#is that my brand? is that my charm? again. yes.

[proudsnackeezowner]

Let's play dip and pip pride bingo!!

Ft my shit handwriting

Ideas also from :

@serendipnpipity @saturnlester @thighguys @emojackolantern

[descendantofthesparrow]

the left side of my tongue is all numb/the nerves are busted due to the numbing shots and its bugging meeeeeeeeeeeeee

[blimpintime]

jade green part two

azriel x reader

in which Azriel has a personal healer, and she needs to be saved.

word count: 1.1k

warnings: rhys is annoying ?

unedited!

Cradling two warm cups of tea in scarred hands, Azriel approaches you standing in the cold next to the jewelry booth at the market that cold winter morning. The steam from the cups rising to his chilled face, he looks at you with a sense of content knowing you are well enough to be walking around now. 

He wouldn’t let you leave the healer hut unless you put on the brand-new Illyrian winter gear he had bought for you. You huffed about him being a mother hen but put them on regardless, a warm feeling settling in your chest knowing that he cares about you. 

You turn to him walking towards you with a graceful smile, “That for me?” You ask him softly. 

He hums in return and hands you the toasty cup fingers grazing yours, “Yes and it’s extra sweet.” You flush timidly and grumble under your breath, “Yeah cause who likes to drink dirty leaf water plain.” Azriel huffs out a subtle laugh in response and raises his eyebrows at you above his tea when he takes a sip. 

“Mmmm, yummy dirty leaf water.” He taunts you, and you roll your eyes at him and scrunch your nose.

You make your way back to the jewelers’ tent, snow crunching under your boots. The new gear Azriel had given you was working like a charm keeping the biting cold off your body, but your face was going numb with the frigid wind. 

Getting into the tent was a help staying out of the freezing wind and luckily it was only you, Azriel, and one other customer there.

“You two are a lovely couple.” An older man standing next to you in the tent, says to you and Azriel. 

You both stutter and go warm in the face shaking your head, words overlapping about how you are just friends. 

The old man seems embarrassed for a moment and the bashfully grins, “Sorry, you two just remind me of my wife and I when we were younger.” He reaches towards two jade green bracelets that shine in the light of the sun reflecting off the snow and purchases them. 

“Here, an apology.” He says and hands them to the two of you. You flush. Mouth agape about to refuse, when Azriel nods his head and thanks the man. 

You turn towards Azriel as he nudges you out of the booth. You two are walking in a comfortable silence and when you approach a quiet seating area out of the cold, you ask him about the bracelets. 

“I am not sure, it felt wrong to decline the old man.” He says to you with a flush on his cheeks.

“Well, hand them over.” You say and hold your hand out. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out the bracelets that were wrapped in a soft fabric and hands them to you. 

“I am not sure that is even going to fit over my hand.” He says now inching closer to you on the bench feet overlapping each other. You look at him and smile, “Doesn’t hurt to try right?” He holds eye contact with you for a moment. “No, I suppose it doesn’t.” 

You pick up one of the same-sized bracelets gently and go to put it on his wrist when the jade starts to glow a deep green and widens to fit around his hand. When it reaches his wrist it tightens again to snuggly fit but not uncomfortably. You both look at it in awe, and you let out a giggle. 

“Your turn.” He signals, he picks up the next bracelet and this one glows the same, but once it is flush with your skin it starts to change color, as did his. They both glowed a bright shade of white and pulled your guys’s wrists together in an abrupt clank. You make eye contact with him and his eyes are full of wonder and yours full of concern. 

“Az- what is this?” You ask. 

You nod towards the conjoined bracelets and try to pull your hand back but it has no give. You yank again, and this time so does Azriel. After minutes of you both trying and realizing that you are now cuffed together, you let out a sharp laugh. 

“I am not sure. We can go to the libraries and see if there is anything on this.” He suggests. 

“Well, I guess if I had to be cuffed to anyone I am glad it is you, soldier.” You say endearingly. 

He grunts, “You say that now.” He looks away for a moment and then grimaces when he hears the city’s loud bells go off in a familiar rhythm. 

“We need to leave.” He stands abruptly, pulling you with him. 

“What is happening?” you question and he doesn’t respond. “Azriel. Answer me.” You sharply pull at your attached wrists still following him but wanting answers. 

“Those bells mean a terrible blizzard is on its way. So, if we want to be safe and comfortable we need to leave now. Head towards my apartment.” He takes a breath and makes a serious face. You stare at him confused. 

“Are you okay?”  You ask. He looks down and sighs. “I was trying to winnow but it looks like the bracelets are affecting that.” 

“It’s okay buddy, performance issues are normal under pressure.” You say with a cheeky grin and avoid his hand coming down to swat at you. 

“You’re terrible.” He says with a small smirk. 

I assume you heard the bells brother.  He hears in his head and you wince like you’re hearing it as well. Yeah well, unfortunately, I can’t winnow right now so I’ll be spending this blizzard in my apartment. 

You can’t or you won’t? I know I upset you with what I said, but it’s better you understand to stay away from Elain and move on.  You don’t want to be seen as a lost puppy anymore, do you? 

“What the fuck?” You say out loud. “Who is talking to you like that?” You spit out angrily. Azriel looks shocked that you heard any of that and shuts Rhys down his heart tugging that his own brother views him that way. 

“You heard that?” He asks and then shakes his head like he is erasing the thought. “Nevermind. We will figure that out later, here,” he says to you and holds his arms out awkwardly considering you are still attached. 

“Huh?” You say, “We are going to fly.” He responds. 

“Oh.” You clear your throat. “No thank you.” He stares at you incredulously. 

“I have a fear of heights,” you mumble out. His face goes blank. “I have a fear of freezing to death, those are our options.” He tells you. 

“Right, yes.” You tumble out the words. “Please don’t drop me.” 

“I wouldn’t dream of it, dollface.” and then with a wink you both shoot up into the sky. 

a/n: sorry it took so long for the update!

let me know your thoughts!

taglist:

@janesalvaretelochanarcheron @scatteredstardustt @bunnyredgirl @scarsandallaz  @siriuslystyle1989 

[woso-dreamzzz]

Second Time's The Charm VII

Alexia Putellas x Reader

Summary: A look back to when you were still 'divorced'

You panted as Alexia rolled of off you. "We can't do this," You said," We're divorced."

"Yes, we are..."

There was silence for a moment as you both caught your breath.

You'd only just moved away to London a few months ago. You'd only just gotten settled at the hospital and with your new contract for the Arsenal Women's Team.

You'd only just gotten settled but, still, you felt the need to return home for the week, to be able to speak Spanish again with people that didn't have to stumble over their words to communicate with you.

Somehow, somewhere along the line, you'd ended up in Alexia's bed again.

You wouldn't say it was unwelcome. You wouldn't say that it didn't feel like a piece of home, curled up in her arms as she whispered sweet nothings in your ear.

But, still, the pair of you were divorced.

"Your toothbrush is still in the bathroom," Alexia said as you pulled yourself out of her comforting embrace," And your skincare stuff is still there."

You nodded, making your way through your evening routine.

You hadn't planned on doing that though. You had planned to just pull on your clothes and return back to the hotel room you booked.

Instead, you showered and brushed your teeth and did your skincare and pull on an old pair of sleep shorts and one of Alexia's even older Spain jerseys.

You ended up in her bed again, propped up on the pillows as you read through a medical journal absentmindedly as Alexia typed something on her laptop.

"What is that one?" She asked and you hummed as you turned the page.

"A women's ACL study," You replied, turning another page, scanning through a table of statistics," What are you doing?"

"Brand stuff...I think...I'm not actually sure..."

"Well make sure you read the contract, Ale," You reminded her," You don't want to be stuck in something you can't get out of."

"Oh, right, yeah."

"You send it to Eli. You know she'll check for you."

"You're so right, amo-" Alexia cut herself off.

She was about to call you 'amor'. She didn't think she was allowed to call you that now you weren't together. But she's never really called you anything different.

Ever since your marriage at five years old under the slide, you'd always been 'amor' to her. It was strange to not be able to call you that now.

All of this was strange.

Having you in her bed but somehow not being together at the same time. This was all natural. All normal but not at the same time.

Because you weren't together anymore.

Alexia wasn't quite sure where the boundaries were anymore. You'd never been just friends, not truly anyway. Sure, your official relationship started when you were twelve and you were both married by eighteen but even as little kids, the signs were there.

But you smiled at her now and Alexia forgot all about the fact that you were divorced and your life was now in England and she surged forward to plant a kiss on your lips.

You kissed back without even a thought, letting Alexia slip her tongue into your mouth.

You laughed as she pulled away. "What was that for?"

"Nothing. I can't want to just kiss you?"

"You're so sweet, Ale."

You yawned then and Alexia pulled the research paper from your hands.

"Alexia...I was reading that!"

"You're tired," She said in answer," Go to sleep."

"You're not my wife anymore," You reminded her," You can't tell me what to do."

A deep pit formed in Alexia's stomach at your words.

You were right. She wasn't your wife anymore and she didn't get to tell you what to do.

She was so used to reminding you to do things like that, to put down your research papers and get a good night's sleep, to hop in the shower instead of spending hours pouring through articles and papers and ideas.

She'd forgotten that you didn't need her to do that anymore.

"But it's nice that you still care," You said, curling up on your side.

There was silence for a moment before you peaked your head over your shoulder.

"Do you not spoon anymore, Ale?" You asked, a pout on your beautiful lips," I've really missed my big spoon."

That's all it took for Alexia to throw her laptop to the side, switch off the light and pull you into her arms.

[mediumgayitalian]

“Call me if you need anything.”

Nico raises an eyebrow, glancing down at the phone, glancing back up at Will. The corner of his mouth twitches.

Will shakes it at him, gesturing vaguely with his free hand. “Just in case,” he insists.

“If I need anything,” Nico repeats, blinking again at the little device. It’s compact, at least, not even half the size of Will’s palm — although that doesn’t mean much — and appropriately black. There is a dorky little Pokémon charm clasped to the antenna, but it’s removable, probably. At the very least it can be stashed in a pocket. And it thankfully does not look brand-new.

“Yes.”

“From you.”

“Thus the ‘call me’.”

“���From the Underworld.”

“Would you just —” He darts out and grabs one of Nico’s hands, prying open his fist and slapping the phone in his palm, curling his fingers back over it. “Take it. Please.”

Nico takes it, twisting it in his hands.

“I’m not gonna need it, Will.”

“That’s what you think.”

“What, d’you get a dream or something? Should I be worried about this?”

“Of course you should be worried about this! You’re chasing down errant souls in the godsdamn Underworld.” He works his jaw, gaze dropping to the ground. “By — by yourself, with gods know what after you. So.”

The smile Nico had been trying to fight back pushes through the last of his defenses, softening his face, and in one move he pockets the cellphone, swallows back the laughter pushing at the bubble in his chest, and reaches out, hooking a finger under Will’s chin.

“Will,” he says, grinning when those pretty blues finally meet his eyes, when he rolls them, glancing stubbornly away again. “Will, sweetheart.” Stubborn, stubborn boy; pulling away from all of Nico’s touches but leaning into the hand he uses to tuck his hair behind his ear. Melting into it, like he always does. Nico’s smile grows into something much more smug, and his voice bleeds something teasing. “I lived there. For years. My father is the king there, if you recall. I’m something of a prince.”

“Yeah, prince of being a pain in my ass.”

Nico snorts. “You know, it’s almost like we switch roles when you’re nervous.”

“I’m not nervous, you jackass, I am responding normally to a stressful situation. That’s logic.”

Nico glances down at the nails he’s chipping, clicking them rapidly.

“You’re clicking.”

His hands still.

“…Am not.”

“Well, now you’re not.”

“Just —” He blows an errant curl out of his eyes, mouth twisting in frustration. “Call me, Nico.”

“There are maybe four places with cell reception.”

“Well, you better find them.”

Nico laughs, pulling him down at the same time he pushes up on his tiptoes, kissing the worried line between his eyes.

“I kind of like worried on you,” he admits. “You’re cute when you’re grumpy.”

Will makes a noise in the back of his throat, something halfway between a scoff and a sigh, and follows Nico’s mouth when he starts to pull away, pressing close, pressing close, pressing closer. He tastes like mint chapstick and sunshine, as usual, but his lips are bitten, and his cheeks are flushed more than usual.

“I’ll call,” Nico promises softly. He pulls away just enough to meet his eyes again, holding his gaze until he softens, nodding. “Not a lot, ‘cause I’ll be busy, but I’ll call, tesoro. Once every couple days at least.”

“I’ll come find you if you don’t,” Will grumbles, scowling when Nico laughs again, smiling when Nico kisses him on the cheek, in the nose, on the forehead and eyelids and mouth. “Stay safe.”

“Love you too, azzurro.”

[perfectlyoongi]

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who covers you every night when you fall asleep in front of the television. whether winter or summer, Yoongi always made a point of accommodating you on your small sofa. with a white blanket in the summer and a blue blanket in the winter, Yoongi covered you carefully, letting the smooth fabric begin to warm you before he considered whether or not press a kiss to your forehead. yes, you were sleeping, you wouldn’t notice. no, you could wake up, you would mock him. just a sigh and a turn away with a pink tint on his cheeks — tomorrow he would give you that kiss, yes. “one of these day you get sick and i don’t want to take care of you. i’m just saving myself work in the future. it’s just that, that’s all.”

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who would buy groceries with you just to know what you would like so he could buy it for you when you needed it most. as he pushed the cart, seeing your body walking excitedly in front of him, Yoongi always made a mental note of all the brands you touched and talked about, paying special attention to the ones where you just looked and smiled. one day, he would offer you what you like most. but you can’t know that’s the reason he always goes shopping with you. “these cookies were on sale and i know you like them, so i decided to buy them. if you want, i can go back and buy that juice you really like. it’s not a hassle at all.”

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who makes a night of ice cream and wine when life is getting more complicated for you. lit only by the lamps in your living room, sharing a large bucket of your favorite ice cream, Yoongi sat next to you and listened to your outbursts. about work or family, friends or the world in general, Yoongi would let you talk for hours if necessary, just talking to offer you more wine or agree with people’s stupidity, always ending up giving you one or two pieces of advice and a story that would make you laugh. on the most complicated nights, Yoongi would be by your side, sharing a blanket, an ice cream, and a moment that would be eternal. “tell me all your worries and let me carry them in my heart for one night. let me relieve you of the weight of reality just for one night. let me help you.”

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who only lets you sit on his bed. Yoongi’s room was sacred, just like your room was sacred. but, as with all sacred temples, short visits had to be made regularly to maintain the fantasy charm. so, whenever you invaded Yoongi’s room to show him a video or share gossip about the neighbors, he would let you sit on his bed, secretly wishing some of your scent would get lost on its clothes. but only you could do that. it didn’t matter if it was a friend or family, Yoongi only let you sit on his bed, because it was only your smell that calmed Yoongi on the most turbulent nights. “sit on the bed, it’s more comfortable. but don't hug my pillow again. last time you left it disfigured and i couldn’t sleep. be more careful with my bed, thank you.”

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who leaves you little sticky notes on the bathroom mirror when he thinks you need it the most. words of encouragement or simply some reminders, several colorful squares were left on the bathroom mirror for you to find early in the morning. Yoongi wanted to remind you that you weren’t alone, ever. Yoongi was just a sticky note away. “i know how cruel the world can be, but don’t forget that if there is light and hope in this world, it is because you are in it. never forget your worth.”

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who leaves coffee or tea made for you in the morning before leaving the house. Yoongi was always the first to wake up, and when the house was still plunged into a deep silence, Yoongi prepared your favorite hot drink at the exact moment before he left and before you woke up. ever since Yoongi started doing you that little favor, he had never failed. every morning you were treated to your not-too-hot drink and the smell of Yoongi’s perfume still in the kitchen. “i’m glad you liked the drink. i just want to do something for you to start your day off right and show you that there’s still beauty in this world.”

ROOMMATE!YOONGI who didn’t know how to confess, he only knew that it couldn’t pass that night. the feeling consumed Yoongi from the inside, devouring his soul, destroying his entire essence. Yoongi felt trapped by that feeling. Yoongi had to free himself from that weight that squeezed his heart as quickly as possible. so, that night, Yoongi helped you tidy up the kitchen and, before you even put down the cloth, he took a deep breath and, asking for help from all the angels and saints and courage from all the gods and entities, Yoongi simply spoke. “i think i like you. well, actually i don’t think, i’m sure. but i don’t want to scare you or push you away with the truth of my feelings. just… just know that i like you, a lot.”

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - I Still On1y Care About...

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Sept 2024 Week 1

Ongoing Series - Thai

Monster Next Door (Thai Thurs Gaga ) eps 7 of 12 - Deeeelightful. They are so damn cute + a nice kiss! The rise of the green flag semes continues. I like it when Diew flirts and shows that he does have some experience in a relationship, and he can/will flex his power. Props to God for being a man who remembers to TAKE HIS DRINK with him. 

Addicted Heroin (Thai Tues WeTV) ep 4 of 10 - Yep I still like it and all its toxicity. It’s fun to see how closely it follows the original. Now I really can’t wait to see how this one ends. Since this time around we get an actual ending.

Battle of the Writers (Sun YT) ep 6 of 12 - How did they know that what I wanted more than anything was a side couple = spoiled prince + demon lord? How clever they are to give them to me. Meanwhile, in a shocking twist, the leads have known each other since childhood. Because why be original? 

I Saw You in My Dream (Weds Gaga) ep 8 of 12 - Oh it’s very cute. I love Ing. I love that Ai was honest with his bestie. Best friend's older brother trope is a go! Also good kisses all round. 

Kidnap (Fri YT) ep 1 of 12 - Ohm has his shirt off less than 5 min in. I guess GMMTV is learning what we want. My boy Title is the creep character again. I’m assuming that’s why GMMTV brought him on board at this juncture. Sigh. New boy, Q, looks like Mek’s younger brother. Ultimately? I'm not convinced on this one. It is doing what it says on the tin, but nothing more than that. I’m not wild about it, but I will keep watching.

The Trainee (Sun YT) ep 10 of 12 - The more OffGun BLs, the more time they spend communicating as characters in those BLs. It’s kind of charming. They've become the pair that advocates for communication in relationships. I like it as evolution for their brand. Flirting via the printer was very fun. Especially as the Thai script is so beautiful.

Live in Love (Sun Gaga) ep 1 of 5 - I guess this is a lockdown narrative? Odd choice. A lot of familiar faces but from more minor rolls. Is this from the Destiny Seeker people? It feels like that. It’s a bigger cast than I was expecting, and a sort of classic university BL of the kind star Hunter produces. Or the end of love people. Pretty classic Thai pulp stuff. I’m mildly enjoying it. Hali is too hot to be the dorky second lead. Nice to see Boat back on my screen. However, it is… what’s the word I am looking for? Oh yes. Boring. Plus singing. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

The On1y One (Taiwan Thurs Gaga) eps 5-6 of 12 - I entirely lost my mind over this show this week. Fuck me it's so good. The delicacy sends me. I keep expecting it to be clumsy and then is just isn't - it's so subtle and it demands we pay such close attention. I feel like I'm holding my breath the whole time I'm watching.

Cliff's notes on these 2 eps as follows:

The pure unadulterated tsundere of it all.

The awesome angst, it aches.

The series of repercussions after the fight was pacing genius.

The brilliant juxtaposition of "the kid who self isolates too easily" versus "the one who has been forced into isolation" meets both of them being smart enough to know why they react out of hurt, but neither can stop doing it.

Baby’s reaction to learning he’s going to be left behind = to instantly make plans to do the leaving in the future hurts my heart in the best possible way.

"Maybe what we call eternity is just persistence."

Maybe one boy simply deciding to be another boy's rock is romance. 

Production better nail the second half of this show! It better be the world against them from here on out or the audience is gonna riot.

And by "audience" I mean me.

Sugar Dog Life (Japan Sun grey) ep 5 of 10 - Oh noes! Poor baby boy!!! My heart hurts. But also gah so cute and next week they shack up together! Hooray! 

I Hear the Sunspot AKA Hidamari ga Kikoeru (Japan Weds Gaga) ep 11 - too much time spent on the girl again. I don’t need excuses for why she’s a bitch. So can we talk about Taichi instead? It’s such a good characterization, this boy who understands everything about other people but doesn’t notice anything about himself, including his own abilities of observation. The person who is special never realizes how special they are, I guess. The soundscapes are so good with this show. The moments where prod decided to be silent are so vital and so pivotal and used with such delicacy and strategy, it’s truly audio magic manipulation.  

First Note Of Love (Taiwan Mon Gaga) eps 7-8 of 12 - I loved how Orca just jumped on the stage. What a great side couple. CHARMED I TELL YOU. Orca was all… singing? Naw. I came back to fuck the manager's brains out. Anything less than that is unacceptable. 

Takara's Treasure AKA Takara No Vidro (Japan Mon Gaga) ep 10 fin - Essentially this was a growth story for Takara and an exercise in patience while the two of them learned each other’s quirks and languages. It was also an exercise in patience for me... who doesn’t like the power differential of a weaker younger character having to do all the pursuing while constantly feeling like he is inferior to the older popular hot character. I know this was a BL that was definitely for some people, since plenty liked it way more than I did, but I didn’t like it very much even though there’s nothing objectively wrong with it. It simply wasn’t to my personal taste. 7/10 

Seoul Blues (Korea Fri? YouTube) ep 5-6 of 8 - Enter an ex or something? Well he certainly has a type. Bah. This whole series seems to be mainly about cheating. It’s very annoying because they are all so pretty. 

Happy of the End (Japan Tues Gaga) - Based on a manga, longer than usual run time. A boy is disowned for being gay, dumped by his boyfriend, and ends up in a dysfunctional co-dependant relationship with his would-be kidnapper. We were due for another messy JBL. Messy gay pain here we go.

Oh it’s exactly what I expected. Do I like it? No I do not. And ya know what? There is plenty airing. I have a bad feeling about this one. DNF 

It's airing but...

4 Minutes (Sat Gaga) eps 1-6 of 8 - Gaga picked this one up so we can watch it there. I'm waiting until the end, it seems angsty and confusing and full of awful people being awful. But also... high heat and I'm shallow. So we shall see which devil wins (and how it ends).

The Hidden Moon (Sat ????) ep 1 of 10 - This is a supernatural romance (my ghost boyfriend trope) ‘เดือนพราง’ by Violet Rain (I Feel You Linger)... A Bangkok writer is hired to write an article about an old mansion in Chiang Mai which is being converted into a café. He gets into an accident and nearly dies on his way there. After that, he sees the ghosts of people who died at the mansion, one boy catches his attention. Was substantially recast. Couldn't find it. Didn't really look.

In case you missed it

Meet You at the Blossom (China) - I'm eating crow, binging the fucker, and live blogging. It's just taking me some time. This isn't really a bingable show, not for me anyway. It's A LOT to take all at once. No new one this week.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Plus:

9/9 Jack & Joker (Thai Mon IQIYI) 12 eps? - Be gay YinWar, do crimes. Dehup gives us Yin, War, Mark and a few other familiar faces in a Leverage sitch, only queerer.

9/14 Love Sick 2024 (Thai Sat ????) ?? eps - Remake of the original. I'm scared too.

9/15 Bad Guy My Boss (Thai Sun Gaga) 10 eps - Assistant to a player boss who is in love with that boss decides to quit to save himself. The boss then makes a move. (A gay What's up with Secretary Kim?)

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

Coming SEPTEMBER 2024:

9/17 Love is Like a Poison AKA Doku Koi: Doku mo Sugireba Koi to Naru (Japan Tues Netflix?) 10 eps - Lawyer and a con artist meet at a bar, pair up, fall in love.

9/28 Teenager Judge (Vietnam Sat YouTube) ?? eps - oh I don't know just Ba Vinh doing his thing with pretty boys again.

9/? The Time of Fever (Korea iQIYI) 6 eps - HoTae & DongHee are back! Side couple from Unintentional Love Story, same actors, same character names I an WILD for this.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Not sure what this is from but I capped it for a reason so, shrug.

The scent trope AND the childhood crush trope? I see you suckering me into one trope because I like the other. Clever, Battle. Very clever.

(Last week)

Streaming services are listed by how I (usually) watch, which is with a USA based IP, and often offset by a day because time zones are a pain.

The tag BLigade: @doorajar @solitaryandwandering @my-rose-tinted-glasses @babymbbatinygirl @babymbbatinygirl @isisanna-blog @mmastertheone @pickletrip @aliceisathome @urikawa-miyuki @tokillamonger @sunflower-positiiivity @rocketturtle4 @blglplus @anythinggoesintheshire @everlightly @renafire @mestizashinrin @bl-bam-beyond @small-dark-and-delicious @saezurumurmurs

Sigh, Tumblr in its infinite wisdom doesn't like too many at-ings.

[speirslore]

band of brothers flirting styles + reaction to you flirting back

(this includes winters, nixon, speirs, lipton, roe, bull, and liebgott! but if your fav isn't here, feel free to send an ask and i'll add them!)

lmk if you would like to be on my taglist: @ronsparky @bcon24 @blueberry-ovaries @1waveshortofashipwreck @beautifulbluejay

[dick winters]

dick feels kind of useless when trying to flirt

a lot of it is nix having very middle school vibes of 'hey, my friend over there thinks you're gorgeous btw'

it's very endearing

you waltz over to where dick is and his ears are already red before you even get to the table

he'll apologize abt lew instantly and you frown like, "oh, was it a joke?"

dick immediately is like "no, no, he- i meant it"

his nervous rambling is sooo cute to you, you can only smile and say, "i'm glad and by the way, i think you're pretty gorgeous too."

if his face can go any redder, it definitely does then

when you start talking, he's slowly getting less flushed and more comfortable

but he's an overthinker so he still isn't totally convinced that you're flirting

has to have lew pull him aside, shake him a little bit, and be like, yes they are absolutely into you, yes that is flirting

i do think dick can get super flirty once he's more comfortable, like once you're dating and it's just the two of you, he's so charming and sweet

but the first time you meet, he's just so shy but still very sincere with his compliments

dick is great about making eye contact because he just thinks your eyes are so beautiful

the night ends with his hand on the small of your back

and tbh the spiciest it will get after you first meet is a kiss to his cheek when he's leaving with a napkin with your number written on it

and nix is just watching like a proud father <3

[lewis nixon]

if there's one thing lewis nixon is, he is charming

he's very used to disarming others with said charm

he is such a gentleman... he was painstakingly subjected to a lot of manners and etiquette classes as a child/teenager

and lew now puts it to good use!

he's so good at flirting with his own brand of nihilistic, high society charm

so when you flirt back and respond... he's sooo excited like this is so fun for him

lew is very used to people being completely disarmed by him

but you're not... you grinned when he walked over to where you and your friends were talking and asked you to dance, and pressed a kiss to his cheek when you said yes

he does blush faintly, which is a huge deal for lew because that never really happens

once you're dancing, oh he's a menace

he's having SO much fun, hand on your waist maybeee moving lower

he thinks you’re so funny and lew’s grin and laugh... so top tier

it's so nice when it's genuine, and even though you just met him you want to hear it again and again

he can't stop smiling like it's soooo obvious, lew makes absolutely no effort to hide how attracted to you his is

does not try to play it cool at all like he wants you sooo bad

has absolutely no shame

and it does not take long before you're making out outside the pub, already feeling familiar and warm in his arms

[ron speirs]

ron honestly feels a little silly trying to flirt

it's very hard for him to get out of his own head about it

the most intense eye contact ever?

eye contact is ron's version of flirting

'like why don't they understand i want them in every possible way... i'm looking at them??'

ron really just does not understand, he's pulling out all the stops with his slightly unnerving eye contact

and also just talking, like if he's willingly having a longer than 5 minute conversation with you and actually talking about himself? ron is actually professing his undying love

a lot of just blunt complimenting too, i mean sweet compliments but just out of nowhere, like "you have beautiful eyes, you know."

when you flirt back, touch his arm, and look up at him, he's definitely melting inside

especially if you're normally more shy or reserved... oh he's hooked

he doesn't outwardly show it... at least not obviously... but you can tell from his eyes, the way they intensify, darken, widen, and focus on you

ron does love praise

"you know lieutenant, ron, you do have gorgeous eyes, too."

"and i love your hair, the sweetest curls"

oh he's yours entirely... please give him all the words of affirmation

it gets pretty obvious when he's really responding to your flirting, staring at your lips and biting his lip, moving closer to you

has this smirk that just subconsciously appears

like lew, escalates very quickly

ron is a very physical person and that's when he can really show his attraction ;)

[eugene roe]

eugene is not confident in his flirting at all

he's very very subtle

and he honestly does better talking to someone he's attracted to by just striking up normal conversation and learning about them and not approaching it as trying to flirt

his voice goes lower and raspier if that's even possible

especially if you're in a bar, with a lot of music and voices loud, he just instinctually leans closer to your ear, face so so close

then immediately realizes he's super close to you now and tries not to freak out

gene has to get out of his own head first and when he does that, he can be so charming

he just unintentionally has that sexy suave energy

especially when he drops certain pet names in french

you flirting back is a hugeeee relief for him

and repeating said french? like yes it’s cheesy and cliche but it sounds so nice coming from your lips!

he can't hide his smile at all like, laughing into the sip of his drink

"i'm impressed," he'll murmur

"you should be, i'm pulling out all the stops for you, eugene."

oh he blushes so badly

he lovessss hearing you say his name, he's so used to only being 'doc' or 'roe', it's so nice to actually hear his name, especially coming from you <3

[bull randleman]

oh he's so sweet!

that southern drawl... yeah it's super charming

and the cigar... sorry it's super sexy

i think he would be surprised, pleasantly surprised

and then would immediately proceed to get super shy though

he feels like he's got a good head on him, resourceful, smart, etc

but it all goes out the window when you're flirting with him!

yes he def blushes

also very observant to how you're reacting

i think he would be really into kisses but would be scared to initiate anything

especially the first time meeting you

would love to dance

is he that great... no... does he feel like his hands are way too sweaty... yes... does he step on your foot a few times... maybe

but it's very endearing!

very southern gentleman of course

like he is definitely holding the door open for you, standing up when you walk into the room, etc

[joe liebgott]

joe is incredibly charming

and very honest

like he lays it on pretty thick

there's never any questioning of 'is he actually into me? or is he just talking to me?'... he leaves absolutely no room for overthinking

like you definitely know... there is never a doubt

and when you flirt back he gets the biggest, cocky grin

joe gets into it extremely quickly, will definitely immediately match your energy (and then some)

"doll, angel, pretty, cutie.." he's pulling out all the stops

loves teasing and going back and forth with you

criminal "yeah?" usage by him

the BEST at keeping eye contact, props up head with his hand just watching you talk

skinny, tipper, smokey, tab, etc are all definitely watching from a few tables away, intrigued and impressed, and very obviously

you notice and grin, "wanna give them a show?"

joe would never say no to that! so you just lean forward and kiss him, hand pulling his chin gently closer

and this man is already feral... the noises??? he has range and he's a little freaky, a little spurred on by a crowd, by his friends watching, shaking their heads, caught up into the moment

but ofc when you pull away, oh now he's shy... like he's so red

but make no mistake joe is definitely into it... very very into you

[carwood lipton]

lip feels so weird trying to flirt tbh

very much like, is this allowed?

not as like... alien as ron, more similar to dick in he's just a little, a lot, self conscious

but he's also so naturally personable and kind

and he attracts so many people naturally because of that

including you

talking in a group with a bunch of other soldiers with your friends, you're immediately drawn to him

you smiling at him definitely makes him feel more at ease

you definitely do have to encourage him to relax because he has a littleee trouble holding eye contact, looking down a lot

and then suddenly there’s another man staring at you, approaching you, and standing a little too close

and even though you don't know carwood, you're still looking at him silently for help

and ofc he's very observant of people and situations

so his hand snakes around the small of your back

and lip is naturally protective and careful, guiding you through the crowd

"my prince charming," you say and he of course blushes, muttering a small “maybe.”

"i hope so," you grin and lip can't help but smile too

[don malarkey]

does don really have a flirting style… no

he just tries his best

can hold conversation and compliment you and hope for the best

but it’s very endearing to you

don is SO easily flustered… him even approaching you at talk was huge

big difference him with his friends, he definitely talks a big talk

and babe and bill and joe get sick of listening to him talk about wanting to approach you

bill threatens to go up to you himself. he will snitch on don

but when he actually finally works up the courage to go over to you, all that bravo immediately vanished

don used up all his confidence just getting himself to approach you and he didn't really plan for anything after

struggles at first to make eye contact

goes very red, especially in his neck and ears

but it gets better! and he hypes himself up in his head because you're entertaining him, talking back and smiling at his nervousness

a lot nervous laughter

his reaction to you flirting? first, it's thank god, and the excitement takes over and he's so in his head that he forgets to respond

but gets more comfortable throughout the night, arm resting across your shoulder, cheeks warm (feeling the alcohol) but very content

[riddlemethis-or-riddlemethat]

Hello! If u don't mind i would like to req Tom Riddle x m!reader where reader is an exchange student and surprise surprise he's a parselmouth! So let's say, speaking with animals r common on where he live, n obviously Tom was intrigued

U can do anything w this prompt, sfw, nswf, whatever! I js need to feed my TR brainrot

omg yes!! this is a brilliant idea!!! thank you for requesting, I love this prompt so much

the TR brainrot is so real😔

I made the reader confident, because I felt like they would be interesting to someone as narcissistic as Tom, and he'd probably feel more curious about the new boy who seems so oddly comfortable in what should be this new, unfamiliar environment.

hope you enjoy!

tags: x male reader, kinda ooc Tom? (not really though, this is how I imagine he would act around others at Hogwarts, seeing as he was supposed to be charming and perfect, you know?), suggestive thoughts (Tom has pretty interesting thoughts about reader 😏), cocky!reader, use of y/n, not beta-read

word count: 1564

Fresh Face - TR x male!Slytherin!reader

The Great Hall buzzed with chatter, friends catching up after the holidays, first-years being welcomed to their new houses, excitement and general anticipation for the new year. Tom sat, surrounded by his friends, making idle small talk with a pleasant smile painted on his face.

Suddenly, McGonagall stood at the podium, gesturing for silence. A respectful hush fell over the Hall as people broke off their conversations to tune in.

Some keen individuals began to notice that the Sorting Hat was still out. Other even more observant students noticed the figure stood off the side of McGonagall. Some particularly enterprising students made the connection between these two observations, and concluded that this figure was a new student, about to be sorted.

But that still left the question: why was he separated from the first years?

Only one specific student, Tom, noticed that the figure was a young boy, around his age, who stood with confidence and a calmness that was odd for someone clearly in an unfamiliar environment. Tom also noticed that the boy was dressed in brand new school robes, unmarked but pressed and proper, high quality and perfectly tailored, highlighting the boy’s long legs and muscular chest and strong thighs and-.

Tom moved on.

He noticed more. He noticed movement.

Movement?

Yes, right there, on the boy’s shoulders, around his neck (and what a lovely neck it was, Tom wanted to know what it would look like bruised and with his hands wrapped around it-). A dark, sleek thing, winding about the boy, a small, narrow head, a flicking tongue...

A snake?

Tom watched, in curiosity, as the snake shifted, pressing its face close to the boy's ear, hissing something Tom couldn’t hear, too far away. He watched, in shock, as the boy chuckled, slanting a gaze towards the snake and rolling his eyes (Godric, what Tom wouldn’t give to see those gorgeous eyes roll for another reason-).

Bloody hell, what was with him today, these cursed thoughts were getting out of hand.

Tom watched, intrigued and definitely not obsessively so, as the boy (a parseltongue?), turned back to the podium, attention back on Professor McGonagall, who had finished her speech.

Tom was ashamed to realise he had heard absolutely none of it, and he could only watch as McGonogall turned to the mysterious boy, calling him up.

“Y/n Y/l/n, if you could please come up.” McGonagall called out.

Well, at least he knew his name.

Tom watched as the boy strode up the stage, nodding politely at Professor McGonagall, a small gesture of respect and deference that detracted nothing from his confidence. The snake was still on the boy's shoulders, mostly hidden by the boy’s robes.

The boy, Y/n, sat down on the chair, elegant and comfortable, waiting as McGonagall placed the hat on his head. Y/n’s eyes slipped shut for a moment, a small smirk spread across his face as he opened them again, a loud declaration of “Slytherin!” ringing out across the Great Hall from the old hat.

Tom found that a small, barely noticeable twitch had occurred on his own lips, tugging them slightly upward in a mirror of Y/n’s smirk. Tom quickly reigned in his features, unfortunately not before Mattheo, his younger brother, noticed it, a teasing smirk spreading across his face, an expression promising misery later.

Suddenly, gasps rang out across the Great Hall, and Tom watched in awe as the boy gracefully stood from the seat, each movement powerful and controlled. That wasn’t what the mindless fools about him were gasping at, however. They were gaping at the beautiful, gorgeous snake on Y/n’s shoulders, uncurling from where it was looped about his neck, baring its head and hissing out at the crowd.

“Look at these idiots.”

Tom raised a brow at the snake’s rather offensive comment.

Y/n chuckled, a hand lifting to stroke at the snake’s head, a languid smirk on his face as he walked off the stage, joining the Slytherin table amidst hesitant cheers and staggered applause.

“I know, Nyx, I know. But it’s rather funny isn’t it?”

Tom could barely hold back the smirk as he heard your response.

“I suppose...”

Tom grunted in surprise, glaring at Mattheo, who had elbowed him in the ribs, and at Theo and Enzo, who were snickering behind their hands and avoiding his gaze by collapsing into each other.

“What’s got you gawking, Tommy?” Mattheo asked, a cocky smirk on his face as he avoided Tom’s retaliation.

“None of your business.”

“Aww come on, don’t be like that Tommy. I’m your little brother, it’s practically my duty to make it my business.”

Tom scowled, swatting at Mattheo’s head and slapping him, hard.

Mattheo whined, rubbing his head and glaring at Tom.

“You’re mean. And your boy is staring at you.”

Tom was embarrassed at how quickly he turned his head, the tips of his ear flushing slightly and a scowl fixing on his face as Mattheo cackled with Theo and Enzo, laughing at him.

All thoughts of revenge and fratricide were chased out of his mind as he looked at you, your (beautiful, merlin) eyes already staring at him, meeting in a thrilling clash of wills.

The snake, Nyx, flicks its tongue, looking at Tom assessingly.

A shame you were seated so far, Tom had no means of speaking with you right now. Whatever, he was a Prefect, and in your new house. He’d find time.

You smiled passively before turning away, paying attention to the young boy engaging you in conversation.

Tom, too, turned back to his brother and friends, scowl returning as he watched them falling over each other and howling with laughter.

****

You were reading peacefully in the common room, catching up on topics covered at Hogwarts your old school hadn’t covered, when you felt a presence approaching you, and the cold nose of Nyx, your pet snake, pressing against your neck. You look up, seeing Tom Riddle, Slytherin’s perfect prince, heading towards you.

You slid a bookmark into your textbook, marking the page before closing it and setting it aside. As Tom approaches you, he smiles pleasantly, eyes calculating as he greets you.

“Y/l/n, right? Nice to meet you, I’m Tom Riddle, the Slytherin prefect.” He extends a hand, elegant, pale, and slender. You take it, shaking it in yours and noting how cool it was to the touch in contrast to your own warmth.

“Yes, nice to meet you, Riddle.”

Nyx raises her head, peering at Tom.

“Hello, speaker.” she hisses, and you turn to the snake, brows lifting in surprise. You had been warned that Hogwarts had no speakers.

“Hello, I am Tom Riddle, what is your name?” Tom speaks back, calm and collected.

“Nyx. You seem more intelligent than the buffoons around us.”

You laugh, fond amusement at your snake’s discontent with the lack of intellect surrounding you.

“Sorry about her, she’s crabby about the move.” You hiss, speaking to Tom as you pet Nyx’s smooth scales.

“I was told there were no speakers at Hogwarts. That it was considered... Dark arts.” you speak, tone questioning as you raise a brow at Tom, your eyes appraising.

He just smirks, his eyes equally calculating. “It is considered Dark, yes. And no-one but my closest friends and trusted know of me. You are quite bold to have revealed your... talents, so readily to the whole school, Y/l/n.”

Tom was intrigued, fascinated, curious even. (obsessed~ sings a voice in the back of Tom’s head that sound suspiciously like Mattheo)

“They can’t do anything about me, and I refused to leave Nyx lonely and unattended.” you shrug, smiling at Tom.

“You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?” Tom raises his brow, smirking at you.

You smirk at him as you pick up your book, standing and walking past him to your dorm room.

“I’ll see you around, Riddle.” You call out over your shoulder.

Tom chuckles to himself as you walk away (and salazar, that ass-), before turning away to return to his dorm for the night.

The minute he walked into the dorm, he was greeted by jeering and snickering from all fronts, Mattheo, Lorenzo, Theodore, the assholes three.

He ignored the hollering of the three idiots, and strode into the en suite bathroom, showering and getting ready for bed.

When he stepped out of the bathroom, it was to be met with Mattheo and Theo looping arms around his shoulders and walking him over to their bed, one either side, and Lorenzo sprawled on his bed, laughing his head off as the Theo-duo menaces traded matching smirks and launched into a merciless interrogation and endless teasing.

****

After substantial ribbing and general bullying from all three fronts, and Mattheo being dramatic and snuggling with Theo and Lorenzo cooing over him in a bed together after Tom hexed him, Tom settled into his own bed, his eyes slipping shut as he systematically went through the memories of his day, filing them away as was demanded.

Eventually, he fell into his memories of you.

Y/n Y/l/n.

Parseltongue, exchange student, smart, snarky, confident. (hot, gorgeous, delicious-)

Curiouser and curiouser.

Tom smirked to himself as he crafted a new room in his mind, one just for you.

He fell asleep with one thought in his mind.

This was going to be interesting.

****

Word Count: 1564

I might do a continuation of this eventually, it's a great idea! thank you so much for the request @prettorett I hope you enjoy this!

🥰🥰

tag: @helendeath this is the fic haha

[moonstruckme]

who knew camp counsellor james would have such a hold on me-

i feel like one one of the last days of the camp before they have to go back to experiencing the joys of the real world james would sneak the reader out past curfew to indulge in a late night campfire session or smth yk? it would just be really cute-

Thanks for requesting lovely!

camp counselor!James x fem!reader ♡ 1.2k words

It took you a while to clear the fog of sleep from your head, and you could really argue that you didn’t fully wake up until after you’d put your shoes on and slipped out of your cabin to let James take you into the woods. Your decision making abilities were definitely not fully functioning. 

Not because you wouldn’t have gone if they were, but because you probably would have put on real shorts. 

You feel strangely underdressed in your pajamas while James leads the way in his everyday clothes. Whatever this is—you haven’t had the wherewithal to ask many questions—it was clearly pre-planned on his end, and you hadn’t been clued in until he’d tapped on the window by your bunk bed and asked you to come outside. 

“Careful of that hole there,” he warns you, voice chipper and oddly loud in the quiet of early morning, though you think he’s speaking at a normal volume. 

You step over the hole he’d gestured to, every step helping you to shed the lethargy you’ve carried out of your cabin with you. The world around you is lightening, your sandaled feet brushing against wet blades of grass and mist pleasantly chilling your skin. There’s an excitement coming off James that’s more contagious the more you wake up. 

“Where are we going?” you ask.

“The top of the hill.” 

“Why?” 

“God, can’t I have any secrets?” He tosses you a smile over his shoulder. “It’s a surprise.” 

You roll your eyes even though he can’t see. “Is the surprise that you’re going to murder me?” 

“Well, now you’ve spoiled it.” 

You don’t actually think James would murder you. He may be serial-killer charming, but he’s the sort of kind that persists even when no one is looking and you truly don’t think he’s got a malicious bone in his body. There’s certainly nothing malicious about the way he looks at you now, turning to watch you finish the climb as he steps into the clearing beyond the trees. 

This grassy bluff (referred to lovingly by camp staff as “the hill”) overlooks the lake and the uninhabited, wooded land opposite your camp. On the horizon, you can see thin wisps of fog coating the landscape, tinged faintly yellow by the emerging light though the sun hasn’t yet broken the surface. 

This isn’t somewhere the kids ever really come, but still management has built a wooden fence along the edge of the hill to make sure no one misses the drop-off or tries to jump into the lake below. James walks up to it like this is something he does every day, putting his legs between the two boards so he’s sitting on one with his arms folded across the other. 

You follow suit, though you’re still not sure why you’re here. James set a hand on your back to keep you from tipping backwards while you get situated, and even through the material of your pajama top, it burns like a brand. 

“So, this is the plan,” you say, hating the nervous pitch of your voice. Even though you and James see each other every day, it’s rare that you’re so thoroughly alone with him. “You’re going to dump me in the lake, and then blame it on my own recklessness for climbing over the fence.” 

“Yes, you’ve figured me out,” James replies, but his heart doesn’t seem in the joke anymore. “No, I was just thinking, we never get any time away from the kids.” 

“Except the bonfire.” It’s out of your mouth before you can stop it, the closest either of you have come to acknowledging what happened in the woods that night. You blame exhaustion for the slip. James’ eyes widen slightly, his lips parting like he might say something, but you go on in a hurry, “But yeah, generally we don’t.” 

James quells his surprise, lips turning up again. “Right. I’ve been wanting to come up here to watch the sunrise—it’s the only place you can really see it around here—and I figured we may as well. Friday’s our last day, you know?” 

The levity goes out of you in a soft breath. You turn your gaze towards the horizon. “Yeah,” you acknowledge. 

The end of camp heavies your heart for loads of reasons, but lately the idea of not seeing James has been your least favorite. It’s both of your first summer here, and you’re already planning to come back next year but you don’t know if he’ll do the same. 

You find yourself asking, “Are you ready to go home?” 

The boards creak as James shifts his weight. “There are people I miss, so I’ll be happy to get back to them, but…no, not really. I feel like things have ended too fast. Like, I thought there’d be more time, but now all of a sudden we’re meant to start packing. Are you?” 

You look at James. His hair really has gotten long. There are curls that you think if pulled would stretch nearly to the tip of his nose. You remember when he’d shown up for training, three days before the kids got here, cleaner and several shades lighter and by far the most handsome man you’d ever seen. You’d hardly been able to look at him that first day, so nervous about tripping over your tongue and embarrassing yourself before being stuck with this gorgeous boy for the entire summer, but James’ geniality proved relentless. By dinnertime he’d had you trading your fruit for his fries and the camaraderie between you after that had been easy and fun, if not always strictly friendly. 

“Not really,” you agree, offering him a halfhearted smile. 

James’ knee bumps yours, and all the heat in your body seems to focus on the spot. He smiles back at you. “I’m gonna miss you,” he says, tone light but eyes heavy. 

Your head feels staticky. “I’m gonna miss you, too,” you say. Any other time your voice would be too quiet to hear, but the morning is still, and James feels closer to you than he was a few moments before. “You’re right, I wish there’d been more time for…things.” 

“We could keep in touch.” His voice has gone soft too. You can almost feel his warm breath on your face. “I don’t live that far from you, we could meet up on weekends, or…” 

“Right,” you murmur, but you only get about halfway through before his lips are on yours. 

James tastes like toothpaste and fresh air, and he kisses just like you thought he would, giving and taking in equal measure. His mouth is warm and easy on yours, testing the waters, feeling out what you want. You grip his shoulder to pull him closer, and despite the awkward angle he obliges you. Your head fills with buzzing bees. 

You lose your balance and nearly fall off the fence, but James catches you, laughing into your mouth. He eases you both down onto the ground, appeasing you with kisses to your cheek, your jaw, the side of your nose until he finds his way back to your lips. The dewy wetness of the grass seeps into your clothes. 

You feel more than see the sun rising over the lake. Golden light blooms on the insides of your eyelids, followed by a faint warmth on that side of your face. You find you’re actually alright with missing this one.

[he-calls-me-kitten]

Playlist Drabbles #01

Writing random smut drabbles based on songs from my playlist (Solomon, Asmodeus, Mammon)

"We don't gotta be in love, no,

I don't gotta be the one, no,

I just want to be one of your girls tonight."

(One of your girls - Weekend ft. Jennie, Lily-Rose Depp)

Solomon is just happy you're here with him right now. Wrapped up only in his bedsheets and his arms. He can't sleep, no it would be a waste. He needs to cherish this - he won't have it for very long.

When you're both back home, you'll be surrounded by everyone again. He will never be your only one - not with those brothers in the competition. But he is one of the many that gets to feel your warmth and affection and for now, this is all he needs. It's more than he can hope for.

"MC? You're still awake aren't you?" He coos softly knowing you're not asleep yet either.

"Yes, just like you." You say, tracing the bags underneath his eyes with your pretty fingers. He can feel his heart melting. What a lovely apprentice he has.

"Can we go...one more time?" Slowly, his hand traces your curves, so you can refute him anytime. But you clench your thighs around his waist and kiss him on the mouth, smiling.

"I'd like that." You say coyly. His eyes darken in desire as he climbs on top of you, positioning himself between your legs. He's not the only one that does this to you - but it's just been you and him every night since you came here. He'll have to give that up soon - but atleast not yet. Atleast not tonight.

"Please tell me I'm your one and only,

Or lie and say atleast tonight,

I've got a brand new cure for lonely,

And if you give me what I want,

I'll give you what you like."

(Give you what you like - Avril Lavigne)

Asmo doesn't always like using his powers. Why did he always have to use them to make people like him? Wasn't he enough just as he was? Wasn't he beautiful?

Who else can answer him, if not the only person who doesn't get affected by his charm. "MC..." He barges into your room, desperate to be held. To be loved.

"Asmo...you're so perfect." You cradle his face as you ride him. Tears pool at the corner of his eyes, out of joy, out of reassurance along with the obvious pleasure of your walls clamping down on him.

"MC...You really mean that?" Like a wounded puppy he tilts his head to the side, intertwing his fingers with yours. He bucks up his hips upward, deeper inside you. You moan and struggle to balance yourself.

"Of course, Asmo..." He doesn't care even if you're lying at this point. It just feels good to even hear you say that. He feels so loved and ethereal as you gently press kisses on his neck and shoulders so you don't blemish his flawless skin. And he impatiently flips you around to return the favor.

"With all the lights off,

Everything is wrong, but it's alright,

Everything is wrong, but it's alright,

You're the only good thing in my life."

(You're the only good thing in my life - Cigarettes after Sex)

Mammon feels like shit some days. With his sin taking over, Lucifer's overbearing rage, his brothers' disappointment - it's all too much for him. Sick of being holed up in his room, he decides to get out of house to clear his head.

You are late that day, and he's already disgruntled about it. Maybe he'll go out and fetch you himself. Some attendant you are. They should increase your hours at HOL.

But lo and behold, there you are standing right at the door. "Hey Mammon, going somewhere?" He takes you by the hand and leaves the house. "Oi, you know Devildom like the back of your hand, don't ya? Take me somewhere new." He asks.

You take him to a hotel with a shimmering pool. He's never been here before, but he feels an odd sense of familiarity with it. Especially when he kisses you fervently, his hands practically ripping your clothes off you. He feels so much better once he's inside you.

"The Great Mammon likes this place. Bring me back here again soon." He says as he keeps driving with one hand on your thigh. His life might be a hot mess but atleast you're here. And that makes everything so much better.

[dongfuck]

wi-fi - l.dh

pairing: neighbour!haechan x fem!reader

genre: fluff, smut, slight angst

warnings: masturbation, swearing, teasing, flirting, oral (m), fingering, cunnilingus, nipple play, LOTS of make out, kitchen sex, rimming, cum play, slight ass play, anal, slight riding

wc: 5.0k

note: NOT PROOFREAD!! this was rushed i’m sorry 😭😭 also, did you catch my perfume and cardan reference?

“Ugh! What is wrong with the wifi?!” You grunted in displeasure as jumped out of bed unwillingly and marched toward your living room to check on the router. Kneeling by the small white table you’d set up for it, you scanned the object thoroughly before noticing the small red blinking lights that were supposed to be green. “So what am I supposed to do?” You asked yourself. It wasn’t the first time this’s occurred. In fact, there were multiple days where you spent relying on your 2G data because the stupid wifi wouldn’t work. Sighing, you leaned your body slightly to the front and turn off the plug for ten seconds before switching it on again. You waited and waited for what seemed like weeks until finally the led lights on the router were back to normal, green.

Releasing a sound of what you’d call relief, you plopped yourself onto the sofa next to it and continued playing games on your phone. That was, until the wifi was down again. The sound you let out when you saw the loading screen on your phone was almost animalistic, somewhat satanic even. But you decided you weren’t having any of this bullshit anymore so what you did was open the settings app, clicked on ‘Wi-Fi’, before looking for available internet connections. Though to your dismay, all of them needed a password. Groaning, you glanced at the list of connections and recognised them to be your neighbours’s. Some you knew quite well and some not so. Deciding to try your luck, you clicked on a connection labeled, ‘ichaez’ before typing in all you know about her for the password.

Chaewon had been your neighbour ever since you first moved in here and you’re proud to say that you know her quite well. So you were disappointed when all your passwords attempts to ‘borrow’ her wifi led you nowhere. Clicking your tongue, you scrolled lower and saw Mark’s internet connection with the label ‘mark me in your heart’. You almost gagged at the label but your annoyance toward your own wifi overpowered that. You tried everything. Everything. Or at least, everything you know about him, but still didn’t manage to get though. Third time’s the charm, you thought as you scrolled even lower until something finally catches your attention. It was the internet connection of the neighbour to your left. You guys barely talked, but when you do, he seems almost charming. Seductive, even. And don’t get me wrong, I mean it in the best way possible.

He was kind, but also entrancing. He’d throw you flirty smiles or winks or waves whenever you two would pass each other on your way out. You’d catch yourself having to stop dead in your tracks for half a second before returning the same gesture and walking off. Shaking your head rid of the thought of him, you shakily clicked on his connection labeled, ‘ldhs’ before typing in the few things you know about him. It took you multiple tries and you were almost at the brink of giving up until your final attempt turned out to be correct. It was the brand of his perfume. Dyptique Orphéon. You knew this because there was this one time where the two of you were having a conversation at one of the monthly resident meetings and his perfume at that moment was so strong it felt intoxicating. And the one thing that you noticed about this was the way it triggered something unpleasant in you. That’s a story for another time though.

“Yes!” You squealed when you finally managed to crack the password. “I hope he doesn’t notice.” He probably won’t. But if he does, he wouldn’t mind… Right?

It’s been nearly a week now since you’ve started using Donghyuck’s wifi connection and so far, everything’s going smoothly. Donghyuck hasn’t realised and you haven’t got a problem with the internet connection yet. Don’t get me wrong, you only use his when yours was acting up, which is almost all the time but we don’t talk about that. You just got home from work and you’re now walking up to the elevator as you looked through your phone. You’d received an email from your boss about the presentation you’re working on and you couldn’t seem to take your eyes off the screen.

As you pressed the button to your floor half-heartedly, you didn’t notice the man that entered the elevator with you. Typing away on your phone, you heard a voice suddenly speak. “Y/n, right?” At the sound of your name, your gaze slowly lifted and made contact with the guy from across you. He was wearing a dark blue suit with his blazer slung across his forearm. You noticed the way his matching tie was loose, almost as if he had thrown a fit earlier. “Donghyuck?” You called back, with the same questioning tone. “It is you,” He smiled. “I haven’t seen you around in a while. How are things going?” The way he spoke sounded utterly genuine and kind that you couldn’t help but slowly melt into his gaze. With your own smile, you replied, “I mean, pretty fine I guess. Nothing’s changed that much.” You shrugged before your eyes drifted to the screen atop the automatic doors which displayed the floor you were currently in. Right now, you’re on level seven and you live on level fourteen so there’s still quite a long way to go.

“What floor are you again?”

With teasingly narrowed eyes, he looked at you oddly. “I live right next to you.” Donghyuck said. “Oh, right! That’s right…” You laughed awkwardly. Silence once again filled the space between you and you couldn’t help but wish the elevator would just go slightly faster. “Do you uh… Perhaps, wanna come over? To my place? Like later today? For dinner? Around eight maybe,” He gave you a hopeful look and you swore that you could feel the blood pumping in your veins. It’s not like it’s the first time he’s asking you over, instead, you think it’s the first time you might actually say yes. “I’ll come knocking on your door at a quarter past eight.” You smiled and almost as if on cue, the elevator dings and you’re heading straight to your door.

Sparing him one last glance, you watched as he further loosened his tie and unbuttoned a few of the top buttons of his white button-up before unlocking the door to his apartment, not forgetting to throw you a teasing smile on his way in. Once the door was fully shut, you let out a loud exhale of a breath you didn’t realise you were holding before entering your own home. Placing your laptop bag on one of the couches, you plopped yourself next to it before letting your mind wander. It was Donghyuck again. Only this time, he's topless. He was looking at you with hungry eyes as he carefully made his way to you. You could see yourself being frightened by the mere size of him compared to yourself. Unconsciously, your fingers started to tug at your panties before the feeling of pure bliss took over your body.

As the vision of Hyuck began becoming even more real as seconds go by, you find your fingers pleasuring yourself even further. Your movements were rapid and sloppy but it did help get you high enough that you feel like your floating. Suddenly, as if there wasn't any other time, your fingers immediately stilled as you looked back at your actions. There was no way in hell you just masturbated to the thought of your (sexy) neighbour. And to think that you almost orgasmed too. You shook your head instinctively before making your way to your bedroom and shutting the door behind you loudly. Glancing at the digital clock on your vanity, you figured that you should at least take a nap before getting ready for Donghyuck's place. Your beige-coloured coat was thrown onto the chair to your desk before you were lounging yourself onto your bed. "I should probably set an alarm." And so you did just that. The alarm on your phone was set to seven in the evening and with that you drifted off to sleep.

You weren't sure how it happened but it was definitely not seven when you woke up. The shock that entered your body when you woke up at exactly eight can't even be explained. Instantly, you rushed out of bed as you stripped your clothes off one by one on your way to the bathroom. You wouldn't want to appear at his place smelling like an overused dumpster. The only thing on your mind as you were showering were how in the hell were you supposed to be there in time? I mean, of course it is a half second walk to his place but there was no way your going to get ready in fifteen minutes. The soap that was smeared around your body probably wasn't even spread evenly but that was the least of your worries. The shower took you about ten minutes at minimum before you were drying your hair with a towel. You had no time for the dryer today. Looking through your clothes took longer that you'd hoped but you finally ended up wearing a simple white tee with a pair of shorts. You contemplated on going for a more formal attire and casual one but you chose comfortability over beauty. Besides, you're just having dinner at his place right?

The time that was displayed on the clock was a quarter to nine but you refused to look at it. Grabbing your phone from the nightstand, you checked yourself in the mirror one last time before letting out a breath and heading out the door. Though, the second you opened the door, you were face to face with the one and only Lee Donghyuck who had his right hand in the air, ready to knock on your door. Your gaze drifted to his choice of clothing for this evening and to your surprise, he was wearing the exact same thing you were, just with knee-length shorts. It seems that the realisation dawned upon the both of you at the same time when you suddenly broke into fit of laughter. "What are you doing here?" You questioned as you locked the door behind you and Donghyuck took a step back. "I got worried I guess... You weren't replying to my texts so I came over to check... Y'know, just in case.”

You couldn't help the smile that fought its way to your lips when you noticed his gaze looking everywhere but you. Deciding to change the topic, you said, "Dinner's still on?" to which he replied with a beaming, "Of course!". Exchanging genuine and shy smiles with each other, you nudged him on the shoulder playfully before walking towards his front door that was agape. "You do know its's dangerous leaving your front door wide open like this?" A left brow of yours was raised as you leaned against the frame. He seemed to be avoiding your statement when he answered with something totally irrelevant. "Do invite yourself in," Another smile. It's definitely one of the most charming smiles you've ever received. Doing exactly as he said, you walked in with awe visible on your face as you looked around his welcoming and tidy apartment. "Well aren't you neat?" You joked. "It's Donghyuck, what do you expect?" He walked past you to the dining table before filling your plates with dinner.

Taking a seat with your back to the door, you had to swallow a lump of saliva at the sight of the dish. "You made this?" You threw a glance at Donghyuck who was sitting by you. "Yeah. It's my mum's recipe. She taught me recently. Give it try." He gestured toward your plate and you gladly shoved a forkful of spaghetti into your awaiting mouth. It was as if the flavours were bursting into tiny fireworks in your mouth as you took your time savouring the taste of his cooking. "I'll have to tell you, you're an amazing cook." You nodded affirmatively as confirmation. "Dang, it's that good?" At that, you rolled your eyes teasingly and urged for him to try it himself. As he did, you watched as he had his eyes shut and head thrown back dramatically in ecstasy. You knew it was just him being his usual hubris self (not that you knew much about him) but you couldn't help but want to see more. Even more so when a soft moan left his pretty lips that you caught yourself biting on your own when you heard it.

As you were stuck in your own delusional mind, Donghyuck seemed to have caught up to your thoughts when he finished his dramatics. "There seems to be a whole lot on your mind now." He tilted his head with a teasing smirk playing on his lips. Snapping out of your trance, you looked at him with a puzzled look on your face. "What?" Your voice was small and confused. He looked like he was about to say something when you continued, "Why don't we just eat?" You stuffed your mouth full of food to avoid him from saying anything else, "Shit, this is amazing!" You nodded subconsciously. When you noticed his gaze was still on you, you swallowed your food whole before looking at him with hopeful eyes. "Please... Eat with me?" Suddenly, his amused laugh filled the room and you found yourself smiling silently as you watched him filling his mouth just like you did.

Dinner was finally over and your now sitting on his extremely comfortable nude-coloured sofa, chatting. "You can use my wifi if you'd like. I can enter the password for you." It was at that moment that you felt panic rush over you. You couldn't just tell him that you already have it and you've been using it for over a month now because you found out that his password was the name of of his favourite perfume. You just can't. But you told him anyway. 'Cause you're an idiot that is bad at lying. "Oh it's fine, I already have it." You laughed awkwardly before realisation dawned upon you. "Wait... What?" Donghyuck had this perplexed expression on his face and you almost felt guilty. Keyword, almost. You bit your lip gently and nodded slowly before looking toward the ground. ''Hold on... So you mean to tell me, that you know the password to my wifi? And I'm guessing you've been using it ever since?" His eyes were sharp, degrading even and all you wanted at that moment was for the ground to swallow you whole.

"Huh. So that's why my internet bills has been increasing a lot these days. How often do you even use the internet?" Standing up abruptly, you walked closer to him and stood slightly further from between his legs that were spread excessively wide. You noticed his eyebrows raising slightly as you took a deep breath and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry. It's just that my wifi has been acting up lately and it just so happens that I figured out your passwo-" He cut you off with a question of his own. "How would you know my password? Unless you've been smelling me, I'm you wouldn't've cracked it. Out of sudden you think you felt a wave of confidence crashing over you because your next words came out unconsciously. "Maybe I have been smelling you." Right then, he slowly got up from his seat before you were both eyeing each other up and down.

The mere size of him has you catching your breath but you knew better than to show any reaction. The both of you were so close to each other that you could smell his perfume with every inhale. And you’re not overreacting. His hand that was once by his side was now carefully making its way to you waist. “Have you now?” The way the words glided his tongue ever so smoothly makes you wanna take him right then and there but this is someone that you’ve barely talked to. And you don’t even know his favourite colour. The hand that began caressing your waist eventually started to tug you closer to him. “Hyuck…” You managed to let out a whisper at the feeling. “Hyuck?” A playful smile danced on his lips. Lifting your gaze you stared deeply into his eyes before tilting your head to the left slightly. “Is there a problem?” He scoffed at that. Probably out of amusement. “No, not at all. Call me whatever you want.”

“DongDongie?” You batted your eyelashes at him, feigning innocence. “Okay, maybe not that.” He was gripping your waist with both his hands now and you could feel him coming even closer than he already was. If that was even possible. That was it. You are not gonna sit still and look pretty. You’re coming for this guy. And just like that, your lips were all over him. Coating his cheeks, jawline, and neck with your kisses. The only feature missing was his lips. Those pink, fluffy lips. “Kiss me,” Donghyuck said between breaths. “And why should I?” You asked with a soft voice. “Please…” He rested his forehead to yours as your hips finally met. You could feel him through his confines and you swore you let out a tiny moan at the friction. So tiny that he could barely hear it. Without saying another word, you immediately attached your lips to his before moving in perfect synchronisation with each other.

Just as he was about to slide a tongue in, you pulled away. “Why..?” Donghyuck’s hands released your waist before it was cupping your cheeks gently. Softy caressing his forearm, you responded. “I just don’t feel like—”

“No,” He placed a wet kiss to your jaw before pulling back and continuing, “Kiss me again. Kiss me until I’m sick of it.” You couldn’t form words to respond to that so you simply ran your hand through his hair before connecting your lips once again. Donghyuck let out a groan few seconds after and the warmth it left on your lips has you wanting more. With your free hand, you reached down lower to his crotch as you once again ruffled through his hair. His hard-on felt almost like stone when you first palmed it. And at that moment, you wonder how hard he’d gotten and that if it really was because of you. You felt him spin you around before lowering you onto the couch slowly with your lips still attached.

Hurriedly, you released yourself from him and frantically pulled his white tee off his body, leaving him in his shorts. “What’s the rush? I’m not going anywhere.” Donghyuck laughed lowly. You didn’t answer him though. Instead, you placed butterfly kisses along his abdomen leading up to his happy trail. When you were right above the waistband of his shorts, you looked up at him with teasing eyes as you slowly pulled it down. “Fuck… You’re adorable.” Donghyuck caressed the top of your head lovingly before thrusting his hips into your hold desperately. “Please… Take these off too.” He gestured to his black boxers that seemed to be two sizes smaller. Giving him a small peck at the tip through his confines, you gently removed his boxers and left them pooled around his ankles.

The second they were off him, his hard cock immediately sprang out and managed hit the tip of your nose. You were surprised to say the least. You always knew he would be big but you didn’t expect him to be this big. There were a couple of his veins visible to you and you couldn’t fight the urge to give them a strong lick. A sigh could be heard from him as his head lolled back in bliss. But before you could enclose his dick with your mouth, he pulled your head back by your hair and looked at you with dark eyes. “It’s really not fair that you’re still fully clothed.” Donghyuck raised his brows suggestively. “Fine.” You answered simply. Taking a step further from you, Hyuck watched as you threw your shirt across the room and unbuttoned your shorts. “Happy?” He pretended to ponder a little before shaking his head side to side. “Not quite. You’re still clothed.” Gesturing to your bra and underwear, he smirked at you subtly as you flipped him off.

Complying, you unclipped your bra and removed your underwear before sitting back on the couch with your legs closed. You could feel the confidence draining out of you now that you’re completely naked in front of him. “That’s more like it.” Just as he said that his lips come crashing back onto yours, this time more aggressive and rough. His left hand that was once by your head was now stuffed between your legs, prying them open in a blink of an eye. The small gasp you let out when his fingers began rubbing your pussy up and down wasn’t loud enough to be heard throughout the apartment, but it was definitely loud enough to leave Donghyuck wanting more. Pulling away from your lips, he suckled on your right nipple as his digits teased your gaping hole. He was on his knees by now. The sight of his tongue flicking your nipple and his fingers playing with your clit has you almost reaching your high. But it was still so far away.

Finally after what seemed like hours of him just teasing you, he finally entered his fingers inside you in a smooth motion. The both of you moaned in sync at the feeling of your warmth engulfing him. Hyuck let his fingers sit there for a moment as he licked a striped down your pussy from your boobs before giving your clit a harsh suck. “Fuck! Hyuck!” Your hands found their way between his hair and you were now tugging and pulling at it roughly. It’s should’ve pained him but it seems to you that he’s enjoying it more than you were. His tongue moved in languid motions as his fingers finally found themselves to be working at a steady pace. Looking up from your heat, he watched you rolls your eyes to the back of your skull with your chest heaving up and down and your hand tugging him closer.

Your orgasm was reaching its peak and you couldn’t even register anything at the moment as your mind was filled with blurry visions and cloudy thoughts. “Fuck, Fuck, Fuck…” You chanted. “You close?” He said with a whispery voice and the vibration and warmth it left was the last thing you needed to once and for all let your high come crashing over you. A loud moan left your lips as you came in his mouth and on his fingers, hard. Once you’ve calmed down a little, you looked at Hyuck who was now towering over you with his fingers in his mouth, before saying, “I think I’m gonna cry.” It was starting to overwhelm you. With Donghyuck licking your release off his fingers and the sight of his increasingly hardening dick, you felt like crying.

He laughed again. Almost at you instead of because of you but you weren’t at your right mind at the moment to even think much of it. “Aww don’t cry, sweetie. Not until I tell you too.” His words had a different meaning to them but his expression was like sunshine. His beaming smile made you carve your own smile back before you threw your head back tiredly and sighed. You thought it was over. That you were just gonna bid your goodbyes and go home. But no. For him, you’re just getting started. It surprised you when you suddenly felt him lift you from the couch and headed towards the kitchen. “Hyuck? What are you—”

“I’ve always wanted to do this in here.” Said Donghyuck airily before he bent you over the kitchen island. His fingers drawing little circles on your back. “You look so pretty like this. With no way to escape from me.” His digits found your hole again before collecting your cum on his fingers and smearing them around your rim. The risk of him entering you there has your knees shaking from the thrill. “You like that? You want me there?” His face was right next to yours now and you just wanted to give him a big fat smooch but the only thing stopping you were his movements. “Answer me.” He tipped his fingers deeper inside you just before it reached where you wanted him to. “Yes, please… Please fuck me there.” Gripping the kitchen island harder, you jutted your hips out even more towards him just to feel his hard cock between your ass. You weren’t sure what you heard him mutter under his breath but it sounded a lot like, “Shit…”

He started to slowly move himself between the crook of your ass. His dick peaking out of the gap with each thrust. Donghyuck’s groans filled your ears as his movements began speeding up. Leaving small kisses to the top of your head, he nuzzled his face on your shoulder with small ragged breaths. “I need to fuck you.” He said in your ear, and before you got the chance to answer, he was already lubing up both his length and your rim. The stretch when he entered you was extremely painful and he wasn’t even halfway through yet. “Hyuck!” You laid yourself flat against the cold marble surface. as he slowly bottomed out inside you. You could see yourself almost passing out but his voice snapped you back to reality. “Can I move?” He asked softly with a rub to your ass. “Slowly.” You told him.

Doing just that, Donghyuck carefully pulled himself almost all the way out before thrusting. This went for a few seconds before the two of you couldn’t take it anymore and he was pounding into you ruthlessly. “Shit! Hyuck—” Your legs trembled and your hands were searching frantically for anything to grab on which ended up tugging on his locks once again. “Fuck baby— S-So tight…” His words were slurred but you heard him just fine. A few more thrusts and you were already approaching your orgasm. You figured Hyuck noticed this when he told you, “Just a little more, pretty.” with a dreamy tone. Nodding mindlessly against the kitchen island, you let your eyes close lightly as Hyuck continued pounding sloppily into you. You knew he was close so you wanted to wait for him. To release together.

“So close, so close…” He chanted from behind you and your eyes instantly flicked open when you felt extremely close to cumming. The kitchen that once smelled like vanilla and cake was now filled with the smell of sex and lewd sounds. “Cum with me, baby.” Said Donghyuck followed by strings of moans and groans. One last thrust was all it took for the both of your orgasms to come crashing down on you, leaving you breathless and tired. He emptied himself inside of you before pulling out and leaning against the kitchen island next to you. Your ass stung but the pain was washed away when you could the warm liquid trickling down your legs. Noticing this, Hyuck walked back to where he was before and kneeled between your legs to take a better look at his cum dripping from your lower hole.

It felt extremely long before he was collecting the liquid with tongue all the way up to your stinging rim and giving it a loving peck. Flipping you over, he gave you a long kiss on the lips, making you taste him between his lips. Moaning into the kiss, you unconsciously grabbed his dick and gave it a few teasing pumps before rubbing it between your folds. You had no clue as to why you were doing this but you just wanted to feel him inside you again. To feel him fill you up nicely just like before. The kiss didn’t stop there. Instead, it was even more heated than before. His tongue was reaching places in your mouth that you didn’t know were possible. Finally entering him inside you, you whined against his lips at the sensation. He filled you to the brim and so perfectly too.

Moving yourself up and down, you fucked yourself on him slowly and using your cum as lubrication. Having had enough, he lifted his thigh until you were sat on it before placing his hands on your hips and moving you himself. “You’re so big, Hyuck…” You pulled away from the kiss and let your head drop to his shoulder. His hold on you was painful and hard but you a whore for the pain. This time, your orgasm seemed to approach even more quickly and you figure that his is arriving too. “You’re gonna fucking empty my balls if we keep doing this.” He joked amusedly. “Wouldn’t that be a sight?—” And then it hit the two of you at the same time, mixing your cum together and leaving it dripping from where you’re connected.

Giving you a small peck on the lips, he attached his forehead to yours before the both of you laughed in sync. “Well someone’s gotta clean this mess, don’t you think?”

[writteninlunarlight-years]

The Real Housewives Of Pride

Pt 1 | Pt 3

Well, well, well, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, thems and they hell even the gays, gather 'round your radios and settle in, for it’s that delightful time of the week again—welcome back to another uproarious installment of “The Real Housewives of Pride,” where the laughter is as contagious as watching that one person yawn for an overly long period of time!

Now, folks, it seems our charming couples and delightful guests are turning up the heat—oh, my stars!—entangling themselves in ways that would make a contortionist jealous! With our dear king Lucifer flapping his wings and strutting around like he owns the place after his long absence from the royal swing, the lines between hotel guests and power players are as blurred and as foggy as an early morning in May!

And speaking of fog, let me illuminate your minds with a thrilling tidbit: a shiny new casino has popped up in our lovely little town! Yes indeed, and let me tell you, it was the scene of a fierce battle of souls—like a poker game gone horribly, hilariously wrong! But oh dear listener, brace yourself, for our buddy Vox didn’t just lose a hand; he lost the whole pot! And who’s there to relay the juicy gossip on that confounded cellular device? None other than the ever-so-charming Miss Y/N, bless her heart!

Now, onward and upward, folks! Val—our resident filmmaker—decided to unleash a new ‘movie’ into the world, but alas! It flopped harder than a pancake at a clumsy chef’s award-winning cook-off! Why, well listeners, our dear Angel Dust was no longer the shining star of the show with his new role as Husk's right-hand lover!

Fear not, for our lovely Y/N found herself in the spotlight after a hilarious mix-up with her partner, Lucifer. Oh yes, the King of Hell himself decided to play a little prank by snatching her phone—hoping for some devilish delight! But instead? Oh, it backfired like a faulty firecracker on the Fourth of July!

And now, hold onto your hats, because here comes the piping hot tea, as you young folks say! Miss Carmilla has stepped into the ring, offering our hotel inhabitants the chance to learn how to fight for themselves! What a generous gesture, folks! Not only is it a blessing from our overlord, but it’s also opening the doors to a brand-new understanding of angelic weaponry.

Let’s hope our certain pesky pals learn a thing or two about keeping their lips zipped—though I wouldn’t hold my breath because I’ll be back next week with more tantalizing tales from the wild world of Hell right here in Pride!

Disclaimer: All 'tweets' are fake and made by me. The words/tweets I do are a combination of my own and ones I find on Pinterest and Ifunny. If you know the actual creators or those who made some jokes, please DM me so I can credit them. Thank you!

[newtonsheffield]

“this is not his real number not his real number”

“hello is this my number one fan?”

“omg”

Kate would die when she realizes it’s his real number and will have to answer yes to all of her dad’s questions

Kate genuinely expected to be contacting his people when she finally got up the courage to call him the next day.

“Is this my number one fan?”

His voice was rich and deep and prickled down her spine and her lips parted in surprise before she cleared her throat. “Is that how you always answer the phone?”

“Obviously.” He laughed, “And usually it’s my mum so I’m dead on.”

Why was he so charming? Why?

“You um… took a pretty big swing putting your phone number on a bat. I could sell this on eBay or post it online and you’d be bombarded.”

“Sometimes you have to take a swing. The question is: Did I miss?”

“You didn’t miss.”

“And if I asked you to come and watch again tonight?”

Kate’s stomach lurched, “I would tell you that I need to start paying you for the tickets. And I’d have to bring my sister because she’s seen us all over social media and won’t leave me alone.”

“You can pay me by having a drink with me after.”

Kate’s stomach twisted, “Okay but your ego will have to survive the fact that I won’t be wearing your jersey. It’s in the wash.”

“Ah, deal’s off then.” Anthony tutted before he laughed, “The tickets are already waiting for you. I’ll see you tonight!”

She arrives a little later that night, still a little sure nothing would be waiting for her and Edwina trailing behind, already with a snack in her hand.

“God, I forgot how much I loved baseball food”

“We aren’t even inside yet. It’s… semi baseball food at best.” Kate rolled her eyes as she approached the desk smiling awkwardly at the same woman. “I might have some tickets again? Kate Sharma.”

The woman didn’t look through the system this time, but she smiled curiously, sliding an envelope across the counter. “Mr Bridgerton would also like you to have this.”

The woman passed Kate a bag, branded with the team logo. Kate peered inside even though she already knew what it would be, Anthony’s number and signature staring back at her against the blue pinstripes. She plucked the note out of the top of the bag.

Something else for you to sell on eBay.

Wave to me if you recognise me.

Anthony

“Jesus he’s fucking smooth.”

[atlasthegreatest]

Cards on the Table/ Barbara Gordon x Gambit!Female Reader

Barbara finally introduces Y/n as her girlfriend to the Bat-family. And despite their initial skepticism, Y/n charms win them over, earning her place in their life.

Word count: 2630

A/n: This was requested by an anon. Thanks for this ask, I like Barbara (she’s best girl #2). Enjoy it!

Barbara Gordon had done the impossible. She’d kept a secret from Batman.

It wasn't easy. Bruce had the instincts of a bloodhound when it came to anything involving his allies, especially his family. But this one — her relationship — she'd managed to shield, mostly because she wanted to savor it before the inevitable Batfamily grilling. That time, though, had come.

Barbara straightened her jacket as she glanced over at her girlfriend, who stood beside her, casually twirling a deck of cards between her fingers. She wore a mischievous grin, her hair hanging just past her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with an energy Barbara knew all too well. Y/n LeBeau. Known for her powers of controlling kinetic energy and her alias as ‘Gambit’ among the fighting crime community — and the same Southern charm mixed with a playful recklessness. Barbara couldn’t deny the magnetism. It was exactly what had drawn her in from the beginning.

Y/n winked, flicking one of the cards with her thumb, causing it to glow softly before the charge dissipated. "You sure they're ready for me, chérie?"

Barbara let out a small chuckle. "Honestly? I don’t know if anyone's ever ready for you, but we have to do this sooner or later."

The Batcave was bustling tonight. Dick and Damian sparred in the training area, Jason leaned against the Batcomputer like he was holding it up, and Bruce was, predictably, deep in thought, reviewing something on the screens. Tim was nearby, tinkering with one of his latest gadgets. It was the usual chaos.

As they approached, Dick was the first to notice, flipping over Damian and landing gracefully, wiping sweat from his brow. “Hey, Babs! What’s up?” His eyes flickered to the woman next to her, eyebrows lifting. “Who’s this?”

Barbara took a breath. "Everyone, this is Y/n. She's... my girlfriend."

That got everyone's attention. Bruce turned from the computer, Jason stood up straighter, and Damian stopped mid-kick.

Dick's smile widened immediately, genuine and warm. “Oh, wow! Nice to meet you, Y/n.” He extended a hand, always the friendly one.

The girl in question took his hand, her grip firm, but she couldn’t help but smirk, sensing Dick’s slight wariness despite his welcoming demeanor. “Pleasure’s all mine, sugar.”

Jason folded his arms, his eyes narrowing as he sized Y/n up. “Powers?” He was blunt as ever.

Y/n’s grin widened as she pulled out a card, charging it lightly with a pinkish tone. “ I make things go boom,” She said casually, tossing the card in the air before catching it again. “ But only when I wanna’. ”

Tim, ever the tech head, stepped forward, eyes intrigued rather than suspicious. "How does the kinetic charging work? Is it limited to objects or can you charge other things?"

Barbara stifled a laugh as Y/n leaned in a bit closer to Tim. “Oh, I could explain it, but then I’d have to kiss ya.” She winked, teasing him just enough to cause a blush to creep up Tim’s face.

Tim cleared his throat, clearly flustered, retreating to the safety of his gadgets. "R-right, got it."

Jason, arms still crossed, glanced at Barbara. “Seriously, Babs? Gambit? Couldn't be anyone else?”

Barbara rolled her eyes, knowing Jason's brand of skepticism well. “Yes, Gambit. And for the record, she’s her own person, Jay.”

Before Jason could retort, Bruce spoke, his voice cutting through the atmosphere. “How long has this been going on?” Typical Bruce—straight to the point, no frills.

Barbara met his gaze evenly. “Six months. I didn’t tell you because… well, I wanted to figure things out first.”

Bruce's expression was unreadable as his eyes flicked between Barbara and Y/n. “And now you’ve figured it out?”

Barbara’s heart pounded in her chest, but she didn’t flinch. “Yes, I have.”

Y/n, ever the wildcard, stepped forward, hands in her pockets, and met Bruce’s gaze directly. “Look, I know this ain’t exactly what you were expectin’, and I know how much ya care about your family. I respect that. Babs means the world to me, and I ain’t here to cause trouble—unless it’s the fun kind, of course.” She flashed a grin that only half-diffused the tension.

Bruce’s eyes narrowed, as though he were mentally running a thousand scenarios. He looked at Barbara again, his voice softer this time. “Is she good for you?”

The question wasn’t an accusation but genuine concern, and Barbara felt a swell of emotion at how Bruce, despite everything, always tried to protect her. She placed a hand on Y/n’s arm. “Yes. She’s good for me.”

There was a long pause before Bruce gave a curt nod, his acceptance not verbal but understood. “Just don’t blow up the Cave.”

Y/n’s laugh echoed off the cavern walls. “No promises, big guy.”

Damian, who had been silent this entire time, finally stepped forward, arms crossed and an annoyed look on his face. “If you attempt any indecency in this cave or distract us from missions, I’ll have no choice but to—”

“Lemme guess,” Y/n interrupted, stepping toward Damian and looking down at the shorter boy. “Gut me?”

Damian's glare was fierce, but Y/n’s grin was fiercer. “You got spirit, kid. I like that.”

Barbara held back a chuckle as Damian scowled. “Tch. You’re intolerable.”

“And you’re adorable,” Y/n fired back with a wink, which only deepened Damian’s scowl as he stormed off to the training area.

Jason let out a bark of laughter. “Oh, I like her.”

Dick nudged Barbara with a grin. “I think she’s gonna fit right in.”

Barbara finally exhaled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. It wasn’t the easiest introduction, but that was how the family worked. Y/n had passed the first test, and Barbara could feel the weight lifting. Whatever came next, they’d handle it together.

“Well,” Y/n said, stretching her arms behind her head. “Now that the formalities are outta the way, how ‘bout we have some fun?”

Barbara shot her a playful glare. “No charging the Batmobile.”

Y/n raised her hands in mock surrender. “I’d never dream of it, here. Maybe.”

—————————-

Later that night, after the tension of introductions had simmered down, the Batfamily had gathered in the common area of Wayne Manor. For once, the cave was quiet. Bruce had gone back to work at the Batcomputer, Damian had stormed off to train, but the rest of the family stayed to linger, intrigued by Barbara’s new relationship and by Y/n’s effortlessly bold personality.

The woman had kicked back on the couch, lounging in the most casual way possible, legs propped up on the armrest and a deck of cards still in her hands. Barbara sat next to her, occasionally rolling her eyes at Y/n’s endless card tricks but unable to hide the fond smile on her face.

Dick, ever the conversationalist, broke the silence. “So, Y/n, how’d you two meet? Was it a daring heist where you swooped in and stole Barbara’s heart?” His tone was playful, but there was a genuine curiosity behind his words.

Y/n grinned, tossing a card in the air and catching it without looking. “Almost, ‘cept it wasn’t a heist. Was more of a… rescue mission, wasn’t it, Babs?”

Barbara nodded, leaning back into the couch. “We were after the same target—some low-level metahuman causing trouble in Blüdhaven. I was running recon and she… well, she just appeared out of nowhere, charged half the warehouse with her powers, and made the guy panic.”

Y/n chuckled, clearly enjoying the memory. “He started runnin’, I gave chase, and Babs here swooped in with that fancy grapple line of hers. Next thing ya know, we’re workin’ together.”

Jason, sitting on the edge of a chair, raised an eyebrow. “And just like that, you two were a team?”

Barbara glanced sideways at Y/n with a small smile. “Not exactly. She tried to flirt with me, mid-mission. I thought it was a distraction tactic at first.”

Y/n’s smirk deepened. “And yet, here we are. Guess I’m more persuasive than you thought, Chérie.”

Tim, now more comfortable, looked up from his tablet. “So, you control kinetic energy, but you do…what? Vigilante work? Or just solo operations?”

Y/n shrugged, not one to overexplain herself. “I dabble in a little of this, a little of that. Worked solo for a while—figured the streets didn’t need another caped crusader. But I saw potential in what Babs was doin’, helpin’ people. Got me thinkin’ maybe I could make a difference.”

Barbara leaned in slightly, her voice softer but confident. “She’s been working with me, quietly. We’ve handled a few cases together. She’s smart and tactical. And yes, she blows things up, but she’s precise about it.”

“Mostly precise,” Y/n corrected with a wink. And a laugh was shared between her and the redhead woman.

Dick’s face lit up, looking between them. “Sounds like you’re a good team. Honestly, Babs, it’s nice seeing you with someone who’s got your back. I mean, besides all of us.” His tone was sincere, his big-brother energy kicking in as always.

Jason snorted. “Yeah, as long as she doesn’t blow up Wayne Tower or something, I’m sure it’ll all work out.”

Y/n tossed him a charged card, just enough to spark in the air before fizzling out in his lap. “Only if I’m bored, Red.”

Jason gave a mock glare but couldn’t help the small grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Alright, alright. I like her attitude, at least.”

Barbara felt a warmth spread through her. Despite the initial grilling, she could see they were coming around. Y/n was a lot to take in—flamboyant, flirty, and unpredictable—but she was good at her core, and the family was beginning to see that.

“Hey,” Dick said suddenly, “how’s Bruce taking all of this? I mean, he didn’t say much after ‘don’t blow up the cave,’ but you know him. He’s always got a million thoughts running in the background.”

Barbara sighed, her shoulders relaxing now that the worst of the night was behind them. “He’ll be fine. You know how he is—he processes things quietly. He doesn’t always show it, but… I think he trusts me.”

Y/n, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, smirked. “Or maybe he’s just scared I’ll charge his Batsuit when he ain’t lookin’. ”

Tim snickered from the other side of the room. “I think he’s more concerned about the Batmobile.”

Barbara shot her girlfriend a mock warning glare. “I told you. No charging the Batmobile.”

Y/n raised her hands innocently. “I’d never, Babs. Promise.” Then she winked, her mischievous streak still fully intact.

The conversation drifted into more casual territory, with Y/n and Dick exchanging light-hearted banter while Tim and Jason grilled her with a thousand questions about her powers. Y/n took it all in stride, even offering to give them a demonstration of her skills the next time they were in the field together.

As the night wore on, Barbara found herself leaning against Y/n, her hand casually resting on Y/n’s knee, feeling more at ease than she had in months. The introductions were out of the way, and, surprisingly, everything had gone better than expected. Even Jason, who had a habit of being skeptical about everything, seemed to be warming up to Y/n’s chaotic energy.

Eventually, the family began to disperse. Dick was the first to leave, giving Barbara a quick hug and offering Y/n a friendly salute. Tim followed soon after, muttering something about needing to finish a project, while Jason stayed a bit longer, still intrigued by Y/n’s powers.

As they all left, Y/n turned to Barbara, her smirk softening into something more genuine. “That wasn’t so bad, was it, Mon Cher?”

Barbara smiled, reaching up to brush a strand of hair from Y/n’s face. “No, it wasn’t. I think they like you.”

“Even Bruce?” Y/n asked, raising an eyebrow.

Barbara chuckled softly. “Even Bruce. He’s just… Bruce. Give him time. He’ll come around.”

Y/n grinned, leaning in down to press a soft kiss to Barbara’s lips. “Well, if I can win over Batman, I reckon I can do anything.”

Barbara felt her heart swell, knowing that, despite the rough edges, Y/n fit. Maybe not perfectly, but in the way that only someone like Y/n could—in the way that challenged her, pushed her, but also made her feel alive. She squeezed Y/n’s hand, feeling content, knowing that this—whatever this was—was just the beginning.

And whatever came next, they’d face it together.

Bonus:

The next time Y/n hung out at the manor, it didn’t take long for things to get... interesting.

They were all sitting in the living room. Dick, Tim, and Jason had stuck around after a brief debrief with Bruce, casually lounging while Y/n shuffled her ever-present deck of cards. Barbara sat beside her, relaxed, while the guys were trying — and failing — to follow Y/n’s story about one of her old missions.

“So dere I was,” Y/n said, a mischievous glint in her red eyes, “down in Nawlins, right by da Quarter. I spot dis guy, a real boug crescent, lookin’ like he ‘bout to fricassee up somethin’ nasty.”

Dick blinked, his face a mix of polite confusion. “A… what?”

“Fricassee? Like the dish?” Tim asked, frowning slightly as he tapped on his phone, probably looking up Cajun terms as she spoke.

Jason leaned back, arms crossed, and raised an eyebrow. “Did she just say ‘crescent’? What does that even mean?”

Y/n didn’t miss a beat, casually tossing a card in the air before catching it. “Yeah, y’know, a lowdown varmint. Crescent. Ain’t gotta be a bayou native t’know that, cher.” She threw a playful wink at Jason.

Jason just narrowed his eyes, trying to figure out if Y/n was messing with them or if this was actually how she talked. He was leaning toward the former.

Dick shot Barbara a look, completely lost. “Are we supposed to be getting this?”

Barbara chuckled, used to this by now. “She means she was tailing a shady guy who looked like he was up to no good.”

“Ohhh,” Tim said, his face lighting up with realization. “Okay, yeah, that makes sense now. Fricassee, huh.”

Y/n nodded like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Right, so dis boug, he thinks he’s sneaky, right? But I ain’t no couillon, I see ‘im clear as day, tryin’ to lagniappe his way outta da Quarter.”

Jason blinked, leaning forward slightly. “Couil—what? Lag—what did she just say?”

“Couillon,” Barbara translated with a grin, “means idiot. And lagniappe is… like, getting away with something extra.”

Y/n laughed, clearly enjoying watching the three of them struggle to keep up. “Y’all need t’spend more time down south. Get a little Cajun spice in ya.” She winked at Barbara, who smirked back.

Dick shook his head, amused but defeated. “I feel like I’m watching a foreign movie without subtitles.”

Tim nodded in agreement, giving up on trying to translate Y/n’s speech in real time. “Seriously, how do you follow all of that?” He asked, turning to look at the redhead in front of him.

Barbara shrugged, an amused smile playing on her lips. “I guess I just got used to it. After a while, it makes sense.” She glanced at Y/n with fondness in her eyes, while caressing her hand — that was now on her lap— with her thumb. “Plus, half the time I can just tell by the look on her face.”

Y/n grinned proudly. “Told ya I was a good communicator.”

Jason leaned back with a smirk. “You’re somethin’, alright. But if you start throwing out any more of these ‘crescent varmint’ types, I might need a translator app.”

Y/n winked at him. “Aww, don’t worry, Red. I’ll take it easy on ya.”

Dick chuckled, shaking his head. “I think we’re all gonna need Barbara here just to get through half of these stories.”

Barbara smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her. Sure, they might not always get Y/n’s colorful phrases, but they were trying, and that meant the world to her. Y/n just had that effect on people, throwing them off balance but winning them over all the same.

“Well,” Y/n said, leaning back with a satisfied grin, “guess I gotta keep y’all on your toes, don’t I?”

[oliversrarebooks]

The Rare Bookseller Part 40: The Maestro's Mark

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June 1905

TW: mind control, body control, captivity, human auction, abuse, burning, branding, mouth whump, forced self-harm, dissociation, this one's kind of a doozy isn't it

"Sir -- " Fitz's voice had returned to him, and he was dismayed to find it shaky and weak, much like his knees. Beside him, Miss Lily was gripping his chain so hard he thought she might crumble it to dust. "Sir -- who was -- "

"The Maestro, an old and powerful vampire lord. My sire, and Alexander's sire as well. The one responsible for turning us into vampires," Miss Lily said, picking him up into a princess carry. "I wasn't expecting him to be here. He normally does not purchase his thralls."

"Is he --" Fitz faltered with the amount of questions he wanted to ask, before settling on the most important one. "Is he cruel, sir?"

She hesitated to answer as she carried him backstage and out into the hallway. "...Yes," she finally said. "Yes, he is cruel. I'm sorry."

She sounded like she meant the apology, and Fitz's too-short life flashed before his eyes.

"What should I do, sir?"

"There's nothing you can do now. Nothing you can do but be obedient. Try to find the private places in your mind to retreat to, places where he can't reach. Eat whatever you're offered when you can. Sleep as much as possible. And never be defiant, even for the smallest matter. The price will never be worth it."

"...You seem as though you know what you're talking about, sir."

"I was his thrall, once."

It was a colorful and loud nightmare as Fitz was carried through the bustling hallway filled with vampires and their newly purchased thralls, talking and laughing and showing off their fashions. He squeezed his eyes shut, hoping that when he would open them, he'd be somewhere else. The lumpy couch in his drafty, shared apartment. His dressing room backstage. Even the opulent prison of his bedroom back at his family's home.

He'd found that unbearably oppressive at the time. Perhaps he'd been a fool to leave, after all.

When he opened his eyes again, he was in a small room primarily occupied by a desk and a few chairs. A vampire in a fashionable black dress, her neck and ears dripping with jewels, entered the room. "Oh my, Lily, your expression is better suited for a funeral. You've sold your little project for an extravagant amount of cash. Whatever could be the problem?"

Miss Lily's face was sour as a lemon. "You know very well how I feel about my sire, Colette."

"His money will spend as good as everyone else's. If you ask me, you were a little too attached to this thrall."

"I don't care one iota about this thrall," she said, her grip tightening on Fitz's shoulders. "I just think that no one, not even a thrall, deserves the displeasure of serving my sire."

"And yet, I assume you'll want your share of the earnings."

"And yet."

The door opened, and Fitz's new owner entered the room. Perhaps it was Fitz's fevered imagination, but even the gas lamps seemed to flicker in response to the foreboding aura. He gave Miss Lily a small nod, and Fitz felt her fingers dig in tighter, painful.

"It's truly an honor to do business with you, Maestro, sir,"  said Miss Colette, settling behind the desk. "Now, then, sir, you'll owe eleven thousand dollars, unless you require any additional services..."

"No, thank you." He was staring at Fitz now, and it felt like icicles sliding down his back. Fitz couldn't help the impulse to look away -- and realized that he couldn't. He was caught hopelessly in the web of power once more.

His master, as soon as the money was handed over. His master forever. There would be no escaping a man like this.

Never be defiant. The price will never be worth it.

Never be himself ever again.

No, he had to snap out of it. There had to be a way out of this. Some way to charm him, to appeal, to get them both on the same side. There had to be. Weaseling out of bad situations was one of his specialties.

The Maestro was reaching into his coat and pulling out a pouch of what looked to be actual golden coins, as if he were some kind of royalty. Miss Colette didn't seem to regard this as strange, taking the coins from the pouch and weighing them on a small scale. Satisfied with the amount, she handed him a contract to sign.

"Now, if the transaction is complete," he said, "please leave so I can discipline my spawn and my thrall."

"Of course, sir." Miss Colette filed out of the room immediately.

Fitz's protests and his screams died in his throat, along with his desperate impulses to flee anywhere. He was under his new master's power again, frozen in time. He'd never escape, of course, but it still hurt to not even be allowed to try first, to be trapped in a treacherous body that wouldn't obey even his smallest commands.

"Lily," he said, approaching her, and Fitz realized that Miss Lily was holding him in front of her as though Fitz could shield her from her sire. "This thrall has an excellent bloodline and potential. Why did you train him improperly and allow him to make an embarrassment of you?"

"He's a performer by nature, sire, as I'm sure you can see," said Miss Lily, and she sounded as subdued and fearful as Fitz was, a far cry from her confident nature when enthralling him. "He is fully trained and obedient. I simply thought it was amusing to allow him to continue to perform, sire. Plenty of vampires would desire a thrall for entertainment. I don't think he's an embarrassment. It took skill to render him obedient while keeping his personality intact."

If Fitz could move, he would be nodding vigorously, appreciative of Miss Lily's defense.

"Yes. Performance is his nature, that much is true just by looking at him. But you need to be in better control of the thralls in your care, not allow them to preen and pose on the auction block." He reached past Fitz to touch Lily's hair, tucking loose strands of her hair into her bun. Fitz could feel her hands tremble. "Oh, child, I worry that I am too lenient on your soft heart. I don't understand what I did to be cursed with two spawn so gifted and yet so foolish."

"Thank you for your patience with us, sire."

"Indeed. And because you do often delight me, I will allow the punishment to be light."

"Yes, sire. Thank you, sire."

"Here. Take my knife." The Maestro held out a silver knife in a white-gloved hand, and Lily let go of Fitz's arm to take it. "You will find an unoccupied bathroom. You will remove your dress so that you do not bloody it. You will cut out your tongue. You will clean yourself and your surroundings thoroughly. You will then put your dress back on and join my other wayward spawn in the parlor."

Fitz's eyes widened at the description of the punishment, the only movement he could manage. He wanted to run. He wanted to scream. He couldn't do either. Miss Lily let go of his arms, and as she exited the room, head bowed low, he had the desperate, irrational impulse to stop her. True to her advice, she showed no sign of defiance, even when her sire was asking her to do the unthinkable -- as a "light" punishment. From the hard look in her eyes, he had no doubt that she was going to do it.

The door clicked shut. And Fitz was alone with his master.

The strange power forced Fitz's head up to look into the Maestro's eyes as he drew near, like a puppet on strings. With a surprisingly gentle touch, a gloved hand reached out and ruffled his hair, then hooked a finger under his chin and inspected his face from each angle. A soft finger traced down his neck and exposed collarbone, but there was no indication from his heavy aura that the vampire wanted to feed. There was no indication of any desire at all. Just control. Pure control.

What could he do to sway a man like this? He recognized his look, the man who was used to being the most powerful in the room, the kind who couldn't spare a scrap of tolerance for anyone else. No humor, no imagination. The kind of person Fitz usually avoided, or brought up on stage only to tease and get a response from the audience. On stage, Fitz held the power.

His new owner was center stage, now, and not one to relinquish the spotlight easily.

"Fitzwilliam de Hastings," said the Maestro in that musical voice. "You will answer my questions honestly. First -- do you fear me?"

Fitz felt his tongue loosen. This, at least, was an easy question. "Yes, Master."

"You are correct to. At least you are not that sort of fool. Now, tell me -- did you wish for my spawn Alexander to purchase you?"

He recalled the pathetic, fleeting hope he'd had when he'd flirted with Mr. Alexander in the showroom. Yes, yes he had, but he suspected that was the wrong answer. What had worked on Mr. Alexander wouldn't work here -- he needed to work a new angle. "I did think that at first, Master, but then you made that impeccable entrance. You're clearly the vampire all other vampires respect -- it's an honor to have been purchased by you."

The Maestro nodded, then removed one of his gloves.

A percussive crack rang through Fitz's ears, and it took his brain a moment to catch up and realize that he had been slapped hard across the face.

"Do not ever lie to me, child, and do not insult me with your cheap flattery. This is your only warning," his master said, in precisely the same tone as before, not betraying anger or disappointment or any emotion at all. "Try again. Did you wish for my spawn Alexander to purchase you?"

"Yes, Master," said Fitz immediately, praying that he wouldn't incur any further punishment. His tongue. He'd ordered Miss Lily to cut out her own tongue. And if his master wanted to do the same to him, there'd be nothing he could do about it, his very body out of his control.The thought of being permanently rendered mute, unable to joke and flirt and tease and perform --

It hadn't settled in before, had it? What it truly meant to be in thrall to a vampire. Between Miss Lily's mesmerism and his own hubris, he'd imagined himself getting out of this by charming the vampire, carving himself a better life through wit and charisma, as he'd always managed. But these vampires were so much more powerful than him and always would be. What good is wit against a creature who can control your body on a whim, or take your mind away with a word?

He couldn't save himself. No one was coming to save him. There was only him and his cruel new master, and he was unable even to express the despair bubbling up within him. A fate so much worse than death, inescapable.

The re-gloved hand stroked Fitz's cheek gently in the place that was still stinging from the slap. "Despite your ill manners, you have potential, Fitzwilliam. My darling Lily saw that in you, no doubt. A born performer with a compelling presence. Sharp minded. And so, so beautiful. A pity about your headstrong nature," he said. "But you needn't concern yourself. I only need to patiently carve away your imperfections. And I am a very patient vampire."

"Thank you, Master," said Fitz, who had never been more frightened of so-called praise in his life.

"More importantly, I believe you are the key to finally breaking my Alexander's will."

"...I don't understand, sir."

"Thralls aren't meant to understand, child. Thralls are meant to obey. And I have decided what young Alexander's lesson will be." He drew his hand away. "I will give you to Alexander."

Fitz couldn't help but furrow his brow, confused. That couldn't be right. 

"It will be a test for him. One that he will fail."

The Maestro pulled a small metal cylinder from his coat. He carefully lifted the glass from the lamp sitting on Miss Colette's desk, beckoning Fitz forward. Fitz felt himself sleepwalking towards his master, even as the Maestro dipped the metal object in the lamp's flame, even as Fitz realized with growing dread what was about to happen.

"He will forget you belong to me. He will desire to possess you, cherish you, perhaps even love you. He will believe he can rescue you from me. He will be incorrect. I will allow him to believe this, then I will take you from him, and I will break you, and suffering will be a teacher to you both."

Fitz's heart pounded.

"Kneel."

His puppeted body gracefully knelt upon the carpet, the crushed red velvet of his dress cushioning his legs, as he looked up in terror.

With a calm, unreadable expression, the Maestro pulled down the neckline of his ball gown and pressed the burning metal to Fitz's flesh, just below his collarbone.

He couldn't scream. He couldn't flinch. He couldn't fight or back away. He couldn't do anything but feel his eyes filling with tears as the white hot pain seared through his body.

Fitz barely even noticed when the brand was pulled away, because the pain hardly lessened. His master was examining his handiwork, and, seemingly satisfied, made Fitz's body stand.

There was no way Fitz could be standing through the shock and the pain, but the puppet strings controlling his every move made it so, forcing him to walk on weak and shaky legs.

"Now show your gratitude for my precious gift."

Fitz's body curtsied low. 

But Fitz's mind, flooded with pain and endorphins and magic, was traveling far away. Away from here, anywhere but here, anything but this. Anything but an inescapable descent into hell.

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Well, wasn't that fun.

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