#in order of their involvement with the series

[joemama-2]

velvet lies

pairing: gojo x fem reader synopsis: crippling debt and possible evictions have ruined you. working two jobs with no downtime, and a five-year-old son, you really don't know the meaning of taking a break. after continuous questions about his father, you have decided to finally let your son meet his dad. only thing is, he has no idea said son exists. and to top it off, you have not a single clue about what kinds of things will transpire from this sudden revelation. wc: 12.9k tags/warnings: 18+ MDNI, smut, fluff, romance, alcohol, classism, mom! reader, lying, abuse, MAJOR angst, slow burn, exes to lovers, (mentions of) cheating, scandals, death, blood, drugs, drama, family drama, miscommunication, blackmail, unhealthy coping mechanisms , depression, manipulation series masterlist < previous chapter < next chapter

The minute you, Koji, and Satoru step out of the mall, a small group of five reporters are hounding you guys. It comes as a surprise—a very unpleasant and unexpected surprise. You’ve never been involved in things like this, you’re still not used to it. You never will be. Your steps falter, leaning back and placing a protective hand on Koji’s back to steer him further into your body. 

“Mr. Gojo! Is this your family?”

“Mr. Gojo, what do you have to say about the people who suspect you of keeping it all a secret?”

“Mr. Gojo, were you ashamed or embarrassed?”

“Y/N L/N, how does it feel to have Satoru Gojo as the father to your son?”

The questions are relentless, each one sharper than the last, and the flashing cameras blind you for a moment. Your heart races as you tighten your grip on Koji’s shoulder, your protective instincts flaring. Koji looks up at you with wide, frightened eyes, his small hands clutching at your coat. Satoru steps forward instinctively, his towering frame blocking you and Koji from the onslaught. His usual easygoing demeanor is replaced with a rare seriousness, his jaw clenched and his voice low. “Back off,” he warns, holding up a hand to shield his face. “You’re scaring my son.” 

The reporters barely falter, emboldened by Satoru’s reaction. “Is that confirmation then? He is your son?” one of them presses, leaning closer with their camera.  

Satoru exhales sharply through his nose, his tone now icy. “I said, back off.” He moves with precision, steering you and Koji toward the parking lot. 

Koji clings to your side, his face buried in your coat as he mutters, “Mama, I don’t like this.” 

“I know, sweetheart,” you murmur soothingly, your voice trembling despite your best efforts. “Just keep walking, okay?” 

“Y/N,” Satoru says firmly, his hand brushing your elbow before grabbing onto it with a firm gentleness. “Stay close to me.” 

You quickly pick your son up, holding him tightly to your chest and keeping his small face hidden in your neck. The crowd doesn’t let up, following you to the edge of the parking lot. They’re throwing more questions your way now, their voices rising as if to compete with each other. 

“Y/N, do you think Satoru will take responsibility as a father?”  

“Will there be a public statement?”  

“Koji, do you know your dad is famous?” It’s one thing to ask his son a question, but it’s entirely another thing when that same reporter hounds just a bit too close to you, causing your footsteps to stumble a bit backward in order to not get hit by the obvious camera. 

At that, Satoru stops dead in his tracks, eyes and face flitting with anger, but they don’t even express half of it. He spins on his heel, his height and presence instantly silencing the crowd. His gaze is sharp and unyielding. “You’re done,” he snaps, shoving the camera back, the reporter tripping over his own two feet and falling on his ass. “No more questions. No more photos. If I see any of you near my family again, you’ll be hearing from my lawyers.” 

The authority in his voice makes even the most persistent reporters step back, the one who just fell cradling his camera that now has a broken lens. He waits for a beat to ensure they’ve gotten the message before turning back to you and Koji. 

“Let’s go,” he says, his voice softer now as he reaches for you two. You don’t resist when he takes your hand, holding on firmly as if grounding you. His other is on the small of your back. The three of you walk in silence to the car, leaving the paparazzi behind. He guides you into the passenger seat before strapping Koji in his car seat in the back. Walking around the car to get into the driver’s side, closing the door with an exasperated huff. After a few still seconds, you finally exhale, slumping back in your seat. Satoru glances at you from the corner of his eye, then at the rearview mirror to make sure Koji is okay. Luckily his car’s windows are almost completely blacked out. His expression is unreadable. “You okay?” 

You nod slowly, fingers dancing along your thighs. “I’m fine. Just… not used to this.” 

Satoru’s lips press into a thin line. “You shouldn’t have to be. I’ll handle it.”  

This outing was supposed to be a simple one—a wholesome one. Satoru insisted on taking Koji out, but Koji insisted you come with them. After debating, you decided what’s the worst that could happen? This, apparently. Satoru reaches behind him to place a couple of things he bought for Koji behind his seat. You told him that since it was so close to Christmas, you didn’t see the need to buy things for Koji. His response: “So? I want to spoil him every chance I get.” You understand, in a sense. But you still need to have a proper talk with Satoru about keeping his money and riches to a minimum when it comes to Koji. The last thing you want is for your son to get used to something that you wouldn’t be able to maintain yourself. 

“You okay, Koji?” he asks, looking over his shoulder. He receives a feeble nod from his son, patting his little foot. “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect this to happen.” Satoru’s tone is laced with guilt as he turns to face forward again. Koji’s wide eyes dart between you and Satoru. “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again. I promise.”

Koji looks up at him hesitantly before mumbling, “I don’t like the flashing lights, Papa. They’re scary.”

Your heart clenches at his words, peering back and holding out your hand. He takes it and you rub his little knuckles with your thumb. “I know, sweetie. It’s over now. You’re safe with us.”

Satoru exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll do better,” he mutters, more to himself than anyone else. “Next time, we’ll go somewhere quieter. Somewhere they can’t find us.” You glance at him, catching the rare vulnerability in his expression. Despite your frustrations with the situation—and with him—you can tell he means it. His guilt is genuine, and that softens your own edges just a little. He looks like he wants to say something more, but he stops himself, his jaw tightening. He shifts in his seat, his gaze dropping to the steering wheel. “We’ll figure it out,” he says quietly. He turns the key and starts the engine, beginning to drive off.

The rest of the car ride is subdued, the weight of the earlier encounter and the unspoken tension settling over the three of you. Koji eventually drifts off, his small frame relaxing against you, and you lean your head against the window, watching the city lights blur past. You know you have a lot of conversations to do with Satoru that aren’t over—some haven’t even started. There’s so much left unsaid, so much you need to sort out—for Koji’s sake and for your own. But for now, you focus on the steady rhythm of Koji’s humming to the song playing and the faint hum of the car engine, holding onto the fragile sense of calm that has settled, however temporary it may be.

This is the first time Gojo’s getting a good look at your interior decorations. Koji’s watching TV and you’re watching Satoru trying his best not to judge. Outwardly, at least. The decorations you’ve put up are a little uncoordinated, he can tell some are quite old. There are a few things with stains from presumably the previous year, like your tablecloth. The only item he thinks is new is the pinecone-y candle lit in the middle of the kitchen counter. At least something in here is pretty, he looks at you. Never mind, you’re already here. 

“Well…” Satoru starts, and you cut him off as soon as he does.

“I know, you don’t have to say it.”

“I wasn’t going to say anything.”

“Yes, you were.”

“Then what was I going to say?”

“You were going to judge and put in your unwanted two cents.”

He scoffs with rolled eyes and a frown, arms crossing as he watches you go over to the sink to wash what was left in there from this morning. “Unwanted?” Satoru repeats, his tone is dramatic as he leans against the counter. “I think my two cents are worth at least a dollar, thank you very much.”

You glance at him over your shoulder, arching a brow. “Then keep your dollar to yourself. We’re not taking handouts.”

His lips quirk into a thinner line, and he straightens up, walking over to stand beside you. “Handouts? Who said anything about that? I was just going to say…” He pauses, leaning closer as if sharing a secret. “This place has character.”

You let out a dry laugh, shaking your head as you rinse a plate. “Is that your polite way of saying it’s outdated?”

“No,” he shrugs, though he gives himself away with a sigh. “Okay, maybe a little. But it’s not terrible. I kind of like it. It feels... real.”

You glance at him again, this time surprised by the sincerity in his voice. His eyes are scanning the room, and for once, they’re not filled with the usual analytical glint. Instead, there’s something softer, something almost nostalgic. “It’s not much,” you admit, drying your hands on a towel. “But it’s home. It’s all I can manage right now.”

Satoru turns to you, his expression shifting as he studies your face. “You’re doing a good job,” he says quietly. “Better than good, actually. Koji’s happy. That’s what matters.”

His words catch you off guard, and for a moment, you don’t know how to respond. You’re so used to his playful jabs and over-the-top confidence that this genuine side of him feels… different. Why is he being so nice today? Does he feel bad about what happened earlier and he’s trying to kiss your ass? Yeah, must be that.  “Thanks,” you mutter quietly, meeting his gaze.

He casually lifts his shoulders up and down, the corners of his lips lifting into a small smile. “Don’t mention it.”

The moment lingers, the two of you standing in the small kitchen with the faint sound of cartoons playing in the background. It’s the closest you’ve felt to being on the same page in a long time. And though you don’t say it out loud, you’re grateful for it. That feeling only lasts a second before you remember just how different things are. Clearing your throat, you peek over to make sure Koji is engrossed in his show before speaking to Satoru. “Look, we have to talk.”

He nods, silently gesturing for you to continue. 

“I understand you want to give Koji everything you can because you have that luxury, but I don’t want him to grow up like that, okay? He can have gifts, but you’ve been buying him at least ten new things every time you see him, Satoru. He’s starting to ask me now for toys and books and I don’t have that money right now to spend leisurely. So please, just…keep the gift-giving to a minimum. Christmas is already coming up.”

Satoru listens, his arms crossed and head tilted slightly, a contemplative look replacing his usual playful expression. When you finish, he exhales softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “I get it,” he says after a moment. “I do. I don’t mean to overdo it; I just...I don’t know, I feel like I missed out on so much already. Giving him things feels like a way to make up for that.”

You soften at his admission, but you hold firm. “I understand that, and I’m not saying you shouldn’t give him anything. It’s just… he needs to learn that he can’t always have everything he wants. He has to understand boundaries, Satoru. Life isn’t always going to hand him the world on a silver platter.”

Satoru ponders for a moment, biting the inside of his cheek. “But I also want you to understand that he’s a kid, my kid. If I want to buy him things, I’m going to do that. I don’t need to run that by you and ask for your permission, Y/N. You’ve already made enough decisions for me.”

The little remark doesn’t go unnoticed by you. How could it? He’s right, you know that. But does he really need to bring that up right now when you’re trying to handle things like a mature adult and parent? You’re trying to make things better right now, not take his snide comments to face. Your jaw tightens, but you take a calming breath, trying to keep your composure. “I’m not trying to control what you do for him, Satoru. I’m just asking you to think about how it impacts him—and me. I’m the one who has to deal with the fallout when he doesn’t understand why I can’t give him the same things you can.”

Satoru’s eyes narrow slightly, the tension between you two growing heavier. “And whose fault is that?” he asks, his voice lower now. “You’re the one who kept him from me. I would’ve been there, Y/N. I could’ve helped you.”

There it is—the resentment bubbling to the surface again.

You set the dish towel down a little too firmly on the counter, turning fully to face him. “I know, okay? I know I screwed up by keeping him from you, but I can’t go back and change that. I’m doing the best I can now, and I need you to meet me halfway here, Satoru.”

He holds your gaze for a long moment, his jaw clenching and unclenching. Then, he sighs and looks away, his shoulders sagging slightly. “I’ll try,” he mutters, though his tone is tinged with bitter reluctance. “I’ll try to dial it back. But I’m not making any promises.”

You nod, knowing that’s probably the best you’ll get from him right now. “That’s all I’m asking.”

The two of you stand in silence for a moment, the tension still thick but beginning to ease. The faint sound of Koji giggling at the TV filters into the kitchen, a reminder of what really matters. “I just want what’s best for him,” you say quietly, your voice softer now.

Satoru looks at you again, his expression hard to read. “So do I,” he replies, his tone matching yours.

And for a brief moment, it feels like you’re on the same side again. It reminds you that the only thing you two have in common is your son’s happiness and well-being and that Koji is the only reason you have this strained and awkward connection. Co-parenting. You don’t know how some couples did or are currently doing it. Even little conversations like ‘How’s your day?’ feel so forced with him, but you know it’s what comes with the job. What comes with hiding your kid and being tossed into the realm of co-parenting. You don’t have to like him, he doesn’t have to like you. You two are only in this for Koji—and that’s it.

So, why do you feel a small stab to your stomach when an annoyingly familiar name pops up on his screen with an incoming phone call? The picture of them kissing feels like it’s laughing right in your face, fingers curling into your palms as you coerce yourself to look away and pretend you’re busy with something else. Satoru keeps his voice hushed, like he’s trying to ensure you or Koji don’t listen. Only for a moment, you think: he’s acting like he has something to hide. And he shouldn’t. You two haven’t been together in years. But the fact that it seems like he’s trying to lessen whatever blow his relationship has on you, like he thinks—knows you’re not that happy with it, that makes you annoyed. Does he assume he still has the same effect on you? Does he think you still hold some secret feelings towards him?

Is he still as arrogant and conceited as he was before?

Maybe he believes that you’re still hung up on him. Yeah, must be. Because why else would he be apologizing to you after he hung up the phone with her, giving you that sympathetic gleam in his eyes that you recognize all too well. The same look he would give you after he knew he did something you didn’t like or didn’t approve of, and you would reprimand him for it. “I’m sorry, but I have to go soon.”

You nod, biting your tongue to hold back a snarky remark like why are you apologizing? I don’t care. “Just say bye to Koji.”

He nods, putting his phone in his pocket. Lips lying like he’s debating how to bring something up. “Before I go, I was thinking something. Since Christmas is coming up, I…I want to spend it with him, with you guys. If it’s okay, I’d like to come over then. We can cook and open presents together, I’ll bring what I bought for Koji that day.” His tone is cautious, almost like he’s unsure if the idea is good himself, but he pushed through somehow. 

You blink at him, caught off guard by the sudden suggestion. Spend Christmas together? Like some picture-perfect family? It almost feels laughable, considering the complicated mess the two of you have found yourselves in. But when you glance at Koji in the other room, blissfully unaware of the tangled web of adult emotions, your resolve softens. “Christmas?” you repeat, just to confirm you heard him right.

Satoru shifts awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah. I mean, I know things aren’t exactly…simple between us. But I thought it’d be nice for Koji. You know, give him something to look forward to. A memory he can hold on to.”

There it is again—that maddening mix of arrogance and sincerity that only Satoru Gojo can pull off. You hate that he’s making sense. You hate even more that a part of you wants to say yes. Not for his sake, of course, but for Koji’s. “I don’t know,” you start warily, crossing your arms. “I don’t want him to get confused, Satoru. He’s young, but he’s not stupid. If we start doing things like this, he might think…” You trail off, not wanting to put it into words.

Satoru’s expression softens, and for a moment, you see the man you once loved—the one who could convince you of anything with just a look. “He won’t think anything, Y/N. He’ll just be happy. That’s all I want for him.” He hesitates before adding, “That’s all I want for us.”

You swallow hard, caught between the weight of the past and the fragile threads of the present. “I’ll think about it,” you finally say, your voice quieter now.

His lips twitch into a small smile, relieved. “That’s all I ask.” He doesn’t press further, doesn’t push his luck. Instead, he steps into the living room, kneeling to Koji’s level to say his goodbyes. You watch from the kitchen, arms still crossed, heart still conflicted. The sound of Koji’s chuckles and his own goodbye fills the space as Satoru ruffles his hair, promising to come back soon. When he straightens up and heads for the door, he glances back at you one last time, his gaze lingering in a way that makes your chest tighten.

“Think about it,” he repeats softly before stepping out into the cold. 

And just like that, the house feels a little emptier, a little quieter. You sigh, leaning against the counter as Koji returns to his cartoons, blissfully unaware of the storm brewing in your chest.

Christmas. Together. You’re not sure if it’s a recipe for disaster or something else entirely. But, it’s for Koji. It would be his first Christmas with his father whom he looks up to like he’s some kind of superhero. A super rich superhero. It would be wrong of you to deny him of that—them both of that. And like Satoru said, you’ve already made enough decisions for him. 

With a deep breath, you walk on over and sit next to your son on the floor, arm around his shoulders. “Koji?”

“Yes, Mama?” Koji hums back, eyes still fixated on the bright screen.

“I have a question for you.”

At this, he turns his head and looks at you, tilting it in a childish curiosity. “What?” 

You bring him closer to your side. “Christmas is coming up, are you excited?” He nods enthusiastically. You smile and continue. “So, would you like Papa to come over on Christmas? He’ll play games with you and—”

“Yes!” he shouts, scooting closer to your face as he expresses his excitement with vigor. “I want Papa to come! I want Papa to come!”

You laugh softly, though the knot in your chest tightens. Koji’s innocent enthusiasm is infectious, and his wide grin makes it hard to feel anything but love for your son. “Okay, okay,” you say, ruffling his hair gently. “I’ll let Papa know you want him here.”

Koji bounces up and down, clapping his hands together. “Yay! Can we make cookies? And put out milk for Santa? And open presents together?”

“Of course,” you assure him, pulling him into a warm hug, and kissing the top of his white nest of hair. “We’ll do all of that.” As you hold him, your heart aches a little. Koji doesn’t understand the complexities of the situation, nor should he. To him, Christmas is just about family and joy and all the things that make the world seem big and bright. But to you, it’s a delicate balancing act—a chance to give Koji the kind of Christmas he deserves while keeping your own emotions in check. The last thing you want to do is start an argument on that special day and ruin it for your son. Just pretend, that’s all. For Koji. For Koji.

Later that evening, after Koji is fast asleep and tucked in bed, you pick up your phone and hesitate for a moment before sending Satoru a quick message:

Y/N:

He wants you here. Don’t make me regret this.

You put the phone down and stare at the ceiling for a while, wondering what the holidays will bring. For Koji’s sake, you hope it’s nothing but joy. For your own sake, you’re not so sure. A few more days. The buildup, anxiety, anticipation, it’s all killing you slowly. On one hand, you don’t want to see Satoru and pretend you’re all a happy family. But on the other, you know Koji wants him and the same goes for Satoru. You’ve taken away enough opportunities. You’ve wedged a big enough gap between this already small family and if you make it larger, you fear you’ll screw things up for good. It’s the holiday season, it’s not time to sit around and mope about your shitty life. It’s not the time to compare yourself to others and it’s most certainly not the time to brew in jealousy about the fact that Satoru was spending his past Christmases with another woman.  

Shut that off, immediately. 

What it is time for is to be happy you’ve lived to see another year, and happy your son has had a great year. And finally, it’s time to start thinking more about other people’s feelings. Including Satoru’s. 

But, you’ve been doing that this entire time. Haven’t you?

Koji’s last day of school was Friday, now starting his break. “Thank you, Sana. I know the longer hours are a little annoying, but I’ll raise the pay by a dollar.”

“No need, Ms. Y/N,” the younger woman waves you off with a smile, in the middle of coloring with Koji. Her blue-dyed hair pulled up into a lazy bun. “I love Koji, I’ll watch him anytime you need me.”

Your smile turns sympathetic, letting out a small sigh and rubbing her shoulder. “You’re so sweet, thank you so much. You’re a big help around here.”

“It’s my pleasure.” She hugs you back and locks the door after you leave. The morning air feels nice to breathe in, not as cold as it was yesterday. You remind yourself to get a little gift for her. Maybe a gift basket? Or a gift card? Or more money, she’s a college student. 

Walking to work that morning is the same as always. Waiting for the same crosswalk to turn green, passing by the usual bakery and donut shop, seeing that same old man doing his own morning walk. It all feels mundane—normal. Something that feels very much needed, more often than it would have last month. You’re still not entirely used to how much things have been integrated into your life, for the better or worse. Either way, it’s your life now. Time to embrace that in some way. 

Walking into the cafe, you see a few of your co-workers readying and tidying up the place. Giving them a brief ‘good morning’ and nod, you head to the back to place your purse and coat down. It’s a quiet morning today, which is a little odd because usually, you would hear Hana’s fingers typing away on the keyboard to the computer. Or she would greet you hello. Turning your head, you see her; sitting at one of the chairs and completely engrossed in whoever she’s texting on her phone. She has a small, giddy smile on her face, letting out a quiet huff of laughter at what the other person said. “Hey?”

She snaps her head up, locking her phone and standing up. “Oh, hey. Sorry, didn’t hear you come in.”

“Yeah, I can see that.” You raise a brow and chuckle, walking over and nodding your head in the direction of the phone in her hand. “Who’s that?”

“Oh…” her cheeks grow slightly pink, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear in a shy manner. “Um…no one. Just a guy.”

“A cute guy?” You wiggle your eyebrows, and she responds by elbowing you. 

“Not like that, Y/N. I barely know him.”

“For now.”

“He’s just a regular.” Hana plays it off, but the growing smile on her face juxtaposes her feigned nonchalance. 

You grin, leaning against the counter as you cross your arms. “A regular,” you repeat, emphasizing the words with air quotes. “But give it a week, and I bet I’ll be hearing wedding bells.”  

Hana rolls her eyes but can’t suppress the small smile creeping onto her face. “It’s nothing like that. We’ve only been talking for a few days.”  

“And yet here you are, all smiley and distracted at work,” you point out with a playful laugh. “Come on, spill. What’s his name? What does he do?”  

Hana hesitates for a moment before sighing, as though resigning herself to your curiosity. “His name is Naoya. Naoya Zenin,” she admits, the blush on her cheeks deepening. “I think he has something to do with business? Or real estate? He hasn’t said much about his job yet.”  

“Naoya Zenin,” you repeat, testing the name on your tongue. “Have I ever seen him?”

She shakes her head. “No, I don’t think so. He’s only just recently started coming in because of something like ‘he saw a pretty girl at the cashier and couldn’t resist’.”

You huff. “Sounds like a smoother talker already.”

“Y/N!” Hana protests, swatting at your arm. “He’s not like that! He’s… actually really nice. Sweet, even.”  

You laugh, raising your hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay, I’ll take your word for it. But don’t think you’re off the hook. I’m going to need updates. Daily updates. I live vicariously through you when it comes to your love life, you know that.”  

She groans, but there’s a sparkle of excitement in her eyes. “Fine. But only if you promise to keep it between us.”  

“Scout’s honor,” you say with a smile, though you’re already mentally filing this away to tease her about later. “This top secret of yours about your little boy toy will stay between you and I only, no outsiders.”  

Hana nods, but the little smile on her face remains as she pockets her phone and joins you at the counter. Something tells you this Naoya guy might be worth hearing about after all. You think for a moment that it’s a little strange you haven’t ever seen or served him, but he obviously must’ve been in after you leave; sometime in the afternoon. 

You’re curious, rightfully so. Hana hasn’t talked about a guy since the last man, which was about a year ago. You’re glad to see her out on the market again, opening herself up. She and this Naoya guy have only been talking for a few days, but she obviously has taken a quick interest in him. You could only hope he’s feeling the same, and not messing with her feelings. It’s the protective friend in you speaking. 

Time flies before you know it, ringing up customers and making their beloved—but occasionally off coffee drinks. The small tune of the music playing on the speakers quells your mind, giving you something to hum to every now and then. The steady hum of the espresso machine, the clinking of mugs, and the soft murmur of conversations blend into the background, creating a comforting cadence. Customer after customer comes through, each order oddly more specific than the last. The overly tedious ones make you concerned sometimes. There are a few ordinary ones, of course. 

“An oat milk latte, but can you add three pumps of hazelnut, and one pump of caramel, and make it extra hot? Oh, and no foam, please.”  

You resist the urge to sigh, offering a polite smile instead. “Of course, coming right up.”  

Hana, stationed beside you, exchanges an amused glance. “How do they come up with these combinations?” she whispers as she froths milk for a cappuccino.  

“Beats me,” you reply, carefully measuring out the hazelnut syrup. “But hey, keeps us employed, right?”  

The lively beat playing over the speakers catches your attention, and you continue to hum along absentmindedly as you finish up the drink. Moments like these make the chaos of the morning rush feel a little more manageable—a small comfort amidst the constant motion.  

By the time noon rolls around, the rush has died down, leaving the café bathed in a peaceful lull. The scent of freshly brewed coffee still lingers in the air, mingling with the faint sweetness of pastries from the display case. You glance at Hana, who’s leaning against the counter, scrolling through her phone during the quiet moment.  

“You doing okay over there?” you ask, wiping down the counter.  

She looks up, a sheepish grin on her face. “Yeah, just checking my messages.”  

“From Naoya?” you tease, and her blush tells you all you need to know.  

As she laughs and shakes her head, the door chime rings, signaling a new customer. You straighten up, slipping back into your friendly barista persona as you greet the newcomer.  

“Welcome! What can I get started for you today?”

It’s a woman, nicely dressed and a bit older. There are some graying hairs at the front, but she holds her aged wrinkles well. Smiling at you with red-stained lips, lifting her sunglasses up to rest them on her head. “Hello, how are you?”

“Good, how are you?”

“Good,” she hums, eyes wandering up to the menu. “This is my first time here, may I ask what you recommend?”

You nod. “Our cookie butter latte is highly recommended, along with our raspberry matcha and horchata latte.”

The woman’s red lips curl into a thoughtful smile as she considers your suggestions. “Cookie butter latte? That does sound intriguing,” she says, tapping a manicured finger against her chin. “Is it too sweet?”

“It’s a bit on the sweeter side, but we can adjust it if you prefer something less sugary,” you offer.

“Hmm… I think I’ll try it as is,” she decides, returning her gaze to you. “A small one, please. Oh, and can you make it extra hot?”

“Of course.” You punch in her order and give her the total.

As she hands over a crisp bill, she glances around the café, taking in the cozy décor and warm atmosphere. “This place is lovely,” she remarks. “Do you enjoy working here?”

You smile, sliding her change across the counter. “I do. It’s a nice little escape from everything else. And the regulars make it fun.”

“I can imagine,” she says, her voice carrying a certain kindness. “It seems like the perfect place for a little pick-me-up.”

You chuckle softly, grabbing a cup to start up her order. “Of course.”

She watches you make her drink, which is normal for you since many other customers do that too. Either to ensure you’re doing everything right, or that you’re not messing up their order. Or simply they just want to know how to make that drink at home. This woman continues the conversation with you, however. “I love your necklace, it’s very beautiful.”

You glance down at the gold moon, peering back up at her with a thankful nod. “Oh, thank you. I got it as a gift from a co-worker last year.”

“It’s lovely.” She responds, keeping her holy smile on her face. You return the favor before finishing up her drink. Securing the lid on top and sliding a cover on the middle before turning back to her, and handing the drink over. 

“Here you go, Miss. Have a good day.”

The woman takes the cup, but instead of leaving, she lingers, her eyes scanning the café again before settling on you. “You’re very efficient,” she says, her tone thoughtful. “And polite. Not everyone has that kind of composure while juggling multiple tasks.”  

“Oh, thank you,” you reply, slightly caught off guard. Compliments like that aren’t exactly rare, but there’s something in her tone that feels... deliberate. 

She sets the cup down on the counter, her red lips curving into a subtle smile. “Forgive me if this seems forward, but are you happy working here?”  

The question startles you, and for a moment, you’re not sure how to answer. It feels a little invading, but you’re not the type to be outwardly rude to a customer. Unless provoked; but even then, you hold your composure well. “I... I like it. The people are nice, and it’s steady work.”  

“I see,” she says, nodding slowly. “You seem like someone who could do more, though. Someone with potential.”  

You blink, not sure whether to take her words as a compliment or a critique. “Well, I try my best,” you say, keeping your tone neutral., lips pursing awkwardly. 

She reaches into her bag and pulls out a sleek black business card, sliding it across the counter toward you. “If you’re ever looking for a change, my company is always in need of someone capable. We’re hiring for a personal secretary position right now.”  

Your eyes flicker down to the card, where her name and title are printed in elegant gold lettering. Beneath that, the name of a foreign, but well-known corporation—one you’d only ever dreamt of working for.  

Evelyn Carlisle. 

Founder & CEO of:

Carlisle & Harlow. 

Carlisle & Harlow is a luxury lifestyle and real estate industry that specializes in high-end properties, exclusive concierge services, and premium lifestyle management for elite clientele. It has a reputation for catering to the wealthy, ensuring that every detail of its clients’ lives is managed to perfection.

You hesitate, staring at the card. Eyes wide, lips parting and closing in surprise and confusion. It feels like a golden ticket has just been thrust in your face. And for what reason? You have absolutely no idea. “I—I don’t know…”  

“It’s just a thought,” she says smoothly, picking up her latte again. “You’re under no obligation, but I think you’d do wonderfully. If you’re interested, give me a call.”  

Before you can respond, she offers you another one of those warm, knowing smiles and turns toward the door. The second her back is to you, she’s on her phone, texting something. “Have a good day, dear.”  

You stand there for a moment, holding the card in your hand, unsure of what to think. The logo on the card gleams in the café’s warm light, and your mind races with possibilities—and doubts. Could this really be an opportunity, or is it too good to be true? How did this just happen so…suddenly? If her business wasn’t so well known, you would’ve assumed you were being scammed and thrown the card away as soon as she left. But, it feels like an opportunity, nonetheless. 

A bright opportunity that screams money. 

A part of you is still very much hesitant about what just happened, but the desperate part of you is telling your brain to make that phone call as soon as you have the chance. Just think about it, if all of this is authentic, you would have a good-paying job. No more rushing back and forth between two, no more sleep deprivation (hopefully), and you would be a bit more stable. Maybe if you save up enough, you could buy a new place. 

Okay, thinking too far ahead. 

You pocket the card, smiling to yourself. For once, it feels like a small beam of light is being cast your way. Like you’re being chosen. It turns your stomach in delight and excitement. 

But, you can’t stop the lingering, pressing question. 

Why did that feel a little…organized?

“And this here, we have our newest version of RavenX.” 

Yamato nods in astonishment, watching the mechanical crow tilt its head, the red circle in its eye prominent as the crow blinks. Its purple wings demonstrate a high altitude while the screen in front of him and his son shows the view of what the crow is seeing. Satoru stands cross-armed next to his father, silently praising the meticulously engineered drone. 

Mei Mei steps forward, her tone confident and composed as she gestures toward the screen showcasing the RavenX drone's perspective. “The RavenX is designed for both surveillance and tactical operations. Enhanced AI ensures decision-making capabilities in real-time, and the thermal imaging allows it to identify targets even in low-visibility conditions.”  

She turns to Yamato with a faint smirk. “It can operate autonomously for up to 48 hours without recharge and has a flight speed that outpaces any similar product on the market. Its compact size makes it nearly undetectable by radar.”  

Yamato’s lips curl into a subtle smile as he leans closer to examine the live feed on the screen. “Impressive,” he murmurs, nodding slowly. “And you’ve managed to keep the design sleek. Functionality without sacrificing form.”  

Satoru tilts his head slightly, his usual business-y tone replaced with one of genuine curiosity. “What about security? How resistant is it to hacking or signal jamming?”  

Mei Mei casts him a sidelong glance, clearly prepared for the question. “The RavenX operates on an encrypted frequency that’s nearly impossible to intercept. Even if someone managed to breach it, the drone has an auto-lockout protocol. It will wipe its data and return to base immediately.”  

Yamato raises a brow, clearly impressed. “You’ve outdone yourself again, Mei Mei.”

Mei Mei keeps her poised smile, her confidence unmistakable. “Why thank you, Mr. Gojo. The RavenX isn’t just a surveillance drone—but it’s a masterpiece of precision engineering. With a flight range of over 500 miles and an adaptive AI capable of learning terrain in real-time, it ensures maximum efficiency in hostile or unpredictable environments.”  

Yamato leans forward slightly, adjusting his glasses, his expression one of genuine intrigue. “Interesting. And the resolution on this feed?”  

“4K with thermal imaging,” Mei Mei replies, tapping the screen to zoom in on a distant object. The clarity is undeniable. “It’s designed to thrive in low-visibility conditions. Perfect for search and rescue, military applications, or even high-security industrial work. The AI is coded for rapid response to potential threats—watch this.”  

She waves to one of her team members, who approaches the drone with a metal rod. As soon as the drone’s sensors pick up the movement, it lets out a synthetic caw and gracefully maneuvers upward, evading the perceived threat.  

Satoru raises his brows, shifting his weight. “Not bad,” he murmurs, clearly impressed but keeping his tone casual.  

Mei Mei tilts her head, catching his eye. “Not bad? That’s high praise coming from the Satoru Gojo. I’ll take it.” Mei Mei clears her throat, tucking some hair behind her ear. “We’ve also designed it to respond to its owner’s call. Like this.” She whistles and quickly, the crow swoops down, landing on her outstretched arm as if it were an actual animal. Mei Mei’s grin deepens as the RavenX perches gracefully on her arm, its wings retracting with a faint mechanical hum. She lightly taps the drone’s head, and its eyes blink, the red circle fading into a neutral glow. "Fully programmable for voice commands," she explains, "and adaptable to any user profile. It recognizes not just my call but also pre-set vocal patterns. This makes it irreplaceable for high-security operations or personal defense."

Yamato watches the display with a mixture of intrigue and admiration. “Quite remarkable of you and your team,” he states, walking forward to eye the drone better. “How does it differentiate between allies and potential threats? Is the AI pre-programmed, or does it learn through interaction?”  

Mei Mei nods, her expression one of quiet pride. “The AI starts with a baseline program, but it continuously evolves through machine learning. It identifies allies by biometrics, such as voice and facial recognition. And in cases where immediate action is required, it calculates probabilities based on behavior patterns. For instance—"  

She steps closer to Satoru, her smile taking on a sly edge. “Care to test it, Mr. Gojo?”  

Satoru raises an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his lips. “You want me to scare your fancy bird?”  

Mei Mei chuckles. “If you think you can.”  

Satoru steps forward, his presence commanding as always, and makes a sudden, exaggerated swipe toward the drone. In an instant, the RavenX lets out a sharp synthetic caw and takes flight, circling above them with its crimson eye scanning. Mei Mei whistles again, and the drone lands back on her arm, unbothered and perfectly still.  

“Responsive and calm under pressure,” she states, stroking the metallic head. “Exactly what you’d want in the field. Or at home, for that matter.”  

Yamato smiles faintly, exchanging a glance with Satoru. “What do you think, Satoru?”  

Satoru tilts his head, his head tilting in thought. “I think it has personality. Not bad, Mei Mei. Not bad at all.”  

“High praise,” Mei Mei quips, lowering the drone to its docking station. “But don’t just take my word for it. Schedule the live demonstration, and I’ll prove that the RavenX is not just another toy—it’s the future.”  

“Seems like it’ll bring in great revenue for Corvid Dynamics,” Satoru hums, the faintest flicker of amusement in his tone. He’s testing her, poking at the edges of her confidence.  

Mei Mei’s lips curve into a slow, calculating smile, her gaze sharp enough to slice through steel. “Oh, Mr. Gojo,” she drawls, her voice smooth but laced with something darker. “If there’s one thing you should’ve learned by now, it’s that I always get my payday. No matter the cost.”  

Her words hang heavy in the air, a subtle challenge, as if daring him to uncover just how far she’d go.

Satoru’s brows knit slightly, facing her cockiness with his own growing peculiarity and slight indignation. Yamato’s eyes gleam with interest, and he nods. “We’ll be in touch.”  

As Mei Mei leaves the room, Yamato leans back, hands in his pockets, his gaze lingering on the drone. “I like her,” he says with a casual chuckle. “But I like the bird more.” 

“You do realize she’s been attempting to sell us the same product for years now, right?” Satoru replies, giving his father a look. “Not much has changed except for her persistence and lack of connections with other investors. She’s desperate.” 

Yamato's eyes remain fixed on the docking station where the multiple of the RavenX rest, their red eyes dimmed. He hums thoughtfully, tapping a finger against his chin. “Desperation doesn’t always mean a bad deal, Satoru. Sometimes it means someone is willing to give more than they take.”  

Satoru scoffs lightly, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. “Or it means we’re being pitched a polished-up version of the same old tech because she can’t get anyone else to bite.” His tone is sharp, but there’s a glint of curiosity in his gaze as he glances back at the drone.  

“You underestimate her,” Yamato replies evenly, turning to face his son. “Mei Mei might not have the connections now, but her ingenuity is undeniable. Persistence like hers doesn’t come without talent.”  

Satoru raises an eyebrow, his frown faint. “So what’s the play? You want to throw her a bone? Out of pity?”  

Yamato chuckles, shaking his head. “No. I want to see how far she’s willing to go to prove herself. Desperation has a way of bringing out either brilliance or recklessness. Either one can be valuable… if handled correctly.”  

Satoru’s eyes narrow slightly, his posture relaxing but his mind clearly working. “You think she’s banking everything on this deal?”  

“Possibly,” Yamato replies. “And if that’s the case, it’s an opportunity for us to gain leverage. Let her prove the RavenX’s worth. If she succeeds, we gain a strong partner. If she doesn’t, we gain insight into her limitations.”  

Satoru scoffs. “So we’re dangling the carrot. Making her sweat a little?”  

Yamato’s expression hardens slightly, his tone measured. “We don’t play games, Satoru. We make calculated investments. Mei Mei is smart, but she needs to prove she can be consistent. We don’t just invest in technology—we invest in people.”  

“She’s a money-hungry woman who has proven to throw her own family under the bus.” Satoru huffs, face scrunching in disgust. “Why would we want to do business with that?”

Yamato gives his son a long, measured look, his expression sharpening slightly. “And what makes you think she’s any different from any other businessperson out there? Everyone has a past, Satoru. You can’t throw someone out because of a few bad decisions or some family drama. You need to look at the bigger picture. Her motivations, her drive. If she’s willing to risk it all for this, we need to understand why—and if it’s worth it for us.”

Satoru’s eyes flash with irritation, but he keeps his tone steady. “And what if it’s not? What if she’s just too volatile? We don’t need someone who’s going to blow up in our faces when things get rough. Besides, we need to be careful of who we trust and partner with. Anyone of these people could be the leaker. What if she’s the reason my family has been put in danger?”

“It’s not your family if you’re not married.” Yamato simply utters, turning to walk out the building. 

Satoru tenses his jaw, following his father out into the cold December air; each wearing long black coats. “Don’t. We’re talking about my son and his mother, it doesn’t matter if we’re not married. They’re still valuable to me.”

Yamato stops in his tracks, his breath visible in the frigid air, and his gaze lingers on Satoru, weighing his words carefully. “I know they’re valuable to you. But you have to separate your emotions from business, Satoru. This isn’t about family drama. This is about leverage, trust, and the bigger game. You can’t afford to let personal stakes cloud your judgment when there’s so much on the line.

Satoru’s hands ball into fists, his frustration evident. “And what about loyalty? What about looking out for the people who matter to us? You can’t pretend it’s all just numbers and strategy when lives are at risk.”

Yamato turns his body fully, looking at his son with an intensity that’s both fatherly and businesslike. “You’ve got to protect what’s yours, yes. But you have to know when to fight and when to step back. Mei Mei is a risk, but so is anyone else. We make calculated moves, not emotional ones.”

Satoru exhales sharply, his breath mixing with the cold air. “Calculated moves...You keep saying that like it makes everything easier. But what if she’s too dangerous? What if this deal blows up in our faces?”

He sighs. “Listen, okay? You’re right,” Yamato says, his voice quiet but firm. “Koji and that woman are valuable. But there’s a difference between protecting them and letting fear cloud your judgment. If we start making decisions based on fear of the unknown, we risk losing everything.” His gaze hardens slightly, the unspoken weight of responsibility hanging in the air. “We need to think strategically. If Mei Mei’s involved in this leak, we’ll find out. But we can’t let that stop us from moving forward.”

Satoru clenches his fists, frustration building as the cold air bites at his skin. “Her name is Y/N. And I don’t want to be blindsided, Dad. I don’t want to end up paying for a mistake I didn’t see coming.”

“I know,” Yamato replies. “And that’s why we don’t rush into anything. We take the time to assess, to understand what’s really at stake here. If she’s the leaker, then we’ll handle it. If she’s not… then we make sure she’s a valuable asset to this company, and we don’t let her get too comfortable. At the end of the day, our real issue is with the mastermind behind all this, who wanted it out for us—you—in the first place.” Yamato’s face hardens, his voice low but firm. “And this is a chance you take in this world. It’s not all clean and easy, Satoru. But in the end, it’s about understanding the person you’re dealing with. You don’t just protect your assets—you protect the people who can help you build something greater.”

Satoru doesn’t respond right away, his jaw tight as he processes his father’s words. The snow starts to fall lightly around them, a silent reminder of the cold world they’re navigating. 

“I’m not letting anyone—especially someone like Mei Mei—jeopardize Koji,” Satoru finally says, his voice more resolute now, though there’s a layer of uncertainty still lingering. “I can play the game, but I’m not playing with fire just because someone’s trying to get their foot in the door.”

Yamato watches him for a moment, his eyes unreadable, before nodding slowly. “I know. But sometimes, Satoru, you’ve got to light the fire to control it. You don’t have to trust Mei Mei right away—but you’ll need to see her for who she truly is before you make your final move.”

The two of them continue walking in silence, the sound of their footsteps crunching in the snow a steady rhythm. In the distance, the city skyline looms, full of promises, dangers, and opportunities that will inevitably pull them further into the storm. The black Escalade waiting for them in the distance. “I’m going to keep my eye on her. I won’t sacrifice my own for the sake of business. Unlike you.”

Satoru speaks with finality, walking ahead of his father and getting into the backseat as the driver opens the door for them. Yamato, watching his son’s back, feels a twinge of guilt at the truth behind his son’s honesty. But he hides that behind his usual serious expression, shaking away his guiltiness with frustration. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

The two men don’t even make it three steps back into the first floor of the office before Himari is bounding up to her boyfriend. Arms instantly wrapping around his neck and she shamelessly latches her lips onto his. Yamato, along with a few other working employees look away, his father not bothering to hide his displeased sound. Satoru, caught off guard, pulls away, hands to her shoulders. “Himari, what are you doing?”

“Oh, what? Now you don’t want me to kiss you in front of people?” The bitterness in her voice doesn’t go undetected, sparing Yamato a glance before batting her lashes up at Satoru. “I was waiting for you, I didn’t know you went out.”

“Because I didn’t tell you.”

“And because you’re still keeping secrets from me.”

He really doesn’t want to argue with her right now, especially here. Instead, he sighs, grabbing hold of her hand and leading her to the elevator. “Please don’t make a scene, okay? I’m working.”

Himari’s expression hardens as the elevator doors close, turning to Satoru. “Oh, ‘a scene’? Is that what you think it is? You’re my boyfriend—mine. If I want to kiss you, I’ll do that.”

Satoru closes his eyes briefly, exhaling in frustration as the elevator ascends. The tension between them is palpable, and he knows that Himari’s possessiveness is starting to bleed into every aspect of their relationship. He’s never been one for confrontation with her, but he can feel the cracks starting to form, the weight of the secrets, and the pressure of expectations pulling at him. “Look, Himari,” he starts, his voice low but firm. “You’re right, you’re my girlfriend, and I don’t mind being affectionate with you. But not like that—especially not in front of my team and father. I don’t need the office to think we’re some kind of soap opera.”

Himari crosses her arms over her chest, her lips pressed together in a tight line. “I’m not the one making this difficult, Satoru. You’re the one hiding things from me, playing these little games. I’m here, aren’t I? I’m by your side, but you’re always pushing me away. And for what, her?” She dramatically scoffs at the idea of you. 

Satoru focuses on the rising numbers of the floors, willing himself to handle this calmly. “We’re not talking about her right now, Himari.”

“But you’re thinking of her.”

They get to the right floor and Satoru quickly steps out, making his way to his office. Himari is right on his tail, clinging to his arm. 

Satoru pulls the door open to his office, his movements stiff as he enters, trying to shake off the tension from the elevator. Himari follows closely behind, the weight of her presence already grating on his nerves. The office is quiet, save for the faint hum of the city outside the large windows. 

He sets his briefcase down on the desk, his mind still swirling with the earlier conversation with his father. Mei Mei’s drones, the possible business partnership—everything feels like it’s spinning out of his control. But with Himari here, focusing on her, is the last thing he wants to do. She steps in front of him, hands on her hips, eyes narrowed. “You’re avoiding me now?” Her voice is sharp, tinged with a mix of frustration and hurt.

Satoru exhales slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I’m not avoiding you, Himari. I’m just trying to focus on work.” His words are clipped, and tired. 

Her gaze softens, but there's still a touch of bitterness lingering. "Work, huh?" she repeats. "Or is it her? Are you really telling me there's nothing going on with you two? She was at your house the other day, acting as if she lived there." 

Satoru closes his eyes briefly, willing himself to stay calm. “She doesn’t live there, Himari. And I don’t have time for this right now. I’m dealing with a lot. I’m trying to keep everything from falling apart.” His tone is low, strained. 

Himari’s expression falters for a second, the usual arrogance in her stance dimming just slightly. “I just want to know where I stand with you. I want you to be open with me. I want to trust you.” Her voice softens. 

He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not hiding anything, Himari. But there are things I need to handle before I can talk about us. I need you to trust me on that.”

She looks at him for a long beat, her lips pursed in thought. Finally, she steps closer, her fingers brushing against his chest. “I want to trust you, Satoru. But you’re making it hard.” Her voice is barely above a whisper now, the sharp edge replaced with a quiet vulnerability. 

He’s silent for a moment, unsure of what to say. The weight of her words presses down on him, but he knows that there’s too much at stake right now. With everything that’s going on—this new possible business deal, the leaks, the company’s future, his son, and you—he can’t afford to focus on this relationship as much as he might want to. 

“I’m doing the best I can,” he says quietly, voice almost too soft for her to hear. “But you need to understand, Himari… it’s not just about us. There are bigger things happening right now.”

She stares at him, eyes searching his face, as if trying to decode every emotion there. “Promise me something, then. Just give me that little bit of reassurance.” Her hands find home on his cheeks, tilting his face down toward hers. “Nothing is going on between you and her. You’re still mine, right?”

Satoru hesitates, feeling the heat of her hands on his cheeks, the pressure of her gaze locking him in place. Her words hang in the air, a demand wrapped in uncertainty, and for a moment, he’s unsure of how to respond. He wants to reassure her, wants to calm the storm brewing in her eyes, but the truth is far more complicated than a simple promise. There’s only one answer he must give her. He swallows, his thoughts swirling. “Himari, you know I’m not good with promises,” he murmurs, his voice low and tinged with frustration. “But I can tell you this: there’s nothing between me and her.” He forces his gaze to meet hers, trying to convey the sincerity in his words, even though the uncertainty weighs on him. “I’m still here. And I’m still yours.”

Her eyes soften, but the tension doesn’t fully lift. She searches his face for any sign of hesitation, any clue that might betray him. For a long moment, they stand there, her hands still cradling his face, as if willing him to prove himself. As if the longer they stay like this, his words might actually feel more like the truth than a bandaid. Finally, she nods, though there’s a flicker of doubt in her gaze. “I want to believe you, Satoru. I really do.”

“You really didn’t have to buy us presents.” You mutter, opening the door to your visitor. Still making sure to keep your volume to a low since Koji is sleeping in his room. 

Suguru smiles warmly, stepping in and shaking off the snow before placing two presents under the tree. One for your son, and one for you. “It’s okay, Y/N. I wanted to.”

It’s pretty late at night, but Suguru had told you he had a pretty busy week up ahead and this was really the only time he could drop off his presents for you and Koji. You showered and ate a quick dinner before he came. Muscles sore and feet tired from standing all day, but you still find it in you to show your gratitude. “I appreciate it, really.” Closing and locking the door behind you, you sigh. “I feel bad, I haven’t gotten anyone a gift besides Koji. I’ll buy you something with my next paycheck.”

Suguru chuckles softly, his eyes warm with understanding. "You don’t have to worry about that, Y/N. I don’t expect anything in return." He gestures to the presents under the tree. "This is just a small token of appreciation, nothing more. It’s Christmas, everyone deserves a gift."

You feel a faint blush creeping up your neck at his words. The sincerity in his tone makes you feel both grateful and a little guilty. It’s hard to accept his kindness sometimes, especially when you feel like you’re not able to give back as much. “Well, thank you again,” you say quietly, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. “You didn’t have to go through all the trouble.”

Suguru gives you a reassuring smile. "It’s no trouble at all. I’m just happy to see you and Koji doing well." He glances toward the hallway where Koji’s room is. "How’s he been? Sleeping well?"

You nod, walking over to the couch and sitting down with a sigh. "Yeah, he’s been good. He hasn’t been napping during the day lately, so I guess he’s just getting more tired at night. Which is good, I suppose. More time to rest for me too." You run a hand through your hair, glancing at the tree in the corner. "I just wish I had more time to relax… but you know how it is."

Suguru sits down beside you, his posture relaxed. "I know exactly how it is," he says with a knowing look. "But you’re doing the best you can. That’s all anyone can ask for." He pauses, then adds softly, "And I’ll always be here to help when you need it."

You give him a small, thankful smile, the weight of the day finally beginning to lift a little. "Thanks, Suguru. I really mean it."

He nods, his smile warm but gentle. "Of course. You’re not alone in this."

As you sit there, the quiet comfort of his presence fills the room. You know that no matter how much you try to do on your own, Suguru will always be there, offering support when you need it most. He’s always been like that. You remember times when you and Satoru would fight and Suguru would help comfort you. It’s something you had come to rely on, and while it’s not always easy to accept help, you’re starting to understand that sometimes, it’s okay to lean on the people who care about you. That relationship between you two still feels strained, though—weird. 

“So…” you start, wanting to fill the empty silence with something. “How was your day today?”

Suguru tilts his head slightly, his expression thoughtful for a moment before he answers. “Busy, as usual. Lots of meetings, a bit of paperwork, and some follow-ups. Nothing out of the ordinary. But it’s nice to finally have a bit of a breather now.” He chuckles softly. “I’ve been looking forward to this more than I probably should’ve. Being able to just sit down and talk without worrying about the next thing on my to-do list.”

You smile a little, appreciating his honesty. “Sounds like you’ve earned the break, then.” You stretch slightly, feeling the strain in your muscles from standing all day. “I get that feeling too sometimes, when everything feels like it’s moving too fast and I can’t catch my breath.”

Suguru nods in understanding, his gaze gentle. “I know exactly what you mean. It’s hard to slow down when there’s so much going on. But you do a good job of juggling everything. I admire that about you.” His voice is low, and there’s a sincerity in it that makes your chest tighten a little, a smile hiding on your lips. 

You glance down at your hands, suddenly feeling a little self-conscious. “I try my best… but it’s not always easy. Some days, I feel like I’m failing at everything.”

Suguru reaches over, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “You’re not failing, Y/N. Trust me. You’re doing everything you can, and that’s more than enough. I see how hard you work, how much you care for Koji. You’re doing a great job, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.”

His words settle over you like a warm blanket, easing the tension you didn’t even realize you were holding. You take a deep breath, trying to push away the doubts that have been lingering in your mind. “I appreciate it, Suguru. I really needed to hear that.”

He gives you a soft smile, the kind that says everything without needing words. “Anytime.”

You make eye contact with him, feeling a blizzard of strange emotions pile down onto you. The smile he adorns causes your own to come out of hiding, and before you know it, he’s softly chuckling. Looking back down at his feet. The sound of his laugh causes your heart to beat just a little faster. Clearing your throat. “You can take your coat off. I have some leftover wine.” In your head, you’re confused as to why you suddenly made that suggestion; mentally face-palming. “Unless you drove here, then never mind.”

“I won’t get drunk off some wine,” he shakes his head, standing and stripping himself of his coat to reveal a cotton white shirt. “Lead the way.”

With a small, but amused huff, you get up from the couch and walk over to the kitchen. Reaching up to open the cabinet you don’t request very often. The hem of your shirt rises slightly, revealing a teasing hint of your lower stomach. Suguru forces his eyes to stay on your hands, biting the inside of his cheek. 

You pull out the bottle of wine, twisting the cap off and setting it down next to two glasses on the counter. As you pour, you feel the weight of Suguru’s gaze on you, though you don’t look at him directly. The air in the kitchen feels different now, charged in a way that makes the space seem smaller, and more intimate. “You didn’t have to bring me a gift, but I’m glad you did,” you say, trying to break the tension with casual words. You pour the wine, handing him a glass first. “It’s not much, but it’s all I’ve got tonight.”

Suguru takes the glass with a smile, the faintest trace of something unreadable in his eyes. “I told you I didn’t bring it to get anything in return. It’s just a little something to show I care.”

His tone is steady, but there’s a subtle undercurrent that makes your heart race. You try to mask your unease with a small grin as you take a sip of the wine, letting its warmth settle into you. “I appreciate that. I really do.” 

You move to lean against the counter, feeling suddenly self-conscious in the silence that hangs between you two. Suguru stands a bit closer than you’re used to, the space between you two too small now. His eyes flicker to your lips for a second before he quickly looks away, but the faint moment lingers in the air, thick with unspoken words. You let the wine sit on your tongue a bit longer, trying to steady your thoughts. Something has shifted—maybe it’s the closeness, or maybe it’s just the quiet understanding between the two of you. But you’re keenly aware of how his presence fills the room, how his proximity makes everything feel heightened.

“How have things been with you and Satoru?”

Holding back a grimace, you take another sip. “I mean, as good as it can be, you know?”

Suguru nods, his expression softening as he leans against the counter, his arms crossed. “I get it. Relationships are complicated, especially when you’re balancing so much already.”

You exhale a quiet sigh, setting the glass down a little too firmly. “Yeah. There’s always something, isn’t there? Between work, Koji, and everything…it’s hard. Stressful and overwhelming.”

Suguru watches you take your sip, frowning slightly in sympathy. “I’m sorry, Y/N. I know it’s a lot, but I can’t imagine being in your position. But it’s one day at a time, you’ll get through this. It’s easier said than done, but you could do it. You have help now. Satoru, Shoko, me.”

When you look at him, you feel yourself once again slipping into a tranquil state. Mirroring his kind facial expressions with one of your own. His words feel like a soothing balm, it feels like you’re being heard—being listened to in who knows how long? There’s a nagging voice in the back of your mind that warns you of the invisible line. Playfully, you nudge his arm. “Okay, preacher.”

He scoffs softly, nudging you back. “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

You push him again, he follows suit. It’s a small, spirited moment that makes you feel light. That soon comes to an end when your glass, half-full of red wine, spills not only onto the counter but onto his shirt—leaving the pristine canvas with a circle splotch of deep maroon. You gasp. “Shit! I–I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

He shakes his head as he looks down at the stain on his shirt. “It’s fine, Y/N. Really. It’s just a shirt.” He steps back a little, his hands raised in mock surrender as he waves off your apology, setting down his glass. “Don’t worry about it, I’ve had worse.”

You feel your cheeks flush with embarrassment, quickly grabbing a dish towel to dab at the stain, though you know it won’t help much at this point. "I’m so clumsy. I didn’t mean to—"

“Hey, hey.” Suguru cuts you off with a laugh, gently placing a hand on your wrist to stop you from dabbing at the stain. “It’s alright. Really. Just... relax.” He pauses for a moment before adding with a joking grin, “Though I might need a new shirt, I’ll survive.”

Your eyes meet his, and for a second, you see that familiar warmth in his gaze, the kind that always made you feel safe. The kind that, in another life, might’ve made you believe in something more between the two of you. But just as quickly, you pull yourself back, reminding yourself of the boundaries you’ve set. The ones that have to stay intact. “I’ll grab a new shirt for you,” you murmur, still embarrassed but trying to laugh it off. You turn toward your bedroom, your heart racing a little faster than before.

Suguru doesn’t stop you, though you hear him muttering something about "next time, at least aim for the carpet," as you walk away. The air between you both feels thick with something unspoken. You open your drawer for a fresh shirt, sifting out the biggest one you know you have. A simple black short sleeve you could only hope will suffice. Walking back out to the kitchen, you frown. “That was an accident, Suguru. Really.” 

“I know,” he nods, meeting your frantic worries with his own set of serenity. “Thank you for the shirt.” 

His hands move quicker than you had expected, your pupils blowing wide and holding back a startled noise. You gulp hard, forcing your eyes to focus on a random spot on your kitchen wall. However, you can’t help them wandering every so often as he unbuttons the now red-stained shirt. Your throat almost dries at the peek of his collarbone. Again, looking away. Don’t, that’s not right. 

But if it’s not right, why does it feel like the opposite? Why is it suddenly making you nervous—flustered? You even jolt a bit at his calming voice interjecting the silence. “It’s alright, you didn’t mean it.”

You can only offer a weak nod, not trusting your voice to give away your inner turmoil and confusion. You can feel the heat creeping up your neck, your heart thudding too loudly in your chest as Suguru drops his shirt onto the counter. His movements are unhurried, and calm, as if he doesn’t notice the storm brewing inside you.

Or maybe he does.

Holding your hands together awkwardly, peeking back over to see if he’s done. You almost wish you hadn’t. His perfect chest greets you hello. Abs practically beckoning to be felt up on and his tan nipples make you shake away an intrusive thought. 

What are you thinking? This is Suguru for crying out loud!

Maybe it’s the fact that you’ve been particularly…achy lately. You haven’t gotten some in quite a long time and this is literally the first time you’re seeing a man’s naked chest in front of you since Satoru. Since his best friend. God, you’re so weak. 

You hold out the clean shirt for him. “Thanks,” he murmurs, fingertips brushing against yours as he slips the black tee on. You wish he hadn’t. It was the largest thing you had in your place, but still too small for Suguru. So it fits more tight, more cropped, cutting off just after his belly button—just before his v-line. 

You look down, pretending to busy yourself with wiping the already spotless countertop. Anything to avoid the way your pulse quickens under his steady gaze. “I’m sorry.”

“You already apologized,” he smoothly waves you off with a comforting smile, walking over to the hamper you pointed out and dropping the dirty shirt in. Walking back over to the kitchen, he notices the fact that you seem to be looking anywhere but him. 

And when he sees the pretty blush that you hide on your cheeks, his insides stir like a washing machine. Clearing his throat apologetically, hands rubbing in a fidgety manner. He turns his head to the side. “Sorry.”

“No,” you protest, a little too quickly. “…it’s okay, I…I didn’t mind.”

The silence that follows feels so loud. You both don’t know what to say, if there is anything to say in the first place. You’ve just seen him half-naked. Thinking about that, actually processing it, it makes you feel hot. It should be nothing, yet you’re acting like a hormonal teenager.

But, he looked so…good.

You peek over at him from the corner of your eye, distinguishing him doing the exact same thing you are. You two look away at the same time, staring at the sink in front of you guys. Maybe the silence is better than speaking. It stretches out, heavy and palpable. It’s not awkward, but it’s loaded with something that neither of you can name. You catch yourself sneaking a glance at Suguru again, only to find that he’s doing it too—his gaze drifting away when it meets yours. You swallow hard, trying to regain some semblance of normalcy. “You, uh... you’re comfortable, right?” you manage, focusing on something, anything other than the tension you feel growing between you two.

Suguru doesn’t respond immediately, and when he does, it’s with a small smile that seems more like a reassurance to himself than anything else. “Yeah, I’m good. Don’t worry about it.”

You nod, still not looking directly at him. The words feel like they hang in the air a bit longer than they should. This is just a friend helping you out, you remind yourself. This is just Suguru. But the more you try to convince yourself, the less you’re sure you believe it. The heat in your neck refuses to fade, and you feel restless, a sense of yearning you can’t quite place crawling up your spine.

Suguru clears his throat again, a bit sheepishly this time. “Hey, uh… would it be alright if I stayed a little longer? I promise I won’t make it weird. I know we’re both probably feeling… well, something right now, but I don’t want to just leave like this.”

Your heart skips a beat, not sure if it’s the wine or just him standing so close to you that’s making your head spin. You don’t know how to respond. You want to say something to ease the growing discomfort between you, but it’s like every word feels loaded now, heavy with implications. The space between you feels too small, even though you know it shouldn’t. You glance up at him, meeting his eyes. The vulnerability in his gaze is unmistakable. Suguru is there—as much as you are—and whatever this thing is, it’s lingering in the air between you, waiting to either break or blossom.

“I—” You stop yourself, trying to catch your breath. “I don’t mind. If you want to stay, I… I’d like the company.” The words come out quieter than you intended, but they’re honest. Suguru’s face softens, a little surprised but clearly relieved. He takes a step closer, just a tiny one, but it’s enough to make your chest tighten.

“Yeah?” he asks quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “You sure?”

You nod, your breath shallow as your eyes lock. For a moment, time slows. Everything around you seems to fade away except the two of you, the tension, the way your bodies are just a little too close, the way you can feel the weight of everything unspoken between you. His hand brushes yours again, his fingers lingering just for a second longer than necessary before it pulls away. However, it's enough to send a spark of electricity through you, making your heart race all over again.

“Yeah,” you say again, softer this time. “I’m sure.”

And just like that, the moment extends out, waiting for something—anything—to break the stillness. You both know it, you both feel it, but neither of you is sure how to move forward. 

It’s nothing, you both think. Just friends.

a/n: happy early new yearrr!! should i do a new year drabble too? hmmm....

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[nicotine-boi]

So much senseless pain..

YALL I FUCK SO HEAVY WITH THIS DRAWING IT ALSO TOOK ME A LITERAL MONTH TO COMPLETE BECAUSE UNI BUT I ALSO SNEEKED (?) A LOT OF symbolism ig IN HERE AND IM LIKE. SLSJSKKSKSN

Explanation + other versions below (excuse any typo I'm writing this up on my phone at 11pm)

A.) all the different hands are from characters that he (mostly) directly impacted.

Silco [top hand] because, intentional or not, their paths were always slightly intertwined. (jinx stealing hex-plans, jayce proposing peace, even back to vik's apprenticeship eith singed and him creating shimmer for silco). He's placed at the head because he was the catalyst of basically all the events in the show.

Vi [1st left] and Jinx [1st right] because not only did he lead them to were they went in act3, but their paths beforehand were also slightly intertwined throughout the series. THEY'RE ALSO A MIRROR IMAGE OF EACH OTHER BECAUSE THEY ACCIDENTALLY MIRROR EACH OTHER (2nd season Vi mirrors 1st season jinx and vice-versa)

Isha [2nd right] because he UNINTENTIONALLY led to her death by allowing her to bond more with Vander and to see him interact 'normally' with Vi and Jinx which led to her sacrifice. She is placed under Jinx because she was her shadow, mentor, kid, etc. and her sole purpose was to emotionally wound Jinx cus the writers suck lol.

Steb [2nd left] because he was tasked with destroying his cocoon thingy in the final battle. He is placed under Vi because he befriended her at least a little while they terrorized Zaun and also as he was the one charged with awaiting for Zaunites at the bridge when it came to recruiting for the final battle.

Mel [3rd left] is here because of her involvement with everything that is Hextech. From allowing them to break into the lab to the subtle manipulation it took to create the weapons, she was there through it all. She's positioned like that in the shoulder because it feels, to me at least, slightly condescending. I'm p sure she never directly addresses him for anything and that's how the hand placement feels to me, a dismissal.

Sevika [3rd right] on the other hand (ha ha) is there because she has always advocated for Zaun. She wants what's best for them and he represents that. They might've not met, but he an important member of society that, even for a single second, coexisted within Piltover as their equal. Her grip on his shoulder is more forceful, she wants to hold on to that idea for the entirety of Zaun.

Caitlyn [4th right] is between most Zaunites because of how she barged into Zaun throughout the season. She almost willingly stepped into the role Ambessa gave her in order to weed Jinx out. The grip she has on his arm is one typically used when helping someone walk (at least as far as I've used it with my grandma) this is to show how she turned the thing that caused his illness and hurt many others into a torture device, essentially.

JAYCE [4th left] UUUUGH. HES HOLDING HIS HEART BECAUSE IT WAS AFFECTION THAT HELD THEM TOGETHER. HE ALSO BLEW HIS FUCKING CHEST OUT. HE ALSO REMOVED ANY SELF-CONFIDENCE, FAKE AS IT MIGHTVE BEEN, THAT VIKTOR HAD IN THE COUNCIL SCENE WHICH LED TO HIM AGREEING TO BECOME THE THING JUST TO GIVE IT BACK WHEN THEY WERE IN THE ASTRAL PLAIN!! HE CRADDLES HIS HEART AT ALL TIMES EVEN IF ITS UNKNOWINGLY AND VIKTORS HAND ON TOP OF HIS IS BECAUSE, EVEN THOUGH HE WILLINGLY LETS JAYCE HOLD IT, HE'S HAD HURT IT BEFORE AND VIK IS JUST CAREFUL ABT IT NOW.

Ekko [5th left] is holding him back via the leg because he never really met him but he did want to stop him, he wanted him to wait so thats what the position represents and Vandor [5th right] is almost cradling his hip because Viktor was rebuilding the family he had left by bringing his soul back, he's almost holding him like he's precious because to Vander, he was.

B.) He is partly metal tin toy, partly astral projection because of the fact that that's how the characters saw him mostly. they met the monster once during the final battle but they knew him more as he was before.

C.) Gay rune circle because I say so.

D.) Hex patterns in the other bg because. because ^^

And now more versions because pretty

[mrs-barnes-rogers-writes]

A Second Chance Is A Better Chance - Part 21

Marvel AU

Pairing: Alpha Steve Rogers x Omega Witch Reader, eventual ? x Omega Witch Reader and Alpha Steve Rogers X Omega Witch Reader

Theme: A/B/O / True Mates

Series Warnings: A/B/O, eventual smut, violence in parts, witchcraft, shapeshifters

Chapter Summary: The reader phones home and it doesn't go well.

Chapter Warning: Mentions of witchcraft, childhood trauma. Reader's mother is an arsehole. Sweet Sam and Bucky should probably have a warning (reminder that this will eventually become Steve x reader x ? per the pairing info)

*Note that the word hybrid is used and is a huge insult and a word that is frowned upon.

By the time you reach town your hands are shaking and you still can’t determine why.

Maybe it was the call, you told yourself. You knew Matt and Foggy had protected you and ensured you weren’t being bothered, and your name wasn’t out there but the whole pack had obviously protected you more than you realised. On the rare occasion you’d ventured out nobody in Queensborough had asked you any uncomfortable questions, even though the whole town must of known it was you. But Frank had a reputation and there was little chance anyone, not even other packs, would go against his orders. If he’s said you’re to be kept safe and your name kept out of it, that’s exactly what would happen.

But that doesn’t mean anyone out of Queensborough wouldn’t ask questions.

Your alarm went on your phone, a reminder to take your suppressants. You’d already muted it twice. Maybe that was it. You were a little late taking them, that’s why you were unsettled. You knew you were lying to yourself. Pulling your bag open, you pulled out the wallet and injected yourself discreetly. You were putting them away when a whiff of Sam and Bucky ran under your nose. You checked your side mirror to see them park across the street from you.

You clenched your teeth and shook your head in disappointment that they’d followed you. An internal debate started in your head between your omega, wolf and witch and you scrunched your eyes in frustration. They’re doing their job. They care. They’re spying. They don’t trust you. You were an asshole to Bucky.

You shook your head and got out the car, taking your bag with you. You felt your phone buzz in your back pocket. You pulled it out to check it and sighed.

Molly Are you going to keep ignoring me? Look, just let me know that you’re OK please. Dean heard that pack you sometimes stay with were involved with Hydra and that witch being stopped and Castiel said it had to be a strong witch to take her town. Please Y/N, I’m worried. Why do I have a horrible feeling you were involved?

You weren’t sure how to respond. She’d already messaged you half a dozen times and you’d not responded. Was part of you still bitter that she’s left you? Probably. If it had been the other way around and you’d met Steve first would you have done the same? You couldn’t be sure. If you’d met Steve back then you were pretty sure you’d have ran. Now though, you’d begun to feel the need to settle down and stay in one spot. You probably weren’t close to admitting that though. What you were sure of was that you’d have taken Molly with you regardless and you definitely wouldn’t have left her in that damn house. Thinking of her caused your thoughts to stray to your time together, as you began to wander in and out of the shops picking up groceries as you went. The last night you’d spent in the house, you’d been curled up in bed together as she buzzed with excitement of how she’d met her alpha mate, his brother, who happened to be the alpha of the pack, and the pack beta. The fierce firecracker of an omega you knew seemed to have slipped away. She told you how she’d known the minute she’d caught his scent and how she’d froze as he approached but he had done so softly and with a kind smile. You’d talked into the night, well, she had and you’d listened and tried to be supportive. You kept yourself awake not happy that her mate, his brother and friend were asleep, or trying to sleep, in the living room. Realistically you knew you couldn’t have stayed like this forever. The two of you never would be two old omegas together, making bread and with a dozen cats as pets.

“I might call them.” She’d said just as you thought she might be settling to sleep.

“Who?”

“Mom and Dad.”

“Oh.”

Molly’s childhood hadn���t been as rocky as yours but she’d never felt her place was there and there was a clear animosity between her and her mother. One drunken night her mother had finally blurted out what the issue was and how disappointed she was that Molly was a girl and an omega. Her father and four alpha brothers had tried to silence her and smooth things over, but their mother always spoke the truth when she was as drunk as a skunk and Molly had left days later.

“It never goes away, does it?” Molly had said to you that night.

"What?"

“The urge to call your Mom when something happens.”

You’d shrugged and pulled her into your side as she drifted off to sleep. Now you realised how right Molly was. The urge to ring your mother became prominent in your mind. You hadn’t heard her voice in nearly two years. The only messages you got were to ask for money, or if she was feeling bitter, something about your former mate. You couldn’t tell her what had happened in Queensborough, but you could maybe tell her you’d found Steve. A breeze caught you as you pondered and before you knew what you were doing your feet had carried you to the line in the Post Office. The goddesses must agree, you told yourself.

You scanned the boards to make sure you were asking for the right long distance card and checked what the cost would be. Due to the issue with Hydra, long distance calls were restricted, especially for Roamers. You could pay a premium via your own phone contract but you’d never added it, even when you had the money too, so you could keep your contact minimal. If any of the family you spoke to wanted to reach you they could message or take on the cost themselves just like your old pack did.

“Oh hey you! Not seen you in a little while. What can I get for you?” The beta cashier asked.

“Erm, could I get a long distance calling card please?”

“Sure honey, how long do you need?”

“Oh, I’m not sure.”

He went over the times and costs, and reminded you that any unused time could be left in the phone box for someone else or given back to him to pass on and donate to anyone that might need it. You opted for half an hour. It had been so long since you’d spoken, you’d at least need that right? You made your purchase and he went over how to use the card in one of the booths set to the side of the Post Office. You made your way over to one of the booths and notice a few people glance in your direction, whispers of why a roamer needs a long distance card. A couple of the local gossips are chirping at each other as they watch you and you turn your back to them in the booth and pull the folding door shut. A shadow that passes lets you know that Sam or Bucky is probably now blocking their nosy view of you. You looked around in the booth. The handset was new but the booth was old, and wooden, and felt like something from an old movie.

You load the card, dial the number and take a deep breath. It took four rings but a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?"

"Hey Mum, it's me."

"Who?"

"It's Y/N."

Silence.

"Your daughter, Y/N."

"Oh, what do you want?"

"Well, we've not spoken for a while so I thought I'd give you a call."

"Why?"

"I just wanted to check on you I guess, catch-up maybe."

"Right, well I'm busy. You can't just call out of the blue and expect me to drop everything to talk to you."

Her tone gave the clear impression she didn't have the time for you. Your omega buried her head into your wolf. It was a tone you were all too familiar with.

"Can you spare me a couple of minutes at least?"

"Fine, what do you want?"

"How have you been?"

"Fine."

"How is everyone?"

You heard her scoff.

"How is everyone? You've got a nerve haven't you!!!" She snapped. "Well you sister hasn't spoken to me in years and I hardly hear from your brothers, and now I've got you on the phone asking how everyone is."

"I just.."

"You just what? Wanted to waste my time with your dumb questions."

"Well, I wanted to tell you something."

"This all your fault you know? You and your stories, and your magic and your running off."

"Well, I couldn't stay not after everything."

"Yes, well he did the right thing rejecting you if you ask me."

A lump formed in your throat.

"What?" You replied, feeling your wolf nudging your omega back.

"Why would he want you? You're damaged Y/N. Inside, outside, every which way. Why would he want you?"

"I..."

"You know I'm right, deep down you know I am, and what are you?"

"What you mean what am I?"

"You couldn't just be normal could you? You ruined my life, having you ruined everything. It might have been OK if you'd just been normal, just be a beta or an alpha, with a normal wolf. Being an omega might have been OK but no you have to be white wolf too, don't you? And there's your damn powers. You just couldn't keep them hidden. I should have given you to Diana when I had the chance!"

The mentioning of your former Luna, the woman that had tried to help you and keep you safe time and time again, made your wolf raise her head.

"WHAT?"

"Oh yeah, she offered to take you off my hands."

"Well, why didn't you let her?"

"What and have the rest of them tell me how awful I was? I got extra money because you were a witch, I wasn't going to give that up."

"What do you mean?"

"I got more child support because you were a witch and you'd break things. I wasn't about to give that up. Not that it was worth it. Having you was my biggest mistake."

"You don't mean that."

"Oh I do. Having an affair was one thing, but you. You ruined it all. There was no way he'd ever take me back and raise another man's child. I didn't even want you."

"No, you don't mean that."

"Yes, I do. Having you was a mistake. YOU were mistake. I didn't want you. I still don't. I shouldn't have had you, but it was too late to get rid of you when I realised how far a long I was. I wasn't surprised when he rejected you. You weren't wanted when I had you and you weren't wanted as a mate. You're damaged goods Y/N. The likes of you shouldn't mate and breed."

You'd know for a long time that your mother was a piece of work but you were still taken back by her venomous words and tone.

"What?" You asked.

"You're a hybrid. Three different things blurred into one and none of them good. You're kind proves that sometimes things shouldn't be combined. It proves even more that I shouldn't have had you. You weren't wanted and you never will be. Sometimes I wonder if the trials actually did the right thing."

You gasped. Was she saying you should be burnt? You didn't know what to say. It was rare you were rendered speechless. Your wolf turned further, wrapping herself around your omega and turned away. You heard another voice on the line and quickly realised it was your stepfather.

"I don't have time for you Y/N. Don't call again." The beep on the line let you know she'd hung up.

You moved the receiver from your ear and stood looking at it, not really knowing what to do. You felt the booth shake and it took a moment for you to realise it was you shaking it. You managed to put a stop to it quickly but still felt unsure of what to do. A light tap on the glass of the folding door made you look around.

"Doll?"

You turned around to see Bucky's worried face looking back at you. You felt a shift in your subconscious and your omega and wolf peeked to look at the beta.

"I don't know what to do." You said, holding up the receiver as your hands visibly shook. Your mother's words rang in your ears. It was true. You were a bit of everything. For many their wolf and presentation were one or at least gradually merged, but for you it was different. They sat separately, along with the magic that ran through you like blood. You had to be strong for so long, always on edge, always a glance over your shoulder, always ready to defend yourself, and sometimes others, but in this moment you didn't know what to do. You thought about asking the goddesses, just like you had that day you'd been ID'd by the Sheriff. You gave it a fleeting thought as you tried to keep your emotions and powers in check. Bucky slowly slid the door to the booth open. He placed one hand on the small of your back and another took the receiver and placed it back on the hook.

It was cramped in the booth as he leaned back from placing the receiver down and he kept you close to him as the the hand on the small of your back, slipped to your waist. His grip and the light hum from his metal arm around you kept you grounded as his free hand moved to cup your face. He titled your head to look at him.

"It's alright doll. We've got you."

"But she said, she said."

Bucky shushed you, placing a kiss to your forehead and pulling you into his arms. His scent engulfed you, as smoky vanilla washed up your nose. You felt another hand cup the back of your head and you pulled away from Bucky's shoulder to see Sam deep brown eyes looking down at you.

"What she said was bullshit."

You went to speak but Sam cut you off.

"Luna, we heard her. What she said was bullshit. Is this why you're keeping you distance from Steve? You think he'll feel the same?"

The tears in your eyes and the shake of the booth said it all.

"Let's get you out of here. Can you keep everything under control until we get to the compound?"

You looked between them both. Your powers had always been fuelled by your emotions. The more you were rattled or overly emotional, meant the more your powers would spill out of you and your control would falter. Even with everything Fiona had taught you there were still moments you would wobble. It was the reason she'd kept a vigil at your bedside. And even with the comfort of Frank and Billy you'd falter still.

You pulled away from Bucky as much as you could in the cramped space and looked down at your hands. They shook but the electricity stayed put. You looked around at the lights of the Post Office and noticed they weren't flickering either. The booth rattled a little but as you looked up at Sam and Bucky and their soft expressions, you stopped the rattling.

"You good?" Sam asked. You nodded and they acted smoothly and quickly. Bucky steered you from the booth, his metal arm keeping you tucked into his side. Sam was close behind you both with your shopping bags in his hands. You kept your eyes down but you felt the eyes of some of the other customers on you and their gossiping whispers. Low growls came from Sam and Bucky, and you knew you were no longer being watched. Bucky guided you towards the truck they'd arrived in and you'd muttered about your car. He told you that Sam would be driving it back and you pulled the keys from your bag that you'd worn across your body and handed them to him. Sam opened the door and ushered you in.

"Let Buck know if you need to stop OK? If you need to release some of that pent up energy."

You nodded and he squeezed your shoulder before pulling the seatbelt around you and passing it to Bucky who'd slid into the driver's seat. He secured it as Sam closed the door. He cupped your face again and wiped away a stray tear, turning away and starting the engine.

"Come on doll face. Let's get you home."

Home.

Enjoy this fic? Fancy a cuppa? My Ko-Fi.

TAGLIST

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[kalinara]

(A+X #18)

This post is a rerun. If you scroll back twelve years on this tumblr, you're going to see these exact panels. But I was reminded of it when @rei-ismyname posted this review of X-Women.

So for some context, this is part of a series that plays with team ups of Avengers and X-Men characters post Avengers vs. X-Men.

Scott Summers and Steve Rogers was a natural team-up as they're both leader types who generally act with restraint and try to be idealists and sometimes fall short but never maliciously.

There's a natural source of tension too. Steve is a law-and-order type (except when he isn't.) And Scott, at this point in time, is a fugitive Mutant revolutionary who had (under Phoenix possession) killed Charles Xavier.

They actually do work together pretty well. But this is the ending of the story. Where you have both characters coming to blows because Steve wants Scott to submit to arrest and trial.

Presumably in the meantime, Scott is supposed to go back to that prison run by a human supremacist who put him in a shock collar, tortured him, tried to have other prisoners murder him, and got a comparatively innocent young civilian murdered instead.

And then he's supposed to have a jury of his "peers". And Scott has a good question about whether those peers are supposed to be mutants, or whether they'll be human - you know, the people who generally are completely fine with the existence of genocidal robots who attack mutants immediately.

After a conflict that came about because the Avengers (led by Steve) invaded Utopia's sovereign soil and demanded a child, then an Avenger (Tony Stark) split the Phoenix, causing five unprepared people to suddenly be forced to be Phoenix hosts.

And the whole need for the Phoenix came about because an Avenger (Wanda Maximoff) decimated the mutant race. I like Wanda, and acknowledge that since then she's more than made up for it. But at the time, the question was valid: where was HER trial by jury?

Okay, I reluctantly admit that Steve Rogers has his own flaws and blind spots. He could genuinely believe that Scott would get a fair trial and that justice would be served. He might think he can ensure an imprisonment that doesn't involve brutality. But since he doesn't SAY those things, he just looks like a cartoon here.

And that's not even getting into the callousness of the observers. Let's let them "have their moment", as though they're just fighting over whose turn it is to buy dinner, and not whether or not one of them should go back to be tortured in prison.

I actually mostly liked A vs. X (the X-Men parts anyway), and I loved most of the aftermath stuff. And I even loved the vast majority of this team up. But this wasn't a funny ending. Sorry.

...okay, the cowboy hat is pretty funny. I'll give them that.

[jeannereames]

This is something entirely random that I’ve been thinking of a lot, but what do you believe Hephaestion would think if Alexander had kids of his own while he was alive? Or even what he thought of his marriage? This probably isn’t something you have evidence for based on historical fact, obviously, save accounts of their bond and general characters. This is more asking for your personal opinions/beliefs. Or just on the characters themselves in your books.

I know he probably expected him to take wives and have heirs eventually, realistically. But if he truly loved Alexander that deeply, to the point they were thought two halves of the same whole, I always wondered what he may feel about it in those situations, or even how he’d interact with the children/Roxana or his other wives in general.

I dunno, it’s just something that’s always interested me. I know I would probably not be able to take it well, personally, so it’s always made me wonder if Hephaestion did.

Hephaistion, Alexander’s Wives, and Romantic Jealousy

Honestly, I’m of the opinion that Hephaistion may have been one of those who encouraged Alexander to marry Roxana (in order to get the hell out of Baktria).

The issue of Hephaistion’s putative jealousy which movie- and documentary-makers return to again and again, creating (to my mind unrealistic) love triangles, owes to some pretty vast differences between Now and Then, regarding marriage and love.

The Greeks got jealous. We have LOTS of evidence of such jealousy in everything from lyric poetry to curse tablets and love philtres. Furthermore, there was nothing remotely like concepts of “When they go low, we go high.” No, when they went low, you were expected to go lower.

Once more, I repeat the ancient maxim for GOOD men and women: Help your friends and hurt your enemies.

Hephaistion absolutely subscribed to that—both the historical man and my character. The historical man apparently made life difficult for Eumenes, at least. And he participated in the torture of Philotas (whether or not one thinks it justified). Near the end of his life, a high-ranking Macedonian official was so fearful of him (and Alexander), he begged his brother, a Seer, to sacrifice and read the omens—and for Hephaistion first. He feared him more.

He was not a man to cross. But notice who he had quarrels with: his equals (or close enough). If there’s any truth to a quarrel with Olympias (I’m dubious for reasons I’ll go into in the monograph), it involved her influence over Alexander versus his own.

Upper-class men and women in ancient Greece, and Macedonia, simply lived very separated lives. Returning to those curse tablets, the bulk of them that involve rivals involve rivals of the same sex. Women curse other women their husbands may be involved with. Men curse other men who they believe/fear their love interest (not always a wife) might favor. If we’re often unsure WHO these people are relative to each other, as we typically have only names, I’ve just not seen much cross-gender cursing, as least not about love. Now, there are literally tens of thousands of these, so I’m sure there are some, but it doesn’t seem to be common.

And I think the reason it’s not OWES to that very gender-segregated nature of Greek life. Women are threatened by other women—not by men. And men are certainly not threatened by women. These are two different spheres. When we do hear men complaining about another man’s obsession with so-and-so hetaira, it’s the SON (or father) who’s worried their love-drunk relative will squander all his money on her.

This is why Hephaistion as jealous of a “mere woman,” even a wife, strikes me as anachronistic—especially by that point in their lives. Maybe in the first flush, he could be jealous, and I do have him initially jealous of Kampaspe in Dancing with the Lion: Rise. But not only does he get over it, he winds up friends with her! (She’ll continue to be important throughout the series, in fact.) He simply needed to know she wasn’t going to replace him.

A wife isn’t going to replace him, especially not a wife married for diplomatic purposes, which is ALL Alexander’s wives, and even mistresses (including Barsine and arguably, Statiera). It would be the same thing with heirs. Hephaistion sure can’t give any to Alexander, so of course he needs Alexander’s wife to do that.

I think, if anything, Hephaistion would have wanted to be involved in helping raise Alexander’s sons/children…just as Alexander apparently intended to be involved with Hephaistion’s. That’s reportedly why he married Hephaistion to Drypetis, the younger sister of his own bride, Statiera (the younger): so their children would be cousins.

For elite classes, there are just a LOT more people involved in raising children than a nuclear family. Alexander’s (and Hephaistion’s) children would have had nurses, attendants, tutors, etc. There wouldn’t have been any expectation that Alexander would “settle down” with his wife and spend all his time with them, like a Macedonian Father Knows Best. Hee.

Hephaistion’s REAL rivals for Alexander’s affections would be competing Hetairoi who might want to muscle in and usurp his influence, or younger teen boys who caught Alexander’s eye, especially if he seemed to be getting too close to one. Pretty Euxinippos was more of a threat (and maybe why he was packed off with the Scythians as an ambassador, at least for a while) than Roxane.

As I’ve said many times, Hollywood really is missing out with Hephaistion when they have him fuming over Roxane (or Bagoas). SO, so much more mileage could be made of the rivalries AROUND Alexander among his top men. The whole Philotas-hatred thing…it’s *juicy*. Eumenes as a bit of a dick at the court, and Leonnatos’s meat-headed arrogance. Perdikkas and Ptolemy sassing at each other. Krateros and Hephaistion. Kassandros like a little weasel back in Macedon. Kleitos cussing at everyone for getting too Persian. There’s the fun stuff!

But that’s mostly not romantic. It’s still about love though: affection.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Moral Development

The cultural-developmental approach to moral psychology suggests 3 vital trajectories in moral development stages (Jensen, 2015):

Autonomy - Emphasizing individuality; focusing on the self, including self-interest, rights, and wellbeing

Community - Focusing on memberships and relationships within social groups, including duties to others and their welfare and adherence to group norms and customs

Divinity - Focusing on the spiritual or religious dimensions or moral reasoning, including the sacredness of moral codes

Together, they form an important framework for understanding how we reason about moral issues from various perspectives. They balance personal, social, and spiritual values while emphasizing purity, sanctity, and spiritual accountability (Jensen, 2015).

Moral development and behavior involve putting ourselves in the place of others and typically require a combination of mutual respect, empathy, and caring (Gibbs, 2019).

Moral judgment begins to form in the early years, taking place in a social context, driven by interactions with peers and adults involving “taking turns, sharing, harming, and responding to harm” (Haidt, 2001, p. 817).

Kohlberg’s Stages of Moral Development

Lawrence Kohlberg’s (2015) theory of stages of moral development has dominated research in moral development for several decades (Gross, 2020).

Kohlberg assessed individuals’ moral reasoning through the lens of moral dilemmas.

Subjects were asked to choose between two or more alternative reactions or responses.

Kohlberg (2015) suggests 6 qualitatively different stages of moral development across the following 3 levels of moral reasoning (Gross, 2020):

Level 1: Preconventional morality

External consequences shape moral reasoning.

Stage 1 (punishment and obedience orientation) – What is punishable determines what’s right and wrong. As such, being moral means avoiding punishment.

Stage 2 (instrumental relativist orientation) – What people want and are rewarded for determines right and wrong. Other people’s needs matter, but only in a reciprocal sense.

Level 2: Conventional morality

Moral reasoning is influenced by our strong need to adhere to rules and authority.

Stage 3 (interpersonal concordance or “good boy-nice girl” orientation) – Being moral is determined by what pleases and helps other people — and ultimately what the majority thinks.

Stage 4 (maintaining the social order orientation) – It is our duty to respect authority and maintain social order. As such, this is more important than the needs of our family and loved ones.

Level 3: Post-conventional morality

Moral reasoning is determined by abstract reasoning.

Stage 5 (social contract–legalistic orientation) – While laws are established based on mutual agreement, they can be changed democratically or, at times, overridden. Life is more sacred than the legal principle.

Stage 6 (universal ethical principles orientation) – As society’s rules are arbitrary, our own conscience is the ultimate judge of what is right and wrong. As such, they can be broken when they conflict with “universal” principles.

The Methodology

The now famous Heinz dilemma created by Kohlberg involves an imaginary scenario where a man called Heinz can only save the life of his wife dying from cancer by getting his hands on a drug sold by a local, greedy pharmacist (Gross, 2020).

Despite all attempts, the husband can’t get all the money needed to buy the drug, so he considers breaking into the pharmacy to save his wife’s life.

Having explained the dilemma to study participants, Kohlberg asked them a series of questions, including (Gross, 2020):

Should the husband steal the drug? Why or why not?

If he doesn’t steal the drug, does he truly love his wife? What should he do then?

What if the person dying wasn’t his wife, but a stranger? What should he do?

How important is it for people to do all they can for the life of another?

Should people do everything they can to obey the law?

Criticism of Kohlberg’s Theory

Researchers have identified and expressed several criticisms of Kohlberg’s theory and stages of moral development (Gross, 2020; Gibbs, 2019).

Young children’s understanding of moral regulation is more complex than Kohlberg’s stage 1 (typically seen as 9 years old and below), which relies upon punishment and obedience.

Children do not typically experience the issues raised by Kohlberg’s dilemmas during their moral development. In fact, while their reasoning can be highly complex, it is often unclear and messy.

Some theorists argue that, as Kohlberg relied on an all-male sample in his research, the theory and stages described are biased toward men. As such, there are conflicting views regarding the suggestion that boys are biased toward preferring a “justice orientation” rather than a “care orientation” (with girls showing the opposite), as when pressed, they can switch between the two.

Education is a frequently ignored and confounding factor. While college-educated individuals are not morally superior, they may be more verbally sophisticated, influencing the moral stages to which they are attributed.

Source ⚜ More: Writing Notes & References ⚜ Writing Resources PDFs

[nothing-in-the-ordinary]

"Rhysand reminds me of my Ex."

Is the comment that changed my mind about this series. See, I'd given my copy to my middle sister, Bekka, who loves DnD like me. She loved the first book, could not stop gushing about how cool Prythian sounds with all the different courts (she wants to live in Winter lol).

But then the books continued. She told me, halfway though Silver Flames, that she can't do it anymore. She can't read a story where the main character goes through the same or eerily similar abuses that /she/ suffered from her ex. At first I said, don't worry girl Tamlin doesn't show up much anymore. Her response?

"Tamlin isn't the problem, Rhys is! He's just like Ben."

Ben, for context, is her ex-fiancee. An alcoholic who would get black out drunk frequently, harassing and physically assaulting people is this state. He'd start fights in bars just because he could. He's been arrested for this 4 times, that ive seen, it's likely higher.

He controlled nearly everything she did. From when she went, to how she dressed. From what she ate, to the people she talked to. He almost completely isolated her from her family. Out of all of us, I was the only one still in contact. Likely because as the youngest of my siblings, I posed the least threat to his control. Our parents and oldest sister were cut off.

He was violently abusive. Bekka called us from the hospital on 3 separate occasions. The first time he'd shoved her down a flight of stairs at their apartment during an 'arguement' about bills. Then it was when he'd beat her and broken her arm for 'disrespecting his authority as a man', whatever that means. Finally, it was the car crash. He was road raging against another driver, speeding and swerving on the interstate. The crash totaled her car, and other drivers, and a third car that was also struck. It was then that she finally was convinced to leave.

Because that's the thing about manipulation. It's subtle, and it's effective. This man took years of her life, making her suffer all the way, and she stayed because he was clever and charming when he wanted to be. He'd convinced her that /we/ her family were the controlling ones, we were the ones trying to break them apart when he loved her so much.

10 years. 10 goddamn years! She lost 10 mother fucking years to that monster! Even more if you count the PTSD she still sees a therapist for. And it's not like leaving was easy. He refused to let her leave peacefully so we had to get the law involved. A mountain of evidence, a court hearing, and one horrified judge later, Bekka now has a permanent restraining order on the bastard.

All in all, people stan who they want to stan. I'm just asking, begging, pleading, with you to understand that characters like Rhysand are made real in people like Ben.

*i posted this with permission from Bekka to explain her story. she is healthy and happy now with a man who truly loves her.*

[agentrouka-blog]

Don't get me wrong, Jon IS Ned's son, but I do think Jon and Rhaegar are similar. The melancholy and trying to save the world from an apocalypse he doesn't understand, that's Rhaegar right there.

I guess I'll just disagree.

Jon's melancholy is not terribly more similar to Rhaegar's than it is to, say, Ned's. There is nothing about Jon shared with Rhaegar that could not equally be explained by his mother's character, his Stark side and his upbringing.

And he couldn't be more different to Rhaegar when it comes to protecting the Realm. Rhaegar read about a prophecy and spent the rest of his life placing himself at the center of it, while doing nothing actually practical, until he made a series of deeply destructive and destabilizing unilateral choices that culiminated in the destruction of his family in a rebellion.

Jon joined a serving order to find a place for himself and has been making a number of very pragmatic, self-effacing and far-sighted choices ever since finding out about the threat, trying to involve as many people to cooperate in this struggle as possible.

Jon has also made mistakes but his whole approach is demonstrably different. Demonstrably better.

[rems-writing]

IT's the holidays with You

》 Pairing: WooSanSang x gn!reader 》 Genre/Trope: fluff/strangers to lovers 》 Wordcount: 2,056 words 》 Rating: pg-13

Nets: @mirohs-aurora-society @othersideoutlawsnetwork @illusionnet

Hey there @jisungchan ! It's me! Your secret Santa :D

I hope you enjoy this fic. Happy Holidays to you and may the new year bring you so much love and happiness

Spending Christmas with someone you knew was your soulmate was strange to you. Now add two more soulmates into your life and boom. You were in for a whirlwind of mischief, tears, and most of all

Love. 

Your story started out pretty normal. Sort of. You were hired as a makeup artist for Ateez. You have done makeup for thousands of celebrities prior to joining KQ’s staff. From r&b singer Kehlani to A-list actors & actresses like Florence Pugh, Tom Holland & Zendaya (Hollywood’s it couple), and Tom Hiddleston. You didn’t know why an idol company sought out someone like you, but you weren’t one to complain. You actually liked Ateez and the music they put out. 

You couldn’t stop bumping Deep Dive on your stereo. 

When you arrived in Korea, you were immediately escorted by security guards out of the airport and into a van that soon drove off to KQ Entertainment. You didn’t realize how strict security was until you arrived at the building itself. However, you remained calm. You figured it was protocol so you didn’t put up a fight. You got into the building with ease and you were introduced to the entirety of Ateez. 

Were you fangirling and dying inside?

Yes. 

Did you have to keep your cool in order to maintain professionalism?

Yes. 

After all, you were not about to mess up your first day. If you got hired of course. 

According to their manager, you would undergo a series of beta tests and trials in order to train you and pick apart your brain on how you are able to handle things when there is pressure involved. Ateez made a big name for themselves and you were a witness to it all. You would make sure they looked their best. Although, if you had to be honest with yourself

These fine ass men looked better without makeup. But alas. A check is a check. 

And you were not about to shy away from it. 

Long story short, you passed all the tests and trials, landing yourself a permanent spot in KQ’s staff. Everyone congratulated you, including Ateez. Out of the eight members that celebrated your success, there were three in particular that went above and beyond to make sure that all your hard work paid off. 

That was Yeosang, San, and Wooyoung. 

When they first saw you, they were blown away by the fact that someone like you, who has made American celebrities look their best on stage or on the red carpet, was hired to be a part of their humble team. They were afraid that they wouldn’t be up to your standards. However, after sitting down and getting to know you a bit more, they realized that they were worried for nothing. And so, a friendship blossomed between the four of you. Of course, that was short lived when one of the three boys fell for you. 

Unsurprisingly, it was Wooyoung. 

Fortunately for him, you felt the same way. You two started dating for a few months before the next boy walked up and confessed to you. That boy was Yeosang. Of course, Wooyoung was ok with it. The two were best friends and due to their strong bond, they didn’t let their feelings for you get in the way of that. You were a bit skeptical at first. It’s already difficult to juggle a relationship with one idol, especially in your line of work. However, you guys were still together. In addition, Wooyoung was comfortable and confident enough to let you go ahead and date Yeosang. So now you are dating two idols.

You definitely weren’t complaining. 

There was one more boy that was the last to fall for you. And it was San. This one was proven to be more difficult than Yeosang. Every time you were around San, you just wanted to keep things professional with him. At first, San figured you’d need time to warm up to him. Then again, you warmed up immediately to the other members. 

What was so different about him? 

When San first heard about your relationship with Yeosang and Wooyoung, he was ok with it. He thought that you just needed more time to settle in before he jumped the gun and confessed. However, that flew out the window when he accidentally overheard you talking to some of your family back home over the phone. 

“San? Nah. That man lowkey scares me.”

San felt his heart break when he heard you say that. He was so heartbroken that he left the room and went back to his shared dorm with Seonghwa and Mingi without even hearing the rest of what you said, which was something positive. Long story short, miscommunication results in a discord amongst the idol group and the staff. Being a person that doesn’t take bullshit, you pulled San aside and asked him what was going on. 

“You don’t crack small jokes with me, you avoid me like the plague, and you requested to change makeup artists! Seriously. What is going on?”

San couldn’t lie. Seeing you upset almost made him fold. The last thing he wanted was to upset you. Then he remembered what you said about him and his softened features reverted back into a scowl. He tried to push past you, but you were blocking his path. 

“Y/N, move.”

Oh? He wanted to act cold and petty? Fine. Two could play in that game. You huffed and crossed your arms. You laid it down for him. If he didn’t want to be friends with you anymore, you were fine with that. You were not the type of bitch to beg him to stay. All you asked was that he remained respectful and that he should not put up a fight if you were selected to do his makeup for him since they couldn’t find anyone else. San resisted the urge to roll his eyes because he also knew you were the type of bitch to mess him up if he was rude. With a firm nod, he exited the room with a heavy heart and a heavier urge to cry. 

Why must life be so hard?

Long story short, he had enough and apologized profusely for acting so indifferent around you before telling you the truth on what happened. You sighed in frustration and San was afraid he messed up. He sighed with temporary relief that you didn’t mean to say it like that. Of course you wanted him as well. Sadly, they couldn’t date since some random staff member threatened you to stay away from San or else she’ll expose you for… whatever. You didn’t take her seriously and you honestly had enough of people scandalizing you over nothing so you put your foot down, instilled the fear of God in her, and left it at that. 

To say that San was shocked was an understatement. What was this?

 Some weird fanfic he accidentally stumbled upon after he made the mistake of discovering Tumblr? 

At least you weren’t scared of this staff member’s seemingly empty threat. However, it broke his heart even more to know that this person was the reason why he couldn’t have you. He decided to take matters into his own hands by reporting this incident to the CEO. Fate was on his side when he heard that she was fired the next day and that you were able to breathe easily. It also encouraged him to say how he truly felt. 

Needless to say, you were now dating an entire sub-unit. And you couldn’t be happier. 

“WOOYOUNG, GIVE ME BACK THAT SPATULA OR SO HELP ME!”

Wooyoung giggled and kept running around the apartment while you were on his ass. San sighed as he saw the two of you horsing around while Yeosang was confused. San then gave Yeosang a silent look before the two men separated to grab the two of you. Yeosang threw Wooyoung over his shoulder and grabbed the spatula from him before handing it to San, who had you hoisted over his shoulder. He set you back down in the kitchen before eying the various ingredients and huge bowl of cookie batter near the oven. A tiny smirk was on his face, but before he knew it, the back of his hand stung. 

“OW! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!”

San pouted and you sighed. This human personification of a cat was not about to use his puppy dog eyes on you. 

“Don’t stick your grimy hands in the batter. I need these cookies to be perfect.”

“But darling -”

“No buts. Get your flat ass to where Yeosang is and continue helping with the decorations.”

“If my ass is so flat, then how do you explain what you saw when I arched my back during that dance challenge?”

“WE DO NOT SPEAK ABOUT THAT! YOU AND YEOSANG ARE FLAT AS FUCK AND THAT’S ON PERIOD!”

San had to hold back a snicker when you loudly stated that you didn’t want to hear about how San threw it back with Yunho during one of the Work dance challenges. You were not about to admit that he had a little something back there. It would ruin your ‘Yeosang and San have ass bones’ agenda with your lovely boyfriends. Speaking of lovely…

“DID YOU JUST SMACK MY ASS, WOOYOUNG?!”

“NO!”

Wooyoung poorly gave himself away after denying it and followed it up with a mischievous giggle. You sighed and went back to making the cookies. As you placed a dollop of cookie batter onto the parchment covered sheet tray, you felt a gentle presence behind you and soft lips kissed your cheek quickly. You whipped your head around to see Yeosang with a tiny grin on his face. 

He swears he’s a doberman, but right now, he looks like a maltese. 

“Yes, Sangie?”

“WooSan told me to come help you with the cookies. They sort of need help with a few of the decorations. As in where to put the string lights and all that.”

“Ok. I’ll be there. Just watch them for me and when the timer goes off, come to me immediately.”

“Ok!”

Yeosang kissed your other cheek before he proceeded to intently watch the cookies bake in the oven. You swore that it was the cutest sight ever so you snuck a quick picture of him before making your way over to San and Wooyoung. You saw them untangle the rest of the lights and they looked at you cluelessly.

“Y’all need help?”

“Yeah. Where exactly should we hang these?”

“Well, I’d start over here.”

You guided the boys on how to properly hang the lights so it looked clean and pretty and easy to unplug. They listened to your words intently and hung them where they needed to be hung. After they finished, you were about to walk back to the kitchen when both of them stopped you. At first, you were confused. Then, you looked up. 

A mistletoe. 

The three of you were under a mistletoe. 

Before you said anything, San turned you around so your back was against his broad chest, causing you to feel flustered. It didn’t help that Wooyoung was leaning in so close to your face, hands holding your hips tightly as his lips ghosted over yours. Finally, he kissed you softly yet passionately. You closed your eyes to savor the feeling and tangled your hands into Wooyoung’s long black hair. He then pulled away so he can turn you around and have your back against his chest this time. San gently cradled your face and placed slow and deliberate kisses everywhere before landing on your lips. After getting his fill, he pulled away and smiled softly. The three of you walked back to the kitchen, where Yeosang had just taken the cookies out of the oven and placed them on a cooling rack. When he saw you, he took off the oven mitts and strided over to you. He found your waist and hoisted you up onto the kitchen counter before Wooyoung trapped you in place with his arms. You felt hot under the collar upon feeling all three men stare you down with such tender love and affection in their eyes. And yet…

You wouldn’t trade them for the world. 

“Merry Christmas, my loves.”

“Merry, Christmas, Y/N.”

[justwanderingtheblog]

The Full Timeline of Xena: Warrior Princess(‘s Backstory)

I recently made a video where I attempted to put every single event ever mentioned as part of Xena's backstory into chronological order.

That is, obviously, both impossible and highly subjective, because the timeline of Xena's past demonstrates little to no consistency. Still, the attempt was cheerfully made.

This post is a replication of those conclusions in written format.

25 to 30 Years Before Series Start

Amphipolis (S01E01) - Xena is born in Amphipolis to an innkeeper named Cyrene and (allegedly) a warrior named Atrius. Her grandparents are farmers (Old Ares Had A Farm, S06E10). She has a younger brother named Lyceus (Remember Nothing, S02E02) and an older brother named Toris (Death Mask, S01E23).

She grows up a wild child, learning swordplay and fishing (Fins Femmes and Gems, S03E17) with her brothers, befriending a young girl named Flora (The Black Wolf, S01E11), presumably fending off the flirtations of Maphias (Remember Nothing, S02E02), etc.

Atrius comes home from war unexpectedly, has a Fury-induced mental breakdown and tries to murder Xena. Cyrene kills him (The Furies, S03E01).

More Than Ten Years Before S01E12

Sparta (Beware of Greeks Bearing Gifts, S01E12) - Xena befriends Helen "in Sparta, before the [Trojan] war." The war then lasts for ten years.

In Hercules Trading Card #6 ('Xena'), the unfilmed Xena pilot script, and a Xena comic book entitled 'Plowshares Into Swords,' it is suggested that Xena's father was a Spartan or Mycenean warrior, or perhaps a king. Similarly, a dropped plotline from the first season supposedly involved Xena's search for her father. These factors could account for Xena's presence in the area.

Precisely Eleven Years Before S02E02

Cortese Attacks Amphipolis (Death Mask, S01E23) - A warlord named Cortese threatens to attack Amphipolis. Xena and Lyceus rally the young men of their generation to fight back rather than surrender.

This may be when Xena has her first kill, a man named Termin (Dreamworker, S01E03).

This is also when Lyceus and many of those young men die, leading Cyrene and the villagers to blame Xena for their deaths. Xena leaves Amphipolis under duress, presumably with a small fighting force (Sins of the Past, S01E01).

As Months Pass

Raiding Around Amphipolis (Death Mask, S01E23) - Having lost her brother and her home, emotionally deadened and later saying she "didn't have time to feel anything," Xena starts attacking villages around her hometown in order to create a "buffer zone," protecting Amphipolis against future attack.

She also attacks Stagira (Destiny, S02E12), her hometown's "ancient enemy."

Engagement in Thrace (A Fistful of Dinars, S01E14) - Xena is engaged to a man named Petracles, who later "wins" the seduction game and leaves her. This is the first time that she is betrayed by someone she is romantically entangled with.

She also knows men named Lycus, Klonig, and Thersites. They are looking for the Lost Treasure of Sumeria, which secretly includes the Titan's Key to the Hall of Ambrosia near the fictional Mt Poulis.

Mt Poulis is potentially mentioned as being near Troy (BoGBG, S01E12), in Anatolia, but it is not implied that Xena traveled there at this time.

"Ten Winters" Before S02E12

Neapolitis a.k.a. Kavala (Destiny, S02E12) - Xena's army has taken to the sea. They raid a coastal town and she warns the townspeople that while they're "free to go," she will attack any enemy of Amphipolis.

Xena takes a prisoner named Julius Caesar. She believes that she has successfully seduced him, and that he sees her the way that she sees herself; as an equal. They part ways when his ransom is paid, promising to meet again.

She also has a stowaway named M'Lila, who teaches her the famous "pinch" and also a bit of humility.

Xena never purposely kills non-combatant women or children, but she actively seems to enjoy fighting and looting, and her actions are moving farther and farther from their original stated purpose.

As Months Pass

***Goliath?

*** The Ark-Bearers?

Betrayal on a Beach (Destiny, S02E12) - Caesar returns. As it turns out, he does not see Xena as his equal, but rather as one of "Rome's conquered." He betrays her, kills all of her men and presumably with them her last physical ties to Amphipolis, crucifies her, breaks her legs, and leaves her to die humiliated on the beach. Xena is left realizing for the first time that she's a very small fish in a very big pond.

Doctor Niklio on Mt Nestos (Destiny, S02E12) - M'Lila, who is under zero obligation to be loyal or compassionate to Xena, rescues her from the beach and brings her to a doctor on the fictional Mt Nestos, "north of the Strymon River," likely near the Nestos River.

Caesar's men track them down before Xena's legs can be fully healed. M'Lila, the last person alive from Xena's crew and the last person to show her any kindness, is murdered in front of her.

"A new Xena is born" who has had a very bad day and just wants to kill people.

***Ares?

Traveling East (The Debt, S03E06) - Her entire army dead, Xena, with "shattered legs and crippled soul," leaves Greece for the first time and goes east to "lose myself in vengeance - not against Caesar, but the entire human race."

She falls in with Borias and presumably his army, steals him away from his wife and child (The Last of the Centaurs, S06E17) which he is also obviously to blame for, and they spend a while encouraging each other's worst impulses and being mutually toxic.

Actor Marton Csokas is of Hungarian descent and production confirmed that Borias was of Hunnish origin, but there is no in-universe evidence that Xena met Borias north of Greece in the Hunnic Empire as opposed to east of Greece on the path to China.

Precisely Ten Years Before S02E03

***Goliath in The Levant (The Giant Killer, S02E03) - Xena fights with a friendly giant named Goliath against an evil giant named Gareth. When Xena is injured Goliath saves her, and his family is murdered. They "vowed ten years ago to meet in this place. "This place" is where a young King David and the Israelites are later battling the Philistines, which places it generally in the Levant.

Assuming that "Ten Winters Ago" (Destiny, S02E12) takes place prior to the "ten years ago" mentioned in this episode, this event would have to occur after the raid on Neapolitis.

Also, assuming that Xena and Goliath met near Jerusalem, this encounter would have to take place on the path eastward toward China. This possibly implies that Xena left Greece by ship and landed in the Middle East.

However, this event occurring after Neapolitis does not necessarily mean it also occurs after Caesar's betrayal, as there is a small implied time gap. Similarly, the quote, "We vowed ten years ago to meet in this place," does not mean that Xena and Goliath were in "this place" at the time of the vow. The battle against Gareth could therefore have also happened in Greece, when Xena was still of a disposition to be making friends with strangers and had two uninjured legs to rely on while fighting an evil giant.

***The Ark-Bearers in The Levant 2.0 (A Royal Couple of Thieves, S01E17) - When Xena is "young," she is wounded in battle. She is then fed, healed, and protected by a group of people carrying the Ark of the Covenant.

If both this encounter and Xena's encounter with Goliath took place near Jerusalem, these events could even refer to injuries from the same battle.

Unfortunately, placing both battles post-Caesar but pre-China would beg the question of where Borias was at this time. Perhaps they were briefly separated.

On the flip side, disconnecting the Ark-Bearers from the giants would mean Xena could have met them literally anywhere in Greece at any time when she was "young."

As Months Pass

***Ares?

Chin a.k.a. China (The Debt, S03E06) - The battles get larger, the stakes get higher, they get farther from home, and Xena's ambitions get bigger. She's at her most feral and most wild here, probably has the least self-respect she's ever had, and given that her legs never healed properly, she's also at her least physically powerful.

Xena puts a lot of heads on spikes and starts plotting with Borias against the Ming and the Lao. She kidnaps Ming Tien, the Ming leader's son, without Borias's knowledge or consent.

Borias hands Xena over to the enemy for execution. He is the second and final man romantically involved with Xena to ever betray her.

Lao Ma rescues and heals Xena, nearly pulling her back from the edge. But power, as always, is too tempting. Xena goes back to Borias, to her army, and to her old ways.

Siberia (Adventures in the Sin Trade, S04E01) - Xena and Borias move north to Siberia. Xena discovers that she is pregnant with Solan.

The shamaness Alti is a corrupting influence, telling Xena she could be the "Destroyer of Nations" and encouraging her darkest impulses.

Xena keeps gaining new powers (e.g. from the Northern Amazons) and keeps killing (e.g. the Northern Amazons). At Alti's urging, Cyane, the Amazon queen, is the first person Xena actively betrays and murders on-screen.

Alti also tells Xena about the powerful Ixion Stone, prompting her to go back to Greece.

***Byblosa a.k.a. Byblos (Blind Faith, S02E18) - Xena invades Byblosa and sets "the oil reserves on fire."

It makes sense if this happens as Xena returns to Greece from the east, but the event being referenced as "a few years ago" also suggests it could be more recent.

Byblos was a city in Lebanon known for its production of olive oil.

***Glaphyra in Anatolia (The Dirty Half Dozen, S03E03) - Returning to Greece, Xena meets a young woman named Glaphyra, who is young and eager to see the world. She later ends up a slaver.

"Glaphyra" is the name of a historical Cappodocian princess, but this also could have happened literally anywhere at any time.

***Ares (The Reckoning, S01E06) - At some point Ares starts whispering in Xena's ear. This most likely, but not provably, takes place both after Caesar and within the borders of Greece.

"Nine Years" Before S02E01

Battle of Corinth (Orphan of War, S02E01) - At war with the centaurs, Xena and Borias lay siege to Corinth, which is in the northeast Peloponnese, toward the south of Greece. Xena wants the power of the Ixion Stone to secure her destiny as Destroyer of Nations. She's a little less wild than she was in China and Siberia, but just as bloodthirsty.

Borias is increasingly worried, but the balance of power has shifted now; the army is generally following Xena's orders, and she's not listening to him anymore either. Borias splits from her for the last time in order to save the centaurs, but Xena is still badly shocked by his death, which was orchestrated without her knowledge by Satrina (Past Imperfect, S04E09).

Xena gives birth to Solan without her son's father. He is the first truly pure thing she's created in a very long time, and in a moment of clarity, Xena knows the best thing she can do for Solan is get him away from her. Xena gives her son to a centaur, who later tells her, "You aren't the woman I faced ten years ago." The same centaur says that, "For nine years Solan has been my son."

???

Now Xena is post-partum, without her son, partner dead, army depleted, battle lost, and the Ixion Stone beyond her grasp.

Thalassa's Village (Locked Up and Tied Down, S04E07) - Thalassa gets eaten by crabs, despite Xena not intending to kill her. Oops!

This could have happened anywhere at any time, but for fun we can place Shark Island at Makronisos Island, the site of an infamous political prison in the 20th century, which lies east of Corinth across the Saronic Gulf. If Thalassa's village was near or in view of Shark Island, this would in turn place it around the archaeological site at Cape Sounion.

In the flashback scenes to this event, Xena has no Chakram. She appears rougher around the edges than during her introduction in Hercules, but arguably seems less wild than during her time in China. She is not wearing the outfit she bore in China, Siberia, or Corinth. Instead, she is wearing the same outfit that she later sports during the Hercules crossover time-travel episode set in Cirra (Armageddon Now: Part 2, HERC S04E14).

Approximately Eight Years Before Season Two

Failed Homecoming in Amphipolis (Sins of the Past, S01E01) - In the pilot, Xena mentions, "I wanted to come home. I thought maybe this time I could get it right."

My unconventional hypothesis here is that Xena, post-partum and struggling with loss, army diminished and at loose ends, possibly even feeling guilt for Thalassa's death, tried to come home to Cyrene and it did not go well.

This is never directly evidenced on-screen, but it works handily as an excuse for Xena to return to Thrace and participate in events there that do not 'fit' her pre-Caesar era.

Specifically, it supports the idea that she rides away from Amphipolis in a particularly careless state of mind due to her fury and emotional turmoil, and her next village raid goes very, very wrong.

***Ares Gives Xena the Chakram?

Cirra a.k.a. Serres (Callisto, S01E22) - Xena raids the village of Cirra. A fire breaks out and destroys everything, killing many women and children, which again was not Xena's intent.

Cirra is located very close to Amphipolis, and this event needs to take place far enough in the past that Callisto has time to grow up.

In the Hercules crossover episode (Armageddon Now: Part 2, HERC S04E14), which may or may not count as canonical, Xena is wearing the same outfit she wore in Thalassa's village. She has already given birth to Solan. Her characterization, while less feral than China-era Xena, is more in line with her Corinth era than it is with her Valkyrie era or Hercules era.

She also has a lieutenant named Darphus, whose only other appearance is in her Hercules introduction episodes, but this scene cannot take place in that era because Callisto needs more time to grow up. We have to assume that Darphus briefly fell in with Xena's army, parted ways with her quickly after Cirra, and they only reunited again many years later. Alternatively, we can hand-wave his inclusion as a mistake.

The attacks on Thalassa's village and on Cirra both feature a loss of control, care, or forethought that lead to unintended casualties, suggesting they may have happened in a transitional period or a time of turmoil in Xena's life. This could even be motivation for Xena, after several years of enthusiastic slaughter and mayhem, to double down on her original promise to never kill civilian women or children.

This could also be, though of course doesn't have to be, her impetus to leave Greece again.

Unfortunately, the Hercules crossover episode also shows Xena in possession of the Chakram in Cirra, even though she did not have it in China, Siberia, Corinth, or Thalassa's village. This means that either Ares gifted the Chakram to her immediately before Cirra, perhaps because he sensed her conviction wavering and wanted to tempt her back into evil with a shiny new toy, or that the Chakram's inclusion needs to be completely hand-waved away as a mistake.

Xena Blinds A Cyclops (Sins of the Past, S01E01) - The blind cyclops introduced in the pilot episode is located somewhere between Potidaea in southern Thrace and Amphipolis in northeastern Thrace.

Assuming that he stayed in the same location since being blinded, and taking into account that blinding a cyclops would be difficult for a young Xena with a fledgling army immediately post-Cortese, this works with the theory that Xena rode north to Thrace again at some point.

It would also be significantly easier to blind a cyclops using a Chakram than it would with a regular weapon.

Approximately Seven Years Before Season Two

The Western Mountains (The Price, S02E20) - Leaving Greece again, Xena encounters the Horde in the "mountains" the "first time my army went west." Half of her army is demolished and she seems genuinely disturbed, perhaps even frightened, to remember this encounter.

Worth noting that the Horde as a design concept is incredibly problematic and has not aged well.

For the sake of having a definitive place to put this on a map, we could use the Dinaric Alps, a chain of mountains that connects Albania to Italy to the northwest of Greece.

Following this rout by the Horde, we are left with a Xena who is traveling west of Greece for the first time in her life, has been robbed of half her army, and is a bit freaked out by the savagery she just witnessed. Alongside Solan's birth, Borias's death, and Cirra, this could easily indicate an ongoing turning point in her life as a warlord.

***Ares?

***Kal's Temple Near Mt Amaro, Italy (Chakram, S05E02) - Ares steals the Dark Chakram from Kal's temple near Mt. Amaro in Italy.

We do not know if Xena was present in the temple, or even in the country, for this event. We also don't know whether she was actively involved in the theft.

However, it makes sense that Xena started using the Chakram as she shifted into a more solo style of travel.

Approximately Six Years Before Season Two

The Norselands (The Rheingold, S06E07) - The next time we see Xena she is traveling solo in northwestern Europe, possesses the Chakram for the first time on-screen (not counting the Hercules depiction of Cirra), and is less feral but just as power-hungry as she was in China.

To save Xena from having to travel too far into Scandanavia, we could perhaps place this in modern-day Denmark.

Apparently Xena came to the Norselands from a land in the east and "she called it Chin," but it is literally impossible that this took place directly after China. She has no Borias, no baby bump, no army, and she has the Chakram. We can assume, therefore, that Xena just happened to mention China after her arrival in the Norselands.

During the Rheingold saga Xena is playing smart, playing nice, and taking the lessons of seduction and betrayal that were taught to her at a younger age and turning them to her advantage. With Odin and the Valkyrie and the Rhein Maidens, she pretends to be their friend or their lover in order to get what she wants.

Gaul (The Deliverer, S03E04) - Traveling south from the Norselands and still in western Europe, Xena encounters Boudica in Gaul and pretends to be her friend in order to take her army.

For funsies we could place this in Alesia, in modern-day France, the site of the most famous battle between the Gallic tribes and the Roman Empire.

***Torrence?

Approximately Five Years Before Season Two

Returning to Eastern Europe (The Dirty Half Dozen, S03E03) - Traveling eastward back toward Greece, Xena trains a man named Walsim, who she would eventually introduce to Thersites, to be an assassin. This is the first time we see her acting as a sort of mentor-type figure.

Massalia was an ancient Greek colony in southern France, so we can place this there.

"Walsin" is the name of a French historical figure who was in service to a Hungarian royal family, so we can label Walsim the assassin as being of ambiguously European, non-Greek origin.

***Torrence?

Marcus in Italy 2.0 (The Path Not Taken, S01E05) - Xena meets a mercenary named Marcus, who has a Roman name and is terefore potentially also from the Italian Peninsula.

While Marcus later asks after Xena's mother and assumes she won't kill innocent people, suggesting they may have first been acquainted very early on in her warlord journey and much closer to Amphipolis, he fits better into the timeline and the geography here. Perhaps during this time period Xena has mellowed slightly.

Marcus may be the first pre-series lover of Xena's who she is genuinely still fond of.

Darnelle in Italy (The Dirty Half Dozen, S03E03) - Still traveling east, Xena hits the Italian peninsula. She meets Darnelle in a "small village" and trains him to be a gladiator.

Sicily (The Path Not Taken, S01E05) - Xena steals weapons from someone named Aescalus.

This scheme is mentioned later by the warlord Mezentius, whom Marcus is then working for, making it plausible that Marcus witnessed it first-hand and was the one to tell Mezentius the story.

Historically, Aeschylus was a Greek poet and Persian War veteran.

For fun, we can place this in Sicily where the historical Aeschylus passed away, and assume it was Xena's last stop before continuing east to Greece.

We can also assume that she brings Walsim, Darnelle, Marcus, and several others back to Greece with her. She may also still be leading Boudica's old army.

Increasingly, Xena is doing less straight-up rampaging and more trickery or manipulation.

Approximately Four Years Before Season Two

Return to Greece (The Path Not Taken, S01E05) - Xena returns to central Greece and starts the last "arc" of her pre-Hercules backstory. She has been gone from the area for several years and has evolved notably since then.

***The Battle of Torrence (Judgment Day, HERC S03E15) - Ares considers the Battle of Torrence one of his "greatest triumphs." Apparently "ten thousand corpses littered the battlefield" after Xena "led her army through the opponent's infantry like flies. Limbs were scattered everywhere. It was beautiful."

There is no ancient Greek city called Torrence.

The name 'Torrence' is of Scottish origin. Xena has never been to Scotland, though admittedly she has been to Gaul, and it's possible that in Xena-verse there was a Scottish settlement called Torrence in Gaul, but just trying to parse that possibility is making my brain crazy.

The name may also be referring to Turin in Italy or Tiryns in the Peloponnesian Peninsula in southern Greece, or may be made up wholesale.

It's hard to imagine that Xena could participate in a Greek battle with ten thousand casualties and still being a no-name to Hercules when he first meets her.

However, a battle of this size would provide us with a convenient opportunity to start paring down the size of Xena's army.

Riding with Zagreas (A Day In The Life, S02E15) - Xena "used to ride with Zagreas. He has nerves of mush and wouldn't trust his own grandmother."

Gregan tells Draco, who Xena has been flirting with under Cupid's influence (A Comedy of Eros, S02E22), that Xena "played the same sort of mind games with Zagreas. She tricked him into losing his whole army." This could be a reference to the recent events with Zagreas and Gareth, but those mind games involved zero flirting, so I choose to interpret this as a separate incident.

If Xena lost a lot of men on a battlefield in Torrence, and/or on a battlefield fighting Bacchus, she would need to get a new army from somewhere.

The Bacchae (Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, S02E04) - Xena fights against Bacchus and tries to save Eurydice, who is trapped between their armies and had previously tried to befriend Xena. Eurydice dies and Orpheus blames Xena for her death.

This accidental death of another innocent woman, during a fight against a monstrous deity, may lead Xena to again re-affirm the principles she espouses during her Hercules trilogy; they do not kill non-combatant women or children.

She's still not a good person. As is the ongoing issue with Xena, she genuinely enjoys the thrill of a fight and she genuinely wants power. She's had a dozen chances to change her ways, but there has always been an army for her to go back to, more power to grasp for, and more reason to keep digging herself downward.

This battle may or may not take place in the same Bacchae Forest that appears during the second season. Bacchus was from Thebes, which is where Hercules' mother may have lived, meaning this could lead us into the events of those episodes.

On the flip side, the myth states that Eurydice died in the valley of the River Pineios in Thessaly, central Greece, so we could place this event there as well.

It also gives us another reason for Xena to have lost a lot of men, bringing us closer to the minor numbers that we see when she first meets Hercules.

Parting Ways (The Path Not Taken, S01E05) - Marcus loses track of Xena "after the raid on Symbius," which may also be spelled "Sympius" or "Semples" or "Semplese" or "Simpius" or refer to aquatic animals attached to the mouthparts of cold-water lobsters.

They may have parted ways sooner after reaching Greece, but it's fun to suppose that when Marcus discussed Xena not wanting innocent people to die, he was partially referring to Eurydice.

Approximately Three Years Before Season Two

Continued Warlording (Sins of the Past, S01E01) - Xena meets up with a warlord named Draco who wants to be with her "in love or in battle," but she won't give him "the satisfaction of either." He picks "the wrong woman to get rough with" and she gives him a scar on his cheek.

They may or may not have been romantically linked during this time period. Notably, while Xena is happy to get down with the bad boys and use sex to get what she wants, she hasn't been romantically under anyone's thumb in a very long time.

During this period Xena likely re-establishes her connections in Greece and becomes more friendly with the hometown warlord crowd. She still wants to rule Greece, still is happy to slaughter her way across the countryside, but for whatever reason news of her major exploits in Corinth and 'Torrence' have still not reached Hercules. None of her original army or Borias's army and little of Boudica's army remain.

It's unlikely that Xena was warlording with Draco and Marcus simultaneously.

Fighting in Nespa (Death in Chains, S01E09) - A man named Toxeus saw Xena "fight in Nespa a while back."

There is no ancient Greek city called Nespa.

Nespa was also the location of a Hercules episode featuring a centaur named Nemis. Nemis is a mythological figure whose brother Nessus was the ferryman for the River Evinos, and the River Evinos is right at the entryway between central Greece and the Peloponnesian Peninsula to the south. We can place this event there and use it as a marker for Xena heading south into the peninsula.

Shelter for Wounded Men (Altared States, S01E19) - Xena uses some caves as shelter for her wounded men.

This could be literally anywhere at any time, but for funsies I've put it in the Kastria Cave Lakes in the northern Peloponnese.

Warrior Princess of the Kalmai a.k.a. Kalamata (The Price, S02E20) - An Athenian soldier calls Xena the "warrior princess of the Kalmai" and then that word is never mentioned ever again.

Kalamai is an older name for the city of Kalamata, which is on the southwestern coast of the Peloponnese.

Apparently something happens here that one Athenian will remember years down the line but that Hercules will not have heard of any time before then. Idk.

***Torrence?

Approximately Two Years Before Season Two

Arcadia in the Peloponnese (The Warrior Princess, HERC S01E09) - Xena is hell-bent on "conquering Arcadia" in the central Peloponnese.

Hercules now has a pretty firmly established foothold as a powerful protector of people in Greece, and Xena decides it's time to go after him in order to clear that particular blockade from the playing field. She may even believe what she says later in the episode - that Hercules is not a real hero, but just another selfish warlord out for his own interests.

Xena picks up Hercules' best friend Iolaus (possibly near Hercules' mother's residence around Thebes) and goes the seduction/betrayal route with the pair of them, rather than the blunt force route. It almost works, but she ends up fleeing.

Again, notably, Hercules doesn't know who Xena is at the beginning of these events. Realistically this is an inconsistency, but for the purposes of this exercise it forces us to acknowledge either that Xena was not well-known in Greece or that Hercules doesn't know shit about fuck.

Tripolis a.k.a. Tripoli (One Against An Army, S03E13) - Xena stockpiles a bunch of weapons in Tripolis, which would be in the general area of Tripoli in ancient Arcadia within the Peloponnese.

It makes sense that she would do this either after fleeing Hercules or later after losing her army one final time.

Parthus and the Parthian Province a.k.a. Patras (The Gauntlet, HERC S01E12) - Xena has reunited with Darphus and is warlording around "the peninsula" again.

Notably, she tells Darphus that they are "warriors, not barbarians." It's possible that she is slowly starting to remember the reason she got into the warlord business in the first place, though she's clearly not ready for a thorough self-examination.

"Parthus" is in Albania and "the Parthian Province" is in Iran, so this possibly means Patras in the northern Peloponnese.

When Darphus destroys that one town, slaughtering everyone and burning the whole thing to the ground, it's a type of destruction that Xena has only ever wrought by accident. And when Darphus essentially puts a sword to the neck of that baby, he's crossing one of the only lines she's constantly refused to cross. Arguably, Xena's defense of an innocent isn't just about that baby. It's about Solan and it's about Lyceus and Cirra and Eurydice and Thalassa and it's about, possibly, the last inch of integrity she has.

It's probably been a while since Xena has run into someone a lot worse than she is, morally speaking. The Horde is another example of this, marking another turning point in her life of sorts, and she doesn't seem to like what that mirror shows.

It's also been a long time since Xena was successfully betrayed by someone, but this time her and Darphus aren't romantically linked and she doesn't exactly trust him; she just doesn't think he has the brains or the guts to do anything rash.

The gauntlet is like the bookend to Caesar crucifying her on that beach; a betrayal resulting in the loss of her army and a horrifying physical injury, but this time she walks away. She does it with her dignity intact and even with the respect of the army she's just lost, because they all refuse to kill her after she survives the beating.

Xena then loses a fair fight - to Hercules, if fighting anyone after running a gauntlet could be called fair - for the first time in a good while, just like she once did to M'Lila and to Lao Ma and to Cyane, so that also probably gets the cogs turning.

And now, just like a decade prior surrounded by dead men in Niklios's cabin, Xena has to make a choice about who she wants to be.

Importantly, she also has no army to go back to. She has a moment for murder sobriety to catch.

It also probably helps that Ares, like a scorned ex, clearly senses her change in intent because he drops her like a hot potato and immediately starts supporting a resurrected Darphus.

So Xena has Hercules as a pseudo sponsor, after he shows her a kindness he is under no obligation to and spares her life. He is there to demonstrate a better path forward for her.

But it's not just about Hercules. It's Lao Ma and it's M'Lila and it's Boudica and it's Eurydice and it's Cyane and it's Marcus and it's Goliath and it's Borias and it's that one family with the Ark of the Covenant or whatever and it's everyone who ever showed Xena kindness when she didn't deserve it and told her she could be something better.

And it's finally, finally, enough.

Approximately One Year Before Season Two

Elysia a.k.a. Elis (Unchained Heart, HERC S01E13) - After an unknown amount of time traveling together, Xena goes with Hercules, Iolaus, and Salmoneus to stop Darphus and Ares in Elysia.

This could refer to Elis, also known as Illia, in the Peloponnese.

Home (Sins of the Past, S01E01) - Xena puts on new armor, acquires Argo, and goes north to reunite with her mother in Amphipolis.

Corkboards of Locations

Chalkboard of Timelines

[sulatni-ree]

a tweet on my timeline of a youtube comment on gem's afterlife smp: the movie video made me wonder: what do people think of when they hear "life series"

so,,, in my head, there are two:

~ long post ahead

modded life - mostly empires smp members; one life, xlife, afterlife, new life, sos (honorary, the smp plays with a "life-respawn system" too anyways)

vanilla life - mostly hermitcraft members; third life, last life, double life, limited life, secret life, real life, wild life

my personal minecraft smp pipeline was xlife - empires - hermitcraft - last life (and the rest of the vanilla lifes), then i also watched afterlife and sos as they uploaded. just thought it would be nice to have a label to distinguish the two "flavors" of life series, if you will, in my head.

some stuff i found out after doing some digging on these SMPs and realizations:

it confused me a bit at first how the vanilla lifers managed to have a pretty consistent roster compared to the modded lifers, then it hit that the modded lifes are long-term SMPs that last for months to maybe over a year per "season", while the vanilla lifes are short-term, consistently taking 6 to 8 weeks (or 2 months max) only.

people would prolly consider a life series a,,, "life series" if it has the word "life" in its name. personally, i like to think of a life series as hardcore with a twist which is why i consider sos as an honorary one.

main reason for the "vanilla" and "modded" titles: vanilla lifes mostly try to keep itself vanilla, while modded lifes are usually MODDED with new biomes, mechanics, mobs, etc.

the modded lifes don't actually belong to the same "life series" unlike the vanilla lifes: they're all independent series. i just like to tack the "modded life" label on them for simplicity's sake + the creators involved have becone consistent anyways

limited life & sos are both similar in the sense that technically, there isn't a set number of times you could die compared to other SMPs on the list. your respawns in limited life depend on whether your 24 hours on the server is out, while sos depends on its own "life currency": fate coins. it would be fun to see the CCs play with these kinds of twists where whether you get a chance to respawn has a variable of sorts.

one life (season 1) was first published on May 15, 2016, making it 8 years old as of writing this and the oldest life series in this list

one life also had 3 seasons from May 2016 to March 2019, making it the longest life series

the shortest life series is double life, running for 6 weeks from June to July 2022

if you were to order all the mentioned life series by date started, you'll have: one (2016), x (2019), third (2021), last, afterlife (2022), double, limited (2023), new, secret, sos (2024), real, wild

the only modded lifers that have been in every "season" of the modded lifes are joel smallishbeans, joey graceffa, lizzie ldshadowlady, scott smajor, and shubble

lifers that have been in both modded and vanilla versions are joel, lizzie, jimmy, gem, pearl, scar, & martyn (and oli, if you count his snail appearance on wild life)

with 12 "seasons" between both the modded and vanilla lifes, it's pretty amazing that a concept for a series has only been repeated once: afterlife & new life with the origins mod (didn't they repeat the concept because they wanted to see more origins?)

andddd i think that's all !! feel free to add more thoughts below, or correct me with any misinformation :]]

(this made me want to rewatch cleo's LimLife + finally start jimmy's xlife, shubble's sos, and/or pearl's new life,,, wish me luck o7)

[hemingwaystan]

A Guide To Actually Portraying The Lords Part 1: House Dimitrescu

Hello, fellow RE8 fans, this is the first part of a rant/post/open letter/essay which I intend as a detailed essay with five parts on how they should've portrayed the lords and then Miranda, with more realism and nuance, because they are nuanced characters when you actually think but Capcom is so bad at showing it. This is my opinion, feel free to disagree but that's the setup so without further ado. Also, sidenote, this series of "essays" will assume Chris just doesn't involve himself in the story, it's still saving Rose, maybe, but Chris exists purely as a MacGuffin so fill in your own blanks on the setup, I'll explain other ways they could've served his purposes.

The Dimitrescu's were more powerful than Ethan, they all were, in a 1v1 they would all win. The Dimitrescu's have been alive for decades and Capcom treats them like idiots. The daughters die effortlessly and Alcina twiddles her thumbs for an insane amount of time. That's obviously stupid. I have the that they should make the daughters immortal for gameplay reasons, you can get them off your back for an amount of time with the cold use it as a shield/safe zone to keep them away for a while but they're always after you, guns will also hold them off too and cause a temporary retreat if done well efficiently. Then of course, I think once a daughter or daughters are either truly hurt or you make a certain amount of progress Alcina should entered the fray in her in game stalker role. The daughters would kind of but not really be in their own areas of the castle but they would collaborate and interact, they're siblings. Think with me here, House Beneviento focused on horror so who's to say it wouldn't be just as effective as that was in horror gameplay to make House Dimitrescu centered around stalker enemy gameplay, a resident evil must-have. Let's say, you have to find the masks and that kinda thing while fighting and working around the Dimitrescus. It makes them scarier, the very serious threat they should've been realistically, and it gives them time to get more characterization. I've went over the threat factor so here's characterization. I think the maids should still be alive, no ceremony as I suggested, no slaughter. You might run into a handful and get help from them or help one escape or they might run from you because of the gunfire, and maybe like one volunteered to be a maid from an abusive family so comes at you with a knife and one shot you with a heart stab in defense of her mistresses and you have to only shoot her in the leg if you don't want to kill her in cold blood, but she moves fast so it's a split second decision. You'll find the record of her existence along with other maid hire records somewhere or other, some negative, some undetailed, and this one positive, again, DICHOTOMY, they kill, they eat, but like the other lords they are human, even if not looking it at first glance, we will see the sides of them and draw our own conclusions. The explanation I think is best for the maids not being everywhere is that they were ordered to their rooms for curfew meaning this would take place at night but the ones you run into are either doing a special task or in the knife ones case drawn to action. The night serves the purpose of increasing the feeling of you against an indominable but understandable threat, imagine, Alcina's heels clicking after you by the light of candelabras in a remote hallway, then you hit a door you don't have a key for, she picks you up and you're impaled, that's a quality, memorable gameplay moment. The explorable castle should be expanded sizably, you should be able to find much more lore scraps and such on the Dimitrescus, maybe have to enter each of the daughter's rooms or some shit to get a set of keys they each have one of. Show every Dimitrescu doing and saying their horrible things to you and maybe maim a maid who gets in the way in the chase and be totally evil on like a 1/3 of the lore scraps but then have a dichotomy of their canonically "loving family" and less canonically them doing some good things, not many but some, we see their evil but we can also see humanity and miniscule scraps of good under it. Given seeing the maids alive they should all have mixed opinions of them, because they should be often cruel to the maids and drain them sometimes but if it's cartoonish it loses credibility, they protect the maids and treat them "ok", servant food and quarters might be better than the village lol, because Lycans as opposed to daughters/Alcina, Dimitrescus have rules, which would be a fair bit less harsh in this version, rabid Lycans don't, BUT, they do drain disobedient maids and are cruel to them on the regular it's just not omnipresent.

At maybe the two thirds or half of the way into Dimitrescu section we see the phone call and watch as Lady Dimitrescu realizes Miranda never cared for her, because she didn't, let's say Miranda needs something from her for the ceremony or something else and says, roughly, "the daughters don't matter at all, they are unimportant to me, and are irrelevant right now, so go and obey me NOW, are we clear? Alcina.", she's scared for her daughters with Ethan loose in the Castle because by this point he has actually hurt them, and just hurting them is enough for a canonically very protective of those she loves Alcina, so she responds to Miranda, paraphrasing, "Fuck off Miranda if my family means nothing to you than you are not my family, I have a manthing to kill thank you very much."

Also the dagger of death's flowers shouldn't exist, it's a fuckoff stupid MacGuffin in the first place, or maybe it could just disable Alcina for a sizable amount of time at the end of the Dimitrescu section so we can escape. How do you use a logically unkillable enemy well? You make her unkillable, scary, threatening, and an unstoppable force, make it so the player is on the edge of their seat trying to fight back the daughters and Alcina, hide, or temporarily disable, all that. Their will be killing, because game, the Moroaica still exist, I would minimize rooftop so less Samca but still. It's almost like when there is a very threatening force that is portrayed with clear nuance but is still evil and enemies you have to get through you find yourself managing what resources you have, thinking about where you are constantly as not be cornered by the daughters or run into Alcina, or find windows and cold air to make yourself a temporary safezone to recover in, of course straight-up saferooms still existing, it means you have to use your environment to keep the credible force back that acts logically, remember Nemesis? Exactly. But with a more competent AI than in game Alcina, not that ingames is bad, because her stalker mode is the whole point, this AI that makes their attack patterns less predictable in turn, they all will behave in characteristic ways or at least unique ways so you have to know your enemy to be best off, like maybe Daniela will move the fastest but is the least perceptive of your hiding place, Alcina is the most dangerous, calculating in pursuit and hard to lose but has slightly slower attacks although harder to dodge and far more damaging, she's the main threat, the first bit of the section she's left it to her daughters but once you legitimately hurt one mama bear comes in with a steel chair and a vengeance, Cassandra is a great tracker and hard to hide from but because she likes playing with food and is sadistic she'll be more arrogant and focused on pain rather than death, she wants to have her fun, BUT, if you kill one of the daughters which I'm considering as an idea, she becomes far more dangerous, as they all will, but this is the largest threat increase because the gloves are off, Bela is the smartest according to devs so she can be the slowest walking but by far the hardest to get rid of the daughters once she's found you and is close. Bela will also be the most likely to find one of her sisters and work together, this would only happen latter and just once or twice because of how dangerous it would be but on the other hand it's less moving parts for you to think about, or maybe there's like a 1 to 4 chance when heavily injured, not killed because they're basically immortal, injured the daughters will yell for mother meaning you'll have to go and fast, again, mama bear, steel fucking chair. The daughter won't pursue and again the temporary retreat you get if you damage them enough but it gives Alcina your location and she moves faster temporarily, this gives you a reason not to just action hero the daughters on easier dificulties and is lore compliant.

Like, when you're doing all that it's almost like you've found yourself trying to survive(al) horror. I don't think you should be able to kill more than one of the Dimitrescus because past that is illogical, you just do as stated above and manage to through fighting, hiding, and surviving escape Castle Dimitrescu, Rose flask in hand(If we keep Rose).

Thorough explanation of a regularly mentioned idea. Give the player a chance to kill one of the daughters, and because they're all expanded on in a huge way in all the new lore scraps of them and Alcina it makes you think, which is the worst, which is the best, I only have one chance, I need to do the right thing. There are all these factors on why to do what, maybe Daniela has a crush on one of the maids but you also hear a story of her eating someone alive, limb from limb, hours of torture, from one of the anti-Dimitrescu maids but the maid was planning to find the dagger of flower's if it stays and kill Alcina for one reason or another or if no dagger she, dumbass, thought a gun would work, but what if it isn't true? Is Daniela sane? All these questions appear or do they just deserve to die for fair reasons. Maybe there's also a harder way of doing things where you keep all three alive by doing something or other and at the end you get a special cutscene where you look a death's flowered Alcina who's powerless for the moment in the eyes say something or other and walk out of the castle through the escape route you take no matter what at the end of Dimitrescu section. There could also be like an almost impossible new game+ way to kill all three of them to encourage replayability. Or you could just not care but in any game with some kind of moral choicemaking some player's won't, which is fair but rude.

Part 2 is out on House Beneviento, read it next if you want.

[tremendouskoalachild]

happy pride month to queer high republic authors!!

Cavan Scott (he/him/they/them) - author of The Rising Storm, Path of Vengeance, The High Republic comic, The Monster of Temple Peak, Saber for Hire, Tempest Runner

Justina Ireland (she/they) - author of A Test of Courage, Out of the Shadows, Mission to Disaster, co-author of The Edge of Balance Vol. 1, Path of Deceit and Defy the Storm

Tessa Gratton (she/he/they) - author of Quest for Planet X, Temptation of the Force, co-author of Path of Deceit and Defy the Storm

Alyssa Wong (they/them) - co-author of Escape from Valo, author of short story Rogue Element

Vita Ayala (they/them) - co-author of Galactic Bake-Off Spectacular

[ty-bayonet-betteridge]

i just HAD to say "worm life series au" and now my brain is spinning

this is gonna distract me from current ongoing fics i just KNOW IT

[secriden]

Dear THK viewers who understand Thai:

I was wondering if anyone has/would be willing to translate the bits we can see of the page that was attached to the pictures of Fadel and Bison's parents? Does it give us any added insight?

[mumblesplash]

season 9 has been amazing but i’m kinda excited to be around for the beginning of a hermitcraft season, they were well into the empires crossover arc when i started watching double life (which was pretty much my introduction to mcyt in general) so this is gonna be my first time actually being around for the early game