#maybe shes like oh we kind of...met before... but she chooses to not say much. Shes a timid and reserved girl after the events so

[brine-in-my-eyes]

Not enough posts with art for Light Shop and speculation of what's gonna happen with the characters as shown i nthe epilogue for ep 8 and im afraid ill juet have to do everything ymself around here

[princessmaybank]

Good Girl

Pairings: Boyf!Rafe x Gf!Fem!Reader x JJ

Warnings: Cheating, nudes, spanking, degradation, spanking, 3some, p in v, oral (both), fingering, voyeurism, creampie, etc.

Summary: Reader accidentally sends a nude to the wrong guy.

Authors Note: This is my first time writing something like this! Please be kind! I hope you enjoy!

Moodboard

Fuck. Rafe had me so fucking horny all day. It's not even his fault..I have been thinking about him dicking me down since lunchtime. The ache between my legs was almost too much at this point. My core was begging to be touched, but unfortunately Rafe isn't home. He went on a business trip with Ward, leaving it to me to pleasure myself. He did tell me to message him any time I feel horny and he would try his best to help, so I might just have to do that.

I was home alone because my parents were making some deals over dinner with some new clients.

But before I do anything, I really want to take a shower, I feel disgusting after work every time. I work at a little restaurant called The Wreck with my friend Kie. She got me the job when I told her I didn't want to work for my parents, at least not yet. Since I started working with her, I've met her friends and they seem to like me, well for the most part. JJ is still warming up to me, and he hates Rafe for some reason. All of them do. I understand he can be an asshole sometimes, but I wouldn't go as far as to say I hate him.

After I took my shower I didn't bother putting clothes on. I wanted to send Rafe a little surprise while he was gone.

Y/N: I took this for you baby

Y/N: Photo

I quickly hit send because I was nervous about his reaction but deep down I know he'll love it. I heard a ding from my phone, letting me know I got a message.

???: All for me? Damn Y/L/N...maybe I was wrong about you

My eyes nearly popped out of my head as my heart was beating against my chest. Then I heard another ding come from my phone.

???: Photo

Only a second later and another message came through.

???: That one's all for you.

I sent my fucking nude pic to JJ?? And he sent me one back? How the hell did that happen??? I started freaking out, knowing that Rafe would fucking kill him..and me, but mainly him.

JJ: What made ya come to your senses?

I had no idea how to respond to him. This has never happened before. Maybe I should just be honest.

Y/N: oh hey..can you just delete that and pretend you never saw it...? that wasn't meant for you JJ...

JJ: if it was sent to me, I was meant to see it, the universe just works that way ;)

He saw that I opened the text and that I wasn't responding. Those three dots popped up as he was typing.

JJ: okay, hey I'm sorry. where u at rn? I'll come meet ya n we can talk bout this

My heart nearly bursts out of my chest when I read that message. I'm nervous and I don't know what to do. Fuck. I should clear the air with him.

Y/N: my house..

JJ: drop your pin

I hesitate before sending this man my address. This could go horribly wrong, and I don't have Rafe here to protect me. Whatever, I'm already in this deep and it's just JJ what's the worst he could do?

Y/N: 📍

JJ: omw

I stood from my bed and started looking for an outfit to wear. I don't know why I cared what I looked like for JJ..I shouldn't, but I did. I ended up choosing a little white skirt with a cute blue crop top to go with it.

It took maybe 10 minutes before I heard a knock at my door. I still wasn't entirely sure if I should answer it, knowing who was on the other side, and knowing what he just saw...

I decided that I should just open the door and hopefully he'll understand the mistake.

My heart started pounding again as my hand reached for the knob. Suddenly I was greeted by a familiar face...but it wasn't JJ...

"Rafe?? " I question sounding more shocked than happy. "What are you doing here?" My anxiety was through the roof at this point, knowing JJ is probably just around the corner. Rafe let himself into my house by grabbing my face and pulling me into a heated kiss. He used his foot to kick the door closed, then pinned me against the wall next to it.

"Wanted to surprise my princess. The job got done early. I landed 30 mins ago, rushed over to see you." He says all while rubbing me up and down. "Look at this fuckin outfit, almost like you knew I was coming over princess.." He reached hand up my skirt and soon realized I wasn't wearing any panties. "Naughty girl.." Rafe smirked before attacking my neck.

About a minute later there was a knock on the door. He waved it off and said to just ignore them and they'll go away. Another knock pounded from the other side of the door. "Y/N?? Are you home?" You recognized his voice. Rafe pulled away looking slightly confused before looking through the peephole.

"What the fuck is JJ doing here?" He said gritting his teeth. I toyed with my fingers and bit my lip not knowing how to tell him the truth. Next thing I know he swings the door open.

"Hey ba- Rafe?? ...Was this a fuckin set up?" JJ questioned. I shook my head no as both men stared at me.

JJ came inside and closed the door behind him before joining Rafe and I in the living room. I was told to sit on the couch so I obeyed. The guys stood in front of me towering over me with their arms crossed, trying not to kill me or each other.

"What is he doing here?!" They both asked angrily at the same time. "Can you two sit down before I continue?" I ask shyly. The guys responded with a harsh 'No' timed almost as perfectly as before.

"Okay so here's what happened..." I trail off and explained the entire situation before Rafe turns to face JJ, looking like he is about to murder him.

At some point Rafe lunged at JJ and I had to get in the middle. Rafe grabbed my shoulders trying to move me out of the way. JJ had his hands on my hips trying to keep me in between them. It felt like they were going to split me in half.

It took a while but I eventually got them to go talk it out in my room. I can't speak guy, so maybe they would have an easier time hearing it from each other.

After a while I didn't hear them talking anymore, which was concerning, Rafe may have actually killed JJ..

I went to my room and knocked before entering. I was greeted with a naked Rafe picking me up before laying me on my bed. He placed his lips on mine, giving me one of the most intense kisses I've ever had. "Rafe- whe-wheres J-" I tried to question. "Don't worry about it. He's fine. Enjoy this." He kissed down my jaw and to my sweet spot, sucking on it for as long as he could, in order to mark me.

Rafe doesn't usually give me hickies unless he is angry-fucking me. He must have sent JJ home after their talk so we could have this moment. At least he's not mad at me anymore.

"So you wore this slutty outfit for Maybank huh?" He asked and flipped me onto my stomach, hiking my skirt up above my ass. "And no fuckin panties. You really are a fuckin slut." Rafe huffed before giving me a hard slap across my ass, causing me to yelp as a tear prickled in my eye.

"I'm gonna make you choke on my fuckin cock.." He smirks before flipping me back over. He comes over and hovers my face, his knees on either side of my head. Rafe dipped his cock into my mouth slowly before full on fucking my mouth. "Mmm yeah, suck that fucking cock you whore!" He somewhat gently slaps my face, still pushing in and out of my throat.

As I was gagging on Rafe's dick I felt something down between my legs. A cold, wet, tongue met the heat between my legs and I couldn't see it. "Wait till you see her face Maybank, she makes a pretty face when you fuck her." Rafe announced which resulted in a hum from the mouth attached to my clit.

JJ was eating me out...while Rafe was fucking my face...

Fuck.

I moaned onto Rafe's dick as he continued to fuck my throat. In turn, my moans made Rafe moan. "How'd you say she liked it Rafe..." JJ questioned before shoving his cock inside of me. A loud moan escaped the best it could when he filled me up. "...by surprise, right?" He chuckled as Rafe nodded.

JJ's thrusts caused Rafe's thrusts to go faster and harder. But they both stopped suddenly. Pulling out of both of my holes and they stood next to the bed, hovering me. "What was that??" I questioned, now blushing from seeing JJ's dick for the first time.

Of course he noticed and had to be an ass. JJ smirked at me while stroking himself. "Don't pretend you didn't like it princess.." He slows his motions down before he eventually stops. "Not saying I didn't like it- just confused. You two were literally just about to kill each other, and now you're fucking me." I say confused.

"We came to a conclusion baby. You lead JJ on..and you cheated on me. But we are ready to forgive you, if you let us have some fun with you babydoll.." Rafe simply stated, making me feel like shit because that was not my intention. I tried to counter what he said, but he just shushed me.

"Whaddya say princess?" JJ asked with a smirk. "Yea I mean...it's the least I could do.." I smile sheepishly to them. Rafe stepped between my legs and gave me a long kiss. "I love you, but I want you to understand that this is a one time thing so JJ doesn't have to keep pining after you. So whatever you want from him, make sure you get it from him now, you're still mine." Rafe explained. I'm surprised he's acting this way. He never lets anyone touch his things, especially me.

"What's first?" I asked the guys. "Just let us make you feel good baby, you won't have to do any work, unless you wanna." JJ said settling on the bed next to me. "You said anything I want?" I looked up to Rafe with glossy eyes. He nods with his arms crossed.

"JJ can I suck your dick while Rafe fucks me?" I started to blush because never in a million years did I think this would be happening. "I'd love that princess." He smiled at me.

I got off the bed and got to my knees in front of JJ. My hands sat on his thighs as my mouth lowered onto his cock. "Hmmm fuck.." He moaned out, placing his hand on my head. I felt Rafe come over and line himself up with me. "I love this fuckin skirt baby.." He says before slipping into my wet pussy, which caused me to moan on JJ's dick, which caused JJ to let out a moan of his own.

The guys were trying to set a steady pace between the both of them. JJ was bobbing my head up and down in time with Rafe's thrusts, and boy did it feel, so fucking good.

At one point they made me feel so good and I let out a long moan.

"Good Girl "

I heard them both say at the same time. A string of moans were escaping us all as they continued. Rafe was pounding into me as fast as he could. JJ was now standing with a fistful of my hair, fucking my face. I popped my mouth off of JJ and replaced it with my hand. "If you two don't stop going full force- I'm gonna cum right now.." I whine out.

They both groaned as they pulled away. I got back on the bed and sat in between them, one hand each, shooting to their hair, and massaging. They both started feeling me up, placing kisses wherever they could reach. The moment was over as fast as it came. JJ sat with his back against my headboard and pulled me to sit between his legs.

Rafe crawled onto the bed after JJ put his legs between mine to keep them spread open. I couldn't close them even if I wanted to. Rafe laid between my legs and started lightly sprinkling kisses on my lower lips.

JJ attached his lips to my neck, giving me a hickey, opposite to the one Rafe had made earlier.

Rafe moved to my clit with his mouth and inserted a few fingers into my hole. I gasped and JJ put his hands under my shirt in response.

"Why ya still wearin' this baby? Shoulda been gone a long time ago.." He says before taking my crop top off. Leaving me in my bra and my skirt. He groped my tits as Rafe sucked and fingered me. I was a moaning mess. Everything felt too good. "Guys- l-like I said before..." I say but it's too late and I cum all over Rafe's fingers.

Rafe sat up before placing his fingers in his mouth, sucking off every little drop that was left of me. "Good girl.." He smirked at me. "But, you gotta cum for JJ too princess.." Rafe stated.

I was still coming down from my high. "Cum again..?" He only nodded before sitting in the chair in front of my vanity. He turned it so he could see us sitting on the bed.

"Go ahead Maybank..." He smirked. Just as he was given the green light, JJ flipped us over so he was hovering me. "Hey there princess..." He smirked before planting a kiss on my lips. This felt so wrong to do so I looked to Rafe for some guidance.

He just sat there slowly rubbing his dick, watching us. He nodded for me to continue.

Suddenly this felt so right. I was supposed to have fun with JJ, for Rafe. JJ leaned down to my ear to whisper. "You looked so fucking good in that picture you sent me." He started kissing my neck. "I know you sent it on purpose, don't worry I won't tell him." He whispered.

His hands lifted me off the bed to take my bra off. JJ threw the garment to the side, landing in front of Rafe. He kissed me so hungrily and so passionately it almost hurt. "Jayj..." I whimpered into the kiss. He started grinding his hips against me, his dick touching my clit every time. "I know princess.." He whispered. "C'mere, I wanna make you cum in doggy." He says then plants another kiss to my lips.

I got up on my hands and knees before JJ could move me. "Wrong way baby...I wanna see your face when he fucks you..." I heard Rafe say from the chair. I turned around just like he asked. JJ got behind me when I was settled. I heard a spitting sound and a second later I felt his hand lathering my hole. "Mmmm" I moaned while I grinded back onto his fingers.

"Patience baby.." JJ said before slapping my hole which resulted in me letting out another moan. He grabbed his cock and started teasing my slut with his tip. I moved to lay on my forearms with my ass in the air. My eyes wandered over to Rafe, he was still stroking himself slowly while watching us. His lips curled up into a smirk when he saw the face I made when JJ pushed his length into pussy.

I let out a loud moan and looked Rafe in the eyes as JJ slowly rocked his hips. As JJ quickened his pace, Rafe did too. Almost like he wasn't to cum with us, but didn't want...involved..?

The room was filled with the sounds of moans and skin slapping against each other as JJ fucked me senseless. Rafe had rolled his head back but his eyes stayed on us.

I felt JJ reach for my hair and pull it back, making me arch. The slightly new angle was enough to push me over the edge. "You're such a a good fucking girl for me..." JJ says as I moan out. "JJ harder.." I couldn't say anything else. It was odd moaning another mans name but they both loved it, which made me feel dirty.

JJ gladly fucked me harder. I was going between watching Rafe fuck his hand and watching JJ in the mirror. "Fuck you're so tight princess..." He dragged out. "I'm so close Jayj..." I announce with a whine. Rafe caught my attention with a low groan. I looked over and saw his cum shooting up onto his stomach.

He was still yanking himself, riding out his high, when he said "JJ I want you to cum in her fucking pussy". I couldn't help but moan, feeling JJ's thick cock in my pussy, watching Rafe cum, and him saying THAT.

JJ let go of my hair and held my hips, bringing them backwards to meet his. We were both a moaning mess and Rafe was just watching, sitting there in his mess. He looked afraid to blink, like he was going to miss something. I pushed back onto JJ's dick, wanting more, he was making me feel so good and I didn't want it to end.

"Fuck Jayj- i-im gon-gonnaaa cum" I squeal out. "Me too princess. Are you ready?" I nod after he asked. He counted us down before with both released together, screaming each other's names. I fucked myself with his dick, riding out my high.

"Good girl.." He said biting his lip, helping guide my ass. He slipped out when we were done and gave me a long sloppy kiss, trying to savor the moment, knowing it would never happen again.

Rafe walked away at some point to clean himself up, JJ and I just continued to make out to fill the silence and need. When Rafe returned we all sat on the bed talking about what just happened. "How did it feel?" Rafe asked me. "He's really good.." I say panting, getting butterflies from the recent memory. He smiled at me and JJ before speaking.

"Y/N, I loved the way your face looked when JJ was taking you from behind..." He said while rubbing my back. "I suggest we make this a regular thing." I nearly choked when I heard him say that.

Rafe Cameron...never...shares.

"I 1000% agree" JJ said almost too enthusiastically which made me giggle. "That was both the craziest and sexiest shit I've ever been a part of. Of course I'd love to." I say smiling.

He smiled and I could tell he had a mischievous thought. "Next time I wanna try something new." He smirked to me and JJ.

"I will do whatever you two want if it feels that good.." I blush, looking between both of them.

"Good girl " They are so creepy with that shit...but it's so sexyyyy.

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

EWAN MITCHELL INTERVIEWED BY DECIDER MAGAZINE.

SO KNOWING HOW HE'S SO STUDIOUS AND THOUGHTFUL, WHAT DO YOU THINK THE CHANCES ARE, IF HE STILL HAS THE DANGER, HE CAN FIGURE OUT THERE'S A HIDDEN MESSAGE THERE?

"Yeah, I think I could imagine that."

"I could imagine Aemond reading a book by the fire and he just puts it over the fireplace and then he’s privy to the information of Aegon’s dream."

"But I can’t confirm nor deny it."

ALICENT MENTIONS TO RHAENYRA IN THE FINALE THAT AEMOND PLANS TO FLY TO HARRENHAL. DAEMON HAS HAD QUITE THE SEASON THERE, BEING AFFECTED BY THE MAGIC THERE. DO YOU HAVE A SENSE OF HOW THAT MAGIC COULD AFFECT AEMOND?

"I think that’s a good question."

"I think if he was to go to Harrenhal, I think, I don’t know."

"It’s similar to what we were saying with Helaena."

"Like, if there was some sort of way that he would be able to harness that power and to use it to his advantage, he could be quite dangerous."

SO, ARE YOU EXCITED TO SORT OF DELVE INTO WHAT COULD POTENTIALLY MOTIVATE AEMONE TO OPEN UP TO SOMEONE? WHAT DO YOU THINK WOULD MAKE HIM SO VULNERABLE?

"I think just finding all of that multifaceted nuance in Aemond, and really exploring that shadow side even more…"

"You know, just constantly keeping the audience on their toes and presenting an angle of Aemond that we hadn’t really seen before."

"He always kind of looked for surrogates for his mother."

"He found it in Vhagar, so to speak."

"An old she-dragon parallel."

"And he found it in the madame."

"But is that enough? So he’s always looking for his match, so to speak."

"Whether or not he finds it is another thing."

"Maybe there’s no one good enough for Aemond."

"Maybe he’s not good enough for anyone either."

HE'S SO RUTHLESS IN TERMS OF THE WAY HE WANTS TO APPROACH THE BATTLES AHEAD. IS HIS MINDSET FOR HIS OWN GLORY AND POWER, OR IS HE ACTUALLY JUST TRYING TO SAVE HIS FAMILY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AND SECURE TEAM GREEN'S CLAIM?

"I think it’s interesting."

I think when he approaches Alicent and Helaena in Episode 8, he kind of says, 'Like, look, it’s either them or us and I’m choosing. It’s gonna be them.'

"We can’t go down without a fight."

"Because if the Blacks were to come into power, it would be the Greens heads who would be on the chopping block."

"And Aemond especially."

"So it is a fight for self preservation."

"But whether or not he has his family’s interests at heart or whether or not he’s just thinking for himself?"

"I want to leave that out there."

"I want to let people make their own judgment on that."

"I think he definitely loves his mum and he wants his mum at the end."

ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCENES IS THE ONE WHERE YOU BASICALLY DRESS DOWN AEGON IN HIGH VALYRIAN. WHAT WAS IT LIKE PREPARING FOR THAT? WAS IT AS DELICIOUS TO DO AS IT LOOKED OR WAS IT JUST ANOTHER EXTRA CHALLENGE THAT YOU JUST DID NOT WANT TO FACE IN TERMS OF MASTERING A FOREIGN LENGUAJE?

"I mean I remember doing it a few different ways, but I always kind of settled on the idea that Aemond, throughout those first four episodes, he’s just so composed."

"We see other players around the council table and they raise their voices, and Aemond is the kid who’s just acting from the peripheries."

"He’s waiting for his moment."

"He never raises his voice too much."

So in that moment, when he very much seizes a chance to attack Rook’s Rest and work with Criston Cole, he very much says, 'I’m taking over now.'

"It is a public humiliation, but he does it in such a way that Aegon is able to save face because only him and Aegon can understand it (and maybe Grand Maester Orwyle can, as well)."

"It’s something quite merciful in a way.

BEFORE THE SEASON STARTED, I TALKED TO YOU ABOUT HOW YOU STAYED AWAY FROM MATT SMITH ON SET IN SEASON 1 SO THAT WHEN THEY STARE EACH OTHER DOWN DURING DINNER, IT WOULD BE MORE IMPACTFUL. SO I'M CURIOUS, HAVE YOU MET GAYLE RANKIN YET?

"I – I have not."

OH, OKAY. IS THAT INTENTIONAL OR?

"I mean, I’ve obviously seen Gayle Rankin’s phenomenal performance in the show, but also like the Harrenhal set itself is in a different studio to the studio of the Red Keep."

"So I never really brushed shoulders with Gayle Rankin or Matt Smith this season, other than that moment when Daemon sees the vision of Aemond in Harrenal."

"I think — I think I briefly [met Gayle] at the read through."

"Briefly."

OK, COOL. I WAS JUST CURIOUS, BUT THANK YOU SO MUCH. I REALLY APPRECIATE IT AND I'M REALLY EXCITED TO SEE ALYS AND AEMOND MEET BECAUSE THAT IS A RELATIONSHIP I HAVE SO MUCH CURIOSITY ABOUT.

"No comment."

[kmblckbk]

Bloodweave X reader

Astarion x f!Reader x Gale

Word count: 3k

18+

Warning: contains smut and minor mention of SA

Summary: After a big battle you return to camp with you companions, and you can’t wait to rest. But 2 of your companions have other ideas.

*english is not my first language so i'm sorry if there are any spelling mistakes.*

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

you can’t wait to go to sleep. The last fight was hard and on top of that a certain wizard and vampire kept asking for your attention. You knew Gale wouldn’t like sharing, he was a focus on one person kind of guy.  and Astarion, well, he opened up to you about what he went through with Cazadore a little and you’d understand he’s not ready for a physical relationship just yet. He’s been more open about the idea ever since he’s killed Cazadore, but you  knew trauma took a long time to heal. But you would do anything to help him, in whatever way you could.

The 2 man have been battling over your attention. You liked it, but some times it became exhausting. Especially because you liked them both. It hurt you to think about one day having to choose between them. You’ve been nice to both, you’ve been implying that you’d see a future with both of them, of course they don’t know about your feelings for the other. But you just couldn’t choose, not yet at least.

you walk into your tent, exhausted from the day, and are met with the 2 men that’s been on your mind. None other than Gale and Astarion are waiting for you.  “Hello darling” Astarion says. “oh uh hi” you say awkwardly, did they find out? “Gale and I had an very interesting conversation” he says walking up to you, so close you can smell him, he smells like rosemary and brandy, you didn’t know you would like that combination as much as you do. “yeah, and you were the main topic” Gale says coming up to you too, standing close to Astarion. Gale smells of old books, like he’d spent days in the library and something sweet to like rosewood. “oh” you say, dreading where this was going, you were not ready to choose yet. “you see Gale here told me you were seeing him, but I thought we had something special darling?” Astarion says, his tone is not sweet, it’s dark and something else. “and here I was thinking I was the only one who had your heart” Gale tells you, he sounds more disappointing, yet not to the extend you thought he would.

“i-I” you try to explain, but what was there to explain. You are caught red handed and now it was time to tell them the truth. “I’m sorry, I just. I like you, both of you. please don’t make me choose, I’m not ready” you tell them. “hmm what to do, what to do” Astarion says. “what do you think Gale?”. “well if she can’t choose….” They seem to communicate without using words, and your getting a little nervous. “oh look Gale we’re making our girl nervous”. Your cheeks heat up, their girl? “hm, maybe we need to show her” Gale says. “show me what?” you ask nervously. “you’ll see” Astarion says darkly, more dark than you ever hear him before. “hands out darling” he says and you do. you don’t know where he got it from but he binds your wrist together with rope. “what?” you ask shocked. You hear Gale chuckle as he comes up behind you. “don’t worry, we’ll take care of you” you heard Astarion’s voice when it got dark, but you never knew Gale could do the same and you feel yourself already getting wet at the sound of his dark voice. “you sure you can handle us both” he whispers into your ear while Astarion binds your hands above you. “what” you whisper. “do you think you can handle us both?” Gale asks again before kissing your neck. “hmmhmm” you murmur. A hands replaces his soft lips as Astarion holds you tightly by your throat. “he asked you something darling” he says, his pupils blown wide. “yes” you gasp. “you sure?” “yes” you breath out again. “good” Astarion says as he let’s go of you. they switch places, Astarion now standing behind you and Gale in front of you. Gale kisses you deeply before he drops to his knees before you.

“may i?” he asks looking up at you. you nod your head. “use your words love” he demands. “yes, please” you tell him. he lowers your pants and underwear before he places a soft kiss on your wet heat. You gasp. “gods I wanted to taste you for so long”. He says before he kisses and licks you where you need him most. “fuck yes” you moan, letting you head fall back on Astarion’s shoulder. “look at how he’s eating you darling, he looks like a starved man, all for you” Astarion says while he holds you so you can see exactly what Gale is doing to you “fuck” you breath out at the sight. “it get’s me hungry too” Astarion says brushing your hair back from your neck. You feel a sting before pleasure washes over you as he sinks his teeth into you and drinks. You never knew it heightened your feelings this much. You moan as the feeling overwhelm you. “shhhh be quite darling, otherwise the whole camp will know what we’re doing to you” Astarion tells you, before he goes back to sucking your neck.

You gasp out loud as you feel Gale’s finger enter you while his tongue still strokes your clit. “what did I tell you” Astarion says as his hand covers your mouth. “stay silent, or we have to punish you darling”. You try your hardest but the pleasure is to great and you feel your orgasm rise. Gale was not lying when he told you he had a skilled tongue, gods. “oh she’s about to come” Gale says against you clit making a moan slip, but it’s being muffled by Astarion’s hand. “that fast” Astarion says mockingly. He grabs your throat and places a bruising kiss on your lips as your orgasm washes over you. “good girl” he whispers against your lips as you pant. “you taste absolutely define dear” Gale says staring up at you. “fuck Gale that was amazing” you tell him stroking his cheek lovingly. “oh we aren’t done yet darling” Astarion says, a grin on his face that means trouble. you look over at him. “are you sure, I, I don’t want you to do anything you aren’t ready for yet” you tell him, while still trying to catch your breath. “don’t worry about me darling, I’m right where I want to be” he says before you feel a finger against your back entrance. “oh fuck Astarion” you moan. “you sure you can take us both?” he asks, pushing against my back entrance harder. “I didn’t think…” you breath out. “you didn’t think what? that we meant at the same time? Darling you know better than that”. With that he pushes the tip of his finger inside you, slowly. “fuck” you breath out, it unlike anything you ever felt before. “hmmm I like virgin ass, think you can take me while Gale fills your other hole” he whispers. As on que gale starts removing his clothes. “someone is eager, I think he likes the idea” Astarion says darkly. “I, I don’t-” you breath out and moan as Astarion pushes his finger deeper inside you. “look at your eager ass sucking my finger in, you are a whole less innocent then I thought you were” he says “are you ready for Gale to fuck you darling?” he asks. “y-yes” you breath out, you need more. “eyes on me then” Gale says, grabbing your chin roughly and making you look at him. “you sure you can take me?” he asks. You nod franticly. He looks so good standing there in just his underwear, you wanna touch him, kiss him but your bound in place by the rope. “give our girl what she wants” Astarion says before he plunges another finger inside your ass.

Gale removes his underwear, and you suddenly don’t feel so sure you can actually take him. “don’t look so surprised love” Gale says his voice darker than you ever heard it before. “i-I” you can’t get the words out as a moan slips from your lips, when he enters you in one thrust. Your head falls back and your eyes close at the feeling of his thick length inside you. you never had someone this big before. “fuck your tight” Gale groans. “oh fuck” you breath feeling to full and overwhelmed already, and he hasn’t even moved yet. “How does she feel?” Astarion asks Gale. “so. Fucking. Tight” he groan as he slowly starts moving. “oh fuuuck” you moan, unable to stay silent. Your hands search for something to hold on to, but the rope is keeping you from it. “does it feel good darling” Astarion whispers in your ear as he stretches your ass with his fingers. “f-fuck y-yes” you breath out as Gale picks up speed. “hmm you like gale fucking you while I stretch your ass?”. “yes” you moan again. “good girl, look how well you’re taking us” Gale groans as he picks up speed, hitting that one spot inside you that makes you scream. Astarion’s hand clamps over your mouth again “what did I say about keeping silent darling?” he says mockingly. I moan into his hand as Gale thrust in harder and deeper. “fuck your ready to come again aren’t you, I feel you fucking clamping on my fingers” he groans. “please” you beg them, but the sound is muffles by Astarion’s hand. “what was that darling….you want it harder and…deeper?” Astarion says mockingly. “I think she said she wants it harder Gale” he says. you try to shake your head, it’s already to much but Gale picks up speed even faster and Astarion pushes a third finger in your ass. You come so hard you see stars. But both men don’t stop. No, they continue their ungodly rhythm.

“I think she’s ready for a little more” Astarion says as he pulls his finger out your ass. “no” you breathe. “I can’t” you say trying desperately to catch your breath after the best orgasm you’ve had in your life. “you can darling” Astarion says as he swiftly removes his clothing. Gale’s ruthless tempo slows and he just shallowly thrusts in and out you as a softer pace now. “hold her open for me” Astarion asks him. Gales hands come down on your ass and he pulls you ass cheeks apart. “fuck your beautiful” you hear Astarion say, before you feel something push against your back entrance. “fuck” you groan as you feel him push against you. “relax darling, let me in” he says in a more caring voice now. He pushes against you “fuck I need some lube” he says. not even a second later Gale magically conjures a bottle of lube. “and that’s why I like wizards” Astarion says before you feel something cold touch your ass. You feel Gale pull out of you just when Astarion enters you. at first it feels unpleasant, but then it feels full, so fucking full. “gods” you breathe. “you’re doing so well love” gale says his hand leaving your ass as he circles your clit, slowly, but firmly. Until Astarion is seated fully inside. “you feel so good darling” Astarion half groans “are you okay?” he asks you. “yes” you breathe “are you?” you ask him, you hate that you can’t see him right now. “I’m more than okay darling” he says before he slowly starts moving. “oh shit” you moan, why does it feel good. It also hurt a little but in some way that made you even more wet. “fuck yes darling” you hear Astarion groan. You take it as a good sign, and that he’s enjoying himself so your mind stops worrying about him.

You close your eyes enjoying the feeling. Your eyes shoot open when you feel Gale’s cock move through your folds. “Gale” you gasps as he puts himself against your entrance. “you wanted us both, so you get us both” he says darkly before he slowly thrusts inside you. your vision blurs at the overwhelming fullness you feel. “fuck I can fucking feel you” Astarion mutters to Gale. “fuck” Gale groans in response. I’m already feeling another orgasm rise. “please��please” you have no idea what you’re begging for, the stimulation overwhelming you. “come for us” Gale orders as he starts moving in and out of you again. You’re so close, you’re almost there…….. Astarion’s lips crash on Gale’s and the sight of there tongue’s clashing is enough to make you burst.

Your visions blackens for a second. Both Astarion and Gale have stopped moving. “there she is, good girl” Gale murmurs as he places a loving kiss on your forehead. “fuck I can’t anymore” you breathe. “you can do one more” Astarion says as you feel him pull out your ass. “I want to look at you as I come” he says, as he and Gale switch places.

Astarion lifts you up and you wrap your legs around him, kissing him deeply. You moan into the kiss as he enters you. the feeling is so overwhelming you don’t know if you can handle one more orgasm. “no, I can’t. please” you beg. “you can do one more darling” Astarion says as he kisses you again. you feel Gale’s presents at your back before he trust inside your back entrance in one thrust. “hmmhhmmm f-ffuuuckk” you have no idea where the sounds are coming from that leave you, and who might hear. But you’re too far gone to care. You only feel them. Gale and Astarion as they thrust in and out of your holes in a brutal paste. “fuck I’m gonna come” Gale groans. “fuck, me to” Astarion says back. “you gonna come with us love” Gale says kissing your neck. “oh fuck…FUCK!” you scream out as yet another orgasm breaks you. you feel Gale and Astarion come inside you almost at the same time. You have no idea if your still coming or if it’s another orgasm. Astarion cut’s the rope holding your hands bound to the tent. Your hand are still bound as you put them around Astarion’s neck. “I love you guys” your words come out as if your drunk or something, but you mean what you say. or at least you think you do. thinking is a little hard right now. “darling” you hear Astarion whisper. “darling come back to us”. It’s then that you realize you have closed your eyes and your face is burried in Astarion’s neck. “hm?” you open your eyes and looking at him. “there she is again” he says.

Gale walks into the tent, you didn’t even realize he left, or noticed when he pulled out of you. “let’s clean you up” he says as Astarion puts you down and unties your hands. After Gale has cleaned you up you lay down in your tent. Your cuddled up between the 2 men. Your head lays on Gales chest while Astarion’s hand is slung over you. “so you’re really okay with this?” I ask Gale. “yes, I’d do anything for your love. Besides, he isn’t so bad” he says nodding to Astarion before kissing you softly.

 Astarion has been suspiciously silent, and it worries you. you roll around to look at him. he seems lost in his mind. “Astarion?” you ask softly. You should have know he was not ready for this. “Astarion?” you ask again when he doesn’t react. “yes darling?” he says looking over at you, as his normal charming self, like nothing is wrong. “are you okay?” you ask him softly. “I am” he says smiling at you. you look at him, really look, and you know there is more to it than that. Tears spring into your eyes as you really look at him. because he doesn’t look fine. And you hate yourself for being so caught up in your lust and desires you didn’t think how this would be for him. “hey, what are the tears for darling?” he asks as he brushes them away. “I’m sorry, I just, I didn’t want you to do anything you clearly wasn’t ready for. I’m so so sorry Astarion” you tell him. “hey come here” he says holding you tightly to his chest. “I was ready, I am ready…with you I’m ready. You have nothing to apologize for. I enjoyed what we just did. It’s just” he says taking a deep breath. “it’s just what?” you ask him, looking up at him with teary eyes. “it’s just that I realize now what I missed all those years. It never felt like it does with you” he says softly. “what?” I ask him. “please don’t make me repeat that, it’s hard enough to tell you this, but yes. With you it feels right, I enjoy it and I can’t get enough of you. I’ve forgotten what that felt like” he says. “I love you” you tell him. “I love you too” he says his eyes shining like you’ve never seen them before. You place a soft kiss on his lips before you turn to Gale “and I love you” you tell him. “I love you too” he says smiling as he cuddles you from behind, as you fall asleep on Astarion’s chest.

The next morning you’re the first one awake, and you decide to make your men some breakfast. You slowly get out of their grip, careful not to wake them and leave your tent. You’re a bit sore, okay more than a bit, your ass feel raw, but it only makes you remember last night which makes you smile. “so had fun last night he?” Karlach says grinning. “I would appreciate it not waking me up in the future” Shadowheart says looking at you judging. “leave the girl be, everyone needs a little fun once in a while. And she deserves it for all she’s done for us” Wyll says, as always the gentleman. “so who was it?” Karlach asks. “oh well uhm”. “no way” Shadowheart gasps as both Gale and Astarion walk out of your tent at the same time. “go get em girl” Karlach grins, fist bumping your shoulder before everyone returns to their daily tasks. “you okay there love, your cheeks are a little flushed” Gale says. “I told you to keep silent darling” Astarion grins at you before they both kiss one of your cheeks. “now let’s get breakfast, you need to eat before round 2 tonight”.

[elizais]

hii!! how about something like dazai's first meeting is with reader at oda's grave. it is ada dazai and reader knows oda since childhood. reader has an ability of being able to transport themselves + whoever in a 2m range to a moment in time for an hour as long as she is holding a photo of said moment. her ability is of a one time use.

you can choose however reader knows oda and i don't mind how angsty it is as long as reader and dazai are happy in the end!

thank you so much and don't feel a need to write this!!

"don't feel a need to write this"?? GIRL I LOVE THIS. i switched stuff around like lupin's locations and that but don't think too hard.

@cafekitsune for the divider!!

"photographic memories"

dazai x reader, angst/fluff, read anon's req 4 a summary!! mentions of alcohol, obvs spoilers. references to the day i picked up dazai but they aren't spoilers.

it was the day that marked another year since that day. usually, he would spend a few hours at odasaku's grave before heading to bar lupin. walking up to the old friend's grave, a woman around dazai's age was there too.

a bouquet of flowers was in her hands as she knelt before the headstone, carefully setting them down below the "S . ODA". dazai didn't say a word as he knelt next to her, she didn't say a word either. maybe not even noticing his arrival.

he placed a few flowers before the headstone too, earning a glance from the woman next to him. she doesn't seem to be too affected by him.

however, she mutters something so quietly only osamu could make out her words. "such a cheater.." she says with a tint of amusement in her voice. he knows exactly what she is referring to.

"i know, right." he responds, thinking of every time he lost to odasaku in a card game due to oda's ability.

they are in a comfortable silence, two strangers connected by one person. dazai speaks up again, "what's your name?" he asked.

"[name]." she whispered. she looked up at him, he sees her eyes meet his bandages.

"are you osamu dazai?" she asks. "the bandages are my trademark, huh?" he chuckled softly before nodding. "oh, no. don't take offense, please!" she says genuinely before carrying on. "funnily enough, i heard about your bandages from soda." she reminisced, and called oda by a nickname of 'soda'.

he has a lot of questions regarding what she just said but he voices none of them aside from one. "how do you know him?" he looks at her, she is looking at oda's name.

"my father owns bar lupin, and i have known oda since he began coming to the bar. he bought me sodas when dad refused to give me them for free and he earned his nickname of soda." she explained gently.

"what did he say about me?" he asked, curious on how the stranger knew his name. "when oda joined the port mafia, he told me about you and ango. nothing specific but i just remembered ango has glasses with a mole and you have bandages." she shrugged.

"spot on description of ango." he said sarcastically.

he sighed before whispering to himself, "i would do anything to even be in the safe room as him again. he is an excellent man."

the lady is very friendly yet still reserved. she thinks for a moment before pulling out her phone.

within the clear phone case, a photo of a younger version of the girl holding a can of lemonade and a young oda are together.

"i can take you to that moment for a little bit, if you like?" she offers unsurely. his eyes widen and nods slowly. "[name]? how will you do that?" he asks. the stranger's kindness shocking him.

"my special ability allows me to transport myself and anyone close to me, physically, to a moment in time for an hour. we won't be able to talk to oda but you will be in the same room as him as you wish." she explains.

"are you sure? we just met?" he asks, also unsure of if her ability would even work on him. "you must have been important to oda. so you must be a good man, too." she smiles softly.

her words echo in his head, 'a good man, too'.

"my ability nullifies any others. do you have to touch me to use your ability?" he asks, she only responds with a shake of her head. she takes the photo out of her phone case and stands up. osamu follows her lead and stands up too. "ready?" she asks and receives a nod.

the girl has transported them to the bar lupin. they are in a booth at the back. oda and a younger version of the girl are talking on the barstools. dazai seems to be very confused.

"why am i here? my ability should have nullified yours?" he asks. "you weren't touching me when i activated it. if you touch me now, our time here will pause so we can be here for longer than an hour." he nods his head in reply.

it was rare an ability gets past his, of course no ability could totally surpass his. but the complexity of hers was gorgeous.

"thank you, [name]." he says softly. she smiles, "of course. we both lost him, why wouldn't i take you?"

"do you want a drink, dazai?" she asks him, snapping him out of his trance of watching the past oda. "yes, please. but i thought you couldn't interact with anyone in this time period?" he speaks.

"we can't but that doesn't mean i don't know my way around this bar. come here." she takes him behind the bar and shows him the drink selection. they are stood in front of 15 year old [name] and a 20 year old oda.

dazai and [name] help themselves to drinks as they watch oda. dazai can't shake the feeling [name]'s ability gives him. so beautiful yet powerful. not one for combat but more for remembering. how it is so intricate yet can easily be explained in a few sentences.

dazai then hears his own name in oda's voice.

"oda-soda? what does the boy look like?" past [name] asks. current [name] gives dazai a nudge, referring to how she recognised dazai earlier.

"he must be around your age, dark brown hair and is wrapped up in bandages. awfully clever too! he figured out soon how i cheat in so many games." oda spoke cheerfully to the girl. current [name] found herself smiling at them.

"your ability is beautiful." dazai spoke. "thank you." she hummed. starting to walk back to their booth, she stayed silent. "i'm sorry about what happened." she says ever so quietly, almost as if it was the wind's whistles outside. dazai doesn't respond.

"we have around 5 minutes left. when we go back to current time, it will be the middle of the night. time is messed up when i do this, so don't be alarmed." she explains, interrupting the comfortable silence they sat in.

"i cannot thank you enough, [name]." he says in a normal tone of voice, but so loud compared to the quiet bar. "it is nothing, i don't use my ability much anyways."

both of your eyes were watering yet not a single tear fell. you may have just officially met, but you both had a newly formed bond that will be with you both forever.

now back at the cemetery, it was pitch black.

"kind of eerie, isn't it?" he spoke. not clarifying whether he meant the setting or her ability. she assumed both.

"yeah." she chuckled softly. "is each photo a one time use?" osamu asked as he looked into her eyes.

she nodded. "it's a shame, but if i could use every photo a million times i wouldn't spend any time in this world, would i?" she elaborated.

they both began to walk back, osamu beginning to tell a story of how one time bar lupin was closed one night but the lupin trio wanted to go out drinking.

they went to every bar in the city but there was something wrong with each one. one bar not being dim enough, another too dim, one having a weird looking cat, one having an ugly wallpaper..

she began to lose herself laughing at the story as he said how one of the reasons being their bartender was funky looking.

subconsciously, they both began to walk to bar lupin. when they arrived at the door, osamu asks her "isn't it almost closing time? will they let us in?" yet he gets a witty response.

"if they don't let us in, my dad would have their heads. i may be an adult now but in here i'm still that little girl with a lot of attitude."

only a few people are in there, each one in their own conversation. a familiar old gentleman is behind the bar. "[name], i didn't know you knew dazai?" he asks.

"i didn't know either. weird, isn't it?" she responds, the bartender knowing her and dazai enough to know what they will order. "on the house for you two. my condolences." the bartender passes them their drinks, knowing all too well why they met.

hours go by, so many that the bartender says that she can stay for as long as she likes but she will need to lock up if she does. they spend the whole night chatting away.

countless photos are taken, this night will be one the two of them will want to revisit in the future.

heyy!!! sorry 4 not posting recently! and if u got to this bit,, thank u sm xx, if you want something in particular, drop a req!!

[madneedshelp]

Always Choose You - Eddie Roundtree x Female Reader

Summary: You and Eddie were never meant to be more than a fling. So, why did you both keep coming back?

Includes: implied sex, alcohol and drug use, adult language

Note: The bolded names followed by a colon represent interview dialogue like from in the book.

The first time you met Eddie was at some gig he played with The Six. It was before Look At Us Now had blown up and they’d flown to stardom. No, you met him back in the days of small clubs on the Strip.

The band had just finished playing, you’d had a few drinks (and therefore some liquid courage in your blood), and you went for it. As soon as the cute bassist headed to the bar himself, you sauntered over.

“You were great up there. I’ve always wanted to play music like that.” You smiled and slid into the seat next to him.

He returned your grin and took a sip of his drink. “Ah thanks, we’ve been at it for a while now. I’m Eddie, by the way.” 

“Pleasure to meet you, Eddie. I’m Y/N. Have you all been in town long, I can’t say I’ve seen you play before.”

He shook his head. “We’re from Pittsburgh. Kind of took a leap of faith coming down here, but I think we’re all happy we did it.” 

You noticed as he glanced quickly over at the side of the bar. The singer of his band was talking with a beautiful brunette, but you could tell he was more focused on the girl than his friend. He looked back to you after almost a split second though, and you were almost convinced you made it up.

“Well, cheers to your success, I’m glad it’s working out for you guys.” You chuckled and clinked your glass with his.

You and Eddie flirted a bit more, drank a bit more, and at the end of the night he climbed into a taxi with you. Your roommate was out for the weekend, so you had an empty apartment and a hot guy at the ready. A nice one night stand could be just what you needed.  

————————

It never occurred to you that you’d see him again. Hell, you’d practically forgotten him after all that time had passed. Not that the two of you didn’t have a great night together, you were just both a little drunk and it was just once, so it never really crossed your mind. 

But then here you were, at a party for your roommate’s friend. She hadn’t told you much detail about the party, just that her friend Camila was hosting a housewarming party of sorts and she wanted you to come along as her guest. It gave you an excuse to get dressed up and it sounded fun, so you agreed without much thought. 

Your roommate, Sarah, introduced you to Camila and her husband Billy when you first arrived. Something seemed vaguely familiar about them, but you figured it was just because Billy’s band was famous and there was buzz about them everywhere. Still, you felt like maybe there was something else about them. As Camila and Sarah got caught up in conversation, you politely excused yourself to go grab a drink.

The house was full of people and you felt slightly like you were in a maze. Luckily, you wove your way to the bar area and were able to acquire a beer. 

You decided the next stop should be the patio out back. It was getting a little stuffy and some fresh air sounded perfect. You were on your way to the back door when someone stumbled into you from behind.

“Oh shit, my bad.” The man said immediately.

You turned and gave him a small smile. “It’s all good, no worries.” 

“Jesus Warren, I leave you alone for like five minutes and you’re already stumbling around aimlessly,” a familiar voice chuckled as another man strolled up beside him. 

Holy fuck. As you glanced over at his friend, you realized you knew this guy. This was that bar guy from God knows how long ago. 

It looked like said guy was having the same realization, or at least some kind of epiphany. His eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to really look at you.

“I think I know you from somewhere.” He muttered.

Eddie: Okay, I know it sounds bad, but I promise I didn’t forget about her. It had been a long time. Besides, apparently she couldn’t even remember my name, so we were both a little drunk that night.

Warren: I was high as shit, and I could definitely tell he didn’t recognize her. It’s funny to think about that now, God I can’t even imagine.

His friend-Warren- elbowed him with a laugh. “You can’t pick up chicks with that cheesy ass line, brother. No one is gonna fall for that shit.” 

You kind of wished you had some of whatever this guy was on because he was clearly high as a kite and having a grand old time. 

“Oh, I don’t know.” You let out a quiet, nervous laugh. You weren’t about to explain that you two had fucked and never spoken again once like a year or so ago.

“No, we have met before…” He trailed off in thought, but then his eyebrows shot up as it clicked. “Did you hang around the Sunset Strip by any chance?”

You downed what was left of your drink and nodded. “Yeah, I used to. I think you’ve put that together, though. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab another of these.” You held up the empty bottle and spun on your heel. 

Thankfully, the house had several exits, so you were able to grab your beer and slip out back unnoticed. Well, at least you thought you were. 

“Hey, can I talk to you?”

Bar guy came up beside you and gestured to the empty seat beside you. You felt like shit for this, but you couldn’t remember his name. Fred, maybe? God, you didn’t sleep around that much, you should be able to keep track of this. 

“Sure,” You shrugged. You do remember him being a nice guy, so you weren’t opposed to hearing him out. 

He hesitantly sat down. “Listen, I feel like I should apologize. I’m sorry it took me a minute to recognize you, and…well, I’m sorry I kind of disappeared from your place right after we…” His voice started trailing off when you started chuckling. “What’s funny?”

You felt your face flush and you waved a hand. “No, no, it’s not you, I promise. You really don’t have to apologize for anything, that’s why I was laughing. We slept together after I met you at a bar, I didn’t exactly expect us to grow old together.”

He was chuckling now too. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. I just didn’t want you to think I was an ass or something. Can we start over?”

“Y/N. It’s nice to meet you.” You smiled and held out your hand for him to shake. 

“Eddie, and likewise.” 

Eddie! So you were kind of close earlier. Truth be told though, this was one of the weirdest encounters with a hookup that you’d ever had. Normally, you wouldn’t dream of interacting with someone afterwards, but something about this guy was different. You kind of liked talking to him, and you remember feeling like that the first time you met him too. 

———————— 

You woke up in a room that was definitely not yours, which caused a little bolt of panic to shoot through you. It only took a second for it to all come flooding, thankfully. 

Somehow, you had decided it was a good idea to go home with Eddie last night. Again. That definitely was not in your plan. You weren’t in the habit of dragging out one night stands, but it looks like you had a repeat. You two wound up hanging out for most of the party last night, and you were talking, then you were kissing, and now you were here. But God, was he a good repeat. To be honest, when you snuck a glance down at his sleeping face beside you, all you could think about was that he was kind of beautiful. 

A knocking came from the door and it nearly startled you out of bed. 

“Eddie! We gotta leave for the studio, man! Billy wants us there in an hour!” 

You looked down and realized you were bare ass naked, and immediately lunged for your clothes. You weren’t sure if Eddie’s roommate would just barge in, but you were not about to be caught naked if he did. Immediate relief flooded through you as you pulled on your dress and heard footsteps as the guy walked away from the door, but you were mostly amazed by the fact that none of this had actually woken Eddie. 

This was actually kind of worse. Now you had to make a choice. Did you leave unnoticed or did you wake him up and face the morning after conversation. You really didn’t want to talk. You hooked up once and then again, it was a weird string of events that you couldn’t hash out right now. Unfortunately, he showed no signs of waking up and you’d feel really bad if he was late to his band thing. 

With a sigh you stepped over to the bed and shook his shoulder gently. Then you shook it a little less gently. This man could sleep through a fucking tornado. 

Finally, he sat up and rubbed his face. “Hmm? Oh, mornin’...”

You quickly wiped off the tiny smile that threatened to overtake your face. Thinking he looked cute, all sleepy in the morning, was not a road you needed to go down. “Hey, your friend just knocked and said Billy wants you at the studio in an hour. You seemed pretty out of it, so I just wanted to let you know before I left.”

He muttered something about “he’s such an asshole” under his breath before looking back up at you. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”

“Yeah, no problem,” You nodded as nonchalantly as possible. “Well, I’m going to head out now. Um, thanks…for last night.”

The second the words left your mouth, you knew how stupid it all sounded. You used to be pretty smooth, but apparently that was temporary. You had to get out of there before you made it worse. You grabbed your purse and strode hurriedly for the door, but before you were outside, Eddie shouted. 

“Hey, wait!”

You looked back over your shoulder at him as he pulled on a pair of flannel pajama bottoms and started over to you. “Yeah?”

“Listen, um, I had fun last night. And I like you.” He combed a hand through his wild hair.

He looked like he wanted to keep going, but you cut him off first. “I’m not really looking for a relationship.” You blurted the words before you could think, and they left a curiously bitter taste in your mouth.

He looked mildly surprised at the outburst, but then shook his head. “I’m not either, actually. Honestly, I’m kind of getting over someone else right now. Stop me if I’m out of line here, but I was wondering if you might want to do this again sometime. All I’m saying is I had fun, and if you had fun too, then could I get your number? I promise I’m not proposing we grow old together here.” 

You chuckled at his reference to your conversation last night. You had to agree with him. Last night was good, and the thought of seeing him again was something you didn’t hate. 

Y/N: I can’t believe I’m actually admitting to this, but yes he became my, oh what is it people say now? My sneaky link? Friends with benefits? Whatever, the point is we kept seeing each other. Just having fun. We were in our 20s and carefree, you know?

————————

You and Eddie kept things casual for a long time. He grew to be one of your closest friends during that time. Yes, it was mainly about the sex for the two of you, but you actually got to know each other well. 

Eddie knew things about you that not even your roommate Sarah did. One night he opened up to you about Camila, about how he’d been in love with her for years and that was why he wasn’t looking for something serious. He seemed really vulnerable about it, and you decided to tell him about your cheating ex and why you didn’t want to date either. The two of you formed an odd sort of bond over that, over loving people that had chosen someone else. 

Eddie: If I’m being honest, I was lying when I told her about Camila. I told her I was still in love with her, but I hadn’t been for a while. I was just too afraid to admit that maybe I moved on. 

Y/N: I was done with it just being a fling at that point. Sure, I was still hurt by what happened, but I think Eddie helped heal that untrusting part of me. I felt ready for a relationship, but I didn’t know where he stood on the matter. I didn’t fess up because it almost felt better to have him in that way, than to not have him in my life anymore.

Karen: They were so obviously in love with each other, I’ll never know how they couldn’t see it in each other. The rest of us definitely could. 

Graham: Y/N and Eddie? Yeah, I think the rest of us knew about them before they knew themselves. It was annoying as hell to live with them, I mean especially sharing a wall with Eddie. Warren and I took bets on how long it would take them to actually figure out their shit, and that son of a bitch beat me. 

You and Eddie were lovers for almost a year. 

Everything changed on a night that seemed so typical. Eddie had showed up at your place, absolutely livid.

“He cut my fucking part from the song! He’s such a fucking asshole!” Eddie slammed the door behind him and flung his coat over the back of the kitchen chair.

You put your book down and hopped up from the couch. “Again? Shit, Eddie, I hate that he keeps doing that to you.” The moment you placed a calming hand to his chest and leaned against his shoulder, you felt him relax beneath your touch. 

He sighed and wrapped his arms around you. “I’m sorry I keep showing up here like this. I just get so pissed at him, and it’s like the only place I can think of to go is here.”

“Yeah?” You laughed softly.

He was quiet for a moment. “Yeah,” he said with such finality that you could feel a shift in the room. 

The way he was looking at you…like you were something special. Like you were something valuable. 

“And why is that, Ed? Why here?” You whispered.

In answer, he leaned down and kissed you. You too had kissed obviously, but this one felt like it meant something different. “Y/N, I’m so fucking in love with you that it’s all I can think about. Even when I’m not thinking about you, I still am. I was so mad at Billy and had to get out of there, and somehow I drove here without even thinking about it. So, yeah, I’m in love with you. I know that wasn’t in the agreement, but I can’t keep going and not tell you this once.”

You could tell he was going to keep rambling, so you decided to muster up the courage and do what you were dying to do. “Eddie!” He stopped and looked at you, visibly anxious. “Eddie, I love you too. I have for so long, and screw the agreement. I want to be with you.”

Eddie’s face lit up and he kissed you again. And again. And then he stopped to why the tears off your cheeks, which you assured him were happy tears. 

“God, I should’ve told you sooner.” You chuckled and leaned your head against his chest. 

He wrapped his arms around you and kissed the top of your head. “Warren would definitely call you a chicken right now, but I wouldn’t stoop that low.”

Even though he couldn’t see it, you rolled your eyes. “You know, I feel like you kind of did by mentioning it, but I’ll let it slide. Besides, I still thought you had feelings for Camila. I didn’t really think it would ever be me.”

Eddie pulled away slightly so he could look you in the eye. “You know I would always choose you, right? You’re it for me, baby. If you’ll have me, anyways.”

“Always, Eddie, always.” 

Y/N Roundtree: We got married like six months after that. 

Eddie: I would’ve married her that night, to be honest.

[tgmsunmontue]

It's not who you know 4/4

YEAR 4 - Non-angsty Nepo!Baby Bradley and his years at the USNA and his head-in-the-sand approach to the nepotism and the fact that he ends up being known as the guy with the two hot dads instead... (TW: mention of cancer)

(Part 4 is 6.5k long - same length as the first 3 parts combined.)

YEAR FOUR - 2004 and 2005 - PART 4

YEAR FOUR – 2004 – Part 4

                Surprising absolutely no-one Bradley chooses aviation as his warfare cruise option for his first class summer. Part of Tom wants to force him to try something different, to make Slider force Bradley to try something different, but he feels like it would be on par with telling a fish to stop swimming. Bradley belongs in the sky, even if Tom secretly thinks he should maybe have joined the Air Force with his considerable aversion to submarines. Natasha Trace has remained one of Bradley’s closest friends, making the same choice as him and going with aviation. They’re getting in and he’s there in an official capacity to greet the midshipmen.

                Bradley has decided to share with her exactly who he and Pete are, which is going to be just as well considering Bradley invited her to stay for a couple of nights before flying out to her own family. Unfortunately he’s pretty sure he won’t have told her yet and they’re about to walk past him. Ah well, there’s nothing for it.

                “Welcome back Midshipman Bradshaw. Midshipman Trace.”

                “Thank you Admiral,” midshipman Trace replies instantly, she doesn’t show any sign of recognizing him, so he guesses Mav was right about the whole uniform and disguise thing. Although she could simply be more concerned about Bradley’s lack of response which forces him to hold back a smile as she elbows Bradley subtly in the side.

                “Uh. Yeah. Thank you Admiral.”

                Tom nods and moves on to welcoming back some of the other midshipmen, can’t wait to actually see Bradley at home and talk to him.

…             …             …

                “Bradley… why does the new Vice Admiral know my name? Oh my god, what have I done?”

                “Do I need to remind you that our names are on our uniforms?”

                “How do you score so highly in observational skills? He approached us from the side, the angle was all wrong. I don’t know if it’s a good thing or bad thing. Although, did he look familiar to you? I feel like I’ve seen him before, or maybe I’m just remembering it from the Navy News. Okay, I’m freaking out a little…”

                “Yeah. You’re rambling. It’s okay. Uh. Okay, so I have something to tell you. And it’s totally going to make you annoyed, but I’m hoping you’ll understand why I haven’t shared it with anyone. And I mean anyone.”

                “What?”

                “My dads… have you heard of Peter Mitchell, callsign Maverick?”

                Bradley can’t help flinch at the look she gives him.

                “Yes Bradley, we just had to learn about him, or had you forgotten already? I mean, you didn’t seem to be paying much attention in class,” Natasha says, her tone just as scathing as her expression and he rolls his shoulders; preparing himself mentally for her . He’s grown up just knowing so much already by dint of who raised him that there are definitely times in class when he zones out.

                “I didn’t need to pay attention. Maverick is my dad. Well. This is where it kind of gets complicated. My dad was Lieutenant Nicholas Bradshaw, and he flew with Maverick. But he died in 1986 in a training accident. Maverick helped my mom raise me, until she died. Then it was Maverick and his partner…”

                “I’ve met you dad. Peter Bradshaw. You trying to tell me that guy is actually Peter Mitchell?”

                “Yeah. He thinks he’s hilarious. Just think, they haven’t shown us any photos of what Peter Mitchell looks like.”

                “What, all the tutors are in on this conspiracy theory? I mean… are you okay?” Her tone is suddenly serious, like she’s actually worried about him and he feels a welling up of hysterical laughter. Of course the first time he tries to tell someone the truth they doubt him. Of course.

                “Peter Mitchell is my dad –”

                “But he came with your other dad… Tom… Mitchell. Wait…” her eyes are flickering around the port and he knows she’s piecing everything together now. “Oh shit. That was Vice Admiral Tom Kazansky, who looks familiar because he’s your other dad. Fucking hell.”

                He breaths a sigh of relief, glad she’s suddenly gone from thinking him slightly unhinged to acceptance. Now he just has to wait for the anger.

                “Yeah. And I don’t particularly want to have everyone thinking I have it easy because of them.”

                “Bradley, you work harder and longer than anyone else in our year.”

                “Exactly. And I want them to remember that because when they do find out who it is I’m associated with I want them to know I am a hard worker and worthy of respect because I’m me, because I earnt it, not because of Mav and Ice.”

                “Wow. You don’t have a chip on your shoulder or anything do you?”

                “Wouldn’t you?”

                “Army brat, I get you plenty. Huh. Yeah okay. I get it. Damn. A Captain and an Admiral. I really want to be angry but I think I’d have done the same thing. I mean, I didn’t go into the army because I didn’t want to be linked to my family…”

                “Thanks. I didn’t like keeping it from you, once we became friends.”

                “Wait… so how many people know?”

                “Well, I grew up with Mav and Ice. And a lot of their buddies I call uncle.”

                “Like who?”

                “Uh… Uncle Slider.”

                “Admiral Kerner? You call him Uncle Slider?”

                “Obviously not when I’m at Annapolis! But yeah, I grew up calling him Uncle Sli. And there’s pretty much any aviator that’s flown with Mav or Ice know all about me. I’m their kid. I spent a few weeks at Annapolis every summer before Plebe Summer helping things get organized. Most of the people there know me pretty well. Have seen me grow up.”

                “Holy shit. It is like a massive conspiracy theory! So what, they’re all pretending that they don’t know who you are?”

                “No, I just asked them to treat me like any other midshipman. And they’re pretending they don’t know who my parents are, and that means no one else finds out. Unless I tell them.”

                “Well, it explains some of your weirder habits I guess. You know, I can’t decide if he looks better in leather or in uniform. Uniform never did anything for me, but I’m maybe seeing the appeal.”

                “Oh my god, please do not tell either of my dad’s you think they’re hot okay?”

                “They probably know already. Anyway, you owe me one.”

                Bradley groans. He guesses he does.

                …             …             …

                “It’s so good to see you, welcome home.”

                Bradley accepts the crushing hug with a smile, grins at Natasha over Ice’s shoulder, because these are just his dads. The ones that have been doing stupid shit to visit him incognito while he’s at USNA.

                …             …             …

                “Oh no, I had no idea who you were until this afternoon. Bradley’s known to all the others as the guy with the hot dads.”

                “The what?” Tom asks, glad he didn’t have a mouthful of beer, because Pete is having to clean himself up.

                “None of the midshipmen have any idea that Bradley is anything other than one of them. I wouldn’t have believed it except for the fact that I’m sitting here with you.”

                “She’s failing to mention she started calling you my hot dads,” Bradley mutters.

                Mav cackles and Tom hides his smile by taking a sip of his drink.

                …             …             …

                Bradley is studying in the rec room when he hears his name called out. Looks up to find an underclassman looking nervous. He doesn’t blame him, it’s only a couple of weeks in and he’s in his first year, he recognizes him from Plebe Summer.

                “Sorry to interrupt you Bradshaw. Just, uh, Admiral Kerner would like to talk to you. As a matter of urgency. He’s on the phone with someone and yelled for someone to come and get you straight away…”

                He drops everything, doesn’t bother packing up, just starts running. He doesn’t know what has happened, but his mind has immediately jumped to bad news bad news bad news. Nothing else would have Slider yelling for someone to get him. He doesn’t know if it’s Mav or Ice and he has no idea which would be worse. He takes the stairs up two at a time, runs through the open office door and the look on Slider’s face confirms it for him that it is indeed bad news.

                “Take a seat son,” Slider instructs, and he’s so used to following orders he just drops into the chair, eyes not leaving the older man’s face. His stomach is somewhere near his knees and is somehow churning away, he thinks he might be sick. Everything he’s done, and this is what is going to make him throw up.

                “It’s Ice. He’s collapsed. Mav is somewhere in the Middle East. You need to get to San Diego. I’ve organized a lift.”

                “Oh fuck. Do we know what happened?”

                “They’re probably doing tests. But I think he’d appreciate having you there when he wakes up. I can get you there.”

                Bradley accepts that, this is special treatment for Ice. They can’t pull Mav out from whatever active duty deployment he’s currently on, but Bradley is… available. He feels a flash of anxiety over his studies and place in the USNA but it’s immediately overwhelmed by guilt, because none of that is more important than Ice right now. He’ll figure something out.

                …             …             …

                Cancer.

                …             …             …

                Fuck.

                …             …             …

                His entire body goes cold as he thinks about his mom and he sucks in a deep breath.

                …             …             …

                “We think we’ve got it all. We’re going to do a few more biopsies to be sure. He’s going to need some chemo so we installed a port while he was under.”

                …             …             …

                He recognizes the language, doesn’t understand everything that they’re saying but he remembers the feeling. Wishes that Mav was here.

                …             …             …

                “We’re not sure yet of the extent of spread, but we’re hopeful.”

                …             …             …

                Then Mav is there, arms wrapped around him and he feels like a kid again, but also somehow stronger knowing he’s not going through this alone anymore.

                …             …             …

                “Bradley. You’re being offered a deferral. A leave of the remaining year and the opportunity to return next year and finish. It’s a family emergency. This isn’t special treatment.”

                “Sure feels like it.”

                “You deserve good things too kid. But if it would make you feel better I can give you a list of midshipmen we’ve made similar arrangements for in the last decade or so.”

                “No, it’s fine. Thank you sir. Just a lot to get a handle of right now.”

                “Which is why you’re deferring. You take care of that grumpy bastard for us. And the crazy one too, he’s not going to handle this well. Think we’ve already discussed how you’re probably the most reasonable out of the three of you.”

                “That’s not saying much sir.”

                “Well, I didn’t exactly mean it as a compliment. You take care okay, I’ll see you back here soon enough.”

                “Thank you sir.”

                …             …             …

                Jake notices his disappearance. Of course he does. He was his favorite upperclassman and he seemed to be friends with absolutely everyone, including the tutors. Even the brass seemed to be a little extra indulgent of him and he doesn’t know if he’s imagining the campus being quieter, but it feels that way. He tries asking and it’s not quite like getting stone-walled, but all he finds out is that it’s a family thing. At least he knows he hasn’t dropped out. Because that would be a shame.

                …             …             …

                His time becomes somewhat disjointed, in between driving Ice back and forth to chemo appointments, he’s permitted to sit in on particular classes at North Island. He trains with men and women much older than him, experienced commissioned officers, those who know he’s had his final year at USNA disrupted and exactly who has raised him. There is nothing but respect from them, that he has put helping Ice above his naval career.

                He hadn’t intended on getting a regular hookup, but he doesn’t turn it down. The guy, Matthew, is about five years older than him, patient and funny and Bradley takes it for the opportunity it is, to learn what he likes in regard to sex without the time pressure or fear of being found out. Matthew’s not Navy, so he doesn’t care about who Mav and Ice are, is easy going and isn’t intimidated by anything that Bradley can tell. Their hooking up has an end-date, Bradley knowing he’s going to be returning to USNA and Matthew already having post-doctoral plans in Australia at the end of his degree. Neither of them are interested in long distance so Bradley let’s himself have this.         

                He gets to go and watch Natasha graduate. Not only her but his entire original intake. He allows himself to feel disappointed for a few minutes that he’s not taking part, but he doesn’t regret his decision to be there for Ice. Everyone he speaks to he finds the same support, everyone agreeing that his decision to put his studies on hold was the right one. It makes him feel a little guilty that he doesn’t mention that he’s still been able to do some of his study in San Diego, that his physical training hasn’t been impacted in the slightest given that he’s been training at North Island. How in some areas he’s definitely now light years ahead of what they’ll cover at the USNA.

                …             …             …

                “Bradshaw!”

                “Oh. Hey, Seresin right?” Bradley asks, because he can be smooth, pretend he doesn’t know exactly who Jake Seresin is.

                “Yeah. You’re here…”

                “Yeah. Just wanted to see everyone graduate. Had to take a break this year. Family thing. They let me defer my final year. I’ll be back next year though. I still managed some classes as I was pretty close to North Island and SDU were pretty accommodating as well,” Bradley says, and he realizes he’s rambling but can’t help it. Apparently being smooth was a pipe dream abruptly evaporated into mist. The guy was good looking before, but now another year of growing has filled him out, broadened his shoulders.

                “Well, you’re like one of the best they have right? Want to make it easy for you to come back.”

                “Uh… I guess,” Bradley mumbles, and he’s pretty sure he’s now blushing. What the hell?

                “So where is home for you Bradshaw?”

                “San Diego. Why?”

                “Was just thinking of maybe taking a little vacation before returning next year.”

                “What, you want a tour guide?”

                “Something like that…”

                Seresin quirks an eyebrow and Bradley knows his shock is showing on his face. He realizes with him deferring Seresin is now only a year below him, that next year they’ll both be upperclassmen, still different years but not the two it was… He’s going to have to ask Ice for clarification because he sure as hell doesn’t need to be called in, not after already getting a warning for baseless accusations about non-existent fraternization.

                “Uh… sure. Here, let me give you my number.”

                …             …             …

YEAR FOUR take 2 – 2005 – Part 4

                He doesn’t know what deity has decided to smile down on him, but Mav is taking Ice away for a romantic weekend to celebrate the cancer going into remission and it just so happens to be the weekend that Jake is coming to San Diego. He knows they won’t have any issue with him having a guy over, they were fine with Matthew. However Bradley doesn’t want Jake seeing photos of Ice and Mav and himself scattered around the place so he moves around, slides photos into drawers, or places them face down on their bed and closes the door to their bedroom. Leaves a few of his younger self around, doesn’t want to make it look like it isn’t his place. He does pull out the photo that Slider took when Ice and Mav had visited him and puts it on the bookshelf. If Jake somehow recognizes Ice then he’ll deal with it. Hopefully he’ll be otherwise occupied to pay attention to the photos anyway.

                …             …             …

                Jake tries to convince himself he’s not nervous, but he definitely isn’t quite as calm and collected as he hopes he looks as he knocks on the door to a nice-looking house in some suburb.

                Bradley Bradshaw’s house.

                Or at least the address he gave him.

                To come and stay for two nights.

                Bradley opens the door and he’s just as perfect as Jake remembers him. He’s never wanted someone as much and for as long as he’s wanted Bradley Bradshaw. Been drawn to him since he first saw him and now, now, he might get what he’s been waiting for.

                “Hey.”

                “Hey. Come in.”

                He glances around, no one else seems to be here and he wonders. He drops his bag and takes off his shoes.

                “Parents away?” There’s no way Bradley owns this place.

                “Yeah. Celebrating cancer remission.”

                “Ah…” Family thing his brain supplies. “Would they be okay with me being here?”

                “Yeah, I had a, uh, boyfriend and he was here all the time. They were fine with it. Come on…”

                Bradley makes a gesture with his head, encouraging Jake to follow him and he does, moving through to the kitchen. Jake’s brain is catching on the boyfriend, boyfriend, boyfriend and wondering if that’s maybe a position that’s taking applications. He hadn’t considered that and now feels like an idiot for not thinking about it. It’s a traditional time to eat, but he really hopes that there are other things on offer. He doesn’t know how to broach it though, isn’t exactly used to this part.

                “You want a drink?”

                “No thanks, maybe later…”

                The smile is slow, Bradley’s eyes darkening and he steps into Jake’s space and he resists arching into his body. Boyfriend applications of not, he’ll definitely take sex.

                “Am I reading this right?”

                “Yeah.”

                Then it’s a mess of fingers pulling at clothes, lips sliding against his, stubble scraping across his ear and neck, his body being directed to what is clearly a bedroom. Then it’s naked skin, heat, lips again but around his cock, warm hard body pressing against him, firm flesh yielding. All his systems are in overdrive, so many sensations and he never wants it to end and also wants to come so desperately both in equal measure.

                “You okay?”

                “Yeah, yeah, so okay…”

                “Fuck you’re pretty…”

                “Please…”

                He doesn’t have to resort to begging, lets himself be fucked open at the slowest fucking pace and he pushes back, needing it just that little bit faster. Deeper. Harder. A firm hand on his hip stops him and he lets out a little dismayed gasp.

                “Nice and slow okay?”

                No, not okay Jake thinks, his body almost shaking from the intensity, but then he’s being pulled a little and Bradley is finally fully pressed inside, grinding little circles and he slumps, lets out a whine he’s not sure is from desperation, pleasure or frustration. The pace doesn’t increase and Jake realizes he’s just along for the ride, Bradley fucking him long, hard and slow, so achingly slow it’s almost a tease except for the way it just seems to be ratchetting him tighter and tighter. It morphs into a repeated cadence of their bodies moving together and Jake wasn’t expecting it to be like this.

                He thought hard and fast, rushed and desperate feeling, how he’s felt nearly every time he’s seen Bradley Bradshaw cross his line of sight. The only thing that remains is the desperate building need to come, the fact that he feels like he should have already come over fifteen, twenty maybe even thirty minutes ago. He has no idea. Just feels like it’s fucking typical that Bradley is good at sex as well as everything else he tries his hand at. Hands that are touching everywhere, his body covering Jake’s, hand encircling his cock to encourage it along but never enough to get him off.

                “God you feel good… look so good,” Bradley says, sounding gratifyingly breathless.

                “Am good…” Jake mutters, not wanting him to have any reason to stop, is starting to wonder if he’ll be allowed to come, if maybe this is some type of sadistic pleasure on Bradley’s part.

                “Yeah you are… fuck.”

                The fingers digging into his hip are bruising and Bradley’s body is shaking and Jake is pretty sure he’s coming, and he makes a little sound of displeasure. At least he hopes that’s what it sounds like to Bradley, because he wants to fucking come. Then Bradley is pulling out and Jake definitely grunts his annoyance now, but there is a soothing hand on his back, lips at his ear, rustling sound of something he doesn’t care about.

                “Shh shh shh… roll over.”

                He moves, body feeling heavy and leaden, Bradley kisses him, mouth hot. His cock is encircled in warm slippery fingers and he pushes up into it, chasing the pressure which is finally finally closer to what he wants. Needs. He spreads his legs further and then there are fingers sliding back into him, then a mouth around his cock and the sudden combination has him coming immediately, no time for a warning, no breath to give one anyway. He didn’t know orgasms came in this size, shape or form. He's been on the edge for too long and now he’s

                falling

                falling

                falling

                from the height that he was raised to. He knew, hoped, it would be good. The level of good has been exceeded, blown apart and he needs to look up some new adjectives.

                “Fucking hell…”

                All he hears in response is some humming and more rustling, then the sound of someone drinking water and he reaches out with weak grabby hands, none os his muscles seeming to want to cooperate. Water would be great right now, but he can barely move. Fortunately the bottle is placed in his hands and he forces himself up to a semi-sitting position so he can take a deep drink.

                “I need to brush my teeth, lube is gross. Didn’t think that through at all.”

                Jake pulls a face, because he hadn’t even thought about it, had been far too busy enjoying it.

                “I appreciate your dedication to the job…”

                “Thought you would,” Bradley smirks. “I’ll grab your bag as well.”

                “Thanks.”

                …             …             …

                He pulls on clean underwear and he’s glad there’s already the expectation that Jake is staying. Doesn’t want to have the awkward post-hook up conversation, because while he hasn’t had to have one of those in a while it doesn’t erase the remembered awkwardness at all. Definitely an unexpected perk of a regular hookup. He brushes his teeth as he walks around, re-enters his bedroom and drops Jake’s bag on his bed, goes back to the bathroom; glad he has a task to do because yeah, still feels a little awkward.

                He goes back to his bedroom and Jake hasn’t moved much, looks pretty fucked-out and Bradley likes the look on him. He is really fucking pretty, and fucking makes him prettier. He stalks over, shoves the untouched bag onto the floor and crawls up his body.

                “Did I tire you out?”

                “Fuck off. No. Just. More intense than I thought it would be.”

                “Good intense? Wait, that wasn’t, like, your first time or anything was it?” Bradley asks, running his fingers absently over Jake’s body.

                “No. Would have been pretty shitty if I hadn’t told you that. Just… I’m not the one here who has had a boyfriend…”

                “Uh, I mean I haven’t really either… I mean, I guess he was. But we didn’t go on dates or anything. And he’s in Australia now, we started hooking up and then realized we were both intending to be leaving San Diego about a month apart and it was just… convenient.”

                “Still plenty more, uh, experience than me.”

                “Oh yeah, that’s fair. God. Too fucking exhausted to worry about getting laid my first year and too busy the second and third…”

                “You’ve never hooked up with anyone at Annapolis?” Jake sounds surprised and Bradley shakes his head, because he meant every word about being exhausted and too busy. Plus he hadn’t needed anything getting back to Mav and Ice, because it would have. Case in point, Natasha.

                “Nope. Not worth the risk. Already been pulled into the Admiral’s office just on the whisper of rumor I was sleeping with Natasha.”

                “You weren’t?”

                “No. She’s like… a sister. And I’m gay.”

                “And what about now?”

                “Uh… I’m still gay.”

                “No,” Jake rolls his eyes, shoves at his shoulder. “Worth the risk?”

                Oh.

                Oh.

                Jake’s looking at him, expression split between nervous and hopeful and fuck, he’s maybe made an error of judgement.

                “I’m, uh, not looking for a boyfriend or anything…”

                “And how about a regular thing?”

                “With you? At boat school?”

                Jake shrugs, looking more unsure and Bradley suddenly wants. Previously he’d ruled it out, wanting to focus on being the best. Getting through and not having time to figure out who might be interested, but to already have someone makes things simpler… There’s still the risk of getting caught, but they’ll both be upperclassmen with more liberty leave and he’s not an idiot, he knows there are places and that some of the others definitely have sex on the regular.

                “I wouldn’t be averse…”

                “And what about the end of the year? When you graduate?”

                “I guess we have this discussion again…”

                …             …             …

                Jake resists the idea of actual sightseeing, wants to spend every second in bed, but Bradley insists on dragging him out to the zoo and a quick afternoon tour. For all his talk about them just hooking up the whole thing has a very date-like quality to it and Jake leans into it, lets Bradley lick ice-cream from his lips, pull him by the hand to his favorite exhibits in the zoo and not pointing out that he never lets go. He’s pretty sure it’s the best weekend he’s ever had.

                …             …             …

                He’s had a weird hypothetical conversation with Ice, probably one of the most awkward ones they’ve ever had. How and where to have sex at Annapolis, and not get caught. He’s reassured that as he’s currently non-commissioned there isn’t a matter of inappropriate misuse of rank, no fraternization he can actually get in trouble for. But his reputation is a different form of currency and he needs to be careful. He really does have to weigh up the risk and benefit but he’s also just spent the last year watching Ice battle cancer and he’s maybe thinking that a little risk in order to live his life to the full is okay.

                …             …             …

                It’s different being back, bunking in with a different crowd of guys, a sharp contrast to the sheer amount of freedom he’s had in the last year but also comforting in its familiarity.

                “Holy shit Bradshaw, you look nothing like your dads…”

                “Uh. They’re not related to me.”

                “They adopted him.”

                “Aw, like a puppy from the pound…”

                “Sure…” Bradley agrees, knows he’s fighting a losing battle, glad that no one has recognized Ice from the photo, but also the knowledge that he has two dads is simply common knowledge and he’s grateful that it’s likely weeded the worst of the assholes from wanting to interact with him. He isn’t close with any of them like he was with Natasha in his year, but he does know many of them, the sheer amount of time they have to spend together resulting in enforced comradery.

                …             …             …

                “We’ve got liberty leave.”

                “We do.”

                “Want to catch a movie together?”

                “Sure.”

                …             …             …

                “You couldn’t wait until this weekend?”

                “No. God. Do you have any idea how fucking hot you look?”

                “No, I could do with hearing it again…”

                …             …             …

                “Gentlemen.”

                Fuck.

                “Admiral Kerner sir.”

                “Would you like to explain to me what’s going on here?”

                “Uh…”

                “Wrestling sir. Playfighting.”

                Admiral Kerner closes his eyes, scrunches up his face and he looks like he’s almost in pain and Jake hopes he’s not going to have a heart attack. He glances at Bradley quickly, but holy shit he looks calm as anything, completely unperturbed by the fact that they’ve just been interrupted by a fucking Admiral. He thinks he might be sick.

                “Right. Okay. Well then can I suggest you use the gym where there are appropriate mats for wrestling. Or other such venues in the city when you’re on liberty leave.”

                “Thank you for that advice sir.”

                “You’re welcome Midshipman Brad - shaw. And your name?”

                “Uh, Seresin sir.”

                “Noted. You’re excused gentlemen.”

                Jake has never walked away so relieved in his life.

                …             …             …

                “Hey Ice, what’s Uncle Slider’s favorite drink?”

                “Why?”

                “You don’t want to know.”

                “Am I going to hear about it anyway?”

                “Can you just tell me what he likes to drink? I can buy it myself now.”

                “Tell me what happened and I’ll buy him the best… And if he deserves the best then you can’t afford it.”

                Bradley groans.

                “He, uh, maybe walked in on me in a compromising position.”

                “With… who?”

                “Uh, just a guy.”

                “This the hypothetical guy you may or may not think is scorching hot? The same one you had over the weekend we went away? The totally hypothetical one?”

                “Maybe?”

                “You sound exactly like Mav when you say that word. What’s his name?”

                “Can I take a pass on that?”

                “Nope. I can just ask Slider. Make it even worse for you.”

                “Ugh. Fine. Jake Seresin. He’s a year below me.”

                “Okay. I’ll send Sli a case of port and sign it with my name. You’d get in trouble for trying to bribe a superior officer. He’ll know why though.”

                “Thanks Ice.”

                “Trust me, I’ve gotten Mav out of far worse.”

                …             …             …

                “Your dads aren’t coming to graduation? What the fuck?”

                “It’s fine, it’s okay. I knew this was always a possibility…”

                “Oh, I guess with him being sick.”

                “Yeah, of course. Difficult to travel and stuff like that.”

                He wants to meet Bradley’s parents, feels like it’s the step to somehow shoving what they have into something more, at least in Bradley’s eyes.

                “They might surprise me. They’ve done it before.”

                For some reason Bradley doesn’t look thrilled at the idea.

                …             …             …

                His graduation day is coming and even a year delayed he can’t help but feel immensely proud. His final year has been easier academically with having the classes split over two years. It’s enabled him to help his peers and help run a couple of the social clubs. And of course, he’s been sneaking around and secretly having sex with Jake. Noone seems to have realized that they’re hooking up, and he guesses it because he hangs out with lots of different groups and people in equal measure, and Jake is in some of those groups as well. He’s even had a couple of guys make a pass at him, which he’s simply deflected and declined. Politely.

                He’s been thinking about maybe telling Jake, but it’s only been a year and he didn’t tell Natasha for three. However he knows Ice and Mav are going to be at his graduation somehow, but he isn’t sure in what capacity and they refuse to tell him. Even Uncle Slider won’t give him a hint, other than confirm that they are both going to be there. He has no idea whether they’re going to pull off the ridiculous disguises again, or attend the formal ceremony in full dress uniform. Rather than be annoyed or worried he wants them there. Desperately wants them there now, knowing that one day they might not be and if there is any silver lining to Ice’s cancer it has to be that.

                …             …             …

                “We’re going to miss you. It’s been a pleasure to have you at the USNA Midshipman Bradshaw. I look forward to watching your career with the US Navy.”

                “Thank you Admiral Kerner. For everything.”

                “You still have your heart set on flight school?”

                “Yes sir.”

                “Well, you’ve got a recommendation from me. You’ve been an exemplary young man, and I’m saying that not because of your history, but despite it. You could have come in here and coasted. Expected favors from your peers and greased wheels. Instead you’ve kept a very low profile, for the most part. I think some of the others have even forgotten who you’re actually related to…”

                “Not you though sir.”

                “No, not me. Of course receiving a case of port helps me both remember and forget certain things.”

                “Please do sir, sorry about that.”

                “I was young once too.”

                Fuck. He’s never going to be allowed to forget that.

                …             …             …

                “Bradley!”

                “Holy shit! Natasha!”

                They hug for a few seconds before remembering exactly where they are and stand back, grinning wildly at each other, straightening their uniforms.

                “How the hell did you get the leave?”

                “I have friends in high places and am not afraid to use them…”

                “Bullshit.”

                “Nope. I asked whether it was maybe possible and got the response that I’d make a pretty easy graduation gift all things considered.”

                “Have you seen them? Do you know what they’re wearing?”

                “Have they not told you?”

                “No!”

                “Oh this is going to be great! Stay here.”

                He doesn’t even have to wait, simply turns to where she’s stalked off to and he can see Ice walking toward him, greeting and congratulating others as he walk. It’s not direct, but close enough. The crowds parting in front of him and he realizes then that Mav’s coming up behind him, following in his wake and also dressed in his full dress whites. He wants to hug them. Desperately wants to hug them both. However it’s not permitted in uniform, although he knows many of the brass look the other way on days like today, there is still no reason for him to be hugging an Admiral or a Captain.

                “Captain Mitchell, Vice Admiral Kazansky, my best friend Bradley Bradshaw.”

                “Nice to meet you,” Bradley says, and it feels ridiculous. Mav is grinning, clearly amused and it isn’t helping him keep a straight face.

                “Nice to meet you too Midshipman Bradshaw, your parents must be very proud of you.”

                “I’d like to think so sir.”

                “Know so. They’re definitely proud. All of them.”

                “Thank you sir,” Bradley says, swallowing against the tightness in his throat.

                “How about I take a photo? Bradley’s a massive fan of yours Admiral,” Natasha says, clearly amused but he can tell she wants to somehow capture this day for them.

                “It’s true, big fan of both of you. I’d really love a photo with you. Please.”

                “Of course. Anything for a fan,” Mav says, grinning and Bradley catches Ice’s roll of the eyes.

                “I’m just going to take a dozen or so, new digital camera so we can delete the bad ones.”

                Bradley poses , smiles slightly and lets Natasha take photos until she seems satisfied.

                “Uh, Captain Mitchell, I was wondering if I could also get a photo with you sir?”

                “Of course,” Mav agrees, and another Midshipman in his year is getting his photo taken with Mav, and then with Ice.

                “Oh, would you mind if I got a photo as well?” Another asks, and Bradley starts backing away, can see people starting to take notice of exactly who they might be and why people might want photos with them.

                “Uh, sure…”

                There’s a fucking queue forming and Bradley exchanges a look with both Mav and Ice, because this is what they’ve avoided all those other times they’ve visited but he wouldn’t change things.

                …             …             …

                Jake freezes, because he’d know that profile anywhere. As he turns he knows for certain that it’s Vice Admiral Kazansky. And okay, he may have done a report on him when he was in high school, made up a whole bunch of shit about admiring him, when he really thought he was hot as fuck. He could multitask and think he was a great pilot and jerk off to photos of him while also wanting to be like him. He watches as he turns again, head lowering slightly to hear whatever the shorter man, a Captain, at his side is saying and the pair of them together look familiar from somewhere, but he can’t place it. People seem to be lining up to take photos with him, and he wishes he had a camera. The man is still damned attractive.

                “Uh, hi Jake.”

                “Bradshaw.”

                “Oh, are we doing last names?”

                “Well, you’ve been kind of avoiding me the last couple of weeks so I thought maybe it was your way of not having that conversation we were due to be having…”

                Bradley winces and Jake feels a flash of justified annoyance. He’s well aware he’s fallen in love, is aware that Bradley maybe hasn’t and he’d worked at trying to be okay with it. Hoped that at least Bradley would talk to him rather than effectively disappear on him for nearly two weeks.

                “So, I’ve been trying to figure something out and you’re kind of distracting.”

                “Don’t flatter me to make me stop being annoyed. Just tell me what you’ve decided…”

                “Well, uh, I was wondering if you wanted to meet my dads?”

                “Did they make it after all?” Jake asks, and yeah, he’s annoyed with Bradley but he’s also excited for him. He clearly has a good relationship with his dads and was disappointed or worried about them making his graduation. “Wait. You want to introduce me to them?”

                “Yeah. I’ve been wanting to tell you, but until I saw them just now I didn’t know how and well… I want you to meet them.”

                He frowns at the slightly weird turn of phrase but he guesses Bradley is nervous, which is actually fucking adorable considering how confident and sure he is nearly all of the time. Make a nice change.

                “I’d love to meet them.”

                “Come on…”

                He follows Bradley, a little confused that they reach the edge of a small gathering and then simply wait; people are still taking photos with the Admiral and he wonders if Bradley is wanting a photo first. Then the Captain is excusing himself and heading toward them, the smile on his face wide and Jake swallows, suddenly nervous.

                “Jake, this is Pete Mitchell. Captain Peter Mitchell. My dad.”

                “Nice to meet you sir.”

                “And you Jake,” Captain Mitchell says, shaking Jake’s proffered hand.

                Then the Admiral is there, clearly having followed the Captain and Jake looks at the two of them, standing either side of Bradley and his mind flashes to a similar image, a bedside photo in a frame, where the clothes are very very different. Oh fuck.

                “And this is my other dad, Admiral Tom Kazansky.”

                “Oh fuck…”

                Captain Mitchell lets out a loud bark of laughter and Bradley looks resigned while Admiral Kazansky has a tiny smile on his face, obviously quietly amused.

                “And this is Jake Seresin. My boyfriend…”

                Yeah.

                He’ll take that title.

THE END

[cosmicanemoia]

Nights Like This

Ava Coleman x Reader

Inspired by Kehlani's song, Nights Like This.

"He dated me for five years, but I only dated him for 2"

The reason: you were together at the time, you see signs but you ignore them because you trust her, and when you found out and confront her, she didn't deny or even tried to apologise, but instead justify her action and calls it quit with you saying "Let's be real, we both know we ain't gonna last this long" with that she turns her back walking away from you and leaving you in tears.

Five years of relationship and it ended for a few seconds just like that. The first two years were great, but it started to strain on the third, that's when she met her boy toy, now boyfriend. She managed to lie and lie, the hiding, and sneaking out went out for years, but she got sloppy and you accidentally found out when she made reservations for both at the same time.

"Hi. Uh this table is reserved for me and my girlfriend" you said to the guy who sat opposite you. "No. This is the table reserved for me and my girlfriend" when Ava arrived, the guy grabbed her hands and kissed her, calling her sweetie. You watch in horror trying to figure out what's happening in front of your very eyes. Flashbacks started flooding your mind, showing the all the signs and reason for the scene in front of you, and all you could mutter was "I'm such an idiot" you scoff and started to collect your things before a tear starts to fall from your eyes and went out the restaurant.

Ava followed you outside. "Hey babe--" ava started talking but you cut her off "Don't babe me. I'm such a fucking idiot. How can you do this to me?" She didn't answer. You face her and lock eyes with her "How long?-- How long have you been seeing him behind my back?--" You wait for her answer, "I don't know three years, maybe" she said without remorse, your jaw drop by the revelation "oh- my- god-" you put your hand on your mouth, your breathing heavily "you should have broken up with me, instead of rubbing it in my face" she yelled at you "I didn't meant for you to find out!" "Oh. So you don't plan on telling me. Hey girlfriend I secretly have a boyfriend and I don't want you to find out" you mock "I love you and I really like him. I don't wanna hurt you" she said and you scoff "That's very foolish of you" you tell her and it triggered her "Let's be real, we both know we ain't gonna last this long" then she left and went in the restaurant to continue living her merry life, and your left with a hole in your heart.

Her obsession in climbing the social ladder makes her a cheater. And you can't hate her for being ambitious and doing anything she wants just because, even if you can, you won't, and you would never because you love her way too much more than you should. Maybe you failed showing her how much she meant to you or maybe she just didn't saw.

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

You now run a non profit organisation with your friends who are also your colleagues from your actual job.

You are a ghost writer. Not caring much about the publicity or fame, you love being a ghost writer. Though sometimes people convince you to agree to be credited and have your name along with the other writers, they said only few people look for the writers nowadays. You agreed in the end, but you told them they have to use your pen name and not your actual name or else you're out.

The songs and stories you ghost write are doing pretty great and are instantly becoming a hit and more request comes your way.

You and your friends were out celebrating your joint success and you all agreed to give back to the community.

You and your colleagues ended up deciding to do a Charity event rather than choosing to donate to just one establishment.

Every teacher and principal are invited. All kinds of people who works at a school is encouraged to attend.

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

Gregory, Jacob, and Janine, were sitting on the sofa in the teacher's lounge while Barbara and Melissa sat in their usual spot.

Janine suddenly stands up and squealed eagerly "check it out. There's a charity ball and we should all attend" Ava walks in unnoticed

It was Janine's idea to attend. She was scrolling through her phone and she saw her feed flooded by the news of the upcoming event. One or the only best idea she's ever had. But Ava heard it "Oh. I was just about to tell you that. We all should come. It'll be fun, seeing you all dressed up and looking nice tonight" she looks over at Gregory "looking forward to seeing you in a suit, young idris" she proceed to wink at him and look at the camera to give it a wink too.

Janine frowned "the ball is on Friday night. It's still Tuesday" Ava looked at her up and down with a pout on her face "that's literally what I said"

The bell rang signaling the end of lunch and everyone dispersed. Everyone went to get their kids or went right to their classroom. Ava went to her office and open her laptop checking the charity ball Janine was talking about.

She saw the poster and the slogan. She thinks its well made, pretty, and inviting. She didn't read all the details and just skimmed it for the date and the theme. She didn't see your name on it, she didn't know you were one of the hosts.

---------------------------‐---------------------------

The night of the charity ball have arrived.

Everyone looks elegant. People converse with each other while waiting for the hosts to start the event.

After a minutes of waiting for others to arrive you decided to kick start the event so you walk up the stage and tap the microphone, checking if its on or working.

You cleared your throat and speak loudly and clearly "Hello, Beautiful people. I just want to steal your attention for a brief moment. I am Y/N Y/L/N. I am one of your hosts tonight and I invited generous people whom you can ask for money and get the fund you needed for projects or supplies you want to have at your school. Let's get this party started, and oh- one more thing, don't be shy to ask for the stars. Have a good one everyone, we have an open bar."

Everyone applaud and cheers. A whoo and a whoop whoop here and there, high fives all around, and loud whistles.

Janine, Barbara, Melissa, Gregory, and Jacob walk towards you and surrounds you. They introduce themselves and the school they teach from. You shook each of their hands and you listen to their stories.

You were convinced you were going to help and donate at Abbott elementary. Not because of their sob stories but because the genuinity you feel coming off their vibes and the way they talk about the students. They truly love and care for them.

Another school steal your attention from them, so you excuse yourself to listen to the others and give them their chance.

When you were away from them, they noticed that someone was missing from their group. So they scan the area and they saw their boss, the principal of Abbot Elementary, Ava Coleman, is sitting in the open bar. They all decided to walk up to the open bar.

"I'm okay. No need to check on me" she said without turning her head to look at them. Melissa snorts and Barbara grinned "I'm just here to enjoy and get shit-faced, kid" Melissa replied. "It is an open bar after all" Barbara added.

After one too many drinks they told Ava to talk to you and use her charm on you, unaware of the past you shared, their convincing her to woo you, so you would help and donate to the school they all care for.

Ava did what she was told, convince that she should at least give it a try and that she'll lose nothing, anyway.

"What's up?" She nodded in your direction. You chuckled "we don't have to do this. You can just ignore me all you want. I assure you it won't affect my decision" she looks away from you so you look at her and for a moment you thought she was contemplating saying sorry, but alas, it was indeed just in your head "OK. Thanks hottie" she starts to walk away from you "You're welcome. Shawty" you shouted for her to hear, you know she heard you and she did, but she didn't look back or acknowledge your statement she just kept walking away from you, again.

"That was fast" Janine complimented which made Ava scoff, "Do you too know each other well?" Jacob asked and everyone turns their attention to Ava looking at her with anticipation "What?!" She said in a high pitched tone. Everyone looks at her accusingly, she sigh in defeat "She told me, I should just ignore her and that we don't have to do that. She's my ex." Everyone groans and are shocked with the revelation.

"We're never gonna get that donation, are we?" Melissa said to everyone and to herself "Let's just hope she's not petty or vain enough to stop helping us because our principal broke her heart" She added and scoffs

"No. She's cool. She said it won't affect her decision.-- How did you know it was me who broke her heart?" Ava replied "Aren't you?" Gregory asked, she just look at them one by one and order a stronger drink to get her through the night.

You walk up on stage a little tipsy "Hi, people. Is everyone having fun?" Everyone cheered and shouted "YEAH!" You smiled to yourself "well let me add to the fun your having. I have a surprise guest. Everyone give a round of applause to my friend, Kehlani!"

Most of them cheered and applauded, standing up from their seats and walking closer to the stage, and some are shocked and kept where they were when you made the announcement with their jaws almost hitting the floor.

"Thanks babe. Good evening to you all. Here's a song I think you all know, what you didn't know is that she help wrote it with us" kehlani said on the microphone and points at you.

It was dark for a moment and all the lights went out until the song started playing and the small stage light up.

.......Thought you was mine, but you decided to be with him though. You took my feelings and just threw 'em out the window.......On some nights like this, shawty, I can't help but think of us.......You gon' say you want me, then go switch it up

Just gon' play with my emotions just because, no.......All them times I played the fool for you. Thinking we could put it back together, thought we had forever. You never see my point of view.......

Since the song started everything became a blur, 'I might have way too many drink' you smiled at yourself and went to the bathroom to wash you face.

Ava saw you making your way to the bathroom and without thinking her body moved on its own and decided to follow you there to check up on you.

When you lift your face up from the sink after splashing water on your face you saw a figure standing behind you, you took a paper towel and gently wipe the water off your face. Your vision cleared and the figure behind you was ava staring at your reflection.

She crept a hand on your back to try to give you comfort planning to ask how are you, but you dismissed her "Don't" and you walk out the bathroom leaving Ava dumbfounded.

A few seconds later you came back barging in the bathroom door. You walk up to her, you are now standing face to face, "I told you to ignore me. Why are you here? What do you want?" You stated, your voice laced with anger "I didn't know you know Kehlani and that you help wrote that bop" Ava said, always talking without thinking, a quality you once greatly admire.

You were quite for a moment, "You want to meet her." You look down and nodded. You look her in the eye and sigh you were about to say 'okay' but she speak first "I want you. I miss you. I'm sorry." her eyes glistened and you could feel she's mustering courage for what she's about to do, then she kisses you softly and gently, but you are not reacting or moving so she pulls away from you.

A tear was about to fall on her eye but before it happened you grabbed her hips and pushed her against the wall. You linger, your lips centimeters away from hers, you moved your nose to her neck and inhaled her scent "you copied my perfume" the heat of your breath on her neck makes her blush and have goosebumps. You slide your nose up and down her neck, teasing her.

"Please" she beg, desperation evident in the way she said it. Her arms start to wrap around your waist but you didn't let her, you grabbed her arms and pushed it beside her, "I didn't tell you, you could touch me" you said then you slide your tongue on the pulse point on her neck

"Please. Please. I'm begging you, just do it" she said while she's catching her breath, she seems like she just finished a long run "do what?" You tease her more.

"F- Fuck. Fuck me. Please." Her breath hitches. You kiss her neck then bite her and leave a mark. She let out a moan but it was quickly Interrupted when you finally kissed her on her lips.

You lift her up and sat her on the sink. You smirk to yourself thinking where this is going to go.

You heard the doorknob rattled and quickly pulled away from Ava, you look in the mirror and try to fix your posture, she jumps down the sink to do the same. It was Barbara, she came to the bathroom to wash her hands.

"Barbara you're fired" Ava said jokingly, Barbara replied sarcastically "Sure. Dear"

Ava scans the bathroom looking for you, you already went out when you finished tidying yourself when you got Interrupted. She went out the bathroom when she didn't saw you, she scans the room and saw you slow dancing with someone.

You're dancing with the famous singer, your forehead clashing at each other while your arms are around her neck, and hers are around your waist, hands almost or actually touching your butt.

Ava stopped on her tracks when she saw you in somebody else's embrace. Her chest tightens and she's hurting. She gulped and tried hard to make her body move to the bar, and when she get there she ordered the strongest drink they could offer. She wants to spit it out and be disgusted but with the bitter drink, she also swallows the bitter truth. You were not hers anymore and she knows she's the reason why.

[lokiiied]

before i start this is not hate and the post is a little bit old but it’s about the one saying everyone else sucks for not coming to lucas’s game have you ever had prior plans because personally if we had this super important meeting coming up and like a week before this super awesome event one of my friends asked me to attend their game i would have gone with the plan that was made earlier and vice versa and again this is not hate

hi! first off, i would never take this sort of ask as “hate” !! no worries there. but for me, this was less about the timing of things and much more about the carelessness and way it was handled.

it’s also not like the championship game was that sudden. like, it was a surprise to mike & dustin bc they don’t give a shit about basketball and aren’t aware of the ongoings of the team - regardless of the fact that lucas is on the team and most likely mentioned it. but no one else was surprised by this.

it’s the fact that not only do mike & lucas not care that lucas is on the team, but are actually upset with him for the overlapping events. he asks them to convince eddie to move the game to any other night. to which mike tells him to “talk to his coach. and get him to move the game.” lol. which is. clearly not realistic.

dustin says, “this is the end of eddie’s campaign and we need you!” then mike adds, “yeah and the tigers don’t. you’ve been on the bench all year.” which may be fine points & lucas isn’t that offended but the emphasis of the scene is put on this moment right here, when lucas says,

“i’m asking you guys, as a friend, just talk to eddie. get him to move hellfire. come to my game. please.” to which he’s met with silence. because it is made clear the significance that this game - and them being there means to him. to have their support. and then realising that they would rather choose eddie & dnd (yes, the super cool senior they all look up to but…) over lucas? their supposed best friend?

this is not just a poorly timed double booking where an “oh shoot, well i agreed to this thing first, so sorry!” serves as a reasonable response. these are two important events both involving lucas’ participation. one of which, is non-negotiable, it’s a championship game, if he doesn’t attend he misses an opportunity to play and maybe get his talents recognised & risks possibly being kicked off the team if they found out where he actually was.

the other, although also planned in advance, is an event made up of and controlled by his friends. eddie had complete power to move hellfire to another night at the cost of…literally nothing? the anticipation of waiting one more day but having lucas’ presence and making a small sacrifice to show solidarity/support?? and eddie says absolutely not because?? because it’s lucas’ fault for being in basketball? as punishment? i love eddie with my whole heart but it was not that serious.

what about max? she’s grieving, she’s depressed, she’s going through it. she doesn’t realise that she’s the only other friend he can ask to come. but still he says, “i know you never want to come to any of my games, but this one is kind of a big deal.” implying that he’s asked her to come before and she never has. and while, yes, he could’ve worded it a little differently- do you know how fucking hard it is to try and convince someone that you care about to come to an event that’s really important to you that would mean the world to you if they were there and for them to just…not care? it’s really fucking disappointing.

he tries to reach out to her and to tell her that he knows she’s not okay and that he’s there and she just. shuts down and hands the ticket back. and then later he is STILL the one apologising for not doing enough!! for not being there for max. i get how hard it is to let people in when you’re struggling and not wanting to go to events like that but, fuck he just looks so put out. she also didn’t seem to question/put together the fact that dustin asked her to play dnd that same night (bc lucas couldn’t be there.) but i wouldn’t really expect her to know why.

i do credit steve for being there/cheering him on, though i’m sure part of it was robin being there in band. and nancy was there as well, but for the paper. and sure, i’ll give dustin & mike credit for at least trying to convince eddie to move it. and it is sweet that max at least was listening to the game.

but at the end of the day, lucas is looking out at the crowd and seeing the absence of his closest friends. he finally gets his moment to shine, but they’re not there cheering him on, they’re not there to celebrate with him. and then he sees them leaving their game, not only cheering about their own win that he missed out on, but also that they asked his own sister to act in his place?? when she also probably would’ve gone to his game?? bc in ep. 7 he literally says “you still come to all my games though” ?? and again, just with the emphasis on lucas’ perspective in the episode - the look on his face as he’s leaving with jason and the team just says everything. we should absolutely be empathising with him. we’ve all been there.

all this to say, my post was in no way meant as “they suck” all the time!! i truly, dearly, love them all. but i do think every single one of them played a part and that everyone failed lucas that night. and it says a lot that none of them even realised or apologised to him and ig it especially bothers me because lucas tries so hard to be there for his friends, he’s always the first person to apologise when he says the wrong thing and he’s unconditionally loyal. even after all that you bet your ass he’s still gonna lead jason + co. off on a false lead and bike 8 miles to find & warn his friends. so yeah, i think lucas deserved & deserves better than that.

sorry for the TEDtalk lmaoo there were several factors to this but uhh yeah! hope that helps put it in a different perspective :)

[thatpodcastkid]

Magnus Archives Relisten 1, MAG 1

Very excited to begin this project! I will be updating Saturdays and Mondays, so feel free to listen along and let me know what you are thinking. I will be discussing each episode within the larger context of the show, so spoilers ahead!

I am starting with MAG 1, Angler Fish.

Oh, how I missed that cello intro.

Facts: Statement of Nathan Watts, April 22nd, 2012, taking place in Old Fish Market Close, Edinburgh. I want to keep track of statement times and places so that we could get some semblance of a timeline.

Character Notes: I forgot how autobiographical Jon gets in this first episode. He spends the first ten minutes just describing the archive, how he came to work there, and who he is. If he was just attempting to catalogue the stamens, this seems unnecessary. But, as we know, he wasn't exactly qualified to be an archivist.

Jon describes himself as a not believing in the supernatural and the archive as where the "dead end cases" end up. It's suspicious that Elias would hire someone who doesn't believe in the supernatural at all to look into the cases with the least evidence, which foreshadows that Jon wasn't hired because of his research or archival skills.

Another part of this episode that I really love is where Jonny puts the listeners focus in terms of character. At the beginning of the episode, Jon kind of glazes over Tim and Sasha to talk about how much he hates Martin, which in turn makes the listener ignore Tim and Sasha to think about Martin. Jonny really draws your attention to what's important there.

Additionally, at the end of the episode, Jonny brings the focus back to Sasha as he describes all the online research and computer-related work she does. So from the get-go, he was showing us how involved she was with the archive and how committed she was to work.

And of course, it wouldn't be TMA without Jon's complete tonal shift from describing to reading the statement. It's such a stark contrast.

Statement Notes: It's been said before, but the fact that the statement that draws Jon in is called "Angler Fish." Especially after hearing how immediately when he starts reading the statement, his voice changes. He is completely absorbed in it from the moment he starts reading. I know we all make fun of the way Jon acts out the statements, but he just can't stop himself. Once the statements start, he's no longer in control. We hear this in his voice from MAG 1, but don't realize how intense it is until Martin has to shake him out of statements in season 5.

It stuck out to me that Nathan was drunk when he met the thing in the alley. This serves as a reason for Jon to dismiss the statement, but I vaguely remember several statement givers being under the influence, which makes me wonder if entities specifically choose to prey on intoxicated people because they have a lower capacity to reason. Maybe because they're more likely to act based on fear than logic?

Entity Alignment: The entities overlap a lot, especially in this episode, so I'm going to share all the entity vibes I got and hear what others think.

Going on imagery alone, there's definitely something to be said about The Dark in this episode. The fact that actual angler fish live in the darkest section of the ocean and the creature refused to let itself be fully seen really bring that fear into this episode. Also, when Sasha reconstructs the photo one of the missing people took of the creature, Jon says it's on a stairwell. I remember the creature on the stairs episode being pretty Dark-aligned, though I doubt they're related.

But, the fact that Nathan and the listener are afraid of the creature because they can't see it and don't know what it is makes me think of The Stranger, too. Nathan says that, "whatever was asking, it wasn't the thing in the alley well," which really reminds me of "I don't even have a voice box." The creature isn't speaking for itself, an unknown voice is coming from an unknown place and it's asking for a cigarette. Nathan also says that when he told people about what he saw, they didn't believe him, only responding with "pity and concern." This is similar to how people would treat those who remembered the people The Stranger replaced: they were treated like they were acting weird and different, when it was the Not!Person. Also, before Watts realizes the thing in the alley isn't human, he calls it "The Stranger."

Yet, the entity I believe is really aligned with this statement, is The Web. With everything from Jon asking for a cigarette before trying to blow up the world, to his spider lighter, to this being the statement that draws him into the archive and leads to him becoming the Archivist, this episode is so reminiscent of Annabelle Cane and her plot (Can you say reminiscent before something happens? Is it just "miniscent"?). There were two things that really got me thinking this was a Spider ep though.

Number one, when the creature disappears, Nathan describes it, "as if a string had gone taut and pulled it back." This really seems like Annabelle or The Web itself had placed the creature there, let it play its part, and then yanked it off stage when it was done.

The second part being the very last line in the show. Sasha, IT god that she is, reconstructs the image of the creature, and a hand is visible in the darkness. Jon, without an ounce of professional distance or feigned objectivity, says, "I find it oddly hard to shake off the impression that it's beckoning." And just- Oh my god. Jon. It's beckoning him. It's calling to him. It's telling him to keep coming back. Telling him to change. To disappear. To become another mystery. It was all planned from day one. He never had a choice but still made all the wrong ones.

Anyway,

Will be posting about MAG 2 on Monday! Please share your thoughts on this episode, hope you enjoyed reading. Also hope that you have a great day, because you deserve it.

[bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky]

Maybe I’m the odd one out here but What is and What Should Never Be always absolutely destroys me. I weep for almost the entire episode.

Dean has a home. He has someone who loves him. His life is normal and safe. And I cry.

The way he looks at Mary when he sees her for the first time. The way he nearly crumbles when she says “I told you angels were watching over you”. And then he hugs her with everything he has. He’s so happy to be back with him mom, back in his childhood home. His mom makes him lunch and it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to him. He gets to mow the lawn like a normal person. The trunk of his car isn’t full of weapons. He’s just ordinary, and he’s so happy about it. So I cry.

And the way he hugs Jess? He only ever met the girl once but he knows how much she means to Sam. And he knows that losing her almost killed his brother. And so he hugs her as tight as he can, because he’s so thrilled that she’s alive and Sam is happy. And I cry.

But what also kills me is the way that Sam and his mom talk about Dean. They’re always asking if he’s been drinking. They’re suspicious of all of his actions and his affections. Maybe the version of Dean from this life wasn’t exactly on the straight and narrow, but they talk about him like he’s a deadbeat. So I cry.

Jesus Christ, and when Dean goes to talk to his dad at the cemetery?

“It's like my old life is… is coming after me or something. Like it like it doesn't want me to be happy. Course I know what you'd say. Well, not the you that played softball but... "So go hunt the Djinn. He put you here, it can put you back. Your happiness for all those people's lives, no contest. Right?" But why? Why is it my job to save these people? Why do I have to be some kind of hero? What about us, huh? What, Mom's not supposed to live her life? Sammy's not supposed to get married? Why do we have to sacrifice everything, Dad?”

He doesn’t say “why can’t I have the life I want?” Sure, he asks why he has to be a hero. But he makes it more about Sam and his mom. Because he wants them to have the lives they deserve. And this moment just gives us another look at what a bastard John was. Dean knew how dismissive and rude John would be. He knew that John would never choose his own son’s happiness over the lives of strangers. And he’d probably scream at Dean for even considering the “selfish” option. The way Dean says that his old life doesn’t want him to be happy also kills me. Because it’s like, no matter where he goes or what he does, he’s destined for misery. So I sob.

And so Dean goes to hunt the Djinn. He chooses the lives of others over everything, like he always does. And he realizes his new life isn’t real. He realizes he’s been unconscious this entire time, and that Jess is dead. His mom is dead. Carmen doesn’t really exist. And I cry.

So he’s ready to kill himself, but the way that his family tries to convince him to stay?

Oh my god. Spiegel im Spiegel starts playing, and Sam asks “why’d you have to keep digging?”

Mary tells him to put the knife down. She says it doesn’t matter that this life isn’t real, it’s still better than anything he had before. And that yeah, in real life, he will die in a few days. But it will feel like years. And there will be “No more pain. Or fear. Just love and comfort. And safety,” none of which Dean has in his real life

But Dean still chooses to return to his life, because he cares more about our saving people than he does about his own happiness.

And he tells Sam about the fake life the djinn created for him. About how Sam was happy with Jess. And their mom was going to have grandchildren. Sam commends him for having the strength to fight it, to leave it behind. And Dean says, “But I wanted to stay. I wanted to stay so bad. I mean, ever since Dad... all I c– all I can think about is how much this job's cost us. We've lost so much. We've... sacrificed so much.”

and it’s like, damn. Why can’t Dean ever be truly happy? Cause even in this “happy” version of his life, everything was tinged with pain and sadness and grief. And I just wish he could get a break. So I cry and cry and cry and cry.

[ominous-feychild]

✦ OC Questionnaire Tag ✦

Following open tags from @yourpenpaldee (post), @honeybewrites (post), and @pixies-love-envy (post)!

I liked a lot of your guys' questions and really wanted to try them out! Hopefully that's okay, I'm really new to this kind of stuff so please be patient with me if I do any of this wrong! 😅😊

Characters from Sun and Shadow: Crow, Freya, and Daleira.

Crow (the detective's progeny)

Would you do something illegal if you were getting paid a large sum of money? (You can choose the illegal thing) I mean, aren't I already being paid to do illegal things for lots of money? Breaking and entering, very consensual information-gathering, theft of evidence, falsification of identity, planting of evidence when and where necessary... wait, who's asking again? Change of answer: I would never. 😘

What is your favorite non-human creature in the world and why? (Gods count) That's easy! My familiar, Aria! I don't care if she's connected to me, she's not human--and don't you dare make a joke about me not being human either! I am cursed, not something else! And why do I love her? I mean--is she my favorite non-human creature? Well... there's a lot of reasons. For one, she's my familiar. Like, she chose me. Even if she's a crow, too, because she's taken on a bit of my curse... I mean, that's my fault isn't it? Ha... no, I think she's fine. She's still able to sing, and that seems to be enough for her. I guess I like that about her, too. Eh, this is all too gushy. Next question!

If you were forced to kill one person you have met, who would it be? (Not yourself) *looks at the people they've gotten thrown into prison* Yeeeeaaaaah, there's a lot of options there. You really want me to pick one? Look, I already only spared them because it was against the law and my father would've been upset about it. If I'm going to go against their wishes... I'm going to pick a lot more than just one. 😉

Frey (ex-fisherwoman and heiress to the Ula company)

Are you spiritual at all? Are you not? There's so much magic in the air that most people are fae-touched one way or another, and you'd never know if you're speaking to a spirit in disguise or an avatar of the gods. Plus, my dad is an avatar--so it's kinda hard to not worship the gods or whatever other spirits out there that demand your respect. I mean, you want to get on their bad side? *scoff* Good luck with that.

Do you want children? If so how many? Uh, I've never thought about that before actually. Probably not? Maybe? I don't know, honestly. Maybe eventually? *sigh* Give me some years and maybe someone I could actually see myself settling down with and we'll see.

What’s your favorite memory? Oh... this is probably kind of depressing, heh... but it would probably be the day my dad came back from his year-long trip around the world. It'd been storming horribly, he was supposed to be in the area, and I was ten so I thought that him not responding to his transceiver had to mean something happened to him! Turns out, he'd come back early and wanted to surprise me with some gravlax he bought from a specialty place in town. He apologized when he saw how terrified I was, ha, and we spent the night together playing stupid board games. Oh, and he taught me how to make skink! ... I miss him. Dammit...

Daleira (magitech inventor and faerie)

What does your rest day look like? Ha! What rest day? Okay, okay--I actually do rest, but just maybe not in the way you usually would. I enjoy working with all these little magical devices, tinkering with them, figuring out how they work and how we can recreate them... wait, what was I saying? OH RIGHT! So my "rest days" usually just have me working in my workshop with Faer if he's there, haha. That, or maybe taking a stroll around the city! (*mischievous smile*) Anyone who thinks they're going to mess with a lone, helpless girl... well, that's their mistake.

What would be your last meal? I mean, technically--okay, no, sorry, this is supposed to be a game where I take everything literally. No ifs, ands, or buts. Alright. In the situation where I had to choose a last meal... what would I choose? Oooo, I know! I'd love a feast with as much sweets as possible! 🥰 What? Can't a girl love sweets?

If you were a hybrid, what would you want to be morphed with? Ho-kayyy, so! Ignoring technicalities and all of that stuff again. We're going to assume here that I can't choose anything that I already use and that I can't switch my appearance anymore after? Alright. So... I think I would probably pick some kind of bird? 😅 Ha... it's kind-of nerve-wracking to think I'd never be able to shapeshift again, but I like birds! Their wings, and they're pretty, and... yeah, it would be nice to fly.

Your questions!

If you could commit any crime for free and completely get away with it, which crime would you commit? (Saying "I would never commit a crime!!!" is a goody-two-shoes acceptable answer)

What would be your dream ending? Like, if everything in your life went exactly how you wanted, how would it turn out?

What is your greatest fear? And, if you were asked your greatest fear by a creature you thought might use it against you, what would you tell it?

Tagging (with no pressure): @darkandstormydolls @fantasy-things-and-such @yourpenpaldee @themboty and whoever else wants to join!

[basil-does-arttt]

i want to yap about Lae'zel, because she's seriously grown on me through my 500+ hours playing BG3 and i just... hsjaksh i love her so much man.

First i wanna go into her personality because man, it hurts me. She is an agressive and blunt character, violent in some scenarios and not at all afraid to use force to get what she wants. It is all too easy to call her a "mean person", to put it simply, but i also want to point something out that is also true at the same time as everything i just said:

She is never the one to start shit.

The only time she ever is rude to the other companions, is when they go at her first. Shadowheart is a prime example of this, she's constantly being snarky or even downright rude to Lae'zel, so of course Lae'zel will respond in kind. When

But compare that to her interractions with Gale for example. He's just genuinely curious about her and githyanki stuff in general, and Lae'zel is happy to share what she knows with him. She even sounds quite proud of her heritage.

I find it quite significant, and it also says a lot about her character. Its all defensive, not offensive. And when you consider how she was raised, what a dangerous and violent environment it was, it makes perfect sense.

Growing up she could've been murdered by her brothers/sisters and other such kin in her crèche at any moment, should they have deemed her weak. In order to survive, she had to learn violence as her first reaction to a threat: if she hesitated to kill her classmates, they would not. Her whole life has been built around that, so its no surprise that when she's thrown into an unfamiliar situation, in an unfamiliar environment crowded by unfamiliar people, thats the first way she will react.

I also like how much of a culture shock it seems to her being in the mountain pass crèche (i forget the name apologies), she comments on how non-violent it is and how lax the rules and security seems to be. We dont know much about her crèche aside from what she tells tav, but we can gather it was a MUCH more hostile environment than this. It makes me think, is Lae'zel's crèche the odd one out here or is the mountain pass crèche the strange one? Is overwhelming violence the norm for a githyanki crèche or is that something that was unique to her's.

But she's not needlessly cruel, oh no. I want to point out another moment between her and Shadowheart as an example: when Shadowheart is trapped on the nautiloid. She says in that moment, "It cannot be helped." Lae'zel isnt trying to get Tav to leave Shart because she wants Shart to die, or because she doesnt care what happens to Shart. She's trying to get Tav to leave, because she knows that they cant waste precious time faffing around trying to get the pod unlocked. She's putting her and Tav's survival first before someone who is trapped and helpless.

Also the way she tries to get everyone - not just herself and Tav, all the companions - to the mountain pass crèche to try and purify them and get rid of the tadpoles. She easily could just go off on her own, without having to worry about everyone else - she does actually if you choose to leave her at the start of the game - but she doesn't.

The tadpoles must also be scaring the shit out of her, way more than she ever lets on. Acting scared is weakness after all, its useless - she says as much if Tav reacts that way to her describing ceremorphosis - and it makes you vulnerable, which makes you weak which makes you a bigger target for your enemies. In her mind at least.

The moment when she tries to kill Tav is a brief moment when that mask of toughness slips, and her true fears peek through. She wasn't waiting for a perfect moment to strike since she met Tav and the others, she was acting out of fear and maybe instinct to stop their transformations before the worst of it happened, a mercy kill if you will. The fact that you can convince her not to do it is also proof that it wasnt pre-meditated, it was a reaction to her fears.

I also wanna talk about the way she speaks to Tav over time. She starts out snappy and rude, with a harsh tone but as she gets to know them more, and as her approval of them increases too, her tone grows noticably softer and she even begins to greet them normally instead of just saying "Speak." You dont even have to romance her for that.

On the topic of her romance, i just... the scene where she asks to cuddle Tav makes my heart feel so full. Lae'zel, the violent and bloodthirsty githyanki, is letting herself be vulnerable for likely the first time in her life, to ask for cuddles.

Her character like i said just.... hshdhsjskhwdhakaidj. Her progression from this rude and mean person to someone you realize is just trying to keep everyone safe through the methods she knows. I love that funky little green alien woman so much.

Lae'zel my beloved, you have my heart.

[jajatoc]

Ooh for the OC ask thing, how about Radahn or Clara?

Oh mygod I'm so glad you asked. I Will reflect on them both if you'll have me!!! Both very misunderstood and gorgeous characters of their own right.... putting them side by side makes me smile

Clara (the Changeling)

favorite thing about them - Clara as a concept is perhaps my favourite thing to ever come out of Pathologic (and in a piece of art so impossibly rich of different themes it is really saying something!!!!)- I love her presentation, a little girl who crawls out of the very earth from a foggy graveyard, teeth and nails and earth like any other little girl. She knows her name but not what her purpose is. She wills an evil twin sister into being (kind of) because she is so scared of disappointing her potential adoptive dad. Her adoptive mother wishes she was her so bad. She is constantly being used by everyone even if no one can trust her. She cannot prove herself to be true and sicere to the people that won't trust her because she really is supernatural, there really is something else going on with her, and she has to face the same dismissals that any little girl has to face nonetheless. She risks her life every day to meet and stop her sister in the heart of the plague. She has to baby two grown adults just so that they don't kill each other and maybe be the least bit helpful (they aren't). Her worst fear is disbelief in her. All of her followers had a death wish even before they had met her. Her only weapon are her hands or the shittiest derringer in the universe. She has both the most limited and the largest vision of the world between the three protagonist. She gets premonitions and says things that the player would never know so much so that playing as her is an alienating experience. She weaves the threads of the town on the tips of her fingers. Her stasis is both risky and sickly and so, so hopeful and sincere. I would offer her my own blood for her ritual if she asked.

Aside from this rant, I really enjoy her character design, especially in pathologic 2 (it's one of the best designs in the remake I think): the baldness of a saint and a sickness, the naive mismatched and ripped clothes she was born in, the bones weaved in her scarf, her bare hands (the only ones like this between the protagonists in classic, I must underline).

least favorite thing about them - I dislike nothing about her! I sincerely wish her route wasn't so overlooked because it shows the bound's varying faces so well. Her flaws are those of a very religious little girl... the trust she has to have in herself is both traitorous and holy. The Humbles are definitely my favourite characters, and their bond with Clara baffles me and deeply interests me: for some of them it's an unexpected choice that grows to feel inevitable as their story progresses. Their suffering becomes defining acceptance.. surely not healthy, but undeniably an end. They are all such great characters it's actually physically painful when I think about it!!!

favorite line - AAAAGH. IT'S A TEXT BASED GAME. HOW CAN I CHOOSE. Aside from the obvious "If we ourselves are to suffer deception our hands are no longer tied.." etc etc.. I really enjoy a small line her sister speaks when greeting her: "You're so sweet; such eyes... They're not like mine at all." They make me sick. What if your sister was a sickness and you could not save her and she was also you. What then.

brOTP/OTP/nOTP- I really enjoy the relationship of both awe and fear between Grace and Clara (and the Albino). I don't know if I see it as something romantic, or if I see Clara interested romantically in anyone at all besides. I don't know how to feel about Commander Block's writing. I don't think it was ever meant to be seen as romantic (gross?), but I can't deny that in meeting the Changeling Block experiences some kind of spiritual rapture. It's hard to hope that his religious devotion could develop into fatherly attachment as he intends in making Clara some kind of secret army weapon. But nonetheless. I would hope for Clara to one day be able to distance herself from the events that transpired in the town... even though her and it are so intertwined that it could perhaps be more harmful to her. Unlike the previous sand pest epidemic-impersonation (Sabha Usptae<3) Clara has greater prospects! Strangely, she has much less ties with the kin, and being a mistress seems more fitting to her.

random headcanon- I love how the fandom often portrays the two sisters as having one the classic hd design and the other the patho 2 design. So beautiful and true. Who is who? More of this please.

unpopular opinion- HUH I have no idea. Perhaps I would love to see more art of her being truly unsettling (as she is and deserves) more than just the silly magical girl. I myself haven't contributed that much to that so I can't judge anyone (also artists can do whatever they want<3 who even am I).. but I really love to see it!! I recognize of course that just a single faceted interpretation of her is wrong, and I love when people play with her characterization.. (she is indeed a little girl with fears fit to her age risking her life every day, facing accusations and direct harm based on superstitions... but she is also the town's anger manifested, a witty Cheshire-cat ish character, an interlocutor of the player, a hero playing against herself, a cryptid, a magical girl.... she can be whatever she wants<3)

song i associate with them - ERM. I haven't made a character playlist in years. But she can get Same Man I Was Before by Oingo Boingo she deserves it. Also Disappearing from the Patho 2 ost always reminds me of her somehow :)

favorite picture of them - I MAY HAVE TWO. I really love early concepts of Clara for classic even if I'm not really rocking with the absurd miniskirt. But art made by meethos is always so cool (hope IPL still has them on board for Patho 3). The second one was made by hayheadd on here if I'm not mistaken. Quintessential Clara

General Radahn (what a followup!)

{I've only very recently gotten into Elden ring, and it really blew me away. The artistry behind its every aspect, its art direction, its very refined combat programming, its soundscape, and most of all its writing.. It's undeniably charming even from the perspective of someone very unfamiliar with soulslikes (like me.. I only had a vague knowledge of Bloodborne before) or even games of that scale in general! I am usually skeptical of seeking extreme realism in modern games but man, I'm willing to make an exception if it's used so incredibly. Having said that... there is not a single main character I dislike. I hadn't had this much fun with a fucked up family of this size in a while!}

favorite thing about them- For me It's hard to map a character out when there is so little ever mentioned about them like in Radahn's case. Nonetheless, I think it was exactly his lack of a proper voice to strike me dead. Paradoxically, his story is about the loss of identity and agency (among other things.. like stagnation, stasis). He is a man presented as someone so powerful that he has lost any semblance of identity- every action he ever did has been sung about so much so that he has become more a title than a person. He has become his actions. What lies beyond all of this? Some things we can surely discern from his relationships and item descriptions. His relationships with his Carian siblings, for whom he seemed to bear mutual respect (thinking about the gorgeous painting of a mature Radahn in Volcano Manor..... and the halting of the stars, who remains ever the mystery); with his horse, which, while endearing, seems to further underline his themes of stasis and preservation (how different these siblings are! Stagnation, Treason, Abandonment.... the moon siblings.......); with his soldiers and men, who greatly regarded him; with Miquella...

I should probably talk about my favourite thing about him though now! It probably is. His presentation in the base game. The early Caelid area is a mess, very loud and aggressive, so the walk to Redmane Castle on its relatively detatched peninsula really impressed me with its stillness. The silent tragedy of battles fought in days past, only remembered by carcasses and weapons strewn around. The battered bridge, the relatively anonymous castle itself.. it greets you with a tension that could be cut with a knife. I cannot describe how much the atmosphere does the right job here. From the deafening silence a low choir emerges, a song of Honour and mourning that whispers the tale of all the warriors who gave their life to Radahn and of whom only remain the weapons, hung everywhere in Redmane. A song that doesn't carry resentment, only the weight of the innumerable deaths who still failed to end one's stasis. The respect it carries really struck me. Redmane feels like entering a mausoleum more than any other place in the Lands Between. Of course Jerren's voice and the cutscene it triggers are also insane... but it's the ost that does it for me.

Aside from the Song of Honour, which I fully count as a Radahn theme, his other two osts are so cool (i cannot describe. How much i love The Promised Consort. God)... and I would really love to get into them further!! But I'll!!!!! Restrain myself!!!!!!!! Even if I'll have to mention.. the gorgeous reversed horns? Strings? That can be heard setting the pace for the Starscourge Radahn ost. They are perfect in every way.. they remind me both of his gravitational magic and of the marching of soldiers. Also, if I'm not mistaken, similar seemingly reversed notes can be heard in Rennala's theme.. (if I haven't imagined them. Which is totally plausible. Tehees)

least favorite thing about them- How little we actually know about him! Radahn is a demigod who's actions seemingly impact the world on a much smaller scale than some of his siblings..

favorite line- I wish. I wish we could hear his voice in any way. God.

brOTP/OTP/nOTP- Well!! I have a lot of feelings towards the Carian siblings and their parents. For some reason I've convinced myself of Radahn being the youngest of the siblings, the one who might have known Radagon much more in passing than the other two, perhaps explaining his deep longing and high regard for the traditions of the Golden Order. His father despised his own red hair, while Radahn sported it with pride, knowing it had before belonged to a champion. Imagining him growing a mentality so different from his defiant siblings makes me wonder about his relationships with them. Rykard seemed to hold him dear, keeping a portrait of him in his manor even after the shattering (the only other portaits hung being of him and his dear consort). Ranni's wishes to free the stars from his grasp, while surely mostly focused on allowing her fate to unfold... perhaps held the hope of finally letting her brother escape his suffering. Aaubgh.

The whole Promised Consort mess and tragedy has been living in my mind for a while, and I really don't know what to make of it. I've seen people discuss how even if Radahn had agreed to the vow, he would have not agreed to the means through which Miquella went to achieve his presence in the shadow realm. As I personally see it It's all surely... very convoluted to be a willing vow on both sides, and the one thing that most strikes me as odd is the confrontation in Caelid between Malenia and Radahn during the shattering. For her to have to remind him about his vow... something must have happened to make him stray from it. And I don't think it was just the shattering itself. Why did Miquella wait so long to make Radahn his Consort (aside from his attempted regeneration free of curse/discarding of the self) so much so he had to reincarnate him as the version of him he believed most fitting, younger, free of rot (a sickness which Miquella himself caused by proxy!), not to mention through a body that didn't even belong to Radahn in the first place in a reversed Ranni/Godwyn ordeal? Waiting for Luminary Mohg's death only in soul and of Radahn's death only in body to this time insert his soul into Mohgwyn's body (the Mohg situation is also an entirely different can of worms I won't open rn)??? It's so complicated, and if this situation isn't somehow motivated by... also the process of getting into the shadow realm (????) which I imagine would be very troublesome... I don't know. I can't deny that all of the Radahn defenders screaming that the vow couldn't ever have been mutual bother me a bit... (it's not even just about his "undying loyalty to the golden order" which is.. debatable) and I see how Miquella is complex to blame at all since he was and remained cursed with perpetual nascency (aka: he's a child). His fall from grace is beautifully described in the dlc... the discarding of all that made him close to human and loved in the Lands Between, his compassionate good nature undeniable (in his care for Malenia and Godwyn and for all the peoples oppressed by the Golden Order) before the drastic measures he undertook to reach his goals. It's a touchy subject for the community and I too don't feel too comfortable discussing it, since I understand Miquella's writing yet can't help but wonder about Radahn, voiceless, refusing to die for the longest time with the excuse of honorable death. Was it also to prevent his inevitable passing to the shadowlands? Why not let himself die sooner if he had agreed to his consort's wishes? I can't help but wonder, and I'm sure many things slipped from my mind.

The whole Lord Consort thing is even more interesting when put into context along with Marika's consorts. Loyal hounds (or lions), hands through which Marika enacted her power across the lands. Imagining her relationships with Godfrey and her Other self... I wonder how Miquella interpreted it. The way he understood his age of Compassion needed the hand of a Lord to impose it, on top of his charm. I wonder of the image of him Miquella wants to preserve, and of the use he sees fit for Radahn.

All of that said.. I really like the relationship he had with Jerren in the base game before the rot nuke... loyalty that persists beyond death, disfigurement, war...

random headcanon- I have two! The first is from an unused item description for the Longtail cat talisman.. the one who reduces fall damage. It once mentioned the name of the cat it depicted as Lacrima, and her owner as Radahn himself. I love this information so much. I don't know why, maybe I didn't see him as a cat person, or as much of a person at all before I knew this, and it opened my eyes on the potential of his character, on a Radahn free of war or rot or schemes, just the flawed person he could have been underneath. I'm really fond of him now. The second is very silly! I wonder how Radahn felt about Ranni getting to have a Shadow like Blaidd when he admired Godfrey and Serosh so much. I wonder if he has ever been a little jealous!!!

unpopular opinion- I don't know what the popular opinions are! He's surely a very.. seemingly unapproachable character at first. Or at least it was how I felt about him for a while. It's fun to imagine him outside of the situation he's found himself in, as it is with most of the ER demigods, before the shattering, in moments of peace (without a helmet!).

song i associate with them- He's.. The Man Who Sold The World (the Midge Ure version).

favorite picture of them- Of course, I'm very fond of Radahn's portrait in Volcano Manor. It's so respectful, both in its positioning and framing. The second picture is by vnllbn on twt..

There are lots of things which I'm sure I forgot to mention... forgive me for any inaccuracies and for the ungodly amount of time it took for me to answer and thank you so much for your kind ask!!!

[noa-de-cajou]

UUUUUUUURRRRRRGHHHHHHHH.

WORKING RETAIL THE WEEK BEFORE CHRISTMAS EVE SUCKS.

There is no god up there, I'm telling you, because if there was he wouldn’t make me work in a mall filled with people and radio music all day long. But the fucking law degree I don't even want to get isn’t gonna pay itself, is it.

Only a few more months of this and I'll be free. Sure, working in a clothing store is a bazillion times better than when I was a cashier at a supermarket, because I'm more interested in fashion than I am in tuna cans, but still. Either I'm stuck sitting all day behind the counter, or I have to walk around with my fucking low-quality prothesis that hurts like a motherfucker because there's no room for a wheelchair in the fucking alleys and the crutch doesn't look corporate enough.

Let's not even talk about my colleagues. Some of them are sweet, but the others, GOD, I can't stand those bitches. Like, I'm all for gossip. But harmless gossip. Not gossip about how supposedly fat the clients are or how X or Y looks like a whore with a skirt on. The only times I join them is when they rate clients on how attractive they are, because it makes time go faster and purposefully giving ratings opposite to theirs is my only joy in this Rihanna-filled fast fashion hell.

And speaking about hell, today I'm on counseling duty and the shop is full, so I have to stand in the alleys with Clément and Alma. Clément is the only guy in the team but he's acclimated just fine, shittalking as much as the others do, and hitting on me repeatedly despite my obvious lack of interest. He asked me if I had a boyfriend, but the fact that I have two doesn’t mean I want his stupid fucking face anywhere near mine. I don't mention my sentimental life, certainly not my sex life either. They’d eat me alive. Especially Alma. Boy is she one of the meanest judgmental bitches I've ever met, and I'm pretty mean and judgmental too. Pretty sure she was a bully in middle school, and if she wasn't she would have been perfect for the job. Unfortunately she has the same as mine.

We’ve clocked in for the afternoon twenty minutes ago, they’ve rated ten people already, my prosthesis hurts like hell, my period’s coming soon, I think one of them isn't going to make it out alive if they let me stay in their close vicinity.

Deep breaths, Bronya. Chill. Do it for the money, do it for the moolah.

“Oh wow, look what the cat dragged in,” Clément whispers with a voice already dripping with cheap self-satisfaction. “Bronya, Bronya, check this out.”

God fucking damn it what is it n- Holy SHIT.

Wow. Uh. Okay. Wow. I must say I wasn't expecting an almost two meters tall woman with scars all over her face and the thickest glasses I've ever seen. I kinda get why she caught their attention. I mean, she's-

“Someone call the zoo, I think they lost their giraffe.”

… Yeah, of course, why did I even believe they’d be nice this time. My faith in humanity really is far too great.

And the insult isn’t even good. Alma should at least choose a hobby that she's good at. Or maybe annoying the shit out of me is her hobby, in which case she deserves a medal.

The tall girl goes about her business, hesitantly browsing through the clothes. She moves without any self-confidence at all, it's kind of sad. Because she isn’t just tall, she’s buff as fuck too. Maybe a bit lanky? But eh, that looks like someone who works out a bunch.

“What’s she even doing in the women’s section ?” Clément sneers. “The only thing that makes her one is…”

He makes a very not subtle gesture above his chest. Alma giggles.

“What, Clem, is she not your type?”

“Oh, you know my type.”

And he oggles me. He OGGLES ME.

“That girl's like, a three. The ten is right here.”

…

Is the money really worth it? Can’t I punch him in the face?

No. Calm down. Let's be CIVIL. Let’s be POLITE, shall we?

“For the hundredth time, Clément, knock it off. Also you should lower your expectations for women, because as far as I know, you're nobody's type yourself.”

So much for polite, but that’s never been my forte. Clément reddens, his eyelid twitches a little, but Alma’s there, so he laughs it off. Yeah, I know your kind, asshole. Too bad, I have standards on who gets to fuck me and you’re not meeting any.

“Wow, chill, Bronya! I’m just tryna be nice.”

“Well why don’t you try being nice to her then?” I mumble.

“Clem has a point, you know,” Alma chimes in. “When you shop in the women’s section, you should at least try to look like one! No, for me, she’s a two at best.”

Why doesn't she look like a woman? Is it the short hair? The muscles? The hoodie? The pants that are slightly too short? The overused sneakers? The scars?

Or are you just a fucking bitch?

Poor girl looks so confused, too. Clearly she's not used to shopping. And the other two keep throwing in names and little pesky remarks instead of doing what they're paid to do.

Screw it.

“You guys are dicks.”

I limp away from them and towards the girl without leaving room for a reply. My artificial leg creaks with each step but I don’t give a shit at this point.

Fuck, she’s really tall. I have to break my neck to look at her, we’re like forty centimeters apart. She looks down at me, nervously, and I clear my throat.

“Do you need help looking for something?”

Shit. I forgot the customer service smile, and my tone was really dry. She doesn't look thrown off though. More like relieved.

“Um… Yeah. Kind of. I have an important meeting with someone. On… On New year's. And I want to look nice for it, but I don’t own any smart outfits and…”

She glances down at the dresses she was looking through a second ago, and sighs. I don't think she’s that much older than me, now that I look closely. There’s also a big golden pendant dangling around her neck, it looks kind of out of place.

“Well, even if there was my size, I don’t think any of these would look good on me.”

Not look good on her? Has she seen herself in the mirror? Hell, I don’t care what the others say, she's gorgeous.

… Okay. I'm going to find this girl a good outfit no matter what. That’s my mission now.

“I'm sorry, the fashion industry really sucks. Especially for women who don’t fit the arbitrary standards. You might not find a dress your size, but would a suit work?”

She blinks, clearly she didn't expect that. She thinks about it, I can almost see the little thought bubble over her head. She’s kind of adorable.

“I mean… Yeah. I would feel more comfortable in a suit, I think.”

“Let’s see what we can find for you, then. Do you mind if it's from the men’s section?”

She shakes her head. Great. I gesture for her to follow me, and she blinks.

Oh. Did she only notice the prosthesis just now? She really doesn’t have much awareness. At least she didn’t hear all the shittalking, I guess.

I feel stares on us. With her scars, she must get a lot of those, but she doesn’t seem to mind. She’s looking around with eyes filled with something between absolute terror and full-blown marvel.

That reminds me of a certain someone.

Hanko was so thrilled when I took him for shopping. He had never went before.

Ugh. I really don't need to think about him right now.

I get stares too, because of my leg. It doesn’t really affect me much anymore.

It shouldn’t, at least.

I get to the suit jackets and start looking for one that would fit. With her hair and eyes, I'd go for red or black… Eh, let's go with black. Looks good with anything. Maybe she'll need a shirt, too… Well, that’s where the red will go then.

She looks at me anxiously. Uh. Maybe making conversation will help?

“What’s the occasion-”

“Um, I was just wondering if-”

Oh, crap, she wanted to speak, uh, shit, fuck –

“Uh, sorry, go ahead –”

“No, you first!” she exclaims a bit too loud.

“But you looked like you wanted to ask me something –”

“I-It can wait. What was your question?”

… Welp. Seems like she lost the courage. Great job, Bronya. Might as well ask what I was going to ask, then.

“What’s the occasion? The thing you’re going to on new year’s. Something fancy?”

She… She blushes. Like crazy. Oh. Ohoooooo. A date? Might be a date. That’s the gossip I'm down for. I must be smiling a little too wide because she gets even redder.

“I… No, it's not like that. It’s just…”

She re-adjusts her glasses. There’s a weird expression on her face. Nervous, but sort of hopeful. Her fingers graze her necklace. Probably a gift, then.

“I'm reuniting with someone I haven’t seen since middle school and I really want to look better than… you know, this. I don’t want her to think I'm letting myself go, you know?”

Aww. Okay, that’s cute. Sounds like she cares a lot about whoever she’s gonna meet up with. Better handle it with the same amount of care, then.

“Okay. So. If it’s nothing formal, I think the suit jacket and a shirt would do great. You can also wear normal pants instead of suit pants if you don't want to look too overdressed.”

She looks down at her feet.

“... But all the pants I own show my ankles.”

“Not a problem. If you pair it with the right socks and shoes, I can assure you it looks very trendy. Do you have some nice shoes?”

Because as comfy as they look, those sneakers have seen better days and I bet they don’t offer any protection against snow or rain. Luckily, she nods.

“My sister is going to get me some for Christmas. I know it's needed.”

God, she looks so tense. I raise my prosthesis, she looks on with confusion.

“Well, I would have loved to advise you on shoes as well, but as you can see, I only need one.”

She doesn't erupt in laughter or anything, but that gets a snort out of her. Hehe. Nailed it. I hold out the shirt and jacket I picked up.

“Care to try them on?”

The determination on her face as she nods is really funny. And kind of cute. I lead her to one of the dressing rooms, like you’d do with a kid.

“Hum… Could you give me an opinion once I'm done? If that's okay, of course. I really don’t want to keep you, I know it’s busy this time of year…”

Oh with that kind of consideration she can keep me all she wants – I mean what. Focus, Bronya, focus.

“Yeah, sure thing. Take your time!”

I stand outside and wait. The store has gotten busy again. Clément eyes me from afar, I ignore him, and he rushes to help Alma who seems to be in a pinch with an old bitch. That’s karma for you.

I hear the noise of fabric ruffling inside. She's probably taking off her hoodie or t-shirt right now. I wonder if she's really muscular or if it's just an illusion because of her body type. Huh…

Wait, what the hell? Don’t imagine what a client looks like without her clothes. That's creepy. Well, technically it’s part of my job, to picture what clothes would fit best depending on the body, but still! No! Nope! Not her! Not like that! Not-

“Um… I'm done.”

She pushes the curtain open and – oh my god. Oh god. Oh fuck. Shit. Um. Wow.

I’ve never, and I mean never seen someone wear a suit jacket like she does. Like it… it’s just… she’s just…

“You’re perfect.”

She blinks. I blink. OH SHIT I SAID THAT OUT LOUD COME ON THINK THINK THINK SAY SOMETHING-

“I-It looks perfect on you, I mean!”

That's… Ugh, that's not much better, but at least it’s gotta be a little less out of line, right?!

She smiles. Oh fuck, she smiles. With all of her teeth. And it just lights up her entire face, her eyes glint behind her glasses.

“Is that why you're all red now, Bronya?”

Huh? Huh???

Hold up, where exactly did the shyness from earlier go?! That's not fair. That is so totally not fair –

… Wait a minute.

“How do you know my name?”

The embarrassment dawns on her face again. She can't dodge that question, the sellers don't wear name tags here.

“I… sort of guessed it was you? I’m actually a second year in psychology, and you're pretty popular at uni. You write in their newspaper, right? I always read your column. It's cathartic.”

Huh? She…

First off, I didn’t take her for a student at all, certainly not a year behind me. Second, I had no fucking idea I was known to the point that second year psychology students talk about me. Third, she reads my columns. She actually reads my columns. Holy crap.

“I… Uh… Thanks. I'm sorry I never noticed you before, I just… I guess we don't see you guys often?”

Because if I had seen her before, I’d definitely remember it.

“It’s okay. I only saw you from afar before, or heard about you from other people, so I'm glad I can finally speak to you in person.”

And she says it… not really excitedly, but she looks so sincere. She sounds so earnest. I have no idea how to react to that. I’m not prepared for this.

“I mean… Well, nice to meet you, I guess, uh…?”

“Lubell.”

Lubell. Even her name is pretty.

“Well, I sure hope I live up to the rumors, Lubell.”

“Hm… I wouldn’t say that. There's something the rumors never told me about you.”

She smiles again. And it's more timid, but it's still…

“You’re really kind.”

…

Well that's…

I've received tons of compliments before but…

That one…

Is definitely…

New.

Fuck.

“I'm… just doing my job.”

“Well, it feels like much more than that to me, so thank you.”

She does a little turn with the jacket and the shirt on. Clément and Alma really must have shit in their eyeballs because that's a definite ten. Or a twelve. Hell, that's a twenty.

“I think I'll buy those, in any case. I’ll see you at uni, then?”

Oh god. She wants to see me again. Don't be weird.

“Um, yeah, sure. I’m glad you… like the clothes.”

She smiles again, pulls the curtain back. I try really really hard to not think about her movements in there but my head’s a mess. Oh the horrifying ordeal of being known. She gets out with her hoodie on and my heart doesn't slow down at all.

“Thanks again. I’ll tell you how it goes next year. And I'll write a review on the store website to say that a very kind ginger employee helped me.”

And off she goes to pay, leaving me standing there gawking and blushing like an idiot. What the hell is wrong with me today? Well, what isn’t would be a better question.

A hand pats me on the shoulder. It’s Mireille. Mireille’s a forty-year old woman with hair dyed red and the manager for today, which is good because I like her and right now she seems pretty pleased with me.

“Nice job, Bronya. I've seen that girl go in and out of at least five other stores here. But look at her now, going home with brand new clothes and a smile. And we gain a new client. Some people could learn a thing or two from you.”

She shoots a disapproving look towards Clément and Alma, both back to gossiping in a corner, before patting my shoulder.

“Well, I’m going to go be the Big Bad Manager with them for a minute. You take a break, alright? And then back to work, missy. Those clothes aren’t gonna sell themselves!”

And she leaves to go yell at my dearest colleagues. Maybe there is a god up there. At any rate, I'm grateful for the free break and the calm it brings. I sit on a bench to massage my leg a little, let my thoughts go a little astray, as a treat.

Lubell, huh. She has a pretty smile. A pretty face. She’s just pretty.

You're kind.

I’m not. I’m really not. But it's nice to hear.

I’ll tell you how it goes.

So she really intends to see me again.

Wow.

My face is hot.

Maybe this job isn't so shitty after all.

[babumakeanart]

6 hours of playtime of Hades II -thoughts so far

This post will contain spoilers so those who want to avoid seeing them please don't read anything under the cut. Also, take these are my first 6 hours only, my options might change, develop etc. Don't take anything too deeply as this is my brainrot i need to get out because I am just amazed by this game!

First - Melinoë and the story: 

Melinoë is the most badass sweetheart and she is very pleasant protagonist to follow and learn things in her footsteps, like Zagreus's dynamic to another character she can be respectful but can bite back when her line is past which I really like and it is fun to watch and person is hype for another interaction with NPCs and the environment. 

So far the story is ‘simple’ and I am putting it like that because so far we have a clear goal but you can sense there is something deeper going on and is really interesting to explore. So far I got into the third level, already forgot the name of that but it’s the Mourning Plains or so and boy, that place gave me the creeps the first time I got there and THE BOSS!! oh boy :’DDDDD 

Gathering items:

This is what I kind of find refreshing in one way, that I can gather ingredients much faster than it was in Hades I. Maybe it is just me but gathering the crystals in Hades I is tedious and I still need to buy so much furniture for the house. So far I like the variations you can get and use things for. The gardening is very nice and I think I saw Odysseus checking the garden at one point?? very cute. 

And taking different tools for the run so far doesn't feel like bother to do so and if you unlock forget me not you can actually see what tool you need for recipes. So unlocked stuff is very helpful to you. 

Fighting: 

Of course, the fight style is very different than Zagreus had. Zag feels more like go and smash and be fast, while Mel feels more strategy fight. Not that is slow is still a nice hack and slash, and the difference is very nice to see between siblings! So far I unlock all the weapons and my fav is the axe :DD and the flame weapon is so funny when you are running with them XD 

Nemesis:

I do not really know all the lores about all the characters that are being in the second game as well some in the first game but I love how the game is built on Nemesis' interaction with your runs. How she sometimes (so far I have met her like four times or so in my runs) challenges you who have the most kills, clears the room before you even have a chance to stop and she blocks one doors so you have to choose the other door!! also she buy items in charon shop?? it feels so alive?? and I love it so so much!

Hermes and Artemis:

AAAAAAAAAAA seeing these two actually being there with you is so cool! love it 

Clothes: It's such a tiny detail but when you get different fabrics your clothes change color and is so adorable TTATT ofc my fav is lavender

Cats, dOGS SO MANY ANIMALS:

TTATT do i need to say more??? 

CHAOS: okok when I seen the door to the dimension where Chaos is I sprint there without any thinking but seeing the SPRITE??? hello?? IS THAT MEG?? what does that mean, what is happening why does Chaos look like Meg? What happened to the underground?? This was a point in the game where I really stopped and my brain did this: 

Didn't make a screenshot because I was just stunned but wow

Anyway if anyone want to scream with me please you are very welcome to because I am crying about this game!!! Excuse my bad English I just had to get my thoughts on the paper otherwise I would do no work haha 

Love to hear all the theories!