#or so they don't have to see what i rambled about for so long it needed a tag ever again

[cannibal-walleye]

First Meeting

"You guys shoulda seen it!" Impulse proclaimed loudly, tail swinging wildly with excitement. "I mean, Tango was great, but the lead singer—" The demon whistled.

"That good, huh?" Gem asked with a look that promised teasing should Impulse say much more.

He didn't heed the warning. "Yes, that good! I wish you guys had come; it actually blew me away. Like, the drums and piano blended perfectly, and so many of the songs made me want to start dancing right then and there," he gushed, pausing only for a moment to take a sip from his water bottle.

Scott, meanwhile, waved his phone at him, the screen displaying a pink heart that was on fire. "This is the same Heart Foundation you saw, right?"

"You found their insta already!" the demon beamed, reaching to grab it before the blizz snatched the phone away, blizz rods whirling happily.

"A'course I did, I am a professional. We need to do as much research as we can on your new crush before he can have our approval," Scott teased, scrolling through photos and posts.

"It's not a crush," he pouted, though he didn't bother with defending the claim against Gem's snort.

The warden peeked over Scott's shoulder, watching the photos fly past. "You said he's an angel, right?" she asked, glancing back at Impulse. She picked up her cocktail, taking a sip while the demon replied.

"Yeah, an angel. He's got these massive white wings, plus little pink ones on the sides of his head—though, I don't know if that was the lighting or dye or natural. Either way, they matched his suit perfectly, I didn't know it was possible for someone to look so good in hot pink! And- and! He's absolutely jacked, his arms were like the barrel of a cannon—and his hair also had hot pink streaks in it, and-"

"Like this?" Scott cut him off before he could ramble more, showing a photo of the angel, his arm slung around Tango as both of them laughed at the camera. He wasn't wearing the pink suit, just a tank top and sweats, but damn, if he didn't look just as hot, scars and muscles on full display.

Impulse's tail curled happily, a purr rumbling in his chest. "Yes, that's him! What does it say? Is his name on there, any other info about their next performance—though, I could just ask Tango when I see him-"

"You don't even know his name?" Gem interrupted, incredulous.

"I was distracted, okay?" he tried to defend, feeling a blush creeping up his cheeks. "I was taking a video for Tango while he was introducing everyone, and his voice was just so smooth, I couldn't really focus on the actual words. It's not my fault!"

They just giggled at him, Gem's elbow coming up to prod Scott, who looked up from the phone. Surprise flashed across his face, but it quickly turned to a teasing grin to match Gem's.

"You were distracted, hmm? Too busy eyeing up the hot angel to pay any attention?" the blizz asked, eyebrows wiggling suggestively.

"I think so," the warden agreed before Impulse could defend himself. "Enamored with a complete stranger, our little Impy's all grown up~" she teased, eyes narrowing as though daring him to disagree.

He rolled his eyes, taking another long drink from his water; playing earlier had really left him drained, but not quite drained enough to sit out Tango's performance, despite Gem and Scott abandoning him to go get drinks. Impulse sighed happily, the image of the angel silhouetted by the backlighting still fresh in his mind, not to mention the memory of his voice. He'd need to ask the blaze hybrid later how they had met.

"So what if I am?" he argued, hands coming up to rub away the growing flush on his face. "I mean, he's friends with Tango, so he's gotta at least be a chill dude, plus he was so funny during the show, he interacted with the audience perfectly—honestly, Gem, you should be taking notes."

Her mouth fell open in amused shock, while Scott's smirk only deepened. They shared a glance, one that Impulse recognized well enough by now to know that they were categorically not going to drop this any time soon. Not that he cared; he was happy to keep rambling about what an amazing performance the niche band had put on; Impulse could recognize good music when he heard it.

"I don't know, I think you might be a tad biased," the blizz said, the frosty sparkle in his eyes refusing to disappear given Impulse's enthusiasm.

Gem nodded. "Definitely. You just think he's hot, you want to find a quiet spot where you two can kiss and-"

"Gem!" Impulse interrupted, flush deepening at the implications. "I don't even know if he likes guys," he retorted, wilting a little at the thought. Not that it mattered; he didn't know the guy, it's not like he'd somehow end up in a situation where hooking up was even possible.

"I dunno..." Scott drawled, eyes shifting to glance over the demon's shoulder. He grinned again at Impulse's embarrassment. "I feel like he'd be open to that sort of thing."

"And how would you know?" he snapped back, suddenly very self-conscious, as though the two of them were in on a joke that he didn't get. They did love to tease him, and it wasn't often that Impulse got a crush—not that this was a crush!

Gem just snorted while Scott waved the phone. "Instagram," he answered shortly, still smirking.

"But you didn't even answer the question!" the warden accused, taking another drink.

"What question?"

"Would you kiss him if you could?"

"Gem-" he tried to argue, hiding his blush with a hand again.

"Just answer! You never tell us about your love life, it's only fair," she insisted, giving him an intense and expecting look, one that warned against any arguing.

"I don't know him," the demon sputtered. "I guess I would, but I'd want to get to know him first, maybe take him out to dinner..." he trailed off, eyebrows furrowed at the thought. It really wasn't all that unrealistic that Impulse could meet the angel, since Tango could introduce them. But the odds of the guy actually being interested in anything?

"I was going to offer to buy you a drink, but I think it might have to be the other way around," came a deep voice from behind him.

The demon nearly jumped out of his skin.

Right in front of him was the angel, in the flesh, very close up and personal and—fuck, he was even hotter in person, suit torn at the sleeves and unbuttoned at the top, showing off his arms and chest. He was leaning against the bar, a stereotypical smolder painting his features, blue eyes dark as they looked the demon up and down.

Impulse short circuited.

He was stammering something, but he wasn't sure what—a greeting? An apology? How much had the angel heard, did he think Impulse was weird, did he-

"I'm asking if I can buy you a drink," the angel clarified, smirk fading into a more serious expression as he repeated the offer.

"I, uh-" The demon's mouth went dry. "I can't, I have to drive later," he answered weakly, brain still not catching up to the fact that the guy was hitting on him.

"No, you don't," Gem denied cheerily, the smile in her voice clear even though Impulse's back was turned. "We'll get an uber. Go have fun, enjoy yourself~"

He looked back up at the angel, who was now giving him the sweetest, most encouraging smile, and swallowed thickly. He nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I- I'd love a drink," he managed, still unbearably flustered, tail curling in on itself.

The man grinned, the wings on his head puffing up happily—that's adorable—as he offered an arm to the demon.

Impulse took it, letting the angel lead him away to order drinks.

"Just be back by hotel checkout at ten tomorrow!" Scott called after them.

---

So that's their first meeting! I also want to write Skizz's first impression of Impulse and his pov of this encounter at some point, and potentially even extend the scene a little further when we see him ;)

Anyways, I hope you enjoyed! And if there's any questions about anyone in this au, feel free to drop an ask <3

[notlhecxzsa]

And I Will Hold On To You - N.R

Summary: A story isn't complete without its challenges. But, this time, the challenge seemed to be so much more than what Natasha had thought. It seemed to affect her so much more than what she had thought. History comes resurfacing, how will Natasha reshape the future? Their future.

Author's Note: I got a little excited here mweheheheheh I mean, who wouldn't? Horny and simp beefy Natasha is just 👌🏻ANYWAYSS, I hope you'll enjoyyy!

Warnings: Masturbation, Nat getting caught red handed by her little housewife, swearing, Nat seeing red getting drunk and coming home all soft to her girl, mention of physical and emotional abuse

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Natasha's POV:

"Fuck..." Throwing my head back as I fastened the motion of my hands, the other gripping the sheets as I spread my legs wider. "Just like that, baby. Yes, just like that." My knuckles turned white as I balled my hand around my cock.

The sun rays are invading my room little by little, I knew I had to get up soon before the girl with me inside this house could get up. I promised her that I would take her out in the park so we could have a morning walk, but last night's masturbation wasn't enough for me. Fuck, nothing is enough.

I can't find it in myself to go out and take someone, not once for the past couple of months. The flashes of a certain face came running through my mind. God, how her legs shined while wearing the shortest dolphin short I've ever seen, how she looked bending down to get something out of the stove, and how her tank top showed just enough cleavage—fuck.

I urged myself to get rid of the same thoughts that put me to my mercy in circumstances like this. I've never felt so weak.

"Fuck, yes, yes..." Moaning out, I felt the coil in my lower abdomen build up as I grip my shaft. "You like that, huh? Fuck, I'll fill you up so good, detka. Gonna knock you up and make you my little cumdump, hmm..." I knew I wasn't gonna last a few more seconds so I braced myself.

The hand gripping the sheets until it crumpled underneath my hand went to reach and squeeze the sac beneath my wood that didn't even fit in my large hands. "Fuck, fuck, fuck..." Closing my eyes as I became lost to my senses. My ears ringing as my mind made up things I knew that I would feel guilty after. "Yes, yes, yes, Y/n. God, yes, take all of it. Take all of me." With one last movement, I felt the liquid spurting out and falling everywhere, specially on my abdomen as my packs flex and my thighs spasms.

With still my eyes closed, I moved a few more times before letting the long shaft go as I push my legs back down flat on the bed. Getting back my bearings, I breathed in and out and one of my hand went to glide through my hair.

There was a beat of silence before a thump made me look up and snap my eyes open, immediately setting on the figure by the door.

Fuck.

"Y/n!" Sitting up, I scrambled to cover myself up, a little grateful that I still have my sports bra on. "Fuck, sweetheart." I rolled on the other side to quickly put on my pants, not bothering to find my boxers.

Her hair was messy, face puffed and a certain sleepiness visible in her wide eyes while there is a blush in her cheeks. "I-I'm s-sorry! I'm- I'm so sorry, I- I didn't..." Her eyes avoided my gaze as I approached her hesitantly, but I noticed how it kept gazing coyly to what I was playing earlier. "I-I thought something happened to you..."

She gripped the teddy bear she was holding a little more tighter each seconds. I could only imagine what I looked like.

"No... No, detka. It's-..." I cleared my throat and swallowed an invisible lump, not knowing what exactly to say. Only if I could command the ground to swallow me. "It's fine. I'm so sorry, I don't—I didn't hear you. I- I uh..." I rambled as my hand unconsciously went to cover my cock, feeling it hardening once again as I caught her trying her best not to stare at it.

Fuck, how much did she saw? Oh god, how much did she hear?

"How about you go get ready, hmm?" I immediately said, taking a hold of the doorknob, meaning that I'd have to take a couple of more steps towards her. I reached out to pat her head, putting my body sideways so that the door is covering my lower body. "Don't bother making breakfast, we'll eat at the park, see you later, darling." Closing the door as soon as I can.

As soon as it closed, I leaned my back towards it and let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. My eyes looked down and saw how hard I became once again.

Throwing my head back, I groaned.

"Fuck this life."

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As soon as I sprayed enough perfume, I went outside my room, my eyes quickly averting to look at the room across mine, wondering if she's done getting ready. I made my way to the living room where my question has been answered. By the balcony is where she stood, wearing the dress I bought for her the last time we went out which is 5 days ago.

The past few days has been nothing but... a breath of fresh air. Everything felt like a life I never once knew I needed, but now it's all I could think about. From morning walks around the landscape of this penthouse, late night movies, board games in the middle of a boring afternoon, and delicious foods she'd make.

It felt surreal, but it is something that I hold deeply. Something that no amount of money could ever replace.

Something that made me feel that I have something to hold on to.

"Detka, you ready?" I asked, and she turned just in time a gush of wind softly hit her figure. Her dress flowed just as her hair that was into a half ponytail waved through the air.

"Uhh, y-yeah..." She looked at everywhere but me as she approached. "I hope this- this is fine..." She motioned to the simple baby pink dress she was wearing, a thin strap on her shoulder, and a ribbon by the chest. She paired it with a white comfortable beach sandals.

"You look beautiful, baby." I reached and pinched her cheeks slightly, smiling down at her.

She perked up shyly, a faint blush visible on her cheeks. "Y-You look beautiful too, Natalia." I grinned at her, before sliding my hands down to take a hold of hers.

"I did my best." I shrugged, chuckling, making her giggle.

I put on a denim pants and plain black t-shirt, a sunglasses hanging by the neck line. As we went outside and into the elevator, there was an invisible weight around the atmosphere, but it doesn't feel uncomfortable, just a certain tension hanging between us.

I have no doubt it was because of earlier. Which, I have no idea how to bring up about—not that I have any plans to do so.

"What do you want to eat for breakfast, doll?" I asked, putting a hand on the small of her back as we approached my car, lined up with the others.

"Whatever is fine. You can pick." She said, getting in as I opened the door for her.

I went to the other side and got it. "Hmm, I was thinking of crocodiles." I catch in my peripheral vision how her head snapped towards me, making me chuckle. "Just kidding, detka. Come on, tell me. Would you like to go to that pancake house? Or that one where you like their fruit shakes the most?" I offered her options, knowing how hard it is for her to pick and decide.

Something that I am silently trying to help her overcome. Something I could only wonder how come she acts that way.

"Hmm, would you like some fruit shakes?" I turned to look at her with a smirk of amusement. A chuckle bubbling up inside me.

"We could do the fruit shakes one." I said while nodding.

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"What do you want, sweetheart?" I asked, sharing the menu with her as I leaned towards her.

One of the things I've learned about her is she tends to get nervous and a little overwhelmed in public, especially in crowded places. Once, it got so much that she requested me to sit next to her. And, I did, with no hesitation. From then on, I got used to sitting by her side. I'm not even complaining, not even a bit—for someone who hates letting anyone inside her personal space, as what Clint had described it.

"Can I have the strawberry milkshake, please?" She looked up at me, I shook my head a little and smiled at her, my hands automatically reaching to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.

"That again?" I asked teasingly, I watched as she immediately looked down at the menu, scanning it once again. It took her longer than the first pick, and as soon as I caught her thumb picking the side of the cardboard, I spoke.

"You could do that, detka, if that's what you want. Don't worry." Sending her a smile while my hand caressed the back of her waist. I flipped the page of the menu with my other hand, going over to the entrees before I started telling the waitress what we will be having for drinks.

"Can you pick for me, Natty?" She asked, looking up at me with her usual doe eyes. Fuck, not now, baby.

I don't even know what is up with me. When we started getting closer, I just couldn't help it. I felt so guilty everytime I would fantasize about her. God, I would ruin everything about her, and I know I could, but I chose not to.

Gazing away, I nodded, pulling away my arm that is around her, clenching it on my lap, underneath the desk. "How about frittata? Along with some bacons then we could do some croffles, hmm?" I felt her nodded as I heard her small hum.

"Yes, we could do that." She responded quietly.

I told the waitress what we were ordering, and as soon as the woman went away, I felt her shoulder relaxed at my side. Silence enveloped us, the tension still cutting the atmosphere that surrounds us.

"Y/n..." I called out to her, my hands automatically reaching to settle on the pale skin of her thighs. "Look..." I looked at her in the eyes, only to look down as hotness spread from my neck up to my cheeks. "About earlier... I uh..." Trying to find the right words to explain what I did, and what I said while doing it. For sure, she heard me scream her name.

She's looking up at me with expecting eyes, laced with confusion and so much innocence. "It's okay, Natty..." She started before I felt her hand holding mine ever so gently, only putting the weight of hers on mine. "Y-you... you have needs..." She looked sideways, as if shying away from my gaze. "I know what you were doing." She looked back up at me.

My heart skipped a bit. "I learned about it once and it was mentioned on one of my lectures back then. And, I..." Again, she looked away, pulling away from my hand as she did so. "I also know that... partners—husbands and wife help with each other's need—but, I—..." Looking back up at me. "I didn't know that... you- you have..." She looked back down at my crotch for a few second before looking up at me.

Hotness seemed to have found a home on my cheeks as the feeling of it lingered and seemed to become more stronger each seconds. "I-I'm sorry I didn't—It didn't crossed my mind that you'd figure out that way, I really didn't intend you to. What you see—what you heard, everything, I apologize for it. I know none of it appropriate." I rambled, only to be met by her hand holding mine, somehow urged me to stop.

"It's okay, Natty. Really." Her eyes were so soft, her voice mimicking the sound of a lullaby as it reached my ear. There was a faint movement in her lips as a faint scarlet hue started to spead on the apple of her cheeks. "I'm your wife..." She started and once again, I felt my heart stopping in a beat. "You could have called me to help you—not that I know much but I—I'm ready to learn." Once again, she looked up, her eyes doe and her soft lips tight, as if shying from the information she just expounded.

Words left my mouth as my mind became so empty. I didn't know what to say and I couldn't keep my mind straight. Not that I know much, but I'm ready to learn. Fuck.

"Detka..." I started but got cut off when our order started piling up, the tension that was once in the air now gone. I was left with only a heart beating so fast and a mind in chaos.

I'm your wife.

Fuck, how could she have this affect on me?

This is absolutely not allowed.

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Y/n's POV:

"Maria." I heard Natalia called out from behind me, I averted my attention from the kids who was talking to me and towards her to see that she's in call with Maria.

I turned back towards the kids who was talking to me, asking if I could help them take the ball that was sent flying in the pond. It wasn't that far, and I could surely do the favor, so I stood up only to be held back by Natalia on the wrist.

I saw how sharp she turned her gaze at the kid, laced with curiosity and question as she held the phone on her ear. I reached and pointed towards the ball that was floating in the pond.

I watch as her brows furrowed, shaking her head as she stood up. "You did? Very well, meet us in the penthouse, we'll be coming back now." She said over the phone before she hung up.

"Please, please, go get it!" One of the kids pleaded, and I offered him a small reassuring smile, opening my mouth to talk.

"I know, sweetheart, wait-" Once again, Natasha tugged my arm.

"Hey, no. Don't mind them. Come on, we gotta head back home." She stated, looking around the scenery.

"B-but—wait, let me just get the ball for them." I started to pull away only to be tugged back by her again.

"What? No way you're going to get that. Come on, baby." She tried walking away while pulling me with her once again, but in return, I tugged her back.

"Wait! I promise it'll be fast. Look at them..." I gestured at the kids who are pouting. They've been playing in front of us the moment we took our seats on the bench by the park. They waved hello and sent smiles in our way. One of them even complimented me and the dress I was wearing.

Natalia took a glance behind me, where the little kids were and she rolled her eyes. She took a glance on the ball, and looked back down at me. "I'll get it, stay here." Grumbling, she pulled away and approached the pond.

I smiled while the kids cheered. "Go Natty!"

She started leaning in, but before she reached out to the ball she looked back up at me. The wind blew, so I held my dress down as I smiled up at her.

She shook her head and started reaching, as soon as she got a hold of the ball she tossed it to the ground, scowling as she did so before the kids ran up to her. Two of the girls hugged her legs while the other cheered gratefully.

I laughed and clapped. "Superhero in sight!" I yelled playfully.

She averted her attention from the kids with a scowling face and up to mine. It relaxed as soon as she met my eyes. Her eyes held weight in them, something I've gotten used to and became grateful for ever since we started becoming closer to each other. But, her face held no heavy expression, as if the slight upward motion of the side of her lips was only for me to notice.

Her gaze held mine for almost a minute before she started pulling away from the kid, as soon as she did so she started walking to me. "Dirty little—" I narrowed my eyes at her and she stopped mid sentence as she patted her pants, as if trying to get off an invisible dirt. "...animals." She finished before taking a hold of my hand.

"Come on, we should get going." Now that she's closer, I noticed the certain softness in her features. Something I've never seemed to notice before. Maybe, it's just because of the sunlight hitting all the right places in her face.

I felt a pool of something unfamiliar circling around my lower abdomen—the same one I felt earlier when I accidentally... saw her. And, just like earlier I ignored it and nodded as I let her pull me away from where I stood.

I waved goodbye to the kids who also did the same, reciprocating the plastered smile on my face. "Hurry up, baby, come on." I heard Natalia called out. I muttered a few apologies and caught up to her pace.

1 step of her is multiplied by 3 with mine. She's so fast and tall, maybe that's why.

"Can I eat the strawberry chocolates you bought yesterday, Natty?" I asked.

She chuckled, her arm draping across my waist, as if to help me pick up with her pace, but she slowed down a little. "We're not even home yet, you're already thinking about that?" She replied jokingly, but hotness spread across my cheeks.

"Oh... I'm sorry..." God, does she think I eat a lot?

"Don't worry baby, it's all yours, yeah?" A kiss was left on my hairline as I felt a squeeze on the skin of my waist.

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"Maria!" I almost ran towards her, jumping on my tippy toes waiting for her to spread her arms, silently asking for a hug so I won't make her uncomfortable.

Just as always, she did with practiced ease as a welcoming smile spread her face. She's one of my favorites!

"Hey, angel." She greeted before we pulled away.

Looking up at her face, I noticed how she glanced towards Natalia behind me, a hollow expression evident in her eyes as the smile faded away. I stepped aside immediately, looking back at Natalia, just in time for her to say something.

"Doll, how about you go to the kitchen and eat the strawberries? Me and Maria just gotta talk about something important." She smiled at me, approaching as she reached out to caress the skin of my forearm, pulling me until she encaged me with both of her arms before pushing me towards the kitchen.

"Oh—okay. Would you guys like something to eat also?" I asked thoughtfully.

"No, we're fine. We'll get to you if ever." Natalia replied with finality, kissing my forehead before she led Maria by the balcony.

My gaze lingered at them for a moment before walking away, excited to eat my strawberry chocolate!

Natalia said I could have all of it, but I will leave her some.

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Maria's POV:

I glanced as Natasha closed the sliding door. I pulled out my laptop and put it on a table, a USB already intact. "What did you find?" She pulled out a chair and sat, glancing towards my laptop.

Our gaze met, but still I couldn't find enough courage to say anything. I couldn't even form the words bit by bit. Being by her side for years, I know for one that a look in the eyes is enough for her to tell something. Pulling my gaze away, I started pulling out files after files.

I pushed the laptop towards her, making sure that the screen is facing her. Soon enough, the same sound of agony that encouraged me to dig deeper filled the air. I was quick to lessen the noise and check back inside the house.

"Fuck..." I heard her mutter underneath her breath. Glancing at her face, and then towards the laptop to see a girl trembling in the hallway. Looking away, I started to talk.

"I managed to get inside their system. It wasn't that hard, Bucky helped me. I only got a hold of a couple of... footage..." Taking a glance at her, I watched as she tensed her jaw, her eyes darkening in a shade that I know too well. Too well. "I figured that there's a lot more than that." Reaching out to my bag, I pulled out mulitiple files.

I put down 2 files, arranging them so she could see the information and pictures about the 2 people. "Arthur and Robert, they are her personal bodyguards way back before. I think they know more than what we'll—you'll need. But, after doing some more digging, I found out that Arthur had resigned a couple of months ago."

Pulling out 1 more file, I took a deep breath, gaze watching the redhead's face intently. "Lucille Lopez..." I started and Natasha paused the video, which might be the second footage I've found.

Where Y/n is being beaten in the middle of their living room.

She took a hold of the paper, almost tearing it with how she's gripping it. Her face held no emotions, but I could see a certain recognition crossing her eyes. "She's her caregiver, from the day that she was born up until... Y/n left and went here. But, just like Arthur, she resigned the same day that Y/n left." Putting all the other files that were left in my hand on the table, I took a deep breath.

"The last video there..." I reached to pull out the video, now in the kitchen. "That was... the day before Y/n went here. Something real tells me that's where she got all those... marks and bruises from, Nat." I almost cringed at the thought of seeing those raw marks in her pale skin.

Something I never thought would be implanted into her innocent skin.

"These..." Clearing my throat, I continued. "These are hospital records. All from different dates but only one institute." She looked up at me with a questioning gaze, only then did I notice how red her eyes were starting to become. "It was all I could pull out from... the hospital that her parents are big stakeholders of." I finished.

A certain sound coming out from the laptop caucaught her attention, and after hearing and watching this for the nth time, it still caught mine too. An agonizing scream, almost as if trying to relieve the situation that the world has sucked her into. It felt like a screeching sound in my ear, my heart tightened at the sound, just like it did while gathering all this data.

I could only imagine what Natasha might feel.

She slammed the laptop shut and breathed heavily through her nose. She reached towards the medical files, her eyes almost getting out of their sockets with how fast she's scanning the papers.

"Fuck..." She cursed again, but now I could hear how her voice wavered. Almost breaking as it did so. She almost sent the files flying with how she threw it on the table. "Fuck, Maria." She whispered underneath her breathe, her hands going over to silde it up and down her face aggressively.

She quickly stood up, putting both of her hands on the table as if it would ground her. The screeching sound of chair made me pulled a face, thankfully the sliding door is soundproof. "Fuck, that's why she flicnhes at the slightest touch. At the fucking slighted touch, Ria." She pointed out, I stood up and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I know, I know, sit down and calm down. Come on—" I was cut off when she aggressively pulled away and started pacing.

"No! How can I fucking do that? Did you see that?" She motioned towards the things around the table. "She jumps at the slightest loud sound, she's scared asking the simplest question—hell she can't even make her own decisions without having this—without looking like a fucking child!" She walked towards the edge, holding onto the railing.

I followed her, checking to see that Y/n still haven't check up on us. "Fuck, Maria, I don't think—I don't..." I analyzed her.

Bucky and Steve owes me and Clint their 100 dollars.

I have seen her in a distress condition, mulitiple times. But now? I feel like I'm looking at a very different person. Her emotions are resurfacing, flowing through the edge. Her expression hollow, empty but her eyes held so much. Redness spreading from her next up to her cheeks, her knuckles almost turning white with how tightly she gripping the railings.

"Lucille..." She started. "I need you to reach out to her. Bring her to me as soon as possible." She continued, her breathing almost becoming audible with how heavy she's breathing.

Only if a stare could kill, the world would burn before her.

"Tell the boy to handle everything with the company, in and out." She added and I frowned.

"What?" I asked, confused. She stayed silent. "Nat..." I called out.

I waited and waited for response. We stayed stilent for a couple of minutes. The atmosphere is heavy with things I can't name.

"I should've come back—" A small choke stopped her. She faced away from me.

It took me a few seconds before it hit me.

The drunken story she shared when I asked her about the old worn out teddy bear inside her office in the mansion.

The paintings she did with her own hands, plastered on the rich walls of her company's building and inside the mansion.

"Do you know what makes me confused, tho?" Clint asked as we sat on the rooftop of the company, beers in our hands.

"Hmm?" I turned to look at him. "What?" I questioned.

"Natasha didn't seem to put much of a fight—I mean, she did try, you know. She stood up. It's just..." He trailed off, as if finding the right word to put his thoughts on.

"Different?" His gaze snapped towards me, and nodded.

"Yeah, but it's not just that..." We held our gaze for a few seconds, as if digging deeper with our silent thoughts connecting with each other. "It's Natasha we're talking about. You know her, Maria."

"The kid... I mean, the young woman. What's her name again?" I asked.

"Y/n."

"Hmm..." Trailing off, I stared into nothingness. "It's the same one, isn't it?" I asked, and he nodded with finality, looking at me with talking eyes.

"The only one."

"I'm done with this game." She stood up straight, composing herself. "Leave now, I want what I requested before this week ends. Take everything that you need." She finishes with finality.

"What are you gonna do?" I asked, only for my question to be left hanging in the air.

She started walking, leaving me at the balcony.

I could only fear for what's to come to those people.

°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~

3rd Person's POV:

For the nth time, Y/n glanced at the door from where she was sitting on the sofa. It's been hours since she watch the red head walked so fast out of the house, only getting a response from Maria when she called out for Natasha.

"Let her be. Something's... not right with work. She'll come back, don't worry."

But, how can she not worry?

How can she not worry for the person whom showed her...so many things. Made her feel so many things.

It was almost time for dinner, she made sure to cook Natasha's favorite, making sure that the strawberries she left for Natasha are left in the fridge to keep it as fresh as possible when consumed.

She didn't know how long she was staring absentmindedly at the television. How long her heart seemed  to be beating its way out of her chest. Soon enough, she heard the most awaited sound of the door opening. The sound of footsteps soon followed, but this time, she could hear it loud and clear—heavy. Not the same one that Natasha would usually and normally do.

"N-Natalia?" She stood up, hesitant to approach the figure.

She looked... stressed, but still beautiful. Her hair is frizzy but still the same one that Y/n seemed to love, her eyes are dark, a void that Y/n couldn't find her reflection into like how it usually does this past couple of weeks and days. She's also... flushed, and it sure as hell not because of the thing you'd get when being complimented on.

"Are you okay?—I cooked dinner." Y/n started, looking into Natasha's half lidded eyes that is boring into hers.

"What are you doing?" Y/n stopped in her tracks at the voice of Natasha. It seemed different. It swayed with every word, it was slurred.

"W-what?" Y/n asked, looking up at her. Then, there was a flash that crossed Natasha's eyes, something that cannot be ignored. "I was just watching— wait...I-I don't understa-" God, how Natasha smelled like liquor.

Y/n almost flinched at the sudden movement. Natasha didn't just hug her. She engulfed her. Huge hand that cradled the back of her head and the small of her back. There, Y/n couldn't think of any place that she felt safe in.

She's never been so... physically close to Natasha. Not like this.

She could feel how well her body is molded with Natasha's. She could feel her hot breath on top of her head, the curved of Natasha's lips and the gentleness that seemed so different. It has weight in it, something she couldn't pinpoint.

"I'm sorry." It was a choked statement. Y/n frowned, feeling the arms that are wrapped around her getting much more tighter each seconds. "I won't—fuck." She heard Natasha whispered. "I'm sorry... forgive me, baby." Y/n tried pushing the red head away, but she was too strong for Y/n's petite body.

"Why—why are you apologizing? What happened, Natalia?" With the given nickname, something that she only let one person call her, Natasha sobbed, pulling away to look at the younger one's face.

As if needing some assurance that she really is here.

In her arms.

Reaching out a hand to cup Y/n's face, she gazed at her so intently, tears flowing freely out of her green eyes, making the growing worry inside Y/n's chest grow. "Why are you crying?! Oh my god, are you hurt? Let me see!" Rambling, Y/n once again tried to check on Natasha, but to no avail, Natasha kept her hold tight.

Even with the tears, Natasha smiled. It was a stretch of her skin—just like the others she wore with Y/n—that felt so real in years.

"I'm fine, angel..." She chuckled throught the tears, caressing Y/n's cheeks still. "You're here, I'm fine." Confusion grew in Y/n's mind, but Natasha continued, even though she, herself, couldn't even comprehend anything that she's saying now. All she knows is she's saying what she's thinking what she's feeling.

"Better than I have ever been in years." With eyes locked into each other, Y/n's heart grew in ways she couldn't understand deeply, but one answer was enough.

It might be new for her, but nothing has been clearer than what she feels for Natasha. The attentiveness she receives everyday, the feeling of being seen, heard and prioritized—something she had never been familiar with all her life, Natasha gave those to her.

Natalia gave everything she never knew that she is deserving of.

"Better than I will ever be." A soft wet kiss on her forehead snapped her out of her trance.

Natasha watched as Y/n looked up with those same innocent doe eyes that she would never admit to herself to have fallen for many years ago. The same one she would thought of before going to sleep at night and the first thing she would remember whenever she wakes up in the morning.

Then, she looked down at the same soft lips that only knew the kindest words to ever exist. The same one where the voice that grounds her comes from. "I will never—" Looking back up to her eyes, she tighten her hold on Y/n, pulling her in more as her hands angled her head to get a better look on her. "I will never let them hurt you ever again..." Tears started brimming up once again.

"I will never leave you again, my angel." Y/n's eyes seemed to imitate Natasha's. She could feel the heaviness of those words, the past coming back. Only did she realize how different it has been ever since she got here.

Natalia never hurt her.

She did scream, but out of worry.

She cared for her. With the same hands that held her many years ago as far as she can remember.

Lucy's right.

Friends do come back.

She sniffled, feeling her own hot tears being wiped away by the calloused hands that held her in ways no one has every done. "I don't like them..." She started, not knowing what to say or how to express what she's feeling.

God, how can a broken child express herself when she was never given the chance to all her life?

"I only like you..." She continued. "I only want to stay here." She said with finality in her tone.

She didn't know if she's saying it for herself or for Natasha. But, the red head smiled, so soft, and that was enough. "T-they're..." Natasha watched intently, analyzing the complicated expression of her girl's face, her thumb automatically caressing the skin where it lays on her cheeks. "You're good." Oh how much Natasha's heart ached.

Good was far from what she is.

From what she was and what she will be.

"You're kind." Y/n added thoughfully, her eyes deep in thought as Natasha watched her with eyes that glints with surprised and... love—something Y/n and Natasha has yet to understand.

Once again, Natasha pulled her in. Holding her with intensity that Y/n could never ignore.

"Nobody's gonna take you away from me, angel. You'll stay here, don't worry."

Shame on their parents for gifting the devil the only thing that could bring her to her knees.

For now, only time will tell everything.

°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^~°^

Author's Note: Hope you enjoyed it! Heheheh, angst here we come!

[prettyinpink69]

★Angel of my dreams★

Word count: 1.5k

Only warnings: degradation, strap is referred to as 'cock'

"I will always want you, I need you! You dont care though do you Sevika?!" The volume of your voice ripples through the apartment so loud the neighbours can most definitely hear you, Sevika had yet again gone on another mission for silco alone, risking her life for 'the cause'. You can't help but think she really doesn't understand how much you mean to her... "Oh it's fine doll, I'm still here ain't I?" She shrugs it off nonchalantly like she hadn't nearly died hours prior. You can see the small smirk on her face, which was the complete opposite to the burning red rage heating up your own cheeks. She thinks this is funny?..

"What the hell are you smirking for it's not funny Sevika! You could have DIED!!" you jab your freshly manicured pink nail into her chest, though the hard muscle only actually causes a painful pressure on your nailbed. Truth was she didnt actually GET hurt, but that didnt matter she COULD OF, and that was enough to scare you. Sevika flicks her eyes to where your finger was connecting with her chest, upto your face and back down at her chest again. She chuckles, a low, dark chuckle which has you highly regretting that decision but you stick with it, you don't want to retract now and give in. "If I can handle your moods princess, I can handle a simple mission for Silco." Your jaw almost falls slack, the audacity of this woman stood infront of you. You look up into her eyes, wrinkles crinkled around them as she smirks at you, enjoying every moment of your silly little misery. She knew she wouldn't have died, maybe she'd be reacting diffrent if she did, but she didn't so she decides teasing you and maybe teaching you a lesson about your attitude migh be worth it.

"Careful baby, if you wanna keep that mouth open I'm more than happy to put it to good use." Your mouth instantly closes, you swallow what might be the last sliver of your pride. Your eyes meet hers, dark grey orbs staring into your soul like she knows the thoughts running through your head. Like she knows your wet, slick coated, pussy is throbbing in your panties, like she knows you want nothing more than her strap down your throat. "Sh-shut up Sevika" yeah you tried to sound serious but the hitch in your breath and the clear stutter of your voice didn't help you one bit, almost incriminating you, like evidence of your clear arousal.

But before you can keep rambling your 'nonsense' about how she could have died, your being pushed onto your knees, her mechanical fingers digging into your shoulder, the worst part? She's hardly pushing you, you pretty much sink to your knees the minute her hand touches your shoulder. You silently curse yourself in your head for how easy you sumbit to her but how could you not? "Thats it princess, show daddy how quiet you can be..." sevika comments as your hands unbutton her pants, within seconds her pants and boxer rest mid thigh, her long, girthy, purple strap on staring you in the eyes, she always wore it, just in case of moments like these, your bratty attitude needing to be fixed whenever and wherever. You look up into her eyes as your plump, pink lips kiss the tip, swirling your tongue around it like she could really feel it. Her hands run though your hair before tightly fisting at the scalp cause you to whimper. You open your mouth wider as she slowly guides your mouth further onto her strap, helping you take it inch by inch until your nose was pressed against her bush. The delicious, musky scent of her filling your nostrils instantly. You start to bob your head back and fourth, her bush tickling your nose each time your pressed against her pelvis. "Fuck that's it princess- shut up and take daddys cock like a good girl" she growls like she can feel the way your lips are wrapped around her, the growls and grunts that fall from her lips almost convinces you she CAN feel it.

As her hands in your hair start pulling you onto her strap quickerand deeper, it matches the trusts of her hips causing tears to prick at your eyes as you gag. "So much prettier like this, choking on daddys cock, no worries filling that little mind of yours hm? So fucking dumb on daddys cock-" you moan around her at her words and it only spurs her on, her thrusts become quicker causing you to gag again and again. Black mascara tinted tears coat your face as your nails dug into her thighs just taking what she gives you until her grip on your hair tightens and she pulls your head away. Slick lines of spit still connecting you to her strap, drool dripping off your chin. "Messy slut hm? Taking daddys cock like that's all your good for, gonna shut up now princess?" The degrading words were spit out but her mockingly loving tone and the pet name makes you nod yes, you want anything she'll give you and if that means not complaining? Then you'll never complain again. "I'll shut up now daddy I promise... please.. need you cock daddy..." within an instant your dragged up by your hair and bent over the soft, plush mattress of your shared bed. Your dress pushed up to bunch around you waist and a sharp smack to your ass causing you to gasp "daddy!-" you body jolts forward. "Nuh uh princess i've heard enough out of you, now your gonan take daddys cock like a good slut aren't you?"

"Yes daddy I'll be a good slut, please... need your cock..." you whine and wiggle your ass back against her spit coated strap. "Desperate whore" it earns you another spank on the ass before your panties are pulled down and she's stuffed you to the brim with her cock. The initial stretch burnt but quickly morphed into pleasure, a Desperate moan falling from your lip as she ground her hips into your cunt. "Fuck princess, swallowing me up so much... like a personal cocksleeve" She pulls almost all the way back out before slamming into you again, her pace set unbelievably high. Her hands grip the fatty flesh of your ass as she pulls you back onto her strap with every thrust only making it hit deeper. You shift slightly and the tip of her strap kisses that soft spot inside you which makes you moan and squirm. "Fuck- right there.. oh fuck.." Sevika's strong hands grabs onto your hips, fingers digging into your flesh to keep you positioned there as she relentlessly pounds into your cunt hitting your G-spot over and over again. "Right here?-" She says as she gives one good, hard thrust to your G-spot earning a deliciously pathetic moan to fall from your lips. "Yeahhh right there, that's the spot, sound so pathetic moaning and squirming on daddys cock, you like being fucked dumb huh? So dumb on daddys cock you cant speak... poor princess" the way she's bent over you, her hard muscular chest pressed up against your back, mocking you like your not the love her life on fuels your arousal. "Sevi please I'm gonna- gonna-" before Sevika even has time to tell you not to cum yet, your soaking yours and her thighs as you cum, the obscene sound of your squirt dripping onto the laminate floor only making it the more hotter.

"Fuuuck that's it princess... such a good girl cumming on daddys cock..." her thrusts slow until they come to a complete stop yet she doesn't pull out just yet. The switch in her tone is almost instant, it's back to sweet and loving ready to provide the aftercare you so desperately need and deserve. "Did so good f' me babygirl... my beautiful girl.. you okay princess?" She soothes, running her hands lovingly up and down your sides, the side of your head is snug against the bedsheets, breathless and unresponsive for a minute before you muster just enough energy to respond "love you sevi..." Sevika pulls out and sits on the bed, she scoops you up into her strong arms and holds you to her chest, running her long flesh fingers through your hair. "I love you too princess, now stop worrying about me or I'm gonna have to fuck you dumb everytime... not that I'd mind" She chuckles. You nuzzle your head further into her chest, slowly regaining your composure. "Just worry about you Sevika.. I love you, always but god do I hate you sometimes when your so reckless.." This earns a small sigh from Sevika's lips, she knows you only worry because you care and she can't stop that, but it annoys her to no end, she can reassure and reassure you again and again but ultimately she knows you'll always worry about her... and maybe that's not such a bad thing. "Its gonna take a lot more than a silly fucking mission from Silco to keep me away from you princess..."

[classfiedyapper]

LADS MEN SEEING YOU IN TRADITIONAL WEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME (Desi Version Pt.1)

(Content under the cut cause I am gonna ramble first😭)

SFW, fluff, mildly suggestive I think?

AN: guys!!!! I am crying the reaction for my last head cannon post was very overwhelming I was expecting like 5 notes and maybe 2 re blogs but damn you guys showed me so much love so I felt like it was my responsibility to pay back for such kindness, so here it is.

Also asks are open for those who want to request something, it doesn't have to be Desi centric anything you want, xx.

Ps. The outfits described are inspired by the ones I have owned lol. (Sorry got in too depth of the details you can skip thats)

Ps. Part two will be out in two days max.

Xavier

It wasn't everyday you choose to dress up in your traditional wear, not because it wasn't something you wanted it was only because there weren't that many occasions.

So, when one of you closes cousin got hitched you knew you were going to go all out, because hey! What is a Desi event, if not a better version of Met Gala.

Xavier was quite excited to see you too mostly because you would not stop buzzing about the saree you had ordered from the boutique , every time you two met since the day you ordered it, you couldn't keep your mouth shut, you chose not to show him anything or tell him the color since you wanted to see a raw reaction.

The day arrived quickly you waited for Xavier to arrive at the venue since you had went to the brides home and got ready there and went with her to the venue, as much as Xavier wanted to go with you as he felt a but awkward, he understood that right now you needed to be with your girl.

One of your other cousin escort him inside the venue as he was now also a cherished member of the family and it wasn't long when Xavier's eyes, that somehow were a little too good at spotting you no matter the crowd, fell on you and he held his breath, completely and utterly stunned.

There you stand in all your glory with a shimmering rose-gold saree that draped gracefully around you. The blouse, fitted and elegant, had delicate embroidery along the sleeves and the saree’s border was adorned with intricate silver embellishments, glinting softly like scattered stars. It hugged your frame, flowing down to the floor in smooth, silky folds. Bangles jingled on your wrists, and a golden pendant rested against collarbone beautiful and henna design on your hand and the hair up do decorated with with white flowers, completing the timeless, ethereal look. Xavier's heart was thumping loud, he gave you a once over. You looked nothing less like royalty. Some he would willingly bow his head in front of and be honored.

"Xavier!" You called out rushing towards him, or well trying too, and pulled him in an embrace and his arms wrap around you almost dropping the gift he had brought with him, catching a few look from the aunties but you did not care one bit, you had been separated far too long. "Xavier I was waiting- uh Xavier?" You pulled away from the hug to look at him only to be met with his piercing sapphire gaze "why would you deprive me of such look, my star." he almost sound offended at the fact you never graced his eyes with such astounding beauty before.

Regardless of his accusations you chuckled "are you trying to say that I look pretty?" You say your head tilted.

Xavier shakes his head with a sigh "pretty is such small word, I don't think that's how I will describe it" he says, he reaches out touch the the strand of hair that you meticulously left into curls, they wrap around his finger and Xavier leans down to kiss it since he couldn't kiss your face like he wanted, worried he might ruin the makeup. Mind full of the fact you must have spend good chunk of time and effort to perfect it for the event.

"Then how would you describe it" you poke, there was no way you would let him go, after all you wanted to look pretty for him too.

Xavier's loving gaze intensified into something more lust full "how about I show you instead my little star" he says looking down at your neck line, shamelessly peeking at cleavage and spoke "is there a room-ow" he was cut off, you pinched his arm with a flustered face "Xavier! The event haven't even started and you are trying to ruin my look" you whisper yell at him and he only smirked. "What can I say my little star, the way you look right now I will not be keeping my hands of you" Xavier declares as if it was the most obvious thing in the world and you roll your eyes "as if you ever keep your hands off me" you say and he just shrugged "I will touch what is right fully mine, you can not stop me" he says kissing the crown of your head, he could feel the pout forming on your lips. " can't you compliment me normally for once, xavy?"

His lips quirked up in smile, his hand finally moved from your waist, now holding your hand as he brings it up to his face placing gentle kiss on the knuckle, peeking at his name on your wrist, that made him much more smug "you look gorgeous my love" he kisses the fingers "graceful" another kiss, this time on the wrist right by his name "elegant and-" he takes deep breath before continuing "breathtaking"

A blush crept up your cheek and you giggled, now satisfied and you opened up your mouth to say something when one aunty who was turning green with envy, decided to interrupt "oh you two, the the function is about start move along" she scolds, Xavier turns to her his face contorted in annoyance, he looks back at you and you shook your head the turn to the lady "we will be right there, let's go Xavier!" With one last look you both left the woman alone.

And for the rest of the night Xavier followed you around holding your anchal, making sure no one bothers you in any sort of way.

Zayne

Black on black is zaynes favorite combination for most of the occasions, and even now after you had infiltrated his wardrobe and his life, he still had lots of outfit in that color code. It was your first time wearing something like this since ever since you came here to linkon it was hard to find traditional wear, zayne had it custom made it for you by a well known boutique owner, and you thought it was time to finally wear it and show it to him.

So, for tonight's hospital banquet you decided to follow that, you figured that's what he will show up in black on black again so might as well match together like the power couple you are.

So you picked out the brand new qameez suit, knowing zayne he would be nagging you in the next 5 minutes since that's when they had planned to leave the house. You picked up the pace, completing the light gold eye makeup with prominent eyeliner, stepping back you examined yourself from head to toe, feeling pretty confident in your look.

It was a simple yet stylish black outfit, consisting of a long, straight-cut qameez with subtle sequin embroidery scattered across the fabric, the shimmers under the warm light. The qameez had a round neckline and sheer, full-length sleeves with delicate patterns that added a soft texture to the otherwise plain design. Underneath, it had a matching black shalwar falling just above the ankles.

A lightweight black dupatta, its edges adorned with embroidered motifs that mirrored the design on her qameez. A small, round white clutch with a beaded pattern, which stood out against the dark tones of the attire. You add matching jhumkas.

Just then your Mr.husband called out "we are late darling" making you roll your eyes out "five more minutes!" Calling back and leaned over the counter and begin to apply a deep shade of red that looked confident and classy kind of sexy with over all look.

Zayne walked in cleaning his glasses, putting them on with practiced ease "Dear we were suppose to-" his words were caught in his throats as he looks at you "oh.." He unconsciously steps towards you while you were still applying the red lipstick adding a little bit of a gloss on top if it, your eyes moved up to look at him through the reflection "hmm?" Before going right back to task at hand, lightly smacking your lips making sure nothing was out of line.

Zayne clears his throat "nothing, its just....I was aware you'd be looking beautiful in this attire but I what I did not expect you to look this...ravishing" he breaths out. In an instant could feel swarm of butterflies creating havoc in your tummy "mhm? Ravishing? Dr. Zayne this is a modest outfit I was suppose to look modest and classy" you couldn't help but laugh at the iron as you turn to face only to meet his smoldering gaze that you were still somehow not used and got easily flustered.

He steps closer only couple feet away from you, your back pressed on the counter. "I know I am well aware, however, its not the dress my love" he holds your chin making you look up at him l, his eyes on your redden lip "its you who is ravishing" he says as he smirks, his pointy canine on display.

And just like that something in you short circuited, stuttering incoherently you tried to shoo him off saying you needed to find your heels, but he remain firm. "I got you something" he says in his breathy tone opening the jacket of his coat and fishing out two pair of gajrays, that he wordlessly puts on you and you had the biggest smile on your face that was until you noticed he was wearing grey and brown suit instead. Zayne notices your brows knit together and he knew what was coming, you going on a rampage "zaynie, I thought you were going to wear black you always wear black all the time and so I wore black too I told you I was gonna wear the black attire you got, and so you should have gotten the hint to wear black too instead you wear grey and fricken brown I mean we were suppose to look like power couple tonight mmf-" he cuts you off, a finger pressed on the plush of your lips "no need to be fussy I'll go change for you, begum" and just like that you were melted, making his smirk bigger, tsk its too damn easy now for him. You nod and he removes his finger, red stain of your lips on his finger that he licks off making you blush harder "okay okay go now" you says pushing him out not wanting to look at his smug face because damn it this man had you eating out of his palm at times.

And you know what? You wouldn't have it any other way.

Rafayel

Rafayel had been screaming-crying-throwing up, begging on the floor, for you to wear a lehnga for him. He had saw you once scrolling through your Pinterest looking at pretty lehnga and was hit with tremendous force of inspiration. Rafayel had painted you, a lot, like way over the normal amount should be. In many ways and using different color hues and settings, they were all so stunning, you loved them all so much and honestly it was such and ego boost every time he showed his painting of you, but he always complained about not being able to capture your true beauty. That was until he saw you looking at the Pinterest and realized he hadn't seen you in your traditional wear ever, let alone paint you in it, and right after that day he had been on your case to wear it for you.

Its not that you didnt want to wear it was just that you couldn't find one. When you made the mistake of telling him that you found him on the phone with none other then The Zainab Chotani. You knew you had to intervene. You told him you will find a dress on your own but it was too late he had placed the order one of the elites of south Asian fashion because of course his darling couldn't have anything less then that.

"Cutieeeee how much longerrrr?" Rafayel whines from outside the locked room, you had strictly told him not to enter or he will be getting his ass kicked, as protest rafayel had camped outside, sitting by the door, waiting.

Once you were ready you took a deep breath and leave the room. She made her way to the studio and sees him sitting on the stool with a big canvas in front of him, he was sulking ofcourse.

"Just a little longer this stupid fricken teeka, is NOT fixing" you reply to him, it was taking long yes because your beloved lemurian had ordered you a Bridal lehnga. you could here shuffling outside followed by loud knocking "then open the door and let me in I'll help" the impatient artist says but you you wouldn't let him nuh uh. "Rafayel I am almost done please just go to the studio I'll be there damn!" You exasperated "fine...always so mean to me" he mumbles and steps back going back to the studio.

You wore a stunning sky-blue bridal lehenga, intricately embroidered with shimmering silver and gold threadwork. When you twirl the lehenga flared gracefully like gentle waves of the sea, detailed patterns across the skirt, which caught the light with every movement. The fitted blouse was equally adorned with embellishments, a modest neckline and long sleeves that added an elegant touch.

"Rafayel....I am here" she says and he turns too look at you excitement brimming his eyes but that soon turned into awe.

Draped over one shoulder was a rich maroon velvet shawl, contrasting beautifully with the cool blue tones of her outfit. The shawl was bordered with elaborate gold embroidery and scalloped edges, giving it a regal finish. Another lighter blue dupatta, matching the lehenga, was delicately placed over her head.

Her jewelry was traditional and elaborate, a maang tikka rested on her forehead, a teardrop-shaped pendant. She wore a choker necklace layered with cascading strands of pearls a visible ode to his lemurian heritage, adding depth and luxury to her look. Her hands were adorned with intricate henna designs, enhancing the overall bridal look.

And rafayel....well poor guy had fallen from his stool, he had tried to get up very quickly and tripped. "Raffy!" You tried to approach him but he was on his feet already moving towards you "I am fine I am okay, its just you....wow" he breaths his hand reaching out barely touch her face, an artist admiring a masterpiece, scared to ruin it. "You like it?" You ask holding his hand leaning onto his touch. "I love it" he replies in a reverent tone.

Rafayel holds both of your hands kissing each of them, the action making you blush a crimson shade, turning your face away "don't" he warns "let me admire you" he says as you turn back to him. Rafayel drops to his knees feeling like thats how he should be, where he should be. "Maybe I should just marry you now, its been too.damn.long" he says vulnerability lacing his voice.

The thought made you giddy and you pinch his cheek "well i am in a bridal lehnga, let's just do it" you says and he smirks getting up from his spot and aiming straight to get his coat "let me find my shoes and we are done" he says making you giggle "you know I am joking you silly fish" you follow him and soft sound of your Bengals echoes. Rafayel turns to you and pout "tsk now that's just mean, but whatever you say cutie, just know I will not be waiting long" he says and make you roll your eyes at him again until you see him going over his canvas and removing it

"I am, its just this canvas isn't big enough to capture what I have in mind" rafayel smirks.

"Wait weren't you going to paint me?"

And this is basically the story behind his mural of you in the living room, you with your lehnga all spread out and him on with his head on your lap.

[starlightparks]

Incredibly long ramble about the data of this poll:

it's been a little while since the poll closed so I thought I'd do a restrospective analysis for myself mostly but also anyone who cares at all:

so firstly the main problem with my poll is that I did not consider it leaving bookblr which from the results you can probably gather that it did.

if I were to redo this poll (which I might, but not for a long time) I would split the "do not set a reading goal" into 2 parts. 1 being "I do not set a reading goal, but consider myself a reader", and "I do not set a reading goal, and do not consider myself a reader" because I would suspect based on some of the written responses that while people who picked this option can read, they do not read as a hobby or they don't read often enought that they have a reading goal (which is completely fair" just not something I considered because I've been tracking my reading with a goal in mind for so many years). I also suspect these people probably don't track their reading very consistently if at all (they may have a list or just use books they own as their 'tracker')

While it isn't a very big portion of the votes I would also consider splitting the 'change my reading goal' as well. I think a valuable set to this data would be people who, like me set a 'moderate' goal to begin with (I usually start with 12), and then incrimentally increase it as the year goes on. The other part would be people who set an aspirational goal but then reduce it as the year goes on because they still want to complete their goal.

I think one other data point I would consider is people who set multiple goals. This is something I do anecdotally, but hadn't considered that perhaps people have a 'hard' and 'soft' goal, or an 'easy' and 'stretch' goal. My own personal biases really helped me see the value in having a variety of options.

I don't think this needs a full paragraph but I also probably would have a 'see results' option. by not having one i've sort of left this open endedness to how people who don't really want to vote but still want to see the results and while i don't think this would heavily skew the results it is definitely a metric i overlooked.

I also really valued the comments people made concerning things like having goals that went far beyond a strict 'read X amount of books in a given year' such as expanding the genres you read or age catagory. There was also mention of trying to read longer books - which is something I also am constantly trying to do like why didn't I consider these options!! I use storygraph to track my reading and have started doing these things subcontiously but like yeah I'm actually so interested in not only what people read but how people read.

this has very much become a usually creative bitch becomes a data analyst but i think this was very fun and also eye opening

interact with this if you do vote pls i want the opinions of the masses

[farmersfieldwolf]

cyptid cat doodle made into more rendered thing- trying to think of the context of non cotl narinder/lamb and who they are. he doesn't have a name, the lamb does and kind of already existed as a character but who this is i unno yet, nor what in the world beyond existing in a weird game they will do or what to call it lololol

b/w and world building thought ramblings below

i think he is not dissimilar to an abandoned project from AHHH so long ago, like 15 years ago project, of the concept of a cryptid cat who makes a deal for sacrifice to help the protagonist figure out what is happening to them from a sort of baba yaga who collects concepts of lost things. i think it would be funny if she had a cypto wallet collection of reciepts rom scams or something. but our cat friend sacrifices a life to get information

that was about rescuing someone from being trapped in a nightmare and slowly being eaten alive in concept and withering away. i don't know if that'll stay, i do like the sonderous dynamic of the two being a pivotal thing- the whole non-euclidean perception being a central point

but i think the thing that remains is that one has to climb up a very specific bridge to enter the spirit world; i'd had the concept of visiting the Big Cryptid being jumping off the bridge but i think generally getting there is a mildly benign thing that no one would necessarily think of doing

not sure if it is related to the rivers game jam game; i like the rivers being characters and friends. but what these two are doing is getting kind of muddled with that. we'll see if it ends up working out in this jam game and making more sense when i put thought into it

i love how their dynamic is growing though, excited to see how they walk out of it yeahyeahyeah

[our-queer-experience]

So so so (for context, i'm in latin america) Pride is in june and this is my second year going, right? First time i went very lowkey, since i was new AND im very much not out to my conservative family, and i would die if they saw me in the news. it was lovely, everything went fine, and nobody suspected a thing.

now, this year it feels important, and i want to do something flashy, but i'm not sure what

not helping the matters is that now i know more queer people (yay!), that i met in different contexts/places, and everyone has a different perception of my queerness, and i don't know how i feel about everyone seeing a part of me that they might find, contradictory i guess.

some of them know i'm asexual and aromantic

some of them i've talked with about my aesthetic attraction, and how i find people of all genders very pretty and cool and awsome

nobody knows i'm non-binary, and this one is a bit new and i feel very, vulnerable about it.

and everyone kinda sees me as... idk, i'm very openly sex positive, but also the kind of asexual that is "so, i don't have any attraction ever, but a lot of this is really cool (as in, to me personally), and i really like to learn about things like (for one of many examples) leather and the culture, even if i'm not sure i'll ever have sex", and ANYWAYS, having a good sex ed is IMPORTANT, but i guess people tend to see me as a prude???? for some reason??? maybe??, as an uwu asexual who doesn't know anything about sex

and like, it has gotten some queer friends baffled when we're talking about things, and i'm perfectly capable to hold a conversation about, idk straps for example. And they get all "how do YOU know about that????" ugh is so frustrating. one of those friends was a person who tried to put his penis in the urethral opening of his partner at the time not that long ago btw, and he assumed he knew more about general sex stuff that someone who cares about doing research and staying informed.

THE POINT IS. they are very much not expecting to see me showing much skin. ever. and ok, my usual style of clothing is not very revealing i'll give them that. But i really want to show off at pride y'know? i want to show off my thick and dark body hair, i want to show off my tummy because depression has made me lose a lot of weight, but i'm hoping to get better by june and be able to show the body i was really happy with. i want to show off my curves and big thighs and be proud of being non-binary with the body that i have.

And i want to maybe use something more revealing, because yasmin benoit is so cool, and seeing her leading pride was very important to me.

and i also kinda want something inspired by chappell roan, because i'm not immune to her ok

and i want to be loud about the aroace bit, because it meant the world to me to see others like me last year, and i want to be there for others too.

but i'm also scared, oh so scared of being filmed and recognized by someone dangerous. i'm disabled and young for fucks sake, i can't afford being kicked out or losing support. and, i know i'm not in the usa and that it's getting really really scary up there, but i'm also afraid of what will happen at the event, because my country tends to follow usa's lead, and our president is not exactly the best (a lot of us in latin america had also shit elections this last year lmaon't), and it'll probably be fine but i'm still worried. it'd be safer to go very lowkey and with the usual outfit for going to dangerous protests, but i don't want to have to keep myself lowkey, not when i have a choice.

gods sorry for the rambling, this got away from me huh.

anyways, any advice on anything? honestly even if it's only costume/outfit ideas i'll be happy to see them

id say wear a face mask- its good to do in public anyway- and a hat. borrow some friend’s clothes. if your family cant see your face and isn’t expecting you to wear “revealing” clothes…. you’d probably be fine :) good luck!

[kitts-mechanix]

Exactly! The fact that so many people are leaving the fandom is....it's tragic. Just about everyone I know is gone at this point. I've spent an entire decade teaching myself how to draw, creating entire worlds, writing immersive stories, things I hope people could love and appreciate the way I love and appreciate their works. So many things that I've yet to post even. I think one of the reasons this fandom used to be one of the safest, kindest fandoms is because we all knew what it was like to be put down, bullied, ostracised by others for loving "the weakest Pixar franchise" and especially Cars 2 AKA "Pixar's most hated movie". And the community was active and supported each other. Most of us were never famous, but that was okay because we did all of this for fun, not fame.

I honestly feel guilty, and even like a whiny baby, when I lament about no one comments on anything anymore. I can't recall the last time I got a meaningful comment on my work, or a comment about how the chapter of a story made them feel, details they loved, etc. I don't want to sound entitled, but I miss the days when people took the time to write out thoughtful comments and read. And the fact that no one really does that anymore, honestly just makes my writer's a block a lot worse. Why slave away on something no one will read? I'm not going to stop doing what I love. But it's harder now than it ever was before.

There were so many people in this fandom I loved who have moved on. Some were like sisters to me. Fizz was my inspiration too, and I've always appreciated my interactions with Blay. I lost two online sisters (I won't name them) who both fell down dark paths and cut me out for no reason. (A major FU to CC for turning one of them into Anakin Skywalker). I remember talking to people like Asphalt, RMS Olympic, or Fizz, or Eclipse, or Shadow and it felt like I was meeting a celebrity! I especially freaked out when I became close friends/sisters with some of them. This was back in 2017. I could have never foreseen what would happen after 2021....

And speaking of 2021, I think the reason we were so darn blessed to have one last year of what we once had, was because of one thing: Cars 2 10th anniversary. The diecast collection was exciting again. People made content and interacted again. We all had a renaissance. I had THE best Christmas since 2016. I thought this was the dawn of a new era. And then my 22nd birthday was pretty incredible too with all the cool Cars stuff I got, best one since my 16th! But that was the last spark. With one final burst, the fire had died out. I have not been able to rekindle it since.

And yeah I know about that monster being back, I really hope that petition will make a difference (last I checked it just needs 20 more sigs). I am slowly re-uploading my stuff (although a certain OC is probably never going to see the light of day again) but if things get too crazy I will honestly lock it behind "members only" for the sake of my mental health. I feel the fandom is either less welcoming to diverse people now or the welcoming sides are very extremist, neither of which I ever saw in my old days in the fandom. And while I'm not a fan of yaoi ships personally, I do believe people should have the freedom to create, express and share things like that. If people don't like something, they need to learn they have two options it: go back, or if you must, block it. It's that simple.

Anyway sorry for the ramble. I'm just glad someone gets it, you know? Honestly, I've been holding these thoughts in for a LONG time and now I just....I can't hold it back anymore.

I love this series and its characters with all my heart. Nothing could ever take that away. This franchise saved my life in 2015, just like G1 Transformers did back in August. But I cannot deal with what this fandom has become anymore.

RIP Cars fandom. 2006-2021

Fandom Problem #7581:

I hate how normalized harassment, bullying and overall being a dick has become normalized in fandom spaces. What's sick to me is that these people will harass and dox someone over the dumbest shit and then try to make themselves seem like they're morally right to do so, it's like it's a game to them. It honestly makes me feel like there's no point in being in fandoms at all if I could get harassed off a platform for the dumbest thing

[aulostheremin]

Relationship charts of my ocs with the eltingville boys

this chart is not well made. I was getting sleepy so I just do the lazy way. also sorry if the texts are hard to read. idk why they look so ass quality. if you have a hard time reading it, go to ALT.

keep reading below for a detailed explanation of their relationships

Bill

Bill and Sabine had a bad start when Sabine and her twin sister, Farina moved to the neighbourhood. The girls' aunt suggested they meet other kids, which led them to Bill's house. Bill's mom welcomed them in but Bill, just waking up in his underwear, was not happy to find two unknown girls in his house. After a scolding from his mom, he awkwardly joined them. He attempted to make conversation, but his questions came off as disrespectful, especially mostly towards Sabine who reacted with eye rolls and glares. Sabine expressed her dislike for Bill, which angered him since he felt he was being polite. In response, Sabine warns him to stop his behaviour and not talk to her or touch her again. from then on, Bill and Sabine throw jabs at each other especially towards their respective clubs.

Farina on the other hand, feels indifferent toward Bill after their first meeting but believes he has some good in him. Farina gives him an apology letter for her sister's action. Bill pretty much don't care as long they don't annoy him during the summer. when Bill heard Farina opened her comic business at the local library, he was upset, thinking it could outdo Joe's comic book shop as there were many kids go to her and they all seem to like it. He gives in to check Farina's work by requesting a spider man story. after he read it, Bill hates to admit it, Farina's writing is good. but this made him more mad about the prospect of this one girl can overrun an already made establishment. so he rips the comic and throws it away. that same night, a rock flew into Bill's window, scaring him. a note was attached to it, saying "FIRST WARNING"

Josh

believe it or not, Josh is next doors neighbour with the twins aunt. so he was the first one for the twins to visit, but Josh immediately declined their introduction. during the club meeting, Bill gives Josh, Pete and Jerry a speech about the disruption of their summer break in the form of twin girls. like in Bill's case, Josh and Sabine have an immediate loathing to each other. the only notable interactions they have are short form roasts when they both take out the trash in the morning and night.

When Josh heard of Farina's business, he was mostly intrigued to see if a girl could write a good story for him. after he read it, he demands a refund and criticising her work is terrible and childish. interestingly, Farina asked Josh what was bad about her work so she could improve. as Josh rambles on hoping to break her spirit, Farina genuinely takes note from this and recommends books for helpful tips. since they're already in a library, Josh shows all the books for her writing and drawing. afterwards, Josh is shocked he indirectly helps a rival.

Pete

Pete first encountered Sabine when he's alone on a Tuesday smoking a cigarette in the back alleyways. She came out of nowhere and asked for a dart (Australian slang for cigarette). Pete was hesitant at first, but thinking Sabine is pretty, he gave her one for 10 bucks. She groans and pulls out cash for him. they both stand next to each other in silence. Pete tries to hold a conversation with her by asking about her scar, but Sabine declines as she doesn't want to see Pete wasting his breath to impress her. he rolls his eyes and agrees with her. now, every Tuesday, they both do the same routine of sharing cigarettes and standing in silence.

Pete first met Farina indirectly when he came home one Friday night and saw her in his kitchen and holding his baby sister. Pete discovered his mom hired Farina as a babysitter every Friday. Pete groans of interacting with the other half of the twins, especially with one trespassing his home. Pete mostly kept an eye on Farina but quickly realised how good she's handling his sister. he and Farina even bonded more when talking about R.L. Stine books. he personally doesn't like it as it is not on par with his taste but enjoys talking about the ghosts and monsters with her. but their bond immediately shattered when Pete asked Farina to draw gore. she is super uncomfortable with that topic and is now frantic around Pete. he apologised and while she accepted it, there is now a tense awkwardness between them.

Jerry

After the meeting about the twins, Jerry does not see the girls as a threat and wants to know them better. He first saw Sabine shopping with her aunt and planned to talk to her when she was alone. However, Sabine noticed that Jerry was following her and tried to ignore him. When she was at the dairy section, Jerry tapped her on the shoulder, but Sabine reacted angrily, demanding to know what he wanted. Jerry stuttered, leading Sabine to yell at him before she left to join her aunt. Sabine could tell Jerry is one of those 'nice guys' and she won't fall for it.

Jerry tries again with his plan by talking to Farina at the library. Farina already knew of her sister's situation with Jerry but tried to give a second chance with him. when Jerry sees how good it is when she draws a dragon and a princess, he asks if he could read a fantasy genre book of hers. Farina gave him one, and Jerry was impressed with the writing. sure it's for kids but he's entertained by it. for the next 3 hours, Jerry and Farina talks about the fantasy series they liked. while Jerry is more complex and mature like Lord of the Rings, Farina like the simple kid stories like classic fairy tales, Beatrix Potter and Roald Dahl books. they both genuinely enjoyed their company over these shared interests.

and that's the end folks! phew this was exhausting but fun. as you can see, I don't really ship Sabine and Farina with any of the boys. there could be potential of it but it never goes anywhere. they're just seen as nuisance rivals to the boys.

[gavinette]

It is so incredible to me how Solas and Lavellan have their own code to communicate to each other. Not only explicitly in lines of dialogue, like the elvhen they use in a room full of people just to have their private moment, or the hallelujah cadence they use in certain moments (like when you meet the Inquisitor the second time).

I'm talking about Lost Elf and the music that plays in the "Atonement" romanced ending in Veilguard. Two instruments having a dialogue while time is running. How the tune changes when Lavellan appears in the scene, shifting from the big Dread Wolf vibes to a new arrangement (dialogue?) of the Lost Elf. The music even stops for one second.

I'm obsessing over this little detail, I know, but I think it shows, even if you don't understand Solas or Lavellan body language to each other in the finale, what is happening. They're having the same debate all over again but it is different, the music is telling you it's different. More elements influence it. Lavellan knows better now, the violin is different and it doesn't have this desperate vibe to it.

I always admired Hans Zimmer since I was a little kid and getting to play Veilguard, save Solas from his worst fear and Hans Zimmer taking his time to do something specific for the solavellan ending makes me feel like it was my birthday.

[beedreamscape]

I'm pretty much the worst person to even weigh in on this topic because I've been partial to Suvi since day one, but in my opinion there wasn't ever a need to explain or justify Suvi's choices/reactions.

Not because she's perfect, never wrong (though in my heart I know...) but because I'm very certain that the people that keep on hammering on her mistakes/shortcomings/tendencies are people that already dislike Suvi (or don't like Aabria very much, I wish this wasn't a topic of consideration but even 30+ eps in there's still people like that around) for whatever reason and gather excuses to justify their bias against her and no amount of explanation will turn their hearts in her favour.

It really feels like a parallel to the way Suvi herself tries to be understood by her friends and yet she fails time and time again.

And people insist on forgetting that Suvi is not the Citadel, she's just one young wizard of the Citadel.

And it's gut-wrenching how much I relate to that feeling of alienation before every corner she tries to fit in: amongst her citadel peers she's othered by her position and privilege, and now by her friendship to a witch and a spirit; between her friends she's the odd-one-out because of her Citadel connections and the nature of her power; and now amongst the witches she stands out by being the face of the "enemy".

I don't blame her for clinging to the little corner of the world that has not made her feel foreign despite the very nature of her presence: in Steel's family whom she's not related to by blood, yet completely by heart.

And it'll never be a fair game. The girls especially are very young and with new-found independence, they're given colossal decisions to make, and that before beings older than three generations of them combined and incomprehensively more powerful and less empathic.

As much as Mirara wants there to be a good witch and bad witch, there's no such thing as black and white, there are decisions and consequences, what one does with the power they're given. There is no right or wrong in a fight filled with so much heart, there was never a world where a fight between Ame and Suvi would be clean.

[12th-shavie]

[epilogue]

This is it...

But before the actual ending I've done some extra stuff !

I went to look for the final gramophone record ! My collection is now complete and sounds great

I caved in and looked up a list of the tavern party banter and I was only missing a couple so I just went around all the taverns until I unlocked them

I beat Yurinas in the arena with Hikari and learned a couple of cool skills

I used my entire stock of stat boosters and challenged the boss of the final side quest at the gates of ???. I died. I will not be grinding everyone beyond the early level 60~63 for a single optional boss.

Welp, it really is time to see the conclusion now, no way around it

Partitio, you sweet sweet boy, "there's still plenty of steps left in these legs" is not what this is about but I love you for that please don't change

Ochette you are so right for not wanting to say goodbye I've been putting this off too

Temenos going "How odd" made me chuckle, just admit you're attached to the party, it's fine

In spite of all, Ochette is the first to leave...

I can't believe even Hikari's parting words are about friends, I should have tracked every time he says this word over the course of the story I'm not going mad I swear

Wait a second, this order is familiar I think this is reverse recruitment order, Throné should be next it that's the case

Oh no Throné is terrible at saying goodbye because usually the people she has to part with are dead T^T

Temenos you little shit how dare leave on a cliffhanger (never change)

I almost thought Osvald was going to say "..." and leave but no he did say bye

Castti. Castti you're a sweetheart but you didn't give an address. How can anyone send you a letter ? Is there superhuman postal service I'm not aware of ??

I too have something in my eyes, Partitio, please don't leave I'm really going to cry if this keeps going

And so it goes... the credits roll... scenes flash briefly in the order I first saw them...

Crick in the credits I'll miss you forever and always

POST-CREDIT GAMEPLAY WE ARE SO BACK

Papp and Roque spotted in New Delsta ? What, are they on a date ? (I must maintain the agenda)

Pala's got a new hairstyle !! Cute !

Oh there's the guys who helped Castti out in Timberain

And Lady Clarissa and Elena ! Aww she's looking for a present for her dad (I wish I could've seen them interacting directly but I'll take it !)

Melia's here too, good to see she has some time off

Here are Benkei and Hikari ! Obviously he immediately calls Pala with "my friend". Of course. What did I expect. Right

Misha is here and worried about Alrond who has disappeared yet again, should I really have thought otherwise

Giselle, honey, I don't think you should try to recruit Juvah in your troupe, even if you can try to do so doesn't mean you should

Oh hello Ochette chilling with a snack

Found Alrond in the Partitio fan club meeting

Ort thinks Temenos isn't listening, seems like he's noticing things more

Oh Temenos how I've missed you in this credits-long span of time

The old men have been renamed to "Smiling" and "Cheerful" old men, good for you Mira

Found Pala's dad ! Right next to her girlfriend Mikka no less... (the agenda is holding strong)

Rai Mei why are on horseback. In the city. Are you so afraid to be late ?

Dolcinaea and Laila gathering a little crowd is adorable, not to mention Veronica with a tambourine. Epic, perfect, I'll take your entire stock of tambourine Veronicas

Zeto the Butcher and Alpione is not a duo I expected but I like it

Castti !! Standing around in the backstreets, right where I could easily find her, how kind

Yomi and Hermes should be friends. Maybe kiss on the lips. Just sayin' (new agenda ?)

Both bartenders in the tavern ! I wish my prediction about meeting more bartenders with 3-letter names starting with G and with declining vowels came true but oh well

"hot plans later" why are you like this Gil

Osvald going "... I hate crowds" is too good I could almost forgive that we don't see him interacting with Elena directly

Sure enough Throné was at her favourite spot, and she sounded really peaceful, good for her

Floyd and Regulus are nerding out about telescopes that's cute (do I smell agenda)

The legendary merchant Masoud ? In a shop ? Yeah go figure that makes sense (his daughter sounds so done it though)

I'm noticing the Agnea posters everywhere now !! Environmental storytelling !

And in the shop right across is Partitio ! And he's been waiting for everyone, so precious...

Time to go see Agnea now, the show must go on !

That was a good speech... and the final shot with everyone made me feel things...

The end was the final nail in the coffin, it is just too good !!!

I will never forget travelling with you... 🥹

Octopath Traveler II delayed playthrough blogging

[10 hours in]

Contains light spoilers of some early chapters I guess

I started the journey with Agnea because she looked like a sweetie (and she is) and she really has the most jrpg "leave of this small village to see the big wide world to make your dream come true" beginning

I got her to allure a villager that replenishes SP with every dancer skill she uses and she's been the cornerstone to most battles ever since

The second traveler I got was Partitio and he's a funny lad, I love his vibe, hat, jacket, and speech ! Also, the atmosphere of his storyline was a nice dramatic change of pace after the cozy first one I got

I headcanon that Roque's betrayal was in fact very much a divorce with Partitio's dad and I cannot wait to see how that applies to future chapters (I do hope it ages like fine wine rather than milk)

Partitio's combat performance was pretty solid despite a lack of AoE but the weapon variety for breaking was the early highlight

I ignored the fork in the road that lead to Hikari in favor of recruiting Castti because I wanted a healer and I feel slightly guilty (but also not at all)

Castti is literally so nice to people I can't wait to see if she really has an extremely shady past that will torment her for at least 1 chapter before she decides that she's going to be a good noddle in spite of all

Her concocting is pretty fun but I wish I had more diffusing serum (I can make do with latent power for now but it'd more fun to let her do some fun nuking)

Castti is also extremely tanky (she's the only one I have with over 1k HP so far) so she was a very welcome addition to the party

The next step in the journey was recruiting Osvald (I wanted to start with him but the 2 forced chapters made me decide to instead make him the reward for reaching the eastern continent) after I ignored the boat that lead to Ochette and wandered around until I stumbled upon a boat that lead really close to Osvald on the map and eventually found him face-down in the snow (which makes my decision to no start with him even better)

His first two chapters cemented him as one of my favorites beyond the visual vibes I got from the first selecting menu, and his skillset was a cherry on top

AoE magic nuking when I already have some buffing and BP donating in my party ? I'm sold. Free weakpoint reveals every battle ? Even better ! Osvaldo battle voicelines ? Yes please !

After that I found the scholar license and decided that Agnea should also learn to buff spell intensity to make my Osvaldo nuking engine even stronger (she's been doing great and I'm very proud of her)

Since it was on the way to Agnea's second chapter for which she was at the recommended level, I went on to recruit Temenos and he did not disappoint ! He really gave me an impression of being a seemingly upstanding fellow who is in fact not only shady but just the right blend of ambiguous tease with genuine words thrown in (props to his voice acting that really sells it)

His detective moment was also pretty cool, especially after seeing the duality of his abilities to get people to follow him without risk of failure and his (very shady) coercing to get more intel

I considered replacing Castti with him as my party healer but he is very squishy compared to her, and she also has weapon diversity and more consistent debuffing over him so for the time being he's just chilling at the tavern waiting for a party composition that makes him shine

On my way to the big city I found the inventor license and could simply not resist giving it to Partitio it simply fit him too well (and more weapons to break with is very nice), although I'm thinking of changing it later to try a Temenos build that would allow him to break even more and coerce better

Now onto the big city to recruit Throné and let Agnea's story unfold further !

[andiv3r]

Having to block everyone who has "wincest dni" in their bio not because I ship wincest (because I have come to the conclusion that I actually don't) but because I do think it'd be fun to poke around at the very real weirdness of their relationship that I've noticed in the show so far. And I'm 99% sure that my poking around will get seen as shipping.

[froschli96]

you know, i always find it really funny when dudebros complain about syndicate and odyssey being too "jokey" or not "taking its characters seriously" or whatever…

like, did y'all collectively sleep through "it's-a me, mario!", "i meant besides vaginas", ezio inventing the latte, bartolomeo's... just... *gestures vaguely* entire character, etc?

like, it's fine to have preferences of course, i myself prefer a more serious and grounded tone, but these are usually the same people who tout the ezio trilogy as "peak assassin's creed", call ac1 a glorified tech demo and hate on connor for being "too serious and boring", like? make it make sense!

[arkiwii]

very sad still see the saria/silence divorce headcanon still going around

have you ever tried to consider that they never dated before lone trail because it would be unrealistic with the timeline and the events and also because it would be overshadowing the actual truth of why they couldn't get along

[moiraimyths]

Before we call anon rude because let’s see it from their perspective, imagine getting an entire feast to eat. That can be pretty hard to start with so much that’s going on, but if they start with one thing they know they’ll like (aka one character they like) that can be the start for them leaping to other characters to finish the story and the bigger story. I struggle the same way to start book series if I don’t have at least one character that drives me to read it, it’s all about what can be the hook to push them through. Sounds like the anon is neurodivergent (just a guess) so they might genuinely not see it as rude and see it as a solution to even play the game to start with.

Btw absolutely adore the game, the complex and rich characters making them all so unique is amazing. The art is so pleasing to the eyes I love it!! I’m waiting for it all to get out at once so I don’t get too impatient. Shae however interests me the most, which routes will have the most lore for them? Will there be routes that give more lore in general based on decisions you make or do they all share the same amount? (I mean general lore not just Shae lore)

Apologies; we are not trying to accuse any asker of being rude! We are simply explaining our perspective as the developers / are trying to broadly encourage folks to dip their toes into other areas of the story outside of the main route(s) they're interested in, especially considering some routes will be made available sooner than others, and these other routes will likely contain additional scenes/lore of everyone's fave(s) regardless! We want to give each main cast member an equal amount of love (and lore) regardless of their overall popularity, so our goal is not to tut-tut anyone for having strong preferences for one character over the others, but rather to explain that you may be surprised by how much *more* you learn about your preferred characters in the other routes. That's all!

For Shae... Well, they were a foot soldier for one of the worst periods of the War. Lore wise, any other story that touches on the War will likely have content relevant to them and their experiences. ^^