#so by the time she DOES end up alone she has been given the confidence and skillset to figure out what she has to do

[blueskittlesart]

any thoughts on how once again zelda was robbed of her agency because her "father figure" didn't listen to her? even if rauru was kinder to her than her father. and that she had sonia who was patient and loving for a little while before she died (just like her mother). i know rauru apologizes for his hubris but still, i wish we saw zelda be upset about it. and even if zelda was such a big part of the quest she still literally sacrificed her humanity once again because of someone else's mistake- because rauru literally didn't listen to the girl from the future that warned you that shit was going to go down. o know nintendo just loves putting zelda inside crystals and stones but i wish we got something better. even if it was her decision to become a dragon... did she have any other choice? it really just feels like they robbed her of agency again just like botw and the games before

i've been trying to figure out how to answer this one. because there are two ways i could analyze this plot point, either from a writer's perspective or an in-story perspective, but neither of those lead to me fully agreeing with your interpretation? I think there's definitely something to be said about zelda consistently being pushed aside in these games, but. well. ok let's get into it ig

from a writer's perspective, I do honestly have quite a bit of sympathy for the zelda devs as they attempt to navigate the modern political landscape with these games. The cyclical lore, though canonized relatively recently, holds them to a standard of consistency in their games in terms of certain key elements. one of those key elements is that there has to be a princess, and that princess must somehow be the main macguffin of the game. The player must chase her, and the end goal of the game must be to reunite the player and the princess. In 1986 this was an incredibly easy sell. women didn't need to be characters. players were content with saving a 2-dimensional princess whose only purpose was to tell them "good job!" at the end. but as society advances, that princess becomes a much more difficult character to write while adhering to the established overarching canon. (as a side note: i don't necessarily believe that the writers SHOULD be held to the standards of that canon. I think deviating from it in certain areas would be a good change of pace. but i also recognize that deviations from the formula are widely hated by the loz playerbase and that they're trying to make money off these games, so we're working under the established rule that the formula must be at least loosely adhered to.) Modern fans want a princess who is a person, who has agency and makes decisions and struggles in the same way the hero does. but modern fans ALSO want a game that follows the established rules of the canon. so we need a princess who is a real character but who can ALSO serve as a macguffin within the narrative, something that is inherently somewhat objectifying.

the two games that i think do the best job writing a princess with agency are skyward sword and botw (based on your ask, our opinions differ there lol. hear me out) in both games, we have a framing event which seperates zelda and link, but in both games, that separation was ZELDA'S CHOICE. skyward sword zelda runs away from link out of fear of hurting him. botw zelda chooses to return to the castle alone to allow link the time he needs to heal. sksw kinda fumbled later on by having ghirahim kidnap her anyway, but. i said BEST not PERFECT. botw zelda I think is the better example because, with the context of the memories, she's arguably MORE of a character than link is. we see her struggles, her breakdowns, her imperfection, specifically we see her struggle with her lack of agency within the context of the game itself. when she steps in front of link in the final memory, and when she chooses to return to the castle, those are some of the first choices we see her make almost completely free of outside influence; a RECLAMATION of her agency (within the narrative) after years of having it stripped from her. from an objective viewer's standpoint, this writing decision still means she is absent from 90% of the game and that she has little control over her actions for the duration of the player's journey. however I think this is just about the best they could have done to create a princess with agency and a real character arc while still keeping the macguffin formula intact--you're not really SAVING zelda in botw. SHE is the one that is saving YOU; when you wake up on the plateau with no memories, too weak to fight bokoblins, let alone calamity ganon. the reason you are allowed to train and heal in early-game botw is because SHE is in the castle holding ganon back, protecting YOU. When you enter the final fight, you're not rescuing zelda, you're relieving her of her duty. taking over the work she's been doing for the past hundred years. in the final hour, you both work in tandem to defeat ganon. while this isn't a PERFECT example of a female character with agency and narrative weight, i think it's a pretty good one, especially in the context of save-the-princess games like loz.

as for totk, you put a lot of emphasis on rauru not believing zelda and taking action immediately, which, again, from an objective standpoint, i understand. but even when we're writing characters with social implications in mind, those character's actions still need to... make sense. Rauru was a king ruling over what he believed to be a perfectly peaceful kingdom. zelda literally fell out of the sky, landed in front of him, claimed to be his long-lost granddaughter, and then told him that some random ruler of a fringe faction in the desert was going to murder him and he had to get the jump on it by killing him first. the ruler which this girl is trying to convince rauru to wage an unprompted war on has the power to disguise himself as other people. no one in their right mind would immediately take the girl at her word. war is not something any leader should jump into without proper research and consideration, and to rauru's credit, he DIDN'T ever outright dismiss zelda. he believed her when she said she was from the future, he allowed her to work with him and he took her warnings as seriously as he could without any further proof. but he could not wage an unprompted war on ganondorf. that's just genuinely not practical, especially for a king who values peace among his people as much as rauru seems to. as soon as ganondorf DID attack, giving rauru confirmation that zelda's accounts of the future were real, he began making preparations to confront him. remember that zelda didn't KNOW that rauru and sonia were going to be casualties of the war--she didn't make the connection between rauru's arm in the future and rauru the king until AFTER sonia's death, when rauru made the decision to attack ganondorf directly. I think the imprisoning war and the casualties of it were less an issue of zelda being denied agency and more an issue of no one, including zelda, having full context for the events as they were unfolding. if zelda had KNOWN that sonia and rauru were going to die from the beginning and was still unable to prevent it that would be a different issue, but she didn't. none of them did.

I think another thing worth pointing out with rauru and his death irt zelda is that rauru is clearly written specifically as a foil to rhoam. this is evident in how he treats both zelda and link, with a constant kindness and understanding which is clearly opposite to rhoam's dismissiveness and disappointment. consider rhoam's death and the circumstances surrounding it. He died because, in zelda's eyes, she was unable to do her duty; the one thing he constantly berated her for. Rhoam's death solidified zelda's belief that she was a failure, a belief which she KNEW rhoam held as well. his death was doubly traumatic to her because she knew he died believing it was her fault. Now contrast that to the circumstances surrounding rauru's death. Rauru CHOSE to die despite zelda's warnings, because he wanted zelda and his kingdom to live. rauru's death was not agency-stripping for zelda; in fact, it functioned almost as an admission that he believed her capable of continuing to live in his place. With him gone, the fate of the kingdom fell to her and the sages. he KNEW that he would die and still went into that battle confidently, trusting zelda to make the right decisions once he was gone. where rhoam believed zelda incapable of doing ANYTHING without link, rauru trusted zelda COMPLETELY with the fate of his kingdom. several details in totk confirm that when rauru died there was no plan for zelda to draconify, that all happened after rauru was gone. it was HER plan, the plan which rauru trusted her to come up with once he was gone. and I think it's also worth noting that zelda's sacrifice with the draconification parallels rauru's!! Rauru gives up his life trusting the sages and his people to be able to continue his work in his place. Zelda gives up her physical form trusting link and the sages in the future to be able to figure out what to do and find her. these games in general have this recurring theme but totk specifically is all about love and trust and reliance on others. zelda relies on link, link relies on zelda, they both rely on the champions and the sages and rauru and sonia and they all rely each other. reliance on others isn't lack of agency, it's a constant choice they make, and that choice is the thing which allows them to triumph.

The draconification itself is something i view similarly to zelda's sacrifice in botw--a choice she makes which, symbolically & within the confines of the narrative, is a demonstration of her reclaimed agency and places her at the center of the narrative, but which ALSO removes her from much of the player's experience and robs her of any overt presence or decisionmaking within the gameplay. again, I think this is a solution to the macguffin-with-agency dilemma, and it's probably one of the better solutions they could have come up with. Would I have liked to see a game where zelda is more present within the actual gameplay? yes, but I also understand that at this point the writers aren't quite willing to deviate that much from their formula. the alternative within the confines of this story would be to let zelda DIE in the past, removing her from gameplay ENTIRELY, which is an infinitely worse option in my opinion. draconification allowed her to be present, centered the narrative around her, and allowed the writers to reiterate the game's theme of trust and teamwork when she assists the player in the final battle, which i think was a REALLY great choice, narratively speaking.

In any case, I don't think it's right to say that zelda was completely robbed of her agency in botw and totk. Agency doesn't always mean that she's unburdened and constantly present, it means she's given the freedom to make her own choices and that her choices are realistically written with HER in mind, not just the male characters around her, and I think botw/totk do a pretty good job of writing her and her choices realistically and with nuance.

[telanadasvhenan]

thinking more about the psychological aspect of solavellan, and before I start, I'd like to stress that this is NOT CRITICAL of it, I actually think it's what makes part of the dynamic interesting. My word isn't the be all and end all, however, this is just my musings on the topic :] Also, REALLY long post! so, more under the read more lol

From Lavellan's point of view, I would personally struggle to see her trusting another lover or close one again for a long time, if ever again. I don't really think people ever talk about the real impact of the things she goes through, or what solas put her through, and the hurt as a result of it. The relationship is never defined between the two of them, it's always spoken about in vague undetermined words from their companions and poetic elvish between the two of them. Are they lovers? companions? partners? it's really up to the player. Leliana says that "you were close", Sera says Lavellan is "in it." Vhenan means home, heart, it's not a word said lightly imo and he tells you he loves her by their second kiss. It's never an official thing, so how secure can Lavellan truly feel?

This could go both ways when it comes to the break up. Crestwood, as a scene, is so interesting to me because the first portion seems like a man brought to his knees by weakness for the woman he loves. The two of them never cease to touch, fingers entwined, shoulders brushing, skin to skin. It's so reminiscent of how Lavellan matches his Hallelujah cadence. They're two parts of a song singing together. It's a gorgeous scene and it's understandable how so many are angry at how it ends because the whiplash between how it starts and what it leaves you with is severe. Imagine this from lavellan's shoes.

You're desperately in love with someone at odds with your people, who is wonderful and enticing and smart. Loving solas feels like loving the whole world, like being free and connected with the stars. But you don't know what this is. And, if you thought you did, how far can you presume? Is Lavellan always on edge, scared to love him deeper and richer than he loves her? or is she in a false sense of security, assuming his affection is forever hers. So when he not only breaks away your faith and trust in your history, plus potentially the vallaslin, she is clearly deeply upset. This isn't a minor fact that simply can be swept aside. The vallaslin is important. And Solas, even with the best intentions, has hurt her. He knows it and there's a reason why he apologises (bc he wimped out on the real truth). How much more does he know about her people that he has refused to tell her or kept from her by omission? Can you imagine the embarrassment, the utter humiliation of that secret? how many memories of them together where she replays his distaste for her people in her mind, knowing that he has access to knowledge that could change her perception of her past? Its ALOT. and thats even before the breakup.

Solas is not kind about the break up. It's rushed (impulsive to me) and doesn't do their connection justice. His composure cracks in places and it's very unlike him. It absolutely blindsides the player, so imagine being in Lavellan's place, AFTER THE VALLASLIN? personally, I wouldn't have been able to function. I half suspect that a sad, calm Lavellan is also in shock or disassociation. Because how else do you cope? The lack of communication between them alone is enough to raise my eyebrows. He promises answers. He confides that she saw through his mask and doesn't tell her what was real, and what was fake. He has given her a kernel truth whilst keeping her in the dark. Everything he told her could be a false, imaginary polite mask or it could be the truth. Where does it end? Where does he begin? Where does she stand?

I don't know if everyone has experienced what it's like to be ghosted or for a friend to simply disappear one day, but it changes you. I say this as someone who has both been avoidant as well as anxious, but you never recover. Someone disappearing like that makes you doubt any reassurance that people won't just evaporate from your life. So when Solas just disappears, the game's single conversation with Leliana feels a little lacking to me. I understand that they can't really dedicate a lot to it, I get that, so I'd like to fill it in. At first, it's search parties. Solas wouldn't just leave her like that. He promised her answers. He started another mural just before they left for corypheus. He didn't intend to just leave, surely.

Days, weeks and months pass. The question is worse than the truth. Is he dead? Did he use them? Was he being truthful when he spoke to her in those ruins, or another polite mask he could hide behind? Is it better if he's dead or better than he didn't deem her worthy enough to even say goodbye? We, as the players, obviously know this isn't true, but she doesn't know that. Does your lavellan assume the worst and be overcome with grief that her one love, her heart, her home, was nothing more than a lie of omission? or is there anger there at his betrayal of her trust once more? I seriously doubt it was easy to forget or dismiss. That kind of disappearance ruins your trust with people. Something. Anything would have been enough.

Again, this is all my opinion on how these emotions would play out and DEFINITELY NOT canon nor do they have to be! But I seriously struggle to see how Lavellan could even come to heal from these wounds within even a two year time skip. By the time of trespasser, almost everyone has left her side. She's almost entirely alone again, save Cullen and Josie (and leliana if she's not divine). And thats okay: they all have rich lives to return to. But that must just reaffirm to her that no one will stay. She is alone. How does she trust again?

And then there is Fen'harel. Lavellan's reaction to fen'harel has always lacked the fear I kind of hoped would be there? I mean this isn't just a minor deity, this IS THE antagonist of her entire faith. I'm assuming that she's lost hope in the gods, even though it's confirmed to her that they're real, but that message has been a part of her since childhood. So learning that he is the dreadwolf, again not from him, but from the fragments of his past must cut her deeply.

Her love was never who he said he was, she knows this, but who is the real man? She's never known him in a context where he can truly show her. Her love is fragmented between each identity he holds. Her trust that he is who he said he is fragments with it. The knowledge that not only has he been watching the inquisition, her, for years without a single hint that he lives or is okay must destroy her. Could you imagine how insignificant you must feel to him? And he essentially affirms to her that yes, in the greater scheme of things, his love and hers are inconsequential. They cannot matter to him because he cannot strive from his path. His indulgence was a mistake. And it's undeniably cruel. I love solas and I cannot argue that he was kind to Lavellan because he wasn't. To me, there is no way to see his actions as kind. Understandable, absolutely and definitely without malicious intent.

Lavellan learns that he loved her just as deeply, if not more. He loved her with all his heart and it did not matter. She changed him and it has only brought him more pain. He loves her too much to even allow her near him, to even give himself that weakness. They are apart from each other in an endless distance, only the two of them in the world. No one else.

Obviously, each Lavellan is different, and I've made a lot of assumptions, but I think it's worth considering. How do you love someone again after all of that? How much can you rebuild your faith after what you have learnt. Lavellan has loved a "god" (I know he's not a god, but for all intents and purposes, he has the power of a god and wears an evanuris crown.) and in turn, a god has loved her. And he left her with one last embrace that will leave its mark on her forever, then he leaves once more. Lavellan is alone.

Each love after is met with suspicion, distrust and comparison. Lavellan is entirely changed. How many pieces of her can be taken away until she is no longer herself? Each person wears a new mask she cannot determine. Where do they begin? Where can she find herself?

How lonely it must be to love someone like Solas and be at the other side of an endless distance.

[trippinsorrows]

through your eyes + au 3

authors note: well. this got freaky. some smut ahead, folks. this really is starting to feel like a completely different story, low key.

part one // part two // au solana instagram

warnings: smut

taglist: @sayyestoheav3nn @fearlesschimera @cyberdejos2 @annfg8 @trentybenty @sabrina-carpenter-stan-account @zoeyybellex3

word count: 4.3k

"I need to talk to you."

Solana should have been talked to someone about this.

But, she's felt torn.

Torn on just who she can talk to about it.

And lack of options hasn't been the issue.

If anything, there's a copious amount of resources and trusted confidants she could go to. Courtesy of her large family, host of cousins, and other good friends.

It's actually easier to start with who would absolutely be the worst person to go to.

And her mom, interestingly enough, is that person. Ironic given how close she is to her madre. One of her best friends, in many ways.

But, not for this. Because Nina will go to Xavier, Solana's dad, and somehow Wes, Solana's brother, will get involved, and it'll just be a whole mess.

Beyond that, there's her cousins. Jade and Anriel will scold the living shit out of her and probably confide in their mom, Solana's aunt Sharmell, out of concern. Aunt Sharmell will go to her husband, Booker, who won't hesitate to literally fly out to Miami just to tell his brother, Xavier, Solana's dad. Thus, the whole damn family knowing.

Then there's her cousin, Roxanne. Roxanne would be great if not for her inability to hold water. And Solana definitely doesn't need her mom's side of the family knowing. They'll kidnap her and force her to live in Mexico for the rest of her life, believing she's gone mad.

Might not be too far off though.

Rhea will just kick her ass for being so 'fawkin stoopid'. Jaida will encourage it, because Jaida encourages all things questionable. But Kayden....Kayden could be the one.

She's also bound to not respond well, but still, someone Solana knows will ultimately keep this between the two of them.

Kayden Carter looks over at Solana with intrigue. With over 15 years of friendship, she knows when her roommate and best friend is truly in a dilemma, that nervous, panicked voice she typically uses present already. This is definitely one of those times.

"Okay." Kayden motions for Solana to sit down on the other end of the sofa, waiting until she does so to ask, "what's going on?"

Solana takes a deep breath, both hating and needing to share this. "You know the event I attended with my family this weekend?" Kayden nods. "I—I met someone there."

At that, Kayden lifts a pierced brow. "Oh?"

Solana looks away, explaining, "I was trying to get away from Ethan and ran into this man by accident, and he ended up helping me out. Pretending to be my date or whatever. It got Ethan to leave me alone, so that was good."

"Forget about Page's annoying ass, what about the man? Is he attractive?"

Solana scoffs. "Very." She's not quite sure how to describe just how fine Roman Reigns is. "But—"

Kayden's expression sours. "He's an asshole, isn't he?"

"Notorious." Though Solana does her best to stay tucked away in her little corner of the world within that's away from the mafia life, she's not stupid nor entirely disconnected. It's common knowledge that Roman is a dick.

And yet....

"But, he was nice to me. He's been nice to me." Kayden's expression shifts into confusion, Solana clarifying, "he—he came to my job this morning."

"Holy shit, he's serious about this." Kayden scoffs and smiles, clearly intrigued by the mystery of it all. "Wait, who is this guy, Sola?"

And now, here comes the part that Solana has been dreading since decided she would confide in Kayden. "It's....it's Roman."

Kayden blinks, not catching on. "Roman who?" And it's just one 'you know' look from Solana that has her eyes widening. "No." Solana closes her eyes. "Please tell me you're kidding." More silence provides the answer she's certain her roommate didn't and doesn't want to hear. "Roman fuckin' Reigns? Solana, have you lost your mind? Do you know who he is?"

Solana leans back into the sofa, murmuring, "of course."

"No, you must not, because this man is the devil himself. He's a monster, Solana. If you heard half the things he's done, you'd be running the opposite way. You'd be on the other side of the goddamn world to get away from him." Kayden continues to freak out, lecturing and chiding Solana for what she clearly feels is a bad call. "I just-I don't understand. Solana, you've always been so against our world. You've essentially lived in seclusion just because you don't want to be a part of it, and now you're entertaining the literal embodiment of said world?"

Solana runs her hands over her face. "It's not—it's not like that."

"Then tell me what it's like, because maybe I'm just confused, but I'm pretty sure you're telling me that you're talking to Roman Reigns?"

That's exactly what she is, but Solana is lost on just how to express that despite everything that's been said about this man, in the two interactions she's had with him, he's been nothing but kind. In his own way, of course.

"He....he hasn't been that way with me," she finds herself defending while also recognizing that it truly is a weak defense. "He's been....nice. He helped me out with Ethan. He came to see me at my job just to ask me out--"

"Wait, he already asked you out?" Kayden looks like she's about to spazz out even more. She shakes her head, taking a second to calm down. "Solana, you're my best friend, and I love you, but he's probably just trying to fuck you. You're gorgeous with a great body, and he obviously sees how innocent you are. It's just a chase."

It makes sense, and Roman more or less confirmed as such with his comment about wanting her with no clothes on. That should be enough evidence for her to find a way to ward off his advances.

But.....

There's this part of her that's absolutely intrigued by him, as he so smugly pointed out. A part of her that wouldn't mind to get to know him more. Even if it makes no damn sense to her.

"I can take care of myself." It doesn't come out as confident and assured as she would like it to be, nor is she entirely certain of her assertion herself, but it's expressed regardless. "I—I can handle this."

Kayden looks just as unsure as Solana feels. "Your family doesn't know, do they?"

"No." Her eyes widen a bit. "No one does, except you now. So please, please don't say anything to anyone." Solana needs to at least figure out just what's going on before she has to face the inevitable backlash from her family and others.

Kayden shakes her head. "You know I got you, girl. Even though I do think you're fuckin' crazy, you've always supported me in my fucked up relationships, so I'll do the same with you." Kayden suddenly gives her that teasing expression, poking her arm. "Besides, it's not like he's ugly, am I right?"

So right.

"I get so nervous around him," Solana whines, laying her head back against the sofa. "He's just so....he comes on so strong."

Kayden smirks, leaning over and playfully nudging. "He wants him some Sola, girl." She laughs as Solana covers her blushing face. "Who could blame him? You're gorgeous, babe."

It's such weird experience. Solana is still trying to heal and learn to love herself again after calling off her engagement, so a man like Roman Reigns coming into her life out of nowhere and being so intent on just....her....it's a lot to digest. Because taking away all of the things about him that make him dangerous and avoidant worthy, he's still, hands down, the most handsome man she's ever seen.

"So where are ya'll going?"

Solana bites down on her bottom lip. "He invited me to WarGames. Said he'll send a car for me."

There's obvious surprise on the face of her best friend. "First date is watching him beat the shit out of other men?" Kayden says aloud, nodding and shrugging. "It tracks." Solana rolls her eyes. "Well, what are you gonna wear?"

She shrugs, truly unsure when she remembers what he said. "Something....something red." Kayden is curious, as Solana shares a version of what Roman said. "He....he asked me to wear red."

Told. He told her to wear red, but Kayden doesn't need to know that part.

Smirking, Kayden nods, impressed almost. "Damn. He already wants you wearing Bloodline colors? First lady type shit." Solana grabs a pillow and throws it Kayden's way, her friend laughing and then gasping. "Holy shit, you have to wear that red dress I got you last year for your birthday!"

The mention of that little piece Solana swore would never see beyond the back of her closet has her eyes widening. "Kayden, no, I can't. That's way too revealing."

"That's the point, duh." Kayden tosses the pillow back and stands up off the sofa, pulling Solana up with her. She then looks over at Dulce who's been sleeping peacefully as her mama stumbles into one of the most questionable decision of her life. "Come on, Dulce. We gotta get mama ready to get dicked down."

"Kayden!"

--------

Solana is a nervous wreck.

She hasn't been this anxiety ridden since taking her NCLEX-RN, and that was a damn near traumatic experience.

This is literally just a date.

Kind of.

Cause she's never actually been on a date before where the man will be preoccupied the whole night.

But, she's also never been on a date with someone like Roman before either. It's just all around a brand new experience that has her so in her head. She's in it during the car ride and especially when she arrives at the Warehouse and is escorted to Roman's locker room.

She nearly has a heart attack when the door is opened and she expects to see him waiting, but it's postponed, God looking out for her, when she sees he's absent.

The security leave her alone without any guidance or clue as to just what she's supposed to do, so Solana takes that time to text Kayden and let her know she's arrived and that she's safe.

For now.

Not wanting to focus too much on the unknown of it all, she takes in his locker room which is much nicer than what's probably necessary. Craft table. Weights section. Sofa. Flat screen TV. A trainers table. The works, essentially.

It makes sense when she thinks about it.

Roman seems like a man who only accepts the finer things in life, if not the finest.

But, it's the section on the craft table with a bottle of wine that keeps snatching her attention.

Drinking is probably the last thing she needs to be doing, but that's exactly what she does.

She quickly grabs the bottle and and a wine glass, filling it up halfway before downing almost all of it. It's the perfect combination of sweet and bitter and hopefully helpful in taking some of this edge off.

"You sure don't disappoint, do you?"

It's a pure stroke of luck that she doesn't drop the glass in her hand at the rumble of his deep voice behind her. But, it's truly a miracle that both the glass and herself don't fall to the ground when she turns around to look at him.

Mio dios.

Roman is standing by the door, his hair down and clearly wet, water droplets sliding down his bare chest, Solana unable to take her eyes off his bulging muscles and the intricate tribal tattoos that somehow add to the magnanimity and beauty of this man. He's wearing black cargo pants tucked into black boots, with the sacred, red ula fala resting around his majestic neck.

Roman Reigns in a suit is one thing.

But Roman Reigns shirtless is something entirely different.

She's almost certain the ground underneath her shakes a bit, also deeply impacted by the god among mere mortal men.

If not for Roman initiating something beyond her embarrassing gawking. she would continue to stare. For a long time. A very long time.

He walks toward her, every step bringing her closer and closer to melting into the ground. This man is a giant. In every sense of the word.

But, it's when he takes his finger under her chin, lifting her head a little and has the audacity to say, "you can do more than just look, if you want" that Solana just about spontaneous combusts on the spot.

He's maybe said a total of 8 to 10 sentences to her in the entire time they've 'known' each other, yet even in the midst of that brevity, he still gives her more of a visceral, bodily reaction than her ex ever did.

"I—" Words are a thing of the past, something she was once capable of but not anymore. The sight of God himself has a tendency to rob anyone of the right to verbalization.

Roman chuckles, his other hand moving to her hip. "You listened."

Solana is certain it's her that's trembling and not the room around her. It takes her a minute to process he's referring to her dress. "You—you said wear red, didn't you?."

"I did." He acknowledges, once again giving her a one over as he bites on his bottom lip. "Good girl."

Oh, fuck.

Solana has to get the hell out of here. The room is freaking in shambles at this point.

Or, maybe that's just her.

She's a stuttering mess trying to communicate with this man. "I—you—probably have to get r—ready."

Roman smiles, and her entire world flutters. "Do I not look ready to you?"

Hardly. This man probably doesn't even know what it's like to be unready. Never experienced that. That's a mortal thing.

"No—I just.....S—sorry."

Similar to their last two interactions, Roman brings his hand to her back and tugs her into him. Solana, once again, places one hand on his chest, not even thinking about the fact that the water from his hair continues to dampen his body.

Until water hits her palm.

Solana is on fire. In all areas. She stammers out, feeling stupid as all the outdoors for stating the obvious. "You're wet...."

His gaze flicks to the space between her legs. "I'd bet you are too."

What the hell?

How is he so.....raw?

She absolutely refuses to move an inch, refuses to cause any kind of movement with her legs that could alert her to the fact that he's probably not wrong.

Not wrong at all.

If only Roman was on the same page.

"You are, aren't you?" His eyes narrow slightly, hand gradually starting to move down from the her back to the sizable swell of her ass. "I bet that pussy dripping for me already."

Solana's eyes shut, her nails clawing against his chest. "R—roman." Her breathing is labored, heart beating a mile per fucking minute, and that only intensifies when he squeezes her ass. Her natural reaction being to arch into him, her breast pressing against his solid body. "Oh my God....."

"God can't do for you what I can, sweetheart."

Blasphemy. Filth. Pure disrespect, and yet her head drops against his chest as he slides his hand to the front of her, wiggling it between her thighs.

Solana means to stop him, means to push him away, but her body seems to have a mind of its own, because she finds herself widening her stance, giving him all the access he needs.

The go ahead.

And he takes full advantage of that, Solana gasping loudly when he moves to cup her through her underwear. Her soaked underwear. "Dripping." He taunts, and it's true. Legs no longer mushed together, she absolutely feels the wetness dripping down, soaking her panties. "I'm taking you out to dinner after the match, but I think we should just skip to dessert right now."

Eyes widening, she gasps again when Roman removes his hand and picks her up, her thighs naturally wrapping around his waist. He carries her over to the trainers table, plopping her down on the edge.

"Lay back."

Her stomach is all kinds of twists and turns. She's not stupid. Far from it. There's only one place this is headed. "I—what?"

Roman, however, looks bored, stating so plainly. "I don't make it a habit to repeat myself, Solana. Even with a pretty thing like you, so do me a favor and just lay back."

If someone told her this is how the night would kick off, she'd call them crazy as all the outdoors. There's no way in hell this man is about to do what she thinks he is.

Is he?

Voicing her thoughts, she struggles with just how to word what is an otherwise simple thing to ask. "Are you...."

His gaze is piercing. "Can I?"

What a fucking question.

Once

Once has she had someone go down on her, and it wasn't even her ex-fiance. It was a guy she dated in college for a few months. To say it was......disappointing would be an understatement.

She didn't even finish.

Back to the borderline crisis at hand, she finds herself oversharing. "My ex. He didn't—he wouldn't....."

"Well, he's a fucking idiot." Roman's cruel but accurate remark is accompanied by his big hand moving up the sides of her dress until its scrunched by her stomach. "Eating pussy is a delicacy."

Her eyes shut again. He's so nasty.

So why is it only making her wetter?

Roman's fingers lightly tugging the waistband of her underwear reminds her of the proposed question.

This is a bad idea. A very bad idea. She doesn't sleep around. Doesn't let random men go down on her, and yet, the minute Roman licks his lips, the decision is almost made for her.

"Y—yes."

That alluring, small smile is back as he moves his hand to her stomach, pushing down just enough to get her in position. "Lay down, and let me show you what it's like to be with a real man."

Sweet baby Jesus.

Solana is on the verge of a nervous breakdown, back flat against the cool table when he goes to pull down her panties, leaving her open and exposed.

She hears Roman make a sound. "Mmm. Pussy just as pretty as I imagined."

Her hands clench at her side. He's thought about this? About her? About her—

"Ahhh." Her back is almost entirely off the table the minute his thick tongue gives one full, sensation stirring lick up her cunt. "Roman...." she moans, hands planted on the table, head thrown back as his cool breath blows against her pussy.

Seconds later, his tongue is back on her, fingers spreading her lips while his tongue teases a languid circle around her clit. "Oh my....."

The sound of his deep chuckle travels from his space between her legs. "I'm gonna make a fucking mess out of you."

And before she can process that, he tugs her by her thighs, diving face first into her cunt. Solana is a mewling, writhing mess as he sucks on her pussy like its the fuel and energy he needs for the fight to come. Laps at her with a hunger and desire that nearly matches her own, because whatever her ex did to her that one time is nothing compared to what he's doing to her right now.

"Shit...." Her body is hot, her nipples hardening by the second, and Solana can't help the way her thighs squeeze against his head, her lower half coiling and twisting from pleasure she's never experienced.

"You like that, don't you?" He hums, voice haughty and knowing. "Like me eating this pretty pussy, don't you, sweetheart?"

Her answer is an obvious one, breathed out over and through heavy pants. "Shit, yes." He sucks on her clit, the slurping sound practically filling the room and egging on her moans.

He pulls away, the absence something that's so much more noticable and painful than it should be. Only for her to arch again when his finger plays around with her nectar that feels like it's spread all over her lower half at this point. "Look how wet you are. I can tell she been neglected." Roman swirls his finger in circles around her clit, thumb applying just the lightest pressure. "Can tell she been needing me."

Solana can't and won't disagree. Not that she could anyway. Logic is very much a thing of the past. The only thing on her mind is ecstasy, and he's giving her more of that than she's ever had in all sexual interactions with all of her ex's put together.

"Goddamn, you taste good." He goes back to licking and sucking on her again, groaning almost. "Would stay down here all night if I could."

Solana nearly comes right then and there.

She wouldn't be opposed.

At all.

He stays with his head between her legs for what feels like inhumanly possible, long enough for that feeling she's only ever been able to give herself starting to rise. Toes curling and stomach twisting, she manages to whine out, "Roman, I—I'm gonna—"

He kisses her clit, coaxing her, guiding her, encouraging her. "I know, baby." She can practically visualize the smirk on his face. "Now be a good girl and come in daddy's mouth."

It's disgusting how that one filthy command manages to evoke her orgasm from her, Solana nearly sitting all the way up as her release shoots through her entire body. Roman continuing to suck on her and lap up every bit of it until there's not a fucking drop left.

Solana's practically lifeless body collapses against the table. Everything below her belly button is numb. Eyes shut, pulse probably in the danger range, she has no ability to do anything other than lay there and recover.

She's never come that hard, that much, that long.

Who is this man?

Solana whimpers a bit when she feels something against her, wiping her. A towel most likely. Strong but surprisingly gentle hands help her body to lift up only for her to fall against a solid chest, her forehead against Roman's shoulder.

She clutches onto him as he kisses her temple. "That's my girl." His girl. His anything. She's whatever he says and more. That's how fucked out he has her. "I'll see you after the match, okay?"

Sure. Fine. Whatever. Her ability to agree to anything was sucked out of her by that dangerous tongue of his, so the most she can do is nod against him.

Roman chuckles and gradually pulls away, Solana gripping on the edge of the table, eyes opening just enough to see that strong, muscular back of his as he walks out the door, closing it behind him.

She isn't sure how long she sits there, dress pulled up, towel covering her bottom half. She just knows that even after sitting for what should be a long enough time, her legs are still wobbly. Even as she moves around the room to look for her underwear only to see they're nowhere to be found, leaving her with one conclusion.

Roman took them with him.

The thought shouldn't make her pussy flutter. It really shouldn't and yet, here she is.

God, what did he do to her?

Swallowing, she does her best to maintain her pride and walks out, guided by the same guard who escorted her to Roman in the first place. He takes her up to what must be VIP seating. It's the perfect view of the celled ring and cages on the side intended for the participants.

Sitting there alone and with nothing else to occupy her mind, Solana's mind starts racing. That shouldn't have happened. She should have stopped him. Should have said no.

Even if she did want it just as much as he seemingly did. Nevertheless, that shouldn't matter. He's him. She's her. They're very different people. She's supposed to have morals and standards. Women who have that don't let men who are practically strangers go down on them.

But, that's exactly what she did, and she feels terrible about it.

"You must be my brother's flavor of the night."

Solana is already nervous as all the outdoors, yet somehow the interruption of her overthinking only serves to exacerbate that anxiety.

But, when she looks over and sees the source, Solana is unsure which is worse: what's said or who said it.

Rosalia Reigns isn't as tall or built as her twin brother. Not at all. A given considering their different sexes, but she's every bit as intimidating as him, and they do share some similar features. Same set of pretty brown eyes. Those full, pink lips and that overall powerful aura.

You know just by looking at her that she's an important person.

And she is. She comes only second to her brother.

Roman

Solana swallows and adjusts her dress as Rosalia gives her a oneover, not even trying to hide her distaste. "H—hi. I'm—"

"I don't care." Rosalia interrupts, a level of venom in her voice. "You'll be an afterthought come tomorrow morning when you join the rest of his whores on the island of forgettables."

Sting.

Solana shouldn't be surprised nor hurt by such cruel words. Rosalia, much like her brother, has never been known for kindness. Regardless, that knowledge doesn't stop the tears from pooling in her eyes.

Cause the words hit way too close to home given what just happened.

Something noticed by the other woman. An equally cruel smile growing on her face. "Aww, did I hurt your feelings?" Her smile deepens as she scoffs, sitting down in her chair. "Yeah, Ro definitely dropped the ball with you. You're dumber and more naive than the other stupid bitches my brother loves to entertain."

A stupid bitch. Any other time, Solana would disagree. She may not verbalize as such, but she would inwardly reject such a thing. But, she can't. She can't because it's true.

She gave Roman exactly what he wanted. Fell into his trap. Another of many nameless, faceless, forgettable conquests.

She's no different or better than any of the other women Roman messes around with.

She's now one of them.

And she feels disgusted with herself.

Not wanting Rosalia to see her cry, or anyone else, Solana mumbles a quiet 'excuse me' and rushes past the smirking woman. She needs to get out of here. Needs to go home.

Needs to never see or speak to Roman Reigns ever again.

This was a mistake. All of it.

And it can never happen again.

[mysecretlittlelibrary]

Every Inch of You

Pairing: Luke Alvez x Reader

Word Count: 2.8k

Warnings: reader is fighting demons (insecurities), very specific descrpitions of body image related insecurities- like the reader is literally picking herself apart in a mirror, hella praise, body worship, fingering, edging, multiple orgasms, creampie, cockwarming, pseudo voyeurism/exhibitionism (he fucks her in front of a mirror idk) I think that's everything

Genre: starts off pretty angsty, we transition to smut and end with fluff!

Summary: Insecurities can be quite rough on you but your boyfriend has no intentions of letting you go through it alone

***

You frown at your reflection as you stare at yourself in the mirror. Today has been a rough day. Nothing in particular happened. You went to work, you ran some errands, you did normal daily things, but for some reason you've been in such a weird mood and now you're stuck in a vortex, picking apart yourself apart in the fucking mirror. You really ought to go to the gym more often, or- stop snacking at night, have your pores always been so noticeable? Since when do you have so many stretch marks? You can't see your toes over your stomach- god that's embarrassing. You let out a long sigh as you bite back the tears stinging the back of your eyes. You hate this. It doesn't usually get this bad and the worst part is you know it's not real, you know you're not some hideous monster but it doesn't stop that nasty voice in your head from warping your perception some days and when that happens nothing you say to yourself changes it. But man does it suck, because most of the time you have all the confidence in the world, you've worked very hard on it. Days like this make it feel like you're still some lost little kid desperate to find your place in the world with no sense of self. You should just walk away. If you can't see yourself, you can't pick your appearance apart. But your feet feel glued to the floor, as if they can't remember how to move, as if it's the most impossible task you've ever been given.

"Alright that's enough. You'll lose your mind standing here." You tell yourself, shaking your head in hopes of getting out of this dreary mood. You finally step away from the mirror and head to your closet to put on some clothes post shower. You throw on a hoodie and some shorts and leave your room.

"Babe?!" You hear as you walk down the hall. Sounds like your boyfriend's back.

"Hey love, welcome home." You meet him by the door and he kisses you on the cheek.

"Hope you haven't made dinner yet beautiful because I brought take out." Luke tells you holding up the bag with an excited grin.

"Take out's good. You wanna shower first or dive straight in?" You ask him.

"Would you mind terribly if I showered first?"

"Not at all. Go ahead." You take the food from him and nod your head towards the bathroom.

"I'll be quick!" He kisses you once more and jogs down the hall. You set the food on the living room table and watch TV while waiting for Luke. You hope you're able to keep it together for the few hours you'll be spending with Luke before bed. Considering its a weekday, you don't have to keep the mask up for that long. True to his word, Luke is quick to return, maybe 15 minutes pass by the time he plops down next to you on the couch. "Alright! Let's eat!" He announces, opening the takeout bag. He hands you your food before digging into his own.

"How was work today?" You ask him.

"Fine, tedious. Was mostly doing paperwork today." He shrugs. "How was your day cupcake?"

"Work was work and then I ran some errands. No fun stories here unfortunately. How's everyone?"

"Well, Spencer was giving a guest lecture today so he wasn't around since we didn't have an actual case. Garcia was telling me about some woman that seems to have his attention at the uni though."

"Is Pen keeping tabs on Spencer at the college? He'll literally hate that when he finds out." You frown.

"That's what I told her but you know how she can be. Especially with how sometimes things- go wrong when we meet new people."

"I mean if she's just a coworker, Penelope's getting ahead of herself don't you think? He probably hasn't even made a move on her." You say.

"He hasn't. You're right but it's not like she can be stopped." Luke chuckles.

"Yeah I guess so." You hum.

"Alright, what's wrong, princess?" Luke frowns.

"What do you mean?"

"You've barely touched your food. Did you think I wasn't gonna notice you've only been picking at it? Do you not like it? Do you want to eat something else?"

"No it, it's fine, I just- I'm honestly not all that hungry I guess." You sigh.

"What do you mean you're not all that hungry? What've you eaten today?"

"A bagel for breakfast and a salad for lunch." You shrug. Luke checks the clock in your living room.

"Lunch was 8 hours ago, all you had was a bowl of rabbit food and you expect me to accept that you don't want to eat your favorite food? Come on, spill it baby what's going on with you?"

"Nothing's going on. I dunno I just- feel weird." You mutter, avoiding his gaze. Dating a profiler is so irritating sometimes, can't he just ignore your body language for once?

"Weird how?"

"We don't, have to do this. It's not a big deal babe." You mumble.

"You're not eating y/n it is absolutely a big deal."

"Luke-" you sigh.

"Don't 'Luke' me, what's going on?" He frowns.

"I'd really rather not discuss anything there's no need, seriously."

"Baby, don't shut me out. You can't shut me out. We're in this together, always. You've gotta tell me what's going on in your head." He caresses your cheek gently. You sigh, unable to justify holding out on him when he speaks so softly, with such care.

"I've just been having a bad mental day. Nothing's happened, but I, just feel uncomfortable in my body, and it's hard to deal with let alone talk about." You say, tears burning behind your eyes again.

"Baby," he says, concern contorting his features.

"It's fine, I'll get over it. Today's just been a rough one. It happens. Sometimes my insecurities flare up out of nowhere but that's life, I don't want you to worry." You shake your head.

"Do you know me at all princess?"

"What?"

"My baby, my darling, the love of my life, my reason for being, is stuck in her own head hating her body, the body I live to worship, the body I can't get enough of and you want me to simply 'not worry about it'? That ain't happening." He stands up.

"Luke." You grumble as he grabs your hands.

"No no no no, no complaining, up you go." He pulls you off the couch and lifts you into his arms.

"Ah! Luke what are you doing?" You ask, throwing your hands around his neck as he princess carries you down the hall.

"Well if that nasty little voice in your head wants to lie to you, I'll simply have to remind you myself of all the reasons ever inch of you is perfect." He says matter-of-factly.

"I do not like the sound of that." You tell him.

"And I don't like the sound of you feeling uncomfortable with yourself." Luke shrugs.

"Well that's not-" You stop yourself with a sigh, not even sure what your comeback would be. In your bedroom, Luke carefully lowers you to the ground in front of the mirror with your back facing him.

"I want to help you to see yourself the way that I do." He says softly. He kisses your neck lightly and gently lifts your gaze to meet his in the reflection. "Ask me how I see you." His fingers brush against your thighs as he speaks.

"How do you see me?" You whisper hesitantly. You're not sure you even want to know, but his lips against your throat and his hands on your skin are rather persuasive.

"You, mi amor, are the sun at the center of my universe, if ever I was asked to describe perfection I would simply describe you." Luke slides his hands up under your hoodie caressing your skin.

"Luke." Your brow furrows. This can't possibly be sexy for him, he's only touching your stomach to comfort you, he'd probably prefer it if-

"Relax baby." Luke whispers. You didn't even realize you'd sucked your stomach in against his touch unconsciously, as if you could hide from him your size. You slowly untense your muscles, cringing at the way you fill his large hands. "I'm going to take this off of you, is that alright baby?" He asks.

"Well," can you really handle looking at yourself again?

"You can say no if you want princess, but I need you to stay with me."

"I'm not going anywhere." You say.

"Physically maybe, but I can see your mind wandering off." He kisses your temple. "Don't go."

"You can take it off." You whisper. Luke tugs the hoodie over your head not a moment later, tossing it somewhere in the room, out of sight. He lets out a sigh as his eyes trail over your body through the reflection. You can still feel the heat of his gaze in the mirror and weirdly enough it feels undeserved. He looks at you like that all the time but, tonight you just can't understand what would make him look at you with such want.

"God, you're gorgeous." He sighs placing his hands on your hips again. Luke places kisses on your shoulder. "Your skin is so soft, I can never get enough of touching you, kissing you, holding you." He says. He slides his hands up your sides to cup your breasts. "So perfect, I love the weight of your tits in my hands." His thumbs stroke over your nipples and the light stimulation makes your breath catch in your throat. He twists and tugs at your nipples, enjoying the little whimpers you let out. "You make the prettiest noises when I touch you baby."

"Luke-" you whine, your head lolling against his shoulder.

"Uh uh, head up princess, you've gotta watch. Watch me touch you, worship you, and watch how your body reacts to me, see for yourself how captivating you look." Luke gently shrugs his shoulder to push your head forward. You force your eyes to focus back on your reflections in the mirror, the sight of his hands kneading your breasts with rough fingers toying with your nipples to create hardened peaks only serves to make you squirm more against him. He keeps at it until your breathing is heavy, then one hand slides down, pausing to rub your tummy, "You may not believe me but this, I love this. Growing up it meant you were eating well, taken care of. And I like to think I take good care of you. I want it to show." He says kissing your neck. "Plus it's excellent for cuddles." He winks with a smile that makes you giggle. "I like that sound even more than your little whimpers, but I'm about to get a lot more of those." Luke's hand continues down, pushing your shorts down enough for you to kick them off. His hand caresses your thigh.

"You're teasing." You pout.

"You look cute when you pout." He chuckles. "But I'll be nice." His voice drops as he slips two fingers between your folds. You arch you back against his touch as his digits toy with your cunt. Luke knows your body maybe better than you do and his hand makes quick work of bringing you to the edge. Your head tips back again, instinctively and his movements slow when he catches it. The sudden change drags your gaze to his in the mirror, a silent question in your eyes when you whine. "If you want to cum pretty girl you have to watch yourself do it."

"But-"

"No buts, keep your eyes open and on the mirror." He says stroking you faster now that your attention is back on your reflection. Again when you feel your orgasm creeping up your spine your head drifts back and again Luke slows his hand almost to a stop.

"No!" You cry out as your release slips away.

"I already told you princess, your eyes have to stay on your reflection." He says waiting for your breathing to calm slightly before his fingers work you again. This time, you manage to keep your head forward, but your eyes still slide closed from the pleasure. Unfortunately for you your boyfriend is very observant and closed eyes still break the rule, so his fingers slow again.

"Fffffffffffffuck me." You grit out, frustrated from his edging game.

"I'll keep doing this until you get it right mi amor. Keep your eyes open." He says beginning again. This time, you steel yourself. You don't think you can handle another denial. The signs of release return quickly with his hands on you and though your lids desperately want to close you keep them open even as they threaten roll back in bliss as you finally cum with a breathy moan. "That's it, so fucking stunning." Luke says as he strokes you through the aftershocks. Your legs are still shaking and your chest is still heaving when Luke lifts you again. "I'm not finished with you yet, but this next bit will be easier in the bathroom. So you have something to hold onto." He says carrying you into the bathroom. He sets you down facing the large mirror over the sink. "I'd do this in the bedroom but you won't be able to see yourself if I fuck you right up against the mirror." Luke says in your ear and the words send a shiver down your spine. "Place your hands on the mirror sweetheart. Let me show you how badly I crave every inch of you." He says with a hand stroking your ass. You lean forward enough for your warm hands to touch the cool glass. Your eyes follow Luke's in the mirror as they trail over your skin hungrily while he frees himself from his sweatpants. He wastes no time sinking into you with a groan and though he gave no warning you moan at the stretch of him filling you. The look on his face as he settles into your heat can only be described as euphoric and it's one you could never get tired of seeing on him. After a moment his eyes peel open again and catch yours in the reflection. He gives you a smirk before his hands tighten against your hips and he sets a rhythm that explains why you needed something to hold onto. His thrusts are harsh and deep and have moans spilling uncontrollably from your lips. Luke's eyes are locked on yours in the mirror as he fucks you. "God you're beautiful, perfect, you've got the- prettiest eyes that sparkle when you laugh, and look so good rolling back when I make you cum." He hums.

"Oh Luke." You moan part of that was sweet, part if it made your walls clench around his dick.

"You're perfectly soft for hugging or cuddling and it doesn't hurt that I have plenty to hold onto when I wanna fuck you stupid." Luke says and if he weren't currently doing just that you might've laughed at his words, but the moaning makes it hard. "If I could spend all my days wrapped in your arms, buried in your heat- you have no idea how quickly I'd do it." You can feel your cheeks heating up from his, mostly, sweet words, so contrasting from the way he's railing you. "God I love you so much." He groans.

"I- I love you too Luke, more than- more than you know." You pant out.

"Fuck I'm close." He grits out. One of his hands wraps around your waist and finds your clit. It doesn't take much, a few well focused circles of your sensitive bundle of nerves and you're shaking as your orgasm hits, your walls clamping down so tightly around Luke's dick it pulls his orgasm from him too. His hips stop flush against yours as hot spurts flood your inner walls. You practically slump against the bathroom counter as the waves of your release die down. You're not quite sure how he manages but Luke turns you around and lifts you in his arms again somehow without fully pulling out of you. He walks you both over to the bed and lays down with you on top of him, soft dick still buried in your heat. Luke lifts your head from his chest to get your attention.

"I love every part of you with all that I am." He says.

"Thank you. I love you too." You say softly.

"I know insecurities are no easy battle but, yours is a body the Greeks would build statues for. It pains me that you see yourself as less than idolized."

"I'll admit it's much harder to feel that way when you react like this."

"Well I'll just have to make a habit of it then." He kisses your forehead.

"I- can't say I'm opposed to that suggestion." You hum.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

"And where we on food? Did your appetite come back any?" He asks, hand stroking soothingly down your back.

"Yeah but- I'm too tired to move." You mumble into his chest and he laughs.

"Don't worry I won't make you get up now. I'm sure after a nap your body will convince you to get up and eat, until then let's just lay here."

"Perfect that's exactly what I planned to do." You sigh as you snuggle closer to him. Maybe your insecurities will beat your ass every once in a while, but you smile knowing Luke will be there to fight them with you and that is more than enough for you.

***

[anxiousnerdwritings]

For the love of Merlin please give me Percy Wesley x older!Potter!sister — the ultimate yandere

Percy who is determined and headstrong stepping onto the Hogwarts Express for the very first time and taking one look at the pretty girl with dark hair and green eyes and a scar on her face that she’s baring proudly, just as he’s baring his second hand robes proudly, and deciding that that’s the one he wants before even getting her name

Introducing himself with confidence and is pleased to be met with a beaming smile, no judgement present

Molly would be horrified hearing Percy is in Slytherin

Her most rule following, intelligent and sophisticated son a snake??? Not understanding why until Charlie breaks out into a fit of laughter and sputters something about Percy following a pretty girl into the house and Molly whips around looking like she wants to smack sense into him because he’s obviously lost his mind and he just raises his brows and is like “yes but it’s Potter!Reader soooooo” and she has to compose herself

He’s determine to become everything his family isn’t, everything his father isn’t, making a silent promise to be better and to take care of their family that way Arthur Weasley just couldn’t

It’s funny though cause she’s already rich. Having money isn’t a driving factor for a relationship, she just wants to be seen and loved.

Yesssss, I love it!!!! But hear me out though; Yan!poly Percy Weasley and Oliver Wood with Older!sibling!Potter!Reader👀🤗. Thoughts??

Percy would totally have a much darker streak, mainly cause his darling is always ending up it shitty situations or having to deal with shitty people so he’s gotta compensate somehow to be able to help/protect her. Not to mention he’s gotta be slick to move his way up in life to be at the point he feels he can thoroughly provide for his darling and their future family.

Also, I totally see him being an absolute fucking simp for Potter!Reader, you can’t tell me otherwise. And he takes such pride in it too. Boy loves his darling so much and so early on that he is utterly willing to do absolutely whatever for them at any given second, whether she asks him to or not. After older!sister!Potter!Reader comes into Percy’s life, his whole world revolves around her and only her. She and their future together is his top priority and it makes him only strive all the harder in his education and later in his career. Everything he does and will do is for the two of them, no one else.

I just can’t help but to imagine how totally stressed out Percy is during the whole Prisoner of Azkaban plot. Like, mans is out on the hunt for Sirius Black himself to ensure his darling stays safe and sound. He would completely forbid Potter!Reader from leaving their dorm whatsoever, especially without him. His head would be on a swivel with how much he’s looking over both his and his darling’s shoulders. Not to mention also needing to keep an eye out on Harry too cause Merlin forbid anything happens to him.

Not to mention, Percy would always come in clutch for his darling when it came to them getting into trouble. He’ll cover for them as much as he possibly can too. Doing the same for Harry too, albeit a bit more reluctantly.

I love the idea of Percy and Potter!Reader moving in together after they graduate, like right after. Percy has been waiting for this moment for so long, just him and his darling and no more being at the Burrow. I could see him moving into Grimmauld Place with the Reader, Harry and Sirius, cause you know Sirius wasn’t gonna part so easily with the Reader let alone let the two move in together right away. Besides, Percy probably may as well have already moved in with how much he was over there. Or I could see Petunia giving the house on Spinner’s End to the Reader as a graduation gift/cause it belongs to her now (or the Reader just fucking breaks into it and moves in herself cause it is hers and Harry’s after all) and the Reader of course takes Harry with her to live there, cause you know damn well older!sister!Potter!Reader promised him when she first started attending Hogwarts that the second she graduated they would never have to go home to the Dursley’s ever again. Percy ends up moving in shortly after, or he’s already been moved in having taken to setting everything up while his darling got Harry and whatever things they needed.

I also could see Percy visiting the Dursley home a lot. Vernon and Petunia actually quite enjoy him and his company, he’s prim and proper, but most importantly he doesn’t come off as being anything remotely ‘unordinary’. Meanwhile, you know damn well he spent countless sleepless nights memorizing muggle related things to come off as ‘normal’ as possible to his darling’s aunt and uncle. Vernon especially takes to Percy given their bonding over talks about career plans. Percy particularly earns Vernon’s good graces when he mentions his want for an ‘office job’ and moving his way up the workplace latter when he eventually does get said job.

But let’s be honest, Percy is only trying to make nice with his darling’s family, he absolutely detests them and wishes nothing but hardship for the people who have made his darling and her brother’s lives hell. The look of utter horror and disdain when Percy sees the way the Reader and Harry live, he vows in that moment that he will do everything in his power to take his darling away from the abusive and neglectful situation they’ve been forced to endure and to give them everything they deserve and more. After that, I think Percy’s respect for/trust in Dumbledore would be nonexistent. Like, how fucking dare you to know about the situation my darling and her brother have grown up in and continue to let it take place. The situation you willingly handed them into. Percy would totally have mad beef with Albus, to the point where he just flat out calls and refers to Dumbledore as Albus, saying it with nothing but seething disgust. No more Sir, Professor or Headmaster. I think it would be Percy’s first true heel turn from being the respectful, rule abiding boy he was.

[deny-the-issue]

Love Thy Nature

Summary: Set in the "Baldur's Gate 3" epic tale, you struggle with ongoing body image issues while pining after Halsin, hoping to earn a special place in his heart.

Thank you so much to my lovely beta readers @juniper-sunny and @sirenofzaun <3

AO3 link

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Thank you everyone for the overwhelming amount of interest in this fic! I hope you all enjoy <3

[MDNI] [Halsin x fat!Reader] [no mention of gender pronouns] [reader has vulva/breasts] [body image issues] [whatever height you are, Halsin is taller] [whatever weight you are, Halsin can lift you] [smut] [fluff] [angst] [happy ending] [oral sex] [vaginal sex] [teasing] [5580 words]

Chaos. Those first few hours were absolute chaos. In Baldur’s Gate shopping for vegetables one moment, infested with a slimy tadpole the next. At least you aren’t alone. 

Even if they intimidate you. 

You all have a common goal, and you wear this safety like a blanket. With companions like these, maybe you’ll have a chance to live. If you don’t get caught in between Shadowheart and Lae’zel, that is. 

Stomach rumbling, feet aching, thighs raw, the nights end with you silently crying yourself to sleep. You are distinctly unsuited for this life. The others say nothing, but you feel like you’re letting them down when you lag behind them during the day’s journey. You simply cannot keep up with Karlach and Lae’zel’s pace, and with the dismal amount of food for dinner, you’re starving. 

You’re not the only hungry one, but you are the only one that eats away from the fire, in solitude. Even in the city you preferred to eat alone. Judging eyes haunt your every bite, but you know the shame comes from within. You know you have no right to complain about being hungry when you have the most weight to lose.  

So you suffer in silence. 

Your armor consists of ill-fitting cloth and leather which you have to repair frequently. The cloth is thin and your thighs can rub it away to nothing within a single, travel-heavy day. The others have found armor that suits them quite well, and you’re happy for them. But you’d be lying if you said you weren’t envious of the ease at which they can find things that fit. 

It’s hard not to dwell on your size. How it would be easier to find armor if you were skinnier. How much easier it would be to keep up. How much more confident you would be. 

You see your travel companions flirt and cast lewd looks at each other. It lightens the heart to see, yet stirs a deep yearning within that has been your constant bane over the years. To love is something you have known many times, but to be loved is another story entirely. Truly loved for everything you are, inside and out. It seems impossible to behold when you cannot fathom loving yourself in that way. 

Maybe one of them would have given you a chance, if only you had the confidence to try. 

As the days go on, you learn more about each other, some willingly and others forced. Just when you think no one else is hiding something, another secret arises. Every single one of them has enough problems without the threat of becoming illithid, and you start to see the people underneath the mask of intimidation you assigned to them. 

Despite your best efforts to keep your distance, they start to grow on you. Their troubles become yours, and a warm feeling of belonging takes root in your chest. 

The grove is a delightful little community. Their harmony with nature is beautiful, your curious eyes take in every part and crevice. 

Maybe too curious, since you had a near scrape with the guards due to the little shit, Mol. She’s too smart for her own good–trouble will surely follow her wherever she goes.

Just as it does you.

Just as it does him, too, apparently. Breaking a bear out of a dungeon is a first for you, but watching that bear transform into the most gorgeous man you’ve ever seen becomes a keystone memory. 

Already you are filled with conflicted feelings, more thankful everyday this horrible thing happened to you because it brought you to them. All of them brilliant, all of them flawed, and all incredibly beautiful. 

You cling to the hope of his companionship as you prepare to protect the grove. Halsin’s knowledge instills fear in your bones, more defined than it was before. Now you have an idea of what you’re up against, and it’s all much bigger than you can fathom. Getting to know him personally casts away the worrisome thoughts; his words a honey-sweet distraction to the storm clouds gathering overhead. 

You leave his company with a smile straining your face, but it doesn’t take long for the bite of loneliness to nip at your heels. Halsin’s answer about lovers echoes through your mind, a deep spiral into well-trodden waters. 

“Right now? I bed down alone, I’m afraid. Perhaps once I talk less of curses and parasites, my fortunes will improve.”

How foolish of you to think he might warm to you. You’re sure his fortunes will improve, only with someone else. Someone more deserving of him. 

These depressing thoughts do not stop you from befriending him. Quite the opposite, in fact. By casting aside your hopes for romantic love, you feel as though you can finally start to be yourself in camp.

And you’re surprised to find they like you. Your spirit and sense of humor return to you in troves–making some poor sod kneel for Lae’zel has everyone laughing at camp that night.

Yet you still make off alone with your bowl of stew when dinner is served, until a large obstacle blocks your path. 

“I do not pretend to know why you dine alone, but you are most welcome to join us.” Halsin smiles kindly.

“I know, it’s ok. Thank you, though,” you try to dismiss him, but he doubles down. 

“Do you not find our company agreeable?”

“No! I mean, yes? You’re lovely–you’re all lovely,”you stammer, heat rising to your face. 

“Good, then you’ll have no problem joining us,” Halsin’s eyes sparkle with amusement, no doubt from watching your mind implode. 

The prospect shouldn’t be as terrifying as it is, yet you cannot help but feel extremely uncomfortable. 

You beat down the slight panic and return Halsin’s smile, unwilling to argue your case further. What would you even say? Laying your insecurities bare to a man you just met is not on your agenda for the night. 

His large hand touches your shoulder as he makes his way to the fire, confident you’ll join him. So warm and rough with callouses–the contact lasted but a moment but you can feel it still, like an invisible badge of affection. 

“Come on, Soldier, grab a stump! I already picked the slugs off for you.” Karlach laughs at your grimace. 

“Thanks,” you walk over to the offered seat. “I’ve had enough slimy things for a lifetime.”

A chorus of agreement and various stages of grief crosses the face of each companion as you join them around the fire, a part of the pack for once. As much as you begrudge Halsin for pulling you out of your comfort zone, you never spend another night eating alone, and your heart is all the fuller for it. 

The battle for the grove was hard won, and the celebration that followed was a well-needed respite for everyone. Surrounded by friends, plenty of food, and drink, you felt more alive than you had since it all began. Whatever shame you were harboring faded away with the alcohol settling into your rosy cheeks, and you sought out the man you’ve been pining for. 

Weeks of hard living have left you as lightweight as Halsin claims to be, but the confidence to mingle in his company is a welcome boon. Oh, to see him tipsy–better still if you are the first person he sees. Is he handsy in his affections, or reserved, you wonder? 

But what does he mean by calling you resourceful? 

You’ll have to ponder its meaning after some sobering sleep. Nothing could sway your mood tonight. He may have turned you down, but he was surely flirting with you. Even with the short time you’ve known him, you know he is not the kind to lead anyone on. 

Enjoyable. A night with you would be enjoyable; the thought has you grinning for the rest of the celebration, and biting your lip later, when you’re alone in your tent with roaming, lusty hands.

You’re able to find suitable food, but with life’s ever-increasing hardships, it continues to take a toll on your body. Hiking is not as hard as it once was, though, and you are thankful for it. With a body such as yours, it would take a considerable amount of time before you’d be deemed ‘thin’, but the loss of weight is undeniable. 

Your clothes are loose, for one, and the little armor you have shifts uncomfortably, always needing adjusting. The others have started noticing as well. 

Karlach gave you a, “Lookin’ good, soldier!” the other night and you never wished to cast an invisibility spell so much as in that moment.

This slightly-slimmer body should make you happy, but the success is tainted in your mind. It’s not as if you chose to lose weight, to starve, to walk endlessly every damned day. What happens when– if-- you can live a normal life after this? The same mistakes will surely be made as before, and you’ll go right back to the size you so hate. No lesson has been learned here, not in regards to food. 

Even if you do somehow lose all this weight, you still will not be pleased with yourself. Stretch marks and loose skin, you could never look the way you want to. 

The frustration grinds your spirit down, but no one notices. Hells, you hardly notice. The Shadowlands dampen the mood of everyone, infecting the camp even without touching it. 

Fighting has never been easy for you, and you’ve managed to hold your ground so far. But every person’s luck runs out sometime, you suppose. One awkward move and you get a knife in your side. The armor should have protected you–would have–if only it fit you better. 

Halsin gathers you in his arms, carrying you despite your weight. A mad rush back to the Last Light inn saves your life. As you’re placed in a healing sleep, you hear echoes of Halsin’s soothing voice. You can never make out the words, but they calm your turbulent mind, keeping the nightmares at bay. 

When you wake, you are mostly healed. The skin is healed, though a scar remains, and the pain is manageable while lying still in bed. Halsin greets you with warmth and a small amount of haste.

It seems, while you slept, Halsin talked to both a tailor and a leather-worker on your behalf. What is more surprising is the light scolding you receive.

“You should have spoken up, we cannot afford such a loss in these dire times.”

“And we can afford this?” You doubt, knowing how much new, custom armor costs. 

One stern look from Halsin, and you concede.

Everyone pooled their gold together to buy you fitted clothing and armor, a gesture that means the world to you. What have you done to deserve such kind friends? Just as you took on their troubles, they’re taking on yours without a second thought. 

There is one part of their gesture that gives you pause. They need your measurements, and you need to stand for it. With abdomen muscles still healing, you require Halsin’s help to get out of bed, leaning heavily against him. 

So close to him, you breathe in his scent, take in his warmth, and relish the contact. It’s almost enough to distract you from the embarrassment of having a stranger shimmy a measuring tape around your body. You hide your discomfort as best you can, but Halsin notices.

He always does. 

He must have read it as pain, because he hastens the person along so you can lay down and rest again. Another unsaid deed that shows his care for you, soothing the stinging humiliation. 

“Let me call the healers over, I am sorry for disturbing your rest.”

You grab his hand, stilling his movements. “Wait, please.”

“What troubles you, friend?”

You shake your head. “Thank you. For carrying me back and for the clothing. Words cannot describe how grateful I am.” 

Halsin takes your hand in his gently, “This fight would not be the same without you by my side.”

You blink away a rogue tear as Halsin brings forth a healer, and drift into a deep, healing sleep with a smile on your face. 

When you wake, you’re fully restored, and your new armor and clothes are atop the bedside table. The sight should fill you with excitement, but all you feel is dread.

What if they don’t fit you? What if they’re too small?

Retreating to a corner with a privacy curtain, you hesitantly try them on, thankful that your party isn’t here. To your surprise and great relief, they all fit–as they say–like a glove. The leather armor comes with a learning curve with all the straps and strings, but after a few mistakes, you figure it out.

It’s genius, really. With overlapping leather and lacing on the side, up the arms, and down your legs, its size is fully adjustable. Up to a point, of course, but extremely useful for the days to come. You’ll probably lose more weight as the journey is far from over, and now you have armor that can account for size changes in either direction!

You choke back tears of happiness, never once having known the feel of well-fitting clothes until now. Everything has been uncomfortable in some way or another, always with minor inconveniences, and never once did they look good. 

In these clothes, it doesn’t matter how you look. You feel good in them, and for once in your life, that is all that matters. A burden has been lifted from your shoulders whose weight you never noticed before now. 

Could you truly be comfortable within this body of yours?

Later, when they all come back to the inn after adventuring, the party makes you spin for them so they can get a good look at your new attire, and although shy, your smile is brighter than it has ever been. 

Saving Thaniel is no easy task, and you probably have a few more gray hairs after that battle. With Halsin’s life at stake if you fail, you fight tooth and nail to protect the portal. 

Even though it is not enough to lift the curse, Halsin’s eyes soften whenever he looks upon you, and that is all the reward you need. 

Your love does not end with Halsin; each party member has wormed their way into your heart. So when Shadowheart embarks on her quest with you at her side, you trust her to make the right choice. 

Dame Aylin is truly something to behold. The daughter of a goddess, and a god in her own right. To be reunited with her love after so many years is a love story of the ages. You’re lucky to bear witness to it, although it tugs at the heartstrings. 

The longing for a love such as theirs does not linger on your mind, not with the battle for Moonrise Towers looming overhead. 

Is this the end? Will you be free to live your life once more? The end does not feel as near as you are led to believe. Not all of the pieces fit together yet, and the unknown scares you. 

As you suspected, Ketheric Thorm was just one head of the hydra. There is much more to be done, and the journey ahead weighs heavily on your shoulders. You try to focus on your triumphs; the Shadowcurse is lifted, the land can begin to heal, and Halsin promises to remain by your side. 

A heart full of joy can only do so much when you’re running on fumes, requiring a warm bed and a few days rest. Your friends help distract you from the wear and tear of the past few weeks, always bickering about this or that. Usually you stay out of it, but Halsin has other plans on the journey to Wyrm’s Crossing, it seems.

Freeing Thaniel, and moreso, the land, has earned you a special place by Halsin’s side. You did not expect that place to come with an honorary nickname. 

Two simple words. It, at first, fills you with a sense of kinship, but soon begins to wear on your mind. As much as you love the affection it implies, one of those words hasn’t pertained to you for a long time. 

You find him that night at camp, voice hesitant. “Halsin, can I ask you something?”

“What is it, little duck?” He greets you with a pleased smile. 

“Well, that’s what I need to talk about. Little duck.”

“Does it not please you?”

“No–it’s not that. It’s just,” you pause, crossing your arms as you take a deep, calming breath. “I’m not little.”

“Are you not?” he inquires with a hint of mirth. 

Confused eyes lift to find his hand hovering above your head, a silent judgment of your height. 

Your stoic facade breaks with a smile, then with laughter, and you nudge him with your shoulder playfully. 

“You got me there,” you surrender, grinning ear to ear. 

Halsin laughs with you, but retains a more serious composure. “As much as that pleases me, should I call you by another name?”

“Please don’t,” you answer swiftly, needing no arduous thought to decide. 

From then on, anytime he says those two words, it fills you with warmth. 

Reuniting with the refugees saved from the Shadowlands brings you joy, but not as much as a real bed and a roof over your head does. 

Freshly washed and bathed, you almost forgot what it’s like to be clean. The quest to save the city is as grave as ever, yet all you needed was some self care to feel ready to take on the Elder Brain. 

The nights in Elfsong Tavern are anything but quiet, and you feel Halsin’s attention grow with each night, like he’s working up to something.

Maybe it’s just hopeful thinking, but you feel the chemistry between the two of you. Laughter and conversation is always easy with him, and he’s been touching you more. 

Nothing serious; grazing your arm, wiping a smudge of dirt off your face, his hand lingering on your shoulder. The contact, although small, brightens your mood, and you begin to yearn for it every time he’s near, even if you still think romance is out of the question. 

It’s almost comedic, how wrong you are. 

Not a week passes before Halsin confesses his feelings for you; how he yearns to feel your skin against his in a romantic night under the stars. You barely hear his next words over your heartbeat pounding in your ears. 

His heart stirs for you, just as yours does for him. He seems so vulnerable, just now. Nervous, just as you would be in his shoes. You feel as though you are seeing a piece of him rarely shown, or perhaps you did not wish to see past the brawn. Your souls are of the same gentle nature, and just a rest away from uniting in bliss.

Fidgeting in your sheets, you try to calm your turbulent mind, but it is hopeless. Each shift calls attention to the throbbing in between your thighs, their thickness both a blessing and a curse. But your mind is still eager to race into dark territory. The night of your dreams is accompanied by your mountain of insecurities. 

You’ve been intimate with others before, but that was of a low time where you hid parts of yourself to please others. 

There will be no more of that. He will know you. All of you. Even if it means he does not want you after. 

With mind set, you find him in the clearing by the lake, his large hand upon the rough bark of a tree in silent communion. When turns to greet you, the relief and excitement in his eyes brightens the world around you both, and instills you with courage. 

All thoughts of revealing your most authentic self blow away with the breeze when Halsin relieves himself of his clothes. Standing proudly naked before you, he sweeps you up in his arms, his kiss as passionate and devouring as he promised, with roaming hands settling on your plump rear.

All of your insecurities come back to nag you all at once, and you break away from the kiss. “Wait, please.”

“What is it, my love?”

Crossing your arms, you begin to pace. The movement helps focus your thoughts, and you take a deep breath before speaking.

“I’m fat,” you begin with the simplest statement of your imagined deficiencies. “For most of my life now I’ve been various sizes of fat, and I’m probably always going to be fat. I don’t want to be. I didn’t choose it. I have stretch marks, flabby arms, back fat.”  

Your voice begins to shake as tears well in your eyes. “Yes, I’ve shrunk a bit these past few weeks, but it’s not enough! Not nearly enough. Because even if I do lose all this weight,” you pause, feeling the pressure build within–a truth so long known but never said aloud, ready to burst out of your chest whether you will it or not.

“I will still hate myself!” The first sob rips from your throat as the emotional dam is broken, shaking your entire being.

Halsin rushes to you, enveloping you in his embrace, cradling your head to his chest. 

“Beauty is not about size, little duck. Variety provides necessary balance in nature, and there is no shame in taking joy from its fruits. Your inner peace is what truly matters.”

Only now it occurs to you that he has also been judged for his size. Maybe not all negative, but that is not to say it did not have an ill-effect on his self-esteem and outward personality. 

After you stop shaking, he coaxes you to meet his gaze. Eyes red and puffy, you do as he wishes, taking in every beautiful detail of his face before settling on his eyes, as serene as the lake before you. 

“I love you as you are, stretch marks and all.” He strokes your face gently and then takes your hands in his. “Let me show you.”

Halsin guides you to the lake’s edge, and positions himself behind you, leaning both your bodies forward. The view is exquisite, but you know it is not what holds his attention. Cautious eyes follow the ripples of the water, slowly casting down until you see your reflection. 

Halsin smiles when you meet his mirrored gaze, wrapping his arms around your waist. The angle is unflattering, to say the least, but you are willing to try this for him. The heat off his bare skin is a comfort, but also a reminder that your clothes are what separates your skin from his. 

“If you are comfortable, I’d like you to undress. To look upon yourself as you do, and be comforted in my desire.”

Comfortable is not something that would describe you in this moment, but you feel ready to reveal yourself to him. Closing your eyes, you still your mind to the symphony of the world around you; crickets singing, a light breeze coming off the lake, and Halsin’s steady breathing as he nuzzles his nose into your hair. Heart fluttering in your chest, you take your shirt off with nervous hands. 

After helping you discard the fabric, he is instantly upon you, trailing kisses down the side of your face until he’s sucking at your neck. You melt into him, tilting your head to reveal more skin for him to worship with his soft lips. 

Rough fingers tickle at your waist with feather-light grazes, you giggle at the feeling and place your hands over his. Lacing your fingers in between his, you move with him as he explores your waist. 

Heat rushes to your core as you feel his cock twitch against your back. You grow impatient, moving his hands to hold your breasts. He moans into your neck, pulling you against him while gently squeezing. 

“More, please. I need to see all of you,” he pleads breathlessly in your ear, thumbs pulling down the hem of your bra. 

You pull away for only a second, the ambient temperature feels so cool compared to your combined heat. Gooseflesh prickles at your arms, and as you discard your bra, you can’t help but admire your form in the water below. Nipples hard from the cold air soon find shelter in Halsin’s large hands, and his heat blankets you in a blissful stupor once again. 

Lust pools in your mind, overpowering any insecurities still swirling within. Only thoughts of him remain, and you need no further instruction to take the next step. Your panties cling to your pants as you pull them down. Halsin provides an arm for you to balance while slipping them off, and you come face to face when you toss the unwanted clothing further onto land. 

You’d pounce on him, but he quickly turns you around to face the lake again with a playful chuckle.

“Almost, my love. Look how extraordinarily beautiful you are, just as nature intended.” 

There you are, indeed. There’s your belly that you’ve loathed, the fat thighs that have been your bane, your double chin that distracts you from your beautiful face. Yet, with him at your back, your perspective begins to change, and you can see this body as yourself instead of some ugly, fat thing.

Halsin trails one hand down your stomach, over your stretch marks, and cups the plush overhang, squishing slightly as he smooths his palm back up your body, feeling the entirety of your curves.

All of your fears dissipate with the irrevocable proof of his attraction digging into your back, and you turn to face him. This time, he allows you, his hands grabbing your ass greedily. You run your hands up his body, relishing the feel of his coarse hair covering his chest and stomach. He moans softly at your touch, but something else starts to happen. 

His eyes begin to glow as he backs away from you in haste. The transformation is something you have seen many times, but never did you see the emotion behind it.

There is nothing as flattering as a partner losing themselves so utterly in a shared moment. Changing back just as fast, he flashes you a sheepish grin. 

Halsin starts to speak, but your patience is at its limit, and you run up to him, pulling him down for a kiss before he can utter a single word. 

Having regained his confidence through your kiss, he leads you back to the tree he was initially at, kneeling at its base. He leads you down to him, laying you down on the softest grass you’ve ever felt. There is a fleeting taste of his passion-full lips as he kisses his way down to your breasts, taking his time to kiss each one before descending further. 

Halsin’s lips against your stomach tickle in a touch-starved way, adding coal to the fire raging inside your core. He slips his arms underneath your knees, bending and spreading your legs. Supporting himself on his elbows, he reaches around, parting your lips by pulling your flesh toward your belly button. 

The first soft kiss upon your exposed clit has you gasping for air, hands grabbing fistfuls of grass at your side. It was only the calm before the storm; a single taste of honey is not nearly enough to satiate the beast between your thighs, and he shows you no mercy. 

Tongue lapping at your cunt from entrance to throbbing bud, Halsin has you squirming under his touch. Just as you think his pleasure is at its peak, he suckles your clit.

Toe curling, back arching, you scream his name as you reach carnal heights you never thought possible.

You whine when he stops, but when you see his swollen cock twitching between his legs, you know exactly what he needs. He lets you push him back onto the grass, helping you straddle him with a steadying hand. Cock nestled perfectly between your folds, you nuzzle his nose with yours before he pulls you into a passionate kiss. The taste of you is intoxicating as you drink in his moans, slide your hips against him, obscenely slick.

Ever hungry for more, you explore his body with your mouth, hips never ceasing their slow but steady rock. Thick, muscled neck, tender for kissing. Pronounced pecks perfect for light, teasing bites. Sensitive nipples ripe for sucking. Veiny arms that your lips could kiss for days. The faded but still visible stretch marks around his shoulders that now hold a special place within your heart, and you kiss each one of them.

You worship him, mind and body just as he does with his burly hands ever present on your lust-driven body. His touch now bruising, he tries to push into you with each thrust, soft moans turning into desperate grunts.

He catches at your entrance, but you tilt your hips so he passes over your clit once again. You shiver at the feeling, and cannot help the laugh that accompanies the bliss.

Teasing Halsin is just so fucking hot.

With an animalistic growl, he rolls you onto your back, having had enough of your shenanigans. Your sounds of glee quickly turn lewd as his cock finally finds purchase, stretching you delightfully with his mighty girth. 

Even with a mind lost to passion, he takes your comfort into account, pushing in slowly to let you adjust. His hungry mouth kisses your face, your lips, your jaw, your neck, until your canting, impatient hips break the last thread of his self control.

Burying his nose in your hair, one hand holding your breast, hips pumping, he makes love to you under the stars. You wrap your arms around him, holding onto his back to keep from being pushed away from the force of his hips. Your voices are a sweet, rhythmic chorus to nature as you feel a fluttering grow in your core. Halsin relinquishes his grip on your breast, hooking his hand underneath one of your knees to spread you further.

He reaches new heights within you, and you feel his cock harden more than you thought possible, readying to fill you with the nature’s bounty you’ve been craving. Your hands slip down to his ass, needing all of him inside you.

Your wants ever his desire, he buries his cock inside you and ruts, massaging the bundle of nerves deep within. Your fingers cling to him, leaving red lines down back unintentionally as the chord within finally snaps. Walls fluttering around him before clenching down, the waves of pleasure overtake you both, and he is a helpless passenger in its wake. He says your name like a prayer as his hips stutter in their rhythm. 

Cradling him close as you feel his cock pulse, you whisper in his ear, “I love you, Halsin.”

That mystical night under the stars with Halsin was legendary. Its memory, as well as the man himself, helps you through the rest of your quest, picking you up when you are down. All you need to do is close your eyes, and you’re right back in that clearing by the lake with him beside you.

You do not know if you would have gotten through it all without him. By the time you defeat the Netherbrain, you are the thinnest you’ve been since childhood, and also the most sickly. Stronger muscles and better food is not enough in the face of true exhaustion, and it shows in your gaunt face. 

The celebration with Halsin that night is sweet and gentle, containing all the relief of a battle hard won. You cannot help the tears that fall from your eyes as you reach your climaxes together.

It all feels like a dream. How could you have made it through all that alive and relatively well? With him at your side? A man as loving as he is large, he still does not impose anything on you. Talking as if there could be a chance you wouldn’t be going with him to resettle Moonrise Towers. 

You depart in the morning with nine wagons full of kids of various ages, all without families or homes, and your bear at your side. 

The savior of Baldur’s Gate is a bit rich for your liking, but it does give you a certain air of respect when you have to give them time-outs.

Halsin calls them all his ducklings, and it is so very fitting with how they follow him around from dawn till dusk. 

When you receive a letter with shaky lettering inviting you to the place where it all began, you’re more than happy to reunite with everyone. The time without doom hanging over your heads has certainly made you both plump and happy. You still struggle with body image issues, but you feel comfortable in your skin more often than not. A battle that is waning in your favor, with once barren fields blooming with slow acceptance.

Your appetite for life has always been large. Giant partner, a heap of kids to call your own, and enough tall tales to last them well into adulthood; you want for nothing in the years to come. 

With Halsin you build a loving home–an ending you never thought you deserved. 

And you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tag list: @incognitoowl @slowlydecayinginside-blog @freddiemonstar @strawberry-siberian @zorazeppeli

@callgirl-of-cthulhu @leftoverice @mickster-trickster @theidesofpisces @athenakeene

@camelliaandjasmine @otherredsareoutthere @bewitchedbg3 @kelseyxyeslek-blog @angelicsignature

@gloomweed @tolkien-fantasy @whitetxilwxlf @towriteloveontheirarms @uhhh-idk-dude

@ladyjeweler @rintheavatar @loverbug1123 @unreadpoppy @mossthedevouring

@railmeloki @wendy940010 @anexhaustedanomaly @the-bear-and-his-sunbird @tyrannydarling

@creatednoodle @mossy-moggins @whiskeyskin @ouranyaoi @appalachiancowboy99

@juniper-sunny @myheart-mydarling @mollymauksboi @pwney @sensitivesoil1008

@gremlin-dave @cosmicaeons21 @its-jaytothemee @reignydeys @im-eating-rn

@rosekicks @nefolstardust @blueraspberrycola @cpiev @lifechasingdreaming

@the-ashtronaut @gildedlilyvibes @emmybee11 @gh0ulbunny @shyomission

@fandom-star @garbdump @caitlam @wicked-game-black-butler @i-like-duckies

@hollywritin @reduxskullduggerry @thoughts-of-bear @opossumbloom @vixnovacoda

@amorgansgal @avabjorna36 @rodeocl0wn @emoguardian @minimisthios

@thegirlsmorgue @confused--polarity @waterm3i0n @violet-starlings-blog @thunderdownunder

@ashrio20

[fivelasanctum]

I blame the snippets from the Commission handbook I found online but I am shipping the young man form of Founderfive + Lila together. Love her with her canon beloved in any form. A bit of a crackship but still intriguing in the scope of fanon and the fanfiction realm. Does offer many compelling storyline developments if he had survived past season three. Or a trace of himself lingered in the timelines given he created the time Commission and most likely the subway system as a possible contingency plan. Five assumed he was 100 years old given that is a normal human lifespan and he passed away in his 'can'. In the excerpt he mentioned he no long remembered his name. Yet he was still quite lucid to talk to his other self to not save the world. Not suffering from dementia at all. Been established that time was nothing when at the commission. Why we can't truly gauge lila's age given she worked for them as well. Five was suppose to only do 5 years of service for the Handler but was still with them up until he was 56 or 58 year old self. Was rescued when he was 45. Time is subjective. So the founder may be more godlike in terms of his age and abilities (thinking timelord for those familiar with the Doctor Who series)

As shown in the image above: Seems to be a somber, melancholic version of five that is filled with regrets. Horrified about what he has created. That has a life all it's own. Essentially feels the road of hell was paved with good intentions but that despite the original aim for what he wanted, "time is a finicky mistress." Cannot be molded by one person no matter how powerful the founder became. "someone I lost" could mean his youthful self that was self aware and confident in his purpose. Knowing what he wanted and needed to do. Believing he could change the world on his own. Since founder lost touch with what it meant to be a 'Five'. Yet it can also mean he lost his version of lila. The series is familiar with tragic endings with couples. Luther and sloane were sweet, married each other and looked to be endgame. Yet when the universe was reset, luther remembered and still loved her but for whatever reasons, couldn't find her. When five and her found him in the bunker she did have pity for him. Trying to calm Five's ire towards the founder since by this time he was in a more fragile state when it came to his health. He did acknowledge her with 'bingo.' A five-ism I'll call it. Confirming she was keeping up with it all. Not confused like other characters would be (Diego and luther in particular) When he did perish, she was hesitant to leave her five alone with now dead founder. Knowing it was an emotional moment for him. Confronted with his future mortality and the realization he would be alone. Not having accomplished what he sought out to do. Their was another revelation in the commission handbook that five can't use his powers if his hands are bound yet was not verified completely. Take with a grain of salt since I still need to purchase the book and this is second-third hand accounts from others that gave hints to some lore on five/founder. Still opens some doors with the information. Many ways to go with founderfive and lila within the fandom. ♥ Could be more manic with a god complex in his younger days since five revealed to Klaus he thought he could evade death in addition to time and disasters. Would make founder be more insane or at the very least more of an anti-hero type character. ♥ slow-burn beauty and the beast tale with Lila. Projects being more insane than he actually is to push her away. ♥ Possibly stalking/watching her when both were at the time commission courtesy of his own powers and the infinite switch board. ♥ Their were three chairs in the bunker with opened alcohol bottles and glasses. Showing he could have had company but with himself. Since he made the Bunker paradox psychosis proof. Most likely to bounce ideas off alternate fives for how to save the world before he threw in the towel in the end. ♥ Perhaps created paradox psychosis as a means of sticking it to his other selves. Five has always been self deprecating as we saw with his adventure with luther. Both trying to kill each other and insult one another. Founder could see what his alternate selves were doing, jealous if they had a happier life with their 'lila' compared to his situation of being stuck at the commission with the weight of the world on his shoulders. Well. More than one world infinite ones due to timelines branching off. ♥ With his mastery over time it could have served as a double edged sword. Slowing down his own time subconsciously. Lila, while able to mimic his abilities, she could have hit her limits. Having to watch her age eventually while he would remain. Maybe worked on finding a way to let his time move so he could reunite with her. In the comics, Five is frozen in time as a ten year old. Never able to grow from that point. The handler was able to freeze time for a couple minutes and she wasn't even the highest ranking person in the commission. Makes sense founder can impart a crumb of his powers. ♥ Founder serving as the battery core of the commission for everything to function. Suitcases leeching off his power, creating custom timelines.

♥ Idea of founder being annoyed with his other self. Jealous if main lila has a relationship already with main five. Might separate him in three bodies. Representing the three parts of his mind while in physical, different ages. Kid five, apocalypse five and 25 year old five at the end of the series. Yet all have the memories of lila and events leading up to what founder did on a whim. Can't stay separated forever since memories or sense of self can be distorted. Just some ideas I have had and other Fivela/live/Fila fans have had when discussing this on Discord <3 Thanks for reading~

[babycharmander]

(II18 SPOILERS) Why didn't MePad teleport MePhone in the final episode?

(Disclaimer: I don't have Twitter so I can't see when the showrunners answer questions. This might've already been directly answered by them somewhere, and if it has, I'd appreciate if you reply to this post with a screenshot of the answer!)

This is something I've been trying to figure out since a friend pointed out to me that it was strange that MePad seemingly sacrificed himself rather than simply teleport MePhone out of danger, given that's kinda just... something he can do.

My first theory (which was incorrect, as you'll soon see) was that his teleportation had become limited after episode 15.

[ID: Two screenshots from Inanimate Insanity Season 2 episode 15: Truth or Flare. In the first screenshot, MePad wears an upset expression on his face as he looks up at Taco, who is facing him and saying, "You can't teleport, either." In the second screenshot, Taco is looking off to the side, her hand against the side of her face in thought, as she says, "Or rather, not of your own accord." /end ID]

Taco is confident her meddling with MePad has made it so only she can use his teleportation abilities. If this were the case, it would explain why MePad couldn't teleport once she was gone. And I did check, and it looked like every time he teleports, Taco is nearby...

HOWEVER.

I turned out to be wrong on this for two reasons!

[ID: Two more screenshots from the same episode. In the first, Taco is hiding behind a bush and standing next to MePad, and in the second, the same scene is zoomed out slightly so MePad is more visible, showing his concerned expression. Taco says, "You could have left any time you wanted, couldn't you?" /end ID]

For one, at the end of that particular episode, MePad teleports Taco himself, and Taco realizes he could have teleported at any time, but chose not to. (The first time I saw this scene, I misinterpreted this as Taco asking him if he could have left the show, which is why I hadn't immediately thought of it when mulling over this theory.)

Moreover, in the finale...

[ID: A screenshot from Inanimate Insanity season 2 episode 18: Objects in Mirror. Cobs, on the right side of the screen, is thrusting his knife at MePad (on the left) who is teleporting out of the way. /end ID]

...In a very brief scene, MePad does teleport himself out of danger while fighting Cobs, confirming beyond doubt that he can still teleport without Taco's needing to activate the teleport, or even being present.

(As a side note, though, that might be something Taco herself wonders about later, so... do with that what you will, Taco angst enjoyers!)

That brought me back to square one. If he still has full use of his teleportation powers, why not teleport MePhone out of danger instead of using his own body as a shield?

So... I took a look at the scene again.

[ID: Two more screenshots from the aforementioned episode. In the first screenshot, Cobs (on the right) is kicking MePad (on the left), who flinches as he is knocked backward. In the second screenshot, MePhone is on the left, sitting on the ground, his screen broken, as he looks up at Cobs in fear. Cobs looks down at him smugly, his arms behind his back, while MePad lies off to the right several feet away, his expression dazed. /end ID]

MePad has been fighting with Cobs for a while, initially with the help of Bow and Dough until the fight moves beyond the boundaries of where the Purgatory Mansion once stood. At that point, MePad was fighting alone. Without arms, however, there's presumably not much he could do to actually attack Cobs outside of wearing him out with constant dodging.

Cobs eventually manages to kick him and knock him over, which, you'd think he'd be able to move or teleport out of the way, but he doesn't. And afterward, he's lying on the ground for a good few seconds, looking dazed. We don't even see him try to stand.

So, this brings me to my current theory:

After everything he's done that day, MePad has worn himself out, and his reaction time has become delayed.

MePad is not used to this much action. He's been teleporting people all day, some in rapid succession of each other (when he was teleporting several people away from MePhone X), and he's also been "fighting" Cobs (presumably by repeatedly dodging and teleporting out of his way in order to buy time for MePhone and the contestants).

Toward the end, he reaches a point where he can't keep moving out of the way, and is worn out to the point where he can't even immediately get himself up, even in a dire situation.

But he does eventually get himself up, and activates the invisi-bow. We don't know if he teleported himself then, or if he ran to MePhone. But either way, his intent could very well have been to teleport MePhone out of danger... but a second too late.

[ID: Another screenshot from the aforementioned episode, featuring a black screen with white cracks branching out of a pentagonal shaped hole in the center. /end ID]

And instead...

[ID: Another screenshot of the aforementioned episode, showing MePad, expression pained as he drops to his knees, his screen impaled by Cobs's knife. /end ID]

He winds up taking the hit for MePhone instead.

tl;dr: MePad's intent was not to sacrifice himself, but he wore himself out in the fight with Cobs and was unable to react quickly enough to teleport MePhone, thus taking the hit himself instead.

Simple explanation, yes, but it's the best I've got so far, unless anyone else has any other thoughts (or unless the showrunners said something regarding this that I missed).

Thank you for listening to my rambling! I am now going to continue being in pain over the death of one of my favorite characters. Carry on!

[gleefullypolin]

Stacy's Tipsy Musing's - Colin Bridgerton Hot Takes - Part 2

Ok boys and girls, we need to have a little chat about Colin Bridgerton.

Part 2 has been out now for a couple of days and there have been a lot of hot takes to come out of the season. A LOT of hot takes. I’m going to break this down into 4 parts. 4 questions that I'm seeing really bad hot takes about Colin.

Now none of this is new, I gotta say before Season 3 aired Colin was a hot button topic anyway. He seemed to be the Bridgerton brother that lots of people love to spew hate takes on anyway. But damn I gotta say its painful seeing the Polin fandom have so many bad takes falling from their lips.

So, I figured...having a little drink tonight, sitting down for Father’s Day (Happy Father’s Day, Colin) I’d give you the opinion on some of these takes that you didn’t ask for...Mine!

Last time we talked about Colin’s entrapment statement to Pen and if he truly meant it.  Question 1, now lets get to Question 2:

Why would Colin send Pen home alone after finding her on the street at night?

Ok we are going to have to resolve a few things here. One, our desire to watch Pen/Colin have hot angry sex right there on the street, and two Colin Bridgerton respecting Penelope too much to do so. So, let’s start at the top. Colin finds Pen walking home on a dark street after a long night of drinking the night before they are to be married. And not just a little drinking, a LOT of drinking. He was going pretty hard at the bar with his brother, the boys could not keep up with him, and Kate called him out for smelling like a bottle of liquor.

Now he sees the reason for all his drinking, walking down a dark road STILL putting herself in danger in the middle of the night. His mind is racing about what the hell she is doing out there, he immediately just assumes it is connected to Whistledown. The woman he despises, hates, and is highly jealous of.

Now they fight. Because of course they do. Pen does a good job of holding her own against his anger here. She tries to explain herself, that she was trying to protect El, that she wanted to protect him, that she made mistakes, she should have done things differently. That Colin has given her confidence to stand up for herself without Whistledown, and you can see his resolve give. The moment he thinks she will walk away from it, he appears like that will end it all, it will stop the fight in it’s tracks.

But then she tells him there is still value to her keeping it. And that is where you see the real reason for him holding onto his anger. The jealousy. The fact that he feels she was laughing at him, by being a writer herself she must have not been truthful to him about his own writing. About his talent. And then the anger bubbles back up, and he hits her about his concern for her safety. And then it surges forward, his need to protect her. And that is where she strikes at him, she does not need his protection.

And here we are at the crux of Colin Bridgerton’s pain. His hero complex without a damsel to save. “Then what good am I to you?” She silences him with the one thing she can. Love. Pen loves Colin. It’s all she needs from him. And he is lost momentarily in her need for him to love her. His purpose. And they lose themselves in each other without thought in passion. Colin forgets his anger, his jealousy, his shame and he takes her up against the wall in public, on the street. And it’s not until that cursed horse ruins our voyeuristic excitement that Colin suddenly remembers that he has Pen up against a wall in public.

And this is not our Colin Bridgerton that loves Penelope. Not the Colin who just admonished her for not respecting him enough to talk directly to him. He is not the Colin Bridgerton who would take her out of anger. He would not take her while feeling this shame and hurt toward her. Simply having her tied to him does not mean he can just take what he wants. So instead, he treats her with respect, he walks her to the carriage, and he puts her safely inside.

He then makes sure she understands that she will see him in the morning at the wedding, he intends to be there to marry her, regardless of what is going on between them. And then he sends her home. Because anything else would not be Colin. He’s drunk, he’s angry, and the alternatives would not end without adding more shame to himself.

Stick around for part 3....

Why would Colin sleep on the couch and ruin their wedding night and then continue to sleep on the couch after they are married?

[lilac-rose-writes]

"I can't do this anymore"

(or- nugget, penny & lily parallels because i couldn't help myself)

nugget & penny both reach a breaking point, and it's only then that they rebel against the principals. nugget was intended to be an experiment; billy was an accidental substitute. penny wasn't meant to be an experiment; she still acted as a useful tool. both nugget & penny know more than they should about what the principals are up to. billy confided in nugget about what he knew, penny's been exposed to it firsthand. the principals control them via drugs and remotes, and both of them are despondent because of it.

and then there's lily. lily refuses to take the pills, refuses to give in to the principals, and she ends up in the reverse situation. her brother's gone, she's bullied relentlessly, and she's losing the will to live more by the day. when cindy pushes lily to her breaking point, lily does the opposite of rebelling. lily gives up.

penny tries to die and fails, so decides to help with the rescue instead despite the threat it puts on her life. the female principal kills her for it. the moment penny fights back, she's given what she wanted- in a death she couldn't achieve alone.

nugget can no longer remember what billy said to him, but he wants to help nonetheless. he gives up the note even though it's one of the only memories of billy he still has left. nugget can read. how many times do you think he's gone through it, deciphering the handwriting and committing each word to memory?

lily can't read. lily's trying to find billy. lily's the reason there's a statue watching everyone in the playground. lily's putting herself in danger. nugget's scared of the principal, scared of speaking against him, scared of putting both lily and himself in danger when he's almost entirely convinced that billy's already dead. nugget makes a memorial. no-one but billy had seen inside of his cave before. in giving kid the note, he gets what he wanted too- billy back in his life.

lily gives up. lily doesn't fight. in that loop, lily dies. in a way, that's what she wanted too.

there's also a difference in how they give in. nugget trips over his words, tearful and scared. nobody's allowed to talk about billy, not without the devices in their pockets blowing up. he's overcome with grief and trying to reminisce about a friend he's been forced to forget hurts more than he can put into words. nugget's is a confession. nugget's is a cry for help.

penny cries out. penny's in anguish, penny's brain and will and body are all rebelling against each other. people aren't meant to be robots. penny knows she wasn't meant to survive. she's desperate, she's shouting because no-one will listen. penny's is a warning that she won't stay. penny's is rebellion, because she can't find it in herself to obey anymore even as a plastic smile stays plastered on her face.

lily's apathetic. every word is monosyllabic until she reaches the end of her sentence. "mean" is juveline, "mean" is simplistic. lily's a child. she focuses on cindy's bullying so she doesn't have to think about everything else she's lost, everything else on her mind. lily's miserable. lily's detached. lily speaks softly. lily goes without a fight.

…, !!!, . nugget gives detail, struggling to express just how affected he's been by billy's disappearance. penny's words are short and capitalised, as loud as ted's agonised screams when he's pushed into the hole. lily offers two short sentences: a surrender.

[nothankyoudear]

If Arthur has learned one thing from his father's teachings, it is to not trust.

For friends all eventually part ways, and lovers all end in tragedy. They are both nothing but human, and if there is one thing that humans do best, it is to betray. 

Arthur carries that with him for the entirety of his childhood, and by the time he is well into his teens, he is alone except for a few that his father has deemed as suitable playmates.

It all changes when he meets Merlin.

Merlin is nothing like any of the friends that Arthur has had - He insults Arthur with a glint in his eyes, and is confident as he tells the crown prince off in aid of a servant. Arthur feels a pang in his chest and reacts the only way he knows how. By taunting Merlin and throwing him off into the dungeons.

Arthur turns in his bed that night, sleepless. He thinks of Merlin’s sarcastic remarks and blue eyes, and wonders if he might’ve ruined the only chance he had at something with the resemblance of a friend.

The next time they meet, Merlin shoves past Arthur at the market, and Arthur panics. He wants to reach out and apologize and offer Merlin gifts in sincerity, yet his mouth and pride act before his mind, and once again he goes back to taunting.

Arthur doesn’t sleep that night, for fate has given him another chance at befriending this strange boy, and he has failed her twice. Arthur has lost the privilege of being someone other than his title.

But she is continuously merciful, as by a strange series of events, Merlin is assigned as his manservant. 

Arthur cannot stop himself from smiling when he is insulted once more.

As the years pass, Arthur gets closer and closer to Merlin. And when he finds himself comforted by Merlin's presence as he is laying down logs in the fireplace one night, he is terrified.

Because Merlin treats him as Arthur, the royal prat and downright pain in Merlin's arse, and not Arthur Pendragon, the prince of Camelot. Arthur is treated like a human for what is possibly the first time in his life, and he reacts like one.

Arthur has broken the one rule given to him by his father, and with every time he sleeps next to Merlin or eats whatever Merlin has cooked for him, Arthur has silently and unknowingly placed his life into the palms of Merlin's hands.

Arthur trusts Merlin, and he is terrified.

He knows that Merlin doesn’t have it in his blood to be unkind (he stood up to a prince for a servant, for gods’ sake), yet he cannot resolve the thoughts of Merlin leaving him behind now that he has Arthur between his fingers. The idea of betrayal and sorrow drives itself into Arthur’s mind to the point of madness, and he knows it’s because he’ll be rendered helpless if Merlin really does turn his back on him.

Arthur thinks of distancing himself from Merlin, but even the thought pains him too much. So instead, he resigns to his fate and leans into Merlin like a moth to fire.

Merlin tells Arthur about his magic one cold night.

His voice is soft and his hands are shaking. His eyes never stray from Arthur’s expression. 

Arthur’s mind is muddled and although he knows he should be feeling a sense of betrayal, of how his father was and always had been right in his judgement not to trust, a raw feeling of elation dances across his skin instead.

Because Merlin trusts him back.

Arthur has handed his life over to Merlin through sips of stew and naps during hunting trips, and Merlin has handed it right back.

Merlin is a sorcerer, and instead of executing him, Arthur kisses him.

They lay in bed together that night, huddled underneath the thick red blanket in Arthur’s chambers. Arthur tells Merlin about his fear of betrayal and his father’s teachings. He tells Merlin about how he’s wanted nothing more than to be seen as a real, living person with something else other than his surname, and about the sleepless nights Arthur’s spent thinking about him.

Arthur tells Merlin he loves him, and Merlin says it back.

Merlin sleeps before him, and in the silence Arthur can’t help but think of his father’s teachings. He can't help but think of stories of anguish and sorrow and pain.

Yet it all dissipates as he takes one look at Merlin’s lips, and hears the soft inhale from his sleeping figure. And as Arthur lays besides Merlin, he wonders how his father had ever thought betrayal was the thing that humans did best, when it had always clearly been love. 

[roryelijah02]

Daryl's Cycle Of Feelings: An Analysis

On my most recent rewatch of The Walking Dead flagship show, I've come to notice a pattern when it comes to Daryl, in particular when it comes to his feelings towards Carol. I like to call this theory Daryl's Cycle Of Feelings and I will henceforth explain what this means in my analysis down below.

In my opinion, Daryl has been fascinated and intrigued by Carol since the beginning of the show. I think his romantic feelings for her developed quite early on, at least by the end of season 2. However, due to his past experiences and insecurities, it took him a while to realise what these feelings were and what they meant, let alone be able to build the courage and confidence to be able to act on them.

During season 3, there is a period of time when Daryl and the rest of the group believe Carol to be dead. Until he finds her in season 3 episode 6, Hounded, two episodes later, Daryl is heartbroken and full of grief, shown by how he leaves a Cherokee Rose on her makeshift grave and bravely prepares himself to put her walker down. I feel like he has a lot of regrets with regards to not telling her how he feels during this period of time. Then it turns out Carol is alive and Daryl realises he hasn't lost her after all but I think from this happening, he began to learn just how short life is, especially in the zombie apocalypse. He realises he needs to tell Carol how he feels before anything else happens and it's too late, so he begins to build up the courage to do so...

But then Carol gets banished from the group by Rick in Season 4 Episode 4, Indifference, and when Daryl finds out from Rick in season 4 episode 8, Too Far Gone, he's devastated because not only does he think he's lost her forever, he also realises he's lost his chance to tell her how he feels, again. I believe Daryl was all but ready to head out to go and find her but then the Governor attacked the prison and it was too late. When he reunites with Carol at Terminus, he believes he's been given another chance and the cycle starts over again. He's reminded how short life is (especially in the apocalypse) reminds himself he needs to tell her before it's too late and builds up the courage to do so...

But then he realises that something really bad happened whilst Carol was out on the road with Tyreese, Lizzie, Mika and Judith and just as he's considering whether now is the right time to tell Carol his feelings or not, the decision is made for him when she gets hit by a car and taken by the people of Grady Hospital in Season 5 episode 6, Consumed. When Carol is rescued from Grady, Daryl's cycle begins again. He reminds himself how short life is (especially in the apocalypse), reminds himself he needs to tell her and builds up the courage to do so...

But then they arrive at Alexandria and Carol, so caught up in her grief and trauma over what happened whilst she was out on the road with Tyreese and the girls, begins a fling with Tobin and begins to separate herself from Daryl and the rest of the group. She believes that she's not worthy of them and their love anymore and doesn't want to kill anymore, so she leaves and then not long after, the Saviour war happens. When the Saviour war is over, Daryl's cycle begins again. He reminds himself how short life is (especially in the apocalypse), he reminds himself he needs to tell her how he feels and builds up the courage to do so...

But then Carol becomes close to Ezekiel and Henry and gets into a romantic relationship with Ezekeil, eventually agreeing to marry him and Daryl being Daryl who is always going to put Carol first, puts his feelings to the side and selflessly gives Carol his blessing for her to marry Ezekiel. After Henry's death and the breakdown of Carol's marriage to Ezekiel, Daryl begins to think that maybe he has another chance and his cycle of feelings begins again. He remembers how short life is (especially in the apocalypse), he reminds himself he needs to tell Carol how he feels and he builds up the courage to do so...

But then the Whisperer War begins and Carol is overcome with grief over Henry's death, wanting to protect the people she loves and wanting revenge on Alpha and justice for Henry's death. Daryl realises that even though he is now at a stage where he's more than ready to tell Carol how he feels, it's not the right time for her to hear it. When the Whisperer War ends, Daryl's cycle begins again. He's reminded how short life is (especially in the apocalypse and after he's come the closest he's ever been to losing Carol in this war), he reminds himself he needs to tell Carol how he feels and he builds up the courage to do so...

But then the war with the Commonwealth begins and Daryl worries he's going to lose Carol again, this time to the hands of Lance Hornsby. But Carol survives and Daryl couldn't be more relieved. However, Maggie tells Daryl it's now time to start leaving the community and finding what else is out there and when Carol confirms she's opting to stay behind, Daryl's cycle begins all over again. He realises how short life is (especially in the apocalypse), he reminds himself he needs to tell her how he feels and this time, he realises, that with him going away and not knowing when he'll be coming back, that it's now or never and so he builds up the courage to do so and finally, at the last moment, he tells her he loves her and of course, she reciprocates.

[scramblecat]

Something I really love about Nerdy Prudes Must Die is how it completely subverts the ‘uncool kid joins the popular kids’ trope.

Typically with a story that has a similar premise (a friend or a love interest in a higher place on the school hierarchy from the ‘uncool’ character) I feel like a lot of the time we see the same thing happen over and over: the uncool kid finds a place in the popular kids, and starts behaving like them, treating everybody they used to hang out with as below them. If it’s ‘resolved,’ it’s by the main character realizing the popular kids are actually shitty people that they don’t want to hang out with. Even if at the end they go back to the uncool kids, that pipeline and change still happens, and it’s central to the plot.

And that’s certainly what I thought we were going to see in Nerdy Prudes. After Pete’s phone call with Steph (‘just these two fuckin’ nerds who won’t leave me alone!’), I was genuinely, actually starting to dread seeing Pete go through that change and start to treat Richie and Ruth like shit. I can even go so far to say I was expecting him to, given his newfound boost of confidence and thinking he’s impervious to even Max Jägerman!

But Nerdy Prudes doesn’t do that at ALL.

Pete never rises to the status of ‘popular kid’. Instead, Steph is the one to join the other group.

It’s clear that she’s certainly reluctant to do so— she’s been conditioned by the school environment and her popular kid status to think these kids are losers and Weird and uncomfortable to be around. But she’s also reluctant to actually be a shitty person to them, especially after she starts falling for Pete.

Speaking of Pete, he really is her link into the group, just like the role of ‘popular kid’ usually is played in this genre of storyline. But it’s handled a lot differently, and the way it is fits so well into the plot.

The only reason that Steph is willing to join the group of nerds in the first place is, of course, to get revenge on Max. But at the start of the musical, it’s clear that she doesn’t even know the magnitude of what Max does to the nerds— she straight up asks Pete who he’s running from right before Literal Monster, for Pete’s sake (ha do you see what I did there—). I don’t think she’d have to ask if she knew how much of a monster Max really was. Seeing what he did to Pete was what snapped her into that realization of how fucked up Max’s behavior is (and that nobody is going to punish him for it), which is why she joins the group.

‘But Scramble where’s your Evidence that just sounds like a theory?’

Bear with me here while I talk about Bully the Bully.

Bully the Bully (and the scene prior) is actually the single greatest indicator of how Steph’s opinion of the nerds shifts. At first, she looks and sounds like she absolutely does not want to be there. She takes a place standing FAR away from the group—

— and retorts back at things they’re saying multiple times, insulting them a little, and just generally looking down on them. (‘God, you guys are nerds.’).

She comments on how she thinks the things the nerds are doing are weird (such as the way Grace spins around) and seems very resistant to participating. She still looks down on most of them, and she doesn’t even try to hide it.

But as the song goes on, she starts getting a little more into it. Grace swings her into the group, and she starts participating just a little, joining in on the lineup, laughing a little. And while she doesn’t contribute her own solo line on the rest of the ‘fealty, a duty’ bit like everybody else does, she joins in on Pete’s part once she sees that he’s participating, too. And she’s starting to smile a little!

She starts joining in on the antics a little more after that, and this time on her own! She’s genuinely having fun!! All of a sudden she’s alert and a little more enthusiastic about this, starting to match the energy of the nerds, because she’s realizing that it isn’t so bad after all, and actually that they’re fun to be around!

I really like this sequence here— she’s fully involved at this point, but is thrown off when she sees the other nerds all of a sudden improvising with the moves —

—And tries to come up with one of her own the next time around.

Even if she doesn’t get one in, it’s still clear that she wants to be a part of it, too.

My favorite part however is when she joins in on the ‘bean school’ bit, where she seems a little not sure of what they’re doing & hesitant to do it, but tries to go along with it nonetheless, just like the improv poses— no matter how odd and random it seems to her at first.

It’s a sharp contrast to how she’d been at the start of the song, separated from the group and looking down on them for doing these weird little things. But by the end, she’s realizing how enjoyable this group really is! She’s dancing around with them, fully and eagerly joining in on what they’re doing, having fun just being goofy and weird! And she doesn’t see it as a bad thing anymore!

(Okay Scramble note: while making this gif I noticed that Steph is actually the first to initiate the snapping at the end WAAAA… I love the little details in this show. reminder to me to make a post compiling some of my favorites because there are so many I’ve noticed on my rewatches...)

The transition of Steph’s attitude toward the nerds is absolutely delightful. There’s none of that ‘returning to your own position in the heirarchy’ stuff, either. She’s made herself comfortable as a part of the gang, and she enjoys it!

While Steph is the biggest and most relevant, there is actually another (short-lived) example of this— with Max Jägerman, right before his death.

Max is the antagonist of the show. Hell, there’s an entire song at the beginning of the musical dedicated to establishing how much of a terrifying monster he is, and how all the nerds fear him. He even says these things with his own mouth, and he says them with glee. He’s proud to be a bully that people fear, he’s proud that people cower down around him, and he’s absolutely not afraid to be horrible toward those he deems below him.

But after Max is told that the nerds put this together purely to scare him— and that he deserves it— his demeanor towards the nerds changes ENTIRELY. All of a sudden, he’s not the literal monster that he’s explicitly been shown to be up until this point. I’m not saying that ‘he was like this all along’ or whatever— he very much does not regret anything he’s done, and does not regret the person he is, and still is that person. But for a single moment, he sheds the god complex, and for the first time, treats the nerds like equals— and not even in the way Kyle and Jason are ‘equals’.

He’s genuinely excited and happy about all this! He expresses how he really liked how they went about this, and compliments Ruth!

And he’s not bringing them up to his level, either— he is meeting them where they’re at. Similarly to Steph, he’s starting to be okay with some of the aspects of how the nerds behave, and even finding it fun in his own way. Even if the intent was to scare him, he likes the way they executed it, and takes it as something they did to make him happy. Obviously he never gets to have a chance at adjusting to it like Steph did, but hey, I’m counting it as a small example regardless!

(And this all is not to discount the fact that he’d very proudly done— and continued to do— fucked up things. he’s.. not a decent person regardless of this scene AJDHAHRHA im not exactly a max redemption arc truther. but that just kind of showed that he had the Potential to adjust. and then he got killed and turned evil again </3)

Anyway. Really delightful how they executed this trope subversion, and I’m so happy that they did. Not only does it help to emphasize that these characters care about each other/are genuine to each other (especially in the case of Steph and Pete, and Pete and the other nerds) but it really feels a lot neater and nicer to watch than it would’ve been if they’d gone the route with the trope as it’s usually played!

I am notoriously terrible at figuring out how to word a conclusion, so have another little gif and compare it to the first image in the post :]

[thetempleofthemasaigoddess]

Your boyfriend Zoro being transformed into a girl would involve…

Roronoa Zoro x reader. NSFW!!

*****

💚 You and Zoro have been together for a while. He’s not the most affectionate of men, but he makes sure you’re aware how important you are to him, and you enjoy a solid relationship, built on love, trust and reciprocal support.

💚 One day, in the course of one of your adventures, the crew decides to split: Zoro, Luffy and Nami leave, while you remain on the Merry with Usopp and Sanji. You soundly kiss your boyfriend goodbye, vaguely melancholic at the thought of having to spend more than a few hours apart for the first time since you both joined the crew, and he whispers in your ear that he’ll miss you, but you are both otherwise unconcerned, reasonably sure you’ll see each other soon, safe and sound, him with a good story to tell and you with his favourite meal -that you asked Sanji to teach you to prepare- ready to celebrate his return. Zoro and the others will be gone for two or three days at the most, what can go wrong in so little time?

💚 You will later reflect that this is the sort of thing one should never even think, let alone say it out loud like you did, lest destiny find a way to punish your optimism with some terrible accident or misfortune. And this is exactly what happens to your boyfriend - or at least, that’s how he sees it.

💚 You, Usopp and Sanji have spent the last three days harboured at a peaceful little town, waiting for your friends to return; bored, but mostly relaxed and confident Zoro will be back soon, you leave the Sunny to go buy a few things your chef had forgotten when shopping for supplies. When you return, you’re immediately excited to see Luffy and Nami talking to the others on the deck, which means your boyfriend must be back as well! “Where is Zoro?” you ask happily after greeting your friends, and they exchange a look; no one answers, but a sudden tenseness envelops your little gathering. Nami and Luffy look particularly nervous, as if they had something unpleasant to tell you “What is wrong? Hasn’t he come back with you?” “Zoro is fine, (name).” Nami tells you in the end, which is much less reassuring than she probably intended - rather, it fills your heart with dread. “What do you mean? Why shouldn’t he be fine?” you ask, your words not making proper sense given how suddenly alarmed you are “Is he sick? Wounded? Where is he?!” You’re informed Zoro has locked himself up in his cabin as soon as he and the others returned; you’re welcome to go see him, even though he might not want to come out. “He is safe and sound, truly; just… he’s not exactly the m-the person you knew anymore.”

💚 You’re informed that on that very morning Luffy was attacked by a trio of bounty hunters who had recognised him from his bounty poster; Zoro immediately came to your captain’s rescue, and one of the opponents hit him, not with a weapon or a simple punch, but with a single finger pressed against your boyfriend’s forehead. “We… think that man had eaten a Devil Fruit, and that he just meant to distract Zoro and escape, because he wasn’t hurt; rather… he changed.” “What does it mean, changed? What happened to Zoro?” you ask anxiously, your mind already filled with catastrophic images in which your boyfriend has been transformed into an animal, or a monster, or aged to the point he could die any moment; whatever happened to him you know you will remain by his side, your feelings deep and steadfast enough not to change whatever modification his appearance might have been subjected to, but you’re scared he is now in some kind of danger, longing but unable to return to normal. 

💚 Your friends seem unable to explain what happened, so they simply ask you to go talk to Zoro, to see it for yourself; you do, almost running below deck until you reach the door of your boyfriend’s cabin, that you know almost as well as you do yours. “Zoro, are you there? Please, open up!” you call him, knocking with increasing energy “Whatever happened to you it’s fine, we can deal with it together, I just want to make sure you’re alright!” You receive no answer for a while, until a slip of paper appears in front of your feet from under the door. I’m fine. Please leave me alone, the short message says, which not only is not reassuring in the slightest, but wounds you deeply: even though you and Zoro don’t talk often about your feelings you thought you would always support each other in times of need, making the other’s problems and fears your own. If Zoro prefers to deal with whatever misfortune happened to him alone, does it mean he wouldn’t help if something bad happened to you? Hurt, you still insist, demanding to see him or at least that he explains his situation to you; you even threaten to break the door down and enter, whether he wants it or not. At that point, finally, the door opens, and after three days you finally find yourself face to face with your boyfriend - because it’s still substantially him, just a version you never thought you would get to meet. 

💚 You hadn’t stopped to wonder why Zoro had written you a message instead of talking to you through the door; if you had, the reason would have been immediately clear as you stare at each other, him tense and embarrassed and you who need a minute to realise what actually happened to him. He’s still human, the same age as before, but his body has somehow changed, shrinked a little bit. His arms are still muscled but slenderer, his hips narrower, his hair appear to have grown in a day as much as yours would do in five years, and his chest… his chest… 

💚 For a whole minute neither speaks. “You’re a girl.” you observe in the end, and Zoro nods, clearly unhappy with his current predicament. “I look ridiculous, I know.” he complains, and you would beg to differ, since Zoro is an extremely attractive woman, like he was an uncommonly handsome man the last time the two of you saw each other, but you have more pressing matters to deal with. “Are you alright? Do you… I mean, does it hurt?” you inquire as you enter and close the door behind yourself, and after a moment of reflection Zoro admits he feels no pain, his gaze lowered to contemplate that body he doesn’t feel as his own. “Mainly it’s… strange; as if I were wearing clothes of the wrong shape and size for my body, or if I had to move with a different set of limbs. I mean, it’s not the end of the world, I can move and talk and fight, but this is… I don’t even know what to call it, but it’s wrong! Listen to my voice, look at me, this is not me, and I don’t want to be a girl! No offence, but I want my body back as soon as possible.”

💚 Zoro’s worst fear, since he didn’t get the chance to question his attacker -If I find that guy I’ll cut him into sashimi for what he did to me!- before the man escaped, is that the transformation the bounty hunter subjected him to is irreversible, or that only the man can return him to normal, since Zoro doesn’t even know his opponent’s name. Fortunately, on that at least you can help him, since you are the daughter of a scholar who has spent all his life studying and cataloguing Devil Fruits, and knows more on them than most people in the world; you quickly call him with your Den Den Mushi to ask for his help, and your father immediately recognises the fruit that caused Zoro’s transformation. The change, he tells you, lasts proportionately to the length of the physical contact between the user and the victim: since the bounty hunter only touched Zoro for a couple of seconds before taking advantage of his confusion to escape, your boyfriend should have his body back within a few weeks - a month at most. “Oh, thank goodness.” you comment relieved, while “A month?! Are you shitting me? I can’t remain a girl for a whole month!” Zoro cries out; when your father admits there is no way to hasten his return to normal, he sighs, thanks him for his help, and lets himself fall on the bed, his face in his hands.

💚 A moment later you’re by his side once more. “Don’t look at me, (name), I look horrible.” he asks you as he avoids your gaze, but you still circle his -now marginally less wide- shoulders with your arm to pull him close. “Horrible is the last word I would ever use; to be honest I might be jealous, because you must be one of the prettiest girls I have ever met.” you sincerely tell him “I know it’s weird and uncomfortable, but at least we know you’ll be back to yourself soon… -ish. That’s what you were worried about the most, right?” “Yeah, but…” “No buts, Zoro. I’m sorry if you are upset and ill at ease, but you scared me half to death! Did you plan on remaining in your cabin until your body returned to normal, without even knowing if it ever would? And why wouldn’t you tell me about it? I’m your girlfriend, didn’t you think I would want to help? Wouldn’t you help me if something was wrong and I didn’t know how to deal with it?”

💚 Zoro quickly, confidently nods, and you heave a sigh as you are confirmed you weren’t the problem, rather your boyfriend was simply embarrassed of what had happened to him and couldn’t bear to see your reaction. You kiss him on the cheek, and “I’m glad you came back; I missed you terribly.” you murmur, and Zoro smiles faintly. “You really don’t mind?” he asks, his voice now less deep but perfectly recognisable, the timbre and the cadence still those of the young man you spend as much time as you can with, and who understands you like no one has ever done. “Well, it is a bit odd to see you as a girl.” you admit “But I’m mainly happy to know you’re fine, and that you’ll return to normal in a short while. Luckily for you I have a long experience in being a girl, so I can help you with that and teach you everything you need to know.” Zoro grins, and then he hugs you tight, and you hug him, and everything is alright once more. 

💚 Resigned to not spend the next month locked up in his cabin, Zoro follows you to the ship’s kitchen, where the others are gathered; both Usopp and Sanji -who had already been informed of what had transpired, but there’s a difference between knowing and seeing- stare at him, mouth hanging open, and your chef has the time to point out “You look lovely today darling, did something with your hair?”  before Zoro stares at them with such ferocity neither of the two has the courage to utter another word. “A month, eh? Well, it could be worse.” Luffy comments with a shrug; clearly the fact that his first officer is a girl changes absolutely nothing for your captain, and, you reflect, why should it? “They’ll have to call you Pirate Huntress now. Hey, you guys want to eat? I’m starving!”

💚 After dinner, you and Zoro share a bottle of saké as you look at the stars on the deck; you hold hands, content with each other’s presence, a pillow behind your backs, until your boyfriend feels the call of nature. Realising this must be the first time he has to deal with the most intimate part of his new anatomy, you delicately ask him whether he wants you to -err- assist him, since the experience might be new for him, but your boyfriend mumbles that he doesn’t need to be potty-trained like a three-year-old and the mechanics of the feat shouldn’t be an issue despite his lack of experience. He leaves, returns ten minutes later, and silently sits back next to you. “It’s the second I have ever seen.” he mentions, and you turn to look at him. “And whose was the first?” you ask innocently; Zoro grins and throws the pillow in your face, making you both laugh.

💚 The next thing to do, you decide on the next morning, is to find some suitable clothes for Zoro’s new body, since neither your nor Nami’s things fit him. Your boyfriend insists there is no need to waste berry on it, since those very clothes would become useless in a month and he can easily make do binding his chest and tightening his belt, but you’ve finally found a way to convince him to come shopping with you, and so that very afternoon you drag him to a large shopping centre to play dress-up. Zoro is clearly ill at ease, or indifferent in the best of cases, as the two of you move among the various stores, and asks you to pick clothes he can train and fight comfortably in; you obey, but insist on also buying things that compliment his figure and look, as well as feel, good on him. You also help him choose new underwear, to try on which Zoro remains in the dressing room for a long time. “Is everything alright in there?” you ask from the outside, and you hear him utter a very unladylike grunt. “How do you fasten this damn thing?!” he mumbles, frustrated.

💚 Having received his permission, you join him in the dressing room; Zoro is only wearing a pair of panties, a bra in his hands, and this is the first time you get to actually observe his new body. You look at him, really look at him, and for a whole minute words completely fail you. You’ve always known he looked beautiful, ever since you found yourself shily stealing glances after he had discarded his shirt to train or unconcernedly changed his clothes in front of the others, long before you realised your feelings went way beyond simple physical admiration and the two of you got together. He still looks good, you quickly decide -toned abs and arms and shoulders, and then his chest soft and perky, his legs long and shapely, his buttocks round and firm- no, he looks amazing, and for some reason you find yourself blushing as you observe him, half wishing that elegant, athletic figure was yours and half…

💚 “So? Are you going to help me or not?” Zoro asks impatiently as he hands you the bra, which you quickly take and help him fasten; an hour later you’re back at the Sunny, both carrying bags with your purchases, and your boyfriend says this was a wasted afternoon, but then smiles at you, kisses you on the cheek, and thanks you for the help. Later, you’ll find out he took advantage of a moment you were distracted to also buy a shirt you had liked and chosen for him in your size, so that you can wear them together. 

💚 On another occasion, you and your boyfriend go out for a date on your own, as you regularly do; you visit the town’s most picturesque neighbourhood, and then sit in a bar for a drink. It is then, as you chat pleasantly, that a man approaches your table from behind and “Hello, pretty thing; can I buy you a drink?” he asks. Zoro, who knows how uncomfortable that sort of approach makes you, immediately turns to shoo the man away… and remains completely flabbergasted as he realises that the person the man is leering at, unashamedly staring at their chest… is him. “I’m not interested.” he states in the end, but his admirer is not deterred. “Come on, darling, I can buy one for your friend as well…” “I’m not your darling; and she’s my girlfriend, not my friend; I’m on a date with her and we’re not looking for more company, so back off!”

💚 The situation quickly degenerates; Zoro tries to intimidate the man making sure he sees the three swords your boyfriend carries with him, but his assailant just laughs, and it takes a well-aimed fist to the face, as well as the intervention of the bar’s owner, to make him leave. “Is everything alright?” you ask a few minutes later, as Zoro stares at his drink, shoulders hunched and a dark expression on his handsome -beautiful?- face. He nods, and “I’m fine.” he reassures you, and then hesitatingly, as if unsure of how to express his thoughts “Is it always like this when it happens? So… unpleasant. I know being approached like this bothers you, but I felt… dirty. Like, I could imagine the sort of things that man was thinking about me, about my body; it felt horrible. And why the hell didn’t he back off when he realised I was armed? Usually it works.”

💚 “It was probably because you’re a girl now. That man couldn’t know you’re a formidable swordsman, but he probably felt less threatened by you now than the men you usually defend me from. I know, it’s humiliating.” you add gently noticing Zoro’s despondent, almost ashamed expression, as if the fact he can no longer intimidate other men made him feel guilty “There are so many powerful female pirates and fighters in the world, but many men still things women are delicate, innocuous creatures whose only place is in the kitchen and who have been created expressly to take care of men and indulge their every whim.” “I never thought that. Never.” “I know, Zoro; I wouldn’t be your girlfriend otherwise. Thank the Gods some men are different… and I fell for one of them.” You smile at him, and he smiles back, but your boyfriend is still unsure. “I have never made you feel like that, have I? I mean, I love the way you look, but there is so much more…” “Zoro, no; you’re my boyfriend, I like it that you find me pretty and flirt with me. I’m sorry if that man made you uncomfortable… and if it happens again, I promise I will intervene to defend you, like you do for me. Deal?” Your boyfriend finally smiles, and the two of you can return to your date. 

💚 The next day, Zoro comes to you with his long hair tied in a ponytail and a large pair of scissors in his hand. “Can you cut it for me? I tried to do it by myself but I can’t reach it.” he explains, and you insist on doing things properly, washing his hair before cutting it. “I guess I should feel relieved you didn’t try using your sword to do it.” you mention as Zoro joins you in your cabin returning from the bathroom, rubbing his long, thick mane of hair with a towel. “No self-respecting swordsman would use their weapons as mere working tools, unless it’s a life-or-death situation.” he points out seriously “Cut it as short as you can, please, the way I wore it before.”

💚 You end up haggling about it for a while. You, envious of the lush, velvety hair your boyfriend has been blessed with after his transformation, beg him to leave it long, or at least to let you try to cut it in a way that valorises it and him; you could braid it, or arrange it high on his head, and you don’t know if he ever wondered how he would look with blonde or black hair, but you could buy a product to dye it! You bet he would look amazing, and in any case in a month he will have his short green hair back, what harm could it do to experiment a bit? Zoro is much less enthusiastic. Long hair would need to be groomed, which would only mean wasting time he would rather spend training -or with you- he has no interest in seeing how other colours would look on his head and most importantly, he doesn’t want his hair to get in the way as he fights. Don’t many women keep their hair short? Why shouldn’t it be the same for him?

💚 In the end you acquiesce, since after all it’s your boyfriend’s hair and not yours, and decide for a haircut similar to Nami’s, without bangs or a fringe that might bother him. Zoro sits perfectly still as you work, using a comb and a smaller pair of scissors, apparently not at all worried you could end up making a mess of it. “My sword teacher had all the girls’ mothers cut their hair short before they started training at the dojo.” he mentions after a while. “That sounds… wrong; couldn’t they tie it up or make sure it didn’t bother them in some other way?” you ask, not wanting to criticise a man you have never met but finding the order improper nonetheless. “He said it meant renouncing vanity and other feminine weaknesses to embrace the way of the sword with humility and abnegation.” Zoro explains “I did always think it was excessive… especially since the sensei himself had longer hair.”

💚 You feel quite a bit trepidant as, having used a towel to rub your boyfriend’s hair, take a mirror so that he can have a look. “I hope it doesn’t, err, look too terrible; if you don’t like it we can find a salon in the next town we dock at…” “I like it; I like it very much.” he assures you as he looks at his own reflection “It’s different from what I had before, but… yeah, it’s good. You did good, where did you learn to cut hair?” You admit it was your mother who taught you, first cutting your hair and then so that you could help her do the same to your -several- younger siblings. “Maybe one day, after we have found the One Piece, I could become a professional hairstylist and open a salon.” you joke, and Zoro grins before kissing your cheek. “Thank you.” he murmurs and you smile at him. “Don’t mention it; it was fun.”

💚 Speaking of kisses. It takes you a while -five days, to be exact- to realise you haven’t kissed Zoro since his transformation, if you don’t count the sweet but chaste, quick pecks on the cheek you often exchange when parting or greeting each other. You wouldn’t know how to explain it: your relationship has always been loving, even though neither of you enjoys public displays of affection, and while it’s still odd to have a boyfriend, a version of Zoro, who has to wear a bra and whose voice is suddenly much less deep than what you were used to, you wouldn’t say you are upset, let alone repulsed, by his new appearance, and physical contact between the two of you, be it as you cuddle in bed, walk with his arm around your waist or sit with you between Zoro’s open legs, still feels perfectly natural, without uneasiness or embarrassment. Still, he catches you a little off guard when he does kiss you properly for the first time since his return. 

💚 You have just fought a brief but bloody battle against a band of enemies, who had boarded the Merry to chase you away and steal it from you; two members are sword users who immediately confront Zoro. Even outnumbered, you and your friends emerge victorious, and as the others spread on the ship to check it wasn’t damaged during the battle, you reach your boyfriend, noticing his arm is bleeding profusely. “You’re wounded!” you cry, alarmed, as you tear a piece of cloth from your skirt and use it to bandage the cut “We need to stop the bleeding, Gods, I hope it doesn’t…” Zoro interrupts you mid-sentence, not ordering you to shut up -he never would- but pressing his lips to yours in a kiss, intense and desperate and hungry, while his good arm holds you close by the waist; it lasts only for a few seconds, too short for you to have the time to reciprocate, but it’s enough to make your heart soar and a pleasant, well-known but still exciting warmth fill your belly, especially when you feel Zoro’s tongue slip past your lips to caress yours. When you’re finally about to return the kiss and circle Zoro’s shoulders with your arms, he suddenly steps away, using the hand of his good arm to cover his mouth as if to forbid himself to kiss you again. “I’m so sorry.” he murmurs, inexplicably ashamed “Forgive me, I didn’t mean to, I just…”

💚 You can’t begin to understand why he looks so upset and regretful -it was a lovely kiss, and he’s your boyfriend; why would he need to apologise?- but decide to wait before asking for an explanation, since Zoro’s arm is still bleeding on the Merry’s deck. You don’t have a ship doctor yet, but thank all the Gods the wound is not as severe as the one Zoro had received during his fight with Dracule Mihawk; you clean and bandage it, while your boyfriend sits quietly in front of you, almost not daring to meet your eyes. “You want to tell me why you felt the need to apologise after you kissed me?” you ask in the end, taking advantage of the privacy of the moment, since the others have preceded you in the ship’s kitchen for dinner “Did I ever give you the impression I disliked kissing you, since the first time?” Zoro remains silent for a while; in the end, he bites his lip and “I just thought… you could dislike it now.” he murmurs “You told me you’re not attracted to girls, and I know I just have the body of one and you know I’m still me, but… I don’t know, I thought it might make you uncomfortable now that I look different.”

💚 “Oh, Gods, Zoro…” you murmur, as shame fills your heart; how could you not realise your boyfriend was uncomfortable and felt insecure about your relationship? Still completely focused on the novelty of his transformation, you haven’t even realised this had been your first kiss in five days! “I am so sorry…” “It’s not your fault…” “Yes, it is! I can’t explain it, there is nothing I love more than kissing you, but I sort of… forgot we did that? It doesn’t make sense, but please believe me, this changes nothing between the two of us! I’ve never been attracted to a woman before, but I really enjoyed kissing you, no matter what body you’re in… and I’d really like to do it again. After all we have five days to make up for.” Zoro grins as he stands to close the distance between the two of you, and a moment later you’re locked in an embrace, kissing each other senselessly, and feeling a feminine body pressed against yours and under your caresses is still a little odd, but it’s still Zoro’s body, your beloved, headstrong and impulsive but generous and protective boyfriend, and you didn’t exaggerate when you said that kissing him is the best, most amazing thing in the world. It still is. 

💚 When you finally part, several minutes later, you’re both out of breath, and smiling warmly to each other. “Good?” your boyfriend inquires, still a little insecure, and “More than good; it was amazing, as usual.” you immediately reassure him, as you still keep his hands in yours “And you can still kiss me every time you want.”

💚 One day, after the Merry has docked at a new island, you and your friends are visiting a town together when you hear your name called: it is an old family friend you haven’t seen for years. You’re about to introduce him to Zoro, but you can only say “And this is…” before stopping, not knowing how to continue, how to describe him and what name to use, and your boyfriend is quick to interject. “I am (name)’s girlfriend… Roronoa Kuina. Good to meet you.” he introduces himself shaking your friend’s hand, who clearly doesn’t suspect anything. You smile gratefully at your boyfriend, who grins and wink at you; from that day on, Kuina is the name you and the others use when having to call Zoro in public, mainly after he has wandered off in the opposite direction to the one he had to take.

💚 You know about Kuina, of course; Zoro told you all about her, how knowing, and losing, her has shaped him into the man he is today, and how one of the reasons he intends to become the world’s strongest swordsman is to honour her. You’re not surprised your boyfriend chose the name of his late friend as his own to use until the Devil Fruit’s effects disappear, but you hadn’t realised how Kuina’s memory is affecting Zoro now that he also has a woman’s body until one afternoon, as you keep him company while he trains, you see him stop, and swear, and abruptly leave his swords on a nearby crate, almost shaking with frustration. “I feel weak.” he exclaims helplessly when you ask him if he’s alright “Much weaker than before, and I hate this.”

💚 You easily understand the reason for his bitterness. No matter how deadly and capable as a warrior he still is, Zoro’s feminine body is smaller than before, his muscles less developed, his lunge shorter, all of which makes him a less formidable fighter; your boyfriend has also noticed that, as he trains his body with push-ups and other exercises, he tires earlier than usual. “It’s not your fault; after all, women are on average smaller than men, it is natural that your body can no longer perform as it once did.” you comfort him after bringing Zoro a towel and a water bottle “You at least don’t have to worry, since you’ll be back to yourself in a matter of a few weeks.” He sighs, admitting that he doesn’t have much to complain about, but… “It’s unfair.” You rest your cheek against his shoulder, and “You’re thinking about Kuina, are you not?”, and Zoro admits he is.

💚 “She was a great fighter, you know? She had beaten me two-thousand times, and many pupils of our dojo had never been able to best her. She could have become the strongest swordsman in the world, I’m sure of it - or at least I was; but maybe she was right, and her father, because no matter how determined and talented and devoted to their training one is, our bodies are built differently and men have a natural advantage. I used to think the tragedy of Kuina’s life was that no one had faith in her abilities and in what she could grow to become, but maybe she had been unlucky from the beginning, because she had been born in a body too small and feeble to match the strength of her spirit.”

💚 You both remain silent for a while, lulled by the gentle waves the Merry is confidently sailing over, the quiet murmuring of the sea surrounding you. “Listen, I’ve never met Kuina, so I can’t pretend to know what she felt.” you begin in the end “And yes, the fact that most women cannot hope to match men physically is unfair; what I’m sure of is that Kuina appreciated you having faith in her and in her strength, since apparently no one else did. And I’m sure that when you do finally become the world’s strongest swordsman, no one will be happier for you than her - and me, of course.” The smile your boyfriend gives you in response is faint but sincere; he doesn’t speak, but he holds you close by the waist, close enough you can rest your cheek against his shoulder and enjoy the warmth of his body.

💚 One day, after a peaceful night spent sharing your bed with Zoro like you often do, you wake up to the sound of your boyfriend swearing out loud. “What’s wrong?” you ask sitting up on the bed, and he looks at you: he is standing in the middle of the cabin, his back turned, the shorts he wears at night discarded on the floor “Zoro? Are you ok?” He nods silently, embarrassment having turned his cheeks pink. “It’s my time of the moon.” he mutters, and you blink, still only half-awake. “Your what?” “This is what the women of my village called it. The blood. Do you have something I can use?”

💚 Of all the perks of being a woman you wish Zoro could have experienced so that the two of you could talk about it, you would have gladly spared him this, you think regretfully as you open the drawer in which you keep your menstrual products. Your boyfriend refuses to even try to use a tampon, so you pass him a package of pads, and see him leave towards the bathroom, hoping no one sees him. He’s in a bad mood for the rest of the day, doesn’t train at all for the first time since you’ve met him and remains in bed for hours, alone until you bring him a few well-tested remedies against period pain, as passed down through the women of your family: a hot water bottle, chocolate -that you asked Sanji to keep in store for you, expressly for cases like this- and your hands, which your use to massage his lower abdomen and ease his cramps. “I know it’s bad.” you murmur soothingly as Zoro avoids looking at you, his face hidden it’s pillow “But it’ll pass, and soon you’ll feel better.”

💚 “I feel terrible.” Zoro admits “Fat and weak and useless; Mihawk would laugh if he saw me in this state. How do you deal with it, (name)? A few times I’ve known when you had your things, and you never looked… well, the way I feel.” You admit the side effects you experience because of your cycle are not as dramatic as those other women have to deal with; you regularly suffer from cramps, but it’s nothing a hot water bottle can’t help you soothe, and you sometimes feel more irritable than usual, or irrationally angry… “Really? I never noticed.” Zoro jokes, momentarily distracted from his plight, and you elbow him in the stomach, relieved to have improved his mood. You end up cuddling a bit, and sharing a chocolate bar, and in the end your boyfriend rests his cheek against your chest, allowing you to pet his hair - something you know he actually likes, even though he would never admit it. “I can’t believe all the women in the world deal with this every month, for decades of their life.” he mutters “I can barely stand myself now, and I’ll only have to experience this once!” “Well, there are various remedies, both home methods and drugs a doctor can prescribe, but menstruation does affect your quality of life; I don’t think any woman is ever happy to find out they got their period… unless they feared they were pregnant.” Zoro looks at you. “Did it ever…?” “Once, a long time ago.” you quickly answer; you want there to be no secrets between your boyfriend and you, but that is not a memory you enjoy discussing “Long before I met you. Thank the Gods my period was simply late, and that experience taught me to be more careful.” Your boyfriend doesn’t comment, but he shifts to face you and takes you in his arms, the hot water bottle pressed between your bodies. “If something were to happen… or if you feel bad and need to be comforted, you can tell me; because of your blood, or even just if something bad has happened or you feel sad for any reason.” he murmurs “I don’t want you to think you have to keep these things from me.” You assure him you never thought you had to, but appreciate him reassuring you; you and Zoro share a smile, and hold each other for a little while.

💚 “Zoro, it’s been two weeks; it’s time to wax your legs.” “And why should I? My legs were hairy before, I never heard you complaining.” “Don’t be such a child! Come here, it will only take a moment…” “What the f- ...aaaAAARRRRGGGGHHHH…!

💚 Intimacy has never represented a problem with you and Zoro. You have started sharing a bed to cuddle early in your relationship, and a few weeks later you had sex for the first time, a slightly awkward but nonetheless loving and passionate affair; you know your boyfriend had never had a partner before meeting you, but what he lacked in experience he made up for with enthusiasm and determination to learn and please, and since then you have both learned how to share your pleasure and to explore each other’s bodies. You have thought Zoro was attractive since the day you first met, long before you started developing feelings for him, and you know the love you share has made sex between you more amazing, passionate and intimate. Nothing of this must necessarily change now that your boyfriend has the body of a woman… but what if it does? You do enjoy kissing him, very much indeed, and never felt there was something weird in sharing your bed with him after the transformation, given how pleasant it still is to feel Zoro’s warm body spooning yours, one of his arms protectively curled around your waist, or to snuggle against him, listening to his breathing with your cheek against his chest. Sex, on the other hand, is a different matter, or at least you think it could be; you’ve never been interested in women sexually, and while your love for Zoro hasn’t faded or dwindled since his transformation, you fear dealing with his, err, lady parts could turn out to be difficult. You would only have to be patient for a few more days before things return to normal and the two of you are free to spend the whole night making love, but it’s been more than two weeks since he become a girl, longer than it’s ever been since the last time you did it, and you’re starting to feel frustrated to use an euphemism. You could propose Zoro to try, but you don’t want him to feel disappointed if you do get started and then you decide you’re not into it and want to stop; your boyfriend is smart enough to understand your reasons without doubting of your affection, but still, it would be the first time your desires don’t align, and that is an experience you’d like to postpone for as long as possible.

💚 What to do, what to do? Propose an activity that doesn’t require an intimate contact, so that you can both find your relief without you having to discover what Zoro looks like under the panties you bought for him? Resign yourself to remain chaste until your boyfriend is back in his own body and you can jump his bones? Neither of those options seem appropriate, nor satisfying. Zoro, on his part, has never asked you to spend your nights together doing something other than sleeping, but you’re sure he’s thinking about it, both because it’s never been so long since your previous time and because you can feel his gaze linger on you, on your body, when you wear your bikini on deck to sunbathe or take a swim, or when his pelvis presses against your buttocks as he spoons you in bed. The poor man deserves to be pampered given everything he’s been through, but you know without the need to ask that he wouldn’t want you to do something you’re not sure about or that makes you uncomfortable, and the last thing you want is for him to see you recoil from him or admit you’re not attracted to the body he’s in…

💚 You spend several days agonising over the problem, which then solves itself when you stop thinking too much and let your instincts, and your heart, decide for you. The crew has gathered in a club to celebrate Luffy’s birthday; a toast to your captain -and future King of the pirates!- becomes two and then three and four and in the end, more than a little inebriated, you take Zoro’s hand to pull him towards the dancefloor. Your boyfriend, who swears he was born with two left feet and only submits himself to that torture for love of you, this time doesn’t even complain, which suggests he is also at least a bit inebriated. A minute later the two of you are dancing, locked in an embrace, the sensual tune of the music making your hands daring as you naturally, instinctively begin touching each other - something you have always avoided doing in public, even though none of the other dancers pay attention to you. “You look beautiful tonight.” Zoro murmurs, and there is something in his eyes as his hands, until now resting on your hips, slip downwards to grab at your buttocks, that makes you tremble, a hunger and desperation only barely kept under control; it’s not the first time that he looks at you like that, quite the opposite in fact, but it’s one of those things that never fails to have an effect on you, no matter how many times you experience them. You sigh as, moving with a grace you never thought him capable of, Zoro gently circles your waist with his arm to keep you close; your pelvis presses against his, and then a moan escapes your lips, drowned by the deafening music but loud enough your boyfriend can still hear it. You blush. He smiles. You kiss him. He licks your lips with his tongue. You press your knee between his legs. He moans. You grin. He raises a hand to caress your breast through your shirt. “You wanna go back to the ship?” you ask. He takes your hand. A minute, and a hurried conversation with your friends, later the two of you leave the club together.

💚 You start kissing furiously while you’re still on the deck, laughing as you almost trip on your own feet in the rush of reaching the closest cabin. As you finally close the door behind you, already panting as Zoro’s hands finally slip under your skirt, he suddenly stops and looks you in the eyes. “I don’t want you to…” “Shut up and kiss me.” “Yes ma’am.” In the end, everything is vaguely awkward but easy; after all you are a woman, you know your body and what makes it tick, and so it feels surprisingly natural to gently, carefully do the same to Zoro. He is unexpectedly shy as he takes his clothes off, and “It looks normal, right?” he stammers “I mean, I had never… seen another naked woman, apart from you…” You reassure him that he looks beautiful, and he really does, he is amazing and attractive and precious, and you are grateful, once more, he has chosen to share this part of him with you, especially now that he doesn’t recognise his body as his own. “Let’s take it easy, alright? No pressure, no rush.” you suggest, and your boyfriend nods silently. 

💚 You begin kissing each other again, and then caressing, and then stimulating, and things develop naturally from there; at the end of a few hours of slightly awkward but nonetheless passionate lovemaking, you fall asleep, peacefully holding each other. During the night Zoro spoons you from behind, and when you wake up on the next morning, the first light of the day coming through the tiny windows to fill the cabin, you remain still as you wake up, content as you enjoy the intimacy of your lover’s embrace, as you have done countless times already. That state of things is so natural and ordinary, in fact, that it takes you a while to realise something is not as it should be - at least, compared to what you had slowly started to consider normal in the last few weeks. “Zoro?” you ask, your eyes still closed, and “Mmmggh?” your boyfriend grumbles from behind you, still half-asleep. “Is that your cock I feel against my butt?” You feel him jump, and then the rustling of a sheet, and then a relieved, triumphant laugh. “I’m back to myself!” Zoro exclaims, and as you sit and turn on the bed you can see it with your own eyes: your boyfriend is back in his own body, gloriously naked and deliciously masculine, and half-hard as it is sometimes the case when he wakes up. He seems to have returned to the exact state he was in when the Devil Fruit user touched him: his hair in a masculine cut, his legs a little hairy - but not much: for a man your boyfriend is relatively glabrous. You smile at each other. “You feel alright?” “I feel great. Twenty-eight days; it took less than I thought. Now…” he adds as he slowly advances towards you, a wolfish smile on his handsome face “Not to say that last night wasn’t very pleasant, but you want to celebrate having your man back?”

💚 You do, and when you finally leave your cabin, two hours later, your friends are happy and relieved to see Zoro back to himself. Later, he makes a pile of all the clothes he no longer needs, and since they don’t fit you nor Nami, he decides to keep them aside until he finds a use for them. “What did it feel like? Now that it’s over, was it so terrible being a girl?” you ask him later, as you enjoy a moment of peace together, standing against the side of the ship; Zoro, his arms to his now flat chest, thinks about it for a while before answering. “It was weird, obviously, and… difficult. I mean, I never realised how hard it is to be a woman. It’s like… well, I can’t blame you if you sometimes feel as if the whole world were out to get you. Your very body makes things more difficult.” he then ponders thoughtfully “I’ve never considered women weak, but if I had this last month would have changed my mind.” He smiles at you, his fingers intertwined with yours “Thanks for being with me these past weeks; I don’t know what I would have done without you, what with the clothes and the period stuff. If you think about it… this made it a little easier for me to understand what you feel. So it was kinda useful.” You tell him you’re glad to hear him say that; you never had reason to think Zoro didn’t care for you and your feelings, but it is indeed a good thing if this experience made it easier for him to understand you a little better. It made you closer, which you can only be happy about.

💚 “Was sex good?” “Of course it was; I mean, it was a little strange, but when it’s the two of us it can only be good, right?” Zoro mentions, and smiles “Do you think you like girls too, now?” “I… don’t think so; as you said, last night was good because it was the two of us, I liked it because I was having sex with you, not because I was touching a girl.” you reflect, and then, thoughtfully: “Maybe we could find this person who transformed you, and ask him to turn me into a man for a short time. You know, so that I can experience both things as well… and then maybe we can have sex as two men. Would you like that?” “Err... ” “Maybe I can do to you what you did to me this morning.” you suggest, making your boyfriend blush. “Thank you, I think I’ll pass…” “Pity, I wouldn’t have minded…”

💚 You share a grin, and a laugh; Zoro’s arm circles your shoulders, and you rest your cheek against his chest. Man, woman or whatever else, his very presence and closeness comforts you, and you know in your heart Zoro is your life mate, the other part of you, your bond stronger and deeper than any other; the last month has been an experience that will not happen again, an accident that you overcame without too much of an hassle, but you know in your heart that if the transformation had been permanent, if Zoro were stuck in a woman’s body for the rest in his life, you would have kept loving him like you love him now, and he would have done the same if you had been turned into a man. You don’t need to ask him; you know for sure.

💚 Zoro sighs, holding you against him. “I’m glad I’m back.” he murmurs, and you smile as you return his hug. “You never left, darling.”

[hypostatic-oath]

I've the post about how you think comps would work and we are allow to ask. Assuming I read that right.

And if so, I was wonder if you had any thoughts on how Dehya, Zhongli, Ei or Nahdia team would interact. Especially when I often joke she the bodyguards to three Archons, even if she doesn't know Zhongli was a former Archon it still funny to me.

DEHYA MY BELOVED-

I can see her being very proud of being Nahida's bodyguard. That one is obvious right off the bat, those two would absolutely adore each other.

Dehiya is thankful for the old consultant on her team. There is something odd about the man, always in those heavy robes that cover his full body - she has no doubt that out of all of them, he'd have the hardest time in the desert. And yet, the refined gentleman never seems to issue a complaint.

They've developed a kinship, she figures, of being the two mortals sided by two gods. Dehiya assumes he is the one meant to watch over the Electro Archon, just as she is the protector of Lesser Lord Kusanali. His shield is nearly impenetrable, and he is rarely ever startled... to her, it makes sense why you'd chosen him to be Eternity's guardian, even though the man hails from Liyue and not Inazuma.

They get along well, too - Ei seems to hold as much respect for him as he does for her, and the two converse with an ease that highlights the consultant's old age.

As for Nahida, she is slightly nervous. It is true that with Dehiya as her protector, and Rex Lapis raisong those shields of his, nothing will ever harm her. But she is still aprehensive to speak to the other two Archons - it has been a long time, and she has no idea how to introduce herself. She wonders if you'll give them time to play hopscotch together sometime amidst your exploration.

When you name Dehiya as the "Archons' Bodyguard", Ei is curious. She has fought for her entire life. Her skills are unparallelled. Why would she need a bodyguard? She's asked Morax about it, confused. Did you think she was weak? The old dragon had only laughed and said it was probably some sort of term of endearment - that Dehiya had been a bodyguard by trade before. Nevertheless, Ei was still curious about the woman's skill. Whenever you're logged off, the two can be found sparring. Both of them appreciate the opportunity to train.

During these times, the God of Wisdom sits next to the funeral consultant. Though reluctant at firstn their conversation ends up flowing. It is widely known that Zhongli likes to talk, and Buer, if given the chance and the encouragement to do so, will ramble about almost any topic. They have you to thank for placing them together in a team - they've become fast friends, and Nahida feels much more confident about approaching the rest of the Archons.

As for Ei and Nahida, it is almost the opposite. Both have been isolated for far too long, and neither knows how to start. The Raiden Shogun is an intimidating god, and her silence makes Nahida wonder if the ruler of Inazuma would even care to speak to her. As for Ei, she simply enjoys that Nahida has chosen to sit beside her, unaware of the God of Dendro's struggle as they both sit in silence. They eventually bond over their shared love for sweets, and as they grow closer, Nahida's worries diminish. It is not that Ei looks down on her - the Shogun is simply just as bad at interacting with new people as she is, or perhaps even worse. Kusanali is instilled with newfound resolve - she will share with the Electro Archon all that she's learnt from you and the Traveler when it comes to talking to others!

After months of traveling together, of being guided by you all across Teyvat, Dehiya has begun to suspect that there might be something odd about one of her travel companions.

You've named her the Archons' Bodyguard - Archons, plural - so what is Zhongli's role? The more she learns about the Shogun, the more she wonders why the Electro Archon would even need a bodyguard, let alone two.

Plus, the man's occupation makes no sense whatsoever. How does a funeral consultant learn to fight like that? He wears gloves, so she cannot thell whether his hands are calloused, but she's willing to wager they might be - he swings his polearm with an ease that tells her he is an experienced fighter. His dominion over his element is astonishing, and there is something... off, about how both her Archon and the Shogun talk to and about him.

Maybe one day one of them will slip off and call him Morax in front of her. Or maybe one day you'll tell her who he is. Either way, Zhongli drfinitely won't open up - both to preserve his secret identity, and because he knows that Dehiya finds comfort in the notion that she's not the only mortal among them.

[wetheepiphany]

random jotaro headcanons #2

8. Jotaro refuses to rewatch Dumbo because the "Baby Mine" scene always makes him cry without fail

9. when singing, he has a natural crooner voice and even sounds a bit like Elvis - Jotaro was mortified when his mother told him this and has since refused to ever sing again

10. before Joseph visited him in prison, the last time Jotaro had seen him was when he was three years old - this is why Jotaro needed to be reintroduced to his grandfather at the start of Part 3

Joseph and Suzi-Q used to frequently fly up to Japan to visit Holy's family, but this came to an end after Joseph and Sadao (Jotaro's father) got into a really bad fight that upset Holy

From this point on, Holy forbade her parents from visiting her and Jotaro unless she expressly gave permission - which did not happen until she called Joseph for help at the beginning of Stardust Crusaders (14 years later)

Jotaro's last time seeing his grandparents as a young child was also his first time ever visiting an aquarium - it was a very happy memory for him (and he remained entirely unaware of the fight that happened later)

11. Jotaro has naturally curly hair - the reason he started constantly wearing hats was so he could stop worrying about his bangs looking messy

12. although Star Platinum statistically has an A in Developmental Potential, the Jotaro who lived in canon never unlocked his or his Stand's full potential

13. Jotaro likes savory American food - especially hamburgers

he had to start practicing restraint in his eating habits after moving to America for college

14. there is no one in Jotaro's family that he trusts more than Joseph - annoyed as he gets with his grandfather's playful antics, Jotaro holds a deep respect for Joseph and feels that no one else cares for him as much as his grandfather does

Although Jotaro was initially distrustful of Joseph, given how long the latter had been absent from his life, Joseph worked hard to reacquaint himself with his grandson during and after their trip to Egypt.

It took time for Joseph to realize he couldn't treat Jotaro the same as he did 14 years ago - once he did, however, he started approaching getting to know his grandson as if starting from scratch. Though he didn't drop his playful personality altogether (playful rowdiness is just who Joseph is), he tried to be better about respecting Jotaro's boundaries and quieter nature - something that made Jotaro realize his grandfather genuinely cared about him. This caused Jotaro to start meeting his grandfather halfway, slowly opening up more around Joseph as trust was formed between them.

With time, Jotaro started to confide in Joseph about things that he never talked about to anyone else, and Joseph tried his best to listen. This strengthened Jotaro's trust in Joseph so much that just two years after Egypt, he was willing to move in with his grandparents while attending college.

Although Joseph still did things that damaged Jotaro's trust (the post-resurrection prank and Josuke situation in particular), he and Joseph eventually talked these conflicts out and reconciled (and Jotaro was even willing to return to Japan, something that was personally quite difficult for him, to help Joseph take care of Josuke and Tomoko).

Jotaro continued to confide in Joseph until the latter became too senile to consistently hold conversation, something that weighed heavily on Jotaro. Jotaro began to shoulder most of his problems alone and in silence, never feeling he could open up to anyone else as much as he had with his grandfather.

"Rest your head close to my heart, never to part, baby of mine..."