#may someone grant me the motivation to get through this one

[just-your-average-shiz-student]

There’s probably a discussion to be had on how much Madame Morrible, respected as she may be, can effectively groom two young adults, but regardless, I am delighted by how the movie highlighted how manipulative she is from the moment Elphaba steps into Shiz.

I keep thinking back on that brief moment during What Is This Feeling when Glinda stops and Elphie is jumping from excitement (an openness of emotion she can scarcely express in front of other people) before Madame Morrible reaches out and holds her.

She actually trusted that woman, someone who saw her potential and believed in her from the get-go, who (at least outwardly) barely even took notice of her green skin. And all that newfound validation gave a boost to Elphaba’s confidence that was probably crucial for her sanity as a social pariah in Shiz. Madame Morrible did that for her!

Really, the only flaw in Morrible’s and the the Wizard’s evil scheme was that Elphaba’s principles and desire for justice were stronger than her need for anyone’s approval.

And that is so crazy to me, because if there’s a person who by all accounts should be subjectable to doing things in exchange for validation, it would be Elphaba. There’s so very few people in the world who have her back. Really, there’s only Glinda, Fiyero, Dulcibear, and Dr. Dillamond, who has been arrested and can’t help anyway. It’s amazing (read: depressing) how small her support system is.

And still, AND STILL, she managed to walk away from an opportunity of belonging somewhere, doing something she is good at (magic), with people who could grant her everything she ever wanted!

But as she herself said in Defying Gravity, she “can’t want it anymore”. So it’s not even a case of her not wanting that validation and acceptance anymore, it is her deliberately choosing to let that go in favour of something greater. And I know this addition was mainly about Morrible, but truth is, I’m not sure if she would be able to have the strength to refuse her and the Wizard’s offer if it wasn’t for Glinda.

Glinda, who could not have made a less favorable first impression on Elphaba. Glinda, who had the social power to make the whole student body accept Elphaba, but chose not to due to her own desire to be seen as a martyr for tolerating Elphaba’s presence (even if she seeks her out during times she really doesn’t need to for some reason). Glinda, who desperately wanted Morrible’s attention, the one thing Elphaba had that she did not.

But once their friendship blossomed, Glinda really became Elphie’s biggest defender.

She didn’t change a single thing about her appearance during Popular; when Elphaba’s invitation to go to Emerald City came, she was there right at her heels, supporting her, being proud of her, not really trying to shift the crowd’s attention to herself at all.

When the train comes, even though she is happy for her, there’s a part of her that’s morose about the prospect of being away from her best friend (“How will I manage without you?”), even if for such a short time.

While they’re going through the Wizard’s palace, Elphaba is anxious the whole time, and so is Glinda, but she is the one who pushes her forward with motivational words (“You can do anything.”).

And finally, during Defying Gravity, Glinda takes the first step back in their relationship since Ozdust, refusing to go with her. But even then, she doesn’t belittle Elphaba’s decision.

She initially resents the fact that Elphaba’s reaction “hurt her cause forever”, but once she sees what the other girl’s planning to do and that there’s no convincing her to give up, Glinda’s still supportive.

She gives Elphie a cloak so she won’t feel cold during her flight, she smiles at her even though it’s obvious she’s doing everything in her power to not fall over in a sobbing mess. Even her simple “I hope you’re happy” shows how she’ll always stand for Elphaba herself, even if she can’t stand with her cause.

And for as much as we like to make fun of how Madame Morrible clearly couldn’t stand Glinda from the very beginning and was always throwing really unnecessary jabs at her, I think deep down she saw the danger that could come from a friendship between the girls, how more difficult it would be to get Elphaba to be so reliant on her validation if she could get it from another source.

That’s why she seemed specially dissatisfied seeing that Glinda had gone with her to Emerald City, that’s why the Wizard himself felt the need to extend his offer of a permanent stay to Glinda too: because they both could see the influence she has on Elphaba.

And contrary to them, there’s no ulterior motive there. Glinda believes in Elphaba for who she is, and regardless of how strained their relationship becomes in the future, that never once stops being true.

you noticed how Glinda doesn't really let go of Elphaba basically from the Ozdust scene on and she's basically always holding Elphaba's hand or hanging onto her arm, even when its physically awkward to be doing so. and even during Defying Gravity after its clear that Glinda isn't going with Elphaba, they're still holding hands right up until the point where Glinda is grabbed by a guard and forcible pulled away from Elphaba

[aquagirl1978]

it's only 7 pm...that's a lovely time to start writing Kanetsugu's birthday fic.

[theladybrownstarot]

|What makes people fall in love with you ♡ ? |

Pick a card reading~

Hi♡everyone brown♡ here ! Back with an another reading ~♡ . The pac is about describing your inner self beauty that people love. so make sure you like/reblog/Comment/follow me to support me♡ . So ,choose pile(s) you feel drawn to and takes what resonates and what doesn't.

Let's begin with it ~

PILE 1 . PILE 2.

PILE 3. PILE 4.

Pile 1.

☆ Hi pile 1 . welcome or swagatum to your reading !

♡ People love that silence aka hot for them to you . You people are quite matured through which you help others and do not take pride in or ego in you and have good knowledge or maybe even could be knowing certain things that people may not know . People fall in love for they way you surprise or shock them.

♡ You people are straightforward but may sometime over think whether you said was right or wrong for a time . You people appear to be cute when teased but apart of this you have good ability to stop yourself from overthinking . I sense people may fall in love but doesn't approach you as you maybe kind of closed off but when someone approaches you they get to know how warm are you .

♡ You are someone who is a beauty with brain . You people have high standards which people find kind of motivating and gives them hints to understand the kind of person you are and you need . People may get kind of horny or sexually aroused by seeing you . They love your personality and then your beauty . They love the way you carry yourself and they way you embrace your quirks and shine solo .

♡ People may resemble you with aqua . Someone emotional , caring , Optimistic , detachment from the world ,warm and in a flow . You got this thing to immerse yourself in things and dig deep .

Pile 2.

☆ Hi pile 2 . welcome or swagatum to your reading !

♡ You got a lot of options for yourself in term of love and people love that persona , aura or the people you are surrounded with . People feel that you are down to earth . You are a giving person possible that you like to gift people and make them happy but at same time you also have the boundaries that doesn't make people take you for granted . People love your voice, your smile and your hairs maybe .

♡ You make your own trends or maybe people love this thing about you that is your creativity ; you make the ugliest things turn into the beautiful one . You have this thing that is not seen by alot of people - the way to change your path . You people do a lot of self reflection and admit your mistakes i sense reasonably through which you constantly change yourself for good . People love the way you live your life without any fears.

♡ People love that peace and tranquillity that you hold in yourself . In times of darkness your peaceful or calm nature helps you to come out . People love the way you have that humanitarian nature and they way you love the beings around you . You are a strong individual who needs no certificate to be proven for same .

Pile 3 .

☆ Hi pile 3 . welcome or swagatum to your reading !

♡ People love that relaxed and stilled nature of yours . You don't like to push yourself unnecessarily or stress others . You like to do things when you feel mostly to do . Nor dominating , possessive or controlling . Someone who gives space to others . You make best decisions and think about things in any context twice to thrice . People love that neural side of yours in arguments - you will balance out situations in a fair manner but won't support any left or right side.

♡ People love that jovial and entertaining nature . You allow yourself to enjoy fully at the best and leave rest . People love the way you shy .You people have a good leading and administrating skills for sure leading you to achieve high . People love that transparency you hold inside and outside yourself to the best .

♡ People love and admire you for being different than others . They get inspired when you laugh at people for being cowardly same when they laugh at your first . They love that sarcasm inside you . You people try your best or with a snap come with great ideas . You are a helping individual .

♡ people love for the glow up you had over the past years to now , they love the radiance you give to others by raising yours and their vibrations . They love the way you encourage others .

Pile 4 .

☆ Hi pile 4. welcome or swagatum to your reading !

♡ People fall in love with your masculinity . People fall in love with that rebellious nature to stand up for yourself in-front of others. They find it hot and seductive for the way you show your power all alone y your presence . But at same time you ignite fire and passion in others to follow their true self and light .

♡ People love the way you approach them with hugs and kisses but most importantly that you make feel their presence important to the world and to you . They love the way you show compassion and kindness you show and give to yourself and others .

♡ Some of you might be young but people love and admire the fact that you may do many things at work but also possible that you might start your own business or work somewhere . They admire and get encourage to work hard like you . You never fear challenges and accept them whole heartedly with hope to learn something new .

♡ People love the way you have clear , concise and different thoughts about anything . You people are connected to your highest self and maybe possible that your intuition is strong and protects you a lot . you maybe good at manifesting to .

The end of the pac ~

[raven-at-the-writing-desk]

It’d be interesting to see Vil speak with Mama Rosehearts, considering they both can be perceived as having similar motivations (Maintaining strict rules/regimens for the improvement of yourself/your child).

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

"... and that concludes our tour of Pomefiore."

With an elegant hand, Vil indicated the lounge. The regal parlor boasted plush purple cushions, gold trim, and sumptuous crimson curtains. Classic and tasteful, crafted in the spirit of the Beautiful Queen.

"You may relax here and enjoy our amenities if you wish. I will be present if you have any additional questions about the dormitory.”

A soft murmur rippled through the crowd of parents. Several of them shuffled off to claim seats or into smaller groups to mingle. But one woman, dressed head to toe in red, remained.

She stepped up to Vil, accompanied by the smell of roses and antiseptic. A bouquet brought to a hospital, fresh flowers laid out in a patient's room.

“Mr. Schoenheit. I wanted to thank you for that informative, insightful tour. It’s clear that you are well-disciplined and meticulous in carrying out your duties as dorm leader. You’re an example to be followed.”

“You’re very welcome. I’m honored by your praise, Miss…?”

“Rosehearts.“

“Rosehearts…” Vil’s brows shot up. “You wouldn’t happen to be related to a Riddle Rosehearts, would you?”

“That would be my son.”

"Ah, I thought you seemed familiar." He flashed his famous, perfect smile for her. "Excuse me, I had no idea I was speaking with the mother of a fellow dorm leader. Riddle is quite competent for a second year and tirelessly works to ensure that the Heartslabyul students stay in line."

"Yes, he’s always been such a good boy—but with him being away from home for his studies, I worry about bad influences getting to him. Knowing that Riddle has some good role models like yourself around sets my heart at ease."

Vil gave a laugh. "Bad influences? Surely he has the wherewithal to tame them. I’ve seen him work his magic on more than one occasion.”

“Perhaps, but I’m afraid this runs far deeper than a few miscreants running rampant.” Rosehearts sighed deeply. “There’s this boy—” she practically spat the word out as it it was toxic, “—constantly at his side, whispering poison into his ear. His vice dorm leader, in fact. He’s been hovering like a fly to a flower since Riddle’s youth, tempting him into skipping lessons and partaking in sugar.”

Vil had an effort to not let surprise register on his face. He fought the amused smile his lips wanted to form.

Did I hear that correctly? Riddle’s mother finds fault with Trey? The mild-mannered man that knocks on the door with free cakes every other week? That Trey?

Vil cleared his throat, reorienting himself. “It can certainly be a problem to frequently indulge in vices. From what I recall, Trey has a terrible habit of enabling others. He’s the type of man that finds it difficult to tell someone ‘no’. However, there is value in indulging oneself every now and again. Riddle could make do with the occasional reminder, lest he burn out like a star.”

Mrs. Rosehearts gaped at him. With her jaw unhinged so wide and painted red, she resembled a goldfish.

“A mother knows what is best for her child.” There was an edge to Mrs. Roseheart’s words. Prickly, like thorns. “That boy cannot be trusted with my Riddle’s wellbeing.”

“Your Riddle?” Vil repeated the phrase, and it tasted wrong. Too fiery hot, almost possessive. To keep it in his mouth for too long was to let it burn his tongue.

“He’s my son.”

His gaze hardened, but he kept his poise, his practiced smile. “If you do not mind my saying so, madam… A child may belong to the parents, but children are independent entities. Part of a parent’s responsibility is knowing when it is appropriate to stand back and grant the child space to make their own decisions.”

“I’m fortunate to have a father that grants me that. I have him to thank for the man I am today, mother or no mother.”

Mrs. Rosehearts had grown increasingly red in the face. From anger, embarrassment—she was like a bomb, close to blowing. Here, in public, with so many onlookers.

"You have no idea what it takes to raise a child," she spat. "How dare you talk down to me...!"

And so Vil diverted, diffusing her.

“… In any case, that is my personal experience. I do not intend to give others parenting advice. I’m inexperienced in that area myself.”

Vil placed one hand on his hip and lifted the other. He, a poisonous flower amid the roses.

“But allow me to offer you this: as someone who works closely with Riddle, I can assure you that he is coming into his own, on his own terms. Myself, Trey… All of us are merely there to support him on that journey. I hope that you can be that support for him as well.”

[nerendus]

Okay, this is a little bit of a tangent ramble about Miquella and may not make the most of sense, but bear with me.

I know baseline the PC's motivations are going to be left up to the player, but I do love how Fromsoft sets up the player's motivations for killing Miquella.

Because at first, based on the dialogue options you have with Freyja specifically, it appears you come to the shadowlands to be somewhat of service of Miquella, but then you go meet St. Trina who asks you to kill him, and that's why you end up fighting him. Because it doesn't necessarily make sense to fight him if you just wanted his Great Rune like the Tarnished are inclined to want, you would just fight the sunflower if that was the case.

But other than St. Trina wanting him dead--not out of revenge but as a way of freeing him from the shackles of godhood--, another reason the PC would want him dead is because he is most certainly to end up like Marika.

Miquella is not a villain. The cutscene of him from as an Empyrean is very much of him having naive innocence of wanting to make the world a better place. I'm still a little confused as to why Empyrean!Miquella thought that Radahn could help him reach those goals (other than the whole Godwyn eclipse thing), but I feel like I know fully why Radahn would be of great service of God!Miquella.

Miquella's motivations for becoming a god is first and foremost to heal Malenia. That's why he left the Golden Order and that's why the Haligtree was created. Along the way, he came to realize the injustice of the Omen and every creature that lives outside the Golden Order's grace as well as the cruelty of Godwyn's murder, and it all ties into him needing to become a god to fix all the injustices he sees around him.

To pass through the divinity gate and become a god, Micky had to strip himself of who he was before. His flesh, his love, his other self, they all had to be ripped from him in order for him to ascend, and that's where he became unsaveable.

St. Trina tells us that godhood would be a prison for him, but not only that, becoming a god means that he will end up like Marika. If he separates himself from his love to become a god, how is he supposed to save the people he loves once he ascends?

At the point that we fight him, I don't think he is anywhere close to "evil", but he would eventually get to that point. He already charms many of the NPCs, however, I feel inclined to mention that at that point, he wasn't exactly mind-controlling them. Ansbach's dialogue is still riddled with a sense of suspicion before the charm is ever lifted, and quite a few of them seem almost aware of the fact that they are charmed but they can't do anything about it. The only time I think he is fully mind-controlling someone is the player character after he does his grab attack twice.

And the reason why the god Miquella wanted to use Radahn is that I think he knows at that point war is inevitable. I think if we left him alone, he would eventually attack the Golden Order. Which, is fine, at first. But once you fight the soldiers of the Golden Order, what if that one day extends to its people it serves? And what if you find another civilization that you deem needing to be saved from another civilization, or if someone threatens your new order? In that sense, he is destined to end up in the same situation as his mother.

Which is why I love the lore attached to Marika in this DLC. At first, she may have only attacked the armies of the Hornsent, but I think one day it just extended to all of its people regardless of their innocence or guilt in the slaughter of her people. The lore of her past serves as a warning for what will become of Miquella if we allow him to become a god.

And one of St. Trina's last words is to kill him in order to grant him forgiveness. If we kill Miquella before he has the chance to return to the Lands Between, he could still die as an innocent being unlike Marika.

[monoclesnapple]

Rockstar!Chuuya

Bungo Stray Dogs Chuuya Nakahara X Gender Neutral Reader Beginning Note: Little hint of Streamer!Chuuya, but it's not the main focus. Thinking of making this a full fic, but with a lot of stuff on my plate at the moment and my motivation dwindling, it may be a while before I upload a chapter. Word Count: 594 (Fluff)

Rockstar Chuuya, who’s overwhelmed with fans prying into his life and trying to know everything there is about him.

Has an s/o who isn’t involved with his career, so they’re his only peaceful outlet in life.

Chuuya streams in his free time about anything. Sometimes he just talks with the chat, plays some games, reviews current events in the world and any future plans that can be disclosed to the public.

But he doesn’t include his s/o because he doesn’t want his fans to potentially target them due to jealousy or some other reason.

He’s shipped with popular actor, Dazai, because they’ve done a couple collaborations, whether for meet & greets, films, interviews, etc.

Assures his s/o that he won’t leave them ever because they’re the only one he feels comfortable with to be able to show them his vulnerability.

Whenever he streams, the number of viewers is overwhelming and they’re always asking for confirmation on who his lover is.

At some point, he’s tired of what his fans are saying, so he takes you to a restaurant that’s littered with people, instead of the usual empty location due to him going to the most expensive restaurant or booking the whole place.

All the paparazzi are taking pictures, and there are so many news articles questioning who this person is.

On his next stream, he seats you on his lap and tells his audience that he’s been dating you and won’t be leaving you any time soon.

He was worried that his fans would despise you, but the trending topics on his newly revealed relationship support the both of you.

Everyone now loves you because they think you fit him so well. Those who hate on the relationship are attacked by his fans.

Chuuya sees all the responses and feels a warmth in his chest because he’s glad that you’re accepted by his community.

Now, there are a lot of fanfiction shipping the two of you. You read most of them and are entertained by their strange fantasies of you both (although a little creeped out and hesitant about the smuts. Some fics, you’re a little worried).

Chuuya writes a song inspired by the events, and it’s successful. The music is cool and while the story told by the lyrics isn’t necessarily relatable, it makes sense.

At the end of one of his concerts, Chuuya calls you up to the stage where he gets down on one knee, holding a box with a beautiful ring, and proposes to you.

“You’ve always been by my side, no matter how hard it was to reassure my love for you. Despite everything that we’ve been through, you always made me feel loved and safe. I can’t and I won’t let someone like you leave. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”

Of course you accept, pulling him up and kissing him. The audience and other members on the stage cheer and clap for your milestone. When you pull away, he slips the ring on your finger and kisses you again.

Rockstar!Chuuya Nakahara, who continues his career and plans your wedding with you. His bank account doesn’t require a budget.

Rockstar!Chuuya Nakahara, who eagerly and nervously waits for you at the alter. The two of you say your own vows and immediately kiss when the words “You may now kiss” are uttered.

Rockstar!Chuuya Nakahara, who is eventually granted a child and golden retriever. Whose happiness is impossible to describe with all the words in the dictionary.

Whose fast paced music matches the beat of your heart.

[genericpuff]

Hey puff you have a day job right? How do you keep the motivation/discipline to create comics regularly and be an active blogger?

I've mentioned this a few times before and generally try to be as transparent as possible as I can when it comes to my real life circumstances and how they affect - and allow - my comic production schedule, because when it comes right down to it, I'm in a very privileged position that allows me certain luxuries that other comic creators simply don't have. And I don't really like the idea of someone seeing what I do and like... thinking that's a bar they have to meet because it often comes with a complete misinterpretation of what circumstances I'm in that may vary extremely from their own. Y'all are seeing a tip of a very large iceberg, y'know?

I do have a day job, I work as a tattoo artist, however my schedule is very much my own to control and while that comes with a lot of pressure to find my own work, it also allows for me to have flexibility with my other projects. That said, I'm only able to be that flexible because when I'm making money, I'm making really decent money (and with far less hours than I would need to make my living if I was working in retail still) and when I'm not, I've got a partner who makes a more consistent living that may have a much smaller hourly than what I get hourly for tattooing, but is still a decent hourly compared to minimum wage that he's able to handle bills while I get back on my feet (and there have been tons of times where our situations have been reversed, where I've been making good money and he's been needing extra help; it's honestly kind of some cosmic prank, the two of us can never seem to be doing financially well at the same time lmao)

Right now, we're just starting to come out of a slow winter season, so I've had more time than ever to sink into my personal projects. It does get stressful at times having such inconsistent payouts through the ebbs and flows of tattooing, but I try to be at peace with those slow seasons because it allows me to work on my passion projects. Especially when I've got not one, not two, but three separate tattoo expos (so far) to do this summer, which is gonna be (hopefully) three separate 30 hour weekends of straight tattooing haha And while I say hopefully (because yay good money and good publicity!) it's also gonna be extremely stressful and exhausting so I'm trying not to take the slower season for granted, because I know I'll be wishing for it again when I'm in the midst of it. And that's not even including all the other events I have booked this year that are purely for vendoring (so unrelated to tattooing) that are also gonna be crazy.

That said, the past couple years have felt particularly hard, but I know it's because we're unfortunately in the midst of a massive economic recession that has seen people spending less on luxury things - and that includes tattoos. But my comics and other personal projects give me a great outlet for my ideas and thoughts, and while projects like Rekindled are unfortunately not something I feel comfortable monetizing, they are ultimately projects that bring me a lot of joy and I think that's the best I can ask for nowadays while I wait in the hopes that things get better soon in the real world.

As for getting that motivation/discipline, I don't really have one solid answer. The reality is just that I've been doing this for a long, long time, so not drawing comics feels like not doing any other established good habit. What you may feel wondering how I manage to work so long on a single comic project with such hefty updates is undoubtedly pretty close to what I feel wondering how the fuck people manage to go to the gym LOL It's taken a lot of routine building and repetition and it's as natural as breathing to me at this point, I just feel gross when I've gone a day without drawing comics in some form. That routine has helped me get better and faster at creating as well. When I started my first long-form comic series, I started out just drawing a page a day - often taking 3-4 weeks to complete a chapter - and by the time it was done 7 years later, I was putting out a chapter a week. And then that turned into 60-90 panels of full color art a week... nah, I don't recommend anyone do that on their own like I did, I can't even do that anymore and looking back I'm in shock how I was able to pull that off, and not in an amazed "why can't I do that anymore, I used to be so awesome!" way, but more in a "oh god why did I do that to myself, no wonder I'm burnt out" way.

And honestly that's kind of the reality of it, while I'm putting out consistent updates of Rekindled that are in full color and are - in my opinion - some of the best work I've put out in the last few years, I'm also struggling to rebuild habits with my original project because I've simply fallen out of practice. I'm one person responsible for all the work I've put out, and yet when it comes to looking at the projects I still have sitting on the backburner, I still feel a sort of internalized version of Person A looking at Person B and asking "how the hell do you do it???" just like you're asking me now lol I'm working on it though and trying to get back to it little by little, day by day. On rare occasions I actually get something productive done and make progress LOL

That said, none of it has come without consequences. I've spent the majority of my artistic journey working on the same project which I feel has severely stunted my outreach and set me back in my growth; after all, we only ever see and judge the merit of webcomic projects based on the 1% of people who got lucky and achieved some semblance of fame and recognition out of it, you never see the people who have spent years still picking away at the same project from the bottom with little to show for it besides the work that's going unseen. I've also already got way more back and hip pain than one should have by their late 20's and that's definitely a consequence of spending so many hours every single day working on comics. As much as I've built some great habits that have made my comics and art better, I've also ended up with some very bad ones that a lot of people don't see because all they see is the results from the good ones. So that's something that I hope I can at least warn people about, even as a reminder to stand up and stretch every now and then and get their proper amount of sleep LMAO

And then when it comes to the blogging... I'm an AuDHD person with a lot to say and I can type at 137/wpm. So that's all there is to that ♡( ◡‿◡ )

[oops-all-concrete]

What would you think of how would each BG3 companions to Tav being secretly a god that has been tagging along with them all this time? Just curious

(SORRY IT TOOK ME SO LONG TO GET TO THIS, MY BRAIN HELD MY MOTIVATION RANSOM MIDWAY THROUGH ME WRITING THIS)

Ooohhhhh this sounds funnyyyy

Context: I'm imagining Tav is a god and has God status, a place in the pantheon and everything, but-! So continuity makes sense and the whole journey is still necessary, I'd assume them a curious God of some miscellaneous small thing so their powers wouldnt be THAT useful anyhow (God of clouds, God of fur, God of bread) but yeah!

BG3 companions react to Tav secretly being a...God???

(MILD SPOILERS FOR ACT 1/2)

Lae'zel -

She's suspicious at first, disbelieving of course. But as she watches Tav just summon (whatever they're the god of) from thin air, she frowns. "Chk. You may be of godly status, but if you're unwise enough to get kidnapped by a ghaik nautaloid, you are no mighty God." She finishes, nose upturned and almost- dissapointed??

Shadowheart -

Once shes been convinced, she frowns. "I don't think I've ever known of such a God...granted, Lady Shar only allowed for us to study her." She admits. She's quite hesitant, but she does ask. "Have you ever...met lady Shar/Seluné? Can you tell her I say hi? Is that appropriate?"

Wyll -

He's also hesitant to believe, but he's so curious once he believes you. "Wait, so, what's it like being a God? Does being a mortal feel weird? Are you immune to anything? What happens if you die? Does someone become the new God of what you're the God of? Are you even allowed to be here? What does the immortal plane smell like?" Just, a million and one questions and he wants ALL the stories.

Karlach -

"Woah! That's so cool, I wish I was a God...I'd be the God of potatoes. Is that already a thing?" Regardless if its true, she let's Tav have their fun. She also refers to every time she's saved by Tav as 'Divine Intervention' which isn't...wrong?

Gale -

"Ah, I got that impression, albeit with doubt." He says, sounding only a little smug. "Your disguise is well crafted, I'll give you that. Definitely something I aspire to learn from" he smiles fondly. Then there's a pause. "...I understand its not quite your field but you wouldn't be someone who could fix the whole...orb in me chest could you? Or would that also put you under Mystras ire?"

Astarion -

He seems immediately intrigued. "Really? I thought you were a little calm for all of this, but I never would have guessed- no offense. I'm sure you're very...powerful in your own way!" He says, somewhat forcing a smile. "So- does prayer work, or does the world have to be ending for everyone in order for you to pick up a summon?" He asks, curious, but seeming somewhat irritated too. He doesn't elaborate on why.

Halsin -

He seems doubtful at first but believes you quicker than you expected. "I hadn't imagined thr gods would send one of their own to come and save me from goblins or...help lift a shadow curse left by Shar of all people." He says, a faint smile on his face. "While I am in your debt, you should my life is already pledged to Silvannus. I hope what I'm already doing is enough"

Jaheira -

She looks Tav up and down, crosses her arms, and then- chuckles? "Sorry, I just- I feel like I finally have evidence I've been here too long. I haven't passed away to some dumb idea yet, so the Gods sent one of their own to get me." She laughs it off but then looks at Tab quite seriously. "...you're not here to get me are you?"

Minsc -

"I know!" He replies happily, not missing a beat. "Boo alerted me of your origins immediately. He's delighted to be joined by another of the pantheon, even if a lesser God" He smiles, mindlessly as ever.

[scoonsalicious]

Reminder: I am on a posting break for new content until May 23rd so that I can focus on writing WFLT...

In the meantime, please enjoy this third installment of Unwanted: Unusables, or, chapters from the original story that never made it to the final draft. Today, we're looking at an alternate Chapter 7: (what would become) Unburdened. This draft immediately follows the events of yesterday's Unusable.

I ended up scrapping this entire version of the chapter, because I decided to go in a different direction in Chapter 5, so everything had to be redone. But, it has one of my favorite scenes-- Girls' Night, so I'm glad that I could eventually share it with you, besties!

Enjoy!

When you woke up the following morning, you felt lighter than you could remember feeling in a long, long time. It was as if the maelstrom of agitation that had been coursing through you since Bucky first saw Jade's profile had finally abated, and you were waking to the calm following the storm, everything feeling newly cleansed by the rain.

Granted, your head was killing you with a tremendous hangover, but your soul felt lighter, and that's what should count the most, right?

You stretched, reaching out for Bucky, but finding only empty sheets where his body had been the night before. With a frown, you craned your head to see if he was in the bathroom, but no-- the door was open and the room beyond it dark. Against your will, you felt the weight of your insecurities begin to hover over you once again. Perhaps it was time to talk to Tony to see if you could borrow his Dr. FRIDAY therapy program for yourself. You were definitely in need of some kind of professional help.

Drawing your knees up to your chest, you contemplated whether or not you should change out of Bucky's shirt before you trekked back across the hall to your own room so you could mope. The odds of anyone seeing you were slim, since you were still the only two people living on this floor, but there was no guarantee someone wouldn't be around looking for either one of you. You wondered what would have people talking more-- the sight of you in only Bucky's shirt, or you leaving his room in the clothes you'd worn the night before. Not that it really mattered, you supposed. You were fairly confident from the team's reactions at dinner last night that the majority of them knew the two of you were having sex, or at the very least suspected it, anyway.

Before you could make your decision, however, Bucky's door opened and he walked in, carrying a breakfast tray laden with bacon and eggs and an overly-large water bottle.

"You're up," he said, smiling as he closed the door behind him. "I was hoping I'd be back before you woke, but I figured you could use some sustenance for what's probably a major hangover." He slid the tray onto the bed before crawling back in next to you.

"Did you seriously bring me breakfast in bed, Barnes?" you asked, a smile tugging at the corners of your mouth. That was beyond adorable of him.

"'course I did," he said, picking up a slice of bacon and taking a bite. "Figure your head's got to be killing you, since you never drink that much. Here." He unscrewed the cap from the water bottle and passed it to you. "Electrolytes. Drink up." You took a swig of the lemony-lime flavored Liquid IV he'd prepared for you.

"Thank you," you said. "This is incredibly sweet, but I could have gotten up to get breakfast myself; you didn't have to go to all the trouble."

"I confess, my motives aren't that altruistic," he said, running his tongue over his bottom lip. "I have no intention of letting you get out of this bed at all today, and I figured you should have at least something in your stomach before I launch my nefarious plan." His eyes twinkled with mischievous intent, making your heart flutter in anticipation.

"Your nefarious plan, huh?" Your eyebrow arched in curiosity as you took another bite of bacon, cooked extra crispy, exactly the way you liked. "And what might that be?"

"Well," he started, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper as he leaned closer to you, his breath tickling your ear.

"Since I was an absolute ass and made you feel like shit yesterday, I had hoped I could spend today making you feel good. I could lie and say I planed a day spent snuggled up together watching movies, but in reality I was thinking we could explore the possibility of other more... intimate activities."

A blush crept over your cheeks as you met his gaze. The promise lingering in his icy blue eyes sent a thrill down your spine, making you momentarily forget about the pounding headache. "That sounds...enticing," you admitted. "You have my attention."

"Good," he grinned, his thumb gently brushing against your lower lip. "Because I also remember a promise made to fuck you until you couldn't remember your own name."

The heat that instantaneously flooded your cheeks at his words made you glad you hadn't bothered changing out of his shirt, after all. You tried to play it cool, to match his relaxed nonchalance, even as your heart pounded like a drum within your chest.

"I do seem to recall you saying something to that effect last night, now that you mention it," you said, trying to sound casually thoughtful in spite of the tidal wave of arousal that was rushing throughout your body.

Bucky nodded, the smile on his face growing wider by the second. "Let it never be said that I'm not a man of my word." You turned, leaning in to kiss him, but he pulled away from you. "Nu-uh, doll," he tsked. "You need to hydrate and protein-load first, then I'll ruin you."

"I dunno, Buck," you contemplated as you dug into a forkful of scrambled eggs. "You may have already ruined me. I could get used to this kind of treatment real fast."

"Sweetheart, if one breakfast in bed has ruined you, you've been spending all your time with the wrong kind of man," he drawled.

"Well, I think we both know that's the understatement of the year," you laughed.

Bucky chuckled, a hearty sound that reverberated through the room and eased any lingering insecurities that had arisen when you woke up alone. He was right; you were spending time with the right kind of man now. You turned to find him watching you with an intensity that made your breath hitch.

"God, you're beautiful," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear. His touch was gentle, sweet, causing goosebumps to rise on your skin.

You found yourself blushing again, quickly turning your attention back to the breakfast tray in an attempt to hide it. "Says the man who looks like he fell straight off a GQ cover," you teased lightly.

Even though his smile never wavered, there was a depth to his gaze that made your heart race. "Noticed that, did you?" He asked, his tone teasing as he took another bite of his bacon.

It was your turn to chuckle now, the sound soft and full of warmth. "Maybe once or twice," you said with a shrug.

"I ever tell you you make make grateful I fell off that train?"

Your heart momentarily stopped at his words. You looked at him, really looked, and saw the sincerity in his eyes. His tone was so casual, as if he were commenting on the weather, but the weight of his words were monumental.

"What?" you managed to gasp out, completely thrown off balance, breakfast momentarily forgotten.

He chuckled softly at your bewilderment, his fingers reaching out to gently caress your face. "I shoulda been dead long before you were ever even born, doll. Fallin' off that train, becoming the Winter Soldier, it was hell, but if it'd hadn't happened, I never would of gotten to meet you. That's made it all worth it."

You stammered, trying to find words that could match the intensity of the moment. "Bucky... That's..."

"True," he finished for you, his gaze steady on yours. "You are my silver lining, sweetheart. The best thing this twisted life has given me."

Your eyes filled with tears at his heartfelt admission. This was Bucky - raw and open-hearted - sharing something profoundly personal with you.

"Bucky... I..." You struggled to form a sentence that could properly encapsulate how you felt in the moment, so instead, you took the breakfast tray and put it up on the bedside table. Turning back to face him, his expression curious, you cupped his cheek in the palm of your hand. If you couldn't tell him what his words meant to you, you'd show him.

"I think I'm done with breakfast," you whispered, pulling him in for a kiss.

His lips moved against yours with devastating slowness. There was nothing rushed or fevered about the kiss, but it was no less all-consuming.

He responded immediately, drawing you closer and wrapping his arms around your waist and maneuvering you until you straddled his lap. His large hands roamed along the curve of your lower back, pulling you against him until there was no space left. The contact made your head spin and your body heat up in places that made you shudder with anticipation.

His taste was as delicious as his touch; a combination of coffee, bacon, and something distinctly Bucky that made your senses reel. His tongue slipped into your mouth, tangling with yours in an intimate dance that left you breathless and wanting more.

As the kiss deepened, you could feel every hard line and muscle of Bucky's torso pressed against your own. His heart pounded in sync with yours, the rhythm picking up as the kiss escalated from sweet to passionate. The sensation made you dizzy with longing.

You reached up to tangle your fingers in his hair, tugging lightly at the strands. A low growl rumbled from Bucky's chest at the action, sending a thrill of lust coursing through you. His response was immediate, his lips leaving yours to trail hot, wet kisses down your neck. His teeth grazed your skin, making you gasp in pleasure.

"You're mine," he said, his voice a primal growl that echoed in the otherwise silent room. His possessiveness was as thrilling as it was unexpected. You nodded, unable to form words as desire clouded your mind.

"Yours," you managed to gasp out, the word coming out as a half-sigh, half-moan as Bucky's fingers danced down the length of your back, causing goosebumps to rise in their wake.

His hands moved with a purpose, tracing paths of fire along your skin. Every touch was measured and precise - he knew exactly what he was doing and how it affected you.

It was almost too much to bear - this closeness, the intimacy of his words. It was overwhelming and wonderful all at once. Bucky's touch was like an incantation, a spell that had you completely entranced.

The world narrowed down to just the two of you. The crisp sheets beneath you, the cool morning air filling the room, everything felt insignificant compared to the heat radiating from Bucky's touch, from his gaze. You were lost in him, and it was a sensation you never wanted to quit.

His fingers dipped lower, trailing up the hem of the shirt you wore. A shiver coursed through your body as his cold metal digits met the warm bare skin of your stomach. You gasped audibly, your back arching slightly.

"Sensitive?" Bucky teased, a smirk playing on his lips. His fingers continued their tantalizing exploration, circling around your navel before moving upward.

"You have no idea," you managed to breathe out between gasps. Every nerve ending was on fire, your senses heightened by Bucky's seductive touch. His fingers traced a path up your body, fingertips lightly grazing the underside of your breasts. You bit your lower lip, stifling a moan. Bucky noticed, his ocean blue eyes darkening with a hunger that mirrored your own.

"Good," he murmured, leaning down to press his lips to yours once more. This kiss was different, though - more demanding, more intense. He claimed your mouth with a burning passion that left you breathless and craving more.

His metal hand moved from your stomach to cup your breast through the thin fabric of the shirt. His touch was electrifying; every stroke sent shock waves coursing through you straight to your core. You moaned into his mouth, arching into his touch.

Bucky pulled away slightly, his gaze sliding down to where his hand was on you. "You like this?" he asked in a low, husky voice.

"So fucking much," you admitted, reaching up to grasp the back of his neck and pull him back down to your lips. You kissed him with abandon, pouring all the pent-up desire you had been feeling into the action. His groan of pleasure was muffled by your mouth, further stoking the flames of your desire.

His hand kept up its unhurried exploration, fingers finding a hard nipple through the shirt, brushing over it in slow circles. The sensation made you whimper, pulling away from his lips to gasp for breath.

His eyes were filled with a wicked gleam as he took you in, his gaze heated and full of desire. It made your heart beat faster and your body ache with need. In that moment, you wanted nothing more than to melt into him completely.

"Bucky," you whispered, the sound coming out as a high-pitched plea. His touch was driving you wild, making it difficult for you to think straight.

"Hmm?" His voice was rough with desire, his breath fanning across your face.

"I... I need..." you trailed off, unsure of how to put your needs into words. You've never wanted someone this much; it was disorienting.

His lips curled up into a smirk again, understanding flashing in his blue eyes. "I know what you need, doll," he murmured against your ear, sending shivers down your spine. His hand slipped underneath your shirt, skin on skin contact causing you to gasp out loud. His touch was demanding, taking and giving pleasure in equal measure.

His fingers traced the contours of your body, causing your nerves to sing with exhilaration. Playing your body like an instrument he'd long ago mastered. He skillfully made his way to the apex of your legs, his fingers just ghosting over the sensitive skin there.

"Does this feel good?" he asked in a low growl, his voice rough with need. His fingers dipped lower, hooking into the waistband of your panties and pulling them down slightly.

Your heart pounded in anticipation as you nodded, not trusting yourself to speak as desire coursed through your veins. His eyes never left yours - an intense gaze filled with passion and unspoken promises.

His hand moved lower still, slipping beneath your waistband. A breathy moan slipped past your lips as his fingers touched you where you wanted him most.

His fingers were cool against your heated skin, and the contrast sent sparks through your body. You couldn't help but shift against his touch, seeking more.

"Bucky," you whispered again, this time in a desperate plea. His smirk widened at your response to his touch as he rubbed slow circles around your most sensitive area. You reached down to wrap your fingers around his wrist as he teased you. He watched you carefully, taking in your every reaction and using it to heighten your pleasure.

"You're so beautiful like this," he said in a low murmur, his voice filled with raw need that caused your pulse to flutter. He continued his slow exploration, dipping a single metal digit into your heat, causing you to gasp at the intrusion.

"Yes... Bucky," you stammered out, your voice barely above a whisper. The slow stretch of his finger inside of you sent fire shooting through every nerve ending. Each stroke of his hand was perfectly orchestrated as if to bring you the greatest amount of pleasure possible.

"Shh, I got you, doll," he reassured you, his voice low and thick with wanting. His pace didn’t quicken; instead he kept a slow, torturous rhythm that had you squirming.

You could feel the tension building within you, spiraling up from the pit of your stomach. The pressure increased with every skilled stroke of Bucky’s fingers until you felt like you were on the edge of something monumental. Your breath hitched, and your grip on his shoulders tightened to the point where you were sure it would leave marks.

You wanted to look at him, wanted to see his face as he watched you unravel under his touch, but your eyes were squeezed shut, the tension mounting within you too intense to bear otherwise.

"Look at me," Bucky commanded huskily, his voice sending shivers down your spine. You obeyed instantly, forcing your eyes open to meet his dark blue gaze. The raw desire there took your breath away. "That's it," he murmured approvingly, his fingers continued their exploration, every touch igniting a flame that threatened to consume you completely.

"I want you to come for me," he growled, pressing harder against the sensitive bundle of nerves at your core. You whimpered at his words, the knot in your stomach tightening further. His command added another layer of intensity to the already building climax.

Your body tensed and you gasped audibly as waves of euphoria crashed over you. Your mind went blank and your vision blurred as the orgasm hit you with full force. All you were aware of was Bucky; his intense gaze, his fingers relentlessly driving you through your climax, and his voice murmuring words of encouragement.

"Good girl... that's it. Let go," he coaxed, his rough voice a thread anchoring you in the storm. As the tremors began to recede, he slowed his movements, easing you through the aftershocks.

Your senses slowly returned, and you were left gasping for breath, your heart pounding wildly. You were still clutching his arm, your grip loose now but no less desperate. His touch was intoxicating, a heady mix of pleasure and need that left you craving more.

Bucky eased his hand away from your core. His gaze was steady on your face, watching as you tried to regain your bearings. His eyes softened as he took in your flushed face and disheveled hair.

He pulled you closer, wrapping his arm securely around your trembling form as he pressed a soft kiss to your forehead. There was a tenderness in this gesture that moved you deeply, causing tears to pool in your eyes.

"Bucky..." you murmured, turning your face further into his chest. He hummed a quiet acknowledgement in response, his fingers beginning to draw soothing patterns on your back.

"Yes, doll?" His voice was still rough, but the edge of raw need had smoothed out. Now it was gentle and filled with warmth and affection that had not been so evident before.

"You...you're..." You found it difficult to articulate what you were feeling right then. It was overwhelming - the intense euphoria from the pleasure he'd given you combined with the burgeoning emotions that threatened to spill over.

He seemed to understand regardless. "I know," he whispered, his lips brushing against your temple. "I know."

There was an unspoken agreement between you both then; an agreement that this casual arrangement you had entered into all those months ago had transcended into something far deeper, far more meaningful, than either one of you had ever anticipated.

You sat together in silence for a while, foreheads pressed against each other as you regained your composure, breathing in each other's breath. When your limbs had finally stopped shaking and your pulse had evened out, you met his gaze.

"Buck, we have a problem," you murmured, sliding your cheek against his, the rough stubble tantalizing against your skin.

He nuzzled into your face. "What's that, doll?"

You pulled back to look him in the eye, a wicked glint in your gaze. "I seem to still be able to remember my name."

He reached for the hem of the shirt you'd borrowed and pulled it up over your head and tossed it to the floor. "Honey, I haven't even begun to fuck you yet." With a wolfish grin, Bucky picked you up and maneuvered you so that you were lying on your back, his form hovering above you. His drew his head down to your breast, taking it into his mouth and sucking long and hard on your nipple.

"Oh, fuck, Bucky," you moaned, arching your back and pressing your chest further into his eager mouth. He devoured you like a man starving.

You lost yourself to the sensation as he continued his ministrations, and it wasn't long before he had once again reduced you to a whimpering mess. Time itself lost all meaning as he brought you over the edge over and over and over again. Finally, after what seemed like hours, you were sobbing with over-stimulation and the sheer intensity of what you felt for him.

After he'd finished inside of you for the second time, Bucky leaned over you, planting feather-light kisses along the planes of your face. "What's your name, doll?" he asked, voice husky.

You tried to answer, but no coherent thought would come to you; all you could do was pant as you tried to focus and re-center yourself.

He had done it. The man had fucked you until you'd forgotten your own name.

And you absolutely loved him for it.

*

The days that followed were some of the very best of your entire life. If you weren't training or working (well, okay, plenty of times when you were working), Bucky had you on your back. Or bent over a desk, or up against a wall, or down on all fours. Several times, he had sat you on his face, your hands gripping on to the headboard for dear life as his tongued probed as deeply into your cunt as he could get it. You had fucked in so many positions, in so many places, you were sure the entire Tower knew what you were doing. Not that you cared; you were head over heals in love with the man, and you were fairly confident he felt the same about you.

It was just that neither one of you had actually spoken the words.

So secure were you in this new connection with Bucky that it didn't even phase you when Tony announced one afternoon that Jade Carthage had officially accepted a three-month probationary appointment with the Avengers, and would be moving into the Tower in just a few days time.

"Okay, Pocket, what gives?" Nat asked you. Girls' Night had come around again, and the two of you, along Wanda, were set up in the common room, working your way through two large pizzas and a couple of orders of mozzarella sticks. Pepper was unfortunately on the West Coast, away on some official Stark Industries CEO business. "Tony announces Jade's imminent arrival and you don't even blink."

You shrugged your shoulders as you popped half a mozzarella stick into your mouth. "I'm not worried about her anymore," you told them. "I mean, I still don't like her, and we're not going to be best friends, but Bucky and I are in a good place." You paused and gave them a knowing look. "A really good place."

"So you are sleeping together!" Wanda leaned back, lifting her feet off the floor and kicking them in delight. You ducked your head, trying to stifle the smile and hide the blush that bloomed across your face. "Okay, I have so many questions! First of all, how long has this been going on? Second, what' it like? You know, his..." she tiled her eyes down. "Third, how is it? It's got to be so good, right? I mean, look at him!"

"Slow down!" you laughed. "God, Wands, should we change your name from Scarlet Witch to the Sokovian Horndog? Cause damn, girl!"

It was Wanda's turn to blush. "I'm sorry; I've just wanted this for you for so long, I can't stand it!" She stood up and threw herself at you, wrapping her arms around you in a tight hug, which you gladly reciprocated.

"Thanks, sweetie," you said with a laugh.

"Thanks later, answers now," she told you, pulling back from you to lean against the arm of the couch.

"Oh, I got this," Nat said, grin plastered across her face. "Let's see... One: four months, since the night he got back from his first mission. Two: She's called him Magic Dick, to his face. And three: Sometimes, when they're done, she can't even walk." She turned to you. "That about cover it?" You laughed, nodding your head.

"Yeah, that basically covers it," you said with a grin.

"I cannot believe this has been going on for four months and you both kept it from me," Wanda said with a pout. "I have been shipping the two of you for over a year, and this is how you repay me?"

"We weren't telling anyone, Wands," you said, trying to placate your friend.

"Oh, I'm too excited for you to be actually mad at you," she confessed. "So, you two a legitimate couple now, or what?"

You paused, biting your lip in consideration. "Well, no? I mean, it started as this completely no-strings-attached, casual sex, friends-with-benefits thing, but the morning after the dinner disaster, he told me that I made him grateful he fell off the train and--"

"I'm sorry, he said what?!" Nat interrupted at the same time Wanda grabbed a throw pillow and screamed into with with excitement, kicking her feet once more.

"Pocket," Nat continued grabbing your arms and shaking you, "for Barnes, that's practically a declaration of undying love!"

You scrunched your shoulders in glee. "I know!" you squealed, not being able to help how exhilarated the idea made you feel.

"And then what did you say?" Wanda asked.

You dropped your shoulders. "Um... well, I didn't actually say anything."

Wanda's eyes went wide. "So you just left him hanging there after he said that?" she asked, incredulous.

"No! I absolutely replied!" you insisted. "Just... not with words. It was more of a... physical response."

Wanda and Nat shared a look. "Okaaaay," they both said in unison before the three of you burst into laughter.

"Pepper is going to be so pissed she missed this," Wanda said, pulling out her phone to text your missing friend. "Though she'll probably be more angry about losing the bet."

"The bet?" you asked, confused.

"Oh, I bet her $100 that you two would end up together before your birthday," Wanda said with a grin as she texted away. "Pepper thought it wouldn't happen until night of, or after."

You tossed a pillow at her, knocking her phone from her hands. "Hey!" she cried out.

"That's what you get for betting on your friends' love lives," you told her, though your voice held no heat. If anything, it was weirdly sweet. Except... "Wait, is it super bizarre that Pepper's making bets on my sex life when she's technically my boss?" you asked.

"Yeah, you going to HR with that complaint?" Nat asked, laughing at the face you made. Her laughing set Wanda off, which set you off in turn, and soon the three of you were in hysterics.

"Damn, we too early for the panty pillow fight?" a voice from across the room caught your attention, and you looked up to see Sam, Steve, and Bucky standing in the doorway.

God, Bucky looked so good. He was wearing a Henley and a pair of jeans, but damn it if it wasn't doing things to you. You flashed him a giant smile. "Hey, Buckaroo," you said, your voice coming out far huskier than you intended it to.

"Don't engage, Pocket," Nat murmured. "They'll think think it's an invitation to come join us." But it was too late; the boys had already begun walking over to where you sat, Sam immediately grabbing a slice of pizza and digging in.

"Hey, doll," Bucky said, leaning over you and placing a kiss to your lips. He quickly pulled back as though he'd been burned, realizing what he'd done of your friends, and the two of you started at each other in surprise and shock over his actions.

"You know what, fuck it," you said, fisting his shirt and pulling him down, slotting your lips over his like your life depended on it. He responded instantly, practically crawling onto the couch to deepen the kiss, pulling you into his lap. You barely registered the sounds of your friends whooping and cheering around you. After what felt like several heady minutes, when you eventually came up for air, you were both smiling, red embarrassment creeping up your faces.

"It's about damned time!" Sam shouted, throwing a mozzarella stick a the two of you. With lighting reflexes, Bucky caught it midair, bit half of it and fed you the rest.

"All this fanfare over a simple kiss?" he asked rhetorically, ignoring the pointed looks. "Stop making it a big deal."

"I have literally wanted nothing more in my entire life," Wanda said, fiddling with her phone. "And I may have taken a picture to send to Pepper to prove she lost."

Bucky gave you a questioning look.

"The Sokovian Horndog over there has been placing bets on us," you sighed. "We just won her $100." A corner of his mouth tipped up in a smile.

"Best buy my girl something pretty with your winnings then, Red," he teased. Leaning your head against his shoulder, you watched in amusement as Wanda's cheeks flushed at Bucky's words.

Your friends continued to playfully give you both shit for a few more moments when you realized someone was missing from your little group.

"Hey, where did Steve go?" You were sure the blond super soldier had entered the room with Bucky and Sam, but now he was nowhere to be seen.

"Um, he sort of ran out when you two started to play tonsil hockey," Sam said between bites of pizza.

"Bathroom, maybe?" Nat suggested, her eyes glancing towards the hallway, but you could tell there was a note of uncertainty in her voice.

Bucky, however, seemed to have a better grasp on what might have occurred and his eyes scanned the room with a more discerning look. A sigh escaped him before he gently nudged you off his lap, rising from the couch. "I'll go find him," he said, turning down to give you a quick kiss goodbye. "Come on, Sam. We've disturbed Girls' Night long enough."

The Falcon began protesting, unfinished pizza slice still in hand, but Bucky grabbed him by the arm, dragging him off toward the hallway. Once they reached the doorway, Bucky turned around and gave you a quick wink.

"I'll see you at bedtime, Babydoll," he said, before dragging Sam off with him.

You waited a beat, giving the boys time to get out of earshot before the three of you began squealing like pre-teens.

"He's never called me that before," you gushed, the happiness coursing through you so intense you were afraid you'd launch into orbit.

"You are going to get such a good dicking down tonight!" Nat declared, coming around to playfully punch you on the shoulder.

And you absolutely did.

[tokiro07]

Toki Reads Shonen Jump 2024, Issue #52

HxH: Morena's card game begins, and she exposits that she was conceived in a state-sanctioned non-consensual orgy; Borksen learns that thanks to Nen restrictions, she actually does have actually does have an escape route. The implications of Morena's backstory are certainly staggering, but also lost on me

Yozakura: Taiyo has an "I know you're in there" fight with himself, ending with him expelling Asa by shooting himself in the heart. Taiyo's willingness to damage his own body to make it uninhabitable to Asa doesn't seem ideal, but definitely preferable to being possessed

Undead Unluck: Soul tries to force Andy and Victor's souls back together, but Rip cuts them apart permanently with Unrepair. This is Rip's capstone, where he finally uses Unrepair for someone else's happiness instead of ruining his own with it

Roboco: Roboco writes more shameless ripoff manga, but finally learns that her own original material is a lot better. I have no faith that this lesson will stick

Sakamoto: Atari's luck has literally run out; she reveals to Tenkyu that his friendship w/ Uzuki is irreparable; Shin resolves to kill Tenkyu, even if it means severing ties with Sakamoto. Both Tenkyu and Shin are losing their friends because they're killing in their name against their wishes; Atari's an idiot for using such an obscene amount of luck last chapter just to fire ONE bullet

EluSam: Tokiyuki and realKojiro gush over Kojiro as he fights Nagao; the scene cuts away to Mima getting into architecture and interior design. This seems to have an affect on enemy morale, but I feel like it's not worth ignoring what seems to be Kojiro's most important fight

Witch Watch: The flashback gang discusses the legacy of Familiars and their prejudice towards humanity; Kuon warms up to the team, and Taiga raises more death flags. The idea of magic fading away as a sign of peaceful times is a topic I've been thinking about a lot lately because I've been revisiting Medaka Box; this may inform a future essay

Blue Box: Taiki endears himself to Chinatsu's dad with his earnest, if a bit overbearing, nature. I'm glad we're not drawing out the tension too much, it makes the dad more relatable

Akane: Despite Miroku's refusal to let them perform, Shiguma and Issho learn enough rakugo for Kiroku to give them a slot; Miroku offers to grant Kiroku his name and rank if he will use it to expel the pair. This is clearly the event that led to the founding of the Arakawa School, but even with a foregone conclusion, it's a nailbiter

Kill Blue: Juzo and Shin use assassin techniques to advertise the bakery; Yoichiro wagers his staff's bonuses to whichever club can beat their challenges. Clearly he's plotting something, but I can't quite see yet how this furthers his plans

Nue: Rido spontaneously achieves his Bankai Spirit Armor and promptly passes out. It looks cool, but I'm already so unclear on this power system's rules that such an upgrade only serves to confuse me further

Kagurabachi: In a side story, we revisit everyone's favorite guy, Sojo, trying desperately to enjoy a bath despite his routine being ruined at every turn. Looking back, I'm sad that Sojo died; I hope he continues to haunt the narrative

Chojo: Keinain's new assistant, Makami, finds everything about the Chinjuku station to be lewd; this is not because she's a prude, but an extremely repressed pervert. Would

Astro Royale: Himuro reveals he became a cop to stop the Yotsurugi family from interfering with his dad's business, but only found out later that they were supporting him through hard times; the damage he caused this business relationship resulted in his father's suicide; he eats the Daybreak Ore and becomes a mutated mass. Himuro's motivations now reflect Kinpa's, but just like he hurt his dad by targeting the Yotsurugi's, his rage is misdirected and self-destructive

Kiyoshi: Asuta's time runs out and he gets away, cementing the sacrifices made to summon him; as he leaves, he calls Kiyoshi his soulmate in a perverse twist on Kiyoshi's own desire for friendship. Axe-deniers when the lead fails and lets 100 innocent people die - 🎉🍾🥳🎊🥂; throw the yaoi girlies in there too since there's about to be a huge boost in sales

Hima-Ten: Tenichi takes up the rear on the class hike; Himari fakes an injury to keep him company. Very cute, but how the hell does this moron not realize she's in love???

Ichi: Just before the contest begins, Ichi sees a mysterious figure; the Kindake Magik vows to kill everyone who doesn't worship his mushrooms, then escapes into his mushroom forest. So much for not being a human-hater; Togeice's poor sense of direction will certainly make this challenge much harder on her

Shinobi: Yodaka sabotages Hachikuma's strings and turns them against him. Though heavy-handed, Yodaka straightening and braiding Hachikuma's discarded, tangled strings as a symbol of the value of putting effort into maintaining relationships is sweet

Hakutaku: The mechanics of the AR game are explained, but Hikuma sleeps through people actually enjoying it. Maybe it's cus I don't like mobile games, but I do not see the appeal of this game, which is probably the most damning indictment of a game design manga

Syd Craft: Elio is revealed to be Levie Olyn, Syd's favorite romance author, who became his assistant after he cleared her name in a case; she writes her books to vent her DEFINITELY NOT ROMANTIC feelings for Syd. That's a great dynamic, I love girls who pine, I'm super endeared to this idiot

My top 3 manga for the week are:

Undead Unluck, unsurprisingly, for its fantastic color page, multiple great spreads, and at least two of what will undoubtedly become the most iconic moments in the entire series; congrats on netting the final cover of the year!

Syd Craft for continuing to expand upon its concept in a way that really appeals to me; let it be known I never said Tsutsui was a bad author, I just said he was a coward

Kiyoshi for dodging the axe, establishing an interesting dynamic between Kiyoshi and Asuta, and the bravery to leave it on such a bleak cliffhanger

Runners up include Astro Royale and Shinobi Undercover, both for giving me some interesting symbolism to chew on, as well as Hima-Ten and Chojo for women in denial that fall short of Elio

Edit: I want to correct something I said last week - it does not seem like Bug Ego is joining Weekly Jump after all, I think someone I follow on twitter either got a bad tip or I misunderstood what they said. Bug Ego was added to the Shonen Jump app, not Shonen Jump itself. Apologies for any confusion!

[cienie-isengardu]

Your latest post has finally spurred me into asking you this. Based on his bio, his intros with Liu Kang, and everything else you brought up, what do you think about Tomas being the traitor instead of Bi-Han? Or, if NRS really wanted to go all out with the 3D era references in MK1, both Bi-Han and Tomas being traitors, and being the New Era Noob-Smoke? Or Sub-Smoke, rather, due to Bi-Han being Sub-Zero.

Tomas being the traitor for sure would create more surprising plot twist than what we got with not-so-subtly choice of Bi-Han, as Sub-Zero’s betrayal was hinted in his and Scorpion’s biographies way before the full story mode was revealed:

[...] Under his leadership, the Lin Kuei will come out of the shadows and fight for its place as one of Earthrealm’s great nations.

and

But Sub-Zero's unprecedented moves to cast off Lin Kuei's traditional duties have frozen Scorpion’s enthusiasm. He fears that he may one day have to battle his brother for control of the Lin Kuei's legacy.

A hint also supported by the earliest officially shared Liu Kang vs Sub Zero intro dialogues, especially the “Your actions cost lives, Bi-Han!” and “Earthrealm isn't yours to rule”.

So, in all fairness, the most surprising choice of the Lin Kuei subplot wasn’t Bi-Han’s betrayal per se but rather showing us mainly the already tense relationship between brothers, which in my opinion didn’t fully use the emotional impact the shattered brotherhood could otherwise have had. Of course, the game's storyline is a specific medium and with such a big cast, there is limited space to explore in depth characters’ psyche and thus some plots feel rushed to fit the greater scheme of things. Granted, the storyline and intro dialogues provided us enough nuances to know the conflict between Lin Kuei brothers is not so one-dimensional, even if so far only Bi-Han’s desire for freedom and independence is flashed out, while Scorpion & Smoke’s desire to uphold tradition seems to be solely the “good guys” thing. And don’t get me wrong, characters who have a strong moral sense are cool and inspiring on their own, but Kuai Liang and Tomas through the story mode have never given any real counterargument why the tradition should be upheld in the first place or how it benefit the clan, besides it was their father’s teaching.

(And I do find the “Lin Kuei only serves” mindset disturbing, when one remembers the clan members are trained from childhood to fight, to kill, and if needed to die for Earthrealm and doesn’t that resemble the Umgadi system whose members are denied any ties to family as their  main purpose is to serve the Royal Family? There is a huge difference between an adult person choosing on their own to dedicate their life to service in greater good - a very admirable trait! - and teaching children they are destined to be someone’s servants, because it’s the great “honor” and “tradition” that must be upheld. Just saying.)

Now, Bi-Han as the traitor (more or less) makes sense within the provided storyline, especially if we add the expanded knowledge about his motives and goals coming from intro dialogues. In contrast, Tomas is pretty much sidelined through the course of story mode and really, if not for the direct ties to adoptive brothers and intro dialogues, he could as well not be in the story at all. 

If the story played as it played, I fear Smoke’s choice to betray would not have that big impact, unless the truth about Liu Kang’s role as Keeper of Time came out (and with that his part in Smoke’s family death) or Shang Tsung managed to play on his desire to be seen as a true Lin Kuei while he is constantly denied the respect and omitted by other characters. Bi-Han is just a tip of the iceberg in that regard (and yet not once he denied Tomas right to consider himself the son of the late grandmaster or even his or Kuai Liang’s brother). In all fairness, Liu Kang contributes a lot to how Tomas is treated, as Fire Lord, despite the close relationship to Lin Kuei and being implied to be responsible for orphaning Tomas, literally did not acknowledge him in any meaningful way through the whole story mode. He has never called Smoke by his name, nor called him alongside the Sub-Zero and Scorpion (chapter 1 & 2) and despite Tomas’ fulfilling his duty to Earthrealm and helping in direct way to established Shirai Ruy, his deeds are still omitted in favor of Kuai Liang. 

Frankly, despite being one of Grandmaster’s sons, Smoke is never taken into account when it comes to holding any title within Lin Kuei, as Kuai Liang is treated as obviously choice, both as the next Grandmaster of Lin Kuei (after Bi-Han) and the new leader of Shirai Ryu (and let’s not forget Scorpion was the strategist/leader during battle, even if technically this was his first war and there were more experienced characters, including Ermac/king Jerrod.) Kuai Liang is a great warrior, no question about that, but it really feels like Tomas is acknowledged only by his adoptive brothers. 

So, if played right, Shang Tsung (or even Bi-Han?) could talk Tomas into joining “the Liu Kang’s opposition”, as he holds resentment for Fire Lord over the death of his family (though that one works best AFTER the big revelation). Intro dialogues also provided information there was a time he did not consider being adopted into Grandmaster’s family as anything good, which of course is understandable, considering it was Grandmaster's men who killed Tomas’ mother and sister for a simple accidental trespassing on Lin Kuei land. 

Not to mention he was not adopted because of compassion per se, but because of Grandmaster’s guilt. Considering how Tomas went from disliking the man and/or situation he was forced into to almost blindly holding to “tradition this”, “traditions that” mindset, I wonder if we should consider him as a potential victim of Stockholm Syndrome?

Also, what is interesting, Smoke looked up to Bi-Han ("And to think I once idolized you."). Granted, we don’t know how young Sub-Zero acted back then, besides being cold to Tomas, as intro dialogue pointed out, but I think there is something to say about Tomas idolizing the one brother that openly challenged their Father’s ideas. We have of course only evidence of Bi-Han’s criticizing Lin Kuei old politics in current story mode however as Sub-Zero’s “frustrations ran deep”  it is possible he was outspoken about the issue before. So it makes sense to assume the idolizing happened back in the days when Tomas (most likely) resented the man that decided to adopt him after his men murdered his mother and twin sister over a trivial matter - and maybe Sub-Zero’s headbutting with Father was what impressed Tomas the most? As in, however cold Bi-Han was, at least he didn’t pretend everything was okay?

Smoke’s BIO gives him the LOYALTY as a main theme

- and despite what happened between the brothers, he still hope for reunion with Bi-Han and refuses to give up his estranged brother to anyone outside Shirai Ryu for judgment, so we can’t say he and Bi-Han had never been on good terms. 

Frankly, the visual side of story mode adds a lot to this feeling, as with exception of like two scenes (awaiting for Liu Kang/meeting room and joining Kuai Liang and Bi-Han after Sub-Zero’s fight with Nitara and Ermac), Smoke is the one standing at Bi-Han’s right side, not Kuai Liang - the de facto second-in-line of succession. 

I won’t lie, this is pretty surprising detail - and who knows, maybe Smoke is supposed to have soome importance after all and/or is the middle child, thus occupying the more symbolic (prestige) place, the same as Bi-Han was usually placed at Liu Kang’s right side, implying his higher status as Grandmaster.

I, for one, would love to see Tomas either betraying Liu Kang on his own or joining Bi-Han, so we could have a new take on the Noob-Smoke team, this time without Smoke being cyberized and cut from memories but also challenging Keeper of Time's choices by characters that weren't the main villains in previous timeline(s). My heart would be bleeding for Kuai Liang as his friendship with Tomas is a great part of Lin Kuei lore but then Tomas, story wise, had valid reasons to resent Liu Kang (death of family, never being acknowledged). I wouldn’t cross out the possibility of Smoke  joining Bi-Han in later events (or pretending to join to spy on him, because you know, Tomas is the master of stealth, so he should be good at that stuff) but I fear NRS is not gonna give him any meaningful focus anytime soon. Johnny was joking how Tomas “got the wholesome sidekick thing down cold.” but looking at MK1’s story mode this is not a joke, just a truth.

[simlit]

Chosen of the Sun | | dawn // seventeen

| @keibea | @sani-sims

next / previous / beginning

ÅSE: Am thirsty! Why is wine gone? LUICIEN: Oh! I’ll get you some more, my lady! ÅSE: Ah! Good boy! ELION: mumbling What did I sign up for? ÅSE: Tell me, Little Ferret! You are liking children? ELION: Oh yes. What a joy they are. ÅSE: Oh? Is good! You are also liking house in mountain? Hmm… But I am thinking you are better suited elsewise. You are into monster hunters? (incapable of detecting sarcasm) ELION: You’re speaking of that foul-mouthed vixen from yesterday? ÅSE: Indeed! I will introduce you. You will need my help. She will not be easy to seduce! ELION: Why, do indulge me, my lady. KYRIE: Ah, Eve, might I ask you a favor? EVE: Hm? KYRIE: That elf there. He’s Duke Eldewyn. Comes from a long line of well-to-do aristocrats, but his lust for drink has lost him a bit of favor in recent years. He’d certainly enjoy meeting one of the Chosen. EVE: Why do I get the feeling you have some ulterior motive for asking? KYRIE: Well, I’m looking to arrange a private dinner with the Duke. I think he might be a useful source of… information. EVE: Information? KYRIE: I’ve a keen interest in knowing more about past ceremonies. Talking to someone who not only lived through them, but has a close relationship to the Crown is crucial. But I must be wary not to make my inquiries obvious. EVE: You’re using the Chosen as a ruse to find out what happened? KYRIE: It may be risky to do otherwise. A month ago, I might have said my position grants me some level of protection. But given all that’s happened, I find that to be anything but the truth. Things have gotten particularly… EVE: Dangerous. KYRIE: Mm. EVE: Alright. Let’s go. KYRIE: Duke Eldewyn, how nice to see you. ELDEWYN: Ah! Your Grace, I was thinking of seeking you out myself. But then, you and your Chosen are quite the hot commodity tonight! And indeed, I’d love an introduction! KYRIE: This is Eve, our resident healer. But she’s an all around outstanding mage. EVE: Nice to meet you, my lord. ELDEWYN: Ah, that’s right, this is your second win in the trials, yes? You’re doing very well for yourself! I’d enjoy to hear more of your experience in the games! EVE: Where do I begin?

[ily-fictional-women]

If it’s okay with you, can i request fluff/smut Agatha Harknessx fem!reader? maybe where Agatha is jealous because reader has many suitors 😉 have a lovely day!

Push and Pull

Summary: “Fighting, Fucking, Crying, Drinking, Riding, Winning, Losing, Cheating, Kissing, Thinking, Dreaming.” -The L Word

Pairing:  Agatha Harkness x fem!reader

Warnings: Arguing angst and smut 

Word count: 1569

a/n: Okay, so I haven’t posted a fic in like 3 months…Whoopsie. In all seriousness, life is fucking crazy. Hope this fic somewhat compensates for all the lost time! (Reblogs are welcome and critiques/advice are heavily encouraged, but please no translating.) 

“Agatha I love you. I have loved you for over three hundred years. But I can’t be with you if you’re going to keep chasing after this girl.” It had been about two months since the two left Westview and Agatha had already started planning on getting a second chance at the power instilled in the Scarlet Witch.  

“You won’t support me in getting the power we deserve? Y/n, I’m doing this for us! With her power-” Y/n quickly cuts Agatha off, “No! You’re pursuit of power hasn’t been about us for years Agatha. It may have started that way, because people wanted to hurt us, because people doubted us. But you’ve grown too addicted to becoming more powerful. The people we take from used to deserve it. That girl didn’t Agatha! She was grieving! I don’t get how you could mess with someone even more after seeing what she’s been through.”

“Like we haven’t been through a lot?! Y/n until somewhat recently we haven’t been able to show our love for one another publicly. People have wanted to kill us for hundreds of years, whether it be for our power or who we are as people.” 

Y/n backs away from Agatha, her eyebrows knitting together. She crosses her arms, “So you think our personal experiences are an excuse to tamper with someone's life? Do you understand how selfish you sound Agatha?”  

The bite in Y/n’s tone specially hurt Agatha, it wasn’t a tone Y/n used often. Agatha bites the inside of her cheek, “So you think I’m selfish?” Y/n shrugs, “I wouldn’t say it if I didn’t think it.” 

Anger started bubbling in Agatha, “Well if you think so poorly of me then just leave. Hell, you might find someone better than me.” As the words slipped from her lips she regretted them immediately. 

// 

Agatha wakes up in bed feeling the empty spot beside her. It’s been three months, and the argument exchanges still ring in Agatha’s head. With Y/n actually gone her ambition for power had dwindled to a stop. 

In all honesty not having to see Y/n made some things easier, but being separated like this still hurt like hell. It didn’t help there was nothing in the house to numb the pain. Granted, neither Y/n nor Agatha had ever been big drinkers— typically only drinking the occasional wine when celebrating something. 

Pulling together some motivation Agatha finally decided it would be good to go out for fun for once. Dressing up in a baggy white button-up, sleeves rolled up, paired with black pants and heels Agatha finally hauled herself to a bar. 

// 

“What can I get you?” The bartender tosses a dish rag over his shoulder looking at Agatha with a grin. “Whiskey neat would be great hun.” The bartender gives a quick nod, “Coming right up, is there any chance I can give you my number too though.” 

Agatha lets out a hearty chuckle, “Unfortunately no. I’m flattered, but I think I’m a little too old for you.” Pouring out the drink the bartender gives a quick pout before shrugging, “Suit yourself.” As she sipped on her drink though she could hear something familiar. Y/n. 

Immediately abandoning her drink and seat at the bar Agatha followed what she heard. The small whispers she heard led her to the bathroom and opening the door she was met with an uncomfortable sight, to say the least. Y/n was there, her hearing wasn’t mistaken. But someone else was there too. 

And this person, this girl, was kissing up and down Y/n’s neck with a punchable grin on her face. Her hand was trailing on the waistband of Y/n’s pants before slipping into them. Y/n glanced away from the girl making full eye contact with Agatha. Seeing that was enough to make Agatha leave home immediately a drink wouldn’t be enough to numb what she saw. 

// 

It’s been about a week since the bar incident when Agatha’s phone pings, it’s Y/n. After everything, part of Agatha didn’t want to even look at the message, but curiosity got the best of her. 

Y/n “Are you home? I want to talk.” 

Agatha “Yes I’m home, but I don’t want to talk.”

Y/n “Aggs, please. Just give me a few minutes.”

Agatha “Five minutes.” Immediately after the message is read Agatha hears a knock on her door. Leaving the bedroom and making it to the front door Agatha opens it to be met with Y/n. Agatha manages to let out a small laugh, “So what if I said no to talking?” 

“Then I would have left and you would have been none the wiser. Can I come in?” Agatha nods somewhat reluctantly and they both sit at the small kitchen table they used to share meals at. “I’m not doing anything with anyone anymore,” Y/n says bluntly. 

Agatha raises an eyebrow, “So that one girl you were at the bar with, you broke up with her?” Y/n drags a finger across the sharp corners of the table, “Yes.” Agatha leans back in her chair skeptically, “Why? And why come back now, after three months?” 

“Because she wasn’t you. And I was only thinking about you when I was with her. She- she didn’t love me the way you did.” Agatha gets up from her seat angling Y/n to face her before lifting her chin to meet her gaze. “And what way is that sweetheart?” 

“You know what way Agatha.” Agatha smiles her grip slightly tightening on Y/n’s chin, “I do, but I want to hear you say it. Use your words, baby.” 

“She didn’t love me the way you did, sexually. It didn’t feel the same.” Y/n moves Agatha’s hand from her chin to her cheek kissing it softly before letting it rest there as she looks up at Agatha. “I need you, Agatha.” 

Agatha takes Y/n’s hand slowly dragging her to the bedroom stopping on the right side of the bed. “Sit down, I want you to take off your shirt. Then your pants. Slowly though. Give me a show.” Y/n eagerly did as Agatha said, her words filling her ears like honey— so sweet you can’t help but crave it. 

As Agatha goes in for a kiss Y/n begins to wrap her arms around Agatha’s waist. But Agatha pulls away, “No, you don’t get to touch me. Not this time.” Y/n looks up at her pleadingly, “Please Aggs, I can’t help it.” 

“Well then I guess I’ll need to help you,” Agatha grins mischievously. Y/n looks at her confused for a moment until she looks down to see purple wispy tendrils wrapping around her wrists pulling her arms behind her back. Pushing Y/n on her back Agatha leans on top of her, “You look cute like this. So helpless. Only in my control.” 

Craning up her neck Y/n tries to go for a kiss but Agtha pushes her back down. She kisses Y/n’s cheek, slowly moving down to her neck sucking hard enough to leave multiple marks. Moving her attention to Y/n’s collar bone Agatha slowly moves a hand from Y/n’s chest, down her stomach, stopping to feel the mess she already made through Y/n’s panties. 

“So wet already? I’ve only been kissing you.” Agatha clicks her tongue, “So needy. I love it.” Y/n lets out a soft groan, “Only for you.” Sliding down Y/n’s panties Agatha leaned down whispering to her. “Good answer.” 

Slipping her fingers into Y/n, Y/n squeezes her eyes tight overwhelmed by the pleasure. Noticing this Agatha lifts her chin once more. “I want you to keep your eyes open. That way you don’t forget who makes you feel this good.” 

Opening her eyes Y/n meets Agatha’s gaze as she starts to curl her fingers in Y/n at a steady pace. As Agatha moves her thumb to Y/n’s clit applying light pressure Y/n stiffles a moan. Agatha picks up her pace, “Don’t quite yourself sweetheart. You know I like to hear you.” The words immediately elicit a loud whimper from Y/n. 

Removing her fingers from Y/n Agatha moved her grip to Y/n’s waist kissing down her stomach. “P- Pl- please. Baby.” Agatha smiles up at Y/n, “Please what?” Y/n bucks her hips feeling Agatha’s breath on her pussy, “Please, Agatha. I want to feel your mouth on me.”

Lapping up her juices Agatha moves her tongue the same way she has for years receiving the same reaction. Y/n’s thighs tighten around Agatha’s head, “I- I think I’m gonna cum.” Agatha lifts her head momentarily grinning at how much of a mess Y/n is, “Finish for me then love. Eyes on me though.” 

As Y/n finishes with a loud moan Agatha undos the magical bindings immediately feeling Y/n’s grip on her dark curls. “Agatha? Can you promise me something?” Agatha rolls over laying next to Y/n dragging a finger across the sensitive hickeys that are already starting to purple. 

“Yes love?” Y/n looks at Agatha seriously, “Just promise me that whoever we take power from now on. That they deserve to have it taken.” Agatha smiles lovingly, “Of course. Anything for you.”

[fraudulent-cheese]

Think you would change any of the finalists of any of the seasons? Think you mentioned a Pahkitew redo or something, would that be a part of it?

OH BOY THAT IS. A QUESTION IN A HALF

I'll start off by giving my opinion on all the finalists of each season!

TDI: Honestly, i wouldn't change it. Both Gwen and Owen are pretty relevant characters, they're fun as the finalists and it makes sense they'd make it that far tbh. I wouldn't swap them out for anyone else this season outside of maybe Leshawna if her elimination wasn't so cheap? That or change it to be like "oh yeah we should make them stay in this nice resort instead of that shitty summer camp" as motivation for nominating someone during Haute-Campture. Idk. Id be more in favor of finalist Leshawna if Fresh TV, you know, gave her more relevance outside of being Gwen's bestie towards the end? And just gave her character depth? Or an arc on her own? But she's the only other candidate in my eyes

TDA: I'VE SAID THIS BEFORE AND I'LL SAY IT AGAIN: THE FINALISTS SHOULD'VE BEEN LINDSAY AND HAROLD. why was Duncan a finalist. Literally why. What does he do that's interesting enough to justify keeping him for the ENTIRE SEASON. If you wanted to do the Courtney list plotthread, just introduce it earlier on in the season and kick Duncan then! Or better yet, make one of the early rejoins be Courtney instead and have Duncan get eliminated pre-merge and Izzy come back post-merge! Im less against finalist Beth, but her character's plotlines aren't compelling to me at all this season :/

Lindsay on the other hand has a full character arc this season of coming into her own and trying her hand at leadership, has a rivalry with Courtney, and she still keeps her character throughout! And honestly i just think Harold's an entertaining character and him making it further than Duncan for at least one season would've been great!

TDWT: As the season is written? I wouldn't change the finalists at all. Heather and Alejandro are the most important characters of the season outside of the Love Triangle and Cody + Sierra and if you want my opinion, none of them should've been finalists. Now, if you do rewrite the season, i'd say Courtney (or even Eva if you make her rejoin mid season) deserved at least to reach the final three. Don't have much to say here.

ROTI: JO. OMG JO. JO SHOULD'VE BEEN A FINALIST. Again, i've made a post about this earlier (which i CANNOT FIND. WHY) But Jo should've been a finalist! They didn't need to give Lightning a vilain arc in the last two episodes just because! Im not super against Cameron being a finalist, but i don't like Lightning being one. Granted you could argue for different characters making for good finalists if you're going to rewrite the entire season (Anne Maria maybe? Or Zoey)

TDAS: Oh boy, TDAS. Sweet, sweet TDAS. Listen. Listen. In an alternate universe where Total Drama is a good show, Mike and Zoey could be good finalists. Unfortunately for them there is a large, looming Courtney-shaped shadow over that idea, made even worse by how both Zoey and Mike were used throughout the season.

Yeah if you couldn't tell by now, Courtney 101% SHOULD have been a finalist! TDAS should've been her season! It's the only season where she makes it past Duncan! She's a strong competitor, a compeling character, she's been put through shit the entire series, hell she could have interesting interactions with all the cast members! But no, Sundae Muddy Sunday happened instead.

As for possible finalists? Lindsay. And Jo. Yeah look if they're not gonna be finalists in earlier seasons you may as well make them finalists here. You could still make an argument for Zoey if the season were rewritten, but otherwise yeah this is probably the worst season for canon finalists :(

TDPI: Honestly with the direction they took, im... fine, with Sky and Shawn being the finalists. They're relevant characters, they have the more important arcs and outside of Scarlett and Jasmine, some of the most competent characters, enough to get here.

I'll take this as an opportunity to say i haven't landed yet on finalists for my PI rewrite? I know for a fact i want Sammy to be one, but im unsure about the other. All i know is that i don't think it'll be Shawn or Sky.

TD2023 S1: Nothing wrong with Bowie and Priya as finalists i'll be real! Priya might be a bit predictable, but it opened up alot of avenues for different things to be explored within her character (that the show never took rip), and she honestly deserved to get far for this cast's first season. As for Bowie, he's pretty relevant all throughout the season and seeing a more antagonistic character make it to final two is really nice to see! No complaints!

TD2023 S2: ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS! ALL OF THEM! The final 3 kind of sucks this season because every option has at least one gapping flaw in it due to the writing over the season: Wayne is barely a character for half the season and only gets interesting moments before the finale, Caleb has the most dragged out and annoying romance subplot in all of TD (not just because it was boring and artificial but because it dragged down and arguably ruined one of the most interestin characters of it's cast) and Julia's just magically gotten amazing at everything, INCLUDING playing the game because these teenagers just keep! beliving her! and telling her things! for some reason! Urghhh

If i had to rewrite the season entirely i'd have an MK vs Raj final 2. You'd get the antag/vilain rep for a finalist position, and hopefully a more interesting character than Wayne (fuck you Raj's more interesting of the two by default.) Maybe Scary Girl could be a 3rd curveball option. Nichelle or Axel if they were given actual arcs. And characters. Whatever.

Sorry for ending this post on such a sour note! i just really don't like reboot season 2 everytime i think about anything outside of the Finale or Mkulia!

[secretly-dum]

I’d LOVE to see May Grant comforting reader after an injury

(She could be there when it happens too)

Gender neutral reader perhaps?

Healing Touch

pairing: May Grant x gender neutral!reader

genre: super cute fluff

summary: read request :)

warning/contents: arm injury, pain from the arm injury, hugging, could be seen as a platonic or romantic fic, comfort, mentions of Y/N.

additional notes: sorry for this taking so long, slowly starting to get motivation again !

Remember, reblogging > liking !!

❀•°•══════ஓ๑♡๑ஓ═════•°•❀

You sat down on your empty kitchen counter , the pain in your arm showing up again, reminding you that you couldn’t move it. A sigh fell from your lips as you heard knocking on your door, walking towards it and looking through to see May. The frown you had suddenly turned into a soft smile while you unlocked the door.

“Y/N!”

“May!” You said back with the same energy, giving her a side hug to prevent putting harmful pressure on your injury.

“How’s your arm holding up?” She asks, pushing past you with 2 grocery bags on her left arm and 1 on her right.

“Woah woah woah…What do you have in those bags?” you say, May gave you was mocking-confusion.

“Remember, you had broken your arm right in front of me, so I’m deciding to help you get better in the process- and don’t say you don’t need help…” she looks around to see the small messes splatter around your apartment, “cause you do..”

“Okay okay,” you laugh, “Maybe I do need some help.” You grab one of the bags with your uninjured arm, glancing inside.

“How is popcorn and my favorite candy gonna help my arm heal?” You say raising an eyebrow.

“By watching your favorite movie! I can’t have you sad AND in pain. I’ll be staying here for a while.” May announces, her head tilting upwards to show her proudness, you just can’t help but giggle.

“But…I don’t want you being here just cause I’m hurt-“

“I’m here because I want to be here Y/N.” She looks at you with a heartwarming smile.

“Thank you…really. You’re already making me feel better.” The both of you laugh before she says something again.

“Of course! Now let’s get you settled in for some movie time.” May heads to the living room, setting down the bags and beginning to search for your favorite movie. You follow after her, feeling a sense of comfort as you settle in on the couch with a cozy blanket.

As the movie starts, you feel your worries fade away and your pain start to dull. May sits down right beside you, snacking on popcorn and laughing at the movie’s jokes. You can’t help but smile, happy that she’s here with you.

After the movie ends, May helps you clean up and settle into bed to sleep. As you close your eyes, you feel a sense of peace wash over you, knowing that you have someone who cares about you and will be there for you when you need it most.

•.:°❀×══════════════ ×❀°:.•

[oh-shtars]

Hi! I know you can’t draw right now, but if you wanted to do something to share your story without hurting your hand, I have an idea!

(Don’t, I mean DON’T take it if this distracts from your motivation to finish your outline. Take that high and ride it! After it’s tapered off a bit, then take a look at this 👍)

So! My idea— go to Pinterest and find a few, maybe three to five, pins that you think represent the character dynamics and relationships of your story. I know you had one like “ship dynamics I go rabid for” for Ashueño, so here’s your opportunity to find more! Maybe some for Grand Despair as well, maybe some for the seven teens, whatever you find that you think works for your story!

YAYYYY!!!

Thanks so MUCH Bo! I LOVED this idea and it was actually pretty fun AND helpful to be looking through the dynamics I could have with the RFTS!cast! Whether platonic or romantic, they’re starting to grow on me and I hope y’all do as well. ^^

Note: They might be subject to change in the future. We’ll see. But so far, I think this is what I have in my head for now.

I DON’T own the art below from here. I got all these from Pinterest soooo, credits to the owners. Please remember that I’m not referring to the canon movie when sharing these dynamics. The RFTS!AU is a whole seperate thing from it.

Now let’s get to it! (This is going to be a loooooooong read :)

RFTS!Character Dynamics!

1.) Flazino and Asha

Fun Fact: I know I may not mention Flazino much (Yes, he exists), I think this is the first post I’ve ever actually properly mentioned him. BUT did you know that his relationship with Asha is one of my favourites? ✨✨ Believe it or not, I honestly like the concept idea of Flazino x Asha buuuut I like them as I have them now currently.

For context, Flazino works as the kingdom’s royal announcer AND tour guide. He’s well known and friendly with people with a huge little secret. He’s a guy who’s silently disagreeing with the king’s wish-granting process and secretly learning more in his interest in magic-casting. (Something that’s forbidden other than the king and queen btw.)

Meeting Asha, Flazino found someone else he could confide in and sigh in relief that he’s not crazy with his doubts. Meanwhile, Asha is encouraged to at least take one step forward. To be a tad more confident in taking action. (Since she’s the king’s assistant and could possibly be the only one who’s close enough to suggest some changes because Mag wouldn’t even bat an eye at his direction. In Flazi’s eyes at least...)

I love them. I think of “The Other Side” scene in the Greatest Showman when thinking about them :))

Plus, another funny scenario in my head that when they first actually have a real conversation, Flazino is surprised she doesn’t know who he is. Most of the kingdom does as he is the public announcer or the ‘hard-to-miss’ outgoing tour guide. Asha, who’s often in her own little world in her head and an absolute wallflower, just maybe remembers him as some guy she must’ve passed a minute or two ago.

They got close mostly due to Flazino. (Asha never would have the initiative to really talk to new people otherwise.) In her view, she admires him. Flazino’s basically the person she only wished she could be. Confident. Keeps to their word. Proactive. Unfortunately, she doesn’t think that would happen any time soon. Totally…

Flazi, who’s a magic enthusiast, is a tiny jealous that Asha gets to be near and witness Magnifico’s sorcerer magic up-close. Sometimes, he brings it up and ask “Hey! How was your new job with the king?” and she’s like:

But hey! This is their lovely dynamic! They’re not just friends. Nor are they lovers. They’re the secret third option. Lmao. They don’t really have a label for what they are but plenty of people assume they’re a thing. (They’re not. The misunderstandings and their attempts at explaining are terribly awkward 😅) Their relationship is a little rocky since Flazino tends to be a little too pushy. With Asha’s initial shy and people-pleaser attitude at first, Flazi is unaware of how he unintentionally fails to listen to Asha’s side of the story and her worries. Just like everyone else but in a different way…

But he really does mean no harm in anything he does and ultimately, these two are really close! X3 (Let me know what you think of this introduction to RFTS!Flazino.)

…………

2.) Safi x Dario

Oh look! It’s me with a pretty unique ship! (Note again that this is all just an AU. The dynamics within Asha’s friend group in the movie we got is almost blank anyways so I don’t really care how people choose to interpret it. This is just me.)

Hehe, Safi was sort of pining way back then. Dari was one of the few people who don’t find his allergies annoying or leave whenever he gets into a sneezy fit. I meaaaaaaan, his other 5 friends don’t as well, but Safi can tell they still find his allergies a little bit of an inconvenience, especially when he clumsily tries to help. Often leading into a mess. But neither side ever holds it against the other.

Dario specifically doesn’t mind the messes at all. Or even…notice it in the first place.

Plus, they share an interest in bird-watching and just birds! in general. It’s especially chickens in Safi’s case while Dario tends to get distracted watching some birds fly past.

Another thing they bond about is how they could relate to people getting frustrated with them despite how they’re trying. With Safi’s allergies getting in the way often and Dari’s hard-of-hearing making it difficult to communicate sometimes. It’s a nice change of pace to have someone who wouldn’t bring it up in frustration or anything.

So hopefully you can see why they grew fond over time. ;)

………

3.) Asha x Star (Hopes and Dreams)

Yes. I called him Star at this point in the story. He hasn’t been given the name, Sueño, yet.

This is sort of their dynamic in their first few times getting to know each other. Asha wanting to help Rosas find an alternative way to reach and achieve their wishes without Mag’s intervention while Star is just: “Ffffffffine. I don’t see why they’d need more wishes but whatever.”

Of course, these two are going to develop and understand the other more over time. Into something a whole lot more and that neither ever expected~ 💖

………

4.) Magnifico x Amaya (Grand Despair)

Lol, I like to think that a lot of people underestimate Amaya even back when they were younger. “Oooh~ she’s actually kind of fcked up too.”

I already mentioned before that the tragic fate this couple is going is similar to Phineas and Charity’s relationship from the Greatest Showman. The pursuit for something else causing one of them to slowly drift away from the other buuuut…. let’s not talk about that for now.

Anyways usually, Magnifico does act all royal, grand and confident but let’s face it man. We all know you have a certain weakness you fckin simp. (Dammit, why don’t you let her know you still adore her anymore these days? Hmm?)

(Sueño watching this scary, short-tempered guy turn into a pathetic loser around his wife is just…wow. So that’s love? He almost hopes he doesn’t fall in- OH WAIT-)

………..

5.) Gabo and Dario

I really feel like there’s much wasted potential between interactions with these two. Come on! It’s Grumpy and Dopey!! Think of the comedic potential-

Anyways, I read somewhere that Gabo is just someone who’s been disappointed greatly and it’s why he’s so pessimistic. So I’m taking that one of his family members passed without having a chance to get a single dream granted and now he’s all pissy with people. It’s Gabo’s main thing that no one should’ve underwent injustice like having a promise they trusted to be broken just like that. Especially not his own.

Dario’s main trait is patience and that’s pretty much how he is around Gabo. Whether he’s amazingly tolerant of him OR whether he really couldn’t read the social cues, no one knows. But these two eventually become very good friends. The “He’s an idiot. But I guesss he’s my idiot.” kind of friendship.

Gabo would never really admit it directly or out loud but he truly does care for each one he considers a friend. Yes, Dario may forget which side is left or right but if you so as much talk sht about him, get ready to be taking some sht back.

……..

6.) Safi and Bazeema

These two are rarely ever seen apart to the point where people thought they were siblings. Bazeema is very compassionate and her favourite part about Safi is how he is always straight-up honest with himself even if it’s embarrassing. (She doesn’t like it when people put up a mask and leave her guessing in what they want from her.) Safi also tries to be selfless and help out whenever she’s struggling about speaking out louder or if she went non-verbal for a bit.

Safi also tends to be impulsive and may let out some stuff he’s not supposed to let anyone know but he can always count on her to not tell a soul. Meanwhile, Bazeema is really quick and agile so she can efficiently move to help Safi out in any of his clumsy accidents. They’re a working power-duo! :DD

……….. 7.) Bazeema and Hal

Romantic or platonic in whatever universe. I don’t care. They’re in a QPR in the RFTS!AU fellas and they balance each other out very nicely and are just adorable. Along with Safi, Hal helps in easing Bazeema out whenever she’s overthinking something. They’re like the two main people who best understand her.

But Hal specifically brings a little more zest into her life that Bazeema can’t help but develop a ‘squish’ on.

………… 8.) Valentino and Asha

Self-explanatory. This is Asha’s chaotic son who will head-butt people for her no matter how big or small the target is. She loves him very much regardless.

…………

9.) Simon x Dahlia

Awwww, these two are kind of like the parents of the group and are just concerned for everyone’s safety. They’re also both struggling internally with family-related issues of what’s expected for them.

Simon to make his father proud by finally proving that he earned it to be knighted while Dahlia is biting her tongue from any complaints about her royal baker role so she can preserve her family’s honour. (Despite getting her wish granted of being good at baking, Dahlia still feels empty inside and she thinks it’s because she’s being ungrateful. Which she feels guilty about.)

Both keep reassuring the other that what they’re doing is more than enough. But Simon keeps feeling like he isn’t exerting himself more while Dahlia can’t help but feel like a fraud in her predicament. (It’s not even any of their faults…It’s not their fault they didn’t know the consequences of giving away their wishes….😭😭)

They’re basically an unofficial couple that even THEY aren’t aware of because it just happened naturally. They’re each other’s backbone :))

……….

10.) Aaaaaand to top it all off, here’s my very favourite dynamic out of them all :)

Hehehehehehehehe…….