#is she Taking Notes or is she Keeping Watch does she even know herself cos sleep is when the monsters came for her

[yashley]

Sometimes I do stuff to you guys while you're sleeping.

[echobx]

Scene. And Action! - Rudy Pankow × fem!PA!reader

summary: y/n is the personal assistant of the director on the set of a show and helps Rudy out with a scene

word count: 1.4k

warnings: smut, public sex, oral (fem receiving), making out

author's note: when you wake up at 5am and try to go back to sleep but inspiration hits so like a ton of bricks so you gotta write and then it's 7am when you're done editing and you are tired as fuck but at least you did something productive that you are proud of.

kinktober masterlist

   Usually there's little that phases you. Scary things and the supernatural are just part of your rather boring job as a PA on a show that focuses on such. Even though you never know what is to happen until it does, you don't freak easy. But when you get into work that day you start to notice that some things are different, there's fewer people than usual. You meet with one of the writers’ assistants and learn that there will be an intimacy scene, so less people on set than usual to keep the actors safe and feeling welcome. 

   Your boss decides she needs you next to her side as she's directing the new star of the show. So you do that, you stay by her side and watch the actors walk on set, you don't know the woman, she was only hired for this one episode, and the man is also still a stranger to you. Rudy hasn’t really talked to the people on set much, only the director and the writers and his co-stars, but it's only his third week on set, so you can't blame him. 

   He looks good, as he's standing two feet from your left, talking to your boss. Tall and muscular and incredibly sexy in that suit the costumes department put him in. You try your best to not gawk, but for the first time ever you feel his eyes on you, glancing at you while receiving his directorial instructions. 

   The scene starts minutes later. He pins his co-star of the day against the wall, holding her hands above her head as he kisses her and rips her dress in two. And you feel hot, much hotter than you should be considering how inappropriate it is, considering this is your workplace. Your eyes focus on his hands that are now cradling her jaw, before forcing her head into her neck to kiss down her throat. You're entirely unsure if the moans she's letting out are real or not, but you hope for your own sanity that they aren't. Yet when he moves farther down, ready to kneel in front of her, the actress starts to arch her back over and over again, almost as if she's faking a seizure.

   “Cut!” your boss barks, and Rudy stands, but his eyes, instead of fixing on your boss, are only looking at you. 

   “What was that?” the director says from next to you while the actress wraps herself in a robe. “You looked like you were possessed.”

   “She is possessed,” the actress argues, but your boss won't have it. 

   “The whole drama of the episode is based on him not knowing she is until it's too late. How are you gonna surprise the viewers if you give it away in the first ten minutes of the episode!”

   “I'm sorry,” the actress apologizes, and a costume assistant takes her to get the dress fixed up again. 

   “There's no chemistry,” Rudy whispers a complaint to the director, and you are almost ready to roll your eyes at him.

   “You’d have chemistry with a wall,” she scoffs, and you nearly snort a laugh, but hold yourself back. 

   “She's not giving me anything! At least on a wall, I can lean on,” Rudy hisses, not wanting anyone else to hear it. 

   “And what do you want me to do? It's one episode and she's gone. Just please do your job.” 

   “You have better actors under your assistants than in front of the camera,” he says, and his eyes dart back over to you. “Just let me at least try to convince you that switching her out would be a good idea.” 

   “Fine. But only with consent, not charming them. We can't afford a lawsuit,” your boss sighs and Rudy's eyes are back on you. 

   “Have you ever acted before?” he asks, and you feel exposed, caught red-handed, in what you aren't sure. 

   “No, never,” you shake your head and he smiles. 

   “Good. Could you help me with a scene?” 

   “Uhm…” your eyes dart from him to your boss, silently asking for permission and only telling him yes after she nods a single time. 

   Rudy walks you onto the scene, explaining that he won't do anything that would require an intimacy coordinator, for now, if you aren't okay with it, but you don't know what else to do but nod along. 

   “So, as you saw earlier, I'm supposed to pin her to the wall, it's supposed to look like I'm struggling just a tiny bit to hold her there, but she's not to do anything, just act human,” he says, and you nod, gnawing at your lip while looking up at him as you stand in the hallway that was built specifically for this scene. 

   “She didn't, I saw that.” Your voice is as quiet as a whisper. 

   “Exactly. And there's just nothing. She's not giving me anything,” he says, but his eyes slip down to your lips. “I can only do so much, you know?”

   “M-hmm,” you hum. 

   “Tell me not to,” he sighs softly, and your eyes dart over to your boss, attentively watching you over a screen while the camera people are holding onto the scene. Your only saving grace is that the audio is cut off with the sound technicians being on a short break. 

   “She's watching,” you say, and he steps closer, so you step back against the wall while your heart feels like it wants to jump out of your chest. 

   “Use your words, please,” he whispers, blue eyes staring into your own as he comes impossibly close to you, his nose brushing against your own. 

   You bridge the small gap between your lips with a chaste kiss. More peck than anything. But Rudy doesn't leave it at that. His lips pull you back in, hands cradling your jaw and squeezing your hip. It doesn't take long for him to deepen the kiss, slipping his tongue into your mouth, and you try not to moan into him, but fail miserably. 

   Before you know what's going on, he has your hands pinned up above your head and kisses down your neck and up the side of it to whisper in your ear. “You look so fucking hot in this dress.” 

   Your thighs squeeze together for just a moment before he presses his knee in-between them. 

   “I could make you come right here, right now. Do you want that?” he asks, and you sigh deeply, biting your lip, as he finds the soft spot below your ear. “Blink twice if you want me to fuck you right here, baby.” 

   You don't even know what's come over you when he lifts his head to look down at you, and you blink once and then twice just before his lips collide with your own. 

   It's all a daze, the kissing, the way he looks at you, and suddenly he's down on his knees, gazing up at you with a wink before vanishing under the skirt of your dress. You're unsure if you are allowed to take your arms down or not, but when you feel his hot breath against your cunt, you have no idea what is appropriate to do at all. You forget where you are and lean back against the wall while pushing your hips out and against his face. Mouth apart in a breathy, quiet moan while his tongue licks strides up your wet cunt before his lips close around your clit and two ringed fingers plunge into your tight cunt. Your hand tries to hold onto the fake windowsill to your left, grasping for something to keep you grounded, anything. Your stomach tightens, and biting your lip isn't enough anymore to get rid of that specific feeling. With your eyes closed and your head thrown back you come all over his gorgeous face, panting as if you have just run a marathon while he wipes his face and fingers with the inner skirt of your dress, to remove as many clues as there were on what he had just done. 

   You're still a complete mess when Rudy stands and takes your head in his hands to kiss you again. “You should come by my trailer later,” he whispers, and you nod before watching him walk off to talk to the director about how much better of an actress you would be for the episode than the one she had hired. The only issue being, that you weren't even acting at all.

please don't copy and/or post my work onto other platforms! ~e©ho

taglist: @redhead1180 @spideysimpossiblegirl @drwstarkeyy @princessmaybank @kys4-20 @immyowndefender @julczimozart @m2m2m2 @mochimms @itsme-again @maybankslover @th3eternalersi

[adventuringblind]

The Mirror is My Enemy

Oscar Piastri x Reader

Genre: Hurt/comfort, fluff

Summary: Growing up with a narcissistic mother was never easy. Never looking the way she wanted made enemies out of strange things, including her own mind. Oscar mends her slowly in the way he knows how.

Warnings: Narcissistic abuse, eating disorder, vomiting (implied),

Notes: yeah... this one his hard. I know narcissistic mother are different from father, but I did the best with the experience I have. I hope the requester of this likes it, I tried really hard!

Masterlist // Request Form // My Website // buy me a Ko-Fi

Narcissists are a special breed of people. Concerned about themselves and how they look. Charismatic and welcoming to the outside world. But to their inner circles? Their families? They see the hidden truth.

Having one as a parent is a specific kind of hell. It's underhanded comments and insults masked with laughter like it's a joke. It's always having your privacy invaded to make sure you aren't getting any ideas or talking about them in a negative light.

It's giving up on fighting because it's easier to just do what they say, to give up any semblance of control over your own life. Always being exhausted because you're either arguing or watching any kind of hope for life you had wither away.

The optimal thing to do is try and tell someone, but nobody believes because they can't see the evidence. They don't see the way her mom dresses her up like a doll or the comments whispered in her ear. They don't know that behind the closed bathroom door, her mother pokes and tugs at her skin and forces her to watch in the mirror. They don't know the control it takes to make herself not eat from such a tender age. Always trying to fit into the clothes that are too small for her. Purposely purchased that way.

She learns to love the compliments when her mother gives them. As her body whittles away into nothingness.

She meets Oscar while in a fragile state. Dolled up for some fancy dinner she's attending with her mother. Some kind of business thing with McLaren.

She's always thought the reason they had so much money was because they don't eat. It's how they have extra to invest into whatever they choose. Her father likes money and her mom likes appearances. A lovely combination that she's caught in-between.

She orders a salad for appearances. Nobody can see what's truly going on. They'd asl questions if she acts strange. She takes small bites and pokes around anything on it that might hold a few extra calories.

She makes conversation with herself in her head. Missing the looks the Australian driver is throwing her way.

They attend the race that weekend. Guests to the McLaren garage. She tries to avoid anything that even remotely looks like a camera since it adds five pounds to the image of her.

Saturday after qualifying is when Oscar finally starts a conversation. An encouraging nod from Lando has him making confident strides towards her.

He offers her a tour and she accept. Her mother isn't paying too much attention to her. Not like she ever does unless she looks acceptable in her loose-fitting clothes, so nobody says anything.

Oscar is nice. He makes good conversation with her. It's different to the people her parents approved of. Oscar asks her about her interests and reciprocates with his own.

They agree to a date after the race on Sunday. He takes her to some park he'd discovered over the weekend.

She hides it away. Desperate to keep this one thing for herself. Untouched by her parents.

She texts Oscar far more than necessary. Her co-workers notice how her mood lightens.

He comes to see her at every opportunity he can. she can't seem to get away from her parents. Every time she tries it ends badly. Then they get suspicious and start looking through her things.

Oscar takes her to eat a few times. She keeps up appearances. It's strange that someone is encouraging her to eat. Oscar looks soft every time she indulges in the foods that had been restricted for her entire life.

Her mother notices. Because every calorie shows. Like somehow, she knows every time she puts any kind of food in her mouth.

Oscar spends summer break staying with her. She takes a deep breath introducing him to her parents. They play nice in front of him.

Afterwards is a different story. They catch her alone in the hall and pull her away. They lecture her about not knowing anything about him and how he won't be any good for her.

She sleeps separate from him all summer. She keeps her distance physically. He doesn't notice how far gone she is.

Oscar asks her to come with him. To drop what she's doing and travel the world with him.

She acts on a whim. She leaves everything and follows Oscar around the world.

He figures is out eventually. He knew, always had, but he sees how bad it is. Her resolve breaks, she doesn't know how to combat these thoughts in her head. They are overwhelming, they eat away at her in the form of depriving herself.

But Oscar is a patient soul. He works at her pace.

Oscar comes up behind her when she gets lost staring at her flaws in the mirror. He doesn't drag her away; he points out every beautiful make she has, every perfection like it's a drug to him.

He asks about confronting her mother; about defending her and setting some hard boundaries. She begs him not to. They cut contact and leave it at that.

It's different being with someone who doesn't care what she eats. Who doesn't make a big deal about when she pokes at her food or indulges in a favorite snack.

It's amazing what happened when one has a decent support system. When she is able to look for Oscar when she's stuck staring in the mirror and picking at her skin. When he stays with her despite relapses that make her sick.

Oscar still holds and compliments and makes sure she knows she's loved despite it all. He tells her that seeing her smile is worth every weird joke he tells.

He's doing what her parents should've done. And maybe one day she'll see that she never needed their approval, that she has always been perfect. But for now, Oscar is there to make sure she knows she's enough for him exactly as she is.

[pupuyvs]

35

(half-written)

Sohyun kicked a stray rock as she kept her eyes down waiting for the taller girl to come down.

She was leaning on her car, hands in her coat pocket to keep them from getting cold since she has yet to have bought any gloves.

Hearing the door open she immediately looks up, breath hitching when she sees the girl. Jimin is wearing the coat she had given her last time they met, which Sohyun makes note once again of just how nice she looks with it on.

Jimin smiles at her when she spots her, Sohyun’s heart races when she does.

“You didn’t have to wait outside your car, it’s cold,” Jimin says once she approaches the girl.

Sohyun shrugs in response, “Hi Jimin.”

Jimin laughs, “Hi Sohyun.”

Sohyun smiles before letting out a small gasp, “Oh right,” she turns to her car opening up the backseat door and pulling out a small bag, closing the door once again.

“This is for you, I know you’re not supposed to come empty handed to things like this.”

Jimin grabs the bag and Sohyun watches with anticipation.

The idol gasps as she pulls out a famously blue box, opening it shes met with a beautiful bracelet. She immediately closes it and looks up at the actress, who is visibly anxious.

“Hyun, there’s no way I can accept this.”

Sohyun immediately deflates, “Why not? Is it because you don’t like bracelets? I told my friends I should’ve gotten a necklace but they told me that a bracelet would be the better option. I can return it and get the necklace instead.”

Jimin immediately shakes her head, “No, I love any jewelry, and this bracelet is beautiful. It’s just for a first date, most people just give people flowers not Tiffany and Co bracelets. I didn’t even get you anything.”

The actress nods slowly at the explanation, “If it makes you feel better, I got you flowers too, I just thought it’d be too obvious if someone were to pass by. Also, you didn’t have to get me anything, I asked you out.”

A silence overtakes them as Jimin seems lost in thought at the explanation, it causes an uneasiness in Sohyun. Did she mess up?

Before Sohyun could go on another nervous ramble, Jimin hugs her, shocking the actress, who can only pray that being this close Jimin can’t feel her heart pounding.

“You’re so sweet, thank you.”

Sohyun only nods in response, a clear blush covering her face as Jimin pulls away. She clears her throat, and steps to the side opening the passenger door for Jimin.

“We should get going.”

The idol smiles at the girls gesture and gets in, closing the door once she sees the girl is all the way seated Sohyun rushes over to her side and inhales as a last minute effort to calm herself before getting in.

Once in she sees the girl is busy trying to put the bracelet on, even forgoing her seatbelt. The actress laughs lightly, “Do you need help?”

“Please.”

Laughing again, this time more openly, she gently grabs the bracelet from Jimin’s hand and even more gently pulls the girls hand closer to her. Placing the bracelet on the girl’s wrist she smiles at her, “There you go.”

Flustered Jimin stays silent as Sohyun starts the car, after a few moments passing and them not moving Jimin looks at the girl confused.

Sohyun simply looks at her amused, “Your seatbelt.”

“Huh? Oh, right my bad.”

Jimin quickly puts her seatbelt on and Sohyun pulls away from her apartment.

The drive there is filled with a comfortable silence, Jimin too busy admiring her new bracelet and Sohyun incredibly nervous. When they park in front of the place Jimin looks up and exclaims.

“A cat cafe?”

Sohyun slightly jumps from the sudden disruption, and then turns to the girl. “I hope that’s ok, we mentioned going once before and I thought what better time.”

Jimin quickly shakes her head, “No, this is perfect. I’ve been meaning to come here.”

This causes Sohyun to smile, she quickly gets out and heads to Jimin side of the car, opening her door for her. She holds her hand out for Jimin to take as a way to help her out the car. Once she’s fully out the actress closes the door behind her, and locks the car.

As they head in Sohyun makes sure not to point out that Jimin is still holding her hand, not point out how much she actually enjoys having her hand held in hers.

“Soso!”

The actress winces at the name while Jimin furrows her eyebrows as a tall girl begins to approaches them. The stranger immediately hugs Sohyun, causing the two hands to disconnect, and Sohyun to frown when she pulls away from the hug.

“Hi Bin.”

The girl, now known as Bin smiles at the two, “You know when you said you needed the place for a couple hours because you were bringing someone, I wasn’t expecting that someone to be Karina from Aespa.”

Bin then turns to Karina, “It’s nice to meet you, I’m the owner of this place Kim Eunbin.” She holds her hand out for Karina to shake, which she immediately does.

“I’ve heard great things about this place, I’ve actually been meaning to come here to see Simba and Nala.”

Simba and Nala were a cat couple the cafe owned, the two went viral and immediately became a place for couples and others to hang out at.

This causes Eunbin smile to widen, “Ahh, the real owner’s of this place. You know it’s all thanks to Soso we even have them.”

Jimin eyebrows immediately rise as she looks at Sohyun, who is currently trying to escape from Eunbin’s hold.

“Really?”

“Yup,” the owner says while patting the shorter girl’s head, “She found Nala roaming around, and thought she’d get along well with Simba, and well she was right.”

“Wow, that’s actually really cool.”

Eunbin simply nods happily, “Wanna know what’s cooler? Sohyun is not only the reason we have Nala, but the reason this place even exists. See a year after-“

The girl is immediately interrupted by Sohyun elbowing her in the stomach, “Do you ever stop talking?”

Seeming to finally remember why the two were here, Eunbin clears her throat, “My bad, y’all want anything specific to eat and drink before you head towards the cat section?”

Jimin looks to Sohyun, who looks at her expectingly. “I’ll just get whatever Sohyun usually orders.”

“Perfect,” Eunbin starts, “I’ll bring it over when it’s ready, the residents are just through that door, have fun!”

Before Jimin can respond Sohyun gently grabs her hand again and drags her over to the door that separates the entrance to the cats section.

The two smile as they see all the cats around the cafe, some even making their way to them, clearly missing the attention.

Sohyun immediately sits by a window and allows one to jump on her lap. Jimin swears there are hearts in her eyes as she quickly takes a photo of the scene in front of them, pocketing her phone she immediately crouches down to pet a cat thats been rubbing at her leg.

After being distracted for a few minutes, she feels a presence over her. Looking up she sees Sohyun standing above her, the cat now in her arms clearly enjoying itself.

“You’d probably be a bit more comfortable sitting down and petting them.”

Jimin laughs, but keeps petting them, “Take a picture for me? I want to post it later.”

Sohyun nods, placing the cat down and kneeling down, instead of asking for Jimin’s phone she takes the photo on her phone instead. “I’ll send it to you later,” Sohyun quickly explains.

The idol nods before finally standing, Sohyun following her and taking a seat with her, cats immediately following them. Jimin can’t help but laugh when the cat that Sohyun was previously holding immediately jumps in her lap again.

“I think I have some competition.”

Sohyun simply shakes her head a smile painting her face, “This is Marie, they named her after the Aristocrats cat.”

Jimin nods, “That’s so cute,” she then looks around at the cats that are currently sitting beside them or under them.

“Looking for Nala and Simba,” Eunbin asks, making the two jump since they didn’t hear her coming in. Jimin nods at the question.

“They know they’re royals here so they stay on their posts and wait for people to come to them. However, Nala will probably show her face if Sohyun walks past.”

The girls both look at the actress who was busy rubbing Marie’s ear. Sensing eyes on her she looks up at the two before standing up, “Right, I’ll be back then.”

Leaving the two, Sohyun goes to find the famed cat. Once she was gone Eunbin placed the girls things down and takes a Sohyun’s seat across from Jimin. “What are your intentions with Soso?”

Jimin who was previously drinking the strawberry smoothie chokes slightly, which makes Eunbin laugh lightly. “My bad, should’ve let you finish before asking.”

Jimin just shakes her head slightly, “You guys seem close.”

Eunbin narrows her eyes at playfully when she notices Jimin avoid the question, but decides to let it pass since the cats like her and she trusts the cats instinct more than a humans. “Not as much as we used to be, which is no one’s fault she’s famous and I run a pretty successful cafe, not to brag.”

“How’d you guys meet,” Jimin asks, thinking this is the perfect opportunity to know a bit more about the girl she was currently on a date with.

“We were actually trainees in the same company.”

Jimin eyes widen, “Sohyun used to be a trainee?”

Eunbin stops chewing on the piece of Sohyun’s food she was eating, she then quickly swallows. “I feel like that was something I wasn’t supposed to tell you.”

“What was something you weren’t supposed to tell her,” Sohyun asks, a new cat in her arms, who Jimin recognizes at Nala.

“That I have to get you a new sandwich since I ate some, be back,” Eunbin immediately stands up and runs away.

Sohyun furrows her eyebrows before taking her seat across from Jimin again. “What’d she say?”

“Nothing bad,” Jimin pauses, “Just that you used to be a trainee.”

Jimin knows she was definitely not supposed to know by the way Sohyun reacts. Sohyun visibly freezes and her jaw clenches. Jimin almost apologizes when Sohyun stays quiet for a few moments, but before she can Sohyun just sighs.

“I was, for quite some time. It’s where I met Sooyoung and of course Eunbin. It wasn’t a very good experience so I don’t mention it.”

Jimin nods in understanding before she remembers something, “Is that why last time we were together you said you didn’t really like the idol industry?”

Sohyun only nods in response, this time another employee brings Sohyun her replacement sandwich, Eunbin clearly hiding. They sit there in silence, and Jimin can’t help but feel like she’s ruined something before she could even start it.

However, much to her relief Sohyun clears her throat to get her attention, “You didn’t greet Nala.”

Recognizing this as a way to move on Jimin immediately jumps on it, “Hello Nala.” The cat on Sohyun perks up at her name and looks at Jimin, clearly sizing her up for a few seconds, she stands, stretches and jumps off the actress’ lap and heads over to Jimin’s instead.

Allowing her to jump up, Jimin immediately coos at her. “She’s so pretty.”

Sohyun doesn’t respond, simply too entranced by how cute Jimin looks baby talking the cat.

“Yeah, she is.” Sohyun wasn’t talking about the cat.

The two spend the rest of the time playing with the cats and talking to each other. When they leave Eunbin packs them up one of her expensive cakes as an apology. Saying one last goodbye to Nala, and Simba since he decided to be nosy, the two make their way back to Jimin’s apartment.

Sohyun opens the Jimin’s door for the last time that day when they arrive, laughing slightly at how full Jimin’s hands are from the flowers, bag, and cake.

“Do you need help?”

“Please.”

They walk up to Jimin’s apartment door, Sohyun holding the cake since Jimin refused to let go of the flowers. Once in front of the door Jimin turns to Sohyun, “Thank you for today, I had a lot of fun, especially with the cats, you were pretty okay too.”

The actress laughs at the idol, “Thanks, I had fun too.”

“I get to plan next time right,” Jimin asks after a few moments of silence. Sohyun’s eyes widen in shock at the mention of a second date.

She immediately breaks into a huge smile, “Of course you can.”

“Perfect,” before either can say anymore Aeri opens the door interrupting the two.

“Can y’all kiss already?”

Aeri laughs at the blush on Sohyun’s face, but quickly stop when she sees the glare on Jimin’s.

“Kidding, hi Sohyun. Is that cake?”

Sohyun waves before nodding at her, “Yeah, it’s for you guys.”

Aeri exclaims, pushing past Jimin to hug the girl before grabbing the cake, “You’re the best, bye. Jimin hurry up, so the poor girl can go home.”

Aeri quickly closes the door, the sound of the lock clearly missing.

“I’m so sorry.”

Sohyun immediately laughs, “One day we’ll go out and you won’t apologize.”

Jimin just shakes her head, “She’s right though you should get home.”

Sohyun nods, giving one last smile. “Bye Jimin.”

“Bye Sohyun.”

The actress turns to leave, but before she could Jimin calls for her again. Turning around she’s met with a kiss on her cheek. “Text me when you get home.” Jimin immediately runs into her apartment before she can say anything in return.

The actress drives home, one hand on her cheek and a huge smile across her face.

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[xoxoavenger]

In a Frame on the Highest Shelf

pairing: Steve Harrington x SingleMom!Reader

summary: James is getting smarter and Steve and Y/N are getting more comfortable with each other

word count: 2557

warnings: some self deprecating thoughts but they are assuaged

notes: big thank you to @ilovegerardwayd34d for having the perfect idea for the next part

previous part series masterlist

birthday celebration main masterlist

Their relationship is interesting, to say the least, after the party.

They don't change their daily life, except now Steve sleeps in the bed with Y/N. She hadn't known that his back was hurting, had felt bad when he popped it the first night in bed with a deep sigh and mentioned how much more comfortable it was. She had begun to apologize, but he told her to stop talking and took her into his arms. They both slept better in the bed together, James in the crib next to them.

Y/N realizes she made the right decision when she wakes up in the middle of the night to Steve not in the bed, instead laying on the ground with an arm in James' crib. Y/N knows this well, that usually James can't go back to bed without some sort of physical contact, and usually takes James into her bed. She thinks maybe Steve was worried about co-sleeping, which is kind of endearing, and she grabs her camera as quietly as she can. The flash is bright, but Steve just takes a sharp breath and rolls a bit.

"Steve," Y/N whispers, putting the photo and the camera down. She reaches over to shake his shoulder, because she doesn't want his back hurting even more. "Come back to bed." She watches as he unravels himself from James, who squirms before going back to sleep. She watches him for a moment, makes sure everything's okay, and then helps Steve back up onto her bed - or their bed? Could she call it their bed now?

"James woke up." Steve mutters, and Y/N looks at the clock. It's early in the morning, but early enough to go back to sleep. The perfect time.

"You did great." Y/N told him, kissing his cheek before laying against his chest. It's her favorite pillow, and Steve doesn't mind because he likes her pillow more than the spare one.

"Mhm." He nods, pulling her closer and pressing his lips to her forehead in a loose version of a kiss.

This life is perfect.

Until it comes crashing down and suddenly Y/N is at her lowest, lower than when she first found out about being pregnant.

It starts with James crying, and Y/N realizes pretty quickly he has a fever. She calls out of work, not able to leave his side. Steve picks up on the house chores, which makes Y/N almost melt if she had the bandwidth to care about anything but her baby. He washes the dishes, takes out the trash, does the grocery shopping and makes food. She lets him feed her while she rocks James the few times he's actually asleep.

"Today is day three." Steve tells her, and she just nods. If she looked up, she'd notice he has dark circles under his eyes that almost match hers, but she is too busy watching the rise and fall of James' chest. His mouth is open, nose stuffed. 

She is terrified.

"I should take him to the hospital." She says, about to cry herself. She's so tired, and she would do anything to take this pain away from her baby. She doesn't understand what happened, because they hadn't been around anyone who was sick. She had always been so careful, never wanting to cause her baby harm. This had to be her fault. She must have missed something.  

"I can drive you. We can go now if you want." Steve offers, and nods, starting to stand. She'll go in these stained, old, gross clothes, and she hopes there's something quick that can be done to help James.

"Yeah, let's go," She stops talking because James is shaking in her arms, eyes rolled back. "Steve," She has no idea what do, and she knows Steve won't either but her mind can't think.

"Let's go to the hospital now, come on." Steve seems freaked out, scared like Y/N but able to keep himself calm.

"What's going on?" She starts crying, holding James as tight as possible. He stops shaking, but her heart doesn't calm down. She wants to throw up and scream and somehow trade places with James. She feels so helpless, holding her baby as he breathes deeply through his mouth.

"We're gonna be okay," Steve leads her out, both of them without shoes. Y/N doesn't even have socks, but she can't feel the dead grass under her feet, only her baby in her arms. Steve helps her into his car before he runs around to his side, sliding in and starting the car as quick as possible.

"I think he's okay now, I don't know what happened." Y/N can't tear her eyes away from James, who is crying now. She doesn't want to put him in his carseat, even as Steve speeds out of the trailer park and onto the road. He's safe in her arms.

Luckily, the hospital isn't that far, and they pull up in record time. Y/N hops out of the car, looking over at Steve.

"I'll go park the car. I'll find you. Go!" That's all she needs, shutting the door and running into the ER.

~

Y/N lays in the hospital bed, James laying next to her sleeping. They've given him medication, told Y/N the seizure was only because of his fever and that they'll give him medicine but he'll get better eventaully.

None of that made Y/N feel okay.

Steve sits in the chair in the corner of the room, arms crossed as he watched Y/N smooth James' hair. She felt guilty that he was here, for pulling him into this whole mess. She felt her throat begin to tighten.

"I'm sorry." She whispers, looking up and over at him. He furrows his brows as tears begin to fall down her cheeks. "You can go home if you want." She doesn't even know what her words are supposed to mean.

"Hey," He gets up off the chair and moves to the bed, resting his arms on it to be close to her. "It's okay. Everything is alright. James is okay, it was just a scare. We are okay." He grabs her hand, and it breaks her. She starts crying harder, and then Steve gets on the bed, holding her around James just like he did the night they first kissed. That night wasn't that long ago, but Y/N thinks it might as well have been years.

"This is all my fault." She says quietly, shaking as the sobs rack her body. "I'm a terrible mom and a terrible friend." She tells him, and she truly means it. What kind of mother lets her kid get this sick? 

"You're an amazing mother. The best I've ever seen. And a great friend. I'm not just saying that." Steve struggles to get out, not sure what to say. 

"But ever since I came into your life, all I've done is mess everything up." She whispers, sniffling and trying not to wake James up. "Your parents kicked you out, Steve. And I have a baby. You shouldn't have to take care of him when I can't." She cries softly. Her eyes are closed, and nothing happens for a moment.

Then Steve reaches out and wipes her tears.

His hands are soft against her cheeks, and she keeps her eyes closed so she doesn't ruin it. They breathe silently, and she sniffles back her tears until Steve has dried her face.

"I wanted to leave." He whispers, and she finally looks at him. His eyes look sad in a way she hasn't seen before, even though they've had the discussion of him leaving his parents house multiple times. "My dad was a terrible father. And my mom wasn't much better. Before recently I didn't understand how parents were supposed to be. But you've taught me what to do. I know today was scary. But you can't push me away now. I'm staying because I chose to, not because I don't have another option."

She wants to say she loves him, but it feels like it's too much, so she reaches over and kisses him, James in the middle, just like their first kiss. She thinks it may be her favorite way to kiss ever.

"When we get home, our home, I'll go get groceries and make dinner while you clean the house and James naps. We'll get our shit together." He rubs her back and kisses her forehead.

"Stit?" James grumbles, because of course he had woken up, and Y/N glares at Steve.

"I'll get ice cream on the way too."

~

"So, what are you doing for Steve's birthday?" Robin asks. It's been a couple weeks since James went to the hospital, and he's feeling much better now, so Y/N and Steve were both excited to finally see the rest of the group. The adults are all at Eddie's, the kids at Y/N's. The doors are open at both, and Y/N is standing on the porch watching to make sure James is alright even though Max assures Y/N she's watched babies younger than James.

Y/N told Max she's more worried about Dustin.

"Steve's birthday?" Y/N repeats, pulling her gin and tonic from her lips. She hadn't heard anything from Steve about his birthday, which made her realize she didn't know when Steve's birthday was.

Check in the bad girlfriend column. 

"Yeah?" Robin asks, sipping her drink with a smile. "It's next Monday. I thought you would have plans, since he hasn't told me any." Y/N's heart drops.

"Monday?" She whispers, turning to look at Steve. He's laughing with Eddie, beers in their hands. Y/N feels the need to smoke a cigarette.

"Did Steve not tell you his birthday?" Robin asks, and Y/N shakes her head, walking inside. Robin calls after her, but she pretends like she doesn't hear, downing her drink and setting the cup down on a table. She knows where Eddie keeps her cigarettes, so she walks past everyone and into the kitchen, grabbing a cigarette and walking out to the small porch.

Steve didn't tell her his birthday.

Why didn't he tell her? They've had a busy month, sure,  but his birthday is important. Not everything can be about her all the time. She feels like shit.

"What's goin' on?" Steve is suddenly behind her, hand on her back as he stands close to her. She looks over at him sadly, handing him the cigarette. Every time she's had one, she shares it with him when he's around. She lets him take a long drag, and then she turns to him. She feels his hand move from her beck to her hip, and she tries not to let it distract her.

"Why didn't you tell me your birthday is in a couple days?" She asks, not breaking eye contact. To his credit, Steve doesn't try and act like he doesn't know what she's talking about. He doesn't look around and try to figure out an excuse. He keeps staring, even as he sighs. 

"James was in the hospital a couple weeks ago and we just got back to normal. I didn't want to stress you out and I knew you would want to do something." He tells her, taking another drag from the cigarette.

"Because I care." She whispers, putting a hand on her on his chest. "We're all okay now, we can celebrate your birthday." She puts the other hand on his face, rubbing her thumb across his face.

"We don't have to." He tells her, putting the cigarette out and letting his other hand fall to her waist.

"Steve, come on. It's your birthday." She's sure his parents always belittled his birthday, so she wants to make sure he has an actual birthday party. "Tell me what you wanna do, and I'll take care of it." She leans against him, trying to get him to agree, but he shakes his head.

"I just want-" He doesn't tell her what he wants, because all the sudden the kids are all screaming. Y/N and Steve only make it half way across the grass when Dustin appears, holding two pictures in one hand and James in the other arm. Max and Lucas pop up on the other side, and they all clamber out of the trailer.

"What happened?" Y/N asks as she meets them, taking James into her own arms. Dustin lets her, but his face has a wide smile that matches the other kids, all of which who have started piling out. James seems to be fine, happy even with all the yelling.

"Watch this!" Lucas yells. Y/N expects James to startle, but he must be used to the noise because he squeals.

"We were trying to teach James our names, and then we were quizzing him on yours," Max starts, pointing at the pictures. The first is Y/N in the hospital with James right after she gave birth. A nurse had taken the picture, and it was the only one she had with both of them for months. She smiles at the picture. "Who's that?" Max points at Y/N, and James kicks his legs into Y/N.

"Mama!" He squeals, and Y/N kisses his forehead. He's been saying 'mama' for months, but it's still cute.

"Who's this, James?" Dustin asks as he moves the pictures to reveal the first picture of James and Steve; the one of James on Steve's chest. James looks so young Y/N wants to cry, even though it was just a couple months ago. She's studying the picture so closely she doesn't realize what James says.

"Dada!"

Everyone is quiet, heads snapping to Steve. Y/N's jaw drops as James continues to babble "dadada" and then wiggles to get out of her arms. She lets him down to the ground, her mind racing. Of course Steve being in James' life would be amazing, but she hasn't talked to Steve about this. They've been so busy, she's honestly forgotten about it. She watches as James toddles over to Steve, grabbing the leg of his pants.

"Dada?" He asks, and it breaks Y/N's heart. She can't ask Steve for this. She knows he said he chose this, but he can't say that he honestly chose an entire lifetime. She wants to know how James knew what that means, but clearly her son knows who it should be associated with.

"Steve," She starts, not sure if she should pick up James or not. She watches as Steve reaches down and grabs James up, turning so his back is to the kids and James can see them all. He's facing Y/N as the kids start to scream in happiness. Y/N watches as Steve clutches James, tears starting to leak from his eyes. She can see how much this means to him, and she doesn't want to take this moment from him. But he reaches a hand out blindly for her and she doesn't waste a second taking it. He pulls her in tightly, James in between them, just like it always is.

"I love you." She tells him, looking at him. She watches him blink some tears away, then kiss her softly.

"I love you both." He whispers, hanging on even tighter. She slots her head into his neck and keeps her arms around him. "So much."

Someone takes a picture, and Y/N knows it's going to be in a frame on the highest shelf for the rest of her life.

//

tags: @avada-kedavra-bitch-187  @one-sweet-gubler @sadbitchfangirl @gloryekaterina  @alexshaff2002 @m-rae23 @icequeen1371 @mcueveryday  @parkershoco @feelinglikeineedlotsofnaps @peculiarwren @kenzi-woycehoski @multifandom-boss-bitch @freezaz123 @mads-weasley @johnricharddeacy @sweetdreamsshifter @param8re @ashlynhasmanyhyperfixations @wish-upon-a-star-1310 @fangisms @alicetweven @damon-loves-pie @gaysludge @l0v3e1i  @luvrsbian  @zulpix-blog @scarletwitchwhore @taylortheyellowlobster  @ash5monster01 @nix-rose @param8re @loving-and-dreaming

[jeridandridge]

Atomic

Jacob takes Melissa to a gay bar.

CW: Implications of religious trauma, internalized homophobia.

In the break room at Abbott Melissa sits tapping her boot on the floor while Janine jabbers on about the newest situation she wants Barbara’s guidance on. While the kid goes on and on the redhead sits at the table looking over her shoulder every so often at Jacob.

The younger teacher sits at the table with Janine nervously nibbling his sandwich. No one wants Melissa Schemmenti looking at them like they have a target on their back that they don’t know about.

“What?!” He shrugs almost irritated looking at the redhead.

Melissa shakes her head going back to her phone. “Nothin, kid. Just uh, come to my room after the bell.” With that she grabs her stuff and goes back to her class for the afternoon.

Dropping his sandwich the young teacher looks to Barbra with an agape mouth. The older woman holds up her hand gathering her things.

“I don’t know a thing, Jacob.”

In her classroom, Melissa sits at her desk getting back to the grading she was doing before lunch. She has five minutes until she has to get her kids from the lunch room, and in those five minutes she has to talk herself out of a panic attack.

She doesn’t know why she’s this way but she hates it. Her thoughts run wild about the topic. She’s old. She’s divorced. She’s not as thin as she once was. Who could want her? Who could want her when she’s not sure what she wants. The cross around her neck feels like it weighs a ton, enough to pull her down and down further and further into her somber thought. The thoughts only stop when her watch chimes alerting her it’s time to get the kids from the lunch room.

At the end of the day Jacob contemplates shimmying down the side of the school from his window so he doesn’t have to go see Melissa. He paces back and forth before he finally gives in. “I’ll go, I’ll go, I’ll go!” He huffs grabbing his bag and leaving his room.

The young teacher is too nervous to even give Mr. Morton a fake friendly smile as the man says hello to him, too afraid for his own life. Keeping his shoulders back he holds onto the strap of his bag tightly as he pokes his head into the redheads classroom.

“What’s your deal over there?” Melissa nods looking up from her desk as Jacob looks side to side and up at the ceiling.

“Just checking, making sure there aren’t any traps or surprises.”

“What are you talkin about, kid?” She rolls her eyes, “I just wanna talk to ya.”

Noting the serious tone shift in her voice, he comes in leaning against the kids desk across from Melissa. He’d never seen her look nervous like she does now, fingers fidgeting and no eye contact.

“Melissa, whatever you need to say, you can and I appreciate you feeling comfortable enough to tell me.” He explains gently. In reality he expected her to snap at him and say forget it, instead the redhead lets out a breath and motions for him to come closer as she gets up closing her classroom door.

The two teachers are quiet as they both stand closer to each other. Melissa can feel her heart beating against her ribcage and she gathers up the courage.

“Listen kid, I might give ya a hard time and tease and all that, but I do respect you.” She tells the young man. “And I think you can help me figure some things out.”

Jacob, for once, is at a loss for words.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinkin, after breaking it off with Gary and all,” she waves her hand, “and I think I also like women.” She finally lets it out, feeling instantly better.

Jacob smiles at his co worker feeling honored.

“Well first off thank you for telling me this very personal, inspirational info. Saying something like that out loud, it feels good doesn’t it?”

“It actually does,” she smiles. “It feels airy. But I guess I just wanna know how to start. I mean, I ain’t young anymore and catholic guilt is a bitch.” She shrugs.

“Let me ask you this,” he starts, “Do you want to explore, and get to know the real Melissa?”

“Yeah,” she shrugs. “That’s the point ain’t It?”

Jacob has to hide his smile, grin growing on his face. “Tell you what, Zach and I are going out this weekend, nothing crazy, just a bar. Why don’t you come with us?”

Melissa tries to come up with an excuse, she really does, her stomach is in knots at just the thought of a gay bar.

“Okay, but we ain’t telling anyone about this.” She points at him in a warning.

“But what abou-“

“No one, kid.” She cuts him off shooting him a look.

Jacob nods comparing himself. “I’ll email you the details.”

Saturday comes all too quickly for Melissa. After a day of trying to distract herself with cleaning and cooking, her house is spotless and she has four different dishes in her fridge big enough to feed a small army and even that doesn’t slow the clock down.

At nine o’clock she finds herself walking arm in arm with Jacob to the bar, Zach the sweet guy he is, behind them.

“Honey! They’re doing karaoke already!” He smiles looking over at the crowded karaoke stand in the corner.

Melissa looks around the dimly lit bar, spotting black lights, rainbows, and plenty of decor on the walls.

“Go on, honey, I’m sticking with Melissa tonight.” Jacob squeezes his hand before Zach goes off with a smile.

Melissa stands with her hand on her hip, her leather jacket, her armor not even able to give her the confidence she needs. feeling totally out of place in a bar like this not because it’s a gay bar, but because everyone’s so young she pats Jacob’s arm. “G’head, kid. I’ll be at the bar.”

If there’s one thing Melissa knows it’s where to find a nice bourbon or a crisp glass of wine. When Melissa saddles up to the bar she quirks a brow at the pretty woman behind it, toned arms on display and long hair in a pony tail.

“Hi gorgeous, what can I get for ya?” The bartender gives Melissa a smile that makes her stomach flip. The redhead knows how it works, she bartended in college herself, she knows bartenders flirt to get more tips.

“Bourbon neat, hon.” She orders with a friendly smiles.

Grabbing a glass the bartender fixes her drink sliding it over. “So, are you friends with Jacob? I saw you come in with him and I’ve never seen you before.” She smiles.

“You know Jacob?” Melissa quirks a brow, “That Jacob over there?”

“Yeah,” the bartender laughs with a nod. “Jacob Hill. We’re friends, sorta.”

“I give him crap, but he’s a good kid.” Melissa nods. “I’m surprised he’s friends with a,” she trails off looking at the woman, “toned, tattooed, twenty something.”

The bartender tips her head back in a laugh, leaning forward with her arms on the bar to get closer. “Thirty something actually. This is my bar.” She smiles. “What about you, gorgeous? How do you know Jacob?”

There’s that word again. It’s catches her off guard once more and this time the stunning woman is even closer, a warm, raspberry vanilla smell hits her nose. Suddenly the blaring music and the sounds of glasses clanking and chairs moving become too much on top of her thoughts.

“Woah, hey, you okay?” The bartender asks gently resting her hand on the redhead’s.

At the touch of the woman’s hand Melissa pulls away almost like a flame has grazed her skin.

“Sorry, sorry,” she shakes her head, “I’m-“

“Don’t sweat it,” the bartender smiles. “Hey maya!” She calls over her shoulder, “cover the bar for me. You, come with me,” she waves Melissa over as she comes out from behind the bar.

Melissa stands and follows the woman, almost drooling when she sees the tightest jeans known to mankind.

The bartender reaches back gently grabbing her hand. “I don’t normally do this, but since you’re Jacob’s friend I’ll make an exception,” she smiles leaning in towards Melissa’s ear.

Melissa’s breath hitches in her throat at the closeness of the woman. Through a hallway the woman opens up an office door revealing a pretty normal room with a few posters and a pride flag on the wall behind a desk.

“It can be a little too rowdy out there,” the bartender smiles handing her a cold water bottle from the fridge.

Sitting on a black leather couch Melissa sips the water hearing a muffled Blondie song from the outside, the beat almost as fast as her heart drumming against her ribcage.

She eyes the bartender who sits at her desk, arms above her head in a stretch.

“Sorry, hon. It’s been a weird time recently.” Melissa apologizes.

“No need to an apologize, gorgeous. I’m a bartender, I might as well be a therapist.” She jokes. “If you weren’t Jacob’s friend I wouldn’t have brought you back here to my secret lair.”

This gets a laugh out of Melissa. “Some lair, it’s not dark and mysterious or anything. And you don’t have to keep calling me that. I’m Melissa.” She finally shares.

“Nah, I’ll still call you gorgeous.” She smiles yet again, making Melissa’s heart jump. Sipping the water she shakes her head.

“I knew it’d be a gamble coming here.” She sighs. “I can’t even handle talking to a woman.” This makes the bartender frown.

“First time in a gay bar?” She asks, not a single note of judgement in her voice.

“Yeah,” Melissa nods. “Jacob convinced me to come even though I’m noneya business years too old to be here.”

The bartender sits back in her desk chair almost examining the redhead, making Melissa shift in her seat. She knows the woman sees right through her, soft eyes meeting hers.

“You know, one night I was here, it was a Tuesday,” the bartender starts softly, “There wasn’t much happening yet, it wasn’t even seven, and this old woman comes in with her great granddaughter. They both take a seat at the bar so I come over like always, and we start talking. The woman was 93 years old and you know what she said to me?”

Melissa sits with a small smile playing on her lips as she listens closely, shaking her head no, enthralled by the story.

“She said she just turned 93 and finally, after decades, had the courage to be her authentic self. Isn’t that beautiful?”

The question makes Melissa think. Really think. All her life she did her best to please others, stuck with tradition, and did her best to make her family proud despite trying to go against the grain as best she could.

“Yeah, it is beautiful.” She hums quietly parting her lips to speak again, only to be interrupted by the door opening.

“Hey, boss the ice machine is jammed again.” The other bartender pokes her head in.

“Alright,” the woman sighs, “I’ll be there in a minute.”

When the door closes again Melissa stands up, following the woman back into the hall towards the music and crowd.

“Listen, I’m pretty new at this sorta thing,” Melissa says shyly, not like herself. “But I’d like to talk to you more, get coffee or dinner sometime? doesn’t have to mean anything.” She adds quickly.

The bartender gives her a soft smile, reaching out to squeeze her hand. “When you’re ready, Melissa, you know where to find me.”

With a wink and a gentle squeeze, Melissa’s left standing in the doorway of the hall with a ridiculous smile on her face watching the woman spring into action.

She’d have to thank Jacob.

[sepublic]

            It’s wild to me that the storyboards for Watching and Dreaming depict Odalia taking Camila’s place during this scene, and at a notable distance from the kids here, no less…

         It really makes me wonder if the original plan was for Odalia to use the light glyph to awaken the kids from their puppet states, hence the setup of her being in the Archives as the Collector’s servant. She would’ve helped the kids save the people of the Demon Realm, perhaps realizing that her way of life was simply unsustainable, and that she contributed to Belos possessing the Boiling Isles as both knowing bystander and supporter.

         They’d ultimately succeed, but Odalia being at a distance from the kids implies that they don’t ever forgive her; They won’t go out of their way to kill Odalia, nor keep her from improving as a person. But they don’t owe her personal forgiveness, which I appreciate. We may still have some variation of this scene where Amity reunites with Alador;

        Odalia may or may not be salty, but it still reminds the viewer that even after all that, Amity rightfully doesn’t forgive Odalia, and chooses Alador; While Odalia is visibly upset, but can’t do anything about this but just maintain distance and accept it (Hence why she looks so awkward and closed-off, compared to Camila rejoicing with the kids in the final product).

         That makes me wonder if we would’ve seen her in the epilogue, with the group shot depicting Odalia notably isolated from the rest of her family, instead besides Tibbles or something like that, as redeemed capitalists (maybe we should put her at the top left). Her redemption IS accepted, but not by her family members, who still maintain a distance;

         Odalia improving herself could also be a way to emphasize one of the themes of the finale; That people can and should be allowed to change, but also they must choose to do so for themselves. Having Odalia be a contrast to Belos would’ve further hammered in that idea; They’re both detested by the fandom as abusive, controlling parents who mold their kids into the image of someone else, are complicit in the same genocide (to varying degrees), represent a particular real-world social ill, etc. Both claim to act on behalf of their families, but it’s clear they’re actually just self-interested.

         These parallels highlight that the main difference between these two, why Belos is killed unmourned while Odalia has hopes for a brighter future, is that Odalia actually chose to change. It’s Restorative VS Retributive Justice taken to its natural conclusion; The fact that Odalia is much younger, and thus has turned down far less chances to turn back, also contributes to why she’s actually willing to change, as she hasn’t doubled down the same way Belos did, while still being guilty of some heinous things (Note that Blight Industries, as an arms manufacturer, always got its wealth off of the expectation that others will be hurt and even killed; It’s blood money).

         It may also add to the Collector’s story; They’ve failed to redeem Belos, so it’d be easy to believe that their compassion is an inherent mistake, as is giving others a chance, the agency to decide for themselves, etc. So when Luz reassures the Collector that they DID do good… Well, they end up going to the Archives to prevent it from collapsing. And THAT leads to the Collector potentially seeing Odalia, maybe being wary after what happened with Belos (Odalia and Belos are both adults who sought to exploit the Collector for their own ends)…

         But the Collector doesn’t let Belos ruin their compassion and accepts Odalia’s change, even if they personally may not forgive her (They have less of a past with Odalia than the other kids, so it’s not as unlikely). Just as Gus felt like his kindness was taken advantage of, only to be reminded afterwards that it’s still worth it in the end when Hunter does reciprocate, we could’ve gotten something like that with the Collector and Odalia.

         And on another note, I also wonder if this was the writers’ way of addressing criticisms regarding how Odalia was handled in Clouds on the Horizon, by providing a sympathetic side to her character as compensation; We’re reminded in the episode right after that Eda still remembers her as a stand-offish friend and not an Evil Child, instead of the writers doubling down by excluding Odalia from that flashback. Eda thinks she’s about to die here, but the memory of who Odalia once was is included to comfort her alongside other childhood companions, reminding us she wasn’t always like this and isn’t pure evil (not without working to become that at least).

         But by the end of the day, it seems the writers opted to exchange Odalia’s role for Camila having more of a story in the finale, and tbh… I think that’s the right call, I agree with them there. This is the series finale to a show that’s ultimately about Luz, our main protagonist, and it’s why the finale places particular emphasis on Luz, and her relationship with her fellow main protagonists Eda and King. If they did take the Odalia route, I think we still would’ve seen Camila reunite with Luz at the Owl House, meet Eda and King, etc. But…

         Camila is Luz’s mother, and their relationship is the inciting, beginning incident of the series. To see it all start because Camila was worried for her daughter, only to finally encounter a worst-case scenario with Luz despite everything she did to improve… and emphasizing her reaction to it, how Camila handles herself, picks herself up because as much as it hurts, she’s got other kids to look after? Just as Camila picked herself up after Manny’s death for Luz’s sake? Or kept herself strong in Yesterday’s Lie for Vee? Good stuff.

         It wraps up Camila’s storyline more nicely, as someone whom we began the series with Luz; Camila is more important than Odalia, so I don’t blame the writers at all for prioritizing her. Odalia having a redemption of sorts likely would’ve felt too rushed, and while she contributes to the narrative of Belos, the Collector, and Amity, Camila contributes to Luz’s story and thus takes precedent, especially at this point in the story.

        Especially since some have criticized TOH’s handling of characters of color; The crew has shown themselves responsive to these points, hence Luz and Camila’s hair changing in S3. So I wouldn’t be surprised if the criticism of white characters being prioritized over PoC stuck, and contributed to them having Odalia get shafted for Camila, rather than the other way around. It’s not perfect (an ideal situation in terms of budget and/or writing would’ve had both), but it does show a willingness to listen and actually respond to criticism, which I appreciate.

        So in the end, the kids are awakened from their puppet states, not by a conscious Odalia who isn’t transformed and stumbles across the light glyph, but because like Camila, Amity is able to muster enough emotional will over her love of Luz to barely nudge her finger... just enough to tap the light glyph and activate it, freeing herself! The kids go out of their way to free Camila for help, and we get to reap the rewards of Camila’s development in how she copes with her daughter’s death, when fear for Luz was what incited the series and led to a less-than-ideal handling of the situation.

         Camila gets to guide the kids with glyphs like her daughter does, showing an engagement with the isles after being apprehensive in the previous episode; And a connection to Luz, who has the Titan’s magic and is powering these spells… Camila is unwittingly calling upon her daughter for help and Luz is answering! And when it’s done, Camila gets to stand by the kids and not at a distance, because they love and accept her for having always been a good mother to them.

[zileans-big-cl0ck]

hello ive never sent a request b4 not sure how this works pls bare with me too 😿😿 ive seen that u write for pyke and camille (my two fav characters) and i was wondering if u could write anything sfw/nsfw for one of them because theres barely any content for them, ty in advance 😸

✦–Pyke & Camille General Headcanons.✦ (SFW & NSFW)

✦I see someone’s taste never misses, Camille and Pyke as favourite characters!

✧ prompt: ✧ just feeling inspired today to actually write.

✧ champions: ✧ Camille, the Steel Shadow; Pyke, the Bloodharbor Ripper.

✧ reader: ✧ gender neutral.

✧ author’s note: ✧ I feel like Camille isn’t my champion to write tbh, I absolutely cannot caught her character; please pardon me. PYKE ON THE OTHER HAND- But, really, you don’t even know how I’ve been DYING to write something for my favourite boy Pyke. Ignore any mistakes; as much as I enjoyed writing this, I’m really tired :sob:.

masterlist

✦Camille, SFW:

Maybe she is a dominant, noble woman, but you still should valet her, treat he with the greatest respect. That amuses her.

Taking care of her well-being is your sacred order. The lady must be always pleased, cherished.

Of course she can treat herself right. She is a proud, self-respecting woman. But that doesn’t mean she does not enjoy making you submit, serve and obey.

Camille treats you, like you deseve to be treated - like an adorable pet that belongs to her.

And she rewards you generously, always making you accompany her, even if it means sharing with you and her wealthy co-workers the same secret informations of her important work. That is Camille’s way to bestow you with her trust, which is shared like a true gift, making you her little secretary and confidant.

She always keeps you near herself in case anything worrisome happened - or in case someone decided to profane her delicate belonging. Camille is a jealous and controlling woman who holds a firm border between her partner and anyone who may cross their path; she openly fears that the others, the vociferous people, may have bad influence on you. And you must stay as her property, and only hers.

Unfortunately, this entails with her sometimes treating you infantile, like you are not fully responsible. But don’t worry, it also means that she is always ready to do something for you, even if it is the hardest, most cumbersome work that requiers a professional. Because that’s who she is - a capable, deadly woman.

✦Pyke, SFW:

He always watches you from a distance. Pyke is a protective lover, but he desires to stay unseen by the others, all because of his well-known esteem as the Bloodharbor Ripper, the doom of captains. Even if you are not aware of his presence, he is alwats with you, stalking from the shadows, creeping around somewhere between the realms of the dead and mortals like a ghost, keeping an eye on you in case anything disturbed your peace. He would never stand anyone troubling you, which unfortunately can happen anytime in this perilous land. He is almost like a guardian angel, scared for your life and positive to take care of it, but cursed himself.

When he isn’t working, he likes reading. And I will not elaborate on that; Pyke has literally a Shakespeare quote in his own voicelines. He loves reading and you comming up with new book titles and recommendations for him, since he doesn’t have much time exploring this topic himself - his work consumes most of his sacred time, which he divides only between the ardous hunt for his victims and - you.

Though he appreciates your interest in his work, your questions about his day, even if their seem to serve no higher purpose than to start a conversation, he doesn’t want you to know all about his job. Not the things he has done to fulfill the meaning of his afterlife and cross all the names from the manifest. As Pyke came to conclusion, he might be unsure of your possible reaction to him being a killer, which you probably know either way, just never saw it on your eyes. At least he took care of it, to never commit such a dirty work before you. It’s not like he didn’t give you his whole trust, but you seeing his murderous persona might change your feelings towards him- that’s what he believes. And moreover, you might not want to see him how much pleasure he takes from killing.

He would never want you to risk your safety in order to try and get any information about his past, if you ever came up with idea so preposterous. Even if you were convinced that you might get into your hands a piece of knowledge that was out of reach for Pyke for years, maybe even decades. Of course he had shared with you the scraps of memories he still remembered, but there was never nothing solid, declaiming a consistent story. And he stopped caring about it long ago, entombing all the lost feelings in exchange for a new life (well, afterlife), new purpose, new emotions, even if they were ment to be irrelevant forever. Pyke befriended the truth - he, his new self, was never ment to meet with the man he was once before. Even if you were sweet enough, determined, to try and fight, he would turn you off - it didn’t matter if he couldn’t even remember it.

But he hoped it didn’t make you think that he didn’t trust you. He always answers your questions without keeping any bloody details to himself, just doesn’t tend to cover the subject by himself.

✦Camille, NSFW:

The first rule to obey: refer to Camille only as ”Ma’am”, ”My Lady” or, eventually, if she lets you, ”mommy”, so she could jovially call you her pet. A good, obedient little one, who can follow her around.

She would show you to her family, acquaintances, or co-workers with a proud, lustful look. She owns you not only so she could command you, but also to show a little off, to parade with her affable pet.

But you will always remain as her little one, the one under, the once she could crush, quite literally.

She loves the control she wields. Camille is a competent person who clearly deserves her position in the social hierarchy, same as under the cover of blankets. Or just thin walls of her office, where she also adores having you weak before herself.

She often wants you to wear revealing clothes, so the others could trace their lustful gazes, unnoticed as first, but over you. It is a perilous game - she always takes whatever she wants and her feelings are deep, sharp and adamant like blades, incandescent like fire. But you are tantalizing for her, especially when trying to get rid of woeful surrounding.

Camille would never let anyone else touch you, not even get close to you, but how she enjoys watching other people desiring you, yet not being able to ever caught your attention, as your heart belongs to Camille and only her.

Walking around her apartmnet nude, pitiful, with remorse in your eyes, is a sudden turn on for her. She knows you taunt her, tantalizing by the move of your hips, the place where she wants to dig her nails in while putting you in your place, right under her.

Her legs are obviously her deadliest weapon, but also the sweetest gift she can offer. She wants your head between them, squized and trapped in something between a full of pleasure, hot moment and a bewildering threat of her scissors-like blades.

Oh, how she enjoys crushing you under herself, sitting, rolling her hips just to make you squeak, beg and cry for more. And for a opportunity to breathe, as she toys with your fear.

Camille uses her voice to order you around, as she expects unquestionable obedience. The cybernetic, blue lights of her eyes never leave you, always scanning, petrifying, searching.

She never reaches her climax first. She can hold her pleasure back, just until your own release, just to see you succumb to her will and her orders. Only then Camille lets herself cum too, her moans being the sweetest reward you could get.

✦Pyke, NSFW:

What comes first, is that he is not needy at all. Even if Pyke desires touch, he would never willingly admit it, claiming that he is a ruthless murderer. He doesn’t need anything so prosaic.

So you are the one bestowed with the great honor to initiate sex.

And when it actually comes to it? He is absolutely melting, so quickly turned on. Though he wouldn’t admit that, again.

And what turns him on the quickest is probably you admiring him, tracing your fingers over his tattooed arms, your body near his chest, pulsing with pure life, so innocent in its vitality. Because it is something he lacks and therefore - desires with curiosity.

And though it might seem unusual for someone like him - bodyworshipping. An absolute lover for this one, especially when you praise or compliment.

He gets hot very quickly, which always makes him curse under his breath; especially whenever you test his patience. Because of his protectivness, it isn’t unusual of him to grab you with one of his hands onto his lap, always looking for an opportunity to touch you and to be touched, to have you really close. Just to have your beating heart near his quiet presence. Oh, and he is never immune to your teasing, even the slighest move of your hips, even your fingertips brushing his bare chest, is everything to make him grunt with approval.

The sensation of your soft skin, so different from the harsh world around, the fearsome depths, his disgusting prey made from men, intrigues him, alongside with the sick fascination with the contrast between you - a mortal that if he hurts, will surely suffer, and him - a shadow of the past, a revenant, whose heart doesn’t beat anymore.

But he fears you escaping him, like his victims always try. So he pins you, either to the bed below you or any other surface, making sure that you can not hide or run away. Maybe even ties you, but holding you by your wrists with his firm grip until you fully comprehends that you are trapped, usually works.

Despite Pyke’s protectivness, he is nothing close to being gentle in bed. He doesn’t even remember the word gentle anymore, therefore it is natural to treat you they way he thinks is satisfying. It's not like he is brutal, but he takes unimaginable pleasure from pinning your body, much smaller in comparison to his own, by his bare hands sculped with tattoos with force, to pull you hair and to have you whimpering into pillows.

Let him choke you. He is fascinated by the thrill of holding your life in his hands, the same hands that killed countless of men, now showing mercy to someone so dear to him, fragile and mellow. A person he could never harvest the life from, but still takes a sadistic kind of pleasure from playing with this idea. He could do anything to you, because you trusted him, but he won’t cross your boundaries - and he would never let anyone else do that.

Whenever you turn pale under him, white from fear, his gaze stalks covetously, devouring and claiming. But you can read nothing from his face, even if he takes his mask off, as he stays unmoved - but not stoic, he was never a philosopher. Rather in awe, like a conqueror having the key to his soul beneath him.

Your shaky breathing is tantalizing, when you struggle to inale, seeking mercy with your pitful eyes. Because he prefers them on himself, when gorgeous pupils trace his moves, fixed on his body, proudly towering over you.

Pyke is also well aware of the impact that his voice has on you. He is a wraith of his past self, yet he kept his deep, throaty voice that makes you shiver and obey.

Therefore he is suprisingly good at dirty talking, making the voice a great advantage.

Pyke can’t help himself and when with you - doesn’t hold back. Your presence, you squeezing around him, moaning, letting him do these things to you, doesn’t let him last for too long. Even with being the bloody killer, you are his only weakness and therefore - the ultimate form of pleasure, when he can do nothing against your charm, the muffled sounds you let out and the hot atmosphere. Often cums before you, which doesn’t mean he is done.

May be also a little egoistic becausae of the ignorance of your pleas to be more gentle. Just a little.

Also a fan of drunk sex, Pyke is a pirate after all. It’s probably in his blood.

[evansbby]

GIRLIE GIRLIE GIRLIE LISTEN LISTEN LISTEN. I HAVE AN IDEA FOR A REQUEST.

[Its also 03:57AM and I’m crying my eyes out, so I might regret this when I woke up lolllll]

Hear me out, hear me out, hear me out. See the visionnnnn. So, this is my request:

Sugar daddy!Ari AU. This is a little after the reader becomes his girlfriend. The reader hasn’t really gotten it into her head that she’s not just his sugar baby, but she’s his love, so she tends to hide her feelings and pain and raw emotions from him because she wants to sort of keep up the image of her being his sexy personal nymphomaniac because she thinks he’ll leave if she’s real with him.

So let’s say, something happened. Maybe an argument with her terrible family or her shitty friends gossip about her or she’s burnt out from taking care of others or someone shames her for something, idk, you’re the author, you decide what happens, but anyways.

Something happens that made her extremely sad and miserable, but she’s trying to hide her feelings from Ari, she pretends everything is fine (it’s not lol), she’s acting a little weird cos she’s trying to keep up appearances so that he won’t dismiss and discard her, etc. But Ari, being her daddy and the smart motherfucker he is, knows that something is wrong with his precious girl.

So basically, shit goes down with her and Ari and he soft doms her (maybe a little hard dom too) and comforts her and reassures her that she’s his girl and not just a plaything and all that lovey dovey shit. Oh, and aftercare lol! Only if you want to.

This probably could’ve been said in fewer words, but I’m crying my eyes out and it’s a little cathartic to type this out lol, sorryyyy. Thank youuuu! Love your writing!

Oh I would love to read this 😭😭😭

But you see I’m insane so I need to make it more sad so if I were to write this…

I’d make it so that reader is very insecure and she thinks she’s not good enough to be Ari’s girlfriend (kind of along the lines of what you said) and she thinks she’s only good enough for sex bc she has zero feelings of self worth 🤧🤧🤧 and no matter what Ari says or does to reassure her and uplift her, she just doesn’t believe him😔😔

And she keeps pushing herself away from him, bc she thinks he deserves better bc he’s such a nice guy and it’s not a normal sugar daddy relationship bc Ari doesn’t even expect sex from her (although they do have great amazing perfect sex) but Ari just loves talking to her all night, getting to know her interests, buying her special gifts that match her interests… And reader is overwhelmed bc she’s sooo insecure and she thinks she doesn’t deserve this happiness. She’s scared of letting herself be happy in case Ari “wakes up” one day and realises he can do better and leaves her🥲 (he wouldn’t but she thinks he will).

So then one day she gets so overwhelmed that she breaks up with him impulsively. But we all know what a strong mature wise perfect daddy Ari is, so he’d be like “let’s talk this out” and she bursts into tears and tells him that he deserves better and that she’s broken and she needs to go away so he can start living his life instead of always worrying about her 🥲🥲🥲 and Ari tells her that he’s in love with her and he couldn’t live without her and then they have sex 🥺🥺🥺 where Ari is being a soft dom and sooo perfect and sexy and reader needed this bc she needs him to tell her what to do so she can relax and stop worrying. Her mind never turns off during the day and she’s wracked with insecurities and fear, but with Ari… he lets her mind go blank so she doesn’t need to think, and she feels okay.

But then she’s up all night and Ari is asleep and she watches him and all her insecurities come back and she thinks that he deserves better and he can’t spend his whole life with her as a burden just bc she’s so insecure all the time 🥲🥲

So she leaves… without a note or a phone call or anything. In fact, she moves far away to live with a distant relative and deletes her social media. Ari calls her and texts her every single day, begging her to pick up or come back etc and she changes her phone number 🥲🥲🥲 some of her friends tell her that Ari is miserable and he’s still looking for her and waiting for her but she hopes he will move on soon.

Anyways then reader starts working on herself, she gets a job in an industry she likes and she makes some new friends. She starts seeing a therapist and slowly, bit by bit, her confidence starts to grow. She realises she deserves love as much as anyone else does. And she misses Ari so much bc he really was the love of her life 🥹🥹 it’s been a whole year now and one day she decides she wants to see him again. She wants to try again and hopefully he’d be open to getting back together with her.

She shows up at his door with Chinese takeaway (their favourite meal they’d have together) and Ari answers the door and he’s shocked to see her. And she says she thinks she’s all whole again, she thinks she’s fixed and she’d like to give it a try with him once more. And she got food 🍲

But then she looks beyond his shoulder and sees another girl. And Chinese takeaway already on the table. He’s moved on. She’s heartbroken. But she smiles and tells him she’s happy for him. He tries to stop her but she leaves.

THE END 😭😭😭😭

[a-dauntless-daffodil]

oh no not the clankie angst ideas no no no no no no no no n-

cleo acting cold and strange after frankie fall into stasis sleep from using up their charge for something

(yes. you KNOW what that means)

(what did frankie drain themselves on- helping keep the portal open to get clawdeen's mom back?? protecting the school??? powering up a big spell for draculaura???)

(not the point. the point IS-)

cleo tucks a giant plush scarab under the sleeping frankie's arm and then goes right back to her normal school life routine

(maybe watsie tries zapping them awake but his charge isn't strong enough and frankie's parents are off backpacking in the mountains no one can reach them)

cleo won't talk about what happened to frankie. she doesn't even seem to care. her friends start out understanding "we're all dealing with this our own ways no shade" then get annoyed "what is WITH her???" and finally worried "no seriously what's up with her...? this is weird...."

(they're looking for ways to wake frankie up NOW NOW NOW frankie loved being in school they're missing part of the school year they're missing out on so much wonderful normal stuff it's terrible and cleo was just as frantic to help get them back until suddenly she wasn't)

drac and clawdeen look for answers. nefera is confused too but relaxes when she hears about the scarab plushie, it's from cleo's childhood, her leaving it with them means she really does care

(nefera's trying to figure out how to be a less overwhelming older sister she wants to give cleo space)

cleo's friends don't have that hang up

confrontation. cleo's not interested in it. she walks away, forgetting her organ bag. clawdeen hands it to her.....

....it feels lighter than it should.

drac has a terrible thought

all the friends huddle around the sleeping frankie, with cleo's plushie in their arms. someone notes the plushie is big enough to hide a jar in...

clawdeen finds a seam that's been re-stitched with surgical thread like the kind frankie uses. very carefully she slices it open with a claw

everyone leans in to see, then blanches

it takes using watsie stealing cleo's organ bags and having her chase him to get her attention

(being told he can help with this is the first thing to make watsie undroop and perk up since frankie went into stasis)

but they finally bring cleo back to the dorm room door

this time when they confront her she gets angry. she's close enough to her heart to feel anger again, and feel annoyance when she demands someone go in and gab her organ bag for her-

(watise dragged it into the dorm and is standing guard next to it, barking at cleo, tail wagging)

-only for everyone to say yeah no thanks, pass.

she hasn't exactly been charming lately so

clawdeen mockingly bows her towards the door so she can go get the bag herself, and cleo is angry enough, frustrated enough, that she marches right in

her steps slow when she sees frankie

and the heart jar someone took out of the plushie and tucked under their arm

she hurries to grab the organ bag but watsie licks her hand and snags her bandages, trying to tug her towards the bed

cleo lurches back and bumps into frankie's work bench. frankie's eyeball recorder falls, turns on,

and suddenly there's a projection of frankie spinning on their desk chair, excitedly talking about how cleo showed them not to bottle up their feelings, how to talk about them to someone or something, because-

when you bottle up the bad, you bottle up the good, too.

something something something, drac, clawdeen, and co coax cleo into sitting next to frankie and her heart jar, and FINALLY having a good cry

turns out cleo felt guilty and useless for being so broken up over frankie's stasis when draculaura and clawedeen were also sad but working hard to fix things. they have books to study and magic, and all she could do was hold frankie's hand and watch them work. she tried to be strong too, so at least she wouldn't distract them, but it hurt too much

Leaving her heart with frankie was the only thing she could think of, in the end

drac and clawdeen are like wait what? but we haven't been strong- we were falling apart all over each other and our friends! we thought you were doing that too, with nefera or someone!

she hasn't. Crushed 2.0, frankie's friends are also cleo's friends and they don't want her to bottle up her feelings for them either

cleo takes back her heart but leaves the plushie

next time she does her eyeball report, she's visiting frankie, sitting on the bed and holding their hand as she talks

she laughs. she tears up. watsie jumps in her lap and her scarabs cuddle over both her and frankie. she tells them they both have amazing friends and she knows they'll find a way to wake frankie back up soon. then a scream from the school intercom tells her it's time for her next class

nefera shows up at the door, hesitant. asks if she can't walk cleo to her class, maybe hang out in their room afterwards

cleo smiles. yes, she is tots in for that

she lets go of frankie's hand and gets up to leave

(no one notices the little spark that climbs up frankie's fingers, or how they give the tiniest, smallest twitch)

..

AND THATS IT THATS THE IDEA

CLEO CRIES BLARG ARRRRGH SOMETHING SOMETHING I DONT KNOW HOW FRANKIE WAKES BACK UP BUT THEY DO ANd EVERYTHINGS FINE AGAIN OK

[cyn-write]

I cannot thank @bunnwich enough for drawing Cynthia! She is STUNNING and I love the little details! Please support bunnwich and their amazing artwork!!

Now without further ado: Cynthia Widow

Background: Cyn does not talk much about life pre-mirror. She mentions her Grandfather but that is all. Whenever anyone asks she stays vague and switches topics. The only one who knows anything about her past is Lilia and that is That.

Time at Night Raven: She loves being at NRC. Between the great friends, the magic education, and the interesting events that keep happening, she has no desire to find a way to her ‘home’. She has already made a new family with Grim, Grace, the guys at NRC, and the incoming girls now that Crowley has declared the school to be Co-Ed. The constant Overblots are kind of a bother, but they also allow her to get to understand the dark side of the school's most powerful. Things get even more interesting when the “Thatch School for Troubled Mages” join NRC as the new members of Ramshackle. Now with a dorm of 8 troublemakers, she is learning what it takes to be a leader and starts to discover another side of herself, a darker side that fits in with her dormmates and her school.  

Personality: At first glance, Cyn looks like the stereotypical Good Girl: patient, kind, considerate, and funny, but that was a pure mask. The longer she stays at NRC, the more her true colors start to reveal themselves. She is cunning, sly, intelligent, mischievous, and curious. She becomes more herself. Outspoken, stating her opinions, ideas, beliefs, and her new seen darkness matched her peers and scares most. She likes to solve puzzles whether it is people problems or board games. She is determined, headstrong, and organized which makes her a great dorm leader. She is able to deduce the risk of situations and likes to take chances with her dice. There are times she is too scary, mischievous, or cold due to "unfavorables" and that is when she becomes, as Floyd calls it “The Barracuda”. But she is generally a good person, but when someone pushes her too far, she can get… scary… Boogie Man Scary.

Trivia:

She has a weird fondness for spiders. Whenever she sees one, she watches it for a while and only moves it if absolutely necessary (i.e. someone will kill it and she isn’t there to stop them)

Lilia calls her Lady Luck since things always seem to work out in her favor, in luck games at least (This started when she won three games of Yahtzee in a row).

Idia thought she was actually the boogie madam from his nightmares since the first time they met it was dark and in one of her "moods".

She loves to analyze movies and books. She has notebooks full of notes, connections, and theories from all different kinds of media. She loves Claymation and animation in particular as she appreciates the artwork that goes into creating feature-length films.

Her study playlist is full of movie soundtracks and, if asked, she can tell you exactly what’s going on in the movie at any point in any song. (Carter likes to quiz her, and the only time she lost was on a movie she had yet to see)

Her Mom glare and scheming smile are her scariest faces according to the majority of the school, she is second only to the Leech Twins.

Her prized position is a necklace with a spider pendant made from amethyst and silver. It is the only thing she has from her world and she refuses to take it off.

Floyd called her Shrimpy when they first met, but after he saw her ‘other side’ when they scammed her friends, he quickly change her nickname to “Barracuda”

If you have any other questions about Cynthia, please don't hesitate to ask! Also, go support @bunnwich and their amazing artwork!

Also if you want to know more about Cynthia and Grace's story, be sure to check out my Fanfic: "Dark-Underland: A Different Twisted Tale."

Edits were made: 7/14/2023

[fractorian]

Mizuki Tsujimura Relationship HC's!

In another world, we were already friends

How it starts and how she is: -You can decide how you wish to meet her, whether it be you on the way home, in highschool, work, or even you falling on her apartmen't balcony! You're still her lover regardless

on a side note: you won't work out if you're an enemy cause- yeah

-Most likely it is her to confess due to the teasingbullying she endures with Ayatsuji and her other co-workers.

-And maybe even a little push from her superiors as well

-There is also... a big chance she said it while ranting to you and proceeded to run away after a quick short circuit

-At the beginning of the relationship, she's a whole loving mess. Like- really... a mess. You can name any love language and you'd be (un)surprised to know that she can do ollat- (it'll take time for her to tone it down)

-Still, despite that, she's clumsy and kind of awkward- not really experience in relationships. Her feelings for you are so intense that she wants to do EVERYTHING for you no matter how crazy/hsrs.

-She loves the feeling of warmth in her chest whenever you call her sweet names or do something for her- she's addicted. There is NO one who can be more heads-over-heels for you as her and that's for certain.

How she is in the relationship in general:

-Everything she does with you is based on what you like, not her own fantasy. She wants everything as real as they can get

-The type of person who wakes you up really early to eat breakfast with you before work. But if you're stubborn- dw she can eat by herself! But please eat the food she left just for you

-She's lowkey clingy but mostly in private cause she's a very professional person (so hardworking fr)

-Super happy and jumpy when you hold her hand- it's enough to loosen her up a bit

-She is also really honest in her words but may slightly sugarcoat stuff she thinks would hurt you or you wouldn't like to hear

-She thinks lying in a relationship is only an option if it's life or death

-Speaking of lying though- she *cough* uses it as a way to surprise you. "Happy Birthday!- sorry for lying to you earlier I wanted to surprise you :>"

-Okay- "now that's an exception" she says

-Can't tell if she's a jealous person or not but I suppose it depends on who you're with and how you interact. She will be too afraid to mention so but if you ask her about it she will tell.

-Doesn't stop you from making friends but keeps an eye out for the shady bitches.

-Help her pls how does she multitask all that with work

-Secretly asks some advice from random happy couples she sees cause she wants to make you happy

-What a cutiee <33

-Protects you from Ayatsuji cause that guy is always messing with her

-Out of all the Special Division, she's the easiest to prank due to her slightly gullible nature like when... Ayatsuji managed to make her make him coffee

-Though don't do it always- she has feelings, she loves you and will be slightly hurt that you can do that to her (unless it's a cute prank), and she's reallyyyyyy busy </3

-No matter how confident she is, she is afraid she doesn't spend much time with you which kinda bugs her

-You know how in each daily job she sets a goal for herself? You're about 50% of that goal

-She's motivated enough to see you everyday in your amazing style, unique personality, and hopefully some free time

-If you're not free, she's helping you. You can't stop her! It's the perfect time to flex that top-notch performance to you

-Doesn't matter how tired. She. is. right. there.

-She has beauty sleep but who cares- she's literally "strict"

-But if your lazy though, expect her to make you finish you work (as unconvincing as she is she tries)

-Takes her time to cook food for you. Like- legit tries lots of recipes that apparently suits your taste. Also cooks with you because there she gets to observe how you like it. (pls cook her food too it will make her really happy)

-You both alternate on what to watch. Spoiler alert: She chooses paranormal docs and totally James Bonde (and Legally Blonde)

-Don't even question it...

-When you do pick though, she sits through it even if it's crappy. She's happy if your happy!

-And if it makes you happy- she's all about what you like pretty much. You like to draw? She cleared her work load to go to an art museum with you! You like dress up? PERECT! She has quite an eye for these. You like anything !? HIT HER UP

-When you both play games together she lets you have your fun unless... you're really smug about your wins or the game is monopoly;

"YOU'RE GOING DOWN >:("

-She's competitive and it's a fact. If you still win after that she's just gonna accept her defeat and sob all the way homeee

-Big thing for her is when you style each other. Like hair, clothes, or makeup- doesn't matter your gender, she's ON

-Ofc you look the best cause Agent 4048 is always best girl

-She takes the day off when you're very sick or hurt. And by very, it's the really bad ones cause she's not gonna sacrifice her top-notch performance for a small cold!

-Unless it gets worse, contact her pls

-If she isn't availableshe's really guilty, she has someone do her a favor by checking in on you + every cost is on her

-You could have COVID and she's still gonna go through all that effort (RIP her bank acc btw)

-You're sad, she's comforting you even from afar.

-You're sad because of something, bye for that person

-No, she's not overprotective and she's not gonna hurt them or something... but there maybe some warning involved

-Unless it's family and friends, she can't do that unless necessary that is

-But if you're sad because of her- oh lord, she's probably not notice sooner. Please tell her though, she wants to know what she did wrong, when, or whatever details involved

-She wants to be exact that she'll never do that AGAIN.

Speaking of which,

In arguments:

-Okay so let's divide this into three parts

-1. If it was her fault

-She's mad mad

-She argues with you but is more submissive in tone because she knows who is at fault

-She's been through a lot enough to tell

-But 50% chance she doesn't know what she did wrong so please explain and be reasonable

-So, when you tell her, she will do her best to explain herself if there was even one to begin with

-Is canonically, not a fan of lectures but is willing to take it if it means understanding your side

-But then again she canonically doesn't like adults without sense nor problems with no answers

-So don't go: "Mizuki, I'm mad because you ate all my chocolate so my cat would poop out my paperwork >:("

-No, don't. She's gonna get irked

-Continuing though, she will help solve whatever is bothering the love of her life at any station in life even if it was her own fault and will take responsibility for all damages applied

-But if there's no use, she'll just tell you to forget it and focus on the present

-+ You have a very guilty Mizuki at your bedside, holding your favorite breakfast

-Guilty asf

-10/10 understanding, is reasonable, cares, and green flag

-2. If it was all your fault

-If it was kind of a light problem, she's really really forgiving

-She's 20% lowkey annoyed and may have lashed out a bit and 80% caring still

-But don't mistake this girl boss for some weak fellow

-She will fight

-Especially, if it was a really important topic

-She wouldn't lash out at first but if you start screaming she does the same

-If you're calm, she's kinda scolding you tbh but calm and firm

-She's like uhh

-Kindergarten Teacher! (totally ^^) or a big sister or your mom??

-That's a way to describe it I think but she does it the same way she scolds Ayatsuji

-She would never hit you though but if you hit her...like in the abusive way she's fighting

-8.5/10, still caring but don't fight her dammit

-Now 3. is if you were both at fault

-If you're the type to be blinded by anger, ya'll probably don't even realize it, being angry at each other

-Expect a hopefully non-violent fight

-If you aren't violent that is cause she sure isn't towards you

-Be careful too she has a very extraordinary ability...

-Who knows wtf will happen ToT

-Admittedly she's quite emotional too so it's crying and firm sentences from her

-But no matter the type of argument, as long as you both aren't broken up after it you're both fine!

On Birthdays:

-Everything is extra-extra-extra special for you unless you don't like it that way then sure!

-Plans a small party, the people you love are invited!

-Unless of course you don't like that... (she's indecisive 'til you're sure with what you like)

-But, if there's one thing for sure, she 100% prepares a really pretty gift and cooks you food

-Like- appreciate her cause she's so happy she's able to give you that

-Especially when she's been at work for so long

-Speaking of which- she would NEVER forgive herself if she allowed work to make her miss any special days

-Yes, your birthday included

-Girl would be so guilty she might as well burn her office to spend eons with you

-On her birthday, she would enjoy a small gathering with her co-workers, mentors, and YOU

-And maybe a little bit of your family and friends if she's good with them

-Honestly- you don't even have to give her a gift! People spending time with her and treating her with kindness literally just completes her day

-But of course, out of tradition, you should....

-She'd be really happy regardless of what your gift is for her! (unless it's something offensive like an empty box with the word mom written inside)

-She's soo good fr!!

-10000000000000293028392489032470927490273490234739047903274037204790237490234902horizontal8/10 very good partner!

-A little confused but she's got the spirit!

Please remember that this is my impression and opinions of how Tsujimura would be in a relationship! Sorry it's kinds short ^0^ Dividers Cr.: @cafekitsune, @v6que Tagging! @hopefulpain

[trantrumsfromthevoid]

Twilight Advent ‘22

Day 15 (12.15.22) - “Tell us about a Twilight OC you love (your own or someone else's).”

This is gonna be a long post, so just beware.

About ... mmm, seven or eight years ago now, I came up with the idea of Crew Bishop. I firmly believe Leah should have a happy ending and since SM won’t give her one, I’m more than happy to do so. Crew has, in turn, become very near and dear to my heart and I haven’t finalized every detail just yet. Leah has always been one of my favorite characters within the Saga and I desperately want her to have a happy ending that doesn’t involve imprinting on some random fella. Imprinting is a whole ‘nother gripe I have with SM.

This is gonna be part Leah headcanon, part Crew headcanon.

So about two years after everything happens in “Breaking Dawn,” Leah fully accepts there’s nothing to keep her in La Push/Forks: Sue eventually moves in with Charlie, Seth is working on himself (see my Day 12 post), and Jacob has Renesmee his own life. Even Sam and Emily have moved on with their lives with a recent wedding. Leah decides it’s time to move to “big city” Seattle, finds a really cool apartment downtown, and a job at a funky little hole-in-the-wall coffee shop. She absolutely loves her co-workers and they’ve formed this unconventional family unit; wherein everyone meets once a month for raucous “family style” dinners and game nights. Once or twice a year her bosses will treat them to a really nice dinner out.

After a year in Seattle she decides to take classes at the local community college where she majors in American Indian Studies and minors in folklore. She also has a “side gig” as a freelance writer: submitting loosely veiled stories about her life, what it’s like growing up on a reservation, some short stories; yada yada yada. She continues to phase about once a month, but she’s not really sure why she does it. She tells herself it’s to keep her pack connection to Jacob and Seth going. But, truly, she doesn’t know why she continues to phase. Other than providing some stress relief.

About three years after moving to Seattle Leah’s at the coffee shop on her day off, working on a paper for one of her classes. Next thing she knows, some “idiot” (her words) spills their coffee all over her notes. She’s ready to rip them apart until she looks into the face of the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen. A second ago she was furious, ready to yell at them; now she can’t remember her own name. For a split second she wonders if she’s just imprinted (spoiler: she hasn’t).

Crew Bishop, my OC, apologizes profusely and they get to chatting. He offers to buy her a coffee as a way to apologize, she allows it (she doesn’t tell him she works here and gets her coffee for free, naturally), and they really seem to hit it off. Crew is a recent transplant from his hometown of Sheridan, Wyoming. He was raised by a single mom, along with an older sister, after his father abandoned the family when he was five. He moved to Seattle about nine months ago after being left at the altar the year prior and wanted a completely fresh start. One sleepless night he was watching Captain Fantastic and thought it would be a cool place to live. He’s a veterinarian and works at the Seattle Aquarium. He obviously gets along really well with Seth and while Sue loves the fact that her daughter is finally happy, she’s a little weary of him.

Where Leah’s cautious, a homebody, and slightly embittered (although, since moving to Seattle she’s lost some of that), Crew is gregarious, energetic, and vibrant. While he’s had some shitty luck, he tries very hard not to let it get to him. He’s the ray of sunshine to Leah’s dark cloud. They remain friends for a few weeks, doing things with mutual friends or simply just hanging out together, they “officially” start dating about six weeks after they meet. After a year, they move in together.

They get married a year after moving in together (those details haven’t really been finalized yet but it’s probably a small “no frills” ceremony with immediate family and a few friends) and end up having two kids about five years after meeting. The pregnancy was a complete surprise to Leah; because of her phasing she was never sure if it would be an option. Which, pretty soon after they “officially” started dating she told Crew everything: her “family history,” her phasing, and  whether or not she’d be able to have kids. She wanted to know whether that would be a “deal-breaker” for Crew. Which, obviously, it wasn’t.

So, yeah. That’s my lovely little Twilight OC. If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading all my rambles. Hopefully you enjoyed it.

[jayciethings]

This is a wildly unpopular take and I will tag it anti Spuffy to avoid upsetting people, but that's actually how Bangel is written, and Spuffy, aside from an imperfect attempt in S7, is the opposite.

I don't think Bangel is the perfect, unassailable relationship or anything, but Buffy always knows who she is around Angel, and can just relax and be herself around him. She is able to be vulnerable around him in a way she isn't with anyone else. We see that again and again. Crying in his arms after pushing all her friends away in When She Was Bad; lying down on his bed when she's being hunted in What's My Line (she goes to his apartment cos he is her safe space); lying in his arms at her mother's graveside and letting herself feel and be weak when she's had to be strong for everyone else and not broken down with Riley. We also have Angel seeing her true heart when she was a superficial-coated Valley Girl and falling in love with her; loving her in her sweats and baffled by her desire to be a soft noblewoman from his era; not even giving her the strength to keep fighting in Gingerbread but pointing out the strength he sees in her is always inside her; standing to one side in S7 to joyfully watch her fight.

These two know each other to their bones and can just *be* around one another. Perfect peace. "My spirit quiets." (Which is incidentally why Angel has his moment of perfect happiness and loses his soul lying in Buffy's arms, rather than during sex.)

Whereas Spike outright says "you came back wrong". And, yes, that is when he is soulless. And, yes, he does stick up for her a lot in S7 and she lies in his arms that one night. But you never get that feeling like her soul is truly at rest with him. He's important to her for sure. But she doesn't have that ability to just "be" around him. Which I think is portrayed by them not falling asleep that night together. And notice how much she seeks Angel out. Whereas with Spike, aside from their destructive sex pattern in S6 when she's trying to feel anything during her depression, it seems like it's always him seeking her out.

(As a side note, I think s7 Spuffy is so unequal and it's very clear that Spike is trying and giving much more than Buffy. I don't really understand why Spike fans would want him with her considering that. And, for me, despite a lot of discourse on Spike having a huge character arc of redemption and change in the series, S7 underlines that he's the same person he was when human and when soulless: so committed to one woman that he has lost any sense of individuality and made his entire existence about them. Spike is still "love's bitch" at the end of S7, and that's not a good thing. It's good he gets to be away from her in Angel the series. (I could write a whole other long vent on Spike being love's bitch and that not at all changing with Buffy and why they're not healthy even in S7 but that is another post.)

There's a reason why the moment Angel and Buffy are around each other the years just roll back. Why they can't help but slip straight into the same patterns no matter how much the other has been through in the interim. There's a reason why despite the big verbal speech of support soulled Spike gives Buffy in S7 she's kissing Angel within seconds of seeing him again. That's not lust on their faces - it's unadulterated joy.

I know you. I see you. I've always seen you. That's Bangel, not Spuffy.

Opposite of "came back wrong" is "stayed exactly the same." Oh you want so badly to pretend that you have changed. You changed your face, you changed your name, you started leaning into a whole new role, but I know you. I know you. I know who you used to be, and I can see that person shining through you still. You can fool the world you can fool your friends you can fool yourself but you will not fool me.

[ch4rryc0smos]

REVERIE | 05

CAN YOU TELL ME?

synopsis ┊kenji sato returns to japan, leaving behind everything he's ever known. and fate plays a cruel joke on him, when hazel vellichor walks back into his life, albeit not by choice. she makes a trip to japan, for a charity event, for another speech, and somehow; media wrangles her in for more drama. what they don't know is that she's ultrawoman, and kenji's ultraman, and there's more than to the eye here. they're well intertwined and every time they tug away, the knot gets tighter. everything leads them to each other, and now japan is in their hands, and they have to unravel every secret they refused to acknowledge prior to this. and they have to accept every role bestowed upon them, whether they like it or not. somehow, all of this leads to is them learning that there was always more to their friendship, and that they were truly two puzzle pieces, fit right next to each other.

genre ┊ childhood-friends-to-strangers-to-lovers, slight angst, tooth rotting & chaotic fluff, co-parenting (?)

pairing ┊ken sato x fem-self insert/oc, ken sato x public figure!self insert, ken sato x childhood-friend!self insert

warnings ┊ mild cursing, mentions of drinking, trauma, heavy topics (?), events in ultraman: rising take place alongside this story.

word count ┊1.1k

author's note ┊kind of unedited but i've been writing a lot more so... i can't find it in myself to completely scrutinise this, but i hope y'all like this <3 i can't wait to bring in more angst :) happy reading!

prev. | next

The days that follow are some of the most dreadful Hazel has ever had. That says something, because she grew up with Dorian and Aurelia Vellichor, and if they were shitty, this is catastrophic. She usually can’t afford new hobbies, but if she’s spending all her time researching and worrying, it’s bound to get to her at some point. Mr. Sato keeps on saying she’s much shakier these days, she gives credit to the cortisol that she’s sure her body is overflowing with. She also started watching sports, it’s a way she still gets to connect with Maple, even while they’re practically two worlds apart, and now that she thinks about it. Ken Sato really isn’t that bad. He’s doing great, and makes the Giants absolutely shine. And with some consideration, Hazel’s willing to believe he might be Ultraman, which he probably is, but sometimes she still finds herself doubting it. But with every day that passes, her doubts perish a bit more. One by one.

She looks at his number quite a bit, she’s told Maple about it, but her best friend is being a dumbass again, and all she can offer for words of advice are ‘just text him!’

Hazel does not in fact want to do that. They’ve met, once. Well, it could’ve been two, she realised, but it doesn’t matter. It’s so random. Imagine ringing up that one baseball player you had one interview with. 

“That also happened to give you his number,” Maple says, again. Hazel wants to reach through the screen and strangle her best friend. Maple says she needs to get out, spend time with people that aren’t Mr. Sato, or Ami. 

Ami! During one of her press conferences in the past few days, she met a journalist, who’s actually a sports reporter, but these days, the lines in the media industry are blurring constantly, so it didn’t actually matter. Something about how Ken Sato and her were having a press conference in the same hall. Which Hazel found pretty weird, but she didn’t question it, still hasn’t. 

Ami said she wanted to look more into the life of a public figure, and when she noticed the similarities that Ken and her situations had, she couldn’t stop herself from finding Hazel.

She is so stubborn, and devoted to her craft. Hazel admires her. She doesn’t have much to do, but Ami always seems to find a way to include her in activities. Especially girl’s nights out. 

The British woman would be lying if she says she doesn’t like spending time with Chiho. Who loves Ultraman, and seems to know all about Ultrawoman. Hazel remembers so well, when she held her hands and gushed to her about how happy she is that Ultrawoman’s back. She said that she knew that she would return. 

Hazel thinks she smiles about it quite a lot. Chiho reminds her of Arden, and sometimes that leaves a bittersweet taste in her mouth, but there’s also this newfound hope. She looks at Ami, and how she juggles her life, and she thinks that she can too. One day, she’s going to bring Arden, and who cares if he travels the world with her? She’s sure he would love it. 

She can’t wait until she can get to the bottom of the KDF’s bullshit, and get her life sorted. And finally she’ll have her brother back, and she’ll give him the childhood he deserves. At seven, he shouldn’t have to deal with economics and tuition for that sort of thing. Why isn’t he drawing with crayons and running around at the park and getting messy? Why isn’t he coming back home and giggling to mum and dad? 

Everytime Maple tells her how much of a gentleman her brother’s becoming, she thinks her heart breaks more. 

It’s during one of these moments where she’s blaming herself that she stares at the number on her phone that she’s named as ‘Ken Sato’. And she wonders if there would be any merit to Maple’s words. Even Ami said he’s fine. That maybe she should reach out. It would do her good. Ami says she needs to stop locking herself in her house, needs to get out and about. 

Hazel thinks she’s actually diabolical when she hovers her finger over the call button, but then her ass is saved by a call from Ami. She picks up, rather thankful that she isn’t allowed the chance to do something stupid. 

“Auntie Hazel!” Instead of Ami’s usually calm tone, it’s the voice of a child, overflowing with excitement. Hazel chuckles, Chiho’s giggles filling the silence of her room when she puts the call on speaker. “Will you visit tonight?”

“Do you want me to, Chiho?” she asks, knowing well that the toddler would say yes. As the girl on the other side mutters yes, Hazel hears Ami walk in, her sigh following. She barely holds back her laugh.

“Hey, Hazel,” Ami whispers, Chiho begging for the phone beside her. “You don’t have to—”

“I don’t mind at all! If you want me over, I don’t think I can deny,” she says. She knows that they can’t see her smile, or notice the way she’s up on her feet and swaying at the prospect of spending time with her favourite single mother and toddler. 

“We’re going to have a night out, I think you should join,” the smile in Ami’s voice is prominent, and Hazel beams. She’s quick to agree. 

Hazel’s quick to pull on a floral print dress, the one Chiho said she loved the first time they met. And she pulls out a knit bolero that she got from Maple. It’s very unlike what she wears, but she’s looking for a nice night with her girls. And maybe she’ll call Maple too, if she’s not busy, so she wouldn’t have to feel lonely by any means.

When she pulls up at Ami’s place, the door is opened but she’s not met with a face, and that’s her sign to lower herself onto her knees. Then a mop of brown hair is practically being shoved into her face as she’s wrapping her arms around a toddler, pulling the giggling child into her lap and standing up. Chiho’s laughter is muffled as Hazel greets her grandmother, smiling while she carries the child to her mother who when Hazel sees her, looks like she might have been looking for the little troublemaker. 

“She’s right here, Ami.” Hazel’s voice makes Ami spin around, and her hand flies to her chest.

She frowns at Chiho. “You scared me! Also, hey!” Then she smiles at Hazel.

The green-eyed woman just laughs, letting the kid go and hug her mum. Hazel’s heart might just melt from the sight, it never gets old. It’s probably the sweetest thing ever, to her at least. 

“Ready to head out?” Hazel’s hitching her purse higher on her shoulder, Chiho’s nodding excitedly as she tugs her mum over to her friend, her other hand finding Hazel’s much bigger one.

“Yes! Let’s go!” 

Chiho’s grandmother laughs, and the little girl keeps on chirping about Ultraman, and how she’s so excited to be out again, her mask is covering one side of her face, but it seems that no one can convince her to take it off. She says the only thing that might is her getting an Ultrawoman mask. Ami doubts there’s one at all. Hazel thinks she might have to challenge her artistic abilities and make one. 

“Hazel, you know, you look wonderful,” Ami’s saying as she smiles at Hazel as they walk through the streets. And Hazel is surprised she’s not practically getting pounced by cameras or crowds. She hums at Ami, eyes lighting up at the words.

“Really? You think so?” She’s smiling big, and she thinks the day can’t be getting any better, honestly. Well, night. 

“Yeah, you’re not wearing a literal suit or some other version of it,” the journalist starts, “for once.”

“Chiho said she likes this dress, I thought I should wear it again.” Hazel nods at the girl chittering to her grandmother. Ami smiles at her softly. 

“That’s sweet of you—”

Chiho’s attention is back on the pair of friends. “She does look good in that dress!” she says, as if to prove her point all over again.

“I’m glad you think so,” Hazel squeezes her hand, smiling as her eyes stray over to the sky. There’s no stars, really, but it’s pretty. And it’s peaceful. Ami starts telling her about Ken having a game today, and although she follows, she might have forgotten today, especially at the prospect of this impromptu meetup. It’s nice listening, and she makes a mental note to check his game out later.

She doesn’t remember the last time she felt so peaceful after accepting her role as Ultrawoman. As if to interrupt said peace, her purse vibrates, she glances down at it, whispering an apology to Chiho as she reaches in, but as soon as her fingers wrap around it, it stops vibrating. She lets go.

She thinks she’ll just go back to holding Chiho’s hand, but that doesn’t seem to be the case. There’s other plans for her tonight that were made for her, not by her.

ch4rryc0smos © 2024 … do not repost, alter, translate, or steal my work.

[yazaleearchive]

Dance in The Moonlight

It’s dark. So terribly dark that Maeve cannot discern anything in the secluded drawing room. She can feel Aziliz’ presence, but cannot pinpoint where she is standing.

There are two things she is sure of, though. That Aziliz is lazily propped somewhere, and that she can see her perfectly. Maeve blindly reaches for the velvet curtains and throws them open, casting silver moonlight on the nonchalant figure by the fireplace. Light shines on dark strands of hair and bright, cat-like eyes. Maeve takes a step forward.

She can still hear the orchestra downstairs but it’s muted, as if it was miles away from them. Years away.

The round chamber is almost bare of furniture, just heavy wallpapers and thick carpeted floor, as well as a big marble fireplace and a couple of old armchairs lined up against the wall. Maeve stops in the centre of the room and pauses.

A question, hanging in the air.

Expectant.

The lack of response plunges the already quiet room into an eerie stand-still, as if they were frozen in a moment suspended in time.

Then, Aziliz joins her and mockingly curtsies, her defiant gaze never leaving Maeve’s. They stand an inch away from each other, in breathless silence.

The previous dance ends and as the flickering notes of a new tune fill the air, Aziliz moves her hands. They hover around Maeve’s waist, Aziliz’ eyes still holding hers.

Maeve tilts her head, calculating. She knows how averse the other girl is to skin-to-skin contact and in this moment, she is craving any closeness Aziliz can offer. She needs Aziliz to keep her grounded and warm. She lets her gloved hands link behind Aziliz’ neck, careful not to touch, not to give into the temptation of her skin.

They’re standing even closer, now. So close that the heat of their bodies mingles when they start swaying to the rhythm of the music.

Aziliz’ glowing eyes are steady, amber melting into hers, giving her the confidence to move just a fraction closer. Each tantalizing brush is a temptation and each look, a searing brand on Maeve’s mind. Every step brings them closer, but never close enough.

They keep toeing on each other’s boundaries, never crossing them but never giving in either. They’re testing the other’s limits, revelling in the recoil, in the strategic avoidance of contact and more. They’re play-fighting with the intensity of a full-blown battle.

Their faces slowly lean into each other, and Maeve can feel Aziliz’ hot breath caressing her collarbone. Her face is fitting right into the nook of Maeve’s neck and she can smell smoke and orange blossoms in her hair.

Everything about the situation is so foreign, so intimate it sends a rush of weightless exhilaration down Maeve’s spine, and she shivers.

Aziliz raises an eyebrow, but does not budge or miss a beat, as she steadily leads the dance. She lets Maeve connect with each emotion, each sensation, and Maeve is grateful for this moment of peace. For being given a place where she does not have to fight and pretend and lie.

She lets her fierce partner guide her through steps she knows by heart, comforted by the familiarity of the dance and by the bold golden gaze watching her every move.

This is perfect, Maeve sighs wordlessly.

And catches herself.

Perfectly unreasonable.

Maeve knows that this - whatever this is - is forbidden. It is wrong. But right now, only one feeling matters to her: she belongs. She fits. The dim light of the night sky softens the air between the two women, making the scene seem like a secret.

A promise.

So Maeve indulges a bit more, convincing herself that she has just been captivated by a moon fairy.

When the clock strikes midnight and Maeve breaks away, it feels like being wrenched away from a dream.

She can not bring herself to utter a single word, reluctant to break the absolute silence that has coated the air since the moment Aziliz had shut the doors of the small, remote salon. Maeve throws one last look at Aziliz, who hasn’t moved, before rushing out into the twisting corridors of the large castle.

The anxiety thrumming in her veins as she enters the crowded ballroom is a constant reminder that Maeve is not free.

She is subjected to so many rules, imposed by the kingdom, by society and by her family. Shackled by rules she’d made to protect herself. She can’t afford to stay away from the party for too long. She doesn’t want to raise questions. She can’t risk it.

So she leaves the golden stare, the aloof posture and the soft, unsmiling lips behind. Resolute, she heads back to her world, the only one she can ever belong to - politics and lies and manipulation and helpless, inescapable hatred.

When she coyly bows and accepts the hand of yet another nobleman that evening, her skin crawls and the intense look she feels from somewhere at the edge of the ballroom is enough to make her sick.

But her smile does not drop, her facade still holds strong as a fortress.

Nothing can ever get in her way. No one ever will. No burning eyes and secret dances and stolen moments will change her mind. She won’t let them. Can’t let her make Maeve waver.

Because this is her duty.

This is her revenge.