#prisoner x guard is a classic

[no-i-will-not-shut-up]

childe x wriothesley has potential

[ms0milk]

𝐀 𝐇𝐘𝐌𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐊 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑 || 𝐦.𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

On a diplomatic trip far from home, Prince Bakugou must contend with his hatred for you. A woman who lives to take orders. The last thing the warrior prince needs is a babysitter but it’s a feat, not a coincidence, that you are the only apprentice to the captain of his royal guard. Feasts, balls, and festivities await you and your new friends at Takoba, and in the seaside kingdom you must reconcile with the idea that your prince is not so noble as the queen who raised him. All while something half dead and long forgotten festers on high tide.

𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒕 [𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒔] MDNI prince!bakugou x royal guard!(fem) reader, slow burn to eventual smut. y/n has a personality and it is business formal, she grows. individual chapters will have specific tags-warnings-ratings— in general please expect violence/descriptions of injuries, strong language, two aloof fools, the classic motley bnha crew, seaside shenanigans. bakugou is an absolute piece of work, y/n is professional to a fault and it drives him insane. travel companions ー civil teammates ー genuine enemies ー confused friends ー lovers. plenty of ridiculous tension accompanied by angst and 𝒎𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒄.

❂ ー 𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓'𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆 this story has been my baby over the past few months (was this a direct response to mha ch 362? yes) — so I hope you cherish it as much as I do. I am not immune to roy/riza and many of the dynamics in this au are inspired by their relationship. be prepared to absolutely hurtle this man out of harm's way TAGLIST | AO3

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈

𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒍𝒐𝒈𝒖𝒆. ✦

You terrify him and it breaks his heart.

𝒐𝒏𝒆. 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩

In the warm forests of Aldera Castle you and the prince grew up in periphery. A soldier without magic and the boy who never spoke to her. Suddenly, he is your only responsibility.

𝒕𝒘𝒐. 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞, 𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠

With the first day of travel under your belt and introductions well collected, your Alderan company finds time to unwind together. Thankfully, nothing bad ever happens around a campfire.

𝒕𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆. 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝

Are all carriages of the east made for prisoners of war? Prince Bakugou despises the close quarters and their snagging silver fixtures, but it is a special kind of fate that would deliver you to the safety of the sea and to the feet of the fire that bars your entrance. And deliver you together at that.

𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓. 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐞 𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐞

Hats off to dying!

𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆. 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

What a vivid dream you’ve made, of the prince and his heavy hands wrapped around your body.

𝒔𝒊𝒙. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐧𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐨𝐛𝐚

It is at exactly the wrong moment that you realize where all the guards have gone, and just how desperate you must appear for the prince to take such pleasure in destruction.

𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏. 𝐡𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭

Would he treat you this way in the presence of others? Is it only when you're alone like this that hell raises?

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐈

𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕. 𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 (𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 & 𝐭𝐰𝐨.)

In the immortal words of your prince, this was a dogshit idea for a dinner party. You are haunted by blue flames and scarred ghosts no matter how hard you focus on work, and a punishment for your distraction is in order.

𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆. 𝐟𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐭

He has no right– your prince is a hypocrite and alone in a haunted seaside garden confrontation is, finally, inevitable.

𝒕𝒆𝒏. 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐟 (𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 & 𝐭𝐰𝐨.)

You will eat the flame mage alive before he lays a finger on your prince, but why gods has Bakugou chosen now to fear for you? To treat you so gently?

𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏. 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝

Thirty-one hours awake and every second spent thinking of you.

𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒗𝒆. 𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫

Gods help anyone that might try to hurt you, even if that person is the ocean, or a god– even if that person is you. You finally find your prince's bedchambers after a fight at sea.

𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐳𝐤𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐠

The end of your fever comes with realizations. What happens when two people unable to speak stand too close for too long?

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐈𝐈𝐈

𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠

You always think you're well enough to train and if Bakugou has to tie you to a hospital bed himself he will, but he doesn't mean to watch you win for so long and he certainly doesn't mean to join you.

𝒇𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐨𝐧

Can devotion come before forgiveness? Can you control it? The last two sober Alderans carry their friends to bed.

𝒔𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬

You don’t mean to bite him, he startled you. You don’t mean to laugh together or beam about magic that is not yours. You do not mean to kiss him.

𝒔𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 (𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 & 𝐭𝐰𝐨.)

Dance, or die.

𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞

Bakugou considers invincibility, he considers just how much of his strength has been his own as he cradles your body on a bloody dancefloor. There is another ghost at this party, the last of a dragon who refuses to die.

𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒆𝒏. 𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

Self control is hairpin trigger and neither you nor your prince, hidden in Takoba's frozen underbelly, understands what it is to want someone. Even in the chaos of the mage's siege, desire sinks its teeth into reason's rabbit.

𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚. 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐚

(brief hiatus)

[barbika1508]

A dead man, a criminal. Prisoner. Murderer.

Word Count: 14,1k

Pairing: Sebastian Sallow x F! Reader

Genre: Action, Romance, Smut

Summary: Your typical-ish ‘breaking Sebastian out of Azkaban’ fic with a bit of angst sprinkled in, but also porn with some plot to put a cheery on top.

Authors Note: Use of MC. I’m sure there are mistake but oh well, otherwise please enjoy my twist on a classic Sebastian Sallow fic. I say classic as it feels like one to me.

Steady breaths. Steady breaths. Steady. Breathe. Breathe in. Breathe out.

‘’It's rather odd.’’ a pause follows ‘’They usually send tougher blokes for these things. No offence.’’

I don't bother turning to the guard and his comment, feeling his eyes run up and down my body, the extra layers I've put on doing their job making me look more robust. Even with the Polyjuice potion I’ve drank, resembling a man of a smaller stature with added weight to look as non-threatening as I can, having chosen a muggle I’ve passed two months ago selling newspapers in London.

''None taken.’’ I offer a fake smile snorting, keeping up the acting letting my eyes shift around, the lack of my wand only slightly concerning the guard the only one armed between the two of us ‘’Happens a lot.’’ I grumble coughing as the muggle is a smoker it reflecting in my breathing as it’s becoming heavier the more we walk. My body is aching for rest.

‘’I can imagine.’’ he shrugs, not seeing the glare I send him, being offended in the nameless muggle’s name instead. I flinch as someone suddenly screams at the top of their lungs, the voice carrying around the hall, the cell doors after all wooden with small windows carved in them, bared by metal bars not leaving them open.

The shout is coming from a criminal and yet they are still made of flesh and blood like I am. It sends a nasty chill to run down my spine. It's going to follow me I already know it.

Incredulous as I was before - silently of course - I observe the guard who is completely unphased. He unlocks metal barred doors with a regular key, not using any magic letting us pass into the third section of the prison. The further in we are making it into Azkaban the worse the conditions are. Shouts, screams of pain, manic laughter are the few sounds that have been accompanying me since setting foot on this gods forsaken island.

Taking the moment as the auror wrestles with a new key, I look around the surprisingly lit corridor. With torches on the walls providing light, we’ve reached a section where there’s lack of natural lighting. So, following along the spaciousness my gaze takes me upwards.

Something I was warned against. Of course, curiosity killed the cat after all.

I sallow uneasy at the sight of what seem hundreds if not thousands of dementors swirl near the ceilings, their attention set onto us. Even with good distance between them and us, their mere presence is shattering. Ugly creatures. I feel my own will beginning to falter, bad memories itching to surface to the front of my mind. It’s hard to resist and has me putting in great effort and a deal of concentration to keep my thoughts blank.

‘’They must be sensing you.’’ the guard comments, his voice sounding unnatural in the once more quiet space. Glancing at him with a raised eyebrow he nods stopping to stand next to me ‘’You are faring a lot better than most blokes that come through. I’ll give ya that.’’

‘’In what sense?’’ I manage out following him, his words leaving me uneasy. But not rattled.

‘’Ahh even the biggest of the meatheads that do their bosses biding retrieving poor saps…’’ he glances back at me to which I nod furrowing my brows ‘’...tend to lose it for a few moments on different sections. Fear is a powerful thing.’’

Narrowing my eyes his words hold something deep to them. I’m getting his hint. Other than that, the man besides looking rather bored at times is quite unreadable I’m certain this place leaving effect on him as well. Keeping my observances to myself I trail along as I have been from the beginning, trying my best to ignore this body’s strain which I am putting it through.

‘’It can make you do bizarre things.’’ I say under my breath playing the character I envisioned for the man I am portraying.

The guard hums taking a turn to the right hands back on another keychain containing a few bizarre, shaped keys. Unique to the cells.

‘’It is your lucky day number 18031.’’ he speaks up unlocking the door ‘’Or unlucky given your future is still rather grim. From what I can deduct.’’ he looks back at me giving me a once over once more, along with an unnecessarily creepy and cruel smirk that I have to force out too to fool this lunatic.

The guard per instruction from before makes his way into the cell chatting happily with the prisoner leaving me alone outside. The warmth from the many torches is non-existent, a dangerous type of chill that rattles my bones begins to settle. Once more glancing up the dementors are itching closer in what I can describe is interest.

Cocking my head, I try not to focus on them too closely, clearing my mind of distractions, trying to stop jittering or the need to clack my teeth together. I’m already feeling like life is pointless, the weight of the world set on my shoulders once more. But that is the extent of it, the thrumming in my blood keeping me collected.

The lullaby I call it of my ancient magic is a soothing whisper in my ears.

‘’Ah there we go.’’ comes the guards voice pushing out the man not roughly but enough to get him moving. It takes everything in me from not reaching out watching as the bearded youngster catches himself from falling, his hands chained.

‘’Are the chains necessary?’’ I ask frowning, looking at the guard as he smiles locking the door.

‘’Moreso for you than us Mr. Blane.’’ his reply is of amusement ‘’He is a criminal, but I’m sure you’ve heard that from your boss already.’’

‘’A wandless one.’’ I raise an eyebrow checking the young man over, seeing his hunched form. He’s hiding his face behind long brown hair, the stripped ‘uniform’ he’s forced to wear too big on his form, full of tears. Barefoot he looks like he hasn’t bathed in forever.

‘’You’ve not seen a man brought to their knees by despair yet, have ya?’’ the guard chats as if we’re talking about the weather leaving the prison doors open turning towards the same way where we came from. I subconsciously fall in step with the prisoner giving the prisoner a few seconds of time, watching, and waiting for him to take the first step which he does.

‘’I have.’’ I admit the last 10 years not exactly easy.

‘’Different kind of despair then.’’ the guard hums beginning to unlock the doors ‘’Not to give any ideas but think of basic instincts Mr. Blane. Primal.’’ again the creepy smile is back, the guard’s eyes portraying cruelty he I’m sure has gotten scarily good at hiding. His change in mood is due to something he saw in me, I’m sure. A mannerism I did or an answer that made him switch from apparent boredom to genuine emotions. Which isn't reassuring.

I return the grin trying my hardest not to gag, the emotions swirling in my belly strong.

‘’Hmmm. Thank you for the lesson. I’ll keep that in mind for future encounters.’’

If I was in my own skin, I’d be jumping out of it. The cruelty of the situation the darkness, this prison the capital of corruption and soullessness, insanity sounding blissful even.

Even if the people here are the worst of the worst of wizard kind it’s all too inhumane. As we begin trekking forward with the guard whistling a song, I follow behind the two. The prisoner not having uttered a word, his whole-body showing defeat as he drags his legs, shoulders that are wide and filled slouched. Taller than me for a whole head.

Satisfaction brought the cat back.

The thought crosses my mind my gaze taking me upwards again, to the new dementors who are hovering above us as we make way. Unsettling. Anyone would be unsettled with dark creatures doing so.

I’m no different.

Curiosity after all is not always worth it. Satisfaction even less. So, I redirect the impulsive thought of releasing some magic out to the corner of my mind, the dementors still presenting mystery to this day. In that regards we are similar. Because even though they present fear that has spread to every witch and wizard, here I stand walking beneath them still confident and reassured even wandless they wouldn’t harm me unlike my wizard kin.

My magic is telling me much.

Reaching the last doors takes us a while, our trek unhurried but briefed before we entered the first corridor. I have a hate/love relationship with patience. And the closer we are to the exit the carriage with which I’ve arrived in my sight the more my magic buzzes along with my excitement which I’m desperately trying to keep at bay.

The guard that accompanied me goes to talk to his buddy that’s keeping post at the entrance, the man looking even more uninterested sending us a brief glance only once as he signs scrolls, transfiguring a stone table from a rock nearby.

Glancing at the prisoner he’s still motionless standing next to me like a statue. His hair has grown long, past his shoulders, beard also overgrown. His skin like I mentioned is covered in dirt and grime some clear spots revealing faded freckles. Hmm.

‘’Alright Mr. Blane.’’ the guard cheers still in a jolly mood trotting over to me, presenting the scroll wide and open ‘’The paperwork and the prisoner as promised are all delivered in one piece.’’ and back comes the unsettling grin. The man is too proud of himself and his wrong doings.

‘’Ah that’s a good man.’’ I cough squinting as I read the death certificate bringing my left hand from the pocket of my coat bringing out the handkerchief, I’ve been holding to wipe my mouth as I read the entirety of the page, making sure of the details ‘’Splendid.’’ I continue letting out another cough a hiccup following. Oh no.

‘’Well at the end of the day, we’ve gotten quite the stroll out hey. Besides getting jobs done.’’ I cheer still wiping my mouth that’s beginning to tingle as are my fingers, the potion starting to waver.

‘’A lovely one at that admittedly. I’ve pegged you wrongly at first. You’re quite the brave man Mr. Blake.’’

I laugh with him fishing out a small bag of coins handing them over to him, his eyes practically sparkling as well as the bored guards as he comes over giving the prisoner a disgusted look but makes sure to stand away from him ‘’The amount is as promised lads. And this…’’ I reach for the trouser pocket and bring out 6 more coins splitting them between the two ‘’For your troubles and help.’’ I smile gratefully ready to puke my guts out, my skin literally crawling, my left leg beginning to itch unbelievably.

‘’Ahhhh Mr. Blane. How generoussss.’’ the overly joyed guard cheers, the bored one looking impressed ‘’The pleasure was all ours.’’

‘’Indeed.’’ the bored guard adds handing over my wand which was also made to look different, the redness of the wood of my wand masked into black wood along with the handle being switched into a plain one.

‘’Gentlemen.’’ I nod in acknowledgement ‘’Business calls. Have yourself a pleasant day onwards.’’ I greet and begin to walk ignoring the prisoner as the guard eagerly steps to him. I hear them both follow to the carriage, the Thestral’s patiently waiting.

Not entirely used to the big belly of this body I stumble and practically climb into the carriage. Beginning to sweat and not only from fatigue I start to wipe my forehead, smiling as the “nicer” guard ushers the prisoner into the carriage with me, making him sit opposite as I’ve sat with my back to the Thestral’s.

‘’Until next time Mr. Blane.’’ the guard greets looking up as I cover my mouth the trembles happening all over my body. I play it off with a nod and another cough, the guard getting the message and closing the doors. Not wasting any time, I wave my wand magic the Thestral’s neighing in reply pulling us forth, the movement rough having me grip onto the seat as we practically launch into the air.

Waving my wand, the tinny curtains of the doors close shut as I try to catch my breath sitting back feeling very uncomfortable in this body, the grumbling getting louder and obnoxious, brown eyes peeking at me.

My breath gets caught at the sight of them. And my smile is instantaneous.

‘’Sorry about this…’’ the change in my voice is noticeable getting higher pitched, but lowering quickly as if one was changing the frequency on the radio ‘’...this will probably be uncomfortable for the both of us.’’

And with that, I attempt at shrugging off the oversized coat I’ve got on, barely managing it as my skin begins to morph, my eyesight sharpening from the dullness it has fallen into. The weight from the male anatomy is the hardest to disappear leaving me without air, the more my body reforms, hair prickling as it grows and regrows. Bones and limbs twist, organs readjusting. The heaviness in my lungs disintegrates and I’m left feeling like I’m breathing clean air after a long time.

The transformation back into myself leaves me winded and a bit lost for time. Because what feels like agonizing minutes, I’m sure it was seconds that passed. Sitting slumped against the carriage seat I look back up to meet my favourite pair of brown eyes, still unchanged in these 10 years.

I can see the bafflement in them.

And recognize the way his mind is working - a million miles per hour.

‘’Alright so we don’t have much time.’’ I find my voice clearing it by coughing a few times, simultaneously beginning to wrestle with the tie I’ve put on and the white shirt underneath ‘’The Ministry’s lookout is bound to meet us at one point. It’s routine for them to fly around to check any unwanted visitations near Azkaban…’’ I ramble undoing the clothing I’ve put on realizing how hot I’ve gotten as I strip down to my own simple shirt and blazer, along with pants and shoes that have already fallen off my feet.

‘’...so, let's get you into something more comfortable for the time being. And less obvious.’’

I begin to pick up the clothing placing it next to him, for him to wear as intended ‘’Gods, we should've been off already.’’ I grumble standing up, pushing open the seat grabbing my boots, along with another wand.

Turning forward I meet his eyes again offering the wand ‘’It's not yours I’m sorry I couldn’t retrieve it. But it's the next best thing until we can find you a new one.’’

But unlike how I imagined it, he doesn’t react. Still silent, a bit frighteningly so he stares at it mouth remaining shut eyes coming back to meet mine.

‘’Okay then amm…’’ I stumble dropping onto the seat ‘’No rush there, Sebastian. I’ll take care of you don’t worry.’’

With my boots on, I automatically reach forward but stop myself quickly realizing the boldness of my action, watching him scared for a second that he’s going to freak out. He doesn’t. He remains motionless staring at me unbreaking eye contact.

‘’I’m sorry I’m rushing you into this. I really am sorry. But I need you to change, okay? I didn’t break you out of prison to see you sent back. Can you please dress??? Do you need help?’’

He shakes his head at that and lifts his hands wordlessly ‘’Oh fuck, I’m so stupid I’m so sorry.’’ I rush reaching for my wand the concealing charm falling away revealing my wand properly ‘’Alohomora.’’

And just like that the chains fall from his wrist, his hands defined and a bit scarred.

‘’I’ll go outside okay, give you a moment.’’ Receiving back the faintest of nods and a completely unreadable Sebastian, I open the carriage door, the wind slamming into me but unmoving me as I make quick work of climbing onto the empty seat, another illusion charm breaking to reveal no one driving the carriage. Sparks of blue like magic visibly to my eyes only.

Checking the surroundings luckily clouds are beginning to gather, a storm brewing the smell of it thick in the air. Turning back seeing nothing but ocean underneath us I let myself smile a little, as I pick up on thunder grumbling.

A knock to the ceiling of the wood brings me back to reality, setting me back into motion of sliding back into the carriage. Instead of entering I rest one foot on the second step, holding onto the railing atop of the carriage hanging from it practically as I peek inside taking Sebastian in.

The clothes are lost as was his prison uniform but makes him look less, wild in a sense. His eyes hold more intensity to them.

‘’Okay.’’ I begin noticing he hasn’t reached for the wand I let for him picking it up ‘’You’ve got no reason to but, will you trust me?’’ I ask his eyes going to the wand then back to me ‘’Trust me Seb??’’ I try, sliding the wand into the sleeve of my blouse where I have my own wand holster.

After two heart beats Sebastian nods, to which I mimic him turning sideways.

‘’Alright. It’s just you and me.’’ I repeat the words automatically, this having become a mantra the past 10 years before I did anything foolish and dangerous. Scooting to the doors preventing them from closing I reach back with my hand offering it to him.

‘’Place your foot behind mine and hold onto me, okay?? Really tight!’’

Focusing on what I must do next, I don’t pay him mind. I don’t even know if he hesitates or not. Not even the way he slides his hand in mine. I only know for sure when I feel his hand, I grab onto him firmly switching to holding one hand with my right, left keeping us upright as he presses himself behind me. He’s a lot taller than I remember beard scratching the back of my head.

‘’Okay.’’ I say to myself more so, grasp on the bar of the carriage beginning to morph as I feel what I can describe is a pleasant heat of my magic coming to life, the support of the carriage disappearing as if a balloon was popped.

And just like that we are falling.

For a few moments that is. Sebastian’s hold tightens impossibly so crushing me onto him. And as ridiculous as it is, bizarre in the midst of the chaos, of the fear, anxiety, happiness, everything bubbling in me I can feel butterflies.

Upkeep his trust, and proceeding with the plan like I’ve said the carriage disappears. What’s left is my modified broom, which was the rod I was holding onto. Bending my knees, I twist it in front of me and slide it beneath us both.

It’s a move I’ve been practicing since my first flying days back at Hogwarts, the thought of falling of a broom instilling a weird fear into me. So, this move has been years in the making.

Successfully I slide it both underneath us, catching onto the foot holders I’ve readjusted to the front. It does pull us roughly forward and Sebastian lands on it to the side. But I’m prepared. I’ve literally obsessed over every possibility of this.

With a nudge forward and hold my iron grip on him, his hand intertwined in mine I pull him flat against me, twisting the broom to right our positions.

On a normal day the manoeuvre would call for a loud cheer, the accomplishment unseen by wizard kind. But not today. It’s not an occurrence in anyone’s lifetime to break people from Azkaban. And yet here we are.

So, upkeep focus is the priority. Flying Sebastian to safety is the next agenda of business. And with the cover of clouds and budding lightning, that’s the easiest part of today.

***

‘’Well…’’ I pause taking half a step back to observe my handiwork trying my hardest not to make any faces, as I continue running my fingers through his hair, the newly chopped strands sticking in all kinds of directions ‘’...given my limited experience in sheering a sheep once, I’d say it looks rather good.’’ I praise myself satisfied with Sebastian’s now short hairstyle.

Trying to remain positive I stand in front of him, his eyes unmovable from me not once fleeting elsewhere ‘’Hm.’’ I mumble and place my hands on my hips meeting his pretty brown eyes ‘’Feels better huh?’’

He doesn’t reply. He hasn’t spoken a word since the carriage. No scratch that since his cell. I’m not sure exactly what to think of it reminding myself over and over again to keep calm and give him time and space. Which reminds me.

‘’Ah yeah, the bath.’’ I point out the tub that I’ve filled almost to the brim with lukewarm sinking the tips of my fingers in it to test it out ‘’Alright. I’ve got many shampoos, over there…’’ He merely glances to where I point to the small stool, I’ve placed next to the tub ‘’...I remember you liking more woody scents, but I didn’t know exactly the brand you liked, so I bought a bunch for you to try.’’ I smile as I step over to him sitting in the middle of my bathroom, covered with an old towel as I’ve cut his hair leaving the beard up to him.

‘’There are fresh clothes for you, the one’s I gave you were for show and more of a universal size. We’ll get more to fit you better and to your liking when you’re ready.’’ I pass him over to the sink, letting go of the scissors on the porcelain surface, my own products neatly stacked to my liking on the free space of the shelving unit I built one day.

‘’And yeah.’’ reaching for my wand I wave it at the tub, speaking the incantation in my mind watching as the water begins to bubble and steam, trying not to let Sebastian’s deep gaze unhinge me ‘’That’s about that.’’ I smile wider backing towards the door ‘’Take as much of time as you like. I’ll go prepare us some food in the meantime. If you need anything I’m right behind the doors.’’

With that I’m grasping the doorhandle opening it but find myself hesitant with taking a step onwards turning back to the still mute Sebastian that doesn’t move a muscle. It’s as if he’s trying to tell me something while I’m stuck on a level of not being able to understand him. With a softer smile, I step outside with a heavy heart closing the door gently making my way into the kitchen from my bedroom.

My cottage is on the smaller side only having the basics, the addition of a study heaven sent. I send a glance around the spacious room that is the kitchen, entrance, dining room and living room all combined.

It’s a cozy little place to live in, with no noisy neighbours, or busy streets my location being on the edge of the village ensuring peace and quiet.

But tonight, for the first time since moving here the silence is deafening. Knowing who is on the other side of the wall. My body begins moving on autopilot peeling potatoes by hand instead of using magic, my mind keeps racing. It’s hard not to think of more scenarios, more what-ifs. Honestly its quite bloody hard trying not to spiral. Guilt always finds a way to interfere.

Before I know it, I’ve prepared the veggies and precut chicken setting it into the oven it firing up normally. It only comes after the tiredness from my actions as I slump into the chair at the head of the table facing the kitchen, so I’ll be able to see Sebastian emerge from my dimly lit room.

It feels unreal. Reality not sinking just yet - he is here. He is free. I’ve freed him.

The commitment of a crime - breaking a prisoner out of prison - still doesn’t sound bad in my ears. Logically its illegal yes, but I feel that I did the right thing. Because I did. I know I did. I’m just regretful it took me 10 fucking years to do so. Laws cannot help you even when proven right and wrong. Alliances are fickle matters. Money can’t buy you everything.

Shadows moving in the corner of my eye have me tense up, left hand shifting towards the movement, my wand forgotten on the clean kitchen counter. I keep forgetting it in places, wandless magic having gotten easier with training and life experiences. I somewhat relax at the sight of Sebastian emerging from the other room.

He leaves me stunned. With damp hair slicked back, and a clean-shaven face I’m able to see the progress of time on him. It’s not much which is why it strikes me all that more at how all the same he looks. He is on the skinnier side, eyes cheeks sunken, the boyish look gone and replaced by the serious and still wordless man that cautiously walks into the light, eyes fleeting towards the oven - or my wand - then back to me.

The clothes I’ve gotten him hang loose but not too much. They look a little short. He’s taller than I anticipated. But clothing is an easy fix. So is hair.

Despite the sullenness he’s still Sebastian. It's hard to explain it, but I see that spark in him even in the emotionlessness he’s portraying. Makes my heart ache so much more.

‘’You’ve made yourself a cozy home.’’ are the first words that he speaks. His voice is gruff giving a hint of not being used as the tone is low and raspy.

I glance around memories of frantic deep cleaning marathons I’ve spiralled into before setting out on getting him free, going through my mind as I shrug turning back ‘’Ehhh. A recent purchase.’’ I glance around again trying not to look at the trinkets I’ve picked up from adventures and work-related tasks.

At his silence but inquiring eyes I continue ‘’The quiet has its advantages. Or maybe it’s the old age in me, craving some alone time.’’

At this his eyebrows raise as he looks around again, observing the furniture, decor, pictures ‘’No significant other to keep company??’’

I want to snort at the obvious question: his train of thoughts is very similar to the old Sebastian I knew. I shake my head rolling my shoulders back as I lean against the chair, relaxing my feet and body getting comfortable ‘’Wasn’t on my list of priorities to be honest.’’ I scrunch up my nose watching as he walks over to the table, still putting distance between us.

‘’Hmmm.’’ he hums in thought eyes looking over my ringless fingers as if to confirm it ‘’You were always too brilliant for mere mortals.’’ he jokes my smile easily rising at the jab as I chuckle my heart fluttering at the soft smile that he graces me with.

‘’Ah it’s not even about that, and you know it.’’ I reply bringing my hands on the table together starting to fidget as I timidly look at him ‘’Did you…’’ I pause adrenaline and confidence having truly left me ‘’Did you by any chance get any mail?’’

He remains silent eyes breaking away as they look around the room more, the shift from one foot to another prompting him into walking slowly over, hands that previously rested on top of a chair, moving along touching the wood as he comes closer.

‘’You wrote me?’’ he counters with a question, face not giving anything away even if he looks relaxed.

‘’I did.’’ I say calmly ignoring the rise of my heartbeat as he pulls the chair out on my left and with caution sits himself down, body turned towards me.

‘’Sadly, I wasn’t granted those kinds of privileges.’’

Defeated at that, the comfort of Sebastian hearing from me all these years is slightly defeating as I’ve hoped my words would bring some form of comfort. When my owl kept returning with no letters, I’d assumed that he got them.

‘’I tried.’’ I begin licking over my lower lip ‘’I wrote to you.’’ I pause again looking at my hands not able to meet his serious face ‘’I tried opening an investigation for your case.’’ I send a glance to my right the cabinet containing all the documents I’ve gathered during the 10 years to free him. ‘’Even with the right connections I – I’ve had to resort to other measures.’’ I frown raising my right hand reciting the right levitation charm watching as a thin brown folder levitates into the air and makes its way over into my hand.

I finally turn to Sebastian trying not to backtrack at the intense look he’s giving me. The emotionlessness has me on edge, but even more so it’s his stillness. I know him as being animated always full of life and mischief too, his cunning knowing no bounds. Its why I was always drawn to him, so easily agreeing to stupid plans.

‘’You’ve heard us talk. I think you’ve picked up on what transpired.’’ I turn the file over and slide it to him, his eyes unmoving from me as silence stretches between us.

And the more it goes on the more I feel like a little girl again. Uncomfortable, lost, anxious but the feelings I hate the most are insecurity and helplessness. With a look he’s drawing that out of me. Lucky or unlucky my employment has provided me with years of practice, and a ton of experience to leave nothing out as I hold myself composed, straightening up even sitting proper in anticipation for an attack. I don’t exactly know how else to hold myself by, the work of an Unspeakable wrapped in mystery for sure, but also layers of let’s call it character development that had shaped me into the person I am today.

Yet with the reminder of the last few years the trails tribulations, the triumphs, falls, accomplishments, deaths I’m being brought to a dangerous level of crumbling. Under those watchful brown eyes, empty but overwhelming at the same time.

‘’Last time I saw you, heard you – your cries were quite remorseful.’’ He taps his fingers against the table quirking an eyebrow. The memory burns freshly in my mind, aurors taking Sebastian away, Ominis holding me back with surprising strength as I protested and pleaded, begging for them to stop my cries falling on deaf ears.

‘’I think any 15-year-old would react like that when she saw the love of her life being taken away like that.’’ the truth pours out easily the quirk of his brow signalling I’ve caught him of guard.

‘’That’s quite the statement, Mc.’’ He observes, his posture giving hints of something akin to curiosity.

‘’It happens to be truthful.’’ I lower my chin a little still maintaining eye contact.

‘’Even after all that happened. After all I’ve done? After I’ve taught you the dark arts. Got you almost killed?’’ the words pour out of him the collectedness cracking.

‘’They say love is blind.’’ I smile at my own statement relaxing back into the chair.

‘’Mc.’’ He speaks my name seriously leaning forward for the first-time showing anger and frustration shifting in his seat ‘’I’ve manipulated you into doing my biding. Played on your nice heart, taken advantage thoroughly. I didn’t even think about consequences. You’re not daft. You’re aware of all of this.’’

I simply nod at his words smile still present ‘’I didn’t care about your feelings or wellbeing.’’ He adds on my shrug seemingly rising more out of him ‘’I would’ve done anything and everything to find a cure. Anything.’’

At this I tilt my head watching him. I’ve imagined him going of like this in my mind many times. My own imagination a lot more hurtful than the real thing truthfully. Even if his words are baneful, I find myself being okay.

‘’You never lied very well to me.’’ I find myself stating his lack of anything prompting me to go on ‘’I could always read you. I knew you better than you did yourself.’’ I hum after that Sebastian shaking his head.

‘’And here I thought I’ve been freed from the looney bin.’’

At that statement my smile disappears my fingers tapping on the table to rein him in ‘’No need for that, Seb. We both know what anger makes you do, your regretful-ness always leading you to grovelling.’’ I spit back. His jaw clenches, fingers curling into fists stance tense.

‘’I think between the two of us you’re the fool in this equation. You used to tease anyone to never underestimate me, and yet here you are.’’ I pause reaching for the pocket of my pants ‘’You know I’m not the one who put you behind bars.’’ Confidently I go on ‘’Somehow even with little privileges you’re a Slytherin after all. Its why you didn’t protest or react when the Polyjuice potion wore off in the carriage.’’

His breathing is becoming deeper, chest raising and falling noticeably ‘’You knew something was up. You’re not one to throw in the towel. Even after – after the circumstances.’’ I pause not wanting to mention Azkaban directly ‘’I have it on good authority that you’ve gotten some of my letters.’’ His breathing hitches my smile rising ‘’Like I said you can’t trick me Sallow. We’ve had it worse in our 5th year in some regards.’’

I get completely serious waiting for him to protest, waiting for him to raise an uproar as I’m sure he’s easily recollecting the events in our Hogwarts days. The thought of us being kids and definitely the definition of luck as the dangers we’ve faced would leave anyone else traumatized or dead.

I’ve been in the presence of dementors before, the ministry having random outbreaks, some of my missions having sent me to meet even worse creatures than them. Sebastian might have been alone for these past years dealing with happiness and joy being sucked out of him – for a fact I know especially now that he’s going to be okay. He has changed yes, grown as I did, but he has also managed to adapt to his surroundings. He didn’t let them take him entirely apart.

‘’Even with this…’’ I rest my hand on the table, knuckles against the wood opening my palm up we both watch as a fire like shape raises, the tingle of my ancient magic humming comforting to be brought to the surface ‘’…with what life has thrown at me…’’ I shake my head the magic rising ‘’…I’m…’’ the words die on my tongue.

Magic retracts itself disappearing into thin air leaving behind a warm feeling my offer to the once more stoic brunette a sad smile as I pull my hand back but place the small box from my pocket on the table ‘’You’re not alone.’’

My voice is strained as the oven begins to beep annoying loud providing the opportunity to look away and blink tears into nonexistence as I will myself to calm down, waving my hand in the familiar and automatic pattern as I watch the over, turn off its doors opening. The dish floats without a hitch onto the stove, the oven doors closing.

Glancing over at Sebastian his gaze is stuck on the unopened box and file. I sigh deeply steadying myself as I reach over and flicker the velvety box open revealing a simple silver ring pushing it to him. I tap the table twice, the indication for him to open the document. Which he slowly does reach for, opening it as if it’s going to attack him at any moment.

Placing both of my hands back on the table, I summon the wand I’ve gotten for him his declination of it before still a mystery to me. Catching the unfamiliarly weighted wand, I gently place it on the table right in the middle between us, the offering going unsaid.

Retreating my hands I reach for the other pocket of my pants, pulling out and putting on my own wedding band which is a fairly recent accessory I’ve started wearing.

Looking over at the silent man, his eyes are taking the paper in rapidly. Reading. Re-reading. Re-checking. The certificates. The ring. The wand.

‘’Nothing is set in stone.’’ I softly begin Sebastian still unmoving ‘’Except for the death certificate. That was tricky to arrange, more so than the wedding document. Oh, Merlin that was ridiculously easy.’’ Once more I shake my head letting out an empty laugh, surprised but not showing it as he has picked up the wedding ring his silence stretching for longer than I’m used to from him.

It slides me right back towards the edge, anxiety picking, the knot in my stomach twisting to a painful degree.

‘’L/N?’’

I nod immediately as his eyes meet my own ‘’I think my surname is rather nice.’’ I blur out ‘’No that Sallow isn’t but, it kind of defeats the whole ‘you’re publicly dead’ purpose.’’ I rant his face not changing ‘’I’m sure the daily prophet will mention your passing tomorrow.’’ I glance to the left at the clock ticking away, signalling its way later than it feels. It still feels surreal to have Sebastian in front of me.

He opens his mouth but closes it just as fast something bothering him, twisting his pretty face into a frown. It would be weird if he wasn’t bothered.

‘’Like I’ve said nothing is set into stone.’’ I raise my hands in surrender, Sebastian’s attention on the wand now. He’s watching it and not picking it up.

‘’I’ve used you.’’ His statement catches me of guard as anger sparks ‘’Need I repeat all the misdeed’s all the faults I’ve made you dealt with? I saw how scared you were of the ancient magic, I saw how it drained you and still I’ve pushed and pushed you, into exhaustion and numerous shaves with death without a pause. Heck, in the scriptorium after casting Curcio I left you behind in favour of exploring. Mc. Why?’’ he deadpans ‘’Anne my own twin sister sent me to Azkaban. Ominis my best friend didn’t hesitate to betray me. You…this is madness. You are mad.’’

He stares at me incredulous clearly having run these questions through his mind before. He rehearsed these words. Before me doesn’t sit a ‘notorious prisoner, a criminal from Azkaban’ anymore. Before me is sitting the Sebastian I know and love. With the same scared expression, same sort of desperation eyes pleading for things to make sense.

Hence why getting up is so much easier body moving on its own the scared boy I was infatuated with having the same effect on me, pulling me in towards the wildfire that he is. He doesn’t flinch, doesn’t particularly react in any way as I step around the table and in front of him rising my hands.

Meeting his eyes my palms land on his cheeks. Gentle to touch thanks to the shower and shave they feel familiar in my palms and yet different. His body tense from emotions and racing mind going gradually into a relax state as he hunches forward, eyes blinking away tears.

I crowd into his personal space Sebastian making room by spreading his legs, welcoming as I brush my fingers into his messy hair, the motion making me feel 10 years younger as I’ve used to do this on the regular whenever we were alone together.

My heart all but leaps from my chest as his hands find themselves above my hips in a respectful place sliding over my back drawing me into a hug which I happily succumb to, holding him close to me only slightly self-conscious if he can hear how my heart speeds for him.

Otherwise, the surrealness returns, the overwhelming joy of finally putting my plans into motion of them being fruitful hit me. Closing my eyes I attempt at holding back tears, but it’s an impossible task with the way he’s holding onto me, guiding me as if I’m made of glass to sit in his lap rearranging us and yet not parting a millimetre away from one another, as he buries his face into my shoulder and stills, big hands splayed over my back as if I’m the one who’s going to disappear.

To be honest my hands are doing the same, grasping his clothes rougher than needed the reassurance not quenched entirely. So, I let the tears flow I’m sure dampening his shirt in the process, alerting him of my state only after a while since he makes the first move, calloused hands this time cupping my own cheeks, thumbs attempting to wipe away tears.

‘’I’ve not seen you cry ever dearest Mc, and I’m the one who makes you cry so easily??’’ a spark of mischief fizzles in the end his hesitant smile words causing me to huff an awkward laugh, as I look up towards the ceiling trying to will away the tears.

‘’It’s merely a side effect of a heartfelt reunion.’’ I let out some air looking back at him feeling hope creep into my heart which is unnerving ‘’Long distance and all.’’ My voice cuts off in the end the humour not at all humorous.

He hums in response I think feeling the same sentiments as I am, preoccupying himself with getting acquainted with me again. I know I’ve changed, its only logical. We are not kids anymore. I let him indulge as one hand continuously caresses up and down my back, the other touching my lose hair, temple, nose, cheek and so forth meanwhile I do the same taking my own selfish time in admiring him so up close, blissfully ignoring reality the bubble we’ve fallen into, serenity. A slice of Eden dare I say.

Its once his hand parts from my face and find my left hand, that he speaks again ‘’This is not how I’ve imagined my marriage would start.’’ He begins softly voice still containing raspiness to it, fingers tracing and rotating the wedding ring on my finger ‘’Rather unorthodox.’’ He muses in the end blessing me with a genuine smile.

‘’It’s quite fitting for your brand.’’ We both grin and my tease ‘’And like you’ve mentioned before. I’m not meant for mere mortals. Let alone being one for tradition or normalcy.’’ I let my ancient magic sparkle watching as he stares in wonder at our joined hands the blue like flame illuminating his face into a pretty blue colour.

‘’And yet you’re bestowing the sacred privilege of not only honouring me with your last name but taking me rather shamelessly as your husband?’’ he looks incredulous the more he speaks sort of holding his breath in a sense to see if I’m suddenly going to change my mind ‘’A dead man, a criminal. Prisoner. A murderer.’’

His handsome features twist into a frown showing disgust and what he’s thinking about himself I’m sure holding more vile words back. Unphased and already having expected this I keep calm, and with my right free hand reach for his occupied hand retaking the wedding ring I’ve picked for him twisting it between my fingers a trick I’ve learned from a muggle magician, slight of hands handy even in the wizarding world.

‘’To me you are just Sebastian.’’ I admit smiling watching his eyes glossing over lower lip trembling briefly ‘’I’ve obviously made my choice haven’t I. I’m giving you a choice of your own. You can accept it or refuse it, regardless of my actions and feelings because this is about you and your life from this point onwards.’’

The pause is heavy in the air, the coldness from the dementors making a fleeting appearance as I’m reminded of where he is coming from after all. He’s not the Sebastian I know not entirely, even if I am drawing him out slowly. Hence my fears are justifiable.

‘’You’ve taken one life, Seb.’’ I whisper lowering my hand searching his eyes ‘’In self-defence.’’ I pause again gulping down the knot in my throat ‘’You’ve no clue what I’ve done since you’ve been gone.’’ I give him a sad smile, looking between us at the way he’s holding my hand ‘’You have not paused to think that I might be dragging you back onto the wrong path. That I’m not who I appear to be. That I might be the bad guy here.’’

His relaxed body tenses the more I talk, expression once more dropping all emotions as he hardens eyebrows furrowing as intensity sparks behind his eyes ‘’You could never be.’’ He’s quick to hiss, gentle hands tightening the shake of his head warming me.

‘’Oh, but I am.’’ I drop both my hands in my lap, his own not leaving me for a moment ‘’I’ve earned many names in the years of my employment at the ministry.’’ He gets taken aback by that my smile lighter ‘’Professor Hecat had an eye for detecting certain potentials in students. Even the ones with good intentions.’’

I wait for him to figure out, to make the connection which he does brilliantly fast ‘’Mc…’’ he speaks my name sweetly to which I shake my head.

‘’I hold no grudges or ill against you Sebastian. I never had.’’ I straighten his hold unmoving ‘’I had this feeling ever since our youth that we were always meant to be.’’ His eyes widen ‘’It may be delusion from my part, but I do not regret the things I did with you, or the things I had to do to get you out.’’ Its frighteningly easy to slip into the serious persona I tend to wear as an Unspeakable. I hate that I’m doing it to him, switching up emotions not really comforting him as I should be.

But he needs to know the truth.

‘’You’ve always been on my m…’’

Unable to finish the sentence I’m startled into silence as his lips meet my own. Of course, it’s a rather surprising move I think for the both of us, as he doesn’t entirely commit to it his slightly chapped lips moving shily. He retreats as quicky as he came, eyes panicked as they search my own.

He meant the kiss I know that much. Its written all over his panic-stricken features and eyes. This is where the prison has left a mark on him, turning the flirtations and overconfident Slytherin to an insecure man holding me firmly and yet blushing at a mere peck that he so clumsily delivered.

Breaking the poor man’s torture, I end up closing the distance initiating the kiss gently, timid lips still unsure as they follow my own, a tremble to them prompting me to wrap my arms around his shoulders to hold him closer in reassurance. Or it might be my own insecurity still gnawing at my subconsciousness. Emotions are a tricky business.

For the moment being, the sweet slow drag of our lips is enough to keep me grounded. To appreciate the sacrifices made, the overthinking and panicking at times, the survival methods the both of us had to resort to. It matters not in the end as long as we are back in each other’s arms. And if that makes me bad, morally grey as the whispers in the ministry are floating around – I’ll be the villain. Gladly. As long as I get to see Sebastian. As long as he’s alright. Dare I hope for him to be happy finally.

Slowly parting he follow suit chasing me for a fracture of a moment. The small action has me smiling as I lean my forehead against his, running one hand through his hair trying to hold back, and calm my breathing and the beating of my heart.

‘’I’ve missed you.’’ my voice comes out unfiltered ‘’I’ve missed you so much, it ached.’’ I grasp his hand with my other one placing it over my heart ‘’Hurt. It hurt so bad, Seb.’’ Blasted tears make an appearance as I give space to look at him his own expression crushing as he looks so sorry and dejected.

‘’Oh darling…’’ he whines gulping, thoughts I’m sure all over ‘’Just you and me yeah??’’ he whispers upkeeping eye contact ‘’Remember? I made a promise.’’

I close my eyes at the memory. The memory holds joy as it does tragedy. The stupid fool that he was, he followed me one night when I stumbled upon a camp of poachers. The hero he wanted to act just got in the middle of things. It took one second of distraction from my part, one bloody second that he got struck with a nasty hex that left him instantly bleeding and unresponsive.

That brough a whole another aspect to my ancient magic as a thunderstorm raged for the rest of the night. He narrowly escaped death only thanks to me finding the by then deceased wizard’s wand, breaking it to relive him of pains, and a good 2 Wiggenweld Potion’s to get him semi-conscious.

Having had to reveal the room of requirements and thankfully learning enough healing charms to ‘mend’ him together his promise befell through a fervour he had. But his smile was bright, genuine a bit aloof. He meant every word he said.

And right now, he’s being deadly serious waiting for my response.

‘’Even after all this time?’’ my voice comes out unsure, Sebastian immediately nodding bringing our joined hands upwards to which he presses a kiss to the top of my knuckles.

‘’I could ask you the same thing.’’ He smiles with ease drawing out a blush to flush over my cheeks ‘’You’ve waited all these years, haven’t you?’’ he hums as I nod not trusting my voice ‘’Found impossible ways to keep giving me hope. To keep me alive. Sane.’’ I can merely stare at him, ignoring my own trembling lips letting myself enjoy his touches and proximity ‘’Only you. It has always been only you.’’

Unlike the younger version of Sebastian who had shown his fire-y passion usually through kisses and rather daring touches now and then, this Sebastian still handling me like glass pulls me into his embrace, resting his head onto my shoulder hiding his face in my hair and momentarily from the world.

So, I follow suit, running one hand over his back caressing, the other finding its way into his curls the feeling of them, having imagined it to many times to count, currently a blissful affair.

‘’Let me see that ring.’’ He speaks up as I’ve seemingly lost my own voice, doing as he wishes parting only slightly to watch him accept the ring I’ve been holding onto this entire time, doubts nasty little critters as I like to not so affectionally call these emotions, piling and adding weight.

With a held breath, he examines the silver ring turning and twisting it around looking at it from all the angles, his lips painted with a faint lopsided smirk of amusement and mischief. He looks up at me the side of his eyes crinkling a bit.

‘’No flashy jewellery.’’ He quirks an eyebrow, cupping my ring bearing hand raising it to which his gaze falls into my own ring which he gently rolls around my fingers ‘’Always the one for practicality.’’ He chuckles retreating his hand to put his wedding band onto his finger. Only when it slides fitting onto his digit perfectly do I release the breath I’ve been holding.

‘’It’s not even about practicality.’’ I pout watching as he flexes his fingers, rotating his hand as if testing the feel of the band his definitely mischievous eyes landing on my own ‘’I’m not one for rocks it’s all.’’ I shrug attempting to cross my arms waiting for the onslaught of his teases giving in immediately as his hand intercepts both of my own.

‘’Just sturdy, powerful and extremely rare metals then?’’ again with the quirking of his eyebrow his comment reminding me how brilliant he still is. It didn’t take him long at all to figure out that our wedding bands, silver in colour have been made from like he said extremely, nearly extinct pieces of metal that took quite the ventures to get to them.

Not only have they meaning in the eyes of everyone as being symbols of our love and devotion to one another, but they provide us with certain magical enhancements.

‘’Not meant for mere mortals.’’ Once more I throw at his face wanting him to understand how much he means to me, his playfulness lowering a notch as he looks at me with affection. With more confidence in his actions, he leans in capturing my lips with his, the kiss syrupy as he takes his time as if to explore my mouth anew, hands finding themselves over my thigs where he grips onto my flesh and pulls me even closer.

I sigh into the kiss letting him take the lead, not minding his touches that grow bolder kiss paired with teeth and tongue reminding me of his teenage self actually who wasn’t afraid of trying out new things.

What has my brows furrowing is the thrust of his hips coming at random the full feel of his manhood clicking in my brain I shift in his lap in such a manner that has me wrapping my legs around his hips, the back of the chair providing an annoying blockade preventing me from wrapping around him.

As if he reads my mind – making me briefly wonder if he has become a legitimus – his hands slip underneath me his touch daring as its on my bottom. With a bite to my lower lip, he lets out a shuddering breath shifting getting up all the while holding me against him. The damned chair falls over causing a racket in the quiet house but leaves him and myself unbothered as his lips find their way under my jaw teeth grazing against my jugular the action arousing in some odd way.

‘’Oh Seb…’’ I groan as he presses a wet kiss to a ticklish area, his swaying prompting me to open my eyes, seeing the sunrise outside the window.

‘’You sound so beautiful.’’ He groans continuing with his ministrations ‘’And I’ve merely begun.’’ Cheeky is what he is, hands grasping my backside squeezing even.

‘’Oh.’’ I squeak ending up giggling at my own response, Sebastian ending up laughing with me, momentarily stopping his ministrations ‘’Ah Merlin. You’re still obnoxious.’’

On purpose I’m sure he delivers a slightly stinging bite ‘’Ouch Sebastian!’’ I try to scold him, his lull into a step side-tracking my thoughts as I cling onto him.

‘’And you are still, sensitive dear wife.’’ he smirks as I look down at him, his grin almost the same one that promises nothing but trouble. But his use of title, has a blush hitting me all over, heat practically washing over me. I see how my reaction pleases him, as he continues walking carefully. A hint of my old Sebastian is showing through the sparkles in his pretty eyes.

‘’I’m not sensitive.’’ I pout trying to keep calm and my head clear ‘’You always imagined that.’’

He chuckles as we walk past the doorway, the sun outside casting gentle rays onto the floor. It’s quite the miracle for it has been raining for months, and today out of all days it’s miraculously sunny.

‘’Ah. Sure yes. As your dutiful husband I shall agree on that and apologize darling.’’ He exaggerates making me muse as he stops and hovers over the bed.

‘’Now you are exaggerating Sebastian.’’

‘’Happy wife…’’ I put my hand over his mouth to stop him from finishing the sentence, as I giggle looking at him in astonishment.

‘’Don’t you even dare.’’ I warn letting go of his mouth in favour of grabbing him by his shoulders as he dips down ‘’Seb…’’ I gasp in fright as it begins okay, him bending forward but it ends up in me falling on the bed and him crashing into me leaving me winded from surprise but not the impact.

He burst into laughter whilst I do the same, covering my face for a moment looking at the ceiling above me, Sebastian shaking in my arm from laughter hanging half off the bed.

‘’That was rather…accurate for the two of us.’’ I mumble running my hands up and down his back as he begins to calm down, the corner of his eyes crinkling slightly whole expression lifted and joyful.

‘’Excuse me then dear wife. This was not in my plans.’’ He giggles still greatly amused, only now readjusting himself off me, and manoeuvring the both of us onto the bed sideways still as he doesn’t put any distance between us.

‘’I would sure hope not.’’ I smile cupping his cheeks ‘’Fear not dear husband, I am not made of porcelain.’’ I raise my eyebrows ready for his teasing. He takes a different course, in the form of closing the distance kissing me with more vigour, remaining soft in his ministrations his hand oddly in place.

I kiss him in return trying to calm down my shuddering breath as he steals it literally. Even as I cannot uphold my head upright and fall to lie down, he follows eagerly pressing pecks, kisses over my jawline cheek, cheekily kissing the tip of my nose eyes half closed as he admires for a moment and then returns to reward me with the slow drag of his lips.

I let my hands drop in the meantime, rubbing them over his clothed back. He’s still wide like he used to be, but he has lost his muscles that were built thanks to Imelda’s rigorous training for quidditch. And our adventures too. Not only did he lose his bulk, but also his strength which was proven a few moments ago. A reminder that he has gone through something traumatic.

So due to his hesitant touches, and to be honest my loss of patience I bring my hands forth, over his arms to the front, finding the buttons of the collared shirt I’ve got him to wear. Luckily, he didn’t bother with the waistcoat, so my intention gets quickly realized as I undo the garment.

He breaks the kiss due to my touched, his breath hitching as my hands come in contact with his chest, one of his hands grasping my wrist gently stopping me in my ministrations.

‘’Mc I…’’ he pauses looking between us instead at me, his cheeks, and ears flushed pink.

Wordless I understand him right now. Pulling my hands back I offer a big-closed lip smile his eyes turning to look at me in fright.

‘’It’s okay.’’ I speak softly grabbing the tucked part of my own collared shirt. He shifts in a way that allows me to pull it over my head which leaves me in my chemise, Sebastian looking something between frightened and aroused as he watches me.

‘’I understand, okay?’’ I say slowly as if I’m talking to a frightened creature grasping his hand. I bring it over to my left shoulder pushing the sleeve of my chemise lower to reveal the ugly burn that stretches over my skin ‘’We don't have to do anything. Don't force yourself. We can stop. It's okay. But know that I don't want you any less. You're still you, and I'm still me. Nothing’s changed.’’

As if weak he bends down, resting his forehead against my own. His hand still on my shoulder begins to gently caress my skin whilst I bring my own back to his chest listening watching him intently for any sign of rejection. Not showing any, I proceed to touch him with utmost gentleness tracing over his stomach, chest feeling his bones all the more. This time around I kiss him in distraction, as I push the shirt over his shoulders.

Half expecting him to freeze, I’m left pleasantly surprised as he gets up and begins to push off the material, discharging it behind us. As he sits on his knees above me chest noticeably moving as he’s breathing heavily, I’m the one who’s left admiring him.

Even covered in tiny scars, scraps and hair, he’s still my Sebastian. Even this fragile and tired looking I see the fire in his eyes.

‘’Ohh Sebastian!’’ I exclaim following with a fit of giggles as his veiny hands, which I notice only now reach for the belt of my trousers. I leave my hands to rest next to my head smiling at the manhandling that he is doing.

‘’You said you weren’t fragile.’’ He taunts licking his lower lip, as the belt comes undone and is pulled off, his hands clumsy as he tears the button of my trousers off.

‘’I am not.’’ I agree watching him delighted in how he begins to pull down the clothing along with my winter socks ‘’Are you in a rush darling?’’ I bite onto my lower lip, watching as he gets rid of his own pants, rather clumsily kicking them off ‘’My, my what a pleasant sight to be blessed with.’’ I arch an eyebrow looking him up and down.

He’s quick to climb back atop of me this time nestling his hips between my legs, delivering a kiss to my shoulder the action surprising me making me blush ‘’Hey that was my line Mc.’’ He swops down to kiss me but briefly as he rolls his hips into me leaving me lost for words and my thoughts derailed at his sudden boldness.

‘’You’ve grown daring over the years.’’ He notes breaking the kiss, returning to leave kisses over the other side of my cheek, descending down my neck ‘’Shameless?’’ he asks beginning to roll his hips against me, the lack of clothing much more revealing obviously.

It’s not that our undergarments are see through, but they are made of light materials. Which enables me to fully feel him against my core. And o my gods…

I groan at a particularly prominent thrust, which pushes me higher up Sebastian not leaving for a moment, simply continuing with whatever he has in store the deviant now proceeding to mark me above my collarbones.

‘’Fearless.’’ He speaks up pressing kisses against my scar, his lips his touches making me flinch initially. But he’s holding me down tenderly, pushing the chemise lower revealing more of my skin. Revealing more of the imperfections – scars I’ve earned in his absence.

‘’You are giving me too much praise, Sebastian.’’ I frown a little, letting my fingers dance over his chest, and to his sides, his hipbones.

‘’Not nearly enough.’’ He raises above me, looking like a man entranced re-connecting our lips together, this time letting his tongue run over my bottom lip making me hum in appreciation. Growing confident due to his actions, I wrap my legs over the back of his thighs attempting to press him harder against him, his rhythm now stuttering as I grab his arse, squeezing.

He breaks the kiss offering a mischievous smirk ‘’Diabolical. Absolutely diabolical.’’

I grin at that, showing him my tongue to further entice him. Which works perfectly. He grasps my hand like a gentleman actually, prying my hands away from his still perky ass pinning my arms to the sides of my head smirking down at me not breaking eye contact.

‘’You are the love of my life.’’ The statement has me blinking a few times as I look up at him stunned ‘’My everything.’’

Unable to respond Sebastian takes the lead, taking the approach as he did in the beginning. His hold, his closeness, his kissing all gentle and slow. It gives me the sense as if…as if he’s imprinting this into his memory. Because the more we progress, and his hips begin to rut against me harder, the more I have this feeling as if he is plagued by something.

And I understand it. Giving into him, relaxing on the bed letting him take what he desires even if that means my lips will remain bruised, and climax delayed. It’s all about him.

‘’Oh Seb…’’ I moan into his mouth, shifting my hips to accommodate him further seeing the need in the glare he offers. His freckled skin is so prettily flushed, hair messy, and skin slightly damp as the room grows hotter ‘’You feel so good against me…’’ I encourage nodding pulling my right hand away to push the lose strands from his forehead smiling as he kisses my wrist in the progress, panting softly.

‘’Missed you…’’ he says strained, moving us his hardness I’m sure throbbing as it makes a mess out of me rubbing against my clit on and off again rising tingles under my fingertips ‘’…my pretty girl.’’ I smile at the compliment, dragging the top of my nails down his chest his shudder loud as he intakes breath quickly, his left hand grabbing a hold of my thigh twisting it higher the change in position making me throwback my head, as he parts my soaked folds even through the now ruined fabric.

‘’So pretty…’’ he pants biting into his lower lip, head falling next to my own. He keeps moving, and my hand keeps progressing, finally reaching the band of his undergarment, slipping my fingers inside the dampness ‘’Oh MC!’’ he suddenly grunts, as my fingers barely touch his hot and leaking manhood.

His hand like before is quick in catching and stopping my own from progressing, as he convulses and twitches, hip stuttering regularly.

Caught off guard I merely watch him dumbfounded as something warm and wet grazes against my fingers and palm, his hold preventing me from doing anything else. So, I remain still and accommodating until he slows to a gradual stop, still twitching now and then even as he releases my hand, letting me examine the fluid.

‘’I think I’ve died.’’ He utters into my neck, his breath ticklish making me smile as I bring my hand to my lips and taste him ‘’Oh I’m definitely dead.’’ His voice dips lower.

Peeking at him he’s looking at me as if I’ve put the stars in the sky, while I click my tongue ‘’I don’t think so husband dearest.’’ I smile affectionally, pushing him lightly of me and to the side, rolling on my left to face him, fingers wiped on the comforter.

‘’This must be it. The afterlife.’’ He dramatically chats ahead rolling onto his back sighing whilst I get up following him, pushing down the chemise further revealing my torso entirely, sitting next to him. He peeks at me, eyes taking me all in blush returning immediately ‘’You fair maiden, like a siren coating me into a demise I’ll gladly plumet into.’’

I grin at his poetry dipping down to kiss him gently, his right hand warm as it settles over my lower back resting there ‘’That would make us both dead.’’ I point out musing ‘’I for one am enjoying my married life very much.’’ He perks at that.

‘’A dream come, true.’’

I remain close bend over, half resting on his chest admiring him ‘’Oh its very much so a reality.’’ I begin sighing contently tracing his face with my left and free hand ‘’You and me, together again.’’ I pause to let it sink in ‘’Never to be separated again.’’ I silently promise, certain of my words as I know I will stop at nothing to protect him ‘’You are my everything too.’’ I admit seeing how his eyes slightly widen.

‘’My whole reason of being.’’ I whisper as I lean down, staring into his pretty eyes, my gaze slipping only to his lips and back up to capture them. He moans breathlessly into the kiss which is neither slow nor speedy. I keep it simple and rather, light as I focus on pushing the chemise lower whilst I climb onto his lap, my hair falling around our faces like a curtain.

‘’My Sebastian.’’ I break the kiss, imitating him from before but taking more time almost torturously so but in the best away possible as I kiss the corner of his nose, his temple, above his relaxed brown, then begin my descend down his cheek ‘’Handsome as ever.’’ I let my tongue dart out teasingly ‘’Drawing me in with your mere presence. Enough to keep me wanting you for years.’’ I groan, as I trace the side vein in his neck, still merely kissing him feeling how his hands push away the fabric of my chemise hands resting over my hips, trembling as I put a hold under his chin, directing his head in the way I want to. And he goes along with it.

He lets out little sighs, at the contact of my lips over his skin, specially whenever I ghost over a scar. I buckle my hips against his abdomen, his body jerking automatically which raises chuckles from him his whine loud.

‘’You even sound pretty.’’ I praise happily sitting up looking down at him. Seeing him breathless already, pleading eyes staring at me hair messy heart racing. Oh, how I’ve longed for him.

‘’Dashing.’’ I drag both hands, using my blunt nails to run down his chest watching as goosebumps arise over his skin ‘’Stunning, dapper, noble. There are not enough words to describe how amazing you are.’’ I lean down to steal a kiss giggling like a schoolgirl as I pull back Sebastian following. With a hand planted onto his chest I stop him in his tracks, winking. Lowering myself over his thigh I raise an eyebrow which I’m sure makes me look menacing as I can see his Adam’s apple bob.

‘’All I say it’s true. I’ve left you speechless.’’ I tease grasping the waistband, and without a second though pull down the fabric, watching as his manhood bobs up onto his stomach, body twitching again, his legs obviously in place as I’m settled on him.

‘’N-not true.’’ He gets out rising onto his elbows, as I observe the remnants of his release. Seeing there is to be a lot more movement and manoeuvring to get him rid of his undergarment, I grab the material and with some strength put into it tear it apart, Sebastian left with his mouth parted in a small ‘o’ shape.

‘’Ah it’s all very true.’’ I continue letting the now ruined material fall of the edge of the bed as I lie myself between his legs, my own hanging of the bed. Meanwhile I let my hands run up and down his thighs, smiling up at him ‘’I was never able to lie to you. I don’t see the appeal of trying it now.’’ I cheekily say, dipping down to press a kiss onto the side of his inner thigh, the muscles tensing at my ministration.

‘’Shhh relax, my love. Relax.’’ I encourage, looking up at him. I run my nails over his other thigh, whilst starting to suck lovely marks that will bloom later for a reminder.

‘’Enchantress.’’ He grinds through his teeth ‘’A divinity.’’

Thanks to his high praise I let my tongue out, dragging it over his thigh making a show of it ending up moving up like a predator keeping my gaze as such, chin tilted downwards as I lick at his half-hard cock the twitch immediate.

‘’It’s merely me, Sebastian.’’ I say in a low tone, grasping his manhood with my right hand rising it up taking it in, the veins, the head, everything only after looking at him. He looks destroyed already, something I always dreamed of seeing ‘’Only me.’’

And with that I experimentally suck on his tip, the groan he lets out sounding like someone is strangling him whilst his body tenses hands grasping the duvet underneath us twisting it.

With some focus I pry my left hand from his thigh, taking his hand in my own his hold tense. It doesn’t deter me, as I run my tongue over the mushroom head licking the excessive precum, not enjoying the taste but enduring it gladly, seeing how he keeps trashing – and I’ve barely done anything.

Giving him some mercy thanks to the pleading look he gives me I relent, and begin to sink on his cock, flattening my tongue as I descend, closing my eyes as I concentrate on my breathing. I barely get him in my gag reflex already making my throat contract, so I help myself with my right hand, droll dripping from my lips.

Ignoring the tears in my eyes I push forward sucking once, making it my mission to please him further by sinking more.

‘’No, no, no stop, Mc please…’’ he raises up hands gentle as they cup my cheeks pulling me off him. I gasp for air, not minding the spilled tears or droll. Neither does he as he’s quick to wipe them.

‘’I’m sorry I didn’t mean…’’ I begin to panic thinking I did something wrong, and that didn’t like, even as he shakes his head his smile shaky at best, the kiss that follows not so reassuring.

‘’You did wonderful.’’ He breaks away to reassure me holding onto me firmly, readjusting his hold so he can manhandle me this time to sit back, higher over his thighs and to be level with him ‘’You’re a minx, a temptress you are. More perfect than I ever imagined I swear it.’’ He grins happily pressing a chaste kiss ‘’But I don’t want to cum so soon.’’ He looks at me in despair mixed with hope.

‘’You…wow…’’ it daunts on me his extreme reaction, as I observe his face needing to make sure he is telling me the truth ‘’Okay.’’ I find myself saying his smile winning over my heart all over again as he pulls me against him, his cock right underneath me, hot and hard.

‘’I simply cannot resist you.’’ He confesses hugging me for the moment being ‘’You are truly everything to me. You’re too good to me. I want to make you feel good too.’’ and with those words and his strategically placed hands on my chemise he rips the pants portion at first, ending up destroying it with more ease than I did pulling the material away from us.

‘’You already make me feel good.’’ I state planting my knees into the mattress, my right-hand dipping between us, and through my slit collecting the wetness which I then raise up ‘’See?’’ my tongue lowers again. I hold his chin with my left hand, offering two of my fingers. He gets the hint opening his mouth tongue peeking out to which I let him taste me ‘’Hmmm.’’ I moan lightly smirking, pulling my fingers out.

I grasp his dominant hand dipping both of our hands to my folds, the astonishment on his face one I shall remember forever, as he does a double take, his fingers departing from my own making me shudder and groan as he touches my clit.

‘’See what you do to me?’’ I begin my breathing slightly unsteady as he doesn’t pull away ‘’Feel how wet I am for you. What you do to me Sebastian.’’ I gasp as one finger prods at my entrance, entering me gradually his face one of concentration and observation.

A face I’ve seen many times before when we were studying. But never have I seen it in this context which sheds a whole new light on him. He nods at my words slowly ‘’Guess what?’’ I grin close to press my lips against his ear to be a tease, while he wiggles in a second fingers making me sigh at being finally touched ‘’This is all you. Noone else can do this to me. Only you. Always you.’’

He moans at that, ending up groaning as he pulls his fingers out, rolling us on the bed, time for laughter over as I’m once more on my back, but with him spreading my legs wide open making a place for himself between them, his manhood hot as he rubs it against my wet folds.

Bent over, one hand reaches to hold the back of my head angling me however he wants me, his lips bruising as he demands all of my attention. And it’s what he gets as I moan helpless as his cock begins to push inside me. He breaks apart as if in disbelief, gasping for air the bravado gone the more he pushes in, the stretch pleasant and exciting as I want him to hurry along.

But lost in the way he’s handling us, the way he feels, I get lost in the way he looks how intense this is for him, how taunt he goes once he bottoms out, looking at me incredulously.

‘’It’s not a dream.’’ I find myself saying grasping his head forcing him to stay grounded ‘’It is all real.’’ I grin seeing the wobble in his lower lip ‘’My husband.’’ I remind by showing him my ring, ending up dropping onto the bed, as he thrust catching me of guard.

‘’Whow.’’ I say in awe blinking up at him and then glancing down to see us connected.

‘’My wife.’’ He finally speaks ‘’Mc.’’ He says my name clearer to which I nod.

‘’Yours Seb. Only yours.’’ I reassure my body this time jerking as he pulls back and rather harshly thrust back in. It’s proof of inexperience and the fact that he is driven by need mirrors our days in school perfectly. We’d fool around, take risks, we’ve explored each other’s bodies, and have been each other firsts. But it sadly didn’t go further as he was taken prisoner soon after our night of love-making that resulted in some tears but unbroken promises.

‘’M-mine. Only mine Mc.’’ He nods vigorously repositioning his hand, one on my hip one on the bed a look of determination drawing itself across his features ‘’Mine.’’ He says like it’s a matter of fact, pulling back only to set up a rather ruthless pace. Having imagined our reunion in these kinds of circumstances as well – because I have needs to duh – I’ve not imagined him to be like he is.

To just take from the get-go in such a manner. He was always delicate when it came to the more intimate matters, even with his eagerness and firey passion. I can see both of that here, I can feel it in the way he’s changing and angling his hips differently, eyes focused solemnly on my face as I hold onto the bed for dear life, the feeling of what were merely tingles before now turned into live sparks, that are zapping through my body.

It has my toes and fingers curling, the need to curl in on myself great as my thighs begin to shake, my lower abdomen pooling with insane amount of heat. It has tears gather in my eyes once more but this time for other reasons as I feel good all over it being overwhelming.

I practically shout as something brushes my clit. It has me forcing my eyes open as I see Sebastian lick his fingers and drop it to my clitoris, his hand calloused and rough but oh my gods its perfect and exactly what I crave for. What I need.

‘’That’s it, Mc.’’ He approves a small smile forming on his lips ‘’You feel so good.’’ His jaw goes tight as he clenches his teeth, suddenly pinching my clit.

‘’Ah fuckkkk Sebastian.’’ I yelp shaking my head ‘’Harder, fuck me harder, I’m going to cum, I’m going to cum…’’ I repeat like a broken record suddenly hugging myself keeping my breast from bouncing as an electric current is running all over.

‘’And who is making you…ugh…cum huh? Who is the one…ahhh, cherishing you like you deserve…ugh to be?’’ he says through his teeth, his gaze wild as he stops for a moment twisting my left leg over his chest and shoulder changing everything entirely the new angle, making my eyes cross over one of Sebastian’s hands pushing my arms away as he grabs onto my boob, squeezing it.

‘’Y-y-you.’’ I reply shakily having a death grip on his arm not knowing what else to do. It’s hard to process that I need to breathe at the moment, my body doing things on its own.

‘’I didn’t hear you, dear wife.’’ He barks with an edge in his voice. His eyes. His demeanour.

But it’s not enough to make me realize it, as he leaves me absolutely dumb on his cock, the only thing on my mind selfishly is to cum.

‘’You, you, you, you Sebastian.’’ I speak strained my muscles contracting, as his hand resumes circling my clit sealing the deal ‘’My Sebastian, mine.’’ I babble, eyes closing tight as white noise fills my ears barely registering the noises I’m still making, only feeling how he rocks against me, how he moves so precise and hard the orgasm washing over otherworldly as it keeps going on.

Faintly I am aware of Sebastian manoeuvring me into another pose, continuing past the shakes and trembles that overrun everything else. Sooner or later something in my brain kicks it into gear to pump air into my lungs as I breathe heavily, enjoying the tingling but otherwise spent.

Feeling an arm settle over my stomach is what encourages me to come back so to speak. I raise a hand up to wipe away the corner of my eyes only then prompting them open. Looking around I acknowledge we have been turned to lie comfortably on the bed with our heads cushioned against the pillows.

Or well…mine. Glancing down feeling the heat radiating on my right it’s Sebastian. Instead of backing away like I’d assume men would do, he has plastered himself onto my right side, using my bicep as a cushion, one arm thrown over my mid-section, one leg over my right.

Dropping my arm, I’m surprised to find he is awake and has come to his senses quicker than I have as he grasps my left hand, fingers dancing with my own. It doesn’t take him long to feel the outline of the wedding ring.

‘’I didn’t even get you an engagement ring.’’ He mutters bending my hand holding it above my chest as he examines my hand and the piece of jewellery.

‘’Technically that would be on me too.’’ I think aloud my voice slightly hoarse. Must be the screaming ‘’I did propose and marry us.’’ I snort ‘’Did all the heavy lifting, didn’t I?’’

I turn to look down at him, just as he peeks up at me, fingers intertwining with my own as he rests our hands next to me for comfort.

‘’I did have a ring.’’ Is what he says, the statement leaving me bewildered which I’m not quick enough to hide as he sighs, looking away ‘’I had a few ideas for proposing. A few spots to choose from.’’ He quiets down again. Bending my right hand, I start to caress his back in reassurance.

‘’Knowing you back then, you had the most rageous ideas, didn’t you?’’ I smirk looking ahead of us at the painting I have above the dresser. It’s a muggle painting so it doesn’t move, but it depicts a castle in Scotland. A castle that’s very similar to Hogwarts. It was too charming not to buy.

‘’You’ve no idea.’’ He blows air looking up at me ‘’I think you’d flat out reject me at some of the propositions I had in mind.’’

I laugh ‘’I probably would.’’ I agree looking down to meet his gaze amused. We fall silent.

‘’I tried to tame a dragon…’’

‘’Oh, Seb noo!’’

‘’Heyyyy I was head over heels! I’d do anything! You deserve the best!’’ he rambles as I laugh in amusement observing as he raises onto his left elbow looking at me adoringly ‘’I swear.’’ He chuckles ‘’I was foolish at times and even stupid. But crazy? I was crazily in love with you. And that has not changed.’’ His smile is exactly the smile he used to have back then.

And it slowly daunts on me. Reality sinking in. That he is here to stay. I have finally freed him. He is in my grasp. He still loves me.

‘’Oh hey, no tears. Why the tears?’’ he jumps as they gather quickly and are instant to fall down my cheeks ‘’Mc.’’

Instead of answering I kiss him softly.

‘’I’m just so happy.’’ I admit smiling widely ‘’You make me incredibly happy it’s all.’’

At this he is taken aback features softening, and I’m sure his own eyes filling with tears ‘’Me too Mc. Me too.’’

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

// Masterlist 2024 //

Copyright 2024© by barbika1508. All rights reserved.

[midnight1nk]

So, this week's episode...

[Spoilers below cut]

oh my spaghetti gods.... they actually made the episode

Ha ha, I love that for them honestly. I figured that the Team would put out one of these after WOTFI, it would be either a regular silly episode, a "Mario Reacts", or a Remaster.

...OMG I haven't clicked on the episode and I just realized something: you know how at the end of WOTFI, Four proposed the idea of taking some of the abandoned stuff in Puzzle Park and bringing them to the Showgrounds? He can now have the teacup ride

that was slick as hell

(the following is my live reaction:)

of course, you GOTTA present the WOTFI merch

also james and luke just goofing around gives me serotonin :)

Mr Puzzles: "...Now you're 5% less disgusting to look at." :0 that has so many implications but I'm not gonna say it

ANYWAY That's-a so nice!

THE TEACUP RIDE

Alright, everybody who drew baby Four, we gotta get on it again

sorry,,, just them :)

also, Three, it was your idea dude

THE OATS "Now with less fun! :)"

just the way Four hid behind Three [*head in hands*] chat, I'm not going to make it by the end of this episode

The Star Trio (TM) everyone

...wait, does Three actually smell like peanuts or is it just for the meme? [*writes that down*]

Four: "My only suitable parental guardian!" Four, Karen's right there

I can't believe the retirement home is in America smh (like no seriously)

AY there's Old Man Hobo

this reminds me of that one scene from the "You Used to Be Cool" episode

(if you couldn't tell, Three's one of my favorite characters)

PFFT HAHAHAHA THEY KEPT THAT IN I'M DEAD DUDE

Three, why do you need medicine? you just got turned into an old man

MASTER OF DISGUISE

PINEAPPLE ON PIZZA?! MARIO WHAT HAVE YOU DONE, ITALY IS GOING TO REVOKE YOUR ITALIAN CARD

the nurse jumping out the window... [*thinks back at Mr Puzzles' Clubhouse when Max jumps out of the window*] sorry WOTFI flashbacks

anyway, they're adorable

huh i guess prison-UH I MEAN- the retirement home has a basketball court, who knew

HE DROPS THE SOAP I'M SO GLAD THEY KEPT THAT IN

...wtf is that slop?

also blue goo- [*loud airplane noises*]

Three: "Meggy? Is that you? You look uglier than usual-" DAMN well, it's good to know that you're still Three

The two frames-per-second running animation, ah a classic

BINGO NIGHT (no no Ink, bingo night was last week) (aw man)

Three, it was your idea bruh

also you're in the SMG4 universe for how many years? plot convenient devices are the norm, Three

HEY SWAG

Hal's here too!

they do be scheming

...wait [*DRAMATIC GRASP*] THE SONIC X THEME SONG!!! 🎶ROLLIN' AT THE SPEED OF SOUND (MAKE TRACKS) QUICKEST HEDGEHOG AROUND, GOT OURSELVES A SITUATION, STUCK IN A NEW LOCATION WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION, NO TIME FOR RELAXATION-🎶 [*gets shot*]

despite everything, it's still you :)

if I had a nickel for every time an old guy says "No Mario, don't", I'd have two nickels. It isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice.

THE OATS CAME BACK FULL CIRCLE BABY

Frof the SnOATman :)

"On that day, the FBI learned the true meaning of Christmas: oats" SOMEONE MAKE THIS INTO A MOVIE

wait, FBI, you JUST noticed Four and the getaway car?

"dig a hole...poison the guards...KILL the the witness."

The hole, the poison, the old man being the "witness". Wow, Three's plan actually worked! Well, except for the "kill" part, the old man still lives. BUT STILL!

this part was actually emotional wtf

"Good to have you back, SMG3! ...SMG3?" aw 💙💜 (i ask for so little)

Three: "man, I think that was my dad..." Four, once again knowing they came out of USBs: "...ok"

CARNIVAL YAY you better not drop something on me bc (1) it's too soon and (2) you Team like to torture me

PFFT just putting Four's regular head on a baby body is everything

ferris wheel jumpscare

and AY james got to be credited for the writing (i mean, obviously)

And congrats to ggf0ur for having your art in the end credits 🎉

.・-: ✧ :--: ✧ :-・.

Another fun and silly episode, just what I needed after school work and WOTFI. Still can't believe they made it into an actual episode haha! Having the Star Trio in an episode is always a blast! I truly enjoyed this one.

As much as I find it funny that Four needed Three as a parental guardian to be on the teacup ride, it would be a bit better if the reason for the age gun was that they never got to be actual kids, unlike the rest of the crew. Then we could've gotten baby Four and Three, oh the possibilities. Maybe that's just me idk, but I'm happy with what we got.

And the Ferris wheel in the Showgrounds again, at this point it's a sign. I have to gather my thoughts together for my "Ferris Wheel Wedding" idea.

Fun Fact: for those who are wondering, the WOTFI website is surprisingly still up! Ofc you can't put submissions in anymore but I find it hilarious.

Fun Fact 2: the guy who made the faces for Mr. Puzzles has a proper Twitter now (link)! Go and show some support to the Team! I do want to bring it up because the Team may have made some editing/animation errors (like the subtitles having SMG4 instead of SMG3) and people are getting upset about that, but it's literally not a big deal. I know the Team is trying their hardest to bring out episodes every week. Besides, mistakes could go under the radar, it simply happens.

Now, if you excuse me...

DON'T BLINK, DON'T THINK, JUST GO GO G-G-G-G-GO GO (n-n-n-n-n-na, n-n-n-n-n-na) SONIC'S ON THE RUN, SONIC'S NUMBER ONE! SONIC, HE'S COMIN' NEXT, SO WATCH OUT FOR SONIC X! GOTTA GO FAST (SONIC), GOTTA GO FAST(SONIC)! GOTTA GO FASTER FASTER FASTER FASTER FASTER- [*gets shot again*]

[queervocasongtourn]

Queer Vocaloid Song Tournament: Side A, Round 1

Please listen to all songs before voting!

Shama by NILFRUITS feat. VFlower

VS

Zero Talking by Harumaki Gohan feat. Hatsune Miku

Propaganda under the cut!

SHAMA

"extremely potent yearning, the powerful dynamic of safety in disguise but a dangerous freedom in truth, beautiful characters…what more can you ask for?"

"if i am being completely honest i dont actually get everything that happened in shama - that can be left to all the other people who are more knowledgeable about nilfruits songs than me and immediately thought of submitting this - but I immediately thought of this song because its so SO good. the song itself is incredible and the mv adds on to make it an even greater work!! i might not know all of shama's story, but what i do know is that shama's a fantastic song regardless and i'll go crazy whenever i hear it. and i also do know that clay and kalmia (especially clay) are some great lgbtq+ rep in a vocaloid song!!! the section from 2:00-2:36, when accompanied by the mv, is maybe one of my favorite moments in any vocaloid song. what follows is also great! as propaganda i am begging the reader to go listen to shama with the mv if they haven't. i don't want to explain it because i don't entirely know how to but they're fucking gay and i really like how the mv shows this!"

"sapphic 👍👍"

"Okay so this one is kinda hard to explain but the MV is some flavour of queer for sure. Just… watch it and you'll get what I mean"

"a femme-fatale prisoner and one of her guards have a doomed romance..! the mv is by wooma, who uses a graphic colour palette to complement nilfruits's addictive guitar melody. this song is also the first in a series, so if you're interested in the prisoner's backstory, you can watch the other works to find out more :-)"

ZERO TALKING

"tbf most harugoha songs are so #yuri but this one has an actual kiss. royalty x maid childhood friends who have drifted apart over the years and the royal lady (unsure of her english title, in japanese shes just named daireijo) desperately wants to just Talk to her dearest maid dorothy again but can't get anywhere with it (hence the title). In the final chorus of the MV she has enough and kisses dorothy on the lips. They're referred to as "sisters" sometimes but this is a reference to the classic catholic school yuri trope where an older girl will take in a younger one as a "younger sister" and they have a sort of romantic friendship going on. They're like definitely not actually sisters it would make no sense. It's such a good song. the bass in it is really good. please listen to harumaki gohan"

"despite the sister term scare that happened when the mv first came out this mv is about a princess and her maid who used to be friends and i believe grew apart and the princess is trying to reconnect with her friend. also first harumaki gohan mv kiss iirc!! the song is also just a brainworm in general i looped it so much it was stuck in my head for months"

"The song is about a girl who has a strained relationship with another girl, and who wishes for things to go back to the way they were (the maid doesn't talk to her anymore). The use of "sister" is also not literal, instead being a term found in yuri to describe a relationship between women (often shorten to S/esu), as well as the comparison between the two girls and the story of orihime and hikoboshi, as well as the fact they literally kiss in the song. I don't know if you can really deny it with that."

"this was in my head for weeks and weeks after it released!! the mv really makes it, the surprise near the end is so cool"

"😳"

"ZERO TALKING TALKING TALKING .Harumakigohan is the king of vocaloid yuri rn but oh my god first on-screen kiss in his songs!!! For a cute song about a princess trying to win back the affection of her childhood friend now employed as a head maid at her castle. just listen to the beat and tell me u are not enthralled. the lil "pop" noise in the song when they smooch is adorable. the song is so catchy it's ridculous i just hit that shit on loop."

[womenl0verr]

katana buddies || michonne x fem! reader

𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐫𝐞 𝐤𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞. 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐮𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐬?

𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭

you were on your own, surviving alone. moving from place to place, never staying in one place for more than a day. until you met rick and his group, you were different from them. they had their guns, while you stayed with the classic Odachi.

it was your father’s, you didn’t know he kept a whole odachi under his bed. you’ve never used a gun before in your whole life, so you sticked with the sword, you were pretty good at it to.

but bad with long distance aim because of your bad eye sight. you different from them, so when you met her, michonne, outside the fence, multiple walkers around her yet none of them bitting her.

you let her in, treating her wounds, giving her new clothes because she smelt like shit. she had a stern and fierce look on her face, always. even if you were talking to her.

no matter how soft you were to her or how calm your voice is, she’s always had a stern look. it was a few weeks when she finally softened up. laughing at one of your jokes while two of you watch over the base.

you’d never admit it out loud but you hated the way rick touched her wound just to make her talk about the whereabouts of glen and maggie. sure you wanted to find out where, he was practically a big brother to you.

but he didn’t have to hurt her like that.

the two of you often take walks around the perimeter, guarding the prison while talking about stuff, anything she talks about for you seems so interesting. she was also funny, but of course she always says you’re the funnier one.

you two really bonded over such small time, it wasn’t even forced, well you talked to her until she’d talk to you. and when she did, it was the best.

you didn’t know why you wanted to be her friend so much. not until last week, you finally learned after months of staying with her, you’d fallen for her.

you confessed to her, not really expecting her to like you back. you confessed with really, really awkward words and well expression. but she liked you back, well first she laughed at your awkwardness, then she told you, she liked you back.

and now you’re here, being lovey dovey every second you get with her. watching her workout, watching her not working out with her. she didn’t like pda that much, but she will get clingy to you the second you get privacy.

and in the end, she will always be the sweetest to you, and you only. you’ll always be her girl. through sickness. even carl teases the both of you for acting like a married couple.

but you two just loved each other so much that it’s corny. like really corny, coming from carl. you two loved carl like your own son, whenever being on supply runs with him, you always get not so much supply, why?

the three of you are too busy putting on silly sunglasses and taking pictures, and doing races around the abandon streets, singing around to old music. you and michonne even gifted carl a stack of comic books for his birthday.

it took a long time to find the complete series that isn't completely ruined or covered in walker blood or normal human blood. but one day, you found one comic store that was locked. but you and michonne opened it, and found fresh comic books, not covered in anything.

he was over the moon with those stupid comic books. you and michonne loved him, and would done anything to protect him.

a/n: my wife frfrfr. another fic! upcoming Rosita fic??? oop it's already in the works!

[the-ellia-west]

Ship Dynamics I Cry for P.t. 1/2

Petty thief x Prison Guard - (Preferably Thief is male, guard if female) Thief is a flirty little shit (Bonus points if the guard is having none of it)

Soldier x Soldier - Both are fighting in a war or guarding something and they're just the sweetest together when on break/leave (I thought I lost you hug happens a LOT)

Sweet x Hothead - Hothead is FERAL, Sweet is the only one who keeps them calm.

Classic enemies to lovers - I like it when the beginning of it starts off with them quickly figuring out 'you're not so bad' before slow burn falling for each other

Classic Enemies to lovers v2. - I'm a sucker for Hate-Respect-friends-lovers

Enemies to lovers - (But with spice!) This enemies to lovers has two enemies, but one doesn't know the other is their enemy because of a secret identity or some shit

Royal x Servant - Princess x male servant or Prince x female servant are both ship dynamics that make me smile no matter what. I especially love the ones where the royal is illegitimate and it goes like this - Royal: But I'm expendable! I'm worthless, Then the Servant takes the Royal's face in their hands and goes: Not to me [Cue me screeching in the background]

Assassin to bodyguard x Noble/squishy bean - Do I need to explain myself? I can't stop making these. I have a problem.

[imaginationlover101]

Jailhouse Rock

Dean Winchester x reader

Summary: After the on and off disappearances of prison inmates, the boys decide that the best way to solve their newest case is to admit themselves into the prison. With the help from Y/N acting as their lawyer, everything seems to be going there way (besides from the fact that she misses & worries for Dean).

A/N: Written around the Supernatural eposide 2x19 "Folsom Prison Blues"

Sitting in conference visiting room, I waited for Dean to enter the room to discuss our master "plan". I still couldn't believe that the boys were doing this. This had to be the stupidest plan we've ever came up with.

The only reason I wasn't acting as a former criminal along with Sam and Dean was so that I could play the lawyer. Even with bringing the idea up that I could play the part along with the boys, they brought it down immediately. Sam thought about it for a moment, while Dean just continued to scold me talking about how he couldnt protect me in prison.

That's how I ended up where I was right now. A small, dark cramped rooom surrounded by endless lines of glass separating the line between prisoners and the outside world. With old telephones lines and the walls that probably held more cases of mold to count, I still couldnt get over how the boys pulled of the prison part. Deacon helped us along the way giving the boys a background story, and playing his real job as a harsh prison guard to both of them.

Even my "laywer" part was an easy set up. With a little conving from my sister (who owns a laywer firm), and a promise that we would spend Christmas with her next year, I was already a laywer set in stone.

Hearing the condescending beeps come from the prison walls, Dean Winchester was seen emerging from the steel doors wearing a bright orange jumpsuit. With handcuffs tied on his wrist and a smirk on his face, I watched as the oldest Winchester searched around until coming closer to where I was sitting near the end of the wall.

Surprisingly there wasn't many visitors in today to see their loved ones. Just a few people here and there, making the ambience perfect for talking about haunted spirits.

Soonly Dean came near, sitting down directly across from my seat infront of the glass divider. Leaning back against his chair Dean Winchester made eye contact with the nearest guard pointing to the cuffs on his hands. With a ancient looking key, the guard took the handcuffs from Dean with a warning look.

Rolling his eyes, Dean turned back around in his seat pulling the metal chair closer to the glass. Picking up the hand phone Dean's smirk widens leaning his arms closer to the opening beneath the glass. "Well would ya look at you sunshine."

"Actually its Ms. L/N, to you Winchester." Moving the hair from behind my shoulder to the front, I placed the folder from inside my bag onto the table.

"Oh excuse me." Dean stopped for a moment observing me from the top of my head all the way down to my blazer. For a moment it made me nervous the way Dean was looking at, Dean Winchester has never once looked at me with those kinda eyes. "I see your playing the part well. You got your hair done?"

"Yep, I've had a lot of free time now without you and Sammy, even convinced Bobby to let me get a manicure." Looking as if he had been betrayed all his life, Dean was shocked not believing the words that I had said. Lifting my freshly painted nails against the glass, I twirled with the diamond ring pressed against my ring finger.

Leaning his body closer against the window to inspect the newly ring on my finger, I began to retreact my hand placing it back onto the phone. "Hows Sam?"

The guard yelled for 5 minutes, but Dean waved his hand up in a careless way. I was surprised that the guard didn't get up and smack him, but taking a quick peak I was suprises to find Deacon guarding the door.

"Hes good but arent you gonna ask about me." Smiling with his ever so classic smirk, I began to roll my eyes and sliding the black folder I had over to him.

Taking the folder from the opening between the glass, Dean and I's hands began to touch for just a moment. For a minute I didnt want to let go, keeping our pinky fingers intertwined. It wasnt until I realized the situation that we had brought upon ourselves that I let go.

Looking over the folder Dean began to nod his head, looking over all the information Bobby and I had researched. Taking the pen I had wedged between the folder, Dean begins to write down a name.

Turning the piece of paper to face my way, Dean points to the name he wrote down on the paper. Looking around to his surroundings Dean slides further off the chair, so that he could whisper closer to where I was. "Glockner, formley known as nurse Glockner. My roommate told me bout her, back when she worked at the prison. A real piece of work I heard, now shes out about her haunting the prison."

Deacon walks by hitting his metal stick along the prison walls. He starts to yell about how there were 3 minutes giving Dean and I a warning look.

Grabbing the piece of paper Dean previously had wrote on, I began to fold the paper with the folder placing it into my bag.

Sliding the bag onto my shoulde, I faced my eyesight back up to look at Dean. Playing with the cord on his phone, Dean's eyes continued to bore into mine. With a nervous habit, I started to twist the ring on my finger. Noticing what I had started to do, Dean picks his fingers up pointing to the ring. Shaking his head in a questioning look Dean behind to speak through the phone again. "So when were you going to tell me about your special someone?"

Smiling across the glass I sought to think of a special someone. "Well I think you already know him."

With a grin on his face, I started to realize how much I loved to see his smile. Even while being contained in prison he still put on a good laugh. Watching the other people around start to get up, I realzied my time with Dean would come to an end. Even though we would see one another again in a mere 8 hours I still sought my emotions that would miss him.

Seeing as my time would soon come to an end, I reached my hand through the glass to touch Dean's for a quick moment. Dropping the crappy prison phone, Dean drops his other hand dropping it onto mine. Sliding my hand out from unbeanth Dean's I begin to put my hands on top of his playing a game with who would be on top.

From the corner of my eye Dean and I could both see Deacon distracting the other prison guards giving the two of us a moment. Sliding both hands out from under mine, Dean pulls my hands closer to his side of the glass leaning his face closer to them. Leaving two kisses on each, I began to pull away leaving with a smile. "I'll see you on the other side Winchester."

With a quick step up and wink I started to walk away missing the presence of my favorite Winchetser. Turning around for a moment to take a last glance, there was Dean leaning back in his chair taking a very thoughrough lingering stare as I walked away. Even behind a prison glass that boy would never lose his charm.

Walking out of the conference room, I began to receive my personal belongings that I had to drop off before entering the room. Picking up the ever so infamous car keys, I began to twirl them around my fingers knowing that Dean would sure likely kill me if I ever hurt his baby, but hey one joy ride doesnt count.

[mercillery]

hey there!! can you please do a part 2 about the zenon x cheating reader where zenon finally lets the reader out but reader does not love zenon anymore and eventually whispered the words, “I dont love you anymore…” to zenon.

I really love your writing style! ❤️💕

WARNINGS: GENDER NOT SPECIFIED + YANDERE THEMES + NOT PROOFREAD

NOTES: Although I’ve been unmotivated to write, I’m glad that I’m getting requests for the Zogratis siblings again. I missed writing for them. If you sent in a request or a message, super duper sorry that I’m responding late! Take care and have a nice day <3

In my cheating on Zenon with Dante post, I mentioned that the reader cheats on yandere Zenon with Dante, and I said that weeks would pass. So, let's assume Zenon finally decides to let you out of that soul-sucking, isolation chamber of a room after about a month. I mean, he’s not exactly known for his mercy, and you can bet he made sure you felt every second of those long, silent weeks.

The man probably left you with nothing but the bare minimum: a cold floor, dim lighting (because heaven forbid you feel comfortable), and enough food to keep you alive but never satisfied. And now, after what feels like an eternity, he lets you out, probably because he’s convinced you’ve learned your lesson. Classic Zenon logic: “I’ll break you down emotionally and physically, but hey, at least you’re free now... kind of. Not really. Not at all, actually.”

So when Zenon finally decides to let you out—let’s be real, you’re a total mess. You’re obviously traumatized and just barely holding it together. I mean, who wouldn’t be after spending all that time in a room so silent and lonely; it might as well be a sensory deprivation tank? The kind of silence that’s so loud it’s almost like it’s mocking you. Your only company for weeks was probably the sound of your own breathing, and even that started to feel too loud.

But then there’s the relief. Sweet, glorious relief. The moment the door opens, it’s like you’re seeing sunlight for the first time in forever, like you just stepped out of a cave and rediscovered the world. Your brain probably can’t even decide if you’re happy or just shocked that there’s more to life than four walls and Zenon’s twisted form of punishment. So yeah, traumatized because you’ve been isolated for what felt like years, but also ridiculously relieved to see the outside world again, even if it’s just the cold, dark castle of the Zogratis siblings.

When Zenon finally lets you leave that miserable room, the silence is so loud it feels like it’s practically screaming in your ears. It’s the kind of silence that makes you paranoid, like any little noise you make will set him off. And Zenon? He’s just standing there, not expecting you to say a single word. Not a “sorry,” not a “please forgive me”—nothing. He knows you’re probably too freaked out, too paranoid to even look in his direction, let alone speak. And honestly, he’s fine with that. He doesn’t need your words; in fact, he’d rather you stay quiet.

Because, yeah, he let you out of that room, but let’s not kid ourselves—he’s still holding a serious grudge. The whole “cheating with Dante” thing? That’s not going away anytime soon. In his mind, locking you up for weeks was the perfect way to drill into your head that cheating isn’t just off-limits—it’s unthinkable. If being in that prison of a room didn’t teach you that lesson, well, then you’ve got a serious problem.

So as long as you’ve learned not to even entertain the idea of cheating on him again, he’s content. But that doesn’t mean he’s forgiving you anytime soon. In fact, he’s probably hoping you stay quiet and small for a while because, yeah, he’s still mad. You’re out of the room, but you’re not out of the woods.

So even though Zenon’s already pretty sure the rest of the day is going to be one long, awkward, silent standoff between the two of you, you still manage to catch him just the tiniest bit off guard. Not by speaking—he expected you to break the silence at some point—but by what you choose to say. The words you let slip out of your mouth? Oh boy. They’re the kind of words that make him instantly regret not leaving you locked in that room for another month, just for good measure.

Because out of all the things you could’ve said—“I’m sorry,” “It’ll never happen again,” maybe even just a polite “hello”—what do you go with? “I don’t love you anymore.”

And oh, trust me, he’s definitely offended. You’d have to be out of your mind to think Zenon’s not insulted by that. But heartbroken? Nah. He’s not standing there, devastated, like, “No, please, I need you!” This isn’t some dramatic rom-com moment where he falls to his knees, clutching his chest in despair. No, this is Zenon, so he’s more like, “Oh, you don’t love me? Is that so?” in a tone that’s about as menacing as a horror movie villain’s monologue. You know the one.

It’s not that he’s shattered emotionally—more like offended on a whole new level. He’s almost amused in a twisted, dangerous way, as if your declaration of not loving him is just... funny to him. Like, “Oh, you don’t love me anymore? Well, let’s see how that works out for you.”

Honestly, what happens next? Your guess is as good as mine because Zenon could take this in a hundred different directions—and let’s just say none of them are pleasant. He could straight-up lock you back in that soul-crushing room before you even have a chance to get another word out, like, “Oh, you don’t love me? Well, guess what? You’re going back in time-out.”

Or, if he's feeling especially cruel and petty, he could make you say you love him—over and over—but not just casually. No, he’s going to force you to say it like you mean it, to the point where your voice cracks, you’re sobbing, and you can barely breathe between the words. He’s probably standing there with this icy, emotionless expression, just watching the tears roll down your face. You might feel like you’ve used up all your tears after this one.

And then, there’s always the chance he might snap just enough to resort to violence—not enough to kill you, of course (you’re too important for that), but enough to make you wish you’d kept quiet. He’s not going to slap you with his hand, though. Oh no, that would be too easy. Instead, he might bring out that dreaded bone magic of his, because why not use what he’s good at, right? And dang, do those bones hurt. It’s like getting smacked by a rock-hard skeleton fist that leaves you aching in places you didn’t even know could hurt. Whatever happens, though, one thing’s for sure: Zenon’s not going to just let that “I don’t love you” comment slide. You’re in for a rough time, one way or another.

Yeah, the second those words, “I don’t love you anymore,” left your mouth, you pretty much signed your own death warrant—or at least, walked right into Zenon’s emotional meat grinder. It’s like you willingly marched up to the guillotine and handed him the rope, except in this case, the guillotine is Zenon himself.

You’ve officially gone to the slaughter, and the butcher is Zenon with his bone magic at the ready. There’s no coming back from it. You may as well have waved a red flag in front of a bull, except this bull has bone weapons and a grudge the size of a mountain. 

[grigori77]

Critical Role, Campaign 3 Episode 94

One Shot Wonders? This should be interesting ... oh ... right, Robbie being RIGHT THERE is ... interesting ... we know full well what a chaos gremlin he is, we have been missing that ... and then there's Laura who can't even BEGIN to hold it together long enough to become a problem ... XD ... that was ... a STRANGE skit, to be honest ... but interesting ...

Wow ... that was the most thinly-veiled dig at Youtube I've EVER HEARD, Travis ...

Bells Hells live show? Intriguing ...

I swear, though, seeing FCG on the title sequence is ... INTENSE. We miss you already, Letters ...

It already feels SO GOOD that we got Dorian back, though ... and I mean it, I love having Robbie back at the table ...

Given the mood, I can't even get enthusiastic about any possibility for Ashton x Fearne stuff ...

Laudna: "What's harder? Expecting the worst, or being surprised?" Dorian: "Good question." Oof ...

Ahston (to Fearne): "Dou you want some company tonight?" HOLY FUCK ... I'm Travis right now ... he's all of us ... oh yeah, ANYTHING is good with these too, I'll take the crumbs ... and it's sweet. It really is ...

Oh yeah, so Orym TOTALLY heard all of that ... XD

LONG REST!!! LONG REST!!! Gods, they need this SO BAD ...

Travis rolls AGAIN ... oh shit, how do I keep forgetting about that? Is Chetney dead?

How is Fearne arranged wit Ashton in theit sleep? Why is this a WORRYING question right now, MATTHEW?!!! O.O

Okay ... what the hell is THIS thing? Why is this more creepy than cute right now? I don't trust this shit ... be careful, Fearne, please ...

33 Passive Perception ... fucking hell, Orym ...

How DOES she squeeze through that? Wildshape? A cockatiel with a peach plume? Awwwwww ... Ashley doing the wobbly birdwalk ... :3 ... oh wait ... so it's leading her AWAY? Yeah, I really DON'T trust this shit right now ...

Yes. Keep following her, Orym ... do not lose that bird ...

She's going to continue following this INCREDIBLY SUSPICIOUS critter becausde it's cute ... yeah, classic Fearne ... I just can't with her ...

Floating IN THE AIR? How the fuck? Yeah, that definitely can't be a good sign. A DARK ARMOURED GAUNTLET? Fuck's sake ... damn it, it's FUCKING Zathuda. FEARNE!!! Gods damn-it!

She's just PANIC FLAPPING. Of course she is ...

The whole time Ma\tt does this character I'm just seeing Sean Connery in Highlander ... it really doesn't help to create the menace due the moment ...

Crap ... he intends to use Fearne to unlock Predathos' prison ... yeah, that's not much of a surprise ...

Yeah, there's NO WAY she's gonna come with you, you Scottish CREEP ... but she wants his wyvern ... yeah, of course she does. LOL ... oh boy ... he's actually really taking that as encouragement, isn't he?

Yes girl. Insight check this asshat ... WHISPERS!!! Cue Beacon plug by Travis ...

"Fearne Zathuda?" Come ON, you evil fuck, don't you dare ... YES FEARNE!!! School the man ... Calloway all the way ...

A MIRROR? Oh balls ... please not THAT shit again ... last thing we need right now is Dark Fearne ...

Bollocks ... it really IS happening ... damn it, I saw that shit coming ... fuck ... fuck fuck fuck fuck ... she's loose, she's free, this is SO BAD ...

Wait ... SHE'S MULTIPLYING?!!! Fuck, that's not good ...

Orym messages Dorian through the Sending stone ... PLEASE let this work ... talk about a desperate Hail Mary ... PLEASE PICK UP, DORIAN!!! Oh thank fuck that worked ...

Laura has to roll for everyone to see if this WAS a long restor not ... YES!!! Thank fuck ... so only Fearne and Orym are still short, at least ... but that's not so good right now ... balls ...

YES!!! Chentey's nose! Sniff them out QUICK old man!

Ashton says: "Find. Them. NOW!!!" with SUCH exquisite intensity, I love it ...

Over the wall! Quickly!

No guards? No help? REALLY?!!!

Roll initiative! Uh-oh ...

Shit! A Battlemap! Bollocks ... this means he's SERIOUS ...

Yes! Orym! Bait & Switch for the win like always! Way to go, Wee Man!

Earthbind? Hmmm ... could she fuck this up for them before it even starts? That would be helpful ... yes, stay put, Fearne ... be careful ...

Boy, Faux-Fearne is SO CREEPY ... SHADOW CLAW attacks? Oh fuck ... COLD DAMAGE?!!! Ouch ... wait ... oh, so Fearne can become RESISTANT to Cold damage? Nice ... plus Psychic damage? Argh ... not so good ...

And now the extras ... I really hope they're pale imitations ... balls, looks like they might NOT be ... shit ... a NAT20?!!! Come on Mercer, PLEASE play nice ... O.O

Orym pulls another Bait & Switch ... okay ... oh, is he planning on invoking Nana Morri? Yeah, do it, any port in a storm ... meanwhile GET SWINGING, Fighter! HOLY SHIT, Liam, you are rolling ROCKS tonight! Keep THAT up, please!

Fearne activates the Spark! Yeah! She'll pay for it later, but right now ... SO BADASS, I swear ... and here comes Mister! Yay!

Oh, they take Fire damage when they hit her? Nice ... Voice Thief? What the sweet FUCK?!!! Aaaaaaaaaaaargh ... 17 poijnts of damage? Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck ... it cuts her throat, with no blood ... BUT HER VOICE IS JUST GONE ... fucking hell ... oh fucking fuck ... she is just getting SO MESSED UP right now, I hate this ...

Come on, Orym, fuck these bitches UP!!! Nice! Nat20! But it's A SHIT damage dict roll ... balls ... Second Wind! Yeah, right now he really needs it ... yeah, he's done what he can ...

All that Fearne has left is VERBAL spells ... fuck ... Mister takes some shots with his flaming shit gun instead ... she's going to DROP her flaming form? REALLY?!!! That was the ONLY ADVANTAGE she had right now ... but it does cause a big BOOM so maybe it'll work ... yeah, at least it gets TWO of 'em ... 41 points of damage! YEAH!!! Wow, and she just TAKES THOSE TWO OUT entirely ... yes! And now she's at FOUR POINTS OF EXHAUSTION ... oof ...

Dark Fearne jumps up on one of the rocks ... what's THIS SHIT?!!! Oh nice ... BOTH HITS MISS ENTIRELY?!!! Sweet ... but the third hits ... 6 points ... AND SHE'S DOWN?!!! FUCK!!! Another hit while she's DOWN? Fuck!! Autocrit means TWO FAILED DEATH SAVES!!! NO NO NO NO NO!!!

Orym pours a healiong potion down Fearne's throat for 17 HP back, then crouches over her to protect her, shield up and ready ... ORYM!!! Sweet ...

At least Fearne's got her voice back ... SCORCHING RAY!!! GO QUEEN!!! Four attacks ... roll good, Ash! 2 hit, but she rolls BALLS on the damage ...

But it was JUST enough to finally take out Dark Fearne? Oh thank the fucking GODS ...

Mister shoots more flaming shit at thew remaining copy ... and hits it! OKay ... come on, you sweet flaming monkey ... meanwhile Ashley gets stuck reading rules and Laura gets REALLY upset with her about it ... NERVES, PEOPLE!!! And it WORKS!!! That last bitch is DEAD!!! Thank fuck ...

Is it over? Thank fuck ... oh for ... NOW what? Gloamglut? Fucking ZATHUDA!!! You fucking ASSHAT!!! Just piss off already!

The NEXT LESSON? Oh, I hate him so much ...

NOW the alarm's raised? As he's already leaving? IS HE leaving? What's happening?

Thank fuck that's over with ... yeah, NO MORE solo nighttime excurstions, ANY OF YOU ... you're making me go grey here ...

Cure Wounds? Yes. Thank you, Dorian. Heal Fearne ...

Yes. Seriously, Fearne, NO MORE FOLLOWING CUTE CREATURES ... I agree, take a buddy next time! Smarter, at least ...

Ah, yes ... because Dorian REALLY DOESN'T know a whole lot right now, this is true ... seriously, time to fill our poor boy in!

And now for a break ... yeah ...

Creeeeepy Beacon ad ... hmmm ...

An uneasy morning, clearly ... salvaging what's left of the mirror ... is that really a good idea?

Yes, indeed ... what ARE WE going to do now? What's the plan? Decisions need to be made ...

Kayleth first ... yeah, smart.

Okay, big meeting. Time to unload all the information ...

Oh, is Fearne going to fill them in on the WHY that all just kicked off? This should be interesting ...

So ... the Hallowed Cage rings a bell? Interesting ...

Yes, I figured Evoroa would be a valuable teaching resource for this lot ...

Growing discord from Ludinus' propaganda across Exandria? Great. Just what we need right now ...

Oh yeah, the machinery ... the piece of Malleus Key tech ... okay ... so it's definitely Arcanum era technology ... all of it keeps pointing back to Aeor ...

Someone who knows Aeor? Who's that, then? They're on a mission? Hmmm ...

A mission for US, then? Okay ... so they're going to meet with this individual? And potentially stop Ludinus, if he IS out there too? Sounds smart ...

Yeah, I mean Dorian does have a particularly fresh and unique perspective on this right now that's bound to be useful ...

"Scrappy fuck-ups"? I mean, he ain't wrong, but ...

Whoa, Chetney ... O.O ... HEAVY WORDS, man ... careful ...

Laudna: "He was just a snow Ludinus!" Um ... yeah ...

Chetney's like a "fart in the wind" ... XD ... cute ...

Imogen tries to show them what the Five Minds looked like ... okay ... yeah, Chetney's right, there's definitely some serious POWER in their Psychic game compared to ours ...

Weeks? I really doubt we actually HAVE that much time ...

Sent by a WIDOGAST? What?

Seth Domade? An archivist of the Cobalt Soul? Interesting ... so he's one of the Aeor experts? Cool. He's actually BEEN THERE? Even cooler ...

The furniture? What? Chetney ...

Finding an individual? WHO?!!! He'll tell them on the way? Damn it ...

The globe! Cool ... XD Keyleth finds it somewhat terrifying. As she should ...

Laudna's fetuses in jars ... yeah ... calm down, Dead Girl!

So, off to find this mysterious Assembly member first, then ... yeah ... and they're going to be using Domade as the means of transport? Teleportation? Hmmmm ...

Imahara Joe? Yeah ... he really should know what happened to FCG ... best to wait until they can tell him themselves, then. Yeah ...

So, to Zadash first, then ... oh, war chest funds? Yeah, that'd be really helpful too ... 10,000 gold pieces? REALLY?!!! Wow ... that's ... IMPRESSIVE ...

Yes. Ashton's giant magic Hole ... oh yeah, Dorian's not seen that yet ... Chetney: "Are you turned off by our dep dark Hole?" Well I mean it does STINK or rotting corpses right now ... oh, they're just cleaning all the nasty stuff out of it RIGHT NOW? Holy fuck ... LOL

Wow ... this conversation just became surreal and oddly unpleasant ...

Domade is intrigued by his first impression of this group and I don't blame him in the slightest ...

Yes. Fearne IS exhausted. FOUR TIMES right now ... yes, Keyleth PLEASE help her right now ...

She took away TWO WHOLE POINTS of Exhaustion? Cool ...

The Champion of Asmodeus? Oh boy ... O.O

Yeah, Keyleth continues to be awesome, like always ...

Wise words from Orym, yes ... and some advice from her to him, too ... oh boy ...

Dorian likes the Mythtaker. Yeah ... :3

Okay, heading out with Seth, then. Introductions all round first, though. Yeah ...

Oh right ... this looks like a SERIOUS Teleportation spell ...

Yeah, Liliana was able to STOP TIME. It was very intimidating.

Ah, so where ARE THEY then, Matthew? The Sprawl in Zadash. Okay ... interesting, it seems that something has been amiss recently ... oh, recent BATTLE? Hmmm ...

So Chetney's been here before, long ago ...

Ah, the Tri-Spires, yeah ...

Invisibility? Yeah, that's viable for some ... yea, timely indeed since they're being followed ... yeah! Do it now ...

Oh, so they're gonna BLUFF IT, are they? Group Stealth check ... great ... NAT1?!!! Ashley NO!!!

Smells like deer shit ... XD

Dodge the guards? ANOTHER Stealth check? Oof ... oh, yeah, MUCH better ...

Walk with confindence ... Chetney just starts Connor McGregor-swaggering ... LOL

The Gilded Willows? Nice ...

"Do not panic"? So that's the keyword to GRAB ... okay ...

Chastity's Nook? REALLY?!!!

Oh boy ... this is gonna be WILD, I can already tell ... yeah, Dorian finally gets it ... XD ...

Iva: "How can I help you?" Imogen: "Oh, we're here for the ... uh ... PORN."

TUSK LOVE!!! YAY!!!

Ah yes ... ye olde sex shoppe ... LOL

Erma? ERMA?!!! SHE'S the target? Really?

Blood Cursxe of Binding? Wow ... straight to it ... meanwhile Imogen casts Command and tells her to: "Freeze!"

Oh, nice grapple, Ashton ... if he pulls this off it's gonna be SWEET ... 23? NICE ...

Laudna Counterspells before Erma can work her magic ... 21? YES!!! Nice one! Success! Unsettling Presence ... YEAH!!!

Dorian puffs Ruby Dust in her fast and casts a 7th Level Forcecage on her ... WHAT?!!! Holy fuck, bard! She tries to Counterspell it ... and it works? BALLS ...

Orym glues her hand to the wall with Sedling's Grasping Vine ... meanwhile Ashton just grabs her arm ... and Imogen tries to hold her in place with her mind ...

Seth pulls something that just deadens LL MAGIC IN THE ROOM ... oh, nice, I see what he did there! Yes, sweet move, Cobalt Soul! That';s perfect. Time to just dogpile her, then ...

Wait ... no more illusion for Seth, then ... HOLDY FUCK!!! YES!!! I KNEW IT!!! Essek fucking Thelyss! YAY!!!

She's fucking ASTRID?!!! Seriously?

And THAT'S where we're calling it? I mean FUCK but also NICE! I mean it's kinda perfect, really. MY BOY IS HERE!!! YES!!!

[f0xysthings]

Yandere Kaynar x reader

Language: English

Kaynar is a crazy man, just insane, he is the classic Yandere "love me or I will kill everyone you love". You met in prison, let's face it it's a horrible place to meet someone, you had been arrested unfairly, your ex best friend had committed a horrible crime, and somehow he managed to blame it on you and get you caught and taken to prison, you tried to prove your innocence but it was too late, you were already behind the saddle, hungry and thirsty.

At the beginning everything was very difficult, you were made fun of by the other prisoners, after all you were weak and fragile, even though you were angry at the insults you preferred not to retaliate for fear that something much worse would happen. On any given day at lunch time, you noticed a jackal sitting on a bench far from the others, this jackal as far as you could remember was next to his saddle, he was a mysterious man, always talking to himself, laughing to himself, to talk the truth was quite unbearable being his saddle neighbor, but as you are a curious person you decided to sit next to him to try to start a conversation. "Hi what is your name?" You asked nervously. "Tell me your name first, sweetie." Kaynar said. "My name is Y/N, what about yours?" You asked, trying not to sound nervous. "Kaynar." After that, you started sitting next to Kaynar every lunch, starting a strange friendship, he defended you from the other prisoners and you defended him. It didn't take long for Kaynar to realize that he developed more feelings than friendship for you, he didn't want to accept that he loved you but it was inevitable, he had already fallen into the claws of love and there was no escape. He spent nights dreaming and imagining what it would be like to touch your skin, your soft skin, what your blood would taste like? How does your flesh taste, with each passing day he became more crazy about you, so much so that there was a time when the prisoner flirted with you and Kaynar simply went crazy, and Kaynar just lose his mind and advanced on the prisoner. Other prisoners tried to stop Kaynar but they didn't do very well. That day Kaynar killed 11 prisoners and with that the guards took him to a special room, but unfortunately for the guards, a small army of lizards appeared to free the bloodthirsty dog. After finally being free he runs to you saddle, to save you from this shitty place. Upon arriving in you saddle a manic smile appears on his face, seeing your scared form made him feel sooo good.

"Kaynar, what's going on?" You said looking at the huge man in front of you, the sight was terrifying his red eyes stared at you with hunger. "I came to save you, sweetheart." Well after saving you, he started keeping you in a cave with the excuse of "you're mine, you don't need anyone else but me."

After a few weeks, you started living with Kaynar, he had managed to find a small cave and prepared it for you to live. Obviously he doesn't spend much time with you, even if he wanted to he can't because sometimes he has to go to Mumm-ra's base, to serve his master and be able to satisfy his thirst for blood. He hasn't told anyone about you because he believes that if he tells you they'll want to take you away from him, even though it doesn't seem like he's very insecure, he's very afraid of you abandoning him for someone else, and to avoid that he locks you up so that you don't run away and close the entrance to the cave with a stone just in case, leaving you completely trapped and yearning for his return.

Even though he keeps you captive, he is a very affectionate man, always smelling you and kissing you and sometimes telling you how adorable you are. But if he wakes up in a bad mood, don't expect him to be super affectionate, because he won't, don't irritate him, he won't hesitate to hit you. In the cold, he always sleeps close to you to keep you warm, he stinks a lot so it's quite unpleasant, but at least you're warm. He loves when you pet him, especially his chin and ears.

He is a jealous man, so in addition to preventing you from having contact with other people, he will kill everyone you know, be it an ex-boyfriend or even a best friend. Well speaking of that he killed your ex best friend, the one who got you arrested, he somehow found out where he was and killed him in the most brutal way possible, before killing him Kaynar ripped out his tongue, fingernails and of his feet, one by one and in the end he killed him by cutting off his head, and to make matters worse he took his head to you, glorying in having killed someone who made him suffer. He is a romantic man, he always brings you little gifts, including dead animals, parts of people and sometimes pretty flowers.

[ddaz3d-and-cc0nfused]

༉‧₊˚. 𝐮𝐬 || 𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐞

― pairing: maggie greene x fem plus size farmhand!reader

― era: season 4

― summary: it took a long time for you and maggie to finally get together, and when you did, the prison fell apart, leaving her to find you once again.

― warnings: a suggestive sentence, kissing, killing a walker.

― wc: 868

⋆ a/n: thank you @peachlady-aggiejean and @alexleftme on tumblr for your requests! both of them were basically the same so i figured why not just knock them out? this was a nice classical write, as if sticking to the main plot of the show is like classic english literature lmao!!

masterlist | AO3

You had practically grown up with Maggie, from elementary school to high school, and during your senior year, Hershel had offered you a proposition; you become his farmhand and he’d provide you with housing. Of course, being the spunky & sporadic teenager that you were, you were quick to jump at the opportunity to do so, and at that moment, it seemed like a good decision. Until you had fallen in love with the head strong woman. Even though you two were best friends, sexuality was almost never talked about unless it was about the boys Maggie had a crush on or how her late-night endeavors went. So, honestly, you had no clue if she was gay or not.

You both shared a close relationship with one another, though, sometimes finding comfort in the opposite’s arms, sometimes cuddling or even sharing cheek kisses.

When the world fell, you were glad that you guys were together despite the grief you felt for the fact that you’ll probably never see your family again. It was a calm couple of months before Rick’s group came along, carrying Shane along with them. He was your end you suppose, a ticking time bomb that was soon to help clear up the Greene family’s delusion that there was a way to cure the dead. You never really believed there was, but who were you to go against what Hershel thought after everything he had done for you? When the barn was opened, so were everyone’s eyes.

Being out on the road after the farm was overrun was harsh, everyone was close to losing their marbles in a drop of a hat, especially Rick. So, it was safe to say that when you guys discovered the prison, it was a saving grace, a break that everyone needed. It was a place that allowed everyone to grow, to flourish, even though the Governor had tried to take it away from you. It was nice to see everyone heal, but nothing was nicer than the night that you and Maggie had shared a sweet kiss. It was unexpected, to you at least, as you sat up in the guard towers looking at the walkers and up at the stars, engaging in a quiet, giggly conversation before she had this look in her eye, one that fell to your lips and never moved. You gulped nervously as she leaned in, your lips brushing up against one another’s before pressing against you fully.

The kiss was magical, one that filled your body with glee and happiness, as well as a bit of anxiousness. You didn’t know what it meant, if she felt the same as you, that she had finally wanted to be your girlfriend. It was safe to say you lived in bliss, your honeymoon stage in full swing as you often snuck away together, sharing sweet kisses and reassuring brushes against each other.

That was then.. but here was now. You were separated, and you had no idea how long it had been since you’ve seen somebody, anybody. It was hard to be on your own, every day grew lonelier by the second, as if it was the beginning of the fall all over again. You were growing weaker, especially your body due to the lack of food, sleep, and water.

You kept on trudging on, heat beating down on you as you made your way through the woods, unsure of where you were going. Your legs ached, your back feeling like it was about to snap in two as you carried a heavy sack behind you. The distinct snarling made you groan, and then you turned around to find that there was not one, not two, not three, but four walkers coming your way ready to eat your flesh right off your bones. You attempted to fight them off, successfully killing three out of the four of them before one fell on top of you, teeth snapping in your face as you desperately tried to keep a grip on its shoulders. This was not the way you imagined dying, you had yet to find your family, your girlfriend. Tears sprung in your eyes at the thought, dread settled deep in your gut as you cried out in desperation.

“Help!” You called out. “I can’t- fuck!” You cursed when your hand slipped, half of his body leant down towards yours. Then, there were fast approaching footsteps, some people calling out to the person from the distance as they approached you.

There was a squelch followed by the person shoving the thing off you.

“_______?” Maggie said your name breathlessly, as if she couldn’t believe that you were here. “Mags?” You said in disbelief. She helped to pull you up where your lips met feverishly, caressing together as she grabbed whatever she could and held you close to her body tightly. You could feel her warm tears dripping down her cheeks and onto yours, where you could only guess what was happening with yours too.

“You’re alive.” She chanted as you separated, your foreheads resting against one another’s.

“I’m here, Maggie,” You said with a wet smile, brushing some of her hair out of her face, “I’m here.”

ೃ⁀➷ my lovely taglist!: @alina02 @louderfortheback @minervadashwood

[ohbo-ohno]

top five favorite fic tropes !!

1. Second chance!!!!

2. Grump x sunshine

3. Mafia

4. Officer/Criminal or Prison Guard/Prisoner. Any imbalance of power like that tbh

5. Such a classic but the main character getting dogpiled and feeling like shit and all the other characters comforting them is soooo close to my heart for platonic fics

[pico-digital-studios]

Into, Across and Beyond! Scripting: Dangerous Domain

(Based on Friendly Enmity Episode 3/Lord X VS MX Round 4)

Sometime after falling through the portal in an alternate universe, Chris Smith woke up in some kind of mechanical fortress.

Chris/Nitro.DLL: Oh... Where am I?

Close by, Toxinfect was working on some machinery, before he saw Chris wake up.

Toxinfect: Ah, brilliant. You're awake. Welcome... to my domain!

Nitro.DLL: What's with it being all mechanical?

Toxinfect: I've themed it specifically on numerous Eggman fortresses.

Nitro.DLL: Urgh... I already don't like the look of this place. Tell me the way back out of here.

Toxinfect: Aww, no need to rush. You're my guest for the time being! Now, come along, kid.

He led Chris over to another room with a huge TV display, showing a recording of events that had transpired.

Toxinfect: Do you remember this creature?

Nitro.DLL: He called himself "Sonic.exe", clearly a nastier incarnation of Sonic.

Toxinfect: Yes indeed. He killed the little fox boy here. But when you wound up facing him, the changes to your DNA kicked in that prevented you from dying. When you were holding your own against him, you were taking the opportunity to catch his teleportation off-guard. And thanks to that, Tails's body ended up corrupted, all because your escape before breached the current state of things.

Nitro.DLL remembered this encounter, having almost gotten killed by Exegod, but thanks to the EXE blood he had, it rendered him impossible to outright kill, albeit at the expense of a pretty rough headache for a couple of minutes afterwards. After he held his own for some time, the corpse of Exegod's Tails was getting overly glitched before it got up and charged at both of them, getting them separated in different worlds before now.

Elsewhere at the time, Toxinfect was planning things out before a tremor shook his base. He went to investigate the source, and discovered a portal to that dimension had opened, so he went in to discover just what went on.

Toxinfect: But it's such an honour to meet you.

Nitro.DLL: What do you want from me?

Toxinfect just grabbed him and hauled him back through to the room he was at before.

Nitro.DLL: Hey! You'd better let me go! What do you think you're doing?!

He walked past a chamber with an unconscious black-and-red Classic Amy and another with a computer monitor inside, before putting Nitro.DLL on one of the capsule bases.

Toxinfect: You're going to stay here for now. Perhaps you'll be of good use to me.

Nitro.DLL: Look, can't we talk about this? What do you want?!

Toxinfect: To create a perfect world, where all hope is non-existent!

Toxinfect laughed sadistically as the capsule closed on Nitro.DLL, as he got to see his reflection for the first time; he saw how much he had changed in that frame of time.

Later on, Toxinfect managed to bring Exegod into that same domain, the variant of which is an alternate self made from Toxinfect killing Corrupt before he could do the same to Exegod.

Toxinfect: Welcome to the Chaos Nostalgia dimension.

Exegod: Why is technology your main motto here?

Toxinfect: I created this virtual world that is properly implemented using a PC, and it's pulled from various zones from the Genesis.

Exegod: That I figured. Now, why did you bring me here?

Toxinfect: I'm going to show you something. You might remember a thing or two from this...

They emerged into the prison chamber room as Exegod took note of the glass capsules.

Exegod: What is all this? How many entities have you been storing in these?

Toxinfect: Oh oh oh! Don't touch that. Come over here.

He did so as Toxinfect reversed the Sonic 3 filter on his body to return to his default TTS state.

Exegod: What's going on? Who the hell are you?!

Toxinfect: Now, THIS is my proper form, Exegod. You may call me "Toxinfect"!

Exegod: And... where's the way out of here? I don't like this place.

Toxinfect facepalmed, as if he's getting used to people asking that.

Toxinfect: Hehehehehe... You can't just waltz out of here THAT easily.

He walked over to one of the chambers and lit it up to show Exegod.

Toxinfect: Do you remember this child?

Exegod: That's the kid I was trying to attack before! Why did you stuff him inside that capsule?

Toxinfect smiled sinisterly as he sealed Exegod inside one of the capsules.

Toxinfect: HAHAHAHAHA! He really thought of you as a fool, but I didn't believe him... until now.

Exegod just responded by smashing his capsule apart before going to choke Toxinfect.

Exegod: If we ever meet again, infect, don't you even THINK about trapping me in any of those capsules of yours!

He ripped Toxinfect's head off, leaving his seemingly dead body on the floor before walking off. However, Toxinfect quickly recovered, albeit in a glitchier state, before warping in front of the demon.

Toxinfect: Actually THINK before you act on impulse! (with a twisted smile) You know... If you keep attempting to kill me, any hope of you returning to YOUR dimension will be forfeit. Everything here is under MY control.

Exegod looked back to the capsules.

Exegod: Well, what would you do... if I smashed one of your capsules to shreds?

Toxinfect: W-What?

Exegod charged straight at the one holding Nitro.DLL...

Toxinfect: NoNONONO! Wait, don't do that!!!

...and smashed it apart, before cracking the glass of one of the other chambers in a feral rage as Nitro.DLL came to.

Nitro.DLL: Oh, my head... What's going on...?

He looked back, seeing what was going on.

Nitro.DLL: What the-? That's the Sonic.exe I fought before?!

He watched as Exegod and Toxinfect fought each other, with Exegod being the victor of this clash. As the infect got back up, however, Nitro immediately hightailed it.

Toxinfect: HEY! Where do you think you're going?!

Exegod stomped on the ground to get his attention.

Exegod: Well, come on, then! If you're that big of a guy, why aren't you doing anything about it?!

Toxinfect: Okay, okay... Listen. If you can bring that child here, I'll give you this pendrive, and then you can go back to your dimension.

Exegod: But... I've little reason to trust you.

Toxinfect: Just GO!

Exegod angrily growled at him before walking off. However, before he fully left, he noticed the (seemingly) random computer monitor in one of the capsules.

Exegod: Wait... Why have you got a computer monitor in here?

Toxinfect (baffled): ...

A little later, after a short minecart chase, Nitro woke up in the depths of the fortress as Exegod approached.

Nitro.DLL: But how?!

Exegod: I don't think we'll be permanently separated THAT easily, kid. This time, don't even try escaping me-!

Nitro.DLL: *sigh* Not again.

Exegod: Hehe... What's up with your family back home?

His eyes widened as he glared at Exegod.

Nitro.DLL: DON'T. YOU. DARE. TALK. ABOUT IT! *sigh* Just get out of my face.

He started walking off as Exegod's smile faded.

Exegod: Don't beg for me to treat you any harsher, kid. I'll give you another chance. Now, come on!

Nitro.DLL: Hmph. Blood-crying faker.

Exegod was pretty much through with this, leading him to chase Nitro.DLL through the depths of the facility. At the end of it, Nitro managed to lose Exegod by tricking him into going down a spindash chute before he continued on his way. However, when he emerged in the next room, Toxinfect awaited him nearby.

Toxinfect: Welcome back... little child. HAHAHAHAHA!

And on cue, Exegod busted through, frustrated that it took THIS to complete his task.

Exegod: Finally. You got what you wanted. Now, hand me that pendrive!

Toxinfect, ready to be true to his word, prepared to provide him one.

Nitro.DLL: Seriously? You've been chasing me all over this place just for a dumb USB stick? Pft! Come on. I've got my own way of getting out.

He threw a warp ring, which materialised into a way back out.

Nitro.DLL: See you two never.

He walked off as Exegod was ready to stop him.

Exegod: Hey, stop!

Toxinfect held him back.

Toxinfect: Just let him try.

When he made contact with it, however, it just disappeared, much to his shock and horror as Exegod laughed at him. He then glared back at Toxinfect as he approached.

Toxinfect: You're so funny! I think I have to make the point clear one last time; you're in MY world, where everything works to MY liking.

Exegod (plain fed up at this point): Okay, never mind. Just give me that pendrive. I'm done with this.

Nitro.DLL: And what of me?

Toxinfect: You already know what I need you for.

He passed the pendrive to Exegod.

Toxinfect: Now, connect this to the first teleport machine you see.

However, Nitro.DLL quickly swiped it and bolted it.

Exegod: HEY! GET BACK HERE!

Nitro quickly plugged it in and warped himself away, as Exegod barely missed the attack.

Exegod: Now what do we do?

Toxinfect: Right. Let's split from here. He shouldn't be too far.

Exegod: So... where did he go?

Toxinfect: Not to fret. The pendrive he took lacks any data.

Because of this, Nitro got warped to a different area of the domain.

Nitro.DLL: Guh-?! It was all a lie?! *sigh* Alright, then...

He just pressed onwards, coming across a secret database where he could search up where each pendrive led to. However, while he was looking up information, Exegod switched off the monitor.

Exegod: Is your work done?

Nitro.DLL: God damn it!

He got kicked into one of the shelves and pinned there.

Exegod: Listen! Do NOT keep getting on my nerves so much. Otherwise, I will remove you from existence!

Nitro just reached for the shelf and pulled out a pendrive.

Nitro.DLL: Just take this with you and get going. It's what you were looking for, right?

Exegod: ...How will I know where this is taking me?

Nitro.DLL: If it doesn't give you the correct result, just come back here and pick up another pendrive.

Exegod: Just shut your mouth and quit lying to me!

Nitro.DLL: Okay, cut this out! We don't have much time right now. I just want to get out of this joint and not have to see any of you lot again.

Exegod released Nitro and took the pendrive before waltzing off. Nitro then took the opportunity to get his own pendrive before continuing on his way, returning back to the room with the glass capsules in the process.

Nitro.DLL: Wait... Haven't I see her about before? I'm gonna get her out of there.

Elsewhere, Exegod had the pendrive on hand ready to leave with, though Toxinfect's technology was more advanced than he was willing to admit, and he was baffled trying to work it out. Back in the capsule room, Nitro smashed the girl's chamber apart and pulled her out of it.

????: Oh... Where... am I?

Nitro.DLL: Hey there, ma'am!

????: Oh, hello! Oh, er, there's no real need to address me like that.

Nitro.DLL: Oh? What should I call you, then?

????: A lot of people prefer to call me... Roze!

(Roze by SilverWho)

Nitro.DLL: Well, it's an honour to meet you, Roze! Heh, you know, you've been the most positive thing to come out of today so far.

Roze: Hehe, thanks! And... thanks for saving me.

Nitro.DLL: Anytime! Say, do you know why he went and put some random computer monitor in one of those chambers?

Roze: Umm... Nope. I don't really have a clue.

Nitro.DLL: Maybe we should open it and find out.

They examined the glass, getting ready to do the trick.

Nitro.DLL: One…

Roze: Two…

Toxinfect: THREE!

Roze (panicked): Uh oh! What was that?!

The two were quickly grabbed by Toxinfect, who was unaware of the monitor switching itself on with familiar imagery on it.

Toxinfect: So you two are STILL actively trying to screw things up for me, huh?! Now listen. I'm not in the mood right now to put EITHER of you out of your misery, so just stop testing my patience.

Roze: W-We did NOTHING!

Toxinfect: Maybe not you, girl, but Christopher, I think you're begging to lose your head since you've defied me repeatedly up to this point.

Nitro.DLL: My s-siblings better be alright if you know what's good for you!

Toxinfect: Oh, don't worry. They're still out away from my grasp. For now, anyway…

Roze: We just wanted to figure out what was inside that last capsule.

Toxinfect: It's none of your business. I have a very good reason to keep that specimen inside there.

As he said that, the glass of the chamber was smashed apart as said "specimen" walked up right behind Toxinfect.

Nitro.DLL: So, uh, would you mind explaining that to, er…?

Toxinfect: You see? He's starting to get it now, but you still seem not to, Roze.

Nitro.DLL: I didn't mean Roze.

Toxinfect: What DO you mean, then?

Roze: You, uh… might wanna look… behind you?

He did so, shocked by what he saw.

Toxinfect: What?!

And before his eyes was…

SoniTOR, itching to get back at him.

Toxinfect: Oooooooooh… SHIT!

SoniTOR: >Let's dance, inferior being!

SoniTOR attacked, freeing Nitro.DLL and Roze from Toxinfect's grip.

Nitro.DLL: We'd better get out of here!

The two took the opportunity to leg it while SoniTOR beat the ever-living HELL out of the infect, even throwing in a loud jumpscare for good measure before beheading him.

Back in the deeper corridors, Exegod was on his way back, Roze accidentally bumping into him as Nitro arrived.

Exegod: Oh! It's you two!

Nitro.DLL (sarcastic): Nice to see you too.

Exegod: A-Anyway, how am I meant to use this pendrive in this place?

Nitro.DLL: Follow me. We'll find somewhere to use it.

They headed off. Back in the chamber room, SoniTOR was done with the massacre, but Toxinfect wouldn't stay down and, with his guard right back up, attacked the computer-sealed demon directly. And back with the newly-formed trio, they arrived in a secret lab area based on the interior of Wing Fortress and found a big computer that could do their job.

Roze: Erm... How is this meant to work?

Nitro.DLL: I'll work it out. You two just make sure Toxinfect doesn't get in here.

Exegod: Got it.

Exegod passed Nitro the pendrive as he got to work buying them their ticket out. And back at the chamber, Toxinfect finally managed to neutralise SoniTOR by smashing the computer screen and throwing him back in his chamber. Now knowing that three targets were still out there, and with his patience in tatters, Toxinfect got back to his hunt to find them.

Back where they were, Nitro was almost done in inputting the pendrive's data into the computer.

Exegod: So, what's our plan if this transporter DOESN'T bring us to the right dimension?

Nitro.DLL: At this rate, any location's better than here. Besides, if HE'S coming, we don't have much of a choice.

The power on the room's barrier cut out as Toxinfect bursted in, glaring at the trio in front of him.

Toxinfect: Any signs of friendship AND enmity on your part is nothing but an illusion, fools. You could've just followed along, but I guess you prefer resistance over compliance! Well, that ends today!

He started slowly approaching.

Roze: H-He's getting closer! Quick, do something!

Exegod: I'll stop him!

Toxinfect continued his approach as Nitro.DLL stepped up his game.

Exegod: Come on then, diet Junter! Come and FACE ME!

However, Toxinfect, when touching some of the objects in his path, glitched them right out of existence.

Exegod (suddenly panicked): We screwed up...

Roze shook in fear, but in good time, Nitro.DLL managed to input the coordinates for the Pendrive's connected destination; Safety Savestate Zone - World-11515, as a bright flash temporarily stopped Toxinfect in his tracks. The three looked back at the monster one last time.

Nitro.DLL: Heh! You suck, Infect!

Toxinfect: Do not go into that portal!

Exegod and Roze leapt through as Toxinfect tried to pull Chris in with red strings, though he yanked free and jumped into the portal, leading to…

The title screen of Sunky the Game as the trio fell from the skies. Not willing to let all of them escape, though, Toxinfect angrily threw some strings down to pull Exegod BACK into his domain.

Toxinfect: And just where do you think you're going, dark-fur?

Exegod: Oh, crap!

And down below, Nitro.DLL and Roze shifted into the Sunky art-style as they made a landing in the equivalent of Green Hill Zone.

To be continued... at some point.

So, after the duo's escapade with Toxinfect, they formed into a sort of independent party not aligned with the Blur Gang or Quill Society, but still actively on the side of good regardless. Nitro.DLL and Roze had since set up their own HQ close to the centre of the multiverse as an easy link to anywhere, even alternate timelines, while also keeping an easy link back to Roze's dimension so she's never far from home.

Through this, they've since worked together to face down the more hostile horrorbrews out there, like Lost Guardian Nitro was also doing, helping survivors out and containing "malware" (entities that have done terrible things in their virtual worlds) before they can cause further harm. And no, Nitro.DLL and Roze aren't dating; they're just really good friends after what happened.

[twistedtummies2]

The Price May Be Right - Number 22

Welcome to “The Price May Be Right!” I’m counting down My Top 31 Favorite Vincent Price Performances & Appearances! The countdown will cover movies, TV productions, and many more forms of media. Today we focus on Number 22: Vincent Van Ghoul, from The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo.

Hanna-Barbera’s “The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo” was a different kind of Scooby-Doo series. At the time, the studio was experimenting with new ways of working with the Scooby gang: while Shaggy and Scooby himself were always present, they began working with new side characters to join them. The company also started toying with the idea of them solving mysteries that involved real supernatural entities, rather than cases that simply involved criminal masterminds in disguise. Some of these experiments worked, others did not, but they set the stage for many future Scooby-Doo projects: nowadays, Mystery Inc. faces real ghosts and goblins just as often as they do masked hoodlums who would get away with it if it weren’t for those meddling kids! And while the core gang of the series would, eventually, recrystallize and remain constant for decades to come, some of the new characters imagined for these early creations still found life in later stories. One of the most memorable of these side characters was Vincent Van Ghoul from “13 Ghosts.” Voiced by and drawn as a caricature of Vincent Price (obviously), Van Ghoul was a mysterious but thankfully friendly warlock, who was given the job of guarding the legendary Chest of Demons. The Chest – a sort of riff on Pandora’s Box – was a wooden trunk that contained the thirteen most evil spirits to ever roam the world, trapped so their evil could be contained. After Scooby and Shaggy are tricked into opening the box, and setting the evil spirits free, they are forced to help Vincent recapture all thirteen ghosts and send them back into their cursed prison. The pair are joined in their quest by the classic character of Daphne, along with a new associate, Flim-Flam – a young and sparky con-artist, who…isn’t well-liked by fans, to say the least. While Flim-Flam never really got much love, Van Ghoul was popular with fans of the Scooby series. Something about this dark but good-hearted sorcerer, with the powerful vocals of Price behind him, really managed to enchant audiences. He was like a cross between Dracula and Professor X: a wise mentor with a ton of power behind him, and a Gothic sense of style. In fact, in more recent years – despite the loss of Price himself – the character has managed to reappear in more modern Scooby-Doo works. In “Mystery Incorporated,” the character was reimagined as a direct parody of Vincent Price: a classic horror actor who appeared in movies that were, themselves, satires of Price’s pictures. Later still, the original Van Ghoul would reappear in the feature-length special “Curse of the 13th Ghost.” In these later reappearances, Van Ghoul would be voiced by Maurice LaMarche. He does a decent impression of dear ol’ Vinnie…but nothing can really hold a candle to the original Vincent Price. While “The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo” may largely have been an unpopular entry in the franchise, Price’s appearance in it has only helped to solidify his own legacy. Tomorrow, the countdown continues with my pick for Number 21!

[read-alert]

September TBR! Full titles under the cut!

Captive Genders: Trans Embodiment and the Prison Industrial Complex ed by Nat Smith and Eric A Stanley

King of the Rising by Kacen Callender

Dawn by Octavia Butler

The Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice

Self Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by AM McLemore

Dreaming of You by Melissa Lozada-Olivia

Open Veins of Latin America: Five Centuries of Pillage of a Continent by Eduardo Galeano

The Immortals by Makenzy Orcel trans by Nathan H Dize

Relit: 16 Latinx Remixes of Classic Stories ed by Sandra Proudman

BDS: Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions: The Global Struggle for Palestinian Rights by Omar Barghouti

The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez

Racism Without Racists: Color-Blind Racism and the Persistence of Racial Inequality in the United States by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva

Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldanado

Hestia Strikes a Match by Christine Grillo

King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender

Speculative Fiction for Dreamers: A Latinx Anthology ed by Sarah Rafael García, Matthew David Goodwin, and Alex Hernandez

Ghost Squad by Claribel A Ortega

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo

Nineteen Claws and a Black Bird by Agustina Bacteria trans by Sarah Moses

Witch of Wild Things by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland

You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue trans by Natasha Wimmer

Ander and Santi Were Here by Johnny Garza Villa

Our Shadows Have Claws: 15 Latin American Monster Stories ed by Amparo Ortiz and Yamile Saied Mendez

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology ed by Shane Hawk and Theodore C Van Alst Jr

The Art of Star Trek by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens

Teen Titans vol 2: Family Lost by Geoff Johns et al

Batman: Gates of Gotham by Scott Snyder et al

The Old Guard Book Three: Tales Through Time by Greg Rucka et al