#if you don't think that's a beautiful arc you can leave. there's the door

[bougiebutchbinch]

Do u ever just think about. Eury sitting on the beach. Waiting for Odysseus after warning him not to go after Circe. Wondering if he'll ever see him again

[couldeatthatgirlforlunch]

a day in the life where everyone tries to win reader over, maybe they heard reader mention something like how they can't stand an annoying relative asking them about a relationship over the holidays, or trying to get her the best gift?

ps i love your writing, i read it like my morning paper

A Day in Life: Christmas, Presents and Revelations

Synopsis: A day in your life full of good Christmas presents, propositions and secrets.

Pairing: Yandere!Justice League X Assistant!Gn!Reader

Tw: Implied stalking; Calling someone a manwhore; Karens in the family with traditional and conservative ideals and miserable lives; Mentions of past cheating; Mentions of past Bucky Barnes X reader; Is Hal Jordan slowly getting his redemption arc?; Slightly implied horny Reader; English is not my first language.

Word count: 2,2k

Requested? Yup.

General masterlist | A Day in Life - Series masterlist

— And it's just so annoying, like, sometimes I literally don't want to show up on these things, but I don't want to leave my mom there alone with my dad’s family. — You huffed. — My auntie’s too concerned about my romantic life, like her husband didn't get other three women pregnant at the same time she got pregnant and only married her because he would have to marry one of the four girls. — You shook your head while your co-worker laughed. — And you know what's worse? I told everyone I had a boyfriend, but Bucky cheated on me, and I didn't tell them that yet, so she's gonna think I lied and mock me like the middle-aged Regina George she is!

Unknown to you, certain people were listening, and silently, each one of them made a decision.

Your last day at work before Christmas, you were getting ready to go home, pack and take the road, when someone knocked on your office door. You looked up, seeing no other than Martian Manhunter at your door, holding a present.

— How can I help? — You hid your gritted teeth behind a polite tone.

— I came here to follow the Earth tradition of Christmas and give my loved one a present. — He stopped in front of you with a soft smile and extended the gift in your direction. You hesitated.

— You didn't have to… — You cautiously took the present from his hand.

— I also have a proposition for you. — And there it comes. — I couldn't help but overhear earlier that you were in need of a partner for a meeting with your family. — You wanted to facepalm. — I could be that person. — You sighed.

— I can't show up with an alien superhero. — You crossed your arms with a pointed look.

— As you know, I'm a shapeshifter. — You watched as he changed his appearance to look like multiple different kind of people, one moment he was a tall blonde man, the next, a black girl with braids, then an asian young guy, and so on, meaning he could look however you wanted him to. — And you can call me by whatever name you choose, even the name I adopted here on Earth… J’onn J’onnes. — He settled for his usual green alien appearance. — You widened your eyes at his confession, thinking “oh, shit”.

— Uhh…

— While you think about it, open my present, darling. — He gently pushed the present in your direction again and you, still wordless, obeyed, while mentally searching for a way out of this.

You cleared your throat and teared the paper. The feeling of destroying the wrapping paper of gifts always made you feel a little embarrassed, as if the beautiful wrapping itself was the present and you were being rude by tearing it apart. It was a silly thought.

As you finished, you found out he gave you a comic book from your favorite hero. It made you excited, but you couldn't show it much.

— Oh wow, thank you… — You coughed. — Can't even imagine how you knew it was my favorite… — You internally rolled your eyes. — Anyway, about your offer- — Another knock interrupted you, and you both looked at the door. Aquaman was there with another present in hand.

He looked suspiciously from you to the other hero and stepped forward, then focused on you.

— Whatever offer he gave you, I give you one better. Take a king to meet your family, darling. — He smirked and offered you his present. You ignored what he said, settled the comic on your desk, and opened his present. It was a necklace with charms related to the beach, like some shells, pears and fishes, all made of your favorite metal. You pursed your lips, not waiting to admit to yourself that it was pretty and you liked it more than you thought you would, just like the last gift.

— Thank you. And about your offer, I can't exactly do that. You can imagine why. — He shrugged.

— Well, you can simply take me as your completely human lighthouse keeper, Arthur. — He smirked and wrapped your shoulders with his left arm. You shuddered, thinking “God, no”. — We’ll even invite them to our beach house, darling. Right on the shore. I also have a boat. Let's impress them. — He grinned proudly, as if he was sure you couldn't deny him.

You shrugged his arm off and before anything came out of your mouth, you remembered about your auntie and her shittalking right now. She always wanted a beach house, but everyone knew your uncle prefered to spoil himself and his side-pieces than her or the kids, and yet, she felt superior to every member of the family who was single because at least she had a husband and she didn't need to work, including you.

Rubbing a beach house, a boat, and a blonde hunk himbo on her face could be nice… Even if you just offered to take only your immediate family there one day and then just pretend you broke up with him later, he and the league would still get the wrong idea.

— Knock knock, oh- What’s everyone doing here? — Flash was there and pursed his lips while looking at the three of you. You groaned internally.

— You can go, Flash, (Y/N) won't choose you. — Aquaman, or Arthur, weaved him off. Flash narrowed his eyes for a second and then turned to you, ignoring him and beaming at you, extending a gift in your direction.

— I bought you something! — You discharged the necklace behind you and took the new gift, it was a bracelet with a lightning symbol in your favorite metal. It was also pretty, you were getting tired of it.

— Thank you, Flash…

— Please, just call me Barry. — He grinned brightly. — Please ignore the stinking ugly dressed fishman and the alien still learning to act like a normal human. You can take the funny and smart forensic chemist to meet your family. — He reached up and took his mask off, you widened your eyes, at seeing his real face. Huh, you didn't think he was blonde.

You stuttered, too shocked.

— Oh God… — You thought knowing their name was worse than their faces, secret identities and all, but something about seeing a real face that was kept hidden all the time felt like a heavier burden. To make matters worse, Green Lantern showed up. — No.

— Just hear me out, please! — Everyone turned to him with annoyed expressions. — I changed, I swear! And I apologized like, a thousand times. — He cleared his throat. By your face, he knew it was the worst thing to say. — Anyway, here’s your gift. — He bit his lip while you took it from his hands and opened it with hostility. They were tickets for the next concert of one of your favorite artists, that made you feel a little bad for the way you treated him, but it didn't change what he did to you in the past.

— I… Thank you. — You were trembling with nerves at this point from all the surprises you were having.

— I heard you needed someone to bring home for the holidays…

— Uhuh.

— And your dad is a big fan of the army, right? — You blinked. It was true, but you never told them that, yet, you weren't surprised they knew that.

Where was he going with it…?

— Please, not you too.

But he took off his ring anyway, and after a moment, he was wearing civilian clothes, along with a military jacket and dogtags.

— Who better than a charming ex-air force member to present to your family? Test pilot now, I can take them flying. Actually, I can take you flying. — He winked. — Call me Hal Jordan, beautiful. — He winked and saluted you. — Also, I fought in the war.

— Dude. Just give up. They're not gonna pick you.

— I will never give up, I'm a green lantern, strong will is kind of my thing. — He looked at you again. — So, darling?

While you were staring blankly at him, someone cleared their throat.

— Be reasonable, you don't have to be humiliated today. — Wonder Woman catwalked into the room confidently. She was holding two bags from a clothes store in her hands. The amazon pushed Hal Jordan aside and stopped in front of you. She looked you up and down and smiled charmingly. — Take me with you, darling. This is for you. — She extended one of the bags to you. You took it and looked inside, then reached in and pulled it out. It was a beautiful outfit, completely on your style, and clearly of good quality. But when she pulled out what was inside the other bag, it took your attention and you looked curiously at the red wine satin dress she was holding up. — And this is what I will be wearing. — She smiled seductively. — Diana Prince, pleasure to meet you.

You couldn't help your jaw from dropping while imagining her wearing that. While some family members might not admire the sensual outfit as much, you definitely would. Secretly. Your ego would too.

Damn it, why couldn't she be more normal and less yandere?

You swallowed, looking away from her and the dress. It was finally too hard to say no, but not for the mature reasons.

At your silence, Diana’s eyebrows rose up and she tilted her head to the side, with a pleased small smile. The other men in the room groaned and started arguing loudly, but she was untouchable in front of you.

Unstoppable force, meet immovable object.

— I think I should just go home, it's getting late… — You rapidly shoved your gifts inside the bag, took your things and squeezed your way between them heroes, not even realizing how trapped you were previously, but just as you got to the door, you hit a brick wall, or Superman, as people usually call him.

You groaned and he looked at you sheepishly.

— I guess after all of that I can't offer you something much better, but I can try… — Superman took a deep breath and before you could blink, he flew away, changed clothes, and came back. One second, Superman was in front of you, the next, just a regular cute guy wearing glasses and a suit. You took a second to recognize him and understand what happened and what that meant.

Damn, who knew glasses were a good disguise.

— I'm Clark, Clark Kent. I grew up on a farm in Kansas and I work as a journalist at the Daily Planet. — He smiled shyly and gave you his gift. — I hope you like it…

You blinked and catatonically looked at the thing he gave you. Differently from the last gifts, it wasn't neatly wrapped and it had a weird shape, but by how it felt in your hands, you guessed what it was.

You expected the sight of a Superman plushie to greet you, but instead, it was a plushie of your favorite fictional superhero. The same hero from the Martian’s comic.

Well, it was cute. You would probably fall for him if you didn't know better. You held back an awed sound that wanted to spill from the back of your throat.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by all the Justice League groaning a collective and loud “GET OUT”, you looked up, confused and curious by what caused all this, surprised by seeing it was just Batman entering the room.

Huh, why did everyone react like that?

He stared at you, then at every single one of them, silently, almost disapproving, or disappointed, but then, he smirked when he looked at you again.

Batman was smirking? You flinched.

— This is for you. — He gave you a big box. It was surprisingly heavy. When you opened it, there was a very expensive and beautiful pair of shoes, something you only dreamed of having and was always on your Pinterest board. Only digital influencers and celebrities wearing it, making you jealous. But that wasn't all. There was also jewelry and a very expensive bottle of wine. You will definitely take it to the holidays to impress your family. Or maybe keep it to a very special occasion. — And there’s more from where it came from. — He reached for his cowl and your breath hitched. Never in your wildest dreams you thought this day would happen.

He took of the cowl, and in front of your was…

Bruce Wayne?!

While everyone deflated, knowing they lost, you just had to hold back your laugh, but a snort still escaped. That took everyone off for a second, including the always stoic hero in front of you, who was clearly bewildered when you couldn't hold back anymore and laughed to his face.

— You think I'm gonna show up to my family with the nacional manwhore? HA! Yeah, that's gonna impress them for the first five minutes, then I will be the dummy who’s gonna be traded for the next top model. — You shook your head, still laughing. Bruce frowned deeper. You slightly feared for your job after you bluntly called him a manwhore.

— I would never do that to you. My affairs are all to deceive the public and keep my job a secret.

— And that might be true, but my family doesn't know that! Or are you gonna tell this to everyone? Funny. Billionaires are so delusional and out of touch… — You shook your head and walked out.

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[lxvebun]

I'll wait forever if I have to

synopsis:you're worried Satoru's teasing has gone a bit too far. There's nothing wrong with saving your first kiss for someone special, right?

content: Suguru Geto x gender neutral reader. Fluff! Comes off a lil angsty in the beginning but its fluffy and sickeningly sweet. Around 1k words. Written with hidden inventory arc in mind so you'd be in the same grade together, but read it however you want♡.We are all a little lovesick for Suguru and he's a lil lovesick for you♡ eng is not my first language so i'm sorry for any mistakes♡ enjoy!!

Based on Satoru's version of the fic♡

"Does it bother you that Satoru teases you so much?" The question breaks the comfortable silence you had as he walked you home. Sky fading from pink and orange cotton candy clouds to a clear and deep navy gradient canvas clustered with stars and moonlight.

Suguru is Gojo's bestfriend. You're sure he's used to his antics. Still, Satoru can take it a little far sometimes. Being oblivious to or ignoring the line completely. Crossing over it with a skip in his step and a smirk on his face.

"There's nothing wrong with waiting for the right person, you know." You reassure. Perhaps a little to yourself too. You'd wait forever for him, not that he knows.

(You kinda wish he did.)

You keep your voice soft, and soothing even with the unintentional undertone of worry. But Soothing enough to dulcify if Satoru's teasing did leave some cracks in his heart.

He lets out a low amused hum in agreement. Smooth as warm honey. Its drum startling the butterflies between your ribs awake. Not that he has to do much anyway to awaken them. It seems like they are always fluttering around when he's near. A bit smothering at times. Making your head fog over with images of liquid golden eyes and sickeningly sweet smiles.

You reach the traffic light before he speaks again. Filling the silence of waiting until the red light turns green.

"You don't have to worry about that, y/n. It's not hurting my feelings. I'm more than content to wait for my person" he answers sincerely. Not an ounce of impatience dripped from his voice. He means every word.

My person. his words weigh a little heavy on your heart. My person. Does that mean he already has his eyes set on someone? You're pretty sure a few of the butterflies have lost it's wings. Wings Shriveled and shattered at the thought. Broken bodies wriggling uncomfortably in your gut. Anxious and mourning as you think over who it could be. Would it be different if you'd just confessed already? Did you miss your chance or was there never any to begin with?

(The thought of him making someone else's heart race the way he does yours makes you a little sick)

You don't look at him. He's always been good at reading you, so in tune with your well being. You're an open book to him and usually, you're more than happy to let his fingers glide over the pages. Break you open to study you up close. Hoping that one of the words, one of the chapters in there is enough to lure him in, like a sirens song. Enough to steal his heart ...damn, how dare he fall for someone else.

"Sounds like you already have someone in mind, then". It comes out forced as you swallow down what you really want to say. Unable to decide between cursing him out or confessing to him on the spot.

You keep your gaze at the light ahead as if the force of it can will it into turning from this horrible shade of red to green, so this conversation can be over. So you can continue to walk in silence, so he can drop you off at the front door, wait until he hears the lock click from inside as he always does and you can dive into the comfort of your bed, dream of what could have been and try your best to move on

(You don't think you can if you're honest)

But again, you're an open book to him. He almost looks proud as he glances you over. Standing up a little straighter, failing to suppress a smile. A horribly beautiful smile that does not at all fit the turmoil inside your head. As if you're reaction solidified something in him.

God, how long does it take for a light to switch?

Your gaze doesn't falter as he steps closer to you. His warmth, his cologne enveloping your senses, wrapping around you like a spiderweb. Fitting as you feel like your heart is going to be torn out at any moment. Waiting for the words that will fracture your hopes. you think of just booking it through the red right at this point and leave him to choke on his rejection.

"Will you look at me, please"

He's replicating the soothing tone you used on him. Only he's so much better at it. Smooth like warm butter and sweet as syrup. How could you possibly deny him when he sounds this heavenly.

He's a patient man, he is. But he doesn't want to hurt you. Doesn't want you to shatter your own heart even more by thinking he could ever love someone the way that he loves you. As if he could ever want anyone else when it's always going to be you that captured his heart.

His fingers slide under your jaw, grip delicate as can be as he turns your head to meet his eyes. You're a little embarrassed at the lack of resistance on your part.

His face is kind. And despite your hesitance, his eyes are easy to hold. Feeling like sunsets on a warm summer evening.

"I'm just waiting for you to be ready too. However long it takes."

A timer goes off. The light has finally turned green. you both stay unmoving.

You feel like you've been staring into his eyes for hours when really it's only been a few seconds of silence after his words. Then you half-heartedly push him off. A laugh bubbles up your throat, relief evident in the melodic tone.

"you're awful, you know that?" not a sliver of actual malice in your words. He knows that too. continuing to stare at you fondly, eyes soft and a little love-sick. Smiling brightly at your words as if you complimented him.

"And you're beautiful"  the timer of the traffic light is sounding quicker now, similar to the beating of your heart. Indicating that it will soon turn red again.

You have a moment of bravery. confidence, as you intertwine your fingers with his and pull him across the street before the light turns red. His grip is nice and firm, tracing heart shapes on the back of your hand with his thumb. Doodling silent I love you's into your skin.

you continue to walk to your home together. Hands now interlaced. Hearts intertwined. Crisp evening air kissing your skin and calming the heat blooming in your body.

"I don't want to have my first kiss at a traffic light. You deserve something more romantic than that too," you begin. swaying your hands back and forth. Focusing on the street infront of you. You see your front door coming into view.

"But if you feel the urge to kiss me as you drop me off at my doorstep," you see him begin to grin in the corner of your eye. It tugs at the corners of your lips too

"I'll let you"

thank you for reading, angels!! I'm havinf such Suguru brainrot atm😩🩷 he's so cute.

Also I thought his eyes were brownish/ gold because I always just imagine him with that but they are purple....🔪 YOU🫵 ARE GOING TO IGNORE THAT FOR NOW AND IMAGINE THEY ARE GOLD AS WELL. Thank you🩷

[myloveobbsessed]

Ｃｏｎｆｅｓｓｉｏｎｓ

—————————————————————————

Genre: fluff

Warnings: none

Character: Rengoku Kyojuro x fem reader

Notes: Kyojuro survives the train arc, reader is a hashira

—————————————————————————

The Flame Hashira survived his battle with Upper Moon Three, but with fatal injuries. Now, five months later, you stand outside his door at the Butterfly Mansion, holding a bento. Kyojuro had been in a coma for those five months, and once he woke up, you knew you wanted to visit him. However, you waited a few weeks, not wanting to overwhelm him immediately. But that wasn’t the only reason for your delay.

Kyojuro is your long-time crush and friend, you’ve never confessed your feelings to him. And when you heard about his fight, the fear that he might have died was overwhelming. The relief you felt when he woke up was immense, but so was the realization that you might never get the chance to tell him how you feel. Now, as you prepare to see him, you’re just hoping he shares the same feelings.

••—————••—————••

Taking a deep breath, you finally muster the courage to enter. With a quiet countdown, you slowly open the door to his room, peeking inside. You see Kyojuro sitting up in bed, his bright eyes turning toward the sound of the door sliding open. His gaze lands on you, and knowing there’s no backing out now, you step inside, closing the door behind you. You stop a few inches away from him and smile up at him, your heart pounding in your chest.

“hey Kyojuro h-how are you doing?”

“Im doing well (y/n) thank you!”

Despite his condition he still had a smile on his face with his usual booming voice.

….

There's silence for a moment before you speak up again sticking out the bento towards him

“Umm I made this for you”

Kyojuro looks down at the bento his smile widening he take the bento with his free hand.

“Thank you (y/n) that is very kind of you I appreciate it!”

You watch intently as Kyojuro opens the bento, his eyes lighting up at the aroma. He picks up his chopsticks and takes a bite, complimenting you on the delicious food between mouthfuls. Your heart races as you try to summon the courage to confess your feelings, but the fear of rejection weighs heavily on your mind, keeping you silent. After a few more moments of anxious hesitation, you finally decide to speak, your lips parting as you gather your resolve.

“y-you know I'm really glad your alive Kyojuro”

Kyojuro pauses his eating, turning his attention fully to you. You can feel the heat rushing to your cheeks, and you squirm slightly in your spot, suddenly feeling self-conscious. Your heart races even faster as you avoid eye contact, nervously fidgeting under his gaze.

“I…have to tell you something and you don't have to feel obligated to…accept”

Kyojuro stares at you with a slight tilt of his head. but stays silent waiting patiently for you to continue.

“I….i like you Kyojuro I have for a long time now I...want to be more than friends I love you”

You take a deep breath and finish your confession, the blush on your cheeks deepening as your heart pounds in your chest. Kyojuro’s lack of immediate response only heightens your anxiety, and you begin to fidget with your fingers, the silence making you want to dig a hole and bury yourself in it. Doubts flood your mind, and you start to think you’ve made a fool of yourself, that maybe he doesn’t feel the same way. Just as you consider leaving to save yourself further embarrassment, your gaze meets his, and you notice something unexpected his cheeks are flushed, and the tips of his ears are tinged red. Your eyes widen slightly at the sight, hope flickering in your heart.

The silence is broken when the flame hashira lets out a boisterous laugh.

“We share the same feelings (y/n)”

He stares deep into your eyes the blush on his cheeks matching his firey red. A smile appears on your face when hearing his response

“w-we do?”

“Absolutely I always thought you were very beautiful, and smart”

His compliments make your smile widen, and butterflies flutter in your stomach. Your blush deepens, now matching his, and the warmth in your cheeks spreads throughout your entire body. The realization that he shares the same feelings fills you with a joy so overwhelming, you can hardly contain it. Your heart races, but this time it’s with excitement and happiness, knowing that your confession wasn’t in vain.

You couldn’t contain yourself you suddenly jump up, wrapping your arms around his neck and bringing him into a hug, careful to avoid his injuries. Kyojuro lets out a short gasp of surprise before hugging you back with his non-broken arm, holding you close. The warmth of his embrace makes everything feel real, and the relief and happiness wash over you like a wave. You can feel his heart beating against yours, and in that moment, nothing else matters.

“Im so glad your alive Kyojuro”

“Me too”

He softly whispers back, his breath warm against your ear as the two of you remain in each other’s arms, sharing a relieved, loving embrace. The world outside fades away as you both savor this moment, holding each other close, finally knowing that your feelings are mutual.

—————————————————————————

[themisimagines]

prompt generator: person a and person b sharing a bath content: smut under the cut! - self loving, bathtub shenanigans characters: artem, fem!reader

Thank god it's the weekend. You leave the office at 7, a feat given all that's gone on this week, and pop your head into Celestine's office to say goodbye, thinking you might swing by Artem's office to try and convince him to leave work with you. Unfortunately, he's in Celestine's office already when you look in, and they seem to be in deep conversation.

"Have a good weekend," Celestine chimes. Artem raises his hand in parting. You look wistfully at him, but decide to head home first.

Artem texts you on your way out.

<Wait for me to have dinner. Shouldn't be too much longer, I'll pick up ingredients on the way back.>

Your heart warms. He probably knew that you were looking forward to your first free weekend in weeks, having barely had the time to spend with each other beyond curling up together, exhausted, in bed each night, and blearily getting ready for work in the mornings.

Another text. <Don't eat too many snacks.> Ugh, this man knows you too well.

When you finally reach the home you share with Artem, you can almost literally feel the ache in your neck and shoulders from hunching over documents and screens, so you decide to run a hot bath. It's almost criminal that neither of you spend much time in this bath, with it's beautiful city views and skyline. But to be fair, you both only moved in together three months ago, and that was round about the time work started to pick up again. You even take out a precious bubble bath solution you've been saving for a special occasion, the scent of lavender and hibiscus foaming up underneath the running water.

As the bath runs, you pop in a record on the vintage player Artem picked up from his parents recently, and both of you have been enjoying going to markets searching for records, your recent favourites being jazz ballads, the crackle and pop of these old records invoking a different time entirely. The music drifts into the bathroom as you turn off the taps, stripping down and stepping gingerly into the bath, fragrant steam wafting into your face.

Oh, this is nice. You fiddle a bit with the water temperature before it's finally perfect, and then you sink in, closing your eyes blissfully.

<Tell me why we don't take baths on a daily basis again? Are you home soon, by the way?> You grab your phone and send to Artem, snapping a picture of your legs, just obscured by the bubbles.

The feel of the water caressing your body and against your tired muscles is soothingly erotic, and you feel a familiar jolt of arousal flowing down your body. Your hands run up and down your soft inner thighs, the arc of your collarbones, luxuriating in the sensation.

Ding! Artem has messaged you back. <Almost home.>

Then, a follow up: <It's not good for our water bill or the environment to take so many baths, but I agree with you that ours is underused.> You laugh. Ever the practical boyfriend.

Still, if he's still on the way, that leaves you free to take care of... some business. Your hands plunge back into the water, stroking your thighs, your breasts, slowly teasing at your nipples to send delicious shivers up your spine. All the while, the water swirls around you, making you even more excited. One hand drifts further downwards, settling onto your clit, and you draw slow, lazy circles around it, letting a slow pressure build up in your core.

The music swells, and you let yourself enjoy each and every sensation, a small moan escaping your mouth and echoing around the bathroom, your back arching slightly as you chase the peak of your pleasure. One of your fingers is just tracing your opening, ready to slip in, when a knock sounds on the bathroom door, and Artem peeks in.

Startled, you sit bolt upright, almost getting a mouthful full of suds.

"Sorry," Artem apologises for startling you. "Just wanted to let you know I'm home, and I'll be making dinner downstairs. Come down when you're ready.

From the crack through the door, you see that his tie has been loosened slightly, hair slightly rumpled from the day. Even though he's interrupted your moment, you can't help but appreciate how much of a goddamn gentleman he is, barely allowing himself a glimpse of you in the bath. Artem is about to close the door when you call for him to wait.

"Come and join me in the bath," you ask. "We did get one that was big enough for two, after all."

The door freezes, and even though you can't see Artem anymore, you can sense he is debating furiously with himself on the other side of the door.

"Please?" you wheedle. "The water is still nice and warm."

When the door next opens, it does so uncertainly, and Artem blushes upon seeing your clothes tossed haphazardly around the bathroom, the bubbles leaving very little to the imagination. It's hardly as if you both haven't seen each other naked before, but you always sense that Artem is holding himself back, too aware of trying to perform the part of gentleman for you, being overly considerate of your needs. Always too afraid to let his eyes linger for too long, or his hands to rest too inappropriately (except in the heat of the moment), afraid that you might think him crude or impolite.

You take charge of the situation. "Clothes off, Mr. Wing. Now."

His hands hesitate at his shirt-buttons, but then he steels his spine and strips off his clothing efficiently, letting you admire the hard planes and lines of his body, so often hidden away behind suits, which, while flatteringly cut, look much better off him. Belt and trousers join the pile on the floor, and you can sense that Artem is itching to refold his clothes nicely instead of leaving them there, so you launch a distraction tactic, rising in the bath so that the tops of your breasts are just visible, watching his eyes drawn to them as the blush in his cheekbones grows higher and higher.

"Should I just - get in?" He stutters. It's so cute to see him embarrassed. He clears his throat, and although he shifts from side to side, you can see his cock twitch slightly, already half-hardening before he's even in the bath. You slide your knees up to make space, and he climbs in, careful not to let the water splash out, although it's dangerously close to doing so, with an extra person in the tub.

It's almost comical to see him curl up so tightly into himself, trying to avoid touching you. Arms hugging his knees as he watches you intently. You stretch your legs out so they just barely graze the sides of your legs.

"Are you really comfortable like that?" You tease, leaning forward and putting your face closer to his. He continues to stare.

"Come on, stretch out." You try to get him to loosen up. "The point of a bath is to relax, after all. No point in getting even more tense, right?"

"You... hm." He conceeds, stretching his limbs out tentatively, but it's an awkward tangle of limbs with you both sitting opposite each other. Then, you have an idea.

"Artem, what if we sat facing the same direction? I could just nestle myself between your legs. That would solve our space issue, and we'd be more comfortable."

He thinks about it. "I don't dislike the idea."

You stand up to spin around, your body covered in suds, and Artem politely averts his eyes a little, face still red, although you're not sure if it's from the steam or embarrassment at this point. You settle down between his legs, gently pressing up against his chest, and give a sigh of contentment. Artem is the best pillow anyone could ask for. As you purr and squirm to find a comfortable position, you feel a distinct hardness growing against your back and stifle a laugh to yourself. Artem's hands settle awkwardly around the curve of your waist, as if he's holding himself back from letting them wander.

"Comfortable?" you tease.

"Hn." He agrees. His cock has grown to full length now, and you can't help but rub yourself against it, feeling him stiffen. You turn your face slightly behind to look at him, and he doesn't dare to meet your eyes.

"You have soap on your face." He says in a matter of fact tone, reaching a hand out to wipe off soap bubbles on your nose very seriously. You giggle in response, then close the gap to kiss him, gently at first, then deepening it, still rubbing yourself slowly against his cock. You slide one of his hands up your body, encouraging him to grab onto your breast, and faced with so much stimulation, Artem loses control and lets out a small moan into your mouth.

That tiny noise is a sudden breaking of the floodgates, and you can almost hear him think, fuck it, as his hands surge up to hold your body closer to his, hips thrusting upwards greedily between the curves of your ass. Panting, you both break apart the kiss, and Artem dives for your neck, licking and sucking the soft skin until you are sure he will leave a bruise. Rolling your nipples between his clever fingers until he draws out a desperate cry from you, the other hand teasing your clit, your entrance, just barely slipping a finger in. You are writhing and completely at his mercy, reaching behind you to stroke his cock.

"Bed?" Artem asks, voice rough with desire. But you can't be bothered with all that now - getting out of the bath, drying yourself, all that nonsense. You want him now.

"I have a better idea," you reply, then turn around so that you are facing him again, sitting on top of him, nestling his cock between your thighs. He makes an attempt to continue with the foreplay, but you stop him.

"I need you, now." you beg him, and like the gentleman he is, he lets you climb on top of him, lining his cock up with your entrance, sliding into your slick warmth. You both cry out at the sensation, taking a few moments to stretch out and get used to the feeling. Then you slide up and down his cock, panting and not caring that the bathwater is sloshing onto the tiles below, probably getting all your clothes wet.

Artem throws his head back, until you can see the line of his throat, his eyes closed in pleasure. His hands are unceasing, moving to play with your breasts, guiding your waist as you plunge again and again on his cock.

An angle hits particularly well for both of you, and Artem opens his eyes, a wild abandon in them. He seizes your hips and thrusts his hips upwards, creating great swells in the water, but hitting that spot again and again until you feel like you are about to explode, begging him not to stop.

"I'm going to cum –!" you cry. "Please don't stop, oh, don't stop Artem!"

His hips drive into you faster and faster until you hit your orgasm, clenching around him. The tightness drives him over the edge, and with a last few thrusts, he follows suit, cock pulsing inside you as he fills you with his cum.

You collapse against his chest, breathing heavily, both locked in an embrace. Artem doesn't let you rest for too long, as he taps your shoulder.

"We'd better get out, or you'll catch a cold."

"Can't you let a girl bask in post-orgasm glory for a few minutes at least?" You complain, although you know he's right - the bathwater has gone cold during the time that you both were otherwise engaged. You peer out at the floor, where half the water seems to have tipped out onto. Artem catches what you're looking at and grabs your shoulders.

"On second thought, wait. Let me grab some towels for the floor, I don't want you to slip." He steps out of the bath and you watch him leave, sighing happily at what a thoughtful boyfriend you have.

[cupidop]

You are mine.

Muzan Kibutsuji KNY

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

TW: muzanxfemreader, vaginal teasing, pet names, oral mentioned, teasing, sorta nsfw? (I'm still new to this, I do appreciate tips)

| It takes place in The Entertainment District Arc. You are one of the entertainers, and as you make it home after a long shift, a man greets you on your balcony|

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

You heavily sigh as you are packing up your things, a few men pass you. "I've seen your performance, the Tokito house is lucky to have you." A man complimented you. "Why don't you come back to my place, I'm sure your pretty tired, I can surely relax you." Another asked. "Thank you gentlemen, I'm flattered, really, but I have a boyfriend and I'm not ready to give this job up." You smile. They'd frown and continue their walk. You hop off of where you perform and make your way to the house, but your shoulder brushes up against someone. A tall man with black curly hair. He seems to be wearing a suit with a fedora on. You quickly turn around to see no one there. "I thought-..I must be really tired." You continue your path. As a performer, you lived with other ladies, and the owner is in charge of all of your performances and what goes on in the house. The Oiran is like the queen of the house. You level up in the house depending on how refined your skills were. Koinatsu was your oiran. She was a kind person. As your all greeted by the ladies and you head in your room, you sit with a loud exhale. Your feet hurt. You sit infront a small mirror wiping makeup off, your true beauty reveals itself. The pins in your hair are taken out, and you change into something more comfy. It was hot outside, so clothing that was thin was perfect. You wrap around a yukata around your shaped body, the silk felt like heaven on your dainty skin.

"My, my, I never knew how elegant you are, even when you are just changing." A voice lingers into your room. The lights outside have disappeared, but your room was still bright. Your head turn to your balcony doors, they were open, and a man stands there. His tap tipped over his eyes, it was the same man your accidentally bumped into. You quickly stand up. "You cannot be here! Leave at once." You demand. "How rude, speaking to someone who has great power like that." His hat tips up revealing his face. He was pale with crimson eyes. You couldn't help but blush from the sight. He stepped closer and you step back. "Your ways of making men slobber over you really makes me aroused." His voice was deep, but formal. You quickly grab a pin from your dresser, holding it up as if it was a knife. The man frowned, he was gone in the blink of an eye and right in front of you gripping your wrist that held the pin. His eyes gazed into yours with a terrifying expression. "My dear, I don't think you know who I am, my name is Muzan Kibutsuji, the demon king." He'd growl. Your eyes widened in realization. You were only warned by your boyfriend about him. He is a deadly man who has killed thousands, no, millions of lives. You start to shake, this was it for you. "Look at you so helpless like a little animal who was finally caught by its predator." An evil smirk planted on his face. "It makes me feral." As he spoke, you couldn't help but form tears in your eyes, you wanted to break down on the floor.

A hand cups your cheek, but before you could react, his other hand pushes you to the ground, making him pin you. A small whimper leaves your mouth with a gasp, but you weren't the only one surprised. Muzan's breathing became slightly heavy, it seems you were turning him on. As his hand, that cups your cheek, travels down to your inner thigh. You slam your thrighs together, but something stops them. His thigh was between yours. "No no, my little bunny." He'd chuckle. His thigh caresses against yours, as his knee moves up to the main part of your panties. "Please, get off of me!" You beg. Muzan's eyes narrows at yours. His head leans in towards your ear as he whispers, "I don't think I will." His knee shuffles closer to your cunt, as it brushes up against your panties. A small squeak leaves your mouth. His head lifts and his lips gets closer to yours. You could feel his hot breath, it was, irresistible. His mouth passionately plants onto yours, yours eyes get bigger by the moment, but then more relaxed until they closed. He was such a good kisser, you feel your body sucumb to him. You knew it was wrong but you didn't want to stop.

His tounge slips into your mouth, a light moan from you rests on his lips. His knee backs away and his fingers taps the base of your panties. You can feel your cunt start to become wet. As he's fiercely kissing you, a finger slips into the panties, now touching your clit. You'd gasp as a arm wraps around his back. "Hush sweet doll, your friends will hear us." He'd moan into your mouth. Hearing your delightful whimpers makes him want you even more. As he rubs around your bud, the hand starts to slip the panty off, then makes it way back to your drenched cunt. His fingers dance around your vulva, before his lips leave yours, a trail of saliva connects to your mouth.

NOTE - Hello thank you for reading all of it, I am sorta new to this thing, I love to write/type books, even the silly parts 🤭. Anyways, I took great inspiration from someone named muzansfangs, YOU SHOULD TOTALLY GO CHECK THEM OUT! I'm thinking of making a part two if maybe enough people recognize it?? (ART ISN'T MINE) ☆⌒(＞。≪)

[reashot]

Day 8 of 9 days of Lancaster. Meeting the family/ How Jaune almost lost his Life.

PSA: Hey sorry for the really late post but I been really busy with life. But not to worry the last one will be posted soon enough.

Two people can be seen sitting together in a couch. A boy and a girl. The boy for some reason can't seem to shop shaking from his seat. While the girl sitting next to him are trying to calm him down as best as she can.

Ruby: Jaune please stop shaking.

Jaune: I-I can't Ruby I'm too worried about what will going to happen. What if they don't like me.

Ruby: You worry too much. They will like you.

Jaune: Oh, here they come. I hope you're right Ruby...

The door opens to reveals two adults entering the room. The two then quietly walks towards them and sit across from Ruby and Jaune.

Summer: So is this the famous Jaune Arc I keep hearing about?

Ruby: Oh yeah, so anyway mom I want to introduce you to Jaune.

Jaune: H-hello mrs. Ruby's mom. I-I mean mrs. Rose. My Name is Jaune Arc, a pleasure to meet you.

Summer: Oh such a charming young man. And it's a pleasure to meet you too Jaune. Hey dear, why don't you go and say Hi to Jaune too?

Tai: *grumble, grumble*

Summer: Oh Tai my love, please be nice to the handsome young man. Or else you'll be sleeping on this here couch for the night.

Tai: Hrmmm.... Fine, okay I'll do it! Hi Jaune...

Jaune: It's nice to meet you too Mr. Xiao Long, sir...

Tai: Growl!

Jaune: Eeep! I'm-I'm sorry for being born, sir!

Ruby: Dad you're scaring him!

Summer: Really, dear. Is this how you're going to act everytime he comes to visit?

Tai: That remains to be seen...

Jaune: I assure you, sir. That I have every intention to continue my "meeting" with Ruby for a long time.

Ruby: Jaune... *blush*

Summer: Oh my.... What a daring man you are.

Tai: Why you!!!

Summer: Now, now. My dear please try not to kill every boy that try to get close to our daughter. We don't want a repeat of last time. Here have something to drink.

Tai: Fine... *drink*

Jaune: *gulp* Last time?...

Ruby: There used to be a boy that i'm a close friend with but he and his entire family suddenly have to leave after I invite him back home.

Jaune: W-what happened. To make him suddenly leave like that?

Summer: Trust me Jaune. It's not something you want to know.... Anyway let's talk about the most important stuffs. How many times you done "it" With Ruby?

Tai:

Jaune: Oh, how many times I did "it" with Ruby? A lot I guess.

Summer: Oh my, such a healthy young boy you are. And Ruby did you enjoy doing "it" with him?

Ruby: Y-yes mom. He's so great in fact that we ended up doing "it" all Night.

Tai: (internally screaming)

Summer: Ahh. Young love... So Jaune what do you think about our little Ruby does she satisfy you in everyway possible?

Jaune: Yes in fact she does thing that I didn't know was possible.

Tai: *going into shock*

Summer: He, he, he. I see. So Ruby did he do the same thing to you?

Ruby: Of course he did. I didn't know that Jaune was so open-minded in trying new things. He's even cool with me in letting me bring other people in.

Summer&Tai: Wait, what?

Jaune: I told you Ruby, just because I let others join in with us doesn't mean that I like doing it. I mean Pyhrra, Weiss and even Blake. At the same time even.

Ruby: Oh. But I thought it's every boy's dream to be doing it with a bunch of girls?

Jaune: Well not this boy that's for sure. I prefer to be doing it with a single person. And I would like that person to be you Ruby.... That is of course, if you want it?

Ruby: Oh... Jaune~ Of course I want it. I want to that person.

Summer: Oh my, I guess it's true that you shouldn't judge a person by their appearance. Say honey, you been unusually quiet for some time now...

Tai:

My little girl.... He not only defiled my beautiful baby girl. But he treats her like a side chick in his own harem.

Summer: Uh Tai. We can hear what you're thinking.

Ruby: Please dad you're freaking us out.

Jaune: I think you should calm down Ruby's dad...

Tai: Dad? Dad? Dad!!!!! I'll fucking kill you if you use that word on me. Listen here fuccboy! I will never approve of your relationship with my daughter. Let alone giving you my blessing to marry Ruby.

Ruby&Jaune: Wait, what!!!

Tai: You heard me I will never let you have Ruby's hand in marriage!

Jaune: W-wait please stop. Ow! L-let me explain. Please stop shaking me before I can explain!

Ruby: Me Marrying Jaune? What are you talking about dad!

Summer: Ruby please stop with this innocent act. I admit that it's cute for a while but it's way over played. We know you want to introduce us to your boyfriend.

Ruby: B-bo-boyfriend!!! Mom, Jaune is not my boyfriend!

Tai: Really?!

Jaune: That's what I been trying to tell you...

Tai: Shut up. I'm not talking to you!

Summer: Then why did you tell us that you want us to meet Jaune & give us our blessing?

Ruby: Oh that's because we want your blessing for us to join a gaming competition.

Summer: A gaming competition?

Jaune: Yeah there's a huge prize if we win the game... Holy shi!!!

Summer: You... Brought us all here together saying you have something important to tell us about your relationship with Jaune. And you have all of us thinking that the two of you are finally getting together for real. Do you have any idea how much I wanted the two of you to be together?

Ruby: Mom please stop it. you're hurting Jaune.

Jaune: Please I can't breathe....

Tai: Sum-Sum I might not like the boy but I think you're going too far here.

Summer: Okay Jaune you want to live another day, right? Then you and Ruby need to give me grandchildren right now!

Ruby: Mom what are you saying!?

Summer: It's the only way for me to have grandchildren! Now let me start by taking off your pants.

Tai: Summer what are you doing!?

Jaune: I do not consent, I do not consent! Please stop it. I need an adult!!!

Summer: I'm an adult.

Jaune:

Summer: Now stay still... Wow. You can split a person in half with what you're packing. Do you think Ruby mind if I borrow you sometimes?

Tai: Summer No!!!

Ruby: Stay away from Jaune!!!

[missnight0wl]

I wasn't going to complain about Agatha All Along finale, but you know what? I will complain. Because it still bothers me, and I still don't really understand…

What exactly was the point of making The Road Billy's creation?

To be clear, "having cool pop culture references and a surprising twist at the end" is not the answer I'm looking for. What it did for the story? Because I honestly feel like it did nothing. In fact, The Road was kinda unnecessary in general.

Let's start with Billy himself. Billy wanted to go to The Road to find Tommy. Did The Road end up helping him with that? No. Sure, he did give Tommy's soul a body, so you can argue it's even more important because it'll allow him to find him. However, it was possible because of Agatha. And here you can argue that Agatha agreed to help Billy because of their bonding on The Road. But I'm just not convinced it couldn't have happened under different circumstances, y'know?

Moving to Alice, here you can say that The Road allowed her to see her generational curse in physical form and therefore break it. But I think what was really important for Alice was that she finally had her coven by her side. That they were like: "Girl, your generational curse SUCKS, but you're not crazy, and we're gonna help you deal with it". Alice said it herself, that she thought the curse was not real, that she was just a screw-up. Now she finally could face it while having support. This, plus Agatha making her realise the truth about Lorna's protection, of course. So, again, did we really NEED The Road for all of this?

Lilia's story was beautiful, and Lilia herself is perfect. But again, it was the coven that was crucial for her. Sure, her path was very closely connected to The Road, but at the same time, I don't feel her story couldn't have been told without it.

Jen's arc was also great, but once more, was The Road really needed to tell that story? Couldn't she catch Agatha's suspicious behaviour under different circumstances and therefore conclude she was the one who'd bound her?

Imagine this. After the ritual in episode 2, the door doesn't show up, but the coven somehow manages to escape the Salem Seven. The thing is that now it's very clear from the beginning that they're after all of them, not just Agatha. Because remember that after they entered  The Road in the show, they commented on the Salem Seven, and they acknowledged that they're after Agatha. Only later it became clear that no, they wanted to get the whole coven. Anyway, the point is that they escaped somehow. Now somebody wants to leave because screw that, but eventually, they all agree that they'll be somewhat safer if they stay together. Billy of course is still fascinated by The Road, so he wants to find out why the ritual failed. The rest decide that if they’re already in this, they might as well try to investigate it. And Agatha still needs to play along because otherwise, she'd have to reveal her scam. If the show went in this direction, would it really have to be significantly different, story-wise? I honestly think it wouldn't.

Don't get me wrong, I love the practical set they had for The Road, the themed trials and whatnot. But I really don't like the implications connected to the fact that it was created by Billy (or rather Billy's mind). And I'm not even talking here about people actually dying. I appreciate that Billy freaked out about this realisation, but I also have to admit that Agatha kinda had a point that she was the one who killed Alice, and Lilia chose to die. It's a bit different with Sharon, but I'll come back to that a little later. The thing is that, in my opinion, what Billy should actually freak out about are all the visions from Jen's trial – which are not addressed at all, for some reason. Because… how are we even supposed to interpret it? I saw people saying that they were also created by Billy's mind since earlier Jen mentioned the rumours about Nicky, and Billy talked with Alice about her mother (hence Agatha's vision of the Darkhold and Alice's of Lorna being unwell). However, Lilia didn't mention her Maestra at all, and Jen said nothing about the mysterious doctor at that point. So, how would Billy create their visions? It has to mean that:

he subconsciously scanned their minds to get the information, or

he "gave" The Road enough power that it became semi-conscious (and therefore it created the visions on its own).

I assume the second option is closer to the writers' intention, but… it's pretty fucked up. Because it means that Billy basically created a sophisticated torture device that uses very personal and intimate information against you. And unlike Wanda – who created her Hex because of OVERWHELMING GRIEF – Billy kinda did it… just because. To be clear, I'm not saying that Billy wasn't under stress, or that he didn't really care about finding Tommy. But you have to admit it wasn't quite the same level of emotions that Wanda felt when she created the Hex. Interestingly, Billy's emotions matter again when he shows his Wiccan powers after Alice's death. But creating a psychological torture device? I guess being scared of the Salem Seven is enough. Well, to be fair, their appearance was scary as fuck, and I'd probably shit myself in that situation. Still, it somehow doesn't feel comparable to Wanda's grief or Billy's own grief later on.

Also, I think the visions become especially problematic when you look at Sharon. Because while it's the only vision we didn't see, the implication was pretty clear that she's reliving the moment when Mr Davis was choking in Wanda's Hex. Something that Billy's mother put her through. In fact, it's basically the last thing she experienced in her life because she passed out right after that. She kinda woke up for a moment when she drank the antidote (I think?), but then she just died. And Billy had to figure out what she saw, more or less, right? Ralph told him what it was like to be trapped in Wanda's Hex.  And mind you, while it was Agatha who dragged her along, it was the wine created by Billy's mind that directly killed her. With all of that in mind, it almost feels weird to me, that it's all summarised with "Who's Sharon?" joke. I know it's Marvel and whatnot, and I actually don't mind this joke in general. It's kinda funny, really. But it does feel different with the reveal that it was Billy all along.

Also, there was this part in The Wrap interview where Jac Schaeffer said:

The road and our show is practical is because Billy Maximoff is a baby witch. And he can’t be creating thousands and thousands of miles of forest. So he created a backdrop, and he created forced perspective, and he created models, and all of the practicality of our sets is because of him, and because of his limitations of physically creating this world underground, underneath Westview.

(The whole thing can be found here.) And I get what she means in this context. Truth be told, it's a pretty damn cool thought. But at the same time, I feel like you can't really say "Oh, he's a baby witch" and "He can create complex devices that will torture you with your most personal fears, without even trying". I mean, I can't be the only one who feels those ideas are kinda contradicting.

Also, speaking of the visions from episode 3 being ignored, I have to point out something else about Jen's trial. All other trials have quite a lot of references to Billy and his room in particular. In Jen's case, though… we pretty much have just that one picture.

And they're not even that similar. I guess the amazing kitchen in the house can also be seen as a reference to Mr Kaplan who apparently loves to cook, but in comparison to other trials, it still feels... underwhelming. Almost like an afterthought. Now, am I saying that it's proof that Billy creating The Road wasn't the original plan for the show? No, I'm not. But I do find it interesting, and the more I think about it, the more episode 3 feels separated from the rest. I know a lot of people also feel that way about episode 1, because it focuses so much on the Darkhold (which basically leads to nowhere). And I do agree with that, too. I dunno, it just seems that there might've been some changes along the way or something.

Honestly, I probably wouldn't talk about all of that, but my issue is that The Road being created by Billy basically adds nothing to the story. Yes, it shows us that Billy is very powerful, but as I pointed out, it's somewhat inconsistent. They could've at least continued the plot of Billy's identity crisis. Remember his question during Lilia's trial: "Am I William or am I Billy?"? I don’t know about you, but to me, it felt like a pretty damn important question. And I really thought that a part of William might still be in Billy. Yes, I know his death in the accident seemed pretty definite with his heartbeat stopping and all, but I still hoped there's something left. Maybe not a soul, but rather an echo of a soul, or memory. It could explain why Billy left everything in his room and just added new things to it. It was not only out of respect, but also because William was never really gone. Also, if you showed me William and then Billy, without the accident scene, I’d totally buy that it's the same character. They're both just… good geeky eggs. And before the finale, I really thought that the ritual with Agatha might be about joining William Kaplan and Billy Maximoff into one person: Billy Kaplan. Now, the creation of The Road would be a pretty good representation of such an identity crisis. Because it was created with Billy's power, but it was built with things that William loved. And the conclusion of such journey for Billy would be that he's just both, William and Billy. Even Jac's comment becomes quite heartwarming in this context because it could be said that baby witch Billy was just playing with William's toys. On top of that, it could (and should!) lead to the scene where the Kaplans finally learn what really happened. Because they do deserve to know. They're amazing people, and I really don't think it would make them turn against Billy, but they just should know that their son is gone.

But nope, the whole identity crisis was kinda dropped…

That being said, if it was entirely up to me, I'd just say The Road is a real thing. They could even keep all of the references from Billy's room and all. They'd just have to say that there's some kind of mystical connection between WICCAN and The Road. I mean, we know there is a prophecy about the Scarlet Witch in MCU, so why not add another one? Especially that Wiccan's statue was at Wundagore. In fact, it could even still work with Agatha's scam plotline. I see two explanations for that (and they can work together):

Agatha was never able to access The Road because it's accessible only if (future) Wiccan is with you.

Agatha was never able to access The Road because she never cared about gathering the proper coven. Unfortunately for her, this time Lilia forced her to get the proper coven by giving her the list. And jokes on her for trying to cheat again with Sharon because Billy was always meant to be the last member. Also, something caught my attention during the Agatha through the Ages montage. Every time other witches blast Agatha, they use the same colour lighting. I realise that it's just a technical simplification made because it doesn't matter. HOWEVER, when we look at "our" coven, they all use different colours. Agatha obviously has her purple, Alice has orange-y, Billy gets blue, Jen's is pinkish. We don't see much of Lilia, but when Agatha tries to provoke them to blast her in her basement, you can notice that her hands spark with yellow. So, again, I know it's meaningless, but it could be used as an explanation.

Now, what about Nicky in this scenario? Well, I really don't want to erase Nicky creating the song with his mum. I'm not gonna lie, it was touching. But… what if Nicky was showing early signs of divination powers? And by that I don't mean that he knew the song he creates with his mum will eventually open The Road someday etc. But maybe he saw glimpses of The Road in his dreams and that inspired him? The rest could stay all him and Agatha. I don't think it'd take away from it, but I do find it a pretty fun idea, mostly because Agatha seems to be quite sceptical about divination. I mean, she actually says that Tarot is a scam. So, imagine her realising that her little boy could've grown up to be a divination witch. I dunno, it's quite an interesting possibility, in my opinion.

And yes, it'd mean that Agatha accidentally created the ritual to access that real place. Or hell, maybe the song never mattered. I mean, you know how in "Turning Red", Mr Gao says that they have to sing from their hearts during the ritual, but it doesn't matter what? It could work like that!

Anyway, there's one more thing that bothers me. And that is… how the hell Agatha figured out that The Road is Billy's creation? Yes, I know that she knew it's not real, and therefore somebody had to create it, but how she connected it to Billy, exactly? Like, girl… You've been trapped in Wanda's spell for the last three years. Somebody might've physically dug that whole thing under your house as a prank on you, and you wouldn't know it. I realise that Billy's sigil might've made her think of Billy, but… it was more of a lucky guess than a deduction if you ask me. And I really don't like it. Because keep in mind that Agatha didn't see all the things in Billy's room which helped the audience to figure it out in advance. And what bothers me the most is probably the inclusion in the reveal that moment when Billy says: "It's exactly how I imagined it!", to which Agatha replies: "It suits you". Which basically implies that she was suspecting him back then already, as soon as they entered The Road. But like… HOW?? I'm sorry, but if you asked a group of goth teens how they imagine a place called "The Withes' Road", I bet a big part of them would describe a similar image to what we saw at the very beginning of The Road.

I just wish there was something that could give Agatha this idea. But as I said, it feels more like a guess. Like, why she doesn't suspect Rio, for example? I know that Rio most likely knows The Road isn't really, and that Agatha knows that she knows. But there's at least more to support it, in my opinion. I mean, the last time they saw each other, they agreed that Rio would wait until Agatha got her purple back, right? And look at that, how convenient: here's something that IN THEORY can do just that! And why Agatha enters The Road without thinking about it twice? Because of the Salem Seven. And who sent the Salem Seven?

I am very biased about this idea because I actually had a theory that Teen and Rio worked together to get Agatha to The Road – but like I said, there's at least something to support it! And yes, I know Agatha admits she wasn't "sure sure" at first, but at the same time, she doesn't mention any other possibilities. I dunno, it's just… eh. Perhaps it wasn't an afterthought as much as with Jen's trial, but I'd say it's still missing… something.

So, I guess that's it. My main issues with Agatha All Along finale. It's just… underwhelming and quite disappointing. Maybe it's because I genuinely enjoyed the first seven episodes. I really want to appreciate it for what it is, but it still feels more like it was done for the sake of the reveal than because it served an actual purpose.

[herearedragons]

Six-Song Soundtrack

thanks for the tag @shivunin and @ndostairlyrium!

Rules: If you're tagged, make a new post with links to music and/or lyrics describing the following:

An event that defines your character's past

How your character sees themselves

How others view them

Their closest relationship (platonic or romantic)

A major fight scene

End credits song

...no one should be surprised that I'm doing this for Selene. (songs here, lyrics + reasoning under the cut. content warning for a mention of Sensitive Topics (cults + suicidal ideation) in some of these)

Twenty One Pilots - March To The Sea

Lyriel - Voices In My Head

Tarja - I Walk Alone / Chloe Foy - Oh You Are Not Well / EPIC: The Musical - Ruthlessness

Imogen Heap - 2-1

Tarja - Lost Northern Star

Imagine Dragons - Selene

tagging: @curiouslavellan @solas-backpack-mug @apeirotilio @dragonologist-phd @galesdove if any of you feel like it!

Twenty One Pilots - March To The Sea

And about this time of every year The line will go to the ocean pier And walk right off into the sea And then we fall asleep

And as we near the end of land And our ocean graves are just beyond the sand I ask myself the question Why I fall in line

Then out of the corner of my eye I see a spaceship in the sky And hear a voice inside my head Follow me instead

The go-to past-defining event is definitely her leaving the sea/oblivion-themed cult she grew up in (which. kind of worshipped her for a while due to her being marked by their goddess, then asked her to ritually drown herself. she said no thanks. those were also the people who raised her so the "no thanks" part was difficult and did involve her killing some people when they wouldn't take no for an answer)

Lyriel - Voices In My Head

All the different, noisy, loud and harsh Voices in my head, they follow me To break me down Oh, I can't resist a single one Tempting me to stay, to see, to give, and I obey

When I change my mind They are holding on to me And pushing me into water Cold and dark and beautiful I am not alone They are with me in my time of need, in me Quiet is the tempting sea and beautiful Her dark and cold embrace Peacefully I breathe the need to be with her And taste her grace

She's psychic! She sees and hears souls! She's still processing the cult trauma! And I do think that the struggle with all of that is a big part of how she defines herself. Like. For a while, that was probably the core of her identity.

Tarja - I Walk Alone

Go back to sleep forevermore Far from your fools and lock the door They're all around and they'll make sure You don't have to see what I turned out to be No one can help you I walk alone Every step I take, I walk alone My winter storm holding me awake It's never gone when I walk alone

...I'm doing three "other people's perspective" songs because each one of those is a very specific perspective and I think they're all fun.

This one is the general vibe people probably get from her, which is "ominous, kind of otherworldly, distant" and that's about it.

Chloe Foy - Oh You Are Not Well

Oh you are not well You cannot string your thoughts together How, you do not know To make it any better What you can't decide To love life or to lose it How can we despair When all we do is move it

There is one way of telling If a Mad Man's what you'll be You'll take one look, and with one look Your eyes will flash with fury But don't be hard, have some heart For one day you will see Have some heart and hold his soul and give him all your body

...while people who don't know her that well find her very intimidating and don't really get past that, the people closer to her do know that she's kind of a mess (a highly functional mess, mind you, but still). Also encroaching on the next question's territory a little bit because she does get a Crush Arc and a Pining Arc and it happens to be represented here (to be fair, that's something only one specific character in one specific universe gets to observe as it happens - thank you for your service @curiouslavellan's Helaine - but that counts, I think)

EPIC: The Musical - Ruthlessness

You are the worst kind of good 'cause you're not even great A Greek who reeks of false righteousness, that's what I hate 'Cause you fight to save lives, but won't kill and don't get the job done I mean, you totally could have avoided all this had you just killed my son But no

You are far too nice, mercy has a price It's the final crack, we're bound to break the ice now You reveal your name, then you let him live Unlike you, I've got no mercy left to give 'cause

Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves

...this one is fun for me, personally, because it fits Ondra's perspective of her. You know. The goddess that marked her and is kind of responsible for the whole cult thing.

This also relates to some late-game Ondra-related events in POE1 (if you know you know), but even without that context, the point is that Ondra has some beef with Selene and her "people shouldn't be thrown away the second they have served their purpose" stance and the fact that she's still alive. Which is fun for Selene to deal with.

Imogen Heap - 2-1

I'm dying to know What's in your head I'm dying to know How it all got in there I'm dying to know To help make some sense of it all I'm dying to know Tell me is it my fault?

And I care about you, darling And I care about you 'Cause I care about you More than anyone else

Things are not always Things are not always How they seem

They don't turn out always Don't quite turn out always How we think Will we be ready?

Ship song!! Early relationship vibes, and by "early relationship" I mean "no one even realizes they have feelings yet". But yeah, it's the "falling for a telepath"/"telepath falling for someone and trying to UnderstandTM them" and the "I don't know why but you're Important to me" and the "there's some kind of horrible danger looming over us but we don't realize it yet" of it all.

Tarja - Lost Northern Star

Lost northern star Buried in sorrow I'll guard your mind Let demons howl outside

My soul burns

I have been known to refer to the different versions of this song as her boss music. phase 1 / phase 2 / phase 3

Imagine Dragons - Selene

To the demonstrated smile To the lonely love child Destination desolation, tell me when you reach the brink of life Just a picture on your wall Thats nice, what a metaphoric fall Typically, I was a validation on your sleeve Oh what an indication To the center of the pain Through your tattered window pane To the middle of your heart

Resolutions and lovers in the kitchen Love is clueless and destiny is wishing This is my heart, it's on the line, Selene

Less lore-accurate lyrics and a way more upbeat sound than the rest of her playlist, but I feel like a credits song should be allowed that. I mean, come on, it has her name in it!! also there IS some Selene-adjacent stuff there with "lonely love child / destination desolation / tell me when you reach the brink of life", and I do kind of read "just a picture on your wall, that's nice / ... / I was a validation on your sleeve" as her addressing the people who raised her. And I can't NOT make "this is my heart, it's on the line, Selene" about Ship Stuff. It's literally in the author's notes of Cold Water.

(also, this IS the last song on her actual playlist for this exact reason. credits music)

[drea-ms]

AMOR ETERNO FUSHIGURO MEGUMI.

ふしぐるめぐみ Love always lasts forever. Why didn't it last for you and him? what did he do wrong this time?

warnings. heavy angst. hurt no comfort. major character death. misunderstandings. implied hispanic/spanish speaking reader. am mexican guys i know what i'm doing. megumi crying ☹️. canon? i think, it does take place during the shibuya arc. wrote this at 12 am with no sleep. not proofread and grammar mistakes

You didn't think it would hurt this much, the pain in your heart was way worse than the pain you're feeling right now. Maybe it was the adrenaline that main you forget the pain of being stabbed, you're greatful for that, you have more time to focus on your heavy heart at the moment. You hated that this was the way you were dying, killed by curse (probably higher level) and with no one by your side. It....It was difficult to stay focused on not dying, even when you see his spiky dark hair. His voice going deaf in your ears.

"...n't d...e on... u.... n!" was all you heard, his muffled voice trying to keep you awake, it wasn't working. His voice that brought you comfort before this incident wasn't comforting you like old times, no, none of him was comforting right now, you were on death's door. Something Megumi was least expecting. He regrets everything that has happened in the past two weeks, he was an idiot to not realize his feelings. An idiot to reject you, and an idiot to have fought with you hours before this incident.

What was the that sentence you said in spanish again? He couldn't remember. Fuck. he can't remember anything, why can't he remember? why does he always fuck things up? Megumi looks at your state, you look like shit, cuts on your face, that stupid scar that was in your stomach from that spear the stupid curse landed on you. But nonetheless, you always looked beautiful. At least to him, even in your dying breath you looked like a angel. He doesn't realize he's zoning out until you call his name weakly, hands shaking as you hold his cheeks with both of your hands, smiling at him like nothing ever happened, tears streaming down your face.

"Hi Megs." you say, in the most normal you can, that sweet voice he missed hearing,

"Hi, let's—let's get you out of here yea?" he says, the lump in his throat getting thicker the more he sees you suffer.

"I don't—don't think ill last enough to get to Ieiri-san, Megumi." you stated, he hated how you were right. You wouldn't make it by the time you got the long haired smoker.

"I—I know, just stay awake, please? don't wanna lose you. not after our fight. please" the shaking in his voice making it hard to understand him,

"Do you remember that sentence in spanish I taught you?" you asked, smiling softly as you remembered what you tought him.

"The one from that one song? of course." you laugh at how much he was trying to avoid the topic of you dying in his arms.

"Yes, that one, Do you finally remember what it means and do you know how to say it correctly?" the smirk in your face never leaving as you see him think about it,

"Not really, I think I'm not good enough yet." he says trying to keep you awake as he called for more back up. he can't lose you, not after he lost everyone else.

"You wanna here the part that goes with yours? it comes right after yours." you saying giggling as you started closing your eyes, who knew death would be this peaceful?

"Yes, just keep talking to me okay?" "Of course, anything for you megs." a smile came on both of your faces

"Como quisiera, Que tú vivieras Que tus ojitos jamás se hubieran cerrado nunca Y estar mirándolos" he begins, tears pooling out of his eyes, no longer holding them back.

"Amor eterno E inolvidable Tarde o temprano estaré contigo para seguir Amándonos" you say, and with that you close your eyes. your breathing stopped and finally at peace.

"please. come back to me. I'm so sorry."

VAL SPEAKS !!!! i love angst 🤭🤭🤭 i have so many angst prompts in works rn!!! i'm going to have so much fun:3333 rlly hope u liked this fic :p was crying while i wrote it cus it was late :///

[willalove75]

your fics are so beautiful 🥺 the canon glimpses that we've gotten of silly/playful/teasing rebecca are so important to me and I love that she's present among your fluffy fics!!! if the inspiration strikes you, what about reader losing a tickle fight to rebecca (but loving the attention/affection/being at her mercy)? could easily be pure fluff or nsfw, whatever strikes your fancy!! thank you for your time regardless!! 💜

Omg thank you so much 🥺 She's such an amazing, multilayered character and I love being able to explore the sweeter, more playful side of her!! We get a lot of the tough exterior side of her on the show, which I LOVE, but it's fun seeing other sides of her (I also love how the show has been slowly showing that side of her too).

I can absolutely do something with that!! That's so cute I love it!! Thank you so much for you kind message and for the request!! 💕 If you ever have any other ideas please feel free to send them my way! I love getting requests 😍

You type out your last email of the day as the coaches say goodbye and head home. You shut your laptop and gather your things and head out to meet your girlfriend in the parking lot, like you do every day. You get through the double doors and find Rebecca standing outside, waiting for you. You can tell by her body language she isn't happy, you knew she had a big meeting today and you have a feeling it didn't go so well.

"Hi babe!" you say cheerfully as you walk up behind her and wrap your arms around her waist.

You feel her tense body relax at your touch, she turns in your arms to face you and wraps her arms around your neck.

"Hi love"

She towers over you, especially when she's in heels. She arcs her neck down as you come up on your tip toes and exchange a kiss.

"How did your meeting go?" you say with hope

"Not well" she sighs

"Oh honey I'm so sorry," you say as you cup her face with one of your hands "do you want to talk about it?" you ask as you look into her eyes.

She leans her face into your hand as she places her hand over yours and holds onto it.

"No, not really"

"Okay, well let's go home, I'll cook dinner and we'll have a great night and take your mind off of it!"

"Okay" she replies. You can feel how down she is, even when she smiles, it's not as bright and happy as usual; you know it's gonna take more than dinner and some wine to cheer her up. You pull her in for another kiss and lead her to the car and open the door for her.

"Madame" you say as you bow, trying to get her to laugh.

She gives a small chuckle and ducks into the car. You close her door and get in on the other side. Rebecca is on her phone going through her work emails.

"What's that?" you ask

"Oh nothing, just emails"

"Let me see that for a second" you say as you grab the phone out of her hand.

"Hey wait!" she says trying to grab the phone back

"No! No more work" you put the phone in your bag and push your bag aside "you need one night without work. You had a shit day today, give yourself a break"

She goes to argue back before you cut her off

"And don't try to fight me on this" you grab her hand and look into her eyes "you know I'm right"

She gives you an irritated look, for a second you think of backing down but you decide to stay strong. Once she realizes you won't give in, she sighs in defeat "Fine"

You cuddle up next to her and rest your head on her shoulder, she rests her head against yours and you both sit quietly snuggled up together for the rest of the ride home. The car pulls up to the house and Rebecca seems reluctant to move.

"Hey," you say to her as your hold her face in your hands and look into her eyes "once we get out of this car, we leave all of that shit in here, okay? Nothing that happened today gets into the house, we're gonna leave all of the sadness, stress and frustration right here."

She nods her head as her eyes sparkle, not entirely convinced, but willing to try. You can see in her eyes that she's grateful for what you're doing.

"No more mopey Rebecca, once we get out of the car I want fun Rebecca" you say to her

She frowns and gives you a look.

"Come on," you say "you ready?" as you grab her hand

"Alright" she says

You pull her out of the car and you walk into the house.

"Okay! Fun time!" You say excitedly as you both put your things down. Rebecca's demeanor doesn't change from the car. You can tell she wants to, but the weight from the stress still sits heavily on her shoulders.

"Come on! Let's play!" you say as you jump around her

She chuckles "Honey-"

"Nope you promised! Come on fun Rebecca!" you say as you poke at her. An idea pops into your head, it's potentially dangerous, but you think it'll work.

She kicks off her shoes and goes to walk into the kitchen. You skip behind her and start practicing karate moves on her, gently chopping and poking at her sides.

"Ka pow! Ka cha!" you use your terrible sound effects to add some playful flavor to your pokes and chops.

"Hey! Knock it off!" she says with a small giggle, but definitely sounds a little irritated.

"Nope" you say as you keep playing around, poking her sides where you know she's ticklish.

"That tickles!" She says with a laugh, the irritation in her voice dissipates, you're finally breaking through her bad mood.

"There's nothing you can do!" you say over and over as you poke and tickle her as she laughs and tries to fight you off "there's nothing you can do!"

"Oh really?" she says with a raised eyebrow, Rebecca is significantly stronger than you, hence the potential for danger when you play around like this, you know you're done for.

"Shit!!" you squeal as you run away from her

"Get back here!" she yells as she runs after you

You run into the bedroom and close the door right before she can stop you, she tries to push it open but by some miracle you're able to lock it before she's able to open it. Rebecca hears the lock click and jiggles the handle

"Hey! Open the door!" she says as she laughs

"No!!"

You hear her footsteps walk away as you put your ear to the door. She walks back and you hear the handle jiggle and hear a click, she unlocks the door

"Oh shit!!" you yell as you run away from the door onto the bed as she bursts it open

"I have the key" she says with the spare key in her hand "now you're gonna get it"

She runs after you and you hop off of the bed onto the other side, the bed in between the two of you, you're in a standoff.

"There's no where for you to go now" she says, you can tell already her mood has changed, playful Rebecca finally came through.

She goes to climb onto the bed after you as you run around the side, you almost get past her but she hops off and grabs you by your waist and throws you onto the bed as you squeal with laughter.

"NO! NO!!" you say as you try to climb away from her.

"Oh no you're gonna get it" she says with laughter and determination.

She straddles you on the bed as you try to grab her wrists to stop her from tickling you. She manages to get her hand around one of your wrists and pins it above your head as you struggle to keep your other hand out of her grasp.

"NO!!" you shout playfully

"Oh no you're not getting away from me" she giggles

As usual, she's able to grab your other wrist and pins it above your head, she uses one had to hold down both wrists as she tickles the hell out of you.

"Ah!!! NOOOO!!" you struggle to break free but she's a lot stronger than you, you know you have no chance but you try to wiggle away anyway. Rebecca is laughing as she's tickling you, you pause for a moment to soak in how amazing she is, how gorgeous her smile is, how much you love hearing her laugh. She digs her fingers into your side and you squeal again.

"STOPPP!! I'm gonna pee!!!!" you yell through laughs

Rebecca keeps tickling you as you squirm and try to get away, even though there's no chance. Between your hands pinned above your head, and her strong legs on either side of your hips keeping you from wiggling away, you're screwed.

"Okay! Okay! Okay!!" you yell "Uncle!!!"

She pauses only for a second and gives you a confused look, she quickly returns to tickling you.

"What is that not a fucking thing here?!" you yell, squirming at each poke and tickle she gives you "I give up!!!! You win!!!!"

She stops tickling you but keeps your hands pinned above your head as you pant, trying to catch your breath.

"It's not fair," you whine "you're too strong!"

Rebecca laughs and leans her face close to yours.

"I don't know why you ever think you can win these" she says with a giggle as she starts to kiss your neck.

"Even though I didn't win win, I still won" you say playfully

Rebecca picks her head up and looks at you confused.

"I got fun Rebecca to come out!" you say as you stick your tongue out.

Rebecca laughs and pretends to bite at your tongue.

"Therefore, I win!" you say matter-of-factly.

She rolls her eyes at you and goes back to kissing your neck.

"I mean, there's no way I didn't win!" you continue

She moves her face in front of yours.

"You're such a little shit, you know that?" she says with a smile

"Yep" you say proudly as she shakes her head at you.

You giggle and slide your wrists out from under her grasp, you hold her face in your hands and pull her in for a kiss. You can feel her melt into your lips as any of remaining stress she was harboring earlier vanishes. You roll her over so you're laying next to each other on the bed. You exchange soft kisses, her full lips feel like pillows against yours. With her hands on your hips she pulls you closer, your thumb caresses her cheek as you feel her chest rise and fall against yours with each breath.

You pull away and look into her beautiful eyes, you kiss her nose and put your forehead against hers as you continue to stroke her cheek. She turns her head and places a kiss in the center of your palm and looks at you with bright, full eyes. She moves a piece of hair away from your face and rests her hand on your cheek. She closes her eyes and puts her forehead back against yours.

"Thank you" she says quietly

"Of course" you softly reply "I love you"

"I love you too" she says back.

She wraps her arms around you and pulls you in for another passionate kiss. She breaks off and looks deep into your eyes, you can see her eyes are full of love and happiness, not an ounce of stress is left. She nuzzles into your neck and takes a deep breath in, you feel the rest of her body relax into you as your wrap your arms around her. She feels safe with you, something she hasn't been able to feel for a long time. You hold her tighter, you're her home, and she's yours.

[a-boros-named-seamus]

As the Citadel fell around him, Shepard thought about the Normandy. About every member of his crew. About Kaidan.

🎵 “It started out as a feeling,”

He remembered meeting the man, just before Eden Prime. Fighting aside him and Ash, with him on that last desperate sprint to the Conduit.

🎵 “Just because everything's changing, doesn't mean it's never been this way before.”

And then there was Alchera. Promising Kaidan he would be fine just as soon as he got joker to a pod. Struggling to breathe as his suit vented into the void.

🎵 “Now we're back to the beginning,”

And then there was Horizon. That terrible day. Kaidan looking at him like a traitor, a puppet dancing to the Illusive Man's tune, had broken something in his heart that he hadn't known was there. He thought of Kaidan when he destroyed the Collector Base

🎵 “But just because they can't feel it too, doesn't mean that you have to forget.”

Mars had been... hard. He had desperately wanted Kaidan to trust him again, had tried so hard to convince him, but there was little time for talking, and he wasn't comfortable baring his heart in front of Liara and her obvious, unwelcomed, crush on him.

Nevertheless the pain in his heart drove him to try. And it had been working, step by step.

🎵 “Pick a star on the dark horizon and follow the light.”

And then Eva Core had tried to collapse Kaidan's skull. He'd barely been able to tear him away from Kaidan's bedside, let alone sleep. And when he had slept, his dreams had been full of the words of the dead. The Vista of the Citadel's wards arcing out if the Widow Nebula had been as beautiful as ever, but it had been hard to think about anything but the paramedics EDI had called to meet them in the docking bay. Watching them take Kaidan away had filled him with a profound sense of dread.

🎵 “It's just a feeling and no one knows yet,”

"Maybe some things get better with age"

"Or maybe you have"

Kaidan chuckled. "Are you flirting with me, Commander? Wait, wait! Don't tell me. Let me live in the illusion"

Shepard's heart had skipped a beat there. He'd been going out on a limb and kaidan had been happy. Had encouraged him.

There was still an ache deep within his heart, but it was closing.

🎵 “You'll come back when it's over,”

Kaidan lowering his gun there on that Citadel had healed that secret hurt that he'd been nursing since Horizon. Their conversations on Mars and in Huerta had helped, but this one absolute moment of trust closed it forever, leaving naught but a memory.

🎵 “And then that word grew louder and louder 'til it was a battle cry,”

That date, that 'sanity check' at Apollo's Cafe. It had been... oh god it had been perfect. They'd both danced around the subject, just a bit, but in the end they'd come together and stuck that way.

And later, at the car lot, when he'd been running from CAT-6 and relying on his barriers and wits. He'd walked through a door to find Kaidan standing there in his armor and toying with mercs, and his relief, adrenaline, fear, and love had all mixed together to make that tableau the single hottest thing he had ever seen.

🎵 “All you can do is try to know who your friends are as you head off to the war,”

His thoughts went to that last party on the Citadel. All of his living crewmates had been there sharing moments both raucous and quiet. It had done his soul good. The cracks that had started with abandoning Ashley had finally begun to close. His favorite part had been the morning after. He'd woken up next to Kaidan and gone on to find his crew enjoying the morning quiet.

🎵 “Let your memories grow stronger and stronger ‘til they're before your eyes,”

The last memory was that of Kaidan coming up to his quarters just before the assault on Cerberus. Good drinks, a good talk, and even better sex. It had been the perfect night, even as death's specter loomed.

And then, he returned to present.

🎵 “Which then grew into a hope, which then turned into a quiet thought, which then turned into a quiet word,”

Just breathe. He repeated it to himself over and over, his cybernetics straining to keep him alive beneath the rubble. He could see teams searching the wreckage, but couldnt call out, because he had to focus on breathing.

He'd managed to tap into every eezo nodule in his body, pushing his biotincs to their limit on order to break his fall and keep himself from being utterly crushed, and it had still been just barely enough. But there was hope for him yet

As he started to slip away, he heard rescuers drawing close.

"Call the Normandy. We found him alive"

🎵 “No need to say goodbye,”

He awoke to several familiar sensations. The rubbing of soft sheets. The scent of flowers. Warm sunlight on his skin. A monitor beeping in time with his heart.

"Shepard?"

Kaidan was there next to him, holding some sort of report and looking dreadful. He also looked beautiful. Like the dawn after a long, cold night.

They spent a few quiet moments of relief together until EDI, who had of course hacked the hospital to keep an eye on his heart monitor, ushered everyone in. Or, well. All of them that could fit in a private hospital room.

The rains had passed, a beautiful new day had dawned, and they were all here to see it.

[justplainwhump]

Marta

Adrian takes Blanca/Bea to see an old confidante.

[pet safety masterpost]

Content: BBU (mostly discussed via pet lib shenanigans), part of a recovery arc. A lot of family background on Adrian, but like, kind of loving.

The gallery was in one of the side streets, tucked between a shawarma place and a high end dental clinic. Laurel Crane, Art Gallery & Classes, it said in the window, and underneath the name hung the poster of a past exhibition. It wasn't a particularly popular place, it wasn't a particularly shady one either.

While Laurel Crane didn't exist, the art classes were real, so was the art, and it was quite a stretch for anyone to assume this was the main hub of the city's pet lib movement.

Even more so when looking at the gallerist, a slender woman with long dark locks pulled into a loose braid. She wore a simple-but-stylish sleeveless black dress, her muscular arms underneath littered with specks of paint on top of dark bruises.

"A-", she called out, but let the syllable hang between them in the moment her gaze fell on Bea.

"She knows my name," Adrian said with a half apologetic smile and folded his arms. "She knows a lot about me."

"Oh?" Marta raised a brow, perfectly covering up the frown he knew was hiding underneath. "Looks a little like you, too. Nice shirt."

Adrian grimaced.

"Thank you." Bea smiled, and it stung, how real it felt. There was no reason for her to trust Marta, she knew nothing about her at all, she'd lived her entire conscious life in a surroundings where everyone was ready to hurt her, and yet she easily called up a radiant, heartwarming smile at a stranger. "You look beautiful, too."

"That's not what I said," Marta replied softly. "I didn't compliment your beauty. I like your choice of clothes. I'm Marta."

"I'm..." Bea glanced over at Adrian, asking for permission, and he nodded. "Bea."

Marta pointedly looked at the shape of Beatrix Kiddo on Bea's yellow T-shirt and then at him. "Boys will be boys, Adrian, huh?"

"Coincidence," Adrian said stiffly. Of course she commented on it. She was a pet lib leader, a strategist and commander, but some things would never change.

Marta had directed her attention back at Bea. "Hi, Bea. I work with some people who help pets that got away from their owners. I'll help Adrian to find a place for you at-"

"She's not free."

Marta's attention snapped to him, eyes narrowed, searching his face, and finding a reply way to easily. She sighed deeply. "Oh, little one, no."

"Yeah." Adrian averted his gaze. "Things didn't work as planned. I bought her."

"You can still free her."

"You know I can't."

Marta closed her eyes for some seconds, before she nodded. "Yeah. No. You can't."

She exhaled deeply. "Hey, Bea? I would like to talk to Adrian alone for a moment. Are you okay, looking at the paintings here, while we step into the office?"

Bea looked at him nervously, before Marta pointed at a glass wall with a neat little desk behind. "It's just over there. We'll leave the blinds open so you can see him at all times."

"Okay." Bea bit her lip. "I... It's... it's not his fault, Madam Marta. He helped me. I, ... please don't send me away."

"Oh, Bea, sweetie," Marta said, and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry. He's not in trouble."

-

"You're in trouble," Marta said, once the door fell close behind them. "And it's not just because you gave my heartfelt gift to someone else."

"I know," Adrian replied and let himself sink into her office chair. "That's why I came here."

Marta reached a water carafe and filled two glasses, pushing one over to him. "It's been a while since you last came to me about advice dealing with cute girls."

Adrian grinned sheepishly. "Or cute boys."

Her face darkened, before she shook her head. "Still think I messed that one up though. Anyway. Let's talk about Bea." She jugged her chin into Bea's direction. "How did Jack Donnell's Chewtoy end up in my T-shirt and your possession?"

"Ray told you?"

"Not all of it, it seems."

"Izzy is out. Tried to run the job across her, declare Bea dead. But WRU is getting more careful with access to their systems."

Marta ran a hand through her hair. "So you bought her?"

Adrian pressed his lips together and nodded shortly. "You know what the alternative was."

"I know what the consequence of this choice is, too. Given that for all I know you've gotten yourself another complaint. We need you at your best at WRU, considered completely loyal. Trusted."

"I couldn't let her die."

"I know." The smile that tugged at Marta's lips was melancholic, almost sad. Marta smiled, and it looked almost melancholic. "I've always known you're not cut out for the job."

"But I'm the one who volunteered for it."

"And nobody else did sacrifice as much as you." She sighed. "Point is, you're too good for WRU. Too good for us, too."

"Whatever you or Ray say, Matti, I won't give her up."

She nodded. "Yeah. You're right. Ray will want you to."

"And you?"

"I like her shirt." Marta bit her lip. "You've sacrificed enough, Adri. As your leader, of course Ray is right. As your big sister, I want you to get out of this. Take Bea, get her to Canada, be..." She shrugged. "Whatever. A bus driver, as you've always wanted."

"When we were like, five." Adrian smirked. "I hate traffic. I'd make a horrible bus driver."

She raised an eyebrow. "You're implying what, now? You want to go on?"

"My boss thinks I bought Bea as a career move. If I don't mess up, I think she'll recommend me for a promotion soon."

Marta frowned. "Management level access?"

"Yeah."

She leaned back. "Fuck. We can't let that chance pass."

"I want to do it. I don't want to run." He searched for her gaze. "And I won't give up Bea either."

"She's not Eric, you know that, right?"

Adrian's jaw clenched. "Not everything I do is about Eric."

"Bullshit. Everything you do is about Eric." She grimaced. "Everything I do is about Eric, too."

"I can save her."

"Can you?" Marta folded her arms. "You want to work on deconditioning her under the eyes of your hyper-aware colleagues at WRU who know exactly what that looks like, while spying on them and their clients at the same time?"

He followed her gaze, looking at Bea walking through the exhibition room. They both stayed silent for a while, until Adrian shrugged. "I do."

"Even if you think you're capable of that. Is she? She'll need to keep your secrets. Your life depends on it, then. And by proxy, many more."

"Her life depends on me keeping her safe." Adrian kept his voice even, his gaze on Bea standing in front of one of the paintings. "She trusts me with it. And I trust her." He glanced back at Marta. "I didn't just give away your shirt. I also used your recipe for cheese sauce. First meal she picked. She loved it."

"Appropriate. It's very good. Very comforty, too." She considered him with a frown. "That going to be some sort of emotional manipulation? You do you, little brother. I've got your back. Always."

"It's only twenty-one minutes," Adrian replied, like he'd done his entire life.

Her reply was new, though. "How many minutes did it take for you to fall in love with her?"

"I- I didn't..." Adrian looked at Bea, then back at Marta.

She grinned. "Few minutes can make a big difference. That's all I'm saying." She reached out to ruffle his hair, but her hand froze midair and she hissed sharply.

Alarmed, Adrian looked at her, the bruises on her left arm, the way she held herself. More stiff than usual. Weight shifted to the right side. Broken rib, he thought. Why hadn't he seen it sooner? "You're injured. What happened?"

She smirked and lowered her hand again. "Officially? Fell off a rock while bouldering."

"And the unofficial one?"

"Rerouted a WRU shipping truck." Marta looked up at him with a half grin. "Your colleagues didn't go down without a fight."

"But they did go down?"

"They did." She grimaced. "Permanently. Should've seen their obituaries in your company mail."

"Security are external contractors. Company won't write obituaries for them." Adrian bit his lip. He'd had a chat with one of the delivery teams just recently, talked with them about how to handle the boxes, going over into a chat about working conditions at WRU. Steve, the guy he'd been talking to, had hated his job, just done it to get his daughter through college. By shipping out the sons and daughters of other parents, who'd never see their kids again. Adrian sighed deeply, pushed back all the sympathy he felt for Steve. "And the pets?"

"Think they're with their owners. Happy, as far as the definition goes. We got six out, this time."

Six. Six lives, turned to the better, thanks to Marta's relentless fight. He whistled. "That's impressive, sis. Congratulations."

"We used your intel," Marta replied. "You're aware of that, right? I didn't bring you in on it before, but that success? It's on you. We know how they plan their routes, how they staff them, how they guard them, even how they stack these fucking boxes, thanks to you. You might not see your own successes, but this one, out of many."

Adrian's gaze shifted back at Bea. "I want her to be happy, too," he said. It felt like a confession.

"I know," Marta said. "And I've run enough deconditionings over the years to know the two of you will make it. She seems like a nice girl."

"You've said that about every girl I ever liked."

Marta shrugged. "Could mean I'm lying. Could also mean you're doing something pretty right."

"You'll help me?"

She pulled him into a one-armed hug, wheezing for a moment when he slung his arms back around her. "Always, little brother."

---

-

pet safety tag list (ask to be added or removed): @gottawhump @flowersarefreetherapy @whumplr-reader @highwaywhump @tauntedoctopuses @pigeonwhumps @whumppsychology @labgrowndemon @whumpinggrounds @somewhumpyguy @whumpzone @tragedyinblue

[libraryofnika]

Last Reads of June

Full Review below ✨

𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐞 by Rebecca Zanetti

Information is power, and those who control it live like gods. In my world, billionaires play deadly games of insult and influence where magic is the dirtiest weapon of all. Here, even a powerful princess can be swallowed by the darkest of shadows . . . My name is Alana Beaumont, and due to a recent tragedy, I’m the sole heir to Aquarius Social, a family business being systematically dismantled by an unseen enemy. My father’s solution is to give me in marriage and create a coalition with a competing family, so I’m torn between my thirst for revenge and my duty. Now I just have a week to finish my hunt before the wedding. There’s nothing like an assassination attempt to cut short the best of plans—even worse is my unwanted rescue by Thorn Beathach, the Beast whose social media empire is driving Aquarius under. The richest, most ruthless of them all, he protects his realm with an iron rule: no one sees his face. When he shows himself to me, I know he’ll never let me go. Adam may think he can lock me in his castle forever, but I’m not the docile Beauty he expects. If the Beast wants to tie me up, I’m going to take pleasure from every minute of it . . .and we’ll just see who ends up shackled.

Release Date: June 25, 2024 Date Read and Review (Goodreads): June 24, 2024

Ratings: 2⭐

I'm definitely excited and hoping to like this novel, considering a mutual of mine in booksta did enjoy this novel, so it added to my expectations.

I'm not gonna lie, the first half was enjoyable, the writing really gave this thrilling and suspenseful kind of atmosphere in my opinion so I was hoping that the momentum would continue in the later chapters until the end.

However, it didn’t turn out like that. It ended up quite dragging and flat for me. The characters became tedious, and I really didn't like the developments going on, especially the romance. This is another case of trope and concept that's not executed well, in my opinion.

Overall, it did quite fall flat for me. I was really hoping that it wouldn't turn out like that.

Thank you, Headline Eternal and author Rebecca Zanetti, for the e-arc opportunity.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 by Marni Mann

A scorching hot, he-falls-first, touch-her-and-die, billionaire romance from USA Today best-selling author Marni Mann … The first time I saw her, I wanted her. The second time I saw her, I knew she had to be mine. Beautiful blonde hair. Cornflower-blue eyes. Body to die for. All things I knew I couldn’t live without. But after one night, she ghosted me, leaving me desperate for another taste. I was usually the one to walk out the door before the morning light came. This time, it was her, but not without becoming my obsession in the process. Lily was a mystery. She had a past shrouded in secrets she was unwilling to divulge. She was running from something, and I was determined to find out what it was. And once I did, I’d do anything to protect her. They called me the sinner for a reason. Because I wouldn’t hesitate to burn down the world or cross any line to save her.

Release Date: June 27, 2024 Date Read: June 23, 2024 Date Reviewed (Goodreads): July 2, 2024

This is my first time reading from the author and I would say I had my expectations quite set a little bit high considering there's a bunch of 5 and 4⭐️ ratings so I'm quite excited about it.

The synopsis, although not to my liking on how it was presented, piqued my interest. I'm quite drawn to the obsessive and touch her and die trope so you see, once again, I had expectations.

Long story short, it felt flat. I don't mind a love at first sight or lust at first sight trope as long as it's written well, but unfortunately, the writing here wasn't something or something that endeared me.

It was pretty disappointing, considering the plot really had potential if just the writing did execute well and utilises the trope in a better light as well as the characters.

Overall, I didn't like it. I really wanted to like this, but I just couldn't.

Thank you, Valentines Pr and author Marni Mann, for the e-arc opportunity ♡

A Dream of Blood and Magic by Olivia Boothe

DNF at 55% 1.5⭐️

Don't get me wrong, the premise sounds intriguing, and I had high hopes for it. But it was just so boring for me. I couldn't take another page from it, and it feels like I will be in a slump if I forced it.

Thank you, Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the e-arc opportunity.

You Belong With Me by Mhairi McFarlene

1.5 ⭐️

°

I knew I should have just DNF this, but my guilt and conscience is so strong since I just DNFed a book.

Long story short, the novel is EMPTY AND EXCRUCIATINGLY PAINFUL TO READ.

The characters aren't likeable at all. I couldn't connect to them and the romance.

The concept is waste, and I feel like the author jusy wrote this for the sake of writing without passion because that's what I feel when reading this.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-arc opportunity.

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[cumaeansibyl]

dandelion - "I would not have you otherwise"

You are the mom friend, your bag is full of everything for any possible situation every time you leave your house. Your friends know they can talk to you and that you will accept them and love them for who they are, not some idea of how you think they should be. You have amazing taste in food and are constantly baking things and gifting them to others. At some point, you tried some style of journaling, and it’s about a 50/50 chance that you kept up with it. Your ideal home smells of comfort foods and has tons of windows so that it’s always filled with natural light. Everyone you care about gets a key to your door and blanket permission to stop by anytime. Part of the reason you care so much for others is because you think you’re broken and are trying to make up for it. You are not broken, and you are not whole. You are a person, and people are messy and complicated. There’s no need to chase after a redemption arc, you are trying so hard and that’s all that matters. Take some of the grace you offer to others and apply it to yourself.

---

all of these comforts are for me first of all and shared with my friends when I have abundance. don't worry. "grace" presupposes that we cannot earn love, only receive it through another's pity; I have learned that to need love is to deserve it. dandelions are a useful and beautiful bloom but my favorite flower is the lily of the valley, "a return to happiness."

Have you ever wondered what flower from Victorian flower language you are? I have! I have a quiz about it! (my credentials are that I have a spreadsheet of over 600 flower meanings)

[artdecosupernova-writing]

Fictober '20 Prompt No. 10 — "All I ever wanted..."

Category: Fanfic Fandom: My Favorite Martian (1963–1966) Rating: G Timeline: anytime after season 1 CW: none Word Count: 1,521 Additional Notes: part 2 of this particular arc

***

PART II ➳ PART I

Tim halted in front of the door, umbrella dripping onto the porch, soaked from the evening rain. His heart pounded hard beneath his ribs but he put on a brave face, veiled by a layer of exhaustion from chasing the mudslide story while doing as much to assist in the cleanup as he could. Luckily no one had gotten seriously hurt, but a car did get trapped beneath the mud and he helped the fire rescue team unbury it.

The whole time, however, all he could think about was his earlier conversation with Martin.

He peeled away the raincoat and draped it over the porch railing, propping the umbrella beneath it. He almost didn't want to go inside and possibly finish the discussion, but he knew it had to be done, and the sooner the better.

Tim dragged himself through the front door, body aching and heavy. He glanced at the clock—after midnight. He couldn't imagine Martin was still awake, and part of him hoped he wasn't.

The bedroom light was off.

"Alright," Tim murmured to himself. "We'll talk later."

He awoke on the couch the next morning to a knock at the door and twofold the aches he'd felt the night before. For a second he considered letting Martin answer it but decided against it as he didn't exactly want to start the weekend on a bad note. He hauled himself off the couch and shuffled to the door.

"Oh," he grunted, cracking a big yawn and swiping a hand through his hair to make it somewhat presentable. "…G'morning, Mrs. Brown."

She smiled at him. "Oh, Tim, you weren't still sleeping, were you? This day is too beautiful not to enjoy, what after all the rain we got last night."

Tim frowned and leaned his arm against the door. "Why, what time is it?"

"It's just after noon."

"What?" Tim whirled around to confirm with the clock. "…Uncle Martin? Why didn't anyone wake me up?"

"Oh! That's what I came up here to tell you." Mrs. Brown ticked off on her fingers the things she was supposed to remember. "Martin stopped by yesterday after you went to work…he told me to tell you that he was leaving early for the retreat he told you about…and he wasn't sure when he would get back. And not to worry about him!"

Tim had already backed away from the door halfway through her recitation. "Retreat…?" He walked casually to the desk and unlocked the bottom drawer, a pit forming in his stomach when he discovered Martin's journal and flight log had disappeared. "…Retreat."

Mrs. Brown said something else but he didn't hear it, just the ringing in his ears that carried him into rummaging through the coat closet for the CCTBS, the molecular separator, any other gadget that Martin possessed, only to find them missing as well.

"Where…where did he say he went," Tim asked, adrenaline shooting through him now. "Where did he say he was going?"

"Well, I don't know." Mrs. Brown shrugged, wide-eyed yet apologetic. "He said you'd know."

The pin dropped. For several moments Tim stood, dumbfounded, staring at Mrs. Brown as if she'd just grown another head. His muscles tensed to the point of hurting and his nails dug uncomfortably into his palms.

"But he did say not to worry about him," Mrs. Brown reiterated cheerfully. "So I'm sure he'll be fine. He's a big boy, you know, he can take care of himself." She offered a sunny smile on her way out.

Tim, numb from the top of his head to the tips of his toes by the time Mrs. Brown entered her home once again, shot down the stairs on jelly legs. He stopped at the garage…the unlocked garage.

"He wouldn't," Tim breathed. He removed the lock and chain and dropped them onto the pavement. "He wouldn't..."

He swung open the doors. The spaceship was gone. The Martian tools, the personality altercator, everything was gone.

To Tim's surprise, he didn't feel any more fear or worry. It sifted through his system via the perspiration on his forehead and throat, leaving behind monumental despair and the urge to drop to his knees and stay there for the rest of his life.

Instead, he calmly closed the doors and allowed himself to process what had just transpired a while longer.

And he allowed himself another day to process. And another one. More days until an entire week passed and it was all Tim could do not to slip into a comatose depression. Work felt meaningless, conversations lost their appeal, food held no taste, and sleep became a stranger.

Oh, he tried. He sat up in bed every morning, bearing the weight of his melancholy on his shoulders, speaking directly to the gaping hole in his chest, willing the motivation into his own body with as much strength as he could muster.

"Get up," he would say, pounding his knuckles against his sternum. "Do it. You gotta get up. It's just another day. You were a person once, and you can be a person now." Then he would take a deep breath and spring out of bed, pretending he could carry on before he inevitably ran out of steam again.

Detective Brennan picked up on the drastic change of mood as soon as he laid eyes on him, of course. His face split into a wide, venomous smile when Tim pulled into the driveway, radio off, dark circles under his eyes and hair neatly combed but still not Tim.

"O'Hara, if I didn't know any better, and I'm very sure that I do," Brennan sneered, stepping away from Mrs. Brown's door to address him, "I'd say you lost your varsity game to the rival school. No, wait! Your homecoming date rejected you."

Tim managed a sardonic grin though he didn't make any move to exit the vehicle, nor did he look at Brennan as he knew that if he did, he would do or say something he'd regret.

"Bill!" Mrs. Brown scolded from her door. "You leave Tim alone. He's probably just a little gloomy because Martin's been out of town for the last week."

Tim did look at Brennan, then, just in time to watch him affect the cattiest expression he'd ever seen, which stoked the embers of outrage far down in the depths of his soul.

"So that's it," Brennan exclaimed. "I woke up feeling rejuvenated these last few days, and now I know why! Please tell me he's planning on staying out of town indefinitely."

Tim shoved the car door open without thinking about it, catching Brennan on the side and causing him to stumble.

Brennan sputtered. "Wh—O'Hara! I'm going to have you arrested for assaulting an officer of the—"

Tim calmly sidestepped him. "Funny, I don't see one anywhere around here."

Before Brennan could unfreeze his brain enough to shout or nail him any more, Tim climbed the stairs and stormed into the apartment.

He got so used to his sadness that he spent his next night off sitting on the couch, swaddled in his robe and blankets, stuffing his face with peanut brittle. He couldn't explain the peanut brittle as it hadn't entered his realm of consciousness since his breakup with…who? He couldn't remember. It didn't matter.

Tim snapped a piece of brittle in half with his teeth when the front door swung open and Martin strode through, dressed in full space suit, carrying a box full of stuff into the bedroom. He exited the bedroom a second later and jogged outside once again, returning after a minute with another box of stuff.

"Whoa, hey!" Tim shouted, sitting up and dropping the box of peanut brittle onto the coffee table with enough force to send some smaller pieces flying. "What in the world do you think you are doing?!"

"Moving back in," Martin said, aiming a strange smile his way until he disappeared into the bedroom again.

Tim got to his feet and the relief clashing with his deep offense caused him to become light-headed. "No. Oh, no, no you are not! You can't just…you're not…Martin!"

Martin stopped in his tracks halfway to the door, startled by Tim's tone. They stood for ages, staring at each other with sharply contrasting emotions and a little bit of regret from each side. "I told you I'd be back, Tim."

"Yeah," Tim growled through gritted teeth, throwing his blankets onto the floor. "You sure did. You sure told me…except you told Mrs. Brown to tell me because you were too selfish to talk to me yourself! All I wanted was to talk! That's all I ever wanted! And you…you..."

Martin's expression sank into unmistakable contrition.

It dawned on Tim, then, the reality of the situation, the ferocity of his words, and he took a deep breath. Trembling hands found their way into the pockets of his housecoat, his voice lowering to an unstable rumble from the center of his chest. "I was worried you'd gone back to Mars. Without..."

"Do you really think I'd leave without saying goodbye, Tim?"

His ensuing silence responded more than words ever could.