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[bsptourist]

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[popculturebuffet]

Phantom of the Paradise Review: Reviewed at last! (Comission for Emma Fici)

Hello all you happy little eddie mitty's born in jersy city and a hearty horrifying mecahnical laugh for all you rest. I know i'm a bit late to the party but we're kicking off this halloween season's reviews with a true classic. After a year of wanting to do this it's finally time to talk about Phantom of the Paradise. I'd like to thank my friend emma for sponsoring this but I assure you this is my utmost pleasure and hers. We both watched the film for the first time last month after a year or two of me listening to the soundtrack constantly but procastinating on the film because my brain does stupid things sometimes.

So we're finally here. For those who haven't heard of this masterpiece, the short version: Phantom of the Paradise is a 1974 film from legendary director Brian De Palma, one of his earlier films and only two years before his breakout with Carrie which despite being a horror fan, I have not seen. In fact this is the first film i've seen from DePalma but definitely won't be the last.

The film was a passion project of DePalmas, coming about shortly after his film Sisters. This was thanks to producer Ed Pressman, who in an interview with nerdist explained DePalma came to him shortly after making Get to Know Your Rabbit at Warner Bros.

Just looking on wikipedia alone the experince was a nightmare, with star Tom Smothers being an absolute douchebag, hating Depalma's direction, refusing to shoot at times and outright disappearing. Warner Bros itself was no kinder, cutting the film to all hell in editing. DePalma understandably wanted the hell out of there and begged Pressman, who he was friends with to get him out of there. pressman's exact words.

So Pressman did and DePalma happened to have two films he was optioning. Sisters, a pscylogical drama and Phantom. Both were more eager to do Phantom but did sisters first as it was more commerical and brian happened to be rooming with a bunch of young acresses including Margot Kidder, who they got to star in it.

The film was a hit and thus allowed De Palma and Pressman to go ahead. For music they went to A and M Records, a hot studio at the time that was opening up to movies.. and had under contract one Paul Williams. Yes the future muppet maestro who'd written some hits but was happy to take on the role as it allowed him to stretch his legs a bit and got him into film composing.

Together this dynamic duo crafted a true treat, a tale of love, faustian bargins, rock n roll, metalic screeching, cool as hell masks, industry corruption, printing press accidents, rocking gore effects, BEEF, hauntingly good music, and Paul Williams as a terrifying villian. The film didn't do so hot initially due to a combo of lawsuits (Warner being mad over phantom of the opera despite it being you know, public domain even at the time, Led Zeplin being mad about the swan song productions logo and demanding it was changed. Stupid bullshit) and needed redits, combined with the studio having no idea how the hell to market it. But it was a hit in france, japan and winnepig, securing it's place as a cult classic that's been well loved since. So on this it's 50th anniversary join me under the cut as I break down one of the best horror comedies you'll ever see.

And As I Lived My Roll, I Swore I'd Sell Soul...

We open with a narration from Twilight Zone maestro Rod Sterling. I had to double check the first time I heard it but yup. Sterling introduces us to the world and our main antagonist...

Swan... he has no other name. His past is a mystery, but his work is already a legend. He wrote and produced his first gold record at 14. In the years since then, he’s won so many others that he once tried to deposit them at Fort Knox. He brought the Blues to Britain. He brought Liverpool to America. He brought Folk and Rock together. His band, the Juicy Fruits, singlehandedly gave birth to the nostalgia wave in the 70s. Now he is looking for the new sound of the spheres, to inaugurate his own Xanadu, his own Disneyland: the Paradise, the ultimate Rock Palace. This film is the story of that search... of that sound... of the man who made it... the girl who sang it... and the monster who stole it.

It's a damn good intro that covers 80 pounds of exposition in a way that feels truly epic and warranted. The rest of the films storytelling is more through visuals or maybe a quick spinning paper, but this works well to build up swan as this mysterious musical mastermind.

So we open proper at a gig for the Juicy Fruits

And Winslow Leach at the Piano. The Juicy Fruits are played by Archie Hahn, Jeffrey Comanor, and Harold Oblong. Their a 50's revivial act, which yes was a thing back then see Happy Days, Grease and American Beauty and if anything something Phantom was ahead of the curve. DePalma originally wanted real life 50's revival group Sha Na Na but couldn't get them.. or Williams strongly campaigned to use his backing band instead. It depends on who you ask. Either way Williams got his way and his band does a terrific job. Hahn in paticular gets to since his heart out performing a cheesy 50's style ballad with our opening number "Goodbye Eddie Goodbye"

Goodbye Eddie Goodbye is from a genre i'm only vaugely aware of, 50's tragedy songs where someone horribly dies. I've seen it hinted at in works set there like Grease or Hairspray. The result is a fun song, with Han adapting what can best be described as.. an accent. I THINK he was going for a 70's white guys version of a 50's white guys version of a mexican and possibly got caught in the washer. But it's goofiness fits the genre. Also one of them tries tearing a woman's clothes off because no one batted an eye at that shit in the 70's.

The performance does well and whlie it goes Swan is caked in shadow as he talks to his fixer, Arnold Phillbin played by character actor George Memoli. Sadly memoli passed away in the mid 80's a damn shame given Scorcese loved working with the guy and defintely would've kept him well employed into the present. Philbin is a monster, who casually recaps a tale of wooing a young artist, dating her, and keeping her under a lifetime contract and keeping her doped up to keep performing as "her fault" for wanting to perform for the poor and her fault for him killing her after she won in court.

Swan is unintrested as he's instead caught in what's going on on stage. During the performance a young pianist Winslow Leach was trying to promote himself. Leach is played by William Finely, who previously was one of the stars of Sisters and was a lifelong collaborator of DePalmas till his death in 2012. He does a terrific job here, starting out as the wide eyed gawky long haired winslow. Winslow has plenty of talent but hasn't had his break yet.

So as the crowd empties out between sets, Winslow sings his beautiful masterpiece "Faust", the intended opening of a cantana based on the legend of a scholar who sold his soul to the devil and the origin of the term Faustian Bargin.

Faust is a truly beautiful songs and one of my faviorite numbers, and it's staged gorgeously, a rotating shot of Finely singing his heart out as the crowd peters out.. and he's left alone. In an interview on the film that's included on the Scream Factory! Re-Release of the movie, which I highly recommend, DePalma pointed out some symbolism i'd missed: that this is the purest expresion of his form, his art... and then over the film the song and Leech's work in general get twisted. It's one of only two times his work is expressed not for greed from someone who stole it, but through honest emotion. There's no one listening but us but what we hear is a beautiful melodic cry for love "to dream a little style, to dream a bunch of friends, to dream it never ends". It belies the fact that Winslow.. just wants to be acccepted... to be seen.

Sadly.. this is where it gets stolen in the first place as the person who sees it is swan who sends Philbin to fetch it. Lucky for both of them Leech is a dull dull boy and gladly hands over his music for swan to see without a contract. We also see a nice hint of anger as the meer IDEA the juicy fruits will perform his music has him pin Philbin against a wall. Philbin's able to calm Leech down before he goes through that fuckin wall and succesfully steals his work.

Months later Winslow TRIES to go to Death Records, Swan's HQ to talk to him but gets rebuffed. Annoyed and finding out he's doing auditions to sing his work, Leech continues his string of good decisions by breaking into Swan's manor during a casting call that's really just an excuse to have an orgy. I dont' know why you'd have to lie, i'd go to an orgy with Paul Williams.

There Leech meets Phoenix, played by the incomprable Jessica Harper. She's a rennisance woman having started as an actress in cult classics like Phantom, Shock Treatment (Where I first saw her), Pennies from Heaven and Suspria, before transitoning more into music and then writing a cookbook. She hasn't retired from acting, still doing it on and off but it's not really her main focus anymore. She's lived a truly charmed life and i'm proud of her. She's great her as phoenix giving an era of both toughness and vunerablility, wanting this shot but not willing to screw swan for it and storming out when she finds out this is an orgy. Which is fair, even a paul williams orgy isn't fun if it's a casting couch situation. Nothing about those are fun.

The two hit it off but Leech is escorted out and takes the hired goons as a sign he should try again

This time costs him as he pretends to be a woman and Philbin, getting the sense this isn't going to end, has Winslow framed for drug dealing with some crooked cops and sentenced in.. a court with an american flag drapped over it.

This is where the film goes from zero to fucking insane fast, as soon Winslow is getting his TEETH RIPPED OUT. Thankfully off screen. It's a sad sceen as he meekly asks for it not to happen, but it's no good.

Then... after a time skip things.. escalate quickly. In Sing Sing, sponsored by Death Records, because just like the record industry the prison systems fucked and corrupt, winslow hears Uphostery, by the Juicey Fruits, now the beach bums. I'll unpack the song in a bit for now it just drives Winslow mad... er and he goes on a rampage throwing boxes and screaming in a weird jumpsuit, storming into the printing press trying to break it and then getting caught in the thing as he evades security.

Yeah I got nothing. I can make zingers and analysis all damn day but... I got nothing this time.

So Winslow stumbles out, his face mangled and in a touch I didn't notice DePalma poitned out we don't see his face till the very end. There originally was a shot of it after, but we don't see what the accident did. The horror's still palpable as not only can you imagine just how bad getting smushed into a record press is, but the sheer pain finley conveys. Whatever was left of Winslow Leech is seemingly gone. And.. it's a genuine tragedy. While Winslow's new persona is going to do some awful things and was an impulsive goober, true, it's hard not to think of the wide eyed musical genius who had his life stolen from him. It dosen't help that shit happens a LOT. Just look at Ke$ha who took YEARS to get free of her label after they forced her to keep working with her abuser. And that's not even getting into Swan's inspiration Phil Spector, which we'll get to promise. It's such a realistic horrific thing in a campy musical where a man gets his teeth replaced by metal , his face smushed after a freak out and decides the best revenge is putting on a costume and going a murderin.

And that's where we're at. Winslow sneaks into the paradise and after slinking around finds the costume department and dawns his iconic costume. And that gets thrown around a lot, to the point Smiling Friends takes the piss out of the term every chance they get, but the helmet here truly is iconic, having inspired Daft Punk (who met at a screening of the film), a lupin film, and more.

The long beak, the eyptian style eye designs, the sleek metal. And the rest of the costume isn't too shabby: the dracula collar, all leather outfit for better lurking and dramatic red cape. It's one of the best designs in horror cinema, and it truly rocks. with the metal teeth only adding to it. Winslow Leech is gone. Meet the Phantom of the Paradise.

So Winslow decides to go after the Juicy Fruits first the old fashioned way: Car Bomb. He plants a car in a jeep the juicy fruits are using for a performance of Uphostery. And now we can talk about this song and it's a goofy delight. It took me far too many listens to realize this was faust just rearranged, but it's a testiment to williams talent. It's also a testiment to his talent it both nails being a mockery of the original... while still credibly being a radio bop. Williams deeply loved the beach boys so this assigment was easy for him, as was the 50's beats of goodbye eddie goodbye as he'd grown up on them.

So with a splitzscreen one of the juicy fruits and a bunch of innocent extras blow up real good and Winslow begins his descent. his actions before were over the top but understandable, the choke slam being not wanting his music to be butchered and his freak out also the result of months in prison for something he didn't do. Now he's killed a guy.. because he didnt' like him singing his music and will kill again.

His next intended target DOES deserve it though Swan. And while Williams appeared earlier than the orgy it's here I feel we get Swan's real debut. As I hinted at Swan is played by Paul Williams. DePalma liked Williams enough he wanted him to play the phantom at one point, but Williams declined, citing his short stature and finley simply being a better fit, having the facial acting needed to spend most of the film in a mask. Which was true, Finely is great with wide eyed insanity as the phantom but can still emote pain or tenderness when needed. It's a masterful performance.

So when saying he'd rather be throwing thigns at the phantom, Depalma decided to make him Swan. It's a move that could've backfired: Williams was a clean cut short man with boyish good looks. And yet.. that's exactly why it works. Swan isn't some over the top creepy guy naturally. He has an aura of creep.. but Williams gives him the swagger and charm you'd expect. You see WHY people buy into swan and don't distrust this creep. You see it from whent hey meet: Rather than be.. rattled a man he thought was dead is stalking him in a silver bird mask and just killed a person.. he's not even remotely rattled. He comes to winslow as a friend, apologizes for the mixup.. and offers a deal. It's that cold, easygoing manner that makes him creepy, likening to real abusers like Harvey Weinstein, someone you might KNOW is bad by rep but can still talk someone into something horrifying because you don't know how bad.

Swan seems to be based on music producer and convicted murderer Phil Spector. Given his original name was indeed Spectre, I don't doubt it was subtle. Spector was a prominent music producer for decades, who was also known for being drunk and stoned out of his mind and brandishing a gun MULTIPLE times. So even by the time Phantom came out most people in the music biz knew he wasn't a good guy, and that was before he murdered a woman. He thankfully died in jail before he could be parolled which you'd THINK was impossible but well.. OJ died a free man.

While Swan is just as murdery and monsterous, he's not nearly as unstable, calmly taking the phantom in and getting him to sign a contract.. in blood.

Rather than ask any followup questions, the Phantom signs this shady contract. Which while I get Swan not over abusing this, I mean you can't give every third rate act a contract with the devil.. but this is THE music Swan was searching for to open the paradise. You coudl've had bill finely coked up in your walls months ago.

It underlies something I hadn't realized but for a fixer Philbin is .. really bad at his job. He only gets away with Leech's music becuase Leech is a dull dull boy, and roughs the man up TWICE before getting "well he's not going to stop might as well plant drugs on him. " And that STILL goes horribly sideways and leads to a person getting killed. Swan solved their problems, for now with one deal with someone who was stupid and naive enough to deal with the devil in the first place. I get it the other stuff is standard record industry scumbaggery but when just.. talking to the person and getting them to sign a rigged contract, satanic or not would've been easier.. why not lead with that?

So with that the pact is sealed: The Phantom will finish Faust and Swan will let him pick who sings is. This leads to the return of Phoenix and our next number Special To Me. I love Special to me, a nice 70's bop about a woman who worries her partners obession with being somebody and not workin just to survivie will destroy him. Something I love about this musical is EVERY song feeds into the film beautifully despite being digetic (as opposed to the characters just bursting into song their performing in universe when they sign). This summing up just what happened to Winslow, that he put his obessesions over his health.

Well you told me one time That you'd be somebody That you weren't working just to survive But you're working so hard that you don't even know you're alive

Working so hard to be somebody special Not working just to survive Well you're special to me, babe But what I don't see, babe Is where you go once you arrive Where we go once we arrive

Granted I don't get equating working just to survie with being.. good as i'ts okay to work beyond that, but I get it. Your work can eat away at you as it did with Williams. Unsuprisingly writing a films music, producing it AND acting was a lot and Williams credits it to the hubris of youth he was able to do it all, mentoning how he worked all night then went to make up to take off his make up from the previous day which was still on.

Harper also has a great persence, wearing a hat because why not, throwing it off for flair and winning over the crowd and both Swan and The Phantom

So the Phantom gets to work, wtih swan giving him a new voice that's perfect. naturally it's williams who also admitted in the dvd interview, an old one judging by the fact he talks about being called in to work on pans labyrinth at the time, he did all the tracks. It's why the hell of it, which we'll get to much later of it, still has his voice and likely why beauty and beast does. It still works textually as Swan is such a narcsist yet strangely dosen't like being recorded on film, so being able to find a loophole to not being able to record like this pleases the little gremlin.

So weeks pass as the Phantom writes his masterpiece and Swan gives him plenty of drugs to keep him focused while planning to replace Phoenix because "I abbhor perfection in anyone but myself". It's a perfectly sleazy line and Williams deliveries in this film are just perfect: quick, to the point, and with a hint of swans ego and self absorbtion beneath the veneer of charm.

So in his gold record shaped lair somewhere within his lair at the paradise, man's gotta have multiple evil sanctums after all, he interviews various acts trying out the latest part of Faust, beauty and beast eventually settling on glam rock gay icon BEEF.

Gerrit Graham is another DePalma regular, appearing in a few of his films. To my shock I also found out he was Bud the Chud in Chud 2: Bud the Chud which I mostly love for Grahm's performance and that fucking phenominal theme song. He was also another character i've adored for decades at this point, Franklin Sherman on the animated sitcom the critic. He was the best and I did not recognize him.

So it's no suprise with a long history after this of fun small parts Grham would kill it as Beef, a campy man decked in glitter, platform shoes and the ego of a greek god, an over the top cartoon who swan introduces alongside his new backing band the undead, i.e. what's left of the juicy fruits.

The Phantom is unaware of this and Swan has him bricked in now he has what he wants. Phoenix is reduced to a backup singer as Beef butchers Old Souls, a great number we'll get to and falls the fuck over and is encouraged to make it his own. So while a young George Martin cringes somewhere hearing that advice, the Phantom finds out he's been bricked in, and screams. And I love the phantom's screams and crackles, all horribly digitized with tons of feedback. it's so distinct, creepy and awesome. Unfortuantely Swan underestimated his pawn and the Phantom escapes in the usual way

And threatens beef, telling him his song is for phoenix only. Anyone who tries.. dies. After.. doing a great gag subverting psycho only instead of a stabbin in the shower with the spigot on hot, he plungers his mouth shut

Beef being a resonable weirdo tries to flee and Philbin.. threatens him to stay. Despite the fact that in a great line Beef knows what's "drug real and real real". And someone doing a carbomb a month or two ago. And the horrifying shreek the phantom let out as he escaped they both defintely heard.

So Beef is forced to perform. Lucky for us as it's a fucking killer number but before that we have another good number Somebody Super Like You. This is performed by the undead and is a fun prog rock number, mostly livened up by the performance where they yank fake bodyparts off the audeince to create their frankenstein monster. Really fun stuff.

So we get to my faviorite number in this impecible soundtrack, Life at Last. I love this one for the vocals which aren't Grahms but Raymmond Kennedy a seasoned musicain who in addition to several solo albums has done music for Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beach Boys and was good friends with Otis Redding.

So naturally he sings the hell out of Life at Last, which sounds like an awesome villian song for the Phantom by proxy:

Life at last, salutations from the other side I can see that you're the devil's pride Do you realize that all of you donated Something horrible you hated That was part of you? I'm your nightmares comin' true I am your crime

I'm the evil that you created Gettin' horny and damn frustrated Bored stiff and I want me a woman now

It works for so .. many characters. So many. But in general it's just awesome, a gravely voiced glam rock number about revenge heavy in themeatics for the movie and killer guitar riffs, backed up by Grahm's great strutt and killer outfit. While everyone might hate Beef in unvierse, you can't deny his talent.

Still the Phantom did warn him and decides to stop being subtle and throws a fucking neon lightning bolt at the man electrocuting him and laughing manically.

Philbin realizes he done fucked up and puts Phoenix on stage.. who was on stage before backing up but is , as Williams noted, in a white dress because why not. We then get a very close second for my faviorite song of the musical, Old Souls. Old Souls is a truly impactful number, about a lover who may be dying telling her partner we'll see each other again. It's a greatly staged number as harper stands center, letting the soul sink in, the phantom putting the spotlight on her as for just one breif moment his music is heard as intended. It's reflected in the staging: a once raging crowd now quiet, the light all on her. It's truly beautiful.

Our paths have crossed and parted This love affair was started long, long ago This love survives the ages In its story, lives are pages Fill them up, may ours turn slow, oh

Williams admitted that while a love song, part of his pain from his mother slowly dying leaked into his work. This song is haunting, gorgeous and easily Jessica Harpers best musical performance i've seen. And she's delightful in shock treatment.

Sadly for the Phantom Swan just can't help but be a dick and quickly seduces Phoenix.. while knowing the phantom is watching...

Fun fact I adore: Gideon Graves from scott pilgrim... was based off Swan. He's a bit taller and more traditonally handsome, but he has that same "beloved entertainment guru hiding mass abuse of women and others" vibe, a lair of cool shit and creepy designs on the lead's love intrest. It's diffrent enough to not be plagarisim but once you know the similiatrites it's impossible not to see and cool to see. I wish i'd been more aware of Phantom when I covered volume 6. I might've spotted more.

So the Phantom at his lowest and realizing Swan is just going to keep jerking him around because Swan just.. loves misery. I'ts now why I can see he put winslow through all this shit: it's not that winslow didn't matter.. he just perfers the slow path. Granted he still could've had the guy cooked up in his wall then tortured him but eh he's immortal he's gotta get his laughs somewhere.

Yes immortal... see the PHantom tries to kill himself.. and finds he can't. The Contract links him to swan. As long as swan is alive he can't die.. and when he tries to kill Swan... swan barely reacts and coldly responds "I'm under contract too" wanting the phantom to get back to work and planning to marry phoenix. It's tha tcold unfeeling sociopathy that really defines swan: he loves nothing else, no one else and seems happiest when screwing someone over and despite a mountain of setbacks easily turns them around on his opponent.

So the Phantom heads back to the paradise and while Swan preps for his wedding, with Philbin as occiant because god isn't coming anywhere near this wedding anyway. At least we get to see him in a pope hat. WIth Swan busy , the Phantom sneaks into his room and finds something important.. a video tape. It has not a snuff film as part of an anthology nor a ring girl bu tthe reveal of why swan's immortal.

The scene that follows is mildly trippy and creepy as it's paul williams.. talking to his reflectoin. It's a tape from years ago: Swan was planning to commit suicide as he realized he was getting older, and in his vanity, wanted to die young. Enter his good buddy the Devil, who likes the cut of Swan's gib. I also like the contrast between past swan and the devil in williams performance: the devil is smily and off putting while Swan before his asendence is giggly, offputt and out of it, possibly very high. But the offer is way too good to pass off: eternal youth. In exchange swan can't be recorded, over the film he's had any cameras on him destroyed and plans to use a mask for the ceremony. The tape will age for him and if it dies, he too can die.

The Phantom also finds out from the recordings Swan plans to kill phoenix during the wedding, profiting off her forever and having tricked her into signing her wn contract. The PHantom realizes the only way to free the wwoman he loves is to kill swan. Which is a risk as his deal has kept him alive, it's also most likely why his facial injuries never killed him in my eyes, as he went right from those to stalking swan at the paradise with the deal happening that night.

So our hero.. ish leaps into action. And I like the ballance.. winslow isn't a good person, quick to anger, he's killed multiple people who did nothing to him when Swan's the real bastard. But yet you root for him to at least win this once as after all he's been through.. swan has to go and if swan isn't stopped... Phoenix won't be the last person he hurts or sells to satan.

So after casually killing philbin, the phantom storms on stage during the wedding and stops the sniper, while the crowd and the dancers on stage riot and with his tape destroyed... swan starts to rot.

I love his melty horrifying face towars the end as he strangles phoenix proving in his final acts he's a monster who likes to hurt people and it's all he ever was. No amount of talent could maks the monster he is... The phantom finishes him off.. but starts to die and we get a truly tragic ending. As the crowd tears swan apart. the phantom limps to Phoenix.. and she remembers... and she realizes both who this man whose been creeping around is and what he could've been and weeps as the crowd dosen't notice.. no one notices... the Phantom dies.. winslow dies.. alone.. but maybe nloved. And maybe in a better life... they coudl've been more.

We end the film with credits of all the actors set to the song that let me know this film's soundtrack existed, The Hell of It. It was meant for Beef's funeral, to be sung by the phantom but they ddin't have the money for that scene, and honestly it works way better as both a sendoff to the film and a final fuck you to swan, one of film's greatest monsters now throughly slain.

Love yourself as you loved no other Be no man's fool and be no man's brother We're all born to die alone You know, that's the hell of it Life's a game where they're bound to beat you And time's a trick it can turn to cheat you And we only waste it anyway And that's the hell of it

Good for nothing, bad in bed Nobody likes you and you're better off dead Goodbye (Goodbye) We've all come to say goodbye (Goodbye) Goodbye (Goodbye) Born defeated, died in vain Super-destructive, you were hooked on pain And though your music lingers on All of us are glad you're gone

If I could live my life half as worthlessly as you I'm convinced that I'd wind up burning too

It's a song full of pure contempt.. and i'ts all swan deesrves.

This film deserves all the praise and I highly recommend getting the blu ray if you can swing the money. The film's a faustian tragedy with the astetics of Adam West Batman and it's as hilarious, tragic and horrifying as that sounds. If you love you some weird shit, some great music and some well done character work, you'll love this movie as I now do. Writing it up's only made me love it more . It was an honor to finally do this one, thanks for reading.

[notebookmusical]

Hey! Sorry I didn't reply..it was my brother's bday the other day and I was a little tipsy. Omg I just realized I also shorten his name to To and sometimes we will repeat it like To To to get him to pay attention or look. but it still sounds different than Toto if that makes sense. I can't believe I just noticed that lol. So I guess we have similar dog names too which is such a coincidence. That's cool..what kinda things do you have planned? I don't know much about it. Have you been before?

Ya it's different with Taylor since I did grow up with her since the beginning and she always seemed pretty normal girl with her lyrics from debut and I felt so connected to her as a shy weird girl who didn't have a lot of friends. So that's a lot different than other artists to me..but I have been following Paramore early on too. I think it might be cuz I know more about Taylors life and her as a person, and did grow up with her. But I have had a similar experience with a few other artists later in my life where the music found me at the right time when I needed it. That happened with Soccer Mommy and the band Best Coast..if you like singer songwriters you might enjoy her music. She says things in a more simple way than Taylor but I find it so relatable. Another one is The Smiths..their music means so much to me. My favorite concert was Eras and Rep..haha. next would be twenty one pilots/TOP..I have seen them probably 5 or 6 times now and they always put on a great show! I saw Paramore in 2015 and was so bummed I couldn't make their recent tour. Wow that's a lot! Before eras, I can't remember the last concert I went to. Which one has been your favorite? And which eras show was your favorite?

I watched a bootleg of &Juliet before but I can't really remember it! I think I might have been drinking during it and had it on in the background. I like it well enough but it reminds me too much of Moulin Rouge and I just prefer that a lot more. I think it's overall a pretty fun show though, but that's all. I like Six in a similar way too but I totally get why people love it. Aww I hope you can..it really does seem like seeing it live could make a big difference. Moulin Rouge the movie will always be better to me than the musical though. I've also really been into La La Land again recently. Have you ever seen the Beatles jukebox musical Across the Universe? That's another favorite of mine and would totally recommend! I wanted to ask if you had watched it. No I haven't..but folk style Sondheim seems interesting and just my style..I'll check it out for sure. Also..did you see the new Mean Girls trailer? What did you think? They did not make it seem like a musical though so I don't really have a strong opinion of it yet. It didn't feel like the original either so idk.

I really hope to watch the show at some point. I just have not been watching TV lately but I really want to. I've seen enough gifs on here to know it's good. I can't believe that's where Paul and Daisy's careers started..I feel like I see Paul everywhere now but I'm not even sure if I actually saw one of his movies yet. I did watch Daisy in the Crawdads movie and thought it was okay. I saw two episodes of CWF and was supposed to watch them at the same time to see what my sister thought lol..but that's not even on Hulu anymore so I'll never watch it now, but will watch Normal People. I've heard mixed things of Beautiful World..the bit I read felt different from the other two in a way to me. I planned on reading them all next to each other..and I think I read Normal People and CWF at the same time actually. I finished Normal people quickly and had to work to finish CWF. I did not understand or connect to the relationship or characters as much in that one so that does make me curious about Beautiful World. I think I have to be in a specific mood for it though.

Oh yes that happens to me with books all the time too, as you know. It's like..i tell myself if I start it, that makes me feel like I will definitely go back to it but sometimes that doesn't happen, and it's not even really because of the book. I really hope it doesn't happen with Night Circus though..but i might not get back to it for a month, so don't worry. I have heard of that book I think? but don't know what it's about. I honestly don't really read funny books I don't think but I guess it seems like you're enjoying it which is good! I totally will keep you updated if I read any more of it.

It's so good! That's a perfect way to describe it and I'm sure it will fit right into the movie. Oh is it like a six degrees of separation thing with Rachel..haha that's still awesome though!

Speaking of vinyls, my 1989 pink vinyl came yesterday and I really love the cover every time I look at it. It really makes me think about how the vault tracks go with the beach theme as well. I don't think my rankings have changed actually, but more like my opinion of the vault as a whole. Like I think maybe these are the best so far as a group..they go well together but Red has more of my absolute favorites. Slut is still my favorite and it's so dreamy..I loved the new acoustic version as well. Then Say Don't Go, Suburban Legends and Now we Don't Talk. Unpopular opinion..is it over now is still in last for me but I truly love every song a lot more now! Something I was thinking and talking to my sister about is how Taylor still writes great love songs and I feel like I don't see it a lot with all these newer singer songwriters as much. I've always loved Taylors lyrics and songs about being a hopeless romantic, and I think Slut falls into that category as well. I know she compared it to Blank Space but it also reminds me of Wildest Dreams. Although it could be just the feeling of the song too, similar to Snow on the Beach or even Paris. I also see Suburban Legends as a mix of Timeless, Gold Rush and maybe a bit of Mastermind in both lyrics and sounds. Aww that's so exciting..I hope she had a great time! I loved the new pink outfits so much and just seeing her perform again makes me so happy..and the surprise songs. I will make a guess for surprise songs right now for tonight. I'm thinking something from Rep for the anniversary..so I'll pick Dancing with our hands tied guitar and Say Don't Go..since I imagine she will want to sing a new vault song. It's the first thing I thought of but I also think that would be a great pairing..what about you? Do you have any guesses?

Oh I don't really use my laptop anymore since it's so slow but I still can try it on my phone. I glanced at the rules and was kinda confused. I'll have to see what my sister thinks about it cuz I might need help.

I've never seen Jasper In deadland and had no idea it was similar. That makes it interesting to me. Come From Away is pretty different cuz there's less songs and more dialogue..plus the style of music is just way different lol but like Great Comet comparison would make more sense with Hadestown. That's a sweet memory to have..it still gives me chills sometimes and I remember when I first saw the Tony performance too.

I love talking to you but I think it might help me to send shorter anons from time to time and I'm sorry if I talk too much. Sometimes responding to your messages overwhelms me and I feel bad if I don't reply right away. I think I will be busy and stressed until the middle of January at this point and some days I won't have as much energy to give you a full response. I can still talk to you about reading updates and Taylors tour, such as guessing surprise songs each day or overall just checking in of course. I just feel like some convos go in circles at this point so don't feel like you have to respond to everything. I feel like I just talk to you the same way I just ramble stuff to my sister at this point lol. I try really hard to keep things interesting but sometimes it's hard cuz I'm actually boring and never doing anything. It's not you at all..so please don't take it that way! I hope you have an amazing trip!!! 🩷🩷🩷

hi friend this is so so late and i am terribly sorry </3 i have been down with the plague unfortunately :( i got sick coming home from boston and i am still feeling ... quite ill. i hope you've been doing well!

how was your brother's birthday? did y'all have fun? what's your drink of choice? and i've been to boston once before! i mostly just hung out with one of my best friends — i got to meet some turkeys (which i was super excited about), we went shopping, went to a museum, a musical and a concert! so very, very fun! and very serendipitous because i ran into some other friends who live in boston at the museum! it was a very short trip, but i had a lot of fun and my immune system is terrible so i am now paying the price, but that's okay! hopefully i'll feel better soon.

i don't know if i've said this to you before, so forgive me if i have, but i got introduced to taylor through this one girl in my 6th grade art class — i'd just moved to the states, and she was like "do you like taylor swift" and i was like "idk who that is" and she was like "you have to listen to her" so i went home and looked her up on youtube and became obsessed! i had no friends (i was nine and in 6th grade and everyone was two years older than me) but i had taylor and her music, and so that's a big part of why her earlier stuff means so much to me! i think it's really easy to feel ... more connected (?) to taylor because her work is so personal, even when it's not autobiographical!

i really do love singer songwriters — and will have to check them out! i really love our conversations because i get introduced to so many new artists that i wouldn't have listened to on my own! i almost feel like we should do a little like playlist exchange (doesn't have to be a formal playlist), like a collection of like a few songs that we want the other person to listen to! my favorite is also eras — i'm tempted to say night 2 because i got to hear one of my all time favorite songs (tied together with a smile) but night 1 was really, really special too because i got to see it with two of my closest friends and the vibes were just so immaculate! i think we were all a lot more tired night 2 (and rushed, since we had to run from the gracie acoustic set) and so it was a little more hectic! i don't know if i told you but i ended up getting tickets for vancouver, so i'm going to be able to take my mom and my friend from high school (who i was originally going to do round 3 of eras with) 🥺 i'm really really excited because i will know more of what to expect, and i get to see her with my mom who also really loves taylor (her favorite era is fearless and she was really disappointed the movie did not have the green dress — she kept asking me "wheres the green dress? when does the green dress show up" haha). but i think seeing maisie and sabrina were also perfect? like i have just been very fortunate to have some incredibly good concert experiences this year!

i have not seen across the universe, but one of my friends loves it and it's been on my watchlist forever! one day i'll get around to it! i don't love the mean girls trailer for the same reason — it doesn't feel like the musical at all (or a musical, in general), but i'm trying to keep an open mind! i probably won't see it in cinemas but we'll see!! speaking of musicals, did you see that american psycho immersive is happening in 2025? i lost my mind when i found out! i was half asleep and my friend texted me and woke me up and i was like immediately wide awake. i'm soooo excited for it. i'm going to try to plan a trip out in 2025!

i brought convo with friends with me to boston, and didn't even touch it once haha. which is sometimes the case when i bring books on vacation! i also packed up my ipad with arcs and read one page of one and then put it down. sometimes i'll read like seven books on vacation and then sometimes i'll read 0. it's just how things are!

cleo & frank is a very ... wild book. i do not know if i would recommend it (i'm about halfway in) but it's definitely keeping my interest in an entertaining way. i've been reading for about 30 minutes before "bed" now, so hopefully i can finish it before the end of the month! i think november is going to be a very chill reading month; i've only read 3 books and i don't see myself reading many more just based on how ill i've been feeling. which is okay! i was just hoping to be more on top of things (arcs) this month, but that's fine, there's always next month. i think i'm going to wait to touch night circus till i'm feeling better :( and try to focus on that — and finishing up my les mis annotations/reread in december, then maybe jump into starless sea in january! we'll see though!

isn't the pink 1989 vinyl so pretty? i'm obsessed with it! i haven't listened to it yet, but i keep looking at it! i also preordered the new bleachers album on vinyl yesterday, i think the colors on this one are so pretty! i loveeeed the acoustic of slut; i haven't listened to it a whole lot but i really liked it when i listened to it! maybe i will spin 1989 today while at work for you 🤍 i haven't really been listening to vinyls much lately (i fall into moods) but i was listening to in the end it always does by the japanese house (i have the pink vinyl for that too!) the other night! i also bought the new sabrina carpenter christmas ep fruitcake on vinyl, so i'm excited for that to come! and i have some vinyls coming in from urban outfitters' 7" singles day — i think they're coming here today, actually!

and you are so right! i love her softer love songs, like saccharine sweet ones, and it's funny because one of my best friends does not like those ones at all! we very much compliment each other in that way; she's a rep girlie and i am very much not a rep girlie haha. speaking of rep, it looks like you hit the nail on the head with predicting DWOHT soon! do you think we're going to get a rep announcement this week? a lot of my friends are rep girlies, so for their sake i hope so but i also wish taylor would take a break!

i made a post about this when i saw your ask come in, but i want you to know there's never any pressure to reply immediately, or to send a long lengthy ask! i just love chatting with you, no matter what! thinking of you this holiday season (if you celebrate?) and hope things are going okay 🤍 you are not boring at all! and we are friends! take care of yourself friend!!

[sirfrogsworth]

As a possible distraction from the stress you've had lately, I wanted to talk movies! I heard my brother and his friend discussing this conspiracy theory they have about Marvel vs DC films. His friend believes that The Suicide Squad is doing poorly in terms of earnings, despite being made by the same guy who did Guardians of the Galaxy, with a comic book group that has a roster befitting his style, allowing him to pick from a number of characters to get his style on screen without issue. Neither of them have talked to anyone who saw the movie who didn't love it as much as GOTG and they have seen a ton of glowing reviews for the movie. So they believe that reviews are all biased toward Marvel's superhero movies because people will call them great even when they have some huge flaws. They feel like people are willing to overlook things like that in Marvel movies,but not DC and this HAS to be because Disney pays all the reviewers to give DC movies bad reviews. It sounds paranoid to me, but I was curious what your take was, as someone who likes movies and posts about them a fair bit. Do you think this theory holds any water? Do you think there's some kind of conspiracy to bury DC movies under bad reviews while creating a Pro-Marvel bias? To me it seems like a lack of confidence in DC movies. I feel like IF the numbers aren't looking great for The Suicide Squad, which looks great to me, it might be because people do not have faith in a Suicide Squad movie after the last one, but I hear nothing but glowing reviews from people I see online that saw it. Sorry for the lengthy ask, also.

Don't ever apologize to me for a lengthy ask because I will drown you in words because I haven't been succinct in my life. I have written 3 paragraph emails to my parents when all they asked is what I want from McDonald's. I'll give them my philosophy on who makes the best chicken nuggets and a thesis on why air frying french fries even when they are recently cooked makes them much more tasty.

NO MORE LIMP FRIES FOR MEEE, MICKEY D'S!

So... yeah... be verbose in my inbox if you like.

I'm about to unload a bunch of superhero movie opinions. If anyone isn't into that, please feel free to skip this one.

First, I kinda think the entire debate is moot because it is impossible to compare the financial success of The Suicide Squad due to the pandemic. The emergence of the Delta variant just kept people from going to the movies as much. Plus, it got a 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, so Disney must have forgotten to send the checks out this time.

So, I guess I could end it there.

NAHHHHHH.

Here's a few thousand more words! (Sorry in advance.)

Beyond that, R-rated movies always have trouble at the box office. Guardians of the Galaxy was PG-13, just like the rest of the Marvel films, so there is a bevy of teenagers who don't have to buy tickets to Paw Patrol and sneak into The Suicide Squad.

There is also the fact that James Gunn purposely chose lesser known characters that even some comic book fans were unfamiliar with. So I think some folks wanted to see how the movie was perceived before they took a chance on it. It's harder to sell tickets without Batman or Superman in the mix. Not impossible, but that is almost free marketing with more well-known characters.

As far as Marvel movies having flaws... all good movies have flaws. Flaws do not necessarily make a movie bad unless they completely ruin the experience or immersion. I think people make way too big a deal of flaws and plotholes. Much more so than in the past.

The world has started nitpicking movies to death because of social media. Some folks feel compelled to have their hot takes ready to go as soon as the movie is over. Plus, tweets about the bad stuff are much more compelling and get more attention than tweets about the good stuff.

Not enough people digest content and let it sit in their brain for a day or two.

There is also the issue of people seeking out external group opinions and having their own feelings and opinions usurped. I thought it was so damn peculiar how everyone had *exactly* the same complaints about The Last Jedi.

Like, almost word for word.

I was so scared of spoilers that I avoided any discussions of TLJ, so I watched it knowing almost nothing beforehand. I was soooo excited that Leia finally got to use the force and be a badass saving herself from the vacuum of space.

But then all of reddit was like "HOW STUPID WAS MARY POPPINS?"

After that, I realized how powerful mob opinions could be so I made an effort to wait 2 days before reading anyone else's feedback of media just to make sure my opinions were not influenced. I honestly think some people changed their minds and hated TLJ because other people convinced them otherwise.

And then there is the tragic inability of some people to just turn off their brains and absorb content. Flaws are much more apparent if you spend every second of the movie looking for them.

One side is hyperanalyzing moment by moment to make sure there isn't anything too "woke" or "political."

And, if I'm being honest, my fellow progressive friends often hyperanalyze in the moment to make sure media isn't too problematic.

Movies are usually going to have both of those things. I know from personal experience it is challenging to create content and take every single variable into consideration. Some jokes I've had to apologize for. Others I've just had to accept that some people couldn't connect with them even when I feel my intentions were clear. It's not possible to please everyone all the time.

I always try to take what I learn and do better, but I understand that is a journey that does not end. So I think forward progress is what people should be seeking rather than a bar of perfection few could ever meet.

While I think the people scared of too much "wokeness" can fuck right off, I do wish everyone would let themselves escape their brains for a bit. We need distractions from the world. We need escapism.

I mean, unless the problematic-ness is off the chart and blatant or extremely triggering without warning, I think it's best to enjoy the movie as it is in the moment and do the critical analysis of what could be better *after* viewing. Or do it on a second viewing.

I want movies to be less problematic and more inclusive. And I don't want them to make people feel uncomfortable or insulted. But the thing Anita Sarkeesian always said that many ignored was...

"It's both possible, and even necessary, to simultaneously enjoy media while also being critical of its more problematic or pernicious aspects."

I think if the original Star Wars trilogy came out today, people would be crapping on the Ewoks and how they defeated stormtroopers with exceptional log stratagems. Or how Luke made out with his sister. They would say that guy who was gay for the Rancor was social justice run amok. They would say Leia was too feminist and bossy. Han was too creepy. They would think the saber fight between Obi-Wan and Vader looked a bit... geriatric.

Star Wars was riddled with flaws, but people didn't care because it had lasers and spaceships and wizards and puppet wizards and it was fun as heck. No matter what age people were, that movie was seen through the eyes of a child.

Many people have forgotten how to turn off their brains and just enjoy a damn movie. I know some folks have valid reasons for that, but the rest of us need to learn how to reclaim that childhood ability or there may come a point where no content can satisfy our standards.

I love Marvel movies despite their flaws and I think a lot of others feel that way too. Not everyone—some have very valid reasons to dislike Marvel content. While I think they do make that forward progress I talked about... it is definitely *slow* progress. And I can understand if that is frustrating.

But for me, it's about the overall experience. I know when I watch a Marvel movie I'll get some laughs, some good action, a little bit of drama, and I'll have fun. They aren't trying to make masterpieces and, unlike many of the DC movies, they don't take themselves too seriously.

They are my comfort blanket movies.

They take me away from reality and distract me from the world for a bit. They are just serious enough for the drama to impact me and give me feels, but not so realistically serious that I end up in a deep depression for a week. They have made some of the best casting decisions of any franchise so that you fall in love with the characters and want to root for them. And they have been able to maintain a fairly consistent quality all while making the universe seem like an interconnected tapestry of stories. Marvel movies make me feel like I am part of something and that goes a long way to supersede most flaws. I mean, even in the lesser movies I still just enjoy spending time with these characters I have developed parasocial bonds with.

After the success of Nolan's Batman movies, DC decided to go all-in on the darkness. But Zack Snyder is not Christopher Nolan. And Superman isn't Batman. Disney did not have to pay reviewers to dislike DC movies. They just had to encourage Warner Bros. to stick with Zack Snyder's "vision." I know some people passionately enjoy his deal, but his appeal just isn't as broad as Marvel's.

All that said, I do think The Suicide Squad will have cult success in the long run. I think people will be watching and talking about this movie for years to come. It will have a legacy. (And hopefully a few sequels.) It's a different kind of success, but I think it is just as valid and possibly more special than straight-up financial success.

I'd also like to add... I really don't like the DC vs Marvel mentality.

Why does it need to be a competition?

I love superhero movies. Period.

I want *all* of them to be great.

Batman and Superman have been my favorite characters since I was a tadpole because when I came home from being bullied at school, the Batman and Superman cartoons were on the TV waiting for me. (Superman: TAS was underrated but you can watch it in 1080p on HBO MAX right now.)

So I really want to love any movies with those characters in them. I am rooting for these movies. I could give a shit about Marvel vs. DC.

I think the DC Animated movies are wonderful. Some of my favorite Batman material is from the animated stuff. Under the Red Hood was great. And The Dark Knight Returns voiced by RoboCop was a different kind of cool. They're not all winners *looks squarely at The Killing Joke* but I love how many creative risks they take with the animated stuff. I mean, they just did a Bruce Lee-style 70s Kung Fu movie with Batman. And I'm pretty sure he literally went to hell in that one.

I think because the financial stakes are lower, they aren't afraid to make a few turkeys in order to give the creators more freedom to create. And because things are animated, you can still create on a similar or greater scale than a live-action flick.

Whereas Marvel's attempt at animation has been a giant mixed bag. There was a series called The Spectacular Spider-Man that I thought was almost as good as Batman: TAS, but they cancelled it after 2 seasons. There was also a short movie called Hulk vs Wolverine that was fantastic and deserved a series, but nothing more ever happened with it.

So Marvel isn't always winning this imaginary, needless competition.

But much of the recent DC live action movies up until now have kind of broken my heart. I think they all had potential but many of them just had too much gritty, grimdark Zack Snyder juice on them.

He needs a good writer. (Perhaps one that thinks Ayn Rand is a hack.) I think if someone else took control of the narrative stuff, he'd be seen as a less divisive figure and a better director.

Man of Steel had some of the best superhero action I've ever seen. I think it is the first live action movie to do fighting while flying in an exciting way. Even Marvel has struggled with that.

But the story was just... weird.

Superman is supposed to be optimistic.

He wears hope on his chest but doesn't seem to have any in his character?

Henry Cavill is such a fun, affable, ripped-as-fuck nerd and they just had him be sad all the time. That seems like such a waste.

I literally yelled at my screen when a tornado ate Pa Kent for no good reason. I mean, one little adjustment and that could have been a powerful scene. What if Pa Kent was in a situation that Clark was unable to save him from? (Like the heart attack in 1978 Superman.) What if Clark learned that even with all his power, he still can't save everyone?

Or what if Pa told Clark to save strangers *instead* of him?

That scene was more than a flaw. More than a nitpick. And an example of why DC movies have struggled more than Marvel movies.

Disney need not pay anything to get reviewers to criticize "MARTHAAAAA!"

And then Lex Luthor went and Jar Jar'd all over the sequels.

I believe DC has earned their mixed bag reputation in live action. Wonder Woman was great (reviewers thought so too), but then they stumbled on the sequel. Shazam was decent (reviewers thought so too), but it didn't feel connected to anything else, so I don't think it helped the expanded universe. I really liked The Suicide Squad but, like Shazam, I don't know if it can lift the universe up on its own.

Perhaps if DC is committed to darker, grittier content, they should go all-in with the R-rated movies. An R-rated Batman would be great.

Quit half-assing the darkness.

So, no... I don't think there is any conspiracy. Marvel is self aware. I think people underestimate the power of self awareness. They don't try to go beyond what they promise. They don't try to win Oscars. They don't try to reinvent the superhero wheel. They just do what they do as best as they can do it. And I have found the Rotten Tomatoes scores in line with how much I enjoyed the Marvel movies.

They don't always get perfect Rotten Tomatoes scores either. My least favorite (but still enjoyable) movie was Thor: The Dark World. It got a 66%. Maybe a little high, but it has Darcy in it so I always add 10% for Kat Dennings calling the hammer Mew-Mew.

And Iron Man 2 got a 72%. Again, maybe it was a little inflated even if I still enjoyed it. I think it probably deserved a low 60%. The first Iron Man set a very high bar.

And on the flip side, I find the critics' reviews in line with how much I enjoyed Zack Snyder's efforts as well. I gave him credit for the Snyder Cut. I happily concede it was a much better movie than I expected. I was sure it would suck when people first started talking about the secret vault with the *true* version. It got a fresh rating of 71%. Which I think is very good considering it was a mulligan and people had seen a lot of the footage already and it was like 48304389 hours long.

But Zack really really thinks he's a genius and ends up making a lot of cringe because of it. He does not have the all-important self awareness that Marvel does. I'm positive he thought MARTHAAAA!!! was so goddamn clever and impactful. He was patting himself on the back for weeks after thinking of that idea—probably pestering his close friends like, "Did you ever notice Batman and Superman both have mothers with the same name? Eh? EHHH? I AM SO SMART TO HAVE NOTICED THIS COINCIDENCE!"

If I were Warner Bros, I would pay whatever it takes and hire James Gunn to be their Kevin Feige. James has said GotG 3 will be his last Marvel film. Let him make a weird, funny, R-rated DC universe.

I better stop here. I can talk about superhero movies forever.

Hopefully I have debunked this conspiracy theory enough.

And hopefully I also lobbed some interesting opinions for people to digest and disagree with completely.

All opinions are my own and it is totally cool if you have different ones.

[majesticbrownjawn]

Halloween

This is a throwback and may be the first Erik-ish fic I wrote more than two years ago. 

Reader (like me), isn’t a fan of Halloween, her boyfriend tries to change her outlook. 

NSFW, boo.

I hate Halloween; you thought to yourself angrily as you woke up on the morning of October 31. 

You had a bad experience when you were younger and had been scarred ever since. Your boyfriend Jason loved it, though, especially after Black folks decided we'd make Halloween all about the culture. He was excited about his costume but refused to share what it was. He said it was a surprise and would make you have a heart change about Halloween. You doubt that highly. One of his best friends threw a big party every year, so you were headed there tonight. 

Thankfully it was Saturday, and you didn't have to rush to get yourself together after work. You wanted to have lunch with Jason because you knew even though you'd be at the party together tonight, he'd be too excited to pay you much attention.

————

"Hey babe, you wanna grab some lunch with me?"

"Aww, I'd love to, but I have to put some final touches on my costume."

"Really?! I haven't seen you all week Jason," you whined. 

"I know, baby, but I gotta finish this. I promise I'll make it up to you tonight."

"Ok, fine," you said, disappointed, and hung up. 

You waited until the last minute to decide what to be for Halloween because you and your boyfriend usually coordinated what you'd wear, but because he was being so extra this year and didn't want you to know who he was going as, you had to figure things out on your own. By the time you made it to the Halloween store, the only thing left in your size was the cliche slutty French maid costume. You bought it without trying it on and went on with your day. You were out later than anticipated, so you had to get home and get ready quickly. As you were putting on makeup, you heard your phone buzz. It was a text from Jason. 

Hey baby, I'm running behind, so I won't be able to pick you up. I'm sorry. Text me when you're ready to leave, and I'll have an Uber pick you up and bring you. 

He was really annoying you today. 

You arrived to the party about an hour later and was surprised to see the mansion was already packed with people. You picked up your phone to call Jason but saw that you didn't have service. You walked around for a while, observing the detail in the partygoers’ costumes. A blue Avatar and headless horseman caught your eye and impressed you. After looking for Jason for much longer than anticipated, you decided to stop at one of the bars to get a drink. As you stood in the line, a rough tug at your hips and warm breath on the back of your neck startled you. 

"What the fuck are you wearing?!" A deep voice said. 

The slutty French maid costume lived up to its name. Your full breasts were spilling out of the top and the dress barely covered your ass. You added fishnet stockings to cover your deliciously thick thighs and to add to the overall hoe factor. You rarely wore heels, but tonight you decided on a  pair of clear, stacked, 5” sandals. You knew Jason wouldn't like your body on display at the party, but he would just have to get over it tonight. He was lucky you’d even showed up. 

The voice in your ear sounded familiar. You jerked away and looked at the man from the ground up. He wore combat boots, a pair of camo pants that hugged him in all the right places, a vest with metal breastplates, and a thin shirt that hugged his muscular arms perfectly. His hair was cut low all over, except for in the middle, where he had short dreads that sprung up and away from his head wildly. Two of his lower teeth were dipped in gold. The look in his eyes was one of pent up anger and rage. 

Jason had transformed himself into your own personal Erik “Killmonger” Stevens. 

"Jason?" You were surprised at how much he actually looked like Killmonger. He knew you had a not-so-secret thing for him, which is probably why he was so confident you'd love his costume this year. People frequently stopped Jason to tell him he resembled the fine ass actor who played your fictitious, homicidal movie boyfriend, but you never saw it--until tonight. He'd been growing his hair out since the summer, and you hated it so much that you barely let him touch you. You told him he could get some cut when he cut his hair, but he refused to, so you’d been finding other ways to get what you needed the last few months. 

"Answer my question. Who gave you permission to come out dressed like a slut tonight?" 

"OK, Jason, this is cute, but you not gon' talk to me like that."

You turned to walk away, but he grabbed your wrist so tight that your body involuntarily stepped back towards him to ease the pressure on your arm. 

"Where do you think you're going?"

You realized at that moment he wanted you to play along, so for the sake of your wrist and his fun, you went along with it. 

"Nowhere Killmonger. I'm all yours," you smirked at him. 

He grinned devilishly and replied, "You better be. And you can call me Erik."

He grabbed a bottle from behind the bar and instructed you to follow him until you reached a pair of plush couches in the atrium of the mansion. People were all around, dressed in costumes, seemingly entranced by the music and the free-flowing alcohol. 

"Drink," he demanded. 

He started to pour liquor in your mouth before you could respond. 

"Wait!" Alcohol was all over your lips and chin and quickly trailing down your to your breasts. 

He quickly sucked it off your neck and licked the top of your tits in plain sight. 

"What are you doing, Jason?" You were angry and turned on at the same time. 

"You got one more time to call me by another nigga's name. You understand me?"

You nodded your head and squirmed a little, realizing how wet you were. 

"Now drink up. I want you loose tonight."

Erik wanted to dance, so you joined the crowd on the floor. His camo pants were thick, but you could feel how excited he was to be grinding behind you. In character or not, he hadn't touched you like this in months. As your bodies moved together to the music, one of his hands crept up your waist and palmed your breast. You loved the way his hands felt on you. He turned you around to face him and gave you the nastiest, sexiest kiss you’d ever experienced. He was really in character and you loved it. 

After grinding on each other a while longer, he whispered in your ear, "I'm ready to fuck you."

Your eyes bulged out from your head and the tingling in your pussy that had been happening since you laid eyes on him tonight intensified. You were ready to fuck too. 

"Go upstairs into the second door and take off everything. NOW." He dismissed you, confident you’d obey his order. 

You trailed up the stairs and waited for him. 

"The fuck you still got clothes on for?!" Your boyfriend was always firm, knowing how to lovingly put you in your place when I needed to be checked. But the tone he used tonight was different. It almost made you afraid of him.

"I'm going to teach you how to listen today. Bend over." You looked at him with questioning eyes to see if he was serious. 

"Bend the fuck over," he repeated. You leaned onto the bed in front of you, ass straight up, listening like a good girl. He ran his hand down your ass before giving it a firm smack. 

"When I tell you to do something, I mean that shit." You could hear the lust-filled anger in his voice. 

You flinched in pain, but your mouth let out a needy moan, encouraging him to continue. He hit your jiggling backside again just before you heard the sound of your fishnet stockings ripping, leaving your ass fully exposed, save the thong you wore. You felt the string being pulled away from your center and onto your ass cheek. 

His fingers circled your clit from behind, making you arch your back, pushing your pussy deep onto his fingers. You wanted them inside. You were so wet, and they’d slipped in a few times already. 

"Not yet, baby," he growled. He replaced his fingers with his mouth. 

He gave you a good tongue lashing from behind and licked up your slit towards your ass. He slowed down as he made his way upwards, and you tensed up, knowing where he was headed. Your boyfriend loved your body and gave all of himself to you when you had sex. He was attentive and genuinely desired to pleasure every part of your body, but you were never comfortable with him pleasing that part of you. It was still so taboo. Would it even feel good? With him thinking he was Killmonger tonight if he tried, would you be able to stop him? Would you want to stop him? 

As his tongue reached that small region of flesh between your pussy and your other hole, your reflexes caused you to reach one of your hands back, trying to swat him away. 

"Wait, Jas-Erik, whoever the fuck you are." 

That was the worst thing you could have done. He grabbed the arm that tried to push him away and held it on top of your back with his hand, leaving you to balance all of your weight onto the single arm below you. His other hand firmly gripped your upper thigh and pulled you closer to his face. 

"Ahhhhh, Erik." You were gone at the first stoke of his tongue in your no longer forbidden area.

He ate you mercilessly, giving you a pleasure you'd never experienced before. Your arm gave out on you, and you finally just planted your face into the bed. Your ass never moved, though; you were enjoying his tongue too much. He released your arm. The noises you were making was assurance you wouldn't try and stop him again. Your eyes rolled back in slow motion when he opened your pussy with his fingers pushing them deep into you and twisting them as he moved in and out of you, mouth still teasing your ass. 

"Oh my gosh, Jason. Fuck!"

"What you just call me?" His words vibrated against your hole, sending a shiver up your spine. He smacked your ass hard. "What's my name?" 

Smack. 

Your body shuddered, but you didn't answer. 

"Hmm?" He struck you again and laughed. 

"Erik," I whispered. His fingers moved to your clit, sending shockwaves through your body, making your pussy jump from the inside. 

"Louder," he demanded. 

"MmmmErik!" Unintelligible sounds left your mouth as he stroked your clit and ate you from behind. Your climax overtook you, pushing the balls of your feet deep into the soft carpet and making your toes point back up towards the bed. Your body went stiff before going completely limp. You flopped stomach-first onto the bed below you. 

He leaned over you on the bed and whispered, "We ain't done yet, turn over." 

You lazily rolled over on your back as he carefully took off his costume. You watched his beautiful body in awe when he removed his shirt and revealed dozens of scars across his chest and abdomen. He was committed to this costume. 

You were on autopilot and didn't realize you were pleasuring yourself until he growled, "That's a good girl, keep that kitty wet for me." 

Your fingers continued massaging your pussy as he stood over you, stroking his dick and chewing his bottom lip. "You look so good, baby, rubbing your clit like that, but I thought I told you to take your clothes off." He reached down and snatched the top of your dress open, making your breasts spill out and sending buttons flying across the room. 

"Yeah, that's better. Now play with them juicy ass titties." You stuck your fingers in your mouth, trying to get them as wet as possible before moving them in circles around your deep brown nipples. His dick slid up and down your slit as you continued giving special attention to your sensitive breasts. 

Finally, he entered you with a loud grunt, spreading your walls with his healthy girth. You inched up the bed a little trying to adjust to him; it had been a little while. 

"Uhun, where you going? Ain't no escaping this dick tonight." He cupped his hands under your thighs and lifted your ass off the bed, pushing himself further inside, using your legs to pull you up and down his juicy dick. 

"Fuck, fuck, fuck, Erik." 

"Feels better now?" 

"Yes, baby, yes," you whimpered. He twisted in and out of you, pausing every few strokes to stop and lick your clit before entering you again. His pace sped up as he looked down on you with dark eyes. 

"Ahhhh got damn, girl. This pussy so fucking wet." He inhaled deeply like it was going to keep his nut from coming too soon. 

"Of course it is, daddy. You keep tapping my spot," you moaned. He shifted his hips a little, hitting it straight on. 

"Where is it?"

"It's right there. Don't stop, right there, please!" Your fingers gripped the sheets below you as you came hard around him. He rubbed your clit midway through your orgasm, intensifying and extending your high. He came inside you heavy before falling to your side, breathing deeply as you traced your fingers along the raised scars on his chest. 

"So, you like my costume?" Your boyfriend was back. 

"It was aight." He raised an eyebrow at you. 

"I can give you another spanking if my performance wasn't convincing enough." 

"No baby, my ass hurts. But I have a question. You think Killmonger cuddles after sex?"

"Fuck no!" He yelled. "I do, though."

He wrapped his arms around you, placing kisses in the crook of your neck. 

You couldn’t stop grinning as you laid there in his arms. The experience with him tonight was overwhelming. It felt like you fucked someone else. 

You fucked Killmonger. 

-----

Tags:

My list is jacked, if you don’t want to be tagged, inbox me. If you’d liked to be tagged in the future, just comment and let me know. Thanks for reading!

@harleycativy @queenflaws @theogbadbitch @goddessofthundathighs @syndrlla97 @soufcakmistress @mbakusprincess @supersizemeplz @therealmrsrhodes @toniilaney @raysunshine78 @19jammmy @killmonger-fics @just-peachee @trinityaneise @wawakanda-btch  @killmonger-fics @just-peachee @ladymac82​ @suburbanblackhoe

[selimunfridhirako]

Shinji Hirako x Reader

💜 The First Date💜

A/N: I haven't been writing much and I do deeply apologize for that, again this is my secondary account, my first is @targaryens-blog I'm no longer allowing submissions no longer accepting requests at this time but for selimunfridhirako I'll have the ask box open if anyone would like to send anons just chatting or discussing topics. now that's out of the way I am taking a break from writing bnha/mha and will be focusing on creating Bleach content! I'll be tagging a few of my favorite bleach blogs I've found while trying to find good ol bleach content writers and here's a few to list^^@shinji-slut @sexintheseireitei @seireiteisins @hirako5hinji @buriedinbleach @jazzandzanpakutos @theseireitei @thesecondcircleofkel

First I know none of us talk I'm just simply a fan of all your works and you all inspired me to write bleach again your all my favs and truly hope you never give up writing for your favorite fandoms. This is my first official time writing for Shinji Hirako and I guarantee it won't be as good lol but that's the point! I just wanna write whether it's good or not. Please enjoy this scenario! Also tagging @so---ft & @fi16ns ! Much love

-Tara

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Word count: 17k

Warnings ⚠️: minor Alcohol use

Pairing: Shinji Hirako x Fem reader

Prompt: You finally worked the courage to ask Shinji on a date after years of pinning after the male. How will this might turn out?

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*You shouldn't be this nervous. Twiddling your thumbs and eyes down casted. Your head soon followed the sound of Shinji's voice, complaining about being hungry. You giggled mostly to yourself before sighing. Your heart soars everytime he's near, shake your head when hiyori and him are having their little spats, you go out of your way to even bring the blonde new magazines to read for his downtime. Way more than you'd like to admit. Your friend nudges you and smiles. "Just ask him if you guys can talk privately, it'll be okay." They say. Oh how easy you wish it could actually be. To work up such a courageous act to simply ask a man on a date. It'd be much easier if he would do it instead. Girls don't ask boys out, do they?. Finally after minutes chewing on your bottom lip you finally stood from where you sat and casually sauntered over to where he was sitting on the couch. Face in hand, his light brown eyes scanned the room before landing on your frame. He noticed you're tense shoulders and opted to sit upright and his attention on you to hopefully ease you Of whatever nervousness you're feeling. "Shinji.. Can we go outside and talk?." He smiles sweetly before placing his magazine on the couch, forgotten and getting up to follow you out. Now here, him standing in front of you, the idea seemed far more difficult than before. His slouched position and hand in his pocket, his free hand begun scratching the back of his head not knowing what to do now. You start to feel your chest feel extremely heavy, and heart begun to drop in your stomach just by his body language. You were scared shitless on what to do now. "Nice day out, huh?." You said trying to start some small talk.*

*Shinji's head looked up towards the clear blue sky before mumbling a "Yeah." In agreement and leaning his back against the wall of the warehouse for support. Shit. This couldn't get any worse. Your eyes closed and mentally slapped yourself at how pathetic you were being choosing to play with the hem of your sweater instead. Little did you know that Shinji was watching your every move and expression in his peripheral. And decided to break the ice for you.*

*"So, whatdya need ta talk ta me bout'?." **Your (eye/color) eyes finally met his calm one's. Feeling ease creeping into your every fiber and relaxing, but only a little. "Well, I. I just wanted to know-. " you made a humming sound through your nose and rubbing your arm to calm your nerves. * *'just. Ask. Him'*

*"Date.. With. Me?." Silence. All that could be heard was the sound of the wind rustling the loose leaves on the street. Soon though, his smile grew into his signature smile and his eyes twinkled.*

*"Yer askin' me out on a date (Name)?."*

*You couldn't Shake your head any faster almost causing you to get dizzy at the eagerness. Before a soft smile shown on your features.*

*"Y-Yes! If. You want to.." Why were you so nervous? You've been on dates before? But then again asking first was singlehandedly the hardest thing you've ever done.*

*"Hmpf. Nev'a been asked by a cute girl before. T'sound nice. When is it?." His smooth voice rang in your ears and heart lept with excitement.*

*"How's 7:30 pm?."*

_______________________________________

Here now in your room, You stared at your reflection for the 20the time, finding something new that needed touched up and make-up to be reapplied. Fixing your hair and smoothing down the dress giving yourself another look over. The dress your friend helped you pick out was stunning. White knee length, with semi thick straps that connected in the back with a lace design. With floral flowers in the color of pinkish red and a sash that wrapped around your waist. Final thing to top off was a white and black laced shawl you'll use to wrap around your arms and a simple hand bag for your phone makeup and wallet. You felt that since you were the one that asked him out, you figured it be appropriate to pay for the two of you as well. Role reversed much?. You let out a soft laugh.

Hearing you're phone beep, you quickly pulled it out of your purse before checking the message

Shinji 🎷:*Hey doll, M'Here."*

A dust of Pink adorned your cheeks while you let out a giggle from the nickname he gave you, before dashing off from your room to meet him at the front door. Opening the door, Shinji turned to the sound, adorning in a white button up shirt with a black tie, suspenders, black slacks with a nice pair of white and black dress shoes and holding a dark blue jacket on his forearm. He pulls his sunglasses up on his head and gave a modest whistle. "Yer lookin great (Name). N' all dressed up fer me?." He became so comfortable with that statement that he landed a hand on your waist to pull you closer getting a wiff of your nice smelling perfume and shampoo. "Gorgeous."

You smiled looking down at the ground, pulling a stray hair behind your ear.

"You're looking incredible yourself Shinji." He scoffs.

"Nah. This ole' thing?. Ts'been collecting dust."

You playfully slapped his chest before walking down the steps to the side walk. "So I was thinking about this nice restaurant I seen walking with (friends/name), wanna check it out?."

Shinji threw his palm up to stop you.

"No darlin. This one on me. I know a good place." Taking your hand in his he throws his jacket over his shoulder and proceeds down the street to a jazz club downtown. During the walk you soon discovered he called ahead and even made a reservation. Your mouth hung open and gawked at how fast he moved. You had only asked him out that morning and already he's made arrangements? Your heart wasn't sure how much you could handle this man.

After sometime walking you made it to a building called *'Cocktails and Dreams'*. Shinji opened the door for you and followed inside. The room was not too dark, but not too light, there was red leather booths sitting along the walls and small rectangular tables wrapped in red satin silk filling the middle of the room, and at the end of the room stood a beautiful stage with red, blues, pinks and purple stage lights. A piano, saxophone, a couple electric guitars and a cello sitting on their perks with band mates beginning their routine. The smell of cigars and delicious food filled your senses as you looked around. There wasn't many people here, probably regulars and some folks sitting at the bar upon entering the building and to top off this classy place soft jazz music played. Filling your soul with something it hasn't felt in many years. Warmth and happiness.

You were brought from your thoughts when the waitress walked past you. "Your booth is this way sir." Shinji threw his arm around your waist and led you to where you'll be seated together. He leaned down to whisper in your right ear. "So, whatcha think doll face.? Yer kinda place?." Your spine shivered with anticipation and licked your lips before responding. "It's perfect." Whilst making eye contact. He smirks, when the waitress took the card off the table she gestured the two of you to sit while she asked you two what drinks to start with. Shinji allowed you to slide in first before following suit. "Ya wanna alcoholic beverage or just water fer now?." He asked leaning towards you with that smile you love so much. "Water for now please." He nodded, "Two waters."

The waitress wrote it down and set two menus for you both to look over. Even the menu was fancy. "Ya wanna talk first then order? Or jus order than talk?." You smiled before placing the menu down. Sitting your chin in both your palms you leaned towards Shinji looking directly at him. He scooted closer to the point of your legs touching and threw his arm on top the booth chair behind you. He looked easy going and relaxed. Eyes half lidded while he looked at you through his lashes. You couldn't help but move in next to him and laying your head on his shoulder. This display of physical intimacy surprised the both of you before he let out a hearty chuckle.

"Where's'tha blushy nervous cutie who asked me out this mornin? M'not sure why but I'm enjoyin this kinda attention." You laughed with him. "I don't know. I guess once the jitters wore off happiness replaced it." You felt his head tilt to peer at the crown of your head. "Yer happy?." You hummed in agreement. Before lifting to look at him face to face. "To be honest I've been pinning after you for awhile." You looked down at the table. His smile faded into a slight frown. "But.. Seeing the way you flirted with girls. I felt I'd never have a chance. Till' this morning." His smile was completely gone but he replaced it with a smirk when you looked back at him. "M'Sorry doll. Nev' expected ya ta even gimme a second glance." You rolled your eyes.

"Well of course I did!." You giggled while he feigned fake hurt. By this time the waitress walked back with your waters and placed them down. Shinji moved to collect them. But you felt the women's presence lurking. You looked up at her and she was staring directly at Shinji, "Are you ready to order now, sir?." He gave a curt nod your way as to ask you as well, when you picked up the menu you quickly picked the chef's choice, as you were nervous to take too long, Shinji picked the same one before handing the menu back to the lady. "Thank you I'll have that right out to you, sir." Before walking away. For some reason you couldn't help but feel as if she disregarded your presence and only noticed Shinji. He turned back to you.

"(Name)." You turned your head his way. "Yeah?." He held your hand in his lap tracing patterns on your skin. "Wanna dance?." You beamed before nodding excitedly. He slid out the booth with your hands still connected before pulling you to your feet and towards the dance floor. The music wasn't too fast but not too slow, and soon he begun spinning you in slow circles before pulling you close to his frame. You giggled. You could feel your hands getting clammy at the closeness as your hands moved to lay atop his shoulders while he swayed and twirled with you on the dance floor. A couple times you had accidentally tripped or stepped on his foot, mumbling apologies while he shrugged it off. He taught you a few jazz moves before doing the signature twirl and dip. His left arm wrapped securely around the mid of your back while the other held your hand. He leaned in close to your face, a blush creeping incredibly fast, heart thumping in your chest. Your eyes widened as his face kept inching closer to yours, your eyes slowly closed Before he landed a soft sweet longing kiss on your forehead and bringing you back upright to his chest. The music ended and people hollered and clapped before music transitioned into a soft melody again.

Grabbing his hand, you both sat back down while laughing amongst yourselves and by then the food arrived. Two words. Mouth watering. House salad with shrimp and steak and to top it off you both ordered a coconut breeze martini to go with the meal. Needless to say you were thankful he picked the place, you knew jazz was his thing and boy did he deliver. You both chatted about music, movies and other favorite topics. Going as far as to critique little details within each topic. His laughs were genuine and sweet. Something you never heard before now, and his body language wasn't so much as lazy and uncaring as most times, but attentive and serious while still retaining his comical behaviour. Everything was perfect, he listened to everything you said chiming in time to time to put in his opinions and comments while you did the same with him. Slight brushing of leg and arms, and occasionally leaning towards the other, lips caressing each other's cheeks while you spoke. Needlessly to say, you begun to get a slight buzz from the alcohol a red hue tinting your cheeks. Your giggles and eye smiles were the cutest thing Shinji had ever seen. You were far more relaxed and open with jokes. After two hours sitting and talking and eating, the waitress had come back for the final time to ask if you two wanted anything else, and if Shinji would like the bill. You went to reach for your purse to pay, but Shinji had moved his palm up to stop you as he did before. "It's on me darlin. I'm the man, 'mayyybe' next time ill'have ya pay." Your eyes widened for the up tenth time that night, trying to argue back that it was your treat. And then it hit you. *'next time ill'have ya pay.'*

Your hands shot up to hold your cheeks and stared at Shinji in shock. He laughed watching as you turned away with the brightest blush, *"he said next time? He wants to go out with me again?"* you squealed to yourself. Shinji watched with a soft smile as you had your monologue before seeing the waitress hand him the check, he thanked her before her hand touched his shoulder in a flirtatious way, his eyes narrowed at her gesture.

"I hope you have a nice night sir." She gave him a sultry smile and a wink before walking off to serve another round of tables. He scoffs, upon opening the check he seen a piece of torn paper with a note along with a number written on it. He scoffs again; *'if you want to spend a night with a real women, call me ;)-' (xxx) -xxx- xxxx'*

He makes quick work of the paper after writing the amount on the bill then left a note for the waitress. He didn't even bother to wait for her to collect the check before he insisted you and him leave for a walk. He slides out, taking your hand in his and helping you out of the booth and putting his hands on your hips to follow you outside.

The waitress had walked eagerly back to your tables to collect the check and plates. Quickly opening the check with anticipation before her face fell in disappointment.

*'Thanks, but I got a real women. Oh, and ya not gettin a tip :) hav'a nice night.'*

____________________________

the walk was even more peaceful, not so much chatting, just making small comments about the scenery or how well the food and music was.

Your eyes turned to look at Shinji. "I didn't want to bring this up, but I felt that the waitress-. " Shinji stiffened.

"Didn't like me very much." He hummed. "S'fine dollface. I took care of it." Your heart swelled you could hear your friends voice echoing through your head. *"Cuff him. Cuff him."*

You let out laugh to which caused Shinji to turn his head. "Wha'so funny?." You Shook your head and squeezed his hand, by this time you both had made it to your home. He walked you to your door. "Well. This is me." He begun to slouch and scratch his head again mumbling to himself. The action would've made you think he was disinterested but the light pink hue dusting his cheeks told another story. You laughed at him and placed a hand on his upper arm drawing him from his thoughts. His soft brown eyes scanned your features before walking closer to you holding your hand in his with utmost care.

"Shinji."

"Yes dear?."

"Can. We do this again?."

He smiles. "Absolutely."

It was your turn to smile. Before your hands followed his arms up to his shoulders, and stopping at where his neck connects, soft hands wrapping where his neck starts and peering into his eyes with heated passion. You sighed softly smelling his expensive cologne.

"(Name)."

"Yes?."

"May I, kiss ya now?. Fer real this time."

You stood on your tiptoes to get closer to his face. Pulling his face only centimeters away from where you wanted him the most. Your lips were parted for him, his eyes lowered from her irises to your parted pink lips.

Before finally closing the gap to a kiss as Swift and loving as the first shine of sun adorning the horizon. And left little to the imagination of his feelings towards you. You wish you could say the kiss was short but you both held it for as long as your lungs could allow, before finally parting for air at last.

Breathless and full of love.

"I'll see ya tomorrow yeah?." You nodded excitedly before pulling him in for a hug. "Goodnight shinji. Thank you for a wonderful time."

He gives you one more squeeze before letting you go and walking in the direction of the warehouse. You leaned against your front door after sighing dreamily to yourself. You should ask him out more often.

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END.

A/N: hope this was amazing unfortunately my computer is down so I had to do all of this on mobile and wasn't able to put a Read More™ link. It was supposed to be a short one shot to get me started but inspiration bug hit so I apologize for the long post. I hope you enjoyed, my ask box for this side blog is open feel free to slide in and say hi! Love you all and more works will be upcoming ~ stay tuned. Much love

- Tara 🐉🔮

[shi-daisy]

Snowed In

Well this it folks, my last Ulquihime Week entry for this year. As always it's been a joy to participate and see everything that all of the other users have created, and that those who host the event take such care to plan our ship week. I had a blast and I'm looking forward to doing this again next year. Till then however, let's all keep on making content for our otp!

Ok so onto the story, today's theme is Winter/Warmth and I really didn't know what to do, until I remembered I have a whole AU I could use and stuck with that. For those who haven't read my entries from previous years the Reunion AU basically had Ulquiorra and Orihime meet again after a few years, Orihime ran off from her wedding with Ichigo and Ulquiorra is now human(along with the other Arrancar). At this point in the time the two have been dating for a month. Hope you like!

@ulquihimeweek

Ulquihime Week- Day 6: Winter/Warmth

Snowed In

"For the last time Tia, I'll ask her but that dosen't mean she'll say yes." Ulquiorra repeated over the phone for what felt like the hundredth time that day.

His friends had all told him to invite Orihime over for Christmas dinner, and while he wasn't too keen on the holiday he knew his woman was. This would be the first time he would be asking her to spend an event with him and his 'family' and while he might deny it, Ulquiorra was nervous.

"Schiffer, of course she'll say yes. That girl is quite taken with you."

"I'd like to think so, but still, don't be disappointed if she declines."

"Yes, yes, I am ready to accept a negative answer. Still, I wanted some civilized company this year."

He could tell she directed her angry tone at Nnoitra. From over the phone Ulquiorra could hear them bickering.

"If ya don't want me to eat the cookies. Don't leave em on the table!"

"Those were freshly baked! How are you not burned?!"

"Cuz I still have Arrancar-like skin."

"Fool! Your hands are red! I have to go Ulquiorra. Our gigantic toddler has injured himself again."

"No surprise there. I shall see you later."

He arrived at the cafe soon after his call ended, yet he knew things weren't right. Orihime usually waited for him outside, but despite the closed sign in the door, she was nowhere to be seen. Ulquiorra rushed into the cafe, immediately upon entering he heard a loud noise.

"I know language was never your best subject but I think the sign on the door was pretty easy to read Kurosaki!"

"Inoue, just let me explain everything."

"I told you to fuck off!" Orihime angrily took off her arpon and walked away. Ulquiorra headed towards her. The second she saw him, her anger subsided.

He dared to look at Kurosaki. The redhead was no longer the headstrong teen he had met six years ago. His hair was shorter, and while he's grown taller, Ulquiorra thought he looked less intimidating.

"How- How are you here? You died."

"I got better." Ulquiorra answered sarcastically. "Now, I believe you heard the woman. She's not interested in speaking to you."

Ichigo didn't seem keen on backing down, his surprised stare turned into a glare. "You don't get to decide for her anymore, Ulquiorra."

"Oh just shut up already, Ichigo! I don't owe you shit! Tatsuki picked up my stuff a while ago, I've kept away from you and your kin, and paid back what I owed to you father. Aside from those unresolved matters we have nothing else to talk about!"

"I think leaving one's own wedding and then vanishing for two months is something to talk about! You never gave me an explanation for that."

He'd never seen Orihime so enraged, her pale face turned red and she was clenching her fist so hard her arms shook. "You want an explanation?! Fine! I left because just as I was going to get Kenpachi-san to walk me to the altar, I found you and Kuchiki-San! Then you kissed her! When we were young I thought you were in love with her, but since you proposed to me and made me feel as if I was the one you wanted, my worries faded. Imagine how I felt at that moment! I gave up NASA for you, scholarships, internships, my own damn college ambitions all went down the drain! All because I wanted to be with you, and look where the fuck that got me!

So there's your bloody explanation! Now scram!"

There was a small moment of silence before Kurosaki left. The second he was out the door, Ulquiorra hugged Orihime close. "Let it out."

Orihime didn't want to cry over it anymore, but her body betrayed her. She shook as she cried, her sobs echoed in the small cafe and the only solace she could find was the warmth Ulquiorra's hug provided.

As he held onto her, Ulquiorra checked an alert on his phone. There was a snow storm coming to Naruki.

"Woman, it's likely we won't be able to reach your apartment in time. Would you like to accompany me home?"

Orihime stopped crying after hearing that. "Yes. I'd love to go with you."

"Good, I've sent a message to Szayel, he should be coming to pick us up before the storm gets worse."

"Okay."

Orihime stared at Ulquiorra's face for a moment. When she first saw him again after all these years he looked just as he did the day he turned to ash under her touch. Now, he seemed so different. His hair was longer and styled, he often wore leather and dark make up, and even facial jewelery. She also noticed he began doing those things when the two began dating. Maybe it was an effort to become more human like for her.

"Ulqui, are you sure it's okay for me to come home with you? I don't want to bother the others."

"It's no bother, they were all hoping to see you again." Ulquiorra cleared his throat, as he often did when he was nervous. "Actually they were insistent that I brought you home for Christmas celebrations next week."

She blushed. "Really? I'd love to go! Spending Christmas alone is not much fun. I would be happy to spend it with your family."

He sighed in relief. "I'm glad."

"You sound nervous, did you think I'd decline?"

"Well, yes. But that's not why I was nerveous. It's just the others can be quite a handful. I don't want them to overwhelm you."

"I'll be fine, I love hyper groups of people. Besides you and I can have some alone time later."

"That I won't mind."

Szayel arrived at the cafe slightly later than expected. The sky was already darkening, and the road was icy. He drove slowly but made sure to calculate the time properly.

"Inoue-san, I hope you don't mind, Halibel has prepared a room for you, along with clothes. It's likely the snowstorm will keep you from going home tonight, perhaps even longer."

"That's fine. Thanks for telling me Szayel. I'll be sure to not cause any trouble."

"Oh sweetie it's no trouble at all, we are all looking forward to having you around. Ulquiorra has told us so much about you!"

Ulquiorra, Who had been dozing off in the front seat, was now wide awake and glaring at Szayel.

Orihime laughed at the scene before her. "Does he? What has he told you?"

"That he enjoys speaking to you, and that you have a lovely aura, and that you look very pretty in a sundress."

By now Ulquiorra was a blushing mess, he hid his face under the hoodie of his coat, but Orihime has already seen it. She smiled and blew a kiss in his direction. "Well I think he looks good in black clothes."

Ulquiorra caught the hint. Black was what he always wore, meaning Orihime always found him to be cute. He smiled, this time without covering his blush.

***

Her arrival had been met with hugs, greetings, an enthusiastic snuggle from the family's pet.

"Kukkapuro's no stranger to cuddling new people. He won't leave you alone for the rest of the night." Stark drowsily told her as he tried to get Kukkapuro to move. The hollow puppy ignored him.

"That's okay, Stark-san. I don't mind."

The sleepy man nodded and went back to his favorite spot, on the lap of his boyfriend. Szayel rolled his eyes and let him sleep.

She smiled at the scene, it reminded her of the times she'd act overly affectionate and Ulquiorra would be either unimpressed or dead quiet. Strangely enough she didn't mind.

"Orihime! Can you come to the kitchen? I need your help!"

She followed Halibel's voice to the kitchen. The older women had baked a new batch of cookies and wanted her opinion.

"You're the star baker after all." She told her.

The woman's tone was so sweet Orihime couldn't bear to tell her she hadn't finished culinary school.

She took a bite, savoring the sweet yet salty ginger cookie. "These are great! You're an incredible baker, Halibel-san."

"Thank you, it means a lot coming from a professional. There is something I'd like your help with."

"Anything."

***

"Are you going to chose a movie already?!"

Ulquiorra glared at Nnoitra, who had probably been banned from the kitchen.

"I am not choosing anything until the girls come back with the food. Have some patience Jiruga!"

"I am plenty patient!"

"I agree with Ulquiorra, you have a short fuse. Now be quiet." Szayel snapped.

"Tch. If I'd know you were going to be so moody I would've spent the week with Tesla and Cyan."

"Tesla might've been your fracción but I think even he knows you shouldn't be around a newborn." Stark mumbled in his drowsy state.

Ulquiorra chuckled, as he remembered the little bundle Cyan had given birth to a week ago. He didn't consider himself the baby type but that had been disproven the moment he was allowed to carry the tiny child.

"Maybe you and Inoue will produce a cute baby one day."

Ulquiorra almost fell off the sofa. "Nnoitra if you don't shut up I will disembowel you!"

Szayel shushed them both and pointed down to a sleeping Stark, but by then it was too late. The pair began bickering and Kukkapuro howled along.

***

"See? It's always like this. Can't get some quiet until bedtime."

"Don't worry. This'll warm them up!"

The girls walked out of the kitchen with cookies and hot chocolate. "Settle down! We're here with the treats! Ulquiorra you can pick a movie if you'd like."

He nodded and began browsing. Orihime gave everyone a cup of chocolate and cookies. Once her boyfriend had picked a movie, she sat down with him and their treats.

It didn't take long for the others to fall asleep. According to Ulquiorra this was a common occurrence. 'They'll be asleep before the second act ends.'

The couple was snuggling together covered by a thick blanket, they had finished their sweets and once the movie ended they would be going to bed.

"Hey Ulqui."

"Yes, love?"

"Thanks for tonight. I don't know how badly things would've gotten if I hadn't come with you."

Seeing Ichigo had soured her day greatly, and walking home alone in the freezing cold to cry herself to sleep would've been twice as hellish. Thankfully her boyfriend was there to dry her tears and make her smile again.

"You're welcome woman. I shall always be here for you, so whenever you feel like the world is falling apart remember to lean on me. It is now my eternal duty to keep you smiling."

She giggled and nuzzled close to him. "Thanks Ulqui. You're really sweet." The beating of his heart was lulling her to sleep, but Orihime resisted, she wanted to see the end of the movie. "I have to repay you one day for all the kindness you've given me. Feels like I'm only taking."

"No, you're mistaken. It is I who's repaying a debt to you. Back when I was a hollow you brought joy into my life again, and since then I've thought that one lifetime won't be enough to repay you."

"Then you better be with me in every other lifetime."

He wouldn't refuse such a request. Ulquiorra looked down at Orihime, their gazes met and he knew this was the perfect moment to do as he had planned for so long. He leaned down to press his lips against hers, a soft kiss which caused them both to blush. They both tasted of chocolate and ginger cookies, still it was perfect.

"I love you." He whispered only for her.

Orihime caressed his cheek and smiled. "I love you too."

They stayed like that for the rest of the night, tangled in a warm embrace as the snow continued to fall outside.

[insomni-snacc]

Mx. Shoggoth, I Presume? Part 2

Now 100% more gender inclusive! Also, I lied about updating next week, I'm doing it today! Instead of making costumes! *cries in procrastinate*

A Handful of Proposals

"I never expected things to get this far," Lydia groaned and flopped over on the couch, slightly muffling her words with one of Dilia's extravagant throw pillows. "I just… I didn't want people to know I had some sort of live-in babysitter, and they already knew about 'Uncle BJ' so I just started calling you Aunt/Uncle Y/N and… then people just started assuming you were married and I didn't know what else to say and then they all wanted to meet you guys and so I mentioned-the-trip-and-now-youre-chaperones-and--"

"Whoah-ho-ho girl, slow down. We're not upset." You placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. It was a bit surprising to see the teen so flustered. You wanted to make sure she knew everything was alright, even if she did basically fake-marry you to a demon behind your back.

"You- I mean, we're not?" Your 'husband' sounded a bit off. You shot him a questioning look, still comforting Lydia.

"No, we're not. And you know what? Having to pretend I'm shacking up with this old bug is a pretty small price to pay for a family trip to NOLA." You pulled the pillow from her face to give her what you hoped was a reassuring look. You added some finger guns for good measure, just to reassert your Cool Status. Yup, so cool.

"So, you're still going?" Lydia perked up.

It was Beetlejuice's turn to be reassuring. "Wouldn't miss it for the world, doll. Besides, no other chaperones would let you get into as much trouble as this dynamic duo." He pulled you into a headlock and ruffled you hair. "Isn't that right, my other half?"

Seeing Lydia smile was definitely worth whatever hell this demon was planning on putting you through. You laughed and spun in his arms to release his headlock, throwing in a light jab to his gut for good measure. "Yeah, it'll be fun! There's way more than just cemeteries to check out, too. I know you're there for you music class, so I was thinking we could--" you paused when you felt an odd weight on your left hand. You lifted it to you face to find a comically large engagement ring, nearly as big as your fist. "Beej."

"What? Just gotta let 'em know you're mine, babes."

You tossed the ring at his head, and he moved to catch it out of instinct. The moment it made contact with his hand, it burst into a nest of spiders. He gasped before quickly snapping them away. He met your seething glare with a sheepish grin. "That wasn't supposed to happen for about another hour. Still, gotta love a man with a sense of humor. Right, schnookums?"

"I know your games, hun." You pulled him to your eye level by his tie, using the pet name as venomously as possible, "try to make the next one a bit less obvious."

You failed to notice the slight pink twinge in his hair as you sauntered off, satisfied with your mock threat.

The Ghost with the Most proposed to you another six times that week, if you could call them proposals. Each time, either the ring or Beetlejuice transformed into something meant to terrify you, or the proposal was so cartoonishly romantic that you would shut it down immediately.

Frankly, the one where he created a barbershop quartet of BJ clones to serenade you with crude songs was your favorite, but you couldn't tell him that. He was your friend - your hilarious, charming, socially awkward friend - but the last thing you needed was that smug look he always gave you when he knew he'd made you laugh.

It wasn't until you were loading your luggage into the car that he had so much as looked at you with anything but mischief in his eyes.

Beetlejuice slinked up to the car with a look that, had you not known him better, could have passed for humble. He fiddled anxiously with something in his pocket.

"Hey… can you uh… can you come with me?"

You nodded, following him to the back of the house. He only turned to look your way again once you two had reached the back porch. He ran a hand through his pink hair and steeled himself. For the first time since you'd met him, there was a beat of silence between you and Beetlejuice. Uncomfortable and worried for your friend, you decided to be the one to break it. "What's up, Beej? Everything ok?"

He cleared his throat and straightened. "Yes."

"... Are you sure? I haven't heard a 'tootse' or 'babes' in the last ten minutes, and you're pinker than an Amazonian dolphin. I know pink means you're uncomfortable, so what's up?"

"What? Pink doesn't mean --" he shook his head "Nevermind. What I wanted to say was… well, I wanted to give you this." He thrust his hand from his pocket, pressing a small black box into your palm.

You held it curiously, slowly lifting the lid with your other hand. Inside was a simple, tarnished, silver engagement ring with a small black stone. It looked to be fairly old, definitely not from this century, at least. You met his eyes and could have sworn you saw a glimmer of something new in his expression that took you by surprise. Before you could place it, he looked away, scratching at the back of his neck.

"Look, I know I joke around a lot, but if we're gonna do this whole marriage - er, faking thing, we do need the proper accessories. It's not like I ever got a chance to do this properly anyway so… you know. Will you?" He forced himself to glance at your for just a second before shyly turning away again.

"Will I what, Beetlejuice?" You were a bit surprised at how breathy your tone was, barely above a whisper.

He cleared his throat again, shaking himself a bit before taking your hand with a small smile. "Will you be my fake spouse?" He gently slid the ring onto your finger and allowed himself a small chuckle in a bid to come back into the cool, aloof personality he had grown to depend on.

You grinned right back at him, completely unaware of what you were doing to his poor, undead heart. "Of course, can't think of anyone else I'd rather be fake married to, Bug."

Part 1 here:

[indecisive-asexual-space-dork]

Cruel and Unusual

Words: 15,066

Well! Here it is! the longest piece I’ve ever written for @ts-storytimes big bang challenge. I’d like to thank my wonderful artist @vdkstar. You can check out their wonderful pieces over on their blog. https://vdkstar.tumblr.com/post/187028616612/r%E0%B8%99%C4%93l-%E0%B8%84%E0%BA%96%E0%BB%93-%E0%B8%99%E0%BA%96%E0%B8%99%C5%9F%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%84l

In a small cell in the kingdom of Sandonia, a young man sat shivering, avoiding the eye contact of leering guards and the sniffling of other prisoners. As much as he hated it, he knew his purpose in this world and had long since past the point of crying over it. In this land, his people were considered slaves, playthings for the rich and perverted. Green eyes stared unblinking at the stone floor, the gaze of one who had lost all-purpose to exist. Behind him drooped wings of impressive size, their iridescence dulled by the enchanted pins attached to the base. 

The cell door swung open with a loud creak, the young man not even sparing a glance to the silhouette in the doorway. A hand reached out and caressed his cheek, forcing his eyes up. “Get up, slut.” the guard hissed, yanking the winged boy up roughly. “It seems your time has finally come to meet your master. I, for one, am definitely going to miss you.” The guard taunted, running his free hand down the faes lithe body, relishing in the shiver it caused. “Someone will undoubtedly pay top dollar for a pretty whore like you.” He dragged the boy out of the cell and up the stairs, tossing him carelessly at the base of a platform in the main room of the auction house. 

Logan was rightly terrified. The young fae had been born into this life destined to be a slave and, now that he had reached 18, was about to go to auction to find out which sicko was willing to pay to have him serve them. Logan's wrists twitched in the iron shackles around his skinny wrists, the cold metal burning him and undoubtedly leaving permanent scars. He felt the hungry eyes of the guards on his small body,  And he couldn't help the disgusted shiver run down his spine at their lewd comments. Logan was considered a desirable slave with his small frame and bottle-green eyes. Many had already taken it upon themselves to “train” the fae, though he was being falsely advertised as a virgin to turn more profit. Nobody wanted a used slave after all. He heard his number called and shakily climbed up onto the stage. 

Logan knelt on the cold wood, feeling perverted eyes travel along his body. “This one is a right fine specimen here folks!” The caller announced with a cruel jeer. “A rare moonlight fairy, weighing barely 90 pounds and with rare green eyes and iridescent wings! Completely untouched too!” The disgusting man tangled his fingers into Logan's short hair, forcing his face up as the small fae gasped in pain. “He is marked up with freckles but hey that might add to the appeal.” The auctioneer released Logan's hair and threw him onto the floor. “Bidding starts at five hundred silver bits.” Logan listened as numbers were called off, not even bothering to sit back up. He had resigned himself to his fate. He closed his eyes and rested his forehead on the cool wood. Might as well get any rest he could before the worst happened. His eyes shot open however as a deep voice called out a bid for five thousand silver bits. He got dragged off the stage still shell shocked and taken to who he assumed was his new master. 

Logan was thrown on his knees in a side room, finding himself alone with the deep voice. “You are rather pretty. I’d gladly take you home and make you my bitch for days.” The man purred, tilting Logan's’ face up and studying him. “Those pretty pink lips would look perfect wrapped around my cock.” The man grabbed Logan's arm, forcing him to stand and inspected him. Logan shuddered as the man's hand ran along his wing, fingering the device attached to the base that limited Logan's magic and ability to fly. “Shame you’re intended for my bosses son. Though maybe if I’m good, I can have a turn.” He laughed and pulled out a gag, shoving it between Logan’s teeth, at the same moment injecting the fae with a powerful tranquilizer. “Sleep, Pretty Boy. you’ll need it.” Logan's last thought before he lost consciousness was of how absolutely vile the man's breath was. 

Logan awoke with a jolt as he was thrown on yet another cold floor. This was becoming a hobby it seemed. He struggled to get up but was forced onto his knees by the same disgusting man from earlier. There was another man in the room now, a tall male in well-made clothing, whose mocking eyes looked at Logan like a piece of meat. “Well done Andres, you chose quite the little beauty. I’m sure Roman will love him.” The well-dressed man gripped Logan's fragile wings. Using that grip to force the boy to stand in order to avoid it tearing. “I’ll be taking my turn with you later.” he hissed, dragging the struggling fae into the living room and ringing a bell to summon his son. “Roman! I have a gift for you!” he announced when a boy around Logan's age appeared in the doorway. Romans eyes widened as they found the shivering fae, he taking a step forward. 

“Thank you, Father,” Roman replied stiffly, taking the pretty faes arm with careful fingers. Oh, how this made his heart ache, how scared this boy looked of him. “We’ll be retiring to my room for the night.” He felt the boy tremble, realizing what it had sounded like. He shook his head microscopically, taking the naked fairy up into his arms and carrying him upstairs. “Father and Andres will leave my home soon. We will stay in here until then.” He decided, setting the boy down. His heart ached as the boy sunk to his knees, obviously trained to present himself for sex when alone with another. “I do not intend to do that to you. I am not that type of man.” Roman placed a gentle hand on the faes shoulder, leading him to stand up. “Let's get those cuffs off before they burn you. And get that disgusting device off your wings. You are not an animal.” He hissed, undoing the cuffs and frowning at the burned marks on the boys' pale skin. “Does iron really hurt you that badly?” he asked, shocked by the sight. He began to apply a salve in order to help the boy become more comfortable. 

Logan tilted his head, blinking at the man in front of him. “Yes, Master. Usually, it's worse than even that, I have magic enough to keep it from scarring too badly,” he whispered, keeping his eyes averted. He was very confused by this Roman, finding his kindness to be completely foreign. He had mentioned removing the pins from Logan's wings, which floored the poor fae. The pins were a device invented to keep the fae bound, binding their magic and their ability to fly, quite painfully at that. Any attempt to remove it by anyone but the faes master would deliver a painful shock to the wearer, disabling them for hours. Sometimes the guards would tug on the device on Logan's wings in order to make him more pliant for them to use him. “They lied,” he mumbled, thinking of the guards. 

Roman looked up from the boys' wrists at the quiet murmur, making eye contact with the tiny thing. “About what?” he asked softly, thumbs rubbing along the ugly marks. He would have done anything to vanish these marks from the young man's skin, finding them to be repulsive. 

“About me, Master.” Logan nibbled on his lip gently, breaking eye contact. “They said that I haven't…… serviced anyone ...before.” He flinched at the hand coming into his field of vision, utterly floored as it came to cup his cheek gently. Logan couldn't help but nuzzle into the warmth on his cheek, even with how the kindness confused him after all his hardships.

“You don't have to call me master. Just Roman is fine.” Roman smiled, feeling his heart stop at the faes admittance. “You mean that you’d never been raped before.” He growled, feeling the young fae flinch. “That is detestable. The way you’ve been treated. Absolutely despicable.” Roman hissed, tilting the young man's face up. “That will not happen here. You will not be touched without your consent.” He assured, the prince's heart aching at the utter disbelief in the young man's eyes.  “That much I can promise you. Both as a prince and a friend.” He realized that the pins were still in this boys wings and stood. “Might I touch your wings? Just long enough to remove the pins.” He asked softly, waiting until he received a confused nod. Once given the okay he made his way onto the bed, on his knees beside the terrified fae. He removed the pins, wincing at the pained gasp from the younger male. “May I know your name?” he asked, resting a hand on the bed beside the boy. He wanted nothing more than to be able to hold the younger and protect him from any more harm that might have come to him.

“I am known as Logan, Ma-,” Logan mumbled, eyes widening as he almost slipped up. “But you’re free to call me whatever you wish.” He added quickly, staring at his hands. He felt his magic returning to him, a soft glow forming around the young man. 

“Nice to meet you, Logan. I’m Prince Roman Kingston. Am I to assume you’ve recently come of age?” The young noble asked, humming as the other nodded with a blush. “How many have had you?” he asked, turning to face the softly glowing boy. He couldn't have helped the widening of his eyes at the shy answer.

“I’ve lost count. It’s been happening daily since I was captured at the age of eleven. The guards would…. Take turns with me.” Logan sniffled a bit at the thought, suddenly painfully aware that he was filthy and naked on what were surely expensive sheets. He rubbed awkwardly at his bare arms, keeping his gaze on the carpeted floor. Logan tensed as a gentle hand tilted his chin up, green eyes meeting fierce gold. He nibbled at his lip, wings fluttering with anxiety.

Roman tilted his head and inspected the young fae. Logan was truly beautiful, there was no denying that. “Let’s get you into a bath. I’ll call a servant to bring you some clothing.” He decided and offered a hand to Logan with a hopeful smile. The fae took it and stood with Romans help, returning his gaze to the floor. Roman escorted the young man to his personal bathroom, showing him where the towels and such were. “I’ll come to get you later and show you to your rooms. Get you into a real bed.” Roman’s heart ached at the brief whimper that escaped the young man at that statement, quickly correcting himself. “A bed of your own. Nothing here will happen to you without your informed consent.” He softly shut the door behind him and went off to find a servant. 

Logan blinked a few times, standing in the center of a lavish bathroom. He made his way over to the tub, daring to fill it with hot water and lavender-scented bubbles. Slipping into the steaming bath elicited a soft groan from the boy, his tensed muscles relaxing in the heat. The soap worked its own magic on the young man, dirt, and grime giving way to snow pale skin and raven hair. Logan stared out the window at the full moon, a small smile finding his face for the first time. He reached a hand out of the water and captured a moonbeam in his fingers, the silver light pooling in his cupped hands. Logan stared down at the captured moonlight, The glow illuminating his face casting him in an ethereal light. 

Roman watched from the doorway, eyes wide with awe. The young prince had never seen real magic in action before. He slowly drew closer, perching at the edge of the tub. “Is that……. Moonlight?” he asked softly, staring into Logan's bright green eyes, illuminated so pretty by the pooled light. 

“Yes. I-I’ve never….. Seen it before. Is it always this bright?” Logan asked softly, swirling it in his hands. He tilted his head curiously and concentrated, causing the pool to rise and collect into an orb in the damp air. He got a gut feeling and waved a hand, turning the silver light into a mirrored surface. 

“Show me what you have to offer.” The fae spoke in a soft voice, the mirror rippling softly and showing an image of a young fae and a tall man. Logan watched, nibbling his lip as the tall man grabbed the arm of his younger self, forcing the young boy to his knees and binding his hands with a thick leather belt. He observed as the crown of stars is taken from him, stripping the, then eleven-year-old, of his identity, his birthright. Logan flinched and nibbled on his lip, waving again to dissipate the moonlight pool. “I-I.” He stuttered, casting his eyes away from Romans. 

Romans' heart ached from watching the scene in the moonlight, he wanted nothing more than to hug the boy in front of him. He gently took Logan's hands, smoothing his thumbs over the young faes skin. “You did nothing wrong, Logan. What has happened to you is no fault of yours.” His chest twinged at the sheer disbelief in the eyes of the other. Roman helped Logan from the bath, wrapping him in a plush towel. “I’ll step out so you can dress, then show you to your room. It’s right next to mine so do not hesitate to wake me should you need anything.” Roman murmured, stepping out of the humid room to wait for Logan. When the now-clothed fae rejoined him he smiled and took his hand. 

 Logan took a deep breath and nodded, signaling Roman that he was ready. He couldn't help but shiver as Roman brought him into a bedroom, the young fae lowering his gaze to the floor. He swallowed heavily as he was led to sit on the bed, toying with his fingers in his lap. “What am I supposed to do?” he asked, cutting his eyes up to meet Romans. “You say that you don’t want me for your own pleasure. That is all I know how to do.” Logan admitted in a soft whisper. 

Roman frowned, considering the question. He cautiously took a seat next to Logan, taking his hand. “I wasn’t expecting to be faced with this.” He began, smoothing his thumb across the back of Logan's hand.  “I will admit that you are quite beautiful, but I do not desire sex with someone not willing. I hold myself to a higher standard. Unfortunately, you can’t leave. My father is quite insistent that I keep any ‘gifts’ he decides to bestow me, though he does know my feelings about the treatment of the fae.” Roman crossed his legs underneath him, tilting his head. “You can serve as my…. Companion?” he offered, quick to clarify as Logan tensed. “What I mean is. For all intents and purposes, you will simply keep me company. Nothing will happen that you don’t consent to but it would help keep up appearances. I am a quite influential young man, people have been expecting me to take a slave for quite a while now. Most members of high society have them. I could never bring myself to go to an auction. But! Now that you’re living with me, there will be no more expectation for me. And no one will try and touch you lest they risk insulting me.” He explained. 

Logan frowned, thinking it over. “So I’m still going to be only seen as some rich, royal perverts toy rather than my own person with my own thoughts and ideas?” He sighed, pulling his knees to his chest. “I suppose it’s better than the alternative. Your father and his goons seemed to be quite interested in me. I understand that it would be detrimental for you to oppose them in that regard.” he shrugged, toying with a loose thread on the bedsheets. “Oh how the mighty fall. My forefathers would be most disappointed to see what has come of their bloodline.” he deadpanned, flopping backward on the bed. 

Roman frowned, tilting his head. “What do you mean by that, Logan?” he asked, curling his legs up to his chest. He considered the rest of what Logan had said as he waited, feeling a churning in his stomach. “T-there's a way to keep my father and Andres from touching you. But it would be most unpleasant for you considering what you’ve endured. If I were to claim you publicly and essentially declare you my personal toy, including a claiming mark, then legally they wouldn't be able to touch you. And the magic would prevent anyone but me from touching you.” He explained. “But it would tie your magic and life force to me forever. And I assume that is not what you wish?” Roman ventured, studying the fae in front of him. 

Logan stared out the window for a moment, considering the question. “Either you have sex with me once and nobody touches me….. Or you don’t and I’m at risk every second that I’m not by your side?” He asked dryly, fiddling with the edge of the blanket. His eyebrows shot up at Romans wince, filling with annoyance at his entire situation. 

“Well….. Actually, it would have to be a regular thing…… the claiming has to happen weekly or it loses strength.”Roman explained, fidgeting with his fingers. He shyly looked up and made eye contact, wincing at the dead look in Logan's eyes. “That is why I was certain that you wouldn't want to go that route.” Roman stood and fixed his jacket, giving a small bow to the young fae. “I suggest we discuss this in the morning. I’m sure you’re exhausted.” He decided to move to the doorway. “Goodnight, Logan.” He paused a moment and pulled out a key, placing it on the bedside table. “No one else has a key to this room. It is intended for my betrothed……. Or. It was.” 

Logan watched Roman leave, thinking of the last thing he had said. Had Roman broke off an engagement...or something worse? He relaxed into the pillows, feeling himself sink into the plush mattress for the first time in years. Logan pulled the blanket over his body, tucking his knees into his chest. He stared out the window at the silver moon, the soft light rippling over his face. He allowed his eyes to slide shut, the exhaustion of the past day weighing heavily on the young fae. 

❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

The next few weeks were difficult, to say the least. Roman had managed to keep his father away from the summer palace with odd excuses here and there so as to protect Logan from having to subject himself to any negativity. The two had become tentative friends, holding conversations regarding books or music and playing chess in Romans library. 

Logan was curled up on his bed with a novel, the young fae entranced by the words on the page and how the story was unfolding. He was so distracted by his book that he didn’t notice the door open until it slammed shut, startling him from his reading. He saw the head of security standing there staring at him. Logan didn’t like Charles one bit but he knew better than to be impolite with the man. 

“Good evening, Charles.” He greeted, setting his book aside cautiously. “Was there something you needed?” Logan's eyes widened as he was straddled, the larger man pinning his wrists to the headboard. He screamed as the man pulled iron cuffs from his pocket, clasping them tightly around the young faes wrists. 

“You, pixie,” Charles growled, running his hands down Logan's shivering body. “Have enjoyed far too much freedom in your time here. It’s time someone reminded you of your purpose.” he took hold of the collar of Logan's shirt, ripping the thin fabric from his lean frame. Logan yelped and tried to summon magic from the air but due to the drawn curtains was unable to draw any power from the full moon. He sobbed as the man dragged rough hands down his body, removing the rest of his clothing. He was supposed to be safe here. Roman had promised that he was safe here. 

Logan sobbed as pain racked through his body, pulling uselessly against the cuffs around his wrists. He had tried begging to no avail so he had fallen silent and prayed to the fae kings of old, his fathers and grandfathers. He thought bitterly of his old life, a fae prince indeed, as he was once again violated and made into a simple toy for some brute. He looked up as the door opened, eyes widening at the sight of Roman, his supposed savior. 

Roman had just come in from a night out with his friends, Patton and Virgil, who were standing a step behind him, watching in horror as one of Romans most trusted guards raped his guest. “Hey!” He shouted, rushing in and pulling the man off of Logan. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” Roman demanded, holding the vermins collar in his fist. He dragged the man down to the dungeon of his palace, planning a suitable punishment. “I’ll deal with you later.” Roman hissed, slamming the door. He made his way back upstairs, finding Patton and Virgil trying to comfort Logan. 

Patton honestly didn’t expect this when Roman had invited him home to meet his houseguest. “It’s okay, kiddo. You’re safe now. Just breathe.” he soothed, honey-sweet voice washing over the young fae as he worked to get the cuffs off him. He glanced at Virgil who nodded and pulled out his lockpick, carefully avoiding touching the iron. 

Virgil's pale lavender wings fluttered anxiously behind him as he worked to get the cuffs off his prince. He wanted to get Logan away from any humans, knowing that the young prince was supposed to be kept pure. But it was too late. Once Logan's wrists were free, Virgil knelt, drawing Roman and Pattons eyes to him. “My prince.” He murmured, training his eyes on the floor. It had been years since he’d done this but it felt as easy as breathing.

Logan watched curiously as the other fae knelt. “It's been years since anyone called me that.” he mused, drawing his knees up to his chest. “Rise. I’m not much a prince anymore. You need not kneel for me.” He accepted the robe handed to him and wrapped it around his form. “Besides, Vivi. How many times have I told you that you’re ridiculous for thinking that you have to kneel for me?” 

“All due respect, highness, you’re still my prince,” Virgil smirked, standing and sitting beside Logan on the bed. He chuckled as the young fae flung himself into his arms, hugging his best friend close. “Even if you’re still scrawny and dorky looking.” he teased, kissing Logan's forehead. The older fae hugged his friend close, rubbing his shoulders as he had for years. 

“......um?” Roman raised his hand, gaining the attention of the two faes. “Care to explain what the heck is going on?” He asked, perching on the end of the bed with Patton. “I’ve never seen Virgil kneel for anyone, even Patton and they’re married.” The cheerful man in question giggled, poking Romans arm. 

“Logan is the prince of our people, it is custom to kneel for royalty,” Virgil explained, tilting his head. “Patton might be my master but he isn't my prince. Nor am I bound to kneel for you.” Virgil ruffled Logan's hair gently. “I am Logan's advisor, time apart does not change his status, nor my loyalty.” He shrugged, letting Logan tuck his face into his neck. “He’s also my best friend and I would be a right ass if I left now.” 

Patton giggled and took Romans hand, squeezing it softly. “I’m Virgil's husband, not his master.” he clarified, seeing rage flash in Logan's eyes. “I paid for his freedom from those awful traders but I would never require his submission. He just likes that dynamic.” Patton giggled at Romans deadpan of ‘kinky’, swatting his shoulder. He stuck his hand out to Logan cheerfully, “Pleasure to meet ya, kiddo! I’ve heard so much about you!” He chirped, shaking his hand. 

Logan glanced around the room at the others, pulling his robe around him a little closer. “Nice to meet you, Patton.” He mumbled, unable to force his voice any higher. He felt like he was going to cry at any second, feeling the wetness on his thighs. “I-if you’ll all excuse me. I-I believe I am in need of a shower.” Logan stood shakily and gathered clothing, vanishing into the bathroom. If the boys pretended that they hadn’t heard sobbing through the door when he joined them in Romans room he would greatly appreciate it. 

Virgil sighed as he watched his best friend vanish through the door, waving his hand and summoning shadow forms to his beck and call. He sent them down to the dungeon to torment the bastard that had done this with razor edges and nightmare visions. He would have very much enjoyed going downstairs and introducing him to the heels of his boots. He moved over to Patton and took a seat in his lap, deep in thought. 

“Roman, how offended would you be if I killed him?” Virgil asked, eyes dark. “Logan is my prince and my best friend. That…. Vermin took something precious from him. In our culture, such things would be punishable by death.” He curled his hands into fists, nails biting into his palms. “To think that humans would be so foolish as to disrespect a prince in such ways.” Virgil soothed as Patton hugged him, a small frown still on his face. 

“I know, Virgil. It is…. Despicable. A member of my household at that. I was under the impression that I had dispensed of all those with that mindset.” Roman mused, staring at the fire. “I personally can’t kill him, it would be seen as senseless murder as unfortunately Logan isn't seen as his own person.” He pulled his legs up underneath him, deep in thought. “If you did it Patton would be forced to make an example of you…… I will fire him, he’s been known to cause discord among the household. Then I can challenge him for disrespecting my property.” Roman spat the words, clearly hating what they meant. He wrapped his arms around himself with a shiver, smiling as Logan returned. 

Logan crept into the room silent as a ghost, sitting on the bed beside Roman and Virgil. “My apologies for all the trouble,” he whispered, placing a hand on Virgil's shoulder as the other fae had bowed his head when Logan entered. He pulled himself up further on the bed, crossing his legs underneath him as he leaned against Virgil. He sighed as the other fae wrapped his arms around him, melting into Virgil's protective hold. 

Virgil wrapped his arms around Logan protectively, tucking his chin above his head. “Don’t ever apologize to us for something like this, Moonglow.” he chastised, kissing Logans temple. “You haven't asked for any of this and I have half a mind to go down to the dungeon myself and take care of the bastard that would disrespect you like this.” Virgil shot a look over at Roman, nibbling his lip. “Ro, would you mind if I stayed here with Logan a few days?” he asked, eyes leaving no room for denial. 

“Not at all, Virgil. You and Patton are always welcome in the palace, you know that.” Roman agreed, standing and smoothing his clothes. He leaned over and pressed a soft kiss to Logan's forehead, smoothing his curls back. “Sleep well, Little Star,” he whispered, kneeling beside the fae. “Forgive me, Your Highness, I wasn't aware that I was in the presence of another prince.” He whispered head bowed before the wide-eyed fae. 

“Roman, please stand. I don't deserve to be knelt to. My kingdom is in shambles and I am little more than a common whore.” Logan protested, blushing furiously. “It is not appropriate for a human prince to kneel for a fae slave.” he insisted, tugging Roman up to standing. 

The other three exchanged glances, swallowing their protests for another day. “You’ve had a long day, Moonglow,” Virgil whispered, smoothing a hand over Logans curls. He pulled the blankets up over the young fae, smiling softly at him. “I’ll be here all night, okay? You’re safe now, Little Moondrop.” Virgil grinned, taking a seat in the armchair after pressing a quick kiss to Pattons lips. 

Patton smiled and waved at Logan, perching on the edge of the bed. “I’m a healer. Tomorrow I would like to take a look at you to make sure that no lasting damage has been done to you. Would that be okay?” Patton asked smiling as he earned a nod. “Great! And Logan?” He reached out and took the young fae by the hand, “I’m so glad that I got to finally meet you. My shadow over there has told me so much about the brave prince that sacrificed everything to save his people.” He winked, squeezing Logan's hand. “Always Remember Kiddo, You're a hero.” With that the healer stood and kissed Virgil's forehead, exiting the room. 

Logan swallowed heavily, rubbing his eyes. “Your Patton is quite the optimist,” he snarked to Virgil, leaning back against the pillows. “You know that you can join me here, right? We aren't so long apart that we can’t cuddle anymore.” he grinned, pulling the blanket back and allowing Virgil to slide in with him. “I missed you,” Logan whispered, tucking his face into Virgil's chest and breathing in the scent of lavender and safety that his best friend had always had. 

“I missed you too, Moonglow.” Virgil murmured, pulling the blankets up over them. He really had missed the younger fae, having lost his best friend the day that Logan had sacrificed everything to keep them safe. Virgil stared at the ceiling and lost himself in the painful memories of how they’d ended up here. 

❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

It was sunny on the day that the humans arrived, even the sky assisting in their deception.

 Virgil and Logan were just getting back from lunch in the village when Logan was summoned to the throne room. Virgil followed close behind and elbowed Logan playfully. “You think it's about your marriage to Damien?” he teased, earning a blush from the shorter boy. Logan had been betrothed to the shifter for most of their lives and, though they held no romantic love for each other, he was flustered by the prospect of getting to marry the other boy. 

“Dee and I won’t be getting married for another few years, Vi. I’m only 11.”  Logan protested, rolling his eyes. He smiled at the servants as they opened the doors for him and Virgil, missing the worry in their eyes. “Hello, Father.” he greeted cheerfully, making his way over to the usually joyful man. Logan stopped short of sitting next to his father when he saw the somber look on his face. “Father?” he asked, looking between the king and the other men in the room. 

“He’s just as pretty as they told us about, Arthur.” One of the men purred, moving to grab Logan's wrist. He snarled when the prince understandably flitted away, Logan's hand falling to his dagger. “Now, now. There's no need to be difficult, Pretty Boy. We just came to talk.” the vile man purred, glancing the young prince up and down. 

“You’re perfectly capable of talking without putting your hands on my person.” Logan hissed, standing tall. “Say your bit and then feel free to leave this place.” The young prince took a seat on his throne, glaring daggers at the men who dared come here when their kind was so senselessly capturing and endangering thousands of Logan's people. 

“Fine. since your brat is so poorly mannered, I’ll keep it brief.” the human inspected his nails, glancing up at Logan in a lecherous way. “We will stop the pixie hunts,” he began, a cold smile finding his lips, “But in return we want him.” he grinned, pointing a long finger directly at the prince. “Give us the precious prince of the fae, and, in return, we will let the forest kingdom be.” 

Logan's heart stopped in his chest. These men wanted him for their sick little slave ring? He made a choked sound in his throat, glancing between the man, his father, and Virgil. “I...I-I,” he stuttered, feeling very exposed and icky. He knew that he had to protect his people, even if it meant he gave himself up like a lamb for the slaughter. “I-”

“Absolutely not!” Virgil cut in, speaking out of turn for the first time in his career. “Logan is not some prize to be taken! None of us are!” he thundered, shadows gathering around him in his rage. He was silenced by an iron blade at his throat, held by one of the man's goons. 

“I’d be careful who you yell at, pixie,” the goon hissed, gripping Virgil's arm in a tight grip. He looked at the boy up and down and smirked, running a hand down his thin frame. “Hey boss, can we add this one to the bargain? I think it needs to learn some respect.” he laughed, shackling Virgil's hands behind his back and pushing the boy to his knees. 

“F-Fine!” Logan forced out, eyes fixed on his friend. “I-I’ll do it, no more of this! Leave the people of this land alone.” he choked, standing and making his way over to the man and kneeling down, ignoring the tears running down his face. “If I must sacrifice myself for you to stop this tyranny then I’ll go with you.” he decided, trying not to cry as his crown was torn off and stuffed into the man's bag. He ignored the too-tight belt forced around his wrists and stood, sparing a glance to his father. 

“Logan, I-” the king began, looking quite helpless.

“Don’t.” Logan hissed, standing tall despite his capture. “No king sits by as his people are made slaves. And no father lets his child make the hard choice for him.” he hissed, turning away from his father for the last time. “Tell the kingdom that their king is a coward who would sell his own son.” 

With that Logan glared at the man holding his elbow and swallowed his fear. He and Virgil were dragged out of the palace and thrown into a cage with iron bars, intended to be paraded around their home like war prizes. Logan blinked back tears as his home faded from sight, swallowing his fear and sadness in favor of curling into his best friend for as long as he could still be able to. 

The coming weeks were filled with darkness and humiliation for the young prince. His brilliant wings were fashioned with a set of enchanted pins that dulled their radiance. His previously long hair chopped short and bought by those who wished a lasting piece of the “Royal Slut” as he was advertised to the masses. Eventually, the novelty wore off, his title was forgotten and the young prince became just another fae for the auction. 

❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

After Logan had finally drifted off to sleep, Virgil stood and made his way to his and Pattons bedroom, leaning on the doorframe and watching his husband for a moment. “Hey,” he whispered, gaining his husbands' attention. When Patton looked up, Virgil smiled and made his way over to the bed, tucking himself into Pattons side with a brief kiss to his cheek.

Patton set his knitting aside, turning his attention to Virgil. “Logans asleep?” he asked, moving a hand to card through Virgil's hair. He was honestly worried about the younger fae, having seen the broken look in the prince's eyes. Patton kissed Virgil's forehead with a soft hum at the confirmation, hugging his husband close. “You’re cute when you fuss over him.” he teased, chuckling at the pout he earned. 

“I am not cute! I am an agent of darkness. Lord of the Shadows!” Virgil protested though the way he snuggled into Patton despite his pout proved otherwise. 

“Right….. The Lord of the Shadows that pouts when he doesn't get a goodnight kiss..” Patton teased, kissing the tip of his pouty husbands nose. “Either way, I’m glad you two found each other again. I know that you really missed him.” He mused, combing his fingers through the silky purple locks. 

Virgil nodded, deep in thought. He summoned a slate of darkness, commanding it to show him his friends attacker. The man was curled into a corner of the cell, being bombarded with shadowy visions and nightmares from Virgil's fit of rage. “How can someone do that to another?” he asked softly, peeking up at Patton with helpless eyes. “I know that we aren’t seen as anything but slaves to most but…. We still have feelings, we still can get hurt… how can humans see what's happening and feel nothing?” he asked, a hint of desperation in his voice. 

Patton swallowed as he stared at the image on the screen, nibbling on his lip. “I don’t know, My shadowling…… I wish that I had an answer for you but I just don’t know,” he admitted as his fingers stilled in Virgil's locks. “But that's a discussion for another night, yeah?” he asked, reaching over to snuff out the candle. “Get some rest, Shadowling. I get the feeling that things are going to get a lot harder before they get any easier.” 

Virgil nodded and tucked his face into Pattons neck, breathing in the scent of honeysuckle and cinnamon and home that had always radiated from the other for as long as Virgil had known him. “I love you forever.” He whispered, kissing Pattons collarbone. 

“And I love you forever and even longer,” Patton replied, pulling the other closer and wrapping around him, determined as ever to protect the fae from any more harm. 

If only they had noticed the eyes in the shadows before it was too late. 

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

The next morning was difficult for Roman. He’d been plagued with nightmares the whole night of faceless figures hurting the people that he loved and the fear he had witnessed in those ancient green eyes. He trudged down to the dining room, rubbing his eyes. When he arrived he was a little surprised to see Logan, Patton, and Virgil already deep in conversation over their cups of coffee. Romans' heart skipped a beat as he heard Logan giggle at a joke Patton had made, the joyful sound making the fae seem younger than time and tragedy had forced him to be. 

Roman made his way into the room, taking a seat next to Logan and offering him a smile. “How you holding up?” he asked softly, searching Logan's face for any upset. 

Logan smiled at the prince and shrugged, studying him right back. “I am as well as I can be, considering the circumstances.” he decided, reaching over to pour Roman a mug of coffee. He handed it over with a small smile, fingers tingling where they had brushed Romans. The other prince was handsome and Logan would have been lying (which he was physically unable to do) if he said that Romans smile didn’t make his stomach do some impressive backflips. 

“That’s good to hear, if you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask,” Roman assured, relaxing back into his chair. “Now that everyone is here we should discuss how to move forward.” He mused, taking a sip of his coffee. “I’ve already fired Logan's attacker, and I’ve sentenced him with……” he trailed off, not wanting to upset Logan. 

“Destruction of property.” Logan finished, staring at the grain of the table like it would fix all of this. “Say it like it is, Roman. I am your property and that hasn’t changed.” he met Romans eyes and shrugged, taking a sip of coffee. “On that note….. I think it would be a wise idea if you were to c-claim me,” he whispered, averting his eyes and wincing at the immediate protests from Virgil and Roman. “Let me finish, please,” Logan held a hand up to silence them, “I know that it isn’t ideal, believe me if there was another option I would have suggested it. But the fact of the matter is that the way Charles saw it is likely the way many people see it. These things will continue to happen until I’m either claimed or dead.” Logan swallowed around the lump in his throat, looking directly at Roman. “You suggested this when I first arrived and I didn’t see the merit until it was too late. Doing this would prevent another incident like this from happening and it would help your reputation. At the end of the day, it is the most logical course of action.” 

Roman was honestly floored at the straightforward and calculated way Logan had explained that he was okay with this. “Logan…… I can’t... You’re asking me to rape you,” he whispered, staring at the young fae. “You’re acting like this is the only option, w-we can find something else!” he protested, tears in his eyes. “I don’t want to be another person who just takes advantage of you.” 

Logan chuckled humorlessly, setting his mug down with a dull thump. “I know that it isn’t ideal. I probably know better than anyone what’s at stake. But it's the only way.” Logan rubbed at his eyes a moment, deep in thought. “What I’m asking you to do is claim me, to protect me. I trust you to do it more than I would trust anyone else. You have my full and informed consent to do so.” he explained, taking Romans hand between both of his own. “Please don’t make me beg.” 

Patton watched the two go back and forth with a small frown. “Logan's right,” he whispered, running a hand through his chestnut curls. He ignored Virgil's glare and sighed, glancing between them. “Logan’s body cannot take any more of the violence it's endured, the stress and trauma would likely kill him.” Patton grinned without any warmth, “Having Roman claim him would make it so that any violence would be cut down to a minimum. Even though you would be having sex, it would be easier on Logan's body with proper prep and such. It would also get rid of the threat of attack, which should lower his stress levels immensely.” Patton smiled between the two and hugged Virgil closer in his lap. 

Roman nodded and stood, raking a hand through his hair. “I understand. If you three will excuse me, I need to go get something ready.” he smiled and gave a half-bow to the other prince, making his way out of the room. 

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

Logan was in his room with Virgil when Roman came to find him with the surprise. He raised an eyebrow at the out of breath prince when Roman burst into the chamber, red-faced from running. “Can I help you?” he asked, tilting his head at the other. 

“Yes!” Roman grinned, offering his hand to the confused fae. “You can come with me so that I may present you with a grand surprise that you’re certain to adore!” Roman bounced in his place like a giddy child as he waited for Logan to stand. When the other was ready he took Logan's hand and pressed a dramatic kiss to the back of it, gaining a pretty blush. 

“Might I inquire as to where exactly it is you are taking me?” Logan asked, following after the giddy prince. He couldn't help but be a little red-faced that Roman had not dropped his hand yet. His confusion did not ease when Roman suddenly stopped in front of an out of the way doorway. 

“If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, now would it?” Roman chirped, grinning at Logan. “Close your eyes?” he requested softly, pushing open the door. Inside lay an ornate library, hidden away from the rest of the castle. “It’s for you.” he blushed, prompting Logan to look. “You like books so much and I figured you’d like a special place of your very own.” Roman took Logan's hand and led him into the room, smiling at the speechless fae. 

“Roman this is…..” Logan stammered, eyes filling with tears. “Incredible. Absolutely incredible.” he sniffled, pulling the taller prince into a hug. Later he would curse himself for his foolishness but for now, he was just so touched. “Thank you.” he sniffled, nuzzling into Romans' chest. 

Roman had originally been startled by the sudden hug but after a moment he smiled and held the small boy close. “Of course, Mi Luna,” he whispered, smoothing Logan's hair back. “You deserve to have a place of your own.” 

Roman knelt down in front of the other, taking Logan's hands in his own. “Mi Luna, I want you to know that, no matter what, you are important and respected with me, okay? We are equals and you are always encouraged to tell me if something is wrong.” Roman gently took Logan's face into his hands, cradling his cheeks like a precious treasure. “I never want to make you feel unsafe or like you are some slave for my pleasure. And if you would like me to I will make it so that this room is only accessible to you and whoever you want here. This is your space to feel safe.” 

Logan blinked a few times, wiping his eyes of tears. Roman was just so kind that it was honestly overwhelming. “Thank you, Roman. For everything.” he smiled, hugging once more onto the other prince. Logan pulled back and gazed around, taking in all the books and maps in this wonderful place. A carefree giggle escaped the young man, his wings fluttering behind him. Logan peeked over his shoulder at Roman before flitting up to go inspect the books. 

Romans' heart fluttered at that precious little giggle, a bright grin finding his face. Logan was absolutely precious when he let himself drop his walls. Roman settled into an armchair nearby to wait for Logan, picking up one of the many novels in the room. Occasionally he would spare a glance at the excited fae, marveling at how Logan's wings caught the light and sparkled like the moon reflecting on a still pool. 

Eventually, Logan, still weak from his ordeals, tired and with an armful of books settled down into a chair beside a tall window. He shot a smile over at Roman and scooted over, allowing the prince to join him in the chair. After a bit of maneuvering, they were situated with Logan settled on Romans lap, book in hand. “Thank you,” Logan whispered, peeking up at Roman through his eyelashes and trying to ignore the way that his tummy fluttered with butterflies. 

“Of course, Mi Luna, anything for you,” Roman replied honestly, staring fondly down at Logan. The tension was so thick that it could be cut with a knife, both boys waiting for the other to make the first move. After a second of prolonged eye contact, Romans eyes flickered down to Logan's lips, heart beating fast. “Logan? May I kiss you?”

Logan answered by slowly nodding and tilting his head up to capture Romans lips in a kiss as soft as butterfly wings. He let his eyes flutter shut as Romans hand came up to cup his cheek as the human prince cradled him like all the riches and treasure in the world would never come close to being enough to replace Logan. 

After a few long moments, Roman pulled away, eliciting a soft sigh from the young fae. “You’re radiant, Mi Luna.” Roman breathed, kissing Logan's forehead, his cheeks, that adorable button nose, earning giggles from his little love.  Roman pulled back with a soft smile, taking in the sight of Logan's blushing cheeks and a wide smile. “What did I do right that the fates blessed me with you?” he asked, earning pretty blue cheeks and a swat to the chest. 

Logan was practically a blueberry from Romans sweet words and gentle touch. “You saved me,” he whispered, giving Roman a sweet smile. Logan laid his head on Romans chest, cracking open the book he was holding with a content little sigh. 

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

The next few weeks were magical, no pun intended, for the two princes. Logan was steadily working up to a healthy weight, he had his best friend nearby at all times and Roman… oh, Roman was perfect, so gentle and supportive and safe. Logan had realized that he was very quickly falling for the human prince. 

Of course. All good things must eventually come to an end, as proven by the message that a servant had brought Roman one morning at breakfast. The prince took it curiously, thanking the servant with a kind smile. He began to read the letter aloud, letting Logan see from where he was seated in Romans lap. 

“Prince Roman, 

It has come to my attention that you have been keeping me from the summer palace with odd excuses and dodged notes. This behavior is entirely unacceptable from the Crown Prince and must be addressed. I and Andre shall be making our way to the palace in the morning to see what exactly it is that you would forsake your father for. I expect that pretty little pixie of yours to be waiting for me in the King's chambers so that I may relieve the stress of the long journey. I shall also require you to join me for supper every night for the week I am there, else I shall be locking you in the dungeon every night you refuse. 

Do not presume to disappoint me, 

King Richard”

Roman made a wounded sound as the letter slipped through his fingers. He felt the tension in the boy on his lap and scowled, balling his hands into fists. Roman gently lifted Logan out of his lap and handed the shell-shocked fae over to Virgil so he could stand. 

“That bastard!” Patton exclaimed, balling his napkin in his fists with an angry growl. “Who does he think he is? Demanding that Logan be “Ready” for him! I oughta-!” Patton cut off when Logan made a scared sound,  biting his lip. “He can't do that. Can he?” he asked, looking to Roman for answers. 

“He can do whatever he wants….. He’s the king, remember?” Virgil croaked, cradling Logan's head where it was tucked into his shoulder. His wings fluttered behind him tensely, the fae wanting nothing more than to send a shadow straight through the king's heart.  Virgil shushed the trembling Logan, who had yet to say anything about this situation, and smoothed a hand through his hair. “Ro?” he asked, studying the prince. 

“I can’t deny him access to the castle…. That would be treason.” Roman muttered, raking a hand through his hair. “Here’s what we’re gonna do,” he smirked, sitting down and gaining everyone's attention with a wicked smile. “Boys. I think it’s about time that Sandonia had a change of leadership, don’t you?” 

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

Logan sat on the bed, wrapped in the finest silk and lace the castle had to offer. Illuminated by only soft moonlight and a few flickering candles, he had his hands bound behind his back with delicate silver cuffs, decorated with vines and flowers. He leveled beautifully lined eyes on the door as it swung open, meeting the eyes of the king for a moment before averting them demurely. The fae prince had a crown of starlight atop his head and looked for all the world to be the very picture of a submissive, eager slave. 

“Well, hello there, Little Pixie.” the king purred, striding forward and running a hand along Logan's bare side with a hum of satisfaction. “My son really went all out with you, didn’t he?” Richard chuckled and took Logan's face in his hand, inspecting his artfully made-up eyes and painted lips. “I cannot wait to destroy all this work.” he hissed, shoving Logan down on his back and roughly ripping away the delicate silk and lace. 

Logan whimpered but didn’t fight as he was straddled, focusing instead on gathering the moonlight in the room into a single strand. Just as the vile king was about to force himself upon Logan the moonlight seized him and pulled him off, forcing the king to kneel to the Fairy Prince. Logan stretched and arched his back like a cat, taking his time to even bother with the bound king.

“What the hell is this? Let me go, you Pixie slut!” Richard barked, struggling against the magical bonds. “I’ll have you hanged for this! If you know what’s good for you, You’ll release me and get on your knees like a good little who-” The king was cut off by a wad of cloth being shoved into his mouth by Virgil, who had melted out of the shadows to his princes' aid” 

“Goddess, do you humans ever shut up?” Virgil asked, leaning against the wall with a roll of his eyes. “I swear that whenever I meet one of you perverts that you spend too long blabbing away. Honestly, it’s exhausting.” Virgil inspected his nails, gaze lazily flickering over the king. 

Logan sat up lazily and undid the chains around his own wrists with a snap of his fingers. “You’d do well to address me as “Your Highness”, King Richard.” he purred, summoning a robe of pure moonlight to wrap himself in. Logan lazily made his way over to the armchair in the room, sitting and poured himself a glass of cider. “See. I've decided that I am sick and tired of playing the captive prize. It's time that the  Fairy prince has a little fun, Hmm?” Logan gestured and the door opened, revealing Patton and Roman where they had been waiting in the doorway. 

“Hello, Father.” Roman greeted, making his way in and perching on the arm of Logan's chair. “See. we’ve talked about it and I think a change of leadership is in order for the kingdom. Your reign of terror has gone on for quite long enough. So… you have two choices. The first is that you give up the crown and waste away to nothingness after I exile you for your crimes.” Roman explained, studying his fingernails, “The second is that my friend here puts a shadow blade straight through your heart.” Roman gestured to Virgil who gave a mocking bow to the vile king. 

Logan stood and made his way over to the king, pulling the gag from his mouth. “Or…. there is a third option, Richard Kingston,” he growled, the air sparking with power. “See. you humans got so caught up in your magic for capturing us, hurting us, killing us… That you’ve forgotten the first rule of dealing with a fae. You should never let us know what your name is.” Logan grinned, teeth suddenly looking a lot sharper than they should, “Now… would you make a better pig? Or should I turn you into a tree? Or maybe… since you like using others for your pleasure……..” Logan shook his head, patting the fearful looking king on the cheek mockingly. “No. I wouldn't do that… even you don’t deserve to endure that… suffer as I have.” Logan stood, staring down at the king with contempt. “You put my people through so much. I think your fate should be left in their hands. Virgil?” 

Virgil smirked as Logan took a seat once more, bowing to his prince. “As you wish, Highness.” he grinned, turning his gaze to the kneeling king. “I think you should see what you’ve wrought.” Virgil summoned a shadow from the corner of the room, gathering his memories into it of all that he’d been forced to endure before Patton, sweet, wonderful, perfect Patton. He took that shadow and stared coldly down at the begging king, covering his eyes with the shadow and forcing the king to relive his pain. 

Richard screamed as he was forced to see the faes memories, feeling his body taken over by perverse hands, beaten, burned, taunted, all kinds of torture that he himself had brought on to innocent creatures. When it was over he had fallen to the floor with tears running down his weathered face. “P-please,” he whimpered, body trembling, “No more.” 

Patton laughed, surprising everyone with the ice in his tone. “Where was your sympathy when you did this to hundreds of thousands of others? When children were dragged away from their parents? You brought this on yourself.” he hissed, glaring down at the king. “Personally, I think death is too kind a fate for you.” 

Roman walked forward and tilted his head as he knelt. “Have you made a decision, Father?” he asked, already knowing what would happen. Roman took a deep breath and reached into his pocket, fingers closing around his mother's locket. “Something to take with you, because despite all that happened since she died… I think Mama would want to be with you when you die,” he whispered, dropping it around his father's neck and standing, taking one last bow to the man he no longer considered a human, much less a father. 

“Goodbye, Your Majesty.” 

The only thing Logan heard as he left was a short scream and a dull thump.

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

The day of Romans coronation was a colorful, vibrant, stress-filled day for the little foursome. Logan had stolen his boyfriend away for a moment into his private library so that Roman could catch his breath. They were lounging on one of the armchairs when Roman while smoothing his hand over Logan's hip had ventured, “Do you want to get married?” 

Logan looked up from his needlework, arching an eyebrow. “Like… husbands? Lawfully wed, ruler of the land and all that?” he asked, eyes wide. 

“Yeah….. Like. Married.” Roman nodded, playing with a lock of Logan's hair. “I love you. We’re happy together, why not?” he asked, studying Logan's face. 

“Because I’m not human and up until a week ago it was perfectly legal to hunt my kind for sport? 

Roman blinked and tilted his head, thinking it over. “If we did it would help to illustrate that prejudice will not be tolerated. And it would stop any demands that I marry a princess from one of the neighboring kingdoms. I love you, Logan. And I want to marry you.” he whispered, eyes full of hope as he studied his lover. “You’re everything to me.” 

Logan flushed and hid his face in Romans chest, smiling softly. “Okay.” he agreed, peeking up at his King with a sweet smile. He tilted up to press a shy kiss to Romans lips, giggling as Roman deepened it. 

Soon enough the two were utterly breathless, Roman pulling away to grin at his Logan. He watched the small chest heave with breathlessness and chuckled, beginning to trail kisses down Logan's pale neck and shoulder. “You’re beautiful,” he whispered, hugging his love close and chuckling at the whine the compliment had earned. 

“We don’t have time, my prince. You have to get dressed.” Logan chastised, pulling Roman up to standing so he could drag him along to their bedroom, where the official coronation clothes were set out. “Maybe if you behave at the ceremony we can retire to bed a little early… we have an engagement to celebrate after all.~” Logan teased, kissing Romans hand where they were laced together. 

Roman smirked down at Logan and scooped him up, relishing in the little giggles that he earned. “You’re adorable.” he cooed, nuzzling his nose against Logans playfully. They arrived at the bedroom and roman set his fiance down on the bed, beginning to get undressed from his casual clothes, 

“Falsehood. I am not cute!” Logan protested, flopping down into the plush pillows with a happy hum. “I am an intellectual. Completely and totally serious.” he deadpanned, peeking over at Roman. His protests were slightly dampened by the way his cheeks flushed at the sight of Romans bare chest. 

“A-dor-able.” Roman singsonged, winking at Logan with a charming grin. He dressed in the ceremonial attire and waited for Logan to change into his own fancy clothes, a deep navy jacket, and white pants. Logan summoned his crown of stars and placed it atop his curls, pulling on his heeled boots and taking Romans arm. “You look very handsome, Mi Rey.” Logan blushed, peeking up at Roman. 

“And you are as exquisite as all the stars in the sky.” Roman flirted, leading the way down to the Grand Staircase where they would be introduced. He knew that there would be whispers about how one of the “Pixies” was escorting Roman to the coronation, prejudice would not disappear overnight, but he knew that the Fairy Prince Logan could handle himself. 

“Ladies, Lords and Nonbinary Royalty.” announced the officiant, gesturing to the top of the stairs. “All rise for Prince Roman Kingston, heir to the throne of Sandonia. And his escort King Logan DeLuna of The Enchanted Forest.” 

Logan faltered, eyes going wide. King? Was his father? He shook those thoughts off, for now, pasting on a polite smile. This was Romans day. He was not going to mess it up by asking questions. When they arrived at the dais he stepped aside, bowing politely to Roman and stepping into his place beside Patton, who was dressed to the nines as well. 

The actual ceremony was rather boring, the priest droning on for a good twenty minutes before Roman was actually crowned. He knelt to receive the crown, repeating the vows that he would protect this land as king. Roman stood and turned, facing his kingdom with a wide grin as he was announced King of this land. Roman offered his arm to Logan, ignoring the gasps and hisses from the crowd. 

“Hear me now, As your King, I have declared it illegal to hunt, capture or otherwise harm the fae of the Enchanted Forest. But now I intend to prove that this statement holds true. King Logan and I have decided to marry and any slight against the fae is a slight upon your king and will not be tolerated. Sandonia is entering an era of peace and acceptance…. Any that are found to be keeping any member of the enchanted forest as slaves or otherwise against their will shall be punished.” 

Romans speech was met with quiet murmurs across the crowd, some scowling and cursing and others rejoicing. Suddenly a voice rang out from the midst of the crowd, causing Logan and Roman to freeze. 

“We paid good money for those pixie sluts! I ain't givin mine up because you went and fell in love with the “Royal Slut”. You must be outta your mind.” the man jeered, forcing his way forward and making Logan's blood run cold. The man who had demanded his sacrifice all those years ago was staring at him and it was all Logan could do not to drop to his knees in submission. 

“This one gave himself up fair and square, didn’t ya, Pixie?” he jeered, pointing at Logan. “Y’all should hear him when he’s beggin and cryin… most beautiful sound I ever heard.” The man reached out, only to be stopped by a spike of shadow pointed directly at his jugular. 

“I’d be careful about how you proceed.” Virgil's voice was deadly calm, eyes as hard as cold steel. He stalked forward, darkness gathering around him despite the sunny day. Thunder crackled as the sky darkened, the sky itself at Virgil's beck and call. The taste of ozone was palatable as the livid fae leveled his gaze on the loathsome creature in front of them. 

The man felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up as his eyes darted between the two fae, neither looking very forgiving or whimsical. It was at that moment he remembered the stories whispered in the dead of night about the catastrophic power of the fairy folk. “P-please… spare me,” he begged, feeling the cold fear penetrate his veins. 

“No.”

Virgil glared up from the raised stage, merciless eyes sweeping over the gathered masses. “You would all do well to remember this. Next time I will not be so kind.” he snarled, lightning flashing behind him and casting him in silhouette.  It became apparently clear that now that Virgil wasn’t bound by magic and convention that he could completely level the kingdom without breaking a sweat. 

Patton stepped forward and placed a hand on his husband's shoulder, whispering in his ear and gaining a smile from the fae. The sky began to clear and Virgil stepped back, checking with Logan that he was okay. “Well!” Patton chirped, adjusting his glasses cheerfully. “Are we just gonna let all the food for the party go to waste?” The cheerful man asked, dissolving the tension in the room. 

Roman laughed and threw an arm around Logan's shoulders, grinning a little too tightly. “Of course!” he agreed, lacing his fingers with his fiance and planning their departure as soon as possible. “If you’ll excuse us momentarily, I wouldn’t want to ruin the ceremonial garments!” he remarked, leading Logan up the stairs and into their bedroom. “Logan, love?” he asked, ready to catch his beau when the poor fae dissolved into tears. 

Logan fell into Romans' arms, hiccuping sobs wracking his body. He felt the other card gentle fingers through his hair, gripping onto Romans shirt desperately.  “I-I’m sorry.” he sniffled, scrubbing at his eyes. “If it wasn’t for me, You wouldn’t be in this mess.” Logan felt much less like a king than he did a child that had been forced by time and tragedy to be an adult much too fast. 

“Hey now, none of that.” Roman chastised gently, cradling Logan's cheek in his palm. “None of this is your fault. I promise,” he swore, wiping a tear from Logan's face. “This Mess is exactly where I want to be. Because I’m in it with you.” Roman grinned, booping the tip of his fiance's nose. 

Logan let out a wet giggle, nuzzling into Romans' palm. He placed his hand on top of Romans and laced their fingers, staring up at the king with a wet smile and shining eyes. “You’re so good to me.” He whispered, gazing up at Roman with those soulful eyes. After a few moments, Logan had composed himself, grinning up at Roman with a decisive nod. “I think I’m ready,” he confirmed, taking a breath. “Sandonia needs its king.”

“Does the enchanted forest need theirs?” Roman asked softly, lacing his fingers with Logans. “I obviously don’t want you to leave but if you need to go to your people, I don’t want to get in the way of that.” He whispered, resting their foreheads together. “I love you.” 

Logan nibbled on his lip, peeking up at Roman with barely concealed fear. “I don’t want to leave you….” he trailed off, shifting his weight on uncertain feet. “It's been so long since I’ve been there….. I was eleven when I left…. What if they-?” he bit his lip,  staring at the floor like it would give him the answers he sought. “What if they don’t want me to lead them? I didn’t exactly protect them.” he scuffed his shoe against the floor, fighting back tears anew. “I failed.”

“Logan, look at me, please,” Roman asked, tilting the faes chin up to look at him. He knelt down and cupped Logan's cheeks in warm hands, blue eyes searching his face. “You are the strongest, bravest, most incredible being that I’ve ever met. You gave yourself up to save your people and if that isn’t the mark of a leader than I don’t know what is.” Roman brushed his thumb along his lovers' cheekbone, resting his forehead against Logans with a small smile. Staring into those ancient green eyes the human king whispered, “Anyone who doesn't want you is a fool. And you are so much greater than the opinion of fools. Now. Chin up. Shoulders back. Go show those fools what a hero is made of.”

Logan rolled his shoulders back and nodded, offering Roman a small smile. “You’re my hero,” he whispered, peeking up at Roman. 

Roman leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to Logan's forehead and then his lips. The two stayed like that for a few moments, locked in each others embrace as they kissed. Roman pulled back slightly, slowly trailing kisses down Logan's neck. “Do we really have to go down though? You’re the only one that I want to celebrate with….” he purred, enjoying the way his fiance shivered from the sultry tone. “We got engaged….. We’re kings, you look really good in that jacket. The kingdom can wait for a little while…. They won't even notice.” he flirted, gently placing a hand on Logan's waist. 

Logan giggled and looped his arms around Romans neck playfully, leaning into his body. He leaned in close so that his lips barely brushed against the shell of Romans ear, hot breath making the newly crowned king shiver. “Roman, My Love….” he trailed off, toying with the top button of Romans shirt, “As much as I would love to stay in here with you. The kingdom needs you down there.” Logan pressed a placating kiss to Romans lips, giving him a small smile. “You can have me all night, for now, your duty is as king.” he reasoned, pulling away and smoothing his jacket down.

Roman pouted, adjusting his collar haughtily, “Teasing vixen.” he griped, gently tugging a lock of his fiance's hair. He pressed a kiss to Logan's cheek, lacing their fingers together. “Why must you be so logical?” he bemoaned, hand over his heart as he led the way from the room. “It really gets in the way of my attempts to romance you into letting me worship you.” 

Logan chuckled and winked up at Roman, sticking his tongue out. “It’s more fun that way.” he grinned, locating Virgil and Patton in the crowd. The two made their way over and grabbed drinks as they passed a waiter. “What did we miss?” Logan asked Patton in a low whisper. 

“Mmm… one of the advisors from the old kings' court was pitching a fit about me being here because I “Abandoned my birthright” or whatever, Some choice words were uttered regarding your relationship, oh! And someone from the Enchanted Forest is around here somewhere… they had snake scales on their face…..” he trailed off, searching the nearby crowd to find the fae that had been asking for Logan. “There he is! He’s talking to Vi!” he pointed, admiring how pretty his husband looked in his fancy clothes. 

Logan glanced over and his heart stopped, a bright grin finding his face. “Dee!” he squealed, flying over the crowd and tackling the other fae in a hug. “Oh gosh! I haven't seen you in ages! How are you?” he asked, pulling back and studying the others face worriedly. “Have you been hurt? Do you need help?” he fretted, brushing Damiens bangs back like a worried mother. 

“Calm down, Loganberry, I’m okay,”  Damien assured, hugging the smaller fae once more. “I managed to escape before the humans invaded, you bought us some time with your fucking stupid sacrifice.” he chastised, bapping Logan across the head playfully. “What were you thinking, Little One? Sacrificing yourself like that. We could have figured something out.” he brushed a thumb over Logan's cheekbone, taking in how pale the King had become. 

“I did what I had to do. I had to protect my people.” Logan shrugged, peeking up at his old friend. “Oh! You need to meet my fiance, Roman!” he gasped, grabbing Damiens hand and tugging him over to where Roman and Virgil were playfully bickering. “Ro! I have someone I’d like you to meet!” he chirped, lacing his fingers with Romans. “This is Dee. he was the one that I was gonna marry before all this.” 

“I don’t need to be worried, do I?” Roman asked playfully, putting his hand out for Damien to shake. 

“Not at all. Logan and I are just friends.” Damien grinned, ignoring the soft pang in his chest. Logan was happy and that's what mattered. He’d get over the king eventually. “I’m happy for you two.” that wasn’t a lie. He’d do anything to see Logan smile like that. Even give him up.

“Stay a few days, won’t you, Dee? For the wedding?” Logan asked, squeezing Damien's hand. “You and Vi are the only people that I consider family and I’d love for you to be there.” 

Damien agreed with a painted smile, promising that he would watch the only man he’d ever love walk down the aisle to marry someone else. 

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

When Patton and Virgil returned to their room later that night they scarcely had time to remove their coats when a shadowy figure slipped in and blew a sleeping powder into their faces. The two were dragged away, only leaving behind their coats and the faintest hint of danger in the air.

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

Logan paced his library anxiously, waiting for the other shoe to drop. The last few days had been filled with joy and preparation for the wedding tomorrow but he’d been sensing a tension. Logan glanced at the clock, bitterly noting that it was the eleventh hour, fitting that he felt anxious he supposed. A knock on the door startled him from his pacing,  the young fae snapping his gaze up and opening the door. He raised an eyebrow at the panting courier, wings fluttering nervously behind him. 

“Sire! The courtyard! Master Virgil and Sir Patton! It’s urgent!” the young man panted out, leaning on the doorframe for support. Logan was out of the room and down the stairs in seconds, flinging open the door and freezing at the sight in front of him. 

Virgil and Patton were lying unconscious in the middle of the courtyard, surrounded by what looked too much like blood. Patton was covered in bruises and cuts from a small blade. Logan checked over the two, feeling so much rage. Their eyes were closed and they were breathing which brought Logan some small comfort when he saw what was to come. Logan dropped to his knees with a startled gasp when he took a closer look at his best friend. Virgil’s beautiful wings, a faes discerning feature and something tied so deeply into their identity, were gone, torn away and thrown carelessly on the ground beside him. The once beautiful lavender was dull and torn, stained with their owners’ blood. 

Logan felt rage grow inside him. The night sky going black as the moon fairy rose into the air, having stolen the light from every star in the sky. He swept fiery eyes over the people in the courtyard, searching their very souls to find out who had done this to his friends. His eyes bore into a man in the corner, seeing his self-righteous smirk as he held up a serrated knife. 

“Nice to meet you, highness….. Did ya like my new art project? I call it ‘Normalization’ its a real showstopper huh?” he taunted, striding forward and kicking Pattons form as he passed. “See. I figure that you pixies are so determined to live with us normal folk that I’d just help ya to fit right in……” The man laughed, twirling his knife as he strode forward, uncaring when faced with the rage of the Fairy King. “And ya know, highness? It was soooooo satisfying. Hearing the way that shadow boy screamed when his flappers went rippppppppppp. And the healer? Oh, he was so much fun!” The man giggled with the eyes of someone who had long since lost their mind. “He begged, ya know? ‘Please! Not him! He doesn't deserve this!’ HA! Like the pixie actually has feelings. I definitely made the right decision making dear old Patton watch as I made his little slut fit in with us normal folk. Do you think it’ll be different when he fucks him? I mean his center of gravity must ae all off.”  

Logan seethed as he listened to this monster talk about his friends like some toys. “Silence!” he hissed, flinging a shard of pure heat at the man. “You have no right to speak of them like they’re some toys for your amusement!”

“Ooh! Are we playing tag now?” The other chirped, hopping out of the way of the projectile. “Maybe we should play with them! Wouldn’t want to leave our friends out!” he took aim quickly and chucked his blade directly at Pattons leg. “Awwww. He didn’t run.” He pouted, crossing his arms like a petulant toddler. “Oh well! Maybe he’ll be more motivated to move when I start using his little husband as my personal toy… I hear you fae are quite the satisfying little fucks huh? Virgy must be out of practice with that boring husband of his. Don’t worry, he’ll get the groove back soon.”

“Who in the hell do you think you are?” Logan hissed, fire dancing in his eyes as the moonlight surrounding him formed into spears ready to be hurled at the person tormenting his friends. The fae looked less like a human and more like a force of nature with every passing second. The Fairy King looked to be made of moonlight itself, the body becoming a mere silhouette with pitch-black eyes and teeth as sharp as jagged glass. 

“Why, highness. How rude of me! I haven't introduced myself. Why I’m the Duke of course! Has brother dear not mentioned me? I was wondering when I was gonna get my invitation to the wedding?” The Duke asked, tilting his head. “Oh, I suppose he wouldn't. Romans always been rather ashamed of his little brother.” The Duke cackled, relishing in the way Logan's face morphed into a look of confusion. “Now that I think about it…. Shouldn’t your precious fiance be out here lecturing me on how what I’m doing is “wrong”? Oh! There he is!” the man pointed, drawing Logans attention to his fiance, tied and gagged at the top of the bell tower. “Pleasure to make your acquaintance, Highness. My name is Remus and I can’t wait to see how you bleed. Will it be red like a normal person? Or maybe it’ll be black like shadow boy over here?” Remus hissed, drawing another blade and charging the distraught fae. He was a man so far past the point of madness that it didn’t even occur to him to be afraid of the livid king. 

Logan whipped around and time seemed to slow down. He brought a hand up and the moonlight in the courtyard all rose to his call, binding Remus from head to toe in white-hot energy. Logan himself seemed to glow as he strode forward, the earth-shaking with every step. Logan came to a stop in front of the man, eyes glowing a harsh silver as he gripped the vermin by the throat.

“I don’t think you get to have a voice anymore.” Logan sneered, ripping the sound out of Remus’s body. Logan had made certain that no noise, even the man's heartbeat, would ever escape him again. He stared into the eyes of the other, lip curling in disgust. “You’ve torn away his wings, his identity. I think we do the same to you. From this moment forward you have no name… no titles, not even a memory to call your own. Everything from the hair on your greasy head to the air in your vile lungs belongs to me.” He watched as the color drained from Remus’s face, bringing his long nails to scratch over the sallow cheek, a line of crimson blood following his finger. “I would take great pleasure in dismantling you atom from atom until you’re nothing more than the dust filling in the gaps between molecules. But that's too kind a fate for you.” he tilted his head, waving a hand and relishing in the fear that had finally entered the eyes of the leech in front of him. “I think we make something useful of you…. A pine tree, I think?” he mused, watching the skin before him turn to bark, the mouth open in a silent scream that would harden into just a knot in a very ugly tree. “They do make good firewood” he laughed humorlessly, snapping and setting the tree ablaze, watching it burn with a hollow expression. 

Logans form slowly became that of his normal self, expression flowing from fury to heartbreak as he gazed on the scene before him. His fiance strung up on the tower, staring at the pile of ash that has used to be his little brother. His friends on the ground surrounded by their own blood and the scarred remnants of Virgil's wings. Logan felt no remorse for his actions against Remus, yet he felt a pang of guilt strike through him at Romans expression. 

Logan quickly went about getting Roman down, setting him on the ground a few yards away from Patton and Virgil, kissing his forehead softly. “I’m sorry you had to see that,” he whispered, cupping Romans cheek softly as the king stared at the pile of ash. “I know I should have consulted you before-”

Roman shook his head cutting Logan off. “It had to be done. My brother stopped being human a long time ago,” he mumbled, looking past the ashes and to his friends. “Is Virgil?” he asked, voice choked with worry. 

Logan sighed and shook his head. “He’s alive….. Fae can live without their wings but….” he trailed off, his own wings fluttering anxiously behind him. “It is seen as a symbol of dishonor. Usually taking someone's wings signifies that that person has committed a crime worse than death. Our wings are tied so very heavily into our identities… they’re like fingerprints, no two are alike. Taking Virgils is subjecting him to a fate worse than death in our culture.” Logan knelt next to his friend, murmuring ancient prayers to the fae kings of legend and their goddess to forgive them. 

Roman bit his lip and stood, making his way over to the crumpled wings on the ground, arranging them and smoothing them out. “Can we do anything to reattach them?” he asked, gathering them up and placing them carefully next to Virgil. 

“You? No. But I can.” came a weak voice from beside them. Patton struggled to sit up, eyes fixed on his husband as he nibbled his lip. “He and I are bonded… It would have to be me that fixes it.” He murmured, taking one of Virgil's hands in both his own. “He wouldn’t like it.” 

“Patton, you don’t mean?” Logan gasped, taking a step forward. 

“There’s no other way!” Patton sobbed, tears in his eyes. “If there was any other way I would. I love him, Logan! Of course, I don’t want to.” he hissed, studying his husbands face. 

“What are you two talking about?” Roman demanded, feeling very left out and angry on behalf of his friends. 

“I have to betray Virgil's trust, it goes back on an ancient fae marriage ritual that we never do anything without the consent of the other. It helps make the marriage stronger. I can give up the purity and make a sacrifice in order to help him. But it puts the bond at risk. I’ve never done a single thing to Virgil without his consent and if I do now…… will he trust me again?” Patton explained, pulling himself over to the wings and matching them up. “I see no other way but have heard no permission. I relinquish myself to save him and sacrifice our purity,” he whispered, a tear falling from his eye and becoming the binding replacing Virgil's wings onto his back. “Forgive me?” Patton sobbed, eye going blank and sightless. 

After a moment of tense silence, Virgil began to stir, nuzzling into Pattons lap where he was held by his husband. He slowly blinked awake, violet eyes fixing on Patton in confusion. “P-pat?” he asked, reaching up and cupping Pattons cheek gently. Suddenly his eyes widened and he looked behind him. Whipping his head around to try and find his wings. When he caught sight of the golden binding holding them in place along the jagged lines he slowly turned back to Patton, eyes filling with tears. “You didn’t,” he whispered, earning a tearful nod. “Oh, darling.” 

“I-I had to. Your wings are important to you.” Patton whispered, staring at the ground, tears escaping his sighted eye. “You’re everything to me, I didn’t want you to be upset.” he shrugged, biting his lip as he peeked up at Virgil. 

Virgil stared hard at his husband a few minutes, expression unreadable. “You idiot.” he laughed, pulling his husband into a tight hug and letting him cry. “You’re important to me too! More important than some silly wings!” he insisted, smoothing a hand along Pattons back. “Patton, My Heart, I love you. Not what you can do for me, not your abilities, you,” he whispered, kissing Pattons temple with a soft sigh. 

After a few moments, Patton pulled back, scrubbing at his cheek with a whimper. “I love you too,” he whispered, peeking up at Virgil with a wet giggle. “I’ve always loved you.” Patton went to stand up but was stopped with a sharp pain in his leg. He screamed slightly and collapsed back down on the ground with a grimace. “Was anyone going to bother to tell me that there was a knife in my leg?” he asked with a forced smile, pulling the knife from his leg and sprinkling some healing potion from his belt over it. 

Virgil helped his husband to his feet, the two supporting each other as they made their way back into the castle to rest. 

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

The next few days had been filled with rampant preparation for the wedding, which stressed Logan out to no end. His fiance was nothing if not enthusiastic about the ceremony and party afterward, having acquired all sorts of extravagant flowers and bringing out the finest tableware in the nation. The castle was positively teeming with color and light in anticipation of that afternoon. 

Logan stood on a raised platform, staring at himself in the floor-length mirror. He studied the person staring back at him, almost not recognizing himself. After a moment he swallowed and squared his shoulders, reaching up to adjust the crystalline crown in his hair. There was no doubt that he looked beautiful, midnight blue gown brushing against the floor as he moved. He wore a delicate necklace of silver teardrop gems and a crown of stars to hold his veil back. 

“You ready, Lo?” Virgil asked from the corner, leaning on his cane. He made his way forward, brushing his friend's hair from his face. “Oh, Moonglow… you’re stunning,” he whispered, pressing a gentle kiss to Logan's forehead. “Romans gonna be blown away when he sees you.” Virgil teased, fussing with the veil until Logan caught his hands. 

“Vi. Stop fussing, I’ve already had three maids and the tailor try and fix it.” Logan chastised gently, squeezing Virgil's hands. “Now… isn’t it time to go?” he asked, leaning in for a final hug before the ceremony started. Virgil would be the one to walk him down the aisle, it was an obvious choice really. He took the offered arm and stood on tiptoes to press a kiss to Virgil's cheek. 

They heard the music swell as the doors swung open, revealing a large aisle decorated with flowers and smiling faces. Logan peered down the aisle at Roman, giving him a shy smile as he was escorted down the carpet. His Roman had tears in his eyes that both made his heart ache and swell at the same time. When he arrived at the end of the aisle to the altar he noticed that Roman was all but a sobbing mess. 

“Hi,” Logan whispered, reaching up to wipe his fiances' cheeks of the tears. 

“Greetings, My Love,” Roman whispered back, staring at Logan like he’d hung the stars in the sky. He was wearing a beautiful suit of white silk, red sash across his chest placed just so. Roman stared at his love with nothing but pure adoration in his eyes for the beautiful boy before him. “You’re positively radiant, Mi Luna.”

The priest cleared his throat, gaining their attention. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of two people, not destined to be together, but rather made a choice to defy the odds and the rules and chose to love one another.” he began, winking at Logan. 

Logan honestly tuned out the priest for a while in favor of looking around. He noticed Damien in the crowd, looking happy for him but holding a bit of melancholy in those golden eyes. He saw Patton, leaning on his crutches at Romans side with a smile big enough to light up the entire world. And he saw Virgil, staring at Patton with a soft grin, lost in love for his husband that would have sacrificed everything for him. Logan saw all of this and, for the first time in many years, his heart was so full of love that he could burst. 

Then he looked back at Roman, who was honestly the best part. His king looked so handsome and he could hardly believe his luck. So when the priest asked if he took this man to marry? What more could he say than “Of course I do.”

 ❧❧❧❧❧❧❧

@msu82 @sceptre-of-luminescence @gayzelley @pendragonqueen09

[whats-the-story-tc]

17th of March, 2020

"The One with the Messages Upon Messages"

Sit down for this. Grab some refreshments. It's gonna get real.

It was 8 AM in the morning when I checked the platform mentioned in my previous post and saw that our class chat was the only empty one. (Well, okay, it's technically a chat for both classes in our year but whatever.) So, it's empty, right? After about five minutes of persuading myself to be brave, I sent the following messages:

S: "...and this is the only empty one left. 🦗🦗"

S: "We officially start [classes] tomorrow, right?"

It didn't take a minute for me to get a response that made my heart stop.

V: "Yes. 🙂"

I completely freaked out, let me tell you. I was not prepared to see that name and profile picture flash up, especially not that soon.

S: "Nice. Until then, I'll learn how to use this platform somehow. 😅"

Bookworm Friend (BWF in texts): "Me too, I think. 😁"

V: "Won't be much of a secret 🙂"

V: "If you'll want to use the video, you'll need a webcamera/your phone's camera and a headset/phone."

S: "I'll manage that, thank you. And I'll find an acceptable backdrop somehow. 😂"

[A/N: When V said you, she was only talking to me. In our native tongue, the singular you, which she was using there, differs from plural you.]

I was ecstatic! 8 AM of Day 0 and we'd already had a conversation. Things simply couldn't get any better than that...

Yeah. I guess I didn't know what was gonna go down yet.

It was about 11:40 AM-ish when I got a Google Classroom notif which made me stop cleaning in my room. There she was, Miss V mode activated, with one bloody long message. Even here, we had to share a course with the other class. Fantastic. I was just about to complain into my diary when a message notification from The Platform That Shall Not Be Named flashed up, sent by someone with a Very familiar profile picture. But only upon opening it, after screaming about it profusely, did I realise that it wasn't sent into the class chat.

V sent me a DM.

V: "Would you please tell [Curly Friend] to give me a valid e-mail address, because I can't send him the classroom code.."

I was bloody losing it. She could've chosen anyone from his class (WE AIN'T EVEN CLASSMATES) or who's friends with him, but no. For whatever reason she might have had for it, V approached me. She wanted my help. And I was honestly incredibly honoured that she did.

S: Sure!

And I immediately slid on over into Curly Friend's DMs to tell him about it. Okay, it was moreso me screaming at him to message her before I die from a cardiac arrest. His response? "Ok calm yo gay ass". Lmao. Nobody's ever told me that before but it was long overdue. And as I was speaking to him, I got another message.

V: "thank you 🙂"

I really need to make a "Thank you!" counter. I'm still entirely sure it's what we say to each other most often.

V: "but you can invite him here, too"

S: "To the English server? I just need to send him the code for that, right? 😅"

V: "yes, i think he'll know what to do"

S: "He definitely will. I'll send it right away."

And then, all was silent for until about an hour, when the folks from the other class started getting active in the chat. And with them, so did V, chatting as eagerly as I've never heard or seen her before. Of course. Classic introvert. Put her behind a screen and she'll thrive. When some guys tried to convince her to give us unlimited time for the upcoming test, she even sent a selfie (A FUCKING SELFIE) where she's with her cat, saying "The kitty tells me not to listen to you." YOU DON'T GET IT THAT IS THE CUTEST SHIT EVER.

Then things went apeshit. From my idiot of a cousin using informal pronouns with V to invite her to a video call (she was chill about it though, just told him not to do it with a smiley) and people cursing casually in the general chatroom meant for everyone in the server, to the other class boys adding some guys who haven't gone to my school for about 3 years now and have nothing to do with V. Things started turning into an animal farm instead of a server and me and my friends were outrageously bored. It took them some convincing, but the result was this DM:

S: "Miss, I know, saving space and we're covering the same thing and stuff, but... can't we separate the two classes instead? Just here, on [The Platform That Shall Not Be Named]. Some of us are starting to go mad."

My friends' circle kept on fuming and I waited. The response arrived in some 10 minutes.

V: "Well, we could."

S: "If it's no trouble for you, Miss, we'd be thankful 😅"

And thus, the woman of so many of my dreams stepped into action, changing from dorky, fun, lower-case-and-emojis V to serious, determined, pristine grammar Miss V seemingly in the blink of an eye. She created two separate chats. Of course, it was not an easy or a fast process, inspiring messages like "put me back into [my class] bitch", that made my blood boil. She threw one of the additional boys out and demanded the other's name. "Those, who won't disclose their real names will be kicked out. Sorry." After he made up some silly ass fake name, V just wrote: "I don't have a student like that, ban." And as we all reacted to it with hysterical laughter in the form of emojis, V just writes: "That's that." AN. ICON. Go home, everybody. V wins.

The next minute, in our fresh, new class chat for only my class this time, the following message arrives:

V: "Dear [Class], I separated the two bunches, because they couldn't behave."

The six thank you–messages that followed (one of them mine) is pretty telling. And V was pretty fucking mad. Before I texted her about it, she was completely silent, but now, she was agitated. Her later message to a girl looking for the class chats writes: "Everyone can only see their own [class], because SOME PEOPLE started trolling the others."

That evening I had homeroom over The Platform That Shall Not Be Named, as my homeroom teacher finally learned how to use it since yesterday's Messenger call, when she mentioned asking V, who was sitting next to her during the faculty meetings all day, to teach her. I would've paid good money to see that, to be honest.

See, guys? This is why I'm so in love with who V is. She's a lovable little dork, yeah, but she's so much more. Always right there when you need her, whatever for, and takes it incredibly seriously until the very second the deed is done. I couldn't be more thankful for having her in my life.

~ S ♡

[Every story I share here, no matter how specific I get with my wording, depicts actual events from my own life.]

[ktheist]

not sure if still open but like--in response to your call for supernatural ish prompts, i've discovered this new blog that has more or less become my muse, called elsewhere university. if you haven't heard of it, i'd suggest perusing it for a bit; it's an eerie, strange, yet oddly funny sort of world created through user submissions. if it's not too much, do you mind writing an !elsewhere uni hoseok au? ehEHEHEHEHehe -rys iLY

hey rys!! okay so bear with me i just read the comic(s) a few minutes ago and went through the warnings and advice but i’m not so sure if i got the elsewhere university concept down to a t but!! thank you!! for!! introducing!! me!! to!! elsewhere!! university!! i want to read more but i was so pumped to get to writing this so here it is!!

x

elsewhere university!au

pairings: hoseok x reader

x

The winds. They tell you things.

They get vicious throughout the night and fade into soft lullaby at the break of dawn. 

You may listen, but believe you may not.

But with Hobi (you don’t know his real name; it’s best you don’t), the winds rage and scream like the ocean in the forest. It’s almost hard to hear him. 

“He pushed his brother off the tree house their father built.”

Hobi’s lips are moving but by the time they’re curled into a smile, you’re still trying to focus what he’s trying to say.

“Sorry, come again?” 

He laughs, half-expecting you to ask him to repeat his sentence. At this point, you’re sure he thinks you’re deaf which is quite a contrast for an ecology major who requires acute hearing in case the mandrakes cry and the flytraps get caught by the pixies.

“I said, today’s the day you’re going to the swamp, right?”

“He’s looking for a human heart.”

“Yeah, the swamp princess finally sent her invite for the whole class!” You beam, half-wishing the winds would settle down for once.

“That’s amazing! You’ve always wanted to check the place out.” He walks with you to your morning class as he always does even though his is on the northern most side of the university.

“So, dinner at 7?”

“If I’m done by then.”

“You have to be.” His voice is strained as though he’s afraid you’ll never return just as the class ten years ago.

It took awhile before the university allowed the students to on an out-of-campus field trip. Though the students may do it on their own free will, just not under the university’s name. The university protects its own, but only those who wish to be protected.

“Okay, okay, usual place at 7.” You nudge his elbow when the lines between his eyebrows don’t let up, “Hey, the professor’s with us.”

“So was she with the last class.” He pulls you away from the hallway where the corridor is less crowded, eyes warily looking for the fair folks that passes by, “Isn’t it just weird that they allow the students to go to the swamp after ten years? Why not nine? Or seven? Why does it have to be an even number?”

“Even numbers always bring the best luck.”

“Or the worst.”

You echo the same words you tell yourself last night before you go to sleep. “Don’t worry, I’ll be back before sun down.”

x

It’s quiet here. The winds dare not blow through the trees - there are secrets even the winds cannot tell.

The first student who separated from her group of four got sucked in by the strangler fig.

Always walk in pairs or groups but never by oneself and she strayed only five steps away.

The swamp princess had welcomed your class with a croaky drawl. All the while, you’d kept you head low and your eyes closed. She had thanked the professor for ‘feeding’ the strangler figs.

“Though a puny little human is barely enough to last them for a year, I’m sure we’ll survive just fine - we have for a decade now.”

As soon as you’d gotten what you needed for the class, the professor had ushered the class to relocate and leave for the university before it gets dark, saying that it was kind of the swamp princess to offer but there are warm dinner prepared by the staff for the class.

Of course, there was even though there were no notice prior to the visit. You had ate with your friends, laughing, joking as though it was a fun and enjoyable trip. No one ever talks about the eerie, the missing.

x

After dinner, you run straight into Hobi’s arms. He doesn’t ask why you cry. He doesn’t ask about your day. He just rubs your back and tells you tales about the stars - how his brother loved them but his parents warned them about following the ones shooting across the sky.

“I didn’t know you had a brother.” You look up at him as he wipes away your tears.

“I don’t really talk about it but he fell from the tree house our dad built.” It’s the first time that you’re looking - really looking - into his eyes that you notice how onyx black they are.

Your blood runs cold.

[alwaysforyouscully]

My X-FEST 2 Experience!

Friends and followers this was truly a pleasure. I was only able to go on Saturday but my X-Files heart is full with great memories!

Here's my recap on one excellent day, we (my daughter and I) got our passes and went to the hotel restaurant to eat breakfast. I heard Mitch before I say him. He was at the table next to us and about 15 minutes later Nick came down and joined him. I never thought the back of their heads would be exciting but...

Anyhoo... we go inside the hall and everyone is in their booth. This was really well organized, plenty of space and easy access to whomever you wanted to see. Everyone when straight to the Gunmen and Nick so I went to Sheila:

I was her first autograph of the day and she was sorry she only had a black pen. She asked her assistant if she should have a lighter pen. I said it's no problem just meeting her was great. She said "I hate this picture." I said oh no, it's how I'll always remember you and she said "You know I still have this jacket in my closet." I was like really, do you ever wear it? And we both laughed, I'm not sure why? Lol 😂

Next I went to see Annabeth:

There were a few folks in line and when it was my turn for an autograph, she looked up and saw my shirt. She said "That's me! Where did you get this?" I told her off the internet and she grabbed her phone and told her assistant to take a picture. Just a note, she is lovely! And from this point forward we will have the 'That's Annabeth' count. This is 1.

When I walked into my photo op she grabbed my hand and said "It's you! I sent our picture to my husband and he said where did she get that? It's great!" Again she is a freaking gem!

Okay next was Mitch. As most of you know in April of 2018 I went to South Texas CC to see Mitch and he got the flu and cancelled 😣. My daughter felt so bad for me that she sent him a message on Twitter. He sent her a PM back and said he would send me some cool stuff...he did and after his last message to her he deleted his Twitter. So on to current day.

I get in line and my daughter is at a side table organizing my pictures. The lovely @jenniferalarza painted a piece for me plus I had JJ Lendl's "Kitten" poster for him to sign. When I got to the table I showed Mitch the envelope of all the things he mailed me last April. He was shocked and said "You came all the way here from Texas?" (He remembered 🤗 ) I told him I had to meet him and pointed to my daughter and said she's the one that sent you the message, then you quit sm. He was looking at the painting and without looking up he said, "Yep, she's the reason I quit." He laughed and I said she really thinks it's true. He came around the table and without slowing down, he headed towards her saying "I'm going to tell her it was because of her that I quit" He got to her and I couldn't hear what he said but she flushed and kind of teared up. Next he pulled her into a hug and headed back to the signing table. He signed both pieces then stopped. He said "She really thought she was the reason? Damn, I'm so sorry." Now I was tearing up. 😥

Mitch was the last photo op on Saturday and I still had 3 tickets left. My daughter and I decided to each take one individually and one together. Mitch saw us and we did the group pic first. He put his arms around us and said "We finally made it!" Yes Mitch, we did. Thanks 😘

Mark Snow was next to Frank Spotnitz and both of their lines were consistent but not too long. I owed the beautiful @dontpointdownthere a favor so we went to Mark next.

The favor was to ask about the song playing on the jukebox in "Dreamland ll" when Mulder and Joann, then Morris and Joann are at the bar. I asked Mark if he knew the song and he couldn't remember so he called over to Frank and asked him. I described it as best I could but Frank couldn't remember either. Sad news for @dontpointdownthere . 😥

I went to Mark's panel and I got the lyrics in the mean time. Frank was at the panel too so I showed him the lyrics and he took a picture with his phone. I met back up with Mark later and showed him the lyrics and along with the folks in line we tried to jar his memory. No joy but it was fun trying!

After the lunch break it was off to the Lone Gunmen. Again @jenniferalarza did a beautiful piece for me, so on to the signing:

Tom was first, he was very sweet and loved the painting. After folks in line heard it was fanart, they all wanted to see it. Everyone was very impressed!

Bruce was next and he was, umm, more like Byers than I thought he would be. First words upon seeing my shirt, "That's Annabeth" (that makes 2) He looked at the picture then asked my name. He said "This is really good, lots of fan art isn't, lots and lots are terrible." He started to sign and put my name at the top then stopped and signed his name at the bottom. "Oops! I forgot what I was going to say." Oh well, guess we'll never know Bruce!

Dean was last and his line had been the longest most of the day. I heard him talking with a fan while I was waiting for Mitch and he was telling her how he does pet portraits now. He even pulled out his phone and gave her an impromptu art show! Lol When I walked up he said "Hi! Is this Annabeth? (#3) and I said sure is. So I handed him the painting and he was about to sign then asked "Is this a print on canvas?" I told him it was the original and he was upset about signing it. I said no, please sign it, that's why my friend painted it for me so the three of you could sign it! He was just floored and started asking how much it cost, was it commissioned, how much was shipping from Spain and on and on. He said "I'm doing portraits now so I need to know these things."

His photo op was the last of the Lone Gunmen. The lines for the photos went super fast. Each person was given a 15 minute slot and none used all of the time. I went in and he said "That really is Annabeth!" No joke (this was 4). And just before we took the picture the photographer said hold up a second we're moving a little fast. Talk amongst yourselves. Dean said "So, Annabeth huh? You got this off the internet? I don't know if this really looks like her. Look at that chin, her skin is too dark, the forehead is all wrong. You know it doesn't really look like her at all." (I'm counting this as 5) I laughed and said, I guess not but she liked it. "Oh gosh, she's seen it?" Yep and she took a picture of it too! By now the photographer was ready and off I went.

Nick's photo op was after the Gunmen:

I walked in and I shit you not he said "That's Annabeth!" (Up to 6) Yes, she really loved it. He put his hand out to shake mine "What's your name, we haven't met today" I said, No not yet, you've been too busy. "For you? Never." I did swoon, just saying because the gray scruff is working for him.

While I waited for the photo my daughter went to his table to wait in line, when I got there she was the only one there so perfect timing. He showed up about 10 minutes later and we walked up. He greeted my daughter and there was a card on the table for the 'I wanna believe' X-Files parody show and she asked if he'd seen it. He said "Not yet but it's going to be on YouTube so I'll watch it later." My daughter told him it was worth his time and really funny. I told him Krycek had an important role so he needed to check it out 😊! He signed my picture and called over to Annabeth, she was next to him, "Hey, you saw this?" pointing to my shirt. She said "Yes, isn't it fantastic!" (I'm counting this as 7)

Chris Owens was my last autograph of the day:

This guy is priceless, so warm and funny. He was telling a story about David to another fan when we walked up. He told them that David had called him to come back for S11 because he wouldn't have to put all that shit on his face this time! Lol I guess that worked 😂!

I picked the Postmodern Prometheus pic for him to sign and said I know it's not your best face but I loved this episode. He laughed and said "don't be so sure, this was one of my best." He got up from the table and gave me a hug. I was just in shock by his kindness!

That's finally it folks. A great day all around and an Annabeth shirt that will never live down it's fame!

Thanks for a great day X-Fest2!

And don't forget to check out @iwannabelieveparody 's YouTube channel to see this awesome show!

[lovecheshi-blog]

Leaves - Thor X Goddess! Reader

Leaves

[Thor X Goddess! Reader]

You, the Goddess of the animals and creatures of the nine realms, were found in a forest, where the God of thunder accidentally summoned the bifrost ontop of your flower garden. You weren't so happy, and neither were your friends.

Warnings:

There is swearing, but this is Marvel, I mean come on it's nothing we haven't heard before kids!

Information:

I know I'm new to Tumblr, but if you have any Marvel asks or requests (Smut, fluff, angst, headcannons, or imagines) I'll pretty much do anything. Remember it should be reader insert, and I will not do OCs, however if you do have one, I'd love to see them, so if you do have one and want to show me, DM me them!

You know the drill, but incase you don't and this is your first fanfiction here are the things you will need to know!:

(Y/N) - Your Name (This is a reader insert!)

(F/C) - Favourite Colour

That's all right now, this list may be added to, because I have been thinking of writing a Wattpad book on this idea!

You gasped, hearing a commotion coming from near, your dirt covered nails almost scraping the bark of a tree. You hissed and whispered an apology to the tree, stroking it's roots, a small wave of green dust coming from your fair finger tips, and in return, a tingle went through your body, that's it - you knew, the tree forgave you.

Your unkept green hair dragged across the forest floor, even more dirt accumulating at the bottom of it's curls. It was - quite literally - a bird's nest, as a bird had actually once used your hair as a nest - you hadn't minded one bit, of course. You welcomed a new friend around these parts.

Feet stepping carefully across the stepping stones of a beautifully clear stream - so clear it was unnatural - but that was the effect of your presence. Your tangled mess of hair dipped into the water, and the dirt washed out of it's bottom, the curls puffing up, raising just so much above the ground that your hair wouldn't get dirt on it again. Well - for a short time, that is.

Stomping across the forest floor, your blue eyes twitched as you stared at the scene before you. You shook and stomped a foot into the dirt floor, your bare feet digging into it's surface. And you let out an ear piercing, blood curdling scream.

The man before you, grimaced. His golden locks seeming to shake and vibrate with your unholy screech.

"How, dare you! You - you tyrant, you brute, you monster, how dare you harm them!"

You shouted at the, rather handsome looking man, dirtied finger nails held up infront of his chest in an accusing manner.

"But I didn't hurt anyone my Lady--"

This fueled your anger even more, you were practically fuming. Raising your hand you pushed him aside with a gust of wind, and turned to glare at him afterwards, roots slowly encapsulating him.

You knelt down, your own blue dress becoming dirty and ripped, you cooed at your favourite patch of (F/C) flowers, touching them carefully, checking for damage. And there was quite a remarkable amount of damage! This man's perfectly sculpted ass had sat down on your flowers--

Wait, what, perfectly.. sculpted ass? Not once had you thought that of anyone, not in your entire life, and.. and you were immortal!

Slowly, a large group of Fae fluttered over to the man caged in roots, chirping out their insults in their strange language and kicking the roots in an attempt to scare the man. Soon enough, they floated over to you and you started to talk to them.

"Yes I know, I can't believe someone would do this to these beautiful flowers!

"He's a brute, isn't he ladies!"

"Oh I know, you're much more handsome!"

You were lost in conversation with the fairies that had approached you, and you gasped and shot up, twisting around and falling onto a tree root as said brute, broke from the roots you had formed.

"Much more handsome? I believe I am the most handsome here, and the strongest."

The strange.. strikingly handsome, muscles that danced in the light of the forest and the glowing fae folk around-- Again with that (Y/N)? Snap out of it! Anyways, the strange man spoke proudly.

"Seriously? You broke out of these poor tree's roots to argue about who's more handsome?"

You raised a green eyebrow, flicking your extremely long hair back, said hair seemed to kick up dirt. A male fairy, Marcus, stepped forward, chirping a comeback at the hunk of a man. All the other fairies laughed loudly, and you giggled, covering your nose as you began to snort.

"What? What did he say?"

The man asked, and you snorted once more, cheeks flushed a light green colour and said man seemed to smile softly, before returning to his stoic state.

"No, no, no! It's nothing really."

You giggled even more, snorting, long, messy green hair shaking as you slid down, head against the root you fell on.

"He called you a narcissistic, pretentious asshole."

You whispered smugly, a smirk on your face as you leaned back and cackled like a witch, snorts interrupting your laughter. Even though it was a cackle, it was some what graceful.

"That's not even funny, and I'm not narcissistic!"

He snapped, crossing his arms a hammer in his muscular hands.. hmm, you've seen that hammer before, before mumbling.

"Or pretentious or an asshole.."

You stared at the hammer some more, before gasping and standing up, staring at the ground - the mark of the bifrost, and you covered your mouth, laughing awkwardly, becoming slightly light headed and nervous.

"O-oh that's Mjölnir, o-oh my dearest forest, I've been laughing at Thor Odinson. O-o-oh dear."

Realisation hit you, and you became incredibly nervous. And when you got nervous, it didn't go well for you. Your hair sprouted leaves, which were plucked out by the wind, green hearts at the centre of their form.

"I am so sorry you have to see this, yo-your majesty?"

You questioned the title - and yourself actually, before quickly twisting your body around and covered your mouth, hacking up leaves of the same heart shape, you were nervous and scared. This is what happens when you are in these emotional states.

"My lady, are you okay?"

A concerned voice came from the God of Thunder and you gagged, before getting up, your mouth covered, you staggered and grabbed onto his chest to stand up, which then resulted in you both - almost - tumbling down, he caught you by your waist and you were in.. a dip. A dip that should only happen in a ball room dance, one for couples, Kings and Queens would do this dip, in love and prosperity.

You stood still, embarassed, cheeks heating up in a furious shade of green, your mouth still covered, you mumbled something before twisting around in his strong arms, and well..

"..Bleugh!"

You coughed up more leaves, along with your green saliva. Which was incredibly gross, by the way. You turned back around to Thor and coughed.

Only, there was still some of your own spit dragged across your face green in hue. You blushed even brighter and Thor seemed to chortle, before bursting out into laughter.

You, yourself, were incredibly embarassed, you wiped off your spit from your cheek, before realising what had just happened and soon enough, you began to laugh leaning into him even more, laughing and snorting harmoniously with the God of Thunder, surrounded by your own leaves.

[sporadic-writer]

Ask and you shall recieve!

Straight out of the movies pt. 2 (or the sequel if you will)

Part 1 here

Tom Holland x Reader

Summary: sometimes the sequel is worse than the original, but not this time

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

You walked into the place you and the girls shared. After closing the door behind you, you leaned against it and looked in a spaced manner towards nothing. "Shhiit.. Did that really just happen?" You whispered to yourself.

Walking up the stairs, heels in hand, you entered the room you and Sam were sharing. She was on her phone in bed and under the covers. When you came back in she looked at you with a smirk. "How was the goodnight kiss with your movie star? He text you yet?"

"Amazing..! But he isn't my movie star Sam." You chuckled at everything. "And no he hasn't texted or anything. I don't expect him to right away. He's in a cab with the others. I texted him after he gave me his number and that is it. Probably won't til after he sleeps." While you spoke you changed and removed your earrings and put them away. Following that you plugged your phone in and laid down next to your friend. "What time you waking up?"

"I have no clue. Let's just sleep enough so we have no form of hangover."

You agreed with her and you both turned the lights off and soon fell into a peaceful sleep.

Time Skip

You awoke to the door downstairs shutting. Next thing you heard was Liv saying to those awake that she had the food. Knowing you didn't want to miss anything, you pushed yourself out of bed, grabbed your phone, saw it was only 11ish, and headed down the steps.

Making a bee line for the kitchen, you grabbed some water and downed it due to being dehydrated.

"Liv if you got me my Dunkin order I will love you forever." You were on your phone and you looked up to a shock. Tom, Harrison, Mark, and Greg were all in the living room connected to the kitchen. Suddenly aware that you had your big Coca Cola shirt, rainbow cat sleep pants, and last night's makeup, which luckily held somewhat well, on make you a tad self-concious. "Uh.. sup guys!" You waved awkwardly, they laughed with your friends at your surprised face.

"Morning Y/N/N. They guys and Liv brought breakfast. Harrison texted me and suggested it. I said they could all swing by." Sam tossed you a breakfast sandwich and you luckily caught it and sat on the counter in front of them.

Taking a bite you glared at her. "Would have liked some notice.. I look like shit."

Tom spoke and looked at you sweetly. "Nonsense love. I love the pants actually. Suits you." Biting into the sandwich, you blushed and he winked at you. Smooth bastard. "Plus I wanted to come by and see if you are still interested in that date today."

"Oh she is! Aren't you Y/N?" Whitney sat next to Greg at the couch. She smiled, "We don't have any serious plans. She is all yours Tom." He smiled at her and back to you eagerly.

Looking to her you spoke. "I can answer for myself Whitney thank you. But yeah of course. When did you want to leave?"

Checking his watch, his TAG Heuer more like it, he shrugged and said, "Whenever works for you really. I didn't have any fancy shit planned."

"Don't worry, we will keep your friends occupied while your away." Mark's words and arms leaning on Harrison and Liv did leave you assured and not guilty for leaving.

Taking the last bite, you smiled and hopped down. "Awesome. Uh Tom I will go change and get ready then we can roll out. That sound good?" His eyes met yours and he smiled lightly.

"Perfect love." You kissed his cheek, surprising yourself a tad, and rushed upstairs. Once in your room you fixed your makeup, put on a casual and cute outfit, sprayed some perfume, then headed back downstairs. You smiled seeing Tom was waiting for you at the door. "Ready to head out?"

"Absolutely love." He opened the door for you and you both headed out and walked in the sun lit sidewalk of NYC. Grabbing your hand he smiled and said, "You look cute as hell. Don't get me wrong, that dress last night was really, really something, but jeans and a black tank top is a nice contrast. Plus, I love the bling."

"Thank you. I gotta keep up with your nice shit. That watch is incredible, and could cover my tuition I think." He laughed at this and thanked you. Next thing you knew you both slowed down and stopped in front of a horse and carriage ride. "Oh my gosh! How did you know? The girls told you didn't they?"

"Yeah I asked for ideas and they told me how your folks took one of these together." His hamd squeezed yours as he helped you in. After sitting you got closer to his side and his arm went around you. Peacefully, you and Tom strolled around the edge of the park and eventually through it until you reached the other side of the city. People watching while getting to know each other was fun. Luckily, Tom's thick sunglasses kept fans away.

The carriage slowed down near the south end of the Upper East Side. Tom tipped the driver, generously, you noticed and went back to your side.

"You hungry?" He looked at you as you took in the view of the city.

Facing him while you walk you said, "Yeah I could eat. Anywhere in mind?" As you spoke you scanned around. Not being from the area, you were a tad unsure of the local cusine.

"There's a place off 5th Ave. I like that I've been to before if that works?" Nodding eagerly he pulled you along and before you knew it, you were out of the bustling steets and in a little cafe. "This place has awesome lattes and stuff. And get whatever you want. My treat." You tried protesting, saying you would get it or split, but he refused.

You both ordered and awaited your food. There was a peaceful still in the conversation but he broke it. Not that you were complaining though. "So what are you studying at school?"

"Biology. Um mainly concentrating in ecology, conservation stuff. I also have a double minor in marine biology and history." You smiled as you spoke. You were always proud of your studies.

"Why history? It's still cool but kind of an odd ball to the other stuff." He sipped his Pepsi as he spoke.

Chuckling, you agreed. "Yeah I know but I took more courses than I realized and thought, what the hell, it won't hurt anything and it's interesting." Finishing the sentence you shrugged. The smile he gave you looked impressed, it made you blush and made pride swell inside you.

"That's very cool Y/N. Really it is."

"Oh I know!" You smirked at him. "But come on, you are the film star. Plus I do know how to use Wikipedia. Dance, gymnast, all that, very cool as well." Now it was his turn to blush.

"Let's call us even shall we love? Now don't let my hard earned money go to waste. That sandwich looks amazing. If you don't eat it I will." While you ate the getting to know each other continued. He told you about his younger years and you the same. He was something else. The feeling was quite mutual. The Brit was enamoured with your smile, charm, and intelligence. Plus, you didn't make a big deal of him being famous. It was a merely a bonus to him. He was already planning ways to treat you.

Eventually the night ended with you strolling the streets of New York. The 2 of you found yourselves watching a street show in Time's Square. Never before had you both taken in the little things, like a street performer, before. You were busy with school, he was busy with a demanding career. Despite that, together life was simple and it was just the 2 of you. Arms were around each other, everything was just like a movie.

"You know Y/N, I haven't had this much fun on a date in a while. Was this up to par with the movie-like moments we had last night?" The shine in his eyes from the bright lights surrounding you made them dazzle.

Genuinely, you replied. "Absolutely movie star. Also, quick note, I like when you call me 'love' it's very classic Brit of you." Your arms went around his neck while people around you on the side street continued on.

"Anything I can do to top it off... love?" The smile he gave was teasing. He knew just what he was doing and how he made you feel.

"Well. A kiss in Time's Square wouldn't hurt if that's what you mean?" With a smirk, he saw the same lights in your eyes as you did his. His one hand moved from your waist to your jaw. As his other held your waist, lips met in the middle and sparks flew. It wasn't altered by any alcohol or late of the night. His tongue grazing your lip signalled you to let him in for more. You smiled and moaned as the kiss deepened. It was pure movie bliss until someone walking bumped into Tom. Separating, suddenly you gasped in shock but laughed as you remembered all that was happening.

"Got caught up in that moment didn't we? Well, did that make the sequel good enough for you?"

"Oh absolutely. Now, why don't we get some ice cream and walk back? Tomorrow I need to pack a bit and we can discuss the continuation of this franchise."

"Oh so this will continue further? Mmm I like the sound of that." He lightly kissed you again. Together you ate a cup of ice cream as you walked back. As Tom and you laughed at a joke you made about the walk back being the credits rolling, he knew you were too special to let slip out of his grasp. This was probably going to be his favorite part for quite a while. Even in his own head he laughed at how corney that sounded, but the feeling was real regardless.

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

I hope you enjoyed! As always like and reblog!

[mummified-game-review]

2064 Read Only Memories: A Review

If you haven't played this game, then are there other point and click, cyberpunk kidnapping, mystery games that came in the Racial justice bundle that you think I should check out? Let me know all about them in the comments.the garden center of my closest hardware store and I’m trying to decide if the start up cost of 15 bucks in in my budget.

Welcome back to another video game review here on Mummified Games. Today were going to be taking a look at the modern Point and Click Mystery game 2064: Read Only Memories. By Midboss.

This game has a lot of charm to it. I Love how this game presents itself. The Music, art, story, and voice work, is all great and do a really great job of pulling me in. I did not want to stop playing. This was the first time where I was like okay maybe i play for 2 hours. And then write the review. But sadly there was no way I could do that if I wanted to make my deadline.

So the game is a future cyberpunk scene where Humans have found a way to cybernetically and biologically augment their bodies. Sort of just like every other Cyberpunk cenario. Just par for the course at this point.

Wouldn't have it any other way.

But what's great about this game is that it's not overly burdened with the constant narrative of life sucks and there's inequality and class disparity.

It's not dystopian cyberpunk, it's more optimistic. People seem to really be jammin with the future that they find themselves in. For the most part.

So it's your standard affair people are making so many augmentations to themselves in so many different ways. That there is a rebel group that is coming up that wants to see humanity return to who they were.

Not like a full blown god's perfect image, it's not a religious thing. But still embracing tradition and what makes humans human.

I don't know if we have the science to make Snake people then I'm all for it.

Ooo la la.

There are Robots that this big company is making that are designed to Walk like the humans, talk like the humans. But it's all just fancy code. And then the game tells you about one scientist that is working on transcending that limitation of just fancy code. And make something new.

Story intro out of the way, The scene opens with your less than standout apartment and you learn that you are a journalist, sort of.

And after you go through a nothing of a tutorial. As in like it's almost not even there cause it's so basic. You write a report and then go to bed.

INCITING ACTION

In the middle of the night a little blue robot hacks your door. And breaks into your apartment. Interfaces with your computer, cleans your apartment and also tries to clean the old computer, bricking it in the process.

You wake up and they tell you that they have selected you out of all known contacts of their master to help them track their master down. He was Captured last night and you need to join the robot to track down their master.

The robot's name is Turing, probably named after the real person Alan Turing the Computer Scientist.

A note about the dialogue and interactions with Turing. ALL THEIR LINES ARE VOICED! This game gives you so much during the process. There is a lot of reading to be doing in this game and luckily it's not all put on you.

I don't want you to think that I don't like Reading. Or that I think reading is hard. But if I'm meant to put multiple hours into a game. Doing nothing but reading for the entirety of it can get tiring

So I'm glad that so much is fully voiced. Gives you the chance to look down and tweet your love of this game for a second.

And that if there is a name or something that comes up you instantly know how it's meant to be pronounced. Instead of having to wait till you say it outloud in a video game review and suddenly everyone thinks “wait Tony, you say its like that? Wow okay”

Look, I have yet to hear anyone talk about Itch in casual conversation so I have no idea if you need to add the Dot I O to the end of it or if I sound like a Boomer who says out loud Dot Com at the end of every website name. “Yeah i just look it up on Google Dot Com”

I'm trying here folks I really am.

So after Turing tells you about what they need you join them on their mission to track down their creator and figure out what's at the bottom of this whole thing.

A note about the profile creation scene, it's quite funny and I thought it was super cool how they include multiple ways of character settings.

There's nothing visual that you can do to change your character so there's that. But Turing asks you for your name, you just type it out and I was excited for maybe a robot voice that was going to try to pronounce Mummified but it didn't go well.

Asks you for your pronouns, Yes! I love it. I would expect nothing less from a developer like Midboss. The people who host the Steam Summer of Pride Sale for the last couple of years Highlighing Queer games.

But the fact that they don't just limit to just He/Her/They but also Zir, and another one that slips my mind. And also an option to input your own preferred pronouns. SO COOL!

And I was ready to maybe answer one more silly question. That's where I was thinking the game would take things, assuming based on its sense of humor and the jokes that would come up in this game.

But no it was a real question about dietary needs and restrictions, to be kept in mind when out and about and talking about food. Holy crap that's so cool.

So the game gives you options like Omnivore, Vegetarian, Vegan, Halal, Gluten Free Dairy fr

What a super cool thing to include in your game. This just adds to the inclusion that is offered to players of all different ways of life.

So I just hunted down the list of food options in the video recording I took of this game and I'm reminded of just how funny this game is.

There are great jokes in this. There are subtle allegories to our own real world things in this game.

Turing says they found a better door that you could use to replace the current door you have due to its sub standard encryption features to prevent people from hacking though. And they recommend a particular model of door and mention it has over 300 reviews on Congo.

Wait... Congo. HA! Okay that got me. Cause you know Congo the river. And the Amazon river. I thought it was funny.

Also there is a joke about the Creator having a list of different things on the TV that they were watching like Ted’s Tech Tips. That one got me, because it might not be a thing but I'd like to think it's a nod to Linus Tech Tips.

This game is filled with great cute jokes. There are a couple of options that the game gives you when you wake up to see a strange robot in your room, some of the reactions are more fearful. And while reading them as an option I thought to myself WHY?

This little friend is Cute as hell. There's no way I would be scared of them. Their cute faces and little arms. I love them so much.

So the story is sound and the writing in it is so well done. The voice acting is great as well. Turing sounds innocent and has a cute childish nature to them, but they’re not dumb to say the least, they’re still the most advanced AI program in the world.

The gameplay is also stellar. Most of the interactions with things in this world are done with 4 different options.

Look: The game will give you a description of what the item, thing, person, whatever is.

Talk: If it's a person you can talk to them. Or sometimes things have voice commands.

Take/Touch, you might be able to pick something up or turn it on. Computers would take you to another window and you could do other things inside it.

Use time on: At the start of the game you're given an ID card and you pick up a pair of headphones in your apartment. The id could be used to get you places or scan for whatever might come up. Or you can connect your headphones to random things to hear stuff. What's funny is that you can use your headphones on almost anything and you can get some description of what you hear.

Real basic stuff. Like it's described. It's a Point And CLick Mystery Game. A lot of the game is being given a scene and you can talk to people in it, or interact with the things on the static screen.

Everything in this game flows so well together. Nothing takes you out of the experience. Its a story that takes you in and doesn't let go.

I think this is a game that I can fully recommend to people no matter what. If you have it. If you were curious about it. If you’ve never heard of it. Any range of feeling and knowledge of this game I highly recommend you go check it out.

If you have this game tell me your thoughts on it. Do you think Jessi was a jerk or if she is justified in her standoff-ness in her attitude?

If you haven't played this game, then are there other point and click, cyberpunk kidnaping, mystery games that came in the Racial justice bundle that you think I should check out? Let me know all about them in the comments.

In the meantime. Ah gee folks i really am thinking hard about that jade Plant. I'd love to get one. But my cable bill is coming and I know I need to take care of that first. Oh well. Maybe next month.

You all do the Youtube Dance, Like, Sub, Bell, Comment, and share this video with someone you know.

And as always hackers, Keep Digging, and we’ll make it out sometime.

See you in the next one.