#she lied about the name staying the same too lol

[kasaneteto]

wow. just swung by my old cafe to see how the remodel was going and found out that they have been open again for two whole weeks :) and nobody bothered to tell me :) very very fucking cool

[mooooonnnzz]

Platonic ask for gravity falls 🩷

The twins with a mother figure? Those kids are all around saving the world, someone needs to seriously worry about them and make a little fuss lol maybe the mother figure is Stanley or Stanford new wife? I just imagine the twins coming back next summer and boom new mother/aunt

Heartbreak, Heartbreak

Stanford x Reader / Dipper & Mable x Mother!Reader

✦ your stanfords wife whaatt?!

✦ i feel like this is one of my weaker works, i apologize

✦ 2,5k words

✦ fem reader

✦ gulp i hope i did ur request justice 😭

✦ mable goes "stop fighting!!" at some point

✦ requests r still deliciously open

꣑୧ Coming back to Gravity Falls was a dream come true for the twins. What they weren’t expecting was to see their Great Uncle Ford walk in the Mystery Shack hand in hand with you. Mable was the first to bombard you Grunkle with questions; which stemmed from “Oh my god, when did you guys meet?” to “Oh my god, oh my god, am I going to have Great Cousins? That sounds weird, doesn’t it?” Ford had to calm her down before she got too rowdy with their questions and overwhelm you. 

꣑୧ Once Mable was calm enough to sit down in the same room with you, without bursting in her seat with excitement, was when Ford broke the news. “Mable, Dipper. This is my wife,” He said, wrapping his arms around you, his hand moving up and down your arm in a soothing manner. You introduced yourself to the twins who were more than happy to meet you. 

꣑୧ “Did our Grunkle by some chance, manage to hypnotize you into dating him with a book?” Dipper asked with an analyzing stare. His lips were puckered, pointer finger and thumb on his chin, tapping it curiously. Not expecting a question as absurd as that, you let out a laugh. Shaking your head, you smiled at Dipper. “Not at all,” You respond, taking Ford’s hand with yours, intertwining your fingers together. “He just won me over with his nerdy charm.” You say, your eyes locked on Ford. A rush of blood swarmed Ford’s cheeks. A chorus of groans echoed in the shack. Stan appears behind the kids, resting his arms on the top of their chairs. “See, kids,” He motions over to you and Ford with a swipe of his hand. “This is what I had to deal with while you guys were gone.” With a sympathetic look, Mable rested her hand on his arm, shaking her head sorrowfully. “I’m so sorry, Grunkle Stan.” 

꣑୧ After the initial shock wore off, Dipper and Mable began to grew skeptical of you. What if you were one of Bill’s goons disguising yourself as a human? And your goal was to take down their Grunkles and start Weirdmageddon 2?! Rushing up to their room in the attic, they pulled out their trusty 8-ball, the one they used the first day they arrived at Gravity Falls and when they were unsure if they were safe to stay with Grunkle Stan. They both sat down on the floor, 8-ball in Dipper’s hand. “Okay, magic 8-ball!” Mable boomed loudly with a weird amalgamation of a British and French accent. “Mable, keep it down.” Dipper shushed. “Oops,” Mable giggled. “Okay, magic 8-ball,” She whispered, her head uncomfortably close to the 8-ball. “Is Grunkle Ford’s wife evil?” With a rapid shake, Dipper and Mable peered into the ball. A pyramid accompanied with words appeared. “Don’t count on it.” The twins read out loud. “Huh…” Mable slowly nodded her head, eyes squinted in thought. “Well,” Dipper tossed the 8-ball behind him. “The magic 8-ball never lies.” 

꣑୧  Getting along with the twins wasn’t hard. All you had to do was grab your car keys from your purse, jingle them as if they were a bell and wait. Few minutes later, you’d hear their feet stomping down the stairs and a flash of colors swarming the living room. “I heard keys jingle, I heard keys jingle!!” Mable’s eyes darted around the room in search of the keys and when her eyes landed on you, her eyes sparkled with joy and anticipation. “Are you taking us somewhere, Great Aunt [Name]?” You smiled, spinning the keys around your finger. “Depends,” You pretended to think for a moment, just to keep them on their toes. “Where would you guys like to go?” A laugh escapes you as Dipper and Mable attack you with where they want to go. “Alright, let me tell your Grunkle that I’m taking you guys out.” Digging through your purse, you fish out your phone. You turned it on and went to your contacts. With a tap, you dialed his number. He picked up almost immediately. “Yes, dear?” You could hear his pencil scribbling on a piece of paper. “I’m taking Dipper and Mable out for the day.” You tell him, mouthing to the kids to get in the car. They scampered out of the living room and to the hallway. You could hear the door open and their hushed voices as they made a beeline to your car. “Okay, be safe when you’re driving and call me whenever you can, okay?” You hummed in response. “Of course, I’ll keep you updated on the kids.” You say, walking out of the shack and to your car. “I want updates on how you feel too,” You could feel the love dripping from his tone. “I will, my love.” You blow a kiss into the phone, wishing Ford goodbye. He blows one back and the call ends. Entering the car, you look behind you to see the twins all buckled up and ready for their adventure. “You guys ready?” “Yeah!” 

꣑୧ “So, Dipper, what’s with those dots on your arm?” You point at the four dots on his arm with a fry. Dipper looked down to his arm. His eyebrows rise in shock. “I-I completely forgot I had these,” Dipper’s thumbs the scars, an uneasy look on his face. Your heart stops in your chest. “I’m so sorry, Dipper. I didn’t mean to make–’ Dipper’s hands raise up to his chest, waving them side to side, dismissing your concerns. He assured you that your question didn’t make him uncomfortable. “No, no! It’s just…” He rubs the back of his neck anxiously. “He got possessed by a demon!” Mable blurts out, stuffing her face with a greasy burger. “Mable!” Dipper whines. “I’m sorry! I couldn’t handle you beating around the bush any longer.” She says with a mouthful of chewed up food. You leaned yourself back in the booth, trying to assess what Mable just said. “Dipper got possessed?” You repeated in a question. “Yeah, I kinda did.” Dipper said with a slight voice crack. “Can I know how?” Disbelief was thick in your tone. You didn’t know whether to laugh or walk away in shock. They don’t look like they’re telling a joke? The way Dipper has his head slightly hung low and a tiny frown on his face proved that. But Mable seems as jolly as ever. You fight with yourself, trying to make sense of what happened when Dipper spoke up. “Have you heard of the name Bill Cipher?” Shaking your head no, the twins dove straight into a very long story pertaining to Bill Cipher and how he tormented them throughout summer last year and ultimately led to the world almost ending. “Wow,” Was all that you could mutter. You never got your question about Dipper’s scar answered that day. 

꣑୧ Laying in bed, you eyes drifted over to Ford who was brushing his teeth in the bathroom. “You wanna know something crazy the twins told me earlier today?” Ford spat out the toothpaste into the sink. “What did those knuckleheads tell you?” He said, cupping his hand under the running faucet and filling his hand up with water. “It was this really crazy story,” You started. Ford nodded, dunking the water in his mouth and sloshing it around. “They told me about this interdimensional demon named Bill Cipher?--” Ford spit out the water in shock, spraying it everywhere on the mirror. You sat up in surprise. “Ford?” You pushed the blankets off of you and walked over to Ford, your hand on his shoulder. “You okay?” With a forced, “mhm,” he wiped the dripping water from his lips with his forearm. “Y-yeah, no. I’m fine.” He waved you off, nodding his head vigorously, almost as if he was convincing himself that everything was fine. “Are you sure?” Concern laced your voice. Someone who’s fine wouldn’t spit out their water like that at the mention of…Bill Cipher? That’s when it clicked for you. “You have history with this demon as well, don’t you?” Ford groaned, running his hands down his face. “Those kids can’t keep their mouths shut, can they?” He mumbled to himself, his head turning to face you. “What else did they tell you?” That night, you spent it horrified with the tales he told you regarding the past summer and his time with Bill. “And you never told me this, why?” Ford nervously pushed his glasses up, his eyes looking everywhere but you. “Because I…” He trailed off. “I don’t know,” He stops for a moment, inhaling deeply before continuing. “I didn’t want to scare you off. My past...isn’t something I could easily tell you without having a second thought.” A frown pulls to your lips. “Were you ever going to tell me?” You ask, your voice frail and quiet. “Yes?” His tone was full of uncertainty. You didn’t know what to think. One side of you wanted to be mad at him for keeping all of this from you, but on the other hand you felt sympathetic. You knew this wasn’t an easy topic to discuss normally. And you could tell it took him a lot of courage to admit a side of him that he wasn’t fully ready to reveal. But you were deeply hurt that he kept such secrets from you for a long time. And considering how he responded to your question, you weren’t even sure he was going to tell you any time soon. “What are you thinking about?” Ford’s voice ripped you out from your thoughts, grounding you back to reality. “I’m thinking about how crazy all of this is. I didn’t know. The kids went through so much at a young age. A-and you act like it was nothing, they could’ve died Ford.” Your hand rested on the side of your forehead. “You also made a deal with a demon? I…” You let out a sigh. “I don’t know, Stanford.” Ford cringed at the use of his full name. “I can go, if you’d like me to.” You raised your hand up to stop him. “No, I don’t want you to go. I just need time to process this,” You offer him a weak smile. “That’s all I need right now my love, just time.” 

꣑୧ “You what?!” Mable and Dipper both screech at the same time. “Yeesh, Ford. And I thought I was a screw-up.” Stan chuckled, elbowing Mable to see if that got a rise from her. It did not. “I thought I was protecting her from all of this madness!” Ford’s elbow rested on the dining room table, fingers pinching the bridge of his nose. “Grunkle Stan tried doing the same thing, did you see how that almost ended for us?” Dipper said. “I know, I know.” Ford weakly muttered out. “Then, why did you keep such important details away from her?” Stan argued. “Because I was trying to protect her!” Ford yelled, slamming his hands on the table. That seemed to get a rise from Stan. “Well, maybe you weren’t trying hard enough! Now, look at what you did. You fucked everything up.” He shouted. “Oh!” Ford stood up from his chair. “That’s hilarious coming from you!” Scrambling up the table, Mable slammed her foot down, gaining the attention from Ford and Stan. “Fighting isn’t going to fix things, guys.” She said, “Ford had his reasons, like how you had your reasons for hiding Grunkle Ford from us, Grunkle Stan.” Ford adjusted his sweater, sitting back down on his chair. “Now, Grunkle Ford. What did she tell you?” She asked, turning over to Ford. “She told me that she needed time.” Sitting crossed-crossed, she nodded her head intently. “That’s good, right?” In return was silence. “Right, guys?” Both Dipper and Stan agreed. “Great! Now while we wait, can we apologize to each other for acting so mean and for swearing.” She directed a look to Stan who scoffed. 

꣑୧  And wait they did. After a couple of days, Ford’s phone randomly started ringing. Rushing to pick it up, he lifted his phone to see you calling him. He gulped nervously, suddenly second guessing himself. Should he pick up the phone? If he does, what if it’s you telling him that you want a divorce? Or that you need a break, or that– “Grunkle Ford!” Dipper snapped his fingers in front of his face. “Answer!” He pointed to the phone. “I got it!” Mable sang out, swiping her finger to the right. There was a beat of silence. Mable and Dipper anxiously waited for at least you or him to speak. One of them was about to intrude, no longer able to withstand such silence when you spoke up. “My love?” Your voice was timid. Ford’s heart lunged to his throat. How he missed your voice. “Y-Yes?” He mentally punched himself for stuttering like a complete fool in front of you. “Can you open the door for me? It’s locked.” Without a second thought, Ford practically ran over to the door and whipped it open for you. The twins watched you and him silently talk to each other from a distance. After a few tearful words and hugs, they recoil in disgust when they see Ford swoop you in for a kiss. “Oh my eyes!” Mable dramatically exclaimed. “Gross.” Dipper made a face in disgust. 

꣑୧ “I’m still mad at Ford for roping you kids into all that madness.” You tell the kids, mindlessly scrolling on your phone. “Dawww, don’t you worry about us.” Mable put a hand to her cheek bashfully. “We can handle it.” You found that hard to believe. “Is Gravity Falls still…crazy?” You whisper the last part, in case Bill Cipher is listening. You’ve only heard stories of him, but hearing what he has done rooted a new fear in you. “Kind of? There’s still weird things that happen here, but not as bad as last summer.” Dipper said, jotting down a few notes in his journal. “How come I’ve never seen anything weird?” You wondered. “Because you’re too busy making out with Grunkle Ford to notice anything!” Mable chirped, kicking her feet as she drew on colored piece of paper. That elicited a laugh from Dipper and a “What!” Ford walked in with an eyebrow raised and breakfast in hand. ”I heard I was mentioned in a conversation. Are you guys talking crap about me?” Ford places his food on the table and pulls back a chair. He sits right next to you and before he dives in on his breakfast, he gives you a quick kiss on the lips. “You wish!” Mable says, flipping her paper on its backside. “I do not.” Ford said quietly. “So, kids saving the world, huh? That has to count as some kind of child abuse.” You half said seriously, half said jokingly. Ford rolled his eyes. “What? Are you gonna arrest me?” You glared at him. “I might…” 

[itwasntimethatdidit40]

How could you love somebody like me?

Pairing: f!reader x Javier Peña Words count: 3032 Rating: + 18, NSFW, MDNI. Summary: Javi is under protection and has asked you to join him in the hotel room where he is confined. When you discover his secrets and lies, however, that room will become too small. Too small for both of you. Tags/warnings: POV second person, no use of y/n, angst, Javi is still a DEA agent but it's a modern setting so the man has a smartphone. Reader is described having female genitalia and breasts, no other description of her is given, she doesn't blush and her hair is not described. Mention of alcohol, mention of cheating, Javi is a cheater, no happy ending, we will go through the man's phone (you're not supposed to do that but I never said my reader could do no wrong, right?), use of pet names (gatita which means kitten in Spanish, baby, darling), smut, angry sex, unprotected p in v (do better irl), cream pie, of course a little nipple play ‘cause it’s still my fic, toxic relationship, self doubt, mention of Steve, a huge pile of lies, Javi is bad at feelings, some reader’s thoughts marked in italics. I think it's all, let me know if I forgot something and I'll add it right away. A/N: Written for @jolapeno 's "Dear-uary" challenge. This was my prompt, I struggled a little bit at first but I ended up having a blast writing this ❤︎ Heavily inspired by this song (from which the fic also takes its title), I heard it randomly on Spotify one day and I thought "wait, this is perfect for Javi!" and I ended up being obsessed with two more songs by the same artist. LOL Many thanks to: - @aurorawritestoescape , my beta, for her help and advice, she will probably dream of elephants because of me tonight hahaha Kate I own you a big one, thanks baby so much, I love you ❤️ - The person who basically pulled this out of my brain and supported me throughout the process, my precious, my peanut @joelmillerisapunk. 🥰 Love you so much it's ridiculous🥹 - @milla-frenchy for letting me blather about this thing some days ago. Love you, bb ❤︎ English is not my first language, every single mistake is still on me, I deeply apologize if you find any.

Edited - because I forgot to change the most important detail, of course. I’m not myself if I’m not doing a mess. Yay. It’s okay now.

“Why the hell am I here? Was I the only available hole this week?”

“No,” he whispers. 

“So what?” 

Javier came back and found you in the middle of the room.

You were brandishing his phone like a sword in the air, the banner of everything that was wrong.

His face went pale when he saw you like that. 

Eyes wide open. 

Mouth agape. 

He tried to say something but you immediately hit him with a vomit of words.

“I know what you’re doing,” you hiss under your breath, feeling your eyes sting.

Javier is a marble statue in front of you, his lips pressed together, his absent eyes not even looking at you, staring at a spot behind your shoulders, his arms abandoned along his sides. 

He seems anchored to the ground. 

His last words to you still burn on your skin like a fire you cannot extinguish.

A heavy silence between you fills the air of the room and makes it unbreathable. 

“Fuck, Javier, talk to me,” you whisper angrily.

You clutch his phone in your hands, so tightly that your knuckles are white from exertion, as if you were clinging to it to keep yourself from falling off a cliff. 

“You knew I was no good,” he says sternly.

You have been in this room for two days. 

Officially, Javier has to stay here because henchmen of one of the new drug lords in town are set on taking him out. 

Unofficially, he has you infiltrating the room. 

Typical Javier, spending his time under protection fucking someone. 

You foolishly almost believed it was romantic, until this morning. 

“So you’re trying to say that it’s my fault? Is that what you want to say? It’s my fault that as soon as I turn my back you go and stick your cock in someone else's pussy?” You don’t even have the strength to scream right now. Your voice comes out rancorous but low, hoarse, like a blown growl. 

Oh, you’re not going to accept being lectured by him, fuck no.

“No, I’m just saying -” he tries to explain and you glare at him, making the words die in his mouth.  

"What?" 

“Fuck, I'll never change,” he shrugs as if it were a truism that only you can't grasp.

His eyes shift to the ground, dull and absent.

“You don't change because you are convinced that you can't,” you admonish him, feeling anger rising from your chest. 

"That's not true," he murmurs, keeping his gaze on the crimson and gold carpet that lies at your feet.

“Yes, it is,” you insist, ”and you seem to like to think of yourself as an incurable asshole.”

He still fails to see the real problem, the elephant in the room that lives and thrives among you. 

"Then you tell me, if you think you know me so well,” he asks with defiance. 

“You bet I fucking know you,” you lash out. “You think you're so mysterious and complicated?! Well,  news flash, I've seen plenty like you. You’re just another man. You're not even that, you're a child. A child who's afraid of his own shadow when it comes to relationships.”

“Don’t fucking analyze me,” he hisses, finally setting his eyes back on you. 

Raven, angry and fearful. He knows you can read him like an open book and this unleashes an awareness upon him that crushes him to the ground.

You bitterly laugh, “Truth hurts, huh? I know something about it”. 

The wrinkle between his eyebrows deepens, his nostrils flare, and his mouth tightens into a line so thin you think he’s about to burst. He stays quiet instead, eyes back on the damask carpet decoration. 

_____________

“Yes, Steve, I'm fine. That jerk won't find me here, and anyway it's full of police outside the door.” 

A pause and a sigh. 

”No, no one followed her, they don't know who she is.”

You stood behind the half-closed bathroom door listening. 

You smiled. 

His voice sounded softer when he talked about you. You lulled yourself into that feeling. 

Until you heard something else. 

A booming laugh. 

Water ran in the shower, tiny droplets coated the wall as the mirror fogged up.

“Whatever. Of course I'm still screwing around. At least, I was doing it before that asshole started chasing me,” his voice suddenly lowered so you took a chance and opened the door a little more. You wanted to make sure you heard right. 

Your hand trembled against the doorknob, you grabbed your wrist to hold it steady. 

“You idiot,” he scoffed. “Yeah, we'll be in touch.”

Suspicion. The black wing of a crow that had been wrapped around your heart for a long time.

But then why did it hurt so much? 

You allowed yourself to hide it in a part of your brain where you never looked-that was a mistake. Making the hunch barely a firefly when it was supposed to be a bright neon sign.

He always places the phone with its screen down when you go out to dinner, softly smiling at it when he checks it after a few vibrations, telling you “it’s Steve” when you ask. 

But you know that crooked smile. 

He dodges when you ask him about his day "oh work, you know, just work." 

He tells you he is with Steve but you hear female voices in the background. 

Every time you try to confront him it always ends the same way, him telling you, “you’re paranoid, there’s no one else, just you, baby. You’re the only one I want.”

And then he fucks your doubts into oblivion.

You heard the thud of the phone on the blankets. And then Javier calling you. 

You swallowed the gall rising from the walls of your stomach and just smiled when he joined you in the bathroom and suggested that you shower together.

You wanted some proof before you charged him. 

If there was anything you had learned from being with him, it was that hard evidence was the key. So you played cool. 

He fucked you against the shower wall and you moaned into his neck. 

He licked your pussy like a man starved and you just bit your lips until you felt iron on your tongue.

He kissed you with that liar's mouth, and you let him.

And you fell asleep beside him, on the unmade bed of your uncertainties. 

This morning someone from outside called him into the hallway to report the latest movements of the guy who was looking for him. 

His phone was on the bedside table.

It was like a magnet, pulling your hand to it.

You were almost sure you knew his unlock code ‘cause you had watched the movements of his finger many times. 

You tried twice without success. 

The third time you let out a long sigh, visualized in your mind the movement one more time and unlocked it. 

You were in. 

Your heart was beating wildly in your chest as your fingers swiped and clicked on the screen. 

And there they were.

Dozens and dozens of messages and pics exchanged with 4 different women.

You scrolled through one of the chats with a certain Maria, who regularly sent him pictures of her tits and her legs spread wide, her pussy in the shot.

There was sexting, arranged dates, same promises he gave to you, things you never asked for but he kept repeating like a broken record. Even the same pet name. Gatita. 

Blood simmered in your veins, a jolt in your heart, throat dry. 

Your finger furiously scrolled through the chat, finding tons of messages he had sent her while he was with you.

You switched to another one and you found pretty much the same. And yet another, message after message containing flirting and explicit sex.  

“Oh Javi, you keep getting better and better with that cock of yours”

“My pussy needs you, darling, can you come over?”

“I can’t stop thinking about your huge cock dripping on me”

And the more you scrolled, the more a question formed in your brain, rumbling through your temples like a deafening drum. 

Was he ever sincere with you?

________

When he looks up at you again, you see it. A veil of fragility in the dense blackness of his gaze.

He looks almost helpless. “I know you tried,” he admits, ”You tried harder than anyone else.”

“Apparently it was no use,” you chastise him.

He doesn’t reply. 

Instead he comes closer and closer. 

You pull back, responding to his every step forward with a backward one. 

“Please,” he whispers. 

“No.” 

“Don't do that.”

“You have no right to tell me what to do,” you bark.

”I know...” 

“Fuck off, Javier, leave me alone.”

You pull back until you hit the wall behind you. 

Javier approaches, bending slightly to reach your mouth, his mustache brushes against your cupid’s bow and you don't even have the strength to turn your face away anymore. 

When your lips collide you let it happen. 

It’s like when you drink too much Tequila. 

It burns on your tongue, leaving you almost anesthetized as soon as you down it, and then an aromatic taste wafts into your mouth; it is lysergic, unusual, unmistakable.

You love it, so you keep doing it.

Javier is the same. 

He's sharp, stiff at the edges, burns like fire, but he has an aura that you won’t mistake for anything and he hypnotizes you. He’s not like anyone else, despite what you told him. There is an underlying despair in him, a cry dying in his throat, “How can you love someone like me?” 

He says it only with his eyes but you hear it clearly.

He is a time bomb that explodes in your heart every time he touches you. So you keep doing it.

“Fuck,” you whisper against his lips. 

“Yeah…I know. I’m not worthy.”

And yet, you’re still here.

You let him peel off your every layer of clothing, to leave you naked and vulnerable in front of him. 

You do nothing when he undresses too. Hastily taking off his shirt, fumbling with the button of his jeans, nervous hands and short breaths.

It is like some mind fuck game, intoxicating, dangerous, capable of leaving permanent marks.

He lowers his jeans just enough to free his cock, no boxers. Always ready.

His hands run over your hips and you groan. 

His tongue slides over your neck, his eyes closed, his breath heavy and warm on your skin. 

He makes you cry, but you don't say no.

His lips latch onto your nipple and adrenaline rushes through your veins up into your head, hitting hard like a jackhammer.

You don’t pull back anymore, you push your tit into his mouth so eagerly you feel his teeth closing on your bud and you whine in pleasure. 

His growing erection leaks against your center. You are trapped. Not so much because you are between him and the wall but because you no longer know how to get him out of your head. 

Right now it doesn't matter how much it hurts. 

He slides his hands down your thighs and you know what he wants, without needing to speak. You wrap your legs around his waist. He kneels on the bed with you still clinging to him, you lie back on the soft blankets that smell of you both, arch your back and press against his cock. You folds splayed and dripping for him.

His fingers go up your rib cage, stop under your breasts and grasp there, he draws you back to him and your mouths collide again.

You let his tongue enter. You let the fleeting pleasure of this instant take over all the no's you know you have to say.

There’s no right kind of love here, this room is drowned in angry sex.

Angry at how you can never say no to him, angry at how he makes you feel, angry because you know that no one has ever fucked you the way he did, invading your body with a pleasure so addictive that it makes you sick. Angry because maybe he's right, he can't change. 

You break the kiss and bite on his shoulder, a small act of revenge that really does no harm compared to your bleeding heart. 

Your hands grasp on the golden skin of his back, leaving marks with your nails digging into it, your miserable attempt to leave marks on him in return.

You moan convulsively under his touch, your mouth wide open against his, your tongue desperately seeking him out. 

His hands tighten on your ass, lifting you slightly, his cock slides over your wet opening, a guttural sound comes out of the back of your throat without you being able to hold it back. 

You want him inside you. 

You need him inside you.

And it’s wrong, and desperate. It’s masochistic.

You don’t even care for his jeans’s zip scraping your skin.

The thin line between pain and pleasure is so blurred now.

It’s a pathetic shit show of need and urgency. 

You’d walk away from any other guy but Javier is the person you can never have just for yourself and at the same time he is the only one you want. 

He is the knife and the wound at the same time.  

When he asks “Whose pussy is this?” in his deep groaning voice that fucks directly with your brain, you can only reply “yours.”

Digging your nails deeper, biting more, wailing louder but just pleading with him.

You take his shaft in your hand and rub it against you in blind desperation, wetting it with your juices. 

He groans into your ears while his hand reaches for your nipple and his big strong arm holds you close.

You are sitting on his thighs, your legs crossed behind his back.

His fingers pinch your nipple as you don't stop stroking his big throbbing cock.

Just put it in there. You think. I just need to feel your flesh against mine, inside me, claiming me like the rag doll that I am now. 

Stupid bitch trying to have you when you’re damaged like a shattered glass, when you can bring nothing than heat to my body and freezing ice to my heart. 

“Fuck me,” you groan. 

He pushes against your core, entering you with one deep thrust.

Your pussy is weeping so much it doesn’t even hurt.

You clench on him with all the strength you have, chocking his cock with your walls.

“Fuck,” he growls. “You’re gripping me so hard, baby. There’s nothing you want more than this, huh? Me fucking you raw?” 

“Shut up,” you hiss. 

He starts moving, pumping into you as his hand reaches for your clit, brushing it in circles.

You whine, clinging onto his back, your face hidden in the crook of his neck.

You can’t look him in the eye, you can’t face your own shameful reflection in his pupils, you can’t think of anything else than this pleasure firing your body, your limbs, your mind.

Your pussy never gets the memo when it comes to him. She just clenches, and cries and asks for more.

At the verge of your brink, when you’re so utterly overwhelmed you could swear, you’re about to jump out of your skin, you hear it.

It’s the softest whisper on your skin, so low you barely catch the words, “I love you” 

You cry a single tear that slides down the column of his neck, it could be mistaken for a bead of sweat so easily and Javier doesn’t notice it. But it’s there. You’re crying again.

You come, weeping.

Grasping to him like your last shred of hope.

But there’s no hope anymore.

You know you can’t go on like that.

You cried before. You argued before. It’s all useless.

A devastating orgasm shoots through you, leaving you without defense.

It’s the last thing you want but you need to get it over with. 

You lie on the bed, feeling his last twitches inside you, his cum dripping onto your walls, his cock pressing against that spot that belongs only to him.

He lies down on you, gently crushing you with his weight, his sweaty skin against yours, the smell of your orgasm filling your nostrils.

You’re hopeless and breathless. 

He's still inside you, like he doesn't want to leave. 

You know you have to. 

Eventually he shifts, lying on the other side of the bed muttering, “god, you really are something else.” He takes the pack of cigarettes from the nightstand and lights one, taking a long drag.

“I'm not enough,” you want to scream looking at him through the cloud of smoke enveloping him. “Or maybe you're not, for me.”

When he is about to fall asleep, you get up. You pick up your clothes off the floor and put them on silently.

“Where are you going, gatita?” he grunts. 

Does he think he has solved it? Does he think you will forgive him as you did the other times? 

You don’t reply.

"You only ever tell me the truth when you think I won't hear it,” you type on your phone and send it to him, before coming out of the door without turning your back.

You leave him there, wondering, lost as he makes you feel.

There will be two broken hearts. 

You know he loves you and you love him.

He is convinced that he doesn’t deserve you and pushes you away every time you get close to his soul. 

He knows that you see him clearly; that scares him.

You are tired of fighting for the both of you.

You push the elevator button under the gaze of an unsuspecting policeman who urges, “Where are you going, miss?”

“I'm leaving.”

“Do you need someone to accompany you?” 

“No, thank you.”

“Someone could follow you,” he counters.

“No one knows me, you don't have to worry.”

You wait for the elevator, still hoping to see his ruffled raven hair poking out the door, his voice calling to you, his hand tightening on your wrist. 

None of this happens.

The only ones who will follow you are your ghosts.

Tag list: @baronessvonglitter , @almostempty , @probablyreadinsmut , @thundermartini , @gothcsz , @cas-readsandwrites , @harriedandharassed

Archive tag: @pedrostories

If you want to be added or removed just let me know! Thank you very much for reading❤︎

[ro-is-struggling]

First Impressions || Johnny Storm x Reader

Summary: the story of how you and Johnny met the morning after he slept with your roommate

THIS IS PART 1 OF MY MINI-SERIES FIREPROOF! Masterlist + info HERE

Warnings: Johnny is a bit of an ass (but that’s kinda like his thing in this lol)

English is not my first language

Word count: 1200

Notes: this is a lot shorter than the rest of the parts will be bucause originally it was only going to be a flashback, but I hope you guys like it!!

Johnny was being careful this time, tiptoeing down the hallway as he got dressed. He had learned the hard way that shoes were best left for last, they made a lot of noise when he stepped on the wooden boards that creaked under his feet and alerted the girl sleeping on the bed to his intentions. That wasn't a mistake he would make again —not after the scene Kate made when she discovered him trying to flee the morning after he met her—, so now he always made sure to put his shoes on once he was out of his latest conquest's apartment.

He thought he was in the clear. The front door was in his vision and he could still hear the subtle sound of Allie's? —he wanted to say that was her name, but wasn't sure— snoring coming from the room. However, the sound of someone clearing their throat made him stop in his tracks. Turning around, Johnny found you sitting at the kitchen island eating breakfast.

“Sneaking out, huh?” your eyes didn't lift from your phone as you spoke to him. But you didn't need to do so to know he had an uncomfortable expression on his face at having been caught in the act.

“No.” Johnny lied. “I just...”

“I have commitment issues that won't let me stay to say goodbye to the girl who sucked my dick the night before?” You answered for him, finally looking up to look at him. “I figured.”

“I was going to say I have an early class... but I guess that works too.”

“Oh, an early class, sure.” Your unimpressed tone let Johnny know you didn't believe him one bit.

As he awkwardly put on his shoes he took a moment to get a better look at you. He remembered that Allie —let's go with that— had told him she had a roommate and now that he got a better look at you, your face looked familiar. He had definitely seen you around campus and probably had taken some classes together, but he couldn't think of your name if his life depended on it. He wasn't very good at it, apparently.

“Are those pancakes?” Johnny asked curiously, his stomach growling at the smell of food. It made sense given that the night before he'd barely eaten before going straight to business.

“Yes... You want some?” You looked at him with an arched eyebrow and he nodded enthusiastically.

“Please!” He didn't wait for your response before approaching the kitchen and taking a seat next to you. He helped himself to a plate as if he were in his own home, groaning with pleasure as he put a bite of food in his mouth.

“What about your early class?”

“Oh, my buddy can cover for me.” Johnny spoke with a mouthful of food and you let out a giggle.

It was honestly surreal to have Johnny Storm, the womanizer everyone on campus swooned over, having breakfast in your apartment. Your friend had been trying to get his attention for a long time —and somehow you always ended up in the middle of it—, but when she asked you to disappear for a night from the apartment you didn't think it was because of him. You were happy for her, but at the same time you hoped she hadn't gotten her hopes up for him. Johnny wasn't a complete asshole, but from the way he tried to sneak away without being discovered you couldn't imagine that anything good would come of it. And from the way your friend talked about him, you doubted she'd settle for a one-night stand. So it was your job to protect her from her own heart and the antics of the biggest player on campus.

“You want some coffee?” You asked him after a moment of silence. Your voice seemed to snap him out of a trance, forcing him to stop thinking about how delicious those pancakes were and bring his attention back to reality.

“Sure!” He nodded with a smile and you got up to get a clean cup.

You poured him a cup of hot coffee fresh from the pot. The scent flooded the room and you could see in Johnny's tired eyes how much he wanted to savor the steaming liquid. When you placed the cup on the counter he reached out for it. However, you pulled it away before his fingers could close around the handle.

“What are your intentions with my friend?”

Johnny's confused expression turned to an amused one as he realized he had fallen into your trap. “Oh, it was a trick coffee. I see.”

“Yes, coffee is for talkers. Now talk.”

He laughed at your accusatory tone, but when he noticed your stern expression he realized you were serious. “I don't know, we're just getting to know each other.” Johnny said, scratching the back of his head. Actually he did know the answer to your question. He wasn't a fan of serious relationships, but he never ruled out the possibility of a casual second meeting with anyone.

“Well, you better figure it out! And you better tell Ellie about it!”

Oh, so that was her name!

“I mean it, she is a sweet girl and she's been trying to get your attention for a long time. She doesn't deserve to have you messing with her.”

“I wasn't going to!” Johnny threw his hands up in the air in a defensive manner. “If anything I was trying to let her know my stance on the relationship by sneaking out but you kinda ruined it. So if anything, it's your fault.”

“Please tell me you're joking.” You huffed, unable to believe what you were hearing. Although from the reputation he had on campus, you shouldn't be surprised. “Sneaking out is not communication! It only creates more confusion. You have to use your words, like the rest of us grown ups.”

“But talking about it makes everything more... messy and complicated.”

“Well, you better make it less complicated real fast or I will.” You threatened him, finally passing him the cup of coffee you had held hostage to make sure Johnny heard you. “Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes, ma'am!” he assured you with an amused smile before raising the cup to his lips.

Johnny couldn't describe exactly what it was, but there was something about you that he really liked. The way you snapped at him, using that tone of voice that was at times serious and at times sarcastic, was refreshing. He was used to women reacting in the opposite way to his presence —always watching what they said and acting flirtatious to get his attention. Most of the time it took him ages to understand what they wanted or expected from him because they refused to be direct. He was not a mind reader and had no time to waste, so he appreciated your honesty, even if it was a bit brutal. He knew at that moment that he wanted to get to know you better. There was something that told him that your story wasn't over, even if his relationship with Ellie was.

And he wasn't wrong.

[houseofripley]

Hotel Hell - Part Two

Rhea Ripley x Fem!Reader

Part One Pinterest

WARNINGS: SMUT, 18+, Fighting, Shoving, Oral Sex, Vaginal Fingering, MAKEUP SEX

WORD COUNT: 3,812

A/N: omg i am sorry this took me years to finish, life has been busy but it should calm down soon. i got such a good request the other day and i haven't gotten it off my mind so i will start that tmrw if i have time. also i proofread this at 2am so please ignore any mistakes lol

“The Brutalization Chamber? You want to know what The Brutalization Chamber is?” The Irish man laughed out, his eyebrows raising once you turned your gaze towards him. 

An expression of curiosity displayed on your face as you repeated the name of the supposed ‘chamber’. It was obvious to the man that you wanted to know more.

The man began making his way down the stairs, “No offense sweetheart…but I don’t really think this is the place for a girl li-” He tried to speak before being cut off.

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

“I don’t really care what you think sir, I want you to show me what's down there.” You chirped out, following the male down the flight of stairs, your hand hovering over your aching ribs.

“Well shit, if you insist,” The guy chuckled out, “Feisty, she’ll like you.” He muttered under his breath as he opened the door. 

She’ll like you…was he talking about the same ‘she’ you had spent your night with? The same woman who just got done unleashing pure cruelty onto you? The same woman who disappeared into this exact building moments ago?

“Name’s Finn by the way,” He mentioned, “It’s just us, the big boss is probably around here somewhere as well.” Finn spoke as you scanned the room looking for ‘the big boss’.

Grimy was the only way to portray the room. Rope lights scattered across the ceiling, some were dim while others flickered. There were freezing concrete walls with cracks littered all over. A red neon sign displaying the letters ‘TBC’. A blood stained ring sat taking up a quarter of the room. Various pieces of gym equipment and punching bags were compressed into a room off to the side. 

“So…just a gym?” You questioned the man, there was no sign of Rhea.

“Nah, it’s a little more than just a gym love…think of it as a fight club. A fight club with a fuck ton of money involved.” Finn stated leading into a room the size of a walk-in closet, the room seemingly being a pathetic excuse of a nurses office. 

You leaned against the door frame while Finn babbled on as he started unpacking his bag, “People come to us in desperate need for money. They’re entered into our roster, put in the ring and bet on. If they win their match they get fifty percent of all bets placed. Bunch of sick wealthy men love wasting their fortune on this shit.”

“Don’t you think this is just a tad bit illegal?” You chuckled, sending a small wave of pain to your ribs.

“Eh I don’t worry about that too often,” Finn shrugged, digging around his duffle. “Rhea’s not too worried about the legalities when there's this much money involved, she can pay her way out of damn near anything.”

Rhea.

Despite your pain you perked up at the mention of Rhea’s name although you stayed silent.

“Rhea would like you, you’re quiet but there's just something about you, like there’s a fire inside you.” Finn mentioned, pointing at you. “I would introduce you to her but earlier this afternoon one of her top guys lost her like seven thousand. She stormed off to god knows where. Another one of her main guys has a big match in about half an hour. Going up against some new kid we’ve never seen so I’m sure she’s busy worrying her ass off.”

You heard a scoff echo from the main room as footsteps approached. “Jesus fucking christ Finn! Do you ever shut your goddamn mouth?” You heard Rhea sarcastically laugh trying to cover her anger.

You slowly turned to face Rhea, examining her tensed jaw and narrowed eyes. Reality had finally washed over you. The weight of Rhea’s actions flooded into your brain. You couldn’t figure out if you felt more betrayal or anger in the moment.

“Ah! Rhea mate!” Finn exclaimed, trying to divert from Rhea’s critiques. “I was just telling this young lady how much you’d like her…I never caught her name though.” 

Your face turned to the ground as you tried to mutter out your name. “We’ve met.” Rhea butted in, her voice was fully flat-devoid of any sign of emotion. That’s when the regret hit you. 

You shouldn't have come here.

“I should leave…it seems you guys have a busy night.” You muttered quietly. Rhea took a firm grasp on your forearm, “That can wait, let’s go have a chat.” Rhea said as her head motioned towards what you assumed to be her office.

“No, I-I can come back another time, I really don’t want to be a bother.” You barely managed to stutter out while Rhea’s middle and pointer finger of her opposite hand guided your chin up, forcing you to look at her. “I said let’s go have a chat.” Rhea commanded, her grip on your arm tightening. 

You reluctantly followed the woman as she dragged you in the direction of her office. You knew you were in for it big time.

“You are a fucking insane bitch! What could have possibly made you think it was okay to fucking show up to this place?!” Rhea lashed out at you the moment the latches of her door clicked together. She dropped your arm before shoving you towards the other side of the room. You had been lucky enough to catch your balance as you were just inches away from barreling into the concrete walls.

“I just wanted to learn more! I wanted to figure you out Rhea! Can you blame me for wanting to figure out why you’re so angry and cruel every time I see you?” You said loudly, your voice filled with hurt.

“That doesn't give you the goddamn right to follow me to where I work! You don’t fucking get it, these people I work with are dangerous and I don’t want you getting caught up in this bullshit!” Rhea retorted out as her breaths began picking up speed.

“What makes you think I’m so incompetent that I’m incapable of being around danger?! You put me in danger nearly every fucking time I see you! ” Your hands flew around as you yelled at the woman, tears accumulating in your eyes. 

Rhea began inching towards you, a look of irritation covering her face. “I don’t fucking put you in danger!”

“Yes you fucking do! You have no idea how many bruises you’ve left me with. The other month you choked me till I passed out, yet you didn’t stop fucking me to check if I was okay! For fucks sake Rhea, an hour ago you left me bleeding and collapsed to the floor!!” All hell had broken loose between the two of you as your tears started escaping from you.

“You told me you could take it! I don’t get why you’re bitching and moaning all of the sudden.” Rhea continued arguing.

Your fist crashed down onto Rhea’s nearby desk, “I can take it rough, but you can’t keep disappearing after being borderline torturous! You’re so damn immature!!” Your screaming matched showed no signs of stopping anytime soon.

“I’m immature? You’re the one that followed me to my job and is throwing a tantrum right now!” Rhea’s voice thundered around the room. 

“You don’t get it Rhea! I’m a fucking person and you dont give a shit about me! Why don’t you fucking care?!” You yelled through broken sobs as you started unleashing your sadness and anger onto Rhea, pushing and beating on her chest. 

Rhea made no attempt to stop you. She made no moves, just allowing you to inflict your pain onto her. 

Once your hands had dropped to your sides in exhaustion and your breaths became heavier as you tried calming yourself down Rhea quietly mumbled, “I do care…”

“But you don’t…” You looked up at her with wide eyes, lifting your shirt. You exposed your aching torso displaying your cut up skin, dried blood pooled around your laceration and the letters of Rhea’s name carved into your skin. “Someone who cares doesn't do this and run away.” You quietly said, your voice strained from the screaming match.

The regret in her eyes was apparent as she darted her eyes away from you. The realization she had gone too far had hit her hard, feeling as if she was being crashed into by an eighteen-wheeler. 

Her vulnerability was short lived, Rhea quickly repressed her display of emotion, replacing it with her regular cold and emotionless stare. She had to put on her tough guy attitude. It was her only safety blanket. Emotions are for the weak, Rhea could never be weak.

“You get worse every time I see you, something has to change Rhea…” You breathed out, trying to articulate your speech as you lowered your shirt back down. “If you can’t fix this behavior I’m done.” 

“You know you don’t mean that.” Rhea sighed as she ran her hand through her black hair. She didn’t want to lose you but she could never admit that. “I need to think about…everything. Just give me a some t-” 

Rhea was cut off by a deep voice from outside the door. “Ten minutes till the bell Rhea.” Rhea rolled her eyes and made her way to the door, “Just give me some fucking time Damian! And go get a roll of gauze from Finn. Quickly.” Rhea demanded after opening the door just a sliver. 

You clenched your jaw as you sensed Rhea’s levels of anger were once again rising. The last thing you wanted was to end up back at square one with her. You couldn’t handle another argument with her. Not tonight at least. 

The pair of you stood in silence as you waited for the man to return. Once he had arrived he opened the door, handing Rhea the roll of fabric. His eyes curiously examining you through the crack in the door. 

“I’ll be out in a minute…” Rhea aggressively muttered before closing the door. She mumbled your name under her breath before walking to her desk.

 “You’re lucky Finn showed up early, only God knows what could have happened to you if one of the other guys showed up before him.” Rhea grunted as she unlocked a drawer and began rummaging through the mess inside. 

What is it about her?

“Why such a dark line of work? What made you choose this of all things?” You questioned, you were terrified to set her off but on the other hand you wanted to push for answers from her. It was the only way to get your foot into the door of her life.

Rhea stumbled her way towards you avoiding eye contact, a tube of antibacterial gel in her hand as she shrugged. “Not something you choose. You’re born into it and can’t escape it, you just have to accept it and make the best out of it.” She mumbled while she lifted your shirt up. 

Rhea applied a small glob of the antibacterial gel to her finger while she lowered herself to her knees, becoming face to face with your shredded skin. The woman began dabbing the gel onto your skin causing  you to let out a small hiss from the pain.

Once she finished applying all of the gel she wiped the residue from her fingers onto her pant leg and grabbed the roll of gauze. Rhea cleared her throat before speaking up, “Just stay in here for a while, I can take you home after this match.”

“I’m perfectly capable of walking home by myself, Rhea.” You stated, watching Rhea carefully wrap the gauze around your waist.

“I’m walking you home and that’s final.” Rhea stood her ground, “Seriously though, just stay in here. I’ll be back.”

You weren’t planning on fighting about this with her, deciding to keep your mouth shut you let her take the win. “Fine, whatever.” You gave in as Rhea tied a knot in the gauze to hold it in place. 

“Shouldn’t be more than twenty minutes.” Was all Rhea had said as she stood up. Nothing else left her lips as she exited the room. 

No apology?

You groaned as you sat down in Rhea’s large chair. You blankly stared at the wall for several minutes before your mind started to wander. Exploring anything that popped into your head. Places, things, people, Rhea. 

If you were being honest with yourself you were doubting the woman's ability to change her ways. You assumed she would most likely be this way her whole life, although you prayed she had it in herself to change. She had the potential to be great if she would put her pride aside.

It wasn't long until the cheers of the crowd on the opposite side of the door had started drowning out your thoughts. 

You wanted to catch a glimpse of the madness. You stood up from the large chair, your feet scuffing the ground as you strolled to the door

You cracked the door open, taking a peek of the ring surrounded by a flock of rowdy men that were yelling. The large man you made eye contact with earlier was in the ring brutalizing a much smaller guy who couldn’t even be older than twenty-five. He was putting on one hell of a fight but it was clear he stood no chance.

Rhea was the only woman there, she was stood right against the ring watching intensely. She had caught your image in the corner of her eyes. Her face turned in your direction, she tilted her head as if she was asking you what the hell you were doing.

You mouthed the word sorry to her before quickly closing the door. 

Fifteen excruciatingly boring minutes had passed, the cheers had dispersed into muffled conversations. Rhea had finally arrived back in her office. She seemed content which you enjoyed. 

“You ready to go?” Rhea asked, you answered with a simple nod.

As the two of you made your way out of the building Rhea exchanged goodbyes with some of the strange men.

The entire walk was silent, the both of you reflecting on the weird night you had been through together. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, it was almost peaceful. Having Rhea in your presence when she was somewhat calm was pleasant. You wanted to hold onto this peacefulness for the rest of your life.

It took you by surprise when Rhea insisted on taking you directly to your door instead of just dropping you off in the front of the large building and ditching. 

“You didn’t need to take me all the way up here.” You quietly mumbled as you unlocked the door to your apartment. “Lot’s of bad people around this time of night.” Rhea muttered as your door swung open. 

You turned around to face the woman, her eyes peering over your head, scanning the entry of your apartment. “There’s bad people around all times of the day. I’m used to it.” You said quietly, her eyes returning to you.

An awkward silence filled the air as the both of you gazed upon each other. Rhea began rubbing her neck, “Uh…I should go. I’m gonna go.” She feebly stated before turning away from you, quickly walking down the hall. She had stormed off before you could even speak up.

Still no apology?

—

Multiple days had passed. Rhea had made no contact yet. You spent a concerning amount of time just staring at Rhea’s contact in your phone, debating if you should press the call button. Yet you couldn’t bring yourself to do it.

She’d call if she cared enough.

It felt as if life had paused, your days seemed empty. The busy streets of New York City felt devoid of any livelihood. The live music that took place at work sounded muffled. The flavor of your favorite foods had been stripped away. Once colorful flowers sold down at the street market now sat dull.

Days just painfully repeated. 

Tonight you had the night off, your only plans were to stare out the window of your bedroom and pray for a text from Rhea. 

You sat criss-cross at the edge of your bed twiddling your thumbs, your mind seemingly empty as you stared into the windows of the skyscraper across the street when the sound of a knock echoed down your short hall.

Groaning in annoyance as you got up you began making your way to the door, chewing the inside of your cheek as your feet shuffled below you. 

You weren't sure who you were expecting to be in the hall but it completely caught you by surprise when you swung the door open to see the dark haired woman waiting for you.

Without a word Rhea launched herself onto your lips, the force causing you to be pushed back a few inches.

Jesus Christ.

This felt like more than just a kiss, it had an intense amount of passion intertwined into it. Rhea’s hands gripped onto your waist as you backed into the apartment, her foot kicking the door behind her closed.

She had never kissed you in this way before. Before tonight you had only received measly pecks while the two of you had sex. It was never emotional.

Rhea slowly pulled away from your lips, both of your breaths were heavy as she finally spoke, “Fuck, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”

Finally.

“God, I’ve treated you like shit and I have been such a dick. It’s been the only thing on my mind. You don’t deserve that, It’s not okay.” Rhea began rambling as you stared into each other's eyes. “I get it if you never want to see me again but please just give me a chance, I’ll do whatever it takes. I’ll get my temperament under control, I’ll go to therapy, whatever you say I will do it.”

“Rhea-” You whispered, trying to calm her down but she continued her rant. 

“I want to know you, more than just your body. I wanna know everything, The good, the bad, the boring…I wanna know what pisses you off and what makes you cry. I don’t know why I kept you a stranger for so long and I’m sorry for that.”

You led Rhea into your small living room as you listened to her rambling. You took a seat in your chaiser lounge and ushered her to sit in front of you as her speech continued on. “I don’t know why I ran away…I think it's cause I didn't want to hurt you. But I did hurt you, so badly. I don’t want to run away anymore, I had no right to ever hurt you the way I did, just for me to leave you alone right after. It’s the worst thing I’ve ever done and I’ll never forgive myself for it. It’s just that I-”

“Rhea!” You slightly raised your voice causing Rhea to finally close her mouth. You leaned closer to her, placing a quick and gentle kiss on her lips. “You’re okay, don’t worry.” You comforted the woman, softly chuckling.

“I didn’t interrupt your night did I?” Rhea asked, slightly nervous as she scootched up closer to you. You shook your head no as a smile creeped on your face.

It didn’t take long for the two of you to end up in a heated makeout session, your hands roaming over one another's clothing. Rhea groaned your name against your lips before pulling back just a few centimeters. 

“Please let me show you how sorry I am.” She practically pleaded, her eyes full of desperation, “Yes please” you quietly giggled, your eyes adoring the woman's face. The second Rhea heard the word yes echo from your mouth her lips went straight for your neck, causing a whimper to escape from you. 

Rhea took her time as she kissed upon your neck, carefully leaving soft love bites every so often, marking the skin a flushed pink shade. Her lips only leaving your skin as she pulled off your sweater before she began peckering kisses against your collarbones.

Her hands crept behind your back, unclasping your bra and pulling it from your chest. Your fingers grazed upon Rhea’s tense shoulders as she left a path of kisses down your torso.

As Rhea’s face reached the base of your stomach, her eyes fixated on your face as if she was asking for your blessing. You gave her a nod before lifting your hips into the air, allowing her to slide your sweatpants off your legs. 

 “Rhea, please,” You whined out while Rhea’s fingers toyed with the seam of your panties. Rhea grinned to herself as she slowly shed the final layer of clothing off your body. 

The woman wasted no time connecting her mouth to your heat, causing you to let out a breathy moan. “So fucking beautiful…” Rhea praised against your skin.

Truthfully, her tongue felt like heaven as it worked its way around your wetness. Rhea didn't want to rush you. This wasn't for her, she just wanted to make sure you knew she had the ability in her to change for the better.

Your breaths picked up their pace as Rhea’s hand inched its way closer to your core. Her ring and middle finger traced a circle around the perimeter of your entrance before slowly being pushed into you.

“Shit,” You whined out, your back arching as both Rhea’s tongue and digits worked their magic on you. Although you enjoyed roughhousing with the woman, you undoubtedly appreciated the amount of care Rhea was putting into you.

You were a whimpering mess under Rhea’s touch, and she loved every small sound that escaped from your mouth.

“More! Please, I can take it!” You begged for more of her. Rhea obliged, sliding her pointer finger into your tightness causing you to roll your eyes back as her fingers filled your insides.

“That’s it baby,” Rhea preached quietly when your hips began to rock against her fingers, your moans filling the room. “Such a good girl for me.” She added on before her tongue got back to sailing over your clit, her fingers picking up their pace.

Your legs tightened around Rhea’s head as your orgasm quickly approached. “C’mon sweet girl, let go.” Rhea’s encouraging words were muffled, your walls clenched around her curling fingers. 

“Fuck Rhea!” You squealed out as the knot that filled your stomach released onto Rhea’s fingers. Your hips twitched into the air as the fingers inside of you helped you ride out your climax. 

Rhea was grinning ear-to-ear as she slowly pulled her fingers out of your hole. She groaned in pleasure, licking her fingers clean. 

She soon brought her face to meet yours, her plumped lips giving your jaw a kiss before whispering in your ear.

“How’s that for an apology, hm?”

Chapter Taglist: @babybatlover @whiteleoqueen @luvvleah @lovingperson1

[sgiandubh]

Last minute Swifties

Contrary to what many thought and some posted, I do think the OL cast's Taylor Swift experience was a last minute promo idea, very much monitored by *** and Tall Ships. I was wrong about minder/security guy (still, eerie...) and I never have a problem publicly admitting it. But quite unlikely I am wrong about this one. And sorry for the length, but you know how I am when I am looking for something, right?

Let's unpack: cast thanked the 'organizers' (and minders, really) in very specific terms, leaving NO much doubt:

Louisa McCulloch. Remember this name, we shall meet her in one hot minute. So thank you Louisa and Maril for organizing this: ask yourselves why did Maril, who (as far as I know) is based in the US, have to come to Edinburgh just for the gig. Damage control, perhaps?

And Sophie S., with a remarkable choice of words:

'Thank you ***, TS and her team for making it happen'. In my book, this means a strong, common effort to secure the box last minute. Because 'making it happen' means exactly that: 'need to do everything you can to facilitate it'.

Clearly Skelton, who is a Swiftie in her own right, was particularly appreciative of the efforts it took to ensure everyone could attend the concert. If that were a long planned event, her enthusiasm would have been more temperate, I think. 'Adding more Swifties to the clan' - LOL, Sophie, you mean S and C had no idea of the lyrics and were unable to sing along with you, John Bell, Izzy and Co (I keep forgetting their names and I like them a lot, in the show)? People of my generation are already too damn old for Taylor S. And this different sort of music might be more of S's real preference: otherwise why post it in his stories, as if to say ' TS is a different thing altogether'?

James. A Manchester rock band, formed in 1982, popular in the Nineties. I see no lies: he was clear 'JAMMF is a Swiftie'. And we are, after all, Children of the Nineties, not TS's crowd. And yes, I knew S was into the same kind of music as I was, in the Nineties (he seems to have stayed put, right there, unlike me, LOL):

Anyways, back to the mysterious woman up and front on three pictures in a row, that got many speculating. Nope, that was not Wendy, the MUA and S's bestie:

Once...

... Twice...

... Three times a lady:

Her name is Louisa McCulloch, née Radcliffe and she is the one S thanked, along with Maril (see above). It was a bit hard finding her, because her IG account is private. But I found her alright on Facebook, and then LinkedIn (of course):

Based in Lockerbie, Scotland. 20 years experience as a media publicist:

Worked with *** and Tall Ships since Season 3, after a short stint as Head of Publicity at the Paramount Pictures London Office. Got promoted from Unit Publicist to Publicist during COVID, for Season 6. So yes, she is the one who made it happen, locally, on what I think was a quite short notice.

Attention successfully diverted. Impeccable timing and giving a younger crowd what it wants. Trying to capitalize on TS's huge Instagram fan base: 283 million followers (wow! I had no fucking idea she was so huge). A win-win situation for just about everyone and an elegant way out from sordid waters:

And it worked. Lost among the hundred of thousands of likes and comments, look who's jumping on the bandwagon:

Sharon Stone. With a Blue Check and her 3.9 million Instagram fanbase. A Nineties deity, need I remind you (this blogger spotted her during the Berlinale 2007, while I was going out for drinks, blissfully unaware we were all staying at The Adlon, LOL)?

They mutually follow each other on Insta, by the way. I wonder why *urv did not pounce on that one. I feel robbed, for once, of a wonderful fanfic.

[Later edit] Several comments take on this person without a proper justification. I am editing this post to remind you she is only responsible for the implementation (in Scotland) of decisions taken elsewhere (in the United States of America). She is NOT a decision maker and as Publicist, was probably responsible for the local implementation of a hasty decision to attend an event (secure VIP box at Murrayfield, sell content to the local press). The direct contact with TS's team was, very likely, Maril and upwards, in the hierarchy. In all fairness, she has nothing to do with a billboard spotted in Los Angeles, USA - nothing of the sort in Europe. I am all for taxing, but let's tax people who are really RESPONSIBLE: she is just a very well paid underling. Thank you all, I am sure you understand fairness can only add to our credibility as a group.

[gaiaxygang]

rereading ena3 because i'm unwell

(condensed for character limit)

first, i am very proud of ena for facing this assignment head on and instead of giving up or trying against next time, decides to bring it home and try again.

putting the rest under the cut because this got HORRENDOUSLY long lmao i just love this story so much.

to my pit babe mutuals..... this is the story focused on the pair i mean when i say Omg This Reminds Me Of KentaWay. the direct cause of my 50k++ pit babe wordcount on ao3 even. they are very important to me!!!

something to be said about ena drawing herself first before eventually basing her artwork off mafuyu instead... very gay. and also another thing that points to them not being so different after all (which is the realisation ena comes to at the end of this story).

ena hates asahina mama so much i think it's cute. this is so telling of ena's hotheaded approach to things and her not really understanding mafuyu's circumstances. mafuyu can't just tell her mom when she's unhappy with something.

mafuyu changes the topic to the new demo and ena is so frustrated and rightfully so. that's what ena's kindness is like. she knows it can be hard, but she just does not understand why mafuyu would keep quiet even when she is clearly suffering. and she is frustrated for mafuyu too.

when ena sees that mafuyu would rather get drenched in the rain than go home because when i go home, it feels a little cold, and it's painful, ena drags her to her home. ena gives mafuyu shelter from the literal rain, as well as a warm place to stay away from the metaphorical storm. and in true ena fashion, she expresses this with an angry face.

mafuyu's arc is covered with rain imagery (no, ena is not the Rain Imagery Character even though watashi wa ame is her song. it has always been the key symbolism in mafuyu's arc) and this is the start of it!

if you get sick like this, i'll sorta feel bad!

this is when it clicks for ena, i think. because ena's dream of becoming as an artist has been rejected by shinei before. 2 years later, she still remember how much it hurt, and how it haunts her to this day.

but ena doesn't understand keeping quiet in order to prevent rejection. why would she? when her family always speaks their mind, even when it hurts others. when shinei, despite his good intentions, crushed her heart by saying what he believed in without any tact or context. when he talked to her like a fellow artist rather than his daughter, even though what ena needed was the support of a parent.

this is only mentioned later on but one thing i find interesting is that this story takes place while shinei is out overnight for work. shinonome mama, ena and akito are all on good, bickering terms. however ena does not talk to shinei at all and avoids him as much as he can. i imagine the dinner scene later in this story would be quite different if he was there lol.

ena: that... i might be able to understand that, a little.

geh. ena is so frustrated seeing mafuyu fall deeper and deeper into that cycle her and niigo have been trying to get her out of.

which is why ena takes the phone from mafuyu, puts on a cheerful, polite front, and lies to asahina mama. her act here reminds me a bit of mafuyu's fake smile honestly. she hates associating herself with shinei but she knows asahina mama is the type of person who would fall for it, so she uses it to her advantage, to help mafuyu. and it works!

(it pisses me off to use his name, but...) yes, he's shinonome shinei... do you know him?

gah, the dinner scene... ena giving all her carrots to mafuyu is so cute. akito thinking mafuyu must take care of ena a lot when it's actually the other way around is so cute. mafuyu meeting the in-laws (who adore her) is so cute. everything about this scene is so cute.

shinonome mama can understand asahina mama's feelings, because she can get worried about ena the same way. for a second mafuyu thinks that her mom truly is just worried about her, but...

the difference between shinonome mama and asahina mama is that shinonome mama unconditionally supports ena. she isn't perfect (she seems to be unaware of just how hurt ena was by her fight with shinei, but tries her best to support ena when she sees ena shutting herself away) but just by being supportive she is already so much better than asahina mama, who wants mafuyu to discard the only thing that makes her happy in order to become what asahina mama wants, and invades mafuyu's privacy.

asahina mama always phrases it in such a way that seems genuine, but mafuyu can feel something different when she hears shinonome mama say this. when she watches ena and akito bicker, she notes that even though they're arguing, there's a warmth at the dinner table that is absent from her own.

(it shouldn't be any different from my house, but something is different. but... what is it?)

and here comes the confession: mafuyu has voiced out her opinion before, like ena wants her to, but it didn't work. asahina mama, again, does not listen to mafuyu.

i told my mom that i wanted to do music, but she told me... "make sure you don't regret it in the future". i'm sure she's worried about me, so i...

mafuyu's if i be patient now and study for my exams, when i become a university student, i might be able to do music again breaks my heart because even if asahina mama really did allow and encourage mafuyu to do music after getting into medical school, it doesn't change that mafuyu will be unhappy.

because mafuyu doesn't want to be a doctor, like asahina mama wants. she wants to be a nurse, and that's been her dream since she was young. if she obeys her mother and goes into medicine, it'll be hard to back out. that is not where her happiness lies.

and either way, i'm not sure if mafuyu would have been able to endure another year under her mother's control if she quit music. she's barely holding it together as it is (both before she was open with niigo and now when they're all working to help her). music is her only escape, her only outlet and happiness. not only that, it's something she does with her precious friends. without that, ena knows, mafuyu would only go back to being who she was in main story. that girl who had given up on wanting to be saved and now only wishes to disappear.

i draw because i want to, because i want to believe my happiness lies beyond that. ...(i don't understand. i know your parents are important, but why won't you face what you want to do?)

ena finds her happiness in art. even though art is also a source of her pain, she continues drawing because that is where her happiness lies. she knows that mafuyu, too, has something she wants to do. something that her mother is trying to dissuade her from. and mafuyu simply gives in, not even fully realising how she is only sinking deeper into despair.

being told "it's for your sake", having your parents' thoughts pushed onto you- would i have also... turned out like mafuyu?

this. this is the part of wish that shows exactly how far ena and mafuyu's relationship has come since main story. back then, ena couldn't understand mafuyu's feelings: mafuyu is admired, talented, and has expectations placed upon her. ena has none of these, so she can't comprehend why mafuyu would want to disappear like she does.

but here, she starts to understand the pain that was driving mafuyu back then, the same pain mafuyu will be in if ena doesn't do something now.

in ena's side story, she thinks about this a little more. she comes to the conclusion that she if it were her, because she is stubborn, she would've kept drawing even if shinei told her to quit. that's another key difference between the two! ena is rebellious and strong-willed and even though it'd hurt her, she would never stop trying to pursue her happiness. she even acknowledges that despite the hurt shinei's words caused, he never told her outright to stop drawing. i would argue it was implied and hurt as much as if he did but ena4 doesn't seem to agree with me... i don't like that story anyways.

ena is so happy when mafuyu finally admits that what she truly wants, disregarding her parents' wishes, is to keep creating music with niigo. look at how soft she is! it makes her so happy to hear that this truly is something mafuyu wants to do, and that she's able to say it out loud.

in that case, i'll help too. as a niigo member. first, as practice, why don't you go all out and do what you want for today, at least?

this expression!!! mafuyu is so into her lyric writing because even though she doesn't fully know it, this is what she loves. this is what she is happiest doing: creating songs with her friends. even ena is shocked that mafuyu can make such a face.

again, ena starts to understand mafuyu more. expressing her true feelings and desires like that IS a huge step for mafuyu, even if she's only expressing them to ena, who... already knows this.

i was just thinking, that creating music is important to you.

look at my baby. so much determination in her eyes. she has learned so much from her girlfriend.

and that, that is the face ena wants to draw. those are the feelings she wants to convey in her assignment, "hatching". mafuyu working seriously on what she wants to do, not unlike ena herself. mafuyu helps her draw feelings she wasn't able to previously, simply by being herself.

(...so mafuyu can make that sort of expression. even though i thought she would make a bored face no matter what she does. it's just as i thought - what she said earlier, "i want to create music with everyone", might be related to it. it's not because someone told her to. it's because mafuyu herself thought that she wants to.)

so that's how ena sees me...

that, my dear mafuyu, is homosexuality. you are gay. for ena.

again, ena's expression is just so Soft. moment of appreciation for enamafu.

AND MAFUYU TOO!!!! this exchange of looks makes me feel like i need to be sedated good fucking lord THERE'S SO MUCH LOVE IN THOSE GAZES. mafuyu's heart feels warm because ena has been able to help her confront these feelings of hers and give her temporary peace at a low moment, and ena, kindhearted ena, is glad she's able to help mafuyu.

ena doesn't know if she's right in how she sees mafuyu, but she tries her best to capture mafuyu's willpower. in hopes that one day, mafuyu will break out of her shell with her own strength, hatching into the vast world, as someone who is more like asahina mafuyu.

[chemical-killjoy]

Can you do Coffee Shop AU x Accidental kiss

With Y/N And Gerard Way?

Of course!! Sorry it took so long! It's been a hell of a month lol

Kisses and Coffee

Gerard x reader (gender neutral)

Warnings: none

Word Count: 1.4k

Summary: Gerard and Y/N meet in a coffee shop, become friends and more after an accidental kiss

You had been coming to your favourite coffee shop for the last decade, and upon learning that it closed, you were on the hunt for a new one. This devastating news left you wandering around town for a while until you saw a cute little cafe you had never been too before. And there was something about it that just felt right.

You took a small two-person table by the window in the corner of the cafe and looked around. It shop was a light blue-grey with paintings of flowers and posters decorating the walls. The air smelt of coffee, toast and biscuits. There was a hum of noise as the cafe was, while small, pretty full, and it felt like a warm hug.

Once you saw the menu, you were sold. This had to be your new coffee place, I mean, they sold churros!! And ham and cheese croissants! In the same place? Insane in the best way. You ordered a mocha and muffin and were snuggled up with a book while waiting when a hand landed on your shoulder.

“Wow, you're early for a change!” The voice that greeted you was warm, but unfamiliar. You turned around to face the stranger, and the poor man's face dropped.

“I'm so sorry, you are not the person I thought you were,” he said slowly, standing awkwardly and putting his hands in his pockets.

“It's OK, happens all the time,” you lied, giving the man a small smile to put him at ease. He had kind eyes and smile, with an air about him that just made you feel comfort able. There was something about him that soothed you, despite the random introduction.

The man sat down at a table in the opposite corner, and as your food and coffee arrived, he waited for a person that never showed.

You were so engrossed in your book, that when you finished the last few pages, your coffee (what was left of it) was cold, and your muffin barely touched. You put the book down and took a minute to return to reality. You looked up to see the man from earlier checking his watch once again, sighing and looking down at the table. You knew that look well.

You walked over before you could stop yourself.

“Hi,” you started, unsure of yourself. “Mind if I join you?”

“Ah, sure! Doesn't seem like she's coming anyway.” The man replied.

“I thought I recognised that look. I'm sorry,” you said, looking away. “Hey, my name's Y/N.”

“Gerard. Nice to meet you.” Gerard held out a hand, which you took softly. There was a warmth to it that mad you smile.

You sat down, thinking of how to start A Conversation. How do people do that again? Luckily Gerard swooped in to end the awkward silence.

“What book are you reading? You seemed super engrossed in it?”

“Yeah? Sometimes I get carried away when I read, it's like I'm not really on Earth and I'm in the book, watching like a fly on the wall,” you laughed, “Sometimes I get so invested, I make faces and gasp out loud without realising I'm doing it.”

Gerard giggled. “You know you've got a good book on your hands when that happens. So what kind of stories are you into?” He asked, and you launched into a long and comfortable conversation, as though you'd both known each other for centuries.

It had been a few months since you first met, but you and Gerard would meet up every week, having your own miniature book club that eventually turned into exchanging CDs and long heart to hearts til the coffee shops closed and the pubs became quiet.

Over time you struggled to keep your feelings or the man at bay. He was kind and cuddly, but strong and brave, and you just admired him so much. It was hard to stay friends when you watched him talk and focused more on his lips than the words he was speaking.

And though you didn't know it, Gerard got more and more comfortable with you, and found himself falling as well. The small gestures became touches, a soft brush of the hand when passing you something, leaning his head on your shoulder in a booth when you're tired, hugs that last just a moment longer than intended, and the occasional kiss on the cheek when it had been a while. You were scared to think that maybe it was only in your mind that his lips lingered for a breath longer than a friend.

It was a cool night and you and Gerard were meeting up at a pub, as you'd been busy with work all day but you both needed some time away from it all, happily finding refuge in each other.

The pub was a warm and vibrant atmosphere, people laughing, mugs clinking, and staff weaving through the crowd, remarkably spilling nothing. You struggled to find Gerard in the crowd, but suddenly there was a hand on the small of your back. You turned around and the scowl on your face shifted to a smile.

“Gee! How are you!” You cried giving him a hug and a kiss on the cheek... or what you intended to be a kiss on the cheek. Gerard had the same idea, and you both went in the same direction. Your lips collided in a short and quick peck that sent electricity through both of you, pulling away with wide eyes.

Gerard laughed. “Well, I'm good now,” he said with a flirting smirk, and you turned your head and blushed.

“Sorry, I didn't mean to-” you started, flustered.

“No no it's fine, I'm sorry, hey, how about we grab a seat?” Gerard stopped you.

You spent a few hours happily munching on hot chips and a burger, and sipping a cider while you chatted about anything and everything you could possibly think of, Gerard talking your ear off equally. By the time your food was gone and your drinks disappeared, the pub was nearly empty and a comfortable quiet came over you both.

Gerard looked at you.

“You know, you had nothing to apologise for, right?” Gerard asked, out of the blue.

“What do you mean?”

“When we kissed. I know it was an accident and all but you didn't need to apologise. I actually, um, I didn't mind it. I wouldn't mind it again.”

You looked away, cheeks heating up fast. When you didn't answer fast enough, Gerard tried to backtrack.

“'M sorry, I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable or anything, you know what, just forget I said it, it didn't happen and doesn't really matter anyway, I me-”

“Gee.” Was all you had to say to silence him.

You looked up at him with the Y/E/C eyes that he adored with all his heart. Even if your lips never touched his again, he decided he'd be content to just have your eyes stay on his for a few more moments. But you took him by surprise, putting you hand on his and then kissing his cheek. When you pulled away, you shyly bit your lip.

Gerard leant forward slowly, and kissed the skin where your cheek meets your lips, desperate to prove his point, lost for words, and terrified to scare you off. His lips stayed on your skin for a moment longer and you felt his breath on your cheek, sending a shiver down your spine. You pressed your forehead against his, eyes closed, noses rubbing for a moment, before you both leaned in and kissed. It was magic. Not the extreme, passionate, thrilling heat. No. But soft. Calm. Warm. Like the safety coming home from a storm. The contentment of a good book. The joy and comfort of your favourite coffee shop.

The kiss ended and you both barely pulled away, soft smiles on your faces, light in your eyes, and quiet laughter drifting from you.

“You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that,” Gerard said, hand still behind your neck.

“You have no idea how much I need you to do it again.”

And with that, your lips met. And would meet, again, again and again.

Taglist:

This is a new account, I was @immrbrightsideeee so please click here if you were and still want to be on my taglist, or if you want to be added (it'd mean a lot!)

@fandomfoodiedancer @smiling-girl @niche-bitch @charlie-rulerofhell

Thanks for reading and if you liked this, please think about buying me a coffee

[seastarblue]

Character Intro: Zhao Li Hua

“It’s funny, yknow. Sometimes the people who’d stab you in the back are the same ones you’d save from the same fate.”

Basics:

Pronouns: she/her

Species: Halfling (Human+High elf)

Age: 28

Nickname(s): Li

Voice Claim: On the fence about it

Physical:

5’10” (≈ 175 cm)

Build: Thin

Skin: Beige

Eyes: Dark brown, almost black

Hair: Black, very long (waist length), kept in a singular braid

Special Features: Small watch tattoo on her left wrist, whip scars on her back, one mole under her left eye and another on the top right of her lip, pointed and elongated ears + dialating/contracting irises and pupils due to elven blood, bad hearing (she has a runic aid for that)

Personality:

Li Hua is seemingly outgoing and friendly with most. She guards herself, but she does it with an air of mellowness. She's loyal to no end, stating that she'd do anything for the people she sees as friends. Her face is an open book— it’s very easy to tell what she’s thinking or feeling.

Speaking Style: Li Hua is pretty outspoken, but she does know when to shut up. She swears quite a bit, and sometimes uses medical terms as she was studying in alchemical medicine.

Likes: alchemy, drawing (mostly doodles though), warmer weather, the color green, listening to Kaiden read, coffee (way too much), bantering, the color green, bugs, fucking around

Dislikes: finding out, oranges, the law, the Guard, the Academy, the prison system, not being told the whole truth, waking up/ going to bed early, overly sweet foods, people who don’t like the color green (/j obvs lol)

Main Goal: “They’re not going to catch me again.” (Ur not gonna believe this li but—)

Backstory (under the cut):

Zhao Li Hua was born under a different name, in a different Kingdom called Hlunlah. The nation was rife with civil unrest, and Li Hua's parents sent her off with her uncle to the relatively quiet kingdom of Nialon.

She and her uncle got a small cottage in Daeryn, and there they stayed.  The people of Daeryn were happy to welcome the two, and they flourished in the new town.

Her uncle studied alchemy, and his passion for the science rubbed off on little Li Hua. She took to finding plants and herbs in the surrounding areas, and that's when she stumbled upon her future best friend, Kaiden.

Li Hua was quite content with staying in or around Daeryn for the rest of her life.

Everyone had left, and Li Hua was soon to follow. She'd been accepted into the prestigious Vespar Academy of Alchemy, and was to leave in a few weeks.

There had been malicious rumors spreading about what happened in the Academy's basements, but Li Hua dispelled them as that--mere rumors. One day, however, her curiosity overtook her, and she found herself in the aforementioned basments. 

What she saw there would mar her opinion on the Academy, and the world, forever.

The Academy decided she'd seen too much and was not trustworthy enough to keep everything to herself. They framed her for spreading misinformation and attempting to undermine the Academy and promptly dropped her in Blackfort prison, infamous for being cruel to its inmates, to ensure her silence. Despite this, Li Hua had other plans. They certainly couldn't keep her locked up forever, after all.

Li Hua now spends her days evading the officers crawling around. She says she doesn't fear those "worthless, good-for-nothing pricks", but it's a little obvious she flinches whenever she sees a uniform resembling the ones at Blackfort.

[sadist-babypink]

i've read the first uhtred-series book aka the last kingdom and here are some things that series-only watchers might find intresting or that i just feel like need to be mentioned:

uhtred's grandfather was also called uhtred. and he is related to a former king of the bebbenburg area.

a lot of what happens in the series when uhtred is an adult and after ragnar's death actually happens when uhtred is still a child and with him

the battle where alfred's brother gets wounded and then dies for example. uhtred is present there but on the dane's side but since he's a child he doesn't fight in the shieldwall. but both him and brida do wound english soldiers

ragnar takes out the leather band keeping his hair together whenever he intents to kill someone, so uhtred knows beforehand when someone is about to die

they celebrate yule quiet often

brida in general is batshit crazy in the first book. she licks someone else's blood of her spear at one point

brida and uhtred swim naked in a pool in london when they were there with ragnar (only mentioned in s2) and brida shamelessly feels him up infront of beocca who does not like that at all

uhtred's uncle sends and assassian on him who joins ragnar's men, then when he tries to kill him, brida is the one to save uhtred

more than half the book takes place before uhtred is 18, ending with the fight where he kills ubba (about the middle of s1) which is also his first actual shieldwall

brida joins ragnar later than uhtred when her village is raided. ragnar sees her hitting a woman (her aunt) and he likes that so he takes her under his protection

uhtred meets alfred the first time when he is still a child (13-14ish) and alfred is about 19

prior to ragnar's death, uhtred and ragnar the younger only really met each other for roughly one season when raganar came back from ireland

uhtred spends a lot of time with ubba (and ivar the boneless, but i don't think he is mentioned in the series) prior to joining the english due to ragnar working with them

ubba has two brothers who play a role, ivar and halfdan. they both have their own army but both die in ireland?

brida has the miscarriage at roughly 14 or 15 years old. her and uhtred have a sexual realtionship at that point but neither think of it as more than friendship

ravn is present a lot and uhtred sees him as sort of a grandfather. both him an brida spend a lot of time with him and tell him what is happening around them, and he then in turn explains to them what it is they are seeing.

ragnar's and uhtred's father-son relationship is way more fleshed out

ragnar has another son younger than uhtred named rorik or something but he is sickly and later dies. most of the things a father would teach their son ragnar cannot teach rorik because of his sickness but uhtred learns it from him, like killing boar or how to steer a ship

uhtred meets beocca multiple times before he is under alfred's command

unlike in the show, the danes and english obviously do not speak the same language. alfred always brings interpreters with him who are priests. uhtred serves as interpreter quiet often too, for both sides

uhtred later has sex with a servant girl alfred also had sex with and he takes pride in it that he isn't all guilty and whiny about it like alfred was lol

uhtred lies A LOT. it's insanely funny. mostly he lies to beocca and alfred, but alfred later manages to see through it

at one point uhtred claims ragnar is hitting him, which is a lie, but ragnar is amused by this

brida also lies a lot. she claims she was edmund's niece, then when confronted by aelswith she claims she was his bastard. both brida and uhtred know this is not true.

aelswith calls brida a prostitute at one point

brida does shrooms on the reg lol

whenever uhtred learning how to read is brought up during a meal with him, aelswith, beocca and alfred, beocca says "amen" and its actually histerical

uhtred is related to aethelred of mercia (not the one from s2 but his father?) and stays with him for some time before he is brought to alfred. he is also related to aelswith i think?

uhtred already met aethelflaed when she was still a baby

in the book when uhtred joins the english he is put on a ship called heahengel (it means archangel (bonus fact. engel means angel in german. language sure is interesting)) by alfred. there he meets leofric who "commands" the crew of the ship

leofric is discribed as small but muscular by uhtred. beocca actually has red hair and a crippled (?) hand. uhtred has long light hair, the same as rangar.

all of alfred's ships have names relating to the bible. uhtred thinks this is stupid.

uhtred's seax is called "wasp-sting". there is also a whole story involving who made his sword and the seax but it's too long to tell here. basically it was uhtred's first follower who is pagan and used to be a smith at bebbenburg.

leofric immedietly dislikes uhtred and uhtred immedietly likes him. i think this is partly because of the way leofric talks to him since it's similar to ragnar

they become good friends after fighting together. uhtred even calls it "love" which i think is really cute

leofric wants to command the fleet of 12 ships alfred has after the previous commander (who is some earlsman who did not want the position at all) deserts. but since he is the son of a slave and can't read, he can't, so he encurages uhtred to get alfred to give him the command over the fleet. however, uhtred first has to learn how to read from beocca at 18 years old lol. also leofric claims that while uhtred will command the fleet, leofric will command uhtred so it's kind of his fleet in a way

the whole fleet thing leads then to the marriage we all know about from the show. uhtred was very against marrying since he was not intrested in it. he also has some very outdated (not for the time but for today) opinions about marriage

a lot of battles they win out of sheer luck. like guthrum losing half his fleet to a storm. this is an event that actuall occured in real life btw.

uhtred straight up lies to udda to make him paranoid talking about having read the auguries and that he's gonna die lol

uhtred is in his first actual shield wall in the battle against ubba. the whole battle happens very differently from in the show. but uhtred does fight udda 1v1 and wins only bc udda slips on someone's guts

uhtred DEEPLY DISLIKES young odda

leofric is the one to tell uhtred about his nephew osferth and that he is alfred's bastard

and this is very different from the show i think: uhtred has no qualms lying about being christian. as a child he even thinks its funny. when he's older he does it to get what he wants (the command over the fleet for example). he'll talk about god and christianity because he believes it will win him alfred's favour but doesn't actually believe any of it. alfred sees right through him, naturally.

once i've finished the next few books i'll make more posts like this btw

[raayllum]

Something I’ve been noticing a lot in my current rewatch is how Rayla and Soren are foils…Soren being the failed crownguard (“failed” in large part bc of his father’s choices) who ends up on a quest to kill his little king… Rayla trying to make up for her parents’ failures as dragonguards and going every extra mile to protect Zym but taking Ezran under her protection as well (sometimes FROM Soren)…, Soren runs Viren through for trying to kill Ez but he’s just an illusion, the real Viren is trying to kill Zym, and Rayla is prepared to die to stop that…then Rayla goes but Soren stays, and when she comes back he’s taken up her role as the moral center of the show, arguing points that she used to make

I tried to see if you’d written anything about these two being foils specifically but tumblr search is… you know lol. I would love it if you could point me to a relevant meta if there is one! If there isn’t, I hope my thoughts were interesting lol they make me emotional

Y'know funnily enough I don't think there ever was a dedicated Soren&Rayla from almost anyone (of course I could've missed it, but at least not from me) precisely cause from what I remember of early post-s3 arc 1 days, their foil relationship was just... a general fandom consensus of everyone going "Oh yeah that checks out" and kinda left at that.

After all, Soren is the princes' sworn protector who tries to kill them, makes his way back onto the right side, and then 'kills' Viren (his father) in order to protect them... whereas Rayla is their sworn killer who defects from her father in order to protect those same princes, and then she actually kills Viren (if Aaravos and Claudia hadn't intervened) in the same episode. More than that, they both leave behind their previous "hey kill these kids" roles in favour of being a Protector of their respective princes (Soren with Ezran, Rayla with Zym) respectively likewise in 3x09.

You're absolutely right that Soren and Rayla both rely a lot on their physical fighting skills, and this parallel in regards to failure always stands out to me in S3:

Soren: As crownguard, it was my job to make sure that nothing happened to him. No matter what. So when the Moonshadow elves came I did everything I could to protect him. But it wasn't enough. I just... don't want to fail you, too. Rayla: It's me, and it's all my fault. I failed them. I let them all down. They're right to reject me. I'm not good enough, and I never will be.

as does this one for Runaan-Viren, because Runaan may have brought his teenage daughter on an assassination mission, but she's never seemingly scared of him the way Soren is of Viren

even if both fathers take issues with 'fear born' weakness at least in theory

And of course there's some other parallels scattered throughout, which makes sense: 1x01-1x03 is basically Rayla speedrunning Soren's S1-S3 arc of perpetuating the cycle of violence to actively trying to stop it by joining forces with your previous 'enemy'.

I think in a lot of ways Soren was exactly the sort of human Rayla had prepared her whole life to kill -- he's proud, he lies, he's not a 'good' person (at first) -- but of course, now they're good friends and it's very sweet to see. Arc 2 has less direct foils, but it's still there, y'know? Just more quietly in the background.

For example, enough has changed since 2x07 that now in 4x05 their roles have virtually switched, since Soren is the one campaigning to save the dragon while Rayla, although not the aggressor, is saying to walk away. I expect S6 Rayla to take some of Soren's 'protector' quality on further in regards to "doing everything you can" when Callum gets possessed. Possible 5x08 parallels also stand out to me with the concepts of identities (names), ownership vs agency, and compassion against the enemy currently wailing on you through future possessed!Callum and Elmer parallels.

The two are also in for a real pickle since they're the most "these people are the bad guys, we're the good guys" in the show... and it's like sir your sister is evil and ma'am your boyfriend is going through a corruption arc, you're in for some rude awakenings. That said they do have their unbreakable bonds of love with Claudia and Callum respectively, so who knows. It'll all work out. (Eventually.)

On that note we can also see some parallels between 2x02 and 3x03 perhaps... Rayla accuses Soren of trying to kill Ezran but explains it poorly, so Callum gives her as much as he can but doesn't side with her in the moment (which to be fair it is Quite a leap so like Callum you're so valid) VS Soren poorly explaining Viren asking him to kill the princes and Claudia not siding with him. The difference is that in the face of more evidence in favour of Claudia + Soren, Callum still sides with Rayla, and in the face of more evidence against Viren ("You'll understand when you see the first to change" -> "Claudia, you're changing too"), Claudia still sides with Viren, but I digress.

I'd also argue that Ezran is the moral centre of the show (at least to me) simply because he's the only one in the main cast who hasn't entered the 1) you did terrible things in the name of love/protective relay and 2) he's pretty measured and compassionate 99% of the time (but I do love the 1% when he's not let me tell you).

I talked about it in this meta (which is 2+ years old jc) about how like a good moral line event horizon measuring stick is "how does this character treat Ezran" and if they're treating him poorly they're not doing the right thing, and if they're treating him well then they Are, but it doesn't go into S4 or S5 so like. Mileage may vary

Last but not least: I do have a Sorayla tag for headcanons edits brotp content in general so if you want more of them, that's what I'd recommend, with fics such as "flower crowns" (oneshot) and "if heaven and hell decide" (completed multichap, 60k) for their dynamic

[lovelyo]

You Can’t Spell Polin Without Colin

Let me be clear. This ain’t a Colin appreciation post. Colin is an entitled, selfish dweeb but even I can see from his POV.

And somehow the Polin fans who swear up and down they love him can’t.

“Colin is a bitch boy”

“Colin stayed mad at Penelope for too long”

“Where’s supportive husband Colin? Where’s Colin ‘My Wife’ Bridgerton?”

“He just needs to forgive her already, get over it!”

This is gonna be a long one.

“Colin is a bitch boy”

That’s a perfect way to invalidate a man’s feelings. Let’s rage about misogyny but talk shit about guys who has feelings 😒. How is he a bitch boy for being upset at someone he loves for lying to him for years, even before they came intimate and when they were just friends.

He was open and transparent with Penelope every step of the way, bared his heart to her, was vulnerable with her and was happy to see that what he wanted was right there in front of him… only for him to find out she’s LW, the person who has been dunking on him and his family, LW whom he loathed. He cried ffs when he found out. The reason that hurt the most wasn’t that she was LW, it’s that she lied to him. She didn't spare a thought that he needed to know about such secrecy i.e, not giving a shit about his feelings. It mirrored exactly what Marina did. (On top of that, he realized that it was her that sent Marina to her doom) She didn’t reciprocate that same vulnerability he did for her and by the end of the season, still chose LW over him and he just had to sit there and take it.

You wanna talk about men not giving a shit about women’s feelings but it’s alright for women to do the same for men in the name of “girlbossing” 🤢

Colin in 2 weeks simmered down about the hurt Penelope has caused him while it took Penelope several months to get over one comment he said about her, which isn’t even detrimental because COLIN DOESN’T OWE PENELOPE A GODDAMN THING! You can’t get mad at someone who doesn’t want to date you. Who do you think you are to even believe you have a claim to someone like they’re a possession. She ghosted him for months over this while he had and did get over lies, shame, and betrayal in, again, a small amount of time. Who’s the bigger whiny bitch?

“Colin stayed mad at Penelope for too long”

Staying mad for too long? He didn’t stay mad long enough! Please contextualize. This man has been in scheming scandals with the Featherington family since season 1 lol. People are forgetting the trauma that he got from the pregnancy scandal, mainly the embarrassment from it being exposed by LW and having the whole ton know his business, which is humiliating as fuck and made him look like a fool(this is why I keep telling you ding dongs to stop saying LW saved the Bridgertons, she did not!) He had to null the engagement with the diamond of the season.

The start of his hatred for LW started from season 1. Colin told Penelope that she should’ve told him to his face about the pregnancy.

“Aschually 🤓☝️, she did try.”

Actually, she did not.

She tried to hint that Marina was still in love with a soldier, not “hey, the misses you trying to spit game at is preggo.” So his friend, knowing this info, instead of telling him the proper information privately to his face as a fricking friend should, printed out his business.

And let’s play devil’s advocate. Ok, Pen told Colin about the pregnancy and Colin didn’t listen. In the same season, we saw Violet do damage control and spinning the rumor windmill to help her daughter get the fuck away from Berbrooke. Penelope knows how supportive and protective the Bridgertons are with each other and also knows how much they like her since she’s friends with Eloise and Colin. Violet would’ve definitely listened, told Colin, and stirred something up to aid the situation.

But nah.

So that happened plus before that scandal came out, LW mocked Daphne for her lack of suitors and said Marina was incomparable, not Daphne. And then the Eloise scandal, all because of LW. Three Bridgertons struck. Even Season 3, LW talked shit about Colin being fake, so Penelope embarrassed him in front of the ton twice. And of course, she had an excuse, “I just wanted the old Colin back!” So you embarrassing him in front of the ton was gonna make him sweet and kind again? 😬

The woman he loves belittled him twice and clearly stands by it 'cause she’s not giving up LW, just not writing it under anonymity. 'So imma acknowledge that I hurt you, the person I love, but I’m not gonna do anything to fix it, but I want you to still support and love me, regardless of what I do,' is essentially what she's saying.

What utter shit, and then we got Pen stans/Polin fans: “Stfu Colin, your angst is ruining my fantasy ship, go kiss, finger, and fuck Penelope already.”

Oh Christ. It’s like whoever doesn’t cater to Penelope deserves the noose.

“Where’s supportive husband Colin? Where’s Colin ‘My Wife’ Bridgerton?”

Where’s supportive wife Penelope? Where’s Penelope ‘I Love You’ Bridgerton? She has declared her love but hasn't really shown it throughout season 3. Show > Tell. Action > Words. With the lies told to him from past to current, this guy undoubtedly has trust issues. How can he believe her? We the viewers saw Pen Hilton pining after Colin through season 1 & 2, but Colin himself doesn't know that she liked him before then. He even said that he thought she wouldn't feel the same about him as he did about her. So when the feeling is finally mutual, Penelope just doesn't do much. It's like she tells him, "I love you" just so he can shut his fucking piehole.

We've seen, despite Colin being upset, him still loving her, wanting her and working through the pain so he can look at Penelope and not immediately think of LW.

"B-B-But, uh, the entrapment comment was too harsh!"

First off, you people act like you have never said mean things to someone out of anger during a fight.

Second, like how you guys say LW is harsh but tells the truth(which is a complete lie, but nothing surprises me anymore with this fandom) that comment was harsh, but he told the truth. She did trap him. While he did ruin her previous proposal, he did chase down her carriage, but right after he proposed, she blabbed to the whole ton the next morning about the engagement(this showed how much the Bridgertons are morons, but I digress). If anything happened, it’d be hard for him to back out without everyone knowing and questioning his honor. It’d be his second time cutting off an engagement and it’d be his 3rd time being humiliated.

He asked if she wanted to be intimate, she immediately said yes. Eloise told her to tell him even before they had sex, but she didn't. Penelope knew Colin hated LW but still agreed to sex before she told him. She didn't even tell him, he had to found out tailing her carriage! So screw you freaks, that comment was well needed for her ass. As said before, Colin has been duped by the Featherington family so him lashing out and saying that is him telling her, 'Prove to me you're not like Marina." (She isn't. She's worse).

"Book!Colin was more supportive!"

Of course he was; LW didn't hurt him, his family, or anyone else. LW wasn't vicious like she is in the show. When Book!Colin found out about LW, him and Penelope were still friends, they weren't engaged, they didn't have sex; Book!Colin didn't hate LW. He was just jelly that Penelope made a legacy own her and he was there still purposeless at age 33(something the show tried to emulate but fell flat in a pile of horse shit). The situation in the show is way worse than what it was in the book. Book!Colin would hate Show!Penelope.

Where was Penelope's support when she saw that he was emotionally damaged by the LW reveal? Where were her attempts to mend the drift when she saw that he wouldn't sleep with her in their marital bed? Where was the comfort when she saw him lying on the couch, mentally worn out? She just passed by him and even suggested leaving in separate carriages. She did not support him when he was at his lowest, his own wife. Now if the show showed Penelope trying to talk to Colin and comfort him and he responded, "Give me more time.”, then fine.

But that didn't happen. He had to be the one to fix the relationship when she was the reason he was depressed. He never considered giving up on her, clearly with him still marrying her and sleeping on the couch they screwed on right outside their room door where he could’ve slept in another room in that huge ass house. He wanted her to try and reconcile but Penelope gave him nothing.

But he’s being too sulky and not supportive enough though Penelope ain’t returning the favor.

We get drowned with LW drama with the Polin fans admonishing Colin for not being a proper pet to Penelope.

Isn't this show named Bridgerton? What in the fresh hell?

He chose her over his own pride, pain and emotions. Penelope didn't do the same but people want to act like Colin isn't supportive or barely supported her, when in a relationship, it goes both ways. His purpose shouldn't be to prop up Penelope but that's what the show limits him to, F his feelings, f his mental health, girlboss Penelope deserves her man and her HEA as if he's a reward or a consolation prize, not a person deeply hurt by someone he thought he knew.

“He just needs to forgive her already, get over it!”

Y'all are trash for this. After all what Penelope has done to him, you want him to get over it so quick so you can have more cringe romantic scenes and soulless sex scenes. It took Eloise a year to forgive Penelope(and it happened in the dumbest fashion, but that's another can of worms). Just because they're together doesn't mean a speedy recovery. Actually it's worse 'cause they are together. He even told Eloise that she’s lucky she’s never been in love; it hurt that much.

The fact he chose to stay is already a big step of him getting over it, but that’s not enough it seems. You want him to get over the hurt she did to him, the lies, the loss of his own agency ‘cause like it or not, Colin still wanted to marry Marina even after knowing the truth but Penelope took away his decision to ensure his availability for her. She embarrassed his family a good number of times. But hey, get over it Colin.

He’s second when it comes to Penelope. He asked this beotch to give up the gossip column, a thing that caused him and others pain throughout the years, to be with him, forget the past and start their new life together. Nope, she chose her career. LW is power and she still wants that manipulative power so take the L from your wife Colin. Her ego won the day, not their love; Penelope is Colin’s first. LW is Penelope’s first, get over it Colin. It’s harsh af knowing you’ll never be first in the heart of the woman that you love.

If anyone needs to get over anything, it’s Penelope. She should’ve been got over Colin’s comment, now stew in her own shit for months; she’s not entitled to his feelings. She should’ve gotten over the damn gossip column that does more harm than good ‘cause if she’s such a great writer, then explore other avenues of writing. You’re already established, it’ll be nothing of you for your works to become popular since the ton already knows you’re a great writer.

The damage for Colin is deep but he must get over it to be the cushion for Penelope, for him to be in the shadows so Penelope can take all the shine ‘cause “feminism woo hoo!” She’s a career woman and Colin’s purpose is just to love Penelope and nothing more.

Penelope, Penelope, Penelope, it’s all about Penelope.

Their relationship shouldn't be imbalanced like it is. The ship is called POLIN. Colin is just as important as Penelope, but the show and even the fans don’t treat it as such. He’s turned to some irrelevant sidekick who’s an accessory for Penelope and his purpose: well of course it is Penelope.

The show made him publish his journals at the end to be like “see look, he does have a purpose of his own!”, though we rarely saw a lead up to that. It’s addressed once, the LW drama comes in, that part of him is buried until the final episode where it’s framed that his anger was jealousy all along, not him having a vendetta against LW for harming him and his loved ones.

Bullshit on top of bullshit.

Yeah, maybe he should’ve went up there and stood with her when she was giving her god awful speech, but his ‘If my only purpose in life is to love a woman as great as you’ toxic feminism speech would’ve just dulled it. Plus, I don’t think people know how abusive that speech is.

They should’ve stood together, Queen deus ex machina gives her pardon, and then he gives her a speech about how the wound is still there but he knows it’ll heal, to be honest with each other going forward, to put the past to rest and continue on into the future, hand in hand as Mr and Mrs. Bridgerton. Cringe, but at least love is the focus. Him being the man behind the woman instead of the man beside the woman undermined their love story and undermined the ridiculous feminism narrative too, sacrificing the equality aspect of both of it.

I’m just ranting at this point but anyway, this ain’t the Penelope show. Give Colin some fucking grace like you do your Mary Sue.

[starryvine]

Woo cookin up a relativity falls au

Bit of context under cut :))

Mabel —> Ford

- art major, moved to gravity falls to get closer to nature and beat back the art block

- found out about he weird stuff almost immediately, really inspired her art, decided to take up photography and start up a scrapbook, starts writing in it too, along the way, starting doing some unofficial research on the stuff, the sciency approach reminds her of dipper :(, becomes the journal (3 in total like normal)

- estranged from him, they had a big fight a while back and haven’t spoken since

- found some weird carvings while exploring describing the “axolotl” with a warning not to summon it, does so anyway (thinks the little drawing of him is cute)

- has a dream, axolotl promises that doing more sciency stuff is the key to fixing things with her brother’s, so what would be more sciency than a scientific breakthrough (the portal)

- They build the portal, Mabel has a deal with the axolotl, blah blah blah

- tries to shut down the portal, axolotl gets nasty and does the whole possession stuff, same as canon

- Mabel decides her journals need to be destroyed, calls dipper to get rid of one (part of her hopes they can make up)

- dipper comes, they argue and fight (although it’s less intense than canon, and more teary on Mabel’s part), but the portal still gets switched on and Mabel is sucked through

Dipper —> Stan

- had a really specific major and lots of promise, but he couldn’t find a position in his field

- Ends up taking odd jobs to pay the bills

- Does less overt crime than canon, but still changes identities a bunch

- He lies so much on resumes and starts getting a reputation, no one hires, hence the fake names

- Also is totally dodging his college debt and possibly the irs. Dunno the guy just got tired of paying them

- Once he runs out of jobs/people stop hiring him he dabbles a little in crime but like more insurance fraud type stuff

- Lives out of his car, run out of half the states in the US, the irs/fbi may or may not be after him

- Had a falling out with Mabel like ten years back at this point, but gets her postcard begging her to come to gravity falls

- Is immediately faced with a paranoid, desperate, and obviously injured Mabel

- He tries to ask what happened, but Mabel is Tired and kind of just gives him her journal and tells him to get as far away as possible

- He tries to burn the journal as a last resort while Mabel isn’t listening to him, she flips out (doesn’t want to destroy her art) and they scuffle, Mabel gets portal’d and dipper is left behind :(

- Goes into town, someone asks him if he got a haircut (up until working on the portal like 2 years ago Mabel was pretty frequent in town), people remark on the “weird artist that lives out in the woods” that hasn’t been seen

- People say they would love to see her art, dipper, broke and pretending to be her, offers to show them and give them a tour for a price, and he starts making his own pieces related to his own interests and the mystery shack is born

- Still working on getting Mabel back though :(

Then Stan and Ford go to stay with their weird great uncle Dipper, and shenanigans ensue lol similar to canon

[chilljustacat]

✨Let's talk about OCs!✨How would you describe your OC's personality/aesthetic? What's your favourite thing about them? Tell us a fun fact(s) about your OC or their creation!❤️Send this to at least 3 people to spread some OC appreciation!❤️

Thank you dear for your ask! I'm more than happy to have the opportunity to talk about Ra'el ❤️

Under the cut because long.

Ra'el's personality/aesthetic

Uh, well, when she was created I knew two things about her - that she was going to be a warlock - so her main ability is charisma, and that she was going to be inappropriately curious (it was an excuse to try weird decisions and stay in character lol).

So from the first one came the fact she is a compulsive liar - usually her lies are not calculating or well thought out, she just chooses the version that suits her at the time and it rarely has to do with reality. People tend to believe it anyway. Although she has one rule - she doesn't break her promises. Once she decides to make a real promise, she will try to fulfil it, at any cost and by any means. Of course, what is a 'real promise' is up to her.

From the second comes most of her reckless decisions (romancing Astarion included lol). In fact, most of the important choices in her life have been made on impulse, either from the aforementioned curiosity or the consequences of it. She is hopeless, though both of these traits tone down in her as she gains age, experience and wisdom thankfully.

As for the aesthetics - I think it's quite typical for a tefling-warlock. She takes care of the 'witchy' nature of her look, with an inclination to some lavishness and elegance too. She wears mainly black, red and gold (originally it was going to be black, green and gold, but well, she had a different idea). She prefers pants for utility reasons but for Astarion she sometimes puts on dresses. She doesn't have a consistent hairstyle, except she is always a redhead and always at least a tad dishevelled.

My favourite thing about her

It's probably her - I don't know how exactly to name it - stubbornness? Ruthlessness? Once she decides something is important to her or her loved ones, she will do anything to achieve it. Literally anything. She'll kill, she'll deceive, she'll build a financial pyramid scheme to take money out of the partiar's pockets. That's why she spent years looking for a way to 'cure' vampirism (much more actively than Astarion, of course) and ended up sacrificing almost everything, including her magic, to achieve it.

Same goes when someone does her or her loved ones wrong. She doesn't forget. And she will have her revenge eventually. Be warned, vampire and warlock haters.

Fun fact

I don't know if it's really funny, but her real name isn't Ra'el but Amalia Millstone, which she found far too common and unfancy for a powerful warlock (which she wasn't yet, but intended to be). So, for the sake of building her brand, she came up with a name that sounds like an abbreviation for something mysterious and hellish - but she never worked out what name it was from. Every time someone asked her, she'd come up with a fancy new name, like Razephinel, Ramizanael and such, never even bothering to remember it because no one noticed. Astarion was the first who did.

Sorry for the wall of text and the old pic, but all her saves were lost with the new patches. Sounds like a necessity to replay her for a third time after patch 8, I guess.

[justinewt]

Infortunatus Eventus Seriem - THOSE ABOUT TO DIE REWRITE Chapter One

[THOSE ABOUT TO DIE MASTERLIST]

Next Chapter

Summary: Aldea had everything she wanted and needed in her homeland of Baetica, in the south of Hispania. She never fantasized about other places, until she met this young roman sailor who got her dreaming of Rome. She never thought she would ever be leaving her family, and certainly not in the way that she did and in the series of unfortunate events that ensued, she was lucky enough to found the one person in Rome who she wouldn't suffer at the hand of.

Words: 4k

Warnings: title inspired by "a series of unfortunate events" which is the title's translation lol // Those about to die (no spoilers yet), 1st person (somewhat unreliable narrator - doesn't mean that she lies about the events, just that it's her recollection/perception of them), slavery, broken bones, mention of abduction and captivity, mention of sexual assault

The year, 75 CE. The place, Rome.

I started dreaming of seeing this city for myself about a year ago, but I didn’t think the fates would play such a cruel trick on me. I had everything. A modest but rich life, richer than the lives of most high-borns. My mother died giving birth to my younger brother, but my father was good, and we lived with our grandfather too, and I had three brothers who were – are – my best friends. Andria, the oldest, was the spitting image of our father both in appearance and spirit, and my brother, Fonsoa, just a couple years older, was kind-hearted. And the youngest, born 4 years after me. My sweet baby brother, Elia, whom I nurtured as a mother and cared for with Fonsoa. I believe he looked up to me, like his big sister but like a mother too, all while it fell to Fonsoa and I to raise him as our older brother was always off with the horses. We lived in the rocky hills of Baetica, in the south of Hispania. We had horses – Andalusians. I loved those beasts. I loved to ride bareback, clinging to their manes, muscles contracted, and thighs pressed against their sides, my own mane flying behind me, waving in the wind like the tall grass in which I loved to lie die and watch the sky, often lying down at the top of a hill and letting my body roll to the bottom with Elia. I would always hit a couple of stones on the way and get bruises all over my arms and legs, but I couldn’t have cared less about it. I loved the freedom of such a life, but I had no idea this was freedom. It was just my life. I had never known anything else. And I wish it had stayed that way. We often rode our horses to Portus Magnus, the Great Harbor. To sell meat or things that we grew. Over time, I began to wander by the port, looking at the boats moored at the docks, and I noticed this great ship, bigger than all the others. I asked around, curious to know whose ship this was, as I looked over my shoulder at the Roman soldiers walking by, stumping the grounds all at the same time.

“Es el barco de un romano – un rico comerciante de Roma.” The old fishmonger had told me. The boat, that of a rich roman merchant, from the great city of Rome. I didn’t know why, but I began to think about it. About this roman ship, and this city. I had never lacked anything, never dreamed of elsewhere, and yet, I thought about Rome. I began to dream of it, wanting to see it for myself, with my own eyes. I remember that day, this young sailor, his blond hair shining in the sun and the creases around his eyes as he smiled at me. He told me his name – Aelius – and greeted me in Spanish, uncertain and shy, but our conversations were mostly silence. I understood latin but had a long way to go before being able to speak it fluently. Eventually, I got there. I was always a quick learner, smart. Now I can speak it, but not then. He took a liking in me, and I did too. I returned to Portus Magnus a couple other times this same week and went to see him everytime. He had told me they were leaving by the end of the week, but that the man he worked with often had business in Hispania, so they would return. 19-year-old me promised herself that she would be able to speak better Latin and by the time I saw him again, and I did, a year later, 75 CE, when I would finally see this city, I dreamed of and I won’t ever be sure why, but I kept these meetings a secret and hid them from my brothers. I could have told them – I should have told them. They could have found me sooner and brought me home. But that didn’t happen. I was a fool.

“Aldea!” He called out my name as I was jogging back to my horse to go find my brothers before they came to find me. I turned around and he held me in his arms, whispering in my ear; “come back tonight”. And I nodded. I left and went about my day and when the night came, my father went to sleep, my brothers went to sleep and, even though the four of us shared a room, I somehow managed to sneak out. I was so excited, looking forward to this forbidden meeting, my heart beating so fast and I enjoyed the sweetness with which the wind caressed my skin and played with my hair, riding under the moonlight. I arrived in town and found him by the docks, as usual. I had never seen Portus Magnus by night. It was so quiet – peaceful. His fellow sailors were sleeping too. It was just the two of us as we lied on the ship’s deck and looked at the night sky. I loved the stars. Not more than horses, but I loved them. They fascinated me and I wished I could touch them, stretching out my arm high in the hair. As a child, I often asked Andria, or my father, to carry me on their shoulder so I could try and touch them. I wanted to hold one in my hand – these little shining balls. And we kissed. I had never kissed a boy before. He wasn’t the first I liked, but he was the first I kissed. The first boy I really liked lived in the village down the valley, where I often went with my brothers. I was 16 when I met him, and we did grow fond of each other rather quickly. At the time, people began to tell my father he should marry me off to a man, but he wouldn’t. I remember then, he had asked me if I loved this boy. I thought I did – and I most likely did – and he was actually considering marrying us but then, one day, he fell off his horse after it got spooked by a snake in the high grass and he lost control. He got trampled and died, less than an hour later. I was shattered but I didn’t want to cry in front of my father and my brothers, so I didn’t. This all happened two years prior to my first meeting with this sailor, and I felt this was different. He wouldn’t die like this. Maybe we could get married. Maybe my father would say yes, and I could go to Rome with him. We kissed, and this perfect scenario went through my head, and it seemed so possible, so real, as if it was already happening. My first kiss, but the first time I ever laid down with a man. Then we heard noise, and we hid and fell asleep in the shadows of piled up crates and sacks.

“Oy!” We were woken up abruptly, sitting up with a gasp as a sailor threw a bucket of water over our heads. We were pulled away from each other. That was when I realized we were already far from the coast. Aelius was flogged for his misbehavior – bringing a woman on the boat. And I was dragged towards the edge and thrown to the other side, clinging to a rope, feet dangling in the air. I ended up in this position after asking if they couldn’t just send me back to Portus Magnus, that I wouldn’t cause them more trouble.

“You can swim home if you want to, girl.” The merchant said, looking down on me. But I didn’t know how to swim. I had never swum a day in my life, and I looked beneath me with terror in my eyes and felt my hands slip down the rope, the palms of my hands growing warmer and sweaty, and begged. I didn’t cry, but I begged them to let me stay on the boat, that I would do anything to make me useful until they reached Rome. “And what will you even do in Rome?”

“I can work.”

“I have no use for a girl like you—” he cut himself off mid-sentence, thinking. They pulled me up and dragged me to his cabin, keeping me from going to check on Aelius who lied on the deck, still, but not dead. He was groaning in pain. I could hear him, until the merchant closed the doors. “You’ll stay here until we reach Rome, then I’ll see what I’ll do with you.”

“Thank you—” He left me alone. The trip lasted 9 days – I counted. Everyday, I spent my time curled up in a corner of his cabin, I watched the waves, the ocean stretching as far as the eye could see. That was all I could do. I wish I didn’t remember what happened on that boat. When the first night came, I saw what my life would be until we reached Rome. He tried to force himself on me, which he successfully did – after shoving me in a piece of furniture when I scratched his face, and then grabbed a gold candle holder and swang it around as I dodged his blows, until he finally managed to strike me – a violent blow to the shoulder – and I fell, letting out a sharp scream. I felt my collarbone break. My heart was speeding. I couldn’t catch my breath. The pain was so intense I thought my heart was going to explode. Tears poured down as he grabbed my face, firmly, and threatened to break my entire arm, and the other one as well, if I kept being “ungrateful” after he allowed me to stay on his boat, using my own naïve words against me. I shouldn’t have said I would do anything. I believe the sharks would have been less cruel. That night, he left me to cry and whimper, quietly, in a corner while he slept, but the other nights, he did whatever he wanted with me, and I couldn’t possibly fight back.

The pain was unbearable and yet I endured. I genuinely thought all hope was lost at this point. I was hurting, isolated. I cried. I desperetaly wanted to return to my father, my brothers, my horses, my sweet life. Going to Rome didn’t sound like such a dream anymore. When I looked out the porthole, I watched the waves, but I watched the birds flying around the ship too. I was like a bird, with its wing broken, and kept in a cage. Eventually, we reached the harbour of Ostia, Rome’s port. I was put in chains and sent to be sold as a slave at the market. This was not what I had dreamed of. But after 9 days and 8 nights of hell, I was there, with a chain going around the back of my neck from which a wooden plaque hung over my chest. I was forced to stand straight but my shoulder was drooping to the side. My arm felt so stiff and I could hear a sort of grinding or crackling sound when I did move my shoulder. It made me sick. On the plaque could be read my country of origin, and my name along with roman numerals which I didn’t know the role of.

“HISPANIA

ALDEA

XX”

The big man that was taking care of the sells – “offerings” he called us – yelled the names, making diminishing and belittling comments on the dozen slaves lined up on the stage. I listened with one ear, too busy trying to keep my composure and not let my pain show. I felt my eyebrows furrow as I stared at the crowd. A couple thousand serteces here, a few hundred there. I had never seen slaves being sold and never in my wildest dreams would have I thought I would be one of them. Then it came to me.

“Look at this one.” the man pulled me closer to him, luckily, he grabbed my good arm at first but then I tried to slip away, and he smacked his hand on my broken shoulder and squeezed. The broken bone moved, and my eyes got teary. I couldn’t help but hold my breath. I let out a low groan through my gritted teeth, closing my eyes for a second, my head slightly falling forward. I sighed through my nose, like a horse. “Andalusian beauty straight from Baetica. Well formed. As sturdy as their horses, she knows all about them, and can cook you all kinds of wonderful meals.”

The vendor moved his hand off my shoulder and lifted my head, showing off my features to the crowd. I sighed heavily; the pain lingered but without the pressure of his hand on my injury. That’s when I reopened my eyes and crossed his gaze. While everyone was mumbling to each other, shaking their heads as they looked me up and down, mentioning my shoulder, showing disapproval and disinterest but he was looking at me with curiosity, slightly squinting his eyes. I couldn’t help but stare at him in surprise when he offered a few hundred serteces to buy me. I was led off stage and they removed the plaque from my neck and pushed me towards the man they had called Tenax. I approached him as he bent over to talk to a small child next to him. The boy ran off. Tenax turned back towards me and stretched out his arm, but he didn’t grab my arm, he just put a hand in my back to lead me to move forward and glanced at me as I wouldn’t stop staring. He brought me to a building, we entered through the front door, climbed a couple flight of stairs and walked in an apartment – his apartment, obviously. I stood there, my eyes scanning the room, but I quickly started staring at him again. He was his back to me, moving a bunch of things on a piece of furniture by the door.

“Do all Spaniard women stare in silence, or is it just you?” He leaned on the cupboard and locked eyes with me, eyebrows slightly raised. I parted my lips and looked down, but still held my head high. I’m not sure he heard me when I mumbled an apology under my breath, but he spoke again anyway. “I called for a physician, to take a look at your shoulder.”

“Thank you.”

“She speaks.” His tone was light. I wondered why he would have someone look at my injury, but he answered my question on his own, and if I had thought about it for longer than a second, I would have figured it out as it was fairly obvious and reminded me of my status once more. “I own a betting tavern in town. I’ll let you work there, but you won’t be of any use to me if I leave your injury untreated.”

“Sí – uh, yes.” I caught myself as I first answered in my native language and I caught him smiling, and I caught myself smiling too. I thought, maybe, he wasn’t as bad as the merchant. I thought I didn’t trust him, that I was just not too wary, not scared but I actually began to trust him when he said he called a physician for me. I always thought my brother, Andria, was wrong when he said I trusted too easily but he was right, and this quality of mine was a double-edged sword, sometimes cutting me deep, like with the merchant.

“How did it happen?”

“I fell.” I could tell he didn’t believe me, looking me up and down, doubtfully, but someone knocked on the door before he could voice his suspicion. Tenax straightened up and went to open. The physician, an old man with a short beard, came in, opening a box on the table as he exchanged a few words with Tenax. In his box, I saw a bunch of herbs and ointments among other things. He turned to me and when he raised his hand to take my arm, I flinched and noticed Tenax watching me like a hawk. His gaze wasn’t harsh though. I saw in his eyes the same curiosity as he had back at the auction. He gave me a nod and I lowered my sleeve, letting the physician look at my shoulder. My collarbone was red, and swollen, and looked about as bad as it felt. He asked if I could move my arm at all, and I said no. He slowly pushed my arm upwards and brought his ear closer, and no matter how much I contained myself, I couldn't hold back from crying out. I felt as though my bone was grinding.

“It’s the shoulder. The collarbone is broken – here.” He circled the swollen area and showed a lump sticking out and I sighed through my nose, letting out a chimper, digging my nails into my palm. He then advised my arm be put in a sling for the next few months and he gave me a sip of tincture of poppies, telling Tenax not to give me more than three times a day. As it wasn’t the arm itself that was injured, he couldn’t do much. He and his assistant then left them alone and an old woman, whom Tenax referred to as Claudia, helped set up my arm into a sling.

“I’m going to ask again. How did it happen? It’s all right. You can tell me, Aldea.”

“The merchant who brought me to Rome. He—” I took a shaky breath. I wasn’t going to tell him all that happened. I didn’t want to, but mostly, I couldn’t. The words wouldn’t leave my lips. “I struggled... I barely scratched his face and he – he struck me with a candlestick.”

“I see.” He looked away for a second. Maybe he was touched by my story, maybe not. I couldn’t really tell. He then showed me the door from which Claudia came out, telling me that I would sleep in that room. He had her cook me some food and I watched him leave as he returned to work to his betting tavern, adding that I should rest and that he would show me around tomorrow. I ate a good stew, warm in my belly. And then I lied down on my bed, doing as he said and had some rest. I woke up a few hours later, breathing frantically after having a nightmare where I was back on the ship, and I was quickly brought back to reality when I rolled on my wrong side and sat up with a whimper. I tried to catch my breath as I got up from the bed and Claudia came in, having heard me making noise. She gave me some more tincture of poppies.

“Where’s Tenax?”

“He’s already at the tavern. I will bring you to him. Come on.” I thought I had only slept for a few hours and woken up during the afternoon, but it seemed it was already the next day. Little did I realize I had been this sleep deprived during my stay on the merchant’s ship. I was in such pain; I didn’t even realize I was this tired. She walked me through the streets, and we reached the betting tavern a few minutes later. There were so many people in the same place, so much noise. People arguing, talking, laughing and thinking about their bets for the next race. Large curtains, left half open, divided the tavern’s space. On one side, there were tables and on the other, there was a desk with the space Claudia went home, pushing me forward. I walked through the curtains, glancing over my shoulder and stepping aside as a man walked past me. There were slated up on the wall with names written and beads haning on threads stretched from one side to the other of rectangle wooden frames. Tenax was nearby, talking to a man in a blue tunic. He had seen me but wasn’t done with his conversation, so I wandered around the betting desk and took a closer look at the frames, sliding my finger on a bead to make it roll around the thread. I had no idea what it was. I felt someone come up behind me and saw Tenax appear in my field of vision.

“That’s an abacus – a counting board.”

“How does it work?” He walked behind the counter and proceeded to explain to me the ins and outs of the abacus. I watched him carefully as he accompanied his comments with gestures, to illustrate his words and I nodded when I understood and began to speak up, making his explanation interactive.

“Good. You’re a quick learner.”

“I can’t believe you’ve never seen one, Spaniard princess.” The man in the blue tunic chimed in, his arms crossed over his chest. He had a thick accent, rolling his r’s. not Spaniard, I thought. The nickname he had given me made me chuckle. Either Tenax told him I wasn’t roman, or he could tell from my olive skin and accent. I heard how differently I spoke from the Romans around me. If they weren’t sure I was a Spaniard from looking at me, my pronunciation would betray me. The name Scorpus left Tenax’s lips as he introduced him to her. He was a charioteer whose fame was ever-growing. “The most famous one” he corrected Tenax. He looked and sounded proud, holding his head high with a cocky smile. I found him funny, and I liked his accent.

“No, I’d never seen one. I didn’t need this to take care of horses.”

“You took care of horses back home?”

“Yes, with my brothers. I always loved horses.” I followed Scorpus’ gaze as he turned his head to Tenax. The latter waved his hand, motioning for us to go before leaning on the counter.

“Go.”

“After you…” He held out his hand in front of him, inviting me to move forward. We left the betting tavern and walked to the stables. There was a dozen of them, most of them closed, people coming in and out of them, glancing at us. As we approached an open stable, he took off his hood – I didn’t even realize that he had put a hood over his head in the first place. There I met a man, Gavros, one of the stable hands. He was nice from the start. Scorpus eventually left and I spoke horses with Gavros. He was a former charioteer himself.

“I prefer riding bareback.” I spoke. “Helps to create a stronger bond between the horse and its rider.”

“You rode bareback? That requires a lot of strength.” He declared, looking me up and down.

“I guess.” I had gotten so used to it; I had no idea if it made me strong. I wasn’t sure I was strong at all.

“Is that how you hurt your arm? You fell?”

“I, uh, I did – fall, but not because I rode bareback. Do you think I could work as a stablehand too?”

“I wouldn’t be against it. You sure know your way around horses.”

“I’ll ask Tenax later. He—” I was cut off midsentence, before telling Gavros that I was Tenax’s slave and turned around when I heard his voice behind me. He was standing by the stable’s doors.

“Ask me in a few months, when your arm isn’t in a sling anymore. Then we’ll see.” He had a faint smile on his face. I went back to the betting tavern with him, and he showed me around, telling me I’d work there, helping with whatever I was able to do. I met a bunch of small kids too, a little over a dozen of them. I noticed straight away that they looked up to Tenax, though he justified it by the fact that they were exactly just that, young children, and they would look up t anyone who gave them food and coin. But seeing all this, and the good opinion I already had of him, only further strengthened my initial thought – I could trust him. Maybe he wouldn’t keep me as a slave for very long. I wouldn't actually mind working for him anyway, even if i wasn't forced to.

[To be continued…]  

Next Chapter

Published (07/28/2024) by Andrea

[alaskan-wallflower]

Hi! Can I make an ask about Cherry for the Wretched AU? Thanks!

I love you sm rn OHHH MY GOSH

Okay SO! Cherry’s great great great great grandfather was the one to eventually pillage and destroy the land The Wretched lived on (and then his son’s son was the one who renamed them from The Ethereals to The Wretched because that’s what he saw them as-wretched creatures) so the wretched kinda had to learn about her family from birth. I feel like it’s a little vendetta that the family has held against them and af first even Pony was like “your family would kill me for my pelt/antlers and stuff, how do I know you’re not the same?”

So in this Cherry is human. There’s a few like…half human/half wretched creatures because those kinds of relations are seen as disgraceful and impossible…though it has happened and that’s where the middle class falls into place, so they usually ether end up being mythical creatures with no binding to elements or they end up human with a binding with an element…maybe I’ll make Cherry a half one but I don’t think I will. But anyway. This is fun—

So Bob was the main guy who jumped Johnny (who is a siren in this…still debating on what he’s bound to? Originally I said blood…maybe dreams tho? I honestly don’t know yet. But anyway. When johnny was on land and got jumped he had his voice and a bunch of his scales stolen. And Bob gave Cherry a necklace with Johnny’s scales inside (he lied about where he got them) but Pony was REALLY mad at her at first (he doesn’t notice until she comes to visit Johnny in the hospital) and he’s like “You wear his scales every day! Did you not notice that you can bend *insert element that Johnny is bound to*?!” and Cherry jsut feels SICK because she thought Bob had just found them because sirens shed scales all the time on land and they’d be taken, but these were FROM JOHNNY’S JUMPING and she just throws it away. She thought it was by co incidence if anything.

But in this AU she goes against her family and ends up siding with The Wretcehd. She probably ends up getting kicked out for “disgracing the family name” and she stays with Marcia (her and Marcia are 🤞) but Pony forgives her and even tries to give her one of his feathers as a token of it but she absolutely refuses it because she can’t stand looking at humans wearing parts of Wretched. She even goes back to calling them Ethereals.

I <3 the socs in this AU…thinking about having some toxic yuri between Bev and Ace too lol