. that definitely wouldn't have happened if there hadn't been public discourse over it, and this is a rare instance of a show taking the right notes from their audience.

also nice to see the sharmas incorporating their culture into their characterisation, though man those hot takes about how bridgerton handles race are gonna be even messier now. all they had to do was just not mention it in s1, but here we go. i guess there's no avoiding it.

that being said.... hey bridgerton. where are the queer people. if this is regency romance for Everyone, where are they. come on now. cast some trans love interests. give two of the bridgerton kids queer romances.

[bbnibini]

you might remember this since i believe you've been around obm tumblr since the first season was released, but i recall that only a handful of individuals (including myself) had done in-depth analyses on solomon even though season two had barely ended. ever since then i've always become ecstatic to see other players who have similar views on solomon as i do, but i also understand that i will never be satisfied with how the majority view this silly sorcerer </3 the bouts of lore i have stashed away in my head for him is phenomenal

because although there are many instances of him being so soft & vulnerable with us, there are also those who view him similarly as the newer players despite them being caught up in the main story; i believe that their love for everyone else in the cast (mostly concerning the demons) will override how they view him.

this isn't something that i'm terribly upset by of course, but i can't help but think back to when i had to point out numerous key points about solomon to older players in order for them to see more things clearly, which is fine! but it only makes me wonder just how influenced people can become depending on what their favorite characters think of someone else.

no need to apologize either <3 i enjoy seeing people ramble on about their favs, especially if they share them with myself. this is the first time i've seen you around here...! i'm surprised, considering my time here (not on this new personal account i'm sending this ask from, lol). i'm glad to have caught your eye ^^

Hello, new mutual! And what more, A SOLOMON LOVING MUTUAL?! You are a rare gem and I'm happy to see you in my timeline! <3 <3

You're right. I've been an OM player since a few days after launch, but due to...uhh reasons (which my readers in AO3 and fellow writer friends love to meme on. It's easy to figure out "the reason" if you've seen my works in AO3 haha.), I was not able to show my love and appreciation for Solomon until now.

Isn't it so cool? Most of the Solomon lovers I know know so many nuggets of information about him which is so amazing, so cool and so so very sexy of us ;) /s. Truth be told, Solomon wasn't always my favourite character (though he is one of the characters I liked). I had been a Satan stan around I think 2-3 months of playing until I got to know more about Solomon.

(my ramblings about Solomon under the cut. It's uhh...very long haha;;)

I would have to be honest. I was not prepared to see how much hate this man had gotten from the fandom starting out. I get it. He was really rude in 2-2 which might have soured his first impressions with most beginners. This, along with the vagueness and inconsistencies of his character in the first lessons + Lucifer's own commentaries in Main Story Normal Mode 2-2 didn't help. He also had very strange ways of showing he's looking out for us in the earlier lessons.

Do you remember when he showed the password to enter Leviathan's room to us "accidentally" on the earlier lessons? Also when he lent us a super valuable collector's item (the necklace) from the TSL series that EVEN LEVI doesn't own? No one was talking about it (most people might have chosen to speak with Simeon instead), and the few people who did were being overpowered by the "shady sorcerer", "haha main villain", "who are the real demons" jokes in the fandom before.

I actually had a brief moment in time when I kinda didn't like Diavolo because he was so woobified in the fandom despite doing so much "shadier" things (with the Angel event being the worst thing he did imo around that time I had that phase) along with Barbatos (And Simeon iirc) compared to when Solomon just breathes and everyone is like "Wow he's so shady!" And I'm like wow??? The man didn't even do anything?? Give him a break!!

And you are right. I think that's likely the reason why--even with context, even if all evidences and devilgrams have expounded on Solomon's character and disproved all these "shady sorcerer" memes and whatnot, some endgame players still think differently. And honestly, I can't fault them. Even as a Solomon stan, I'm guilty of overlooking some things about other characters because I'm too busy enjoying all the little things about my favourite and that's okay. It's valid but it's sad, ig?

I think one other factor that might have influenced the hate he got is how late he got introduced as a romanceable. He's a human! He has pacts! Some MCs may have seen him as a "rival" for their favourite demon(or Simeon)'s affections. By the time he became romanceable and more of these tiny little things we already noticed about him in the first and second season became more obvious, it's too late. Opinions were already formed. The fanfic and fanart community already have a "set character" for him/their own HCs--a collective conscious of sorts where a character's portrayal may not be accurate to canon, but that's what the fandom already thought of them so people who enter the fandom would inevitably have preconceived notions about him that are around the same wavelength. Just look at poor Diluc at Genshin Impact. He's also getting the same treatment. :(

Haha! Yeah, I tend to keep to my close set of mutuals. I initially made this account around last last year(?) to crosspost my CYOA and nothing else but got attached.

And it's also a pleasure to get to know you! ^^ Hopefully this isn't too long haha

[rabbitrah]

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

When I was 18 I was hardcore hyperfixating on les mis and would talk about it every time I felt like I could get away with it (you know... big ADHD mood.) I was driving home from school with my dad one day, chattering away about les mis and mentioning my thoughts and opinions about Eddie Resmayne's portrayal of Marius, and my dad suddenly SNAPPED and really angrily said "Just stop! Why do you keep saying 'Eddie Redmayne' as if I should know who the hell that is?" I was kind of startled and hurt, and I don't remember what I said in response, but then he said something VERY memorable: "You know, when you talk like this, it's very aspbegersy." 🙃 Anyway, fucked up on a lot of levels, right? (Also, ADHD/Autism solidarity forever, fam!)

So it took me a while to overcome the years of operant conditioning that taught me that excitedly telling people about my interests = bad, but I'm more enlightened now, largely due to my best friend. Early in our friendship she would always say "Why are you apologizing? I want to hear what you have to say!" And I'd have to explain how I've been told many times, with perfect clarity, that infodumping is an annoyong burden and I should only do it by first warning the person and then apologizing every so often when I suspect that I've gone on longer than a normal person would. My best friend made me realize that hyperfixating and infodumping is my sincerest expression of joy and it harms no one. If someone doesn't want to listen to me, it's their responsibility to ask me kindly for some contemplative silence or perhaps a change in subject. I try to be kind and honest and thoughtful, but if someone else finds my joy annoying, that's their problem! I'm okay with being annoying if it means I get to be free of the constant anxiety that my joy is burdensome to other people. As a wise goat once said, "I am cringe, but I am free."

My dad has done some learning and growing of his own in the last 7 years. He wouldn't ever say something so offensive to autistic people now, that's for sure. I'm also not afraid to call him on shit anymore, and he has done his own work to be less angry and reactive. He's also not as worried about trying to force me to grow up and be normal or whatever, since I have clearly grown up and found a niche in society where I can thrive and be myself.

The ultimate conclusion to this story, however, is that Les Mis was a launching pad for Eddie Redmayne's career, and every time my dad and I happen to watch something with him in it, it's like a recieving a gift.

Take tonight, for example. We watched "The Trial of the Chicago 7." I said "Oh look! It's Eddie Redmayne!" When the credits rolled and we finished discussing the movie itself (Incredible! Moving! A must see!) I turned to him and said, "Hey dad :) Remember when I was 18? :) And we were driving home from school? :) And you got mad and yelled at me because why on earth would I expect you to know who Eddie Redmayne is? :) He has an Oscar now, you know. :) Wasn't he great in this movie? :) I'm so glad his career is going so well for him :) You know who he is now, right?"

It's an absolute joy every time! A gift from me to me :)

[danses-with-dogmeat]

12, 17, 26, 31!

Thank you for the ask!

12-- Tell us about a WIP you’re excited about.

Okay, so there's like... a LOT that I'm excited about, but there's this one that really stands out. I literally only have one companion done for it so far, but I love it already 😩 It's the FO4 M!Companions + Maxson Reacting to F!Sole Telling Them She's Pregnant! And I know I've done some really similar stuff to it before, but these are all gonna be some really sweet, unique drabbles, and I'm just excited for it 😁

17-- A trope you’ll never, ever write for.

I'm really pretty open, and will write for almost anything, even if it's a little out of my comfort zone. Some stuff might just be harder for me to get out than others though. That being said, I won't write any underage or incestuous NSFW stuff, or explicit r@pe type scenarios. (I'm not sure if these really count as tropes, but it's just the stuff I won't write for 😅)

26-- Is there anything you’ve wanted to write, but you’ve been too scared to try?

I was nervous about writing my first bit of NSFW stuff when I hadn't done it before, and it's still sometimes harder for me to write for those, but it's definitely fun lol, and im glad i went out of my comfort zone for it.

And I was really nervous about posting the Torture React that I wrote specifically, but the reception was actually really nice on it, so I'm much less nervous about posting part 2 (when I finally get it done, that is 😅)

31. Do you have any OCs? Tell us about them!

Ahh! Yay, my OCs :) I have a post here introducing them, but I'll throw out some random HCs for each, just for funzies :)

(Lone Wanderer) -- Hope:

- She travels exclusively with Jericho, even though they spend most of the time just bickering.

- She literally never involves herself with the main story after finding her dad (and she even did that part of it begrudgingly). She wanted to get out of that vault as soon as she could, and never look back at anything or anyone that reminded her of her time there. Hope really thrives in this chaotic "new world" of hers, and dislikes dwelling on the past.

- Her favorite trick in combat is blowing up cars. She'd just do it for fun too, if Jericho didn't yell at her every time for wasting ammo. (He's just mad because Hope set a car off ONE TIME when he was too close to it, and he ended up being stuck in bed a few days to recover.)

(Courier Six) -- Sage:

- Sage first met Boone at the top of the Dino in Novac at like, 4am when she was drunk off her ass after celebrating the rocket launch with the ghouls at the REPCON Test Site, while still wearing her little party hat. Boone never admits how much she startled him when she burst through the door onto the balcony.

- Boone pays her back by scaring the shit out of her every time he suddenly K.O.s and enemy that she never even saw.

- Sage remembers literally nothing from her life before she was shot, and it wears at her more and more over time, as she's exposed to all of the rich back stories and memories of family, and past relationships from the people around her. The only one who seems to have known her before is Rotface in Freeside, but he simply doesn't know enough for Sage to be able to connect any more dots.

(Sole Survivor) -- Jolene:

- Jolene can get really lost in her weapons and armor mods, and in building/ doing carpentry. Jolene's dad was a mechanic and a carpenter, and taught her everything he knew, so sometimes she likes to just shut everything else out and get to work. If someone doesn't come by to stop her (and Danse, if he gets involved, since it excites him jut as much) she'll forget to eat/drink/sleep until she literally collapses from exhaustion.

- She decorates every space she inhabits with flowers, if she can. Even if it's a hotel room, or somewhere else temporary, it just makes her feel at home to have a few flowers. She also insists on planting them at all of the settlements she helps. It's one thing that she's really glad is still in the world, even after everything. Carrot flowers are her favorite.

[reneesi]

i never would have thought // CH.09

WRITTEN PORTION

“Pic-nic! Pic-nic! Pic-nic YAY!” (Y/n) chanted out in glee, practically floating as she skipped atop the gravel path. Yachi giggled at the display, linking her free arm with (Y/n) and shooting her a toothy grin. 

The three Karasuno volleyball managers had been planning a girls day for a couple weeks, and this was the first free Saturday since (Y/n)’s photoshoot. They had set out on a quest to have a sunlit lunch beneath the trees. Yachi, carrying a blanket under her arm, had dressed up in a white sundress and left her hair down. In contrast Kiyoko was sporting a long brown patterned skirt and a black tank top, her slender fingers were wrapped around the handle of a round picnic basket. (Y/n) had been charged with bringing the drinks, hence the kitty cat backpack draped across her shoulders. She’d brought ramune and completed the trio’s aesthetic with a midi dress and white t-shirt underneath. 

When they’d found a quiet spot under a large tree that provided some semblance of shade, the three worked together to set up their picnic. Ten minutes later they sat on a soft pastel checkered blanket, drinking cold soda, and relaxing under the shreds of sunlight peeking through the leaves above. 

“I should have brought my camera.” (Y/n) sighed longingly, a content smile splayed across her features.

“We can always take pictures on our cell phone Hinata-chan!” Yachi piped up.

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s just so beautiful here.” (Y/n) sung, leaning back into her arms which were placed out behind her, providing support. She let the lids of her eyes fall shut as her head tipped back lazily, enjoying the weather which felt absolutely divine. 

The heat was starting to become more bearable given that fall was right around the corner, but the sun still shone just as bright, leaving a warm residue in the afternoon air. Gentle breeze blew through the grass, running its slick fingers through the field and up to (Y/n)’s hair, cooling the sweat that threatened to build at the nape of her neck. As (Y/n) sat there, eyes closed and listening to the grass blades jostle against one another, Yachi and Kiyoko launched into a quiet conversation about club duties and then Sugawara and Daichi’s relationship. It was calm and easy, both speaking only words of kindness in low peaceful tones. 

“How long have they been dating?” (Y/n) asked, cutting in as her feet finally touched back down to earth.

“About three months I think, but they’ve both had feelings for a long time,” Kiyoko smiled.

“I'm so glad they finally did start dating, they make such a good couple!” Yachi gushed, clasping her hands together “But I can't imagine what the confession must have been like, confessions have always made me too nervous!” 

Yachi’s hands flew up to hold her cheeks as they flushed red at the mere thought of such confrontation, Kiyoko giggled along. 

“Yeah, confessing sounds stressful.” (Y/n) pondered aloud, tapping at her chin.

“Is there someone you have in mind?” Kiyoko inquired innocently, cocking her head slightly to the side. (Y/n) looked back in confusion.

“In mind..?” she repeated, still perplexed.

“Someone you ‘wouldn’t’ want to confess to!” Yachi giggled, scooting closer to (Y/n) and shooting her a suggestive smirk. (Y/n) felt her cheeks grow warm, sure that the pink on her features would only spread if the conversation continued.

“I-I.. well not, I mean-“ (Y/n) tried. She kept her gaze lowered towards her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

“Aww it’s okay Hinata-chan! We were just teasing, sorry!” Yachi laughed, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

“No, no! I mean, what I was trying to say before is that there isn’t anyone that I’m interested in right now! At all!” (Y/n) finally spluttered out, a little louder and a lot more aggressive than she’d intended.

“What about Tsukishima?” Kiyoko asked evenly, soft tones failing to cushion the bluntness of her sudden inquiry.

 (Y/n) paused for a moment, thinking back to the conversation of the previous night. Even if she had somehow started to develop any sort of feelings it didn’t really matter since she couldn’t tell if Tsukishima actually even wanted to be friends. He was always so confusing..

Finally, (Y/n) shook her head.

“We’re just friends.” She assured, face calming back to its gentle rosy cream. Kiyoko studied her for a moment before nodding.

“You guys seem to be getting along much better lately.” Kiyoko smiled lightly, easing herself down to lay on her side. 

“I hope so... the truth is I can’t blame you guys for thinking there might have been something there on my part.” (Y/n) laughed diffidently, “I was just always so nervous that he’d hate me so I ended up getting all tense and acting weird around him.... hopefully he didn’t notice.”

(Y/n) let out a long sigh.

“Why would you think he might hate you?” Yachi asked, confusion dotting her words.

“He’s just so far away from everyone. Back home things were so different, and I guess I got accustomed to reading people a certain way. So when he was all cold I thought I'd... I dunno, done something wrong..?” (Y/n) shrugged, Kiyoko nodded thoughtfully.

“That makes more sense, and you really don’t have to tell us but what exactly was back home... like?” Kiyoko questioned hesitantly. She’d taken her time to ask the question in a way that was sweetened and less direct, hoping to create the least amount of discomfort. Regardless, (Y/n)’s shoulders tended slightly.

“It was...” She trailed off, as Yachi reached over and placed a comforting hand on her thigh.

“It’s okay, you really don’t have to say,” Yachi said softly. (Y/n) shook her head and continued

“No it’s okay. It was just a completely different world. I’ve never really talked about it, and I’m not sure how much Shoyo has told you guys, but I grew up in a really... wealthy... family.” (Y/n) paused, averting her eyes. 

She always hated talking about that part of herself, the part that made people uncomfortable and the environment shift into a stiff stillness that never had the room for friendly connection. The same type of air that suffocated her to near death back home. The silence began to weigh down into her spine, so (Y/n) continued.

“The culture, it’s j-just really different.. and well my parents wanted me to be something.. someone that I wasn’t. They wanted me to dress a certain way, act like I was perfect, and just let people walk all over me. And I just didn’t want that, so I kinda took every opportunity to show them that.” (Y/n) laughed to herself reaching up to touch her long brown locks instinctively. 

“That’s actually why I dyed my hair brown,” she continued “in rebellion. And I did a bunch of other stupid things like rip up clothes and wear make up I knew they’d hate. Mostly though, I would argue with them... and one day they kind of realized I wasn’t gonna give up and I think my Mom.. she realized I was really unhappy..” 

“I-i’m really sorry (Y/n)..” Yachi said quietly. (Y/n) looked up and met her eyes, forcing a smile.

“It’s okay, don’t be. I’m here now and I’m really really happy! Happier than I’ve ever been!” (Y/n) smiled wide and held up a thumbs up 

“We’re glad you’re here too.” Kiyoko said softly as Yachi leaned to lay her head across (Y/n)’s lap. (Y/n) stroked through the stands of blonde lovingly.

“That’s why I wanted everyone to like me so much. I never really felt like I fit in back home.. everyone wanted that lifestyle of fake smiles and champagne.. I..” (Y/n) furrowed her brows, 

“I just wanted to be free.” She said definitively, looking up to find Kiyoko’s approving smile still beaming her way.

“How did you convince them to let you come?” Yachi asked suddenly, pulling (Y/n)’s eyes back down to her lap.

“We made a deal. They agreed to let me stay here through highschool as long as I go to the college they choose and marry the person they want me to.” (Y/n) explained, light disappointment visible through the cracks of her syllables.

“(Y/n)...” Yachi whispered, big teary eyes peering up at the brunette as Yachi reached up to touch (Y/n)’s face. (Y/n) smiled placing her own hand over Yachi’s which now rested against her cheek. 

“It’s okay,” (Y/n) said, glancing up at Kiyoko who was giving her a similar look of sympathy “Really!”

“I've never really believed in love much so it’s not like I was waiting around for my soul mate.” (Y/n) reassured.

“But what if you meet someone and-“ Yachi spoke up

“I just wanna have fun while I’m here and try to make the most of it.” (Y/n) cut her off, smiling softly in such a way that Yachi and Kiyoko quickly understood the topic wasn’t open for discussion. Kiyoko began talking about college applications and careers and the weight of vulnerability finally began to wear off of (Y/n)’s shoulders. As the trio fell back into their easy jokes and conversations they pulled out trays of sushi and dried seaweed, giggling in unison as they shared light hearted memories. 

Eventually, when the sky had turned into a sea of warm colors and fluffy watercolor clouds, (Y/n) felt a buzz in her pocket. She was forced to pull away from the conversation and check her text messages.

“Who’s it from?” Yachi asked, leaning over (Y/n)’s shoulders to peer at her screen.

“It’s Noya-senpai he said to look behind-“

“KIYOKO!!!!” A bellow erupted over the outstretched field behind (Y/n), as stampeding footsteps grew louder. The three managers snapped their heads towards the sudden noise, eyes wide, as three figures came into view. 

“HINATA-CHAN!!” Nishinoya screamed, a geeky smile splashed across his lips feeding up to the crinkles in his eyes. Faux tears were streaming from Tanka and Nishinoya as they ran towards the trio at full speed, arms outstretched before them. Behind them Yamaguchi was carrying a volleyball looking sheepish, a light blush tinting his cheeks as he waved a small hello. 

(Y/n) began to stand only to be tackled to the ground by both Nishinoya and Tanaka. She screamed as they trapped her in an overbearing hug.

“You idiots that hurt!” She laughed, pushing them off of her as she sat up and bonked both their heads simultaneously. They immediately wrapped their arms around her once more.

“We missed yOU SO MUCH!!” Nishinoya cried.

“We were just too jealous of your picnic, we couldn’t help but crash it!!” Tanaka wept, pulling away and leaning back to look at Kiyoko.

“Please don’t be mad~” He said to her, giving the upperclassmen puppy dog eyes. Kiyoko bit back a smile and maintained her aloofness, even if barely so.

“Don’t look at me, this picnic was Hinata-chan’s idea.” She said matter of factly, Tanaka turned back to (Y/n).

“C'mon please leT US STAY WE JUST WANNA BE WITH OUR PRECIOUS MANAGERS!” Tanaka bawled, throwing his arms around (Y/n) yet again. She sighed in feigned annoyance.

“Hi hi Hinata-chan, Kiyoko-senpai, Yachi-san.” Yamaguchi cut in, finally catching up to his friends under the tree. He placed the volleyball down gently before taking a seat next to Yachi, bumping her shoulder lightly with a smile. (Y/n)’s heart surged and she bit her lip to conceal the smile threatening to burst out.

“Fineee, you guys can stay.” She sighed, drawing it out a little too much. Tanaka and Nishinoya rejoiced, jumping to their feet as they chanted on about being accepted into the “managers only” hang out. The six team mates sat under golden sunlight, cracking jokes and chatting mindlessly until the sun set. 

That is until Nishinoya’s energy got the best of him and he and Tanaka insisted on showing (Y/n) how to receive and serve. Which might have been a great idea if Tanka and Nishinoya weren’t such terrible teachers. In the end Yamaguchi went home with a bruise on his head and (Y/n) vowed to never touch a volleyball again. She swore everyone to secrecy over Yamaguchi’s injury, praying that Tsukishima wouldn’t find out and kill her over it. Too bad Yamaguchi was a terrible liar.

CH.09 II pic-nic date!!

previous I next

MASTERLIST

Tagslist: @domtamaki​ @kodzu-ken​ @clowninfortodoroki​ @kageyamasbabygorl​ @miya-yume​ @chaelysian​ @kittyddandnyla​ @chaseyui​ @it-was-just-a-ship​ @melanie09astrid​ @naorii-chan​ @chaoticalybiased​ @saltyteefff​ @aristatrois​ @iamthepenguinwhosearseisonfire​ @raineedayze​

[guigz1-coldwar]

'An unexpected event ' : New chapter for "Redemption in a Spirit in a Cold War" is out !

"An unexpected event "

Chapter Summary : Yirina is, with Park, Zasha and the team, prepared for their next mission : get their hands on Sonya Kuzmin.....

To read it on AO3, click here !

Words : +3300

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Well, I can say that the day started greatly for me : waking up in the car with Park after spending all night for fun and then taking a coffee with Zasha as our first day back together since 3 years and today was going to mark the real first day of them in the team and their first official mission since an long time. Of course, with our new mission that came by for us and the presence of Sonya Kuzmin in West-Berlin, we have no choices but to probably delay our trip to go to Moscow to get to Portnova.

It was an risk to take but since we don't know how much Sonya will stay in the city, it's better that we act today and if possible, be on our very way to Moscow the next day with maybe Sonya in the MI6 custody....let's hope for that to happen actually. Once everyone has taken their breakfast including me & Park because coffee weren't the only thing we were going to take, we started to work on the possibilities and opportunities that we can have to kidnap Sonya in the area they used to make their calls.

As Zasha was the one to give us these intels, they're the one who were explaining to us what Sonya could possibly do after their calls : going to an coffee bar called 'am Neuen See' and then, returning back to an secret Perseus hideout that was unfortunately unknown to Zasha and according to them, not right into the city itself and maybe in East-Berlin or East-Germany. We decided to strike at the moment they will leave the coffee bar, it was our only option to put our hands on Sonya themselves but we put ourselves an exception : we don't hurt Sonya, just knock her out by behind in case they're not cooperative....and we all think it would be what will be happening.

Once it was done, we waited until the presumed time, in the afternoon, Sonya could appear at the suspected phonebooth they always make their calls in the Tiergarten neighborhood and then, it was time to launch our operation. We separated ourselves in two teams : me, Park & Zasha will stay in the car on an parking to watch Sonya, the phonebooth and any surprises that we can have as Garrett & Greta will stay in another car that the BND gave to Greta for the mission as they will be the one that will got close to Sonya and capture them away.

"You're sure it's here, Zed ?" I asked to them as I was the one who drive the car with Park next to me in the front passenger seat and them, in the backseats, the three of us watching from afar the phonebooth, we really had an big view on the street to be sure as Garrett & Greta were positioned in another parking just next to the coffee bar.

"Yes, Sonya is always making their calls in the same spot." They replied, sure of themselves as I looked at them with binoculars on the eyes. "I don't know why but I presume that they're liking the place or this particular phonebooth." They added, almost laughing at the end.

"Zasha..." Park started, turning around to look at them. "I was wondering of something."

"Yes ?" They removed their binoculars to put their eyes on her.

"How did you manage to intercept Perseus communications during almost an year ?" She asked and to be honest, it was an question that was also in my head.

"In fact, since I remembered well where the Perseus hideouts were in the UK, I decided one day to make an little raid in one of them, stealing some of their equipments and any means that could serve me to intercept any communications from them." They responded as they moved to get in the middle seat between my & Park seats. "It was an hideout located near Dover if I remember well...."

"Oh, I see the one you were talking about." Park expressed, having like an flash in her head to have found what Zasha was talking about. "It's all thanks to you that the MI5 was able to eliminate an large part of the Perseus threat in the UK mainland."

"It was my mission to do so." They exclaimed as I looked at them with an little grin.

"It was something that we both promised to each other : to bring Perseus down." I added to their statement and they nodded, recalling of what we said before we left each other 3 years ago. "And now, we can do it since we're back on work....together."

"Yeah." They breathed as they decided to give me an little tap on the shoulders, smiling about it before Park took the radio that was our means to communicate with Garrett & Greta.

"Garrett, is the listening system in place ?" She asked. To know more about what Sonya could talk about if they don't say an thing in the future, Garrett had an idea to put an little gadget, courtesy of the MI6 and one of his contacts, that could allow us to listen to what Sonya will say.

"Placed it 5 minutes ago, Park." He said, sounding sure.

"Do you mind to make an simple test if everything work ?" She asked him as we couldn't know if it was working perfectly.

"You want me to go make an call ? Okay then." He took a deep breath before we could hear a door getting opening that he was going to do it....it was necessary and we were curious if he was going to make an real call or just to see if the listening gadget was good to go.

"Let's see who you are going to call, Garrett."  I whispered to myself while crossing my arms, making Park laugh about it before we could hear a phone ringing, meaning that the gadget was working....to listen, it was the radio of the car we were using....another something from the MI6 that I wasn't aware of....

"Kwan Song." We could hear a feminine voice....Garrett's girlfriend....he was calling this fiance....well, it's a good test to say.

"Hi Song, it's me." He said in a low voice, sounding an little bit enthuastic.

"Oh, Donnie, it's good to hear you !" Song expressed, making me resisting the urge to burst into laughter....calling Garrett Donnie was like becoming an private joke between me & him. "I heard from Woods that you will soon come to Moscow."

"Yes, we got one of our leads there and an friend of our team too." He explained, knowing that he was talking about Portnova. I looked at Zasha for an second who breath about hearing this. "But right now, we got to deal with someone in West-Berlin before we took an plane to Moscow."

"Nice !" Song whispered, in an lovely voice to him. "You know that in the safehouse we are, they gave me an king-sized bed ?" By that, me, Park & Zasha looked at each other with wide eyes....it was becoming an bit sexual in that phone call. "Oh, Donnie, I really need you."

"Me too, Song." He gasped, knowning that he was listened too by us. "Listen, I'm sorry but I have to go : I need to prepare myself for an mission."

"Ok then, I'm glad you have called me....bye, Donnie and see you soon." She told him.

"Bye Song, love you." He then hangs up the phone, stopping any communications between us and the phonebooth, meaning that the gadget work only when the phone is activated. We could see him, going away from the phonebooth before getting out of our sight as he, with Greta were parked somewhere else. "So, did he worked ?" He asked us through Park's radio, going back to his car.

"Yeah, it worked !" I exclaimed in an funny tone. "Now, you know that Song has an king-sized bed, awaiting for you." I added before laughing, joined by Park and Zasha too, even if they were a bit silent about it.

"Fuck you, Yirina !" He proclaimed, joking about it and then he laughed, joining us and also Greta that we could hear too laughing.....guess that it was better to destress an bit. "At least, we know that it's working."

"Right." Park snorted before we started to await for Sonya, with everyone taking back their seriousness in both cars and taking a deep breaths for everyone and then....."Here they are !" Park told us, having found out that Sonya was here and she pointed at us the location they were, Zasha taking their binoculars to look at them. "Okay, everyone's quiet." She ordered us and we nodded in approval as Sonya was getting into the phonebooth, starting to dial an number.

"Harry Stone's speaking." It was Stone himself that they were calling as I saw Park getting an bit nervous to hear his phone and I could think of the same for Garrett & Greta.

"It's Sonya Kuzmin at the other side." Sonya started as we could see that they were looking suspicious as they were checking their surroundings.

"So, your brother still have you in West-Berlin....kinda bad for you, isn't it ?" Stone scoffed, joking about Sonya's presence here. "Still wandering around to search about where the MI6......"

"Okay, I'm stopping you right now....lad." Sonya's voice wasn't sounding very nice to Stone.....at least, the hatred for Stone was share by an lot, even for Perseus member. "I'm not here to do your dirty work, it's your job to find where's the MI6 task force is hiding to get your ass down." They explained, looking from afar a bit angry. "Me, I'm just here to make sure that your deliveries are done to our mens."

"You don't understand, right, fucker ?" Stone started also to get angry. "I can't make an fucking delivery if the MI6 is neutralizing one by one my contacts...right now, I've lost contacts from the US Army and the British one....only our supplier from the KGB is remaining." He added, wanting to make things clear with Sonya. "If you don't help me...."

"I told you that it's your fucking problem, dickhead." Sonya affirmed....the two doesn't get along well...."You got your own men and frankly, it's your fault if you fucked up everything."

"Are you giving me an lesson about how to do my job ?" He asked, sounding angry & curious to know. "I've been with Perseus for years now and I'm getting an lesson from an beginner ?"

"Me, an beginner ?" Sonya said, sounding taken aback by Stone's words. "Says the one who is getting his operations destroyed one by one."

"Listen to me, stupid russian !" Stone ordered in an harsh voice. "I know that the MI6 task force is leaded by Helen Park and her stupid friends." I looked at Park, getting angry and I put my hands on hers to calm her down. "So, you might...."

"You're deaf or something ?" Sonya questioned him. "I'm not going to help you, Stone." They repeated again, taking an second between each word before speaking again. "And frankly, I never going to help someone like you."

"Fuck you, Sonya !" Stone affirmed.

"Yeah, fuck you too, Harry Stone !" Sonya affirmed back before they hang up the phone. They didn't talked too much about their works and more getting angry against each other. We now wait that they were leaving the phonebooth.

"Wait, they're making another call !" Zasha exclaimed as they could see Sonya dial another number so we decided to listen to it too.

"Freya Helvig !" This time, it was Freya herself, sending in me some chills as for Zasha, they were shocked to hear her voice again....they know of me & her.

"Hi, it's me, Sonya." Sonya whispered, changing from her angry voice to an more peaceful voice.

"Oh, Sonya....it's so nice that you called me." Freya said, sounding enthuastic from hearing Sonya. "How's West-Berlin ?"

"Well, it's kinda depressing and boring." Sonya replied....to say that we have an lot of common points between me & Sonya....except the sides we have took. "Where are you ?" They asked her.

"Right now ? I'm in Ukraine...paying tribute to an close friend." Freya responded, sounding low.

"Where in Ukraine ?" Sonya continued in their questions.

"Uhm....an small village near Donetsk....where that person lived in their youth...." Freya added to her responses as Zasha gave me an tap on the shoulders.

"Damnit, Yirina, it's where you lived before !" They exclaimed, making my eyes go wide as I was looking to Sonya and I looked at Zasha, looking shocked as they just told me where I lived before.

"Really ?" I breathed and they nodded before I looked back to Sonya, trying to calm myself down.

"Sonya, it's better that you don't know about who that person was." Freya exclaimed, having missed an little part of their discussion. "It's too personal." She added

"Even for your love ?" Sonya was sounding a bit disturbed to be refused to know....they maybe asked about who was the mysterious person....who was me of course.

"Yes, it's too....risky and frankly, it's for your own good." Freya admitted, hearing her taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry but....I have to go, Sonya, I'm sorry."

"Already ?"

"Yes, there's Perseus soldiers that just arrived here and I think I'm needed." Freya sniffed. "Where are you coming back ?"

"I don't know....maybe tonight or tomorrow." Sonya said, not sure of their own words. "I will try my best."

"Ok, be well, Sonya...love you !" Freya snorted.

"Love you too, Freya." Sonya breathed gently before they hanged up the phone again, leaving them alone in the phonebooth. Me, I was kinda stressed to have heard Freya's voice and Zasha too. Been 2 weeks I didn't hear it, 3 years for Zasha.

"Fuck, I never thought that I will hear that voice again." Zasha affirmed to themselves, looking away.

"Okay, they're leaving now." Park said as we could see Sonya starting to leave the phonebooth....until we saw an black van arriving next to their position. "What the fuck ?" Park added as we could see two masked person getting out of the van from it's right side and suddenly put an bag on Sonya's head as they were struggling with those peoples before they were put in the van as the bystanders were doing nothing to help...it wasn't us neither Garrett & Greta acting....

"Shit !" I started the car's engine as Sonya was like the only person that could help us to have some answers...we couldn't let them get kidnapped by others people. "We need to save them for the moment." I added as I drove off the parking at unusual speed.

"Garrett, Greta, Sonya has just been captured by someone else in an black van, we're pursuing it." Park started to said in the radio as I was now on the road to pursue the van getting away.

"We got it in visual, we're joining you !" Greta affirmed as we were passing through the multiples cars in the street, breaking the traffics laws as it was necessary to do so.

"Okay, it's in sight." I whispered, seeing the van from afar and getting close to it as we were now driving on the big 17th of June Street, right in the center of Berlin. "I'm gonna get closer and trying to stop the van." I said, not sure as the car I was driving was an bit smaller than the van.

"I'm gonna try to shoot the wheels." Park got her own pistol from her jacket and loading it with an new mag. It was stressful as that street wasn't so peaceful to drive on, with an lot of cars to avoid while in high speed. Somehow, I managed to get myself next to the van, allowing Park to try to shoot the van's wheels but it was something that the van's driver expected as they saw us coming next to the van. The van tried to push us away but I managed to get away from its manoeuvers, avoiding an bus in the process. "Shit, those guys are crazy." Park breathed as she almost got her arm crushed between her door and the van.

As I was trying to get myself back next to the van, another car...the one Garrett & Greta were using suddenly arrived from the Klopstockstraße street and hit the van on its right side, sending it flying on its left side on the street and by impact, I nearly managed to avoid Garrett & Greta's car, almost hitting us too and I quickly stopped myself as we saw the van crashing and their car at the same time.

"Shit, Zasha, go check Greta & Garrett." I ordered them as I was taking out my M1911 from my jacket. "I'm gonna go with Park to the van."

"Understood." They agreed as they started to leave the car, running in the crashed car as me were checking my pistol mag before getting out of the car with Park, running to get to the van.

"They didn't go easy on it." Park affirmed, looking at the van and the place of the impact of it as we got close to it.

"Check the driver, I'm going to open the back doors." I proposed and she nodded before she moved to get to the front of the van as I was going behind it.

The doors were like hard to open but I managed to open them....and to be greeted by an wounded masked man, jumping on me by surprise. I didn't have time to fire an single shot that I found myself on the ground with this person on top of me, controlling the arm where I was using my M1911. He then tried to move my arm towards me, wanting me to shoot myself with the gun but I punched right into his face and kicked him right into the nuts, causing him to lose his grasp on me and when I was about to shoot him, three bullets flied to hit him in the chest, killing the guy and when I looked behind, I could see Zasha with an gun in their hands.

"You're okay ?" They asked me as they helped to get up, I nodded to them.

"Pretty good, see that you're still an good shooter." I complimented them with an grin before looking behind them "The others, how are they ?" I asked them back.

"They're good but an bit wounded from the crash, they're in the car we're using." They replied as Park arrived to get to us.

"I just heard shots, you're alright ?" Park questioned us and we both nodded before we looked back inside. "What about Sonya ?"

"Good, I think...Zasha, get the car next to the van." I ordered them as I started to move to get inside the crashed van with Park, finding Sonya unconscious but still alive below the bag on their head. "Still breathing." I added before I took them with me in my arms, getting helped by Park with it to get it out of the van as Zasha arrived with the car.

"Let's put them in the trunk." Park moved near it and she opened it with her free hands as we put Sonya inside, gently. "Okay, let's get the hell out of here before the police showed up." She continued as I closed the trunk and getting myself installed in the empty front passenger seat with Zasha driving as Park got next to Garrett & Greta who got some minimal wounds on their faces despite the crash they did. We then got away from the scene quickly as we were just in an very public place. I breathed as we were going far from everyone's attention.....

"Well, that went quite unexpected to say....."

[kayleebreanne09]

I feel so sad!

John b x reader. With a little bit of ex Rafe x reader.

So I was listening to the song You should be sad by Halsey. I’m lowkey obsessed with it & I immediately thought about this blurb idea. So the reader was with Rafe, they had a really toxic relationship & she ran away. John b saves her & puts her back together. Obviously Halsey wrote this amazing song but just for the sake of the fic, the (Y/n) character writes it. Alright I hope y’all like this because it was really fun to write. Love yall💜

It’d been 3 months since you’d ran away from everything kook related. 3 months that a certain messy haired brunette pogue had spent trying to piece your heart back together. 3 months since you ended the most toxic relationship you’ve ever had in your life. You sat on the log, curled up against John B in front of the nightly fire y’all had at the chateau. On your other side was Kie, smiling happily at you, & across the fire, JJ & Pope goofed off. These were your people now. They’d put you back together when it seemed impossible that all the pieces would ever fit right again. JJ made some stupid joke & everyone just groaned but I couldn’t help but laugh. He jumped up & ran over to me to high five me! He threw his hand up in the air a little too close to me & my body automatically flinched. My heart started to race & my vision started to go fuzzy. I ran inside, desperately trying to get air into my lungs. I raced into the bathroom, jumping in the shower & turning the water on. I sank to the floor of the shower, all my clothes still on. I sat there with my knees up to my chest & my arms curled around them, trying to keep myself from breaking. I heard footsteps & a deep sigh that I knew belonged to my boyfriend. I felt John B step into the shower behind me, sitting down with his legs on either side of me & leaning up so his head was resting on my back. “Baby, breathe. You are safe. You aren’t with Rafe anymore, no one will ever touch you again. I will always protect you” he whispered slowly drawing words on my back. He sat there drawing random shapes as the water soaked ya both. “Let’s play a game...guess what I’m writing” he then drew what felt like 12 letters. “J” I guessed for the first letter. “Yes!” He replied...we went on like that until I figured it out. “JJ is a dumbass? Really John B?” I let out a small laugh. “Okay next one” John B said as he started drawing his fingertip along the sopping wet back of my shirt. “I love you” I guessed once he’d finished the last letter. He pulled me back against him & I felt some of the tension leave my body. “Yes. & I’ll never stop loving you. I will always be the best I can for you, I’ll never let you go through what you went through before” he stated, pressing a kiss to my cheek. “I love you John B. So much” I said turning & giving him a long kiss, hoping that he could feel just how much I needed him.

The next day, I was sitting on the kitchen counter watching John B make pancakes. My gaze kept drifting out the window to the calm water. Last night had stirred up some memories that were hard to deal with. Poor John B had been up half the night trying to soothe me back to sleep from my stupid nightmares. “Hey babe” John b said pulling my attention back to him. “Yeah baby, what’s up?” I asked smiling at him. “If you’re getting overwhelmed with stuff from the past, maybe you should write about it” he offered, looking back to the pan to flip the pancake. John b knew that I loved writing. It helped me get everything out. I wouldn’t call myself a song writer but I did love taking things that I’d been through & putting them into lyrics that maybe other people could relate to. If I could just help one person get through something, it’d be making a difference & that was all that I wanted. I jumped down & went to hug him from the back. I rested my head against his warm skin & just enjoyed the feeling of having John B in my arms. “That’s a good idea!” I said pressing a quick kiss to his back. “Good! Because I already texted Kie & she’s bringing her ukulele over to help” he said spinning around & swatting me on the butt with the spatula. I stood on my tip toes & pressed my lips to his as he pulled me into him. “You really are the best” I breathed out.

Kie & I sat in the hammock together, legs intertwined. She had her ukulele in her lap & I had my lyric book in mine. She reached over & pulled my pencil from behind my ear, & slid it into my hand. “Get to writing sister, I need to hear what these lyrics sound like before I can come up with a melody. Also, I’m sorry about JJ last night. He didn’t know your history with Rafe & pope chewed his ass pretty good about it.” She said as she laughed loudly. “It’s fine Kie. I just, I know what I want to say...I guess it’s just putting it into actual words is hard. Like I’m not conflicted, I’m 100% over Rafe, I just feel like none of his friends will tell him the truth. They won’t tell him that he’s turned into this monster & I feel like maybe if someone would just be honest with him, maybe he could change & find happiness in his life like I have with John B” I smiled toward the dock where John B was cleaning out the HMS Pogue. “Start there then!” Kie replied. & I did. My mind drifted back...

“Rafe, you’ve got to stop with the drugs. I can help you! You aren’t you anymo-“ I was cut off my his hand grabbing my throat & shoving me back against the wall. “Don’t tell me what I’ve got to do bitch” he snarled. His eyes were dark & pupils so dilated that I didnt even see the man that I’d grown to care about anymore. “I NEED the money, the drugs, the nice cars...I don’t need you. So you better watch the way you’re talking to me” he said, finally releasing my throat. I sank to the floor rubbing my neck where I knew bruises would form later. I took a deep breath & stood up. “I won’t do this anymore. You’ve broken me enough. You are toxic & I’m done. I’m gone & don’t you dare try to find me” I took one final look at the monster he’d become & walked away.

Kie watched as I stared off, my eyes tearing up. I felt her grab my hand & squeeze, just letting me know she was there. “I know what to write!” I said quickly scribbling down everything I wanted to say.

“I wanna start this out and say

I gotta get it off my chest

Got no anger, got no malice

Just a little bit of regret

Know nobody else will tell you

So there's some things I gotta say

Gonna jot it down and then get it out

And then I'll be on my way

No, you're not half the man you think that you are

And you can't fill the hole inside of you with money, drugs and cars

I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you

'Cause you can't love nothin' unless there's somethin' in it for you

Oh, I feel so sorry

I feel so sad

I tried to help you

It just made you mad

And I had no warnin'

About who you are

I'm just glad I made it out without breakin' down

And then ran so fuckin' far

That you would never ever touch me again

Won't see your alligator tears

'Cause, no, I've had enough…”

Kie leaned over eyes scanning over what I’d written. “(Y/N) this is good. No, it’s amazing. I mean, I don’t even know what to say” she said hugging me tightly. “Thanks for always being there Kie” I said, leaning my head on her shoulder as the hug ended. “Now let’s get to work on this melody!”

A month passed & id been hired to play at midsummers. JJ had heard the song Kie & I came up with at the chateau & while working one day, he heard about talent tryouts to play at midsummers. He relayed the message & Kie & I went & tried out. Apparently they liked us because we were one of the acts that were hired to play. Everything went so fast & suddenly, it was a couple hours before midsummers was supposed to start. I stood in John B’s room, sliding on the dress that I’d gotten. It was a deep vneck off white dress with silver beading. John B walked in & wrapped his arms around me, looking at our reflection in the mirror. “You are so beautiful baby. You are going to be amazing tonight” I smiled at his reflection. “Are you sure you & JJ can pull off sneaking in as waiters?” I questioned. “Of course sweetheart, we are total badassea at going incognito” he said smirking. I turned around, wrapping my arms around his neck. “Good. I don’t think I could get through tonight without you” I whispered. He leaned down & brought his lips to mine. “You’ll never have to go through anything without me” he said squeezing my hips, pulling me closer to him & refusing to let me go until it was time to leave.

The lights facing the stage were blinding. I felt way too many eyes on me & way too many kooks judging me. Kie nudged my arm, smiling over at me & started to play. I put every ounce of emotion that I had into that performance. All the sadness from an ended relationship, & all the hope that I had that one day Rafe would find happiness. He & I were never meant to be, I understood that now. I just wanted him to get the help he needed. A single tear slipped down my face as I sang the last line. I wiped it away, grabbing Kies hand & bowing as the crowd cheered. I scanned the crowd to see Pope, JJ, & John B cheering in the back! “That’s my girl!” John b hollered. Security saw him & started making their way over. “Shit. Come on guys! Mandatory pogue meeting at the chateau!” JJ yelled. Kie ran to JJ as he spun her around & she then threw her arms around JJ & Pope. “Cmon baby!” John b yelled. I yanked up the bottom of my dress, kicked off my heels, grabbing them off the ground & took off running....Launching myself into his waiting arms. He kissed me long & hard. “Time to go!” He said pulling my hand & dancing away right as the pissed off security guard dove at us. I threw my head back laughing as John B bent down & I jumped on his back. He carried me all the way to the waiting HMS Pogue & we all rode off into the night.

Rafe stood in silence staring after the girl he had lost. He knew he’d done everything wrong in the relationship. Maybe she was right. Maybe the drugs couldn’t fill the hole he had inside. He decided then & there that he would get clean. He would fix things with his dad. He finally had closure, & maybe one day, he would find the love that he knew she had found.