#if you build things well it’s not too bad

[arcane-ish]

@embershroud108 I never read that scene as "this is proof that Piltover sucks and didn't learn a thing" (for that we have Caitlyn's line about cycles of violence continue and nobody ever learns anything "we are doomed to revisit the error of our ways… spark ever more conflicts…")

To me those angry glares to me are just ... realism? Arcane isn't a centrist fairy tale that says "we will have an outside threat and after that everybody will get along", it signals "people pull together for an external threat, but shit is still hard".

At least I'm pretty sure the creators thought of that scene as a tribute to gritty (emotional) realism. I'm ready to knock on the selfish council members as much as anyone, but at the same time, is it really that surprising that they aren't psyched to have Sevika there? The whole story of season 2 was about how supposedly the Pilties are so scared by the continued terrorist attacks that they are willing to be in favor of all kinds of big measures from granting Zaun freedom, to state of emergency, to inviting in help from an enemy army.

Because the show spent so little time building up Piltover asking for Zaun's help we must assume that Zaun coming to help must have come pretty out of left field. So if there was bad blood before, why would it be gone immediately?

And that is on top of the council members having monetary interest in not wanting to share power with anyone. Which again, realistic.

History is full of examples of people banding together against a common enemy and yes that changing things, but also it doesn't magically make the previous conflicts disappear. Maybe it gets buried for a while between the blanket of unity but then festers underneath. ie both Poland and Ukraine generally agree they hate Putin, but they still have quarrels. Or a lot of ex Soviet States were held together by the idea of fighting the fascists together, but old rifts broke out more or less violently as soon the central power weakened.

(or to give another example, black people fought for the US both in WW2 and in Vietnam, important civil rights laws were passed at various points in history and they did make some difference, but they also didn't magically fix racism, doesn't mean that it wasn't important)

To me when people complain about Arcane being too centrist it sometimes read they were hoping to get a pro-revolution fairy tale. As if a pro-revolution fairy tale wouldn't also be pretty disingenuous and unrealistic and really for factual reasons, not just "well obviously centrists hate revolutions and don't see the upsides".

(IMO Arcane is passively centrist-y because that likely reflects the comfortable life position of its primary creators the most. Leftist often like to pretent that any centrism is some sort of conspiracy by the powerful to keep people away from revolution rather than spending any time considering why people might arrive at this position on their own terms (ie because they are receivers of other people's propaganda or because they genuinely thought about it and decided it was the best option) . Of course if you are pro-revolution any "I would rather focus on the people I love rather than dedicate my life to a cause" is a threat. But people make those decisions all the time, for variety of reasons. And if you want people to not make that choice, you have to understand why they make this choice and offer counter options)

Oh those nasty glares and head-shake… The dynamic of oppression is far from over and I hope Sevika keeps on fighting for Zaun’s sovereignty.

A single seat in the council to represent Zaun is a goddamn joke…

[cheyisagirlkisser]

you must be haunting me - ambessa

pairing: fem! servant reader + ambessa medarda

content: 18+ content, sub!reader + dom! ambessa, possessive & rough sex, mentions of various acts (fingering + oral sex + strap on sex + light choking + consensual groping + squirting), power dynamic, NOT a petplay fic but the use of 'pet' is lightly used, i don't play lol so noxia may be inaccurate.

You didn't know what you were signing up for when you took on the job to tend to one of Noxia's most high maintenance generals.

For the most part, Ambessa's relationships with her servants were nothing personal. No matter the gender, they were casually strung along to do her bidding, always willing to please her. Her own affections were limited to entertain herself. If she reciprocated, it was self indulgence. Ambessa may have been selfish, a bit greedy.

You knew of this all too well. The beginning of your relationship was like any other servant-master dynamic. You knew of the vulgarity Ambessa carried within all these situations. You didn't complain when she requested 'perhaps something more than a massage', just to help her take the edge off after an infuriating ordeal amongst others who hold power in Noxia.

It was alluring, the way she captured your interests. You weren't impoverished in any means. You weren't dealt a bad hand or a paycheck away from Noxia's own version of Zaun. You chose to be hers, most likely in contrast to the others who spend their nights in her bed chambers.

You liked staring up at the intricate gold ceiling as you felt her tongue drag up to prod at your clit. The moments in which you got to bury your own face between her heavy thighs, Ambessa's strength leaving you feeling lost in her like a raft in the Pacific was something you admittedly did not wish to ever give up.

On Ambessa's end, you were once a cute girl who took a rare enthusiasm in your sexual relationship with her. Now, you're a curse.

She used to not care what her pets would do when she wasn't thinking with her cunt; now, she finds herself fantasizing about taking you in the most brazen ways during unions amongst Noxia's military. Ambessa pictures it in her head: your cheek against the very mahogany her peers rest their elbows on, your tongue lolled out of your mouth as the ends of her fingers reach the depths of your drooling hole nobody else has dreamed of feeling. The imaginary gift of your ass bent over for her fingers to dig into the meat of it? That does leave Ambessa to think with her cunt.

Ambessa didn't always care. If her sources of entertainment were interested in other affairs in their spare time, as long as they came back clean, it was none her concern. The only thing that mattered was that they were on their bruised knees for her, in front of her when she so demanded and desired, at her beck and call.

Now past the battles scars on her firm abdomen, deep within her stomach lurches with jealousy's ugly appearance. She hasn't quite met her yet, hasn't had the chance to build a tolerance to the green goddess that lurks within her now when she imagines your cunt stuffed with another person's fingers. Her late husband was a good man, but their marriage was one of political needs.

The lack of tolerance to it is why she reacts the way she does.

Ambessa wants to own you and make you stay by her side like an eager little puppy—those soft, saccharine lips she dreams of (waking up to sticky underwear after) wrapping around her clit like it's your honeysuckle and you want each drop of juice, and your nose flush with her dark hairs.

She wants it both ways, too. Ambessa has never been a giver, not thinking about if the people who rubbed her shoulders with care would eventually find a better source of money and leave. It has happened, of course.

With you, she has recently found herself rubbing the tip of her slippery strap against your clit as opposed to just parting your legs with her strength and bottoming out seconds later in hopes that it will keep you satisfied. She doesn't roll over after sex, instead letting her sweaty body lay against yours, a hidden plea behind it all. The less noticeable attempt of tracing the letter 'A' onto your clit is just for her reasons. Branding you with the tip of her tongue, that way you can't dream of finding another to take pleasure in your fuck-me eyes the way she does.

No, she doesn't wish to share you with anyone at all. She should stop herself from imagining turning you around, pinning you against her wall, and fucking you good and well until your fingerprints stain the extortionate wallpaper. She wants to leave her own fingerprints inside your gummy walls for good.

She cannot cease her need to claim you, though.

You arrive late today. You were ordered to swing by her bedroom by 1 p.m, but it is now 1:15. Ambessa reasons with her mind that you could be getting your back blown out by someone else in that time span.

Control is something she values within herself Having patience in any situations, whether it is as minor as your servant running late or in the midst of battle. You have to know how to keep yourself restrained, be responsible, and play your cards right in any situation. Impulsiveness gets people slaughtered like foolish pigs.

So why is it that she lets herself get so carried away with you, marking you up like she is some teenager who lacks self-awareness?

"M-Ma'am, I can explain—" A hand rushes to firmly clamp over your mouth, and your sweet muffles fill her ears.

"Shh, pet. Do you wish to anger me?" Ambessa silences you, breath hot in your ear. She takes a brief pause from her sloppy claiming and loosens her wrapping to hear your answer, your obedience. She craves the reassurance that you're not tainted.

You gasp out for air, willingly pressing your back against her broad chest. The action gives some comfort to Ambessa that you are still hers, but it isn't enough. You're still too hesitant.

"Answer me, will you?" Ambessa growls, one of her hands moving to harshly grope your tit.

It sends a fluttery feeling through your pussy. In reality, you had simply gotten caught up in the crowd on her way to her estate, but the game she offers is like a blanket over your desires—it heats them.

Her leg sneaks between yours, and the feeling of her thigh creating friction with the back of yours creates a wetness that she can probably feel, even through layers of garments. Ambessa lets you feel the firm muscle press against you so snug, so you could grow to want her there, get used to it. After all, she will be between those heavenly thighs of yours all night, maybe well into the morning if she so pleases.

Ambessa flips you around so you're facing her, and you immediately melt into her arms like she is your lifeline. You try to lean closer and feel her lips dominate a kiss, but she grabs your chin before you're able to.

"Did you not hear me? I want an explanation as to why your arrival was so delayed." Ambessa takes you in for a moment—your eyes, wide and so expressive as they stare into hers. You're such an open book; she wants to spread your pages apart and dip into your contents. You don't whine, but the scrunch in your brows belies your need-induced frustration.

"There were a lot of people in the city and-" Ambessa's hand trails down your throat, giving a soft warning squeeze that cuts off your words with a soft, responsive moan. "..I got caught up."

All of Ambessa's irrational fears are quelled. She drops her hand from your throat to pull you closer, and her kiss burns into your lips. Everywhere she touches you is scorching.

Both of you are a tangle of love and limbs, pushing and pulling like magnets. Your lips seek to be love-bitten and overpowered whereas hers part to dive her tongue past yours and show you why you should always need her.

Her mouth is filthy, soft grunts tearing from her throat and resulting in more aggressive kisses. You're an open book, and yet these moments make Ambessa feel an intimacy that even the most vulnerable sex cannot reveal. She feels you responding in time with her, your swollen lips speaking a language she easily understands and adds upon.

In the more vulgar approach, the kiss is sloppy; Ambessa pulls you tongue into your mouth and suckles it in a way that feel more like porn than any hardcore tape.

You weaken Ambessa, you really do. She loses her restraint with her pet so easily. Years and years of success on the battlefield, keeping the Medarda standards raised, and you crash through her building-block tower with ease. She sees the way fabric hugs your hips and she ogles your tits when they're visible to her hungry gaze. She could imagine you in a million sex positions.

But anyone could be so vulgar and not be as affected by a person. It's your lowering inhibitions and the way you wear your pleasure on her face that draw her into what is so vulnerable of territory.

Just like this—she doesn't know how she ended up bringing you down onto her bed, your legs wrapped around her hips as she aimlessly grinds her hips into yours, friction not enough and yet maddening to her.

"I'm going to strip you down, sweet girl," she breathlessly promises. Her hands are hot as they grip the edge of your dress, and she can't pull it over your head fast enough to reveal your soft skin. "You're not to do anything but what I tell you to do."

Ambessa feels all over your body with roughly-textured hands. She teases your nipples through the cutesy cotton bra you're wearing, and you shiver and let out a sweet whine when she traces a path down the center of your navel and dips into your panties.

Almost immediately, she withdraws, leaving your cunt aching and your mouth ready to beg for it.

"Feel yourself. Touch that pretty little cunt of yours and tell me what you feel." She demands.

With a compliant whimper, you hastily shove your hand down your panties. Ambessa feels the imprint it leaves from the outside to make sure she catches any sneaky movements you pull on your own body.

"I'm so wet." And you truly are. Arousal drips down your perineum. Your needy little hole would beg to be filled with something if it could talk. Your lips only glisten with your need, a visual statement, but nonetheless silent.

"You're soaked for me. This pussy of yours loves me. She only weeps for me, doesn't she?" You shamelessly moan in response to her comments. You love the dirty talk.

"Take off your panties." Ambessa orders you. You eagerly peel off the ruined fabric.

Once you're completely exposed to her, she flips you around and handles you until you're on your hands and needs. She yanks your hips back until they're almost fully on her left thigh, but not enough that you're able to grind against the skin.

Ambessa always loves this aspect of the process—how malleable you become. She can twist and turn you in any way she desires all the while keeping your soul intact in the act. Ambessa is your puppeteer, and your cunt is pulled by her strings.

Although Ambessa is one to enjoy the chase and capture of teasing, she is low on her usual patience. A cry of surprise and a response to her invasion releases from your throat when she shoves two fingers into your pussy without warning, harshly thrusting in and out. Her other hand moves to rest on your lower back and press against your body in a show of possession.

She doesn't make an effort to press up into your g-spot or pay attention to your clit, though.

"Ambessa, please!!" She has you crying, needing more. You bury your face into the sheets and your mouth babbles on even though it's all an incoherent, meaningless jumble of words. She has fucked you stupid.

Just when your gummy walls adjust to the harsh fucking your body is enduring, Ambessa thrusts knuckle-deep, pressing into that gooey spot that makes you lose any sense of self control.

Liquid gushes from your hole and drips down your thighs, nature's perversion of a waterfall. Ambessa doesn't stop fucking you until every last drop of cum has left you, though.

You collapse on the bed with a whine from how sore you feel. She strokes your lower back in an offer of comfort, one she doesn't express with most pets.

Not to say she doesn't believe in aftercare, but this feels emotionally charged. This feels like more than what she bargained for. Ambessa has realized how in her head she had gotten. You didn't seem to mind one bit, enthusiastic to it all. It makes her falter, though.

You're her one weakness, and as much as she tries to in these moments, she cannot fully control you.

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[astrolook]

Sun In Synastry : The Light They Bring Or Burn You With

Note: First of all, these are my personal observations based on client readings and what I have observed in real life relationships whether flings, short-term romances, long-term commitments, or marriages. We will be looking into both good and the shadow side of it. No single synastry aspect determines if a relationship is “meant to be” or if someone is your soulmate. True soulmates won’t bring you constant pain, abuse, emotional neglect, or detachment. They won’t harm you, manipulate you, or make you question your worth.

Now, with that said… let’s dive into today’s post! ✨

Sun in 1st house:

The Sun person is instantly drawn to the house person's presence, style, and energy, like a moth to a flame. You hype each other up like having a personal cheerleader. You don't feel the need to impress the Sun person as just being yourself is enough. This overlay creates an undeniable sense of "We just fit".

Now, the bad is that if one person has a fragile ego or jealousy, competition can creep in. The Sun person here would make the house person feel like a supporting character in their own life. Sometimes, this placement manifests as them being too comfortable with each other early on can lead to treating each other more like siblings or just a "buddy" rather than lovers.

Sun in 2nd house:

The Sun person sees the house person as valuable in some way. This creates a strong sense of mutual support and building together. Can work well in practical marriages or partnerships and also a stable goal-oriented relationships.

This placement can be seen with business partners or business romances. The house person might feel used if it isn't mutual. Can lack passion and deep emotional bond.

Sun in 3rd house:

The conservations between you both never dry. Endless chatter about anything and everything. The sun person thinks the house person is witty and logical. The house person would feel mentally alive and heard around the Sun person. Both parties feel comfortable and relationship feels natural here. Can build a lasting mental connection.

The Sun person may find the house person predictable. It feels right to the Sun person but not exciting. In some cases, the couples lacks sexual chemistry and need other aspects for passion.

Sun in 4th house:

Feels like instant family and deep emotional intimacy. The house person feels safe and comfortable around the Sun person. The Sun person might help the house person to heal their childhood wounds. Both of them could develop a strong desire to build a home or live together.

The house person can become too emotionally dependent. The house person might project their family issues onto the Sun person. Sun person might feel drained by house person’s emotional needs. I've seen in marriages where if things go south, it even resulted in a divorce. More comfort than passion.

Sun in 5th house:

This overlay gives instant chemistry that's fun, flirty and full of romantic energy. Sun person lights up the house person’s creative and playful side. There is mutual admiration and both of you make each other special. If kids are involves, there is a strong loving bond around them.

In some cases, it can feel more like a fling or a one-night stand than a real relationship. House person may see the Sun person as childish or too playful. Can burn hot and then fizzle out fast. If one person wants long-term and the other just wants fun, it gets really messy. I've seen this overlay on single parent households where the Sun person is absent from the kids life.

Sun in 6th house:

The Sun person helps the house person stay on top of their game in terms of health, work, and routine. Both of them know you can count on each other. This synastry overlay points to a productive lifestyle. It could be a great working partnership or supportive relationship. In marriages/LTR, I've seen this overlay manifest as the couple adopt pets which serves as a bonding factor for them.

In some cases, might feel like co-workers or roommates than lovers. House person might feel nagged about their habits by the Sun person. If unbalanced, resentment can build over time.

Sun in 7th house:

Sun person ticks all the boxes for what the house person wants in a partner. You feel like you belong together. It can be great for marriages and LTR or partnerships. Both of you just get each other.

On the flip side, The love-hate dynamic is very real. You admire them but also want to strangle them. They can be overly dependent on each other. Fights can be brutal but this relationship would feel like fated. If not balanced, one person compromises too much.

Sun in 8th house:

The Sun person feels the connection in the house person's soul. There is an intense magnetic pull and high sexual energy. The Sun person shines a light on the house person’s inner demons which can be healing or horrifying. Together they could explore the themes of psychology, occult or spiritual awakening as well.

The house person may hate the Sun person and hates to be seen with them. If the house person isn’t attracted? Major ick. They might cringe at the Sun person’s presence and behavior. Sometimes one of them has the upper hand and it can get toxic fast. In some cases, these relationships could feel like a walking PR disaster. You get me?

Sun in 9th house:

This overlay is where the Sun person idealizes the house person sometimes to the point of idolization. Late-night existential debates and long walks after midnight are common with these two. I've seen this overlay in travel vlogging couples. The Sun person expands the house person’s worldview, pushing them to think bigger. They could be inspiring and lifting each other up.

The house person may blindly follow the Sun person or reject them outright if they push too hard. In some cases, the Sun person talks too much and the house person has to listen and gets bored fast. Sometimes, the Sun person can come off as preachy like an annoying guru or act like a know-it-all and the house person tend to tune out completely. If one person is too rigid, this dynamic can feel overwhelming or dismissive.

Sun in 10th house:

This overlay is great for business partnerships where both of them has strong ambition and shred goals. The Sun person motivates the house person to reach their full potential.they see each other as high-value individuals. The Sun person boosts the house person’s public image & confidence. This can be a “power couple” dynamic if both are goal-oriented.

In some cases, this overlay seems transactional rather than real partnership. One of them could be focused more on status than love. The Sun person may dominate or try to control the house person’s career choices. The house person may feel pressured to impress or live up to expectations. If the Sun person loses respect for the house person, the relationship can fall apart fast.

Sun in 11th house:

Well, this is a relationship built on camaraderie and mutual respect. They accept each other’s quirks and support individuality. they may introduce each other to new friends or professional networks. This overlay can support long-term relationships as friendship is a key element in lasting love. They may enjoy humanitarian work or social activism together. The couple could even adopt kids.

Sometimes may feel more like "best friends" rather than lovers. Actually this could lead to a platonic or casual connection rather than a passionate one. The Sun person might take the lead in social settings, which could make the house person feel overshadowed.

Sun in 12th house:

This overlay could feel otherworldly. The Sun person illuminates the house person’s subconscious, dreams, and hidden fears. There’s often a sense of deep understanding without words like reading each other’s souls. If both individuals are emotionally evolved, this can be a highly healing and compassionate connection.

One or both may not see the relationship clearly at first. This overlay also can be seen in crushes or favorite artists where the house person could be completely unaware of the Sun person's existence or their feelings. It can create feelings of longing or a sense that the connection is just out of reach. If boundaries are weak, one person might sacrifice too much for the other, leading to resentment or exhaustion. Another overlay for single parent households.

✨💫 DM me for a complete astrology reading / synastry compatibility reading and check out my pinned post for pricing! 💫✨

[di-loves-coffee]

I cannot stop thinking about this, sooo here’s something that’s in assumption that Danny’s still going to school… a bit more of a father-son aspect here

I’m using some language that’s a bit on the coarser side in this, trying to get into Waylon’s mindset. Also because this mentions racism and racial slurs that I was… not too happy to research. [Don’t worry, neither Waylon nor Danny are saying them, but they’re still mentioned]

•—•~•Called To The Office•~•—•

Damn this kid, making trouble in the second week of school?

They called Waylon to come pick him up for fuck’s sake! What did this twig do!?

Waylon had managed to squeeze himself into a nice pair of pants and shoes to help make a good impression despite his face. Gotham Prep was a ‘prestigious’ school after all. Don’t need his record ruining his kid’s.

Squeezing through the doorframe and awkwardly explaining to the secretary (who looked scared enough to piss herself) that he was there for his son Danny.

Thankfully, she managed to shakily point down a hall— assumedly where the dean’s office was… they called the pretentious pricks ‘Deans’ here, yeah? Rich people probably did stupid shit like that.

Waylon padded down the hall, trying to be mindful of his larger size.

This place felt stuffy and small, like pretentiousness and entitlement… smelt like it too.

He made it to a too-fancy door— probably hard-wood if you asked someone— with a plaque adorning it at what would be an average adult’s eyesight.

It read the words Dean Wilcox in bold lettering, colored bronze as if it was meant to make it feel more important.

Waylon took a moment to steel himself before lifting his clawed hand— clutched in a loose fist— and rapped on the door twice.

“Come in Mr. Fenton,” A masculine voice called from within, sounding older— late forties at just a guess.

Waylon froze for a moment as he fully processed the words. Fenton?

Did they think he was Biologically Danny’s father?

Oh boy, this’ll be a meeting.

Waylon opened the door with a careful grip and squeezed inside, speaking before anyone else could process the shock of him being there.

“I’m- ah—here for Danny? I’m caring for the boy”

“O-oh, well Killer Cro-” “Jones.”

Everyone in the room glanced at the skinny boy— holy shit was Danny bruised?— in confusion after he piped up. Gazes silently questioning the boy’s words.

“He’s Mr. Jones” Danny— the little shit— just doubled down on his previous statement. Not leaving a single millimeter of room for argument.

“W- well, Mr. Jones,” The man— sat behind a large desk— sounded nervous. Which… was probably a good thing depending on the situation, even if Waylon didn’t want to have to play the ‘bad guy’ role, “Daniel… got into an altercation with another student.”

At that news, Waylon glanced down at Danny. Silently asking the boy what happened.

“He was being a dick to my classmate Damian, said some really racist shit.” The little squirt— like always— told it like it was and left no room for argument.

“W- while it may seem that way from the boy’s perspective,” Waylon’s gaze moved back to the Dean, causing him to swallow and look like he just ate too many hot peppers, “young mister Markham didn’t say anything of the sort”

“He called Damian a ‘Dune Coon’.” Danny’s words were said with a flatness that revealed an underlying rage that Waylon himself was beginning to feel himself. “And said he was ‘Unpure’ and a ‘Half-Breed’”

Waylon found his gaze hardening with the newfound information, a harsh fire building under his skin.

“That’s not the matter at hand.” The Dean foolishly tried to salvage the situation. “Your- your ward punched Mister Markham”

“From what I understand here.” Waylon started, eyes carefully watching the Dean as he shifted like a scared hare under his sharp amber gaze, “The Markham boy chose his actions and was made to suffer the real-world consequences of them.”

That had the older man blubbering, trying to save his version of the story.

“It seems to me that your school tolerates racism and discrimination among your student body.” Waylon fixed the man with a dangerous glare, “Now, you can punish Danny however you like, but I won’t be punishing this behavior. And I warn you, if this happens again, I will not be so flippant.”

With that, Waylon deemed it a good time to leave, fixing Danny with a short ‘C’mon squirt’ and squeezing out of the door. The small teen cheerfully following behind him.

So, Waylon adopts Danny.

•—•~•—•Crocodile Dad•—•~•—•

Waylon wasn’t quite sure how he acquired a kid.

In fact, Waylon doesn’t even think he had actually chose himself to keep him. Instead he thinks that this kid chose him.

Right now, the small and skinny black-haired boy who’d inserted himself into his life was sat at the table his weapon’s engineer used to work. Tinkering at the bits and pieces scattered over the messy surface while Waylon himself hovered nearby.

“Are you sure that’s safe for you to be messing with kiddo?” The large, scaled man called to the boy, a hint of concern peeking through the southern twang in his accent. Elongating is ‘O’s and ‘E’s and ‘A’s.

“Yeah, it’s fine, I used to work on my parents experiments in their lab all the time,” The boy called back, and— unironically— it didn’t soothe his anxiety.

“That don’t make me feel any better squirt.”

“Well? Too bad.” This twig was going to be the cause of all Waylon’s fictitious gray hairs, he was calling it now.

Instead of lecturing the kid on safety, Waylon simply ruffled his hair with his large, clawed hands and left him to his devices.

[yanderedrabbles]

Yandere Movie Week [review]

Day 1 - Fear (1996)

Yandere Scale: 8/10

Overall Rating: 7/10

Fear does exactly what it's supposed to. Not perfectly by any means, but well enough that I don't mind spending an hour and a half in its world.

A very fun world too - cute fashion, a great score, pleasing cinematography and a male lead who slowly becomes more despicable the longer the film goes on. Alyssa Milano, Mark Wahlberg and Reese Witherspoon look incredible the entire movie. And I guess their acting isn't bad either.

We start off with a man out on a jog. And we know it's going to be a thriller because a) shaky cam and b) very dramatic music just two minutes in. Great start. After that, we're introduced to Nicole (Reese Witherspoon), a high schooler with a slightly strained relationship with her dad and teenage angst lite.

She's cute. The girl next door with a daddy's girl bracelet and a kid brother who loves her. If she didn't have the bad luck of running into a bad man, I'd say things would have worked out just dandy.

But no such luck. Not for you kid.

Enter David.

He walks on screen to audible screams from the audience (me). He's hot. And the way he's introduced is hot. Shady bar, music in the background, leather jacket delinquents playing pool. From the get go, he screams bad boy. Rubbing (read: jerking off) his pool cue - at hip height - while looking at our female lead? C'mon, that's too easy.

I won't go into detail, but they obviously end up in a relationship. And it's hot stuff. At one point, he has his hand up her her skirt while they're on a rollercoaster. Yeah, we all see the symbolism. Coming (down) must be pretty fun on a ride like that, huh Nic?

It's not great the entire movie - their first conversation is stilted and awkward, filled with clichés. But the build up in tension is what does it for me.

There are plenty of little things that tip you off from the get go. David isn't as nice as he seems, not by a long shot.

It starts with a few tense looks between him and Nicole's dad. Just a father being a bit picky, right? Nope. He turns back the office clock so he can have a little more time with Nicole before curfew. He flirts with her best friend. He tells Nicole to, "Get me a coke." Bossy. Commanding.

I'll be honest, if I didn't know the synopsis of the film, I'd say dear old dad was being overly protective. Nope. Those red flags are about as red as they can get.

When things start going off the rails, the movie handles it pretty well. The scenes are decently tense, even though they're missing that little bit of careful handling that would make them terrifying.

As a yandere, David does everything you'd expect. He's manipulative. He's violent. He doesn't know where to draw the line in anything. Oh, and he's hot. Did I mention that already?

He's a Levi's and t-shirt kind of guy, with a great car, a nice voice, and biceps you want to sink your teeth into. When it comes to deranged stalkers, you can do a LOT worse.

The third act is a ball of a time. There's room for it to have been a bit more tense - it suffers from being a little too short, the twists not having enough time to breathe. The pace doesn't feel quick in the so much happening, I'm at the edge of my seat sort of way, but in the oh no, we only have the budget for thirty more minutes of run time sort of way.

Still, it's very enjoyable. David says and does plenty of very yandere things. I'm absolutely stealing some of his lines.

In terms of style, the movie is a knockout. I think it's a big part of what carries my recommendation. The cinematography is really pleasing, with lots of reds and dark greens. Very 'Seattle on a rainy day.' The sound track is totally 90's, with a nice mix of rock, pop and indie. It gives the movie a sense of place and time that exponentially improves the story.

How does it hold up as a piece of yandere media? It doesn't do anything radical or new, but the classics it sticks to are done well enough that it's worth the watch.

Oh, and David is very hot. I don't know if I mentioned that. 

Day 1 - Fear (1996)

Day 2 - Secret Obsession (2019)

Day 3 - Hush (2016)

Day 4 - The Perfect Guy (2015)

Day 5 - The Boy Next Door (2015)

Day 6 - The Invisible Man (2020)

Day 7 - Til Death Do Us Part (2017)

[brujaluas]

the plot twist that no one was expecting

pile 1

I see a blessing! Your paths are emerging over a great purified water, what do you mean? You will be very blessed by the spirituality in a certain way, if you ask them for something, be careful, they will really listen to you in the coming times, why do I say be careful? Well, there are things that we THINK we need, but sometimes they really may not be good for us, be careful with that! And be specific about what you want, it is good to remember that the spirituality, the beings (regardless of their religion) who look after us and take care of us, in fact, most of them were never human, so there are many people that they do not understand (from a human point of view), you will get closer to your protectors. You will free yourself from karma or find one, calm down, it is as if you understand why such a thing happens, you will become aware of karma. I see clarification for your vision, seek advice from the spirit, through the tarot it would be interesting as an example. I find it interesting because usually when a specific card comes out here, things are not good, but this time, I see your paths being freed, your mind becoming tormentedly clear. It is as if you are in the eye of the hurricane. establishing a serious relationship.

pile 2

a weight or burden in your life is difficult to carry, my child? stay strong, I root for you a lot! I see that you may have serious or long-lasting problems at the time you read this reading, be careful with someone, you may deal with an aggressive person with a strong temper, it may even be someone you will get romantically involved with, be careful! you are worth more than that, always put yourself first and don't be afraid of it, you are not selfish because of that! Be careful, because someone may want your partner to cheat on you by doing something in the relationship. An aggressive person may also want to destroy a relationship that you are building with someone.

pile 3

A journey that you can take, it can even be a spiritual journey. Wow, I see some pretty heavy things happening. Take care of yourself, take care of your mental health. I see a cycle ending. If you have been praying to remove bad things and people from your life that end up influencing your potential success in life, everything will be removed. So be aware that radical changes can happen here, but don't despair too much. A relationship ending can happen. When something completely falls apart in your life, I see you discovering all the answers that were missing.

[harrysgal]

I DIG YOUR CINEMA (11)

harry styles x yn aspiring filmmaker — social media AU

I’m really sorry if this part sucks. I really tried my best. Also I’m sorry I didn’t get to tag people, I was in a rush and didn’t have enough time to check I wasn’t missing anyone and ended up giving up.

About the smau: yn starts posting videos on youtube and is trying to build a career as a filmmaker. Things are going pretty well for her and she starts getting more attention when she creates content about shows she goes to. She’s also a fan of Harry’s music and some of his fans start getting suspicious when his team starts interacting with her.

Disclaimer: The story it’s set in 2021 and it will follow their relationship through the LOT leg in the US. Since this is nothing but fiction, I will be following some of the real timeline but also adding my own stuff. On top of that, I won’t be basing myself on Harry’s actual posts.

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PART 10 // MASTERLIST

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I DIG YOUR CINEMA (PART 11) — NYC

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liked by bestfriend, harrystyles, jefezoff and 45,671 others

yourinstagram well hello hello. its two am and im still awake bc i was hanging out with my fake friends and fake ex-boyfriend celebrating the end of another wonderful and amazing very real show <3 i thought i’d let you know since apparently what truly happens in nashville is the new online entertainment now. also fyi today i was allowed to leave my hotel room and i also behaved very politely and didnt run outside to cry. a real angel, i’d say. its too bad my attempts to fake date harry styles didnt work, tho. i mean i thought it was a great and innovative plan tbh but as you might’ve read already he officially called things off so that’s all gone now. boohoo. im not sure what im supposed to do on tour now. maybe i’ll have to actually learn how to use a camera and start to actually film things during shows… idk… i’ll figure something out tho. if you have any ideas or suggestions pls let me know. for now i’ll enjoy my freedom. it’s was very kind of them to even allow me to open the window and breathe some fresh air. so, so amazing!

btw, congrats ＠popgossip on finding such reliable sources. also the fact checking was impeccable. there was nothing left for me to hide. keep it up with that journalism! that’s clearly how you go from amateur to professional. im taking notes now! anyway, have a great life and tysm for your kindness and all your thoughtful consideration to my real human feelings 🥰 there’s nothing like getting back to the hotel and seeing those many great things being said about me. thanks a lot. hope the same treatment finds its way back to you along the way! xoxo lots of love, yn

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user2 😲 user2 holy molly…  user2 I think you absolutely ate this? left no crumbs behind? 

↳ yourinstagram haha thanks?

harryfan3 GIRL!!!!! im so shocked i dont even know what to say or where to start or

↳ yourinstagram lol 💋💋💋

harryfan5 miss yn ilysm you made me laugh so hard like this is so confusing but so great i truly truly love you  

↳ yourinstagram miss emma you made me smile so hard rn thank you thank you hope to see you again at another show someday!

ynrryfan calling out that account so openly is so bold of you omfg im so proud

↳ yourinstagram thanks im so proud, too 

bestfriend ok but did they feed you today? gave you some water?

↳ yourinstagram yes. i had two glasses of water and one banana ↳ bestfriend wow! they be treating you like a princess now ↳ yourinstagram i know it wasnt easy but they finally agreed to make some improvements 

harryfan7 yn babe are you drunk or something? wth is all this? lmaooooooo

↳ yourinstagram lol maybe a little tipsy but no regrets at allllllll

lookitsnyoh  does this mean I am finally allowed to stop hanging out with you?

↳ yourinstagram no. your contract still says you’re forced to have at least one lunch a week with me and one drink every two shows ↳ lookitsnyoh well then ＠jefezoff let’s talk about this? Please? ↳ jefezoff I’m sorry but I’m afraid that’s not negotiable ↳ anthonypham I tried too ＠lookitsnyoh unfortunately I’m stuck with her friendship, too :( ↳ pillowpersonpp me too ↳ paulithepsm me three ↳ harryfan9 the way yn is such a stronger person than me bc i could never handle this much teasing from my friends like i’d be thinking it’s real and crying under my pillow for months  ↳ harryfan2 maybe she should bc doesn’t feel like “just” teasing to me ↳ yourinstagram it’s not ＠harryfan2 is right & everyone really hates me  harryfan10 ? How old are you? 8? ↳ yourinstagram 28, actually. you? 

harryfan4 to put popgossip on the spot like this it’s rude and uncalled for. like this isn’t funny. also what’s going on with all these comments? don’t you have better things to do than being here replying to people?

↳ harryfan7 im sorry, but uncalled for? are you serious? lmao she’s bringing them up because they made a full post with nothing but lies about her own life cmon ↳ harryfan4 still, she should’ve done this privately or something ↳ yourinstagram you’re right this isn’t funny and i don’t have nothing better to do. im sorry. im really very sorry. ↳ harryfan6 being sarcastic isn’t funny, girl ↳ yourinstagram oh, i thought it was. im sorry. wont do it again.

harryfan8 I mean, what are you even trying to accomplish here? Are you not embarrassed at all to behave like this?

↳ yourinstagram i am. very very embarrassed, actually. im sorry :( shame on me.

user3 Honestly, things are so different around here now that I almost forgot how fun it used to be to keep up with your posts. I’m glad to see real you back! Stay strong and don’t listen to the noise. 

↳ yourinstagram what noise? ;)  ↳ yourinstagram (thank you 💗)

user1 ok I know this isn’t at all related to the post but… no sightseeing this time? :(

↳ yourinstagram omg yes! are you kidding me? i always make time for sightseeing haha i’ll actually get to it tomorrow!  ↳ user1 ahhhh this is great! I love it! Hope you enjoy the city, then!  ↳ harryfan12 is this your way of letting people know where you’ll be so they can find you and see you with harry? 🥱 ↳ yourinstagram oh damn, you caught me! 

harrystyles ok. screen time is over now

↳ yourinstagram :( five more minutes, sir? ↳ harrystyles request denied. they’re heading to your room to take your phone away right now ↳ yourinstagram 😭 ↳ yourinstagram after all we went through? unbelievable ↳ harrystyles it is what you’ve signed up for ↳ yourinstagram cant fight with that ↳ harryfan9 helloooooooo??? ↳ harryfan11 HAJSHBAJSDH WTF IS HAPPENING TONIGHT ↳ harryfan13 sprinting to the gc RIGHT NOW to scream at this interaction bc what the fuck what the fuck WHAT. THE. FUCK.

user15 this whole thing was actually so refreshing to see! Please don’t ever stop standing up for yourself. It’s good for your soul but it’s also great entertainment for mine lol

harryfan0 guys I’m so confused… what is all this? haha can someone please fill me in?

↳ harryfan3 @/popgossip posted a lot of stupid things about yn. to sum it up, they said harry tried to end their pr relationship and yn didn’t take it well, so that’s why she was crying outside the hotel the other night. and they also said she spent the day at the hotel bc harrys team didnt let her leave… just nonsense like that. there are more details to the story that you can check on their last post, but it’s all clearly fake and not even worth the read (I promise)  ↳ harryfan11 also, can I just say they didn’t JUST create stuff, they were also unnecessarily aggressive with the lies? I mean, they said her crying was “a manipulative tactic to get his attention and also keep the rumors alive” !!!  There was absolutely no need for that?!? or to write that harrys team advised her to stay inside and away from him or “there would be consequences” ??? I mean wtf ??  ↳ user17 👆 this. THIS. is the reason why this post has become my favorite thing she’s ever done 

Oct 2, 2021 •

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liked by bestfriend, ynrryfan and 33 others

ynupdates After such an eventful night, Yn just posted this on her stories, meaning we can all relax now and catch a break from the madness 😅

Also, ＠harryfan9 shared with us a really nice screenshot of a conversation she had with Yn a few minutes ago! We asked what she’d comment on Yn’s post for her to say that, and she told us she’d said: “the way yn is such a stronger person than me bc I could never handle this much teasing from my friends”. The fan also said that Yn ended up replying “everyone really hates me” to a comment underneath hers, which is why she thinks Yn felt guilty and dmed her right before she posted the story.

To be honest, we loved to see this kind of Yn tonight. How do you guys feel about it?

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harryfan5 this was just soooo great! for a moment I couldn’t keep up with it anymore lol it was so crazy but so great harryfan1 stop she reached out?? she’s soooooooooo sweet  user11 good for her! I feel like she’s finally owning the narrative and maybe now people will calm down a little

↳ user13 I hope so! I’m low-key kinda worried it’s actually going to make things worse ↳ user11 idk. people were hating on her nonstop anyway so… tbh I think she should’ve done this way sooner lol

ynrryfan the way she posted her texts with harry !!!!! also “so you know I mean it” !!!!! PLEASE 

↳ harryfan17 how do you it’s him?? no hate i swear just genuinely asking ↳ ynrryfan I just figured by the “screen time is over” bc is what he left on her post… but I might be wrong idk 😬

harryfan3 wish I could see when those behind popgossip wake up and find out about all this lol

Oct 2, 2021. •

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liked by bestfriend, yourbrother, gemmastyles and 23,114 others

yourinstagram GOOD MORNING nyc your wonderful wonderful city!! im so unbelievably excited for tonight!! my fake friends and fake ex-boyfriend are playing madison square garden and i KNOW it’s going to be sosososo great!! let’s do this CMONNNN!! 

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harryfan1 im sooooo excited too!! harryfan3 so jealous! I wish I could go  lookitsnyoh SO EXCITED  harrystyles weren’t you supposed to let me know? 

↳ yourinstagram i was and i can explain why i didnt, but please don’t expose me like this??! ↳ harrystyles then reply to my texts??!  ↳ harrystyles please??! ↳ harrystyles and thank you??! x  ↳ ynrryfan i cant 😭😭😭

bestfriend text me back too !!!!!! 

↳ harryfan7 lmao not yn being called out by everyone  ↳ yourinstagram istg you are all so damn impatient  ↳ yourinstagram (but also yes!! I will!! im sorry!!)

Oct 3, 2021. •

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liked by annetwist, bestfriend, harry_lambert and 30,109 others

yourinstagram hi, hellooo!! posting twice in less than 12 hours I KNOW but jenny lewis is about to start anytime now and i just wanna say that everyone looks sooooo pretty tonight!! you always do but there seems to be something extra special tonight <3 got to film so many sweet people already, but if you see me walking by and you wanna be a part of this ultra mega secret lot project pls dont be afraid of letting me know! (im the one jumping around in this outfit — minus the flowers unfortunately) id love to film as many of you as i can!! okay lets go now CMON LETS DO THIS cant wait to dance to canyon moon tonight!!! 🕺

view all 135 comments 

harryfan1 does harry look pretty, too?  user1 girl you’ve come so far this is so beautiful to see  bestfriend so happy so jealous so sad so proud so emotional rn

↳ harryfan3 cant believe you havent gone to a show yet!! ↳ harryfan5 fr you should be there rn

harryfan7 THANK YOU I LOVED MEETING YOU TONIGHT THANK YOU THANK YOU  harrystyles count me in  

Oct 3, 2021. •

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liked by anthonypham, bestfriend, harryupdates and 357,189 others

harrystyles Love On Tour. New York City, NY. I

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harryfan1 im so so proud  harryfan2 best concert ever cant wait to do it all over again tomorrow  harryfan3 i miss you already harryfan4 LOOKING SO HOT OUTFIT IS ON FIRE 🔥  harryfan5 why is she never here lol

↳ harryfan7 i ask that myself every time lol

Oct 3, 2021. •

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— — — — — 

PART 12 — (idk. to be completely honest, I’m not sure it will even happen)

— — — — — 

[cleoselene]

I think what you actually mean is "The Democratic party has shown time and time again that they will not break the laws to do things the way Republicans do constantly."

And if you have seen no progress under Democratic presidencies, you are either not paying close attention or too privileged to notice. I am neither. I live off Disability, I noticed my quality of life and access to resources get noticeably better under the Biden Administration. The economic quintile that saw the greatest gains in income was the bottom 20%. My Medicare benefits became an absolute miracle, I pay zero copays for literally anything. I got SNAP increases. But if you're not poor enough to qualify for these programs, maybe you might think Democrats get nothing done.

Biden also was the most aggressive anti-trust presidents we've had in a long time. You hate corporate America? Well, they really hated Joe Biden, especially the dystopian tech companies like google.

Biden did what leftists asked and put in an executive order for student debt relief, it was immediately overturned by the courts, which is what would have happened with any of the 2934832948 executive orders that leftists seemed to think Biden was capable of just making happen by waving a magic wand.

Republicans destroy and break the law. Democrats build and uphold the law. If you can't see why it's bad to do bad things because the other party is doing bad things -- idk what to tell you. As a disabled person this week I've seen countless people tell me to get over Jasmine Crockett's ableist comments, and I really like her, but it was shitty of her to say it, and her apology was bad, and we should hold our side accountable for these things.

The Republicans being morally bankrupt does not mean the Democrats should do the same.

when you refuse to vote from the left, the message sent to politicians is that left-leaning people are not reliable voters, that is why they court moderates after elections like this.

right-leaning people will vote for whatever idiot they put up, they are reliable voters.

so don't act shocked when you don't vote and the Overton Window shifts right

WHEN YOU REFUSE TO VOTE, YOU ARE ACTIVELY MAKING THE GOVERNMENT OF THIS COUNTRY MORE CONSERVATIVE AND YOU NORMALIZE THE ABSOLUTE MONSTROSITY THAT IS AMERICAN RIGHT-WING POLITICS.

if you don't vote for the candidate who will do the least harm and sit home or throw it away to a write-in or third party, the results will NOT be what you want. Even Ralph Nader eventually acknowledged this.

[0viraptoraskblog]

I'm curious what the TPOF crew will be doing in prison (btw I love your work ˃ᴗ˂ !)

Thank you! ^^

How they would do in prison?

Derek- Bad. He’s mouthing off to the guards before they even bring him in. He’s either in denial or just full on pissed, I imagine a lot of threats and insults and “do you know who I am/do you know who my dad is!?” (Which also doesn’t work). Even when in jail he’s still entitled and, let’s be honest, acts like a brat. I think that side of him comes out more when he’s angry and doesn’t have a good argument himself. This is one of those cases. I mean, all the charges are accurate, how would he defend himself other than spewing threats? After some time, I think Derek might learn to shut up somewhat, just to get them off his back. He doesn’t like being bossed around, and will always have a mentality that he’s above the authority. He’ll never be fully cooperative. And honestly, he’s right, his dad is constantly trying to bail him out— but not out of love. It’s because their company has an image to uphold.

Celia- I don’t think she would do well at the start. Celia thrives on making plans and staying one step ahead. If she’s been caught, it means she’s lost control of the situation. It would start with MAJOR anxiety and rage towards whoever discovered her. How much do they know? What did they say? And how will Celia manage to give them what they deserve for destroying her image? In prison itself, I don’t think Celia would adjust well. She’s used to independence, high quality things, and being at the top of the economic ladder. This is rock bottom to her. It’ll get harder and harder to keep her composure; she desperately wants some alcohol right now.

Mason- good luck getting him turned in. He’s huge, he’s not afraid to use weapons of his own, and he can probably life you off the ground with one arm. He’d have to be put in a separate/more secure section I’m guessing, because a true serial killer like that (who’s also so strong and powerful) can’t be trusted around the other inmates. He’d spend time analyzing the workers and guards, mentally planning out how easy they’d be to catch and overpower, the same way he’d learn to hunt a specific animal. They might have a real threat with him, I imagine.

Fox- He’d be filled with anxiety. Fox’s confidence in himself and his life comes from security. He’s in control of the situation, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s good at it. But getting caught? All of that comes undone. He knows he’s going away for life, he’s done too much for anything less. It would bring back memories of being trapped and losing control, too. It might be the first time in years that he has a full blown anxiety attack. In jail, although he can and will fight if he has to, he’s still small (he doesn’t appear very threatening unless you know him, is what I mean). He’d be on edge and defensive, both due to nerves and fury at his life falling back apart. Everything he worked so hard to build, snatched away again. Summed up, he would not do well.

These are just my thoughts :)

[that-one-i-think]

Since we are overanalyzing stuff, time for me to talk about my view on Shadow Knights.

I like to think of Shadow Knigts as a metaphor for obsession and how trauma can fundamentally change you and your relationships, and this is exampled by all of the Shadow Knight we know (with few exceptions, but I can explain why).

As well all know, the biggest part of being a Shadow Knight is the strong desire to kill the person closest to you, with the majority case being your lord. It is what the required step to change from fledgling to fully developed Shadow knight is. No avoiding it, and that's because relationships have power.

There is no relationship where someone does not have some sort of power over the other, and that is not a bad thing objectively. It is just a fact. From siblings to parents to friends to lovers, all relationships have some sort of power dynamic. I am not talking stronger or weaker, but more like a charge or energy. You trade and share your power like a circuit to a bulb, some relations brighten it, others burn it out.

The trading of power is natural, but Shadow knights are unnatural beings created by a man scourned by every relationship he had, especially with a woman who held so much power over him, so much sway. We have all seen the trope of "I have had my heart shattered so I must make sure no one EVER LOVES AGAIN!", well, to me this is exactly that. The knights are forced to kill the person closest to them, the person who holds the greatest power over them, metaphorically but especially literally when it comes to lords. You cannot have a relationship in fear of harming the other.

The process of being turned into a Shadow Knight is also very similar to how abusers trap their victims, this time to a very literal extreme. They isolate them, make them dead to the world, feed them vile thoughts about the people they care about, and when they do leave, there is a literal calling, forcing them to come back. They can't be around their old relationships because they now fear they are too violent, too dangerous, too broken. They try to act normal, try to be who they once were, but they can't. Cause that is not how trauma works.

The two shadow knights who exemplify this the most are Laurance and Sasha, who are the ones we are the most familiar with. We watch for essentially 150+ episodes of Laurance and Aphmau building a relationship as friends and having that relationship deteriorate as Laurances trauma gets worse and worse, before overtaking him entirely when he has to respond to the calling. I am not going to go into [black] deserved better in either relationship as it doesn't matter what they deserved, this is how the situation played out. Friendship to genuine care to hyperfixation to possession to obsession to hatred, that is how their relationship played out because Laurance was never able to heal. The relationship became toxic because of it, NOT ON PURPOSE, mind you, neither were abusive or intentionally tried to be. Sometimes that just happens and you need to know when to walk away, which is what Laurance did.

Sasha is another character who faced this conundrum with Kenmur, but the only difference was that she had time. 15 years with the knowledge that Kenmur was most likely dead (Irene dimension), and she, to some extent, already mourned. That is not to say she did not freak out when she saw him again, but she wasn't murderous. She was incredibly depressed. Just like Laurance, her love moved on and was even getting married, but her reaction wasn't murderous rage. It was to try and bury her feelings. She had time to be away, time to heal, and while she can never move on (as shown is season 3 when she cries when Kenmur dies despite being in Tu'la) she can allow both of them to heal at least.

Gene is another character who is obsessive with his relationships after becoming a Shadow Knight, but a big difference with him is that he already had abusive tendencies. He tried to erase his ex's memories so they could continue dating, so after his transformation, his TRAUMA these traits became worse and exaggerated, something that does happen after trauma. It does not excuse nor make sense of his actions but when Gene came back, he came back for revenge but he felt no desire to kill Dante, the person you would assume would be closest to him, because Dante had already betrayed him, so he had no one. There was no one with power over him because Gene was in abusive relationships where he did have all the power, where he was the one burning their bulbs in a sense.

Vylad is another character who has no one he was truly close to either. He was the bastardd child of a lord, he came into this life as an accident, as a mistake. Objectively he should have the desire to kill Garroth or him mom (which 50/50 for Garroth, those arrows man) but here's a big thing for Vylads healing, Hyria. She took care of him and made sure he was okay before sending him off. He was given the tools to heal by someone who doesn't give him permanent reminders of his trauma. He also had time on his hands to heal, where his family was trapped in another dimension or being invaded by Tu'la. He had both time and resources, which is why he is the only one who is truly fine.

I am not going to go into Zenix cause he is... Odd as hell and I don't recall his shadow knight status. He is very complicated character with not enough answers to go with.

Vincent is a full-fledged shadow knight after killing his brother, but the thing is, after purging that relationship he still struggles. He said he had moments of no control but he doesn't anymore, he is in control and that is after time, a very long time. Purging the relationship didn't solve his trauma, it just gave him nothing to obsess with.

Now, there is one last Shadow Knight I am going to go into, and that is Amethyst, the old lady who was in like, 2 episodes. She was a happy old lady who was with her loving husband, and that is all she was because time allowed her to be so. Nothing more. She is a shadow knight who was able to overcome her trauma and live a happy life, but that was with time, and with her husband, whom she grew old with.

Even if the relationship you desire wasn't the one to traumatize you, the memory of that time can be enough to cause damage. Time is what is needed so someone can be able to set their wounds and allow themselves to heal, if they so choose.

[sonderingdreams]

Fake dating Tsukishima Kei.

So like what the fuck were you thinking? You couldn’t recruit anyone else? This is honestly all on you.

“Kei you are so tense, he is not going to believe our shitty act!” You hissed out, tugging on his arm like a lifeline. Dragging Tsukishima against his will around the corner of the lecture hall, internally panicking and dragging a hand down your face.

“Hey, you pulled me into this. With no warning. You didn’t even give me a goddamn say.” He hissed back, pointing an obnoxious finger in your face.

“Kei are we breaking up or dating?! Play your damn role!” You groaned out, shriveling in embarrassment, and continuously checking behind your shoulder.

Tsukishima clenched his jaw, crossing his arms in growing impatience, ready to snap back before stopping in his tracks and taking a serious note of your growing uneasiness.

“Give me your stupid hand.” He muttered out, averting his gaze.

“Huh—

“Jesus Christ you idiot.” He sighed out, reluctantly grabbing your smaller hand in his and securely intertwining his fingers with yours.

Your eyes widened as he hastily grabbed his book bag, slinging it over his shoulder, snatching his keys and coffee in the blink of an eye and making his way with you out of the half empty lecture hall.

Okay. Suddenly things were too bad. Kei was finally cooperating, maybe reluctantly so but wait a goddamn minute.

You whipped your head around, glaring up at him, and tugging at his arm insistently.

“Kei. Where the fuck are we going? Wrong way.” You whispered screamed, eyes darting back and forth between two views, the ex’s direction on the far end of the room and the maniac who was holding your hand.

“No. You are mistaken, this is the right way. This is what you wanted, no?” He hummed out, taking each stride with confidence, even pulling you closer to his side.

No, no, no, no, no.

“Kei. I never mentioned confrontation?” You remarked quickly, you had literally quite no choice, the ex was in view now. You can’t bail now and look like a stupid fool.

Tsukishima stopped, warm golden brown eyes looking back at you, a sly smile tugging at his lips. The one he’s been infuriatingly charming everyone with since highschool. “This is gonna keep happening to you all the time. You can’t escape him, he goes to the same uni as, dumbass. Might as well make a statement and get this problem over with now. You wanted my help and I’m gonna give it to you.” He stated curtly, raising his head up high again, sliding an arm around your shoulder and even rubbing your far left shoulder in comfort.

This fucking asshole. You’re not falling for his fake comfort and stupid shoulder rub! And yet…you can’t help but lean into it and take a deep breath as you two fake a casual walk by, pretending to happily indulge in each other's presence.

Well, one of you didn’t have to fake it.

As much as Tsukishima hates to admit it, he got a thrill by it. He wasn’t going to question it…he had a lot on his mind about you already. But he liked it.

You two finally walk out of the stuffy building and out into the campus’s outdoor scenery. And Kei can’t help but let out a laugh, shaking his head as he took a swig of his coffee.

You scrunch your nose in disdain, bumping into his side with your hip. Quickly shrugging yourself out of his embrace, and rolling your eyes with crossed your arms.

“Wow. I’m glad you find my suffering entertaining. Funny how you only ever laugh or smile when something bad is happening to me.” You retorted, shaking your head in disbelief, but finally letting out a much needed sigh of relief.

But…it looks good on him.

Fuck. It’s over.

Tsukishima raises a defining brow, extending a toned arm and ruffling up your hair. “I think you meant to say thank you.” He mockingly cooed out, adjusting his glasses before slinging an obnoxious arm around you.

After a long moment of silence you cleared your throat, catching the attention of Tsukishima’s gaze as he downed the last of his latte.

“So, hypothetically could we keep this act up for a little longer…?” You asked out quietly, running a hand through your hair, pretending to busy your gaze on the rowdy campus around you.

Tsukishima let out a snort, cocking his head to the side, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “Are you sure that isn’t a personal desire? A want not a need?” He laughed out, shaking his head in amusement.

“You know what, never mind—

“As if I’d let you do that. I would never hear the end of you. We’ve got a deal, okay?” Tsukishima remarked, rolling his eyes right back at me.

Perhaps it was a need from the both of us.

[ere-the-sun-rises]

Y'know, my sister reads a lot of fantasy and romantasy books written by men and women and I've noticed a few things.

1 - "Fairy smut". What the fuck does this mean? What the fuck are you referring to here? What are the conditions that make it so? Because otherwise it just sounds derogatory to an outsider like me.

My sister read a series authored by a man (not GoT) that had copious - arguably even gratuitous - amounts of sex it in. Graphic sex, both consentual and not. Sex that arguably did not serve the plot or mean anything to the character. It didn't build depth or attachment or do worldbuilding - it was just there. The woman the MC wound up with was underdeveloped and kinda inane, but he still got one despite eschewing women's company most of the series and being hostile to any he came across. Is that not "fairy smut" too? It had lots of sex in a fantasy world - does that not count or something? Was it the rape and/or sexual coersion that disqualifies it? Because more than one of the "booktok" romantasy books have that too.

And arguably, all the sex that happens in romantasy books DIRECTLY serves the plot of the book. That's it's primary objective. So, checkmate, I guess.

2 - Content warnings. I've noticed women authors have started to put little spoiler-free warnings flagging things like rape or sexual abuse content while other "regular fantasy" books don't.

This isn't a complaint so much as a curious observation. Perhaps these women have fanfic roots or realize that getting jumpscared by a graphic rape scene is not very fun. (That is a personal experience - was reading a book about dragon riding and literally out of nowhere the MC got graphically and violently raped by an otherwise inconsequential character. Afterwards, the book moved on like it hadn't happened and I was so upset I never finished it.) I actually quite like those little notes. Maybe more authors should do it, but I also understand why they might not.

3 - "Romantasy". What? Why? It's just fucking Fantasy, babes. I was always under the impression that Romance books were real-world AUs, be it present or historical (ei. regency, medieval, etc.) and Fantasy books were defined by elements of supernatural/creatures/other humanoid species/taking place Not Here. If a book has a fantasy setting, it's a fantasy book. Does that make sense?

And don't get me wrong - I understand that there is genre crossover. I'm not saying that's bad or wrong or non-existent. My point is that labelling it separately demeans it. Kind of like when Sci-Fi disinherited the dystopia!AU progenitors that formed YA.

[Side Tangent] Let's be real here, dystopia!AUs are Sci-Fi. Halo: SILENT STORM and The Hunger Games are both about a 15 year old forced into a do-or-die situation where failure and/or disobedience can get them killed and their whole home annihilated. Never thought Master Chief and Katniss Everdeen might have something in common, huh?

4 - I think men should read fantasy romance more, actually.

A lot of men whine about not having access to the way women think or want to be wooed. Well sweetheart, work your way around a few of these books and you'll have a better idea. Just be aware that some of the stuff you'll encounter is kink shit (ei. anything about being "tamed" is kink fr fr - she wants to be taken care of without having to ask for it and by god does that get her off).

Also, it will improve your dirty talk. Ever wonder why women can summon up some of the nastiest, filthiest dirty talk you've ever heard? Because they read and/or write it. Who knows, maybe you'll discover something about yourself too. After all, porn only shows you how it looks, it doesn't describe how it feels.

[cheyisagirlkisser]

Rosemary (e.w): Part One

"𝐬𝐨𝐟𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧, 𝐢 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬."

content / warnings: jackson ellie / fem newcomer reader, loser! ellie, the majority of tlou has not happened (joel and jesse are still alive), mentions of joel (will be in part 2), mentions of cat, jesse and dina are romantically involved, near-death situations (patrol gone wrong), mild violence, slight angst with comfort, lots of swearing, eventual smut (in part 2).

word count: 4.4k

link to part two ( status: unfinished)

Description: Newcomers come and go through Jackson, and Ellie doesn’t pay any of them much thought. However, she catches a glimpse of you. You’re the exact opposite of her, soft and sweet like cotton candy (if that were a thing in Jackson). Now she feels 14 all over again, palms clammy and freckled face hot when you’re around. When you’re not, she buries her face into her pillow and hopelessly pines. Jesse and Dina just won’t let her fumble, though.

Ellie locks the stable door behind her, the creaking of the hinges accompanying her huff. As usual, Ellie is quite sweaty and admittedly cranky after a patrol that lasted longer than it should’ve.

She and Jesse spent hours clearing out a portion of the town North of Jackson, only to find the ammunition cabinets empty and the pantries bare. To come back almost empty-handed leaves Ellie in a particularly sour mood, and now she is in no state to deal with another social interaction for the day. No offense to her best friend Jesse, but he can be annoyingly talkative on the longest days. 

“Hey, have you heard about the new group who just arrived?” Jesse’s voice snaps Ellie out of her own thoughts, and she shrugs. She walks alongside Jesse back to the weaponry to store their pistols. 

“Yeah. What about them?” Ellie has never understood why everyone makes a big fuss out of new arrivals. Jackson gets plenty of travelers. Besides, folks stay and folks go. She won’t be surprised if the entire group is headed South by tomorrow morning.

Jackson isn’t for everyone. It’s mainly for the type of people Ellie is–fine with the harsher, okay with hours of stressful patrols, and usually content to kick infected ass. Also secluded, far from larger settlements that remind her too much of a QZ. 

“There’s a girl. Maria is sayin’ she’s around our age, too.” Jesse informs her.

Ellie snorts at that, shaking her head. “So?” She opens the door to the weaponry, unloading her pistol and storing the gun on the wall alongside his. 

Jesse gives her a ‘what do you mean, so?’ look, and almost laughs at her attitude. He knows that she is more reserved when it comes to new people. Really, people in general. For the longest time, the circle was Jesse, Dina, and Ellie. Like a holy trinity that Cat occasionally popped into before departing when she and Ellie broke up. Ellie has never needed more social interaction than her friends, Joel and Tommy, and maybe a girlfriend. The only problem is that she has the social skills of an incel when it comes to women, save for the fact that most incels were taken out on breakout day. 

“We had new people just last month. What’s so special about these?” 

Jesse rolls his eyes as they walk out of the weaponry, holding the door open for Ellie despite her bitterness. “I was just informing you, jeez. What’s with the pissy mood?”

Ellie sighs, pausing outside of the building. “My bad. Just..didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, and patrol didn’t help.”

Jesse raises an eyebrow. “Were you up on that PlayStation you’ve got in your mancave?”

“For the last time, it’s not a man cave,” she speaks with light disapproval in her tone.

Jesse laughs at his friend’s attitude, enjoying teasing her. “Right. Well, you go home and get some damn rest. I’m tired of dealing with your cranky ass on patrol.” He pats her shoulder, giving her a small wave before walking towards his house.

Ellie sighs and mumbles a “whatever” before turning in the other direction and heading for the small garage she has behind Joel’s house, looking forward to sleeping until she is forced to get up in the morning. 

-

Patrol is early, earlier than usual. Luckily, Ellie got plenty of sleep the night before. In her straight jeans and (against Dina’s advice to not risk hypothermia) canvas sneakers, everything is ready, and she feels lighter this morning. Not in a particularly grumpy mood, she walks down the streets to find Jesse. She is a tad bit confused–usually, Jesse is knocking at her door on patrol mornings. She grumbles under her breath at the thought that he is probably at the Tipsy Bison on some cheesy breakfast date with Dina. As much as she loves the two, she hates third-wheeling. Things are already awkward as it is. 

Ellie gets stuck in her mind as always, until a particular view cuts the thought train. There you are, in a pen filled with baby sheep, giggling and petting behind their ears. It’s an overwhelmingly sweet sight, something Ellie would usually find herself thinking of with disgust. Too sweet, like a tooth-rotting confection. But that’s not the case here, no. 

Ellie has seen plenty of pretty girls in Jackson. What is it that makes her hands clammy, and causes her face to redden in pure embarrassment? Her cheeks are so hot you could fry eggs on them. She’s embarrassed to be herself next to a pretty girl. You’re sweet and soft, and you remind her of peaches or a fluffy cake. But really, the thing that truly gets her isn’t the sheep or the way you smile at them in a way that makes even Ellie feel safe around you. It’s that outfit. 

Something she would find in a damn magazine for girls. Ellie would find herself thinking that wearing cute, feminine outfits is just dumb. In this world, where anything can happen, why wouldn’t you go for the practical? Why lace yourself up with soft frills and pink hues? You can’t run in a skirt. But looking at you, how the fabric seems to be made for you, she finds herself wondering how soft it is (and how soft to the touch you are). 

You’re the type of girl Ellie could see herself writing shitty journal entries about, your initial next to hers. You’re the type of girl she imagined tasting when she practices kissing her hand. You’re everything she needs in a daydream she could never confess to anyone else.

And then, the moment is over just before she could introduce herself to you. 

“Earth to Ellie? Whatcha staring at?” Jesse asks from behind her, causing Ellie to quickly turn around. 

“Nothing. Let’s just go.” Ellie’s voice doesn’t hide her defensiveness, and Jesse notices your figure a little bit away. He has a knowing smirk on his face, and Ellie groans. “C’mon, I’m not-”

“Didn’t say anything,” he points out with a surrender. 

The patrol goes normally. Kill infected, raid for supplies, endure Jesse’s dirty jokes. The only difference is, Ellie feels the need to ask about you on the way home.

Mounted on horses, Ellie decides to speak up. “Hey..do you know anything about that new girl?” 

Jesse shrugs casually. “She’s good friends with Dina already.” Ellie nods. Dina is the most social out of the trio, so it makes sense. 

“Is she nice?” Ellie asks, taking a small glance at Jesse. 

“Why? Interested in her or something?” Jesse replies, slightly smiling. It’s clear that he enjoys the fact that he knows how to get to her. 

Of course, she scoffs, raising her defenses. “No! Why do you think that?”

He laughs, eyes roving over her face. “Well, your cheeks are red. That’s the first sign. Secondly, you keep interrogating me over this chick.” 

Ellie sighs and looks down at Shimmer’s mane, trying to focus on something other than Jesse’s stupid face so that she can admit it. “Yeah, maybe I think she’s pretty cute. But she’s probably straight, so it doesn’t matter,” she mumbles quietly. 

“You’re such a pessimist, Ellie. You don’t know what she is.” He reminds Ellie, tone laced with tough love. 

“Yeah, well, how am I supposed to?” She asks though she doesn’t expect an actual answer. 

Jesse almost laughs at that. “By asking her?”

“What?! I can’t just ask if she likes girls! What if she gets offended?” 

“Dude, chill. I mean, just talk to her. Don’t you have a gaydar or somethin’?” He quips, making her crinkle her nose in protest.

“Yeah, right. All gays can just sense each other.” Ellie says with a half-hearted glare.

Jesse sighs. “Look, why don’t you just ask her to that summer festival thing? You know, the one with the dance?”

Her eyes widen at that. “A dance? That sounds like a nightmare.” 

“You are a lost cause,” he says as he rolls his eyes. 

It was around 7 p.m. when Ellie and Jesse made it to the gates. Ellie sighs outside of the Tipsy Bison. 

“Do I have to come in with you?” Ellie asks while already knowing the answer. 

“Yes! I need one of those cheesesteaks for dinner, and you could use some grub other than whatever is in that pathetic fridge of yours.” Jesse says, giving Ellie a smirk that suddenly sends her stomach feeling uneasy. He knows something she doesn’t. The only other time Ellie was given that look was the day before Jesse put a corn snake in her garage house as a “prank” for her 17th birthday. Still, Jesse is right. All she has in that mini fridge of hers are leftovers and a pack of instant rice. Her stomach growls in contrast to her protests.

“Ladies first,” Jesse teases, holding the door open for her.

Ellie sighs, feeling a bit cranky as usual at the end of the patrol, but walks into the building. She finds herself immediately freezing at the sight of you there beside Dina, laughing at an inside joke and munching on cheese fries. 

“Oh my god, fuck me.” Ellie curses under her breath. She can already feel the heat rising to her cheeks, pink mixing within the freckled surface. She just hopes that you won’t notice. 

“Don’t be a wimp, go say hi.” Jesse orders lightly behind Ellie, pointing to the area where you’re seated. Ellie swallows, and her boots feel almost like bricks on her feet. Jesse rolls his eyes, practically dragging her over to Dina and you. 

You seem to look up from your meal, eyes scanning over her. She feels like she is being evaluated. God, you must be thinking about how awkward she looks. She can feel her hands get all sweaty like they did when she first laid eyes on you, and her hands shake. She tugs her jacket sleeves down and nearly expects the worst. 

“Hi!” You smile, and you tell Ellie your name. All of the anxiety bubbles into a mix of dread and something giddy. Dread, because she can’t function properly around the one girl who makes her nervous as fuck. Giddiness, because you’re so sweet and lovely and pretty and kissable-

“Hi.” She manages to croak out, struggling to make eye contact. Fuck, how do I look at her? Do I focus on one of her eyes or can I blink and look away? I could wink. Oh, hell no. Don’t do that, Ellie. Instead tries to force an extremely nervous smile onto her face. “Name’s Ellie.”

“I know.” You simply say, still smiling slightly before stabbing a couple of fries with a plastic fork. There is some awkward silence before Dina fucks up Ellie’s momentum with the most nerve-wracking conversion starter. 

“Ellie here has a tattoo.” She brags to you, gesturing to Ellie’s arm. Your eyes light up, and you turn towards her. 

“Really?! I’ve always wanted one, but my parents would kill me.” You say excitedly. “Can I see?” 

Ellie quickly nods, a little flustered with the attention thrown onto her. She shimmies her jacket off, leaving her in a pale blue sweater. Pulling the sleeve up to her elbow, she shows you the moth and fern inked into her skin. You scooch to the edge of the booth, closer to her, and she swears she can smell your perfume. Something sweet like vanilla, perhaps? It just reminds her of cake and whipped frosting. Her mind is suddenly less focused on your eyes roving over her arm, and more on wondering how you taste. She realizes how shitty that is and quickly tries to back out of her thoughts, but she looks down to find you looking up at her expectantly. 

“Ellie here zones out 24/7, don’t mind her,” Jesse informs you, trying to push the sudden agenda he and Dina have going on. Ellie is practically burning right now. The air in the room feels limited, and the clashing of dishes in the background that she suddenly can’t seem to tune out isn’t helping. Ellie suddenly clears her throat, pulling away and putting her jacket back on. 

“Woah, where are you going?” Dina asks, not paying attention to the obvious nerves emitting from her friend. 

“Gonna go home and take a shower,” is all Ellie can find herself saying before making a beeline for the door. 

The air is humid, but it isn’t much different from what Ellie felt inside. Ellie sighs, leaning against the wall. She really fucked tonight up. You were so sweet and inviting, and all she could do was tremble like a leaf and say a few boring words. Not only that, but you probably think that she is rude now, just walking out right after meeting you. She just hopes your feelings aren’t hurt in any way. 

-

The universe officially hates Ellie Williams. 

There, in bold letters, are the patrol assignments for the week. The paper is pinned to the corkboard outside of the town hall. This morning, with you? Ellie can’t tell if she wants to cry or laugh. Either way, she is dreading today. 

“Hey, partner!” You greet her, clearly in a cheerful mood. She wants to kiss the corner of your lips on both sides just to feel your smile against her lips, but she is way too much of a pussy for that. Plus, you could be straight. You’re probably straight. 

Ellie has to process how fast you found her, but when she wraps her head around it and finally can think of a coherent thought, it’s a confused one. 

“Uh, hey..aren’t you new here?” She asks, scratching the corner of her mouth. 

“Yeah. Tommy said you would be helping me out with our patrol today?” You told her, watching Ellie’s face grow from confused to almost panicked. “I can find a new partner if you don’t-”

“No!” She basically shouts at you, visibly cringing when people nearby stop to look at her. “I just mean, it’s fine. I just haven’t trained anyone in a long time.” 

“Right. Well, we better head out then, huh? I was warned that the trail Maria gave us is one of the longer ones.” You say, looking at Ellie for a response. 

Ellie doesn’t know what it is about you, but you make a conversation feel like a trip down to the first ring of hell. Even thinking that may be rude, and she curses her thoughts, but you’re pretty and kind. Ellie is a sweaty, awkward loser. She knows it must probably be hell for you to have to talk to her, too. 

She swallows, nodding. “West trails go on for a while, but it’s fine. We’ll make it back to Jackson before night.” 

You smile and nod in response, seemingly unbothered by her odd behavior as you follow her to the stables. 

One thing about horse riding is that it is one of the most calming activities Ellie has available for her. Even when Jesse or Dina yaps her ears off, she finds peace on the back of a horse. After a long, stressful patrol, Ellie can always have a bit of respite with Shimmer. A girl with plenty of nerves can surely calm herself with the feel of coarse hair, accompanied by a comforting neigh. However, on this particular patrol, nothing about the horse ride along the Western trails is peaceful, or even tolerable. 

Your soft chest is pressed up against her back. Even through the thickness of her hoodie, she can feel your rapid heartbeat. Her mind wanders–not to filth, but pure curiosity for you. If she were to confess, you’d surely find her obsession with you to be weird and possibly creepy. She just can’t help but wonder what makes your heart race so fast, though.

Are you not used to riding horses? It could be possible that in past experiences, you just had to walk from place to place. That doesn’t make sense, though. You have a family, don’t you? Your parents came with you, and there is no way you all just walked from the middle of nowhere to Jackson with just–

Ellie’s internal rambling ceases when she feels your arms, currently wrapped around her waist, squeeze her. Suddenly is she so conscious of the fact that your palm must be able to feel her stomach expand and falter with each breath she takes? That means you know how uneven her breathing is. You probably don’t ramble in your head about Ellie’s stupid lungs, though. 

“Sorry. I’m just trying not to fall off of this huge thing.” You say, and Ellie can hear the hint of fear in your voice. It makes her heart jump, and a strange feeling of protectiveness enters her system. She stops herself from showing it though, not wanting to scare you away from her.

“This huge thing?” She questions, never hearing that term used for a horse before. 

“Yeah, yeah!” You laugh softly, the sound music to her ears. “I just have an irrational fear of falling off of horses, okay?”

“Fair. I’m just, uh.” Ellie trails off, trying to find her train of thought as it keeps slipping through her grasp. “I’m used to horses, bein’ here in Jackson for a while.” 

Your hands are warm, resting against her stomach. She can feel the heat through the fabric of her shirt. 

Through the nerves bubbling up in her stomach like the usual acid, she finds the courage to take one hand off of Shimmer’s reins. It finds your hand, giving you a comforting squeeze. She is half-expecting you to be uncomfortable with her action, but to her surprise, you let out a soft sigh. 

Like music to her ears. 

-

Ellie is still tying Shimmer up as you scope out the area. Her hands are sweaty from the contact with yours, and her heart is beating through her chest so fast it almost hurts. 

The sudden croak stops her in her tracks, her head turning towards you. You’re stepping back and nearly tripping over yourself to scramble away from a clicker, the gross-looking creature emerging from a hole in the fence you were just studying. 

“Shit!” Ellie grits through her teeth, her feet carrying her fast. 

Ellie has always been on a sort of adrenaline through every patrol she goes on. She has good instincts. She works well under pressure. For some, thinking so impulsively can be fatal. For Ellie, it’s just natural–how she was raised. 

Ellie fights for reasons other than survival, however. Her own life isn’t always plugged into the equation along with the actions she takes. However, her mind flashes with a thought: what if I died right now? Would she be able to defend herself?

And suddenly, her life means everything. The fight becomes more intense. 

Her hand harshly grips the creature’s jaw, tilting it upward to plunge her switchblade into its throat. It lets out a blood-curdling yell and falters. She lets its body drop and rushes toward you without another thought to the corpse a few feet away. 

You’re on the ground, tears brimming your sweet eyes. The adrenaline rush still courses through her body as her eyes scan your body for any sign of a bite. 

Not again, please. Not after what happened. 

A relieved gasp leaves her when she realizes you’re safe. She looks over your face, and her chest aches when she sees the fear in your eyes. 

“You’re okay. It’s all okay, it’s dead.” 

You only nod in response, not trusting your voice at the moment. Ellie doesn’t mind. She crouches in front of you, fingers stroking through your hair, coaxing you to calm down. The only sounds left in the area are your quiet sniffles and the wind blowing through the trees behind you. 

During the ride back to Jackson, you clutch onto Ellie just as tightly as the first time. 

-

The summer festival. The small group that plans social events in Jackson hosts one every year in July. Ellie has always preferred winter when she could layer up her body and subtly admire Wyoming mountain ranges on lookouts. Summer is hot and filled with mosquitos, but Dina and Jesse love the summer festival, so Ellie goes every year. 

The summer festival always left Ellie overwhelmed. She gets sweaty in her flannel, couples love to swap spit in the lines for face paint, and little kids get especially loud after sugary treats. The worst part? They include a dance along with it. The majority of Jackson dancing with each other accompanied by hot weather is as much of a nightmare as it seems. It isn’t Ellie’s ideal Friday night, especially when she could be at home strumming her guitar, or even just asleep. 

“She’s going to the festival with us, by the way.” Jesse grins, leaning against Ellie’s front door. 

“Oh, great,” Ellie says, a failed attempt at sarcasm. In all actuality, her pulse races when she pictures dancing with you.

Jesse laughs. “Dude, don’t act like you haven’t been daydreaming about her every day since that patrol.” 

“Sure.” Ellie rolls her eyes. “It’s not like I’m in love with her or anything. I just think she’s cute.” Even admitting that causes embarrassment to plague her cheeks, however.

“That is exactly how it starts, smart one.” 

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Ellie asks, voice thick with exasperation. 

“It starts with a ‘oh, she’s just cute.’ And then before you know it, you’ll be wearing matching ugly Christmas sweaters with her every year, just like me and Dina.” Jesse says.

“Oh, for god’s sake. I’m not whipped like you are. I just think she’s pretty, and I wouldn’t mind getting to know her.” She explains. 

“And she wouldn’t mind getting to know you, either.” 

“Oh my god, will you stop talking in riddles for five minutes?” Ellie groans, lightly smacking his shoulder. “Can’t you just..say what you mean?”

“I mean that she’s been gushing about you ever since you saved her. Something about a patrol and you comforting her. She has this crush on you, it’s adorable.” Jesse tells her, a grin on his face. 

Ellie’s heart skips a beat. So you like her, too?

“Like I said before, you gotta ask her to be your plus one,” Jesse suggests. 

The thought of spending her night with you instead of being the festival’s wallflower seems appealing. Even more appealing than just staying in like a recluse. Still, her nerves nag at her. 

“Are you sure I should? Isn’t she already going with us?” Ellie asks with uncertainty in her tone. 

“Yeah, but you want to make it clear you at least want something to do with her, right? If you don’t talk to her, she’ll think it’s just a friendly thing.” 

“True,” Ellie mumbles. 

“So do it. Go talk to her.” Jesse urges. 

“Jeez, okay. I don’t have to right away.” 

-

Joel has always conveyed the importance of gift-giving. He is a man who isn’t the best with his words. He bottles it up so easily and explodes just the same. Ellie has the same habit, so she uses that advice–gift-giving. 

Joel himself has given plenty of gifts and services. He’d gifted Ellie with her first guitar. He made sure she didn’t go without a nice meal when she holed herself up in her room after her and Cat’s breakup. That voice is simply lodged in her head after the amount of times she has had to hear him say it. 

“How are you doin’, kiddo?” 

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Some gifts are the ones you think thoroughly about before you offer them. Some are unintentionally impactful, the type you keep with you for years after, even if the person who gave it to you doesn’t realize what it means to you. 

Ellie likes to think gifts can be physical, too. You can give a kiss or a hug, and that proves the notion that certain gifts are special to certain people. You’d want to be given a kiss from someone you romantically love. 

Ellie thought it over before knocking on your door. She heard things about what people had given their love interests before the apocalypse. As Joel said, bouquets and candy were cheesy but it worked. Ellie doesn’t have a local grocery store, however, unless you count the one with its workers being infected and its interior neglected, surrounded by overgrowth. 

Ellie isn’t much of a baker, either. Her garage home’s oven is sparsely used, her microwave in favor; the previous night, her oven was used. Three times, actually. Two times resulted in charred, burnt remains of what was supposed to be a cake. The third time, Ellie put her dignity aside and went to Joel for help, and she reluctantly let him in on her intentions. 

So here she is, in her red flannel that doesn’t have any holes in it and a pair of boot-cut jeans, painfully styled with crusty Converse. She knocks at your door, a container with a vanilla cake in the other. 

Ellie’s eyes fill with hearts when your head peeks out. You open the door wider when you recognize her face, and your eyes naturally trail down to the item in her hands. 

Ellie clears her throat. “Uh, brought you something.” 

And of course, you’re already smiling ear to ear. “Yeah? What’d you bring me?” 

Something as sweet as you. That is what Ellie thinks, but instead, she gives the blunt, not unkind answer. “Cake.” 

Ellie holds out the container for you, and you accept it without hesitance. For just a split second, she feels the warmth of your fingertips as they brush against her rough, calloused ones. And then for another second, she lets herself dwell on her deepest thoughts–she wishes she could intertwine her fingers with yours and know what it’s like to be loved by the sun herself. 

“Also–” Ellie scratches her lip, trying not to sputter out her thoughts. “Since Dina and Jesse are going to be all over each other at the festival, I was thinking we could hang out. If you don’t mind.”

You beam as brightly as the sun. “Yeah! And thanks for the cake, Els.” 

Els. That name has her face hot and her hands clammy. She just stares at you for a moment, giving a nod and as polite a goodbye as she can manage before she heads back to her garage house to think of the fact that you just called her the cutest thing you could possibly call her. 

Els it is, then. Els is taking you to the summer festival tomorrow. 

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[lialucis]

@goatgoesmbe here ya go.

@ladysouthpaw1213 I stole your firefighter mood board for this one

Fire fighter Gaz on the ride home.

was a bad fire, one too many windows open, and three too many doors yanked off their hinges. Five cats, six dogs, two hamsters, a very clingy snake. And two folks bound to wheelchairs and a kid with a giant cast. Three floors up in smoke and the fourth quickly catching. It was one of those slap together apartments, quick to put together. Cheap to build, and off they were to the next plot of land to inevitably scorch when some guys attempt to cook dinner for his girl got out of hand. The sprinkler system not even rigged properly so it was making everything a steaming mess more then helping keep the fire at bay. At least you knew where not to step with how badly the water pooled.

Small wonder why two firemen had to be dragged outside, screaming as the flame boiled water soaked through their gear. Though one was down for the rest of the shift, it didn't stop the other. It didn't stop him from yanking his coat off and grabbing a hose, relegating himself to assisting from outside. Ignoring the burns on his arm and chest, he's been through worse fires. He'd do it again to if his Unit wasn't in a touch and go spot right now. From Sergeant to Fireman, he had the build and the strength, and the training came easy.

He's been told he was practically 'born' for this job, fitting in seamlessly and out performing even some veterans in the force. His teamwork was seamless, though at times he seemed to easily out-pace his crew. He never did tell them specifically what he did, they just knew he was from the UK and used to serve. 'in between deployments' is what he said, just needed a part timer to keep things afloat. Never mind the fact he's put on the full time shift and even some doubles if they're really bad.

He never even really told his new roommate what he did. No, Gaz was a man of many talents, and many secrets. Even when he comes home covered in soot and sweat, he smiles at his roommate and says it was just a small bonfire. Nothing major.

The burns this time, not so much, even as he tried to down play it. He would relish in the way his partner worried and would fret. Doing his share of the chores, and chasing him back to the couch or bed while they struggled on. And he absolutely loved it when they would give him that look, wanting to help more. Even if it was the nasty job of smoothing burn cream over his arms and torso. Shaky fingers meticulous in their application, very thorough. And if the way their fingers glided over his skin with an almost breath taking reverence. Well that was between the two of them. Even when fingers began to stray and touch old scars, breaths mingle, and lips brush.

The best medicine always was a little lovin'.

[kurapikaspookie]

⋆˚࿔ the things that are special | karasu x reader 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶

Karasu had always been drawn to things that were special.

Too bad he found himself in a crowded, corporate city instead.

Weaving his way through the congested jam, he shuffled his bag higher up his aching shoulder. Bland colours splashed into his vision, from the tall, grey buildings to the clothes that people wore. Of course, he couldn’t look down upon those who wore bland colours when he himself was wearing fairly simple things, for the sheer purpose of not being too ‘unique’. Somehow he contradicted himself; he was always attracted to things that stood out, but he wanted nothing more but to blend in. He found himself mediocre in that sense – he was nothing but normal, only having the ability to copy off those who were more special than him. But, oh well, he’d live his life like that. Simply hopping from job to job, maybe doing some other mildly exciting things like travelling or-

Never mind. That dream was out of the window.

He supposed he would simply work a little harder than everyone else to give himself the small satisfaction of being a little bit special. So he found himself trying to find some café to stay at, one where he could sit down and have some mediocre drink wearing mediocre clothes with a mediocre computer so he could get better at his mediocre job.

That’s when a splash of colour contradicted the blandness of the rest of the city.

A tiny shop, old from love and generations of being occupied, with pastel colours bordering the acute thing. It was colourful, and scarcely occupied. So, by nature, Karasu was drawn to it.

After all, Karasu had always been drawn to things that were special.

He decided to enter on instinct, to find out that even more accessories adorned the interior. He heard the ring of a bell as the door opened, as he raised his eyebrows at that.

“Can I help ya?”

His ears perked up at the sound of a familiar accent. He walked over to the counter, gaze finding you.

The first thing he noticed was how special you seemed to be.

You wore different clothes, ones that would earn you glances and glares against the other colours that embraced the crowd nowadays. You wore your hair differently, even the fact you wore accessories was different.

He rose his eyebrows slightly, wearing an indifferent expression as he observed your attire. “Kelp tea, I guess.”

And he simply sat down, opening his laptop, thinking to himself what it was that made you decide to dress like that.

And your gaze followed him, as you were drawn to familiar things.

The first thing you noticed was his accent, it was the memorable accent of Osaka, and you felt yourself drawn to a compatriot in this urban world.

The second thing was his hair. A dark, mauve shade, something you weren’t able to see often.

The third thing you noticed was the fact he could spin a pencil between his fingers. A rare talent, albeit mostly deemed underwhelming.

As, of course, you were a simple person, and you were drawn to special things.

︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶⠀୨୧⠀︶︶︶ ⊹ ︶︶︶

♡ not done yet! still updating, may work on my other fics first

[madeofthreads]

That scolding look drew a half-smile. Leander never understood it — and in the same breath, he would do the same too. Somnus could not utter one word against the Queen without drawing a loud look.

There was a deep respect for each other, and of course, each others family. He would need the help of the barracks just to count out on fingers how many nice things had been done for him because he was the talkative farm boy that dragged their son and brother all around.

The cart ride returned the mood to something more like business again. Leander listened to direction and was content to sit in silence... until Somnus suddenly sprung a wet cloth on him.

Inhaling a sharp breath, he flinched away, only stilling when he was prompted to do so. He had come from his blind side. He quite literally hadn't seen it coming, the startle was a genuine one, and a bit embarrassing. Though he wasn't teased for it. Not even a little.

"... I'm sure we can find a compromise." he answered, unwilling to allow Somnus to shoulder everything. What, did he look that bad? He felt pretty good. Well. Sort of. The sway and bump of the cart brought out new aches he hadn't yet been aware of but otherwise!

When they eventually started to see hints of buildings and older structures, he wanted to ask if this was the place. He got his answer when his friend leapt down and offered up his hand.

He wasn't so proud that he was going to deny him. He stood with a stiffness in his back that he hoped he masked well enough, and slowly stepped down with his friend's strong, steadying hand for support, hitching a little breath that he hoped went unnoticed. Okay. Maybe these thugs had really beaten him down to a new level.

Leander was so busy palming an ache from his back that he almost didn't catch the significance of the question. Initially he hummed a tone of agreement, but when he glanced Somnus he realised his friend was nervous. Perhaps even scared.

Another moment passed before he took a leaning-forward step closer to his dear best friend. "Hey. I'm fine, Som. Are you okay with me seeing this?"

Somnus’ own thoughts were far away from any toppling or mud thrown to his name. he did not even really consider it. That was… laughable. And maybe he had become all too numb by years of insults uttered his way. It was normal. So why should this change anything now?

His only concern was for Leander. He had a shake of his head and slightly scolding look for his friend when he mentioned that his Mater would sniff them out. The poor woman, she had a heart of gold. She would be so worried for her son, if she saw him like this. It would break her heart – and it was Somnus’ fault.

The same way it was the Prince’s fault that Leander now had to take charge and organize everything they needed across town. Somnus kept his head down. He felt as if the people could already tell what he had done. Most here were not unkind to him, they knew him. And the lived too close to the palace, they were used to his appearance.

 Still…

Absentmindedly caressing through the Chocobo’s feathers, as Leander finished the transaction, Somnus mustered his best friend again.

He looked pitiful. His face was swollen and some of the bandage son his knuckles were starting to bleed through. It was all his fault.

He had done the right thing in killing these men. Who dared to do something like this to Leander… one of the sweetest people Somnus knew, well. They didn’t deserve to breathe.

When they sat upon the cart and Somnus gave the directions of where to go – with a sidetrack away from town, so no one would find them suspicious – he leaned over and then pressed a cold wet cloth to the swollen skin around Leander’s eye.

“Sht.”, he urged his friend to stay still, cupping half of his face to keep him in place.

“You should not strain yourself. Let me do the physical work. You give the orders.”

It was a request and yet he said it with a certain authority, because it was already decided. He would not let the bandages on Leander’s hands be tinted red any more.

The trek to the old ruins and barn was silent. And it was as if a storm was drawing up at the skies, though no raincloud was in sight. A similar ambience fell over them, though. And Somnus nodded when they were close enough, jumping off of the cart before he held his hand out to Leander to help him down.

He gulped. What was in that barn… it would look horrible. Their faces.

“… do you really want to see this?”

Please say no.