#or at least message me to talk about it first if something strikes an idea in your mind

[sheliesshattered]

Cataloging all the HotD Daemyra fic ideas floating around my head that I definitely have zero time to write right now. In no particular order:

-First Of His Name: Realizing that he murdered his wife in pursuit of a male heir that died only hours later, that same night Viserys tells Daemon to look after Rhaenyra and restore the glory of their house, then khs in front of witnesses by stepping out the window Tommen Baratheon style. Suddenly Daemon is King, and the last line of support to Rhaenyra who lost her entire family in one day. The political mechanizations of those who want to see the Targaryen dynasty fall, a brewing war in the Stepstones, and the need for one or both of them to marry and produce heirs complicate Daemon’s long-held dream of being King. Slow burn from grief-comfort to ruling power couple.

-The Bed Is A Battlefield: One-shot set between eps 7 and 8, Rhaenyra explains to Daemon that she’s always had to keep her lovers secret for fear of what discovery would mean. But now that they are married and settled on Dragonstone with their children, she would like him to actually share her bed and not slip away in the small hours of the morning. Domestic fluff by way of Rhaenyra demanding what she wants like the queen she is.

-Vanity and Frustration: AU where Daemon and Rhaenyra marry in ep 5, and early in their marriage Daemon decides to start growing his hair out again. And as anyone who has grown out their hair knows, there are awkward stages to endure. Harmless harassment between newlyweds as Daemon grumbles about the state of his hair.

-The Last Dragon: 15 years ago, shortly after Daemon took Caraxes and fled to Essos to avoid a forced marriage to Rhea Royce, a coup executed by the Lords of Westeros resulted in the murder of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alysanne and all their descendants, as well as nearly all of the dragons. There are rumors that a few Targaryens may have escaped, and some of the unclaimed dragons fled across the Narrow Sea to save themselves -- but all Daemon knows for certain is that he’s the last of his family he knows of, possibly the last living Targaryen anywhere in the world, the last dragon rider, and the rightful King of Westeros. 

But he knows he can’t take revenge all alone -- he needs heirs, he needs more dragon riders, he needs to rebuild the House of the Dragon to a force that can burn down all those who murdered his family. And for that, he’s in need of a wife. There are no legitimate Targaryens left, at least none living openly, but there are pale-haired violet-eyed descendants of Valyria to be found all throughout Essos. He simply has to find one he can craft into a queen and the mother to all future Targaryens.

After years of searching, his sources in Essos bring him “Neera”, an orphaned young woman raised in Pentos who has the right look and strength of will to fill the role, if only Daemon can convince her that she should want to be his wife and queen, that he is different from all the other men who have offered to pay someone else money for her maidenhead. Slow burn enemies to friends to lovers, to a complication as the truth comes to light -- the truth of Neera’s birth, and the mother who gave everything to save her from the fate that befell the rest of their family.

-Her Protector: A few years after Viserys marries Alicent, Rhaenyra is kidnapped from her bed in the Red Keep late one night. She is held captive by rough men who cannot seem to decide if they should ransom her or kill her or do something far worse, and in their indecision merely leave her locked up in a cell for long weeks -- until the glorious day that she hears the screeching of dragons overhead. Her uncle Daemon has come to save her, and kills everyone who took her, then carries her back to King’s Landing himself, never letting her out of his sight.

In King’s Landing, the people rush into the streets to see her, weeping to see the Realm’s Delight returned home alive, calling her Queen and throwing flowers at the feet of Daemon’s horse as they ride through the city with Rhaenyra curled in his arms, too weak to ride on her own, too anxious to get home to wait for a wheelhouse to be summoned. It is only then, at her insistence, that Daemon reluctantly reveals that Rhaenyra is in fact Queen -- her father was killed the night Rhaenyra was kidnapped, along with her step-mother and half-siblings. If only Daemon had been there, perhaps he could have stopped it, but he had been banished by Viserys yet again. Rhaenyra swears she will never banish him, and in fact she would make him her King Consort, if he will agree.

Years pass, and Rhaenyra recovers from her ordeal and grows into a strong, just Queen, with her husband Daemon always at her side. She has borne princes and princesses, the next generation of their house, and all in life seems to be exactly as she would want it. Until a sellsword, sentenced to death for his crimes, levels an accusation that it was Daemon who planned the kidnapping all those years ago that resulted in the death of King Viserys and Queen Alicent and their children. Who is Rhaenyra to believe? The convicted murderer seeking to gain her ear by spinning an unfortunately true-sounding story? Or her husband, her uncle, the father of her children, the man who rescued her all those years ago? And even if the sellsword’s story is true -- even then, could that possibly change how she feels about Daemon?

-Yet Another Mob Story: When the Targaryen mob family split over her father’s decision to marry outside the family, Rhaenyra sided with her uncle Daemon against her father and his new wife (her ex-best-friend). Years pass in a stalemate, until one day Rhaenyra sees Daemon’s new lieutenant Criston having lunch with Alicent and realizes that Criston is a spy sent by the Hightowers. She and Daemon devise a plan to get rid of Criston without letting the Hightowers know that they’re onto them. Really just PWP, with a little murder on the side, as a treat.

-Jane Austen Emma AU: The age gap is the same! I have no solid ideas for this one but that little detail makes me crazy!

-The Last of Us AU: I’ve posted about this once before, but the basic idea a modern apocalypse AU where Rhaenyra and her gay husband Laenor and their mutual husband Harwin (and their three sons) have to try to make it to the isolated bunker house of Laenor’s sister Laena and her husband Daemon (and their two daughters), and bad shit happens along the way but Laenor and Harwin are so determined to protect their sons and their wife that they sacrifice everything to keep them safe and get them to Daemon and Laena, up to and including their lives. Eventually Rhaenyra shows up on Daemon’s doorstep in half-feral mamabear mode, absolutely willing and able to kill anyone or anything that threatens her sons, only to find that Daemon has recently lost Laena and is similarly ready to murder to protect his daughters, and they have to come to a hesitant and wary understanding and then eventual partnership and co-parenting of their collected children. Maybe Targaryens naturally run hotter than most people, so are immune to the zombie fungus?

-Dragonriders Of Pern AU: Meleys, queen dragon of Weyrwoman Rhaenys, has laid the golden egg that signals the impending birth of the next queen dragon. Daemon (or D’mon for you Pern purists), rider of bronze Caraxes, is sent on Search to find young women to be candidates for the hatching of the new queen. In the company of other bronze riders, including Corlys and Laenor, he returns to the Hold where he grew up, where his older brother Viserys is now Lord. There he meets his niece Rhaenyra for the first time, a young woman of strong will with a natural talent for the telepathic communications of dragons. When she speaks to Caraxes as though his rider hardly existed, Daemon knows that Rhaenyra is destined to be the next weyrwoman. And as he trains her in the ways of being a dragonrider, it slowly dawns on him that he would allow none but him to stand beside Rhaenyra when Syrax’s first mating flight finally comes.

Edit: omg I forgot one! This one is so clear in my head but so difficult to describe in brief, so I’ll keep it short:

-An Eye For An Eye: The night Aemond loses his eye, when Alicent comes at Rhaenyra with the Conqueror’s dagger, her downward slash hits higher than it does in canon, striking Rhaenyra in the neck in a life-threatening wound the maesters scramble to stitch before the Crown Princess’s life slips away. With what she fears might be her last breaths, she commands Daemon to protect her sons, and he swears to hear he will protect her family -- or avenge them if he cannot. While the maesters try to save Rhaenyra, Daemon sits vigil with Rhaenyra’s sons and his daughters, watching over them while they sleep and talking long into the night with Laenor. But when Rhaenyra, only barely mended, asks for Daemon to be brought to her bedside, Aemond decides that his mother’s attempt at justice falls far short of his standards, and moves to exact his own revenge while Daemon is away...

[outsideratheart]

Us (Alexia Putellas x reader)

A/N: I have no idea where this came from but it has been stuck in my head for a few weeks. I hope you guys like it!

You had been in the most important meeting of your career when you received a message.  You never turned your phone off in case there was an emergency but you did put it on do not disturb. The small vibration in your pocket told you 1 of 2 people were trying to get in touch with you. Your manager was in the meeting with you so it only left one person.

I need you, please can you come over.

As far as Alexia was aware you were in England. Your mind went to the worse case scenario because it had to be something bad if she was asking you to get on a plane and fly to Barcelona with no explanation. 

In the politest way possible you excuse yourself from the meeting and leave your future in the safe hands of your manager, who upon seeing your face backs your decision to leave without asking any questions.

A quick text is sent to your girlfriend saying that you are on your way but there’s no response. You try calling only there is no answer. By the time you get to her apartment building you are filled with worry and you waste no time in running up the stairs having no patience to wait for the elevator.

When you knock on the door you are not met by your girlfriend. 

“You’re the lion?” The resemblance was even more striking up close. You had met Alba once or you had at least been in the same room as her.

“Technically I’m a lioness�� 

It makes a little more sense now. No one was aware of your relationship and in order to keep the questions at bay you didn’t save each others phone number under a name, instead it was an emoji. Yours was a lion due your national team’s nickname and your on pitch persona. Hers was a crown because she was your queen and known by the fans as La Reina.

“Alba let her in” another woman, Alexia’s mother, guides you through the apartment even though you have been here enough times to know your way around.

“You’re the girl my daughter has been seeing”  

“I am and I will happily introduce myself and answer any questions you may have after I have seen her”

“She’s in the living room. When we came she was crying and she won’t talk to any of us” one of Alexia’s best friends says.

It didn’t look good. Her mother, sister and best friend all at your girlfriends apartment yet she is refusing to talk to any of them

The three woman give you some space as you enter the living room. All of them hoped that you would have more luck at finding out what was wrong.

“Hello you” you crouch down so that you are at her level and without saying a word Alexia wraps her arms around you tightly. The speed of it almost sends you both to the ground but you steady yourself just in time.

Once on the sofa Alexia buries her face in the crook of your neck.

“How are you here?”

“That doesn’t matter. Alexia, what is wrong?”

“They won’t leave me alone. It’s like they are obsessed with my personal life. I’m happy, why isn’t that enough for them? Why do they need to get involved and keep bringing up the past?”

You were at a loss. Yes you were aware of the spotlight that was constantly on Alexia, one was on you as well but you had been dating for almost 2 years now and nobody was the wiser. 

“Who cariño?” Eli asks from the other side of the room. 

“The girls. They think that because Jenni signed for Atleti that we are going to get back together. We finally got back to a good place during the World Cup and no one seems to understand that we are just friends. We are Y/N, I promise nothing is going on” Alexia turns to look at you.

During the World Cup you saw the rumours and they spread quickly given that everyone assumes Alexia is single. At first it bothered you but the two of you talked about it and you realised that you were jealous for no reason. Alexia was your girl and only yours.

“I know” deep down you hated that she was still getting linked to another woman but it wasn’t a threat to your relationship so you let it go.

“They are going to ruin everything. They don’t even know and they are ruining—“

“Alexia, nobody is ruining anything. Let your friends talk. At the end of the day it is me and you”

The three other women in the room watched and listened as you talked Alexia through her panic. You were able to calm her and bring her peace in a moment that was very overwhelming for her.

“But Jenni is—“

“Jenni is your past and that cannot be changed. What have I told you?” You ask your girlfriend.

The woman who is still cuddled into your side mumbles something incoherent and you know she is mumbling because she doesn’t want the other women to know the words you told her during the summer.

“She’s your first love Alexia, I intend to be your last” you kiss the corner of her mouth. 

The sound of awes burst the little bubble that you had formed around you and Alexia. Clearly embarrassed, Alexia once again hides herself. 

Knowing that the two of you can’t ignore the introduction that the women are waiting for, Alexia officially introduces you to Eli, Alba and Miri as her girlfriend. 

“What happens now?” Alexia asks you “Do we tell people? I don’t want our bubble to break, everything is normal with you. We are Y/N and Alexia but when people find out we will be captains, players and rivals”

“Hey, calm down. They will change but we won’t. Do you want to be us normal or what everyone else expects us to be?”

“Us normal”

“Well then I am going to drive you back to your training facility, open the door for you like I always do, I’ll kiss you goodbye and then you’re going to go to work”

Your confidence was reassuring to all in the room.

Alexia tells you that she is going to freshen up in the bathroom which leaves you alone with three of the most important people in her life. Your media training comes in very handy as you are able to answer all of Alba’s and Miri’s questions without hesitation or breaking a sweat. However, Eli’s question catches you off guard.

“You’re the reason why Alexia didn’t come back to the room after the awards show in Dubai aren’t you?”

“Guilty but nothing happened” technically it was the truth, nothing did happen that night “We spent the night in the hotel bar talking then went to the beach to watch the sunrise”

“Can I ask you a question?” Alba says “If you were in England when you received the text would have come?”

“I would have been on the first flight out, yes”

It seemed to enough to please the younger Putellas because she simply nodded her head.

Once Alexia was ready you did as you said. The two of you drove to Joan Camper, Alexia quizzed you the entire car journey because you still hadn’t told her why you were in Barcelona. You open the door for her as expected but what Alexia didn’t expect was you to walk with her into the facility.

“I love that you care but you don’t have to do this for me, I can handle it” 

“Who says I’m doing it for you”

The two of you stop in front of the canteen. It was surrounded by glass windows and you can see the majority of the team eating their lunch.

“Us normal?” You ask Alexia and she nods her head. As you normally would whenever you visited her or she visited you, you kissed her once on the lips and then once on her hairline as she hugged you goodbye.

“Wait! Where are you going?” Alexia asks as you don’t go in the direction of the exit. 

“You asked how I’m here. Well, I have a job interview with your boss” 

[sxcret-garden]

Haiii - I hope you’re doing well and also that your hard hours mtl for ATEEZ are still open 🫣. If not plz disregard!!!! But if yes: mtl likely to send you videos of them getting off / want to receive videos of you getting off 🫠🫠🫠 your blog is 🥹 perfection 🥹 and I hope you write the most self indulgent fics because wow - all hits and no misses that I’ve found so far!!!! Danke 💗💗

Aaahhhh thank you so much for saying that anon 😭😭😭💕 it means a lot 🫶 auch danke hehe

As for your question.... first of all that's hot 🫣 second...

most

Seonghwa

Mingi

Wooyoung

Hongjoong

San

Jongho

Yunho

Yeosang

least

I think Seonghwa and Mingi would both be down for exchanging videos of y'all getting off. Frequently. Like, Seonghwa is just gonna be such a tease about it, seeing his videos you can't help but feel like he thought way too much about this before shooting it. Loveslovesloves sending you videos where he lets his hand brush down his clothed body, eventually palming himself through his pants and letting you hear the most delicious moans. And if you text him back, begging for more, he follows it up with another video of him naked, jerking off while muttering your name. If you send him a video of yourself he'll make sure to praise you A LOT, telling you how beautiful you are with every message you get as a reply. For Mingi I think it'd be a lot more sexual and less sensual. Like... strikes me as the type to send you videos of him jerking off when you're apart for a while and you both miss each other, telling you in detail what he wants to do to you the next time you see each other. Definitely has a folder on his phone of videos that you've sent him, and it certainly gets used quite frequently

Wooyoung and Hongjoong would also like the idea of exchanging videos of you two masturbating, but I think they wouldn't do it as frequently. Wooyoung especially finds the thought of filming himself getting off on you and then showing you hot af - whether he's just casually jerking off or if he's thinking and talking about a detailed fantasy of what he wants to do with you during. Appreciates it if you also enjoy sending him such videos, but he's also fine with it if you don't like doing that (though the day will come where he lets you know just how curious he is what it would feel like to receive a video like that from you lol). Hongjoong probably won't send as many videos himself, but he's down for receiving them from his partner. Finds it so hot, and when he has the time he'll definitely respond to your videos with a video of him jerking off, while praises for you continuously fall from his lips. He too likely has a folder of videos and audios of you moaning and getting off on his phone.

I think both San and Jongho would find it hot from time to time, but it's not something they absolutely want to see become a regular thing between you two. As for San I think he might enjoy making videos for you even more than receiving them from you. Definitely a sucker for you telling him what to do and then him acting it out in front of the camera, asking whether he's being a good boy or not, maybe even edging himself for you. And then sometimes you're gonna get a video of him just jerking off and lowkey growling into the mic that he needs you (the duality of this guy istg-). Will tell you how sexy and beautiful you are if you send him videos back, but as I said, it's more fun to him if he's the one sending them to you. Jongho would be the opposite I think. He'd love receiving such videos from you from time to time, and if it's something you really enjoy doing he'll certainly tell you about stuff he wants to see you do. As for him sending you those kinds of videos... I actually think he might be too shy to do it?? Will definitely let you convince him to try it if you really want him to. However he'll do it mostly to please you, and might feel a little awkward about it.

As for Yunho and Yeosang, I don't think it's something they're super into. Yunho will be open to try it, and even get some enjoyment from it if his partner likes it. Will both be fine with filming himself getting off and receiving videos by you, and in the case of the latter he'll make sure to tell you how gorgeous he thinks you are. But at the end of the day he prefers sexual acts when you're both in the same room! Yeosang is similar, except I'm not sure if he'd be down to try filming himself. He would certainly appreciate getting a video by you, but even that's not something he'd actively ask for. He too prefers doing stuff with you when he can actually touch you and see you irl

[literary-illuminati]

2024 Book Review #63 – Saga, Book 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples

I first starting reading Saga a literal decade ago (I think literally because Rachel Maddow recommended it on a podcast? Which, god, what a 2010s sort of sentence). I absolutely loved it at the time, and read intermittently until it went on an extended hiatus. So extended, in fact, that I’d kind of assumed the series was dead and only learned it had restarted a couple years ago quite recently. So, seeing as I am now in need of a new comic, I figured I’d restart from scratch and work up to the new stuff. It holds up! (and the letters to the editor are a fascinating cultural time capsule).

The series follows Alana and Marko – star-crossed lovers who eloped together from opposite sides of a brutal and galaxy-spanning race-war – and their newborn daughter Hazel as they evade the numerous forces trying to see them all murdered before than can become an embarrassment. The first arcs of this are most one long blind panic finding transport off-world and only afterwards deciding upon a destination, it’s only in the last volume (with the pointed assistance of Marko’s parents) that there’s any thought of finding stability or a status quo. Along the way, both the family and the series collect a wider and wider circle of colourful hangers-on – and the narrative begins switching focus to give real narrative focus and character arcs to three different groups that find themselves tracking down the family. None of them are particularly happy lives, but they all make for very compelling drama.

The best way to describe this is I suppose a ‘science-fantasy dramedy’. Which sounds viscerally and violently wrong, but the comedy and the drama are both absolutely vital motors keeping it running. And this is the incredibly rare work that actually makes them work together seamlessly. It’s an incredibly vulgar book in a dozen different ways, but the characters are all plausible and compelling, and once you have granted the slightly contrived explanation for why both governments care so immensely about Marko and Alana the plot coheres enough to never take you out of the story. Which is helped by the pacing being fast and tight in a way that always kept me (at least) engaged. I do deduct points for the wise author character basically looking directly at the fourth wall and saying ‘and the profound message of my work is-’ (moreso because said message is truly eye-roll-inducingly vapid and dumb, granted), but that’s easily forgiven.

The comedy was...more hit-or-miss. There is a lot of clever wordplay and funny, high-context character beats. There are also a bunch of just absurd or striking visual gags or background details that really work. And then there is the giant with balls so big and hideous that they almost crush someone to death.

It’s been said (by people with far more knowledge of and investment in the medium than I) that mainstream American comics are these incredible wells of repressed sexuality – full of physically implausible women dressed for a burlesque and with panels framed by a particularly sleazy tabloid photographer, but oddly coy about actually talking about or including sex itself. Which tracks with my limited experiences, but might just be bullshit I don’t know – what I do know is that Saga is basically the exact opposite of that.

Which is to say, this is an intensely sexual comic, but an atypically non-sexualized one. Which is a bit of an odd distinction, but compare how Saga shows an uncensored orgy and how any given artist at a con draws prints of Power Girl and you’ll get the idea. This is on balance a very good thing, occasional junior-high-level visual gags and gross-out humour aside. Sex is a part of life, of varying importance to different people but something present and shaping the world regardless (and Marko and Alana very much do believably seem like a couple that’d have a kid together without a huge excess of planning beforehand).

Aside from Alana, Marko and Hazel (and hangers-on including a phantom babysitter and Marko’s somewhat-approving parents), the various groups hunting them get a really surprising amount of page-count – The Will, Lying Cat and Prince Robot are all basically main characters in their own right, and Gwendolyn, Sophie, Upsher and Doff aren’t fair off. It’s an immense accomplishment that a series of 28-30 page comics manages to bounce between so many characters and always keep them all moving, both physically and emotionally. (The character work and character design of this is worth at least the price of admission on its own, really).

The thing that most makes me love the comic is, I think, how it will introduce characters and tell you explicitly they are murderers and monsters – and then show them struggling and risking their life out of guilt or altruism or love, show them falling for people and being part of rich social worlds, show the trauma and baggage and shitty relationships that made them who they are. Make you care about them and root for them, want them to accomplish what they need to to get a happy ending – and then have them destroy something or kill someone else you’ve grown to care about. Aside from the really obvious stuff about intolerance and war, it’s one of the most consistent themes of the series that monsters have lives and loves too, which is frankly something I wish more stories (and just, people) took to heart.

The setting is glorious, in a ‘mural on the side of a stoner van’ sort of way. Laser guns and spaceships that are giant flying trees, a kingdom of robots with TVs for heads and the planet-sized egg of what’s basically a living black hole – nothing that’s designed to bear scrutiny, but endlessly inventive and evocative and clearly very fun for the artist.

The most striking thing is that – even for now, let alone fucking 2012 – the comic is just incredibly diverse. Even leaving aside the really weird or cartoonishy exaggerated species there’s more diversity in body type and silhouette in one crowd scene of Saga than in most Hollywood movies I’ve seen recently. Same with race and sexuality—the whole setting seeming functionally queernorm except for the one couple whose character arc requires that they come from Planet Homophobia is slightly eyeroll inducing but again, compared to the early 2010s norm it’s soaring so high above the bar you can’t even see the ground.

So yeah, have fallen entirely back in love with it. Can’t wait to start in on Book Two.

[thefangirlfever]

Omg, hi!!:3 I absolutely adore your fics!! They are amazing and I always look forward to seeing them!! And honestly my favorite is currently stress relief, the ideas are so fun and I was wondering if at some point we can see like pussy or dick molds?

Like y/n has to go on an immediate emergency trip and as a joke they leave a special pussy mold for him to use and he goes feral for it, he wouldn’t stop using it during the entire duration of the trip:3 and omg honestly I foam at the mouth at the thought that Miguel couldn’t stop using it because of how much he misses y/n, like he’s so hooked to it that he nearly breaks the mold🧍‍♀️

Anyway… I don’t wanna ramble, I just honestly wanted to say my thoughts somewhere because your fan is inspired so many thoughts in me:3 I hope you have a wonderful day!!

Hi ! 🌻🌻

Thanks for your sweet message🥹. I appreciate it a lot. I can assure you Stress Relief is not finished and I still have some ideas for this serie ;) (and yes, this is a visual representation of me reading your message)

I wasn't planning on including dick/ pussy molds, since I don't really know much about it. It's something I'm not familiar with but after reading your message and doing a few researches, I like the idea of it.

I think Miguel would be a bit thrown off at first but he would quickly grow into it, especially since we establish he has to travel a bit for his job. This would be a useful for him and y/n to think about the other one while getting their stress relief.

Apparently pussy molds can be used as actual art objects and I like the idea of Miguel just keeping one of his partner to just look at it. He wouldn't even use it, just observe it and maybe indulge into some fantasizing while doing it.

But he would miss the other "elements" such as the texture and the scent quite quickly. So you can be sure there's no other moment he is happier than when he is finally back from his trip and gets to actually do it with his partner. I think the mold would work as a great substitute and make him appreciate the original even more ;)

A few other ideas I got from your message and the researches I did:

-you can get a mold from different body parts, like vulva ofc, but also breasts and...your belly when you're pregnant. I think the last one would be a really sweet idea.

-you can do your own mold by yourself. Now, we're talking. Because the idea of Miguel's hands trying to behave while he applies the paste on his partner trying to wrap them around their curves... It's actually pretty inspiring if you ask me.

And last but not least, Miguel breaking the mold. He doesn't strike me as clumsy but maybe in the heat of the moment, the thing would snap between his hands. I think he would look all sheepish afterward and try to hide the fact he broke the mold, like when you hide dust under a carpet.

Again, thanks for the message and I hope this reply is kind of what you expected ToT I'm really unfamiliar with these molds but I really like the idea, so I might put it in a next chapter!

[hannahwatcheshorror]

MANHUNTER (1986)

A deliciously dark and fascinating telling of the RED DRAGON story (which was originally a book). Hannibal is coy but fair, the cops are somewhat smart, and Graham is decently sane all things considered. Some overdramatic lines here and there (a little too much hand-on-window main character nonsense from our boy William Graham) but overall a good film! All of our characters were well cast and acted.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

(Trigger Warning Rape Discussion)

Anyone familiar with the Red Dragon book or movie knows the story that is about to be told but this was the first time it was told in film format (our killer's favorite). Will Graham is brought back on to investigate a new serial killer who is doing some awful things to what look like very nice people (at least on their home movies). This leads Will to talking to the man who drove him a bit mad before, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, the man who is also a serial murderer but who is in jail thanks to Will. The not-so-good Doc helps Graham get in the headspace of the killer to find the bastard but it is a thin line so Will has to be very careful.

Hannibal gets fan mail from the murderer and the good guys gotta work fast to try and get evidence from the note. This was a very fun and intense scene! I wish they would have shown us if Hannibal found out that they found it or not, it was a touch anti-climactic but they really wanted to make this movie a clean two hours of runtime. The cops end up letting Hannibal send the killer a message through the personal ads of the Tattler (a gossip rag (and I do mean rag)) and then they run their own slam piece on the guy calling him a fairy (not just a Tooth Fairy), written by Freddie Lounds. So, our tall film enthusiast (not me, the killer) has Freddie fixed to a wheelchair and makes him roll hot off the presses… (He sets him on fire and rolls him down a parking garage entrance, was that clear?) 

The killer is going on dates with a blind girl, and she has no idea he is watching movies of the family he intends to murder next while she's working up the courage to kiss him (wack). He takes her to touch a tiger the first night they meet which is such a power move, my goodness.

But he sees her get dropped off by another man (she cannot drive, she is blind, remember?) and imagines them kissing and snaps so kidnaps her. This breaks his routine though as this was the night of the full moon so he “should” have been over at the house of his next victims getting ready to strike. But here he was with his Almost Nearly Something and he was furious.

By this point Will has discovered that the person who killed the two families has also seen the video tapes he is watching and that leads him and some police officers to our big man's abode where fools rush in and get wrecked. It is down to Will and the baddie so you know it's gotta be Will who comes out on top! It ends with us getting to look at a freeze frame of Will Graham's cute butt as the credits scroll, a happy ending indeed!

[santacoppelia]

Heaven and Hell strike! (a "crack" meta?)

I was reviewing my notes to write some things I like about Shax (they are organized by themes) but I came across this idea first and it tickled my brain (probably because I just watched Neil's speech at the WGA Strike picket line). (BTW, great message, go watch it!!)

We know some interesting things about the awful work circumstances at Hell. We can "ignore" them (it is Hell, after all), but what if we check out what is happening with Hell's workforce?

The place is dreadful. We know, it is Hell, that's how it is supposed to be.

There is a whole lot of bureaucracy. I would say that it is specifically because bureaucracy IS Hell, but this is also me being me.

Everyone is overworked. Again, maybe it is just the thing with Hell, but...

They are understaffed. Furfur let's us know that as soon as Shax asks him for a legion. This would be obvious for Admissions during WW II, but when the bookshop siege happens, they barely manage to get 70 demons. Why?????

Beelzebub talks a lot about Hell not "appreciating talents". They say it when they talk about Crowley, then again while they lament with the other demon, and that's one of the things that connects them to Gabriel.

This was also one of the points made by Furfur when he talked about trying to "climb the ladder". He lashed to Crowley about this (as if getting a better job was Crowley's fault), but... (put a pin on this)

Shax possible new Dukedom and Beelzebub offering Crowley the possibility of becoming a "new Duke of Hell" talks to me about some sort of power vacuum (it goes without mention that promotions are given at personal discretion, not through real merit).

However, Heaven doesn't seem like they are in great shape, also...

They are trying to hide their "institutional problems" (at least, two defectors, but we should also count the renegade-now-Supreme-Archangel as part of the problem)

The corporate climate in the higher levels of Heaven is HIDEOUS. They are mostly petty, envious, create rumors and love power struggles...

Michael (my personal hate character) is at the same time so power hungry and so clueless about anything, that they are incapable of taking action (thanks, someone)

After not even knowing if Gabriel really had a desk, Michael gets a desk, while being "Duty Officer" and making everyone roll their eyes with their orders. They got that desk out of pure pettiness!

We know that "lesser angels" are mostly ignored. If you are an angel like Muriel, nobody ever acknowledges your existence. We have already seen how happy they are just by participating!! (they don't even notice being called "dim", poor baby)

Gabriel bonds with Beelz around not being recognized for what they do, and Beelz win their (cold, little) heart WITH A FLY because nobody has given him anything before… Not even a little pat in the head?

We have already seen TWO cases where an angel and a demon discover, through familiarity and shared worries/complaints, that they have so much in common that they are better together. We are crackshipping a third one.

The pin about Furfur (which I had forgotten) is that the problem is not Crowley, and the problem are not the people inside the system who learn how to play it: THE PROBLEM IS THE SYSTEM ITSELF.

Now, the point:

Something something about unappreciated people coming together as soon as they learn there’s better to be had. Can you imagine that much fun???!!!??? Bring Pandemonium!!

[samioli]

I think i first found your fics because i was veryyyy into the “masturbation interrupted” scenario for a while, and in flagrante delicto was EVERYTHING i needed ab that trope. First of all, I love seeing how people imagine edgeworth to approach sex and masturbation, and when you pair it with his intense pining for phoenix, it’s just sooo perfect. You write porn with feelings so so well.

Like a warm embrace is along the same lines, but i loved the way you wrote about phoenix giving miles his hoodie, and the hoodie becoming a physical stand-on for phoenix. Like the passages about Miles imagining phoenix being wrapped around him, phoenix fucking him. UGH SO GOOD.

Wait (they don’t love you like i love you) is the perfect jealous edgeworth fic. It also includes a slightly slutty phoenix which I am obsessed with, but i love the way you explored how miles and phoenix wanting to fuck each other bad but worrying about their feelings not being returned, and how they dealt with that in different way. Love love love

A way with words was too cute. I love the idea of miles dealing with his feelings through poetry, as a lover of poetry myself i think it suits him so well. And the fact that it is just WAYY too much flowery language for phoenix was such a funny and interesting way to approach that. I think you handled them getting together in that fic so well, because it easily could have strayed from the characterizations you set in place, and it didn’t, so having phoenix still not understand but trying so hard for miles made it all the more satisfying. And then we got GREAT porn with feelings to top it off.

I wanna be yours is done so well. I love pairing edgeworth with slightly depraved or humiliating ? kinks. Underwear sniffing is so far from his refined, distinguished persona, and that’s why i LOVE it, because phoenix makes him so insane, he is so in love and obsessed that he can be reduced from a chief prosecutor to a man who gets off by having his face dry humped while grinding on a shoe. So hot.

I honestly could go forever. You write praise kinks and face fucking and everything so well. You always strike the perfect balance of porn and feelings. And your understanding of Phoenix’s and Edgeworth’s characters and motivations is like none other. I’m glad your health issues are beginning to improve, but i’m sorry your stomach is stilll hurting you. I hope this message can at least provide something to you, and hopefully repay a fraction of the great time and effort you’ve spent on this fandom. Your time and talent is very much seen and very much appreciated

ANON.

ANONNNNNNNNNN

YOURE GOING TO MAKE ME SOB!

this is so so so so sweet??? exactly what i needed to get me through the Hurty????? i don't even know what to say????

^ literally me rn

I'm so pleased you first brought up in flagrante delicto because i feel like people don't talk about that fic as much as some of my other ones??? but i do really like that fic, i just love crashing into miles edgeworth's head. he has fantasies! he has kinks!!!!! he has desires!!!!

VERY PLEASED you brought up i wanna be yours too, literally went a lil crazy writing that (had the idea, immediately wrote it and it only took a day, thanks to @sapphire-wine as well, she was cheering me on and having brainrot with me) and i think like. some people were very prepared to kinda turn their nose up at it because like, "oh, Edgeworth would NEVER do that!" well what if he did! what if he's a lil freaky! (affectionate) i think like you said, its about how his love for phoenix is so VAST and powerful and consuming for him, making him do things that my seem out of place for him.

thank you SO SO SO MUCH for your kind words. i hope you have the best day ever and I'm giving you some of my falafel that i had for lunch. i love u

[onceuponastory]

twisted fantasy - max burnett x reader

“Your biggest fear has just come true, This maniac’s in love with you.” - This Maniac’s in Love With You by Alice Cooper

Plot: Looking for love, Y/N takes a chance on a date with Max...and instead finds herself in his twisted fantasy. Pairing: Max Burnett (Sharper!Max) x Female!Reader Warnings: 18+ Please, this is a dark fic. No minors. Mentions of kidnapping, drugging/drink spiking, stalking/obsessive behaviour, Stockholm Syndrome, dubious consent, force feeding, violence, injuries and nausea. As always, if I miss any triggers please let me know! Notes: Happy Sharper Day! This fic doesn’t contain any spoilers for the movie, I just wanted to make him dark and give my own interpretation on why he started hustling.

Thank you so much to @lunarbuck for both helping me with this idea and for beta reading it for me!

Pulling her jacket around her body for warmth, Y/N scrolls through her phone to keep herself occupied. Hopefully, her date shows up soon, and that it goes well… especially since it’s her first one in god knows how long.

At first, Y/N was fine with being on her own, not seeing the appeal of finding romance. Yet, as more and more time went on, her thoughts changed, and she craved the thought of having someone to call hers, and to share the rest of her life with. After all, being alone for such a long time whilst also being bombarded with your friends getting married, images of true love and talks of ‘Mr. Right’ can drive you crazy after a while. So, she braved the world of dating apps. Each day, she would scroll through endless pictures of men, not finding a spark or the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with. After a few months with no luck, she lost hope, deciding her true love didn’t exist. Or at least, not there.

But then, she saw Max. The second she saw his icy blue eyes staring back at her through her phone screen, Y/N fell head over heels for him, messaging him right away. Thankfully, he seemed to feel the same about her, given how quickly he messaged her back. And now, here she is, waiting outside a fancy restaurant for Max to show up for their date. A very fancy and expensive restaurant. Of course, Y/N is still willing to pay for her half of the meal, but the fact that this was the first place Max suggested already tells her he’s well off. Not that it matters too much to her, but she won’t deny that it’s definitely appealing.

When Max pulls up in a sleek BMW, Y/N’s suspicions are confirmed. “Hey, I’m sorry I’m late,” he sighs, running a hand through his dark hair. When she reassures him it’s fine, he shakes his head. “No. I hate to leave a pretty lady like you waiting.” Y/N giggles at his words, feeling heat settling on her cheeks and her heart rate picking up. What a charmer. And he’s even cuter in person. “Shall we head inside?” Max asks, opening the door for her.

Yet, as they sit down to eat, something strikes her as off. Despite Max’s pleasant conversation, and how he orders a bottle of her favourite wine for them to share, Y/N feels on edge. Even though she’s having fun, there’s a strange sensation in the pit of her stomach. Almost as if it’s being twisted. Like something is wrong. The entire meal, she keeps her gaze on Max, studying him intently as she tries to figure out what the issue is. And each time, her mind turns up blank. “Is something the matter?” Max asks, pouring her another glass of wine.

“Not at all.” She lies, taking a drink in the hopes it pushes away her feelings of unease. Hopefully, it’s just first-date jitters.

Yet, as the bitter drink flows down her throat, Y/N’s stomach twinges again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

After dinner, Max helps Y/N out to his car. The world seems to spin, and she stumbles a few times as she walks. Despite her clearly drunken state, her stomach still twists, and her mind knows that something still doesn’t feel right. She didn’t drink that much. There’s no way she could be this drunk. Something’s very wrong here.

“It’s okay. I’m here.” Max whispers, tightening his hold on her arm. He leads her to his car, helping her inside and strapping her in. Y/N leans back against the headrest, moaning softly. “Don’t worry, Y/N. I’ll take you home.” As she mumbles something in reply, he smirks, chuckling. “You’re really out of it, aren’t you?” Y/N glances up at Max. And then, something finally clicks in her mind.

“Wait. I got it. Don’t… don’t I know you from somewhere?” She asks, mumbling her words slightly. Max chuckles, leaning in closer.

“Well, we met on a dating app, remember?” The way he stares at her chills her blood. Like there’s something she doesn’t know, something sick hiding behind his smile. It’s as if he’s eyeing her up like she’s a piece of meat.

“No. Before that.” Y/N insists. “I knew you already, didn’t I?” The words tumble out of her mouth with little thought, and once they’re out in the open, the realisation slowly seeps through. Yes, she’s definitely met him before. She just can’t think where or when.

“Did you?” He smirks. Y/N’s brow furrows. She tries to push through the haze in her mind, but she’s just too drunk to even think straight. Y/N nods, her head suddenly feeling like it weighs a hundred pounds. “Clever girl.” He whispers. As her eyes begin to close and her head lulls to the side, Max grins. “I have big plans for you. Don’t worry. You’ll find out soon.”

And that’s the last thing Y/N hears.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As she slowly comes to, Y/N murmurs. Her head is pounding, and her ears are ringing. She opens her eyes, wincing at the sudden bright light in the room.

“You’re finally awake.” Max’s voice sounds. Y/N registers him running his finger down her jawline. Reflexively, she shudders at his touch. “Oh, it’s okay, Y/N. I won’t hurt you. Come on, open your eyes for me.” Slowly, Y/N’s eyes open. Max stares down at her, smirking. Y/N’s stomach twists again. “There you are.”

“What happened?” She tries to get up, but can’t. It’s only then that she realises she’s strapped to a chair. Gasping, she tries to move again, hoping this is some kind of sick joke, or her still-drunk brain causing her to hallucinate. When it doesn’t work, she begins to shake and cry as her mind and body go into panic stations. “Max, what’s going on?”

“Just calm down, Y/N. It’ll be okay.” He replies, scarily calm. Y/N feels her heart pounding against her chest, so quick and strong it could break through her skin.

“Max. Tell me what’s going on.” She repeats. Again, another scarily calm reply telling her to be calm follows. As the horrible reality sinks in, Y/N whimpers. “Oh god, I don’t want to die.”

“Hey, hey, shhh….” Max soothes. Y/N tries to ignore him, until: “Look at me.” He commands, his voice mesmerising. Y/N looks up, into his eyes. So blue and calm. Like the sea after a storm, the complete opposite of how he is now. Y/N almost laughs. After all, that was what originally attracted her to Max. His eyes. And now, she’s staring into them and begging for her life. “Nobody said anything about dying.”

“So why am I here, then?” Max stares at her once more. Then, he smirks.

“You really don’t remember me, do you?” Before she can even reply, Max continues. “I remember you, though. Everything about you.” Y/N runs through her memories, trying to piece them together. However, her confusion, combined with the drug and alcohol in her system, means that her mind continuously draws a blank.

“Y/N Y/L/N. Popular, a cheerleader… and a spoiled bitch.” Y/N gasps, fury flowing through her veins.

“How dare you say that about me?! You have no idea who I am.”

“Oh, but I do.” He snarks, coming closer, kneeling in front of her. “I’m Max. Max Burnett. Remember me?” There’s some familiarity to his name, yet she still can’t figure out just who he’s meant to be. Seeing he’s getting nowhere, Max frowns, rolling his eyes. “I used to sit behind you in all our English classes… and you still don’t remember me?”

And then it clicks. That Max. He’s definitely changed since the last time she saw him. In all honesty, he’s barely recognisable now. His arms and body are more toned, and he looks older, more mature. In all honesty, he looks better now, far more attractive for a start. But as she looks him over, there are little things that she notices that are still the same. A freckle here, a scar there. Is it really so hard to notice that it’s him?

Then again, though, it’s not like they were close friends, or friends at all back in high school. Y/N would be the first to admit that they were both part of different social circles back then. She stayed with the popular girls and cheerleaders, and Max was near the bottom of the social ladder with a few close friends compared to her many. Aside from the occasional glance at each other’s way in the hallways or discussion during classes, the pair barely interacted. Yet, she always greeted him with a smile and a hello, and never intentionally ignored him. He liked to keep himself to himself, whilst she didn’t. That’s all. So she has no idea where the hell he’s getting the idea that she’s a spoiled bitch from.

“Hi, Max. Yeah, I remember you.” She nods. Y/N wiggles her wrists, hoping that her recognition of Max is enough for her to be set free. Yet when he doesn’t move and just keeps staring at her, she frowns. “Max? What’s going on?” She asks, her voice quiet. “Why am I here? I said I remembered you, a-and I do, so can you take these off please?” Max simply scoffs.

“I can’t do that.”

“But why? I haven’t done anything to you!”

“Quiet.”

“Max, please just-”

“Quiet!” He shouts, the sudden change in volume making her jump. Y/N bites her lip hard to stop herself from yelling out in fear. As her entire body shakes, Max smiles. “Good girl.” Within an instant, he’s back to the eerily calm person he was before. Now, though, she knows the level of anger that he’s capable of. And seeing him standing there, staring down at her without another word, shakes her to the core. “Now, let me explain.” He speaks, finally. “I fell in love with you from the moment you first sat in front of me in class. You were so pretty and popular, especially in that little cheerleading skirt.” He bites his lip at that, and Y/N closes her mouth, trying to suppress her growing nausea. “And you always had a kind word to say to me, despite how different we were. You were everything I wanted, Y/N.” It’s then that Y/N notices something odd. Whenever Max talks about back then, about how much he loved her, there’s a small smile on his face. And his smile causes something inside her stomach to flutter.

“Our little chats in class each week meant the world to me, and I fell more and more in love with you as the years went by. I wanted to tell you how I felt right away, but I was too scared. So instead, I gradually worked up the courage to ask if you had a date to prom, and if you wanted to go with me, remember?” Immediately, Max’s smile falls, and his eyes narrow. “But you turned me down.” Y/N frowns.

“Because I was going with Owen.” She answers. Max rolls his eyes, groaning.

“Oh yes, Owen. The star quarterback of the football team. Mister Perfect.” He hisses. “He was an asshole who didn’t deserve someone like you. You deserved someone like me! Someone who wouldn’t demean you by talking to other girls like he would! I loved you! And I was willing to give you the world! More than he ever could!” He insists, his voice getting louder and angrier with each sentence. Y/N flinches away from him, not wanting to attract his ire. “But no. I wasn’t good enough, was I? Not popular, rich, or handsome enough for spoiled little Miss Y/N.”

“It’s not that Max, it was just I didn’t see you-” Y/N tries to explain, but Max cuts her off.

“What? Say it. Say it was because I wasn’t good enough for you. I wasn’t rich enough, or popular enough.” He spits, bitterness lacing his words.

“Because I didn’t like you in that way back then! I only saw you as a friend!” She argues. “Max, please just let me go. I promise I won’t say anything about this.” She whimpers, a few more tears slipping out.

“I can’t do that, Y/N. It’s okay though, I’m not mad at you. I was at first, but that was before I realised what you needed.” Smiling, he leans in closer. “I’ve been working hard on something for you. For us. And it’s going to make you want to stay.” Y/N furrows her brow, and Max begins to explain. “Since we graduated, I’ve become a bit of a hustler. Or maybe Robin Hood is a better term for it. I took money from those rich assholes who don’t deserve it. People who hurt those like me, at the bottom of the food chain, with no remorse. People who hurt good, caring souls like you, and don’t stick around to pick up the pieces. Now, I have more money than all of those assholes put together.” He grins proudly. And it’s all for you, my darling. I took it for you.” He bends down to her eye level.

Seeing she’s still crying, Max cups her cheek, using his thumb to wipe away her tears. His touch against her skin makes Y/N shiver, especially since she can’t back away from him. She’s powerless against him. “At first, I was just going to look for you on the streets of New York, so when I found you on that dating app, it was like a dream come true.” As he explains his sick obsession, and how he planned to stalk her, Y/N’s blood chills, and her stomach churns. In high school, she had no idea Max was so dangerous. Especially towards her. “We can finally be together, and I can give you anything you want. Everything you deserve will be yours. You can finally be happy. With me.” Y/N frowns, her blood beginning to boil.

“What, you think that kidnapping me and showing me all your money is going to change that and make me fall in love with you?!” she snaps. “I don’t want your money, Max! I never cared about anyone’s money! I’m not a fucking spoiled bitch. I just want to go home!” Max chuckles, shaking his head.

“I told you already. I can’t do that. You belong here with me. This is your home.”

“No, I don’t.” When Max still refuses to let her go, Y/N huffs angrily. “You know what, Max? Is it any wonder why I didn’t go out with you in high school? You’re a fucking depraved freak if you need to kidnap girls to get them to fall for you.”

“Stop it. Stop calling me that.” Max hisses. His fist noticeably twitches at her words, but Y/N continues. After seeing just how scary Max can be when he’s angry, she knows she’s playing with fire, but she doesn’t care. She’s just too scared and angry to even think about that right now. All she wants to do is to make him hurt.

“How dare you think that kidnapping me and flaunting your wealth at me will make me fall in love with you? I’m not yours to own!”

“Y/N….” Max warns, seething with rage. He stands up straighter, towering over her as if to show her just how out-powered she is, and to stop before she gets hurt.

And yet, Y/N still keeps going.

“Now, let me go.” Her demand is the final trigger. Suddenly, Max snaps, yelling out and slamming the table beside him angrily. The sound reverberates across the room, infiltrating every fibre of her body. Y/N yelps in fear, the sound causing her to jump in her seat.

“Look what you made me do. I hate getting so angry, especially at you.” Max huffs. He watches as Y/N shakes in fear, whimpering. “Being here will be good for you. You’ll learn soon enough.” He states, turning on his heel and leaving the room.

From that moment, Y/N is stuck with Max, trapped in his twisted fantasy. Some time after he storms off, he returns to untie her… whilst also making sure she knows to stay in her room. As he removes the ropes, his fingertips lightly brushing against her skin, Y/N’s heart rate picks up. The sensation confuses her, especially considering how easily he can switch back to the terrifying, angry state that she saw only hours ago. Warily, she watches him, waiting for him to snap or attack her.

Yet… she won’t deny that the sensation feels nice all the same. After all, there’s a reason she was so attracted to him in the first place.

“What are you looking at?” He chuckles, raising a brow.

“Nothing.” She states, moving her gaze away from him. Max sighs, getting up and running a hand through his dark strands.

“Y/N. Please trust me when I say that the last thing I want is to hurt you.” When he realises no reply from Y/N is coming, and just how frightened she is of him, his face falls. “I’ll bring you some food. You must be hungry.” He mutters.

Once he’s gone, Y/N looks around the room. It’s a lot bigger than she expected, with a big double bed, and closets filled to the brim with shoes, expensive clothes and makeup, worth more than she could ever afford. When Max said he wanted her to be comfortable, he wasn’t lying. And the room is actually really nice, considering the alternative. Yet, even a prisoner in a gilded cell is still a prisoner. And despite how nice the clothes are, the way she got here and why he’s holding her here still makes her stomach churn.

Y/N’s life soon fades into a routine, one limited to the confines of her bedroom, with Max coming in a few times a day to bring her food and water. At first, she tried to defy him, refusing to eat to fight back against the control he has over her life and its routine. That defiance worked a few times… until Max threatened to force the food down her throat so he could be sure she’s okay. As he keeps reminding her, the whole reason he brought her here was to protect and care for her in all aspects of her life. Since that threat, Y/N started eating again.

Max has joined her meal times since then, too. Yet, he never eats. He just watches, making sure she’s doing as she’s told. Sometimes, he tells stories about his various conquests as she eats, making sure she knows how lucky she is to be there, and how many gifts and riches he can give her. He does that a lot, acting like her anger and unease around him will fade, and that she’ll come around to him if given enough time. Yet, as time goes on, Y/N finds herself looking forward to Max’s visits. Being stuck in one place for god knows how long, unaware of what day or even what time it is, unable to do anything but read and sleep is so isolating. She feels like she’s losing her mind.

At least with Max, there’s routine, and a human connection, something she grows to crave. And so, slowly but surely, she starts to lower her guard around him, no longer reacting to his words with anger or fear. Because despite everything he’s done to her… she appreciates his company more than she’d like to admit.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

One night, one that feels like years away from when she first got here, Max tells her to join him for dinner. The tone of his voice tells her it’s best for her to attend.

“But I’ve never done that. We always eat separately.” She murmurs. Seeing her frown, Max chuckles.

“Well, I thought it’d be nice to have a change. Especially since you’ve been good recently. Consider it a treat.” He smiles. “Pick something nice to wear, and I’ll see you soon.” And then he’s gone.

So, Y/N does as he asks, not wanting to cause any further problems. She picks out an outfit, slipping into it with ease. The material is comfortable against her skin, and a welcome change. Catching sight of herself in the mirror, Y/N turns, looking over every inch of her body. She looks good. Max clearly has good taste. Or at least, knows her taste. For a moment, the thought makes her smile. How someone knows so much about her, and wants to make sure she has things she looks and feels good in.

“Yeah, it’s because he’s obsessed with you, and has been stalking you since high school.” The voice in her head cuts through the happy thought and Y/N shudders, all positive thoughts about this moment gone. Hopefully, this is over soon. Although… she can’t help but twirl once more in the mirror and apply a little bit of makeup.

If she has to dine with the devil, at least she’ll look good doing it.

Max arrives at her door some time later, dressed in a fancy suit. The first time she sees him, Y/N’s breath hitches a little in her throat. Max looks good. Handsome even. “You look incredible.” He grins, offering his arm to her like a true gentleman. Or at least, like the one he’s pretending to be. Slowly, she links her arm with his, suddenly very aware of the warmth of Max’s body. Being this close to Max whilst knowing what he’s capable of still causes an eerie feeling to settle in her stomach.

As he leads her down towards the dining room, Y/N looks around the house, at the castle holding her prisoner. It’s huge, filled with expensive paintings and furniture. She doesn’t even realise how much her eyes have widened or how her mouth has dropped open until Max chuckles from beside her. “You like it? I told you, the life of a hustler pays well.” He watches as she looks from room to room, gazing at her with a smile on his face. And the same thing in Y/N’s stomach flutters again, this time even more than before. But before she can dwell too much on it, they reach the dining room. Max leads her to her seat, and for a moment she waits for him to tie down her wrists. When he doesn’t, she frowns. “I told you. You’ve been good.” Max shrugs, pouring her a glass of wine.

When she stares at it warily, remembering what happened the last time she drank wine in front of him, he simply smiles once more. “Don’t worry. It’s perfectly safe.” She takes a few incredulous sips, waiting for the familiar bitter aftertaste that seemingly never comes. The wine is lovely actually, clearly from an expensive bottle. A steaming hot plate of food is soon placed in front of her, the smell making her moan happily. Quickly, she takes a bite, savouring the flavour as it dances across her tongue. This tastes better than any other meal he gave her, and it’s a welcome relief.

“Did you cook this?”

“Well… no. I thought that since tonight was an important night, I should hire a private chef to take care of us.” He answers, taking a bite and grinning back at her. His revelation surprises her, yet she likes it all the same. Nobody has ever done something like this for her before.He’s really pulling out all the stops to make her feel happy and comfortable.

As the meal continues, Y/N feels her worries around Max lessening and even finds herself smiling and laughing along with him. This dinner is nice, it’s safe. For a moment, she’s transported back to their first date, the one she thought would go so well, but turned into a nightmare. Now, though, it’s like they’re getting another chance. She watches Max as he speaks Italian with the Chef, laughing along with him and grinning widely. And Y/N realises she enjoys having another chance with him.

After dinner, Max walks her back to her room, still arm in arm. “You know, I had a great night tonight.”

“Me too. It was nice to get out of my room for a while.” Y/N agrees. Max seems surprised at her admission, yet grateful, happy that she’s finally feeling slightly comfortable around him.

“I do feel bad about leaving you in here again.” Max sighs, taking her hand and running his fingers along her knuckles.

“I don’t like it there, Max. I mean, the bed is comfortable and all, and I’m grateful for everything you’ve given me, but I feel like I’m going crazy being trapped in there. It’s just all been too much for me.” Her words make Max’s face fall, and guilt overtakes his features.

“I know, and I’m sorry. But I need you to stay there just a little longer. I want to make sure you’re okay and comfortable enough around me first.” Even though she appreciates his insistence of making sure she’s okay above all else, his refusal to just let her be free, just this once, causes her stomach to twist. Max notices the look on her face, and he sighs. “I’m sorry Y/N. This is how it has to be.” Before she can protest further, Max steps out, locking the door.

And then, Y/N is alone again.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Later that night, Y/N lies in her bed, tossing and turning. Her brain shows her horrible images, ones of her trying to run, of doors that lead nowhere. When Max catches her, he stands over her with a knife, carving his name into her skin so she’d be his forever. She awakens with a jolt, crying out in fear. Panting, she grips her bedding, trying to ground herself. Yet it doesn’t work, and her heart continues to pound. She cuddles into herself, shaking as she begins to cry.

Within an instant, the door bursts open. Max stands in the doorway, illuminated by the minimal light in the doorway. “What happened?” He asks, coming closer to her. As he reaches out to her, Y/N flinches away from him. Max’s face falls. “Sweetheart, I need you to tell me what happened so I can help you. Did you have a nightmare?” She nods, sniffling.

“You scared me. Y-You hurt me in it.” She murmurs, her voice hoarse from all the screaming. Max sighs.

“Y/N, it was just a nightmare. I would never hurt you.” He promises. Noticing she’s still shaking, he takes her hand. At first, she flinches away once more, but when she realises that Max really doesn’t mean any harm, she lets him intertwine his fingers with her. “Just match my breathing, okay?” As she slowly calms her breathing, Max raises his free hand, pressing it against her forehead. “You’re all sweaty and burning up.” He sighs. “Come on, let’s get you cleaned up. I’ll run you a bath.” She nods, and Max helps her up and out of the room.

As she leans into him, Y/N picks up on his heartbeat, the pounding rhythm soothing her and almost lulling her back to sleep. When they reach the bathroom, Max runs the water, filling the tub with bubbles. Y/N watches him, her body still shaking. Then he turns his attention back to her.

“Let’s get these pyjamas off. They’re drenched in sweat.” He sighs. As he peels them off of her body, Y/N stands there, her head bowed in shame.

“I’m sorry.” She murmurs, embarrassed to have made him frustrated.

“No, no sweetheart, it’s okay. I’m not mad.” He soothes, cupping her cheek. Y/N flinches at his touch once more, and Max sighs. “You got a big fright, didn’t you?” She nods. He presses a kiss to her forehead, and Y/N smiles slightly. “Let me fix it. Let me take care of you.” He whispers. When she’s fully undressed, the cold air chills her skin, and she can feel her nipples hardening. Yet, being so bare in front of Max, letting him see every inch of her naked, exposed body makes her feel like she’s on fire. Max’s eyes move lower, and Y/N feels the heat rising. Gently, he takes her hand, helping into the bath. The bubbles brush against her skin, and she leans back into the warm water.

Max rubs soap and lotion into her skin, delicately running his fingers along her skin as he does so. The sensation sends a shockwave throughout her body… but she likes it all the same. It’s nice to finally feel more comfortable around Max, to feel loved by him. He peppers kisses along her skin, and this time, Y/N doesn’t flinch away from him.

He’s here to take care of her.

To give her what she needs.

What she’s always needed.

Once the bath is over, Max hands her one of his shirts to put on. The material drapes over her body, almost like a dress. Although, it’s comforting, and the material feels good against her skin. “You look good.” He smirks. “Now it’s time for bed.”

“No. Please don’t make me go back there. I don’t want to be alone.” She begs, whimpering slightly.

“Shhh, shh. You’re not going back there.” He promises. He leads her out of the room, taking her down the hallway. As they walk, Y/N finds solace in his heartbeat once more. She inhales his scent, letting it permeate her entire being. She never noticed how nice he smells. So inviting, so alluring. She’s so consumed by Max’s scent that she doesn’t even notice that they’re in another room. Almost immediately, she can tell where she is.

Max’s room.

She climbs onto the bed, sinking into his mattress, feeling better almost immediately. As Max goes towards the door, she speaks once more:

��Please don’t go. I don’t want to be alone.” Max peers down at her.

“You want me to stay with you?” He asks. Y/N nods, and he chuckles, grinning like the cat that got the cream. “Of course I can.” He climbs in beside her, finding her hand in the darkness and intertwining his fingers with hers. As he looks down at her, his eyes tracing over her jawline, Y/N registers her heart beating ever so slightly faster, and she finds herself suddenly struck with a desire to reach out and touch Max. To run her fingers along his chest and through his hair. To pull him closer, wrap her arms around him, and kiss him deeply.

“No. This is wrong.” A voice in her head sounds.

But yet, something about it feels so right.

“You’re so beautiful.” He whispers. “I’m so lucky to have you here with me.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Y/N awakens in Max’s bed sometime later, already feeling much more rested than she ever had before. She rolls over, expecting Max to be there, yet only finding empty space. Her heart sinks with disappointment, and she sighs. For a moment, she sinks her nose into his pillow, inhaling the scent that makes her heart feel like it’s beating a million miles a minute. She stretches out, grabbing his bed sheets, intertwining the material through her fingers. She feels better, more comfortable, even sleeping through the night without having another nightmare.

And it’s all because Max was there beside her. Maybe he’s better for her than she thought. As that thought dawns on her, she registers her heart rate beating ever so slightly faster. But this time, she realises she loves being taken care of by Max. After so long being locked away like a prisoner, this brief glimpse of freedom, of care and of love, means so much to her. Hopefully, all her mornings from now on start like this.

Before she can think too much about it however, the door opens and Max appears, the sight making her smile.

“Afternoon, sleepyhead. I have something for you.” He grins, holding out a box. When she sees the lettering on the box in his hands, Y/N gasps. The box is from her favourite bakery. She only mentioned it in passing to Max one day in class, talking about how much she loved their desserts. Max passes the box over, and she opens it, seeing two eclairs.

“Max… you remembered.” She whispers.

“Y/N, I remember everything about you. And besides, I feel awful after the nightmare you had last night. You deserve something nice.” Quickly, she grabs one, taking a huge bite. As the sugar rushes through her blood, Y/N can’t stop a smile from spreading across her cheeks, one so wide it almost takes over her entire face. After spending so long locked away with no form of happiness, being given something like this is just what she needed. And the fact that Max gave it to her, that he cared enough to get her something that he remembered makes her happy after such a horrible night… makes her heart flutter once more. “That was incredible. Thank you.” At the sight of her smile, Max grins.

“You’re welcome. By the way, you have some….” Without another word, he reaches out, brushing some chocolate off her cheek. The sensation of his thumb brushing against her skin feels like her skin is on fire.

“Oh.”she murmurs, as all the blood in her body rushes to her cheeks. As Max looks down at her, his eyes tracing over her jawline…Y/N registers her heart beating ever so slightly faster. Without another word, Max leans in, pressing a kiss to her lips. His kiss sends another shockwave through her body. Hungrily, Y/N pulls Max closer to her, deepening the kiss as he slips his tongue inside her mouth. A moan escapes Y/N’s lips and Max chuckles, his laugh reverberating through her entire body. They fall backwards, Y/N sinking into the plush sheets of Max’s bed once more as he climbs on top of her.

“You’re beautiful.” He murmurs, removing his lips from hers. As he does, Y/N’s gaze moves upwards, and soon she’s staring into his icy blue eyes once more. The same pair of eyes she fell in love with so long ago. Her heart pounds, and she gasps for air.

She’s never felt more alive.

Her hands fly out, grabbing Max’s shirt and pulling him closer to her once more.

Maybe being here won’t be so bad after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Please follow @onceuponastory-library​ and turn notifications on to be notified when I next post.

[the-jam-to-the-unicorn]

A little update about Showman and something I could use your opinion on ...

So, over the last few days / two weeks, I've worked a lot on the next Showman chapter. And I actually managed to write something that I don't completely hate to 100%. The first draft is a mess (like ... MESS), but I edit it at the moment, and it slowly turns into something with which I am increasingly happy, and I am optimistic it will reach the point where I feel comfortable with posting it. (More about that under the cut)

The "problem" is that I am getting close to 10k words. 🥲😅 I might actually end up with more than 10k. Which would be a MASSIVE chapter.

Initially, before the break, the plan was to stretch the idea over 2 chapters since there is a lot to cover for what I plan in the following chapters.

But now, because of the long break, I also want to give all of you something to read, so I'm not sure if I should still cut it into two chapters.

On the other hand, I know that not everyone prefers 10k words or more chapters, and I still want it to be an enjoyable reading experience.

So ...

If someone wants to add something, feel free to leave a comment or send a message. 🤗

I think, most people know what happened and what caused my long writing break with Showman.

And I talked about another problem here and there but wanted to write a bit more to be transparent.

After everything that happened, I struggled with getting back into writing because first writer block striked me and later imposter syndrome. Especially when it came to Showman. I think, I built up so much pressure, pressure I put on myself, that I just hated everything that I wrote so far. It was basically the same all the time - I wrote something and either deleted it immediately. Or I tried to talk myself into liking it but deleted it sooner or later when I edited it.

I think my main pressure comes from two things:

On the one hand, I want to believe that Showman has a certain level that people enjoy, and I want to reach that level again. And I somehow feeled I failed every time I tried. All my writing felt and sounded awful, boring and poorly. My brain lacked ideas and failed to connect with what I had planned.

On the other hand, it was hard to find back into Showman in general. Not because I lost the connection to the fandom or the stories around Vova and Olena. But there was something missing I can't really name. Call it "the spark", I had to re-discover.

In the end several things worked and helped, like focusing on the other fics.

I also realized I just have to finish the chapter in a way I am at least okay with and just post it and that hopefully will break the general angst. Get it out and continue basically.

[ome-magical-ramblings]

Record of Practice: Fire, Spirit(Akasha), and Moon.

Original photography by https://www.instagram.com/daryavaseum/

We are back! and I apologize for not keeping a strict log on the elemental log and I always seem to miss/not properly write for Fire and Spirit in most of my work haha. Anyway what I would say about the Fire, Spirit , and Moon which seems like the moon is the biggest "photo" or player here haha. To Summarize it to the best of my ability it would be:

Fire clarify, banishes illusions, brighten your awareness, and bring you to true reality.

Spirit is both the start, middle, and end of Practice. The space between stimulus and response, the silence between every sounds/thoughts, and the source of it all.

Moon is the combination of the four elements and enliven the four elements. Through it we get Nourishment. Reflectivenesss, Psychological Projection, and many other attributes are part of the moon both personally, inter-personally, and in the real world.

Let me get more into it:

Fire

You will remain eternally pure, and will not be reduced to someone who eats all promiscuously. Only the flame from your viler parts of the body will be a consumer of all things. Everything burnt by your flames will become pure. Brahma to Agni ( Source: Mbh Adi Parva, Chapters 5 to 7 )

The first you can imagine with fire is that it "lights up" literally physically, astrally, mentally, and on all levels. You hit the flint, strike the match and then what? "And said God let there be light, and there was light" That's the Light. Fire is in front of you right now, you're reading these words in the form of Fire(Sight). At least I think most people would prefer to hear my thoughts and actual ideas on it instead of just rehashing the usual. Simply without Fire, most of the practical work we do magically would be aimless, unguided and without direction. If we ourselves don't put the correct lighting, candle, lamps in our communication then the messages comes out weird both ways. Imagine the lighting during dinner, during lunch, during a spooky night time story, or the lighting in places like during sunset. The Light/Fire sets the tone for how stuff are clarified, Yes fire is ever expanding based on the fuel that you gives it. Fire will keep expanding but what's left from the fire would be Ash. What's ash except the purified state of Earth, The water and air get moved out of it through Fire and we come back to...

Akasha: As Ash..

Once a block of earth is enlivened by water and nourished by Air, burned by Fire we get Ashes. Space is created again and all the elements that were once coagulated are now dissolved, solve et coagula. That's in a sense what Spirit give us, the space to both create and dissolve, the space to actually know what we are doing, the space to stop and start anew. Akasha is deep sleep, it is the darkness behind the eyes, akasha is all of this an none of that because once you grasp it then it's not "it" anymore. In a way this is what make akasha as a necessary step because without it we can't really start anything new or stop anything old. Momentum doesn't go endlessly, and if you don't take the time to breath then you can't keep going forever, it's a marathon not a sprint and do you really rush yourself when you go traveling or go on a holiday? same idea. Are there spirits in akasha(?) maybe but I don't know how to contact them haha. Akasha is the rest and the new start, take some akashapill. Between Akasha and the Moon is something related to Merkavah literature and sadly I don't know if I am in the right place to disclose this or talk about it.

Moon: Nourishment, Reflection of Truth, and Misinformation.

The Moon is a lot more subtle and serious this time. If last year the general theme of the Moon was cleansing then this year it would be Nourishment and by that I mean the spiritual nourishment. We need to stop to see if the materials and stuff we are consuming in media, in literature, in practice, and in real life are nourishing us or just "filler" food? Bad food is harder to purge out of our bodies. I definitely encourage the reader to look more into this topic here , but overall? The Moon is seen as this deceptive planet but it is only as deceptive as we are deceptive to ourselves, we have to know where we stand and not to ask excessively. The Moon is part of the "veil" but also part of the whole world, if everything considered psychic or mediumship is under the moon then the moon is where it is at to start the process properly. I did take longer than a week, with the moon because I lacked astral Nourishment and by that it is lacking the "juice" or water to make the whole "thing" work. A Machine would break and crash without grease, and this grease is through the moon. If that analogy makes sense, consciously consuming our mental, astral, and physical world is something we should pay attention and heed it. In the end We can see how the Fire(Screen) Display information/reflections(Moon) and we have to take the akashic space/moment where we can process what we are seeing or consuming "mentally"/"astrally" as we look at it. Until next time :) take care.

[saucerfulofsins]

Can you explain what happened?

I mean, it was my third strike. The first strike was when I referenced something I absolutely should have censored/trigger warned/not discussed at all; I fully acknowledge that I was in the wrong there and the conversation got away from me when it shouldn't have. I also received a very public callout and scolding, which sent me into a two-hour breakdown and to be quite honest, I'm still not really recovered from that. I take responsibility, which I did in the chat as well... and I still believe they should have dealt with that situation differently. This will come back in later, btw.

The second strike was when I referenced AI nudes I was exposed to on Tumblr against my will, which I did not realize was supposed to go into the NSFW channel - because contrary to what the mods seem to believe, not everyone is American or has American sensitivities towards what is/isn't NSFW and no cohesive list existed at that time. I had to ask about what the strike was for; the moderator pulled up that message which by that point was two days old.

This time, I woke up to see the server gone from my list. That's it; no message from the moderators, nothing, so everything I say here is conjecture. It might be because of an exchange last night - which is what I assume it is about. However, based on past experience, it might also be something else entirely.

Anyway, I was talking about pegging with someone in the NSFW channel, and how technically that can be considered queer because it's not heteronormative. One of the mods assumed I was talking about all heteronormative activity and brought up gendered behaviour (which I don't think is inherently heteronormative, just gendered, but I digress). So yeah, this is the direct citation that followed: "Yeah dude i am talking about sex here. Idk I thought that was pretty obvious. So: sexual acts that deviate from the hetrosexual norm/what is commonly accepted as normal."

Apparently this meant I was forgetting there's a person on the other side of the screen. Funny, that, considering the way they dealt with me. And I didn't; I was frustrated because I don't really enjoy being singled out or having what I said pulled out of context, or having people interpret it in bad faith. After the warning, the other person went at me again and I told them I wasn't interested in continuing the discussion - which I suppose they didn't like? I guess they felt I talked back to them, when all I did was end the conversation.

Like. Sorry. What was I supposed to do? Stay completely neutral when the mods aren't? When someone is giving an incredibly bad faith interpretation of what I said?

Or is this just, you know, them wanting me gone because they don't like me. That's fine, by the way, but I'd have appreciated the honesty - and maybe don't run a public server if you want people who think the exact same way you do. I don't think the moderatorship in that server is particularly good; I don't love the idea of discussing how 911 characters are allowed to fuck up and do better the next time or how shit most of the parents are, while at the same time the moderators act high and mighty, doling out warnings and immediate punishment in the same tone my parents used when I was a kid (not just towards me, I've seen the same thing happen to other server members). Like, what's the point of scolding and shaming someone in front of the entire server - because they had us respond with emojis to know people were reading - if it's not to exert your power and shame that person in particular? I understand that what I said provoked strong emotions; I also believe moderators should at least keep their own emotional response from dictating their behaviour.

Anyway, that's my reading of the situation. I'm sure if you were to ask them, they'd offer a different story. That's okay; they're allowed to. I just don't think these people should be in charge of a server, if this is how they choose to act. Like, don't talk to adults as if they're children. In fact, don't talk about how there's a person on the other side of the screen when you're using your power to willingly trigger someone - what else do you think is going to happen if you put someone on blast? And what else do you think will happen if you ask a queer person about their definition of queerness in the most antagonistic way possible?

[shytastemakerthing]

Hello, and good day! I noticed your matchups are open, so I hope you don't mind me requesting a platonic TWST matchup?

🐟 I'm an introvert, genderfluid, aroace, 5'1 (barely...), and wear glasses

🐟 INTP, 5w4, and a Sagittarius

🐟 Physically? A disaster. While I do have couple chronic conditions, there's nothing that impacts my daily life *too* bad. I just have to wear knee braces everywhere to make sure my knee doesn't go pop 🙃

🐟 I do rollerskate occasionally though. And I enjoy some sports so I'm not the most inactive... (copium)

🐟 Intellectually, I'd say I'm doing alright. Not the highest scorer, but I'm in the upper 30% usually. My favorite subject is science, specifically chem. Bio's cool too though... anything but Physics...

🐟 Hobbies include video games, listening to Jpop, reading, writing, studying the next random topic I find interesting, setting things on fire (in perfectly safe and controlled environments!), and cooking!

🐟 In fact, I enjoy science and cooking so much that I plan on majoring in Food Science ✨️

🐟 I suppose I don't put in too much effort into things unless I'm really interested in them. Though I do make sure everything is up to standard, I usually go above and beyond when a cool idea strikes me. I have gotten ideas that were a bit too grand (ahem, making an entire visual novel), leading to me having to submit a couple days late, but at least it's quality work!

🐟 I've been called the "parental figure" of the group pretty often. From scolding my friends when they do something stupid to pretty decent advice to basic first aid knowledge to a bag that I carry around with me that has pretty much everything I need

🐟 I suppose my biggest flaw is that I'm the type to read a message with the intention to reply later and then forget about it for the next week (... or month... or year...). When I'm at home, I'm not usually in the mood to talk to people

That's all! I hope this isn't too much. You're free to skip this if it is. I hope you have a wonderful day, Author. Stay hydrated :D

Hello! Thank you for requesting! I completely and utterly feel you when you say no Physics. I am taking a physics class right now and I have dreaded every single week of it, just 2 more weeks and it's over. (As much as I did not want to do this course, it was required for my major)

On another note, I hope that you enjoy your matchup!

Tw: none

Prompt: Platonic Twisted Wonderland matchup

I match you with.......

Floyd Leech

Look, you have scolded this boy on more than one occasion for doing something rather stupid but it often just goes in one ear and out the other when it comes to him.

Personally, he really does like that you care so much about his well being

If he has to get into some trouble to get you activate that parent mode while patching him up and scolding him at the same time, he will do it without question

He is another to read a message and forget to reply, or he thought of a reply, thought he sent it, but really never did. But if he sends you a message and there is no reply for a certain amount of time, he will certainly begin to look for you

Another who doesn't put in a whole lot of effort if he finds something to be boring

He wants something that will interest him

And knowing that you are the same way as him?

Congrats, he is now your friend, nothing can be said about it

But you didn't really mind it. Floyd is a rather interesting individual

Meaning that the both of you have a whole lot of fun

The moment that this man knows that you enjoy setting things on fire, it is all over then and there

Any time that you are planning something with fire, you have to bring him along with you

This also means that you have stopped him on more than one occasion trying to run with the fire, trying to poke the fire, or trying to put something into the fire to see what would happen

As his friend, he makes sure that you are also taking care of yourself. Forgot your knee brace for the day? He bought a spare just for you. Gym that day being a little too much, without a single word, he just slings you over his shoulder like a bag of potatoes and walks away

Your health was more important than trying to run 10 miles

Being best friends with Floyd, by extension, you will get Jade as well. They're a package deal

In reality, Jade just wants to meet the person who Floyd claims to be his best friend

Look, that's not a title to gain easily, and the fact that you have it and have maintained said title, Jade was interested

But meeting you, he sees what his brother does, so please, if anyone ever gives you trouble, do let him know

Overall, a friendship with Floyd could entail a number of things. Both known and unknown. But be certain that he will take care of you and he will take care of anyone who he sees to be a bother to you. It's what friends are for, after all.......

Thank you for your request!

[raedroid]

Never Too Young To Die

Chapter 1: Family on Vacation

——————————————————————————

Moorpark College is the home of the Raiders and the bridge to the future where many students attend to be the best they can be in Moorpark California, a small but lively town in the state. Among these students is a fierce and stubborn but determined and kind hearted young man, currently studying during his second semester of his first year. Spring has begun and he, along with everyone else is preparing for not only final exams, but also sport competitions, musical performances, theatre shows, art showcases and much more.

“Alright Lance! Let’s do that routine now ok?” Trevor asked. Trevor was Lances instructor and had helped shaped him into the gymnast he is today. Lance stood out from the second he joined the college as he was one of the few male students who joined gymnastics, something most boys at school picked on him for. But his training was paying off and he has become more physically active and healthy than he was before.

As he practiced his routine on the trampoline, he noticed his two biggest concerns and their names were Barrett and Liam, two competitive wrestlers who loved teasing him more than anything. He completes his routine easily, ready to showcase it the next day.

“Good job man! I say that’s enough for the day!” His coach smiled at his student and Lance felt confident about his abilities. As he went to wipe off his sweat, he saw a young man standing outside the window. He was holding a device and waving excitedly at him and Lance simply shook his head amused. That was his best friend Cliff Gyro. He may seem awkward and talkative, but you can’t deny his enthusiasm, loyalty and especially his intelligence. As he left to head off to one of his classes, he saw Barrett and Liam blocking his way.

“Why don’t you try something more manly Lance? We need some new members on the team. It’ll be better than being stuck with annoying ladies.” Barrett joked. Lance was annoyed instantly but he wasn’t threatened.

“Maybe I will. Maybe I won’t. But if you judge me again, the wrestlers are gonna be needing even more players.” Lance warned, going under their arms and walking off. Barrett was ready to strike him but Liam held him back.

“Don’t man. Just let him embarrass himself.” Liam suggested. Lance heard and even though he doesn’t show it, he does felt uncomfortable by the amount of tormenting by those two. But it turns out that was the least of his problems.

——————————————————————————

Lance got out of the building with his gym bag and backpack, finished with his exam after weeks of worrying. He saw Cliff waiting by their bicycles and fist bumped him.

“That’s the last one man and we’re home free!” Cliff cheered and they rode their bikes down the track to the dormitory nearby.

“Thanks again man! That watch thing worked like a charm!” Lance complimented. He was gifted a watch where Cliff was able to send messages to him from his computer. Even though they both were good students, sometimes life gets in the way of studying so they worked out a system together with their watches to give each other answers and Cliff was the true mastermind behind the idea.

“I keep telling you Lance! My inventions are for real! They work!” Cliff exclaimed.

“Speaking of inventions, what’s that new thing you got up at the dorm? It smells like gasoline.” Lance asked.

“Glad you asked! I’ll show you! It’s almost done!” Cliff answered excitedly. They took the path down to the closet dormitory at the campus. They had a room big enough for two of them. Cliff’s half was clean and neat, everything organized perfectly and full of electronic and digital equipment. Lances side however was more cluttered and disoriented, posters of athletes and comic books on the wall. They both had posters of their favourite bands on the wall such as Kiss, Motley Crüe, and unapologetically ABBA. They were hard rock lovers and secret disco fans. Cliff ran over to his side of the room and pulled out a large gun from under his bed and plopped it on his desk.

“This is the Pyroblaster. I combined with explosive laser, slang and some petrol. One shot out of this baby and it could blow up the whole room!” He explained as he started polishing it.

“Mind if I test it out?” Lance asked jokingly, going to grab it but Cliff snatched it away.

“No crazyhead! You’re begging to kill yourself if you do you goof!” Cliff answered, putting his contraption away. “But you can have my bubblegum bugging device instead.” He added and Lance smirked at his friend

“Actually I think we’re done with those gadgets for a little while. Cause we don’t need these anymore!” Lance shouted excitedly, ripping their class schedules off their board and they high-fived instantly. “You gonna be there for my routine?”

“Of course man! Don’t listen to those pricks. They’re just jealous they’re not as daring as you.” He encouraged, receiving a slight blush from him.

“Aw Cliff you spoil me.”

“You know, all for one and one for all? Ever since we were kids man.” They both fist bumped again before Lance looked at a package near Cliffs computer.

“What’s this?”

“Oh your dad sent it to you. And your sister. He’s still out there trouble shooting for companies?”

“What else? I don’t have a flying clue what he’s doing lately and it’s kinda getting on my nerves. I don’t know if it affects Sapphire though or not.” Cliff looked at him sympathetically. He knew that Lance and his father had a rocky relationship and did his best to support him. “But he did said he’ll be here for my routine so that’s a good sign right?”

“Yeah that’s awesome man! He’s gonna see you at the Gymnastics Meet!”

“Yeah I guess so.” Cliff gave him a huge hug and Lance looked over at a photo of his father Drew, mother Gabrielle and older twin sister Sapphire, 10 years ago. His relationship with his father was rocky after he started leaving to work after their mother had passed away and Lance only wanted to see him once again to watch him win. One could only hope.

——————————————————————————

Deep in the Diablo Canyon, Drew brought his soldiers through the facility. This was the location of Velvets current attack and where her troops were waiting on him.

“Alright men. Let’s hurry. I got an appointment after this.” Drew ordered. His men included Carruthers, mysterious and dangerous, and Ronan, goofy but an intelligent strategist. “Please it’s for my son.”

“You never talk about them. So what’s our plan here pal?” Carruthers remarked.

“Gonna flush out Ragnar. He’s bound to be down here.” Drew explained

“Don’t see how this is a problem to the city.”

“Well would you like to drink contaminated water?” They reached a wall and Ronan laid out an explosive, breaking a hole to help them get through. They trenched through the new pathway for a long time, Drew leading the way, until he heard a thud behind him only to see Ronan knocked out and Carruthers standing smugly behind him.

“I grew I’ve got a new problem huh?” Drew pulled out his gun and tried to shoot him down but he escaped in the nick of time. Ronan was bleeding to death in front of him and Drew had to flee, otherwise he would be next. He ran through the passageways, searching for the exit but once he saw the room of stairways and boilers, he knew he was lost.

“There he is! Get him.” A voice called out. He turned and saw Rayla with two henchmen. They grabbed and dragged him across to another room and saw Velvet inside, hiding in the darkness.

“Alright boys. No need to get nasty.” He ordered. The two men forced him into a chair and Rayla went to stand by his side. “Now Stargrove, it’s been a long time since I saw you. I believe you stole something precious from me. A program disk. Care to explain?” He asked

“Come on this is stupid. Is that anyway to treat an old friend like.”

“It’s stupid to even think we were friends. But we can end things peacefully for once if you want to see your precious kids again.” He threatened.

“What are you talking about. My kids don’t have any idea of what I do. You’re threatening to kill him aren’t you?”

“Oh I’m not threatening darling. I’m promising to kill them unless you give me what I want. You don’t want them to get into the wrong hands, like your wife. And I’m sure my darling Rayla here would have fun with that.”

“Fine. I’ve got it with me. Give me a second.” He goes to his pocket before pulling out a dagger and stabbing the hand of one of his henchmen and bolting out of the room.

“GET HIM!” They bellowed. Rayla ran straight to her target along with her henchmen. Drew managed to kill each of them one by one but Rayla dodged each one and parkour was her strategy to catch up to him, showing no signs of slowing down until she shot him in the shoulder and kicked him in the back and threw him down a flight of stairs, landing on glass shards.

“Listen Stargrove, you should’ve given us the disk. You earned your chance and you blew it.” Rayla laughed menacingly, watching as Drew started bleeding from the cuts and gun wound he received.

“Please! I’ve lost too much blood to your partners game!” Drew exclaimed, not noticing Velvet walking down the stairs.

“Oh Dumbgrove you’re about to lose a whole lot more! Don’t worry. I’ll let him handle it.” Rayla replied. Drew turned around and saw Velvet holding up a rifle and shot him repeatedly as Rayla moved away, watching with a smirk as he laid down bleeding to death. Velvet laughed maniacally as he was killed right before his eyes.

“Free at last!” He screamed in joy. But as he did, a slight tear rolled down his face. Rayla noticed and ran over to wipe it.

“Are you alright? This isn’t like you?” She asked sympathetically.

“Yeah. He just done a lot in the past.” Rayla embraced her lover and Velvet stroked her hair gently. “I’m honestly surprised you didn’t take the kill.” He remarked

“Eh. I figured you deserved this one. Considering your history with him.” Rayla answered

“You’re so good babe.” Velvet responded and kisses her as they walked up the stairs together, leaving behind their past but unintentionally starting someone else’s future.

[memes-in-a-half-shell]

Villain AU - Deadlock, Part 5

Part 1 || Part 2 || Part 3 || Part 4 ||

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa

smooth_criminal: idk, must be some kind of chess nerd.

She too had noticed that Bishop name on the investors' list. Getting that question from Donatello confirmed that this was a new face in the game, or at least one that usually knew how to cover their tracks efficiently.

smooth_criminal: Is that the new target you want me to look into? HookedOnCoffee: Not yet. I need to think. Things are getting a bit complicated... smooth_criminal: How so?

The answer took some time to come in.

HookedOnCoffee: Lack of trust.

A grunt escaped Vee. For what? The info she gave him? Herself? His own team?

smooth_criminal: Gotta be more specific, turtle.

She couldn't afford being tossed to the side this early, especially considering the advance she got from her mysterious client.

HookedOnCoffee: The others don't want an external presence in the investigation.

"Fuck 'em," hissed Vee.

She pushed herself away from her desk, walking away only to crash on her bed in the nearby bedroom. A muffled grumble left her, face planted in her pillow. Thinking fast wasn't her forte tonight, yet she knew she had to bring a new idea on the table in order to keep the mutant invested in her. ... Nonchalant, she brought a nearby tablet to her, starting to scroll through its content mindlessly. Landing back on the project Renaissance's information, she decided to revise it lightly. Maybe that would hype her again to truly keep this mission alive...

Skipping some pages, she landed on a listing of who was working on what, as well as a mention of contributors and commissioners. Frowning, Vee stopped as her gaze landed on the name "Bishop".

"Who the hell are you...," she mumbled to herself, already starting a search for any other mentions of that name.

The results were very few, but she did find some other instances that were listed alongside the initials "E.P.F." In a rush, she jumped out of bed and headed back to her computer. She briefly saw another message from Donatello, but disregarded it at first and prefered to open a new browser tab. Her queries were basic at first:

>> E.P.F. >> What is E.P.F. >> Bishop E.P.F. >> Who is Bishop >> Bishop Eternal Poopstain Fucker

"Come on, brain, wake up," groaned Vee, unable to find anything sustainable.

She hopped back to her conversation with the terrapin, finally seeing what he had written.

HookedOnCoffee: That doesn't reflect my view on this matter. I want to prove them wrong, and I hope you can show them you're trustworthy.

She paused. ... It certainly was a wonder to see how adamant he now seemed to include her in this operation.

smooth_criminal: Aww, cute. You like me already!

His response was almost immediate:

HookedOnCoffee: Don't get some high hopes. I simply recognize talent when I see it.

That brought a smile to Vee's face. His enthusiasm was worthy of calling him a 'sweet summer child', but she did admire his convictions.

smooth_criminal: Speaking of hope, I was wondering (hoping) you'd know something about "E.P.F."? HookedOnCoffee: No idea. Where's that coming from? smooth_criminal: I found a mention of Bishop in the project Renaissance files. Alongside it were those initials... I found nothing online about that, nor Bishop.

Gosh, she hoped she wasn't making a faux-pas by mentioning the project...

HookedOnCoffee: Interesting. HookedOnCoffee: Let's meet up and discuss.

"Woah there, mister," puffed Vee, not expecting such request.

smooth_criminal: What about your dear ol' family? Won't they be pissed if you do that? HookedOnCoffee: They don't need to know. For now.

That brought a quick laugh out of the woman, highly entertained by this sudden rebel strike of his. Was she inspiring him?

smooth_criminal: That's what I'm talking about! smooth_criminal: And to reward this initiative, plus prove you can trust me, we can meet up at my place. smooth_criminal: but that'll have to wait close to the weekend. Right now I'm swamped.

She had to up her game if she wanted to get into his good graces.

HookedOnCoffee: Can't get your phone number, but going to your place is cool? ... I don't understand you. smooth_criminal: I don't understand myself either. Glad we agree on that! smooth_criminal: Take the offer or leave it, turtle. Dunno what you want to talk about, but if you want to join our searches together, that'll be a good step forward. HookedOnCoffee: Count me in.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy! Finally back on tracks, Vee forwarded him her address, alongside an ideal date and time to meet up. She fluttered her legs happily, making her chair swivel. Getting a look around her apartment at the same moment, her lips formed a thin line.

"Fuck. I'll have to clean around..."

***

It was always so easy to lure his family away. Giving the pretense that he needed to go scavenge for some electronics was the ideal excuse for him to be left alone - especially if he needed to get topside by himself. The trek to Vee's place was easy and pleasant at first, until a storm slowly crept its way over the city. The joys of spring.

He found the apartment building, aiming for her floor as he scaled down the fire escape stairs from the rooftop. As he reached for her window he paused, feeling somewhat weird to arrive at this new place - a woman's place nonetheless! Finally knocking on the glass that gave view into her living room, he soon spotted Vee making her way towards him. She gasped after opening the window, noticing the heavy downpour.

"Fuck, wait! Let me go grab some towels."

As she rushed away, the turtle took a moment to glance inside furthermore. The place seemed small, the living and kitchen areas melding together, and he guessed that there was only one bedroom and a bathroom. When the woman reappeared, he finally got a view at her frame. She was wearing jeans and a tank top - which gave a nice sight on her cleavage... Keep it together.

He was allowed to step in, Vee tossing him several towels as she also started to forcefully pat the water off of him.

"I don't want you to mess any furniture or my tech. Otherwise I'll slap you."

"Oh, I'm so scared," replied the terrapin, amused.

She dismissed his comment with a quick grimace, then offering him to remove any gear he wanted to let dry on towels left aside. Finally settled, the woman stood before him, hands on her hips as she laid out some rules:

"First of all, do NOT try to log back into my stuff while you're here. I was able to push you out once, I can push you out again. Please respect my privacy."

"I already agreed to that, what else?"

"Don't go snooping around my place. It's small and I know where everything's at. If you touch something, I'll know."

"Didn't know I was in the presence of a dragon."

That brought a quick chuck out of Vee: "Fun fact, they're my favorite mythical creatures."

"Another rule, or we're gonna share more info as if we're playing a get-to-know-you game?"

"Rule number three, don't be an ass. And rule number four-" she made her way towards the small kitchen, getting some wine glasses out. "- when we're here, we drink. What's your age?"

"Oh now you're asking me how old I am," smiled the terrapin, coming her way, then leaning against a countertop. "I thought you were just going to hand me a drink out of nowhere, like last time."

"I was too focused on leaving with class, I do have a dramatic flair as well."

After pouring some red wine, she offered him a glass.

"I'll be thirty-one in October," answered Donnie as he took it. "So we're basically in the same age group."

Vee whistled low: "Looking swell for an old man."

"Same goes to you, old woman."

They both took a first sip, Donatello appreciating the flavor for a moment.

"You got good taste, I'll give you that," he commented.

Vee jokingly flipped her hair, letting out an "I know" as she made her way next to her computer desk. Setting herself in her chair, she unlocked the screens, revealing notes and some of the Renaissance files opened.

"You wanted to discuss, let's do so," she started.

As her eyes fell back on the mutant she frowned lightly. She had no seat to offer to him, and she sure as hell wasn't going to offer him one of her weak kitchen chairs. Guessing her questionnement, Donnie simply knelt down beside her, his new height allowing him to rest his forearms on the desk.

"No worries, I'm cool like this," he reassured. He then vaguely pointed the screen: "Turns out 'E.P.F.' stands for 'Earth Protection Force'."

"Wait. Where did you get that information?" Vee was already scrambling through her opened windows, trying to find any mentions of what he just said.

"I have my ways to find things off the grid, and I want to offer some of my tools to you so we can be on the same level."

That slowed the woman down, somehow incredulous.

"... Wait, you'd do that just like that for someone you barely know?"

He shrugged: "Why not? I feel like you'd make good use of it. Unless I should be worried?"

"Any sane person would be!"

A quick flash appeared in the room, surprising both. It was quickly followed by thunder, the air slightly shaking in its roar.

"Look, do you want to help me, or not?" asked the male next. "I can't have you be slowed down by generic tools."

Vee slumped back into her chair with a sigh.

"I mean, sure," she said. "I just hope your thing doesn't have anything suspicious in it."

"I think now we're past that point of questioning eachother's stuff. Trust me."

He got back up and headed for his backpack he had left near where he entered.

"It's a simple installation," he continued, still searching around. "It'll allow you to get past government firewalls, dig deeper into queries, and basically uncover anything that is usually hidden to the public." He got a small USB device out with a grin. "I'll teach you how to use it!"

And right after his words another lightning appeared, its crash closer this time. Power was instantly lost, plunging the small apartment into darkness.

"Are you FUCKING kidding me?!" let out Vee.

That made the mutant laugh, a quiet snort escaping him.

"That was a good, yet unfortunate timing," he said next.

"I guess we wait now..."

With a sigh, she grabbed her glass and got up, trying to aim for her couch next. She heard some movement as well from Donnie's side, which was enough to distract her and for her leg to hit her coffee table in the dark. She was about to lose balance, but was quickly stabilized by the turtle's grasp around her free hand and forearm. Dang, now she remembered how big he truly was... Her fingers got a chance to graze across his scales, taking in the texture and realizing how thick his skin seemed like. Great, she thought quickly with slight annoyance, I may need a stronger needle...

"Thanks," she quickly mumbled, both then letting go of eachother.

Vee finally settled down on the couch, taking a well-deserved sip of wine. It didn't take long before she felt a dip into the seat, her body instantly falling towards the terrapin's mass and clashing into his form.

"Oh shit! I'm sorry!" he let out.

That brought the woman to spit some of her drink back into her glass, instantly laughing right after. Maybe it was the adrenaline of being so close all of a sudden; Vee couldn't quite control her reactions.

"No worries, I just didn't expect it," she said. "I can't see shit!"

Man, this guy was well-toned as fuuuuuuuuuuuc- Sitting straighter, the woman returned to her drink, letting the sound of rain fill the space instead for a moment. Allowing for this silence to reign made the gears of her mind work, almost regretting the next words leaving her mouth:

"You know... I'm starting to wonder why you need my help, really." She tried to find his gaze, but her eyes were not quite yet adjusted to the darkness. "You look and sound like you can handle yourself with all that research stuff. Won't I slow you down or something?"

The turtle hummed, first taking a sip of wine.

"Sure I can find my way through anything," he started. "And I can always let an algorithm work for me whenever I'm either away or asleep... but there's always a margin for errors and details can get omitted. Meanwhile-" Vee saw the faint silhouette of his hand get up, a finger tapping to his temple. "A living brain gets to see nuances and make connections where a machine can't. And that's what I need right now."

He took another sip, probably finishing his drink as he next left his glass on the nearby coffee table.

"And that is actually a great segway into something I wanted to talk about. ... You found Bishop's mention into the project Renaissance documents; why were you looking through that in the first place? I asked you before why you were seeking information about it, but never got an answer."

Oh boy. Vee finished her glass as well, trying to find something good to say. The deep rumble of thunder rattled through her brain, opting for an innocent approach.

"I was curious?" she started. "The information was unknown to me, and like I said when we met previously; if I don't know something, that'll only push me to get to know more about it."

"What do you intend to do with that information?"

She noticed how his tone was now serious and somewhat deeper. Unwillingly, she started to feel some fear deep within her - which she would never confess about.

"I just want to know what I'm dealing with," she replied.

"You're not thinking about selling anything you know to any good offers?"

He had said that while getting closer, his intimidation act somehow now sending shivers along Vee's spine.

"I wouldn't have anything really sustainable to sell, anyway." The woman tried to keep her cool. "Most information I've found was incomplete."

She risked leaving her hand against the terrapin's chest, stopping his motion.

"You said you want me to show how trustworthy I can be, then let this be your proof. I will never sell the information I've read."

But I can easily sell anything related to it... Her spoken word did seem to bring some calm onto Donnie, a quiet and relieved sigh leaving him. This time Vee was the one to get closer, her hold shifting to one of his mask's tails. She replaced her fear with enticement, speaking so close to his jaw:

"Don't worry, I won't stab you in the back. I don't think I could anyway with that shell of yours."

She released him next, getting up instead and grabbing the empty glasses so she could bring them to the kitchen. Donnie prefered to remain silent at that moment, attempting to bring the rapid pace of his heart to a calmer beat. He could still feel the touch of her hand on his plastron and the ghost of her lips so close to his face...

"I'm guessing those concerns of me selling any information is also part of your family's lack of trust towards me?" rose up Vee's voice once more from the shadows.

The turtle's attention snapped back to her.

"For the most part, yes."

"I get it, and I don't blame them."

Donnie couldn't help noting a faint trace of melancholy in her tone. At once, he did realize that her world was probably feeling very small - with most people surely having little to no confidence in her due to her occupation. His conscience got him to stand up, approaching the woman's position. He couldn't explain why, but if he could bring her any peace and comfort, he'd do so in a heartbeat... He felt Vee's gaze in the dark, her small frame a sudden magnet to the depths of the mutant's soul.

"Need something?" her words echoed timidly.

Suddenly he needed everything...

The power came back, illuminating the frozen scene they were now in. Donnie finally realized his position; standing so close to the human who had backed up against the countertop. His eyes grew slightly, suddenly ashamed of his behavior. With a quick clear of his throat he got his device out of his pocket, pointing towards the computer's direction with it.

"Let's get this installed and I'll give you a quick rundown of it."

((Part 6))

[waitmyturtles]

Crossing another series off the list this week: we got the finale of Candy Color Paradox/Ameiro Paradox. Thoughts!

I know -- because I am one of them -- that there was vocal concern about the quality of the acting by the leads of Kimura Keito (Onoe) and Yamanaka Jyutaro (Kaburagi). They were definitely the weakest actors of the entire troupe that cast this show. Besides the very obvious Izuka Kenta, who outacted, like, the trees in his outdoor scenes, even the actors who played the guys’ colleagues at their tabloid newspaper demonstratively outperformed the two leads. 

All this being said -- in my past reviews, I admitted to having a weak heart for Onoe and Kaburagi, and I still totally feel that way! I ABSOLUTELY felt like a soccer mom on the sidelines, cheering these two awkward dopes along their journey. I don’t know! I wish I had read the manga for canon background, because I kinda wonder if the awkwardness of their lack of experience, particularly with Kimura’s acting, maybe lent itself an authenticity to the character of Onoe that may have been reflected in the manga?

I have no idea, and I don’t read the forums at MDL, where I believe a lot of this discussion was taking place. But in any case, for me, it was kind of this practice of the guys stumbling around in the first place, figuring out their language together, working individually on their process of confessions, that I honestly loved about this show and the storyline, and it did truly keep me coming back. I really thought their back and forth was sweet.

To me, their miscommunications weren’t as frustrating as, say what went down in Individual Circumstances, where clearly, the storyline would have been solved in a sec if the guys just TALKED. I did say in my review of IC that I happen to appreciate the trope of miscommunication, because I think it’s more relative to Asian cultures than Western viewers might relate to.

But in the case of CCP, I think what I saw in the script was just a simple matter of growth. Kabu needed advice from older and wiser people (maybe not wiser in the case of Izuka’s character, but yadda whatever) to recognize that Onoe’s need was to have simple and direct messages aimed at him. And I thought it was really cute that Kabu challenged Onoe at the end to finally state his (Onoe’s) own feelings into words, which funnily, Onoe hadn’t done the entire series. He himself thought he was communicating clearly -- but they both just needed to SAY THEIR WORDS to seal the deal.

I happened to appreciate the awkward lovey scenes. They were so awkward -- but again, I wonder, was it meant to be that way? Who knows. But that was more heat than I could have expected from this show, AT ALL, so honestly, I appreciate its placement. Onoe’s clearly an awkward dude ANYWAY, so might as well make the love hotel scenes that way.

Final thought (and then one footnote***): I appreciated that the final episode focused solely on the pairing, and not on a case. I loved that. I loved that the script gave the guys 23 minutes to resolve themselves without a distraction. I thought that was compassionate and generous, and a lovely touch.

I wouldn’t HIGHLY recommend this as a must-watch, but if you have the time for something fun and light, with two cuties figuring out EVERRRRRRYTHING, then go for it. I’m glad I watched this one!

***Feel free to skip this, but just wanted to say that it’s clear that Yamanaka’s agency/group (M!LK) and Kimura’s agency (Exile Tribe/LDH-Love Dream Happiness) were trying to make lightning strike twice -- three times in the case of Exile, as Yagi Yusei and Machida Keita have done BL wonders for that agency. I THINK that Yamanaka was M!LK’s first BL actor, but Sano Hayato, the lead for M!LK, is quite a successful actor with significant roles in at least two previous evening doramas (including a non-BL show with Machida). So yeah, I believe the casting for Candy Color Paradox was done to intentionally expand a stable of actors. I just don’t think Yamanaka and Kimura were ready for this script, but I think they did their best.