#nobody can resist Victor's charm

[lorata]

so the exam week is currently starting over here -advanced biology is the first one for me ;)- so to calm my nerves, could i learn about how your dear victors would cope if they had chosen an academic path?

i do not have the most academically minded bunch, to put it diplomatically, but here goes

answers under the cut for length

Ronan: business or law, probably, something douchey but everyone forgives him because he's just that charming. however he'd be a little bit adam parrish in that his entire backstory is a total fiction and nobody realizes none of them know who he really is

Adessa: biology, genetics, behavioural psychology, i don't even know, she'd want to do everything and probably does multiple degrees. she'd be an absolute terror and "um, actually" everyone so they'd hate her but they'd also fight to be in her highly coveted and exclusive study group sessions

Odin: he'd do very well, obviously, either something obnoxious like classics (affectionate) or coming out of left field with natural science. doesn't really need to study but takes meticulous and beautiful notes

Misha: she drops out of high school in every modern AU i've put her in, so this one is tough! i can only imagine her as a campus cryptid who sneaks into classes without actually enrolling because she's interested in the content and no one knows who she is but they're all afraid to ask. she doesn't do assignments because she's not a student but once in a while she'll turn in something startlingly sharp

Claudius: music, obviously, like if he had to. i think he'd be one of those people who had a rotten time in the early years but liked doing his degree once he got there. assuming he gets recognition & accommodation for the dyslexia i think he'd manage all right

Devon: i think he'd do a degree in social work and he'd be very good at the people aspect and the practicum and all that but the adhd used to have him staring into space and missing things in class as a bb so i think the actual sit-in-chair part of coursework is always his least favourite. the centre is, for better or worse, very active and hands-on; university, not so much. studying has him lying flat on his back with his book laid over his face groaning aloud into the air. he'd need to find a cute boy and play 'one kiss for every fact i remember'

Petra: legitimately I don't know WHAT she'd do for a degree but I know that studying does not come easy to her (undiagnosed learning disability) and she pushes herself to near exhaustion to get top of the class if there are stakes involved (e.g. a scholarship, or Selene). she studies with Dash and works herself to the brink but she does it! and then eventually someone notices and says hey maybe you should get tested, and she resists because what are you implying! but she does, and what do you mean it's not this hard for everyone, what do you mean it could be easier, and she has a full out crying fit right there in the office. and then she still has to work hard but it's not AS hard, you know what i mean?

Brutus: struggled with this one because again, blue collar boy, BUT i genuinely think he'd like sports medicine! he'd need glasses and a dyslexia diagnosis but he'd throw himself at studying the same as at a cliff wall: silently, with grim determination, one step at a time

Emory: another one who in modern AUs like ... runs a bakery giving skills training to at-risk kids and volunteers at the local community centre all with a high school diploma, so my brain squints trying to imagine her in academia. maybe child psychology for teen therapy/counselling? like the others she'd need help with the learning disability but she is very stubborn when she wants to do a thing. flashcards work very well for her bc she can activate memory

Alec: the kind of student who studies super hard and still comes second to the one who rocks up the day of the exam without studying at all, and he tries very hard not to be annoyed about it, but he is, and he knows it's a character flaw, but oh well. med school is hard but he loves every minute of it

Creed: doesn't actually know how to study. he just ... comes to class, understands the material and does well? is that bad? people always make studying sound super complicated, but oh well. 100% poli sci / communications major

Lyme: i can't decide if she'd be on the kinesiology / sports medicine side or over on the social work / child psychologist side (i've written AUs with her doing both), it really depends. either way she's pretty focused and doesn't socialize much until people from class drag her out because they're afraid her brain is going to explode

Enobaria: i'm imagining 5 hour energy + 4 loko + redbull study sessions that leave everyone amazed she's still alive and a little bit afraid, honestly, but she needs the buzz to get her through it because the content is fun but the actual studying is so boring. i think it would help her to record lectures and listen to them while running but it would take her a while to realize it because her whole childhood is people trying to get her to sit down and do her homework ~properly

Nero: definitely social work but with a minor in like ... philosophy? poetry? something like that anyway. i want to say he's pretty quiet in class but does very well on exams and it startles his classmates the first time, but the profs tell him he needs to participate in discussions if he wants a good grade and he's like ............. y tho, but he does after

not sure for my less-developed characters but hopefully this is fun!

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Victor’s R&S - Six out of Seventeen (Eng Translation)

🍒This R&S (“十七分之六”) will not be released in EN or any server as it’s one of the cancelled R&S which came with the Dream Heart Lake gacha event!🍒

This is a full translation, so you can follow along with the narrator if you want to!

Summary: Victor has been persistent in one thing for seventeen years. The part he lets other people know about is simply six out of seventeen. 

Other cancelled Victor R&S:

> flashback 

> paradise on earth 

> so-called disparity

[ Chapter 1 ]

The first time he recognised his powerlessness was during that failed escape.

The second time was the sense of loss when his mother passed away.

The third time was when he faced the boundless sea of faces, at his wit’s end.

Victor will not say that he searched unceasingly for the girl for seventeen years.

--

It’s akin to how people talk about being secretly in love: Although they might say “I’ve harboured a crush on him/her for so many years”, “I’ve continued following him/her on social media all these years”, ultimately, they will not delay the things they have to do.

To Victor, “finding the girl” had a similar concept.

He will not enumerate how many hours and minutes he spent on this matter of “finding the girl”. One, there was no point in doing so. Two, he was slightly worried - what if he discovered that the problem which had been entrenched in his heart for such a long time was actually very trivial... what would he do then?

However--

It’s akin to how people talk about being secretly in love: Although he had no idea how the other party looked like now, the palpitations from back then, and the blurred face in his dreams always motivated him to press onward. Exactly because he couldn’t set it down, it turned into a permanent, clear moonlight in his heart.

To Victor, “finding the girl” remained the same as always - this matter was on track, even after he established his business. 

After all, Victor was only eleven years old when the incident happened. As a young student, his abilities were limited. At the time, all he could do after school was check in on places the girl would often visit, but his investigations didn’t go smoothly. On one hand, his understanding of the girl was already extremely limited. On other other hand, the inside story of what happened during the orphanage incident was undisclosed. 

He could have received some measure of support from his parents if he asked. But after going through the kidnapping, Victor understood that it would be better if fewer people knew about his superpower. 

He wasn’t afraid his parents wouldn’t believe him. It was just that he was afraid his parents may get “implicated” in his personal secret. What if they ended up like the girl...

This was the reason why teenage Victor chose to delay the matter of “finding the girl” - not give up, but delay it. 

At that age, Victor already understood the importance of preparation. In the years ahead, he was a good student in the eyes of teachers, a good student who looked as though he was perpetually in a bad mood, taciturn, and a bit heavy-hearted. 

Even till he graduated from high school, none of his schoolmates knew about the kidnapping Victor experienced in childhood, and nobody knew that he had been continuously collecting materials related to back then. However, his roommates all knew that a girl’s name would occasionally surface when he talked in his sleep.

It’s thanks to this that nobody ever spread rumours about the girl. At an age where everybody loved to joke at another’s expense, nobody ever used Victor as a joke. 

--

[ Chapter 2 ]

The first year Victor entered university was also the time social networking gained traction. 

The reason why his business could develop at such a rapid pace was to a large extent attributed to social networking, which gave rise to the theory of Six Degrees of Separation.

Unfortunately, the social networking which helped Victor establish his business was unable to provide much assistance in “that matter”.

It wasn’t that Victor didn’t search for posts pertaining to the orphanage incident, but the content was mostly meant to attract attention. 

--

Some who were steeped in fantasy said that the orphanage incident back then was the result of vampires causing trouble, and the orphans discovered in it were actually sustenance reserves for the vampires. Some who were more realistic made an analysis and claimed that it was a relatively large-scale child trafficking situation. Some who were inclined towards sci-fi asserted that it was an attack launched by aliens who had plans to take the children back to their planet to conduct experiments...

While Victor felt disappointed by such results, they were within his expectations. After all, the official materials which were disclosed back then were already limited to begin with, and the other children who were involved were too young, and lacked as clear a memory as he did - after being rescued, they had high fevers and may have even thought everything was simply a dream.

To Victor, all these arguments confirmed his deductions: He couldn’t use layman methods to find her. 

As such, Victor hired a private investigator in the year he graduated from university. 

Contrary to popular belief, private investigators existed among the people in the city.

It’s just that they generally had a different identity, and it was difficult to find them without a recommendation from someone else. Victor managed to locate this private investigator from a recommendation by one of his men. At that point, LFG had already established itself to a certain level. When the detective, whose surname is Bao, heard from the middleman that LFG’s Victor was looking for him, his first reaction was -

“CEO Victor, we have to make something clear. If this has to do with a company-related scheme, I don’t wade in such muddy waters.”

“Teacher Bao.” Addressing him as “teacher” was part of his upbringing and etiquette. However, the sentence which followed after was far from polite. “Do you know about the kidnapping incident which occurred in the orphanage eleven years ago?

He asked the other party to investigate the truth of what happened back then, along with an open reason - as a victim of the incident, he had the right to know. 

“CEO Victor, telling me about this right after we just met... does this count as you having trust in me?”

“CEO Liang recommended you, and I trust him.”

Without saying anything else, Victor and Detective Bao agreed on a quarterly report, and then sent him out politely.

On the night of the conversation, the old detective received a payment much higher than the agreed remuneration. Only then did he believe that the guy he saw in the afternoon was truly what CEO Liang called an “awe-inspiring business elite”.

And he experienced the shrewdness of this “business elite” when he presented his first report three months later. 

--

[ Chapter 3 ]

That day, Old Bao gave a voluminous speech spanning a full hour, thinking Victor would give one or two phrases of praise. Even a nod would have sufficed. However, he didn’t expect that after listening to the report, all Victor did was to move his fingers.

Victor’s slender fingers curled inwards, and he pointed towards a box in the corner.

“CEO Victor, this is?”

Ever since he withdrew from the media, Old Bao had not experienced many great storms. But he would never forget the answer Victor gave him. He said it lightly, but it could cause the listener to vomit three litres of blood.

“You’ve passed the test.”

It turns out that the box contained all the materials Victor collected over the years - some official and some not. 90% of the content was mentioned in Old Bao’s report - and that was what Victor based his “you’ve passed the test” on.

Because most of his clients were introduced by friends, goodwill was a guarantee provided by the middleman, which was why most of the transactions could be settled during the first meeting. But for someone like Victor...

It was the first time Old Bao met such a person.

So, he had been busying himself for nothing over the past three months? This report was basically just a test for him set up by Victor?

There was a particular moment when Old Bao really wanted to walk straight out the door. But for some inexplicable reason, this idea was throttled to death at the cradle.

Perhaps it was curiously. Perhaps it was the gut instinct of a detective--

He wanted to know what exactly Victor wanted to search for - to the extent that he didn’t hesitate to waste three months’ worth of time.

Thus, on such a foundation, their partnership commenced.

If it was because of curiosity at the beginning, a moment of impulse was what prevented Old Bao from rejecting this business. If he were to persevere, he had to find a motivation to tide him through long-term. After all, Old Bao would sometimes ask himself: 

Why did he make the “humiliating” decision to provide his services to Victor? Purely out of curiosity? That was enough to cause him to throw his pride away? Isn’t his time also time?

Fortunately, every time Old Bao questioned his life, remuneration would be funnelled into his bank account, helping him find a new direction in his lost state.

Apart from this, having a new understanding of Victor was also another reason why Old Bai eventually made steady progress. 

If he were to label Victor at the very beginning, it would be “taciturn”, “stern”, “proud and formidable”. After the first report, a few more labels would be added - “shrewd”, “meticulous” and “deserving to be called an elite”. However, as they interacted for a longer time...

Most of these were torn down by Old Bao himself.

After working with him for a year, he deduced that Victor’s patience and temper were actually much better than what he expressed on his face. Even though there was little progress in his investigation most of the time, he didn’t receive the severe criticism he expected, and the agreed-upon remuneration didn’t diminish because of it. 

Faced with one after another of disappointing reports, Victor’s response would just be a few words, in keeping with his style -

Definite and decisive, resolute and persistent. 

--

[ Chapter 4 ]

Sometimes, an inner struggle would surface in Old Bao’s mind: Could Victor have known that the girl was actually no longer on this earth, and his way of searching for a needle in a haystack was a form of coping? If that was the case, he’d just have to cooperate with Victor in acting out this charade, and he’d be able to earn a lot of money.

No, no, you can’t lack a conscience, especially as a detective. Since I’ve already accepted his money, I should carry out his work properly. 

After three years of working with him, Old Bao felt as though he had waded into far muddier and complicated waters than a company-related scheme - clues to finding the girl were cut a few times. But as he dived further into the orphanage incident, a few questions started to be brought to the surface:

If the girl simply died in the accident, why was it that apart from her death certificate, most of her information had gone missing? If the kidnapping at the orphanage was just a simple incident, why did most of the people related to it vanish?

The overly conscious effort to cover up the matter could instead prove a few truths. For instance, there were huge stakes behind the orphanage kidnapping. For instance... that girl could still be alive, just that she had gone incognito and has had a change in identity.

After six years of working together, Old Bao finally fiound a key piece of information. 

At the same time, he also understood the necessity of the test back then. When Victor told Old Bao his true objective, it was essentially entrusting his biggest secret into the hands of a stranger. 

Old Bao examined himself. If he were in Victor’s position, he wouldn’t have been able to do it better than Victor did.

Old Bao suddenly understood why CEO Liang, who had only worked with Victor a few times, was so full of praise for Victor back then.

Since he had found important information, following the clues would be a quick task. Old Bao knew that their employer-employee relationship would not continue for much longer. With regards to this, he had mixed feelings. 

One one hand, he felt as though a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders. After being troubled by this issue for so long, there was finally a clue. On the other hand... he was reluctant to let go - after all, it had been a full six years.

He didn’t know whether he’d be able to meet someone as remarkable and talented as Victor in the future.

Such an appreciation transcended gender and age. It was a natural inclination humans have towards good things.

At the same time, he also hoped that Victor’s future could be smooth-sailing, and that he wouldn’t need to look for people like him to resolve troublesome matters.

This was a sincere blessing from a member of the older generation to a member of the younger generation.

As Old Bao tackled with this secret inner struggle, it was truly “speaking of the devil”. His phone screen lit up, and he received a new message, the contents containing only eight words:

“Investigate HBS. We will talk in detail tomorrow.”

“This person, he’s really...”

Without even looking at the sender, Old Bao already knew who this message was from. He felt an uncontrollable smile inch up his lips. Old Bao shook his head resignedly, and he didn’t know if he was mocking himself or feeling rueful. He continued.

“Really... very contradictory.”

-

Other cancelled R&S: here

Lucien’s cancelled R&S (by other user): here

[angelicamerlinbarnes]

TUA HUNGER GAMES AU:

(please understand that by AU, I mean they share an incredibly small amount of things in common with the original source material which I barely remember BUT the “story” takes place in the setting of the books/films) (not to be misleading or anything :p)

(BEWARE: abuse, murder, human experimentation, etc.)

(If you can handle watching Umbrella Academy AND The Hunger Games, this will be fine for you.)

(Katniss) Allison doesn’t want to be here, but she wasn’t just gonna let Ray be taken from her by a stupid punishment meant for her great-grandparents. She resolves to win the Games for Ray, so she can make it back to him and they can start their lives together in a better place. But when she wins, her life is changed in ways she never could’ve anticipated.

(Peeta) Luther won a few years ago. He’s Allison’s age, but lives up in Victor’s Village, hiding from the rest of the District. She’s the only one who’s seen him in years, as she brings him food and supplies from town as one of her jobs. She’s fallen in love with him, and he with her, and when she goes to the Games, Luther begins to work with Ray to find and aid the rebellion, hoping to bring her home alive.

(Gale) Ray has understood the tragedy of the Games far better than most others since he was very little. He was chosen when he was twelve, but his sister volunteered for him and died in the last rounds of the Games. He’s been dreaming of running away ever since, writing his pamphlets and letters in hopes of stirring up a revolution, and when Luther approaches him for help, he thinks it might just finally work. He just hopes he doesn’t lose Allison, who he’s been planning on marrying since the day he met her, now that she’s volunteered for him too. Too many people love him, he thinks, and too much.

(Rue) Claire is a young girl Allison makes friends with during her Games, taking on a motherly role to her. Claire is struck down by another tribute, Patrick, and Allison killed him, but not before Claire is already too far gone. Allison holds her as she dies and joins the revolution, eventually, in her name.

(Prim) Vanya fell in love with Sissy a long time ago. Her husband died in the coal mines, and Vanya has been a nanny and second mother to her adopted son Harlan ever since. When Harlan is chosen, Vanya volunteers in his place, knowing she’ll die. Imagine her surprise when Allison saves her with a scheme about sisterly love.

(Johanna) Lila was one of the younger victors, known for seeming meek and eventually murdering over half her fellow tributes to win. She went mad with grief and rage after the Games, and only Diego, her beloved brother who she volunteered for, could calm her. Eudora is her lover, though they keep it exceptionally quiet, and she’s incredibly close with Five, though they’ll never be self-sacrificial for one another, as it breaks their agreement to respect each other as warriors. Lila’s ready to murder Reginald for what he did to her family - but first she wants to murder the Handler, who’s kept her on a leash for years by threatening Diego’s life.

(Finnick) Eudora is a victor, and the capital’s darling. She’s quite daring and charming, and seeks to help and mentor every tribute she can, not just those from her District. She, Diego, and Lila, a victor she mentored and later her lover, were childhood friends and were all possible contenders for the Games, though Diego never participated despite being Reaped twice because both Eudora and Lila volunteered for him. She considers Diego a brother, and ensures he is safe when his rebellion threatens his life. She is the hero of the revolution, and eventually takes over as President of Umbrellacademy (Panem) after the war is won.

(Snow) Reginald is the President of Umbrellacademy, and is hated by every District. Five has tried multiple times to kill him, but Reginald has escaped his murderous clutches every time. With each attempt, Reginald has locked Five away in a pitch-black room deep beneath the ground for days or weeks on end with only food and water as signs of life. Because of this, Five is distrusting and angry and doesn’t show loyalty to those if he can help it, yet is terrified of being alone. (Five is, however, the one who executes Reginald in the end. Because he goddamn deserves to.)

(Coin / Dr. Gaul) The Handler runs the Commission (District 13), a former District bombed into nothing in the first war. Five became her ally when he won, but soon realized she held nothing but contempt for the people of the Districts just like Reginald, and escaped from her. She keeps a tight grasp on Lila, who she knows was Five’s ally and friend, and works even harder towards her goal of taking over Umbrellacademy and ruling the lands for herself. In the end, Lila kills her when she gives her an ultimatum: choose unfathomable power and riches and kill Five, or choose Five and die by his side. Lila gives her a sad look and plunges her sword into the Handler’s heart wordlessly, gathering Five to her chest.

(Haymitch) Five has been bitter and angry since his victory, which occurred in the first quarter quell. His District chose him overwhelmingly, voting for him to be in the Games because he offered to give up his life for their children by being the tribute, knowing he could win. The trouble came when his fellow tribute Dolores, an unwanted, became his ally and friend, eventually sacrificing herself for him. One of her snakes bit him and the venom made him ageless, so he’s looked thirteen for forty-five years. He helps run the resistance, eventually leading it as the war worsens and they lose more and more people. Because of Dolores, he does not allow anyone to get too close to him, but is kind and loyal to anyone he does choose to hold his favor - Lila, Diego, Klaus, Allison, Luther, Vanya, and Ben. Though he’s gone mad from his traumatic experiences and time alone, he’s still one of Umbrellacademy’s most treasured citizens, and lives celebrated as a war hero by every survivor comes the war’s end.

(Effie) Klaus travelled to the Capitol when he was seventeen after his lover Dave volunteered for him in District 12. Horrified, Klaus followed him as a stowaway on the train, earning Five’s respect and protection. When Dave died, Klaus was devastated, and turned to drinking and partying to drown his woes. He works for the resistance with Five, but keeps his persona so bubbly and aloof nobody would ever suspect him of being even nearly as smart as he is. He’s found ways to manipulate the Capitol’s scientific brilliance for his own tributes’ advantage, once he won his right to be an escort for his District following Dave’s death. He used this knowledge to save one of his tributes, Ben, whom he formed so strong an attachment to they became near-lovers, partners in all but the physical. Klaus faked his death during training and preserved his spirit in the body of a mockingjay, who he keeps as a pet. He is dangerous, but vulnerable - for all his brilliance, Klaus is prone to emotional attachments, and finds himself making careless mistakes when the lives of his loved ones are threatened.

(Cinna) Diego is the fashion designer for District 12, having come to the Capitol with his sister Eudora after she won her Games. They’re both from District 4, but he instead chooses to work for 12, entranced by the District’s escort Klaus from their first meeting. The two fall deeply in love, but only acknowledge it in coded conversations and never touch if they can help it, knowing that to take any risk in revealing their feelings for each other would result in one or both of them being killed by the Capitol as an example. Diego has another sister in Lila, who volunteered for him when he was Reaped a second time, and protects both of them with his life. He is close to Five, who he works with closely when training tributes, and immediately recognizes Allison as the face of their rebellion, risking his life for her in the hopes that she will lead them to a better world where he can finally hold Klaus in his arms.

(Cato) Leonard is a tribute in Allison’s Games. He tries to kill Vanya, which prompts Allison to kill him towards the end of the Games. Though he had very little chance originally due to being from the incredibly poor District 8, he grew in danger with every tribute dead, and was well-known for his manipulative charm that won him many sponsors. Allison’s hatred of him does not stop him from showing himself as a prominent victim in her many traumatic dreams.

Hazel and Cha-Cha are peacekeepers, both of whom have wavering loyalties to the Capitol. Hazel is on the fence because he fell in love with a District 12 marketplace vendor, Agnes, and Cha-Cha has been in touch with the Commission for years, hoping to bring the rebellion to the forefront and finally make a safe home with Hazel that isn’t so structured and merciless. This is made difficult by the fact that the Handler has complete control over them, threatening Agnes’ life if they don’t cooperate, and they’ll both do anything to save her - Hazel because he loves her, and Cha-Cha because she loves Hazel.

Agnes is a woman from District 12 who sells tributes lucky charms. She gave Allison her wolf, and Five his snake, and Klaus his mockingjay, and continues to help her people in whatever way she can, offering them bread and treats in secret whenever she manages to scrounge some from Hazel and Cha-Cha. She’s a prominent figure in the black market, but dies when District 12 is bombed, prompting Hazel and Cha-Cha to begin infiltrating the Peacekeepers from the inside despite the overwhelming risks.

(Lucy Gray) Dolores was Five’s ally and friend in his Games, one who shared his emblem of snakes. She learned to control them and change their venom’s property with herbs, granting Five agelessness when she had one bite him just before dying in his arms, having sacrificed herself so he could win. Her death cemented Five’s hatred of the Games and Capitol and his belief of attachments as weaknesses, and he often hallucinates her and speaks with her phantom when he’s locked away from the world, leading her to be known as a sore subject with Five and his greatest weakness. (That is, until his new family comes along and gives him something to fight for.)

(Mockingjay) Ben was a tribute in one of Klaus’ first Games as an escort, and he fell in deep platonic love with him. The two remained bonded throughout the years, as Klaus saved Ben by faking his death and keeping him in the body of a mockingjay until their victory in the second war, and Ben stayed by Klaus’ side for all that time as his beloved pet. Klaus would receive the names of marks from Five and give Ben poison to kill them with, having found a way to alter the venom in Ben’s talons from records of Dolores and Five’s Games, and a couple of vague and shallow conversations between himself and the latter. When Ben returns to his human form, Klaus tugs him into his arms and thanks him for all he’s done, never leaving his side again.

[yurio-plisetksy]

Eyes on you: Part II (Yuri Plisetsky x Reader (x Victor Nikiforov)

Request:  Can you make a second part to eyes on you? Ft Victor. You can make the reader end up with either one you want🥰. But can I just say that I love ur blog. It's amazing 💞💞

Part 1 / Part 2

“I don’t want to talk to him.”

You sigh at the blond sitting opposite you. After the incident, the two brothers hadn’t spoken in 2 weeks. Yuri had continued pair skating with you, but no one could ignore the burning stares of his brother from the other side of the rink. The tension was unbearable, and while practicing with Yuri was the same as ever, it really wasn’t when knowing somebody else was watching with envy.

“It’s been 2 weeks, Yuri. You’re adults for god sake, stop acting like children and just talk.” You snap, kicking your feet up the chair next to you, and grabbing the bowl Yuri’s offering you. He just groans at your words, not really looking forward to the confrontation that couldn’t be ignored any longer.

“Please don’t tell me you picked his side.”

“I’m on nobody’s side. I just happen to understand that why he did it, was because of love and desperation.”

“He should’ve stuck with coaching piggy...” The boy grumbles under his breath, and he ignores the warning look you offer him.

“You can’t be mad at me for sticking up for him. You’re already in the advantage here. Which probably makes it even harder for Victor to cope with it.”

Honestly, Yuri was just lucky that you fell for him before Victor even tried, because even if your heart laid with him, Victor had something charming anybody would have trouble with to resist. The two seemed to be direct opposites, Yuri being rough and a little distrustful , while Victor was gentle, but also a bit naive.

His rather dominant nature had captured your attention ever since you needed to pair skate together. Eventually you grew a huge crush on him and Yuri became interested as well, and right when the two of you were about to become official, Victor happened. Even if you didn’t blame him for trying, it had not been the right way to do so.

Yuri takes a bite of his lunch, averting his gaze towards the screen, where last year’s Grand Prix final was being aired. He didn’t think much of it, until a familiar face appeared on screen, to which he immediately turned of the TV.

“You gotta be kidding me...”You groan, wondering why it had gotten so far that Yuri refused to even watch his brother perform on screen. Finishing your lunch, you place your bowl in the dishwasher, before heading back towards the rink, hearing Yuri following close behind.

Your eyes meet Victor’s as you walk past him and Yuuri, and he looks away in embarrassment and shame, not even bothering to look at his brother. Yuri huffs at his presence, and wraps an arm around your waist in protectiveness. Gently you pull away from his touch, and zip up your jacket.

“You can’t ignore him forever.”

“But I can try.”

--------------- ❤︎ ---------------

“Y/n?” Victor calls out as he spots your shadow just outside the building. He’s about to go home, and the key of the building sits in his palm as he was ready to lock the door. You turn your head to him, and offer him a small smile. 

There’s hesitation flickering within his gaze, and he quickly turns the key before stuffing it in his pocket. A trail of his footsteps is left in the snow as he approaches you, and it is when he stands beside you he realizes you’re not alone. A few steps down, Yuri sits, crouched, with his hood covering his blond locks. 

Yuri refuses to acknowledge his presence at first, but as a slim hand sits on his shoulder, he can’t help but look up at his older brother. Victor smiles gently, and offers to help him up. Yuri refuses his help but gets up nonetheless. You get a quick glance from him, to which you nod towards Victor. Hinting at the two of them finally making up.

“Lets go for a walk. This whole ignoring eachother thing is getting boring.” Yuri grumbles, and Victor is surprised as well as a little embarrassed that his younger brother is the first to initiate a conversations. He’s proud of him, however, the pride puts a weight on his shoulder that pushes at his honor, knowing he should have been the one to do it.

He’s fled. Ran away from them until he figured out a way to deal with it, but in this case, there was no proper way to deal with it rather than accept it. This was, in practice, easier said than done.

“That seems like a good idea.” Is his answer, and Yuri starts walking without another word. Probably expecting Victor to follow him.

Victor turns his head towards you, and you smile and mouth a “Go with him” before the Russian jogs towards his younger brother, eager to get this over with.

The two walk in silence for what seems like minutes. It’s already dark outside, and the snow that fell earlier covers most of the path they walk. The white substance crunches under each of their steps, and its eerily quiet as they wark towards the nearest park.

“Just so you know, it was Y/n who wanted us to talk.” Yuri finally starts, and Victor’s eyes avert towards him. It obvious Yuri is still mad, even if it happened weeks ago. Victor can tell that he damaged their bond. While Victor never meant to hurt him, he still believes his ways weren’t anything but just. 

“If you hadn’t said that, I would have actually been impressed by your efforts. This kind of defeats the purpose.” Victor says, trying to tell him with a hint of playfullness, however the words leave his lips with a bitter after taste.

“Y/n is my girlfriend now. You’ll have to deal with it eventually. Just accept it.” Yuri refuses to meet his brother’s eyes, but Victor smug chuckle tells him enough. The silver haired seems to barely even take him seriously.

“Anything can break.”

Daring words. Definitely not the smartest to use when talking to Yuri. His eyebrows contort into a scowl, and with quick reflexes he grabs the collar of his coat and pushes him into one of the trees next to the path. Victor doesn’t even flinch, barely blinks as his brother grabs him by his throat. He just smiles, sinisterly, annoyingly, making Yuri’s blood boil.

“You take that back.” Yuri warns, but Victor seems to have no intention of backing down. Instead he grabs his wrist, and forces him back, knowing himself to be stronger.

“You think she’s going to stay with someone as reckless as you? You think she won’t get enough of your attitude, and you’re stubborness?”

There’s a look in Victor’s eyes Yuri has never seen before. He’s always gentle, empathic, and usually very defensive, but the aggression he shows is one Yuri barely experienced in his whole lifetime. Victor feels threatened and bares his teeth.

“You’re just scared, Vitya. Scared you’ll never get what I have. You can barely hold it together. You’re furious, because I took what you want.” Yuri growls at him and presses forward, trying to get the upperhand, but Victor’s grip is strong and he barely even budges at his strenght. Yuri c ontinues pushing, but to his dismay, Victor steps aside, and his own force makes Yuri fall onto the ground and into the snow. 

“You’re childish, Yura. Y/n deserves someone better.” He spits down, no remorse, and not a care about bloodline.

“Like you?” Yuri wipes the snow from his face, and rolls onto his back. He looks up at Victor with anger and sadness, his body leaning onto his forearms.

Victor gives him a look that tells him not to continue. The two of them decide there and then that this is the end of their conversation.

“I’m done talking.” Victors says as he places his hands in the pockets of his coat. He looks down at Yuri.  Small is the only way to describe him right now. Victor towers above him, and he’s hesitating whether to help him, or leave him on the ground. He decides on the latter, and  begins to walk away with regret in his heart. Yuri just watches, until he disappears around the corner.

Yuri gets up, dusts himself off and makes his way towards your apartment. It takes him about 15 minutes to get there. He notices footsteps going towards your door, and at first he gets angry, but then he realizes they’re only yours, and Victor wouldn’t have dared to come to you after their fight.

He knocks on your door, and waits untill your familiar face peaks around the corner. Your smile brightens his mood a little, but knowing he’d have to tell you what happened, immediately makes his smile drop.

“So, did you two make up?” You ask him with the brightest grin ever, however when you meet his eyes, you can tell he only carries bad news.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

[victuurisummerloving]

Summer Loving 2019 Gift Masterlist

Thank you to everyone to participated! We were so delighted by all the Victuuri love to go around. Hope you were too!

You can browse this list or the AO3 collection.

WRITING:

Art Student AU  ☀️  @opemjamjar to @mysticemerald

Summer Lights  ☀️ @a-midnight-luna to @pandabomb

Dance to the Beat of My Heart ☀️ @mysticemerald to @linisen

Underneath the Stars ☀️ @silverphoenixwrites to @piecesofbrokenrecollections

Melting Point ☀️ @kingfishling to @anonbaph

Moments to Love ☀️ @anonbaph to @iwritebetterthanispeak

Stay Close to Me ☀️ @slitherisms to @tearsandice

More Than a Fever ☀️ @louciferish to @izzyisozaki

You Make Everything Better ☀️ @marialenikiforov to @tequilatia

(Viral) video entranced the radio star ☀️ @girl-in-the-library to @jelly-guiro

Victor, Simply Stated ☀️ @batmads-ao3 to @acemoppet

A Lifelong Love Letter ☀️ @v-katsuki to @viktuurishippe2

Secrets left unsaid ☀️ @ravensmores to @victuurikatsu

Nobody does it better ☀️ @everymanwillbeaking to @karmangier

these quiet days ☀️ @iwritebetterthanispeak to @belovedyuuri

here comes a thought ☀️ @crossroadswrites to @opemjamjar

Beneath the milky twilight ☀️ @obsessionality to @thewalrus-said

Around the World in 31 Days ☀️ @piecesofbrokenrecollections to @fiercyy

love is hate, twice cursed ☀️ @katzuyas to @owlishann

Run away with me ☀️ @paintingwithwords to @fallsintograce

Meeting in the fifth dimension ☀️ @fallsintograce to @gabzjones

Stuck in the middle with you ☀️ @sophiegaladheon to @teekettle

Even In This Old-Fashioned Way ☀️@rodiniaorzetalthepenguin to @slitherisms 

Victuuri Used Charm! ☀️ @lightningcatters to @chubbyskater

so move me, baby ☀️ @owlishann to @plisetskys-ass

heart(beat) ☀️ @carry-a-world to @batmads-ao3

My, my my how can I resist you? ☀️ @japansace to @v-katsuki

Countdown to Cutlet ☀️ @pandabomb to @creme13rulee

I put a spell on you ☀️ @cometbt to @crossroadswrites

I don’t mind, if it’s you ☀️ @lukesgoggles to @cometbt

Because I love him ☀️ @plisetskys-ass to @rodiniaorzetalthepenguin

you take me higher than the rest ☀️ @thewalrus-said to @lukesgoggles

darling your love is worth more than its weight in gold ☀️@linisen to @impatvish

Tech week ☀️ @fiercyy to @girl-in-the-library

My Darling ☀️ @tearsandice to @accioharo

Sweet shock [nsfw] ☀️ @and-then-yoi-happened to @duesterkitsch 

Get Dressed! ☀️ @chubbyskater to @lightningcatters

☀️☀️☀️

ART:

Summer heat ☀️ @littorella to @caramel-draws

Waiting for bus to pride parade ☀️ @caramel-draws to @kingfishling

Pool floats ☀️ @izzyisozaki to @mferret9

Victorian/Regency AU  ☀️ @jelly-guiro to @toonysart

Mer AU ☀️ @karmangier to @japansace

Puppy adoption ☀️ @littorella to @nksara

Celebrity/butler AU ☀️ @duesterkitsch to @a-midnight-luna

Arranged marriage ☀️ @mferret9 to @katzuyas

Home ☀️ @toonysart to @paintingwithwords

Pirate & Barkeep ☀️ @viktuurishippe2 to @everymanwillbeaking

Post-canon husbands ☀️ @impatvish to @marialenikiforov

Apart ☀️ @nksara to @obsessionality

[kuningannasansa]

A musketeers rewatch (that nobody asked for) 1x04

(warning: not always complimentary towards all characters, especially not aramis, anne and athos. dont like, don’t read)

We start with Louis being a prat and in this instance I love it! 

Richelieu is wearing his red robes over the hideous black outfit. I wish it was just the robes. 

Athos wonders what’s wrong with Aramis and Porthos says “have you forgotten about the massacre at Savoy?”. This is clumsy exposition. Realistically Athos the character would not have forgotten but I guess the viewers need to know. 

“A strategically important pimple” - Lmao! Who says Armand hasn’t got a sense of humour! 

This marks the beginning of these strangely depopulated court scenes. I do wish they had been able to afford more extras!

The Duke’s name is Victor... idk how I feel about that

The conversation between Marsac and Aramis is very well written, the exposition feels natural and also Aramis handles the situation quite well.

Now the Duke is mad and everyone is trying to calm him down. Treville points out that they should wait for the facts and Anne says that the shot could have hit any one of them, they are family and should stick together. This is why I liked her back in season 1! She was clever, had some political acumen and was good at playing her role as queen (women being seen as the gentler sex whose job it was to calm mens anger) while still maneuvering and getting her own way. 

It is funny thou, how everyone else is making good points and Richelieu is pacing around in a panic not saying anything at first, not even responding to Victor’s insults. And when he does speak he miscalculates and angers the duke. He is brilliant when given time to think and consider, but not always quick on his feet lol (as pointed out by @tatzelwyrm in her wonderful fic Reformation, which I really must remember to review cause I fucking loved it).   

Louis calls the duke a pomous arse and Richelieu points out that France needs Savoy, but his face says he agrees xD

There’s definitely some sexual tension between Aramis and Marsac. Or maybe I’m just a shameless slasher... 

“If this gets me hanged, I’m going to take it very personally” - lol, I do love musketeers humour!

The scene between my dear grand deceiver and his bluff honest man of action is SO GOOD!! The dialogue, the delivery, the acting in general!

Richelieu’s room is ridiculously large and empty thou xD 

“Death in battle is one thing, but your world of back alley stabbings and murder disgusts me” - that seems to be the show’s morality in a nutshell and I don’t like it. Whether you’re killed by Milady’s dagger between the ribs or a musketeer sword, you end up no less dead. Sometimes secret assassinations are necessary, that’s why countries have spy agencies. And while yes, in battle you can see your opponent coming and have a good chance to deny him, I am convinced that a big part of why killing in battle is seen as more honourable is that it is the more traditionally masculine option. Also, it is an option most easily accessible to able bodied men. Everyone else can’t always afford to “fight fair”. 

“Not everything I do is pleasant, but it is all necessary.” - well, that’s not true either. Not all.

Richelieu panics again and wants to move the prisoner but Treville says a transfer would only attract attention and Richelieu is like “yeah, you’re probably right” lol. Poor cardinal, he’s trying to run the whole country alone but he needs advisors just like anyone else would to make the best decisions. If he would just admit it, his life would be a lot easier! 

Dartagnan gets all jealous and territorial over Constance. I know it’s meant to indicate their true love, but I’ve never found that shit charming. 

Aramis ties Marsac up. This is making me horny now. 

“I’ve thought of you many times” - omg, I gotta see if there’s fic of them!

Constance finds out that Marsac is a criminal and instead of kicking him out, she kicks D’artagnan out! Bless!

Okay, so the Duke’s men killed the 20 musketeers because the Duke thought that they had come to kill him and put his son on the throne. And Treville told him where to find them through Cluzet (spl?). But actually it was all a distraction to kidnap Cluzet. Noting this down, cause I don’t remember the plot anymore.

PORTHOS DEFENDING TREVILLE!!  <3

And Richelieu just couldn’t resist going to see his prisoner! 

And Cluzet worked for the Duke officially but was actually a Spanish spy! Okay, that makes sense. I wondered why they kidnapped him lol.

Richelieu is gloating now. He should have stayed away from there. 

“Total solitude, unlimited time to reflect... I almost envy you.” - oh Armand! You will learn in the Spanish prison :(

(yes, in this house the Spanish prison AU is canon)

Porthos: “this is the captain we’re talking about” Aramis: “which is why we owe it to him to clear his name” - damn, that’s a good argument! I like Aramis in this episode! That’s probably why I remember liking him a lot when season 1 first aired...

“If it is true, what then?” - @donnaimmaculata made an excellent point about that here: https://donnaimmaculata.tumblr.com/post/109300936446/aramis-was-actually-at-his-smartest-in-this

Louis playing swords with Louis Amadeus is so cute!! And the kid is a more gracious loser than Louis is a winner xD

“I don’t want protection, I want to be treated as an equal.” - that’s a good Constance line, much more feminist than that nonsense about the duchess later in the episode

And D'artagnan apologizes and promises not to lie to her again. Mentioning that cause his respect for her boundaries and acknowledging when he makes a mistake goes totally out the window in season two.

The duke: “Have you captured the man who tried to kill me?” Richelieu: “We should not be distracted by minor issues.” - what is wrong with him this episode?? he is not being at all diplomatic

The duke challenges Athos to a duel and Treville is so cool and quietly confident while Richelieu frets.  

And Treville smirks at his evident distress xD

Treville gets mad at Athos for humiliating the duke. He could have defeated him in a way that left him his dignity, apparently. But Porthos says he would have cut his head off, so Treville should consider himself lucky, really. 

Porthos is very good at spying!

Treville’s filing of documents is “meticulous”, apparently. Sorry, but that does NOT sound like him!

“I will never believe the captain is a traitor” - that’s noble of you Athos. Maybe you could have extended the same courtesy to your wife?

The confrontation with Treville is so angsty and well acted and tense! This is the show at it’s best, dealing with a serious issue and giving it the weight it deserves. I love!

It’s kind of sad seeing how in love the duke is with his wife! I hope he never finds out she’s a spy lol xD

Now Marsac tries to rape Constance. Was that really necessary? Like, really, why?? We understand he is an antagonist, there is no need to make him cartoonishly evil, especially by using violence against women. 

I don’t know what his friend being a seezy rapist says about Aramis thou...

Dart to the rescue, yawn!

I do love how we are led to believe they’re gonna kiss and then she goes “teach me how to shoot” xD

“Honour? There’s no word in the language more likely to cause stupidity and inconvenience” - lmaoo, Richelieu I feel you

“You think I won’t have you arrested? That you’re above the normal rules of soldiering?” - Yesss Treville, have him arrested! You will save everyone a lot of grief down the road!

Aramis punches Treville in the face! LOL! xD

Aramis and Marsac argue how to handle Treville (Marsac wants to assassinate him) and Aramis just cradles his face!

And then Marsac punches aramis in the face and knocks him out cold! LOL! xD

I love how the duke is actually objectively right in this episode. Imperialist France is meddling in the affairs of another sovereign state. The weak suffer what they must. And the musketeers are not on the side of good by helping the King and Richelieu conceal Cluzet. They follow their orders and work for the state, but the state is, well, not always nice. Just pointing that out...

The duchess looks so cool and beautiful riding into the garrison in that yellow dress with her cloak flapping in the wind!

“You traitor!” Cluzet says to the duchess. Pot calling the kettle black

“Not your average duchess then” - I don’t like this line! It sort of implies that an average duchess without fighting skills is somehow lesser and plays into a long pattern in television when women are only valued when they have “masculine” skills. But I do love her character a lot! More on that here: https://kuningannasansa.tumblr.com/post/100754198434/a-duchess-of-savoy-appreciation-post

Richelieu’s FACE when he sees D'artagnan as the guard! xD

But I wonder what his plan was? What if the musketeers had not shown up to save his ass?

“Paris has a number of excellent places of correction, if you’d like a tour of them all?” - aawwww, sassy cardinal! 

He even gives Dartagnan a look of acknowledgement. As well he should! The Cluzet switch was brilliant and funny!

Now Marsac is going to kill Treville, but Aramis stops him, saying there should be a court martial. Well done Aramis, keeping your head! Also, justice! It does exist! 

This is another very well acted emotional scene!

Aramis shoots Marsac, choosing Treville over him. It’s sad and tragic and wonderful television!

“I love my husband, very much” - I like their relationship

Lmaooo now Richelieu is already plotting the Duke’s murder xD  

Wet Aramis at Marsac’s grave is hot!

In conclusion, there were some things I didn’t like, but all in all this was a very good episode!

Red Guards killed in the line of duty: none

Women fridged: also none! this really was a good one guys!

Best dressed: Constance

[rosymaplemoth]

Aether Voicemail

A prompt in my 30 Day Journal was “a voicemail that your protagonist will never delete”.

I went a little overboard and had most of the cast of C:R (plus a few OCs) leave her voicemails. The one she’ll never delete is the last one.

Aether Transmission “Voicemails” for Aronnax (Non-Canon due to voicemail not existing... duh... takes place after Chapter 32: Diver’s Fatigue).

Arsene Lupin

A warm greeting to my fellow outlaw! So you’ve finally landed in South America, have you? I’m certain that a grand adventure awaits you!

…

How is Cardia doing? I’m certain that by now she and Impey have… well, do me a favor and give them my well-wishes! …I know that he’ll make her happy. He’s my partner, after all.

…

Well, it’s time I’m off! I’m in the middle of stealing the hearts of Paris for you, so be ready for it!

[BEEP]

Abraham Van Helsing

What did they expect me to say into this…? I’ve never even met this woman.

[sigh]

… If you let anything happen to her, I hope you know what will be waiting for you when you return.

Oh, and tell Impey that he doesn’t have to worry. I’ve been keeping the others well-fed.

[BEEP]

Victor Frankenstein

It’s been awhile since we last met. I’m glad to hear of your continued success. I’m sure that Impey is keeping things exciting, too. Cardia is probably having to put up with a lot right now.

Ah, but… that’s not the purpose of this message. Um, listen, can you… can you keep this to yourself?

…I really wanted to thank you, Professor Aronnax. I suppose it doesn’t really make sense, but… I feel relieved, like a weight has been lifted off of me.

Nobody deserves to be alone.

I guess what I’m saying is that… I’m glad that Nemo found a friend, too.

U-Um… you will keep that to yourself, right? For my sake? Ahaha… ha… ha…

[BEEP]

The Count of Saint-Germain

Oh? There’s still room for more messages? Well, you were a part of humanity’s first submerged trip across the Atlantic. Please, take a moment to congratulate yourself for this accomplishment. You have certainly earned your place in the history books, Professor.

Hm, there is much more that I need to tell you, but I will be seeing you shortly. It should wait until then. I only wish I could… … well, you will say hello to Miss Cardia for me, won’t you?

Farewell.

[BEEP]

Delacroix II and Sisi

Huh? But I’ve never met Aronnax, why…

[Arf!]

Sisi, you want to say hello to Professor Aronnax?

[….]

Huh… Oh, I get it! You miss Cardia, don’t you?

[whine]

I understand, I miss her, too. Hey, Professor, you’ll tell her that we miss her, right? Ah, Sisi, did you have a message for Impey, too?

[growl……………..!]

[BEEP]

Finis

Huh? Aronnax? I thought I would be able to leave a message for Sister here. Tch… what a waste.

…

Between those two boneheads, I suppose you’re really the one I can trust the most… though, trust me, it’s not a position I want to be in. … Protect Sister. If you make her cry… I will make that weird creep of yours suffer ten times as much!

[BEEP]

Queen Victoria

Oh? All of this secrecy, and yet you allow me to leave a message? Aren’t you cheeky…

Even though I can’t claim you as a child of England, I still feel somewhat of an obligation towards you. Perhaps it’s because you’ve gotten yourself tangled with that scientist… hm. Well, your friends have certainly made things interesting around here. I must thank you for sending Doctor Frankenstein back into my midst. He’s so stubborn, though, still rejecting my invitation into the Royal Society.

…Just how much do these boys think they can accomplish? It’s rather frustrating how much they’re standing up to me. These rebellious streaks, can they stem from anything other than your beloved prince charming? Ha! No, I suppose everyone has their own reasons. Lost homes, their dreams, a desire to belong… what was your reason for rebellion? When I catch you, I hope you’ll give me a fun answer, Pauline Aronnax.

[BEEP]

Ned Land

Oh! Got the signal! Knew I could get that twisty-thingamajig working! Hey, Pauline, why’d you have to run away so fast? You made my sweetheart really upset, you know. He stayed up all night looking for any trace of that damn submarine. Had to knock him out so he’d finally get some shut-eye. … Don’t be stubborn, girlie. Let Ned Land take care of you. I promise I’ll reunite your princey with his lost family quicker than you can blink. He won’t feel a thing! Of course, if you keep on resisting… it might be fun to see how much he can squirm on the end of my harpoon, hahaha! Oh, you all can hide all you want, but the Great Hunter always finds his quarry! Always!

[BEEP]

Conseil

Ah… Professor…

…

How does it feel to be back in South America? We were there for your 20th birthday, weren’t we? Yes, that’s when we went to the Amazon River. You shone like the sun on that expedition.

And then you fell in with those piranhas, remember? You were leaning out too far over the boat to get a better look… I jumped in after you and got you away from those beasts. You looked so confused. I’ll never forget—“Piranhas aren’t inherently dangerous”. “Piranhas have a bad reputation”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing!

… It’s the same now, isn’t it? You say the man isn’t dangerous, but everybody knows the truth! London was a sea of fire because of him! I know that if you stay at his side, he will strip you to the bone! I swear I will be the one to save you, Professor, I will make you come to your senses! Please, please come to me!

Do it for yourself, do it for Paris, do it for your Grandfather—

[BEEP]

Jimmy A. Aleister

Aronnax-kun. Have you made it as far as you wanted to go? I’m sure a voyage like this has merely whet your appetite. I’m also sure that there are many things you want to say to me right now. Hold on to that anger, let it settle inside of you until it becomes a part of your very existence. That way, when we meet again, you can show me just how far you’ve come.

I truly, truly look forward to that day.

[BEEP]

eH4o?aaJt+?nhrnts

Good day to you, Professor Aronnax.

We haven’t met yet, but I’m afraid I’ve let my impatience get the best of me once again. It’s one of my greatest vices. I’m sure you understand, right? After all, you couldn’t wait to begin your journey. You couldn’t wait for your friends, your family… you had to leave it all behind to chase after a dream. We’re a lot alike in that way. Oh, Professor, I cannot wait until we meet. You were blessed with a mind capable of piecing together fragments that nobody else could begin to comprehend. You, of all people, will appreciate what I am doing.

Ah, your lover, too, I’m sure… but you have a greater appreciation for peace, do you not? Yes, the peace of silence, of a quiet world where true contemplation can thrive. A kingdom under a sky dancing in rainbow hues… the place I was born to rule… I cannot wait to show it to you.

[BEEP]

Nemo

Bwahahahahahaha….! Now, the greatest message of them all, left by your beloved genius scientist NEEEEEEEEMOOOOOOOOOOOOO---!!!

Are you exciiiiiiited? Hmm, I could talk to you in person, but… your sleeping face is so cute… so I’ll leave this message of iiiiiiinspiration as a surprise instead!

Have you really let it sink in? What the Harper has accomplished? What this meeeeeeeeeans for the world?! A new way of travel! Expanded horizons! Perhaps even a new era, hmmm? Ahhh, sensei would have been so proud of meeeeeee… and what about you? Hee hee, are you just as proud? Of course, you’re very lucky to sleep in the arms of the geeeeeeeeeenius who will change the world!

……. Ahhh---

I shouuuuuld say… I’m pretty lucky too. ❤

Have you realized what you are to me yet? Me, the greatest disciple of science--! What would that make you, the one that humanity is beginning to call “the Bride of Science”? Ohhh, I can’t wait to tell you… the beatification of a still-living scientist—no, apotheosis!! Ahhhhh--- there is a goddess lying in my arms tonight--!! Won’t you allow me, the most devoted of all scientific acolytes, the pleasure of worshiping you?

Hmmm~ I can’t wait to watch the expression on your face as you liiiiiisten to this… you’ll come and find me, won’t you? Now, embrace your beloved and let him use science to lift you to raaaaaaaaaaaapturous delight!

[BEEP]

[saniika]

Rating: E Major Archive Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Pairing(s) if any: Katsuki Yuuri/Victor Nikiforov,Christophe Giacometti/Katsuki Yuuri Summary: A driver takes care of precious cargo with special needs. Based on the short O negative, horror shot. 

Beta by @narcissuspseudonarcissus (so sweet to take upon the challenge!)

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/14561289 

On twitter: https://twitter.com/SaniikaKatamari/status/993228799461425152

Under the cut:

The pull of the web comes suddenly, violating Yuuri’s consciousness as he sits behind the steering wheel. His strong instinct to clutch on the fine leather keeps him present in reality. He knows he must keep the thread of action going.

If he doesn’t steer, the car will go off the road or hit the truck coming from the opposite direction. His precious cargo won’t survive.

If he doesn’t finish the journey to the closest city and check in the motel, he won’t be able to turn on the machine.

His precious cargo won’t survive.

No matter what, Yuuri must continue; for Victor depends on him with his own life. There aren’t many second chances given to Yuuri. One simple slip up can end it all. Yuuri knows he’s a nobody who just happened to get into Victor’s way. Yuuri knows Victor can as easily pick someone else to fill his role. Yuuri is dispensable and merely a lowly servant. The prey, which has the privilege to serve the hunter. Victor let’s Yuuri worship him. And how dearly he miscalculated once more.

They stayed too long in their past location and Victor felt so good he egged Yuuri on to slack off. And now both of them are paying the price.

“Do you need to rest?”

Yuuri hears the ringing in his ears, his sister’s voice as if from behind the glass door. The shimmering street lights resemble the light leaking through the kitchen lamp falling through the frosted glass. Yuuri used to focus on it during his feverish hallucinations when he was a child.

“Do you need to rest?”

His mother is calling him, the stiff neck and it’s spasms are remarkably resembling her fingers brushing over his nape. The call is alluring, promises the sweetest nothings, the kindest release Yuuri’s body is longing so much for the past year. When the cold of his body starts to feel warm, he knows he’s slipping.

Yuuri blinks a few times, the ringing in his ears growing louder. Unpleasant like the artificial bell announcing last chance to step out of a bus, more persuasive than siren of an ambulance car. He hears the passing cars honking, the rain drumming on his windshield and his trembling hand finds a pocket knife.

The slice is quick and the sharp pain bring him into alertness, numbing everything else on a command. Everything is a bit clearer now, Yuuri feels almost completely conscious. The ever present anxiety makes him check on Victor on the backseat. The short glance in the rearview mirror is not enough. Yuuri knows he should look at the road for safety, but the urge is stronger. He needs to check and so he turns, watching over Victor’s body on the cheap upholstered leather seat.  

Victor is sleeping, or rather unconscious. The lack of Yuuri’s care sent him into that strange kind of coma. His body doesn’t move, he doesn’t breathe and no heart beats in his chest. Yuuri remembers the first time he witnessed such state. He barely managed to hook up Victor to the machine, sobbing and choking on tears all the time, missing his vein several times. It took a week for Victor to calm him down after that.

Yuuri knows what to do now. He learned, trained and made all possible efforts to prepare for every unexpected situation. For every plan he had a backup plan. Yet his transgression allowed just that - compromising Victor. Yuuri once more forgot he was to serve and not to try to be Victor’s equal. Yuuri should have known better. That bypasses all his rational thinking and sends Yuuri into a mad rush.

They reach the city on time, Yuuri books a room and a minute later he’s inside. Victor is carefully put on the marriage bed. Yuuri goes into shock noticing his wristwatch has stopped and it makes him miss the chance to check the correct time on the hotel clock on the night table. From that moment it’s just pure adrenalin that makes him turn on the pump with learned, efficient moves. His own heartbeat doesn’t settle down until his own blood flows through the mask into Victor’s mouth. Just when Yuuri sees Victor’s chest rise again, he sinks into the chair in relief.

Victor will live. Victor will stay undead. Whichever applied.

He hears his own heartbeat growing louder and instead of his family offering rest he hears Victor’s voice.

“Yuuri!” The whisper against his ear is sweet, he’s pulled into a dance. “Come dance with me, just like the first time. Please! Just tonight.”

“Victor, no… I should go find someone, you really need it. It’s been two days now. I can’t allow myself-” Yuuri resists the bait, not wanting to leave the table in the ballroom, no matter how dashing Victor is in his tuxedo. He’s cut off with disregard and he hits Victor’s chest with a huff.

“Yu-uri! You’re no fun! I see how tired you are lately… surprise me once more? You need good things in your life every now and then.” A palm rests on Yuuri’s small back and the small blush on Victor’s cheeks tilts him over the doubtful edge. He’s led to the dance floor and relives once more how they met.

It was a glorious night, gregarious, beautiful Victor in his arms, dipping in his embrace and so alive. Yuuri was a goner before they even joined hands. A kiss was enough to charm Yuuri and all that Victor whispered to him on the terrace, honest explanation and Victor’s audacious plea. And it made sense that Yuuri, a nobody, an aimless young man failing in his career in a company, was of trivial importance. What mattered that Victor, the member of the elusive rival company asked Yuuri to help him escape, to free Victor. What else could Yuuri have said than yes. What did it matter that Yuuri would pay with is own lifeforce to keep Victor in this world and that they would forever be on the run? Only one thing Yuuri did regret.

He would not live forever and eventually Victor would have to find a replacement if he wants to live his current lifestyle. And even so, Yuuri did notice how pale Victor grew after the first month and realized he won’t be able to cater to Victor’s needs in full. During his whole remaining life, Yuuri would keep Victor. He would never be able to share a dazzling fulfilling life with Victor as his equal. Because an ancient vampire would not keep a pet forever.

“Yuuri!”

The spare twin bell alarm clock rips him from the momentary dream. The waking up is painful as always, the pain felt a lot more once his body allowed himself to relax a little. He turns of the machine and pulls out the IV, all the time feeling Victor’s eyes lingering heavy on his shoulders.

Victor is awake, he’s safe now. It’s fine.

***

They sit in a bathtub, which is too small for them both. Yet Victor insisted wordlessly and he made Yuuri climb in with him. They never speak after a transfusion. Yet today Yuuri knows Victor’s silence is laced by guilt. And it make Yuuri even more angry, more desperate about his own uselessness.

Yuuri didn’t listen to the voice of reason and let Victor be foolish. Instead of getting Victor a blood supply, he slipped into the role Victor always hungers for him to take. Yuuri disregarded his servant status and danced the night away as a lover in Victor’s embrace.

It’s more than simple anxiety and overstepping the boundaries of a caste system. Every slip up causes Victor to get weaker and he finds it harder to function. Victor’s powers and abilities are strong but the demands to keep him functional are all the more greater. It’s somewhat like a life of a diabetic, always having on mind when and how to eat, how to rest and carefully taking his medication. Yet Victor lives off blood and it’s more delicate than that.

Yuuri answering Victor’s question on the terrace a year ago meant that he signed off his own expiry date. From that moment on Yuuri lived to keep Victor alive. Every minute of his day was scheduled and he needed to keep up a perfect harmonogram. No matter how Victor whined or frowned. No matter how boring Victor called him or how much he teased him that Yuuri started to resemble his mentor Yakov - despite all that Yuuri had to take charge an all these necessary steps to keep them going.

Yuuri lets Victor cradle him in his embrace. Victor peels off the bandaid and it tugs unpleasantly on Yuuri’s skin, ripping of some hair despite Victor’s utmost care. A soft reverent kiss makes it better. It makes Victor think it’s better and anything like that is enough for Yuuri to handle it.

Victor’s skin is not as pale but there is a bluish tint on his lips as he presses them urgently on Yuuri’s biceps and collarbone. Yuuri doesn’t miss these details and yet he was blind to them when Victor made him dance instead of listening to the call of duty. That thought follows Yuuri from the ballroom to this bathtub and not even the conscious presence of Victor makes it forgivable. His chest tightens and he can’t breathe. Victor as always knows and rushes to kiss the pain away, stealing every gasps from Yuuri’s lips, rubbing his face onto Yuuri’s to make him feel he’s there and fine.

It takes a while, but the desperation of Victor finally makes Yuuri cave and he succumbs to his embrace, clinging to Victor’s form. After a while Yuuri starts to slip into the routine, putting on the comforting mantle of servant’s role. He dries Victor’s hair with care and cuts his nails. He makes use of all the time he has left before he has to head out for a new supply.

In light of their recent mishap Victor wants to pamper Yuuri and offers to brush his hair.

“May I? Let me.” Yuuri doesn’t understand why Victor insists on doing this for him. Yuuri doesn’t think himself attractive and has a hard time believing Victor’s compliments. But it doesn’t escape him when Victor’s eyes want to swallow him everytime he leaves the house.

Victor is jealous. He doesn’t like to share Yuuri with anyone even if it’s their prey. Therefore Yuuri allows Victor this courtesy and enjoys as he massages gel into his tresses. But today when Victor helps him put on a jacket as well, Yuuri knows it’s more serious than usual. In such moments Yuuri almost believes Victor really cannot bear to share him with the outside world, that he’s more than a simple servant.

A childish sense of satisfaction brushes a blush into his cheers and the more he realizes he should not be happy over that, he can’t help but avert the gaze. Victor kisses his knuckles goodbye and Yuuri is swallowed by the dark winter’s evening outside the motel room.

***

A dog barks in front of the parking lot and Yuuri stops for a moment watching it. He remembers Vicchan back home in Japan. He thinks on the lack of sadness when his mother phones him about his death. Back then Yuuri didn’t even feel guilty, consumed by his work and the deals he needed to close so badly. Watching the soft curly fur on the poodle, makes Yuuri feel Vicchan under his fingertips. The sensation is so strong that the people barging from a nearby liquor store startle Yuuri and he barely manages to hide the syringe with sedatives behind himself.

He adjusts his best cloak and walks to the high end bar at the nearby Hilton. The greeter at the gate welcoming him with proper respect and Yuuri passes the concierge with practiced poise. The looks don’t escape him. Victor made sure to get him the best suit and perfect his look with the right accessories. Yuuri aims for the bar and the swing in his step let’s everybody know that Yuuri is a confident hunter tonight.

When he hops on the barstool, he’s so used to the whole procedure that his hands don’t even feel clammy anymore. Quick glance to the side as he orders a drink and he spots his tonight’s target. The man immediately leaves his table and is heading to Yuuri. A heartbeat later and a heavy french accented invitation tickles the back of his hand in the man’s grasp.

“Enchanté. Looking for some fun tonight?”

The fine moustache above the man’s lips shimmers lightly in the muted bar light. The lipgloss tells Yuuri the man likes to take care of himself. He would be a good choice for Victor’s taste. Yuuri lowers his eyelids and let’s the man with tastefully dyed hair caress the inside of his palm with a finger.

“That depends…” Yuuri tries hard to not let the disgust seep into his tone. It’s not that he finds the man displeasing, quite the contrary.

Way back he would be really flattered to have a conversation with such a dashing specimen. He would probably stutter, ruin the whole flirt occasion and jerk alone deep in the night swallowing his own cries and regret into a hotel pillow. It’s more the fact that he’s presented with his own regretful past and impossible future at the side of this beautiful man. Both in a combination that makes Yuuri swallow through the clump in his throat. The man, passing him a business card in a swift motion, mistakes it for eagerness. He chuckles and his eyes glint as the chandelier above their heads.

“Tonight is on the house, chérie.” A quick swipe of his magically conjured card and Yuuri’s drink is paid for, his bill closed and both ready to leave for the second part of the bar flirt. A quick glance at the card makes Yuuri raise his eyebrows elegantly in surprise. The text on shick piece of paper explains everything.

Christophe Giacometti

The Ultimate Swiss Experience

“Oh.” Yuuri manages to breathe out. It’s easier and more convenient that he thought. It will improve his time schedule greatly. And by the looks of it Chris who licks his lower lips impatiently is more than eager to accompany Yuuri. The finger on Yuuri’s palm writhes suggestively as a soft hairy caterpillar. Chris leans into Yuuri wafting in toffee and pine fragrance and whispers over Yuuri’s earlobe.

“Where you’ll lead I’ll follow.”

Yuuri lays a hand on Chris’ thigh and nods slowly.

“Splendid. Let’s go.”

***

If Chris finds it odd that Yuuri didn’t bring his own car or that their destination is a cheap motel, he doesn’t let it on. The Swiss is funny and entertains Yuuri throughout the whole ride. When he starts to ask questions and Yuuri can’t shake the answers playfully anymore, Yuuri is pushed to harsher measures.

As the wait for the green on the crossroads and another question as a bothersome fly buzzes around Yuuri, he reaches to Chris’s crotch and envelopes his goods in a firm grasp.

“Merde!” Chris jolts, holding onto the steering wheel for dear life and inhales deeply. Yuuri eyeing him from his own seat in shadow measures him predatorially and the command comes easy from his mouth.

“Less talking and faster driving.” He says and continues to massage Chris’ quickly awakening cock through his dress pants. Chris only manages to nod and the wheels of his ferrari ride on smoke when they reach the motel. Yuuri knows Victor is waiting for Yuuri’s return, so he must have heard the screeching wheels of the car in front of their room.

Yuuri makes it inside faster with Chris chasing for his form and suddenly it’s too much for him. He can’t maintain the seductive persona anymore and Chris smiles encouragingly, shedding of his red velvet jacket to the floor. He approaches Yuuri and sucks himself on Yuuri’s mouth like a hungry leech. Yuuri lets him, barely responding to his advances and glances over Chris’ shoulder to the far end of the room.

Victor stands in the bathroom door, dressed only in underwear and his beautiful face is twisted. He’s barely able to control himself and Yuuri is sure it’s not just the hunger that makes him look so pale. Unconsciously Yuuri tilts his head to give Chris a better access and watches as Victor approaches the pair. When the right moment comes Yuuri detaches from Chris and sees the man think that Yuuri is in for a rough sex play. Oh how wrong the Swiss is, so much he can't even fathom.

Then it’s just a synchronized combination of Victor’s firm grasp silencing Chris’ mouth and Yuuri’s quick administration of sedatives. Chris disappears in the bathroom to Victor’s bidding.

Yuuri goes outside. He knows Victor doesn’t like it when Yuuri hears him feed.

“I feel like an animal in my behaviour and I don’t want you to see me like that.” It didn’t matter that Yuuri assured Victor he doesn’t mind. It was most likely vanity and simply wanting to look the best in Yuuri’s eyes. Yuuri would allow this to Victor as many of his other peculiarities.

When the time is right, Yuuri gathers the cleaning supplies from the trunk of their car and comes back inside.

The light from the bathroom is shrill in contrast to the cheap light bulb emitting low glow in the motel room. It cuts the space like exclamation mark, Yuuri almost waits for the ping announcing the shining microwave is done with warming up the meal. Is it safe to enter now? Is Victor composed? He could have called and check. But rational thinking and remnants of the thrilling encounter with Chris still keep Yuuri in an adrenaline rush. He presses the door ajar approaching the scene like a fly towards the insect trap lamp.

Yuuri should be but is never ready to witness the slaughter scene. The small bathroom is streaked from top to bottom in sprays of blood. It’s red, russet and dark, all kinds of shades you could imagine. It’s starting to dry quickly. What once was Chris lays in the bathtub discarded as an empty juice packet.

Victor sits in the corner beside the tub and is gasping for air, the rush of the feeding sending shivers though his body still. He is not composed but Yuuri can’t look away. In a strange mix of fascination and terror he comes closer and sinks to the tiled floor.

Victor locks him in place and hesitantly closes the distance between them. His mouth is caked with thick layers of blood so dark it resembles melted asphalt.

“Yuuri.”

The whisper is so quiet and Yuuri suddenly knows. He knows he’s not just a mere servant. He knows that Victor is anxious and worried that Yuuri will leave him. He still remembers how Victor cried, when he proposed to end it half a year ago in yet another long forgotten hotel room. Victor needs Yuuri and Yuuri can’t leave him for longer than a few hours.

It comes easy to Yuuri to give in once more. The realization washes away the guilt over another murder and it swells his chest warm with relief. He is needed, earned for and no one else will do. He is Victor’s and Victor is his.

He falls into a trance, the metallic taste on his tongue as they kiss calls something primal from inside him. It’s iron, saliva and more. Sickly he knows he likes such flavored kisses with Victor the best. His own blood fills his cock and Victor is on top of him in a heartbeat. No foreplay is needed, the desperation pushes their body into ready state immediately.

Yuuri is pressed to the ground all in his fine suit, Victor caring only about ripping his pants of as soon as possible. There is no regret, no matter how carefully he chosen the fabrics for Yuuri and no matter how long it took for him to convince Yuuri to go into a tailor shop.

Yuuri’s buttocks land on the cold tiles as he’s made bare but it lasts only a short moment, because Victor lifts his legs bending him in half. His greedy fingers find Yuuri’s buttplug and pull it out roughly. Yuuri wore it the whole night, preparing himself before the outing in case things would get further with his possible target. He can’t even send a quick prayer to heavens for this, he’s so lost to the intensifying hunger in Victor’s eyes.

Yuuri is penetrated with delightful ease and throughout the whole act his chest leaks over with happiness. Despite Victor essentially needing just the blood to survive, he still is hungry and yearning for Yuuri. For his body and touch. Only Yuuri will do and therefore Yuuri braces himself just an inch more, tilts his arse a little better to give Victor the desired access. It works, Victors sinks further inside and yet he can manage only shallow quick thrusts. As if he didn’t want to leave Yuuri’s heat for longer than he has to.

It’s always that insatiable race after blood, pleasure or closeness. Each time one is satisfied, the other screams for attention. Yuuri is a candle in Victor’s hands, pliant and melting. He hopes he shines enough for Victor to enjoy him and that he won’t spend himself just yet like a flame in wind.

Their embrace is beautiful and desperate. It hurts to be pierced and Yuuri traps Victor in his strong hands so firmly, he’s sure Victor will have bruises the following day. Yet they ride out the cut between burning pain and pleasure, and it’s over sooner than it begun.

“Yuuri. Yuuri.” Victor whispers as his lifts himself off Yuuri but stays inside of him still. Yuuri tastes and smells the iron, feels the sticky blood on Victor’s skin, but all he can focus on are the sated blue eyes having their whole attention on Yuuri.

They stay close until Yuuri catches breath and they are back to the reality. Yuuri needing to wash the scene and disposing of the body.

It’s a challenging task and it takes Yuuri a while. He dismisses Victor’s silent offer to help. He’s a servant and needs to serve Victor once more. Spraying the walls with shower he finds it strangely comforting to see the blood being washed away. He puts the body into ferrari and drives it to a unguarded dumpster over the cliff. As the car disappears into the darkness he imagines it’s himself being buried. Yuuri took care of such funerals many many times.

It helps him to become calm again and collect his thoughts. When he’s back at the motel he’s almost fine again. The last few days didn’t let him sleep much, the strain of giving Victor his own blood and dealing with a target took its toll on Yuuri. All traces are covered, everything taken care of. So all should be fine. He’s the last to leave the motel and sits inside the car with Victor waiting on the backseat for him. Yuuri stays motionless in the seat and clutching onto the steering wheel lost in thought. Sometimes he doesn’t even feel real. It lasts longer than it’s appropriate he realizes, because Victor’s steady voice calls for his attention.

“Is everything ok?”

Yuuri’s and Victor’s eyes meet it the rearview mirror and he sees Victor for what he is. Victor is wary, tired and scared. He is worried for Yuuri’s happiness and hungry to keep him close. The slightest discomfort of Yuuri seems to pain Victor. Sometimes Yuuri wonders who observes the other the best. He reaches behind himself and sees Victor kiss the ring on Yuuri’s hand in the rearview mirror. When Yuuri leaves his hand in his grasp with open palm, Victor lays his own hand in it and Yuuri pulls it to his lips in return.

Victor’s shoulders relax in understanding. He leans forward and steals a long kiss from Yuuri until it’s time to drive away.

[boyfromdaxamgirlfromkrypton]

Karamel Fanfic: Earth X Mon el who hasn’t given up on Overgirl.

There. I wrote a fanfic inspired by this post. Major angst and sad ending. Also, I was inspired by Justice League: God and Monsters and The Flashpoint Paradox for this. Enjoy!

It’s a little after noon when he wakes up, and he can feel a headache already starting. He really should quit after one drink, but then, how will he ever fall asleep?

“Nightmares again?” Imra asks from the other side of the bunker.

He answers with a groan. “Anything happen today?”

“No. Just the usual,” Winn replies while typing furiously at the computer. “Few reporters missing again. Couple of more Silurians taken into interment camps. Oh, they unveiled another two dozen gas chambers today. And I think Mr. West from Resistance Delta 4 might have been taken into custody.”

Mon el swallows. This is what the world has become. A world of death, pain and hatred. One ruled by Gods and monsters. A world shaking in fear at the mention of her.

Why did it have to come to this?

“Big day for you tomorrow,” Imra says softly.

“Yeah. I get to kill the love of my life. If she doesn’t kill me first that is,” Mon el retorts drily.

“She killed the love of my life,” she reminds him firmly but kindly. This isn’t about revenge for her. It’s about making sure people stop suffering. It’s about saving children and adults and elders from the horrors that await them. It’s the right thing to do. The only thing they can do. Cut the head off and the body withers away. They have to do this.

He knows it too. He’s resigned himself to his fate, to the role he has to play. But God, does it hurt!

He places a hand on his chest, lightly caressing the necklace he still wears around his neck. “Walk me through scenario 53 again.”

The place is as guarded as it was the last time he was here. He doesn’t understand why the most powerful beings on the planet need such protection. Yes, the world wants them dead, but nobody would be foolish enough to try. Nobody except him, that is.

“Oh, if it isn’t the space puppy,” Dark Flash taunts him the second he enters the room. “Come to see your girlfriend again? Maybe 108th time’s the charm. Maybe she’ll give up all of this and go have babies with you.”

“I know we can’t kill him, but we don’t have to keep letting him into this place,” Dark Arrow comments.

Dark Flash smirks. “I know. But I just really enjoy the look of utter defeat on his face. It’s like my very own production of post apocalyptic Romeo and Juliet. Really makes my day.”

Mon el grinds his teeth. Wells has no idea how right he may be. This may be how the play will end today.

“Give us the room,” she barks the moment she flies in. The air in the room changes in her presence. Something dark and heavy fills up the space. Her team leaves hastily without argument. She gives their retreating forms one last glare before she turns her attention to him. “Get out. Now.”

He looks up at her, at the same blue eyes that he used to wake up to every morning once upon a time. They’re still shining like he remembers, but they’ve become so cold. “It’s good to see you, Kara.”

“Don’t call me that,” she growls in a dangerously low voice, her eyes red in the early hint of her death ray. “I’m Overgirl. Kara Danvers is dead.”

He’s never been afraid of her. Not when she was furious because he forgot to pay the bills, or take out the trash or restock the fridge with pies or call her when he reached work, or got into drunken arm-wrestling with Winn. And certainly not when he’s the only thing standing between her and the end of the world. He meets her eyes and challenges her. “Then why do you keep letting me in?”

She sighs, taking a step towards him. “Because a part of me hasn’t given up on you yet. There’s still time for you to join us. We could be together. We could be happy again. We could rule.”

“You mean kill,” he corrects.

She closes the distance between them and pleads him with her eyes. This is the closest to human that he has seen her in the last two years. “It’s the only way to keep people safe.”

“Safe?” Mon el scoffs. “Sure. Killing babies is keeping people safe.”

“They’d grow up to be monsters,” she says stonily. “I’m eliminating the threats before they can even pose a threat.’”

“You don’t know that. People aren’t born evil. It’s life that can make them who they are.”

“And here we go,” she mumbles under her breath.

“It’s their choice. Everyone has a choice. You taught me that. You have a choice too, Kara.”

She feels a familiar feeling of rage taking over her, and her voice drops in pitch. “You know who didn’t have a choice? Alex. Eliza. Jeremiah. Maggie. Remember them? Happy little family, out on a double date till a Silurian comes by and rips their hearts out with its tongue?”

“What happened to them was horrible, and I am sorry,” he says honestly. He’s the one who leaves lilies on their graves every Sunday. He misses them too.  “But it’s not a justification for what you’re doing now.”

“I’m doing what needs to be done to make sure nobody suffers like them,” she says adamantly.

“No, you’re not. You’re the only making people suffer. Do you think this is what your family would have wanted?”

“Doesn’t matter. They’re dead,” she answers coldly.

“Well, I’m not.” Tentatively, he reaches out and places his hand on her cheek. It’s a little surprising at how warm it still is, and he’s more surprised when she leans into the touch instead of pulling away. His eyes well up with tears. He has to get through to her. “I still love you, Kara. I still believe there’s good in you. You haven’t lost everything. You still have me. Come home to me, please.”

“You know I can’t.”

“Yes, you can,” he insists. “Please, I’m begging you. I can’t watch my wife kill innocent people anymore.”

She takes a step back, her eyes turning into pits of black hole. “I thought you changed your mind. Clearly, you didn’t. Well, this was fun. We should do it again. But I’ve gotta go now.”

Mon el freezes. He knows where she’s going. He knows there’s a poor man strapped into a machine, and she’s going to use Kryptonian technology to harness his power to unleash nuclear fire into this world. He knows he has to stop her.

One way or the other.

“Kara, wait, just,” he calls out before she can fly away. “Just let me hold you for a moment, please?”

She looks skeptical. “What? You think my feelings would come flooding back and I’d come back to you?”

“No. I just really miss you,” he confesses.

She hesitates. She’s Overgirl. Conqueror of worlds, Victor of planets. She’s strong and ruthless and cold and everything else she needs to be. She cannot let the past make her weak. Not now. Not after everything she’s done. “You should leave,” she suggests.

“Then at least let me say goodbye,” he pleads. “Please?”

“You promise to leave me alone if I do?” she bargains.

Mon el swallows hard. He can tell his voice is about to break. “I promise I’ll never see you again, Kara.”

She thinks it over for a moment. They can’t keep doing this. They can’t keep batting for opponents and hoping the other would join them. They’re both stubborn. She needs to let him go now. “All right,” she whispers. “I need you to go far away. Go some place where nobody can find you. And don’t try to be a hero.” She has to fight back unexpected tears. “Don’t make me kill you, Mon el.”

He wraps his arms around her, and the tears flow into her curls. He can feel her heart beating against his, her breathe on his neck, the scent of her still so familiar. This is Kara. The girl he met on New Year’s eve when he was drunk driving and bumped his car into hers. The girl who beat him at hamburger eating contests every time. The girl who changed his ways and made him a better man. The girl who never gave up on him when he was being a total jerk.

The girl he has to give up on now, because she’s not coming back.

Why did it have to come to this?

They find the bodies locked in embrace, their hands intertwined, their wedding bands shining in the light. Cause of death: Krpytonite to her heart, and a lead suicide pill for him. And the war on Earth X stops two years later.

[cheri-translates]

[CN] Victor’s Phantom Date (Eng Translation)

🍒 Warning: This post contains detailed spoilers for a date which has not been released in English servers! 🍒

Dedicated to Victor’s lovely @litteidiot 🌹🥰

The date begins with MC in Victor’s office to present her weekly report. While waiting for him to return from a meeting, she thinks about how she plans to invite Victor to a dinner event.

This event includes a fashion show, and has been organized as a collaboration between MC’s company and a magazine company.

While she’s thinking, she falls asleep on the sofa.

Victor: MC? Wake up…

I wave my hands impatiently, wanting to chase away the pesky voice at my ear.

Victor: Looks like you don’t need to give a report for your proposal.

MC: !! I’m awake! I wasn’t sleeping!

MC takes out her documents.

Victor: Hair.

MC: Hm?

Seeing my puzzled expression, Victor reaches over to the top of my head, and presses down the hair that’s standing up.

Victor: You can begin now.

After she presents her report, Victor nods.

Victor: Not bad this time.  

MC: That’s great!

I release a huge sigh of relief at the rare praise. Only now do I have the mood to think of a new goal.

MC: Victor, are you free this Saturday?

I secretly hold the invitation card that was sandwiched in between the documents in my hand, prepared to hand it to him once he responds.

Without giving it much thought, Victor answers.  

Victor: I have to attend a Finance Talk on Saturday. What’s happening on that day?

MC: Oh… nothing! I was just asking.

I shake my head, quelling the disappointment in my heart, and stuff the invitation card back amongst the documents.  

Victor seems to have noticed that I’m hiding something, but he doesn’t press further.  

~

On the day of the event, stress levels are high. After checking the flow of the event yet again, MC finally relaxes a little and decides to send Victor a message.

MC: You can come over to the dinner event if you still have time after the talk!

Even though I didn’t invite Victor in person, I still sent an invitation card to LFG on behalf of the company. However, I’m unsure if Victor saw it.

After pressing the “send” button, I hold onto my phone and wait for a response. As the minutes and seconds trickle by, the disappointment in my heart swells.

MC: Maybe phones aren’t allowed in that venue.

I find random excuses for Victor. At this moment, Anna walks over frantically.

Anna explains that the mystery guest they planned to have as the finale model just met with an accident. Anna insists that MC replaces her. 

After a full makeover, MC gets stunned by her own reflection in the mirror.

The person in the mirror is wearing a glittering silver dress which outlines her good figure. A white mask covers half of her face, revealing seductive red lips. She looks extremely foreign.

I suddenly feel a little glad that Victor didn’t come.  

~

In the resting area of the venue, Victor looks at the message on his phone and freezes in place.

Victor: Did MC’s company recently organize any dinner events?

He turns to Goldman and receives an answer.

Soon, an elegant champagne-coloured invitation card is placed in his hands.

Seeing the neat handwriting on the card, a smile flashes in his eyes.

~

Back at the dinner event, MC feels incredibly nervous. She notices that everyone looks similar because they’re all wearing masks. 

However, I see an extremely familiar profile with just a sweep of my eyes.

--What is he doing here?!

My eyes widen, and I mess up the actions I had rehearsed earlier.

That tall man standing near the window and wearing a black mask – who else could he be if not Victor?

I try to maintain my cold posture, but my line of sight involuntarily falls to him. My earlier nervousness is completely forgotten.

Victor looks as though he just arrived at the venue, standing against the window and facing the stage.

As though sensing my gaze, he lifts his head towards the stage.

He halts his movements, then raises his hand to peel the mask off his face. He meets my eyes amongst the crowd.

He is illuminated by the white light from outside the window, casting him in an extraordinarily cold glow.

I hear my heart beating out of control, and even my breathing becomes messy.

While I’m panicking on stage, the audience is calm.

It is unclear if he has recognised me or not.

A mixture of shyness and embarrassment flood my head. I use my remaining willpower to grasp my reason, turning around to finish the final half of the catwalk.

The gaze that follows my back carries a certain warmth, making my ears turn red.

~

After the fashion shows ends, I can hardly wait to head backstage to change out of my outfit, but I’m stopped.

Artistic Director: This outfit suits you! The celebratory dinner is about to begin, so there’s no time to change.

I look at the time and resignedly admit that he’s right.

After taking a quick break backstage, MC returns to the venue. She’s unable to recognize who anybody is because of the masks

Just as she wonders if Victor has left, she spots him in the crowd…

His head is lowered while he talks to a model. She is wearing a skirt similar to mine and is wearing the exact same mask. As though they are talking about a common interest, he smiles.

An inexplicable emotion overflows from my heart.

Victor seems to have sensed something, and he turns his head in my direction.

I hurriedly lower my head and hide behind someone’s back. I inch away slowly.

MC: Why do I even need to avoid him?

She decides to go back, but the Artistic Director stuffs a glass of red wine into her hand and asks her to celebrate together with the group

Because people keep offering her toasts, she eventually finishes the entire glass

MC: I will… leave for a while. Please continue.

I find a random excuse and stagger to an empty corner. My head feels dizzy, as though someone had twirled me around in circles.

Several thoughts run through my mind: Why did Victor appear? Did he see the message I sent? Is he waiting for me? Why was he talking to someone else – did he mistake her for me?

The more my mind wanders, the more I’m unable to control my heart, and it bubbles like champagne from an open bottle.

MC: I should change out of this outfit, then look for him…

I shut my eyes, my mind working especially slowly in my drunken state.

The music from the hall becomes modified, and the weird series of notes makes me forget what the original song was.

In my dazed and hazy state, I sense someone coming towards me. A nearing warmth suddenly appears in the ice-cold air.  

Victor: What are you hiding here for?

A deep voice enters my ear. I am compelled to call out his name, but I’m unable to tear myself away from this dream-like drunkenness.

Victor: You’ve been drinking?  

A familiar scent is within reach, unhappy with the mildest resistance.

Searing fingers lift my chin. Slightly rough fingertips brush my skin. In my dazed state, I tremble involuntarily.

Victor: Are you okay?

A low voice accompanied by warm breaths descend on my ears and bare shoulders, making my back go weak.

With no time to think, I reach out to push away this warmth that messes with my senses and heartbeat.

I open my eyes unhappily, and the person in front of me looks like an illusion, swaying in my vision. He is basked in a heavy shadow, and I can’t see him properly.

MC: Victor?

Am I dreaming? Or is this an illusion caused by drinking?

Victor: You can still recognize me?  

One hand is pressed against the wall, trapping me between the space between him and the wall.

The light muslin of the curtain swishes in the wind. I follow the movement of his fingers and lift my head, as though I’m a prey that has fallen into a web.

Why is the Victor I hallucinated not gentle at all?

I look at him, my mind still imagining things. The playfulness that I usually suppress suddenly bubbles to the surface.

My tone is laced with boldness when I think about how he might have confused someone else for me earlier.

MC: Have you gotten the wrong person?

Victor: Hm? What are you trying to do?

Victor arches an eyebrow, the slight huskiness in his voice stirring the heart.

I suppress my accelerating heartbeat and continue this performance to the end.

MC: I never thought CEO Victor would make time to attend these types of fashion dinner events. Are you on a date with a beautiful woman?

Even I myself fail to realise how sour my tone sounds.

Victor purses his lips and does not respond. The warm light sharpens his features, making him appear slightly cold.

If it were a typical day, I would have backed down. But under the influence of alcohol, my boldness has grown, and I even feel wronged.

MC: Why aren’t you saying anything?

Victor: What do you want me to say?

He lets go, the corner of his lips raised. The sense of resignation he exudes carries with it a tinge of tenderness. 

I stare at him in a daze, telling him what is in my heart.

MC: You look good when you smile.

This time, Victor is the one who looks at me in surprise. He doesn’t speak, waiting for me to continue.

As though enchanted by his charm, I smile and reach out for his palm, happily asking him a question.

MC: Victor, let’s dance!

Victor: You still want to dance in such a drunken state?

MC: Yes! I… I’m amazing at it!

While saying this, I raise his hand up high and twirl gracefully in front of him. After that, I toss him a provocative look.

Victor: You win.

Just when I thought he would reject me, he places his hand on the small of my back and applies pressure to it, gently closing the distance between us.

Music from the hall travels to this corner where nobody would disturb us - mellifluous, romantic, and gentle. Even the aura surrounding Victor turns tender.  

My steps are light and messy, but in the space within his arms, our Waltz carries on steadily.

I lift my head to look at his expression and meet his especially deep and serious eyes.

It’s as though they own the entire cosmos.

They continue dancing, and MC tries but fails to hide her smile.

Victor: You no longer step on people’s feet when you dance now.  

Taking two seconds longer than usual to respond, I raise my head and respond arrogantly.

MC: That’s a given! It’s because I have a good teacher, and I am a good student!

Victor: A good student… you’re not wrong.

Victor lets out a low laugh. The magnetic sound has a crispness to it.

I’m not sure if it’s the alcohol or his breath, but whenever I turn or when we draw near to each other, my breathing becomes increasingly hurried.

Even before the song ends, I have already stopped my movements.

MC: I don’t want to dance any more, I’m feeling very dizzy!

Victor furrows his eyebrows and releases a sigh.

Victor: If you’re feeling dizzy, stop moving about. I’ll bring something over for you to sober up.

MC: Don’t go-

Seeing that he is about to leave, I quickly grab hold of his sleeve, then stand on my toes and lean in, stopping just a few centimeters from his face.

A faint smell of alcohol mingles in our breaths, but it isn’t a bad smell.  

A darkness flits across Victor’s eyes. His breathing is deep and steady, but it quickens slightly.

I hold onto and observe him for a while, then open my mouth with hesitance.

MC: Are you really Victor?

Victor’s face blackens.

Victor: Then who do you think I am?

MC: Oh, this tone is really like Victor’s!

I duck my neck, letting go of his sleeve reluctantly. I sit next to the window obediently and watch him as he leaves.

MC slowly starts to sober up:

Victor: What’s wrong now?

The sudden voice pulls me back to reality. I turn my head to see that Victor has returned. I suddenly realise — it truly is Victor.

It’s neither a dream nor a hallucination. I really asked Victor to dance with me for no reason at all!

Victor: There’s only honey water. Drink this first.

MC: …I think you’ve got the wrong person. So sorry about that, my alcohol tolerance isn’t that good!!

Victor lapses into a short silence. The gaze he is shooting me with very clearly spells the word “idiot”.

I slowly recall that I had already used this “wrong person” phrase before, so I cover my face with my hands.  

MC: …I was just kidding.

I laugh in embarrassment, looking at Victor’s expression through the spaces between my fingers. He seems to be a little angry, but I’m not sure if it’s because I’m drunk or because of the words I just said.

Victor: You think I wouldn’t be able to recognize you?

There is a bright flash of danger in his eyes. Borrowing the leftover courage from my drunken stupor, I mutter incredibly softly.

[Note: The word “danger” might seem odd, but it’s the literal translation of the term used (”危险”)]

MC: Weren’t you talking to a girl who was dressed like me just now?

Victor: What girl?

Victor pauses for a few seconds, then seems to recall who I was talking about.

Victor: You’ve been vexed about this issue all this time?

MC: Not really vexed. Just a little…

Victor: Is there an issue if I asked the staff where you were? It’s all because someone went missing after sending me a message.

My eyes widen. The tone of Victor’s voice changes.

Victor: Is that why you went into hiding after seeing me?

MC: This, um, there’s a reason for that.

Victor’s eyebrows arch in interest as he waits for me to continue.

At this moment, my stomach suddenly lets out a weird noise.

MC: Ha, haha…

I cover my empty stomach and let out two embarrassed chokes of laughter.

Victor: You haven’t eaten anything tonight?

MC: I ate a small bun. If I ate too much, I wouldn’t look nice in this skirt.

Victor sizes me up with his gaze. I’ve long since forgotten that I initially didn’t want him to see this outfit. I even continue complaining.

MC: These high heels are very high and my toes hurt. The necklace is very heavy and my neck is about to snap off. Ah, this is the price of beauty!

Victor: Do you like this style?

For some reason, I suddenly sense a dangerous aura, so I quickly respond.

[Note: Again, I personally feel “danger” is too strong a term, but it’s the literal translation of the term used (”危险”)]

MC: I don’t. If it weren’t for the sudden accident, I wouldn’t have been roped into the fashion show!

Victor: In future, don’t agree to these sorts of things.

MC: Mm, I wouldn’t do such things again next time!

I nod my head immediately. Seeing his expression become warmer, I release a sigh of relief.

Victor: Next time, don’t drink. Learn how to reject when too many people offer you a toast.

Victor hands me the glass. I gulp it down obediently, and the sweetness on my tongue dispels the bitterness of the wine.

Victor steps closer to me, his hand moving to the back of my neck. It is only when his fingers brush against the skin on my neck that I think of dodging.  

Victor: Don’t move.

With a sweep of his gaze, I dare not move.

MC: What are you doing?

I ask softly. He doesn’t respond, lowering his head and patiently unhooking the necklace.

His breath descends on my eyelashes, and I can’t help but blink a few times. Yet, I don’t want to tear my gaze from his face.

The pressure on my neck becomes lighter. I lower my head and see that Victor has removed the heavy necklace in front of my chest, putting it at the side.

Victor: Let’s go and eat.

With this, Victor pulls me in preparation to leave.

MC: Can I have your cooking?!

Just when I think he is about to reject me, he turns to me and nods.

Victor: Sure.

My eyes light up. The moment I think of listing down a series of delicacies I wish to eat, I immediately recall an issue.

Victor: What’s wrong? You haven’t thought about what to eat?

My face crumples as I struggle between the choices of having delicacies or work. Logic triumphs in the end.

MC: I’m one of the persons-in-charge, so I have to wait for the whole event to end before I can leave.

I feel like crying while saying this. While I look at Victor, I can only feel my delicacy sprouting wings and flying away.

Victor: Since I already made a promise, I won’t go back on my word.  

MC: Really? Then let’s make a pinky promise!

I stretch my finger out in front of Victor and stare at him in anticipation.

He lifts his hand, not to hook my pinky, but to give my forehead a gentle flick.

Victor: Childish.

I pout while covering my forehead. It is only now that I see a mask. Recalling how Victor looked when he had his mask on, I hurriedly go over to take it.

MC: I’ll help you put it on!

I stand on my tiptoes, raising both arms as I help Victor wear the black mask.

Victor doesn’t move and lets me put the mask on for him. I didn’t realise that my entire body was basically pressed against his.

The black mask gives Victor a different kind of colour, mystery and unpredictability.

The deep eyes beneath the mask are comparable to the darkest hour of night, and like a vortex that can swallow me up whole.

I’m left dazzled, and yet also instinctively feel like avoiding them due to the danger within.

MC: This way, you wouldn’t be recognized by other people! I’ll be the only one who can recognize you.

I accidentally let the words in my heart spill out. My voice is very soft and contented.

Victor: And you still say you aren’t a dummy.

MC: How am I stupid! I…

I retort, but my words are forgotten once I notice Victor’s tender gaze.

This moment feels like an imagination. His voice clearly and steadily enters my world.

Victor: If you can recognize me, why do you think I wouldn’t be able to recognize you? All you have to know is that in my eyes, you are different from other people.

I let Victor take my hand as we walk into the crowd. The light outlines his profile.

In this strange world created by my remaining stupor, only Victor is real. 

In this gorgeous masquerade, nobody knows who lies under the mask.

At this moment, everyone is immersed in opulence.

Under the masks, no one looks like their original selves. 

But he is still himself, and she is still herself.

Two genuine hearts are mutually drawn to each other, and draw nearer to each other.

🍷

Calls: First // Second