#losing those people and not being able to make up for his mistakes. being “hated” in their eyes even when they don't think about him

[awbjects]

oobh i got plany of friends

[lion-writer]

Reincarnation Au where Kaveh and Alhaithem reincarnate into Aventurine and Ratio. Because I've seen a ton of comparisons between these two and Need a reincarnation Au badly.

They're so similar on a surface level, flamboyant blonde x tsundere scholar. Then you get deeper and realize just how different they are. Alhaitham is lazy, and doesn't care about others. While Ratio is passionate to a fault, he's dedicated his life to teaching, to spreading knowledge.

And on the other side, we have Kaveh and Aventurine, two blondes who have lived lives of tragedy, and have self esteem in the negatives but try to cover it up with a flamboyant attitude. We have Kaveh who binds himself to his ideals, suffering for their sake. While Aventurine is bound by others and by fate itself and as such isn't free to hold himself to such ideals.

But If they're so different, how do you get Kaveh and Alhaithem to become into Adventurine and Dr Ratio? You may ask. And the answer is quite simple. You just break them.

Once upon a time, there lived Kaveh, who lived with Alhaithem. And they were in love, not that most people were able to tell what with all the fighting. A lot of it was over Kaveh's bleeding heart, how he would sacrifice himself on the altar of his ideals. How he would give and give only to receive nothing but pain in return. And then one day Kaveh got sick, and died, slowly, painfully, and far too young, questioning if it had all been worth it.

After Kaveh dies, a month or a year, some amount of time later, a cure is found. And Alhaithem recognizes the researcher who developed the cure, maybe they asked for his advice only to be shutdown, or they had submitted their research application while he was grand sage only for it to sit on his desk for a month and get rejected. Maybe nothing would have changed had he helped them, but possibly a cure would have been discovered quicker. And that possibility haunts Alhaithem, that maybe had he cared, maybe if he tried to help, maybe Kaveh would still be there. But maybes won't bring the dead back to life.

Thus in another life we have Aventurine, who can't quite remember why he tried to do the right thing, but knows that it has been his downfall before. He has two lifetimes of evidence as that proves that loving something is the best way to lose it. But still, no matter how hard he tries, he can't help but care. At the very least, with this heart of stone he's tried his best to create, he feels closer to that voice he doesn't know yet can't forget.

While Veritas remembers loving somebody who Cared. Remembers losing them because he didn't. Remembers calling himself a genius only to be hated and alone. And so, determined to fix his mistakes, he makes it his mission to help others, he will not, can not, rest untill he has cured the universe of its ignorance . Even if he'll never be able to care as much as the smile in his memory did.

They both cling to a memory of the person they once loved, and try to push and prod pieces of themselves into that shape. Cause they'd do anything to see their partner again, even if it's just in the mirror.

Ratio remembers more of his past life, partially due to Adventurine attempting to suppress the memories of his childhood, and partly due to Ratio still desperately trying to not repeat his mistakes. Thus when they first meet, Ratio would despise Aventurine. It feels almost like looking at one of those face swap photos, an unholy conglomeration of somebody he regrets being and the face that haunts his dreams. Blonde hair in the wrong shade, mannerisms that are almost but not quite. Still he falls in love, slowly, begrudgingly, and hating himself for it.

On the other side, what little memories Aventurine has is mostly of a grey haired scholar with a tongue as sharp as his swords. And so Adventurine sees Ratio and can't help but compare the two. They're different, undoubtedly, but it would be so easy to ignore those differences and fall. But he can't, he can't lose yet another person he loves.

[patheticpeoplesupreme]

Alternate ending where SQH presses the return home button after yelling at MBJ + I somehow turned it into a slightly happier ending(this was supposed to end with SQH being alone till he dies)(bro never moves on)

but in this oneshot, he becomes a part of the Shen family.

Mobei-Jun mourning SQH’s body… imagine…

The moment he presses on the button, he felt his heart sink with the glow surrounding him.

He was going back to his body, which was equivalent to dying. Turning to his icy surroundings, light snow falling onto the tip of his fingers, his knees unbuckle as he fell to the floor.

“I—“

—

He regrets it, he really does. He shoud have just stayed in the other world. There, at least he knows how to escape the life he had, he knows people who would care about him even if he had run away (at least, he hoped so?)

here, there was no one. His parents didn’t care about him, they’d already moved on with new families in their lives. They hadn’t even bat an eye when they found out his body was a coma.

Shang Qinghua shivered in his hospital bed, tears slipping down his cheeks, he couldn’t even let out a sound.

It was cold. It was empty. His arms were bandaged heavily, they’d told him that he had severe burns because of the fact that there was hot water when it happened.

He couldn’t write; Proud Immortal Demon Way had already ended. He… just really…lacked the motivation to ever write again. Without his most passionate fan, without his king or his martial siblings… it’s unbearable. Losing the trust of everyone he knew was heart breaking enough, but they— they had forgiven him for his final moments.

They’d let him back into the sect—! Liu Qingge had grinned at him, after all that. Mu Qingfang allowed him to nap in the medical room whenever things got too hectic—heck! Yue Qingyuan visited his peak for friendly conversation and tea!

Shang Qinghua had given all of that up, and for what???

He didn’t know any more….

Haaa…. His anxiety and fear had gotten the best of him.

There was no Cucumber bro to critique his 3000+ chapter novel, there were no ice kings to force him to stop working in the middle of the night because of his health.

It was just him. Just Luo Meihua. The useless idiot.

A mistake he made, and he will never ever be able to see his family again.

Shen Qingqiu was right, Shang Qinghua was an idiot.

—

“Hey..” A quiet feminine voice pulls him out from the grasp of sleep, his heavy eyes open wearily as he tries to focus on the new figure. It wasn’t one of those nurses. The girl was wearing a very blue casual outfit, blue sweater, blue jeans, and even a blue purse.

….?

He squinted. Did he know her..??

He knew this wasn’t one of his half siblings, they were much younger than he was. “Hh….” He tried hard to say something, but a year of unuse made it hard to say the right words.

“It’s okay! Uhm, you don’t need to speak! I’m sure you’re wondering who I am?”

Shang Qinghua nodded minutely.

“My name is Shen Yang. Do you remember the story you wrote?”

He grimaced, giving her a pained look, he knew by now how shitty it was, please don’t make him talk about it??? I mean, there was some good parts but if he could, he wouldn’t have made A Ding as the sole logistics peak!!!

Wait.. “Shen..?”

She laughs slightly, mistaking his question for something else, “Mm, my brother was Peerless Cucumber, he went into a coma like you did, one year ago. If you knew him, anyway. He hated your novel.”

No wonder she looked familiar—!

But.. huh…? How did she know he was in a coma? How did she know he was here.

He tried to convey that to her with his raised eyebrow.

“We… uhm. Originally, we wanted to personally talk to you, since… we found A—Yuan’s notes in his computer. It was more critiques about the novel,” Shang Qinghua stifled a fond laugh, Ahh, Cucumber bro… “…and so… we found out you were in a coma, just like my brother.”

—

Shen Family: finds out Airplane is in a coma and they visit him once

Shen Yang is also a volunteer at the hospital, just so she can visit Shen Yuan more often. So occasionally, she watches Airplane’s coma body, wondering what kind of person he was to write PIDW

sometimes she writes and reads it out to Shen Yuan because she knows he loved stories, even if they sucked

When Airplane wakes up and they both realise he has no home anymore,

(“Your parents..?”

Shang Qinghua shook his head and laughed bitterly, “it’s not like they visited me at all.”)

So she persuades her parents to let him stay at the house (they refuse at first, like, airplane’s a stranger, and they’re still mourning Shen Yuan)

But eventually, they pittied him and allowed him to stay.

(“I promise I’ll pay you back, thank you so much for your kindness!!!”)

After all his trauma, he becomes the quiet kid, no silly rambles, and without any system forcing him on any missions, he becomes so so antsy, so he just takes on a lot of responsibilities and becomes sick and is super miserable until Shen Family takes an intervention

Eventually they get attached to SQH and help him get therapy. And it doesn’t actually help much, he couldn’t talk about his transmigration trauma at all

BUT he admits the little things, like his parents’ emotional neglect and accidentally mentions something like “I’m used to getting beat up. I’m used to everyone pushing their work onto me.”

Which is concerning in modern society,, like,,, why is he used to getting beat up 3 times a day

Bro just really hates himself

But one day, maybe after a few long months, the light in his eyes return and he gets into a rant again and Shen Yang just remembers his brother, Shen Yuan, and sees him in SQH and

man

Shen Yang shares stories about his brother to SQH

(“He sucked at sewing.” )

( “Shut up, Airplane… Sewing is harder than it looks.” Shen Qingqiu glared at him.)

[luxcuriousao3]

Dove: A Zombie Ghost Story (Chapter Nine)

Summary: Her scent was sharp, even beneath the layers of clothes, grime, and the guts he’d already slathered her in. Floral and sweet and musky in a way that made the primal part of him let out a deep, satisfied growl. He’d wanted so badly to taste her in that moment. He’d dive between her legs and lick her to completion over and over again, make her come on his tongue until she was sobbing from pleasure. He’d eat her out like she was his last meal—he’d devour her perfect little pussy whole. Word Count: 4337 Warnings: still no smut but some suggestive thoughts/actions, descriptions past abuse, internalized victim blaming/misogyny Notes: I had to rewrite this chapter about a dozen times, so I hope y'all like it XD. All dividers were made by @/sweetmelodygraphics (original post here). The zombie divider indicates the text below is Ghost's POV, the dove divider inidcates Lelia's POV. The combined dove and zombie divider represents a time skip but not a POV change. I still have no beta for this fic so all SPAG and consistency errors are my own, feel free to point them out. Comments and reblogs are highly appreciated! AO3, Masterlist

It was five days since they’d left the town, and Lelia was cold.

She was cold, and hungry, and tired, and miserable. She regretted ever leaving the town. She regretted ever leaving the cabin.

She did not regret leaving the military base.

Had she not left, she would still be tiptoeing around Andrew’s volatile temper, just waiting for him to lose it and wrap his hands around her throat again in a fit of rage. Before the dead had started walking, he’d liked to suffocate her with water. He’d catalog her every mistake throughout the day, and if she couldn’t appease him by nighttime, then the second they were alone, he’d drag her into their en-suite and force her to her knees by the bath. He’d sit on the edge of the tub, a hand in her hair as she kneeled beside it, and make her watch as it filled up to the rim. Then, he’d shove her head under, holding it there for however long he deemed she deserved as punishment. Sometimes it was only a few seconds, just enough to terrify her. Other times he held her under until she passed out. It didn’t matter. Lelia hated any pool of water larger than a puddle, now. Following that stream with Simon all those weeks again had been hell—she'd been on the edge of a panic attack the entire time.

It was so bad that Lelia couldn't even stand the sound of running water anymore. She knew she was disgusting for it, but she was secretly relieved they hadn’t found a working shower yet. That she’d had to make do with rags wet with water from her slim stash of bottles. She’d only wiped her whole body down once because of rationing, but she did the sweaty areas every few days. It was gross—but it was also such a relief. She didn't think she could take a shower even if they found one. And she didn't want to deal with the inevitable questioning grunts from Simon if she refused.

After the apocalypse had started, and Andrew had realized he didn’t need to hide his violence against her anymore, he'd started choking her the old fashioned way instead. Sometimes in front of people. It had been humiliating and painful, but less scary than the near-drownings. He no longer spent time building it up and striking the fear of God into her every time he punished her. He just snapped, grabbed her by the throat and squeezed as he shook her like a rag doll. His once cunning and calculating cruelty had devolved into unstable fits of rage as his new reality wore on him. She wondered if he got worse after she left and he could no longer take her rations or trade her body for half a bottle of whiskey. She wondered if he finally gave up and killed himself. She hoped he did.

Lelia tried not to complain to Simon about things of importance. Things she knew he wished he could fix for her but couldn’t. Groaning about her horrid, mismatching outfits or not being able to pluck her eyebrows was humorous to him—but whining about the cold or their dwindling supply of food just made him feel guilty. She didn't want him to feel guilty. He was the only reason she was alive.

He was the only person to ever make her truly happy.

She hadn't quite realized it at first, how much she enjoyed being around Simon. But in retrospect, it was obvious.

Even though he couldn’t respond, he always listened to her, no matter what she was talking about. Even if she was rambling about the history of fashion and the link between trends and current events. He would make appropriate noises at all the right times, consistently sounding interested even though he probably wasn't.

He brought her that feather, too, just because he thought it would make her smile, clearly having picked up on her love for animals. No one had given her such a thoughtful present since Ulyana had gifted her her poetry book, all those years ago. It was far more than just a feather, to her.

And Simon was so gentle with her. When they hugged, or held hands—both of which they had started to do more often, since that night in the study—he held her like glass, like he was afraid she would break if he squeezed too hard. With his strength, she probably would. And after a life in which physical contact was rare, and then frequent but always painful, his soft, affectionate touch was like a drug to her. Both healing and addictive.

It didn't matter to her that his hands were cold and he still smelled vaguely like death, regardless of how many times she cleaned him. She found herself wanting to be near him constantly. Waking up in the morning, excited to see him. Seeking his approval in everything she did. Trying to make him laugh, or the skin around his sunken eyes crinkle with a smile.

It was the apocalypse, and yet Lelia was happier than she had ever been in her life. And it was all because of Simon.

Except for right then, when he was being an absolute arse and trying to cover her with zombie guts. She knew they were behind schedule—worryingly so—but she would much rather backtrack a day's walk and try a new route than cover herself in putrid, rotten flesh and try to sneak through a herd of zombies like an idiot with a death wish.

“You can growl at me all you want; it’s not going to change my mind!” She whisper-yelled, gagging when she caught a whiff of the guts Simon had managed to smear on her before she could stop him. She was now holding him at bay with a very large stick she’d snatched up from the ground. She could see the amusement in his eyes, and she knew very well that her stick was not nearly as effective as she’d like to think. But it made her feel better to have, so she hung onto it. “I like this coat, Simon! It’s Moncler!”

Simon let out a sound that was a mix of a guffawing laugh, a huff of disbelief, and a groan of frustration. He took a lumbering step closer.

Lelia whacked him with the stick.

It was just a light whap on the arm—she knew he didn't feel pain, being dead and all, but she’d still feel guilty if she actually hit him—that wasn’t even hard enough to make a sound. Simon stopped to stare at her nonetheless, and despite not actually being able to see it, she just knew he was looking at her with an expression that said “Really?”

Lelia blushed, but held her ground, notching her chin and adopting her mother's most common look: demanding with an air of perpetual condescension. Like she was already assured that whoever she was glaring at would do whatever she wanted. Lelia could mimic it perfectly, even if she didn't actually feel that way. She hardly ever used it, finding it rude, but desperate times called for desperate measures.

Simon just narrowed his eyes in response, though, rather than backing down like she’d hoped he would. It seemed his annoyance had won out, the amusement no longer anywhere to be found. Lightning fast, the stick was ripped from her hands and Simon was in her space, pinning her up against a tree. One of his hands cradled the back of her head, cushioning it so she didn’t get hurt.

Lelia squeaked in shock, eyes wide as she stared into his own. Simon stared back, and then deliberately smeared more zombie guts on the front of her designer puffer jacket.

“Simon!”

Lelia squirmed, trying to wiggle out of the way and spare her poor jacket further desecration, but Simon’s fingers tangled in her hair through the knit of her hat and held on tightly, his large form pressing closer to hers. He leaned in, burying his face in her neck and inhaling deeply, before letting out a low growl and running his gore covered hand up her side.

Lelia’s breath caught in her throat, her heart racing. Her eyes went half-lidded and her limbs turned to jelly, Simon’s body the only thing holding her up. Nerves squirmed low in her belly, and she let out a sound between a whimper and a sigh. Was this a panic attack? Was she afraid? She didn’t feel afraid. But what else could it be? She was unable to move, trapped and helpless like when Andrew or the soldiers would force themselves on her. But instead of terrified or numb, she felt… good? It made no sense. But she found herself upset when Simon stepped away, despite having just been trying to fight him off. Her legs trembled and she barely managed to keep herself from falling to the ground. She blinked at Simon, dizzily watching as he returned to the corpse of the infected he’d killed earlier and began rooting around inside its chest cavity, no doubt for more guts to cover her in, before just deciding to bring the whole nasty thing over. Lelia couldn’t even care about that, though. She was too busy trying to figure out what in the world had just happened.

Simon’s amusement had given way to his frustration when his dove had made it clear she wasn’t going to budge on her stance towards his plan. He understood her reluctance—though the fact that she seemed more concerned about ruining her designer coat than the herd of zombies she’d be wandering into certainly added to his annoyance—but she didn’t seem to understand just how dangerous it would be for her if they were still traveling when the first snow of the season fell. She would freeze to death, he had no doubt about it. And he simply couldn’t let that happen.

So, unwilling to wait any longer, he’d cornered her against a tree and took matters into his own hands. He'd expected her to be annoyed, expected her to be angry, and though he hoped she wouldn’t be, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she was a little afraid. He was still a zombie, after all. There had to be some part of her that wondered if he’d snap, one day.

What he hadn’t expected was arousal.

But he could smell it, clear as day, with his face pressed into the crook of her neck. Her pulse was rabbit quick, her heart beating hard in her chest. Her scent was sharp, even beneath the layers of clothes, grime, and the guts he’d already slathered her in. Floral and sweet and musky in a way that made the primal part of him let out a deep, satisfied growl. He’d wanted so badly to taste her in that moment. He’d dive between her legs and lick her to completion over and over again, make her come on his tongue until she was sobbing from pleasure. He’d eat her out like she was his last meal—he’d devour her perfect little pussy whole.

Ghost ripped himself away from his dove, his hunger only growing when he saw the dazed expression on her face. He’d barely even touched her, and she was halfway to cockdumb already. He wanted to bury himself inside her as he consumed her hot flesh, wanted to watch her fall apart on his cock as he licked her blood from her soft skin—

He quickly lumbered over to the infected’s corpse. He needed to get away from the intoxicating smell of Lelia’s arousal. It had been too long since he’d fed, and his two very different hungers for her were getting mixed up, only making each other worse.

Digging around in its insides, Ghost tried to be rational. Her reaction had to have just been a coincidence, like a random, ill timed stiffy. It couldn't have been because of him—a dead, decayed monster. No one would ever find him appealing again—certainly not a sweet, pretty little dove like her.

And yet.

He couldn’t get the thought out of his head. That she had smelled so sweet because she’d been wet for him, aching to be filled by his cock and bred full of little monsters.

That she’d wanted him, old and dead and revolting as he was.

He was sick for wishing that were true.

Dragging the dead zombie over to her and hoping it would help cover up her smell, he focused on nothing but coating her in its guts. She didn’t protest again, seemingly stuck in her head.

It took several layers of gore to properly disguise her delicious scent, but he managed. He shoved his foul thoughts away and took her small, mittened hand in one of his. Grabbing the wagon handle with the other, he cautiously led her towards the large herd of zombies.

It took them nearly half an hour to get all the way through, and Lelia was shaking by the end, so fiercely she could barely stand. Once they were free of the herd, he led her to a tree stump so she could sit down and recover. He took the chance to put some distance between them—though he could no longer smell her beneath all the gore, she was still beautiful, and he was still ravenous. In every way.

“We smell horrid,” she finally said once she’d calmed down. “I can't eat like this. I'll be sick.”

Ghost grunted. They didn't actually have anything for her to eat—the last can of veg they’d been stretching was gone as of yesterday morning—but he knew that wasn’t really what she meant. And he could hear a river not too far from here… It was out of the way, but only slightly. They could light a fire, and he’d wash her coat and hat while she sat by it to keep her warm. Maybe he would even take the chance to do a full wash again himself, since the cold wouldn't bother him the way it would her.

But first, he needed to hunt.

He’d been trying to put it off until they got to the village, not wanting to leave her alone without four walls and a roof to keep her safe. But he would be a risk to her if he didn’t feed soon, so he led her to a tall pine tree, still thick with dense foliage, and helped her climb it. She was decently obscured, and if she stayed quiet, she would very likely go unnoticed by any survivors that stumbled upon her—though he’d not heard of smelled any nearby, thankfully. The infected were less of a worry—they wouldn’t be able to reach her with how high up she was, and still covered in gore, they likely wouldn't smell her anyway.

At least that’s what he told himself as he reluctantly left her, casting glances back over his shoulder at her tree with every few steps until it was out of sight.

Lelia was on edge the entire time Simon was gone.

It was less than an hour, but every time she heard so much as a branch twitch, she nearly jumped out of her skin. It got so bad that when the sound of leaves crunching underfoot reached her, she fell from her perch with a little scream of fear, sure she was about to die.

Strong arms caught her and held her close, a familiar, concerned groan greeting her. Lelia looked up to see Simon staring down at her, eyes crinkled with worry, face covered in blood. She blushed in embarrassment, heart beating hard in her chest from the adrenaline.

“Thank you,” she said sheepishly. “I, erm, I slipped.”

Simon cradled her more firmly against his chest, letting out a low, displeased grumble that she took to mean I saw or perhaps you need to be more careful. Maybe a combination of the two. Either way, her blush darkened.

Simon set her down gently, unearthing the wagon of supplies from where he’d hidden it under a pile of dead leaves. Lelia watched him, and wondered just how strong he was. She knew she didn't weigh much, as starved as she was, but he'd held her like she was no heavier than a feather. It made her belly squirm with that odd, nervous sensation again, though she didn’t know why. She trusted Simon not to hurt her. She wasn’t afraid of him, not even a little bit. Not since she’d held him as she cried, and she'd realized just how much he trusted her.

“Can we clean ourselves now?” Lelia asked, doing her best not to whine. The smell clinging to her was so horrible that every time she caught a waft of it, she nearly vomited. She’d had to pinch her nose closed and breath through her mouth the whole time she was in the tree—holding onto the trunk with only one hand had certainly contributed to her falling.

Simon grunted in what sounded like agreement, but he didn't hand her a bottle of water from their rapidly diminishing stash—they had been stretching the bottles as much as they possibly could, but there were only two left—and instead began to walk. Lelia frowned but jogged to catch up with him, tugging on his arm.

“Simon, please, I know there's not much left but I can’t stand this,” she complained, feeling justified since he was the one who’d done this to her. She pinched her nose again, voice coming out high pitched and nasally. “I’m going to be sick.”

Simon huffed, but she saw his sunken eyes crinkle a little. Nonetheless, he just kept walking, and so Lelia continued to complain while pretending she was annoying him rather than amusing him.

It was because she was still ranting about him ruining her coat and her appetite that she didn't hear the rushing water until they were nearly upon the river.

The second she saw it—so much deeper than that awful stream she and Simon had followed all those weeks ago—she froze, paling rapidly.

Simon had continued walking, but he stopped when her arm—which she had looped through his shortly into their walk—went rigid, pulling him back. He looked down at her, and then groaned softly, dropping the wagon handle and stepping in front of her and blocking her view of the water.

That snapped her out of her mounting panic, though she was still breathing harshly as she looked up at her zombie with terrified eyes.

“I d-don't want to go in,” she whispered, on the edge of tears. “Please d-don't make me go in…”

Simon cupped her face with his big hands, clumsily rubbing his thumbs over her cheekbones, trying to soothe her. Lelia let out a shuddering sigh, leaning into his cold touch. It was strange that it always made her feel so warm.

A few seconds later, Simon let go in order to point at the river, then at her, and then shake his head so hard his jaw wobbled, teeth clacking against one another loudly. She reached up to steady it, absentmindedly wiping away his drool as she did. He wouldn't force her into the water. Of course he wouldn’t. He wasn’t Andrew.

Simon cradled her face in his hands again for another moment, checking to make sure she was alright, before releasing her. They were still a few metres from the river, and he crouched down, joints popping, and began pulling out the stones, sticks, and matches they used to light a fire. Lelia joined him, helping to set up the little pit like he’d taught her to, and then taking off her mittens so she could expertly light one of their few remaining matches. She’d grown quite practiced over the last week.

As always, Simon praised her with a low, encouraging grunt, and Lelia’s cheeks flushed with pleasure. She liked making him proud. Just like she liked making him laugh. Sometimes she wondered if she saw him as a father figure—he was certainly old enough to be her father—but that didn't feel quite right, though she didn't know why.

Nonetheless, it was times like these that made her wish someone as kind and protective as Simon had been her father. He never would have bartered her off to Andrew for campaign money…

Once the fire was lit, Simon took her overcoat and her hat, plonking his helmet on her head instead. It immediately fell down over her eyes, far too big, and she giggled, tilting her head back so she could see again. Simon was looking down at her, eyes crinkled at the corners, dirty blonde hair shining in the dull winter sun, and in that moment, she saw just how radiant he was. Not how handsome he might have been when he was alive—no. How beautiful he was now, even with his grey skin, sunken eyes, and broken jaw. His missing lips and blackened gums. The mask and the blood covering his face. None of it mattered, she realized suddenly. To her, Simon was perfect, inside and out.

Lelia blushed as she watched Simon turn and head down to the river, heart feeling full as he carefully began to wash her clothes for her. He was so good. So patient and caring. It was a wonder she hadn’t noticed how attractive he was before. She had gotten used to his appearance quickly enough, no longer scared or off put by it by the time they’d reached the town. But she hadn’t found it appealing until now. Part of her wondered if there was something wrong with her for it—he was a zombie, after all—but a larger part of her found the thought ridiculous. There could never be anything wrong about appreciating Simon. He was her friend. Her protector. Her everything, truly. She had nothing else but him, in this world. Just as he had nothing else but her.

Simon returned to where sat by the fire, but only to lay her clothes near the flames to dry. He knocked on the helmet—which still sat on her head, because her ears were quite sensitive to the cold and so leaving them uncovered was simply not an option—and she squawked in protest, making him let out a raspy chuckle. Then, he began to work at the buckles of his tactical vest. His fingers had gotten much less stiff in the last few weeks, but they were still far from nimble, so he was struggling. Lelia swiftly got up, closing the distance between them and lightly swatting his wet hands away so she could take over. He let her with another huff of laughter, and a comfortable silence fell between them as she methodically removed his gear. She stopped when he was left in just his t-shirt and trousers, the quiet turning awkward as they stared at each other for a long moment. Lelia was unsure why Simon wasn’t moving, but she suddenly understood when he let out a rumbly sigh and began to pull off his shirt.

“Oh!” Lelia squeaked, shocked. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t seen him shirtless before—she’d helped him change, back at the cabin—but that was before. Before the sight of his bare, muscular chest and the tattoos adorning it made her belly swoop, the way it had whenever she saw a handsome actor on the telly. She knew she should look away, but she was frozen. There were several scars on Simon’s skin, as well as open, bloodless gashes, ones he’d clearly gotten after turning. She wondered what had caused them—other people, panicking upon seeing him, not realizing he wouldn’t hurt them? Or had it been other zombies? Simon fought them often to keep her safe. Whenever they go too close to their campsite, or when he was clearing a house for them to search… he always made her close her eyes though, so she’d never noticed if they hurt him. She immediately felt guilty.

Simon seemed a little surprised to see her still watching him once his shirt was over his head, and he hesitated at the button on his combat trousers. That snapped Lelia out of her paralyzed state, and she swiftly turned around, stuttering apologies as she did. Simon just huffed a laugh, and a moment later, she heard his heavy steps as he walked away again.

Lelia didn't dare turn around to face the river while he bathed, and she was embarrassed she was even tempted to. It was one thing to find him attractive, even to admire his bare chest—it was another entirely to want to see him naked. That was incredibly improper, absolutely whorish—

You are a whore, a voice in her head that sounded like her mother’s said. Andrew turned you into one far before he made it official by giving you to the sergeants. That’s why you still feel that constant, aching emptiness inside of you. You want to be used. To be stuffed with cock and come, fucked so hard you cry—

Lelia clamped her hands over her ears, knocking Simon’s helmet off, and screwed her eyes shut as she tried to block out the thoughts, shame filling her. She had never enjoyed her time with Andrew or the soldiers, had never wanted what they’d done to her. And yet… a part of her grew increasingly anxious and uncomfortable, every night that went by without something happening. She didn't understand it. Didn’t understand the low, persistent ache in core, an emptiness that used to make her entire body feel hollow but now only seemed to exist between her legs. She should have been relieved not to have to deal with it anymore. To never have to have sex, ever again. But her body was so used to it for so long, that now it seemed to crave it. And against her will, Lelia found herself wondering if Simon could soothe that emptiness too, like he had the one in her chest.

[celaenaeiln]

Based on the posts I've been reading, the Titans rlly dislike Bruce xD

Do you have a list of stuff of the Titans clowning/making fun/hating Bruce? 👀

If there's too many (omg is it??), maybe just your faves or those that rlly impacted you

They do!!

I had the post mostly done in my drafts when I saw your ask and decided this was the perfect opportunity to finish it!

BUT I DEFINITELY HAVE MORE!

The tug-of-war between the two groups comes from the fact that Bruce canonically has codependency issues with Dick. He honestly needs his son at all times for everything.

The source of Bruce and Dick's relationship problems all sum up to this:

Nightwing (2016) Issue #7

"I wanted to give him the freedom to make his own choices. To do things his way, even if that meant making mistakes. And then...well, then I blamed him for how difficult it was for me to let him go."

He's so, so proud of Dick but he refuses to release him to be free. When Dick manages to get away Bruce hisses and shrieks in rage and fury and hurt that Dick left. Even those long stints where Dick was ignoring Bruce after being fired or after Jason's death, Bruce never ignored Dick. Sometimes going as far as stalking him like at the circus.

This one is post-Jason, pre-Tim era.

The New Titans (1988) Issue #61

Ignoring the self-realization backtrack, it's applaudable that Bruce was even able to get those words out at all. Usually it's just heavily implied.

So the reason why Bruce hates the Titans so much is because they're his biggest threat. They have the possibility of taking Dick away from him forever and he's terrified of such a future.

It wasn't originally like this though. In the beginning when Dick said, I'm gonna hang out with the Titans, Bruce'd be like "Sure, Chum, have fun!"

Teen Titans: The Silver Age Issue #1

But as Dick grew older, there was increasing animosity between the Titans and Bruce. It got so bad that Bruce gave Dick an ultimatum: Me or the Titans. Choose.

Nightwing (1996) Issue #101

"I know, I know...I'm late. Titans Business. We just shut down Brother Blood for...good.."

"Save it."

"Look, I don't know how many hundreds of people we rescued from Blood's cult, but it was a pretty important mission."

"I said save it."

Nightwing (1996) Issue #101

But here's where it gets worse. Bruce and Dick are too busy fighting that they both missed Clayface recovering, obviously in the end they defeat him but neither of them are happy for the oversight which leads to the final scene.

Nightwing (1996) Issue #101

Bruce literally fired Dick because he couldn't stand him staying with the Titans.

"Robin is my second...my lieutenant. Anything less that total devotion to this cause is simply wasting my time."

Devotion to the cause or to you, Bruce? He's freaking Batman. He's done solo runs and Dicks done solo runs as Robin just fine but for some reason whenever the Titans are involved, he loses his goddamn mind.

But hey. Bruce isn't the only one who gives Dick an ultimatum.

Titans (1999) Issue #15

Damn, Roy.

He came out swinging with a chainsaw.

Both sides want Dick for themselves. About 80% of the Titans problems with Dick lie in the fact that they want him to have nothing to do with Bruce.

Batman (2016) Issue #19

Titans (1999) Issue #15

They just want Dick's priority and loyalty to be to them, undivided. Unfortunately, Bruce expects the very same-only it's for himself.

The Titans get so angry at Dick for going back to Bruce and Bruce gets so mad at Dick for favoring the Titans. But Dick loves both of them so there's literally no winning for him. The successful periods for Dick are when both sides comprise for him.

They're willing to work together to protect him though.

Titans (2008) Issue #1

Outsiders (2003) Issue #50

The instant de-escalation at protecting the reputation of Nightwing and her girlfriend. Not to mention how it was Batman who wanted to keep the dirt off Dick.

But the issue is, like Victor said,

Titans East Special

Titans are family.

But Bruce can't bear for Dick to have a family of his own that's not him.

[fanonimus]

My brother is obsessed with TTG, and I am baffled. We binged it, and I looked around in the... Fandom? I know the show is lighthearted, but I'm a psychology nerd.

Tw: Abuse, neglect, shitty people in general, mind conzrol and trauma. Progress with caution.

Not many people talk about the abuse Robin faces. I don't understand why is there basicaly no angsty content.

I also want to scoop that boy up and hug him and take him away from those people that surround him.

This boy has no positive influence in his life. Get him a therapyst.

He's neglected. I was sick watching this.

WHAT THE HELL DUDE this was genuinely hard to watch, and even the colour coded idiots aknowledge how badly he was treated.

Oh but they don't get away scott free. The little idiots.

They constantly hurt him (which I noticed is a reocurring joke, but it happens to him so constantly that it's not even humour. It's just... painful.)

What the fuck was that prank?

Considering I know his backstory pretty well (look, I watch enough dc), this prank just makes me want to cry. He smiles. His smile broke my heart. I genuinely started crying, alonside Robin. It was not a nice experience.

So they clearly don't have a problem with triggering traumatic responses.

Robin is also almost always the butt of the joke, even tough he is the leader nobody respects him.

Which would be understandable if he didn't try his damn hardest. He's resourceful and can make the best of a situation.

Like the time he got dance powers (which is just amazing, holy shit I want dance powers).

He found great use of an othervise "useless" pover.

Speaking of useless, his "friends" look down on him because he has no powers. Even though he is capable of beating all of them without it.

Yknow, like in the movie.

Oh yeah, nice recall to the movie the one where they competed with the Super Hero Girls team (love that show).

Y'know, where it started like this

And ended like this in like, five seconds.

Abandonment issues go brrr:

He's my angsty boy.

Also, the fact that he answered mind control on the last question, and it wasn't even on the board, broke something in me.

Him being a "control freak" is also played up for jokes, which I personally hate, but you can also go with the route of the Titans just not listening, ever, and Robin, still raised by the batman even if differently than in canon, in a city where if you are not on top you are dead, it's obvious that he developed an instictive need for control. He had gotten used to being on top of every situation, so when he felt that control slip, he grasped it and held on. This behaviour is not good, but he can't help it, and without proper consuling, he won't be able to stop this behaviour. He could, if he just let go of the illusion of control he clings to, a safety net, and we all know one can not simply just do that.

(I was someone people called a "control freak". I worked on myself, and I changed, but it took years after I noticed. Letting go is the hardest thing people like me and him can do because letting go means losing control, and that can be the scariest thing in the world. So I have experience, yes.)

(Yes, I also have experience. No, I am not going to talk about it, but it wasn't physical, don't worry)

For the hitting... Wild hot take and shit: Since Batsy was not a stellar dad, he kept robin in line by means not so family-friendly. (He hit his kids in canon, it's really OOC for him, but we have proof that happened) And it was really effective. Children of abusive parents go a lot of ways, but repeating the parents' mistakes is one of them. So maybe Robin decided that violence might be the thing to keep his teammates in line. (We are circleing back yeah.) But it clearly didn't work.

Edit: Holy shit I just realized that this Robin is all of the worst qualities of the other Robins. Obsessive, Controlling, full of himself, violent, and then throw their insecurities into there too (Abandonment issues, parental issues, anxiety, paranoia). Holy lady.

Edit2: Thank you, Yurki-posts, for pointing out some things my little rant was missing. I shall update it now.

[loonypsychicchild]

Vi vs. Change (A Character Analysis)

I have seen some people finding vi’s inability to change removing from her character amd that is a valid way of seeing her character but as I respect everyone’s opinions I feel like that is one of the things that is most nuanced about her.

Think about it she has been in prison since she was a young teenager, went there in the worst conditions and ever since than world has been stagnant for her. She couldn’t know anything about her family so bet she could do was hope that all was good and everyone was as good as she remembered them to be. She is the ultimate case of being stuck in nostalgia and that is for survival reasons. If all of you family died, while you were already ready to sacrifice yourself to protect them multiple times, but ended up not being able to save them and being protected by one of your family, your father which caused his death. You realize this was the mistake of your sister and react poorly due to trauma, and as far as you know you might have lost her the moment you left her in that alley and couldn’t go back, because of the situation or because she is a young girl in the dangerous Zaun. The only way Vi could have stayed sane was hoping that everyone that is not dead is alright or could be saved. She is dependent on this to not to hate herself to death, not because that would be her fault but because she sees it as such as she takes responsibility and she protects those that are close to her.

Moreover, remember one of the last words Vander said to her, you’ve got a good heart kid, don’t ever loose it, which means don’t change the way you are you are good like this. This is one of the last requests that her father made to her and for Vi her family is everything, you know she is not gonna change. And due to this she also has started seeing change as bad maybe. Because in season 1 act 1 she was the one who wanted rebellion and change, she wanted to fight. Then she has seen what rebelling costed her, just like Vander said it would, and that naturally made her believe and listen to his advice later on. This belief of to protect people you shouldn’t change really affected her and that is how she has been more diplomatic and got along with Piltovians like Cait or enforcers in a similar way to Vander did. Because when you can’t risk losing all that you have in a radical change like rebellion than you use diplomacy, give up a little bit to make peace, and in return the other party gives up a bit and everyone leaves the table not maybe better but not worse. This character of her explains why she has reacted her relationship with Caitlyn as such, the sacrifice of her ideals to get along and protect people as well as hoping others wouldn’t have to. At the end Vi changes when necessary to protect others from changing.

Also her belief against change or accepting/letting others change was what made Vi believe Powder was still there and not give up on her. So it was also necessary for her to save her sister and keep pm fighting even when Jinx became a criminal. This is also why she also does not give up on Ekko even when he captures her and acts antagonistic. This is how she can be caring and loving, Vi remembers the person that was and sees the parts of them inside the person. This was also how she could easily remember Vander in that monster that he became even though she has not seen anything but him being dangerous. In this example also she had learned to accept change, instead of fighting accepting and hugging the monster to protect what is left inside that hasn’t changed (Jinx and Warwick). Ekko has the opposite character arc, believing everyone changed in season 1 only to realize there is still some that have stayed same in many ways like how Vi was still his protective, good hearted older sister and how there was still some Powder left inside Jinx. Bothe Ekko and Vi are therefore going though character arcs that is more about making peace with change and still seeing the parts of the people that has not changed all that much.

These are just same angles why, Vi’s character arc is fighting with change and then accepting to help other people keep their good essence hence allowing them to not change the good hearts that they have, protect and nurture it which is the very essence of her own character, by remembering the person inside and using diplomacy, giving up and gaining something to enable peace.

[cocogum]

Find the odd one out.

Nox: “I was a hardworking man and made unique multiple gadgets to sell them to provide for my family. But I became obsessed with an alien artifact and forgot my responsibilities which resulted in me learning that my wife and children left only to be submerged by Ogrest’s tears. I’ve been living for 200 years now to steal as much wakfu as I can. It didn’t matter if I had to kill and steal. I just knew that when I’ll be able to have the exact amount of wakfu needed, I’ll be able to turn back time and erase all my mistakes to be with my family again.”

Qilby: “I am an ancient demigod who keeps getting reborn because I am a child of the Eliatrope goddess and the Great Dragon. Unlike my siblings, however, I remember every single parts of my lives which has led me to become insane by the repetitiveness of it all. My siblings never understood me which only made my mind spiral down even quicker. I purposely destroyed my original planet and was about to do the same to a new one but ended up getting my arm chewed off and got thrown into a timeless prison.”

Ogrest: “I am the only one of my kind. I had been created willingly despite the children's tales that people share saying otherwise. I’ve fallen in love with a demigoddess and did everything to make her happy and fall in love with me. Unfortunately, my life has been controlled by many people who thought they could use my power for their benefit. This has led me to lose my mind like how I lost the one I loved. I ended up flooding the world, killing a lot of innocent populations. My life has been used and controlled and turned me into a calamity, my existence turning into an urban legend to tell to children.”

Oropo: “My life is a lie. I am nothing but an incomplete fragment of my father, my own god that I loath. I have used my time in this world hating on my creator and assembling people who hate their divine parent just as much as I do. I manipulated, killed, sacrificed, and betrayed to wipe the gods for good and replace them with better ones. I ended up dying from my weapon with the one who’d been by my side for all those centuries instead. I reunited with my creator and became complete with him as I finally rest.”

Toross: “I used to be an adventurer, one of the best, to the point where I eventually found all six primordial dofus and reunited them. I even became king and had been considered the greatest hero of my world. But I always wanted more power and more control, and my thirst destroyed my planet because of this flaw of mine. The power I used out of the six primordial dofus completely wiped the whole world’s wakfu which left it in an empty sterile state. All my subjects have been turned into Necromes, living dead beings that have nothing but an insatiable hunger for wakfu. My planet has been left in the dust and ignored by the gods. I now roam on my dead world in search of something new.”

Aurora: “I was born in the royal osamodas family but did not learn how to properly rule a kingdom. I was promised to a prince and was meant to be by his side. I do nothing but obey my father and sit next to my husband. I do not learn about the kingdom’s customs, the very same kingdom that I’ve been told to stay in for the rest of my life, and I do not help in any way shape or form the people. I have my father do things for me whenever I need to justify myself and I have tried forcing my sister-in-law to marry one of my relatives. I fled from a war that could have wiped out the nation I was supposed to lead and I came back like nothing happened. I tried to kick out my sister-in-law, the only member of the royal family, from her kingdom when I could have just told her to give me the queen title. My pregnancy is the only thing keeping me relevant. I hold high regard for animals and insult servants. I quickly become enraged at the idea of seeing an alien race be welcomed by the very same people I ran away from.”

[alaskasmonsters]

𝖕𝖚𝖑𝖑𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖕𝖎𝖌𝖙𝖆𝖎𝖑𝖘 (michael kaiser)

pairing: michael kaiser x gn!reader

contents: playful insults, teasing, mistaking attraction for hatred, foreign language (french), enemies to lovers (hinted)

w/c: 1.842

summary: when you accompany your friend noel to blue lock you did not consider that kaiser, aka the bastard’s most infamous asshole, would be there, too. luckily your favourite pastime activity was throwing french insults into his face that no one but noel could understand.

a/n: this is based on a request i got :) this isn’t really love-hate and more another ‘attraction mistaken for hatred’ buuut if you’re all nice i’ll make a second part about when they move into the love-hate stage :) also can i just note how eVIL it is to ask a german person to write about the fRENCH. we are natural enemies yall 😔😔 we meet behind a denny’s to fistfight (and kiss) whaat who said that?!?! anyways i did love this prompt despite not being able to speak french. i was able to ask my friend to give me some phrases, their credentials are *checks papers* mediocre school french 👍🏻👍🏻 so let’s just hope my friend can be trusted, if not hope kaiser being hot makes up for it! (also french people <3 if you wanna correct my french pls do 🙏🙏)

You grumbled to yourself, regarding Kaiser with a glare. Not one he could notice since he was currently standing with his back turned towards you, conversing with Ness.

“Blaireau,” you muttered under your breath, eyes narrowing at the boy.

Noel, who was sitting next to you, let out a sigh but didn’t even raise his gaze from his clipboard to regard you with one of his typical deadpan looks.

You guessed it wasn’t necessary, he knew you well enough to know you were sitting there with a frown edged into your features and your arms crossed in front of your chest.

“So you’ve started doing it even when he’s not close enough to hear you,” he asked you.

“Pardon me?”

“Muttering insults in french. I thought you were doing it to infuriate him but I am sure you know he cannot hear you from this distance.” To emphasise his statement he lifted his hand to point towards Kaiser, who was standing several feet away fem the two of you, before returning the pen he was holding to the paper, scribbling down another number.

You wondered how Noel made sense of it all. Keeping track of the stats of all the new team additions and transferring these numbers into percentages. What those percentages exactly meant you were unsure about. All you knew was that your friend spent a lot of time on them.

You sighed, trying your best not to glare at Kaiser again as you turned to look towards him. You failed.

“Infuriating him is only an added benefit. I do enjoy just insulting him for the sake of it.”

“I see.” Although Noel sounded unimpressed you could tell he would lose his patience with this little thing you and Kaiser had going on, sooner or later.

Especially if it would end up distracting the boy from soccer, not that you thought that was ever possible. Kaiser would rather ignore you for the rest of his life than endanger his soccer career.

You turned towards Noel again and let out a dramatic sigh. Time to make this predicament you were in known to him once more.

“Noel, i need you to look me in the eyes and tell me Kaiser isn’t one of the most annoying assholes you’ve ever met.” You challenged him, lowering your voice as to not catch the attention of any of the boys standing nearby.

The corner of Noel’s lips twitched up at your frustrated tone. Almost like he didn’t take you seriously. You frowned. Rude. This matter was dead serious.

“He doesn’t know how to behave. I trust you to be the mature one. Unless you want me to get you thrown out of this building. You’re only here because i consider you a dear friend, don’t forget that.”

You gasped, offended at the insinuation he’d be willing to throw you out, his best friend, in favour of keeping Kaiser’s ego intact. It was true that you were only allowed to accompany him to ‘Blue Lock’ because he had requested your presence, seeing as you were his best friend. You needed to emphasise that because ‘dear friend’? Yeah right. He wouldn’t know what to do without you. He’d certainly lose his mind.

“You wouldn't. You need me. My presence is precious to you,” you insisted, digging your finger into his arm, not unkindly. “But okay, I promise to behave since Kaiser is clearly not able to.”

You thought offering this was extremely kind of you since it was Kaiser who needed to learn some manners, not you. You were extremely well behaved.

“Aww you’re quite obsessed with me, aren’t you, darling?”

Your blood turned cold. When you turned your head back forward you were met with the sight of none other than Michael Kaiser standing only three feet in front of you, a shit eating grin on his face.

“Casse-toi, Kaiser.” You cursed before you were able to stop yourself.

Kaiser’s grin grew. Noel let out a sigh next to you.

“You promised,” He reminded you and looked up from the clipboard to regard you with a pointed look. “Please, Y/n.”

“It’s not my fault. He’s started it!” You gasped, pointing at Kaiser childishly.

He laughed, waving his hand.

“I just came to say hello after hearing my name come out of your mouth so often. I was afraid you’d wither away without my attention.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm, his innocent smile fooling no one.

Your jaw ticked and before you knew it you had risen to your feet and stomped forward to close the remaining distance between you two to start cursing him out in french.

To your growing anger Kaiser took it in stride, cocking his head at you and listening with interest as you threw insult after insult at his head before Noel apparently had enough of you. He grabbed your wrist and yanked you back telling you to sit back down and ignore Kaiser. He sounded exhausted.

Easier said than done. Kaiser’s whole nature demanded attention. It was impossible to ignore him. But you had promised Noa you’d behave, so you guessed you should at least try.

“T’es chiant!” you snapped at Kaiser, seeing this as the end of your fight, before you let Noel pull you down into the seat.

Noel gave you another pointed look before his gaze shifted back to Kaiser who was watching your interaction with amusement though there was a dark edge to his gaze that wasn’t there before.

“You’re not done with your training, yet, are you?” Noel asked Kaiser

The boy grinned and gave a halfhearted shrug.

“I’m taking a break.”

“Take it somewhere else,” you bit out, feeling Noel’s disapproving glare burn into the side of your face.

You were trying!

“I prefer your lovely company over the one of the common folk,” Kaiser replied easily, waving his hand in the general direction of where you saw the boys of the ‘Blue Lock’ project talk.

Kaiser didn’t like them much, especially Isagi, who has already declared war on him in a very dramatic way that had you questioned the boy’s mental health. Like really, was the boy okay? Talking about devouring people and ruining their life and all.

At least Isagi managed to infuriate Kaiser in a way that no one else was able to. Of course, this meant that you did like Isagi if only because he actually managed to get under the boy’s skin. Unlike you. Kaiser never seemed impressed when you threw french insults into his face, no, it was the complete opposite. He seemed to love it. He seemed to bash in your attention. This only made you angrier.

Entitled jerk.

Maybe you’d just have to take your ‘lovely company’ to Isagi and his friends the next time you saw Kaiser coming your way. That would keep him away.

“They’re not common folk and you’re not an emperor, Kaiser, at best you’re the roi des cons,” you fired back, regarding him with an unamused look.

Nowl let out another sigh, though you thought it was quite a clever word of play. He just didn’t know how to appreciate it or you for the matter.

Kaiser hummed, taking a few steps forward and lowering his head. His gaze was intense as he fixed yours behind the curtains of his hair that fell into his face. Your heart beat wildly in your chest at the sudden air of seriousness surrounding him.

“Is that a new petname, my love? How precious.” His voice was low and smooth and it took you a second to process his words.

When you did you felt your cheeks explode in heat and you had half a mind to jump up and wrestle Kaiser to the ground if it wasn’t for Noel’s hand grabbing the back of your jacket and pulling you down again.

“Stop provoking them and go back to your training, Kaiser.”

Kaiser just snickered, eyes twinkling with mirth as he took in your red face and the snarl on your lips.

“Don’t miss me too much, i’ll be back in a bit,” he mocked with a grin that reached his eyes but still didn’t look genuine.

He turned around to walk away.

“Va te faire enculer!” You called after him but he just laughed and waved his hand at you without turning back.

You huffed and sunk back in your seat, arms crossed in front of your chest as you pouted. You fucking hated that guy.

Noa watched you quietly for a moment before he shook his head and moved to stand up, pushing his clipboard into your hands for you to hold.

“Your taste in men is horrible,” he told you as nonchalantly as one would discuss the weather before shrugging out of his tracksuit jacket and throwing it on the chair he’s been sitting in.

You shot up, shrieking. “Excuse me?”

A few boys close-by turned to stare at you and you ducked your head in embarrassment at your out-lash but you couldn’t believe the words that had just left your friend’s mouth.

“Kaiser is bad news. You can do better than him.”

You gasped at him, cheeks burning from embarrassment. Where did that just come from? Was he seriously insinuating that you? And Kaiser?

“I’m not- You’re- I-” You stuttered, your heart racing in your chest.

This was- You couldn’t believe this!

Noel rolled his eyes and gently pried the clipboard out of your eyes, levelling you with a calm look.

“If you want to deny it, go ahead. But either way stop pulling Kaiser’s metaphorical pigtails already, it’s exhausting.”

He gave you a gentle clap on the shoulder and a small smile, before walking off towards the direction of the ‘Blue Lock’ boys. You stared after him, your face hot and your mouth agape.

You weren’t-

You and Kaiser? That was ridiculous. Absolutely impossible. You would never, not in a billion years, be attracted to him. He was such an asshole. A complete jerk. Completely infuriating. Why would Noel even think that?

You huffed again, shoulders bunching up as you tried to take a deep breath to calm yourself.

Noel had no idea what he was talking about. What did he even know about romance? Nothing. That’s right!

You lifted your gaze and- You froze when your eyes locked with Kaiser’s. He was standing on the other end of the field, football secured under his arm. He was watching you intensely. From this far away it was hard to make out the look in his eyes but you felt a shiver rake down your spine and the itch on your tongue.

You gave him the middle finger, biting your tongue to not throw another insult his way as you would have had to shout it over the whole field. When the boy did nothing but laugh and blow you a kiss, you quickly turned away. The heat in your cheeks never fading.

Noel was wrong. You did not have a crush on Kaiser. You did not.

Not even a little.

translations:

Blaireau — Asshole

Casse-toi — Fuck off

T’es chiant — You’re annoying

Roi des cons — Complete idiot/King of idiots

Va te faire enculer — Go fuck yourself

[lawsofchaos1]

Malec Promptlet: Royal AU

Asmodeus is the High King of Edom, a brutal and immoral overlord.

Edom conquered Idris two years ago after a long and protracted war, ended by the public execution of the King and Queen, Robert and Maryse Lightwood.

Alexander Lightwood, the Crown Prince and High General, is spared by Asmodeus, but only with the intention of having him serve as a living symbol of Idris' defeat by becoming the personal servant of Edom's own Crown Prince, Magnus Bane.

Prior to the war's end, Alec was able to send his siblings to safety in a neutral country across the sea, DuMort, even though he had to all but beg his sister and his shield-brother, Jace, to go. Alec had known that they were losing, the magic of Edom too powerful to fight much longer, and he'd played every emotional trick he could to make sure Jace and Izzy left their country and him behind. Max would need both of them with him to survive as a legitimate blood heir of a fallen kingdom.

Alec hadn't expected to survive himself.

But, when Asmodeus demands he bend the knee in the same room as his parent's bodies, Alec understands the trade at hand - his dignity for his remaining people's survival.

It's an easy decision for Alec to make.

The journey from Idris to Edom is hard, but Alec holds fast and eventually they make it to Edom's capital and he is thrown to the mercy of the Crown Prince's household. Every so often Asmodeus trots Alec out for some public humiliation, to prove Edom's superiority in front of visiting rulers wondering whether to take the offered treaty terms or risk negotiation, but for the most part everything is ... fine.

Magnus, as it turns out, is a kind master and Alec has no complaints.

As the seasons turn and begin to repeat, Magnus and Alec grow to be friends, confidantes even, though Alec is never truly able to forget the precariousness of his situation. Magnus desperately wants to be more, but he also knows that Alec doesn't have the power to say no, so he contents himself as they are. 

Magnus dreams of Alec being confident enough in their firm friendship and trust to perhaps want to be together as well, dreams even more secretly of the two of them ruling one day together as fully equal partners.

(Alec refuses to admit, even to himself, that he often dreams of similar tidings.) 

One night, however, Asmodeus calls Alec to serve him in his private rooms with a group of counselors and visiting officials from their southern neighbor. Magnus sadly watches Alec go, knowing exactly why Asmodeus wants Alec tonight of all nights. Negotiation begins tomorrow on a trade treaty, and watching Idris' fallen prince kneel to an enemy king is a powerful reminder of what it can cost to refuse Asmodeus' wishes.

Magnus goes to sleep, wishing futilely he was able to help without making things infinitely worse, hoping Alec will be well and whole in the morning.

It seems like his head has just touched the pillow when Magnus is woken up, suddenly and shockingly, the embers of the previous evening's fire providing just enough light to see by. Jolting up, heart racing, Magnus' mouth drops open to see Alec kneeling prostrate at the side of his bed.

Alec is frantic, broken apologies mixing in with barely intelligible explanations of something Magnus can't even begin to understand, so frantic and terrified is his friend. Magnus doesn't know what to do because Alec is shaking and trembling, and, even in those first days when Alec had thought he was to be executed and his people punished at the first mistake he'd made, he'd never been like this.

Magnus tries to comfort him, making calming sounds and promising that everything will be okay, but Alec doesn't seem to hear him. Alec won't rise and Magnus hates it because this is how servants react to his father, so he slips to his knees at Alec's side.

Thanking all the gods that Alec doesn't flinch at his touch - Magnus doesn't know what he would do if Alec did - the story finally comes tumbling out, Alec still refusing to meet his eyes.

Asmodeus and his retinue had been drunk, but Alec is well enough used to that. The casual slurs and violence they throw his way are what Alec has come to expect when he is called to serve the King.

(Magnus is livid at this unthinking confirmation. Alec is too quiet, too resigned to complain, has never mentioned this to him before - though Magnus had certainly suspected - and Magnus can do nothing but seethe helplessly as Alec mentions it as though it is nothing.)

But something had changed midway through the evening - there'd been a new horror lurking in the glint of Asmodeus' eyes. He'd grabbed Alec the next time he'd been close enough and forced him on his lap, laughing and wondering to the crowd exactly how well the Crown Prince of Idris would warm his bed.

Alec had panicked.

He keeps apologizing to Magnus and Magnus has a sudden, horrified image of Alec having grabbed a knife and slit his father's throat and the two of them having to run to escape charges of attempted regicide (because obviously Magnus isn't letting Alec run away by himself), but Alec keeps going and finally Magnus understands what had happened.

Alec claimed himself to be Magnus' bed slave instead- the only thing the King would have accepted as a reason for Alec to say no. Alec has no rights of his own in Edom. Only if Alec already belonged to Magnus, a possession that would irritate Magnus if someone else used it, could he refuse.

But Asmodeus won't hide this.

Asmodeus will think it hilarious, and Magnus heart stutters in his chest because he can't deny it without condemning Alec to the executioner's block now that it's been said.

Everyone will believe that Magnus cares not for consent and has chosen to use a former Prince and defeated enemy in the basest way possible.

And he cannot deny it.

But Magnus swallows his horror and holds Alec to his chest, running his hand soothingly across Alec's back until the trembling subsides and his exhausted friend is nearly falling asleep in his arms.

Tomorrow will be one of the hardest days of Magnus' life, but he will do anything to spare Alec from his father.

Anything.

[Insert Happy Malec Ending]

[arent-i-the-fairest]

Can I request Rollo going on a Valentine's Day "date" with MC and having fun like an old married couple all the while the boys, and maybe even the staff, are screaming in denial?

𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

author’s note : aaaa ok so, i wanted to make one of those big posts i do sometimes (where i include every nrc boy with hcs for each one) y’know, for a valentines special— but that didn’t work so we’re spending valentines with rollo instead (with a small mention of the nrc boys being jealous. probably punching walls and crying) (plus the staff being concerned dads)

—takes place in that one theory au thingy where rollo lives with you in ramshackle :) happy valentines day!

the week before valentines day has been.. suffocating.

gifts and requests to be your valentine have been coming in like crazy. the desk in your room has become a mess, crowded with flowers, letters, and all sorts of sweets that all pile on top of each other.

all of them, you’re flattered to have received, but unfortunately don’t really want. you already have your eyes on someone, and it’s not anyone that’s already asked you out.

“you have quite the amount of admirers, prefect.” rollo acknowledges the large mound of items, sifting through it with your permission. he grimaces at all the love letters you’ve gotten. “do you reciprocate any of their feelings?”

you shake your head, and he lets out a small sigh of relief, glad to know he hasn’t lost you to anyone.

as rollo turns his attention back to looking through the pile, you’re hyping yourself up, trying to channel the confidence of everyone who confessed to you combined. with just one day before valentines, you’ve gotta shoot your shot now.

there’s nothing to lose, right?

“i’ve been thinking,” you start. you almost consider chickening out when you meet eyes with rollo. he’s so unintentionally intimidating with his soulless (but pretty) eyes. “since neither of us have a valentine.. we should be each others. i-if you wanna be! totallyokayifyoudon’twantto—”

“i’d like that.” he interjects. he covers up his quickly reddening face, but you can still spot some blush on the tips of his ears. you hardly pay attention to it though since you’re too busy silently celebrating.

“it’s decided then.” you giggle. rollo nods, lowering his handkerchief to reveal a soft smile, looking uncharacteristically adorable.

you’d just have to try and keep this a secret from the other boys. they’d probably hate him even more if they found out about this, and you’d die if all the forced getting-along you made them do went to waste.

you actually thought you’d be able to keep your “date” hidden, but then you told grim about it— a terrible mistake.

the biggest rule in the book : never trust grim to keep his mouth closed.

the first people he blabbed to was ace and deuce, who spread the word to the rest of the first years, who spread it to their dorm leaders— and not before long, the rest knew. even the staff managed to get word of it too.

the boys were, as you’d expected, sulky. you chose rollo over him? did rollo go against what he constantly preaches and cast a spell on you?

they all go about their days valentine-less and ill tempered thinking about you and rollo being all lovey-dovey.

meanwhile, the staff are somewhat worried. rollo has no intentions of harming you, they’re aware. but the thought of (what might as well be) their child becoming romantically involved with someone who tried to strip the world of magic has them feeling troubled.

you and rollo are completely oblivious to any of this, though. at least until you get back from your date out at the town.

“so this is the town,” rollo says. “i’ve never had a chance to come down here until today.”

“hehe. what do you think? isn’t it nice down here?”

he nods, eyes scanning all the different buildings until they stop and linger on a bakery. a patisserie, to be exact. through the window, there are several sweets and baked goods on display, and he’s got his eye right on the croissants. you follow where he’s looking and giggle.

“wanna go to that patisserie?” you ask.

“if you don’t mind.”

after purchasing a croissant per rollo’s silent request, you two sit on a bench. he rips the good, giving you the bigger half and you thank him.

“this reminds me of that time at the trip!” you hum. “you were showing me around and we stopped by that bakery to buy a croissant, we even split it and ate it on a bench exactly like we are right now.”

“i remember. it’s perhaps the only moment of the symposium i look back fondly on.”

of course, that’s a lie. every moment at the symposium he shared with you is a moment he looks back fondly on. he’d feel far too embarrassed to say it out loud though.

“it’s such a simple, but sweet memory.”

“the way you’re reminiscing it almost makes it feel as though this was ages ago.”

“i know i know, this was just a little over a month ago. but it’s kind of crazy to me.” you smile. rollo tilts his head, nonverbally asking you to explain. “what i meant by that was.. it feels like we’ve known each other for much longer than a measly little month and a half. don’t you think?”

for what feels like the millionth time to rollo, he gets flustered. even more so when you put your hand on top of his.

but he ponders your question. it really does feel like you’ve known each other for far longer. it’s odd to him how quickly he warmed up to you— rollo’s never been one to get along easily with others. and with that, he’s never been one to open up easily either. but you were able to crack his shell.

“i agree.” he slowly smiles. “happy valentines day, prefect.”

[nightdncer]

“ Well, I’m Glad ”

✦ paring : Higuruma Hiromi x Reader

✦ warnings : gender fluid reader , any gender reader , cussing , thoughts of de.th , pet names , slight/heavy info on injuries

✦ A/N : SPECIAL FOR HIGURUMA’S RETURN!!

*.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.* *.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.* *.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.* *.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.* *.·:·.✧ ✦ ✧.·:·.* *.·:·.✧ ✦

it was nighttime, he could tell it was still snowing after all this time. he didn’t say anything, the only sounds of his feet hitting the snowy ground and his soft breathing, making the cold air.

and before he knew it, he would be battling with Sukuna, his vision getting blurrier and blurrier. he knew he should’ve end it earlier, he knew it. he knew he should’ve died a normal death.

now, he’s in the hospital bed, being able to sit on the hospital bed. he had lose an arm, which to you, the head nurse of the hospital while Shoko was taking care of Yuta and Gojo’s body, you were taking care of any other civilian and Higuruma.

most other people didn’t caught your attention, as they were only there from accidentally being an unwanted person during the battle, walking upon it by mistake. but Higuruma? no. he was a person who was meant to be there and someone who participated in the Culling’s Game.

“… how long do you think I have to stay here before I go back to work? do you think this will be over?” he softly asked as he looked at you. you turn your head to the side, and think about it.

I mean, his injuries were life threatening, it was a surprise he was able to survive. one of his elbow from down was gone, and multiple deep cuts all around his body.

“two months, perhaps.” you replied, as you turn back into putting the wisteria medicine into the needle.

he didn’t know that not going to work would lead him to boredom. he didn’t like it anyways, damnit, he hated the system. and yet, it was the only thing keeping him occupied during his life. now, he’s just sitting on a hospital bed.

“can I even get up from here..?” he asked, with a slightly annoyed tone. he didn’t mean it because you annoyed him. he was just annoyed because he was only able to lay down or sit.

“mhm! It may hurt a bit… tell me if it does.” you replied, and as soon as you did you stood up. he slightly felt a bit of burning pain but didn’t say anything. he just stood in front of the window, looking out. you soon finished the wisteria medicine and put it in the needle.

“yell my name if you need anything, higgy.” you said, saying his nickname. you knew he didn’t like it but he also didn’t hate it as well, so you thought just to tease him with the nickname.

he huffed softly, slightly annoyed but also chucking. once you came back from your other patient, you went back inside his room. he was the most important patient for you. not being you biased, but because he was the most heavily injured. he was in the same position, looking out the window.

it seemed so… peaceful. the snow slowly melting, yet still being there. the condensation on the window, slightly being there. you had nothing else to do. you went behind him and laid your head on his shoulder, he could feel the weight of your head pushing on his shoulder.

before he could mutter something out, you wrapped your arms around his shoulders and leaned against the side of his neck.

“what.. what are doing?” he mumbled, his face heating up.

you put your hand to his forehead, feeling his face heat up. “are you good?” you whisper in his ears, making the tip of his ear go pink. “yeah, yeah, I’m fine… just a little warm, that’s all..” he said, trying to make up a quick and yet dumb excuse.

you and him just looked out the window for a few moments, it felt to peaceful. just watching the small and faint snow hitting the window seal and grass. you slowly start playing with his hair, you having to tip toe because he was taller than you. it was a pretty good height difference.

all of those small affections just made him more fluster, making him slowly yet pretty fast. he then grabs your wrist and easily spins you around and hugs you, your fast on his chest. it felt so comforting, the heat from his chest radiating to your face.

he then softly kissed your forehead, you to opinion on each other being the exact same. “so… so cute…” he mumbled with a soft smile, twirling and fidgeting with his hair.

he then leaned down and softly kissed you on the lips, his tongue pushing forward, exploring each place, making sure to claim you. he soon had to pull away. he didn’t want to, but had to, a string of saliva connecting your mouth. “so.. damn… pretty.” he mutters.

soon, Shoko interrupted you two, Yuji, Maki, Yuta, Nobara and Megumi all behind her. “Y/N, Higuru-” she seems surprised and closed the door behind her, not wanting the younger people to see. “you two little love birds…” she teases. “well, you two would be a good couple!” Shoko said in a genuine tone. “well, I’m glad to hear.” you replied softly, his arms still wrapped around you.

[royedismyaesthetic]

RoyEd Week Day 2: Soulmate AU

Okay, so for this AU, everyone has heterochromia, and the color of your right eye matches the color of your soulmate’s left eye, and vice versa. That way, when you face each other, your soulmates’ eyes are a mirror image of your own. Multiple people can have your corresponding eye colors and can potentially be your soulmate. However, Roy is pretty confident that he’s just found his, seeing as how Edward is the only person alive who has a golden left eye and a black right one. 

Keep reading for the full summary:

Throughout his life, Roy gets a lot of attention due to his unusual eye color. Seeing as how no one else has possessed a golden eye since the fall of Xerxes (or so he believes), Roy concludes that this is the universe’s way of telling him that he doesn’t have a soulmate. He eventually meets Edward of course, but while their eye colors do match up, the idea of them being soulmates… it just can’t be true. 

While Edward is under Roy’s command, Roy has him wear an eyepatch over his gold eye whenever he is in public. That way, rumors won’t spread about who Edward’s soulmate might be. (I think the covering of one eye would be somewhat popular in this society, particularly among those who reject the idea of predestined soulmates and instead wish to seek out their own romantic and platonic connections. When you look at your soulmate with both eyes however, you are able to gain an innate understanding of their emotions. The eyes are the windows to the soul, as they say.) 

Edward spends the following years in denial about Roy being his soulmate, and as he searches for the Philosopher’s Stone, he also secretly searches for someone else who could possibly be his other half. He comes up empty handed however, and over time, he finds himself developing feelings for Roy. 

Sometime before Roy loses his eyesight, Edward reports to him in Central. For the first time, Edward refrains from wearing his eyepatch because he lost it somewhere along his travels. However, when Edward goes to meet with Roy, Roy refuses to speak with him without his eyepatch on. Roy also avoids looking Edward directly in the eyes, and Edward notices this. Because Edward is looking at Roy with both eyes for the first time since they first met, Edward can finally see into Roy’s soul, and he realizes that Roy is actually afraid to look at him. 

Edward gets angry because he realizes that they could have had this profound emotional connection this entire time, and Roy denied him of that. Also, Edward has come to almost resent Roy for forcing him to hide a part of who he is. 

Roy did this both to protect Edward, and to prevent something from happening that could maybe make it more difficult for himself to reach his ultimate goal. But also, Roy did it because he simply can’t bear the sight of Edward. It makes him sick to his stomach to think that Edward is destined to be with a monster like him. Whether Roy realizes it or not, he wants Edward to hate him. He wants Edward to love him. He wants to punish himself for his past mistakes by denying himself of this bond that he was destined to have. 

Edward realizes this, and he tells Roy that punishing himself accomplishes nothing. Roy is just hurting himself. He is hurting Edward too on an emotional level, and maybe if he looked Edward in the eyes sooner, he would have realized that. 

When Roy and Edward part ways, they still aren’t on good terms. But later on, when Roy chooses to use the Philosopher's Stone to regain his sight, Edward understands that Roy is breaking away from his previously held mentality. Roy is not forgetting about his mistakes, but he’s leaving the past in the past, and he’s looking forward and seeing what he can do to make a better future. And maybe in that better future, Roy will finally be willing to share his soul with Edward. The end.    

@royedweek2023

[utapri-translations-uuuu]

The Great Rescue Operation - Translation (救出大作戦)

Please do not repost/retranslate without permission.

I have also made a version which includes the members' notes found in the script.

[Sadness and despair - Red poppy field, evening]

A high-pitched sound like ringing in one’s ears echoes.

***

Dream (Flashback)

The aunt and uncle converse in a dark and somber atmosphere.

Uncle: No matter how much we work and work, life doesn't get any easier… Crops don't grow well on this desolate land.

Aunt: We're doing our best just to make sure we have enough to eat, and if something were to happen, we wouldn’t be able to make ends meet.

There’s a knocking sound in the walls and the house creaks.

Uncle: This house is old and shabby… And above all, it's too small.

Aunt: Well, originally it was just you and me living here. Theo's getting bigger and bigger, too. What should we do…? 

Uncle: Was it a mistake to bring him into this house...?

Aunt: What are you saying, honey?!! What if Theo hears?!

Theo groans in his sleep and holds his head in his hands.

Theo: Ugh… Uncle…! Aunt…!

Terry's words from the poppy field echo.

Terry: Let at least Theo… return to Kansas…

***

Theo suddenly springs to his feet.

Theo: … Ah! (panting) Was that a dream…?

Tin Woodman: Are you awake? You were groaning a lot...

He looks around in a panic.

Theo: … No, it wasn’t a dream! Terry is…?

Scarecrow: He’s still in the flower field. I don't think it's life-threatening, but it's dangerous to let him sleep for too long…

Theo grabs the Scarecrow by the shoulders.

Theo: Well, then, we need to hurry up and go help him!! We don’t have time to relax!!

The Tin Woodman steps in between the two and pulls Theo away.

Tin Woodman: However, I cannot agree with blindly going to help. The scent won't work on me or the Scarecrow, but those flowers have thorns that will get in our way.

The Scarecrow shows his clothes.

Scarecrow: As you can see, my clothes got snagged in multiple places, and the straw nearly popped out.

Theo: … Well, what about you, Tin-san?

The Tin Woodman makes a dull grinding sound and shows his wrists by turning them.

Tin Woodman: I'm not feeling well, maybe the pollen from the poppies is getting into the crevices in my body… Inhaling too much of it may have adverse effects.

Scarecrow: Besides, even if the two of us tried our best, we could only help Terry-kun. Lion-kun is too heavy for us to carry.

Theo leans forward and pleads.

Theo: There's no point in granting a wish if it means abandoning your companions! Don't you all think so, too? Are you satisfied as long as your wish comes true?

Scarecrow: … I want a thinking head.

The two were about to give up somewhere in their hearts.

They reflect on their weakness.

Scarecrow: … But I’d hate even more to lose my friends in exchange! I'd end up not being myself anymore.

Tin Woodman: I… don't want to lose anyone I care about ever again either. If I go to get a heart to love people, and then abandon our companions, I would be misplacing my priorities. That would be the same as throwing away our hearts.

Theo: Thank you, guys… Well then, let’s go help them…!

The Scarecrow steps in to stop Theo, wagging his finger.

Scarecrow: Stop! Let us handle this! I don't want you to collapse as well!

[The rescue of Terry and the Lion - Red poppy field, morning]

The Scarecrow and Tin Woodman are building a large cart.

Scarecrow: … I'm not tired, but it's so hard that the straw in my arms is getting all messed up.

The Scarecrow draws attention to his arms by exaggeratedly moving them.

Tin Woodman: Move your hands more than your mouth! You're the one who came up with the idea, weren’t you? To build a big cart to carry the two of them, right?

Scarecrow: Yeah, but~! It doesn't have to be so sturdy, does it? We’re only going to use it one time.

Tin Woodman: Cutting corners or being careless can be fatal! Failure means possibly losing our friends, you know? Lion sacrificed himself to help us. We must repay that.

Raising his fist, the Scarecrow praises Terry.

Scarecrow: Yeah, I guess... And Terry's courage, too! Even though he should’ve been saved, he was the first to suggest he stay behind.

Tin Woodman: I’m sure he must have thought we’d be able to handle the situation.

[Successful rescue - Quadling, Glinda’s palace]

Glinda watches over the five with his magic.

Glinda: The cart strategy, a joint effort between the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman, was a great success.

He clasps his hands together, looking pleased, but also worried.

Glinda: They carried a much heavier weight than they normally would be able to with ease. However, Terry and the Lion had inhaled so much of the scent that they didn’t wake up easily.

The scene of Terry and the Lion is projected into the air.

Glinda: Theo is by their side, taking care of them and watching over them. What a dreadful scent it really is. You never know where danger lurks.

He speaks quietly, with a warning gesture.

Glinda: They must have learned that danger and temptation are closer than they think and that they appear to be safe and beautiful… Perhaps it is only when you lose it that you realize how precious it is to be at peace and learn not to take it for granted.

The magic wand resonates.

Glinda: Oh... It seems like the two of them have woken up.

[The rescue of Terry and the Lion - Grassland, morning]

Terry gets up, rubbing his eyes.

Terry: Ugh... hmm...? Where am I… I… was saved.

Theo hugs Terry tightly, crying tears of joy.

Theo: I'm so glad…! I'm so, so glad...!!! I thought you'd never wake up...

Terry: Jeez, you’re exaggerating… Don't make it sound like I died.

The Lion, who had woken up first, apologizes, full of remorse.

Lion: I held you back and put you in harm’s way. How can I apologize for that…? If something terrible had happened, I think… I…

Terry firmly pats the Lion on the back.

Terry: There you go again with the cowardice~! Who was it that noticed the danger first and sacrificed himself so the others could escape?

The Scarecrow also pats the Lion’s back.

Scarecrow: Oh, you were so cool, Lion-kun! It was an act of bravery!

Lion: … I was just trying to do what I could to help.

The Tin Woodman gently approaches Terry.

Tin Woodman: Besides that, Terry-san also... taught us the importance of companionship.

Terry puffs out his chest.

Terry: Things might get even more dangerous from now on. If we can't reach the Emerald City, we can't go back to Kansas, so we need companions on this journey! Companions who share this same strong desire! It's like a puzzle that can't be completed without any of us.

Theo: …

The three speak in unison.

Scarecrow: Let's go! To the Emerald City!

Tin Woodman: Let's go! To the Emerald City!

Lion: Let's go! To the Emerald City!

⬤ Insert song “Emerarudo shiti e no michi” Scarecrow & Tin Woodman & Lion

[lovealwaysmichael]

Nosey press (Micheal Clifford x reader)

Cw: mentions of ed, sh, depression.

disclaimer: my first language is not English, I’m Vietnamese living in Australia so although I’m fluent, I still make mistakes!

-

“So, a fan tweeted something.. ‘obscure’ about you.” The interviewer poked at you with his words; commenting on something he shouldn’t have even brought up.

You blanked him. Your stare glared daggers into his soul, unfortunately letting him run his mouth a little further. “Do you have any comments on your disgraceful actions?”

“Which actions?” Genuinely you had little clue. Multiple posts were spread recently; all of which could be painted as disgraceful with the wrong interpretation.

He shook his head “The colourful scene plastered about between you and Michael Clifford?” He spoke as if it was obvious, yet still as if you yourself had no recollection of the events.

Though you did. - in fact it felt like it had only happened yesterday, so stuck into your mind you doubted you could ever forget it.

Michael frowned, taking your hand in his. “You don’t have to do that to be beautiful, baby.” He sighed; his eyes weren’t full of what peoples typically where. No pity, just love. Love and empathy. “You’re beautiful no matter what.”

“I wish I could believe that.. but I don’t see what you do Mike.” You huffed out a breath, cold night air leaving you able to view your own breath.

He intertwined your fingers, lightly swaying your arms between you. His gentle touch was all you needed in that moment. Yet you felt bad, you just told the boy about your relapse.

The awful escape you’d used all those years back had finally had a reason to bring you back to it. Hate was getting too much and it felt like you were your helpless highschool self being bullied all over again.

back then Michael had saved you from that dark space, your only friend. He’d kissed the scars on your skin, not putting pressure on you to stop, no ‘stop for me please’ no gross grimace, just a simple ‘I’m always here for you, I hope you know that.’

He was what pulled you out of your eating disorder, the thing that taught you it was okay to eat again.

You wished you hadn’t relied on him so much, but he did the same to you, it felt balanced, yet also so very unbalanced. “But it’s not just me, honey. So many people see that you’re beautiful, there are healthier ways to deal with this- talk to me, please.” He stopped in his tracks, just outside the target closest to your house. “I don’t want to risk losing you again.”

Luke had let you know a while back Michael’s thoughts when you’d been hospitalised due to your self-harming, when you’d lost so much blood he had to hold a towel to your wrists as he waited for the ambulance to come, watching his whole world slip in and out of consciousness.

Luke said he’d never seen the boy so distraught, that Michael simply sat in the corner of the waiting room, asking Luke why he wasn’t enough, why he hadn’t realised what was going on.

It broke you, it did. Even now, thinking about Michael’s thoughts on this subject hurt you, but you couldn’t change it. “You won’t.”

“but I could.” He placed a hand on your cheek, letting go of the grip he had on your hand. “And I don’t want that.”

You didn’t want to talk anymore, not on this subject anyway. So you pressed your lips against his. He kissed back straight away, backing you up into the wall, turning his head to deepen the kiss

This was what the paparazzi had caught. An innocent moment (barely even a make out) between two partners after a sad talk.

Photos taken and used out of context to make you both look bad. Being famous was hard. Of course not in a ‘oh woe always me’ kind of way, but more a ‘lack of privacy’ kind of way.

Not being able to do anything at all without somebody making you look like an awful person really sucked.

“How about we talk about the album instead?” You smiled fakely, letting the interviewer’s face drop. “You know, the thing this interview is meant to be about?”

“So that’s it? You won’t apologise to your fans for what you did? You’re evil, everyone knows you are. You-“

-Were leaving, that’s what you were. You pushed up off the chair and made your way across the room; the interviewer still yelled despite you not being in the room.

”you handled that better than I would’ve.” Michael smiled, greeting you as you entered the room he was in. He kissed you softly.

“I do try.” You grinned “god though. I really wanted to punch that guy.” He laughed, that was his partner. The person he fell in love with.

“yeah, I could tell.”

taglist: @thefearedfallen @cass1opi4

(if you want to be added to my tag list, please ask.)

[becausesomething]

Pieces of you in me and a strawberry cake with chantili frosting (Jerza)

Sinopse:

The unexpected that comes with a slice of strawberry cake with whipped cream 💓

Based on a prompt: Write around "She was at that particular point in her life when every stranger she saw on the street reminded her of someone she once loved/hated/lost."

WC: 2K

I was on my way to my favorite bakery to have some alone time with a slice of strawberry cake with whipped cream topping. I needed a treat before heading to the next mission, but in reality it was a comfort and escape from the decision I would have to make.

However, the day was being strange because the people around me brought back memories....

Of our history, of your presence and the impact it had on my breathing, which was uncertain, of the accidental touch that made my heart almost jump out of my chest.

I avoided looking at them even though I knew they were looking at me with admiration, but my focus was buying my cake and going to sit at a more hidden table where I could have peace. A quick chat with the mission-completed baker. Could finally take a bite.

Until a person passed in front of me and clearly reminded me of you. I could only be going crazy because you were on a mission that would take a few months, but you would be back, and this dynamic was already natural for us.

For so many years hatred and revenge reigned. How I helped him, only to end up being expelled without being able to save anyone, and still having to carry the secret of what really happened inside that tower to save them from death. Scarlet, that name he gave me caused deep pain, but it evolved into tenderness after the confrontation in the sky tower. It was a relief to see that Jellal look that I fell in love with as a child. The armor I carry became just armor because I no longer needed to hide my pain. My friends were safe and could live the freedom that Natsu had achieved, and even in the face of Simon's sacrifice, that years-long nightmare had finally ended. Erza Scarlet didn't need to hide or repress her pain, or continue to carry the weight of sacrifices, because she had my family and friends.

With every bite of that cake, it's inevitable not to smile at that divine flavor. I lived for these little moments and pleasures. I could compare this feeling of feeling full to the comfort you gave me. Even if it was for brief encounters, feeling the presence and the effort you put in to redeem yourself from past mistakes rekindled that flame.

I wouldn't admit it beyond myself, but since the day I saw you leave and called me Scarlet again, and just remembering part of your memories, what I felt for you became intense and since then I haven't get you out of my mind. It was the beginning of dreams about a future we could share together, if only you would stop clinging to the past and allow yourself to give the present and me a chance. The reality was that the harsh words and actions you forced me to take were my affection and fear of losing you again screaming. I wanted you, but we both still had our own paths continuing to be walked alone.

Tears of joy and pleasure begin to fall from his right eye. I was almost at the end of that piece of cake, when I took a bite of a strawberry. The fresh and light acidic flavor mixing with the sweetness of the cake and whipped cream. It was the taste of paradise in my mouth.

Those were the exact words you said after kissing me. A kiss wrapped in tenderness, passion and freedom. You had changed for me, you were finally free to allow yourself to love and live to protect the people around with that feeling. That night, neither of us slept, we just wanted to enjoy being in each other's presence until the sun rose again. Between stolen kisses, fingers intertwined, like two people lost in love.

The unexpected thing that made me lose my composure in front of the rest of the guild, which is still talked about but soon hushed up when they realize I'm present, happened when you asked the master to join Fairy Tail. It no longer mattered how long we had to be separated on missions, we would return to the same space. And I continued to keep alive the memories of a Jellal who was not shy, provocative, aware of what he wanted and which became deep dreams of what you wanted for us. Despite the effect of the white magician's magic, I liked to keep those details to myself. How my body wanted to respond, but my mind knew that it was not the time or place to let myself be carried away by the pleasure of surrendering to him.

I finish the cake and relax in my chair, licking my fingers because nothing could be wasted from that slice of heaven. I feel a hand on my face, and within seconds of opening my eyes in surprise, I am robbed of a kiss.

-You are even more beautiful when you are caught off guard Scarlet

-We're in public Jellal, you shouldn't...

-Are we a couple or not?

Sitting in front of me, he takes my hand and intertwines their fingers, leaving me completely embarrassed but that smile became a weakness that made me strong.

-What are you doing here? You said the mission would take a few months, but it's just been...

He gets up and forces me to do the same, leading the way out of the bakery to the outskirts of the city, in silence and just smiling shyly. Several times I tried to come up with an answer, but he only pressed me tighter against him and quickened his pace.

-Jellal, stop! What is happening?! - I finally managed to let go and cross my arms, making a point of conveying the message that I wouldn't leave until I got answers.

-We're almost there Erza, just a few more meters and...

-Where? Since you arrived and didn't say anything... How are you, how did the mission go, where were you... Not that I'm controlling you and I see that you're fine, but I thought we were in a relationship and these are things that couples share.

As expected, he grabs me by the waist and, placing one of the locks behind my ear, he kisses me on the forehead.

-The mission was completed faster than I expected because I had help. I was far away gathering everything I needed to then be close. I've been building the house we're going to call ours.

I remain static processing that information, and looking at him while I just wanted to repress him for not having said anything. He spins around me and grabs me by the waist, hugging me from behind and pointing in a direction.

-Do you see that brick house with the wooden porch hidden by those yellow tress? It was built from the ground up, considering all the things you like that I remember you talking about when we were little.

He slides his hands and intertwines one with my fingers, and the other on my belly.

-It is our home, where we will continue writing our history and perhaps build a new future in our time.