#otherwise i might just have to sign up for witness protection

[greyias]

My pest service sent me an automated text about the next time they’re coming out, and in trying to dismiss the text on my watch, I fat fingered the screen and instead sent this as a reply:

It’s a lie. I’m not on my way lol

[chuluoyi]

✎ heaven's fury

- gojo satoru x reader

sometimes you forget that your husband has burdens as the strongest sorcerer alive. when he goes back home from a bad day and you're the first person he comes contact to, you're made aware of it once again

genre: angry!gojo, a bit of hurt with looots of comfort and fluff !! it’s self-indulgent too🤭

note: i knooow i said i'll post gojo angst next, but i forgot i have this in backburner too so... this hurt/comfort goes first :') based on an anon's request. loosely takes place after baby!

a part of gojo's love entries

general masterlist

“Sukuna's vessel is a threat— he must be executed as soon as possible!”

“The more we put this off, the greater the risk he poses to society!”

“Gojo, you can't delay his sentence any longer—!”

Weak. All of them. They always make excuses. Trying to pin blame on someone else.

The jujutsu world he lives in… is wretched. Gojo Satoru thought he knew that well already, or at least knew enough to not get riled up over it.

Apparently not.

“Gojo-sensei? You look scary...”

Typically, he would mask his clear disdain with sharp-witted jibes, but he reached his limit this time. Especially since they had been pressuring him relentlessly to execute Itadori Yuji for at least five times a week, each week.

. . .

“Satoru, oh, you're home already!”

At the end of it all, he went home with the worst of moods. It served as a reminder—of his deep-seated contempt for weakness and how burdensome he found the task of protecting the insufferable to be.

“Satoru...?”

And it's because of their weakness that Suguru—

“Satoru, are you—?”

“Just fucking shut it!”

And that was when he saw you, standing before him with wide eyes, cradling your—his—precious baby in your arms, who was sound asleep.

“Huh…?”

Satoru immediately tensed up, realizing his mistake. And what hit him even harder was— is that a flicker of hurt he saw flashing across your face?

If so, then you quickly blinked it away because in the next instant, your face lit up with a warm smile— kind of forced, to his dismay. “Welcome home, Satoru.”

Something inside him churned, his heart started to ache, and there was a bitter taste in his mouth then.

There you were, as accepting as ever, and he cherished you for it.

But not tonight. Not for this. You didn't deserve any of his misplaced resentment.

Damn it. Damn it all!

In response, he offered you a subtle nod and headed to the bathroom, thinking a shower might help clear his foul mood away.

Contrary to what Satoru might think, you didn't really hold anything against him.

You were surprised, yes, because he was usually such a ball of energy even when he got back from intercity missions, but more than the hurt, you would understand if now, he was pissed some way or another.

Your husband is still a human. He is entitled to be upset on some days.

After ensuring your son was comfortably asleep in his cot, you returned to your bedroom to find Satoru already in bed, facing away from you. Hmph... now that you thought about it, this silence between you was unacceptable.

“Satoru.” You poked his side, but he didn't budge and still had his eyes shut. You arched an eyebrow. “Satoru? You can't be asleep.”

“…” No answer. Okay, let's try something else.

“Honey, talk to me? Hmm?” you decided to swallow the heat on your face as you addressed him more intimately. Mind you, you didn't usually call him that. He was the one in charge of pet names.

“…” This shithead. That's it.

“Satoru, my tummy hurts—”

“What?” In an instant, he flipped over, abruptly sitting up. “What hurts—”

Seizing the opportunity, you tugged him by the neck, and both of you tumbled onto the bed, with him landing on top of you. Satoru instinctively held himself up and cushioned the back of your head with his hand so you wouldn’t crash into the headboard—his blue eyes wildly flickering, searching for any sign of discomfort or harm.

“You good?” he made a face upon realizing your ruse.

“You won’t talk to me otherwise,” you noted with a hint of annoyance. But then your eyes softened into a concerned frown. “Satoru… what’s wrong?”

Once again, Satoru felt hollow. You were worried and it reached him. “It’s nothing,” he replied, looking away, trying to downplay his fury.

You pulled him close, his head against your chest, and though he was stiff and taken aback at first, he released a reluctant sigh and instinctively snuggled closer, finding comfort in your embrace.

“There, there…” you soothed with a smile, gently running your fingers through his hair. “Feel better now?”

He let out another sigh against you, returning the hug and nuzzling his face against your chest. His body heat enveloped you like a blanket.

And after a while...

“...’m sorry for yelling at you...” he muttered with such regret it made your eyes widen. “Didn’t mean it.”

The slight prickle in your heart dissipated at once, hearing his muffled voice.

“Mm-hmm, I know.”

“Really.”

“Mmm, really, really.”

He held you a little tighter, breathing in your scent, and you kept stroking his head. He looked so despondent it warmed your heart, and made you want to pet him. “Our baby loves being held like this too,” you giggled fondly. “You big baby… you’re just like him.”

Your husband let out a soft grunt against your chest, exhaling deeply.

“Whenever you’re ready, talk to me, yes?”

And so after several more pats on his head, Satoru finally told you everything, about how the higher-ups were relentlessly pressing him to put an end to Yuji, the new kid he recently enrolled to the jujutsu school.

“They're just some paranoid old fools—”

“Mm-hmm.”

“—stinky, cringey, looks depressed most of the time—”

“Heh— now that's just plain disrespect.”

“Yuji is just clueless and just has a lot to learn,” Satoru grumbled sullenly. “They didn't even teach him a thing and incapable to— how dare they? To keep him ignorant and then murder him?”

...oh.

And at that moment, you found clarity. Why he got so worked up, why he got irate this time whereas he was usually insensitive.

First, it was because of your tragic youth. No one protected Haibara from his unfortunate incident and was there for Geto when he needed it the most—which still haunted him to this day.

And secondly, because he himself is a father too. No one deserves their youth being taken away. That has been his moral compass, and the sense grows even stronger ever since the baby was born.

It made something inside you flutter.

“Satoru...” you breathed out, smiling, squeezing him affectionately. “You’re ... a kind person.”

“Huh?”

“You take it upon yourself to mentor those kids,” you mused. “Just look at Megumi and Yuta; they've turned out just fine.”

Truthfully, Satoru didn't consider himself as kind as you made him out to be. At times he felt like he was doing it because it was right, sometimes he thought it was for fun, and at other times, he simply didn't feel like seeing more deaths or wrong paths. And he was sure if you had asked Megumi whether he was a good teacher or not, the grumpy boy would only roll his eyes.

But then, just as he looked up at you, the prettiest smile blossomed on your face, and you said to him—

“And as your wife, I’m... proud of you.”

The way you sincerely told him that made his breath catch in his throat, and his heart pound a little faster.

The woman who has become his everything. This unabashed, pure love you show him.

“Sweets, I—” he suddenly rose, back to on top of you. But his voice faltered, remembering the way he coldly snapped at you earlier. “I...”

You looked up at him innocently. And he swallowed the shame because he had to tell you too.

Because you were so, so incredibly precious to him, and he wanted you to know that.

“…love you,” he mumbled, his beautiful eyes meeting yours with no hesitation. His cheeks were burning, tinted with a shade of pink—and you out of all people knew best that him being embarrassed meant as good as him not being horny—

But before you could point it out, he leaned down towards you, capturing your lips in a gentle kiss. There was no trace of the man who was hungry for your body— it was just a long, chaste kiss that contained his feelings for you.

And when he pulled back, both of you were panting slightly, trying to catch your breath. Then, he pursed his lips, his eyes glittery—somehow reminding you of your baby's face just before he cried out for his milk.

“I wanna pay for my sin. Wanna cuddle you too.”

And so you let him. He held you close, his arm under your head and you traced lazy lines on his chest, feeling contented and somewhat giddy.

“You feel that bad, huh?” you chuckled, noticing his continued gloominess.

“I am,” he puffed out his cheeks before pressing a kiss on your forehead. “Because if anyone else dares to tell you off like that, I'll wreck them on the spot.”

“Hmm, how romantic. But come to think about it... you did look a little scary though...”

At that moment, he felt his heart drop, his eyes instantly rounded in alarm, looking at you with dismay.

“No, no, I'm not scary! Wifey, I'm your devoted and loving husband!”

Epilogue

Your morning started with your baby's cries. When you glanced over, Satoru was gone from your bed already. Curious, you made your way to the baby's room, and what you saw there caused you to raise an eyebrow.

"Satoru... what are you...?"

He turned to you with an expression so heartbroken as he rocked his wailing baby. "He keeps crying, I don't know why..."

However, your attention was drawn more to his disheveled appearance. Messy hair, slitted eyes as if he hadn't brushed off sleep, and most of all, the dark eyebags under his eyes.

"Uh, Satoru... give him to me."

When he did, your baby calmed down almost instantly, his sobs turning into light sniffles, and your husband could only scratch his head in confusion.

"Why...? When I tried to look at him, he cried even harder—"

"...no offense, but if I were a baby and someone who looks like a panda holds me up, I'd get scared and cry too."

Satoru let out a theatrical gasp, clutching his chest as he hovered over your baby—

"Nooo! Papa didn't mean to scare you—!"

...but to his horror, your baby turned away from him, hiding his face in your chest instead.

[r0ugesun]

I have a fluff maybe to slight spicy request for Aemond Targaryen if you are interested!

Aemond finally becomes betrothed to princess!reader of a different house (can be any it don’t matter) but has circulation problems so she’s always cold and therefore fretted over making Aemond believe she is spoiled. But upon being proven wrong from maybe bonding over books or hell training, falls in love and carries her to bed when the cold gets to her and her bed is just full of blankets to cuddle in.

(Aemond deserves all the intimacy and cuddles)

Thank you for sending me this request anon and sorry for the delay! Ur right Aemond deserves all the cuddles (*ᴗ͈ˬᴗ͈)ꕤ*.ﾟ

Synopsis: Princess y/n of House Martell arrives at the wintry Red Keep as Prince Aemond’s betrothed. As y/n’s warmth and intellect begin to break through Aemond’s icy exterior, he finds himself drawn to her. In return, Aemond’s protective embrace provides y/n the warmth she desperately needs.

Aemond x Martell!Reader

Prince Aemond Targaryen’s engagement to Princess y/n of House Martell was a union crafted to solidify political alliances. While their marriage was intended to serve as a strategic move, it was marred by the disparity in their circumstances. Princess y/n, renowned for her exotic beauty and noble grace, suffered from a rare condition that left her perpetually cold. This affliction required constant warmth, a need that Aemond initially perceived as a sign of pampering rather than genuine necessity.

From the moment y/n arrived at the red keep in the middle of a particularly harsh winter, the contrast between them was stark. The grand halls of the castle were adorned with tapestries of fearsome dragons and Targaryen banners, but y/n’s presence was marked by her constant need for warmth. She was swathed in layers of heavy furs, her every movement accompanied by a retinue of attendants. Aemond observed from a distance, noting her delicate appearance and the attentiveness of her servants. His initial impressions were marked by skepticism and a hint of disdain.

Their first meeting was formal, a carefully orchestrated affair. Aemond greeted her with his characteristic stoicism. “Princess y/n” he said, his tone courteous but distant, “I trust your journey was comfortable?”

Y/N offered a polite smile, though her eyes revealed a trace of weariness. “Thank you, Prince Aemond. The journey was long, but I am well. Though I must admit, the cold here is harsher than I expected.”

Aemond raised an eyebrow, his gaze indifferent. “You are accustomed to much warmer climates in dorne, I’m sure. Adapting to this cold must be challenging.”

Y/n’s voice was steady as she replied, “It is indeed a challenge, but I am here to fulfill my duty. I hope to contribute meaningfully despite the discomfort.”

Aemond's eyes remained cold as he regarded

Y/n. "Your sense of duty is admirable, though I can't help but wonder if you’ll be a hindrance rather than a help."

Y/N’s eyes flashed with sharpness, though her smile remained placid. She titled her head slightly before she spoke.

“I suppose we'll find out soon enough. I’ve faced challenges before. If I can endure the cold, I’m certain I can manage other… inconveniences.”

Aemond’s lips curled slightly in a thin smile, more of a smirk than a genuine expression of amusement. “Mmm. I wonder if your resolve will hold up as well when faced with the less glamorous aspects of life here.”

“Let’s hope” y/n replied smoothly. “It’s one thing to endure the elements, another to contend with a lack of charm.”

Aemond’s gaze sharpened slightly, but his tone remained even. “Charm is not a luxury I indulge in, Princess. I prefer matters of substance.”

Y/n had a smirk of her own now, her expression thoughtful. “Substance is important, but so is the ability to navigate social graces. Otherwise, one might come off as... unlikable.”

Aemond’s expression did not shift. “And you, Princess, are known for your social prowess?”

“I am known for many things, my prince” y/n said with a wry smile.

“Including the ability to keep my composure even when faced with frosty reception—both literal and figurative.”

Aemond’s eyes flickered with a hint of respect, though he quickly masked it with his usual stoicism. “We shall see if your composure extends to the political intricacies of our alliance.”

“I have no doubt it will” y/n replied confidently. “After all, if I can manage to stay warm and navigate through a wintry castle, I believe I can handle the complexities of court politics.”

Aemond regarded her with a piercing look, as if assessing whether her confidence was merely bravado or a genuine asset. “We shall see, indeed.”

Days passed, and the cold of King's Landing seemed even more relentless. Aemond, finding solace in the library's quiet, often retreated there to escape the castle's demands. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the ancient tomes, he entered the library to find an unexpected sight: Y/N, comfortably nestled near the hearth, a thick fur draped over her shoulders, engrossed in a book.

Aemond paused, his usual stoic demeanor faltering for a moment. He approached her with measured steps, his curiosity piqued. "Princess" he greeted, his tone more neutral than before.

Y/blooked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes before she smiled with a hint of apprehension. "Prince Aemond. I didn't expect to see you here."

"The library is a place of comfort for me" he admitted, his gaze drifting over the bookshelves. "I come here often to escape the... noise."

Y/n nodded, her fingers tracing the edges of the book she held. "I think it’s quite peaceful myself. I find the histories of your lineage particularly fascinating."

As Aemond sat across from her, he noticed the title of the book in her hands. "The Histories of Dorne and Aegon the conquerer" he remarked. "An interesting choice."

Y/n’s eyes sparkled with interest. "I was just reading about Aegon’s failed conquest of Dorne. It seems he underestimated the resilience of the Dornish people."

Aemond’s lips twitched into a faint smile. "Aegon was a formidable conqueror, but he came unprepared, the Dornish have always been adept at guerrilla warfare, using the knowledge of their land to their advantage."

Y/n leaned forward slightly, her interest genuine. "Do you think he could have succeeded if he had approached the conquest differently?"

Aemond considered her question, appreciating the depth of her curiosity. "Perhaps. He tried to discredit your ancestors with slanders and rumors when his dragons failed, of course that endeavor proved fruitless as well, if it were me I would’ve hired mercenaries familiar with the terrain and the culture”

Y/n smiled wryly “Wars are not won with bloodshed alone my prince If he had been more willing to negotiate and form alliances rather than relying solely on brute force, he might have had a better chance. The Dornish value our independence highly, we would not bow to mere threats."

Aemond’s gaze softened, clearly intrigued by her insight. “It seems you have a keen grasp of the intricacies of the histories and strategy. I imagine you would have made a formidable advisor.”

Y/n’s cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment, but she remained composed. “Thank you, my prince. I’ve always believed that knowledge and perspective are key to navigating both conflict and peace.”

Aemond’s smile widened slightly, a rare gesture that hinted at genuine admiration. “I look forward to hearing more of your perspectives.”

Their debates on the histories of the realm continued, the conversation flowing easily between them. They discussed strategies, historical figures, and the nuances of Dornish culture versus the Targaryen way of conquest. Aemond found himself increasingly drawn to her intellect and passion, her perspectives challenging and enlightening.

As the evening wore on, Aemond realized with a start that he was enjoying her company. Y/n’s confident demeanor were a stark contrast to his initial impressions. He found himself admiring the way she held her own in their debate, unafraid to challenge his views.

As the days turned into weeks, the cold of King's Landing seemed to grow less oppressive for y/n and Aemond, though winter’s bite was still unmistakable. One crisp afternoon, the pair decided to take a stroll through the Kingswood, a vast expanse of trees and tranquility that lay on the outskirts of the city.

Wrapped in their furs, they walked side by side, their conversation flowing as seamlessly as the wind through the trees. They continued their discussion of history. Aemond found himself enthralled by y/n’s insights and the way she animatedly discussed the events of the past.

As they wandered further into the wood, engrossed in their discourse, they lost track of time. The sun dipped below the horizon, and the temperature dropped sharply. Y/n’s delicate frame began to show signs of discomfort, her shivering becoming more pronounced.

Aemond’s keen eyes noticed her struggle first. “Princess, you appear distressed” he said, his voice laced with concern. “We should head back.”

Y/n tried to maintain her composure, but her attempts were faltering. “I’m quite cold” she admitted, her voice trembling. She winced as she took another step, her limp becoming more noticeable. “Perhaps... we should indeed return.”

Aemond’s brow furrowed as he observed her growing discomfort. Without a second thought, he scooped her into his arms with surprising ease. Y/n gasped, both startled and flustered by the sudden, intimate contact. Her cheeks flushed, though it was not entirely from the cold.

Aemond, maintaining a careful hold, began to carry her back through the woods. His stride was steady and purposeful, though he could not ignore the feeling of Y/N nestled close against him. The warmth of her body against his own was both a contrast to the frigid air and a comfort he had not anticipated.

As they neared the castle, Y/N’s embarrassment was palpable. She attempted to speak through her shivering. “M-my prince, you needn’t carry me. I can manage!”

Aemond’s gaze softened as he looked down at her. “You are in no condition to walk, Princess. Allow me to ensure you are safely returned to your chambers.”

Despite her initial resistance, Y/N found herself settling into his embrace, her coldness slowly melting away with each step Aemond took. The castle’s warmth greeted them as they entered, and Aemond carried her up the grand staircase, his movements deliberate and careful.

Upon reaching their chambers, Aemond gently set y/n down on the edge of the large, ornate bed. He took a moment to stoke the fire, ensuring the room was warm and inviting. Y/n watched him with a mixture of gratitude and bashfulness.

“Thank you” she said quietly as he helped her settle under the heavy, embroidered blankets. “I didn’t expect...”

Aemond interrupted her softly, a rare tenderness in his voice. “There is no need to thank me. It is my duty as your future husband to ensure your well being.”

As the fire crackled and the warmth enveloped her, y/n began to relax. Aemond, though maintaining his usual stoicism, could not ignore the growing affection he felt. He seated himself beside her, his presence a comforting shield against the chill.

Y/n looked at him, her eyes reflecting both relief and a newfound closeness. “You’ve been very kind, Aemond. I appreciate it more than you know.”

Aemond nodded, his own emotions subtly shifting. “I am glad to see you more comfortable. It would be remiss of me to let you suffer.”

The fire's glow cast a warm halo around them, and the room was filled with a tender intimacy that seemed to wrap around them like the softest of blankets. Y/n’s eyes met Aemond's, and for a moment, the world outside their secluded chamber fell away. The air was thick with an unspoken yearning, a deep desire that neither could ignore.

Aemond's gaze softened as he took in the sight of her, his usual composure giving way to a rare display of vulnerability. The warmth from the hearth made her cheeks flush, her lips slightly parted in a way that made Aemond's heart ache with a longing he had not anticipated. He reached out, his fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch tender and lingering.

As he leaned in, their breaths mingled, warm and intertwined. The kiss that followed was not hurried but slow and filled with a profound tenderness. It was as if Aemond was trying to savor every moment, every sensation of her closeness. His lips moved gently against hers, exploring with a careful, reverent touch. The kiss was a quiet confession of his growing affection, a promise of warmth and devotion.

Y/n felt a delicious shiver of pleasure as he placed his warm hands under her dress and caressing her thighs, melting into his embrace, her cold body finally finding solace in the heat of his touch. Aemond's arms wrapped around her with a desperate kind of need, pulling her closer as if he could absorb her cold and make it his own. His warmth seemed to seep into her, chasing away the chill that had plagued her since her arrival.

With each press of his lips every soft touch under her clothes, Aemond conveyed a yearning that went beyond mere physical desire. It was a yearning for connection, for understanding, for something deeper than the political arrangement that had brought them together. His touch was both possessive and protective, He was a fire that would keep her brittle heart warm.

When they finally parted, their foreheads resting together, Aemond’s eye was filled with a tenderness that spoke volumes.

Y/n’s voice was low, almost a whisper. “You bring warmth to more than just my body, Aemond. You’re igniting something in me that I never knew I needed.”

Aemonds eye shone with a mix of relief and affection as he looked down at her. “I never thought I’d find comfort like this.”

Aemond’s smile was soft, almost shy, as he brushed his thumb lightly over her cheek as she spoke.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? How something so unexpected can bring such warmth to our lives.”

Y/n nuzzled her nose with his and wrapped her leg over Aemond’s waist, drawing herself closer to him. The closeness of their bodies created an even more intimate cocoon, reinforcing their shared warmth. The contact of her leg against his body was both grounding and tender, a subtle way of expressing her trust and affection.

Aemond’s hold tightened slightly, his eye closing in contentment as he savored the sensation of her closeness. His hand continued its soothing caress, and he rested his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers in a warm, gentle rhythm. “You are my only warmth” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Y/n’s eyes met his with a tender, knowing look. “And you are mine.” she replied softly, her lips brushing against his in a final, lingering kiss. They were each others warmth and comfort.

[woso-dreamzzz]

Ma'am III

Aitana Bonmatí x Royal!Reader

Summary: The aftermath of your elopement

"Well," You said, throwing your phone down onto the bedside table," My father knows."

Aitana, your wife, was relaxed against the pillows. Her engagement ring and matching wedding band sparked in the late afternoon sun.

"This is a terrible first impression, you know."

You scoffed. "Please. I'm his favourite child. That makes you his favourite daughter-in-law."

Aitana frowned. "I don't think that's how it works."

"It is," You said decisively. You crawled towards her, straddling her legs and leaning closer," Trust me. I know a lot about being a favourite. Father's favourite. William's favourite. Definitely Harry's favourite."

Aitana laughed. Her hands landed on your hips, drawing you closer until your lips were moments away from brushing hers. "Still, I haven't actually met your father. He might decide I'm not worth it."

"He can pissed off then," You said," I married you. I'm staying married to you. No matter what."

"You're lucky my parents love you," She replied," Otherwise they'll be very annoyed by this whole eloping thing."

"Is it really elopement if the rings cost more than a car?" You wondered and Aitana laughed again, fondly pulling on a strand of your hair.

"Yes," She said," You rich people live on a different planet."

You grinned, leaning forward to connect your lips in a slow, sensual kiss. "You know," You whispered against them," You're one of those rich people now too. What do you want to do first? Pay off Barcelona's debts?"

She rolled her eyes, pushing you away until you flopped onto your back next to her. "I think there's rules against those kind of things."

"You're right." You nodded," I'll do it. It looks better coming from a pair of princesses."

Aitana paled somewhat at your words.

Yes, she knew that you were a princess. The daughter of the King of England. Yet it hadn't crossed her mind at all on that beach last night with just the two of you, the priest and your security guard and two hotel staff members signing as your witnesses.

She hadn't considered that she would become a princess now too. It hadn't even been a thought in her mind.

Well, at least no one could accuse her of being a gold digger.

"I..." She didn't quite know what to say so she settled on the obvious. "I love you."

You grinned back at her, easy and self-assured. "I love you too."

You sat up, wiggling into the spot next to her.

"Things won't change, Aitana. Not by too much. Father won't let the media leak anything, though I doubt there were any paps on the beach with us. He's gifting us a house in Barcelona. It's not quite what we imagined but we can make it work, at least for now. We have time before this all comes out."

Aitana sighed. "I have to tell my teammates."

"Do it later." You shimmied even closer to her, layering kisses up her shoulder and neck. "We're on our honeymoon."

Aitana grinned at you with another eye roll that she was almost too fond of giving you. "Well...you do make a good point."

"You're right...I do."

"I mean, we've told out parents. Those are the most important people."

She could feel your breath against the shell of her ear.

"And we are on our honeymoon."

"And we are on our honeymoon," She confirmed, throwing her phone down and surging forwards to kiss you. "My teammates can wait."

It was hours later when you and Aitana emerged onto the terrace to eat dinner and relax.

You didn't bother to get dressed. The whole villa was within a gated community and your security team had always been excellent at the jobs.

You had simply thrown on a robe and relaxed back in your seat.

Aitana had done the same and you sat opposite each other as the sun begins to set over the horizon.

"You promise nothing will change too much?"

"Aitana," You said, leaning forward," Things will change, yeah, but not in the way that you expect. You can still play football. You'll still have paps following your every move but you also get more protection. More protection against paps and...others." You both knew who you were talking about. "People are still going to pick apart your every move but there's a team of lawyers waiting to sue those people to shreds. Not all change is bad change."

She grinned at you, leaning forward as well. "Then tell me the good things."

You smirked back at her. "Well, for one, you get a fancy title and new place to live. Enough money to last more than a lifetime. Access to fancy things like private jets. A new passport, if you want it." You moved back into your chair again, flinging your feet up onto the table. "And a tiara, if you want."

Aitana blinked comically. "A tiara?"

You winked. "A tiara worth more than your ring."

[pennyellee]

preview of chapter VI

LACRIMOSA | MYG MAFIA YANDERE AU

pairings: mafia leader!yoongi x f!reader genre: mafia!au, yandere au, historical au

summary: Their interlocking gaze served as a butterfly effect on his heart, stirring it to the core. She, in turn, only dreams to find a way to escape. But perchance, over time she might forcefully learn to love the man who has taken so much from her.

Thus unfolds a twisted tale of love and loss, of hope and despair, of life and death. The music reverberated through the dimly-lit streets. Tears of sorrow, weeping symphony - reflects the hurt, the scars that linger deep within and the wounds that never healed. Lacrimosa.

chapter warnings: minors dni 18+ | mafia au, dark!yoongi, mafia!yoongi, yandere, manipulation, possessive/obsessive behaviour, angst, mentions of God, mentions of alcohol, manhandling, mentions of murder, gun use, abduction, attempted non-con, gaslighting, vomiting, anxiety, choking, decapitation, strong language, smut, loss of virginity

beta read by @chaoticpuff17

word count: 844

disclaimer: this story is purely fictional, it does not depict real-life events or involve any actual members of BTS. This story will contain depictions of violence, blood shed, death, mentions of abuse, smoking, alcohol drinking, illegal activities, old social norms and traditions, which we do not condone.

m.list CHAPTER I CHAPTER II CHAPTER III CHAPTER IV CHAPTER V CHAPTER VI

“Do we?-” She interrupted, praying for a change of his mind, though fully aware of the inevitability. He needed to ensure no loopholes in their marriage for others to exploit or for her to negotiate over. She knows this is mandatory.

“Yes, we do,” he acknowledged after some thought. Knowing what she had been through that day, he recognised the potential impact, but he also saw it as a way to fully claim her. It was a selfish desire, perhaps, but one he had long awaited. 

Yoongi longed to feel her skin to skin. It was indeed selfish, he knew that much. Some would say it is careless of him to demand such an intimate act to happen after all she has been through. But he wanted to show her that this is a part of their marriage she can truly enjoy. Yoongi wanted to give a final full stop to their relationship by solidifying the union rightfully, as the tradition goes.

The flickering flames of the fireplace danced in the dimly lit room, casting a warm glow upon Y/N and Yoongi. Consummating the marriage was a private but necessary measure.

His selfishness had not gone unnoticed by the syndicate elders, who questioned his insistence on not just any hotel room but the house where generations of memories had been created. He deliberately wanted to spend the night in the house he grew up in, where his father started a family, and his grandfather, and his grandfather and so on down the history line.

Yoongi, having lost his parents at a young age, yearned to start his own family. He wanted to witness the growth of his children, their marriages, and their own families.

Y/N knew this day would come, sooner or later, and as a young woman, she had learnt to protect herself from unplanned consequences. She understood his desire for a child, though he never explicitly discussed it with her. But she was far from being ready to surrender to the life fate had planned for her, not just yet.

Heaven had given her a sign, a slight hope when she found a particular herb in the garden before the first snow fell. Y/N had kept it discreet, asking the maid to dry the flowers and serve them as tea in the morning. Tonight, she was calm, knowing it could not happen, even if he wished otherwise.

Yoongi observed her hesitance, her eyes reflecting a mixture of fear and resilience. The room, with its walls that held generations of memories, seemed to echo with the weight of tradition and expectation. But as he reached out to touch her cheek gently, his eyes softened.

The sharp sound of a loud whistle from the tea kettle startled them both, tearing them out of the cocoon of their thoughts. The iron kettle hung gracefully over the open flame, steam rising in wisps as if trying to escape the weight of the night. Yoongi carefully prepared the tea, his movements deliberate and unhurried. The aroma of freshly brewed leaves filled the air. The porcelain teapot, an heirloom passed down through generations, sat patiently on the wooden small table that was next to them. As he poured the tea into delicate cups, he eyed her small physique yet again, searching for any signs.

She accepted the cup he offered her, the warmth seeping through the delicate porcelain. Her mind briefly paused when she recognised the familiar scent. She chuckled and Yoongi raised his eyebrows in surprise, awaiting her words. Y/N took a few careful sips from the cup, accepting what it offered.

“Are you afraid, Kkangpae?” She asked, taking another sip. Yoongi put his cup on the wooden table and looked directly in her eyes.

“Me? No,” he pointed at himself, hiding a smile.

“So why did you choose to make tea from Valerian root?” Her studies that surely included herbalism had escaped Yoongi’s mind.

“I knew this night would be difficult for you, and I — I wanted to ensure it went as smoothly as possible,” he confessed.

“Considerate,” she muttered, more to herself than to him. Yoongi’s gaze faltered, and he looked away momentarily.

“I want you to enjoy it—”

“Then make me enjoy it,” she interrupted him yet again, gulping down the contents of her cup, setting it down with a gentle clink next to his almost full one.

“I intend to,” he said. The complexities of tradition, the weight of the syndicate expectations, seemed to press down on them like the heavy beams of the hanok. Yet, he was thrilled at the prospect of laying her down and making love to her, while she tried to make peace with the path ahead.

A mixture of emotions played across Y/N’s face, the tension in the air made her anxious. The tea flowed in her system, calming her. The steps were set, and she cannot back down now.

His hands cradled her face, a gesture that held both tenderness and an unspoken understanding. But Y/N knows he will never understand. And thus, the night unfolded.

.

.

.

.

01.12.23 23:00/11 PM CEST - 01.12.23 17:00/5 PM EDT

©pennyellee. please do not repost

Don't be a silent reader, comment, re-blog, heart, asks are more than welcome ♥

keep in mind - I'm not expert on chinese, korean and japanese culture, but I tried to research everything realistic I wanted to add to the story. Nonetheless, take it as a fiction.

let's be friends chummers ♥

lots of love, 𝖕𝖊𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖊

tag list: @beautifulcloudfestival - @chaoticpuff17 - @honsoolgloss - @jingerbreadoutofstock - @moscow778 - @januara26 - @dinosolecito - @yoongislatinagff - @xyahrinx - @hi12345567 - @nochuel - @deltamoon666 - @bbkissme99 - @darkuni63 - @nansasa - @sazsazsaz - @missmin - @strxwbloody - @royallyjjk - @jaiuneamesolitaiire - @shadowyjellyfishfest - @bbgniecyy - @elayne321 - @seojunandsoju - @bun-27 - @whipwhoops - @wobblewobble822 - @whofan88 - @haneyyyyyy - @lostgirlinthewoodss - @secfir - @btspurplesky - @elleflying07 - @pamzn - @megseungmin - @selenophileforlife

[lovingrosewho]

Hotline

Summary: you decide to call the hotline to the precinct claiming to have information on a case, so you can meet the hot FBI agent you saw on tv.

ONE SHOT

Pairing: Aaron Hotchner x reader

Rating: T

Word count: 1689

Warnings: age gap but it’s not specified, miiiild sex suggestions, mentions of murder and usual tv series stuff.

“Nuh-uh. There’s no way I’m calling” you tell your sister, still mortified after what you saw.

“You have to! It’s your duty as a citizen!” she argues with you, yelling from the kitchen, making you tea as you keep processing the events from earlier.

It had never crossed your mind that what you saw could be a federal crime. You had just been ending your shift as a bartender, heading to your car, but when you got to it, you dropped your keys and got on your knees to look for them, luckily, because otherwise, what went on on the other side, might have happened to you if whoever was there discovered there was a witness. You just saw two pairs of feet too close to one another, and you recognized one of them as one of your customers, then you heard a low punch and the sound of dragging. After everything got silent you entered your car and drove as fast as you could out of there. You just thought some junkie was mugging the guy who got out of that bar, not that a serial killer was loose and wreaking havoc in your town.

“No, I’m sorry, but no. What if that lunatic finds me? Or worse, you? No. They’ll have to figure something else out to catch him” you declare, making your sister sigh as she hands you your tea and turns the volume of the tv up. As she does so, the image on the screen changes to something (or better said, someone) in a forefront view, and catches your eye.

He’s much older, you can tell, you have a good age radar, mid-forties at least, for sure, but early-fifties tops. His deep brown eyes full of concern, and his eyebrows furrowed, permanently by the looks of it. He’s wearing a suit and tie, making his back and shoulders look even broader than in the footage you had watched earlier from a much distant plane. You can’t help but wonder what it would be like to feel them without all those layers of clothes. The image changes again and you let out a breath you didn’t even realize you were holding, you turn to your sister to find her looking mockingly at you.

“Eager much to come forward now?” she asks with sarcasm.

“What?” you ask back, unsure of what she means, but too embarrassed to follow up that question given you very well know you didn’t pay attention to a word that man said, too busy indulging in your own fantasies. Your sister just laughs.

“That agent on the tv? The one you were drooling over? He was saying that they’re out of leads on the case, that if anyone has any information on the last victim, he will personally attend to it and protect the witnesses”. You remain speechless, but your sister catches the slightest twist on your mouth, clear sign that you’re debating yourself, inclining more towards the ‘yes’ than the ‘no’. She shakes her head, keeping the sarcastic smile on and handing you her phone. “(Y/N), call the damn hotline”.

You make a fake disbelief and offended face at her, but take the phone and make the call either way. A local officer picks up, but when you explain the nature of your call, she passes you through immediately. After a couple minutes, the hypnotizing voice you heard before is right there, speaking through the phone. This time, you know you’re holding your breath.

“This is Supervisory Special Agent Aaron Hotchner. Who am I talking to?” his grave voice questions, although it seems much more like a command. You clear your throat before speaking, suddenly out of words and lacking hydration.

“Uh-yeah-yes. I’m (Y/N). (Y/N) (Y/L/N)”.

“What can I do for you?” he asks another question. He’s being polite but you can tell he’s testing if you’re wasting his time or not.

“We were watching the news. I saw the guy who is your last victim. I think that perhaps I was the one who saw him last” you confess. The other side of the line goes silent for a few seconds.

“Do you mind coming down to the precinct, miss (Y/L/N)?” his voice tone sounds much more gentle this time, still in charge, but it sounds as if he’s figured you out and therefore, he can be at ease.

“Not at all. I’ll be there in 20 minutes. I look forward to meeting you, Agent Hotchner”. You don’t wait for a response, you can tell there’s fumes of confusion emanating from the phone, but you hang up before even your brain catches up with your mouth. Your sister bursts out laughing.

“What was that about?!” she asks playfully, still laughing.

“Shut up” you tell her, equally playful, fixing your makeup and grabbing your purse before heading out the door and driving to the precinct.

“Go. Go meet the hot FBI agent” your sister keeps laughing.

When you arrive, who appears to be the officer you talked to earlier, guides you towards one of the cubicles, where Agent Hotchner is already waiting for you.

“Ms. (Y/L/N)” he stands up to shake your hand. Maybe it’s a delusion, but you think, even if it is for a split second, that his eyes linger briefly on you.

“Please, (Y/N) is fine” you assure with a suggestive smile, which you’re not sure if he catches (oh, but he does, even if you don’t know it).

“I’ll leave you to it” the officer tells him with a swift nod which he returns, and gets out of the small cubicle.

“Nice to finally meet you. I’m SSA Aaron Hotchner. We spoke on the phone” he reminds you (as if you needed reminding), indicating for you to sit down and following after you. You can’t help but notice the ‘finally’ in his first sentence. He looks deadly serious, but his words? Not so much.

“Well, Aaron, did we speak on the phone? I can’t remember. Oh wait, yes, you’re the hot FBI agent I saw on tv” you flirt, lightly inclining yourself towards him. There’s not much room in the cubicle, so your actions are fairly noticeable. There’s a mild tug at the corner of his lips, but he stays in character. You can tell he’s in his federal agent, work mode.

“You said you had some information you wanted to share with me?”. Me. Not ‘us’.

“Yes. I bartend at the bar the guy you found last night was. The one next to the woods?” you decide to play along his game first: answer all his questions regarding the case, then flirt.

“He was one of your customers?”

“Yes. Not a regular one though. I’ve just seen him a couple of times”.

You explain the whole situation to him, the full scene as well as you can remember it.

“How did you know the pair of shoes belonged to him?” he reaches the end of his questions, it seems to you as if this last question is more out of curiosity than anything.

“The guy hit on me the first time he was there, as they all do, but with that stupid neon red pair of sneakers? Please. I’d recognize them anywhere”. Agent Hotchner suppresses a snicker.

At this point, there’s little to no space between the two of you, the cubicle is so small you’re surprised they could fit two people in here.

“Sorry about the lack of space. The conference room, interrogation room, and practically all the other rooms are entirely occupied. With the case and all” he apologizes looking directly in your eyes, deviating his gaze just once to your lips. You lick them and bite the lower one, and he notices.

“I’m not complaining” you tell him, leaning even closer, now there’s merely a couple inches separating your lips from his. He lets out a hitched breath.

“Well, if, you think of anything else that might be useful, I’ll give you my card with my personal information on it” he says, but can’t bring himself to stand up. You lick your lips once again and put one of your hands on his knee. Hotchner panics silently, but still can’t bring himself to stop you, he quickly scans the surroundings to be sure no one’s nor watching nor hearing.

“Oh, I can think of a few ways I can make myself useful”. You finally lean in what’s rest of the space between the two of you, collapsing your lips together, maintaining the kiss passionate but silent, the hand you have on his knee lightly squeezing it and traveling slightly up. Aaron places his hands on your hips but breaks the kiss moments after and stands up. He takes one of his cards out of his suit pocket, writes something fast on it, and hands it to you.

“Well, (Y/N), thank you for coming. If you think of anything else. Do not hesitate on calling, have a nice day”. He speaks a bit louder than earlier. You’re guessing, so most people can hear and don’t suspect anything funny happened. He gives you a small nod and turns around, walking outside the cubicle, heading where his team is. You stay perplexed for a few seconds, until your eyes come down to the card he just gave you and spot his personal phone, the name of the hotel they’re all staying in and his room number. You bite your tongue so you don’t scream in delight. When you calm down, you go out of the cubicle to the exit. Agent Hotchner and you catch a glimpse of each other. He gives you a small, mischievous smile when you wink at him and head out of the precinct. Aaron lets out a deep breath and shakes his head in disbelief, proceeding to walk to the conference room, reuniting with Derek, Reid and Rossi.

“That took longer than expected. Everything okay?” Morgan questions his boss as he enters. The three of them, Derek, Reid and Rossi exchange glances but say nothing.

“Yes. Everything’s fine. What else do we have here?” Hotch says, disguising his excitement.

MASTERLIST

[theflagscene]

I find this scene in episode six very interesting, it was very minimal but I think it said kind of a lot.

Yai is doing his damndest to convince Tharn to take a chance on a relationship with Phaya, so of course good ole doctor snakey shows up. Only he doesn’t spare a passing glance at Yai and it seems like Yai doesn’t realize the other man is there, even after another person has drawn him away from Tharn and his brooding stare.

The only time Yai has ever even acknowledged the existence of Chalothon was to Phaya in episode three, to reassure him that Tharn hadn’t just been snatched away from him by some random stranger. And that’s it, that’s all Yai has to say about that. He says that they’ve known Chalothon since they were kids, okay, so let’s break that down.

One can assume that the night Phaya drowned when they were kids, the third boy was Chalothon, right? He lures them away to the Naga festival with firecrackers and food, yet when Phaya is in fact being called into the water, sees the Naga’s green eyes and starts to drown, the third boy isn’t with Tharn and Yai. The next time you see Tharn, he’s just with Yai and the third boy, who we’re just going to assume is Chalothon, isn’t there with them. He shows back up with sweets for both boys - none for himself - after Phaya is already dying in the river.

When Tharn claims to have gotten a sign about a boy drowning, Yai laughs at him and the third (Chalothon) is quick to agree and attempts to drag the two away. That is until they hear Phaya’s auntie crying for help, which is when both Tharn and Yai take off, Chalothon following close behind. He’s playing the long con, this is their 4th incarnation (sorry for the spoilers if you didn’t know that) Which means snakey boy has failed to get Tharn to return with him to the Naga kingdom three times already, not including the first time he lost them to King Garuda. He has learned, he knows he can’t push, he needs to bide his time, but he also has to steer clear of Luangpor. Guess who is never seen anywhere near the all knowing monk? Yeah, the third boy, the other witness and sort of hero that ‘helped’ save Phaya that night. He doesn’t show up when Tharn, Yai, Phaya and their aunties speak with the revered monk the next day.

I think that Chalothon is using some witchery to insert himself into the good graces of the people in Tharn’s life when needed, but otherwise they don’t actually realize he’s there. Like he’s purposely blocking Yai from interacting with him because Yai is that annoying older brother who would tell Tharn; dude that doctor guy is sus as hell!

To Yai he’s made a memory of himself like an old childhood friend, but otherwise Yai is none the wiser to him. He already has Tharn’s trust implicitly, not only as his long time friend but as a medical professional. Chalothon has been manipulating and gaslighting Tharn for - one can assume - most of his adult life. Using mental health and basically the fear of being insane to keep Tharn controlled, and it was going so well too, until Phaya showed back up in his life.

Hot-headed, knuckled brain Phaya who’s both bark and bite. He already has his memories as King Garuda trickling back in, probably faster than Chalothon expected. And it quickly became clear that while Chalothon might have been able to cause descension in the ranks using simple medical jargon and the fear of being labeled as mentally unstable, Phaya and Tharn reconnecting has already awoken their powers, not to mention that their memories are returning as lightning speed. Think in episode five when Phaya grabs Chalothon’s shoulder and burns him, he just does it instinctually, without even trying. Not only that, but the mark left behind is in the shape of talons. Phaya is becoming too strong and Yai is pushing Tharn closer toward him, even offering himself up as protection, sacrifice, one might say.

Chalothon has no need for Yai anymore, subtly is no longer the name of the game. And while he might be willing to wait yet another lifetime to try again, that doesn’t mean Chalothon wants to. But he has made it clear that he will kill Tharn and start all over if his hand is forced and since Yai is firmly committed to keeping Phaya and Tharn together, well… I’m thinking he might have just moved himself higher up ole doctor snakey’s list of very expendable people.



[woefully-undercaffeinated]

What to do when something illegal happens at work

When your boss does something illegal at work, it's common to freeze up because you're not sure what to do. Here are a few tips for how to handle those situations during and after:

While it is happening:

Keep yourself safe. In the moment, your first priority is always to keep yourself and others from physical harm and out of danger as much as possible. If any other advice I give you conflicts with that, your safety takes priority.

Make sure you know where you are. If you think your safety might be at risk, getting your bearings can be critically important. Take note of potential exit routes, hazards, the flow of traffic (both vehicle and foot traffic), cameras, and any safe areas you know of. Later, knowledge of your exact location may be very important in reconstructing events.

Check the time. Knowing exactly when something happened, and how long it took, will be extremely valuable.

Look around for witnesses, and try to bring some over if possible. Witnesses will both reduce the likelihood of more outrageous behavior and help you to take action afterwards. Do your best to remember who was there.

Say "please let me finish" every time you're interrupted, and count the number of times it happened. Bullies love to interrupt people at the first sign of disagreement, and then later they'll claim that nobody disagreed with them when instead nobody could get in a word edgewise. Saying "please let me finish" calls out the fact that they were interrupting, and a count of the times you were interrupted will help you protect yourself from being misinterpreted later.

Avoid agreeing to anything or signing anything if possible. You have the right to review any document that you're asked to sign, which usually includes taking the document and having it examined by an attorney. If you're being threatened with serious consequences if you don't sign immediately, write "signed under duress". If they're asking for a verbal agreement, try to get them to accept a "let me think about it/check my to-do list/etc" rather than a hard "yes". Even if the thing you'd be agreeing to is something you're okay with, it's still important not to agree to things when you don't feel like you're allowed to say "no"; in stressful situations, our judgment can be seriously compromised, and allowing yourself to be bullied into saying "yes" will set a bad precedent for further interactions.

After it's over, as soon as you're in a safe place:

Complete the WTWFU checklist

Send a follow-up email summarizing your understanding of what was communicated. It can be as simple as "just to ensure we understood each other, what I got was that you were telling me/us that [we'll be disciplined if we discuss our wages/contacting a union is a fireable offense/our pay will be docked if anyone submits a complaint to OSHA/etc], is that correct?". If there is information that protects you, such as a health condition or pregnancy you need accommodation for or a prior agreement that is being violated, include it in your email even if the company already knows. CC HR and any coworkers who were present and BCC your personal email*. Forward any responses to your personal email as well*.

Rescind any agreements you made. Either in the same email as step #2 or in a separate email, depending on what you think is appropriate, say "I didn't feel like I could safely say 'no' in that situation, so I'd like to rescind my earlier agreement until I've had some time to reconsider." If it's something you think you'd have otherwise agreed to, try to offer a time frame for an actual decision. CC HR and BCC your personal email*.

Collect any evidence you can, and make note of any evidence that exists but isn't accessible to you. This includes emails about the issue, any photos that were already taken or that you can safely and legally take,

If something illegal was done or hinted at, contact the applicable regulatory agency as soon as possible with all of the information above.

Consider arranging a consult with an employment law attorney -- consults aren't the same as retainers, they're considerably cheaper (or sometimes free, depending on your income and the possibility of a lawsuit) and can either turn into ongoing representation or just be a one-time service.

* Don't include information that you have a legitimate duty to safeguard, such as customer data, protected health information, or non-public market-affecting information. This does not include any information pertaining to working conditions, your compensation, regulatory compliance, or workplace safety -- the company isn't allowed to demand that you keep those a secret. Either try to get the point across without including the specific information that's being safeguarded, or censor it by replacing it with two underscores per replacement with generic descreptors as necessary (i.e. 'I have safety concerns about the release of our secret robotics project on January 10' becomes 'I have safety concerns about the release of our __[project]__ on __[date]__').

[dr-spencer-reids-queen]

Minimal Loss: Final Part

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~1.6k

Summary: You and Spencer go undercover to a ranch that is run by a man who thinks he’s God. When you and Spencer are trapped there, you will do anything to protect him, even if it means putting yourself in danger.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them. If you’ve seen the show, then it’s the same level of angst unless otherwise stated

x

"Those of you that are standing, please collect your belongings and report to the front hallway immediately." Everyone who was called does as they're told, and they are released immediately. Now, all that's left are the true believers. When Rossi sees them leave, he calls Ben to thank him. "We will surrender tomorrow at noon. I want the press there to ensure that we're treated fairly. We'll discuss the details in our 7:00 AM call. I'll see you then, Dave."

"I look forward to it."

"Oh, one more thing. Could you send some food in?"

"Sure. What would you like?"

"Fried chicken and all the fixin's."

"You got it."

"I don't understand. Why did you let them go?" Chris asks once Ben hangs up.

"They weren't prepared to do what needs to be done," Spencer answers, but that angers Chris.

"You're not one of us. You don't know what it takes to be prepared!"

"Listen to him," Ben says calmly. "Tell him."

"They failed the test. They had a chance to prove their faith when Cyrus told them that they'd sacrifice themselves for God. Instead, they showed they weren't worthy. That's why he wants the media to bear witness to your true final act of sacrifice."

"How do you know that?"

"I'm always looking for signs of things to come."

Spencer knows Rossi can hear him talk, and he knows exactly what Spencer means.

"Reid's talking to us," Rossi states. "He wants a sign when we're coming in. He's telling us this is it. Time has run out. We've got to go in."

A large amount of food is brought in so that Rossi can bring it to Ben. His first thought is to drug it, but that won't work. He needs to get the message to you and Spencer about what time they are going in.

"Drugging the food is not an option because of the children. We have to go in," Hotch says.

"The best time to hit them is when they're least mentally prepared. Their biorhythm cycle is at its lowest at 3:00 am."

"We need a diversion. Something that plays into his expectations," Derek says.

"Whatever we're doing, the plan depends on Reid and Y/N separating the diehards from the followers, and delaying Cyrus's diehards from reacting to our assault," Rossi says.

"That's not my main concern. Reid and Y/N know what they need to do. My main concern is letting them know when we're coming. The whole thing hinges on them being ready for us at 3:00 am."

Instead of drugging the food, everyone plants tiny bugs inside the food that's small enough not to be noticed when or if eaten. The food takes some time to prepare, and it's after the sun goes down that they start to bring it in. You're lying in bed with your hands tied to the bedposts.

There are bugs everywhere, so you know if you start talking, they might be able to hear you. You lift your leg and reach out towards the blinds on the window. You fit your foot in between the blind and wiggle it just in case they are watching.

"If you guys can hear me, I know you're coming. I can try to get the women and children down to the tunnel, but I need to know when you're coming."

You repeat this phrase three times before you get something from them. Something shines on the wall, a red dot. Whoever is doing this has a laser pointed to the wall.

"Okay, I see you. What time are you coming?"

The red dot flashes three times on the wall, and since it's nighttime, you can only assume that they're coming at 3:00 am and not 3:00 pm.

"3:00 am?" you ask, and the red dot moves up and down as if the person is nodding. "Understood. Spencer is on the first floor somewhere with Ben. Please remember there are children here." You can hear someone walking down the hall, and you quickly move your leg back down. "Someone's coming."

Kathy comes into the room with a glass of water, and you lift her head as she helps you drink it. You're grateful for her kindness, but you need to get out of here.

"Kathy, Ben is planning a mass suicide. I know you made the 911 call."

"This is all my fault," she sighs. "None of this would have happened if I hadn't made that call."

"You were trying to protect your daughter."

"There were other girls before Jessie. He would marry them in secret, and after a while, he'd take another. We weren't permitted to speak of it, so when she asked for my consent, I wanted to just take her and run. I was afraid she wouldn't leave him."

"You wanted us to take her?"

"I wanted to save her from Cyrus."

You have to trust her because she is the only one here who can help you and your team out.

"I can give you another chance. The FBI is coming here at 3:00 am. I need you to gather Jessica, the kids, and the other women. Get them into the basement just before 3:00 am."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I have faith that you are a strong enough woman to do the right thing for Jessica."

She quickly leaves, but you can feel her doubts for you. You groan in frustration and bang your head on the pillow. Did you make a mistake by telling her? You hope not. Minutes later, she comes back with a worried look on her face. She starts to untie you as quickly as she can.

"You were right. They're setting the place to blow up. I told Jessie that Cyrus wants her to gather the women and children."

"Where is the man I came in with?"

"He's in the chapel with Cyrus. It's 2:45 though. We gotta hurry."

There is no time to get Spencer right now, and Hotch would kill you if you chose him over saving everyone else. You two leave the bedroom and escape down to the basement where Jessica and the others are. She doesn't question it since she thinks Ben wants her to do this.

"Come on, right through here," you whisper and guide them into the back of the basement where the tunnels start.

That's where your team is going to come from. Fifteen minutes later, Derek, Rossi, Emily, and the tactical team come rushing in with guns raised. Derek sees you and immediately rushes over to you.

"Y/N, are you okay?"

"They've wired explosives. They're going to blow the place up."

"Come on, everyone. Let's go this way," Kathy says.

"Where's Reid?"

"He's in the chapel with Ben."

"We gotta get you out of here," Rossi says and grabs your arm.

"No," you panic. "I need to get Spencer. He's still in there. Please, it's not safe up there!"

You try to get out of Rossi's grip, but Derek stands in front of you to block your way.

"Y/N, I will get your boyfriend, okay? Get out of here. Get to safety."

"Cyrus didn't call for this," Jessica cries to her mother. "You lied to me!"

"No, Cyrus lied to you, honey."

"He's my husband!"

Jessica dodges everyone's attempts at keeping her here, and she rushes back into the church. Kathy screams out for her and tries to go after her, but Derek stops her as well.

"No! I will get her for you. Rossi, get them out of here. Torre, get your boys. Let's do this now."

Rossi and Kathy get all the women and children as Derek, Emily, Dan and his team rush up the stairs into the chapel. You have no choice but to leave Spencer and pray that he finds Spencer in time. Everyone files out of the chapel where Hotch, JJ, and the other team are waiting to collect them.

You turn back towards the chapel, but Rossi doesn't let go of your arm. He can't have you running back in there to save Spencer. Five minutes have passed, but it's the longest five minutes in the world. You have no clue what is happening inside the church, and unfortunately, you're about to.

You're this close to going inside of it yourself when the entire building explodes. You scream out for Spencer and jump into action, but Rossi wraps an arm around your waist to prevent you from running into the fire.

"No! Spencer!" you scream and cry. "Let me go! I have to find him!"

Just when you think you've lost the love of your life, you see two people emerge from the smoke. You shove Rossi off you and run over to Derek and Spencer who are coughing from the smoke. You run right into their arms with tears streaming down your face.

"We're okay," Derek coughs.

You let go of him, but pull Spencer closer to you. You have your arms wrapped around his neck and your face is buried into the side of it.

"I think all the kids are out," Hotch says.

"Where's Jessie?" Rossi asks, but all Derek can do is shake his head.

Jessica is dead as well as Cyrus, but all you can think about is Spencer and the fact that he is okay.

Spencer is safe. Spencer is okay. He's safe. You're okay.

The plane ride home is tense. Everyone wants to rest, but you and Spencer are sitting away from everyone else. He is dabbing some medicine onto your face, making sure to take care of you.

"Never do that again," he whispers.

"I need you to listen to me." You move his hands so you can look into his eyes. "It was my decision, Spencer. What Cyrus did to me was not your fault. I'd do it again if it means you're safe because that's what I do for the people I love. It was my choice, and I stand by that choice."

"I love you."

You lean up and kiss him slowly but passionately. Resting doesn't seem like a bad idea, and you pull away from his lips only to rest your head on his shoulder. He kisses the top of your head before resting his head on top of yours.

"Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it." - Ayn Rand

x

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[use-your-telescope]

When Everything's Made to be Broken - Chapter 5: I'm Looking for a Sign

Summary: Theo begins the onboarding process for becoming an Avenger, and finds some time to sneak away.

Author's Notes: Sorry this is so late in the day! It has been a hectic weekend. This chapter (and the next) really focus on Theo, so there isn't much Loki... but he will be back soon!

If you enjoy, please reblog!! I'm a lil' blog (less than 100 followers, haha) and reblogs really help me out <3 Also, feel free to send me a message or comment if you want to be added to the tag list.

Next chapter should be coming November 12th!

Content Warnings: Canon-typical fighting (there's a training session).

Word Count: 5,525

Read on AO3 | When Everything's Made to be Broken Masterlist

Song: Good to Be Alive - PVRIS

Learning how to swim but the lands are dry Feeling like a shark, If I stop I'll die Things are lit and the blood's on fire Underneath the buzz of the telephone wire All my friends are doing fine While I’m looking for a sign Is this body even mine? Feels good to be alive but I hate my life

Onboarding with the Avengers was akin to drinking from a firehose.

Every waking moment was full - between orientation at the SHIELD Hospital, procedural trainings, mission briefings, and combat simulations, Theo hardly had a moment to breathe, much less think.

Either way, Theo had no interest in showing that the rapid pace was throwing her off her game. Instead, she bit her tongue and kept her wits about her, vigilant for even the slightest indication that something was amiss. Theo wouldn’t speak unless spoken to, and if spoken to she gave the impression of polite compliance - now that she was in the thick of things, stirring the pot would only make it harder to get this over with.

However, there was one element which she protested… Despite her insistence otherwise, part of Theo’s onboarding required being equipped with new armor. 

She hadn’t needed armor before, so it seemed silly. If anything, she needed clothes that let her move freely and without detection. However, Fury insisted that Theo needed additional protection in the event that her magic wasn’t enough. The result was Theo, standing in Tony Stark’s lab, regretting every decision that led her to that moment as the overly smug engineer combed over her appearance with a shit eating grin.

“So, Rapunzel-” Tony leaned back against a table in his lab, crossing his arms. “I hear you need some armor.”

“That depends on who you ask.” Theo’s eyes scanned the room as she crossed her arms, leaning her weight on one foot. “Fury sure thinks so. I’m not convinced.”

It seemed like a standard engineering lab. A mixture of concrete, steel, and glass surrounded them, while harsh lights glared down from above. Scattered around the lab were more computers and machines than anyone knew what to do with, and various employees mulling about as they worked on assorted tasks. One person sautered metal, while another ran tests on what Theo could only assume was the newest rendition of Tony’s infamous suit. Clattering keys, clanking metal, and multiple beeps echoed throughout the sterile space. A metallic smell, tinged with chemicals and burning filled the air.

“Well, that’s where I come in.” Tony winked, picking up some kind of glass tablet and waving it at her. “If you ask nicely, I might even let you customize it.” 

Theo rolled her eyes. “Asking you nicely sounds like too much work.”

“Don’t listen to him.” A woman appeared from around the corner, walking up to the pair with a swagger and a blinding smile that contrasted her umber skin. Her braided hair was twisted up into space buns, which combined with her brightly colored outfit made it painfully obvious just who Theo was speaking to. “I’ll make you better armor, and I’ll let you add whatever features you want without having to ask.” 

Shuri Udaku, the princess of Wakanda. 

For the first time that Theo could remember, she was, officially, starstruck.

“We haven’t officially met…” Theo offered a wry smile and nod to the princess, doing her best to keep her cool.

“I’m Shuri, princess of Wakanda and head of the Wakandan Design Group.” She stuck a hand out to shake, smiling brightly with just a hint of something amusing in her eyes. “Colonizing gave him a big ego, but what he would make is nothing compared to what I can make you.”

Theo couldn’t stifle the laugh that bubbled out of her from the dig at Tony.

“Oh, I like you. I’m Theo.” She took Shuri’s hand, offering a firm shake while praying her hands weren’t too sweaty.

Tony pouted, giving Shuri a dirty look; Shuri smirked at him.

“So what does this armor making process entail?” Theo glanced between the pair, waiting for further instruction.

“First, we’ll have you spar with one of our guys; get a sense for your style. From there, we’ll draw up a base set. You’ll give it a trial run, push the boundaries so we can see what works and what needs adjusting.” Tony explained, watching Theo as she continued observing her surroundings. “Then, we’ll make a final version.”

“Okay…” Given Shuri’s comments on building better armor, Theo suspected Shuri wasn’t her partner. Then again, it didn’t look like anyone there was ready to practice fighting - certainly none of the lab staff, who all but ignored Theo’s presence. Maybe she would be fighting Tony or one of his robots? 

“Okay what?” Tony tapped on the tablet a few times.

“Am I sparring now?” Theo raised her eyebrows at him expectantly as she shrugged, glancing around the room. “I don’t see anyone who looks like they’re ready to fight, much less a space to fight in. Unless you want me to break your equipment, which is probably pretty expensive… Then again, you’re the Avengers’ Sugar Daddy. It’s probably pocket change for you to replace these.”

Shuri snorted at Theo’s comment.

“You’re not fighting here.” Tony rolled his eyes, pressing away from the table and gesturing for Theo to follow. “We have a training lab. Your partner will meet you there.”  

That explained why she was told to come to the lab in clothes she could exercise in. Theo trailed behind, almost having to jog in order to keep up with Tony. “Who am I sparring against?”

Tony stopped in front of a door, pressing some sort of code into a keypad on the wall. The door hissed as it slid open, revealing none other than Captain America himself. 

Oh shit.

Steve smiled, waving to the trio as they entered. Theo, on the other hand, froze in place, her stomach dropping into her feet. Couldn’t they have picked someone with magic, at least? 

“He’ll go easy on you to start.” Tony winked, turning to lead them into another room. 

Theo’s face must have betrayed her reaction - this was not going to go well, but not for the reason Tony Stark thought. 

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Theo gulped, eyes darting between the others.

“We’ll start simple.” Steve reassured her, following along with the group.

Fury must have held back on explaining Theo’s abilities if he was so calm about their impending duel.

The room that Tony brought them to was empty, save for a collection of cameras around the room and a table filled with sheets of stickers, each no larger than a pea. Mats covered the floor, presumably so that anyone who went down fighting was less likely to be hurt. 

Cute, but a few mats weren’t going to be much help when it came to fighting a mage.

“So, how this works: the cameras will track your motion.” After gesturing to cameras around the room, Tony held up a sheet of stickers. ”These will be stuck to you so we can get a sense of your movements. You fight, then we use the data to design your gear.” 

The thought of sensors stuck all over her body made her cringe. Of the many roles she expected to fill, lab rat was not one of them.

Fury fucking owed her for this. 

“Oh joy...” Theo sighed, resigning herself to her fate. “Fine, let’s do this.”

Shuri brushed past Tony, grabbing the sensors. “I will handle this - I have just the touch.” She smirked at Theo. As she began to place the sensors, she leaned into Theo and whispered, “Kick his ass - I can fix broken white boys.” 

Yes, Shuri was her kind of person.

Theo snickered, but held still so Shuri could continue placing sensors. Shuri made quick work of the task, her touch gentle but firm as she secured each device to Theo’s skin.

Once all the sensors were in place, they were ready to begin. 

“In the interest of full disclosure, I’ve never ‘just sparred’ before.” Theo spoke up, circling around Steve. 

She absolutely had sparred before - hundreds of times. But this way, if she accidentally went too far, she had an excuse. Besides, Steve didn’t have magic, and only fought with a shield.

Really, this was not a fair fight.

“I’m durable, don’t worry.” Steve offered a charming smile. “I can do this all day.”

Theo shook her head, gesturing with one hand to conjure her weapon. Runes slid down her arm, twisting around each other in the air until a blade of shadow appeared in her hand. “I’ve dulled my weapon so it’s not going to slice you open, at least.”

“Awfully kind,” Steve winked, lowering himself into a ready stance. “Ladies first.”

Well, here goes nothing.

Theo took a deep breath, stepping forward and offering the first swing. 

Steve leapt back, darting forward to attempt a blow of his own. 

Theo nimbly jumped to the side, swinging her blade down and landing clean on Steve’s back.

As Steve was knocked to the ground he spun around, attempting to kick out Theo’s feet from beneath her.

Theo leapt over his kick, pressing forward to a somersault in time to pop up and block a punch, taking another swing with her blade.

The two fell into a rhythm of trading blows. Steve certainly had his merits as a fighter - if they were in hand-to-hand combat, he easily could have kicked her ass. But this wasn’t hand to hand combat - Theo had her weapon to give her some distance, and if nothing else she was damn good at dodging anything and everything that attempted to hurt or kill her.

If this was all that was involved, she could do this all day… Well, as long as her lungs held up okay. 

“Are you going to use any of your magic?” Steve grunted, dodging a blow from Theo as he kicked at her.

“I try to only use it against other magic users.” Theo replied, bringing her blade down to block the kick. 

As if he took Theo’s response as a challenge, Steve picked up the pace. Still, Theo had yet to break a sweat. What she lacked in brute strength, she more than made up for in endurance and agility. 

The sensation of being watched by someone new led Theo to do a scan of her surroundings as she blocked a punch from Steve. 

Her instinct was spot on - not just one person, but three new people. Maybe it was a bit of ego, or a flair for the dramatic, but if there was a larger audience… Well, Theo could show off a little bit and it wouldn’t hurt anyone. 

“It seems we have an audience…” Theo commented, tumbling backwards before teleporting behind Steve and hitting him from behind.

“I thought you didn’t use magic against non-magic users.” Steve coughed, then spun around to find her smirking at him. 

Steve threw a punch, only to have it go right through her - it was an illusion. He frantically scanned the room again to find Theo leaning up against the wall, arms crossed as she dangled her sword from her right hand.

“Well, we have an audience.” She repeated with a wry shrug, pointing to the new arrivals with her blade. “Can’t let the new girl disappoint.”

Standing in the entrance, Wanda, Bucky, and Loki watched the two spar. Wanda appeared to be amused by the interaction; Bucky was laughing at Steve, and Loki… 

Well, Theo wasn’t sure if he was amused, unimpressed, or bored.

“Alright, so this should get interesting now, right?” Steve turned to face Theo again, straightening up and squaring his shoulders.

“Perhaps.” Theo kept a straight face as she pushed off the wall, preparing for Steve’s next move.

“Theo, remember what I said – I can fix broken white boys!” Shuri jeered.

A smirk flickered across Theo’s lips. 

Bucky doubled over, howling with laughter as Steve let out a huff.

As long as she stuck to the celestial magic, she’d be fine. 

Steve rushed towards her.

Adrenaline rushed through Theo’s veins. It had been a while since she’d really had a chance to show what she could do; the prospect of flexing her skills felt almost liberating.

No, she needed to keep it under wraps. 

Singing under her breath, a wisp of white shot through her sword. Once Theo stopped, the melody continued to reverberate from the blade, haunting yet almost impossible to hear.

Steve launched forward to throw a blow, but Theo was too quick - she spun and took him down from behind with the hilt of the sword.

“Is your sword singing?” 

“Magicians don’t reveal their secrets,” Theo winked. She jumped back, curling her fingers to gesture for Steve to come get her.

Steve rushed forward, only to find himself shocked with cosmic energy. What the-?” He froze mid-motion, dropping to the ground. “

Shit.

“I didn’t hurt you too bad, did I?” Theo dryly inquired, cocking her head to the side.

That was too strong.

“Well, it wasn’t pleasant…” Steve shook his head, staggering briefly before he returned to his feet. “It’s fine - I can do this all day.”

Yeah, that was stronger than it should have been. But why?

“Sorry, I’ll try to temper it a bit,” Theo apologized, while praying it wasn’t obvious that she used more than she intended.

“Don’t go easy on me.” Regaining his composure, Steve resumed charging at her and throwing blows. Theo took a more defensive approach, focusing solely on dodging blows instead of doing damage while she tried to figure out what made her spell so potent.

“Not to be weird, but what phase is the moon in right now?” Theo tried to make the question as casual as possible, hoping it would come off as small talk and nothing more.

“Don’t tell me you do that horoscope shit.” Tony groaned from the sideline.

“There’s nothing wrong with horoscopes, grandpa.” Theo feigned offense, but she was grateful for Tony’s ignorance as to why she might ask the question. “Besides, Astrology is more real than the stock market.”

Shuri snorted.

“It’s a new moon tonight,” Wanda answered. Theo glanced over to catch the Scarlet Witch staring at her phone, lips pursed as she studied whatever was on the screen.

Well, that explained the magic surge.

“Good to know.” Theo kept a casual tone to her voice, rhythmically moving as she dodged and parried Steve’s attacks.

They sparred for another few minutes; Theo continued to stay away from offensive spells, but occasionally threw in an illusion or teleported so they wouldn’t suspect anything. Even if she wasn’t giving them the best data to build her gear with, she wasn’t going to pull out all the stops until it was actually necessary.

Besides, she didn’t really need the armor in the first place.

“Alright Rapunzel, I think we’ve got enough data to start.” Tony announced, tapping the screen of his tablet with a flourish..

Steve dropped his offensive stance, straightening up while he caught his breath.

“Good match.” The friendly smile Steve flashed indicated that he didn’t seem too upset about being shocked.

“Likewise.” Theo returned the nod as her shadow blade vanished. 

All in all, it wasn’t the most intense workout she’d ever had, but she did get a bit sweaty and was a little out of breath. Maybe Steve was stronger than she gave him credit for. After all, he was a super soldier. 

Then again, she assumed that fighting a super soldier would require enough exertion to make her asthma flare up; given she was still breathing alright, perhaps he also went easy on her.

Whatever - she wasn’t going to dwell on the subject.

Shuri returned to help remove the sensors.

“You held back on him.” She raised an eyebrow at Theo, sending the sorceress a pointed glance before stepping behind Theo to remove the sensors on her back.

Unsure of how else to respond, Theo simply shrugged. “I don’t need to add to my body count.”

Shuri sighed, skepticism written on her features as she leaned around Theo to set the sensors on the table. Perhaps the princess had a better sense of Theo’s powers than she let on. “I told you, I can fix broken white boys.” 

Yeah, but she couldn’t fix a pile of dust.

“I don’t think killing Captain America would be a good way to start my tenure as an Avenger…” Theo raised a challenging brow.

Shuri laughed; apparently she thought it was a joke. Theo offered a thin smile.

“One of these days I will get you down here and test you without limits so I can design you the ultimate armor.” Shuri chided, though she still smiled at the newcomer.

Theo offered a curt nod. “Maybe.”

Shuri’s expression told Theo that she took the answer as a challenge.

At the sensation of a bead of sweat trickling down her temple, Theo grabbed the hem of her t-shirt and yanked it up to dry her skin. As she dropped the fabric, she caught Loki studying her. A sense of curiosity peeked through his piercing gaze, cool green eyes glinting beneath the lights. 

Theo wondered what ran through his mind. Was he trying to figure out if she was actually a threat? Or was he more focused on where she came from?

Once the sensors were off, Theo started towards the door. She had no interest in socializing, plus she wanted nothing more than to shower and wash the sticky, gritty sweat off her skin. 

“Hey Theo, we’re about to head to dinner - do you want to come?”

Enthusiasm colored Wanda’s voice; when Theo turned to face the witch she found Wanda smiling hesitantly, hands shoved in the pockets of her hoodie.

“I appreciate the offer, but I think I’m going to pass,” Theo feigned an interest in the invite, even as she turned it down. “I’m still getting settled in and all.” 

A pang of guilt shot up in Theo at the sight of Wanda’s falling face. She could empathize with the pain of rejection; there were countless times when Theo was a little girl when she asked Rae to play with her, but Rae would decline because she was busy with lessons and far too old to play games. Back then, Theo was too small to understand why, but she could still feel how her chest would twist from being turned down. 

This, however, was different. Between the appearances at her show, the game, and the invites to hang out, it was obvious that Wanda had ulterior motives. After all, Theo was there when Fury told the Avengers that their mission was to get Theo to stay - and what better way to rope her in than to try and be her friend?

Rather than dwell on the matter, she offered a small wave and hurried out of the lab.

This could not be over fast enough.

Lost big dreams that I really don't need Everything I love is gonna find a way to leave Got good friends that I never can see Always on the run while my plans are free I been staying up all night Shaking needles out my spine But the doctor says I'm fine Feels good to be alive but I hate my life

Living on-site was a non-negotiable of the deal (much to Theo’s dismay), but she had to admit it was convenient - she never had to worry about shit going down on the subway when her workplace was an elevator ride away. 

Regardless of where she actually lived, there was one thing she needed to do before anything else: set up a portal to her Mémère’s house. The ritual of creating one long-term portal was tedious, but once set up the long-term portal’s convenience far outweighed the nuisance. Theo visited the family’s matriarch often enough that having a travel method faster than public transit was a necessity, especially with the distance between them. After all, it wasn’t like she had the time to fly back and forth between northern Michigan and New York every weekend.

Creating the portal wasn’t hard; the big challenge was figuring out where to put it. She didn’t want it in her bedroom, since Mémère and Max occasionally used the portals she set up to come visit and the last thing she needed was for them to walk in on her in any number of compromising positions. However, she didn’t want to set it in a location where people would question why she had a misty oval in her wall. After an unnecessary amount of debate, she opted to place it along one of the walls in her main room and take advantage of some well-placed curtains to hide the addition.

With the portal in place, it was time for a field trip.

The crisp air of northern Michigan was a far cry from New York’s heavy, thick skies. It was easier to breathe - not just because there was a lot less pollution, which was notable for someone like Theo, whose lungs were sensitive to smog - but because the nearly silent, still world around her made it easier for the tension to melt from her shoulders and to relax with each inhale and exhale. Michigan was the opposite of New York City, a constantly bustling metropolis where it was all too easy to get lost in the shuffle. 

Theo stepped through the portal to find herself in her grandmother’s equipment shed. That was intentional - no one would think to look there for a portal. Weaving between the farm equipment, she pushed the worn wooden door open and stepped outside. 

Around her, the evergreens that towered above swayed in the breeze, wind whispering through the branches. In front of her stood the farmhouse, with white weathered siding, wide windows, and a wraparound porch that Theo had spent countless nights sitting on. To her left, a worn path led from the porch down to a small beach with a dock, while the waves of Lake Superior lapped up on the shore. She didn’t have to look behind her to know an old, worn out barn stood in its same place, though it had been years since any animals were kept inside.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted two vehicles parked along the dirt drive - a red pickup truck and a green subaru outback.

Max must have been visiting.

Theo crossed the distance and ascended onto the porch, approached the front door, gripped the worn brass door knob and turned the handle, pushing her way inside.

“Hello?” Poking her head inside, Theo glanced around the living room to find it empty. She stepped inside, closed the door, and toed off her shoes. The sound of clattering dishes echoed from the kitchen, while two voices floated above in animated conversation.

“Ah, my bichette!” A raspy voice called out, followed by the shuffling of feet. Just before Theo reached the hallway, a petite elderly woman appeared. 

Mémère had seen more than her fair share of life in her many years on Earth, and it showed. Her tan, papery skin held deep wrinkles and age spots dotted themselves across her cheeks and forehead. In the almost fifteen years since Theo had left for college, the matriarch of the Durand family had aged considerably - every time Theo saw her, she swore that Mémère shrunk another inch. Mémère moved considerably slower than in the past, undoubtedly her advanced age catching up to her. Still, she had a bright spark in her amber eyes and a sharp wit that could not be deterred. 

“Hi Mémère,” Theo greeted, embracing her grandmother. Though it had only been a week or so since they’d last been together, it seemed like the elderly woman’s bones were even more prominent, jutting into Theo’s flesh as they hugged. “I saw Max’s car outside - is he here too?”

“Of course I am.” Max appeared over Mémère’s shoulder, arching an eyebrow at his older cousin. “One of us has to keep things in order while you’re off playing superhero.”

“Oh come on, it’s not like–”

“Now now, I do not need you two squabbling to take up my Saturday,” Mémère said, pointedly glaring at the cousins before gesturing for everyone to enter the kitchen. “You both are doing wonderful things, and I’m happy to have you both home. I’ll put some coffee on and we can all catch up. Leenie, have you had lunch? I don’t have many options at the moment, but I can make sandwiches.”

“You’re not going to ask if I’ve had lunch?” Max scoffed, to which Mémère rolled her eyes. 

“My caneton, you’ve been here all morning. I know you haven’t had lunch.”

“Sandwich sounds lovely.” Theo answered, trying not to laugh at Max’s feigned offense.

As they stepped into the kitchen, everything was familiar - the same butcher block countertops, the same painted cabinets. Holiday cards were stuck to the fridge with magnets, and a picture of Theo at her college graduation still hung on the door. Things were so much simpler then.

“So, tell us all about your first days as an Avenger - are you settling in? Have you made any friends?” Mémère gave her a knowing wink, making her way to grab sandwich meat and cheese from the fridge. Theo retrieved plates out of the cabinet, setting them on the counter. 

Theo couldn’t stop herself from laughing at Mémère’s questions. “I’m not really there to make friends, Mémère.”

“No, but you have to live and work with them.” Even if she moved a bit slower than she did ten years ago, Mémère was still sharp enough to pick up on Theo’s unspoken hesitations. “You’d be smart to befriend them, or you may be miserable for the foreseeable future.” 

Sure, Mémère was probably right, but Theo was not about to admit that aloud.

“How are you handling things out here?” Theo changed the subject. “The shed looks like it’s seen better days.”

“Oh, things are fine - Max comes by almost daily to help with things around the farm; he also helps with running errands and such.” Mémère waved a hand dismissively, while Max gave Theo a shit eating grin. “Father Tim - you remember him - he’s also around a lot to help with things.”

Surprisingly, Max did not interject with some snarky comment.

Theo nodded. “And you’ve been okay, health-wise?”

Mémère smiled, though Theo picked up a hint of sadness in her eyes. “I’m fine, bichette. Still kicking. Still here to tease you endlessly.”

Theo laughed softly, shaking her head. “I can’t imagine you doing anything else...”

A silence fell in the room as the final condiments were set out on the countertop.

“This is less fancy than the restaurants you probably go to in New York, but hopefully it still tastes good.” Mémère joked, gesturing to the spread of sandwich toppings. “I’ll let you build your own, so it’s just how you want.”

Theo laughed. “Just because I agreed to join the Avengers doesn’t mean I now scoff at a sandwich.”

While Theo and Max put their sandwiches together, Mémère made sure they each had a cup of coffee poured and at the table. Once the trio assembled their meals, they each took their regular chairs at the kitchen table.

“What have you done so far?”

“Nothing exciting, really.” Theo palmed the ceramic mug in front of her, eyes following the curls of steam as they floated upward. “A lot of onboarding crap. I was supposed to spar with Captain America and that was, uh, interesting. Next week I’m supposed to start doing interviews and shit, but I don’t really get why I’d waste my time with those when I have actual work to do.”

“Told you, playing superhero.” Max interjected, to which Theo scowled.

“I don’t think it’s a waste.” Mémère mused. “Now the world can learn of your gifts. You’ve spent far too long trying to conceal them.”

Mémère always thought the best of Theo, and that went for her magic as well. Despite disagreeing, Theo gave up on trying to convince her otherwise a long time ago.

“Are they gifts?” Theo pondered, studying the barn through the window panes. “There are a lot of people who think they’re curses.”

“They are what you choose to make them.” Mémère reminded her granddaughter. “You’ve chosen to make them gifts, to use them to help people.”

Theo nodded, though she didn’t entirely agree with Mémère’s assessment. She knew Max probably didn’t agree either. The council certainly didn’t.

“How’s work, Max?” Theo tried to change the subject. 

“It’s fine.” Max paused to take a bite of his sandwich. “No complaints.”

“And Ellie, Katie? How are they?”

“Good. Katie’s daycare is now preparing her to start preschool.”

Theo nearly dropped her coffee cup at the news.

“Seriously? She’s a toddler.”

“She’s three, and she’s way ahead of her developmental milestones. The staff think it’s a good idea. Ellie agrees. She’s a pediatrician, so it’s her job to know that kind of stuff.” Max shrugged as if he was completely unaffected by the prospect of his child starting preschool.

“This is what happens when two doctors have a baby, I guess.” Theo muttered to herself. 

Theo may have been the one in the Avengers, but Max was always the responsible and cautious one. It was pretty common for the council members to lament that Theo was the next in line - they claimed it was because she was a loose cannon and unpredictable; that wasn’t the real reason, but none of them would admit the truth to Theo or Mémère’s faces. Still, they weren’t wrong when they pointed out that Max was steadfast and rational. He naturally embodied the characteristics of a wise leader.

Maybe that’s why he was so pissy about her accepting the Avengers gig - until that point, Theo was the one living in Max’s shadow.

Mémère must have sensed the tension between cousins, because she took over the conversation from there. Even if things between Theo and Max were always tense, conversation with Mémère came easily. Beyond trying to catch up on what had happened in Michigan since Theo’s last visit, Mémère had plenty of her own questions about Theo’s transition to being an Avenger. 

Even if they weren’t Theo’s favorite questions, she owed Mémère real answers.

Once they finished their sandwiches, Theo stood and collected the dirty plates, bringing them to the sink so she could wash them.

“How long are you visiting for?” Mémère asked, still sitting at the table.

“Just the afternoon - figured I’d use my first moment of free time since starting to see how things were here, plus grab some stuff to bring back with me.” Theo said, letting out a sigh. “I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving, so I imagine I don’t have long before they start looking for me. They’re kind of obsessive like that.”

“Well, you know where your room is - It’s always ready, whenever you need it. Feel free to head up whenever.”

Given Theo could hardly sneak away for an afternoon, she found it hard to imagine she’d need the bed anytime soon.

Setting the last plate on the drying rack, Theo made her way upstairs. Over all the years she had been here, the whole house had barely changed - same furniture, same photos, same faded wallpaper covering the walls. Her feet carried her down the hall, almost on autopilot as she made her way to her old bedroom. Standing in front of the entrance, Theo took a deep breath, turned the knob and opened the door. 

Inside, the room was still a breath of fresh air - pale yellow walls, big windows with sheer curtains. A queen size bed with a patchwork quilt sat in one corner; one of Theo’s old guitars from when she was here before remained in another corner. Her old Van Gogh poster was still on the wall above her dresser.

Despite remaining exactly as she left it, there was no dust to be found - Mémère must have cleaned the room while she was gone.

She always kept the room ready in case Theo needed to come home.

Theo’s heart twisted at the thought. It was almost enough for her to say “fuck it” and stay – at least for one night. After all, it had been a long time since she actually visited for more than a day or two, and the Avengers needed her, not the other way around; she could make them wait.

However, her cell phone quickly reminded her that wasn’t an option.

“Anyone seen Rapunzel?” The Avengers group chat lit up.

Theo rolled her eyes, but replied anyway.  “Visiting a friend. Be back later.”

Whether she wanted to or not, Theo knew - the show must go on.

So tied up and tired of this self-inflicted fight In spite of, I light up, to leave my demons I tell myself I'm fine while I'm looking for a sign Is this body even mine? Feels good to be alive but I hate my life

[thequietmanno1]

Thelreads, MHA 279, Replies Part 1

“And the first trap is set, quicksan- I mean, quickmud to try to slow that mountain down. hopefully it will work.

hopefully.”- Ironically, despite Machia’s normal ability to ‘swim’ through land easily, this actually turns out to be the greatest trap against him, thanks to him having the additional handicap of needing to protect lives rather than destroy them for once, meaning he can’t submerge his back underground without risking the league and has to keep himself on a level surface with extra effort. Much as the League chip in to trip up his antagonisers, they’re a massive weakness for Machia at the moment that prevents him from fighting as freely as he otherwise could 2) “You know what that means… that was a high-oxygen flame source, or they are burning copper, chloride and butane. God knows what those maniacs are welding up there.”- If “High-Oxygen” means “full of hot air”, then I’d say that describes Dabi to a T, both literally and metaphorically. For all he’ll spout off long-winded monologues to buy enough time for a cooldown, the actual substance of what he’s saying is empty and meaningless if given proper scrutiny – it’s just there to tear at his opponent’s weaknesses and vulnerabilities, without actually being anything Dabi himself truly believes in. You can see his insincere double-standard with how he sounded upset at Twice’s death, but had that big- o’l grin on his face in actuality, putting up a performance that couldn’t really hide how he felt inside at witnessing Hawks’ mental anguish over what he’d had to do. 3) “Also, it is suspicious that I haven’t seen Hagakure getting ready to face Gigantomachia… I think she may be planning something, she probably is going to give away their position.”- She’s incredibly fluent in sign language, you know. She’ll probably signal to Machia through waving her arms at a distance. 4) “Only 30? for someone of his size and constitution? I want to see those calculations, because either you’re severely low-balling the amount, or this is a strong-as-fuck sedative, the sort that could’ve stopped a gorilla quickly and prevented May 28, 2016.”- (Looks at Momo dropping the backup explosives)….don’t make a joke about her dynamite chest, don’t make a joke about her dynamite chest, don’t make a- 5) “I mean, there’s also the fact his skin is likely harder than stone? That’s also a point to consider… but yeah, oral, I thought we would try nasal, but I don’t remember which kind acts faster, plus that a gas would expose the students as well and wouldn’t be as easy to give”-  Even if a prime All Might could make Machia stagger a bit with a punch, I’m uncertain if he could actually break his rocky exterior. He’s shake about his insides with the blunt force, but I think it would take multiple full-power hits to actually pierce through and make him bleed- and as far as we know, there’s no technology in the world fully capable of yet reaching the insane level of force OFA had granted All Might by his heyday. Certainly none available to the kids right now, even with Momo in their corner. 6) “okay jesus momo that is not an anesthetic then, that shit is pretty much poison”- (Looks at Machia bearing down on them)…I honestly doubt anybody would blame the kids for going overboard with the dosage and potentially lethally poisoning this guy in the line of duty. Frankly, I think it’d have to be that strong just to maybe affect him, and may possibly even need every kid to chuck their vials into his mouth all together, not just a single dose. 7) “walking mountain goes nyooon~

Hang in there Mt. Lady, your death is still coming, we still need a student to talk about you as well.”-  It’s honestly quite terrifying that, even with her best effort and Machia never having been saddled with this kind of obstacle before, it’s hard to tell if she’s even remotely succeeded in slowing his charge at all. 8) “I think if he loosens his grip even i tiny fraction you two are gonna be yanked the fuck out by the earth itself. Better not risk it Mt. lady.”- Well, he had to let go, otherwise they’d have both been drowned by the earth instead. 9) “Gigantomachia is Gigantamagone now suckers”-  Oh yes, gone….straight downwards that is, and for once, not of his own volition. 10) “HA HA! YOU FELL INTO THEIR TRAP, YOU FOOL! YOU BUFFOON!

Now open wide, here comes the airplane~ “- Machia’s due for his daily medicine, and the doctors are really insistent about him taking them regularly. 11) “Aw- look at that, he is so sad he sank into the mud ): “- Machia only wants to be helpful to others….shame it’s to a psychotic villain who wants to destroy the world, and Machia only wants to be helpful to him alone, otherwise it’d almost be admirable. 12) “Now Machia, be a good boy and say Aaahhhh~

wait what happened to Mt. Lady and kamui? Did they sank as well? Holy shit I wasn’t expecting them to die so gruesomely.”-  Mt Lady almost certainly spent a few seconds removing Kamui from the Quagmire they were both sucked into and making sure he was alive and breathing before trying to ride the Machia, hence why the kids have to try and deal with him solo for that brief window. 13) “Don’t be like that Machia, just eat this and you can get ice cream later, alright?”- “A spoonful of sugar makes the sedatives go down…” 14) “Your prospects are already slim ya dingus, if he manages to get up they stop approaching zero and actually reach it is what you mean.”- At this point, their odds are so low they it’s a matter of perspective whether they actually still exist or not, but if the kids think they’ve got a chance, then they’re going for it, the suicidal rascals. @thelreads

[maguro13-2]

Shattered Hero ~ Origins of the Ink Demon : Episode Maka Pt.23

"Flame Core Zone"

[Flame Core ~ Volcano ~ - Tomoya Ohtani, Yasutaka Kume]

Maka : So where are we going?

Moirai : To where?

Grim : At this volcanic region that is a part of the 200 year crisis. We don't know why the Solaris Incident happened in the 06? But more importantly, the fact is Flame and Darkness don't mix.

Homura Akemi : Solaris, the name of that so-called sun God or God of Time, is actually a little flame that was used for experiements. And the the Duke put the blame on humanity for it's causes! Or otherwise that the fault of Solaris's madness was the duke's fault. Soleanna had no reason to mess up 2006 and this was the company's fault.

Grim : Not surprisingly, you a relative to the ferocious Time Eater, had some orders left within you, if you could easily fix 2006's mistake, then Sonic 06 will never happened and all traces of the evidence will be wiped clean. When it comes to dimensions and timeline, The Time Stones might work in it's natural time. But one's thing for sure. That entity that killed Shinra and his people including his beloved Iris, it's actually the parent that gave birth to your powers?

Moirai : Which makes Drawcia the mother.

Maka : Drawcia?

[World of Drawcia - Jun Ishikawa]

Homura Akemi : Yes, that woman. The one who gave life to me after I was created after the Time Eater years ago. Drawcia is a witch and she owns a science company in Tokyo called Drawcia Family.

Grim : Drawcia Family, the science corporation that was founded by Drawcia the Sorceress! The same company that modeled Death the Kid after Shinra Kusakabe his grandfather. Rumor has it, they've been keeping the world alive in a secret relationship with mankind. Drawcia was the sorceress that tried turn Planet Popstar or Dreamland into a painting, a painting that she calls it "World of Darkness and Despair". But she was stopped by the heroes of Dreamland and was reincarnated into a human being that is the founder and owner of science corporation Drawcia Family. So that's how Death the Kid existed, he was created just get himself killed by Dracula's servant death and trapping his within a portrait becoming nothing more than a collection of King Boo's prisoners that led the servant to Dracula becoming Death the Kid himself in a disguise. He would get the heartless attention so that the Lying could spread even further. But if Dracula's servant signs that peace treaty to Ashley's people, Death will come out of a sheep's clothing and enslaves them forever! I cannot let that happened!

Homura Akemi : Even though, the Men of Shinra's influence that everyoned mentioned had the nerves to make everyone stubborn and keep "Truth" out the public eye in all of secrecy. And they I am right, the heroes and villains of Soul Eaters have been arrogant for a long time and are finally able to witness the eyes of truth from their very own eyes due to the efforts of these witches in law called detectives. You are the Death God Mobius, Grim the Hedgehog. You got to make someone a "real" Shinigami than that Shingami posers or they call him ruler of the cosmos. That sounded like Sailor Moon would say for a Shounen wannabe!

Grim : Ohhh! You're right. Just before as you know it, It's like that the dokeshi named Shotaro has been Shinigami this entire time and Dracula's servant ordered him to protect the devil's legacy and continue to spread the lying from Shinra Kusakabe. If Shinra and his people would able to seek the truth from us, he would make Maka and everyone sorry for how they feel about the lying.

Maka Albarn : Me? I didn't know about the "lying". I was the fool that everyone was into the lying of Shinra Kusakabe, everyone was under his influence, including the friends that I forget to meet. And now thanks to Inky she-devil, she was not the Maka Albarn everyone knew and she took it all away from me! Justice my ass, courage my ass, what part of a hero that it doesn't understand "Heroes" and their stories? Why the story of Soul World is just false? Should I become hero in a better story or not!? I never forget that the efforts of Black star, Death the Kid, and me was never combined. We never combined our efforts as heroes who wants to protect the legacy of a hero who reaches the end of his or her tale! For your information, I don't know any Black Star or Death the Kid, I never met those guys as chidlren! We would've become the perfect trio that we forged with the power of the devil's legacy! I was alone, frustrated and nothing to save the world! I destroyed everything! I am a lone girl who was never alone until I meet Makoto again one day!

[Epilogue 1 (in-game) - Hideaki Kobayashi]

Moirai Albarn : Sister. You mean don't even know who Black Star and Death the Kid are, they are the guys that you forged a trio. A trio that is team of three that shared the efforts, you forging link between friendship. If you could've make friends with everyone, you are never alone, you're the same Maka Albarn as we know it. So maybe you and Soul could've been a great as Hero and sidekick, no wonder why Shinra's man-made son wanted you to be the hero of the story. If there is no trio of heroes to be a part of the story, then a trio will be separated by parting ways where they could never meet again. So you see, forging a duo or trio could be the strength of teamwork and friendship, but the power of friendship is nothing more than a single trope that has been used in every book. Just before you know it.

Maka Albarn : I...You're right, sister! Even tho that I have never forged a trio of heroes and friends. I'm still the same Maka Albarn, the real Maka Albarn!

*RUMBLING+IBLIS ROARING*

Maka Albarn : Huh? What was that noise!?

Moirai Albarn : It's coming from over there! (points to the Volcano that is erupting)

[Flame Core's theme resumes]

Homura Akemi : Everyone! Head straight to that volcano! Amaterasu's son might be in there!

All : Right!

Maka Albarn : Amaterasu. The first pillar that Shinra knew, you crazy she-witch.

"Meanwhile before..."

Black Star : Listen up. I have no idea and no intentions on telling you! Scram before I'm gonna crack your skull like an egg!

Daroach (possesed by Dark Nebula) : You hardly don't understand, do you, boy? This is the reason that I am giving you this for the last and 412th time. Where is the gate to the underworld so that I can may get back there and conquer the planet in all of the darkness for your demise and despair.

Black Star : So what? You want a demise, I'll give your demise. (spits on Daroach) There! How do you like them apples!? Maybe you won't tell! If you really think that I am ever such a dorky fella that wants to be popular in Japan, You just gotta make a statement about it from the Ohkuboverse!

Daroach (possessed by Dark Nebula) : Oh really? Does the Ohkuboverse look like this to you!? (shows a photo of the Shadow Realm)

Black Star : Wait a sec. So the Ohkuboverse is...

Daroach (possessed by Dark Nebula) : That's right, fool! The author was deceiving you to think that the Ohkuboverse is real, Protecting the peace, spreading lies about the evil forces, hahaha! Fool! All of those were just nothing but falses in the story that you were in and Shotaro the Dokeshi himself has fooled you all just let you protect the legacy and spread the lying by the likes of you youngsters.

Black Star : Wait a minute. So all of this was just to spread a lie? Shinra lied to my face? What does lying have to do with saving the world?

Daroach (possessed by Dark Nebula) : Getting the Heartless' attention to destroy and overthrow the legacy that pesky teenagers like you would protect it as heroes of the so-called Soul World, a world that is nothing but deception from the minds and influence of Shinra Kusakabe.

Black Star : Shinra Kusakabe did all of this? But you got it all wrong, I was only here to become a warrior that lives in the darkness. No wait! A warrior that is born from...[determined] Alright, I admit it! We meisters were under his influence, Shinra did it, Shinra created Soul World and we were nothing but a dirty liar! We lied, we lied to everything, okay! I lost my parents to a god damn Heartless infestation cause they wanted overthrow legacy and Tsubaki the girl that I just met was with another guy that is a Phantom from one of the members of the Phantoms of Society! For me? I'm just a filthy outsider with no home and I was used to protect Shinra's legacy, the legacy created about 1000 years before half of the Ohkuboverse was completely destroyed by the Time Eater calling it a Facade! It's all a lie! Everything we know in Soul World is a Lie! I'm nothing more than a pawn in a corrupt game by the devil himself! I'm just a dude from Japan, a dude from Japan that makes me a Naruto wannabe! I used to be a fan of the legendary ninja Recca before that ramen-eating chowder head took everything away from me! Stole everything from Recca and I wanted to become a swordsman like any other shinobi does, but then Naruto took that away from me! This is the reason that we can't have nice things to Shounen Jump! We the beings of Soul World are losers and were just kids letting you know that being a hero is a dangerous job to do! Please, man! You gotta believe me!

Daroach (possessed by Dark Nebula) : Alright. I'll give you a fair notice from this transgressions of Shinra himself. Perhaps this should you teach a lesson for being an arrogant airhead for not speaking into the truth. (summons a dark keyblade)

Black Star : Wait! What are you planning on doing that!?

Daroach (possessed by Dark Nebula) : Oh, this? This heart of a being which has the power to summon keyblades. I learned from the Great Keyblade war, that these are humanity's defenders, Keyblades are the true essence of nature itself! And you my friend that the Mabuki aren't. It shall do the lying just the way that you went on lying to everyone into the unknown lying of Shinra Kusakabe, and the despair that gave humanity shall be the only keys to open the hearts to darkness.

Black Star : Look! About being the world's greatest assassin, Okay I was being too stubborn for protecting Shinra Kusakabe and I was under the influence of this guy. We could work this out. Are you sure that you want Tsubaki to tell about this, she could easily open her eyes to the truth! Let me go, ya cheese-eating bastard! I'll give you many cheeses as you want! I'll give you a burger with cheese or how about give you plenty of mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce and blue cheese dip for those wings!

Daroach (possessed by Dark Nebula) : Cheese and sauces? (chuckles) That's comedy gold for ya, boy. But I'm not talking about the food, I'm talking about the dangers that lurk for your heart. But I promise that you'll never find out the truth that the Maka you knew has led you astray. And you won't.

Black Star : No, please! Have mercy on me! I got a girl named Tsubaki and she is chosed to be wife in the future!

Daroach : Sorry. the Gods of this planet have mercy and you don't. An as a matter of fact, the girl named Tsubaki that you loved...does not love you anymore. So, Goodbye, farewell, and amen.

Black Star : (screams) NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

*DBZ SFX : SLICE+STAB!*

"BLACK STAR HAS BEEN DISPOSED..."

Master Hand/Announcer : GAME...OVER!

~ Act 23 : Legacy of Drawcia ~

[animeyanderelover]

💗Could I request all the senjus,sasuke,obito,naruto,neji,itachi,madara, and shisui with a darling that has a dirty mind?💗

Holidays, everyone!! Tw: Yandere themes, unhealthy mindset, unhealthy relationship, possessive behavior, obsession, delusions, clinginess, touchiness, perverted mindset

Darling has a dirty mind

Madara Uchiha

🌑Be aware that there will be a very good chance that he’ll throw a dirty comment back right away. Madara has behind that cold exterior a rather dirty mindset himself and it’s likely that he’ll tease his darling relentlessly for their own perverted thoughts, lets them in on his dirty thoughts. I say likely because he has moments where he is very much not in a mood to hear your thoughts and it’s important for you to read his mood in order to avoid his bad temper. There is a certain amount of behavior he expects you to have so in important meetings or dinners he expects you to shut up about your indecent thoughts or otherwise you’ll get the warning stare from him. Quite honestly though, it isn’t like he doesn’t sometimes have a very dirty conversation with you in front of others simply to get a good laugh out of it Tobirama.

Hashirama Senju

🌳He chokes on the goddamn air whenever an inappropriate comment leaves your lips. Hashirama dearly loves his s/o but even he finds himself often flustered, embarrassed and sometimes even shocked with their dirty mindset. It happens that he sometimes just downright interrupts you to prevent you from saying what he fears you might say, especially in front of younger people. As long as you don’t speak your mind constantly, no matter in front of whom, Hashirama wouldn’t ask you to stop though. He sometimes even defends your attribute since it is part of who you are and it’s not like you’re overdoing it. He is reduced to a flustered man when you are teasing him mercilessly though be aware that Hashirama isn’t just a goofy man. Who knows, he might surprise you.

Tobirama Senju

🌊From the founders definitely the one who restricts that mouth of yours the most simply because your language tends to be indecent and inappropriate. Tobirama is a rather strict guy who often lacks the playfulness of Madara or the lenience of Hashirama. He views this trait of you as rather rude, doesn’t wish you to speak like this with others and in front of others. You have to apologize every time your tongue does slip and you get the stare of disapproval from him to make things worse, accompanied by a mildly sturdy scolding from him later on. If you two have a good relationship he at least tolerates your thoughts in private as long as he can, though he is stiff, maybe even slightly disturbed. It’s pretty rare to have him actually replying back to you and it’s always a giveaway for his s/o in which mood he currently is.

Tsunade Senju

🐌She has vivid flashbacks of a certain perverted friend of hers she wouldn’t want her s/o to be with for too long though her darling won’t get hit or beaten up. Mainly because they don’t go to lengths like Jiraiya does, your casual teasing and flirting is something Tsunade accepts out of love. Her s/o probably knows to keep what they say in check though because they have probably heard what some others perverts tend to whisper about the Fifth Hokage and they might have witnessed Tsunade’s frightening reaction to it as well. Her darling is most likely more mindful because of such accidents, more protective. Shizune and Sakura sometimes get to hear your dirty flirting and it isn’t uncommon for Tsunade to talk back though she turns a bit bashful after a while with pretty pink cheeks.

Obito Uchiha

🔥Whilst Obito is somewhat flustered when exposed to your dirty mind, he is also quite glad for you to still be able to joke like this. It's a sign that you must at least be comfortable enough to continue to tease like this, isn't it? Honestly, since it's just him and s/o, his darling is free to talk about everything inside their mind as much as they want. He's happy as long as they're comfortable around him. Sure, Obito finds himself going red a couple of times as well but he would be a liar if he would say that he doesn't enjoy their dirty talk. With him having to worry less about you accepting him, he's quick to turn dirty-minded himself and your mind doesn't help at all. It only fuels him more and especially if his s/o has a inappropriate conversation with him, he gets pretty fast excited and more touchy.

Shisui Uchiha

🍂Shisui would probably limit his darling in that aspect of their personality a bit. Sure, you two are young and he has certainly met a few people who think similar to your own mind. He'd like to refrain his darling sharing their mind too much in public since their way of thinking is often inappropriate and sometimes rather gross. He isn't exactly willing to have his darling attaining a reputation for possessing a very dirty mind and he fears some arguments with some elders from the Uchiha clan who might see you as immature and unfitting for someone like Shisui. If you two are with Itachi, it's fine though both will shut you up if Sasuke is anywhere near. It isn't like he doesn't share your some of your thoughts, Shisui can be very cheeky with his remarks himself.

Itachi Uchiha

🍡The thing with Itachi is that he is so secretive and silent with his own dirty mind that his darling probably never notices that he actually shares their mindset unless he actually opens up. It's a bit frustrating sometimes since he manages to stay composed rather well. Comments of yours are either ignored or received with a light and amused smile and that's about it. You are allowed to let your words run wild since Itachi is rather lenient and there is no one besides him you can talk to anyways. It's a bit funny for him to witness how you get visibly frustrated because he reacts so incredibly serene. If you decide to tease him relentlessly out of determination to get a reaction out of him, don't be surprised if he suddenly grows really touchy with a certain gleam in his eyes.

Neji Hyuga

🕊Neji just happens to be in a similar category as Itachi. Both are very much capable of thinking dirty themselves but it is harder to notice. Looking on how incredibly traditional the Hyuga clan is and how much they obey the rules, it is not a surprise that your humor is looked down upon by some members. Neji has been raised a similar way yet has a few friends who are no different and is also blinded by love. If this is a part of your personality, then he will love that aspect of you just as much. Even if he tells you to stop, it isn't even done in a scolding tone but in a gentle one. If his darling wants a visible reaction out of him, it's a bit hard since he appears rarely like anything else but his normally tranquil and dotting self. Neji likes to whisper his own teasing back into your ears when he wants to.

Naruto Uzumaki

🍜He has a bit of a history of perverted teachers and has adapted in the process a dirty mind of his own. Bad enough to occasionally earn the wrath of Sakura. Initially he is a bit shocked with his s/o as well since he probably didn't expect them to think in such a similar fashion as people like Kakashi and Jiraiya even if he is in the same catgory. Honestly though, he has a similar humor as you do and even if your remarks tend to fluster him and maybe just give him a bit of a nosebleed if you want a good conversation about your darker thoughts that's possible with Naruto. You decide whether you want to continue or not the moment he has a rather creepy grin on his cheeks. At least Naruto is mostly wise enough to know in front of which people you two should keep your thoughts to yourselves.

Sasuke Uchiha

💙Looking on how he spent his entire youth training and fighting to get stronger, he won't care much. In the worst case his darling will annoy him in which case he will make it obvious that he wants them to shut up and in the best case he'll decide to ignore his s/o completely. He has troubles responding to the comments you throw at him since he can be very awkward due to a lack of proper social skills but he can at least tolerate it. If he isn't aggressive or mad about something. Since he has mostly such a stoic expression on his face it is hard as it is to read how he feels whenever you throw one of your thoughts his way. You don't want to hear him attempting to talk back though since his inexperience and awkwardness shines through. Sasuke is a man of actions more than words.

[thecontumacious]

Hi hi! I’m not sure if u know the game fate grand order arcade, but there is a character named Tiamat who is basically a dragon goddess and I wanted to request hcs of a reader inspired by her with the luxiem boys. If u are not comfortable doing this request then it’s fine u don’t have to push yourself to do it. Also just for context I’ll put a short youtube video of what she is like. https://youtu.be/4O9cPm7dutU

Basically she is soft spoken and kinda like a mom, I can picture some luxiem boys (*cough* mystaandvox) calling reader mommy 😂😂

The Lord, Our Dragon Goddess, the Queen (+ luxiem fantasy au)

a/n: told yall i fried my brain writing this :') y/n kinda reminds me of zhongli here jhskjahdkjh btw reader is fem oriented if it wasn't obvious lolol

warning: more or less 2.3k words per member so this is most definitely not a quick read! otherwise, sit back, play a fantasy playlist and enjoy~

reminder that all my work and others in the fandom are purely fiction and intended to entertain, not to be projected irl.

a high sense of compassion, inspiring leadership, fairness in war and dominating wit and intelligence.

this was how you became the true ruler of the magical land of auphaines. you were the one who shaped the mountains after all, gave flow to the streams and oceans, guided the animals how to survive in nature. however, despite your power and majestic overrule, humankind did not see that.

they saw you as an arrogant creature. they thought that when your dragon families helped build auphaines, you were boasting of your power. it didn't help that some of the more rogue members in your family were known to be murderers. biting off heads, setting fires to civilians.

so, they waged wars against your kind. all until there were almost none left. of course, there was still you. you look upon the land you created to be your home and what was supposed to be shared with other living beings. you frown, then disappearing into the shadows for the rest of eternity to protect yourself.

"humans," you muttered last, before putting yourself in exile.

it wasn't until a group of men stumbled upon your place of slumber, somewhere deep amongst the caverns of lava mountains. you were surprised when you heard signs of life. afraid they had come here to kill you, the very, very last of your kind, you quickly shift into your human form.

you hid your face under a hood and curled against the rocks. but it seemed like someone with immense instincts and senses had found you anyway.

the one who saw you first is a man with simple common folk attire. a hunter perhaps judging by his shoes meant for heavy and long traveling and a bag meant to contain many items.

"lads, look!" he turns to his group. "there is someone here."

you heave in a sharp breath, inching away. behind the grey haired man came four more.

the second to approach you emanated an aura you thought would be long erased from the earth. a mythical creature it seemed. from what you could pick up from his more refined and well tailored maroon coat and obviously hand weaved pants, he seemed to be of the upper class. with the way he was built, he might even be someone who was used to fighting. an aristocrat perhaps?

the yellow eyed man kneels down to your level, giving you a soft expression. "hello, love. what are you doing in such a dangerous place?"

you smile shyly, "i could very well ask you the same, sir."

the man in red chuckles. "well, we come here not without a purpose. but our scavenger friend here sensed someone was here."

"how long have you been here, miss?" another one asked. you turn to him, this one a blonde with a bright smile. he seemed easy-going. he was far more built than the man in red, his clothes lighter and more for practicality and ease of movement. judging from his weapons and scars, he might be a warrior of some sort.

you clench your jaw at the thought, worried you'd have to hurt these men if they attacked you.

"i-i've been here all my life," you simply say.

"i mean not to sound offensive, miss. but with an environment like this and no stable source of food, it seems almost impossible to have been here for so long," chimed in another voice.

you look at this one. a gentle looking man, but with the way he attentively pointed out the oddity of your statement, you knew he was good with his words. noticing one of his hands being slightly more muscular than the other and the rather simple attire, but refined enough to be indoor wear; he could be a scholar, a scrivener or a writer.

"i manage, you see," you say, offering him a smile.

and then you notice the last man, the most unique among the other men you thought. he had a presence similar to the man in red, but unlike him, he lacked that mystical air around him. from that and the sage scented tome on him, he may be someone meddling with magic.

he spoke, once he had been quiet for a bit, "lads, i suggest you be a bit gentle with her."

the scavenger turns to his magic wielding friend, "huh? why's that?"

"she seems... familiar somehow," he mumbles, taking a closer look at you. however you don't recognize him. you've never seen humans in the last twenty centuries or so. "vox, don't you recognize her in some way?"

the man in red turned, whom you learn was named vox. "actually, now that you mention it, she does. she's..."

then his eyes widen.

the blonde man from before taps vox's shoulder. "hey, what's up?"

"men, bow down!" he orders them. they're confused at what he means but seeing him get on one knee and bow before you, they follow hesitantly. vox turns to them briefly, "she's the last of her kind. the dragon creators. the true queen of auphaines, y/n l/n."

continuation utc!

Vox Akuma 👹🌹

the aristocrat

his long family line being in the soldier caste easily put him in the upper class of aristocracy

and of course, according to your accurate analysis, vox truly was a mythical being not from humankind. a powerful demon granted with immortal life and abilities humans could never have.

what was his main purpose of arriving at the lava mountains?

it was a legacy of his family of demons to bow to the true creators of auphaines

with them being completely wiped out, but one rumored to have survived, vox’s family was sworn to look and protect for this last remaining heir

with the help of his friends, he had finally found you

his one true queen in this land

“come, my queen, we should escort you to better living accommodations. you must be exhausted from being in a slumber for so long,” vox outstretches a hand, to which you hesitantly take

through that touch alone was enough to have you realize how important vox’s bloodline was to you and your once existing kind

demons and the like were immediate subordinates to the dragon creators, as without you, they never would have existed and were able to live side by side with the other creatures such as humans

vox’s kind being one of the higher classes who aided in protecting you and your family

he took you to his home that day, giving you a proper bath and foods to fill your stomach. 

he was truly amazed at how you brought yourself. so majestic and elegant despite being in self exile for so many centuries

once done, vox gathers all mythical creatures like himself to his hall. 

“ladies, gentlemen and everyone in between,” he first says, then gesturing towards you. “our lives could not have been lived as peacefully as today if not for the dragon creators of auphaines. most of them have sadly been wiped from the face of the earth, thus failing our duties in protecting them. but one remains. the rumors are true, friends! the last reigning heir of the dragon blood, y/n, stands before you right now.”

everyone seems to be shocked by the sudden announcement, now looking at you and confirming for themselves that you truly were an heir of the original creators

in a moment’s notice, everyone in the hall bows down on one knee with one hand pressed against their left part of the chest

how long has it been since someone has respected you like this?

last time it was some human shunning you out for being who you were supposed to be

but here you were, your glory restored with the help of whom they call vox

you turn to him, seeing that he too had bowed down before you

“you have not failed your duties, my friends,” you smile, bringing their attention towards you. “while most of my kind are deceased, you all still hope and even had the effort to track me down.”

you gesture to vox

“you especially,” you grin. “you should be rewarded for all your efforts.”

the demon shakes his head, “it’s only my duty to do so as one of your immediate protectors. my family has long sworn to do this. if not for you, my queen, we would not have been surviving this long in the world.”

“then you are a man of honor eternally respecting your duties for so long,” you suddenly touch his shoulders and this prompts him to stand up. you smile at him then gave him a hug. “thank you, truly. i owe you my life.”

his ancestors passed down the stories of you and your powers, so much so it became engraved into his mind. they told him about your kindness and gentle mannerisms, despite also being known as the warrior queen of old auphaines.

vox for once can actually see the meaning behind those words

from your touch, he could feel just how alone you’ve been these past centuries. and the moment you return, you’re met with your loyal subjects, your crown restored

vox smiles and hugs you back, “of course, my queen.”

per your request though, afraid that the humans would not accept you, he respects that your presence may only be revealed to the mythical creatures and very few humans who could be trusted

you're even given your own room in vox's mansion, a choice he insisted on having instead of having you return to your solitary home in the lava mountains

he treats you with absolute respect, nothing out of bounds and no inappropriate words

at the beginning

as the days go by, vox realizes another fact about you

when his ancestors said that you did not see class, you truly didn't. you conversed easily with everyone. with his friends in his group, all the staff, even the unknowing humans outside despite being the reason why you're the last alive

the organized council with a more mystical aura to them never hesitated in consulting to you for problems relating to the general public

you might've been a little behind on modern history, but you're witty and could quickly pick up things. so your advice almost always comes through

vox, who has been accompanying you for the longest time during your return, can't help but let his stare linger whenever you're nearby

even if you weren't interacting with him, his heart races when he thinks of you

were you alright? are you having any troubles with conflicting parties?

but then again, he had no reason to worry since you were the literal long lost dragon queen of a powerful land

one day, some of the younger members braved themselves to ask your guidance in fighting

vox was about to scold them for being brash, but you stop him.

you smile, "let them be. it's been a while since i've wielded a weapon after all."

because it was you, he lets you go.

then he watches you easily sweep the young men and women who challenged you, ending the practice fight like you hadn't even broken a sweat

"a little rusty it seems," you laugh to yourself, sheathing your chosen weapon.

vox's mouth is wide open but when you approach him, he straightens himself up. "well done, your majesty. if i do say so myself, you haven't lost even a sliver of your skills."

"have i?" you ask, tilting your head.

the demon's heart leaps, but he contains it. "i speak only the truth."

"milord, i'd like to see you have a duel against her majesty!" yells one of the young men, his friends agreeing.

vox rolls his eyes while grinning, "oh? only to see me fail, is that it?"

they laugh, "revenge for never going easy on us during training!"

you let out a giggle

god, you sounded so adorable, vox thought as pink dusts his cheeks

you turn to him, tapping his arm, "i'd like to practice with an able warrior like yourself. perhaps you'll surprise everyone."

"oh, i couldn't," waving his hands, he tries to refuse. deep down it's only because he's incredibly intimidated by your strength. even for him, going against the younger ones usually takes him a while longer

he most certainly didn't want to lose against you, did he?

you grab his arm and pull him to the courtyard, handing him a practice sword, "come now. you have no right to refuse me."

vox gazes at you, then laughs.

you really did know the power you hold over him, huh?

everyone even crowds around the courtyard to watch the practice fight, excited to see one of the strongest demons in their faction go against the ancient queen herself

"ready?" you ask him, readying your weapon. he nods as he got into his stance.

vox even smirks, the determination in your eyes making his heart race, "lead ahead, milady."

blades are crossed and it seemed like no one was winning or either losing

you perfectly dodge and read his movements, and vox could quickly throw a counter strong enough to push you off your feet

it takes a full ten or fifteen minutes before your attacks become fiercer

this is where your dragon blood starts to run rapidly. your swipes at vox becomes harder for him to counter and dodge. you don't even give him a chance to place an attack on you

what's stopping vox from giving out is the fact you look so gorgeous fighting with such passion and full concentration

he's never met anyone like you, truly

but this also makes him lose his focus with time

your hair falling out, sweat dripping down your face and the heavy breath every few minutes

it became too much for vox

was this the reason why so many foes fell beneath your feet?

suddenly, the demon's sword is knocked out of his hand and he falls onto his back avoiding the blade pointed so close to his face. with this, you take the chance to stand over him with your weapon merely inches from his nose

the courtyard is quiet, only yours and vox's heavy breathing heard

from the ground, all he sees is you. your lips slightly parted, your hair everywhere but still standing proudly after a tight duel

how could you not hear his loudly beating heart?

that day became a memory for everyone.

the day where the vox akuma, one of the most esteemed figures in the class of mythical creatures, was beaten down by their queen no less.

but he was never more glad than for that to happen

that night as everyone applauded you for your incredible skills in combat, more people coming in to ask for your advice and the like, vox couldn't even get one feet close to you

it frustrated him to say the least

why? because he couldn't get the image of you from the fight today out of his mind

if he wasn't going to do something about it, he might just become wild

so, what he does is force himself through the crowd and grabs your hand

"vox? oh, wait--where are you taking me?" you ask him when your conversation with a nobleman is cut short, other questions in your head long forgotten as the demon kept tugging you away

the crowd behind you couldn't keep up either

"vox?" you try again, but he doesn't even spare you a glance

it's only when you reach his private study does he turn around to meet your confused eyes

"hey, is everything--"

click.

"why did you--"

then his arms trap you against the recently locked door, his face increasingly close to the point your breath becomes one with his; his red and black bangs brush against you

your voice disappears completely when vox eyes you with such intensity you've never seen on him

"do you understand what you do to me, your highness?" he growls, the temperature in the room rising quickly.

"wh-what do you mean?" you ask coyly

one of vox's hands snakes to grab yours, then he places it on his chest where you feel the wild beating of his heart

at this, your ears and cheeks turn red

"this. this is what you do to me, my queen," vox then leans his forehead against yours. "i can't stop thinking about you. day and night. pardon my impolite ways, but i don't think i can hold back anymore."

you meet his golden eyes and even though he claims it as such, you can see he's waiting for your answer

so, you nod.

vox smiles then places that long awaited kiss on your lips. the kiss he's been thinking about in the day and the dreams in his sleep.

what surprises him is that you return the gesture, in fact, just as fervent as him

this prompts vox to press you against the door even more, drinking in more of you until he felt satisfied

he pulls away for the quickest second to whisper, "i could do this forever, my queen."

you grin against his lips, "i give you my permission."

oh the things he could do to you...

"don't let me stop then, milady."

the long lost ancient queen of auphaines, the original creators with dragon blood. gentle but also powerful all the same.

all in his arms, just the way he likes it.

Mysta Rias 🦊🔶

the scavenger

despite his eccentric way of doing things, mysta was known to have the spirit of an adventurer and the quirky talent of being able to find things through these journeys

after much consideration and contemplating, he decided to take advantage of this talent of his to find things he deemed valuable

he would make time throughout the week to travel through new areas to see if he can find something

he almost always never comes back empty handed

and he'd usually sell the items in his antique/gift shop back in town

the main purpose why he even came to the lava mountains in the first place was because his aristocrat friend, vox, had been asking for his help to find this "long lost dragon queen of auphaines"

initially, mysta thought his friend had truly lost it.

sure he's seen demons, satyrs, cat hybrids and more. it was even said that he was part fox somewhere in his more human blood.

but dragons?

all mysta knew about them was that they were strong but had been erased from the earth centuries ago

vox was willing to pay him a hefty fee though, so he agreed anyway

with his impressive tracking skills, here you were, in the face of him and his four other friends

"we must bring you back to the city! the other mythical creatures will be overjoyed to see you alive, my queen," vox says, offering you a hand

but seeing your more reserved form and somewhat hesitant expression, mysta chimes in, "actually, don't you think that she's a bit a scared to see so many people? she's been here for who knows how long alone."

“t-to be honest, yes,” you nod, looking towards vox’s hand. “i’m the living heir of the dragon family after all. i’m only lucky your human friends don’t seem to resent me. who knows what the others will think? oh and i apologize if that sounded offensive.”

as you said that, mysta can’t help but wonder how you don’t sound angry at all by that. even apologizing when you felt like you had insulted humankind

well, you lost your home that you made yourself for everyone to live in. it’s only because of his ancestors’ ignorance that they pushed you and your kind away

if he were in your place, he’d get revenge

but yet here you were, gently smiling at him and his human friends

“if you say so, your highness,” the demon aristocrat pulls his hand back. “well, we most certainly can’t leave you here.”

“how about she stays at mysta’s?” the man who could wield magic suggests, pointing to the scavenger

at that moment, the man whom you just learned was named mysta turns bright red and shakes his head

“oh, no, no, it’s a mess right now! i can’t have her stay at a place like mine…” he scratches the back of his head awkwardly, refusing to look at you especially. 

“come on, mysta. you can’t a lady like herself to stay out here, would you? besides, you said it yourself that it would be dangerous for her to immediately go into civilization,” this time it was ike who was provoking mysta. he was always good with his words so it was obvious he pointed out only his weak spots. ike adds, “your house is on the countryside. it’s the safest option among all of us.”

mysta groans internally. “f-fine! come on then, your highness…”

then, he hears you giggle. 

woah that sounded… nice

for an old dragon queen who’s been living in the depths of the lava mountains that is

and well, as a person in general too!

oh what the heck was he thinking??

he led you to his home that day, guiding you first through his admittedly adorable little antique store

he stops you once you arrive at the bottom of the stairs with a shy smile, “s-sorry! um, my house is actually a mess so, let me get things cleaned up. you can take a look around here though!”

“of course. take your time, mysta,” you nod, gesturing for him to go onwards.

why did you have to mention his name that way…? it just sounded so nice??

well that didn’t sound horrendously creepy.

mysta rushes up the stairs and starts shoving trash into the bins and throwing unclean clothes into his wash basket. he made his bed, at least organized the dishes by the sink so it wouldn’t look as haphazard and cleaned up his adventuring essentials into their proper places in the cupboard

actually with your suddenly arrival it became the first time that month mysta put an effort into cleaning his house

a pretty lady was staying over after all

with the space a bit more decent, he takes a deep breath, tells himself that it’s gonna be alright and goes down to his store to fetch you

“hey! you can come—“

but his words are cut short when he sees you staring intently at something in the display case of the store

it almost intimidated him how focused you were on the thing, so he stopped. he slowly made himself towards you and takes a look at what’s caught your interest

it was a diadem of sorts… a little rusty, some of the shapes losing its original form because of the abrasion of time

yet it definitely held some importance if you were interested in it

“how much were you going to offer this for, mysta?” you suddenly ask, facing him. 

“um, this took me a while to look for and it has some value on it to me. maybe, 100 gold coins?” mysta proffers. 

you give him a smile. “i see. my family would have cut your head off for that price.”

his goosebumps rise and the hairs on his neck stand on edge. “th-they would, wouldn’t they? hahaha…”

at his panicked expression, you couldn’t help but laugh. “i only jest, mysta. partly, i suppose. back then this would’ve cost much, much more. it was one of my crowns after all.”

mysta chokes on pretty much nothing, coughing whatever it is that disturbs his airway. you reach out a hand to him to rub his back. 

“your crowns huh?” he says, hitting his chest. “hit the jackpot—cough—didn’t i?”

you giggle once more, “perhaps. it’s long worn away now. if you think 100 gold pieces are enough, then i shall too. you went through such lengths to get it after all, did you not?”

again with your contradicting ways of life

this was your crown, the crown of the ever reigning dragon queen of auphaines. this should’ve costed at least 10 times more yet you’re willing to let him price it at just 100 gold pieces?? humans, your natural foes, could have their hands on it no less!

you were so odd (to mysta), yet attractive all the same

that night mysta actually had you sleep in his bed instead of on the couch. though you kept insisting you’ve been sleeping on actual rocks the past centuries, he was reluctant to let you sleep on the couch

in the morning, he overslept. so the moment he wakes and realizes he’s later than he should be, mysta rolls off the couch (may have bruised his butt in the process) and expects himself to just grab a fruit to eat

but

you're at the dining table, setting out a spread of delicious foods

mysta almost thought he was still asleep when seeing you holy form, with the morning sun shining down on your flawless physique

“good morning, mysta,” you greet him, pulling out a chair. “go on and get something to eat.”

unknowing what to say (truth be told still bedazzled by your beautiful self, you cooking him breakfast despite being the guest nonetheless), mysta points at the clock. “i-i'm actually running late to open the store…”

“really? alright then. you can open up and i’ll bring you a plate downstairs,” you nonchalantly stand again and grab a plate from the table, placing all the available foods you made that morning. 

mysta could merely stare at you in awe

is this what’s it like to be roommates with the dragon queen herself?

“o-okay,” is what he mutters out before quickly resuming his rushed morning routine

by the time he goes downstairs, he’s just in time to flip the sign over to 'open'. lucky too because there were a few customers waiting for him already

as he waits for the other customers to take their pick in an object, you climb down the stairs with a tray of his food

mysta just… can’t help but stare. even the customers wondered who else was with him when he’s usually found alone in the store

you flash the newcomers with your ever sweet beam, then you head for mysta’s place at the counter to give him his late breakfast. “your breakfast, mysta. eat slowly alright?”

just then, the bell by the door rings to announce another customer. you and mysta realize it was vox. his eyes finds yours

“ah, there you are, your—“ but he realizes there are other people here, so he clears his throat. “miss y/n. i’m glad you seem to be making yourself comfortable here. i came by to make sure if everything was alright.”

you nod, pressing the tray against your chest. “i am, thank you for asking. mysta was a gentleman.”

but the demon eyes the scavenger with an eyebrow quirked upwards, “really? i see you’re bringing him his breakfast though?”

mysta waves his hand rapidly at the aristocrat, “oh shut it, milord. she was already making breakfast when i woke up. how could i have stopped her?”

“it’s quite alright, you know. he looked exhausted.”

vox sighs, “if her majesty insists. then i’ll be off for the morning. please, tell me if there is anything you need.”

he bids you and mysta farewell, just in time for a customer to come by the counter to ring up his items

“mysta, can i offer you 50 silver pieces for these?” he asks, readying his pouch of money

mysta slides off his chair and goes to estimate the price when he catches you analyzing them before he did. for some reason, he didn’t want to disturb you but there was a customer waiting…

“sir, may i tell you a story about this particular trinket?” your finger taps the vintage clock on the countertop. the man raises an eyebrow, but urges you to continue.

“this was used by nautical admirals back in its prime time. passed down from one great admiral to the next. it’s moved from great ships and even survived during battalions at sea. the one most interesting fact about it is is that it has never stayed on land longer than one day. i’d like to assume it’s about 100 years old since it’s production.”

at this, the present customer, the others in the store and even mysta are interested in your story

“oh my, how precious of an antique it is then!” he exclaims, digging through his money and readily drops 50 gold pieces this time, swiping away the silver ones. “mysta! this should be worth more! will these do?” 

“y-yeah, this should be good,” he nods, handing the customer a pouch to carry his newly bought item. 

“miss! what about this? does this one have a story too?” a female patron comes rushing forward to the countertop then places her chosen item, a set of an intricate quill and inkwell. 

mysta turns to you. you graciously smile and start recounting the story behind the stationery like you’ve known them as a person

as you go into detail about the stories, with more customers coming in to ask, mysta can’t help but enjoy your presence and your storytelling voice. gentle but inciting enough that your tale is very compelling

he could just sit there forever and listen to you all day

“mysta? mystaaaaa?” 

“huh?” he snaps out of his daze, shaking his head awake like he had just fallen asleep. 

you giggle, “it’s lunchtime. would you like anything?” 

“oh no, you already cooked breakfast i can't let you cook lunch too—“

mysta is about to stand to head for the kitchen when you suddenly grab his hand. he freezes, pink dusting his cheeks when you touch him

“it’s alright. you can stay here at the store,” then you’re off to skitter to get some lunch ready for you and mysta

IS THIS WHAT IT’S LIKE TO BE ROOMMATES WITH THE QUEEN OF AUPHAINES?

mysta buries himself in his arms, absolutely blushing his head off and his heart beating out of his chest

ma-maybe it wasn’t the worst idea to have you stay with him after all… the customers like you and business is getting better 

later, you return with plates of hot steaming meals. you place the tray before you and him, “go ahead, mysta.”

he stares at the delicious food, then back at you. 

“marry me.”

you freeze, dropping the spoon onto the plate. “i’m sorry?”

“HUH--WAIT, I'M SORRY I DIDN'T MEAN THAT. NO, WAIT I DO WANT TO MARRY YOU--WAIT—“ then mysta proceeds to dive under the counter, curling up. 

what the fuck did i just say

what the fuck

what the fuck

what the fuck

then he feels your familiar fingers on his arms, but this only makes him squirm from embarrassment

“hey, look at me, won’t you?” you plead softly. with much consideration, mysta whines but makes his face seen by you

“y-yes?”

“i’ll consider your proposal soon,” you giggle. but unlike the times before you did it out of politeness, he could tell you were serious. 

because your own cheeks were just as red as he was

mysta can’t help but chuckle, “really?”

you nod, “i will.”

having you as a roommate wasn’t a bad a idea really…

Luca Kaneshiro 🦮🔆

the guild master

luca had always liked the idea of wielding weapons and he swore to himself at a young age that he would be able to master all art of fighting

this goal was what pushed luca into finding people who had the same interest as him, his group and community growing as he got older and better at wielding weapons

then he realized that he could make use of his talents for the good of the people around him

he officially named his group the kaneshiro guild and pledged that his guild would exist to help train whoever wanted to learn the art of fighting and protect those who needed help

the main reason why he tagged along with the other boys to the lava mountain wasn't because he was interested in looking for you

at the beginning it was because some of the men that had gone on an expedition got lost and hadn't returned to report

with vox and mysta already looking all over auphaines for you, luca figured if he went along, he could by chance find his men

however now that you needed a place to stay and vox saying it was better that you lived with someone who could protect you at all times

luca pitched in, flashing you a smile of reassurance, "i can do that! there are some vacant rooms back at the guild's building. my members are all very welcoming i assure you, your majesty. if anyone dares lay a hand on you, i'll have a talk with them myself."

at this, you smile, nodding. "if the kind sir is willing to have me, i will be grateful."

vox claps his hands together, "very well! luca, her majesty's safety is now in your hands until further discussion."

"you got it, vox!" he responds cheerfully, looking at you and outstretching an arm towards you. "shall we, milady?"

when people heard about luca's guild, their initial thoughts were a simple building likened to be a tavern or a rundown inn repurposed by luca's group

but you'd pleasantly surprised when it's a large fortress in the middle of town, men and women alike busily bustling in and out of the tall fortified building

"welcome back chief!" someone shouts upon passing by luca. another one says the same, then another then another

to luca, these people were like his family. they took care of each other, fought for one another's backs and they've seen their fair shares of tragedy together

which is why he was confident when he said that these people would not dare hurt you, especially if he asked for it

luca watches your face of wonderment, and it brings a wide smile to his face. he gently grabs your hand, which brings your attention to him, "you'll be safe here. treat it as your own home."

your eyes soften at his simple words. so you nod.

that night, luca introduced you to another important member, lucy. you swore they might've been twins separated at birth.

anyway, he had her show you where you'll be staying, including a tour of the fortress. you see that the building is complete with a training ground, weaponry, a library and enough rooms for the members.

luca truly was a good guild master and leader, seeing that he makes sure all the guild's needs are met

after getting properly bathed and dressed, luca himself comes by to go to your room. he waves at you, "hey! we usually have dinner together. so i came up to fetch you."

"oh that's quite alright," you step out of your room before closing the door behind you. "lead the way then. i'd love to meet your members."

at this, luca's eyes sparkle. "great! they'd love to meet you too, come, come!"

he practically drags you down to the huge dining room, flashing you a smile every time you rounded a corner. he just can't help it. it's been a while, if anything, it was the first time he had such a special guest stop by his guild

usually, people would be skeptical of even stepping near the fortress. mostly because they thought there would be nothing more than barbarians in there

because of this, luca also thought you'd be reluctant to come and opt for a house like vox's.

but you accept luca’s offer, no matter if you thought he had a house of barbarians and such

to him, that was one way to being someone worth fighting for

he brings you over to the dining hall, and immediately, the atmosphere changes from the quiet and still hallways to a lively and happy aura. it has always been this way, you see. luca never wanted to have a dinner where someone was not having fun, even if it was just a simple event of eating together on a daily basis

upon the new arrival, half the hall participants turns and when they realize it’s their respected chief, they shout, “good evening chief!” 

“hey everyone!” luca greets in return, grasping your hand and gently you tugging you next to him. “we have a guest this evening, lads! she came from… a long, long adventure and because she needs a big rest, she’ll be staying with the guild for a little while.”

“is she not a member, chief?” someone asks

luca sighs, shaking his head, “unfortunately, that’s not her purpose here. but who knows? you guys might help me change her mind!”

the hall returns to being lively and cheerful, this time in an attempt to persuade into joining their fun guild

despite only meeting these people, most of them strangers no less, you strangely felt at home. you would’ve thought the self exile would make you seem like a hermit but you’re surprised with yourself that you fit in with luca’s members

you wave at them, smiling, “i’ll think about it, alright?”

everyone starts clinking their mugs with each other, cheering as thought you have joined. 

“don’t worry,” luca whispers. “they won’t hold it against you if you don’t join.”

you giggle, mirroring his own words, “who knows? they might change my mind.”

luca’s mouth is slightly agape at your cheeky response. when you wink, he can’t help but turn away.

it’s then he realizes his heart is beating fast.

what were you doing to him? 

“chief! come on, let’s eat!” lucy calls out, waving over at a spot on a table. “y/n, come sit with us!”

after telling himself that it was just a spur of the moment thing, luca shakes off his sudden shy demeanor and makes his way over to a seat

everyone in the guild makes themselves known to you, introducing what they do specifically for the guild and what abilities they possess. some even went ahead to tell their proudest fights and adventures

even the younger ones braved themselves to ask you some of your own fights and adventures

nervous that they’d find out what you were, luca goes to cut them in, “hey now, have you finished your dinners? you’re not even letting the poor woman eat!”

you wave luca off, “it’s alright, luca.”

“you sure?” he frowns

you nod again, this time turning to the little ones who asked. “what would you like to hear about then?”

“how about your best fight?” 

you look up in thought, humming, “alright then, if you can handle a century old battle.”

luca raises a brow at you, but he’s surprised none of them take you seriously. then again, he was the only one in the room who knows what you are. 

“we could wait a thousand more years!” they respond.

you giggle, “alright then. you see, the fight began because one side thought their opponents should be feared. that they were arrogant. when in reality, these so called opponents were merely greater in power, they never meant to start any wars. if anything, they wanted to use their power for the good. but the opposing side didn’t think this. so they started a war.”

“how terrible! how could they do that?” one of them asks. 

luca knows that you were talking about the battle that brought down your kind. somehow though, your eyes don’t seem angry when retelling it. in fact, you look so ever kind and gentle as you continued your story. like it wasn't your tale to tell.

“these people were close minded back then. my side, whom were misunderstood, had to stagger back. we didn’t want to start a fight with anyone so we had to lose. but in the end, the opposing side mistook our surrender as a form of offense, so they finished us all off. i had to flee this battle,” your eyes show grief in one second, but luca doesn’t see it anymore in the next

just… what kind of person are you?

as kind as luca could be too, he could never place himself in your shoes. you even gave up your pride, but his kind as humans were still ignorant and went as far as still killing you all

one of the group of teens pointed out, “this is your proudest battle, miss?”

oh, and the fact you told them a story about your loss, even though they asked about your proudest

surely, you had something to be proud of? you were known as a warrior queen…

you simply smile at the teens, “yes indeed. it was my last actually. you might think it’s not a very wonderful ending battle. but to me, i gave up my lands so my opponents could build houses. i wish not to kill even a single life. besides, my opposing team showed great ability! i learn also that i have severely underestimated them!”

you laugh, which brought a smile to the withering faces of the ones asking you.

“i may have lost, but i was proud to have lost to such great opponents. gives me good reason to get even stronger, no?”

luca… had so much to learn from you, as he stared in awe with your storytelling abilities and how you could pick up such important life lessons despite that heart breaking battle

when one would’ve been incredibly angry and vengeful, somehow, you make it seem like you’re at fault and that you should still learn

luca finds within himself a new profound respect for you

this was why you were crowned queen

“luca?” you suddenly call him.

“sorry, you were saying?” he shakes his head once more that day from his frazzled mind. 

“your food. it’s getting cold,” you point out, causing the rest of the teens to laugh. 

luca grins, “i liked your story is all.”

and perhaps you as well.

the night falls and morning comes just as fast. luca finds himself in the strategy room along with his members, discussing a plan to keep searching for their missing men

“we’ve checked all over north, but we haven’t found anything,” someone reports.

luca sighs, “you’re sure north is where they went?”

they nod, “certain, chief. we saw footprints.”

“but they led nowhere else?”

this time, they shake their head.

then the door knocks. 

“come in!”

at the command, the door opens slowly and there you are, popping your head in to smile at everyone. your eyes shine a bit brighter when they meet luca’s

“oh, y/n good morning!” he greets, waving you over. “is there something you need?”

“nothing really,” then you spot the many sprawled sheets of paper and maps on the table. “pardon me, are you looking for something?” 

“we’re looking for some of our lost members, miss y/n,” someone in the room responds to you. “they’ve been missing for weeks now.”

“oh dear, where did they head?” 

“north,” luca answers this time. “we’ve headed there, but haven’t found anything.”

“i see. then you’re looking in the wrong direction.”

everyone looks at one another, even luca raises an eyebrow at your statement. but he trusts what you’re saying. you were a wise and knowledgeable person after all.

so he beckons you over to the table to help discuss

“elaborate then, y/n,” luca smiles

you turn to the largest map and see that it’s been marked, probably to mark the spots the guild has looked for

your finger points from the edge nearest the town, “they traveled from here. then they were last seen here?”

luca nods

“the north is where the shadowed forest is so it’s known to mislead. it has no trace of food or drink. since they’ve been missing for weeks already, i assume they’re already on their way to finding some sort of shelter. the closest village from the shadowed forest is northwest. if they climbed up the trees, they would see smoke from houses. so i suggest you head there.”

everyone hums in thought, agreeing that your plan seemed reasonable and worth trying

their chief paying extra attention to how you spoke, making sure not to leave out any important details like a real strategist would

luca announces, “our next plan then, everyone. we’ll start looking northwest, closest village to the shadowed forest. y/n, are you coming with?”

you shake your head, “i’ll catch up.”

but there was a mischievous glint in your eyes, one luca can't rly make out however he can’t help but feel excited for what you have in store

the men pack their things and luca is the one to lead, riding down to the shadowed forest northwest

he’d be lying if he said he didn’t wish to have you there on the trip. he just… wanted to see your more warrior queen spirit in action. how would you ride your horse? are you the more relaxed or do you ride strong head on?

what would you look like wielding a sword…?

luca shakes his head again, lost in the clouds of your images and what you could be

“chief?” a subordinate asks him from beside him

“yeah?” luca turns

“you’re red. something wrong?” 

oh-

“i-i'm fine!” the blonde warrior turns his head sideways, embarrassed beyond embarrassed. 

suddenly lucy rides up front and nudges luca by the feet, bringing his attention. “so, what do you think of her?”

“i’m not thinking about y/n!” 

“i didn’t say you were thinking of y/n.”

“LUCY!“

crows fly overhead from the loud scream of luca, whom lucy laughs at. 

“just take it easy. she’s a sweet girl,” lucy grins. but after a second, the smile on the girl’s face falters as she notices a dark shadow in the skies. luca looks up and sees something abnormal.  

it was brief but enough to leave such an impression

w-was that a dragon...?

moreover, was that you??

"i'll catch up."

the afternoon sun shone onto your scales, your more reptilian form ever so majestic and though it was but a mere second, he was able to catch a glance of your beautiful eyes

luca can't help but smile before he turns to his team, "follow everyone!"

he ignores their screams of pointing out the dragon in the skies, galloping just behind you.

god, you looked so beautiful...

in a matter of minutes, you've led luca's team to a nearby village and upon arriving, the first thing that comes into the peripheral view are the horses that belonged to their guild members

you fly away from the village, back into the shadowed where no one would see you

but luca hurriedly calls out for his missing men's names. they scramble out, relief washing over their faces seeing that their guild family had come to retrieve them

"come on, let's head back!" luca yells excitedly, to which they cheer happily and quickly gather their things. he turns to lucy, "lead them back to town. i've got something to take care of."

though confused, she lets her chief leave the crowd first.

luca charges for the shadowed forest, going into the direction you flew.

it didn't take long for him to find you, already shifted back to your human form. luca dismounts then approaches you

"thank you so much for helping us find them," he grins.

"it's no trouble, luca. i'm glad you did," you smile in return. although you were in your more human form, luca can't help but imagine you in your dragon body once more

just how pretty you looked. what you would've looked like fighting off his ancestors in that form

"luca?"

ah, did you catch him staring again...?

something from inside luca pushes him to say it. so he did, "you looked... really pretty. when you were in your dragon form. it's just that i can't look at you the same way after that."

blood rushes to your cheeks. "wh-why thank you... then would you like to see it again?"

luca nods, almost a bit too quickly. he can't help himself!

you giggle, "alright."

you raise your arms, scales beginning to grow on your human flesh. your face elongates and your teeth grow sharp and long. and just like that, your body had become five times your original size

you're in your primal form. the form you were born as when auphaines first found itself.

luca reaches a hand out to you and you nudge his callous palms with your nose gently

a wide smile spreads across his face, his cheeks dusted red out of admiration, "your majesty."

luca may have been fully human, having no real ties or obligation to protect like vox did. but with your unlimited kindness and lack of ability to differentiate between classes (or species for that matter), he bows, promising to you with his life:

"i am sworn to protect your majesty's life at all costs. please, let me fight alongside you."

he glances up and realizes you've shifted back, your eyes soft.

you take his hands, squeezing them.

you and luca, mutually unwilling to let go just yet.

"then i will allow it, sir luca."

Ike Eveland 🖋💙

the writer

ike was a renowned artist in the land of auphaines. he has written several best selling books throughout his career, released some of his own original songs and would sometimes be commissioned by theatre buildings to write a play for casts to perform

almost everyone in auphaines knew who he was

what was his goal to come to the lava mountains?

although ike favored creating his own pieces of literature, there was no shortage of him reading in his own time. whether that be other people's works or books of folklore

which is where he first heard about you

he read in one of his books a fairytale about a lost queen, said to be buried deep under the earth, only waiting for her loyal followers to find her again

ike was a skeptic

he has never seen a dragon, so he thought you weren't real

it's only when vox came by for one of their weekly routines of having tea together that the topic of searching for you came up

"she is very much real, my friend," vox told him, sipping his tea. ike squints his eyes.

"really? i think not."

the demon laughs, "oh, you'll change your mind when i find her again one day. actually, the lads and i have decided to go on a trip together to find her in the lava mountains. if we find her, you owe me a personalized song for my house."

ike rolls his eyes, "you won't get that song, sire. but i suppose it won't hurt to come along. i need a break from the city tension."

which is what brought him here, an unpaid song he has to write for vox.

but here you were, the woman whom his friends seem to easily believe was the lost dragon queen he had been reading about recently

you just... didn't hold the power of what he imagined a warrior queen to have

you seemed so frail and gentle mannered

how could you be the same person to have shaped the lands of auphaines and defeated old monstrous foes?

"my house is unfortunately filled with guests at the moment. her majesty won't have a place to stay at my mansion, i'm afraid, " vox frowns, bowing his head towards you in sincere apologies

"my house is way too dangerous for guests. too many experiments the team are conducting," the magic wielding man says, shaking his head in turn

"mine is a one bedroom apartment and it's messy with objects i've found recently. it might be too uncomfortable for her," mysta reasons.

the blonde warrior raises his hand in the air in defeat as well, "i'm busy looking for my missing men so i can't keep an eye on her either."

with all possibilities closed, the four men turns to their remaining member. ike.

he eyes each of his friends, seemingly offended, "are you asking me to do it?"

vox sighs, "we have no other choice, ike. besides, you live in the upper class district. it's quiet there. you don't leave the house much so you can keep an eye on her for us."

"oh, it's alright. if the gentleman feels burdened by my stay, i can always just continue to stay here," you proffer, patting the solid ground like it was a comfortable bed.

at this, ike's chest tightens in guilt.

it's not that he didn't wish to have guests at his house, it's that he's worried he won't be a good host. he was a busy man after all.

but he'd rather not have you, though known as the warrior dragon queen known by all, sleep near hot lava craters and a rocky ground as your mattress

ike sighs, "alright then. h-her majesty can stay at my house for the time being."

besides, how could he refuse your pretty eyes...?

holy fuck did he seriously think that--

back at his home, he shows you his only guestroom. it was decent enough for you, he thought but he desperately wished it could be a bit better

but it's all he had, so after giving you one of his sleeping robes and a somewhat androgynous outfit he had in his closet for you to wear in the day, he excuses himself for the night

sure, he's written many fairytales for people to read

living in one was something ike never thought he'd have to experience

actually, it was because of this particularly silly thought that kept ike awake. so he takes his notebook and quill set, opting to sit by the fire to write away into the night

it was one of the few things that could help distract him

but he pauses when he feels a cold breeze go down his back

ike turns and realizes one of the windows had been left open. he groans before going to close it, only to freeze once more when he realizes you are perched atop the rooftop

he had never seen anything so... magnificent

you stand just on the edge of the roof, your arms by your side and your face upturned towards the night sky.

but what attracts ike is the fact you have half shifted into the dragon form he's been doubting all this time

scales cover your body like an armor, your wings in full view as it gently flapped in the cool air of the night. your loose hair dances elegantly through the wind, the moon shining just behind you

then, your eyes meet ike's

oh, those beautiful eyes again

o-oh! you were looking at him!

ike turns away, clearing his throat. "sorry, i noticed the window was open. then i... noticed you out there. are you alright?"

you merely offer him a smile. then you step off the roof

"hey--" ike shouts, but he's cut short when your body comes soaring up again. he watches you reach the top of his house then dive back down to the open window

the novelist almost drops his things in surprise

you giggle, "i'm quite alright. it's just been a while since i've stretched my wings is all."

at the mention of them, ike can't help but steal a glance. they're the same color as your scales, glimmering under the moonlight.

"would you mind if i touched them?"

the question spills out of his mouth faster than his mind could process them. but before he can take it back, you perch yourself onto the windowsill and offer him both your wings

"of course not," you nod, beckoning for him to come closer.

you weren't doing anything, really. you just stood there at the window, offering one of your wings for ike to touch.

yet it felt like you were enchanting him

his fingers are already on the edge of your wing, and he's surprised they're softer than they look. one index finger became his entire palm as he felt through more of your wings

"they're so... beautiful," ike whispered. he turns to you and he realizes just how close he is to you. he backs away immediately. "so-sorry!"

giggling, you shake your head, "it's alright."

god, your gentleness is going to be the end of him

as comforting as it sounded to live amongst the higher class, ike would tell you a thousand times over how specifically the human faction of the elite can be incredibly snobby and arrogant

so he's had to face with very snobbish ladies who fancied him and the jealous "elegant" men who lived in the neighborhood

so to be able to have a roommate such as yourself was a good change of pace from all that

you had incredible cooking skills as well and it certainly helped reduce ike's time in not working. besides domestic life, you surprised ike when he one day found you in his library

you sift through the collection he has, and when you find one that catches your eye, you would sit by the fire and read it until ike reminded you it was time to eat

but he'd be lying to himself if he said that you didn't look so adorable curled up on one of the lounging chairs (his favorite, mind you), blankets in your lap and reading by firelight

it almost looked like... you belonged there. he didn't mind having this kind of view whenever he exits the study

"enjoying your read?" ike beams softly as he sat in the chair across, never once letting you know you were sitting on his favorite chair.

you peak up from your book, nodding. "quite, yes. you have fantastic taste, ike. and skills."

the novelist raises an eyebrow. then you grin, holding your book up and showing that you were reading his book

his cheeks flush, throat suddenly stuffed. "i-i see. i'm glad you're enjoying it then. i work hard on all of my books."

"i can tell. literary art is a wonderful but also complex art to master."

that he can agree with you.

you then frown slightly, "ike, would you mind if i gave you feedback?"

oh?

"no, none at all! i encourage it, in fact," ike sits a bit straighter, looking at you expectantly with eyes wide of excitement. sure, he's received much fan mail (both professional and not) about his work, but having it come from you felt different

was it because you were an old creature who's seen the earth move for centuries?

perhaps to ike, the praise felt more of quality coming from you because... it was you.

you then begin to flip through the bookmarked pages, pointing out what you felt off or praised the part where it got your heart to beat so fast. ike attentively writes them all down on his notebook, never missing a word that fell from your lips

"so far, that's what i have. i'll tell you more once i've finished it," to this, ike nods graciously and then you return to sticking your nose into the book.

once again there you were, curled up warmly in his clothes reading his book

he forgot for a moment there that you were a dragon goddess. you just looked so... preciously human? it felt like he was on one standing with you

sure, being a queen, dragon goddess, creator of auphaines and all that

but to simply have y/n in his house, accompanying him do his work

this was why he was not interested in the elite ladies

somehow, ike eveland favored the simple ones. those who don't really ask for much. nothing but himself. not for his talents or his riches.

why did he think he like he was going to court you?

ike sighs to himself then goes to stand, wishing to leave you to your reading. but the loose papers in his notes shuffle out and sprawls itself across the floor

this brought your attention away from the book as you bend down to help collect the scattered pages

then your fingers incidentally brush against ike's. almost like you've both been electrocuted, you pull away hastily.

"pa-pardon me, y/n," ike laughs nervously, turning away.

you can't help but giggle, grabbing the sheet of paper and handing it back to him. he takes what you gave him, slipping it back between the intact pages of his notebook. he nods in thanks.

"oh, there's one more," you point out, catching a glimpse of one more gone-rogue paper just about near the hearth. you bend down once more to get it, but your eyes scan over its contents. your eyes widen, "th-the dragon queen?"

ike's face falters.

that was the poem he wrote about you some nights ago.

"um, could you hand that back please?"

but you seem to already be reading it, much to ike's embarrassment

she slowly awakes from under the embers, the sunlight of the world shining down on her greedily as they welcome her majesty's return. there she stood, blessing the earth with her ever so gentle smile, baring kindness no human could spare. although an angry and unfair war weighs on her despaired heart, the dragon queen does not hiss at her old foes. instead she walks tall and remains ignorant of what befell her. for she does not see the ancient past. a true leader, the lord, the dragon goddess, the queen, y/n.

ike could not describe you in any other words than what he mentioned in that small poem

his heart just had to spill it out

so, he nervously awaits your reaction. but you merely blush and grin, holding the poem close to your heart. this makes ike's face flush just as pink

"it's beautiful," you whisper, a certain glimmer in your eyes when you spoke to the illustrious writer they call ike eveland

he responds, "and... you are too."

well, you've read his poem, might as well, right?

you then walk towards him, standing on your toes to place a chaste kiss on his cheek.

a writer, living in his own true romantic fantasy...

ike smiles, bringing you in for a hug.

Shu Yamino 🔮✨

the sorcerer

sorcery was one of the many things humankind was both proud and terrified of having. which is why people don't always smile and greet shu when he visits the city

but shu couldn't care any less

his family was a long line of great sorcerers, him as the next generation

he liked what sorcery could do too. it's helped him so many times in the past so there wasn't much for him to be really ashamed of.

the few people who were interested in it often came to shu for guidance, customers who needed it frequented his shop too along with his fellow sorcerer friends

so what is his connection with you and why tag along on the adventure to the lava mountains?

two reasons actually

the first reason was because vox needed another pair of arms in venturing the dangerous lands near the lava mountains. he wasn't known as one of the most able sorcerer in auphaines for nothing after all

the second reason was because he was interested. as a man of magic, it was imperative that he learned all things mythical, even as far back as ancient dragons that were said to be wiped out completely

but when vox informed him of his main goal of looking for the remaining heir of this extinct dragon kind, shu's curiosity peaked

dragons, the original creators, how his sorcery came to be in the first place

he had to see this if it was actually true

thus here he was with his four friends, you, the supposed last of your kind, the dragon queen herself

but shu had to be honest

he was a bit underwhelmed when he saw only your human form. to be completely honest, he wanted to see your dragon body so he could confirm for himself that his history books were wrong into thinking your kind had fully ceased to exist

but he couldn't judge you

you were real, as vox claimed

"would you be comfortable living among humans, my queen?" vox asks you.

seeing your hand clench slightly and your eyes avoiding that of the demon's was enough to say that you were a bit nervous about the idea.

"i wouldn't want to cause anything is all... i'm sure the stigma about dragons being the antagonists still exists," you sigh, offering a gentle smile at the men.

"um, i don't mind having her stay at my house though," shu suggests, surprising even himself for volunteering. he adds, "she can disguise easily with the other sorcerers so other humans wouldn't have to look twice."

"that's not a bad idea, shu," the writer agrees, nodding. "i directly live with humans. mysta although in the countryside gets many human customers at his store. and vox lives at the heart of the city where humans are at too."

"i'm afraid my house is also full with guests currently, which further proves your point," then the demon turns to you. "i hope these accommodations are alright, my queen?"

sorcery came from you after all, so if you were going to be alright living with humans, the next best option is sorcerers. the man named shu seemed very trust worthy as well.

"i'm grateful for it," you nod, standing on your feet.

"well," shu scratches the back of his head, beaming. "i hope you're alright with a few explosions here and there."

once you saw the gates to the city, the other four bid you goodbye, with vox promising a visit as soon as possible. shu gestures towards the little path towards the woods.

"this way, your majesty," he steps ahead, you just following behind.

"how do sorcerers fare these days, shu?" you suddenly inquire on the journey.

shu hums, "well, not the best but it has gotten better. we've been accepted into society at least. but some people are still afraid of it."

"some?"

"yes. there is no little amount who would come to my magic shop once in a while to buy a charm or the sort. they're the few who believe sorcery is not dangerous," shu shrugs. "to be honest, it should be accepted more. so long as people don't misuse it."

"i agree with you. i gave it to you so it could make your lives easier after all."

and shu forgot for a whole second that he was walking with a millennia old dragon beside him. he takes a glance at you, in your human form and all.

such an interesting creature you were indeed...

you and him finally reach the row of cottages that resided in the woods, a large store filled with magical trinkets you guessed where shu worked at became the centerpiece of the woodland neighborhood

shu leads you just behind the building and into the cottage you assumed belonged to him

inside, you are surprised when you see many books strewn about; containing divination spells, ritualistic texts and passages that told what purpose one ingredient had

there was a huge table in the center of the room filled with all sort of alchemical equipment. there was a row of finished potions or ointments, some still in progress judging by the labels, and there are crates of raw ingredients yet to be used

"sorry, it's a little messy in here," shu offers you a sympathetic smile, to which you graciously return.

"it's quite alright. if anything, i feel very much at home seeing all this," you then approach the work table, observing the many diagrams shu was working on. "what are you working on exactly?"

"a customer commissioned a concoction that could help revive a dead plant," shu answers, taking a seat on one of the high stools with a huge sigh. "the samples i've created so far have only worsened its state though..."

and he's been working on this particular potion for a really long time, yet to no avail. even his co workers in the same field could not get the desired result

shu begins to flip through a tome and you can't help but lean over to involve yourself

"may i see where you've gotten so far?"

the sorcerer nods, sliding over his research and calculation sheets. "the main ingredient that seemed to be a good start was acramire. the changing variables were temperature and method of processing. also of course differing ingredients."

you put a finger to your chin, "acramire seems to be a good foundation indeed. have you tried using low temperatures and eezelas?"

seemingly interested in your ideas, shu immediately gets the right tools to do per your instructions.

he's surprised when he doesn't know any of the techniques you explain to him. but you patiently guide him with such expertise

at the end of the experiment, shu has the sample ready. he pulls out a dead plant (one he's ruined before) and puts a few drops into the soil

you and him watch it expectantly, and he's pleasantly surprised when the stems start to catch green again, the flower blooming with immense speed

"woah, it actually worked!" shu grins, applauding. "thank you so much, your majesty!

you shake your head, "you were already heading to the right direction, shu. give yourself some credit too."

the sorcerer laughs sheepishly, his cheeks glowing red from the compliment.

shu would've thought that you were just going to be his temporary roommate, but he never figured you could be such an amazing lab partner

a sorcery professor perhaps fit you better actually

the customer who first requested the revitalizing potion was beyond impressed and continued to ask for more agricultural potions that could benefit his garden

from this success, the news spread out to the entire city, people came looking for shu's store thanks to your aid

it brought many exciting nights experimenting together to create the right mixtures with the specific results

you weren't the original creator of auphaines for nothing if you hadn't been able to figure out what the customers need

in the process of this, shu learns more than he could've back at the academy of sorcery. he learns old techniques and the hidden purpose behind the ingredients he had more than his textbooks could ever imagine to explain

and the way you would word everything so patiently just so he could understand alongside you

you were a queen, weren't you? not a skilled teacher...

either way, he's so glad he volunteered to house you

he's used to being alone in his little lab/cottage, tinkering with the many different ingredients he could get his hands on in the woods and making (mostly safe) explosions here and there

but whenever you leave to take a walk, shu finds himself aching to have you back

to teach him more about alchemy

to teach him more about incantations

to teach him more about... you

currently, you sit quietly across from him on the working table reading a thick tome about old spells. surely you wouldn't need to learn anything new?

the room is only lit by a few candles and the hearth by the corner; the cracking fire, the occasional flips of the pages and the sound of clinking equipment from shu

it all felt so right

would he be too greedy if he wished to house you for longer?

then the door suddenly knocks, despite being late into the night. you look up from your book to glance at shu, who shakes his head confused

he hops off the stool and swings the door open to reveal a group of his sorcerer friends holding torches and wearing very panicked expressions

"shu, the scalcisas are back. we need your help," one of them pleads desperately as sweat drips down their forehead.

ah, scalcisas. the wolves who lurk in the shadows, who run and hide like the darkness itself. literally.

they are to be feared, especially found in woods like these. they easily sneak into civilian territory without much struggle and capture lives silently

but with the skilled sorcerers in the area, it's no wonder that they manage to detect when the fierce scalcisa would come near. but they are not creatures who easily give up

at the announcement, shu quickly grabs his coat and steps out.

you shut your tome close and skip to the door, saying, "may i join you?"

shu shoots you a worried glance, but he sighs, beckoning you to come with, "alright then. just be careful."

you step outside as he closes the door behind you, and the group who came to fetch shu led you to the edge of the district of sorcerers. there you could sense the dark creatures lingering in the dark, waiting for the right moment to strike

half the sorcerers there were pale, despite having experienced this many times before

shu is on the front battle line, summoning pink and purple fires in one hand

"wait!" you suddenly shout, causing everyone to jump at your loud voice. shu turns to you, fire still ready in his palm as you walk forwards.

the others seemed to be whispering for you to stop being stupid or being rash. some even braved themselves to come forward to hold you back

but shu trusted that you knew what you were doing, so he holds up a hand, telling them to lay their hands away from you

you stand right on the forest floor, eyeing the creatures whose eyes are now trained on you

what surprised everyone is how you growl at the scalcisas. like you were speaking their language.

your hand is raised into the air, pointing outwards back into the inky black woods. but most importantly, you don't look angry when you do.

the scalcisas inch into the light, every single one of them. but you don't even quiver when they are a mere feet away from you

instead, they bow once and retreat back into the dark

you turn, offering a smile to the nervous sorcerers including shu, "they promise to not return here. but they would appreciate it if you left them some food from time to time."

"how do you know they won't return?" someone in the crowd asks

you wave him off dismissively, "i spoke to them. and they spoke back, of course. that's how conversations work, no?"

everyone looked at you like you had gone crazy

but shu looked at you like you had just returned from a great war, a sense of heavy respect for you

admiration for you

"thank you, y/n," he bows, then turning to his friends. "she speaks the truth. don't underestimate her. she has... special abilities."

if the great sorcerer shu spoke for you, then they knew to trust you. so they shrug it off, thanked you for your aid and went their merry way back home

on your own journey back, shu can't help but smile as he asked you, "do you mind teaching me dragon?"

you giggle, slapping his arm. "i'm afraid you'll need a dragon's body for that, shu. besides, i used an old language. not one you'd understand."

he slows down a bit, which makes you stop as well.

"i... " he trails off, his ears reddening a bit. "i wouldn't mind spending my time learning with you. even if it took me a lifetime."

shu takes a deep breath in before deciding to look you in the eye, "n-not just about the language. since you came over, i've learned so many new things and i feel very comfortable with your teaching methods. but, it makes me think. that i wish i could learn more about you as a person. would you allow me to do that?"

you blink at him, unmoving for a few seconds. then you outstretch your hand to him, the most beautiful smile on your face since he met you. you just looked so... happy.

"i'd teach you all the things this world hasn't told you, shu. even about myself."

there you were, holding his rapidly beating heart with your gentle hands. shu could never imagine it anywhere else.

"thank you," he whispers, enlacing his fingers with yours as you walk back to his cottage that night and for the many nights learning about each other to come.

a tiny glossary bcs i cOuLDNT HELP MYSELF

acramire: a rare alchemical ingredient made from the soils of all four of auphaines' different terrains and purified water from the lifbringan waterfall auphaines (demonym: auphainian) from aurum "gold" and phainesthai "appear", said to have been named because the original creators of auphaines were born from the light eezela (plural: eezelas): a leaf plant that grows in clusters near the lifbringan waterfall, usually only found during twilight hours scalcisa (plural: scalcisas): from scato "shadow" and volcica "wolf". said to have been the reincarnation of a deceased old dragon who befriended the shadows, then slowly took on the form similar to a wolf caused by evolution

Masterlist!

[thecarnivorousmuffinmeta]

Should be studying but meh. About the Renesme and E.J forgive me for this ask. Lets say Belle has twins. Cool. Lets say the twins think twincest is not that bad. Will the Cullens be shocked or pretend this is not real?

I say this bc I can see her prefering to date her twin then Jacob.

Asker is referring to this post.

I just like the prelude to this.

Bella has twins.

Alright.

Now the twins are incestuous. Go!

Just, okay, we're going straight for it. Skipping past all the worlds where they might not be incesutous and going straight for it.

I mean, to be fair, these two grow up in a shoebox where people adore them while simulatenously paying no attention to them whatsoever. The "incestuous relationships are wrong" might genuinely never be conveyed to them.

Will the Cullens be Shocked or Pretend it's Not Real

They won't even notice.

Per canon Renesmee, for the vast majority of the Cullens, is little more than a prop. Granted, she's only three months old at the time, isn't having very interesting conversations, and a lot of shit is going on but her mother and father treat her like a doll and put her in their Marie Antoinette sex cottage, Alice dresses her like a doll and is otherwise annoyed her gift gets blocked, Rosalie sees her as the child she never got to have, and Jacob isn't even a person anymore.

I can't imagine it'd be any different with a brother. The difference being that, at the very least, they'd have each other.

I imagine the Cullens wouldn't notice or, if they see signs, tell themselves they must be seeing things. Because... no.

As it is, I'm sure they share the same over decorated room in Bella and Edward's sex cottage and probably are sharing a bed. Bella and Edward don't find this weird as they find nothing in canon weird.

No, the one I'd worry about is Jacob.

Alright, What About Jacob?

Jacob probably kills Edward Jacob.

Edward Jacob is not an imprint and he's in the way. He likely doesn't have Renesmee's gift (perhaps not any gift with which to protect himself or his sister), and he alone stands as the biggest obstacle between Jacob and Renesmee.

With Edward Jacob in the picture, Jacob will never be the first priority. I highly doubt that's allowed.

Edward Jacob will be lured out on his own, unprotected, and murdered in the woods with Jacob blaming the Volturi. Or, perhaps, if Renesmee refuses to leave him then Renesmee witnesses the murder of her brother and Jacob still blames the Volturi and is horrified to see that no one in her family believes her when she claims it was actually Jacob.

(Well, half the family might, but Edward and Bella certainly will not.)

Renesmee then is probably set down the path of murdering Jacob if not Edward as well. If the Volturi can murder her brother why can't they murder Jacob and her father as well?

Aro then gets blamed for all the murders he didn't commit.

WHAT?! BUT THAT'S SO DEPRESSING

Alright, if Edward Jacob has a phenomenally strong gift (possible with Bella's genes in the mix) then I imagine after Jacob's failed murder attempt, they probably murder him in self-defense and tell the family that Jacob went out for cigarettes.

Bella implodes and they live knowing they've emotionally wrecked their mother who still thinks Jacob Black was a great man.

[sundaysundaes]

Thirst

Lee Donghyuck/Haechan X Reader | Smut, Fluff | 3.8k | Vampire AU

Summary: You have walked the earth for more than a hundred years but your eternity finally means something the second you meet a human boy with smiles brighter than the sun.

Warnings: Vampire!Reader X Human!Hyuck, unprotected sex, blood sucking

“Wait, ah…” 

You pull back at the sound of his voice, fingers squeezing his upper arm. “Nervous?”

Donghyuck throws his head back and runs a hand over his face. He averts his gaze, slightly hiding behind his lean fingers. “Of course, I’m nervous,” he confesses, the tip of his ears turning scarlet. “I have a cute girl sitting on my lap, about to drink blood from my neck—how could I not be nervous?”

You reach out to him, gently running your fingertips at the side of his throat, and see him swallow hard at your touch. You can hear his heartbeat soaring, which only fuels your thirst for his blood. It has been days since you last drank from him and the flame in your throat is scorching. You know that if you don’t do something about it fast, you’ll lose what’s left of your humanity.

“Hyuck…” You plead, gripping against the collar of his black shirt. “I’m… I really need to drink…”

All the anxiety on his face is replaced instantly with concern. “Shit, you’re right, I’m sorry.” He takes a deep breath, unfastening two of his top buttons to reveal more of his collarbones. The previous bite marks have begun to fade on his skin, appearing almost as faint as the little mole he has on his Adam’s apple. He’s beautiful, so beautiful, that if your mind wasn’t too clouded with the thoughts of consuming human blood, you would praise and cherish every little detail of his features with your lips.

Donghyuck closes his eyes, eyebrows adjoined in the middle in anticipation of your bite. His hand is fisting his collar, slowly tugging it down to reveal more sun-kissed skin to your glowing eyes. “H-have it your way.”

The way he’s reacting like a child curling up in fear of a syringe being plunged into their skin, makes you feel contrite but there’s no other option but to consume what he offers. Otherwise, your thirst for blood will drive you to the brink of your sanity, forcing you to do something even more terrible to him.

You try your best to divert your attention and focus more on trying to comfort him, even when your entire body nearly blazes in flame. Softly, you brush your lips against the column of his throat.

Donghyuck shivers, his breathing tatters. “Don’t—“ He curls his fingers, nails sinking into his palms when he feels your mouth move to lay wet kisses down his chest. “Don’t do that, please.”

“I’m trying to calm you down.”

“Well, you’re doing the opposite 'cause then I’ll be nervous for an entirely different reason.” Donghyuck brings the back of his hand to his mouth, murmuring the words against his skin. But despite the heat that warms his cheeks, he does seem a bit more relaxed, slightly smiling sheepishly at you over his flirtatious words. “I’m fine, just do it.”

You nod, leaning in to kiss the tip of his nose. Caught off guard, the blush blooms a little wider on his face but he tenderly strokes your cheek. “We’ll do that again after you’re finished,” he promises, “A lot of that.” His hooded eyes are captivated with the way your lips glisten under the slide of his thumb. “Right here.”  

You smile in return. Landing yet another soft kiss to his jaw this time, you extend your fangs and make your mark.

Donghyuck winces away from the pain of your cuspids puncturing the skin under his jaw, right between the earlobe and the collarbone. His hand immediately finds your shoulder, fingers twisting against the fabric of your dress. He takes his bottom lip between his teeth, eyes shut close as he endures the pain, but in the next few seconds, his breathing gradually becomes slower.

His head swirls as the rush of endorphin fills his system, elevating him with bliss. He slides his hand down from your shoulder to your arm, resting it on the dip of your waist. You can hear him curse under his breath but he slowly relaxes, his body reclining with you pressed tightly against his chest.

“You’re not so gentle today, are you?” He chuckles softly, slurring a little bit as his thoughts become hazy with ecstasy. “You don’t usually bite me like that.”

You can’t respond, too busy drowning in the pleasantness of his blood.

“So serious.” He quietly laughs. “Well, I guess, it has been a while since we did this so you must be very thirsty.” His free hand slips around your neck, tangling your locks around his fingers. He lets his lips brush against your strands as he murmurs, “I’m sorry… It must have been painful.”

It was painful. So painful that you were about to lose your mind, but with Donghyuck’s arms wrapped around your body protectively, his warm skin under your fingertips, and his sweet, sweet blood on your tongue, every pain, every suffering, every torture you’ve experienced vanishes into a blur.

“Calm down,” he whispers, his honeyed voice soothes you more than anything else in the world. “You don’t have to rush. I’m not going anywhere.”

And as he relishes the feeling of your tongue on his skin, your teeth sinking to draw even more blood, he closes his eyes again, and witnesses a flashback behind his eyelids.

Eight years-old Lee Donghyuck stood on the frozen ground with his tiny gloves covering his trembling fingers. Smokes of warm breaths were clouding over his mouth. His teeth chattered from the cold; a weird, repetitive melody to his ears. And although his tears were no longer falling, his reddened cheeks were still lined with them. 

“Jaeminnie…” He sniffed, one arm hugging himself by the waist while the other one moved to rub his puffy eyes. “Jaeminnie, where are you…?”

His warm chocolate brown beanie was no longer covering his head—a small reminder of how he had previously tripped himself and scraped his knee on the way down. It hurt. His trousers were ripped open from the fall, enough to show the small bleeding wound on his right knee. Kissed by the cold, his ears were red to the tips, freezing. 

He was alone. And lost. And no matter how much he called out for Jaemin’s name over and over again, no one ever came to reply.

Losing strength, Donghyuck fell to his knees. His gloved covered fingers sank into the five centimeters deep white snow and he began to cry, as loudly as he could, just like how he usually did at nights when he was too scared of the monster lurking under his bed.

He cried, and he cried, and he cried, and then he stopped.

He was not alone.

Donghyuck had his gaze on you; his big, watery, round eyes blinking in surprise. Your dress was tainted with splotches of red, fresh liquid that dripped from your chin as you just feasted upon a human. Turning around to look at him, Donghyuck noticed something peculiar.

Your eyes were glowing, strikingly so. Even in the darkness, even when the moon didn’t set afoot to shine that night in the silenced forest, Donghyuck saw them shining like the stars. And they were brighter, much brighter than anything he had ever witnessed.

The little boy stopped crying and gazed back at you. But no matter how cold your eyes were as they raked in his features, Donghyuck was not as much afraid as he was curious of why you could stand in the middle of December, wearing nothing but a sleeveless knee-high summer dress. And he was still starstruck with your glowing topaz eyes.

When he reached out a hand, you took a step back by instinct. Humans made you nervous, especially after your last encounter with the hunters. The memory of one of them nearly driving a stake into your heart made you more cautious than ever, even when your opponent was only a child.

Donghyuck stood up and dared himself to take another step and this time you bared your teeth in response. Your natural human face suddenly dispersed into a form of fear the second Donghyuck saw your teeth.

They were fangs, small but sharp enough to tear skin apart. You snarled, like a beast in a corner, ready to pounce when threatened. 

But Donghyuck’s fear only lasted for a minute, while his curiosity and admiration lasted forever.

“You…” Donghyuck spoke, his voice quivered from the cold and perhaps, excitement. Blood was still dripping from the corner of your mouth and he saw a long cut, spreading from your right palm to her wrist. “Are you hurt? You’re bleeding…”

Your eyes widened in surprise at his words, blinking twice before your shoulders began to loosen.

“If you’re hurt, I have band-aids,” Donghyuck said, immediately shoving his small hand inside his pocket to grab two blue band-aids with soccer balls printed on them. He showed them to you, his teeth still chattering from the cold. “See?”

You examined him more, looking for any kind of sign that he might be a threat to your existence but it was no use. Donghyuck was as harmless as he was adorable. He didn’t even have the strength to keep his little, stubby fingers steady from the cold.

“Why are you crying?” You asked instead, standing a little better in a less offensive stance. 

Donghyuck finally remembered. “Nana… Jaeminnie’s gone… He fought with his brother so we went out here to have some time for ourselves but… But we got separated and now he’s gone...”

“In the woods like this?” You wiped the blood off your mouth with the back of your hand. “What, do you want to die? It’s not safe.”

“N-no—I don’t want to die… I didn’t mean it to be like this.” The little boy shook his head. “I was just trying to help… Jaeminnie looked sad and I wanted to help…”

You fell quiet for a moment, noticing how Donghyuck’s eyes had turned watery once again. You retracted your hands, no longer had your claws out to defend yourself. “Maybe your friend’s already gone home first.” 

“Y-you think?” Donghyuck’s eyes grew hopeful and that was when you realized that the boy was not crying because he was lost in the woods late at night, nor was he crying because he thought his friend abandoned him. Donghyuck was crying because he was worried sick about him. “W-well, if he’s home then that’s great… I really hope he’s with his family again… Fighting is bad…”

So frail, you thought, humans are so frail. Leave them and they cry. Break them and they die.

You sighed. You couldn’t find the heart to leave him alone.“Come with me,” you said, “I’ll help you find your way out of the woods. You can check whether he’s home or not after that.”

And Donghyuck was not one to think twice when people offered him help. With a bright smile, he let his little feet carry him closer to your spot. “I’m Donghyuck,” he said, smiling brightly as he stood beside you. “And you are?”

You glanced at him, noticing how his bangs were fluttering from the winter breeze. His nose was red and his skin, although it was slightly tanned, was thin and easy for you to sink your teeth into if you wanted to. 

You told him your name and you had to repeat it twice until he could pronounce it correctly. He smiled even warmer. “Your name is pretty. Just like you, Noona!”

Noona? You almost snorted. When was the last time someone ever called you that?

But you kept yourself in silence and although you appeared cold, Donghyuck managed to find your charm in his own way. 

“Can I hold your hand on the way out, Noona?”

“Don’t get too full of yourself, brat.”

Twenty years-old Lee Donghyuck smiles at the memory, even when he’s somewhat dazed from the chemical of your saliva. He embraces you tighter, sighing close to your ear, “It took a while before you warmed up to me. I’m just so glad you accept me the way I am.”

That’s my line. You close your eyes, fingers curling against the back of his shirt. You can faintly hear his heartbeat growing slower and during the time you begin to worry, Donghyuck caresses your cheek.  

“Can we…” He breathes heavily. “Stop for a moment?” His head swirls, always an aftereffect from having his blood sucked more than he can contain. But even then, he still smiles like always.

“Oh…” Embarrassed and startled, you pull away, immediately wiping the trace of blood on the corner of your lips with the back of your hand. “I—I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to… Umm…” Donghyuck witnesses your fangs before they’re fully retracted, as you turn away, shy and ashamed, hiding the only thing that distinguishes you from a normal human. 

Donghyuck smiles wider, and wider, until he produces this little chuckle that always sends a trickle of warmth and desire through your soundless heart. “You’re adorable, come here,” he says, hugging you from behind and tugging you closer to his chest, your intertwined hands lying idly on your lap.

After years have passed by since your first encounter, Donghyuck has become stronger and taller, with broader shoulders and veiny muscles appearing along his wrists. You, in return, stay as young as always, never changing. But like this, sitting above his thighs and curling up to his chest, you look like a normal girl, perhaps even a few months younger than he is.

“Hyuck...” 

“Hmm?”

“Did it... hurt?”

“When I fell from heaven?”

You don’t indulge him with his jokes. “When I bit you, did it hurt?”

“Yeah, but I like it.” He grins, placing his chin on your shoulder. "Seems like I’ve developed a kink for it.” When you don’t mirror his laugh, he embraces you tighter. “I’m fine,” he whispers to your ear, tickling you with his warm breath. “Just a little low on blood, but come on, it’s nothing new.”

You don’t say anything but Donghyuck understands how guilt is gnawing at you from the inside. “Hey,” he gently turns your body around until he has his eyes peering into yours. You’re reluctant, not sure how to face him with the look of guilt on your face. “I said I’m fine. Can’t you see?” he coos, smiling with his chocolate brown eyes turning crescents. “Don’t look like that. You know I don’t like it when you’re blaming yourself for drinking my blood.”

“But it’s…” You nibble on your lower lip. “It’s not right.”

“You’re just filling your needs,” Donghyuck corrects you. “What’s wrong with it? I do it all the time. Think about this as your late-night snack.”

“Hyuck, I’m snacking on your blood.”

“And yet you’re the one who complains about it. You see how weird that is?” You shoot him a glare but Donghyuck counters back with a pout—a habit from his childhood days that somehow only occurs more often now that he’s an adult. “Look, I volunteered to do this. I want you to drink my blood.” He swats the bangs out of your eyes, leaning close. “I’ll be pissed-off if you drink from someone else, actually. You’re supposed to be mine, just as much as I am yours.”

It’s funny how you’re superior than him in terms of experience, strength, and possibly anything else, but he shamelessly talks like he owns you. And you don’t mind, not at all, because after living behind the shadows for so long, it’s nice to have someone as bright as the sun holding you captive under his light.

You trail your fingers through the blood on his neck, painting his skin with crimson. “I’ve made a mess,” you mumble to yourself and Donghyuck stiffens, even stops breathing for a second. You dip your head into the crook of his neck, darting out your tongue to wipe the rest of his blood away, slowly and gently so you won’t scrape his skin with your fangs.

“Don’t hold back.” He holds you closer until your teeth are grazing against the supple skin. “It’s okay if you want to do it again.”

The temptation is too much, too strong, and you can’t find the will or strength to decline. “T-then... Just a little more.”

Donghyuck’s ragged breathing devolves into soft moans that ring in your ears, and you want him so desperately in every sense of the word. “Fuck, it’s so weird that it feels this good,” he sighs, the back of his head pressed against the wall behind him. “Do I taste this good to you too?”

You hum, squeezing his shoulder.

He smiles between deep sighs. “Then, I guess, we’re both each other’s drugs.”

You only take a sip of his blood and lick the rest until nothing seeps out from his wound. Donghyuck is in a haze, eyes nearly closed when he smiles softly. “Are you done?”

You nod, wiping your mouth clean. “Thank you.”

“You’re being too formal.” He titters. “But you’re welcome. Anytime you want.”

You don’t really blush, not when you’ve lived for more than a century, but Donghyuck has his way to break into your facade and knows when he’s succeeding. He says there’s just something in the way you avert your gaze, the way you lick your lips nervously, or the way you put a hand on his chest as if you were about to push him away, but at the same time, making sure that he stayed near.

Donghyuck understands all that. He knows you like the back of his hand. 

“Listen to me,” Donghyuck says, cupping your face with both hands so he can stare directly into your glowing eyes. “If you ever crave for blood, you come to me, okay? I won’t let you starve. I won’t let you die. You can drink from me, as much as you want. I want you to.”

You’re surprised at the sudden pressure on his words and Donghyuck’s hands are hot, nearly scorching compared to your icy cold skin but they’re comfortable. He reminds you of the sun, of its heat on your skin during the day, reminding you how good your life was as a human.

“But I’m not even alive, Hyuck,” you say, smiling weakly as you lean more into his touch.

“Scientifically, no.” He shifts closer to press his forehead against yours, his heat seeping through your skin. “But to me, you’re much more alive—and you make me feel more alive than anyone I’ve ever known.”

You want to meet his eyes, but his stare is directed to your lips. “Is that a compliment or a white lie?” You whisper, and his eyes grow half-lidded when he sees you moving your lips to form a sentence.

“It’s the truth.” Donghyuck swallows the soft noise you make directly with his mouth, lips slanting against yours perfectly like pieces of a puzzle. He groans from the back of his throat when he tastes a hint of his blood on your tongue, kissing you deeper with more passion.

Being with Donghyuck is suffocating and it’s funny because you don’t even need to breathe to live. It’s suffocating in the sense of how desperate his kisses are, how there is only one innocent kiss at the beginning that only lasts for a few seconds and then vanishes entirely, changing into hard, bruising, deep ones that feel possessive and dominating.

But being with him is also comforting. He gives you solace you don’t know you need. His touch, a stark contrast to his kisses, is gentle, almost silky smooth whenever his hands glide on your skin. He’s the only one who knows how to make you laugh, even when you can hardly remember how or the sound that you make when you do. His laughter is contagious, his protested whines are both annoying and endearing. He’s the fire that keeps you alive.

“Hyuck—” You circle your fingers around his wrist, feeling the heartbeat that faintly beats under the skin. “Wait, you’re losing a lot of blood—”

“I don’t care,” he gasps against your mouth, yanking his hand from your hold so he can cup your cheek. “I’m fine, so let’s just—“ You let him overpower you for once to do as he pleases and he pushes you down to the carpeted floor, crawling on top of your body. “I want you—for two weeks, I’ve been—I’ve missed you—”

Donghyuck is adorable when he wants something so desperately, like the way he furrows his eyebrows as he runs his fingers on his keyboards. The way he’s shouting a train of expletives at his computer screen before he leaps out of his chair, punching the air when he finally completes the mission. 

Donghyuck is captivating when he desires to achieve something in his life, like the way he practices dancing over and over again to earn a scholarship to college. Or the way he told you he loved you a few months ago, and no matter how many times you said no, telling how ridiculous of him to even think about being with a vampire, he never relented. 

And Donghyuck is beautiful—so out worldly beautiful—when he wants you.

It’s beautiful, the little moan that escapes his lips when you touch him back. Even the slightest touch at the right spot can make him shiver and he blushes when you notice him react that way, immediately saying, “It’s just cold here, okay? And your ice-cold skin isn’t helping.” 

It’s beautiful, the way a bead of sweat rolls down his temple as he’s sheathed deep inside you, not quite moving yet as he tries to catch his breath, his cheeks flushed. “You’re driving me insane,” he confesses, hiding his face in the crook of your neck, grazing his lips against your skin as he sighs. “Can we stay like this forever?”

It’s beautiful, the way he laughs when you answer him with, “Actually yes, we can, if you’re willing to be turned into a vampire.” The appalled look on his face only stays for a split second before he beams at you, his smile bright enough to replace the sun. “That doesn’t sound so bad,” he giggles, taking your earlobe between his teeth as he whispers, “Any man would be happy to sacrifice their souls to be able to make love to you for eternity. Including me.” And as he moves back to your lips, he adds, “Especially me.”

It’s beautiful, the way he throws his head back in pleasure at the feeling of you clenching around him. The way he murmurs expletives while biting his lip as he brings his eyes down to you. His expression is erotic, his voice obscene, his lips are parted and bruised. His hands are on your knees as he spreads your legs apart, pushing himself deeper inside. “I can never get enough of you. I—“ He flinches when his thrust hits your sweet spot and you squeeze harder around him in response.

It’s beautiful, the way he rambles when the sensation becomes too much. “The way you feel around me—” He places open-mouthed kisses down your neck, his hips moving frantically at a faster pace. “Y-your entire existence—” His hand heads over to your breast, his thumb sliding over your nub. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

And it’s fucking beautiful, the way he says your name in a soft gasp as he comes inside you, his arms trembling when he places them on the floor on each side of your head to keep him from collapsing on top of you. His temple is pressed against your collarbone and he quivers when you kiss his hair. His lips immediately chase after yours when his name escapes your mouth, and he kisses you again, and again, as if he hasn’t been kissing you a thousand times already.

“Stay with me,” he begs, his hooded eyes nearly hidden behind the bangs that are damp from his sweat. “I’ll keep you alive—as alive as you make me feel so please just…”

Don’t leave me.

***